#i would however love to chit chat as i would with all my mutuals

[wizardpeebis]

i just want to say i ❤️ all my mutuals but @spideygal is my tumblr pookie bear spideygal is loyal and would never betray me

[pollenallergie]

Fair Trade | e.m.

2.8k words

A/N: Some more rockstar!Eddie because I love him. Actually, this is probably more-so pre-fame rockstar!Eddie, but still. Also, I know this isn’t the best friend!Eddie fic I promised (I’m working on it I swear!!), but I couldn’t just not post this. Lastly, I'd like to dedicate this fic to @toomanybandstocare because they introduced me to shy!Eddie and now I'm obsessed with him. <3

Part Two Coming Soon <3

CW: swearing, alcohol consumption briefly mentioned, awkward flirting, a little bit of shy!Eddie, (most likely) incorrectly used musical jargon, reader is both a massive horndog and a trainwreck

18+ only!! minors do not interact!!

You hate this. It’s late and it’s Friday. You’d just spent a week working your ass off on a research paper that would probably just barely earn a passing grade. Not to mention all the hours you’d put in at your actual job this week. You’re exhausted, your entire body aches from poor posture and stress-induced tension, and your bed is practically calling you by your full government name at this point. But your roommate, Dana, asked you to come tonight and you’d sworn to her that you would. You can’t flake on her, not again.

So here you are, at some skeezy bar not too far from campus, in an outfit that very clearly says ‘I’m going out tonight, but not because I want to.’ The unique riffs and pounding percussion of Thundersteel fill the venue as you search for the familiar head of curly, platinum-blonde hair that you know so well. You’re not left to search for long as your focus is pulled away from the song’s second verse by a distinct shout of your name. You turn your head toward the direction of the sound and find Dana standing by the bar with two of your other friends. You wave at her and then begin to weave through the crowd, making your way to the bar.

“Hey, babe, I didn’t think you’d make it,” Dana greets you upon your arrival.

“And miss out on another opportunity for you to force me into your local band groupie lifestyle? Wouldn’t miss that for the world,” You jest sarcastically, though the joke is sort of lost amongst the loud music.

“You want something to drink?” Dana shouts while also leaning in close to you to accommodate for the rowdy environment.

“I’m alright. At this point, I think it would just make me wanna go to bed,” You reply with a similar shout. More so than I already do, of course. Dana flashes an amused smirk at your response.

“It should be a short set. Andy says that this band doesn’t really have many of their own songs, so they’ll most likely play whatever they’ve got and a few covers. Think you can power through that for me?” She asks, albeit a bit teasingly.

“I’ll give it my best shot.”

“Atta girl.”

Dana then pulls you over to the rest of the group. You greet your mutual friends Andy and Sven before splitting off into your own conversation. You strike up a conversation with Sven, the only person who won’t abandon you for the mosh pit that’s likely to form once the show starts. However, not too long after the two of you move past casual chit-chat, a surprisingly complex guitar lick signals the start of the show. You shift your focus to the stage, your gaze landing on a set of pale fingers strumming away intently on a sleek 24-fret.

Hot guitar, hot hands, You think, your brain seemingly summoning the odd thought out of the thin air. It’s not a lie though, the guy playing the beautiful guitar does have a positively sinful set of hands. You briefly wonder if the rest of his body is as hot as his hands before glancing at the rest of him and confirming that, from what you’ve seen so far, the rest of his body is indeed as hot as his hands. You then send a short prayer to the powers that be, pleading with them for telepathy to not be a real thing, lest anyone hear the shallow and not-totally-suitable-for-work thoughts currently running through your brain. In your defense, you are currently operating on four hours of sleep and a week without masturbation, on top of already being on a two-year-long dry spell.

A drummer soon joins the lick, backing it with a steady, high-velocity rhythm. The other two musicians briefly join in, adding more depth and dimension to the sound, before the four close out the show’s musical interlude.

As the echoes of the last notes played begin to die down, the band’s lead calls out, “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are,” he pauses dramatically while moving some of his long, curly hair out of the way with a strategic shake of his head before smirking and continuing, “Corroded Coffin!” He proclaims, clearly mimicking the announcers from sports events with his tone. With his hair out of his face, you finally get a good look at his face.

Jesus fucking christ, this guy’s hot.

When he punctuates the band’s introduction by sticking his tongue out and holding his hands up to his head, mimicking devil horns with his pointer fingers, you decide that, oddly enough, adorable should also be added to the tiny list you’re mentally compiling of adjectives that describe this man.

The band then charges head-first into a cover of Electric Eye, getting the crowd on their side with a familiar favorite before launching into some of their own songs. From your very limited knowledge of metal, you can tell that they’re pretty good. Obviously, they draw a lot of inspiration from powerhouses like Judas Priest and Metallica, but their sound is unique enough to not sound like a complete copycat. While you enjoy the music, more so than you’ll ever let on to Dana, you’re, admittedly, much more focused on checking out the gorgeous guy with the gorgeous guitar. You continue to do so, shamelessly, for the majority of their set. Apparently, checking out attractive strangers is a great way to keep your warped mind occupied enough to distract from the ever-looming exhaustion you face.

About halfway through their fifth song, you startle a bit, thinking that he’s looking back at you, but then you remember how packed this dinky little bar is and brush off your anxieties. Surely, he wouldn’t have picked little ol’ you out of the dense crowd. Right? You reason that he is probably just looking out at a general area to give him a comfortable point of focus and, with this source of reassurance, you continue your borderline inappropriate observation of him.

Just as Dana had predicted, the band’s set is coming to a close soon enough as they begin playing one last song; a genuinely impressive cover of Metallica’s Master of Puppets which the handsome stranger gets very into. Of course, Corroded Coffin has maintained a steady level of theatricality throughout the night thanks to him, but he is really amping it up for this song. As he begins banging his head in tandem with the rhythm of the bass, your attraction towards him increases tenfold, to the point where you’re practically salivating because of it.

Oh no, wait, I am definitely salivating right now.

You fucking perv, You chastise yourself as you finally pull your heated gaze away from the object of your present desires, finally reaching the point of internal humiliation. In your desperate attempt to look at anything but the hot metalhead on stage, your eyes glance toward the clock hung up behind the bar.

One in the morning. Holy shit is it really that late? You look at your watch, confirming that it is, in fact, that late. Fuck. Just like that the week’s worth of exhaustion begins to set in.

When Master of Puppets finally comes to a close, it gives you the perfect opportunity to say your goodbyes and high-tail it out of here. You lean over to Sven and shout at him through the crowd’s cheers, “Hey, I’m gonna go ahead and head out. Are you staying?”

He shakes his head, “No, I’m ready to go home too. You walking?” He asks and you nod your confirmation. Sven continues, “Fuck, me too. Well, do you wanna walk back together, at least?”

“Fuck yeah,” You reply, relieved that you won’t have to walk back to your apartment alone this late at night.

“Cool. I’ll go let Dana and Andy know that we’re leaving. Meet you out front?” Sven asks.

“Yeah, sure. I’ll see you in a bit,” You reply before the two of you split off, Sven venturing further into the dense crowd to find your other friends as you make your way to the exit. Unbeknownst to you, a set of eyes follows your retreat.

Eddie watches as you weave through the crowd while he helps his bandmates get their equipment off stage.

“Hey,” Eddie calls out to Jeff as he brushes past him to grab one of the amps, “Cover for me, will ya?”

The younger band member follows Eddie’s gaze, smirking when his eyes land on you as weave through the thick swarm of bodies.

“Go get ‘em, tiger,” Jeff teases as he claps his hand on Eddie’s back.

Eddie doesn’t even register the teasing, already slipping the strap of his fret over his head before handing his most prized possession over to the member of the band he trusts the most with it and rushing off the stage. He then opts to take the side exit instead of attempting to weave through the dense crowd, hoping that it will be faster.

Once outside, he walks up the side alley, towards the front of the building, where he then spots you anxiously waiting by a light post, bundled up in a cozy winter jacket and knitted gloves that protect you from the nippy January winds. If Eddie was smarter or, perhaps, less impulsive, he might’ve thought to grab his own jacket before rushing outside. However, Eddie is possibly the most impulsive man in the whole Midwest, so here he is, freezing his ass off. He mutters a quick “fuck it” under his breath before making his way over to you and then gently tapping your shoulder. You startle, abruptly spinning around to face him, and he winces, internally cursing himself.

“Shit, sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” Eddie states remorsefully.

You relax a bit, though you’re still plenty wary of the headbanger in front of you; stranger danger is a hard thing to get rid of, even when said stranger is a literal aidoneus.

Fucking idiot, Eddie chastises himself and he realizes that he failed to think this far ahead. What should I even say?

“Can I help you?” You ask politely.

Not even a split second later, he asks, “So what’d you think of the show?” as if he hadn’t heard you at all. Truthfully, Eddie hadn’t really been paying attention as he was too caught up in that busy mind of his, worrying about what to say to you.

You giggle, more so out of shock at the abruptness of his question. Meanwhile, Eddie’s face goes beat red at the realization that you’d asked him something first.

“Shit, sorry, I-” Before he can even begin to explain himself, you cut him off with your answer.

“It was good,” You flash him a shy smile and he can’t help but mirror it, “You guys were incredible.”

Eddie feels his face grow even warmer if that’s even possible. His arms then cross, hands instinctively beginning to rub up and down his exposed biceps in an attempt to warm the rest of himself up.

“Yeah? What was your favorite part?” He breathes out as he nervously pulls a strand of his curly hair in front of his face as if attempting to hide his flushed cheeks. You breathe out an easy little giggle at the sight and Eddie practically melts at the sweet sound.

So fuckin’ pretty, He thinks.

You’re about to gush over his band’s cover of Master of Puppets when you notice him shivering slightly, “Hey, do you want my jacket? It’s really chilly out here.”

“No, no, I’m good. It’s actually pretty nice out here tonight,” Eddie says, lying through his chattering teeth. It can’t be more than a couple degrees above freezing right now.

“But, um,” Eddie continues, “I think getting your number might help warm me up a bit,” He miraculously manages not to visibly wince at his own cheesy line. You, however, humorously huff out a breath at the sheer absurdity of it.

“I’m sorry?” You ask, figuring that you must’ve misheard him.

Eddie quickly loses the small amount of confidence that he’d built up, groaning with the loss of it. “Shit, you weren’t lookin’ at me, were you?” He covers his face with his hands as if to shut out the impending humiliation, “It’s just… I thought that maybe you were lookin’ at me, but it’s hard to tell up on that stage, y’know, with all the lights and shit.”

Your lips quirk up in a lopsided grin as you softly confess, “I was looking at you.”

Eddie suddenly widens the gaps between his fingers and peeks through them, all while trying to bite back a cheesy grin, “You were?”

“Yeah,” You reassure him, and it’s enough to have him drop his hand, revealing his beautiful coffee-colored eyes and iridescent smile to you again. “How about a trade offer?” You propose, feeling emboldened by his bashfulness.

“A trade?” He asks, one of his brows quirking up curiously beneath his shaggy fringe.

“Mhm. You tell me your name and I’ll give you my number,” You explain, that sweet smile never leaving your face all the while.

The man in front of you seems to think it over before he reaches out and gently grasps one of your hands in his. He then suddenly drops to his knees in front of you, causing you to gasp.

“Edward Reuben Munson, at your service. But you can just call me ‘Eddie’,” He introduces himself theatrically before bestowing a chaste kiss on the back of your hand. You laugh wholeheartedly at his grand display of chivalry and Eddie revels in the sound.

Once your laughing has mellowed out into breathy little chuckles, you inquire, “Reuben?”

Eddie rolls his eyes as he lets go of your hand, stands up, and asks, “Is that really all you got outta that?”

“Like the sandwich?” You’re trying your damnedest to bite back a cheeky grin.

“Hey, it’s biblical, alright,” He replies lightheartedly, a chuckle of his own threatening to escape.

“Oh, you’re religious?” You ask, suddenly worrying that you’ve offended him.

Eddie blows a raspberry into the air as he waves off your concern, “Nah, but evidently, someone in my family was. I come from a long line of Reubens, unfortunately,” Eddie chuckles and you can’t help but join in.

“Now, pretty one, I believe I was promised a phone number in exchange for revealing my identity,” He remarks with that same theatrical flare once your giggles have subsided.

“Oh, right! Sorry,” You apologize sheepishly as you begin to search through your purse for something to write with. You frown when you notice an astounding lack of writing utensils in your bag.

“Shit, I don’t have a pen,” You continue rifling through your purse in search of anything that you might be able to use to write with, “The only thing I have that’s even remotely close to a pen is a tube of lipstick,” You huff humorously, causing Eddie to grin.

“Well, lucky for you, sweetness,” Eddie trails off as he extends one of his bare arms towards you, “I have an arm. Two of ‘em, actually.”

You smirk at his joke while tentatively stepping closer to him, cradling his arm in one of your hands as you use the other to gently drag the waxy lipstick against his arm in gentle strokes, writing the digits of your phone number on his pale skin.

“There,” You declare once you’ve finished writing, meeting his gaze as your lips curl up in a warm smile, “Call me whenever.” The casual remark flows easily from your burgundy lips despite the fluttering of the butterflies in your stomach.

“Yeah, of course,” He breathes out, staring down at the burgundy red digits inscribed on his arm as if he can’t believe that you actually gave him your phone number. A smile graces his features when he notices that you’ve written your name next to your number, finishing off the line of sprawling manuscript with a sloppy red heart that rests in the crook of his elbow.

“Oh, and Eddie,” You interject as you spot your friend Sven walking toward the two of you.

“Yeah?”

“Get your ass back inside. It’s freezing out here!” You teasingly berate him, causing him to chuckle.

The two of you then part ways, Sven finally reaching you as Eddie returns to the darkness of the alleyway.

“What was that about?” He asks in that strong Minnesotan accent of his.

“Sven, I think I just met my husband,” You say, only half joking. Your friend bursts out laughing as he gently claps his hand against your back, ushering you to start walking down the sidewalk with him.

“Come on, you lovesick fool, let’s get you home,” He teases you fondly, causing you to chuckle as well.

You can’t help but quickly turn to look back at the front of the bar while the two of you head down the block, nerves fluttering about in your chest all the while.

I hope he calls.

[munsonsreputation]

200 CELEBRATION!!! 💐✨💌💫

Hi everyone it's Kay!!

I just reached over 200 followers on my blog and WOW WOW WOW!!!!! Thank you guys so much for showing me appreciation, kindness, and love...I'm wishing each and every single one of you all a wonderful new year full of happiness and growth 🤓🌱❤️

To celebrate this surreal accomplishment I've decided to open up my asks (though they are ALWAYS open) so that we can get a little more interactive and you all can get to know me better <3 I'm not too familiar with these kinds of things so please excuse me if some of these don't make any sense. Below I've listed different requests/prompts that you all can slide into my asks with and I will be doing my best to reply to all of them and feel free to send in as many as you'd like and ask any other questions that aren't on this list as well!! You can also send them in as anon or not, which ever you are comfortable with 😊

Request #1: Stranger Things x Taylor Swift ｡･ﾟﾟ･ send me any stranger things character and I will tell you what taylor swift song(s) I associate them with 🎶👤

Request #2: Rant ｡･ﾟﾟ･ need to get something off your chest and desk? take this opportunity to rant about anything and you can either ask for advice or simply words of encouragement. sometimes we just want to be heard and do not need unsolicited advice so please let me know if you want either or both!! 🔊🤗

Request #3: Chit Chat ｡･ﾟﾟ･ ask me some random questions, I literally do not care how many you ask me hahaha I will try to answer all the ones I feel the most comfortable asking! Ex: coffee order, favorite dilf, current playlist, ect. 📩☕️

Request #4: What's To Come ｡･ﾟﾟ･ send this in if you want a random sentence from one of my wips with no context 💻🤓

Request #5: Blurb x Stranger Things ｡･ﾟﾟ･ send me brief prompt or saying (angst, fluff, or smut) and I'll write a short blurb for a Stranger Things character you pick out of Eddie, Steve, Robin, or Nancy📝📺

I'm so excited to interact with you all and I can't wait!!! Last, I want to thank each and every single one of you guys who has liked, reblogged, and left comments/tags on my stories. It truly means the world to me and you guys put a smile on my face everyday...so thank you so so so much 😭💘🌎

Mutuals are tagged below, but please don't feel pressured to participate, however your reblog to spread the word would mean a lot if you are able to!! thank you all 🌟💘 : @tvserie-s-world @esme-viridian @translatemunson @ur-local-geek-fest @maddipoof @mediocre-daydreams @hopelessromantic87 @mapleransom-blog @zariaskz @deliriousleyserious @rvdsxmz @hstoria @tasmbestspdrman @moonxxlight @sillypurplemurple @munsonswhore86 @john-joong @str4ngerthingshavehappenedhere @chervbs @sodapop182 @wordsbymae @eddieandbird

[kodzuken-chan]

hello 💕 may i request how would sanji react to his s/o fighting for the first time.

like luffy brought a new member for the crew and when they all saw her she looked so cute, innocent, small, bubbly and really pretty but when the enemies and marines come the strawhats are chained and cannot fight leaving only the s/o.

but it turns out the s/o is extremely strong. her punches and kicks are much stronger than germa 66. and she is also a powerful swordswoman who carries a powerful scythe. and she is also able to transform into a demon, the most powerful demon to exist.

A/N: Oh my...this sounds exactly like the scenarios spinning in my head at 3am, oh well let's make them true then~😌

The last part is kinda very specific tho👀, but I did my best to meet your request~!!! so I hope you Like it~!!

I just never mentioned the Marines and instead made the scenario with a pirate enemy���

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🧁Cute & Wild🧁

Paring: Sanji x Fem.Reader

Genre: Action/ Slight Angst/ Fluff / Hurt-Comfort/ One-shot

Warnings ⚠️: Mention of blood, slight toture maybe, intense injuries and cuts, some insecurities

A/N: This is kinda predictable but its enjoyable 😌

-Got the vilian's name from a Vilian's name generator Lmao I was too lazy

- The Demonic references are inspired by Demon Slayer 😈

-May Contain few unnoticed mistakes

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Summary: As the newest yet the cutest member that ever joined the strawhats, Everyone thought that you should be protected for how pure and sweet you were. However, an unfortunate incident forces you to unleash your hidden strength that will catch your crew off guard, especially your beloved Sanji.

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

Aside from your intelligence and strategic acumen, you assisted your crew by using it during the intractable times. You were cute, adorably tiny, bubbly and yet an innocent person, the crew even thought that despite anything and everything, you must be protected at all costs. Not that they're underestimating your capabilities of protecting and taking care of yourself, however you're appearance, morlas and personality made them think that, if the world had so many of you, everyone would have lived in peace.

-

Even though it hasn't been months since you've joined the crew, and being brought by Luffy to Sunny go, You were quick to get along with them, it just felt like you've known them for a long period of time. However, in that brief time, you fell for the Ship's cook, who appearntly had mutual feelings for you. You two would act bashfully around each other even though it was obvious for everyone on the ship that you both were in love, even you two acknowledged that.

-

You were walking back from the market after getting few needed supplies for your free time hobby. Usually when you yell "I'm back", Sanji would definitely swoon over to you with those heart shaped eyes, if he's not there, then one of the rest Strawhats will for sure show up, either saying something idiot, nagging about something or just ask you some stuff out of curiosity. However, once you got none of these but instead received silence, you got the chills and stepped inside calling for anyone of your crew mates.

-

"W-what....the hell....is this...." You said dropping the few bags you carried in your hands approaching Sunny's mass

-

(All of your precious crew mates alongside your captain are under my care, So if you want to set them free, then you should come over so we can have a little chit chat together)

Signed by: Megedagik Thug of the Seas

-

That what was written over the worn-out paper hanging by a dagger in the middle of the mass. You couldn't help but gulp at name written at the bottom of the letter, recalling unpleasant memories of the past. However, you had no time to think about these memories, saving your friends is your top priority task now, anything else can wait for later.

-

Placing the bags you got from the market earlier in your room, you grabbed your rabbit shaped backpack, and placed all what you thought might be in handy to save your friends, after all, you're going to approach the danger willingly. Nevertheless, you're aware that what you're heading to is a trap, you just knew what that 'chit chat' exactly meant.

-

Carrying your backpack, you went down to Franky's weapons development room to take your huge scythe, no one would ever believe that your tiny figure can carry that thing, and your crew mates never acknowledged that you're actually using it, and that its not just a keepsake of your loved ones.

-

Now that you've got everything ready, you need to find where your friends are at. Usually, you all depend on Chopper's strong smelling sense to find anything, or any lost members, however this time, you're all alone, and you need to find them using your own ways, so in order to do so, you had no other choice but to use your own ways.

-

These ways specifically are your demonic abilities, no one of the Strawhats knew about you being able to transform yourself into a demon, being a demon means that your visual, auditory and nasal senses are three times stronger than any human being, let alone your demonic strength, speed and felixblity which gives you the upper hand in any fight. Of course, you tried as much as you can to not make it very obvious, because you never wanted your only friends to fear and leave you just like the others did.

-

Using your extraordinary smelling sense, you were able to trace Nami's and Robin's perfume scent, you could smell abit of Sanji's cigarettes and Franky's cola scent in the distance as well, so you immediately started running to where the scent was coming from. One of your demonic abilities advantages is you can trace scents based on how strong or light they were, they can be visible for you in the forms of strings, the thicker the string was the stronger the scent is, and vice versa.

-

As you kept on following your friends scent, you recalled some of the old memories that happened to you in the past. Megedagik, also known as the Thug of the Seas, is a crule heartless pirate who sailed around, invading small islands causing havocs by torturing and killing innocents, which exactly resembles the meaning of his name. He was known for his brutal way of bloodshed, where he would kill men in front of their families, then takes some women to work for him, and takes the others in order to satisfy his sadistic self by exposing them to excruciating torture.

-

And 8 years ago, this obnoxious pirate that knew no humanity made his mind that your tiny island is his next spot of sadistic entertainment, but little he knew what was waiting for him there. After causing sabotage and murder, he gathered all of the village's women, as usual, sent some of them with his men to work under his command, while the others, including you, were taken to a place where he tortures his captives.

-

Once he sat on his wooden chair, he had that disgusting smrik on his face while watching the women getting tortured gruesomely. As a result of the torture and beatings you got from Megedagik's men while he sat there, the anger yet the hatred kept on accumulating inside of your heart, causing you to lose control over the not so long discovered demonic powers, and within seconds, that led you to to unleash your sudden transformation and pounce over him. In the upcoming few minutes, your rage attacks caused the crule pirate to lay unconscious which ended up frightening his men and escape with him to the sea since they had no other choice.

-

Even though you rescued all those who were held captives with you, however, they turned their back on you and hated it, they called you with names like monster, hideous and so many other names that you didn't wish to hear. By the end of that day, instead of thanking you at least for saving their lives, they expelled you from the village claiming that a demon shall bring nothing but fatality to this poor little island, this is how you ended up moving to another island, living alone while hiding your powers, until fate smiled to you when Luffy asked you to join his crew.

-

Your Nakama's scent took you way too far from the shores and the center of the island, to a secluded place full of tress, and there was a building in the middle of it, it looked like a huge warehouse. Taking a deep breathe, you walked towards the warehouse's huge wooden gate, and with rage, you broke it into halves making an epic entrance, all what you were able to see was black, however, the scent of your friends soon was replaced by the smell of their bloods.

-

"Spectacular and Wonderful, So you really came after all huh?" Scoffed Megedagik

-

"Y/N-CHAN!!! GET OUT OF HERE THIS IS A TRAP!!" you heared Sanji Screaming

-

"S-Sanji?!!" You called again unable to see where he was

-

But soon the light came on, exposing everyone and everything around you, which made you stunned in disbelief. There stood Megedagik in the distance across of you, your nakamas were dangling from the celling, it seemed that the devil fruit users were chained with sea stone chains since they looked drained from energy, while the rest of them were tied with ropes and cuffs, they looked like they've been awfully beaten up. Seems that Megedagik still uses torture as way of entertainment.

-

"Y/N!!!JUST DON'T WORRY ABOUT US AND GET OUT OF HERE!!" said Luffy to you but you smiled at him

-

"You shouldn't be worrying about me captain~!! The future Pirate King himself asked me to be a member of his crew, so if I can't protect him and my friends, what's the point of being with them if I'm just an obstacle in the way of their dreams? I'll be fine, trust me" you exclaimed with your pure innocent smile and Luffy nodded at you.

-

However, your eyes soon darkened at Megedagik sight. You started walking slowly towards him, taking a step after step, without breaking eye contact with him, you started pulling out your huge scythe, dragging it by the floor.

-

"Hey franky!! Isn't that the scythe in your weapon development room? I thought it was yours!!" Exclaimed Usopp in surprise

-

"No its not mine! I know it belongs to Y/N, but never knew she can use it!!" Answered Franky

-

"D-Do You remember this scar?!!! You caused it to me 8 years ago, and now I'm gonna make sure to leave one on you, it will let you remember its pain until you DIE!!!" Yelled Megedagik as his men started showing up infront of you.

-

" A scar from eight years ago.... She knows this jerk?" Said Zoro

-

" Well...I'm curious to know how things ended up with her like that"Chuckled Robin weakly

-

You swiftly waved your scythe, like it weighs nothing. Within one slash, Megedagik's men were bleeding down on the ground, and this is where he started shivering, your gaze was full of grudge and hatred, it was enough to send him chills. Few other men showed up attacking you out of sudden, but you already took care of them in minutes, eyes still focused on Megedagik.

-

"G... Gorgeous...." Is the only thing Sanji was able to say, as he stared at you in shock

-

Well lets say, each of the Strawhats jaws dropped at their innocent yet cute nakama, who was normally holding a scythe that was double her size like it was nothing. They never expected you to be so felixble whilst fighting, let alone your strength that you haven't unleashed the half of it yet.

-

Once you were done with his men, you stood there, looking at your Nakamas with an assuring look, then your gaze came back to Megedagik. Suddenly the aura around you started changing, you were turning into your demonic appearance.

-

"Haaaaahahaaaa, are you finally unleashing your true appearance!!! Never knew that you're so eager to get kicked out from your crew too" he mocked, knowing that you were expelled from your village because of your demonic appearance.

-

"W-Whats happening to Y/N, there is a dark aura around here!!" Exclaimed Chopper in worry

-

"T-true appearance? What does that jerk mean?" Questioned Sanji himself

-

Soon, your skin got paler, your iris turned sharp, and their colors changed, your hair grew two times longer than it was floating in the air, then your clothes got ripped revealing the sakura petals tattoo that were engraved all over your limbs. Your scythe's blade slowly turned into black, you simply wrapped it in armament haki.

-

"Yohohohoho, Y/N-san can use armament haki!! UNEXPECTED" Said Brook in absolute shock and everyone else were stunned

-

And without an alert, you attacked Megedagik mercilessly, he was able to stop some of them, when a malicious idea popped in his head,on the other hand, you started running towards him to attack him once again, when he took out his gun, aimed it towards Sanji and shot him twice. Of course, your attention immediately shifted to Sanji once you heard his groans of pain. You would say that his observation haki is the strongest out of all, and he probably saw that coming, but he's cuffed and tied in ropes, he couldn't move an inch to do anything about it.

-

"SANJI!!!" You called in fear seeing the two bullets piercing through his body

-

However, Megedagik took your distraction as an opportunity to turn the tables. He soon brought out a huge shot gun, and aiming it straight to your legs, his plan is to shoot you in a place that would prevent you from moving, so he can enjoy torturing you little by little until you fall dead.

-

"You have no idea how I suffered because of you, now I'll take my revenge for the scar that you left on my face" murmured Megedagik reasy to fire

-

"Y/N!! Y/N-CHAN!! OI Y/N!!! LOOK OUT!!!!" Screamed the monster trio in sync once they noticed Megedagik's move

-

💥SHOT💥

-

Megedagik Shot your left thigh with no hesitation, and due to how powerful the shot was, your leg got separated from your thigh leaving it torned apart the as blood flows down from it. You gritted on your teeth as you fell on the ground in a severe pain, then you let out a loud whimper. Thr Monster Trio raged in anger, while the rest had expressions mixed of shock and worry, but you surprised them all when you hysterically started laughing, you back off a little, trying to fix your posture.

-

"Y/N-CHAN!!! THAT BASTARD !!!!!I'M GONNA KILL YOU" yelled Sanji in anger, as he tried to free himself

-

You motioned to Sanji that you're fine with your angelic smile, you dragged yourself to your thrown scythe, braced yourself with it as you stood up on your right leg.

-

"Y-you think, you can kill me by torning my limbs apart? Wrong...I'm gonna show you whom you're dealing with!" You exclaimed

-

With that, out of no where, your left leg grew again in the speed of light, as if it wasn't torned apart few seconds ago. Megedagik back off, no believing what he just witnessed, nobody actually did.

-

"Before you decide to fight anyone, make sure to make some research about them, especially demons like me" you smirked

-

Before Megedagik could react, you were already infront of him with your huge scythe ripping his chest apart, leaving him down there barely able to move. You knelt down to him and whispered

-

"If you still have the audacity and bravery to make a little chit chat with me, then I bet you do it without using cheap tricks like a coward, but if you're not, then you better not show me your face again, if I found out by any chance that you're hurting innocent people anywhere around this world, then it won't end just by torning your chest apart, do you understand ?" You told him and he nodded in fear, tears streaming over his face

-

You took the cuffs' keys and pulled out a dagger from your right thigh hip pouch, with your scythe, you approached your Nakamas, working on freeing them from all of that mess. You gently helped Sanji alongside Chopper to put him down, because he pretending to be okay after getting shot, but it was clearly visible that he's struggling against showing that he's in pain.

-

"Sanji, You're gonna be okay....right?...I'm so sorry that's all because of me-" you cried holding his hands in worry

-

"Shhh...I-its..okay Y/N-chan...I'm fine...this is nothing, and ...its not your fault so don't cry" Assured you Sanji as he wiped the tears off your face

-

Once you all made it back successfully to Sunny Go, everyone were silent all the way back, nobody said anything, are they perhaps scared of you? Well you can't blame them after they witnessed all the crazy things happened earlier with you.

-

Chopper took Sanji to the sick bay to treat his injuries and asked everyone else to wait for their turns, since their injuries were minor compared to the ones Sanji got. You sat down there on the Mass bench, waiting in worry for Sanji to get treated, this is when Luffy approached you with serious facial expressions.

-

The awkward silence couldn't get worse, and your captain is approaching you with serious expressions. Well, you can say that you're kinda expecting what is he going to say to you, and you're somehow prepared for it. It would only be selfish of you to stay here when they don't want you, just like everyone else in the village did when you exposed your true appearance, I mean it can be worst than him apologizing and asking you to leave the ship respectfully. It might hurt for few weeks, maybe months, but eventually you'll get over it.

-

These thoughts kept spinning inside your head as you watched Luffy getting closer and closer while you tried to calm down your nervous heart, this is hard after all.

-

"Y/N" called Luffy in a calm tone

-

"Y-Yes Luffy?" You simply replied

-

"HOW DID YOU MAKE YOUR LEG GROW OUT AGAIN LIKE THAT!!!! THAT'S AWESOMEEEEEE!!!!!" He excitedly exclaimed with his star-shaped eyes

-

"I'm not gonna lie, but girl you're a badass, I'm still amazed how you swiftly swayed that scythe" complimented Zoro

-

"They probably should add the 'Cute Demon' nickname to your wanted poster" chuckled Robin at the suggestion she gave

-

"Y/N !! You were a SUUUPER Cute Nakama, but turned out that you're also a SUUUUPER Wild demon!!!!" Said Franky doing his iconic super pose

-

You're jaw dropped at the sudden change in their attitude, they don't hate you? Are they really okay with what you are? You couldn't tell, but the tears started sliding over your cheeks at their unexpected kind words.

-

"W-Woah!! Y/N !! Why are you crying???!!" Questioned Usopp in worry

-

"Are you hurt anywhere?!!" Added Nami

-

"Y/N-CHWAAANNN~!! I'm got my treatment, so you don't have to worry because I'm -" Exclaimed Sanji happily as he came down the stairs while Chopper ran behind him in worry

-

That's when he saw you crying, He quickly approached and took you in his arms giving you an embrace not really knowing the reason for why you're crying.

-

"What's wrong Y/N-chan?why are you crying? Hmm?" He asked softly caressing your hair

-

"I thought you guys would ask me to leave the crew..." You softly sobbed

-

"L-Leave?? Why would we ask you to leave Y/N?!!! YOU ARE MY NAKAMA, THERE IS NO WAY I WOULD KICK YOU OUT" Assured you Luffy

-

"B-but.... I thought that you guys hated my appearance because it I look like a hideous Monster, and probably got disgusted by the way my leg grew back earlier, and I-" you tried to explain but stopped when Sanji pressed his lips against yours

-

!! LOUD GASPS !!

-

"S-Sanji..?" You called, cheeks turning red

-

"We don't know what happened to you in the past that forced you to say these harsh words about yourself, but Y/N-chan, by the way you unleashed your powers today, I can assure you that you made me fall for you even more than I already was" he said with a warm tone as he cupped your cheeks

-

"I'm still surprised that you're calling yourself like that when there isn't literally any normal person on this ship" Shrugged Zoro

-

"You Mosshead-!" Sanji said glaring at him when Nami smacked Zoro in his head

-

"pfft..." You chuckled and everyone got surprised

-

"Y/N-chan....." Called Sanji as the smile appeared on his face just like the rest

-

"But guys can I ask you something?" You said to the them

-

"Yeah, what's the matter Y/N?" Questioned Nami

-

"Well... Don't get me wrong but ...How did that jerk took you hostage? I mean, I'm sure that you'd have took care off him immediately once you felt his presence on Sunny " you questioned confused

-

"Sleeping Gas" said Robin simply

-

"Yeah, he used a cheap trick like that to take us" Said Sanji as he sighed

-

"I see..." You replied

-

"But Y/N-San, You seem to know Megedagik" Said Brook

-

"Oh well yeah...A long story from 8 years ago...." You said putting some hairlines back on your ears

-

You continued telling them how you met Megedagik, and what happened on your island, how the villagers were the reason for why felt insecure and unsure about your demonic powers, but Sanji was right there beside you, taking your hand in his, and squeezing it for reassurance.

-

Later on that night when dinner was over, you were all still seated on the dinning table, but everyone were carefully listening to you, they were curious about what can you do with your demonic powers, and you gladly told them everything, getting unforgettable reactions.

-

Once everyone went inside their quarters for sleep, you stood by Sunny's wooden barrier, inhaling the the ocean scent, feeling your shoulders light weighted, then a pair of arms wrapped around your tiny figure from behind, It was no one other Sanji.

-

"S-Sanji what are you doing here, you're injured, you need to rest" You said looking back at him

-

"I've wanted to hold you like this for a long time, please let us stay like this for a while" he simply said closing his eyes and burying his face in your neck

-

"I don't deserve such a kind heart like yours Sanji.." you said with a sad smile, caressing Sanji's arms, still feeling a bit guilty from everything that happened

-

"Y/N....Don't you ever say this again, or else I'll get sad" he said dropping the horrific for once as he loosen his hold and turning you to him

-

"Love yourself, and awalys be yourself, don't you ever listen to anyone who criticize your well being and the way you look, you're just perfect the way you are, Demon or not, I love you because you're yourself, because you're Y/N-chan" he added

-

"Sanji...." You called him tears forming again in your eyes

-

"Don't cry my darling...I'll kick whoever offends and hurts your feelings" he said leaning and stealing a kiss from your lips

-

Then your foreheads touched, eyes both immersed in each other, he cupped your cheeks, titled his head and closed the gap for another passionate yet deep kiss.

You two were told in the next morning that you two were found asleep in each other's arms down in the aquarium.

-

The End

[watchmegetobsessed]

Mine Again - Harry Styles

a/n: this is something i just thought about after my nap today lol, so enjoy this treat, a classic exlovers to lovers fic!

pairing: Harry x Famous!Reader

word count: 3.4k

masterlist

Seeing an ex is never easy. Whether it’s by your choice or not. Working together with an ex is even harder and now you brought a situation on yourself where this is your reality.

Arriving to the studio of The Late Late show you immediately get escorted to your designated dressing room where a hair and makeup artist are already waiting for you. Today you are here to promote your new movie, Don’t Worry Darling with your onscreen lover, Harry Styles, however, what no one else in the building knows is that once the two of you were real life lovers.

Your romance blossomed during filming, having spent so much time together on set, it didn’t take long for a relationship to form between you and him, the chemistry you shared was immense and undeniable, anyone could see that and you felt like you were burning in a bonfire of the most intense feelings you’ve felt for any man. It was passionate and intoxicating, it felt like something that could only happen in movies, but it was your reality.

However filming ended and you were forced to go your separate ways, you both tried hard to keep what you had and though your feelings never changed, distance brought the worst out of the both of you. Six months after you became an item, you mutually agreed to break it off.

You haven’t seen him since then, meaning that it’s been five torturous months without having any contact with him and now that promo has officially kicked in, you are forced to travel around and make appearances with the man you love, yes, still love more than anyone on this Earth. Not even five months and absolutely no contact could change your feelings for him, however he might already be over you at this point, having forgotten about feelings and memories you still hold close to your heart.

How has he been doing? What is he like now? Has he been thinking about you? Does he miss you? What is it going to be like to see him for the first time?

The questions flood your mind as you sit in the chair and let the professionals work their magic on you, covering up the dark circles under your eyes that formed due to the sleepless night you had the day before, nonstop thinking about Harry and what it’ll be like to see him for the first time again.

After careful elimination, you choose a dress for the appearance, it’s tight and short, the fabric is covered in glittering sequins down your body and the long sleeves as well and while the dress covers a lot up from the waist, it makes up in the lack of length on your legs as the end of it barely reaches the upper part of your thighs, ending it black feathers that tickle your freshly shaven legs. The nude heels add even more to them, making you appear like you could hit the runway any moment when in reality you are not high enough to be a model.

There’s still some time until the taping starts, James drops by to say hello and tell you how excited he is to have you and Harry on tonight and you chit-chat for a little before you go to take a quick business call outside. When you’re done with that, you head back to your dressing room to take a few quick photos to post later, but right as you near your destination, a door swings open down the hallway and Harry steps out, wearing a black suit, of course, head to toe Gucci. The crispy grey shirt’s first few buttons are left undone, allowing you a glimpse of his toned chest and his necklace with the tiny cross pendant on it.

He looks good. No, he looks absolutely stunning, just like he always does and just the sight of him takes your breath away, forcing you to stop in your tracks when you lay your eyes at him. He spots you as well, stopping to take a look at you before you see a small smile on his perfect pink lips.

“Y/N, hi! You look… gorgeous,” he speaks up lowly, his eyes raking your body up and down.

“I, uhh—Thanks!” you breathe out, feeling already flustered. How are you gonna survive the interview, sitting next to him, talking about what it was like to play a married couple?!

His hand moves a bit and there’s a moment of awkwardness, neither of you really knowing what to do, last time you saw each other you kissed as your hellos, but now it’s not an option, obviously. At last, he moves forward and goes for a hug.

He envelopes you in his arms as you wrap yours around his neck, the warmth of his body bringing you a sense of home and it hits you hard how much you’ve missed him in these five months.

You swear he holds you just a second longer than what would be appropriate before his arms fall from around your frame and you force yourself to let go of him, though every fiber in you is protesting against it.

“How—How have you been?” he asks, his beautiful green eyes finding yours.

“I’m good. I’m good,” you nod. “What about you?”

“Same. Just the… usual stuff.”

“Writing music?” you ask with a soft smile. You still vividly remember those nights you spent together after a long day of filming, crashing at either his or your place and you often found him strumming his guitar in a corner, scribbling words down into his notebook. Sometimes he sang you the songs he came up with, sometimes he kept them to himself.

“Yeah, I’ve been writing a lot lately,” he admits with a shy smile.

Someone calls his name down the hallway and his head snaps up before looking back at you.

“I gotta go, but I’ll see you soon, right?”

“Yeah,” you nod, stepping aside so he can walk past.

“And you really look amazing, Y/N,” he calls after you one last time before jogging down the hallway.

You walk into your dressing room and shutting the door you lean your back against it, huffing heavily as you try to recollect yourself. Somehow, this encounter went really well, because the two of you were civil and respectful, but it was also a painful shock to see him in the flesh again. It was one thing to see pictures of him here and there, but actually meeting him, hugging him, talking to him… you need time to process it all.

Unfortunately, you don’t have much of that. Twenty minutes later you are walked to your spot behind the curtains from where you’ll walk out when James calls your name. Just as you arrive Harry appears as well, casually talking with one of the camera guys, having a laugh and just as he sees you, his eyes fall down your body again and you swear you see him gulp hard before turning his attention back to the man.

“Ready?” he asks upon walking up to you, a hand coming to rest on your lower back. Glancing over your shoulder you look down at his hand, lips parted at the feeling of his welcoming touch. He sees your glance and pulls his hand back quickly. “Sorry, it’s a habit, I guess,” he mumbles, blushing softly.

“It’s fine,” you smile. Of course it’s fine, for what you care, he could throw you over his shoulder like a cave man and run out of the building, you wouldn’t say a word. You want his touch on your body, you’ve been craving it since the moment you last saw him, but are you even allowed to admit it? You have no idea what he is thinking or feeling, you can’t just come right at him like that.

Harry fixes the lapels of his suit jacket, but what he doesn’t see is that the collar of his shirt is kind of stuck under the jacket.

“Your shirt is… let me fix it,” you breathe out and he turns to face you, letting your delicate hands fix his outfit, perfecting the look to the tiniest bit. “There, you look great,” you smile, your hands sliding down his chest before they fall to your sides again.

“Thank you,” he nods smiling back at you before offering an arm that you take gladly. He knows how much you hate high heels and that you are always scared of tripping and falling and being the gentleman that he is, he’ll be the support you need.

The taping soon starts and the two of you stand patiently behind the curtain as James introduces you.

“And now, please welcome the stars of the upcoming hit movie, Don’t Worry Darling! Ladies and gentlemen, Y/N Y/L/N and Harry Styles!”

The crowd starts clapping and cheering as the curtain moves and the two of you walk in, arms linked and Harry makes sure to slow down when you walk down the few little stairs. James welcomes the both of you with two kisses before everyone takes their place, James behind his desk, you and Harry sitting on the couch.

“Thank you so much for dropping by tonight, guys!” James smiles at the two of you.

“Thank you for having us,” Harry nods with a soft smile.

“You both have been guests on the show separately, but tonight you are here as a pair, since your latest movie, Don’t Worry Darling is hitting the theaters this weekend. How are you feeling about that, excited to see the film finally?”

“Very excited,” you nod with a smile. “I can’t wait to see the final version, because obviously we only know the version we envisioned while filming, but the actual movie is going to be something else.”

“Y/N, your role in the movie was originally handed to Florence Pugh who had to step back because she broke her arm,” James points out and you nod.

“Yes, I stepped in her place just about a week before production started and if I’m being honest I was scared that people would prefer to see her in the role, but I had a talk with her actually and she said she helped Olivia, the director to pick out the person to take her place and she said she instantly knew I would be perfect for it, so I trust her.”

“That’s amazing to hear, that the two of you didn’t have any rivalry going on,” James enthuses.

“She actually visited set a few times,” Harry chimes in and you nod.

“Yeah, we had a great time together.”

“Sounds like a lot of fun, the three of you together,” James chuckles. “So, the two of you play a married couple in the film and if I’m not mistaken you didn’t know each other beforehand. Was it hard to get into the roles with not much background on each other?”

“We met up a few times before filming started to get to know each other more and I think we hit it off right away, so it wasn’t hard for me,” Harry speaks up and you nod along.

“It was obviously a little different situation than when you meet someone and become friends, because as we got to know each other more, we had to go through scenes that were meant for a couple that was already years into their relationship, but I think it strengthened our friendship,” you answer, hands laid flat on your bare thighs.

No lie has been told, everything you said was the truth. You just left out the part where you become real life lovers and started dating a month into production.

“Y/N, you’ve been acting for a while now, have quite a few roles under your belt, what did you think of Harry’s acting?”

“I think that he is a wonderful actor and I hope people will give him his much deserved credit for it. He is often still seen as just a silly singer from a former boy band and they don’t take him seriously when he really is a very talented man. You’ll see in the movie as well, his role was a tough one, needed a lot of work and a wide range of emotions, but I think he did an amazing job.”

You dare to glance at him at the end of your little speech and for a moment you forget about the audience, James and the cameras. He is looking at you with so much gratitude and thankfulness. You remember every talk you had where he opened up to you about wanting to be taken seriously in the acting business, that he is not trying to be just a joke and another failed attempt of a singer to try himself out in movies. He told you how scared he is of not being good enough when you saw him every day on set and you were blown by his eternal talent and special take on his role. He deserves to be praised, he deserves every bit of it.

“It was easy, I had a great partner to learn from,” he smiles softly and you feel the heat crawling up your neck.

“You two really have the chemistry we’ve heard so much about, I can’t wait to see it on the big screen!” James sighs. “Tell me a little about what it was like to film? You guys spent a lot of time together, must have made a lot of memories.”

You take a deep breath as all those memories mentioned flood your mind. You had the best time of your life not just with Harry, but with the whole crew. Leaving after production was wrapped really broke your heart.

“It didn’t even feel like working,” Harry starts. “We always joked around, had lunch or dinner together, we were like a big family. It was so nice to have so many amazing, talented and hard-working people around you all day.”

“The jokes never stopped,” you add chuckling.

“I wish I could have been on set!” James laughs wholeheartedly. “That didn’t happen, but we have a little something. The crew has put together a short BTS video of the filming, so let’s have a look at that,” he announces and the video starts playing on every screen in the studio.

It’s a short little montage, but it captures the vibes of filming just perfectly. Clips shown from set are not just of you and Harry, but all the other cast and crew members. Goofing around, having lots and lots of laughs, dancing on set, which happened quite often and just all of you having a great time. Some of the slips however pain your chest, the ones of you and Harry.

This was very early into your relationship, no one on set even knew you were together, but seeing yourself on the screen you can’t deny the sparkles in your eyes every time you were around him.

A clip shows the two of you between two takes, doing a goofy dance in the kitchen of the home that was used as the set of the house of your characters, you are both wearing your costumes, Harry looks great in his suit and your long retro dress is flowing around you with every movement you make. He grabs you by your waist and spins you before you end up in his arms laughing crazily, you were so happy, so carefree. You wish you could go back to that moment…

Another footage was taken in your trailer when Harry took the place of Clare, your makeup artist and tried to do your eyeliner but miserably failed. In the video, he is gently clasping your chin, angling your face for himself as his other hand is working on the line, but it’s wobbly and way too thick, so you both end up just laughing when you check yourself in the mirror.

And there are some small moments of the two of you, moving around on set, lying in bed between takes, sitting in your chairs while eating, just tiny memories you still cherish so much and wish to live through again, but it’s the past. And it wouldn’t hurt this much if you knew Harry from the video was still yours.

When the video ends you need to blink a few times as your eyes have watered a little. You catch Harry’s gaze and he looks worried, he clearly wants to ask if you’re okay, make sure it was just the sentimentality of the moment, but he doesn’t have the chance, the cameras are still rolling.

“That looked like so much fun! Next time make sure to invite me on set too!” James jokes and you force a laugh out of yourself.

A few questions are asked about future plans and just generally about your careers before the taping finally ends. You thank James for the invite again and a photo is taken of the three of you, you standing in the middle with the two men on your sides. When everything is settled, you head to your dressing room, using the chance to slip away silently while Harry is still chit-chatting on the set.

In the comfort and silence of the dressing room, you lean onto the vanity, staring at yourself in the mirror, finding it ironic that on the outside, you look perfectly fine, healthy and pretty, but on the inside… you could scream. You miss Harry so much, you hoped that your feelings for him have toned down a little over these five months, but it was just the same if not even worse.

A faint knock is heard on the door and you quickly fix yourself before calling out to the person outside. The door opens and for your surprise, Harry steps inside, closing the door behind him.

“Hey, you disappeared so fast,” he softly says.

“Yeah, I’m just… a little tired,” you lie, though you know exactly he can see right through you.

“Y/N, I saw that look in your eyes after the video…”

“What look?” you ask with a huff. “What do you want me to say, Harry?”

“The truth,” he answers. “I’m not James, don’t bullshit me.”

“You want the truth? I’ll give it to you, but don’t blame me if it’s uncomfortable for you,” you chuckle bitterly, throwing your hands into the air. “I’ve been miserable, Harry. I miss you so fucking much, seeing you today was like Hell. I really thought it would be easier, but now I’m stuck with going from one interview to the other with red carpet events all around the world, seeing you every day when I terribly miss you and it fucking sucks, because you might not even feel the sa—“

You don’t get to finish, because Harry crosses the distance between the two of you, his hands grab your face and pulls you into a hard and passionate kiss. His lips move perfectly against yours and it feels like he is trying to squeeze every missed moment from the past five months into the kiss, making you melt into his arms completely.

He is everywhere. He is all you can taste, you breathe him in, his hands are everywhere on your body and your chest is pressed tight against his as you wrap your arms around his neck, locking him into your embrace. Your tongues dance, teeth tugging and pulling on lips, it’s a whole mess, but it’s the most perfect mess you’ve ever been. He takes your breath away completely and you don’t even want it back if it means you can’t have him.

Harry pulls away first, both your chests heaving wildly from the heavy make-out session and he looks down at you with hooded eyes.

“If you think I haven’t missed you like crazy… you can’t be more wrong, baby. I couldn’t stop thinking about you, I wanted to call you a thousand times and beg for you to come back to me, but I thought you already moved on.”

“Moving on?!” you huff with a tired smile. “Harry, I could never…”

“Alright, then I’m not letting you go again. No way you are walking out of this building without being mine again.”

A shiver runs down your spine at his words as you pull him down for another kiss, needing to feel his lips on yours.

“I never stopped being yours,” you whisper against his lips and he moans weakly before crashing his lips against yours again. 

-

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed it!

[love-toxin]

cw: injuries, yandere tohma, gn! reader

"so...how long do I have to play along with this little game of yours?"

the question spills out of his mouth without warning, yet each word is methodical, careful, like he's practiced it a thousand times before. the teapot clutched in your hands nearly slips out and shatters over the table you've laid out for the two of you, but the warmth of the porcelain fortunately keeps you steady enough until you can set it down in the space between you two. Tohma was kind enough to bring you a gift after spending awhile away, tending to his duties--so it's only natural that you would take him out for some tea in exchange. it's courtesy. it's expected.

but his question certainly is not.

"I...I have no idea what you're talking about, Tohma."

"really?"

he's sat cross-legged for some time now, waiting as you ordered the tea and offering you some idle chit-chat befitting a pair that haven't seen the other in a while. Tohma has always been your friend even when you were young, but as is custom in a place like Inazuma, your relationship has evolved throughout the years. there are things you can't say anymore, things that would ruin your life if you were caught doing them...and now, you fear, the glint in Tohma's eyes may be an omen that he's about to commit one of those unholy acts.

"come on now, sweetheart, everybody can see the truth for what it is. there's no need to hide it any longer."

he's purposely tiptoeing around the question, waiting for the pieces to click in your mind. he need not say anything at all, however--the way he looks at you in this moment, and the purpose with which he stands from his place at the tea table is enough to set your jaw tight and your eyes to darken.

"you know that I was always meant to be your husband. to be there for you through thick and thin, to care for you when we're both old and gray-"

he takes a few quick steps around it to get to you, to kneel at your side and reach out his hands to pull yours into them, and it's all you can do not to flinch away and risk the image of impropriety. but you've endured this lecture before, and the only thing screaming inside your head is for you to resist--just resist, don't listen to a word he says, and bite your tongue of any insult until he finally gives up and gets the hint.

"Tohma, stop."

"-to treasure you like no one else will. I understand your point of view, I really do--we're still young, and the world outside of Inazuma seems so big and grand...but you have to realize that the time to settle down is coming for us."

he rubs his thumb over your hand and smiles in your direction, but you can't meet his eyes. and then it's slipping out of your grasp and raising up to your face, and you feel yourself stiffen all over as Tohma gently cups your cheek, his gaze lowering towards your mouth as if he has an idea of what he wants to do. but that would be grounds for you to shriek for a guard, and you're entirely certain that that's the only reason he bites his lip to stave off the desire.

"you were always meant to be mine. you believe in fate, and you've always put your trust in me...so why not let me help you?"

that last part comes as a whisper, the tearoom private but the walls still thin. one of the many secrets you've entrusted to Tohma over the years is your disagreement with Inazuma's strict laws, as well as the etiquette that comes with being a member of the higher class. you've always despised being noble, and Tohma has always understood you, at least you thought so....but ever since he's gotten this ludicrous idea in his head, you've known even less peace than usual.

"I've said it a dozen times, Tohma, and I won't say it again. I'm not marrying you."

you do your best to spit the words out with as much venom as you can muster, yet you still feel the twinge of anxiety at snapping at him so informally. it could spell the end for you quite easily, but when your eyes are drawn back to Tohma's expression, all you can see is bliss written all over his face.

"...even laced with contempt, my name sounds so sweet on your lips. you've so much wit, so much grace, and your beauty leaves me breathless...I know how little you think of me, but-"

fury shoots through every vein of your body, and you know it's the wrong move when you slap his hand away from your face, the smack like a thunderclap in the small space of the little tearoom.

"enough, Tohma! enough. do yourself a favour and stop speaking to me--in fact, I dearly hope you never say a word to me again."

each finger on his hand twitches, only to close in a tight fist and sink back down to his lap. you try to avoid his gaze in this moment, but even turning your head away you can still feel his eyes staring right into your soul.

"you know I can't make that promise. you know that I love you."

that word makes you stiffen, your grip lock on your noble dressings, your blood turn to ice in your veins. you've avoided that for so long but it follows you like a demon, and it's eyes glow a verdant green as Tohma's words melt into your skin and eat you alive from the inside out.

"this feeling of yours....it's not mutual, Tohma. just leave it, and leave me."

you say so, but you're the one that stands from the tea table in the end, and Tohma jumps to get to his feet to follow you. he trails on your heels as you step with purpose towards the door and slide it open, the cool chill of Inazuma city in the night prickling your exposed skin. the blond hurries to get in front of you, and the moment you spot a few other citizens on the path this late at night, you tilt your head down and pray to the gods that Tohma won't force you into impropriety.

"...I see. you won't budge on this, then...I will have to accept that. but may I at least escort you home? I can't in good faith allow you to wander alone in the dark. I still care for you."

he looks down on you with a softness to his features, and you hate how easily you buckle under any sort of pressure from him. you prided yourself on not giving in before, but when you're not alone it's not nearly as easy--you have to piece your words so carefully together, and by the time you think of an excuse it will already be too late for you to reject his offer. so with as subtle of a huff as you can manage, you speak softly under your breath that you suppose that's fine, and grit your teeth as you thank him for the offer. and Tohma is all too relieved to stand beside you as you walk down the hill and leave the prying ears of the city, the silence near unbearable between you as you meander through the path cut down the middle of the farmer's fields.

"seems there's no one around. not a surprise for this time of the night."

it's not a terribly long walk back to your family's estate, but Tohma still evidently feels the need to speak up as you reach the end of the gently sloping hill. Konda village lies within sight in the distance, and you feel the tension weigh heavy on your heart as you count the steps closer and closer to safety. relative safety that is.

you're so focused on paying him as little attention as possible that you don't even take notice to his hand drawing closer to yours and his eyes wandering up and down your figure, practically salivating as the flames in his chest burn hotter and hotter, until the moment he can't take any more and he grabs you by the shoulders to stop you and force you to look him straight in the eyes.

"now, you're going to listen very closely. I'm going to give you a little gift, because I love you so very much. you get a minute's head start."

the shock catches you off guard to the point that you bite your own tongue, fear and panic shooting through you like icicles that make you freeze in place. Tohma's expression is so intense he nearly appears feral, pearly teeth glimmering in the light from the moon as he grins down at you like a predator examining their prey.

"here's the deal, sweetheart--if you can run all the way past Konda village, you win. but if I catch you, I win, and you must uphold your promise and marry me in a month's time. and if you win, you'll get your wish--I'll never speak a word to you again."

terror grips you even harder than Tohma is, and at his proposal you whip your head towards the village in the distance and then back to him. if he's seriously not making some kind of sick joke, then there's absolutely no way you would ever make it. you're not a fighter, you don't even know how to hold a sword much less have a vision, and you've seen the kinds of things Tohma is capable of....he'll catch you before you make it anywhere close.

"Tohma-"

his gaze lingers on you for a moment, before he turns you in the direction of the village and pushes you forward, only hard enough for you to stumble a bit. you want to question him, to try and talk him down from such an insane idea, but once you hear him start counting down aloud your feet move on their own and you take off in a pitiful run down towards your target. the night air whips by your face as you try to sprint as best you can, yet your robes that give away your nobility get caught on your sandals and trip you up enough that it makes your heart jump into your throat. your heart pounds in a cage that feels too tight, the air heavy and raw in your lungs the longer you fumble your way forwards in the night. even your tears feel cold as they stream down your face, and if speaking wouldn't expend your precious energy then you would surely be wailing for Tohma to stop, please, he's scaring you. especially once you hear his footsteps take off, and it feels as though his warm breath is right on the back of your neck.

but even so, you look up within moments to find yourself in the middle of the quiet little village, the lanterns dim and only the glow of the moon casting light on the humble little buildings. the panic ceases but resurges just as quickly when you remember that you're not safe yet, that the entrance to the village is still a few hundred metres away--and you can hear Tohma panting now, at a distance close enough that he'll make a grab for you long before you'll ever get there. but there's something you know that he probably doesn't remember, and it might just be your saving grace as you duck into the shadows and skirt around the mayor's house just as he skids into the path of the village. you fear in the pit of your stomach that getting the top off the well that you used to play near as children would make a great deal of noise, but you hurry forward and find it open--and just as you swing a leg over to climb inside and pray that Tohma doesn't think to look for you here, your foot slips on the stone that's still damp from the rain and your world is overturned as you fall through the air. it's not far enough that you can scream or grab for purchase on something, but when you land you hear the sickening crack of something breaking and pain that shoots through your leg so quick that it almost makes you black out.

but something worse is yet to come, and it's Tohma's voice calling out your name, before you look up to the sky and your heart just sinks as you watch his face pop into view over the side of the well.

"oh, archons--baby, are you all right?! did you hurt yourself?"

he hops over the edge quite easily and falls steady on his feat, not even having broken a sweat from chasing you as he hurries to your side and props you up in the crook of his arm. and despite still feeling that twinge of discomfort and panic from him touching you, the agony sets in so deeply that you cling to him without realizing as tears pour down your face and you struggle to breathe.

"let me see...yeah, that's definitely broken. c'mere, I'll help you up.."

just brushing the pads of his fingers over the rapidly-swelling skin of your calf makes you flinch and cry out with pain, and it's obvious by the deep bruising how bad you've hurt it--you wouldn't be able to climb out of here if you tried. but Tohma finds so little trouble in heaving you up into his arms that it's laughable....it would be funny how sincerely you thought you could get away in the first place, if you weren't experiencing the consequences now. and only now is it starting to sink in that you lost, even though he isn't rubbing it in your face. yet.

"poor thing--that was scary, wasn't it? aren't you glad I was here?"

despite how despairing you look, he rubs his cheek against yours as he holds you tight. you realize now how much he's always wanted to do this, and how he's dragging this all out while he has the chance to do it without anyone watching....it's such a rare opportunity, but you don't feel nearly as lucky as he does.

"I'll always be here, sweetie....in sickness and in health, right?"

he murmurs into the shell of your ear, before pressing a kiss to it right afterwards as he reaches out to get a foothold so he can lift you out of here. all you can think about now is how your chance of escaping him has slipped away....and now, your status is a death sentence in the hands of the man who saved your life, and will ask for nothing in return but your gentle hand in marriage. how romantic.

[iliveiloveiwrite]

travel books and romance novels // Colin Bridgerton

Summary: Colin visits the library for research into his next trip; he didn’t expect to find you.

A/N: Colin’s desire to travel honestly reflects my own. For purposes of the fic, I have aged Colin up - it’s more to fit the plot line of Book Four which is his book anyway. I’m not sure how to feel about this fic, I'm happy with it but I’m not at the same time. I’m not being too harsh on myself however, this is my first time writing for Colin and I haven't got to grips with his character yet. I hope you all like!! <3

Pairing: Colin Bridgerton x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Colin is very cute, pining, mutual pining, strangers to friends to lovers, female reader, she/her pronouns, marriage proposal, happy ending.

Word count: 4k

Colin Bridgerton had spent over two decades of his life on this planet and had yet to find something or someone he loves more than travelling. The bug first bit him in his early twenties; desperate to experience a Grand Tour – a tradition of which that had strongly died out in the past century. He had read about it so often; dreamed of it nearly every day that eventually he put the idea forward to Anthony and his mother, Violet.

Though Violet was apprehensive at first, she warmed up to the idea once Colin gave her permission to choose some of the countries he would visit. Anthony held no qualms; having travelled to France and Spain before tragedy forced the family title upon his shoulders. Being able to travel would forge Colin into the man he should be; it would give him experience, and plenty of stories to tell his children and then eventually, their children.

Upon arriving back in London after his second trip away, Colin found himself glad to be home. He had sorely missed the sounds and smells that accompany London; the clipping of horses hooves and the constant chit-chat of men and women. It was home; it would always be home.

However, as he stepped off the boat or the train, Colin always wondered the same thing. How long would it be until he craved adventure once more?

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

A month.

Colin lasted a month in the company of his beloved family before he was desperate to head off on his next adventure. However, he had no clear destination in mind. He had visited Europe, toured the Mediterranean and had hopes of crossing the Atlantic one day soon, but for now - to save his mother’s poor nerves - was content to remain closer to home.

He wasn’t one to visit libraries himself, usually sending a list of books with a servant whenever they visited the place, but this time he fancied the walk to stretch his legs. He had decided that research was the best way forward into finding his next destination, his next adventure. The library could offer such a thing.

It truly was a thing of wonder; so many books and serial publications at home in one place. The library at Bridgerton House was well stocked and Colin knew he could walk in freely and take whatever he would need, but there was something attractive about going out to find exactly what you need. There was also the added bonus of a lack of interrogation from his much-loved mother.

A huff leaves his body as Colin is pitched forward; barely catching himself before knocking into one of the shelves. Turning, Colin readies the words he wants to fling at the person who had yet they die in his throat when he finds you standing behind him with an apologetic look on your face, close to tears.

“Mr. Bridgerton!” You gasp, bowing your head politely and in apology, “I hadn’t meant to walk into you.”

Colin smiles, brushing down his suit jacket, “It’s no worry, Miss (Y/L/N). No harm done.”

“I hope not,” You reply, biting your lip.

His smile grows wider at the note of concern in your voice. “Truly, Miss (Y/L/N), no harm done.”

“Nevertheless, I apologise.”

“What are you reading?” He asks, nodding at the two books in your hand, changing the subject.

“They’re romances,” You admit shyly, “I read to my aunt twice a week. She rather enjoys them.”

“And you? Do you enjoy them?”

“There are some that I enjoy, yes, but I prefer books with adventures if I’m being honest.”

“Adventures?”

You nod, “I like them very much. What do you read?”

Colin frowns; confused at the question. You gesture to the shelves of books surrounding you, “What do you like to read, Mr. Bridgerton? We are in a library after all.”

“Non-fiction,” He replies, nodding his head to the stack dedicated to true life accounts of travellers. “I’m here doing research.”

“Research?”

“For where I want to travel to next,” Colin clarifies; walking towards the stack, all the while knowing you’re following.

“Have you an idea?”

He shakes his head; disappointed at the admission. For his last two trips abroad, he had known exactly where he wanted to go and what he wanted to do and see. Now, however, he was struggling for ideas.

You nod your head; seemingly understanding the predicament Colin has found himself in. Holding close the hardcover editions of the romances your aunt loved so much, you take a step back from the third eldest Bridgerton.

“I hope you find your location soon, Mr. Bridgerton,” You murmur in farewell, turning away from the tall brunette.

“I hope you enjoy your romances,” Colin replies, watching you walk away. Fleetingly, he wonders if he will see you again.

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

The library remains just as silent as the last time Colin visited. The books he had borrowed heavy in his hands as he returns them to the attendant who nods in thanks. Distantly, he wonder whether he will run into you again. Since meeting you last, he hadn’t stopped thinking about you.

Colin barely knew you or your family; didn’t know much about your lineage or even whether you knew of his, yet he had not stopped thinking about you and the way you held your books so close to your chest, as if protective of them and what they held even if you didn’t own them. He couldn’t explain the urge he had to get to know you. Colin felt certain that if he wasn’t to see you in the next day or so he was to go mad from the unknown.

Luckily for his sanity, he spies a familiar head of hair amongst the shelves, and he cannot help the surge of happiness that runs through him when he recognises you reading the spines of the books. “Miss (Y/L/N)!” Colin calls out in greeting; rushing over to you.

“Mr. Bridgerton,” You smile, “How have you been? Have you decided on your next destination?”

“I have not though I’ll think of something soon.”

“I look forward to finding out. I’m sure Lady Whistledown will report on it.”

“I’m sure she will,” He drawls; his contempt for the author of the gossip sheet well known amongst family and friends. “How did the romances go down with your aunt? Did she enjoy them?”

Nodding your head, you explain, “Very much so. She usually stays awake for a chapter or two before falling asleep, but this time she stayed awake for close to five. I’m here looking for more books by the same author.”

“Would you like some help?”

“Only if you aren’t too busy. I wouldn’t want to pull you away from something more important.”

Colin shakes his head. “I would be happy to help.”

It takes the better part of an hour. Colin proving to be a distraction to your thoughts as you trawl through the shelves in the library. His very presence throws your mind into overdrive; overthinking his intentions for helping you, but also noticing just how handsome he truly is.

“I think we have enough for now,” You eventually comment, finding it hard to keep the sadness out of your voice as you realise that your time with the Bridgerton is up.

“Are three books enough?” Colin asks warily, as if he doesn’t want the time spent together to end either.

Sighing, you nod, “It’s enough to keep her occupied for a while. It takes us a few weeks to get through one book with me visiting her only twice a week.”

Colin nods understandingly, “Then the other romance novels must be for you.”

You raise an eyebrow, “I much prefer adventure novels though I did tell you that the first time we had met. Though I suppose I didn’t make that much of an impression.”

“I can assure you; you did. I just couldn’t help but notice that you must read far quicker than your aunt so surely you must read the other books you have borrowed.”

Caught out, you avert your gaze back to the books in your hand. Colin tries not to smile in triumph but fails miserably. “How often do you come here?” Colin asks, “Do you borrow books for your aunt alone, or do you read to another relative?”

Pursing your lips, you think over your answer. “I only read to my aunt and I suppose I come here at least once a week, usually on a Wednesday.”

Colin nods, “I shall see you next Wednesday then.”

Watching the Bridgerton walk away from you, you cannot help but wonder what exactly you had gotten yourself into.

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

The friendship that develops with Colin Bridgerton felt entirely natural; as if at some point in your lives your paths were always meant to cross, and a friendship was to begin. Colin finds you in and amongst the stacks of books the following week; a triumphant grin on his lips and his eyes bright with happiness when he finds you once again in the romance aisle.

He starts to offer you suggestions of books to read, meeting you at the library week after week; all the whole continuing his research into where he wants to travel next. He hasn’t settled on a destination, yet he comes to realise that this is the longest he has remained in London in years. Usually, Colin would return home, manage a month with his family before taking off again. A routine his mother has come to despise despite offering her blessing for every trip.

Weeks continue to pass and whilst his family know that Colin has become infatuated with someone, he isn’t ready to share you with them yet. He isn’t ready for the inspecting glances and interrogations from his mother, brothers, and sisters. For now, Colin was more than content to share you with the romance books you swear you don’t love as much as you truly do.

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

The café is busy and getting busier from a lunch rush when Colin sits down across from you. His hair remains a mess despite how often he runs his hands through it in an attempt to flatten it; his eyes are bright as he smiles widely at you.

“I thought you were going to be late,” You admonish, but there’s no heat behind it.

Colin takes a sip of his tea, “I could never be late, not for you.”

“You’re a flatterer.”

“And you’re a romance fan, no matter how many times you try to deny it. Tell me, what are you reading right now?”

You purse your lips, deciding whether to relay the information to him, but the longer you wait, the larger his smile gets. “Definitely not those novels,” You comment, “There is romance in my latest book, but I am reading it for the adventure. It has pirates if you must know, very adventurous.”

Colin laughs, reaching for one of the small cakes on the stand.

“I don’t know how I stand your company,” You complain, trying your best to calm your stomach long enough for you to enjoy the food on your plate. The butterflies raging there were making it rather hard.

“You like me, that’s why.”

“I suppose that is more judgement on me than it is you.”

Colin’s only answer is to wink before returning his attention to the food on his plate. For a while, it is silent between the two of you. happy smiles are exchanged between you both and quiet laughter when you both reach for the same cake; Colin, ever so gracious, lets you have the cake. Instead, he tops up his tea and then yours from the teapot.

“I would like to visit Russia next; I think – St. Petersburg,” Colin declares, breaking the silence once and for all.

“Truly? You would travel so far?” You ask, eyes wandering to the globe on the table in the corner of the room, a display item. Centred on England, Russia could not be seen for the distance between them.

“I’d travel to all four corners of the earth if I could,” Colin admits, voice honest.

You sit back in your chair, eyes wide with wonder at the prospect of travelling even outside the county without a chaperone. “I’d love to travel.”

“It is a marvel,” Colin smiles, thinking back to his trips through Europe and the Mediterranean.

“The only chance I’ll get to travel is on my honeymoon which will be a marvel in itself,” You reply, picking at an invisible thread on your skirts.

“Why?”

You sigh, “Mother doesn’t hold much hope for my marrying. She believes that I have been out for too many seasons and have nothing left to offer that could possibly entice a man into courting me, never mind proposing.”

Colin finds himself gripping the arm of his chair in an attempt to keep his anger at bay. Such words leaving your mouth should be a crime. You have plenty to offer. However, at the sight of your slumped shoulders and sad eyes, Colin realises that you believe the words of your mother; that you truly have nothing left to offer.

On a whim, Colin asks, “Are you attending the Duchess of Hasting’s ball tonight?”

Shaking your head, you explain, “Mother isn’t one for huge events no matter the title of its holder.”

Colin surges forward, grasping your gloved hand, “Come, please. My sister won’t mind. I’ll have her add you to the guest list and send a carriage for you.”

You remain silent as you think over his proposition, ready to turn him down and return to your life of safety but the determination in his eyes and the joy in his smile leaves you nodding your head instead.

“Alright,” You agree, “I shall wait for you carriage.”

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

The London home of the Duke and Duchess of Hastings could only be described as grand. Candles line the way to courtyard in which the ball would be held; they provide a romantic atmosphere, providing many a dark corner where young couples could sneak away from their chaperones.

Upon your announcement, you find yourself walking through the large crowd of people, unwittingly searching for the familiar head of brown hair. He finds you first, however, smiling widely as he notices you in the crowd.

Colin excuses himself from his conversation; making his way over to you as fast as he can without bringing too much attention to himself.

“You came,” Colin breathes as if in disbelief that you stand before him. His eyes run over you; taking it all in as his heart races. He hasn’t felt like this before; he hasn’t ever known anyone to make him feel like this. Colin feels as if he wants to show you everything, introduce you to everyone, but also keep you for himself should anyone want to steal you away.

“I said I would,” You smile, heated from his attention.

“You look beautiful,” Colin states truthfully.

“Thank you,” You answer, “You look very handsome too.”

“Would you care to dance?” Colin asks, a hand outstretched and waiting.

Smiling, you nod your acceptance. You take his offered hand, letting him leads you to the dancefloor where many other couples are readying themselves for the opening notes of the dance. Out of the corner of your eye, you spy Anthony’s eldest brother getting ready to dance with his wife, Kate. He offers Colin a smile and a nod to which Colin’s shoulders relax somewhat. You raise an eyebrow at the brunette only for Colin to shake his head; nothing you need to worry about.

Colin’s hands find themselves in the correct position son your body as you reach for his free hand, resting your hand on his shoulder. The music soon starts up and Colin begins to lead you round the dancefloor in a flurry of spins that leaves you giggling. His face lights up at the sound of your laughter, soon finding himself joining in.

“Stay for one more dance?” He asks as the music dies and you pull away, desperate not to let go of you just yet, happy enough right now to feel your hand in his and your body pressed so close.

“I’d love to,” You answer honestly, letting yourself be pulled back to the dancefloor where Colins hands soon start to feel like home on your body.

By the end of the second dance, you begin to feel dizzy from the spinning. Smiling gratefully at Colin, you apologise for having to bow out. He dismisses your apology with a wave of his hand, “Shall we get a drink? I’m sure I saw some lemonade not too long ago.”

“Lemonade sounds perfect. I seem to have worked up quite a thirst.”

“Then by all means,” Colin declares, bowing dramatically at the waist, “We must get the lady a drink.”

Laughing softly, you follow Colin to the drinks table where he hands you a small glass of the cold drink. He goes to take a drink from his own glass but is distracted by his mother calling his name. Colin apologises before leaving you in the company of his sisters, Eloise and Hyacinth.

“Good evening, mother,” Colin greets, dropping his head to kiss her on her cheek.

“Two dances in a row?” She asks as greeting, curious to know just who has distracted her son in this manner.

Colin ducks his head; not ashamed to have been caught out in his feelings, but ashamed that he hasn’t introduced you to his family as of yet. Across the room, despite the music, he hears your laughter. His attention rests on you as he watches you laugh at something said by either Eloise or Hyacinth. Your smile is wide as you try to cover it with your hand; trying to be polite but neither sister care that much as they continue to make you laugh.

You’re beautiful, he realises. He’s known it all along, of course, but with that smile on your face, Colin cannot help but desire to be the one who brings such a smile to life. He wants to be the cause of your smiles and your laughter; the reasons why your eyes crinkle in the corner. He wants it all; he wants it with you.

“I think you know why you haven’t set off on another adventure,” Violet states pointedly; eyes dancing between her son and where you stand, talking to Eloise and Hyacinth. A mother always knows.

Colin’s eyes don’t need to follow his mother’s; they had been on you since you excused yourself from him. He’s finally ready to confront what he had known along. “I think I know too. Do you approve?” He asks; realising he sounds like a child desperate for his mother’s attention.

Violet Bridgerton smiles, brushing Colin’s cheek softly with a gloved hand. “I think you suit each other perfectly.”

The smile that breaks over Colin’s face could only be described as blinding as he takes his mother’s hand from his face, kissing the back of it before leaning in to kiss her cheek. Against her cheek, he whispers, “Thank you, mother.”

Violet nods, eyes lined with tears as she watches her third eldest son walk away from her. She would be the first to admit how well suited you both are; the need for adventure alive in the both of you. She shakes her head fondly as she watches her son make his way over to you; holding out his hand, asking you to dance to which you graciously accept.

Violet begins to walk the outskirts of the ballroom; feeling nothing but pride and happiness for each one of her children and elated in the knowledge that there was soon to be another marriage in the Bridgerton household.

-----------

The morning after the ball is a pleasant one. The weather wonderfully warm as the sun shines through the windows; heating the drawing room pleasantly. Turning your face, you take in the rays, careful not to risk too much exposure.

Your latest read remains open on your lap as you continue to bask in the warmth of the sun. So far, the book has captured your attention and has failed to let it go. The heroine of the novel too relatable personality wise for you to take a break long enough. At this point in the novel, she had offered an ultimatum to her suitor – he can join her on her next escapade, or he can find another woman to marry. You could only hope he would join her in her next adventure; their comradery was too perfect to end so suddenly.

However, after the events of last night, you found it hard to focus on the book long enough to turn the page. Instead, you found yourself reading the same line over and over again, desperately trying to lose yourself in the witty prose of the author.

But your mind focused on last night: the music, the dancing, the company. It had been a dream; it felt like a dream – only your mind could cook something up so perfect, yet deep down you knew you had experienced every second. You were certain you were still dizzy from the spins you had taken when dancing with Colin.

Biting your lip, you think back to the three dances you had shared with the third eldest Bridgerton. Three dances – could it be true? Shaking your head, you answer your own question. It was true; you remember every moment with crystal clarity. Three dances with Colin had to mean something; it had to mean he felt something for you. Your heart begins to race as you think of the possibilities

“Miss,” Your Butler states, interrupting your daydreaming, “A Mr. Colin Bridgerton is here to call on you.”

“Show him in,” You answer, standing from your window seat, brushing down the skirts of you dress. Biting your lip, you could only hope that you looked presentable.

“(Y/N),” Colin greets as he enters the room, a large smile on his face. A bouquet of red roses and lady’s breath in his hand that he offers to you.

“They’re beautiful, Colin. Thank you,” You whisper, eyes darting around the room for a vase. They would be put in there after Colin had left.

“I’m glad you think so.”

“What did I do to deserve flowers though?” You ask, a teasing note in your voice.

Colin smiles, “I know where I want to travel to next. I came to tell you.”

A pang of disappointment rushes through your body soon followed by upset. Placing the flowers on the nearest table, you do what you can to avoid his gaze as you ask, “When do you leave?”

“That’s the thing,” He starts, shifting nervously, “I have something to ask of you before.”

“What?”

“Travel with me. Come with me,” He all but pleads, reaching for your hand, “As my wife.”

Your eyes widen as Colin’s grip on your hand tightens. “What?” You question, breath coming in a hurry. “What are you asking me, Colin?”

“I’m asking you to marry me so we can travel together. I’ve seen the world once; I want to see it again with you.”

“I have to admit this isn’t what I expected today,” You ramble, trying your best to not look into his eyes. The moment you do, you’re done for.

“(Y/N)…” Colin interrupts, cutting off your nervous rambling. “I need to know an answer, love.”

It’s only then that you let yourself look into his blue eyes; reading the emotions written over his face. He was promising you adventure; the likes of which you had only read in books. Colin was promising you a future full of love and laughter; a dream you had hoped for since you were a young child.

Suddenly, as you look into his blue, blue eyes, it’s all clear.

“Yes,” You whisper, somewhat breathless but entirely ready to begin your future with the man in front of you, “Let’s see the world together.”

********

Bridgerton Taglist: @heloisedaphnebrightmore @dreaming-about-fanfictions @now-its-time-for-a-breakdown @janelongxox @aspiringsloth20 @wallwriterstuff​

[infjsnightmare]

Getting In A Relationship Headcanons: Nikolai

A/N: This one was kind of hard for me since Nikolai as a character is very commitment-phobic. He also acts a lot and portrays himself differently from how he actually is, but I did my best at trying to uncover who I think he might be inside. It's just headcanons anyways, so I guess even if I'm way off, it's fine. Lol I hope you enjoy it all the same!

*************************************************

Nikolai is an entertainer at heart, so most interactions he has with others will come across as flirty, even if it is just some mundane chit-chat. It isn't exactly intentional, but it isn't exactly unintentional.

It will be easy for someone to develop interest in him long before he starts to feel anything back, and to mistake his naturally personable personality as mutual interest.

He will absolutely take advantage of that person's interest in him though. Like if they're a barista, well he'd love a free drink. Do they work at a supermarket? Give him that employee discount.

He'll convince himself for a long time that his friendliness is just an act. But, he'll catch himself occassionally thinking about that special someone and feeling guilt for the way he leads them on.

This is not a comfortable realization for him. AT ALL. He wants nothing to do with human connection and views it as the one thing keeping him prisoner. Emotions hold him back and he wants to rid himself of them the best he can.

Except he can't. He's not as far removed from his emotions as Fyodor or Dazai. He understands the emotions of others and he does have empathy for them too.

So, when someone finally starts flirting with him and talking about their dreams and goals and acting like a close friend, he gets weak.

He'll open up a bit in hopes that by telling them his personal feelings, he'll prove to himself that they can't truly understand him.

Except they get it. They don't think that Nikolai is crazy or weird. Emotions can be a hindrance. They definitely can hold someone back from doing things as freely as they like. Understanding Nikolai will immediately raise an interest for this person.

But, they'll offer him the alternative. Without emotion or connection, nothing one decides to do will have any meaning or accomplishment. There's no moving forward without the possibility of being held back.

He's attracted to them and he would be very aware of it. There is a lot of tense conversations and longing gazes at this point, but he still needs to wrestle with the seed of bitterness that begins to grow in him.

This person weaseled their way into his chest and made themselves at home. Some part of Nikolai feels that they are keeping him chained down, however he never shows any of this internal struggle to his person of interest. It's not their fault, after all.

He snaps, but not externally. It starts with small thoughts about getting rid of them. His paranoia makes these thoughts spiral until he's convinced that the only way he'll extinguish his emotions is if that person no longer exists. Nikolai isn't above plotting the murder of someone he's grown affection towards.

He'll make a plan to kill them, convince himself that he can follow through, but when the time comes to commit to it, he won't. He'll run away instead.

Nikolai's love interest would have no indication of any of this. He just up and vanished one day, like he was never there at all. They would be heartbroken and hurt.

During the time he's gone, Nikolai would go through a lot of emotional processing and self-reflection on his own. He has a tendency to run away and he'll work towards finding the root of his commitment issues.

When he has finally sorted himself out, Nikolai will return back to his love interest and to his credit, he will explain everything to them. No tricks or laughter, just a somber man explaining his inner demons.

If his love interest still wants him after hearing everything, including the murder plot because Nikolai wants them to have as clear of an understanding as possible, then he will ask to start seeing each other.

Since Nikolai took the time to reflect before actually committing to his S/O, they start off the relationship on equal footing and rather organically as opposed to Fyodor or Dazai who would get into a relationship before figuring themselves out.

If he has any commitment struggles after the fact, his S/O will suggest that they get very separate hobbies so that they don't feel too tied down to one another. They may even take separate vacations but know that the other is always their home to return to.

[quietnqueer]

Why identifying as aromantic is important to me (as a 36-year-old woman)

Submission to the October 2020 Carnival of Aros on the theme of ‘Prioritization’. 

I identify as aromantic asexual (aro/ace). Both parts of that identity are important to me, but the aro one particularly so. Why? Because at 36 years old, society’s amatonormativity has more of an effect on me than its allonormativity.

In your teens and twenties, sex is a huge deal. There’s a lot of pressure to have sex and to be sexually desirable. But by the time you reach your mid-30s, this eases off. Your allosexual peers’ obsession with sex starts to wane, and you find less conversations about it taking place in your everyday life. In fact, if I were to admit to a 30/40/50-something allosexual person that I’m just not that interested in sex, I reckon there’s a good chance I’d receive a nod of recognition.

However, if I were to say that I’m not interested in having a relationship? That I intend to be ‘forever alone’? Well, that would raise eyebrows.  For in amatonormative society, partnering up and settling down with someone, in the form of a mutually exclusive, ‘romantic’ relationship, is deemed inevitable; essential; the natural order of things. As you get older, society can (just about) countenance you not wanting sex. But it can’t comprehend you wanting to remain single.

  When younger, aro people can get away with saying things like, ‘oh, I’m not looking for a relationship’, or, ‘I’m not interested in getting married’, in response to those seemingly innocuous, everyday questions we all get asked such as, ‘have you got a partner?’ and ‘are you married?’ Why? Because people assume that’s just your age talking, not your orientation. However, as you get closer to 40, being asked these kinds of questions can fill aro people with trepidation. How to explain that you’re just not that way inclined, when the overriding message from society is that you should be?

I remember a work lunch a few years ago, at which the conversation amongst my colleagues turned to talk about their husbands; how they met them; how they popped the question. Obviously, I had nothing to share on this topic, but that was okay; in my colleagues’ eyes, I was still young, with plenty of time to find My Man. I do wonder though, had I stayed in that job, how my colleagues’ attitudes towards me might have changed as the years went by and I continued to stay single. How would they have accounted for my singleness? With open-mindedness or prejudice?

For this is another issue aro people face as they get older. As the years go by, you become more conscious of what your family and any long-standing friends/co-workers might be making of your perma-singleness. Do they think me socially inept? Emotionally under-developed? Frigid? Pitiful? Just… not normal? Such is the stronghold amatonormativity has over our lives, that to lead a single life leaves you open to being perceived in all sorts of narrow-minded and unkind ways.

  This is why claiming an aromantic identity is so important to me at this stage of my life. Whilst I’m still not really ‘out’ as aro, just coming out to myself has made all the difference. Now I know who/what I am, people can make whatever assumptions they like about me; that I’m a socially inept loner, whatever; it doesn’t matter. Knowing I’m aro, I feel the sting of the prejudicial attitudes our hetero/amatonormative society has towards single women a lot less, and am a lot more secure in myself.

  Knowing I’m aro also helps when it comes to just being able to deal with everyday adult conversation; so much of which is centred around people’s dating lives, their married lives, their coupled-up nuclear family lives.  For alloromantics – i.e. the majority of people – their ‘romantic’ relationship, and the family they create around that, is the very foundation of their lives. So, of course this ends up being the subject of a lot of everyday chit-chat, whether at the family dinner table or round the office water cooler. But for those of us who are aro/arospec, these most ‘normal’ and mundane of conversations can be awkward at best and alienating at worst.

My aro identity provides a much-needed bulwark against this. Before I discovered aromanticism, when I found myself in conversations about marriage and dating and settling down, I would often end up feeling insecure and embarrassed because my lack of relationship experience meant I had no similar anecdotes or stories to share. And even though I knew I didn’t actually want a relationship, and felt on some innate level that I was destined to stay single, this didn’t stop me from wondering whether the fact I’d made it all the way to 30 without ever having been in a relationship, or gone a date, meant there was something wrong with me.  If I hadn’t discovered aromanticism, I can imagine these feelings of shame and embarrassment would only have intensified as I got older.

But now I know I am aromantic, I understand my non-existent relationship history to be a sign of my aromanticism, rather than of there being something ‘wrong’ with me, whether socially, emotionally, or physiologically. Again, this doesn’t mean I’m at the stage where I feel comfortable being all ‘I’m aro!’ when talking to people. But it does mean I can hold my head a bit higher when I find myself caught up in conversations in which everyone’s going on about their love lives.

  As I get older, it’s my aromanticism that makes me feel queer in the world. My peers, siblings and cousins are coupling up and settling down, and here I remain, steadfastly single. As a result, I become more conscious of how my lack of romantic attraction sets me apart from others more than my lack of sexual attraction. No one’s quizzing me on the details of my sex life, or asking me who I ‘fancy’, anymore. But people do enquire about my relationship status. And people are likely to make all sorts of not-very-nice assumptions about that 30/40/50-something woman in their midst who continues to stay single. This is why, now I’m in my mid-30s, I have more of a need to give a name to, and to understand, my lack of interest in romantic relationships, than I do my lack of interest in sex. Claiming an aromantic identity helps me to navigate the amatonormativity which is all-pervasive in everyday adult life; and to navigate it with pride.

[knickynoo]

I was wondering, how long did it take for Marty to trust Doc completely? I mean, his family wasn´t exactly great in the original timeline, but he didn´t know Doc too much as well about, idk, two weeks after they met? But did Marty still see him as a trustworthy person from the beginning on or did it take some time? (just my brain giving off thoughts lol)

I think the trust was there from the get-go. Marty broke into Doc's lab, got offered the job as his assistant, and was like, Hey, cool, thanks! Btw, you're my new best friend now, kay?

No, but joking aside, I really do think Marty's trust in Doc was almost instantaneous. AND! I can turn to the comics and the time machine manual book for some "evidence" lol. (I was actually going to make a post of my own that was similar to this, so your ask is a great opportunity for me to just dump it here!)

Under a cut because y'all know me by now

In the IDW "Untold Tales and Alternate Timelines" collection, there's the story of how Doc and Marty met, which shows Marty breaking into the lab to steal the interocitor tube for his amp and getting caught by Doc. Yadda yadda, blah blah, they chit chat for a little and then Doc offers Marty a job running errands and helping him around the lab. And Marty, who had no intention of even running into Doc and certainly not of seeking employment, enthusiastically replies that of course he wants the job and he'll start immediately. And then this exchange happens...

And like. Doc is well established around town at this point as an absolute nutcase. People are afraid of him. There are wild rumors that he's building a death ray, that he's radioactive, and that he's just generally dangerous (even Needles is terrified of him). Before Marty heads to Doc's lab, he's warned by the guy at the guitar shop that he'll be risking his life by going over there. It is not in any way "cool" to be associated with Emmett Brown.

Then here comes Marty, who is well aware of all of this and probably has no frame of reference for Doc other than all the tales he's heard, and he's like, Hang out here with the supposedly unhinged mad scientist in my free time?? SIGN ME UP!

Marty literally doesn't hesitate. The kid doesn't even stop for 2 seconds to think it through or wonder if maybe this isn't the best idea. He doesn't even care about how much he's getting paid (or if he's getting paid at all). He's just excited to know Doc. This is automatic trust. And let's face it, I doubt Marty is seeking any sort of elevated social status in being the guy who knows Emmett L. Brown. Maybe there's a part of Marty that thinks people will be "afraid" of him/that bullies will leave him alone, or that people will be impressed he's befriended the town recluse, but I doubt that's even the case. (In all likelihood, being best friends with Doc probably only made Marty more of a target and further isolated him from his peers.) So, I don't think there's really anything else at play during this moment aside from Marty just genuinely immediately deciding he's going to put his full trust into this guy whose house he just broke into.

Doc's entry in the *deep breath* "DeLorean Time Machine: Doc Brown's Owners' Workshop Manual" book also recounts the day he meets Marty. He writes, "And he passed the 'Einstein test'-- the dog simply loves him. I have a good feeling about the lad, and feel confident I can trust him."

Now, that's Doc's point of view, of course, but keep in mind this is being written only hours after meeting Marty, and Doc is already confident he can trust him. Perhaps because he can tell the feeling is mutual and that Marty fully trusts him? If Doc sensed any hesitance or uncertainly on Marty's part, I'm sure he would have taken the days/weeks/however long it took for that trust to be built before being able to write something like that.

Also, just 2 weeks after their initial meeting, Doc writes another entry about how much of a help Marty is and that, "-when his curiosity rises, he is satisfied to be told 'all your questions will be answered'." I think that's another little glimpse into just how quickly that trust Marty has for Doc is solidified. Marty's got all these questions about the things in the lab/projects being built, and he's content to just be assured that it'll eventually all make sense. No need to keep pressing or obsess about the things he doesn't understand, because Doc WILL eventually explain them to him. That's a lot of trust for a 14 year old kid. Plus, this is Marty, so he's probably bouncing excitedly all over the lab, totally intrigued by every little thing and spouting off a hundred questions. Yet when Doc is like, Don't worry, I'll explain things. CALM, Marty's just like, Yes, okay, I will be ~patient~.

So, yeah, took Marty like .02 seconds to put his total trust in Doc and be certain that he wasn't putting himself in peril of being killed by a death ray.

Thanks for the ask!

[paper-n-ashes]

The Late Shift - Part 2

Characters: Paul Sevier x Female Reader

Words: 2k

Warnings/Tags: Little inklings of sexual themes. Otherwise we’re still in PG territory. Oh and mutual pining from two idiots. My favourite kind.

Authors Note: One shot? I don’t know her. Honestly, I don’t have any excuse. I just felt the urge to continue on with this dumb fluffy story because it makes me feel a little warm and fuzzy inside and I needed that. Will we drive this car straight into smut town afterwards? Ah you’ll just have to see. 

Catch up with Part 1 here

*

Paul always considered himself a smart guy. Perceptive, knowledgeable, with years of grueling education behind him to be where he is today.

His schooling, work, almost every minute of his waking moments was spent in the realm of artificial illustrations of correspondence. He could happily spend hours sifting through the words and numbers that made up all types of message transmission, might even admit he had a talent for decoding their significance and origin. Exchanges born from machinery were easy to analyse – they had set rules and gave little room for differing interpretation. He was comfortable in that world. Knew how things worked, what paths data and carefully devised information would take.

Human communication was infinitely harder to navigate. It was a skill he knew he was lacking in, compared to others at least. His words never came out the way he wanted, he struggled to say exactly what was wished to convey and agonised over the fact expression and tone could morph any remark into something with a whole different meaning.

Every day, he encountered people who used this as a tool - a weapon to obscure the truth and conceal hidden agendas. It was hard not to, working for the US government. In time, he’d become cynical. Wary of what people spoke aloud, assuming it was all said without much sincerity or reliability unless proven otherwise.

And then after another arduous day, there you were. Out of nowhere. Kind. Honest. Genuine. Within such an excruciatingly short interaction, you’d exuded all these traits so effortlessly. A breath of fresh air after being smothered by the smog the rest of his life contained.

Paul would easily admit his attraction to you was surprisingly swift. The rapturing smile you wore when you’d looked up from your notepad had him snared from the moment it appeared, an aura of natural vibrance and radiant energy shimmering out from your animated expression. What he’d expected to be a dry, tedious endeavour turned into a spark-filled scene, where an excited stranger made him feel both horrendously nervous and unusually at-ease. It had been a long time since someone made him feel like that.

It had also been a long time since he’d asked someone out on a date, for more than a few reasons. The more prolific Paul became in his job, the more unpredictable and unstable his life outside of it was. It took him across the country at a moments’ notice and consumed most hours of his day, meaning forging even short relationships was fairly difficult.

Plus… he just wasn’t good at it. Putting himself out there. He was shy, paralyzingly so. It’s not exactly something he could refute. His confidence was always born from experience and understanding, in knowing the reasons behind why things worked the way they did, along with being able to calculate what would happen next. No textbook could ever cover the entire spectrum of human personality, and there was no way to truly predict what a person might do or say. 

So, without the security of knowledge behind him, uneasiness and apprehension took over in most of his social interactions, particularly with those he felt a magnetism to. It’s exactly how he thought he seemed during his time with you. Awkward and floundering. Not exactly the most charming attributes for a man to have. And yet, the longer he was in your presence, the more he sensed those foibles fade into the back of his mind.

Talking to you was easy. Easier than it had been with anyone during a first meeting. What hadn’t been easy was enduring the seconds your touch grazed over him in your delicate workings while taking each different measurement - his heart beating a little faster, his muscles becoming a little more tense. When you’d eventually let your stare reach his, he’d seen how your eyes moved to trace the lines of his mouth, and it set his insides on fire. He’d been frozen by the unique type of burn, his body locked in place while a rare impulse begged him to sink his lips onto yours. In the past, he struggled to kiss a woman even after several dates, unable to push past the fear and doubt to turn his desire into action. However, in that moment, he’d been all too eager. His hand had moved on its own accord, fingers slinking up your waist, about to pull you closer when interruption instantly shattered his resolve.

The urge was still there in the dialogue that followed, although the promise of seeing you tomorrow made it easier to walk away, safe in the knowledge he had another opportunity to ask you out when his confidence was properly steeled. For once, he could be smart about this. Use his natural intellect to plan and act accordingly, giving him the best odds of securing more time with you.

Oh, but that all went to shit when your text message popped up on his phone screen. Seeing those words, even if they were meant for someone else, made his excitement reach an unfathomable peak, and in turn made him recklessly send a response without taking a second to think about the consequences.

And now, Paul had never felt so stupid in his entire life.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, the phone in his palm lit up with your conversation on display, he felt his stomach spasm with anxiety. Were you going to reply? What would you say? What if his bluntness freaked you out? What if you weren’t even talking about him? Was this all something his mind conjured up?

As the minutes passed without any sign of a response, the initially minor sense of panic began to compound, weighing heavy on his chest, the chaos of his mind soon melting into one certainty - he’d totally fucked this up.

About to slump his forehead into the steering wheel in a display of despondency, Paul suddenly felt a flash of courage at remembering the view of your face peering up at him. He knew the image of it would haunt him if he didn’t do something. He had to fix this. Explain himself. But it needed to be in person. He wouldn’t let technology mess this up for him again.

With a purposeful breath, Paul exited his car and began to retrace his steps past the other shopfronts, silently rehearsing what he wanted to say to you. He hoped to surrender himself to a collectively embarrassing situation, laugh off the turn of events, having it all culminate in an offer of dinner once your shift had finished. He already had a place in mind, only a street away, a little dumpling house that was always open late. Perfect for a cosy, quiet date after a chance meeting.

When his eyes latched onto your figure through the glass window, he stopped his hand from reaching for the door handle. You were crouching down in front of a small boy, his mother behind him cradling a newborn baby, your hand gesturing towards an array of child size suits. Paul couldn’t help but watch as your warming smile beamed, guiding the boys hands to touch and feel over the material, your words evidently making him feel more at ease as his expression slowly relaxed out of its worried frown.

Creeping backwards to make sure you didn’t catch him in your periphery, Paul felt a wave of relief wash over his skin, having evidence that your lack of reply wasn’t due to any of the worst case scenarios he’d been fretting over. You were just busy, concentrated on your work, giving your time and expertise to others in the same way you’d given to him.

The realisation was enough for him slink away, still impatient for your next encounter but assured in it being set within the next day cycle. He just had to wait.

Although, waiting wasn’t exactly a talent of his either.

 *

You were dying inside.

A friendly grin was plastered on your face as you conversed sweetly with the woman in front of you, making idle chit-chat while her son changed out of the suit you’d picked together, but the smile had never felt so insincere. Usually you loved when children came in to pick out ensembles for weddings and similarly formal events, but at the moment your mind was stuck on a small battery-powered rectangle sitting at your desk with a half-written message remaining under your lock-screen.

In the time before Paul’s response came through, you’d never felt more humiliated in your whole existence. Evaporating into thin air would have been a welcomed miracle. But when the returning text slid into focus, your whole mindset shifted.

He felt the same. He wanted you too.

You’d been in the middle of typing out a hasty invitation to come back and make true on his intentions when this overwhelmed mother with a fussy baby caught your attention. Her eldest son had done his best to iron out his only formal suit for the role of ring bearer in an aunt’s wedding this coming weekend, unfortunately resulting an a house full of smoke and a clump of burnt wool.

Personal matters withered into the background at the comprehension of her drained, exhausted demeanour, all your focus pointed back towards the job you’d been distracted from. Well, mostly.

You couldn’t avoid the thoughts and questions glinting in the back of your mind. Of what might have happened if this woman never appeared. What might be happening in an alternate timeline where you’d been able to send that waiting reply. Without intention, your wonderings turned into moving pictures – leading Paul into the back workshop, being roughly picked up onto the cutting table, his lips and yours finally connected in a heated clash, shedding all of his clothing until that heinous mustard shirt was crumpled on the floor-

The high pitched beep of the receipt machine snapped you back into reality, noting the relieved smile the mother wore while her son excitedly grabbed at the bags containing his dashing new suit.

“Thank you!” he hollered without needing to be prompted, waving his hand vigorously before skittering away to the door.

“You’re an absolute lifesaver,” the woman echoed, taking the receipt from your outstretched hand. “I’m really sorry for keeping you so late.”

“Oh don’t worry about it.” The time on the monitor screen just ticked over to 8:17pm, long after you would usually shut up shop and head home to your empty apartment. “I've got nowhere special to be.”

You each said your goodbyes, waiting until the precise moment her silhouette was out of sight before jumping to your phone. The same half written message was there, but now it felt impossible to finish. All traces of adrenaline had long since worn off, and the bravery that made you type out the risqué proposition was reduced to almost nothing. Your timid nature rushed back in full force, a thumb pressing hard on the little x button to erase all evidence of your out of character impulses.

Who were you kidding. You weren’t this person. Unashamed and brazen enough to dive into a fiery entanglement with a handsome stranger in the same evening you’d met. You wished you could be. There was never a time the concept was so enticing. But… it was a fantasy not meant for you to live out. They were destined for the outgoing, the cool and composed, the bold and sure-footed. You rarely felt like any of those things. And Paul, like most men, probably reserved their interest and attraction for those types of women. It was so silly of you to think any different. Getting your hopes up was foolish, and would only end in-

The tingle of the shopkeepers bell sounded, internally groaning as you slid your phone back onto the desk. “We’re closed,” you hawked, a coldness in your tone you couldn’t hide. Eyes snapping up to the intruder, a bolt of lightening shot through, barely able to stop the delight mixing into your blood.

“I just, uh, figured out something more that I needed,” Paul said softly, scratching the back of his neck, clearly nervous.

“You did?” you breathed. “W-what was it?”

His chest rose and fell with a calming exhale, making sure your stares were secured before giving his answer. “…You.”

*

Tagging some lovelies who might want to read. Feel free to let me know if you don’t want to tagged in future works!

@tlcwrites @roanniom @princessxkenobi @hopeamarsu @blowthatpieceofjunk @mariesackler @leatherboundriot @foxilayde @modernpaw @cornmousequeen @direnightshade @mylifeisactuallyamess @caillea @jynz-andtonic @paterson-blue @miraclesabound @prismaticpizza​ @millenialcatlady​ 

[flameo-firelord-hotman]

(Not So) Complicated — Zuko x Fem!Reader

Genre: angst/fluff

Warnings: none

Words: 2.6k

Summary: you and Zuko had eyes for each other, but Zuko was afraid you wouldn’t return his feelings because of his identity. One day, you ask him on a date.

A/N: this is my contribution to @fromthewatertribe‘s 1k event! I used prompt #23: “I really like having you around.” It was heavily inspired by the date Zuko had with Jin. I didn’t intend for it to be so long, but alas...this always happens whenever I write anything. This is my first fic btw, please go easy on me. Enjoy! :)

Masterlist

The boy noticed. He noticed the girl who always sat in the corner coming in more often. He attributed it to becoming more familiar with frequent customers, but that wasn’t entirely true. How could he not notice her? She was pretty and kind. He wanted to asked her out, but he was afraid to. He wondered how she would react to his true identity.

A banished Fire Nation prince who spent years searching and hunting down the avatar only to become wanted by his country…that’s who he was. She would hate him, turn him into the Dai Li if she found out. It would be too risky, he decided. And so, he pushed his feelings away to focus on his new job: making tea.

“Zuko,” whispered the boy’s uncle.

“What?”

“She’s here!”

Zuko furrowed his eyebrows. “Who?”

“That girl!”

Zuko finished wiping the teapot before turning around. And there she was: the girl who always sat in the corner, who was, of course, sitting at the table in the corner.

“You should take her order, and...maybe have a little chit chat,” uncle Iroh said, nudging Zuko with his elbow.

“Ugh, no,” Zuko grumbled, “I’m not flirting with a customer, uncle.”

“Oh, come on. I see the way you look at her. I also see the way she looks at you.” Uncle Iroh turned to face him. “I think it’s mutual,” he said, bouncing his eyebrows up and down.

“Tch, you’re ridiculous. I’ll take her order, but that’s it!” Zuko hissed.

Secretly, Zuko was a happy to take her order. Another secret was that Zuko didn’t need to take her order. He had it memorized. The girl always ordered a cup of ginger tea. As much as he ignored his feelings, he had to admit that he still enjoyed seeing her.

Zuko grabbed a pad of paper and pencil, though he didn’t need it, and walked up to the girl. “Hello, how can I help you today?”

She looked at him and smiled sweetly. “Hi! Can I have ginger tea?” she asked.

He nodded. “Sure, I’ll bring it to you in a moment,” said Zuko as he (unnecessarily) noted her order. Ignoring the smirk on uncle Iroh’s face, he brewed a pot of ginger tea, poured it into a simple, clay cup, and returned to the girl.

“Here you go,” he said, offering the warm cup. The girl thanked him, took the cup and handed him several coins in exchange. Just as he was about to leave, she asked, “what’s your name?”

Zuko was a little surprised. They never talked beyond greeting each other and ordering tea. It seemed out of the blue, but, then again, it was just a simple question. It didn’t really mean anything, right?

“My name? It’s, uh, Lee,” he replied, giving her his fake name.

Finally, she could put a name to his handsome face. After frequenting the tea shop almost daily for the past couple weeks, the girl thought it was about time she learned his name and introduced herself. “Nice to meet you, Lee. My name is [y/n].”

“Nice to meet you too, [y/n].”

[Y/n] also thought it was about time she made a move. “I know we’ve only just introduced ourselves,” she began, her fingers anxiously tracing the rim of the cup, “but I was wondering if, maybe, you’d like to go out sometime?”

Zuko was very surprised now. Maybe his uncle was right; the feelings were mutual. Still, things were complicated. He was a Fire Nation prince; she was an Earth Kingdom commoner. There was no way [y/n] would be okay with who he was really was: an enemy. But as risky as it would be, he couldn’t say no. He couldn’t break her heart. That would be harsh, he thought, but it would only be one date, one night out…how bad could it be?

“My nephew would love too!”

Zuko snapped back to reality. He didn’t realize it, but he had been standing there, staring at her in shock for quite some time. Uncle Iroh patted him on the back as if to say “you’re welcome.” Zuko looked at his uncle and internally thanked him.

“Uh, yes, sorry about that, yes, I would like to,” Zuko blurted with a blush forming across his cheeks. It made [y/n] giggled.

“Great! I’ll meet you outside the shop at sunset tonight,” she cheered.

[Y/n] was so excited for her date. She spent all afternoon getting ready. After going through her entire closet, she decided on a long, jade green dress with long sleeves. Then, she spent the rest of her free time doing her hair and makeup. Her heart pounded as she made her way to the tea shop. When she rounded the corner, she saw him waiting outside.

“Lee!” she shouted as she jogged up to him. He was wearing a dark green tunic over an olive green shirt and pants. “It’s weird not seeing you in your uniform, but you look great,” she grinned.

Zuko blushed. “Thanks. Um, you look nice too,” he stuttered, scratching the back of his neck. As much as he wanted to tell her that she looked absolutely beautiful, he didn’t want to come off too strong. This was supposed to be a one-time thing, and then he would come up with some excuse to not go out again and forget about his crush.

“Thanks. Come on, let’s get some food,” said [y/n] eagerly. She clutched his hand and led him to one of her favorite restaurants.

Dinner wasn’t too awkward, but it could’ve been better. [Y/n] tried to make conversation, but the two didn’t go beyond small talk. Zuko just didn’t want to talk much, not because he was shy, but because he didn’t enjoy lying about himself, especially to the girl he liked, and feared he might give himself away. Unfortunately, he was not as good of a liar as his sister. Silence was his friend tonight. Despite that, [y/n] was determined to have a good time with him.

“I want to show you one of my favorite places in the city. Come on!” [y/n] said, grabbing his hand. She ran down the empty, cobblestone street, dragging Zuko behind. The street opened up to a large intersection with a stone fountain in the center covered and surrounded by paper lanterns. However, none of the lanterns were lit. [Y/n] frowned. This date was not going well at all.

“I can’t believe it. The lanterns aren’t lit tonight! It’s always so beautiful when they are...” said [y/n] cheerlessly. She looked away from Zuko to hide her watering eyes.

Zuko felt bad. It was his fault that dinner was so awkward, but it was too late to do anything about that now. This, however, was something he could fix. It would be so easy, yet so dangerous. Zuko would be risking everything, but it would be worth making [y/n] happy. Maybe if I’m quick, no one will notice…but what would she think? He pondered for a moment. Then, he decided.

“Close your eyes,” he told [y/n], “and don’t peak!”

[Y/n] did as he said. She closed her eyes and covered them with her hands. Zuko looked around. The area was empty; no one was around. Quickly, he got into a firebending stance and flicked his hands in all directions, aiming small blasts of fire at each of the lanterns. Soon, the soft, golden light from the flames of the lanterns illuminated the space. Water flowing in the fountain appeared to glow and sparkle. It really was beautiful just as [y/n] said it would be.

“Okay, you can open your eyes now,” said Zuko. And [y/n] did. Her jaw dropped at the sight.

“Wow,” [y/n] said in awe. The fountain looked exactly like it always did when it was lit up, but it never ceased to amaze her. But something wasn’t quite right. “I don’t understand. What happened? How did…” she trailed off, turning to look at Zuko. He gave her a small, nervous smile for an answer. [Y/n] decided not to push it. She knew. There was no other possible explanation.

And she was okay with it, but Zuko wouldn’t know it, because what Zuko didn’t know was that [y/n] was unlike most Earth Kingdom citizens. She never immediately hated someone for being a firebender. Her parents taught her that there are good people and bad people everywhere—even in her home town—and that everyone is capable of change—even our enemies. So, she was determined to prove to him that she was okay with who he was.

Gently, [y/n] moved her hands to take his. They were sweaty, he was obviously nervous, but she didn’t mind. Facing each other, the two locked eyes.

“Now, it’s your turn to close your eyes,” said [y/n].

Zuko did as she said. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever was to come. To be honest, he wasn’t sure what it would be. A kiss? A slap to face? He wasn’t sure which one he was more afraid of. His eyelids twitched from the anticipation.

Slowly, [y/n] stood on her toes and leaned in to softly press her lips to his. Zuko impulsively reciprocated, but only for a moment. Suddenly, his eyes widened as he realized what was happening, and he pushed himself away from her. [Y/n] was startled and confused. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

Zuko paused and looked at the ground in shame. “It’s complicated,” was the only answer he could give her. “I have to go.”

“Wait!” shouted [y/n], grabbing his wrist. “Just tell me. Why is it complicated?”

Zuko didn’t know how to respond. How was he supposed to explain that he was the crowned prince of the Fire Nation, and that he had been banished for years, and that he had been tasked with capturing the avatar, and that he had become wanted, and that he had a huge crush on her, and that she deserved someone better? He didn’t know. Again, he looked at the ground in shame.

“It’s because you’re a firebender, isn’t it?”

Zuko’s snapped his head up in shock. Not necessarily because she figured it out, but because she said it out loud and so plainly. It was a genuine question. He sensed no anger, no fear.

[Y/n] chuckled when he didn’t respond. “Oh, come on, Lee. Those lanterns didn’t light themselves. It’s okay. I’m not afraid of who you are.”

“You’re not?” he asked in disbelief.

[Y/n] shook her head and clasped his hand with hers. “I’m not. Come sit with me.” She led Zuko to the edge of the fountain. Zuko was hesitant, but followed and sat next to her. [Y/n] wanted to be someone he could trust. She wanted Zuko to feel comfortable with her. There was no doubt in her mind that being a firebender in Ba Sing Se made making friends difficult, let alone going on dates.

“There are good people in the Fire Nation. I know it. Just like how there are bad people in the Earth Kingdom. Maybe not as many or as bad, but still…it’s like what my parents used to tell me: there’s good and bad in every person, every group and every nation.”

She sounded like his uncle, and Zuko found it endearing. He also appreciated the fact that she was being so kind and optimistic, but he had to be honest with her. “Well, I’m not a very good person. I’ve actually done some pretty bad things…” he mumbled.

Despite his confession, [y/n] wasn’t scared. Zuko had many chances to hurt her on their date, and he never did. “So why are you here then? Why aren’t you living in the Fire Nation? Why aren’t you burning down villages or attacking people? Why did you come to Ba Sing Se?” she asked persistently.

Zuko thought for a moment. He thought about telling her everything, but it was one thing to be just another enemy and another to be the son of the Firelord. It would be too much for her to handle.

“It’s complicated,” he said, looking at the ground yet again.

“Was it to run away? To have a fresh start?”

“In a way...yes,” Zuko replied.

“Good. There’s no better place to change yourself than here! It’s safe and full of opportunities. Though, it must be hard not being able to be ‘yourself,’ if you know what I mean,” said [y/n].

Zuko sighed and nodded his head in agreement. “It sucks, but it’s not nearly as bad as what others have to experience because of my people.”

“I’m glad you recognize that.”

“How can I not? I feel ashamed of who I am…”

“Don’t be.” Zuko turned to [y/n], curious as to why he shouldn’t be. Any other Earth Kingdom citizen would’ve hissed at him and called him an ash-maker. [Y/n] continued, “we can’t choose where we come from. But every day we have an opportunity to be a better person!”

It was probably another proverb her parents told her, and it was just what he needed to hear. Zuko smiled. For once in his life, he felt okay with his identity. He felt at peace. “You’re right. Thanks,” he said gratefully.

“Of course!” [y/n] cheered. “It’s getting late now. We should go home.”

The two walked hand in hand to [y/n]’s apartment. Neither of them said anything on the way. They didn’t need to. They had done enough talking for tonight and just wanted to enjoy being together.

“I had a good time tonight, even if things got a little…awkward. Um, do you think we could do this again?” asked Zuko, scratching the back of his neck.

[Y/n] beamed. “I’d love to!”

“Really? I mean, great! How about...this weekend?”

[Y/n] nodded, “sure!”

“And please feel free to stop by the tea shop,” Zuko begged, a blush dusting his cheeks. “I really like having you around.”

[Y/n] felt her heart flutter. He didn’t have to tell her to stop by, she already planned on it, but hearing him say that filled her with joy. “I will,” she promised, “good night, Lee!”

“Good night, [y/n]. Oh, by the way, Lee isn’t my real name,” Zuko said, leaning in to whisper in her ear, “it’s Zuko.”

[Y/n] gently cupped his cheek. “Your secret is safe with me, Zuko,” she whispered back reassuringly. She softly pecked his cheek before walking into her apartment. All the while, Zuko watched her, the girl who always sat in the corner, completely lovestruck.

Back at Zuko’s apartment, uncle Iroh was tidying up the place, when Zuko walked in.

“You’re back! How was your date?” his uncle asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Um, it was nice. We’re going out again this weeken—”

“Oh, I’m so happy for you!” his uncle exclaimed, leaping to Zuko and embracing him tightly. “I never thought I’d see the day my dearest nephew would have a lady friend! Tell me about her. Have you kissed yet? When are you inviting her over for dinner? Did you confess your feelings for her?”

“Okay, uncle, that’s enough!”

[lifeofkaze]

When Stars Ignite - Chapter 3

HPHM Rockstar AU

A/N:

General Warning: This whole fic has a general warning of being NSFW / 18+. We will give specific warnings for every chapter in itself, but several adult themes will be more or less present in every chapter, may it be explicitly or in mention. These include sexual topics, drug abuse, (ab)use of alcohol, smoking and a whole lot of cursing.

Specific Warning: Mentions of alcohol, mentions of NSFW content, suggestive NSFW content

~~~

Find the masterpost here, the previous chapter here and the next one here. The songs featured before every chapter can be found on this pretty badass playlist here.

~~~

This work is a collaboration with @the-al-chemist

Taglist: @slytherindisaster @carewyncromwell @night-rhea

Chapter 3: Dirty Little Secret

I’ll keep you my dirty little secret

Don’t tell anyone or you’ll be just another regret

Hope that you can keep it

My dirty little secret

~ The All-American Rejects - Dirty Little Secret ~

All three girls watched as Orion left the private area of the nightclub, two of them looking confused, one of them trying her hardest not to laugh.

“What’s got into him all of a sudden?” Merula asked, looking baffled.

“Seems like Jameson’s show rattled the poor guy alright,” Skye cackled.

Lizzie joined into her laughter. “As if. I don’t think anything could shake him, let alone me.”

She hid her smirk by taking a sip of her cocktail.

The next fifteen minutes felt like an eternity to Lizzie. She passed the time by listening to Skye and Merula’s chit chat, sipping her drink and nodding from time to time. She had to fight the urge to bounce her foot in impatience and not glance at her watch repeatedly. Not quite succeeding, Lizzie caught herself tapping her finger against her glass to the beat of the music; she willed herself to stop.

When she had finally finished her drink, she rose from her seat, stretched her already aching back and smiled at her remaining two friends.

“I’m afraid Orion had a point earlier, I always forget how exhausting playing a full show is,” she yawned and reached for her bag. “I’ll get a cab back home to get some sleep in.”

“Alright, let us just finish our drinks and we’re ready to go,” Skye said immediately, but Lizzie could tell she wanted to stay for a little longer; she always did.

“No, it’s alright, go and have some fun. Once we’re out of London there won’t be much time for that anymore.”

Skye scowled at her. “You sure? Not that keen on you going back all by yourself.”

Merula rolled her eyes. “Just let her go, if she wants to. If she gets kidnapped, no one can chew their captor’s ear off with that awful cheeriness like her. We’ll have her back in no time.”

Usually she would have shot back at Merula but right now Lizzie was glad she was playing into her hands. She was buzzing to get out of the nightclub, so when Skye tried to speak up again, she just shook her head.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll text you once I’m back, alright?”

Without giving Skye another chance to reply, she smiled at both of them, turned around and walked towards the exit.

The cool air of the summer night felt wonderful compared to the stuffiness of the packed nightclub as Lizzie stepped outside. She buried her hands in the pockets of her leather jacket and bowed her head as she passed the group of photographers always present in front of high profile establishments like this.

It was her luck that they cared more for soap stars and minor starlets stumbling home on the arm of a football player than one relatively sober person leaving all on her own. It was only a few clicks and flashes she had to make her way through before the mob had already focused on the next familiar face emerging from the doors behind her. She just hoped she had waited long enough for no one to make the connection.

Checking the message on her phone telling her where to go, she quickly walked a few steps away from the crowd until she reached the entrance to a small side street. Turning her head, Lizzie made sure no one was watching her before she stepped into the darkness of the alley. Anyone still in possession of half of their senses would have told her to stick to the main street, but Lizzie knew where she was going.

A smile stole onto her face as she walked towards the figure stepping out of the shadows.

“What the hell took you so long?”

Ignoring his question, Lizzie sped up her steps until she had reached Orion, grabbing him by his jacket and pulling him towards her. Her lips crashed onto his and his arms immediately went around her as he kissed her with the same desperate hunger she was feeling herself.

She buried her hands in his dark hair and sighed against his mouth as she felt his hands wandering over the curve of her waistline before his fingers hooked through the loops of her jeans.

“So fierce tonight,” she chuckled as they broke apart for a moment. Both of them were breathing heavily, Orion’s skin feeling hot to her touch. There was a fire burning inside his eyes that made her shudder.

“You did keep me waiting,” he murmured into her ear. His breath ghosting over the sensitive skin of her neck was giving her goosebumps all over and he knew that full well.

“I couldn’t really down my drink in one go and run after you, could I? Your fault you left so early.”

She would have loved to go straight after him but that would have been way too suspicious; their little affair - if one could even call it that - was a secret both of them very much intended to keep from the others.

“After that show you’ve given? What did you expect?”

She had to laugh at his words, her eyes twinkling with promise as they found his. Her finger traced the line of his jaw, the stubble of his beard biting into her fingertip.

“I knew you’d love it.”

She rose onto her tiptoes to reach his ear as she whispered, “Want me to remind you what else my tongue can do?”

“I don’t think I’m the only one eager for that.”

Despite herself, Lizzie’s breath hitched and she bit her bottom lip as she felt Orion’s hands travel downwards from her waist. He stopped over the back pockets of her trousers, squeezing her bum as he captured her lips in another searing kiss.

Her head spun for a moment, dizzy from exhaustion, alcohol and Orion’s touch. She had to will herself to break away from him again, this time taking a step back out of his reach.

“Come on then,” she purred, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger as she looked him up and down, “What are you waiting for?”

But Orion knew how to play her game as well. Mirroring her grin, he simply walked past her in the direction of the main street, not sparing so much as another look. He passed so closely that he was almost brushing against her; the electricity between them was palpable and Lizzie felt her mouth go dry as she watched him from behind.

Orion waited a moment before motioning for her to follow him when he was sure no one would pay any attention to them.

While they were waiting for their cab, not being able to touch Orion when all she wanted was to feel his lips on her skin almost killed Lizzie; judging from his tensed shoulders and nervous fingers drumming against his leg during their ride home, that feeling was mutual.

It was no use, though; as long as they were in public, there was nothing they could do. Making out in the alley with a bunch of reporters around the corner had already been a hell of a risk.

The drive to Orion’s place in Nottinghill felt like an eternity; by the time they had finally reached his flat, Lizzie’s skin was positively tingling. Not being quick enough for her taste, she plucked the key from his hand and unlocked the door herself before stepping into the dark hallway first.

She turned around in the doorframe, shooting him a cocky smile over her shoulder.

“Are you coming? I think I promised you a show.”

***

The pale sunlight of the early morning seeped into the room from the skylight above Orion’s bed. Falling onto Lizzie’s face, it made her stir in her sleep, slowly waking her up from her dream. She tried holding on to it for a moment longer, but it drifted out of her grasp as her body was waking up until it was completely out of reach.

Sighing wistfully, Lizzie turned around and propped herself up onto her elbows. Her lips curved into a smile as her eyes fell onto Orion, who was still sleeping next to her. He was lying on his stomach with his face buried in the fluffy white pillows, his breath deep and even.

Now, in the light of the new day, Lizzie could see the bright red scratches running over his shoulder blades. She blushed a little; maybe she had gone a little overboard in the heat of the moment.

The sight of Orion’s maltreated back made the memories of last night return to her. The thought of his rough fingertips exploring every inch of her body, the sweet bite of his unshaved cheek against the inside of her thighs sent a pleasant shiver down her spine even now. The way she had relished the feeling of his skin against hers as he had coaxed wave after wave of pleasure from her body made her realise how starved she had been for his touch.

It almost surprised Lizzie how quickly sleeping with Orion had become her favourite way of winding down after a show. The sex was fantastic and the fact that no one knew what they were doing was only adding to the excitement. They were aware that it was one of the band’s most important rules they were breaking time and time again: No meddling with the other members. According to Ethan, getting involved with each other could cause nothing but trouble.

However, Lizzie was enjoying their time together way too much to just give up on it like that; free from any form of commitment, it was a bonus to their friendship neither of them wanted to miss. She could definitely confirm that Orion’s fingers weren’t only nimble when it came to playing the guitar.

Without really thinking about it, Lizzie reached out towards him. Her fingers were tracing the lines of the tattoo covering the whole of his back, from the now slightly scratched eagle wings spanning from shoulder to shoulder, down to the woven circle of the dreamcatcher the eagle was carrying in its claws. Her fingers tiptoed lightly over the pattern, joining up the beads worked into the web. Orion had told her that each of them represented a memory dear to him; she noticed he had some new ones added since the last time she had seen it.

Some of the inked feathers flowing down from the circle past beneath the eagle’s tail were new to her as well. Her fingers were wandering over them, dancing across his lower back.

Completely consumed by what she was doing, Lizzie hadn’t noticed Orion waking up. She jumped as he spoke to her, her eyes flying towards his face.

“What are you doing?”

Orion’s head was turned towards her, his eyes still closed, but a cheeky smile was playing around his lips.

Lizzie was spared an answer when he opened his eyes to look at her. “I’m surprised you’re still here.”

Realising how his words must have sounded, his smile turned softer as he closed his eyes again. “Don’t stop though.”

Setting her hand onto his back again, Lizzie let her fingers wander up his spine. She lightly tapped them to a rhythm only she could hear and noticed the tiny shiver running through him when she brushed them downwards again, her fingernails grazing his skin ever so gently.

“You never stay the whole night when we’re touring,” Orion murmured sleepily.

Lizzie hummed in response, not taking her eyes off the beautiful picture painted on his skin.

“I missed this,” she murmured under her breath, more to herself than to him.

“I missed you.”

Caught by surprise at his words, her movements stopped abruptly. Orion’s eyes were soft as he watched her, taking in his shirt hanging loose on her body. Her open hair was still a tangled mess from last night

“Why would you say that?” Lizzie laughed, trying to mask her being caught unaware with a poke to his ribcage.

Orion laughed along and evaded her by rolling onto his side. He quickly caught her wrist and held it away from him. A grin formed on his face as he shrugged.

“Because it’s true; nothing relaxes me more than you do.”

Lizzie snorted. “Is that so?”

With a laugh, he let go of her hand and let himself fall back into the pillows. “Do I look not relaxed to you?”

“If anything, you look overly smug to me,” Lizzie shot back.

She grabbed her pillow and hit him with it before quickly jumping off the bed to get out of his reach. She searched her jacket that was among the pile of clothes littering the floor for her phone and a hair tie, all the while feeling Orion’s eyes on her.

When Lizzie had found what she had been looking for, she tied her unbrushed hair back and straightened up again. Unlocking her phone, she quickly scrolled through her messages.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Orion getting up as well, stretching his back.

“Come to think of it, I might have overestimated how balanced my body is this morning,” Lizzie heard him complain, “my muscles hurt like hell.”

She didn’t even bother looking up from her phone. “Tell me about it.”

Orion finally caught her attention when he stepped closely behind her. “I could do something about that, you know.”

Lizzie had to stifle a sigh when he gently began rubbing the tension from her shoulders, knowing exactly where her tight spots were; he had developed a knack for this she had come to appreciate.

Enjoying his touch for a moment longer, Lizzie pulled herself together and shook his hands off. She turned around, holding her phone up for him to see.

“Forget it, I have a breakfast date.”

“With Charlie, I presume?”

“Charlie is busy interviewing that new pyro guy.”

Orion tilted his head. “Who else then? Someone I need to be jealous of?”

Lizzie chuckled at the notion. “Only if you consider Skye as competition. But we both know you’re not the jealous type,” she shrugged. “And why would you be, anyway?”

She started gathering her strewn about things. “In any case, I need to get ready. I could really use a hot shower.”

Looking down at herself, still dressed in Orion’s shirt, she plucked at the collar and chuckled. “You’ll get this back another time.”

She turned to leave but didn’t make it far. Orion’s arms closed around her from behind, his lips nuzzling against the exposed skin of her neck. “Your wish and mine don’t necessarily rule each other out.”

Goosebumps were spreading all over her skin at his touch but she pulled herself together and broke free of his embrace.

“Tempting, but no. I can’t really show up at Skye’s place wearing last night’s outfit or, even better, your shirt.”

Her smile turned into a smirk as she looked him up and down, taking in his bronzed skin, lean but still muscular build and tousled black hair, regretting her decision already. “I might take you up on that massage later, though.”

She tried to leave a second time before she could change her mind, but Orion caught her wrist, pulling her back towards him.

“Do I get a kiss?”

Lizzie was already smiling; she had anticipated the question. He always asked it before she left, and her answer was the same every time. “You already got much more than that.”

She took a step back towards him, rose to her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “Maybe next time.”

Orion laughed as he finally let her go. “I’ll get my kiss one day.”

Lizzie dipped her head back as she laughed and turned towards the door. “We’ll see about that.”

[andromeda612]

Renga Fantasy AU

I've seen lost of fantasy Au's with Langa being the prince and Reki either the cute gardener, the adorable captain of the army, or any other common role that will be the prince's love interest... but what about Prince Reki?

I can see it like this:

Joe is the head of the cook and Reki's paternal figure number #1.

Cherry is the first advisor of the royal family and Reki's paternal figure #2.

Shadow is a guard and probably Reki's main bodyguard, he acts like he is annoyed by Reki's too energic and loud personality but in reality he is a big softie and has a weakness for the young and gentle prince, he is Reki's older sibling figure.

Miya is the son of a noble family, probably training for either being court sorcerer or knight, he is Reki's closest friend despite being younger, he sees Reki as his old brother and is very protective of him because in his opinion (and in everybody else's opinion for that matter) the redhead is too nice for his own good and someone needs to take care of him for god's sake! Of course he will deny it for ever and still be the tsundere he is.

Langa can be the son of a merchant and a doctor from another kingdom, after his dad dies his mother decides to go back to her home in the Kyan's kingdom (Okinawa), because of her reputation as a good doctor she gets a job in the palace as court physician. Langa stays with her at the palace and he could be either training for knight, physician or maybe sorcerer too but he hasn't decided yet, or even training for advisor under Cherry's wing. For the time being he just study with Reki.

Now in this au's Prince Langa main trouble is he feeling lonely or incomplete, Reki being the sun he is complement him and his trouble is of course his self confidence, I want to keep it that way even if Reki is the prince now.

So Langa feel not sad anymore but definitely off since his dad died, he used to love traveling with him, try new things, he loved the most all the things he could learn from the items he got to sell, he wanted to be a merchant like him but now he is not sure anymore, that's why that for now he is just studying along with the prince as he decides what he want to do with his life, he is not unhappy but he can't help but feel there is something missing, that's it until he meets the ray of sunshine that is Prince Reki, the royal is gentle and unlike other royal member he has met (due both if his parents jobs) he doesn't treat the rest with superiority, he traits everyone the same, with kindness, a warm and genuine smile, he actually doesn't act like how he was taught princes are supposed to act, he is loud and very energetic, he is polite and all, but he doesn't emanate an aura of someone to be afraid off or someone you feel intimidate with, he makes you feel like you are with a friend, he will talk and talk enthusiastically to no end... unless you show him you were bored, which was not rare to happen, with the prince being too kind and easygoing is was easy for others to forget he was the prince. But Langa could hear him for hours and never get bored, Reki showed him the palace and different places of the kingdom, he show him his drawings, all his crafts, the prince was incredible with smithy, he designed most of the best warriors' armors, as well as some of the innovative artifacts that helped so much in the kingdom, he showed him his passion for his realm and his passion for his hobbies, he was amazing... it's such a shame the prince is not capable to see it himself.

Reki for his part, he is the genius, creative sunshine we know. He is energetic and almost all the people loves him. Almost, because there is still the royal and nobles assholes that think he won't be a proper ruler because of his personality. As well as the people that get fed up with his energy. Those all are the people less liked in the kingdom. Though is really a trouble that the royal ones hold such power, because they really chose violence when it comes to Reki's self confidence. Especially because the most deep root for his insecurities comes from no other than his passed away father.

The king was... not a good man, the kingdom was not in ruins but the people were not happy, his family was not either, he would lash out to his wife and daughters, telling them they were good just to show of, to serve him, he was abusive with this staff on the palace and to his people, but who got the worst treatment was the young prince, since a child Reki was unquiet, loud, energic, totally the opposite to a centered, reserved and serious prince, he was also too kind with everyone no matter how much he told him he was above all the people, but Reki refused to be rude or mean to anyone, the only people that he lashed out to were the rude and cruel royals that abused of their power and were mean to people with no status or power. The king ruled with an iron fist and with stronger severity he tried to rise his heir, but Reki's golden heart was always stronger, however it didn't protected him from the abuse, the hard punishments and the constant reminders of how a failure he was, how he was worthless, how he was a mistake, how easy it would be for him to replace him if not were for the fact he needed a boy of royal blood to be his heir and he had no one, how annoying he was, that there was something wrong with him. And all the people that thought the same as his father had no seconds thoughts to remind him of the same in every. Single. Opportunity.

It was such a relief when the king died from a mysterious illness, and if anyone ever thought about it as a coup from the queen and the royal staff? Well nobody blamed them, but that was just a rumor and they were fine without him anyways.

Indeed, after the king's death the Kingdome went through a prosperity that haven't been seen in years. Despite what the king and his lackyes believed the Queen was actually a very well skilled ruler, she fixed the mess her former husband made and bring a new era to her people, she made new allies, she cleaned the corrupted government and brought new opportunities to the kingdom of Okinawa, the people were happy again. And her son, his ideas for artifacts to make certain tasks easier, his enthusiasm about cultural development, not mention that despite what his father said Reki was really smart, a total pride for his tutors even if his chaotic nature gave them green hairs, also his ideas to improve the army of the Kingdome, his ideas helped a lot to their realm's development. Many people called him the inventor prince.

However there were some royal asses that were not happy with him, there were invertors for that, there were artists, musicians, artisans for the cultural things, a prince shouldn't be look being so friendly and informal to commoners, shouldn't be so loud and idiot.

Not to mention the people that just... were fed up with his chit chat, and okay, they get it, Reki's personality could be overwhelming and even obnoxious to some people, but they needed to be so rude about it? The fact that must of this people were royal visitors didn´t help at all, Reki just felt he was embarrassing his mother and the Kingdome, no matter how many time she and the royal advisor Kaoru told him otherwise, or the fact that those people were usually not good allies at all.

Years of abuse and constantly hearing how a waste you were are hard to heal.

But, the love and support of the people that truly loved him helped Reki a lot, it was a long path but he was getting there. Though, the person that were really close to him, and you know who these persons are, know that sometimes the thoughts gets too loud on Reki's head, but they are there for him, and are happy to see that everyday the sunshine prince is doing better and better.

Well, and then of course the boys met and all of that, they help each other to find what was missing, to discover how much loved and worth they are.

The Queen and the court physician ship them, because this is my fucking au and I say love is love, you are who you are, no labels :)

Kaoru, Kojiro, Miya and Hiromi are definitely fondly exasperate with their mutual pining and just want them to just kiss already and spare their poor souls out of their misery.

About Ad*m... I don't know yet honestly.

In one hand I'm so tempted to make him not existing in this au. On the other hand he could be a major villain, maybe a lord wanting to make coup to the kingdome with Tadashi being a spy loyal to Queen Kyan. And I really want Langa to beat the shit out if him for messing up with his sun, but well, idk.

Any thoughts about this? Feel free to ask! 👀

[crushzone]

relationship hcs for akiteru 🥺🥺🥺

Hi yes yes YESSS! More love for Akiteru, here we go! 💕

Being in a Relationship with Akiteru Tsukishima 🥰

Let me start off by saying this: if you ever find yourself in a relationship with him, then congratulations, you have very great taste and a wonderful boyfriend. 😘

How it all began:

You met Akiteru at your university. As someone who greatly values academic and genuinely enjoys going to classes, you always wake up a little earlier than you had to, just so you can get a head start. Little did you know that you’d run into the cutest fellow early bird on the first day of your second year.

As expected, the building is peaceful, so quiet, as the only sound are echos from your shoes. But to your surprise, you come across a silhouette of a tall male, sitting with his back to you, in front of the massive window that overlooks the empty university.

When your footsteps come to a stop, he turns to you, lowering the book that he’s holding on to his lap. “Are you here for World War 2 in Cinema?” He asks with a smile.

His smile widens when you respond with a nod, turning around to fully face you with an arm outstretched. “My name is Tsukishima Akiteru! But you can call me Akiteru.”

You walk up to him and shakes his warm hand, as you can’t help but be infected by his genuine smile and warm demeanor.

Also noting how calloused his palms are. Hmm, what could’ve caused that 🤔

From that day on, you two would come to class even earlier; from 10 minutes, to 15, even up to 20, just so you can chit chat.

He’d bring whatever he thought was cool to show you before class too. For instance, he’s gone thrift shopping with his other friends once, and came across a children dinosaur book. It made him very nostalgic as it reminded him of Kei, but he’s also way too excited to share it with you, so he bought it on the whim.

His friends totally gave him a weird look, but they’re like: ok, yea, Akiteru’s just being hella nerdy. The usual.

You would also bring cool things to share with him before class as well, and it makes him really happy when you do.

He’d come home everyday, since the day he’d met you, with a fuzzy feeling in his chest. So he likes to snuggle his side pillow with his warm cheeks squished to it with eyes closed, day dreaming about you.

In a way, you remind him a lot of younger Kei; when he’d have someone to share his interests and passion with. However, he’s well aware that you are not his brother and that his excitement to see you every morning is way too intense for it to be something that’s just platonic.

Is also a very observant person; if you’ve gotten a haircut, re-painted your nails, or is wearing something new, he will instantly compliment you on that. And the bizarre thing is that he’s not even trying to suck up to you, it’s actually how he felt and his eyes automatically notice new things about you, even if they may be subtle.

He’s usually the one asking a lot of questions; he wants to know more about you, where you’re from, your family, your passion, hobbies.

So you were pretty surprised when you found out he��s on Kaji Wild Dogs Volleyball team. You didn’t even know what a Wing Spiker or anything is because you were never really a big sports fan.

When you frankly told him that you do not know much about sports, but is still fruitlessly trying to come up with questions, just so he can talk about his passion some more, he just laugh, a wholesome grin on his cute freaking face. 😩

“It’s okay, Y/n-san, It means a lot to me that you’re trying to understand the sport that’s meant so much to me, but that doesn’t mean you have to force yourself to speak about it for my sake. I have other passions too, and I’d rather speak about what makes the both of us happy.”

Ughh, like how are you so observant!! It’s the big brother intuition, I tell ya. Since Kei barely communicates with him verbally, he’s gotten really good at observing micro-signs.

Which MEANSSS that this man KNOWSSSS you are into him and that he’s got a chance. Oh yea, he knows bby, and he may or may not have denied it for a day, before he’s like, nah dude, I like them too, so I’m going to go for it.

Your name keeps popping up in conversation with his friends, even without his awareness. BUT if there is ever a chance for him to promote you in a conversation, he will not hesitate, and totally go all out.

He is addicted to your smile, and he wants you to keep doing whatever makes you happy.

Will go out of his ways to support your hobbies; e.g. staying up late at night to brainstorm paper ideas with you, and he’s not even in the class your paper’s for.

Speaking of assignments, you guys are the POWER STUDY BUDDY. Like wow, you know those times when you meet up with your friends for a study sesh, but it turns into a distracting mess. No no, not with you two smarties.

There’s this mutual unspoken agreement, the moment he’s asked you to study with him at the library during mid-terms. You’ll be chit chatting about anything in the world on your way to the lib, but the moment you’ve found your work desk, you’re both completely silent as your eyes skim through the pages of your textbook, while his hands scribble like flaming wheels on his notebook.

The only time one of you would speak is when you’re hungry, and you want to stop by the library’s cafe. He will always ask you if you want anything, even if you already have your sandwich in front of you.

And even if you’ve said no, he’ll still buy something extra for you anyway, cuz he knows it’s going to be a late night at the library.

Knows your class schedule by memory, will always walk or offer to drive you home. And he’ll always make sure you actually enter your apartment before leaving.

On days when he cannot be there to drive you home because of practice, he can’t relax until you send him a photo of your cat at home or something haha.

He’s basically your main ride for almost anything, including groceries. He just enjoys spending time with you in general, it doesn’t have to be anything grand, just as long as you are with him, something as dreadful as waiting at the DMV no longer sounds as bad. 

There was never really a distinct moment of when your first date was, because your relationship started off with a very stable friendship of shared interests.

It’s likely that he’ll confess his feelings for you even before he’s officially asked you on a date, because you are so comfortable with each other’s presence. And you’re cool with that, you’ve always wanted a relationship with an S/O who’e like a best friend anyway.

When he confessed, he did it at least expected moments. It was when you were on your way back from grocery shopping together, you noticed a cheesy-looking Halloween shop, so you asked him if he’d be down. You didn’t even have to beg, he’s already turning his car around.

Can I also add that he’s a very smooth and calm driver?

You’ll be trying on the goofiest looking costume, and he cannot help but smile at how perfect you are to him. Then it slips.

You: Look at me, I’m a cat meow meow. Akiteru: *laughs* Wow, what an accurate imitation. You: I know right? I’m not as cute as my cat though. Akiteru: You are very cute to me. 😳

Wow okay, but was that like platonic cute, or romantic cute. You know? Sometimes, people are vague, what can I say. But not Akiteru.

Akiteru: and I meant it. I like you a lot, Y/n-san. He confesses, looking at you with a smile. Like how are you going to say no to that.

Earlier stages:

Congratulations, Akiteru is now your boyfriend. ✨

A lot of the things that had been mentioned above still remains: he’s still just as attentive and observant as he had been from the start.

He has a list on his phone, of all the things you would eye when you go window shopping, the food you crave when you are extra broke that month, and the different things that make you smile so widely, he could’ve sworn your cheeks were about to explode.

He may not be the richest person in the world, but he will go out of his way to bring your cravings/wishes to fruition. For instance, you were craving some vegetarian Ethiopian food, but it was way too pricy for you to splurge, and you can’t decide on just one. Akiteru will go out of his ways to gather all ingredients, and cook everything from scratch, just so you can experience it as identically to the original thing you had craved for.

You also like to cook together a lot, and he’s pretty great in the kitchen. Loves chopping things for you, especially onions, because he hates the way it makes you tear up. 🥺

Calls you pet names that are inspired by all the children books and anime he’d read and watch with Kei, such as “Olive Baby (Olive Oyl from Popeye the Sailor), Dokin-chan~ (From Go! Anpanman), and Lil Tweety (Warner Bros.) ”

He will just text you with “Cuddle Bug? 🐞” and that’s just code for “I want you to spoil me with cuddles right now.”

It’ll usually happen randomly, but you’ve been noticing him doing that a lot after you’ve had a long day at work or after studying. You often wonder if Cuddle Bug was actually meant to be for him, or if it’s because you looked like you needed one. Regardless, you are grateful.

You can never say no to his cuddle requests because he gives some of the best ones you’ve ever experienced.

His favorite cuddle position is when you are laying on his chest, as he bring both arms to wrap around your shoulders, tucking his nose to your hair as he ingrains the memory of your scent to his mind. The feeling of your warm hand on the dip of his broad chest, makes his heart beat a little faster, as he relishes in your presence.

But on days when you know he needs Cuddle Bug most, are when he’d return to university housing after his visit home.

On those days, he will be the one to lay on your nape, face down, as his long arms wrap around your waist, and underneath the curve of your back. Automatically, your fingers find its way to his honey hued hair, running it through his soft strands, massaging his scalp, as you occasionally brush his temple with your thumb.

You could’ve sworn he purrs like a cat whenever you do.

When you ask him how his visit home went, he always assures that it went well, but you wonder if that was the entire truth.

He always seems a little silent after his visits, not being as playful about his teasings, and his smiles being a little less energetic than what you’re used to. 

You were so concerned, you even asked some of his volleyball friends, and all they know was that Akiteru’s brother gives him a hard time, sometimes.

Strange, because Akiteru had only ever said great things about his brother to you: how Kei is a regular player in the team, and that he is killing the game at his blocks. Whenever he talks about his younger brother, his eyes sparkle and his voice booms proudly.

Knowing him, you decide to leave it at that, and not pry further into it. If he wants to tell you, he’ll tell you himself.

He’ll include you in all of his social events, as long as he’s allowed to, and likes to bring you with him whenever his friends want to hangout.

You felt a little bad, because you didn’t want to take away his guy time, but his friends genuinely enjoy your company. They even ask him how you’re doing sometimes, and for him to say hi for them.

Long term:

Okay, so when I say long term, I mean that it’s past the honeymoon phase.

At this point, you guys know each other so well, like it’s the back of your hands.

You also live together now, in a two bedroom apartment, where you turned one of the bedrooms into both your study rooms.

A very adventurous couple: would go hiking and camping all the time. But he’s also kind of a big introvert, so he’s totally down for chill movie nights at home.

And when you watch movies at home, you both SPRAWL out ALLLL over the couch, doesn’t even matter if you are short or tall, you both will take up every inch of the couch.

He’ll occasionally surprise you with some spontaneous dinner dates at home too, because he knows how badly you wish your cat could join you for all the dates you’ve gone to.

On those spontaneous dinner dates, you’ll come home and he’ll greet you in some nice button ups, 3 buttons undone, black trousers, and black dress shoes. When he draws you in a hug, you can smell the faintest cologne on his neck: a mix of caramel, and something subtly spicy but refreshing.

You also understand volleyball a little better now, and is always there to cheer for him to the fullest extent of your lungs, jumping up and down in excitement every time he score.

Whenever he’s feeling a little too exhausted than he intends to, all he needs is to look over at you, and just like that, he’s instantly recharged as he jumps up and down to your wave with a peace sign.

Is also not a clingy boyfriend at all, he trusts and respects you, and you are both very independent with your own set of interests. He’s totally fine not seeing you ALL the time during the day, but you ALWAYS make dinner together a thing (or if not, at least you’ll spend one of your meals together.)

He may not be the best at communication, such as when something’s bothering him, but that is just his way of protecting you of his burden.

And being around Mr.Perceptive, had taught you to be one as well. You pick up on subtle micro-signs, such as when he would count the grains of his rice with chopsticks, before pulling one grain to his lips at a time. You KNOW something bothersome is plaguing his mind when he plays with food.

He opens up to you about his past mistakes and the reason why Kei no longer talks to him very much. He’s very bothered by the way his little brother holes up in his own room when he visits, it makes him feel like a phantom, a walking failure that just occupies his parent’s home.

And every time his facade shatters, you instantly pull him into a hug, just the same way he’s always liked, his long limbs on top of yours, with your digits entangled in his hair.

You got him to work on his communication, clearly expressing the importance of it to you. And though he struggles sometimes, he’s still doing his best to improve.

Is a very clean person, kind of obsessed with keeping the kitchen clean; he cannot enjoy dinner until everything is in place.

Not that uptight about it though, there will be days when he lets it slip. But then he’ll be right back at it, after you’ve gone upstairs to prepare for bed: quickly washing the dishes and wiping everything down.

If that is not some husband energy then I do not know what is. 😩🥰

You jokingly told him how sexy he is, whenever he does home chores, and it’s now become an inside joke. Every time one of you wipes down the counter or puts the dishes away, you’ll turn to each other and wiggle your brows suggestively, before bursting into laughters.

At this point, if you were never good at teasing, you bet you’ve improved significantly just from dating him.

You’ll really worry when Akiteru gets home late from practice, so sometimes, you’ll stop by with his dinner to find that he is alone in the gym, just practicing his spikes.

When that happens, he’ll sit outside to eat with you, stargazing. Then he’ll return to the gym to lock it up,

But on days, when you’d stop by to say hi at the gym, in the morning, his team would great you very warmly. They’re pretty much your family now, and you like to host them at your apartment for potlucks.

Now, every time Akiteru visits home, he’ll bring you with him.

His mother LOVES you, she finds you to be one of the loveliest person she’s ever met, and keeps thanking you for taking such great care of her son.

With you there with him, he no longer feels lost when he’s home, he’s got you! And anytime he gets to see Kei for dinner, he’s just grateful.

Speaking of Kei, he suppose he does not mind you. You share a lot of similar interests with him — well, that would make a lot of sense because you and Akiteru does too, and that man had such a big influence through Kei’s adolescence.

Sometimes, Kei will chill with you and Akiteru at the balcony, your favorite music playing softly in the background as Kei watches his brother practice. You can’t help but smile, when you see that the brothers are slowly reconstructing their relationship.

Kei totally hates how you and Akiteru cheers so loudly at his matches though. Now he has to deal with another person embarrassing him at the stadium lol. (Though he is low key happy you both do 🤭)  

You spoil Akiteru with head massages every night, without fail. And in return, he gives you foot rubs every morning. 

Here’s how it usually goes: You’ll give him a head massage for a good minute, before patting his head, leaning down to gently pucker your lips against his forehead. Then he’d lift his chin with eyes closed, and that is when you’d give him three gentle pecks on the lips before crawling under the covers beside him. “Thank you”, he’d breath gratefully with a content smile, eyes still closed.

You no longer cuddle every night, especially during the hot summer, but you will link your middle and ring fingers as you both drift to sleep, bodies facing each other in a fetal position. 🥺

And on days when he’d wake up before you, he’ll spend a minute studying your adorable sleeping face with a smile. He wants to protect you from the world, to keep you safe in his arms as you both grow stronger together as individuals.

He has no idea how he’s ended up with you, but he thanks the sky every day for granting him your existence. He loves you so much, way more than he could ever put to words. With a gentle kiss to your forehead, you stir awake to see his warm smile, you’ve grown so accustomed to.

“Good morning, y/n-san. I love you, my lil Tweety.” 😘

---------

Taglist (open): @shhhlikeme @ceo-of-daichi @karasu-hoes @super-noya @nonexistent-social-life

[shini--chan]

Okay, I've been wracking my brain to think of an ask for you because I know your writing is fire, and I don't want to waste it! If the mood strikes you, can you write a little yandere Levi in a universe of your choosing or constructing? I'm sort of interested to see how you imagine him as a yandere 😊

Thx, fam!

As I told you once before, this is the ask that almost made me forfeit my principal of answering asks chronologically. :P

So, this will be my usual mix of headcanons and Imagines if you don’t mind, since I have a lot of thoughts on this man and just don’t want to stumble into the snare of writing a full length story … yet.

I’ ll also keep this general, since the universe any Levi fic is set in just changes the nuances, and not fundamental character traits.

Also, I have to remark that it is already too late for me - I’m hip deep in academia.  

Yandere Levi Ackerman  

Captain Levi is a very orderly person, it is part of his lifestyle and how he interacts with others and himself. It is something he is really strict about and he wouldn’t tolerate anything less than perfect hygiene in a lover. To him, there is nothing less disgusting than poor body hygiene and should you start slacking off in anyway when it comes to taking care of yourself, a very fundamental aspect, then he won’t shy away from taking matters in his own hands.

You gasped as a bucket of water was frigidly emptied over head and you threw yourself out as your bed, expecting your assailant to have lunged onto you, should you have remained there.

Instead, he was standing right in front of you.

Somewhat shyly, you looked up into Levi’s pale face and sneered at the accursed object that he was holding in his hand. He sneered right back at you, the corners of his lips curled slightly upwards in disgust. A rather uncommon display of extreme emotion on his part, for being a commonly stoic man.

“Get up!”, he curtly barked to which you stiffly groaned. Sloppily, you got up, still groggy from being rudely awoken and not in the best mood because of it. The water running in rivulets down your body and made your sleep wear cling to your skin didn’t help either.

“What was that for?”, you whined, completely oblivious as to why he was being so imperious to you. What had you done to warrant such poor treatment?

“Don’t get cheeky now, little brat. You didn’t shower last night and went all sweaty to bed. You deserved what I did to you now.”

Him being orderly isn’t restricted to personal cleanliness, it is also about how disciplined a person is with themselves. Having had to live in harsh environments for his whole life, he is a firm believer in pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps. That also means that should you suffer from any mental disorder, trauma induction or not, he wouldn’t be very understanding. Not that he wouldn’t be concerned about your broken state of mind, rather he wouldn’t see how being kind and coddling you would fix it.

“You know brat, if you would stop sulking and feeling sorry for yourself, your life would start getting damn better”, he snarled at your cowered form.

Hunched over the table, you had elected to grab a beer to numb the pain that was ravaging your heart. Watching people die never became easy, especially when they were close to you.

“Just leave me alone”, you begged and raised the tankard to your mouth again. Yet before the wooden rim could touch your lips, it was shamelessly ripped away from you. Levi’s sharp grey eyes were honed on you, the fire of anger dancing in them. Just why did he have to play judge now of all times?

“No, you look like shit and you’re talking shit. Moping around wouldn’t make anything better you idiot. You need to your act together, not get piss drunk.” 

Furthermore, he needs to be in control. As soon as he feels like his vice-like grasp over reality is slipping, he does what all people do that are losing their power – he scrambles to re-attain it. And he doesn’t hesitate to utilize violence. On top of that he sees respect given, as power given, so he demands the piety that his position ought to give him.  It doesn’t matter that you’re his lover, if anything you ought to give him his due. Rows with him are literally the worst – be prepared to be swept of your feet! 

Roughly, you were slammed against the wall in a manner that knocked the wind out of your lungs with a crude sound. It was followed by a gasp as your ears rang from your skull having banged against the stone and your muscles and bones ached.

“What did you just say?”, Levi snarled, a rare look of utter rage on his handsome face. You knew it was a rhetorical question, he had heard you the first time around. But you were too steep in your own anger to not push your luck.

“Don’t be like that, darling”, you spat the last word as if it were poison in your mouth. Warranted actually, since you had been coerced and tricked into this relationship. “I said that maybe you should take a leave out of your superior’s book because all your shortcomings make you unbearable to be a runt. Somehow, I doubt that would work, though – you’ll always remain a sewer rat at heart.”

A wrong move – those handsome features contorted to something utterly ghastly.

“You know we wouldn’t have such problems if you could control that attitude of yours. And if you would show me respect”, he hissed as he pressed you further against the wall, so that you were sandwiched between stone and muscles to a painful degree. The hands grasping you by the front of your clothing didn’t help either.

Lips twisting into a snarl of your own, you countered: “Respect is supposed to be earned, Captain. I will only respect you if you respect me.” You were really insistent on digging yourself your own grave, weren’t you?

“You’re much prettier if you keep that mouth of yours shut.

“Consider the feeling to be mutual, brat. Why should I give you any respect if you won’t give me any? And remember, I’m above you, so I don’t owe you anything. You owe me the world.”

Levi also has a strict set of rules that he expects you to follow to the dot. A fair warning, however, he may change the one or the other spontaneously and not inform you of it until you’re bent over his desk. Also, it is common knowledge that he endorses corporal punishment and celebrates pain as a prim method to install discipline. He really thinks that bad behaviour can be beat out of somebody. He is also exceptionally cruel with his punishments. This can be traced back to how he was desensitized to violence at a relatively early age and revels in have people submit to him.

You had barely set foot in his study when he looked up from his paperwork and ordered you: “Come over here, and bend over the desk.”

Shocked by his harsh words, you nevertheless complied. You knew that resistance would only make matters worse. Still, as you bend over and pressed your cheek against the cool oak you asked: “What did I do wrong this time?”

Briefly, he stopped rummaging through the chest that stood by the window and glanced over his shoulder.

“Are you serious? Don’t you already know? And I though you weren’t so goddamn stupid”, he snapped.

Finally, having found what he was searching for, he turned towards you again. There was a semi-bored expression gracing his visage as he drawled: “I told you a thousand times before, pet. When you are finished with your afternoon chores you are to come directly to me. No chit-chat with somebody else, no fooling about and yet you disobey me again and again. Your ears really are just for decoration.”

You opened your mouth to protest but he carelessly cut you off: “I don’t care if they are your friends, you don’t need them. You just need me.”

Upon that you fell silent and closed your eyes in hopelessness as you waited for your punishment to commence. When do pain came after a minute of silence you dared to open your eyes and glance back.

Seeing that you were focused on him, Levi cleared his throat as if to say “Aren’t you forgetting something?” Then you remember and with a great amount of shame you bared your bottom and meekly requested: “Please Levi, my love, spank me thoroughly.”

As usual, it sickened you that he made you ask to be punished. It was his way of normalizing and justifying his abuse. And conditioning you.

A dark chuckle rumbled in his throat as he grabbed you by the nap as he pressed you against his desk. “There is a good little pet”, he whispered as leather made contact with your supple flesh. 

This man has a difficult time warming up to people. All the agony of losing those that meant the world to him repeatedly has caused him to become cold and reserved. That means that in his mind, you should view it as a privilege that you are the love of his life. Because of that, he won’t accept rejection. Also, since he hasn’t had somebody really close to him in ages, he will be very clingy and overprotective. The world has the habit of robbing him, so you won’t allow you to be stolen as well. Not to forget that he is a man of action – being passive or also relying on words to solve situations just isn’t his style. 

Your skin was on fire due to his ministrations, or rather because of the disgust they evoked. The arm around your waist that pressed you against him made you want to claw at his skin and his lips against the tender skin of your neck made you want to throttle him.

Yet you knew that it was just wishful thinking. Engaging in such protest would be futile since he was stronger and quicker than you.

“Look here Levi, I told you…”, you tried to reason with him but he just silenced your objection:

“Shush, sweetheart. Don’t ruin the moment.”

Then he resumed kissing your neck and collar bone, sometimes tugging at your skin with teeth in order to cause bruises. You tensed as his free hand snaked down your leg and hooked itself under your knee.

The captain is a military man and fairly intelligent. He knows how to deal with an enemy, how to assess their strengths and weaknesses and how to keep them contained. And also, how to best combat them and capture them. He really is the worst opponent you could meet on the battlefield.

So how to evade him? You take him off the battlefield, place him in a situation where aggression can’t help him achieve his goals. He is a military man, as said before, so he is accustomed to low context communication – words must be direct, and you must mean what you say so that they are no muck-ups. Little conversation and more orders and demands. Levi doesn’t have a silver tongue to begin with, quite the contrary actually.

That means he cares a bit for codes, since they are of use to him in his branch of expertise. But he cares little for symbolism since he has categorised that as sappy nonsense reserved for romantics. So, you have an avenue to express yourself that he won’t catch up on unless somebody explicitly told him what it meant. Consider yourself lucky, it is exactly this that will prevent you from going insane.

“Flowers? Again?”, he gruffly asked.

It made you look up from the novel you were reading to see him eyeing the tansy and peonies that you had placed in a vase on the nightstand.

You had to suppress a smirk and work to keep the self-satisfaction out of your voice as you meekly inquired: “They are there to give a bit more colour to the room. I can always put them away if you want.”

You were being obedient to him for a change and that was why he decided to allow you a few luxuries. Besides, since you were so affectionate in the past two months, why shouldn't he return it with gestures of his own.

“Keep them. I’ll just never understand why you like them so much”, he answered and then stalked over to the bathroom. Of course he would never comprehend it, with his spartan and austere tastes, just like you would never understand that the small yellow flowers meant ‘I declare war on you!’ or that the orange lilies that had been there a few days ago actually proclaimed your hatred for him.

Hopefully, he would never find out.

Intelligence doesn’t automatically mean that he is omnipotent or that he is an all-powerful overlord. It just means that he is quick to comprehend tactics and strategies and devise his own. He isn’t immune to mistakes. So, when he ropes you in, in his games, you have to play a wholly different game of your own if you want to get out. Military, remember? There are many walks of life that he is unfamiliar with, many possibilities for you to escape his clutches that he wouldn’t even account for.

Giddily, you smiled at yourself in the mirror. You barely recognized yourself, with all the paint and heavy cloth that decorated your body. Levi didn’t either, just how it was supposed to be.

You had spotted him in the audience as you had pranced about the stage, looking very disgruntled at not having you by his side or locked up in his quarters. Even you had heard the rumours of how a few days ago he had flown into a frenzy, searching high and low for something.

You were one of the few that knew it was someone and that someone was you. Knowing him as well as you did, you made the fair guess that he also wasn’t here by his own volition, rather his comrades had dragged him here in an attempt to distract him.

And you also knew that had looked everywhere he presumed you to be – in the forest, somewhere tucked away in his estate, in the taverns and at the city borders and at the docks. Just not amongst the theatre troop.

That would probably stay that way, and you could use the opportunity to escape him.  

Adding to the fact that he is bad at expressing himself like a normal human being, he is also very emotional underneath that stoic veneer. In combat situations, he has an outlet for all his pent-up emotions. Else you have to suffer his outbursts and mood swings. Nonetheless, the world isn’t a gigantic battlefield and if the right buttons are pushed, he could lose it at exactly the wrong time and place. Levi would lose badly at the game favoured in the royal courts of provoking-the-other-until-they-embarrass-themselves.

Levi was very close to unleashing his unholy rage and as a precaution, you had taken to stepping out of range. While you found the whole situation very amusing, you didn’t want to get caught in the crossfire.

“…however, since you come short on some things, I don’t expect you to understand that. Should I repeat what I said, in bitesize chunks  so that you don’t lag behind this time”, the nobleman prattled while he looked down on your “lover”.

Said man pressed through gritted teeth: “You filthy swine, go stuff all your pretty words up your ass.”

The noble emitted a fake gasp and murmured aghast: “You really are so crass. The rumours of you being a dwarf barbarian are true.”

That was the last straw for Levi. In the following minutes, a small crowd gathered to see what the commotion was all about and it ended in the guards having to restrain him. Really, it was hypocritical of the Ackerman to threaten you about causing a scene when he was the one prone to temper tantrums.