#i'm struggling to find ways to echo that in this AU | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

readerforexiao · 13 days ago

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𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐖𝐎 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃𝐒 | 𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ

⌗ Sylus x Fem!Reader | married + parent au, romance, fluff, light angst | tw: pregnancy, childbirth trauma, post partum, first time parents, mental health struggles, insecurites, anxiety, underlined depression, panic attack, reference to trauma and loss, implied violence + death, somewhat lore compliant | wc: 4k

⌗ A/n: this is only the beginning. The groundwork has been laid and now i can focus on the family dynamic </3. To my dearest friend who helped me whenever I got stuck, I'm immensely grateful🌹

⌗ “I would do it all again. Choose the wait of a century…” he said between kisses, each peck a declaration that you understood the meaning behind every tender touch and every whispered promise sealed in the air. “Take my last breath as if it were my greatest honour. Because I am yours. All of me…"

On the day you appeared as real as the nightmares that haunted him, your fingers felt smaller than his and rougher than he remembered. Your gaze had lost its affection and stretched before him like a frayed horizon— becoming an unravelled boundary between the warmth he knew and the unknown beyond.

Where there had been a luminous depth— like the pale glow of moonlight brushing over still midnight waters— lay a turbulent sea withdrawn and untouchable. Even the sense of belonging he felt had slipped away like the last light of dusk fading into the distance.

It shook him from his thoughts and back into a reality he could not escape.

A reunion, he’d called it when the bullet pierced his chest the blood stained his shirt. A test, a reawakening, he led himself to believe when the tendrils of his evol began their slow work of regeneration. Sylus knew desperation had driven him and not mere calculation.

In all selfishness, he wanted to lay his darkness bare before you because he could not stand the idea of your ignorance while he remembered it all, those fractured, empty memories in place of where he once resided.

Sylus was but a child broken by betrayals, a man defined by those scars, and shaped by the ominous hands of fate. His aggression and impatience were the results of more than mere habits; they became ingrained parts of his nature.

Cold and unyielding became of his features; red eyes marked by the devil’s touch, a name both feared and revered. But then you crossed the chasm of his fractured soul, pressing your hands into open wounds and putting your nose where it did not belong with a promise of forever. And he could still hear the manic laughter that echoed at your naivety.

Was it a challenge or a taunt in the way you pushed his buttons? Or had he simply lost his mind, finding himself helplessly drawn under your influence?

It was maddening how in every life you drove him from a man who’d never known love to a fool at your feet. And so, seeing you wander into the N109 zone like a lost kitten searching for its owner, the familiarity broke him.

In a moment of reckless clarity, his heart made the decision that handed you a weapon and certainly his demand was a cruel form of intimacy, it wasn’t the love he wanted to show, but it was the only way he thought would reach across the gulf between you.

The echo of the shot dissolved into silence, and he searched your face, his sanity splintered, the tether fraying and refusing to connect. It hadn’t worked. Of course not. How foolish, how desperately pathetic to hope otherwise.

Yet he tried again… for his heart ached for you. But each time he reached for the past he was met with resistance, caught in a relentless cycle.

He chased the memory of you to his end, time and time again, watching as you flashed those bright eyes at another, laughter and tender touches shared with someone warmer. You were cared for and shown how to live in this life by someone who knew how to protect you beneath the stars. Much like another had monitored your heart and anticipated your needs, just as he had done.

It made his attempts feel insignificant.

But Sylus did not relinquish you even then, nor did he dare to ruin your happiest moments for he knew he would always be yours, and with patience, you would be his.

You saved him, after all.

It was that single resolve to keep wanting you that brought him to this moment, cradling his new-born daughter close to his chest, marvelling at how impossibly light she was in his hands, how easily they could break her.

He couldn’t believe it— after all the mistakes he made and the things he ruined, this was his life now even though he didn’t feel worthy of her existence.

She was a miracle, blessed with eyes parallel to his own, deeply doused in red— a colour he once loathed for its synergy with blood, but here it was soft and untainted in her eyes as they fluttered open and peered up at him.

His feet were spellbound and lodged between the crevices of the earth by her existence, that alone granted him all he thought beyond his reach.

Merely days that she’d been in this world and already had she turned his life upside down.

“Awake already, little one?” He whispered, barely fifteen minutes since she drifted off.

A smile crept onto his face as he fell back into the rhythm of her soothing her fussing. Sylus glanced at the untouched cot in front him, cold and empty, as he held the infant it was intended for. He mused, knowing that it would remain that way for many more nights.

He pivoted on his heels and walked around the room with her. She was entirely dependant on him, he realized, as he adjusted her over his shoulder, being careful with her neck and the amount of movement he made. Though it wasn’t in the way others before her had been; not in the way you were.

As he strolled around the room, his consciousness meandered through the landscape of this existence, a world steeped in complex relationships where dependence often came with strings attached.

He considered the people who worked under him at Onychinus, each cloaked in their own shadows, driven by desperation of sorts.

Most had sold their souls and traded their humanity for survival or power, engaging in incomprehensible acts to prove their worth.

To each their own, their choice to wallow in the filth beneath him. But even as they cowered in fear at his feet, there still lingered a pride and expectation— a desire for something in return.

Their loyalty was a currency exchanged for blood-stained bills and the hollow promise of protection. And even someone as powerful as him needed their willing hands, for he could not accomplish everything by himself.

He recalled a meeting with an operative, a sharp-witted woman who approached him with a proposal, eyes gleaming with ambition. “I need your backing on this, Sylus. In return, I can secure a major supply route,” she had said, her tone confident.

Despite his annoyance, he complied, aware her loyalty hinged on the favours he could grant her, a waltz of give and take that left no room for trust. For now, he needed her; she had yet to prove her worth in his plans.

Then there was Orion, a man large and sturdy in appearance, though his bulging stomach gave him a rounded look. Greedy at heart, he was nonetheless useful for his keen eye for anything of value, which meant Sylus would keep him around until he no longer served that purpose.

Perhaps these relationships weren’t the best examples to use as they only highlighted his dependence on them rather than theirs on him. But that was far from the truth.

He knew these people leached off him; they would be nowhere without his support. They depended on his money, power, and influence. If he chose to assert himself then they would be quickly reminded of who held their leashes.

It was different when it came to you. Your need of him was honest, not just a need for survival or security but something deeper. His presence grounded you and his strength fortified you.

In a time of unrelenting chaos, his support was a solace. It was a reliance that transcended mere necessity; it was built on trust and intimacy, a bond that flourished in the shadows of his empire.

What he gave, he received in kind. The love he showered, returned tenfold.

Still, you were able to stand on your own two feet without him. It wasn’t the same for his daughter who stared up at him seemingly captivated by his presence just as he was by hers.

With her, it was nothing of the kind. There were no ulterior motives, no agendas, no expectations— she just needed him. Not as Sylus, the leader of Onychinus— a cold-blooded monster— or as a sacrifice, but simply as her father. It was a stark contrast to the world outside, a world where trust was a rare commodity and relationships were transactional.

He welcomed the feeling of being needed by someone like her.

“What?” He grinned with a brow raised in playful questioning as he laid her in the center of his bed, watching her tiny form melt into the blankets.

Her features wrinkled in response to the shift in surroundings and it was a strange sensation to see her there in the middle, occupying the space where he would lay with you entangled.

She drew him in the same way you did. Suddenly, his heart pounded against the confines of its cage, swelling with a mix of pride and protectiveness, but it also raced with an emotion he found hard to perceive.

“You are everything I am not” The words coursed between them in secrecy, barely more than a whisper in a tone absent of the conviction and poise it usually had, softened alone by the rise and fall of her chest.

She was beautiful, held in the arms of a father who loved her.

He let his fingers trace her small hand, so delicate compared to his own scarred knuckles— hands hardened by the demands of survival, by years of a life he hadn’t chosen but had been thrust into, one lf cold stares and distant voices, where warmth was something fought for, not given freely.

“But that doesn’t matter because I will show you a world that won’t bruise you for breathing” he said, bringing his lips upon the dainty swell of her cheeks.

She would know laughter that wasn’t tainted with bitterness and shelter that didn’t feel like a cage. In his arms, she would know what it was like to be wanted, protected, and cherished in a way he had once only dreamed of.

“And you will loved for simply existing.” He promised, prodding at the balance of existence.

For tonight and forever on, he made that vow to be her protector and her greatest source of strength. A promise made in sincerity on his life; on the heart given to you— the one he would use to love this child.

She would never find herself in the same situation as her mother, clinging to him amid the storm on the eve of a failed battle. Your head buried against his neck, your hands drenched in his blood and hooked onto his shirt, your beautiful face twisted in pain. The red receding from his one remaining eye, taking with it a promise unkept.

No, that was his tragedy, and never will it be hers. He would shield her from it all, lay the world in her hands if she so desired, and tear it apart all the same if it ever dared to harm her.

She stirred at his words as if she was answering him and Sylus didn’t know it was possible to fall in love all over again with someone other than you.

He let his gaze linger on her a moment longer, then looked up toward the door waiting for you to return.

It had taken some convincing, but he’d finally insisted you step out just for a brief reprieve after the whirlwind of the past few days. You agreed but reluctantly so, though he knew you hadn’t wandered far and you most likely were in a hurry to return.

Already, motherhood had taken root within you.

By the time you returned, showered and fed, you found yourself missing your husband and daughter even more.

You crossed the threshold, the soft orange glow of the lamps welcomed you and immediately you found Sylus standing over the bed with his back to you, the baby fussing in his arms.

Your whole world in one scene.

“I can feel your eyes on us, sweetie,” He announced, not even needing to turn around to sense your presence.

You wrapped your arms around his midsection and rested your head against his back, letting the rhythm of his breathing soothe you.

Out of nowhere, a knot tightened in your throat and Sylus as if sensing it, turned to envelop you tighter.

A whiff of black musk breached your nose, his signature scent evoked memories of late nights spent in each other’s company, of whispered confessions and last goodbyes.

Your body did not move in his hold, but your hands gripped his shirt for dear life.

You felt yourself begin to float, the ground beneath your feet dissolving. Then the memories of labour crept in from the edges, stirring the same deep unshakable pain. It clawed its way to the surface, latching onto your mind, the sensations as vivid and overwhelming as if it were happening all over again.

You shuddered at the recollection of your screams when you were urged to push, the buzzing they left behind still droning in your ears.

Beads of sweat formed on your skin and smeared, leaving behind faint marks on Sylus’ chest.

“Look at me,” he urged, guiding you to sit on the bed.

He sank onto his knees. A man who never lowered himself to anyone now knelt before you, his worry palpable in the way his thumb hurried in pursuit of your endless stream of tears.

You were in so much pain he could see it reflected in the quaking of your pupils and the tremor of your fingertips, he was reduced to nothing but an onlooker and his touch hesitant.

“That’s right, keep your eyes on me”

You followed his voice as he counted down your breaths.

“Sylus…” you whispered.

“I’m here,” he kissed your knuckles, the touch of his lips like a hot ember on your skin.

“I hoped that once she was here, everything would… piece together. But it’s not like that at all” You sucked in a breath, “Instead, I feel overwhelmed. Every time I see her little face, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not enough— that somehow, I’ve already failed, just like I have with everything else”

“I understand, but—”

“Her life depends on me,” you shook your head as you continued, urgency creeping into your tone. “She’s the one person I don’t want to let down”

“You’re not failing her. You’re here, and you’re trying. It’s—”

“It’s hard to see that when I feel like I’m drowning,” you interrupted, your frustration bubbling to the surface. “What if I can’t give her the life she deserves? What if I mess this up? What if my lack of understanding hurts her in the future, and she grows up feeling unloved or unsupported?”

Sylus stopped you, firm yet gentle in his approach. “Why do you punish yourself with such careless thoughts?”

He held your gaze, filled with admiration for your strength— so different from his own, as he often ran and hid from his battles.

“Let me remind you we’ve faced challenges before, you and I alone, long before we found each other, isn’t that right, Sweetie?” You nodded reluctantly, and he went on, “In all you’ve done so far, it hasn’t come naturally; it’s taken your time, blood, sweat, and tears, but didn’t the results yield something good? All things worth doing are hard, and you’ve done something incredible by bringing life into this world. It’s something that inevitably reshapes all you know into something unknown, so isn’t it okay to feel a little overwhelmed? We’re here, we’re present, and we’re willing to learn and that’s what matters most”

His sincerity cut through the rapid thudding in your head, quieting your tears to faint breaths.

There was validation in his words, even though you struggled to pinpoint your emotions or the kind of solace you sought because sometimes words just felt insufficient, especially when you knew they couldn’t bring about instant relief.

But even in the moments where nothing was said, Sylus was there—always there through it all, and perhaps that was why you believed everything he said despite the perturbation prancing inside you.

You inhaled shakily, closing your eyes to find a semblance of calm but the tears kept flowing and Sylus wiped them away each time. His hand came to rest on your stomach, the warmth from his palm seeping into your skin.

“You have me right here” The weight in his voice thicker than you’d ever heard before. A tremor slipped through, like he was holding back a flood with every syllable.

This was Sylus— your Sylus— who never allowed a tear to fall… until now.

A lone tear traced his cheek in defiance, his eyes tinged with red veins surrounding the crimson of his irises, as if daring him to show his vulnerability, and his head fell gently into your lap.

He pressed a kiss to your clothed thigh, lips lingering as if that one touch could steady him

He couldn’t let you see how affected he really was; couldn’t reveal that the weight of worry had been pressing on him just as heavily. For all his certainty, his strength, his fear wasn’t for himself.

"However you need me… because my love for you is all I have left to offer, as a man with nothing else to give" Sylus’s gaze flickered to yours, and you felt his breath catch as your fingers ran over the damp line on his cheek.

He raised himself, his nose brushing against yours as he tilted his head to connect his lips with yours. The subtle flavour of salt mingled on your tongues. Sylus felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being alive. After everything that had happened, the stillness around you revealed that all you desired was his closeness more than ever.

Sylus pushed up onto his knees to deepen the kiss, tender and sweet with an undercurrent of urgency in his movement.

“I would do it all again. Choose the wait of a century… ” he said between kisses, each peck a declaration that you understood the meaning behind every tender touch and very whispered promise sealed in the air. “Take my last breath as if it were my greatest honour. Because I am yours. All of me��"

The rush of tears had now passed and you let the cradle song of contentment bathe you. Though fatigue tugged at your bones, hope flickered like a candle in the darkness. Your hearts pulsed in harmony, the burdens of worry lingering in the air, but never alone, he reminded you.

If Sylus was yours to love and hold, then you were his in sickness and in health. You belonged to each other, and if your souls were forever intertwined, then your daughter would be the embodiment of that shared love.

“She will be ours” you said breathlessly against his mouth and Sylus’ eyes, once the vivid red of fresh blood deepened to a dark almost infinite crimson, his eyelids heavy, pupils dilating.

“Ours…” He repeated, tasting the word as though it were new, something he wanted to savour.

He said it again, quieter this time, and the walls he so carefully constructed around himself, crumbled under the pressure of his emotions.

The sentiment set the mood thick, the way the flecks of gold marble enriched the lustreless grey walls; four corners that became the keeper of all your intimacy and your secrets, a witness to every unspoken thought and keen desire.

Now, they would also stand witness to the joy of your child as she grew, recording the moments of wonder, each giggle, every first step, and the murmur of her first words.

It would become her safety, her home, in the arms of those who loved her most.

You and Sylus found yourselves immersed in the soothing of your conscious when the sudden wail broke the tranquillity, causing him to pull back, his eyes wide with surprise.

The unexpected interruption jerked a laugh from your throat and in an instant, Sylus left your side and had the infant in his arms, a grin spread across his face while he ran a hand through his tousled hair.

He grabbed the nursing pillow from the cot on his way to you just as you settled against the pillows and pulled down your shirt to feed her.

“You know, I think she gets her appetite from you.” you giggled when she hungrily latched onto your nipple.

Sylus chuckled, watching his girls. “I’d like to think I’m a bit more civilized about it.”

You gaped at him before punching his leg, which caused a stir from the child who clearly disapproved.

“Sorry, sorry,” you quickly apologized, repositioning her to latch back on.

“A bit demanding too, aren’t you little one” he remarked, poking her cheek.

You glared at him. “You have something to say to me, honey?”

“Put the claws away, kitten. I only meant it as an observation” he said, his voice still low, though there was amusement in his tone.

“Careful, Sylus, or I might just take preference of your daughter over you" You quipped.

He scoffed as he climbed into bed beside you, “That’s a rather cruel thing to say. Shouldn’t you be happy she has one of your... traits?”

“Oh god…” You opened your mouth to retort, words catching on your lips, and whatever you meant to say dissolved in an instant as a thought took hold: what if she did inherit everything from her father and not just his beautiful eyes?

Your expression shifted, giving way to a contemplative silence.

“What is it?” He asked.

“She can have your looks, that’s fine, but as for your personality…”

He looked up from his daughter, breaking away from the sight of their adorably clashing eyes to fix you with an incredulous look. “What’s wrong with my personality?”

Did he really need to ask that?

“You’re difficult..”

Sylus clicked his tongue, “I’d prefer the term ‘tenacious and efficient,”

“Well I’d prefer the term ‘handful’”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

It wasn’t. Not particularly… you think?

With an all-too-familiar quirk of his lips hinting at amusement, you began to feel slightly annoyed— especially when your daughter’s insistent latch brought a sudden twinge of discomfort.

“It’s all fun and games until she turns out exactly like you” you muttered, half-jokingly.

He raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “What did you expect, sweetie?”

“Right, because I was fully aware of the implications of breeding with a handful,” you teased.

“You know what I hear? Jealousy” He drawled.

“Jealousy? Really?” You narrowed your eyes.

His grin widened, “If she does turn out to be a little me, I wouldn’t mind adding another to balance things out… maybe one who takes after you.”

“Jeez, Sylus! It’s way too early for that.” You pushed his face away, laughter escaping your lips as your daughter, now full, drifted off with her tiny tongue still out, sleepily suckling at the air.

Both of you awe-struck at the sight before Sylus gathered her up and settled her across his chest while you nestled beside him, resting your head on his shoulder as your hand slipped over his, covering the one he kept protectively on her back.

After a moment, he spoke, “You know, no matter what she inherits from me, I’m grateful it’s you who brought her into this world. You’re the heart of our little family, and no matter what our future holds, I’ll always be here to support you”

By this point you were barely able to keep your eyes open, exhaustion pulling you toward sleep, but you heard him loud and clear.

“I’m lucky to have you,” you whispered back.

The last thing you remembered as Sylus’ kissing your forehead and pulling the blankets up to your chin.

“Sleep well, beloved"

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aixeko · 1 month ago

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──────‹𝟹 SINNERS SAVAGERY ༄ Ѽ✧

IF I'M YOUR SALVATION, WELCOME TO HELL.

2024 Halloween Event | Art credit: Efferwescent on Twitter

𖤐 SINNERS SAVAGERY | or ERISETOBER is an event that is a mix of Kinktober, Whumptober and Flufftober in a nutshell SMUT, ANGST & FLUFF with Halloween aspects. All prompts are made by me but some of the ones that inspired me are whumptober ofc, and this list.

𖤐 ONLY HONKAI STAR RAIL AND GENSHIN WOMEN For this year

𖤐 This will be my first time doing the October prompts stuff + I have another event going on so bare with me haha.

𖤐 !! WEEK 1 starts 6 to 13 !! !! WEEK 2 starts 13 to 19 !! !! WEEK 3 starts 20 to 26 !! !! WEEK 4 starts 27 to 31 !!

WEEK 1 | MONSTER AU | | ONESHOT

| Film | TILL DEATH DO US PART | Starring | Kafka as alien symbiote “Venom” x Host!Reader | Synopsis | A livelihood ripped away by the greed of humankind and faced with impending doom, an alien symbiote by the name of "Kafka" entered your life and made you her host. Originally, the monstrous being harbored one goal: to destroy everything planet Earth had to offer, but plans changed upon meeting you and thus, with her power, you both do whatever it takes to save the planet. Loathing was all that was bestowed toward the extraterrestrial parasitic, but as time passes, a long-lost feeling resurfaces, one that hasn't manifested since your heartbreak; of course, you would rather be brutally killed than confess your endearment. Unbeknownst to you, the woman has suspected you of such intimacy and, with her incredible adaptability to the complex human emotion, has a ploy to make you profess those three special words.

| Film | YOUR LORDSHIP | Starring | Yelan as Leviathan x Mortal!Reader | Synopsis | When the tempestuous waves crash against the shore and the sky turns a foreboding grey, human shells cower in fear as the mighty lord of the seas, Leviathan, awakens from the darkest pit of the deep, seeking for a human companion to aid her lonely voyage.

WEEK 2 | MYTHOLOGICAL AU | | ONESHOT

| Film | BEYOND THE IMAGINABLE | Starring | Clorinde as Medusa x Blind!Reader | Synopsis | Despised and misunderstood by the world, she was a victim of a scandalous man's wrongdoing, unfairly punished by heaven despite her innocence. During one fortunate day, the woman whose heart had turned to stone melt under the accursed spell of love, wholly captivated by a blind mortal who fell in love with her for who she truly was; even without sight, the virtuous human saw the very essence of her, the beauty within her soul.

| Film | OFFERING OF PURITY | Starring | Raiden Ei as Hades x Mortal!Reader | Synopsis | The townsfolk tell tales of a legend that speaks of how, once in a century, the moon would adorn itself in a deep crimson hue and illuminate its shade onto the world. Under its wrathful light, the god of hell emerges to wreak havoc, and the only way to banish such evil is to offer a youthful virgin mortal; only then will humankind live in another century of prosperity and peace.

WEEK 3 | ANIMATRONICS AU | | SMUTSHOT

| Film | FIVE NIGHTS AT STAR RAIL | Starring | Kafka, Himeko, Blackswan, and Acheron as the FNAF Classic Animatronics x Night-guard!Reader | Synopsis | A newspaper arrives at your doorstep, featuring a job opening for a night guard position at the famous Star Rail Pizzeria. Struggling financially, you quickly seize the golden opportunity. The job's only requirement is 5 nights of work, and if you succeed, you'll be hired as an official employee; what could possibly go wrong?

WEEK 4 | SLASHER/SERIAL KILLER AU

| Film | MINDFUCK | Starring | Slasher!Arlecchino x Investigative-Psychologist!Reader | Synopsis | Demons linger where shadows play; in silence, hearts betray, whispers echo, and desires catch fire in the haunting depths of the night. With every kiss, a scythe may cut, in which terror envelops one's gut; together they dance on the edge of fate, finding beauty in a love that is too late. So let the night weave its spell, for in the dark they know so well, and though demons are whispering fright, in their twilight, the lights are ignited.

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k-nayee · 25 days ago

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Between Faith and Flesh Grotesquerie x Midnight Mass

wc: 2.8k a/n: incase it was unclear, this is a little cross-over between Grotesquerie x Midnight Mass while also being an Actor!AU. Might be a lil confusing but wanted to make something new lol

Traveler M.List

ˏ⸉ˋ‿̩͙‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˏ⸉ˋ‿̩͙‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˏ⸉ˋ‿̩͙‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙.·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙　✩　*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ .‿̩̥̩‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˊ⸊ˎ‿̩̥̩‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˊ⸊ˎ‿̩̥̩‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˊ⸊ˎ

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything....James 1:2-4."

The familiar warmth of the chapel enveloped you as you delivered the final lines of your morning homily, your voice calm yet resonant in the quiet space.

Sunlight filtered through the modest stained-glass windows, casting soft hues of gold and amber across the worn pews where Crockett Island's tight-knit congregation sat.

The scent of salt and damp wood lingered faintly in the air—a reminder of the sea just beyond the church walls.

Your gaze swept across the group, catching the faces you had come to know so well over the past year.

The mayor's daughter Leeza Scarborough sat in the front row, wide eyes attentive on you as she folded her hands neatly in her lap.

Even Sheriff Hassan stood near the back as his son Ali sat near him listening intently, despite knowing how outdated many were to his Islamic faith.

These people, they had become your family in a way—this island, with all its quiet mysteries, had grown on you.

You closed your sermon with a passage on resilience, something that had always resonated with you—like how faith, similar to the sea surrounding them, could be both steady and tumultuous.

"We find strength not in the absence of struggle, but in how we rise after the waves pull us under." Your words hung in the air for a moment, met with soft nods and murmurs of agreement from the congregation.

"Let us pray," you began, your hands resting gently on the altar.

As you spoke your thoughts wandered briefly, like they often did, to Riley Flynn—a name you had known only through the accident that had first led you here.

His absence was a constant echo in the small populace community, felt even when it wasn't spoken aloud.

As the congregation stood to leave, you lingered near the altar to exchange kind words with those who came up to you.

A soft word here, a warm touch on the shoulder there—each gesture felt like a testament to how far you'd come.

This role, unexpected as it was, had become more than just a position. It was your calling.

"You've really made a place for yourself here," Anne said quietly, her expression sincere as she approached.

"Thank you Mrs. Flynn," you replied, offering her a gentle smile. "Means a lot coming from you."

And it did. Especially knowing how much of the weight of her son's sins pressed on her mind.

It still surprised you sometimes how much the town had accepted you. Even when being the first ordained woman pastor—something that should have sparked outrage, especially in a small traditional community—the people had welcomed you with open arms.

Or at least most of them had.

The familiar sound of heels clicking sharply against the stone floor caught your attention.

Bev Keane.

She always had an aura of cold disapproval, her gaze flickering over you with barely concealed distaste.

"Another lovely service I'm sure," she said, compliment laced with her usual acidity. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she continued, "But I wonder if perhaps next time you might include more...traditional teachings? Some of the congregation finds your progressive messages a bit, well, out of step."

Her words stung, but you kept your expression calm refusing to rise to her bait.

Bev had never approved of your leadership from the start—the idea of a woman in your position, however temporary, was something she barely tolerates.

With every sermon you gave, every interaction with the townsfolk that went well, her bitterness seemed to deepen.

"I'll take your suggestion under consideration," you kept your tone firm. There was no point in arguing with Bev directly—it would only lead to more confrontation.

One thing you had long since learned about Bev's resistance was that it was more about control than doctrine.

She craved the power that came with influence over the church, and your very presence threatened that.

Bev's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Of course. Well I'll leave you to clean up. God knows there's always work to be done."

With a stiff nod she turned on her heel and marched away, her presence lingering even after she disappeared through the doors.

As the last of the congregation departed, the chapel fell into a serene silence once again.

You exhaled softly, feeling the weight of the morning settle on your shoulders.

Despite the support of the community, moments like these reminded you of how precarious your position was.

You knew she was waiting for any excuse to discredit you—an outsider who had stepped into a role she believed was hers by right.

Busying yourself by tidying up, your hands smooth the fabric of the altar cloth as you cleared the space for the next service.

The chapel, now empty, felt both peaceful and solemn.

It was in these quiet moments that you often found yourself reflecting on the journey that had brought you here—from your small-town upbringing, to your studies, to this remote island where you now stood as the first ordained woman pastor.

The soft chime of your phone broke the stillness. Pulling the device from your pocket, you faintly smile at the name on the screen. Nick.

The message was short but familiar—a photo of him post-workout, his face flushed with exertion with a cheeky grin plastered across his face.

Nick: Finishing up my workout. Just wanted to give you an update :)

Your could feel the warmth creeping up your neck.

You weren't sure why you were smiling so much—after all, it was just Nick being...Nick. Friendly, teasing, always with that infectious charm.

But somehow, the way your eyes lingered on the photo for a beat too long made you acutely aware of something deeper. Something you weren't sure you should be feeling.

Shaking your head slightly, you reply back.

____: Glad to see you're keeping busy!

You hit send, already imagining the smirk he'd have seeing your response.

As soon you tuck away your phone, intent on finishing the cleanup, another buzz came almost immediately.

Nick: Hope you weren't doing anything unholy with that picture of me ;)

The heat had spread to your face and a startled laugh slipped past your lips.

You quickly type back.

____: Behave Nicholas. I'm a pastor remember?

You knew he was just being playful, but it didn't stop the way your heart skipped slightly at the implications.

Unholy. The word reverberated in your mind longer than it should have.

Before you could dwell too much on it, another text came through.

Nick: Sure sure I believe you ;) Anyways got a surprise for you

Your fingers hesitated over the keyboard, curiosity piqued.

____: A surprise? What kind?

Nick: You'll see. Just finished that project I told you about. Check your email when you get home. And no peeking. You promised

The reminder made you chuckle. ____: Fine fine I'll wait. It better be good especially with all this mystery!

You added a playful emoji at the end, the excitement clear in your message.

His response was immediate, and you could practically hear his voice.

Nick: Oh it's good. Don't worry I know you're going to love it.

You smiled at the screen, shaking your head at his confidence. Of course he'd know.

The faint echo of your steps on the wooden floor snapped you back to the present, making your thoughts drift back to his arrival, how it had all begun.

It was almost a year at the time when Father Pruitt had left on his pilgrimage, leaving you in charge of the church—a transition you hadn't anticipated but had eventually embraced.

And just as you were starting to find your footing, Nicholas Chaves had appeared, adding a new dynamic you hadn't expected.

Before he arrived to Crockett Island, you recall the unexpected email you received: a simple inquiry from the actor who was looking to deepen his understanding of priesthood for an upcoming role.

He wanted to shadow someone in the clergy, someone who could give him an authentic insight into the life of a pastor.

And he'd heard about your rather unique position on the island...

You of course were slightly taken aback by his openness and easy way he'd talked about his work.

It wasn't every day someone like Nick came knocking, but you had agreed mainly from intrigue of the whole situation.

Even when Bev became immediately suspicious of him—practically interrogating him when he first arrived—the rest of the town welcomed him warmly, charmed by his easygoing nature.

"Another distraction," she'd muttered once when Nick had offered to help you carry boxes of hymnals inside one time. "This is a church not a social club."

Her words always came with that same bitter edge, though by now you'd learned to brush them off.

He stayed in Father Pruitt's old house with you during that time in one of the spare rooms.

As you finished locking up and made your way toward the small home, your thoughts drifted back to him.

You never planned on feeling so affected by him. Yes he was charming, but it was more than that—there was something about him that drew you in even when you tried to resist it.

And it wasn't just his looks—though you couldn't deny the way your breath occasionally caught when he smiled at you in that boyish way of his.

No. It was his presence. The way he carried himself—confident yet curious, never shying away from asking questions about your work and sermons, about faith itself.

He was genuinely interested, even if he wasn't fully immersed in it like you were.

In all, conversations with Nick were easy; late-night talks often ended up stretching longer than intended as you discussed everything from theology to the little absurdities of life.

And yet despite the growing comfort, there had always been a tension simmering beneath the surface.

The first time you felt the it was when he'd sat in on one of your late-night study sessions, helping you prep for Sunday Mass.

His quiet attentiveness as he listened to you practice, his casual lean against the doorway as he watched with a smile tugging at his lips.

Now, as you made your way up the steps, you wondered what this surprise of Nick's could be.

You pushed the front door open, the familiar scent of wood and old books greeting you.

It was home now—at least for the time being. Letting out a sigh, you set your bag down and make your way to the bedroom.

Changing your robes and veil into a more comfortable sleepwear, you grab your laptop and settle into bed.

There in your inbox, you find a sent email from him.

Three video files, each with a timestamp of about an 50 minutes. The subject line read simply: For You.

You frowned in confusion but quickly clicked on the first one. The video loaded, and as it played, the familiar face of Niecy Nash popped up on the screen.

A soft laugh escaped you—a TV show? It wasn't what you were expecting, but you were intrigued.

As the episode unfolded, you were drawn into the storyline.

It was refreshing actually, seeing a concept that brushed against the edges of a religion that's intertwined with your own daily life.

By the second episode you were completely hooked. You'd grown attached to the characters, loving the way they navigated this warped world of morality and sin.

The storyline itself was intense and unpredictable in how it blended the very faith you preached into something so viscerally raw.

But then your heart leapt a little as Nick—or rather, Father Charlie finally appeared on screen.

You smiled, unable to resist snapping a picture of the scene and sending it to him with a simple teasing text.

____: Look who just showed up on my screen.

Your phone buzzed almost instantly, but you ignored it.

You were too caught up in watching him; your eyes tracing the way he moved, the way his expression shifted with every word.

It was surreal watching him play a priest when just a few weeks ago, he had been standing beside you in the church helping with the altar cloths.

Every close-up of his face had your heart doing an odd little flip. You'd shared conversations with that face, shared jokes and moments of comfort.

The goofy smile on your lips was hard to suppress as you watched him banter with Sister Megan, the two having a light giggle over stolen fries.

You couldn't help but draw parallels between the man on the screen and the man you had grown close to—the actor who had been nothing but kind, thoughtful, and, admittedly, a little flirtatious.

And then the scene change.

The camera panned across a dimly lit, sparsely furnished room. Your eyes narrowed, focusing in on the figure sitting at the edge of a bed.

It was Father Charlie—his broad, bare back flexing as he sat, hunched slightly. The room was silent except for his soft labored breathing.

You watch with growing confusion as his breathing deepens.

A soft sound escapes him—a low moan—and suddenly, the atmosphere in the room shifts entirely.

Your eyes widened upon realizing what you were seeing. Father Charlie is pleasuring himself.

The sounds of his quiet sighs fill the room, and you freeze as you try to process what you're watching.

The camera caught it all: the soft sighs, the slow measured pace of his hand, the quiet moans that grew more strained with every movement.

You felt your breath hitch, heat creeping up your neck as you watched too stunned to look away.

You know it's just a show—it's just acting—but seeing Nick, someone you know, in such an intimate and vulnerable moment...it shakes you.

Your body feels hot, heart pounding as Father Charlie quickens his pace, his breath becoming more erratic, moans growing louder.

A strange warmth unfurled in your chest that you immediately tried to suppress.

It felt wrong to watch this—wrong to feel anything about it.

Your fingers tremble as you reach for your laptop, the desire to pause or stop the episode battling with the inexplicable pull to keep watching.

And then it changed again.

The camera cuts to him standing at a basin, his back to the facing you once again, the muscles in his back flexing under the low light.

You blink rapidly as he begins to wash his hands, the sound of the water almost deafening in the silence.

That's when you notice it—the chaps. He's wearing bottomless chaps, the skin of his thighs and backside completely bare.

"Sweet baby Jesus," you whisper, hands shaking as you press a hand to your mouth in attempt to contain the heat that spreads across your face.

It wasn't over.

Father Charlie moved toward a small wooden box, opening it with a reverence that made your stomach twist.

He reached inside and pulled out a flogging whip—a thick, multi-tailed instrument of punishment.

His expression is solemn, his lips moving in silent prayer as he prepares the whip, his fingers brushing reverently over the strips before raising the instrument of self-punishment.

Your heart hammers in your chest as you watch, unable to tear your eyes away as Father Charlie strikes himself.

The sharp crack of the whip fills the room and you flinch at the sound.

Each lash is deliberate. His body jerks with every strike, a soft grunt escaping him with every hit.

His whispered prayers mix with the sounds of his punishment, the intensity of the scene almost unbearable as it goes on, each crack of the whip sending a shiver down your spine.

It's too much. You couldn't take it anymore.

Your hand shot out, scrambling to close the laptop with a thud. For a moment you couldn't move.

Your body felt both heavy and weightless at the same time, suspended in the strange space between what you knew and what you had just witnessed.

The room around you suddenly felt too small, too close.

Shakily, you brush a few stray strands of hair from your damp forehead, trying to steady yourself.

You were a pastor—dedicated to God, to the people you served. You weren't supposed to feel like this.

Closing your eyes tightly, you try to will the feeling to go away and dissipate like the smoke from the candles you had blown out earlier in the church.

But the heat in your face, the trembling in your hands, didn't fade.

You felt as though you had been thrust into a battle between your devotion to God and the temptation of something far more dangerous—something you could no longer ignore.

The dim screen of your phone in your peripheral catches your attention.

Hesitant, you picked it up, and your stomach drops at the sight of Nicholas's message.

Nick: What do you think?

181 notes · View notes

ijustmissyouraccenths · 7 months ago

Text

I Want To Kill Her (Part 2)

Au where Y/N and Harry are neighbors who find out their spouses are cheating with each other.

Based off Fortnight by Taylor Swift

Part 1

CW: Smut, cursing, unprotected sex, emotional abuse.

Word Count: 10,085

The months following the gut-wrenching discovery of Teddy's affair were a chaotic storm of emotions and turmoil. The idea of my spouse, the person I trusted most in this world, being unfaithful was unbearable. But without any concrete evidence, doubt enveloped me like a thick fog, suffocating me as I struggled to regain my footing. Though I desperately wanted to believe he wasn't cheating, the blatant signs and whispers from those around us made it impossible to deny the painful truth.

Rage and heartbreak battle within me as I struggle to forgive Teddy, to find a way to salvage our relationship. But each attempt is met with the painful memories of his infidelity, burning like acid through my veins. I'm terrified of losing my British citizenship, my sense of identity and belonging, if I leave him. And even worse, I dread the thought of calling my family and confessing the truth - that not only did Teddy betray me with another woman, but in some sick twisted way, I am also to blame. My family adored him like a son, and he gave me a life beyond my wildest dreams. How could I ever reconcile these conflicting emotions?

Harry's sudden decision to divorce Rosie sent shockwaves through the once peaceful fortress of their home. In just a week, he had packed his bags and walked away, leaving behind a cold and empty shell that was now up for sale. As new potential buyers roamed the halls, I couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal from Harry's abrupt departure. The last time I saw him was in a dingy motel room, where we spent a desperate night together before he vanished without a trace. His disappearance was calculated and cruel, fueled by his seemingly endless wealth and power. Meanwhile, I was left with nothing but uncertainty and the option to return home to Florida. But Harry's resentment only grew as I hesitated to make a final decision. He wanted me to walk away with no regrets, but real life is messy and complicated - far from the neat and tidy ending he desired.

I was trapped in a prison of a house, held captive by a man who claimed to love me but had truly only created a tangled web of chaos and pain. We forced ourselves into therapy every week, desperate to salvage something from the wreckage he had caused. But even after all the sessions, I still felt like I was drowning in the suffocating grip of his selfishness. It was never enough, and I could feel my sanity slipping away with each passing day.

Evenings rolled into nights and days blurred into months. Each moment seemed agonizingly long as I begged time to fly quicker, to wash away the stale taste of betrayal and deception from my existence. The house that once echoed with laughter and love now felt eerily silent, its walls whispering Teddy's betrayal during the quietest hours. My heart ached in ways I never knew possible, each pulse a reminder of the pain he had caused.

In a bid for relief, I threw myself into cooking elaborate meals, organising closets, watering the drooping plants Teddy had once loved. Yet every activity was tainted with the memory of him - his laughter rings in my mind as I repeat chores we used to do together. It was a desperate plight to keep myself sane amidst the storm that threatened to break me down.

Teddy's unfaithfulness took its toll on my spirit, but Harry's abandonment shattered me entirely. I played over our last night together again and again in my mind. There was something feral about that night; lust mixed with desperation and an underlying tone of finality. He left without any explanation, disappearing like a ghost only leaving behind the faint scent of his cologne and a raw wound that refused to heal.

The cracks were beginning to show. Laughter seemed forced, smiles rarely reached my eyes. The weekly therapy sessions felt more like an interrogation than relief, talks of my own explicit night replaying session after session. Hours spent scrutinizing every detail of our dysfunctional relationship only amplified my misery. Every shared secret, every stolen glance, every whispered promise – all now seemed meaningless and distorted under the harsh scrutiny of reality.

In the end, it was not Teddy who broke me; it was me who had allowed myself to be broken by him. My judgment clouded by love hindered me from seeing the man he truly was – a master manipulator cloaked in charm and charisma. The truth was painful to accept but liberating in its own cruel way. I was no longer in denial. I was no longer the woman who would bend over backwards to accommodate the whims of unfaithful men. I was stronger than my heartbreak, stronger than their deceit. And most importantly, I learned the toughest lesson of my life – not all love is meant to be cherished; sometimes, it's better left discarded.

As I sat in the therapist's office, the stark white walls closing in around me, my voice cracked as I attempted to verbalize the turmoil within me. "I just don't understand how it got to this point," I admitted, tears threatening to spill over.

Dr. Richards leaned forward, her gentle gaze meeting mine with empathy. "It sounds like you've been through a lot of pain and betrayal," she said softly. "But remember, healing begins with acknowledging the truth."

I nodded, wiping away a stray tear that escaped down my cheek. "I know, but it's so hard to let go of everything that was once so real to me."

Dr. Richards offered a kind smile. "It's okay to feel that way. It's all a part of the process." She paused before continuing, "Have you considered what you need to do to move forward from this?"

I took a deep breath, the weight of the question settling heavily on my shoulders. "I... I think I need to start by forgiving myself for allowing this to happen. For not seeing the signs sooner."

The words hung in the air between us, heavy with unspoken pain and regret. Dr. Richards reached out and placed a comforting hand on mine. "Forgiveness is a powerful tool, both for yourself and for others," she said gently.

I closed my eyes, trying to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. "But how do I forgive someone who shattered me into a million pieces?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Dr. Richards' voice was steady and reassuring as she replied, "Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or excusing their actions. It means releasing the hold they have over your heart and mind."

As I sat there, grappling with the weight of forgiveness, a million thoughts raced through my mind. Dr. Richards' words lingered like a balm on my wounded soul, but the path to healing still seemed daunting.

"I understand that forgiveness is crucial, but how do I even begin to untangle the mess he left behind?" I asked, my voice wavering with uncertainty.

Dr. Richards leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "It's a process, one step at a time," she said gently. "Start by acknowledging your pain and allowing yourself to feel it without judgment."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I nodded, the emotions swirling inside me threatening to spill over. "It's just so hard to let go of the anger and hurt," I confessed.

She nodded in understanding. "Anger is a natural response to betrayal, but holding onto it only prolongs your pain. Remember, forgiveness is not for his benefit, but for yours."

Her words struck a chord deep within me, resonating with a truth I had been avoiding. "I want to move forward, but I don't know where to begin," I admitted, feeling lost in the sea of my own emotions.

Dr. Richards reached for a tissue and handed it to me with a gentle smile. "Start by being gentle with yourself," she advised. "Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, a release from the burden of carrying someone else's actions."

I took the tissue gratefully, wiping away my tears as her words sank in. "I never thought of it that way," I murmured, feeling a glimmer of hope amidst the pain.

She gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. "You are stronger than you realize. Forgiveness is not about condoning what he did; it's about setting yourself free from his grip on your heart."

As I sat there, enveloped in Dr. Richards' compassion and wisdom, a sense of peace washed over me. The road to forgiveness may be long and arduous, but with her guidance and my own resilience, perhaps one day I could truly let go and embrace the healing that awaited me.

The following weeks were a whirlwind of emotion, a rollercoaster of highs and lows. I spent many sleepless nights replaying old memories, wrestling with anger and regret. But with each passing day, the burden on my heart felt lighter. I began journaling my thoughts, pouring out my hurt into ink instead of letting it fester within me. And despite the painful contents, there was a strange sort of relief in seeing my emotions spelled out on paper.

"Writing can be therapeutic," Dr. Richards had suggested during one of our sessions. "It provides a safe space to confront your feelings, as raw and as tumultuous as they may be."

Within the quiet sanctuary of my mind and the solitude of my room, I started to delve deeper into myself; into the wounds that had been inflicted upon me and the ones I had unknowingly inflicted upon myself. The process was painful but cathartic. For each tear that fell onto the pages of my journal, there was a tiny piece of pain and bitterness being released.

Days turned into weeks, and slowly but surely, I found myself becoming less consumed by his betrayal and more focused on my healing. I started attending group therapy sessions where I met others who bore similar scars – our shared experiences bound us together in a circle of empathy and understanding.

In those group meetings, I realized that pain was universal but so was resilience. Listening to others narrate their journeys of recovery ignited a spark within me. I saw mirrored in their stories my own strength and determination to rise above the ashes.

One day, while looking at myself in the mirror after another group therapy session, something remarkable happened. Staring back at me was a woman who looked familiar but different—a stronger version of myself; a survivor. My reflection no longer showcased the woman betrayed by love but instead revealed a woman who had found strength amidst despair.

“I am not just a victim,” I whispered to my reflection, the words filling the room with a newfound determination. “I am a survivor.”

The following week in Dr. Richard's office, I found myself recalling this moment with a sense of pride. "I am starting to see changes," I admitted, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

She returned my smile, her eyes filled with warmth and encouragement. "Change is a testament to your strength and resilience," she responded. "You're embracing this journey with courage, learning to forgive not just him, but yourself as well."

Her words felt like a beacon of hope guiding me through the foggy path of recovery. While the pain still lingered like an unforgotten ghost, each day it seemed less potent than before. I was indeed learning to forgive—forgive him for his betrayal and forgive myself for my blindness to his deceit.

As our session ended, I left Dr. Richards' office feeling lighter than when I had come in. With every step away from her office and every step towards home, I was journeying farther from the woman who had allowed herself to be broken by betrayal and closer to the woman who had found strength in her own resilience.

Journaling had become my safe haven, a place where I could pour out my deepest thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. But that sanctuary was shattered when one day, in a rush to make it to therapy on time, I left my journal open on the bed. My heart stopped when I returned to find Teddy holding it, his eyes scanning the pages filled with my most vulnerable moments. In an instant, my privacy was invaded and my trust was broken.

The tense silence in the room shattered as Teddy's furious voice pierced the air, causing my heart to skip a beat. I watched helplessly as he held my journal in a white-knuckled grip, his eyes scanning the pages with growing anger. "What the actual fuck is this?" he bellowed, his face contorted with rage.

I stood frozen, my mind racing to find the right words to diffuse the escalating situation. "Teddy, please put that down," I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper, but he ignored me, his expression dark and menacing.

With a sharp intake of breath, I lunged forward to grab the journal from his hands, but he deftly sidestepped me. The tension crackled between us like electricity, each heartbeat echoing in the turbulent silence that enveloped the room.

"You've been writing about our sessions? and Harry?" Teddy's voice was laced with accusation, his gaze burning into mine with searing intensity.

I felt a surge of defiance rising within me as I squared my shoulders. "It's none of your business," I shot back, my tone sharper than intended, but I refused to back down in the face of his intrusion.

His jaw clenched as he took a step closer, his towering presence casting a shadow over me. "None of my business? You've been documenting our private moments, our struggles! How you also fucked the neighbor?" His voice rose with each word, reverberating off the walls like thunder in a storm “As if that little fucking photo he sent while fucking you, my wife, wasn’t bad enough”.

I could feel my own anger building, fueled by his violation of my privacy. "You have no right to invade my thoughts like this and last I checked, you were the one who started cheating," I retorted, the words dripping with resentment and hurt.

The atmosphere crackled with tension as we stood locked in a battle of wills, neither willing to yield ground. The air grew thick with unspoken accusations and grievances left festering beneath the surface.

"You think you can just hide behind your journal and play the victim?" Teddy's voice was laced with contempt, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.

My fists clenched at my sides as a surge of defiance coursed through me. "I am not playing anything! This is my way of coping with everything you've put me through, let’s remember who started this mess," I shot back, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging inside me.

His laugh was harsh and bitter, cutting through the charged atmosphere like a blade. "Coping? Is that what you call it? Writing about how I've destroyed you? This is pretty much a sex book." His words were like daggers aimed straight at my heart.

The room seemed to shrink around us as we faced off in this battle of words and wills. Every breath felt heavy with unspoken truths and buried emotions that threatened to erupt like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

"I trusted you," I whispered hoarsely, tears stinging at the corners of my eyes as the weight of his betrayal bore down on me like a crushing weight.

Teddy's expression softened for a fleeting moment before hardening once more. "Trusted me? Look where that got you," he sneered, a cruel twist to his lips betraying the depths of his callousness.

The walls seemed to close in around us as the fight escalated into a tumultuous storm of emotions and accusations. Each word exchanged felt like a blow to an already fractured foundation that threatened to crumble under the weight of our shared pain.

The rumble of thunder outside echoed the turmoil inside as our voices rose in a crescendo of anger and hurt. The room pulsed with an energy so charged it felt as though lightning might strike at any moment, igniting a fire that would consume us both.

"I'm tired of being your punching bag," I declared, my voice firm with newfound resolve.

Teddy's face contorted with fury. "You think you're innocent in all this?" he shot back, his words like venom dripping from his lips.

The air crackled with electricity as we faced off in a battle neither willing to concede. It was a clash of egos and emotions, each word exchanged fueling the fire burning between us.

"I won't be silenced by your guilt-tripping," I retorted, my voice cutting through the charged atmosphere with precision.

Teddy's eyes blazed with rage as he took a step closer, his breath hot against my skin. "Guilt-tripping? You've been playing the victim since day one," he accused, his voice dripping with contempt.

The room seemed on the verge of imploding as our tempers flared and our voices clashed in a symphony of discord. It was a battle of wills and wounded pride, each unwilling to yield ground in this war of words.

"You'll never own up to your mistakes," I accused, my voice tinged with frustration and anger.

Teddy's fists clenched at his sides as he glared at me with unbridled fury. "Mistakes? You're the one who shattered everything we had, we could’ve come back from this. You didn’t have to fuck the first guy you saw!" he roared, his words echoing off the walls like thunder on a stormy night.

The fight raged on like an unrelenting tempest, each word exchanged adding fuel to the fire burning between us. The air crackled with tension as we stood face to face in a battle that threatened to consume us both.

“You know what? I’m done,” I seethed, my voice rising to a fever pitch. "I'll find a place to stay and it sure as hell won't be here!" My fists clenched at my sides, nails digging into my palms as I glared daggers at the person in front of me. The fury coursing through my body threatened to consume me, but I welcomed it, fueled by sheer determination to escape this toxic environment.

I took a deep breath and tried to steady my shaking hands as I dialed Bella's number, she was the first close friend I had made in London. The phone rang for what felt like hours before she finally picked up.

"Hey, Bella. It's me," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil raging inside of me.

"Hey, what's up?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I need a place to stay for a while. Can I crash with you?" I blurted out, not wanting to beat around the bush.

Bella didn't hesitate. "Of course! What happened?"

"It's a long story," I replied, tears threatening to spill from my eyes again.

"Don't worry about it. Just come over whenever you're ready," she said reassuringly.

I thanked her and hung up the phone before splashing some cold water on my face in an attempt to compose myself. Taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I unlocked the bathroom door and made my way back to the living room.

Teddy was nowhere in sight, probably still seething from our argument. I quickly grabbed my backpack and stuffed some clothes and toiletries inside before heading out the door.

The fresh air outside helped clear my mind as I made my way towards Bella's house. As much as I wanted to stay strong and not let Teddy get to me, his words still stung like open wounds.

I couldn't believe how things had escalated so quickly between us. We used to be inseparable, but now it seemed like we were nothing but strangers living under the same roof.

My thoughts were interrupted as I arrived at Bella's house. She greeted me with open arms and led me inside as Bella and I settled down on her cozy couch, surrounded by the warmth of her living room, she handed me a mug of hot tea. The familiar scent of chamomile filled the air, soothing my frayed nerves.

"So, spill it. What happened between you and Teddy?" Bella asked gently, her eyes reflecting genuine concern.

I took a sip of the tea, feeling its comforting warmth seep into my bones. "It's just... we had another one of those fights about the cheating. The same patterns repeating over and over again. I don't think we can fix this anymore," I admitted, feeling a heavy weight lift off my chest with each word spoken.

Bella nodded knowingly, her empathy palpable. "Sometimes things reach a point where they can't be salvaged, no matter how much we try. It's okay to walk away if it's for your own well-being," she reassured me, her words like a balm to my wounded spirit.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I gazed at my friend, grateful for her unwavering support. "I just feel lost, you know? Like I don't even recognize myself anymore in all of this chaos," I whispered, the vulnerability raw in my voice.

Bella reached out and squeezed my hand reassuringly. "You're not alone in this. You have people who care about you, who want to see you happy and thriving. And remember, sometimes in letting go, we find the strength to rebuild ourselves," she offered with a gentle smile.

Her words resonated deep within me, a glimmer of hope flickering in the darkness that had clouded my heart. I wiped away the tears that had escaped and mustered a small smile in return.

"Thank you, Bella. For everything," I expressed sincerely, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me for having such a supportive friend by my side.

The early morning light blazed through my window, a stark reminder of the emptiness that awaited me. With a heavy heart, I resolved to find a job, anything to fill the void left by my crumbling marriage. But even as I searched for employment opportunities, my thoughts kept drifting back to Harry. My desperation to know how he was doing gnawed at me like a festering wound, but there was no way to reach out and ask. As I sat in silence, I couldn't help but imagine the different path my life could have taken if I had chosen Harry over Teddy. The image of us together haunted me, a cruel reminder of what could've been. But now it was too late, and there was no turning back from the pain and regret that consumed me.

My fingers danced across the keys of my laptop, typing and retyping cover letters and resumes. The monotony of each hopeful submission echoed the emptiness in my heart, seemingly endless echoes spiraling into a void. To distract myself, I brewed a strong cup of coffee, the familiar smell offering an odd comfort in the chaos that was now my life.

As the day wore on, my efforts bore no fruit. Each potential employer remained a stranger to me, their responses automated and cold. As darkness began to creep into the room, a sense of defeat washed over me and I closed my laptop with a sigh.

I poured myself another cup of coffee, this time opting for the solitude of the balcony to nurse it. The city below shimmered with life just as it always did, indifferent to the turmoil of one seemingly insignificant inhabitant. Despite the layers of concrete and glass that separated us, I felt strangely connected to those anonymous lights - distant beacons in the abyss.

A haunting melody wafted up from somewhere far below, a soulful duet between an old saxophone and an even older piano. The notes danced through the fragmented night air, weaving stories of love lost and found again. Each note was a phantom whispering bittersweet tales into my ear.

Just then, an unexpected sound cut through my thoughts - the shrill ringtone of my phone nudged me back into reality. My heart clenched as I saw Teddy's name flash across the screen. He hadn't called since our fallout; what could he possibly want now? Nervously biting my lip, I answered it. On the other end of the line Teddy’s voice trembled with an emotion I couldn’t quite place; regret perhaps—or was it desperation?

My heart raced as I hung up and blocked Teddy's number. It was a small act of defiance, of reclaiming control over my life. But in that moment, it felt powerful.

I took a deep breath and leaned against the balcony railing, feeling the cold metal press against my cheek. It was a reminder that I was still here, still alive despite the pain and chaos swirling within me.

But even as I tried to convince myself that cutting off all contact with Teddy was for the best, doubts crept into my mind. What if he really did want to talk? What if he wanted to apologize and make things right?

I pushed those thoughts away, refusing to let them cloud my judgement. I couldn't afford to let him back into my life, not when I was finally starting to move on.

With new determination, I went back inside and resumed my job search. As midnight approached and exhaustion began to take hold, I allowed myself a moment of weakness and checked my email one last time.

A spark of hope ignited within me as I read the email from my job recruiter. It informed me that there was a hiring event happening downtown tomorrow and I had been invited to attend. My heart raced with excitement - this could be my chance to finally land a job.

I quickly confirmed my attendance and began mentally preparing for the event. As much as I hated the thought of going out into the world and facing potential rejection, I knew it was something I had to do.

The next morning, after meticulously picking out an outfit and rehearsing what I would say, I set out for downtown. The bustling streets were a chaotic blend of people rushing to work and tourists taking in the sights. As I walked among them, a sense of anonymity washed over me - just another face in the crowd.

Eventually, I reached the building where the hiring event was taking place. After taking a deep breath, I stepped inside and made my way towards the designated area.

The event was packed with job seekers like myself, all eager for a chance at employment. Despite my nerves, I felt emboldened by their determination and pushed forward to talk to employers.

One after another, I introduced myself and handed out resumes with practiced ease. Some showed interest while others dismissed me without a second glance. But instead of feeling defeated by rejection, I soldiered on with renewed purpose.

Hours passed in this manner until finally, just as hope began to wane, someone took notice of me. It was an HR rep from one of the top companies in town, Pleasing.

My heart pounded as I realized this could potentially lead me down the path to seeing Harry again. But I quickly pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the present moment.

The HR rep from Pleasing seemed impressed by my credentials and asked me to come in for an interview the following day. I couldn't believe it - this was exactly the opportunity I had been waiting for.

As I walked out of the hiring event, my mind raced with excitement and nerves. Part of me couldn't help but wonder if Harry still lived in the area, but I quickly shut down that line of thinking. It didn't matter - all that mattered was that I had a chance at a job.

The next day, I arrived at Pleasing's office early, dressed in my best professional attire. The receptionist greeted me with a smile and directed me to the HR department.

I shook myself out of my reverie as the HR rep called me into their office for the interview. Despite my nerves, I answered their questions confidently and highlighted my experience and skills.

As the interview progressed, I could feel the HR rep becoming more and more impressed. The questions became increasingly challenging, but I faced them head-on, demonstrating my knowledge and quick decision-making abilities.

Slowly, the discussion moved on to my potential role in Pleasing and how I saw myself contributing to the company's future. Here, I outlined a comprehensive plan that included innovation, team synergy, and a commitment to meeting corporate objectives. The HR rep listened attentively, occasionally interjecting to clarify or probe deeper into my responses.

The interview concluded on a positive note and I was told that they would get back to me in a week's time. As I left the building, I felt a sense of accomplishment but there was also an underlying excitement - the possibility of crossing paths with Harry and being able to leave Bella’s to find my own flat.

A week passed in a blur of anticipation and anxiety, each day inching closer to the call from Pleasing. When it eventually came through, my heart skipped a beat. They were pleased with my performance during the interview and wanted me on board.

And so began my journey with Pleasing - a journey that was filled with arduous tasks, demanding projects, and incredible opportunities for growth. The work environment was fast-paced but rewarding, pushing me to work harder each day.

One afternoon, a couple of months into my role at Pleasing, I saw him from afar. It was Harry - my former neighbor and one night stand. He looked just as I remembered him: sharp-witted and focused in his tailored suit, there was an air of high authority about him.

My heart raced as I watched him stride through the office, making his way towards the executive level. Memories of our time together flooded back to me - the late nights he spent on top of me, the way he felt, the way he touched me, how he smelt expensive.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly realized that I needed to find a way to meet with him. But how? As a junior employee, I didn't have easy access to top executives like him.

Determined not to let this opportunity pass me by, I approached my manager and asked if there was any way I could have a meeting with Mr. Styles. She gave me a skeptical look but promised to see what she could do.

A few days later, she called me into her office with a smile on her face. "I spoke to Mr. Styles' assistant and they have agreed to give you 15 minutes next week," she said excitedly.

My heart skipped a beat at the thought of seeing Harry again after all this time. But what would I say? What would he think of me now?

The day of the meeting arrived and I nervously made my way up to the executive level. As soon as I stepped into Mr. Styles' office, my nerves disappeared - it felt like no time had passed between us at all.

As I cautiously entered his dark office, my heart pounded in my chest. The scent of tobacco and whiskey filled the air, mingling with the intense aura emanating from Harry's piercing green eyes. I could feel his gaze burning into me as I made my way to a chair by his desk.

"Y/N," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "I saw the name and couldn't believe it was you, bloody hell."

A chill ran down my spine at the iciness in his tone. Memories flooded back of our tumultuous past, the love and betrayal that had torn us apart. But now, standing in front of him again, I couldn't deny the powerful pull that still existed between us.

"Harry," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's been a while."

He leaned back in his chair, studying me with an intensity that made my insides churn. "Indeed it has, Y/N," he remarked, his eyes never leaving mine. "I must say, I never expected to see you here."

I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, feeling the weight of unspoken history hanging between us. "I didn't expect to be here either," I admitted, my voice tinged with a hint of regret.

He raised an eyebrow, a flash of something unreadable crossing his face. "And yet fate has a funny way of bringing people back together, doesn't it?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me - longing, apprehension, and a spark of unresolved desire. "It seems that way," I said softly.

Harry leaned forward slightly, his expression softening imperceptibly. "Tell me, Y/N," he began, his voice quieter now. "What have you been up to since we last crossed paths?"

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts amidst the whirlwind of emotions his presence evoked. "Well," I started hesitantly, "I've been working here at Pleasing. It's been challenging but rewarding."

A flicker of interest sparked in his eyes. "Impressive." He paused for a moment before continuing, his tone contemplative. "And what made you seek out a meeting with me today?"

I met his gaze squarely, steeling myself against the vulnerability creeping in. "I wanted to reconnect," I confessed quietly. "To clear the air and maybe... find closure."

Harry regarded me thoughtfully for a moment before speaking again. "Closure," he echoed softly. "Perhaps that's something we both need. And Teddy?"

My eyes drop to the ground, avoiding his penetrating gaze. "It's a messy situation, but I had to leave. I've been crashing at my friend Bella's place until I can scrape together enough money for a divorce."

His voice drips with insinuation and I feel my skin prickle with unease. "Oh, how convenient," he sneers. "I knew eventually you would come to your senses, although I thought our night together would have been enough to break you free." My stomach churns at his words.

The atmosphere in the room grew heavy with unspoken tension as their words hung in the air like charged lightning bolts ready to strike.

"You had no right to think that one night could define me or my decisions." I spat.

Harry's eyes flashed with a mix of surprise and something darker as my words cut through the tension between us. "And what right did you have to enter my life again after all this time, Y/N?" he countered sharply, his jaw clenched in frustration.

I squared my shoulders, meeting his challenging gaze head-on. "I didn't come here seeking your approval, Harry," I retorted, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "I came for myself, to find closure and move on."

He leaned forward, his expression unreadable as he studied me intently. "Closure," he repeated, the word hanging heavily between us. "Is that truly what you need? Or is there something else driving you here?"

A flicker of vulnerability crossed my features before I could stop it, and I felt exposed under his piercing scrutiny. "Maybe it's both," I admitted quietly, feeling the weight of years of unresolved emotions pressing down on me.

Harry's gaze softened slightly, a hint of understanding creeping into his eyes. "I see," he murmured, a touch of regret coloring his tone. "Perhaps we both have demons to face before we can truly move forward."

I nodded slowly, acknowledging the truth in his words. "Maybe so," I agreed, a sense of resignation settling over me. "But facing them together might be easier than doing it alone."

Silence enveloped us for a moment, broken only by the sound of our breathing mingling in the charged atmosphere of the room. Finally, Harry spoke again, his voice softer now. "I never stopped thinking about you, Y/N," he confessed quietly. "Despite everything that happened between us."

My heart clenched at his words, memories flooding back with a force that left me breathless. "I never forgot you either," I whispered, a bittersweet ache settling in my chest.

A myriad of emotions played across Harry's features - longing, regret, and something else I couldn't quite decipher. "Then perhaps we owe it to ourselves to confront the past and see where it leads us, Pleasing has a nice legal plan I can lend to you for a divorce." he suggested tentatively.

I met his gaze, seeing a glimmer of hope reflected in those intense green eyes that had once been my undoing. "Maybe we do," I agreed softly, a sense of anticipation stirring within me.

I stood outside the courtroom, my heart racing with a mix of nerves and anticipation. Today was the day I had been waiting for - the day I could finally end this marriage and start a new chapter in my life. But as I took a deep breath and stepped inside, my eyes were immediately drawn to the sight of Teddy sitting at a table with his lawyer, confidently flipping through some papers.

Next to him sat Rosie, her perfectly styled hair and expensive outfit standing out like a sore thumb among the drab courtroom surroundings. She smiled smugly in my direction as if she knew something I didn't, and suddenly all my confidence wavered.

My lawyer squeezed my hand reassuringly as we walked towards our side of the court, but I couldn't help feeling like an underdog in this battle. How had Teddy managed to go back to Rosie so quickly while still begging for me just a few weeks earlier? And how long had this been going on?

As we began the proceedings, I listened half-heartedly as their lawyer presented their case - painting me as an unfit wife who refused to support her husband's successful career. The lies stung, but I held back from speaking out.

It wasn't until it was my turn to speak that I found my voice. My lawyer had prepared a strong case for me - highlighting all of Teddy's infidelities and emotional abuse throughout our marriage. As I spoke about his controlling behavior and manipulation tactics, Rosie's smug expression faltered.

But when it was time for Teddy to speak, he denied everything with such conviction that even I started doubting myself. His words were smooth and calculated, painting me as an unstable woman who couldn't handle his success.

I felt my anger bubbling up inside me - how dare he twist the truth like this? But before I could say anything, Rosie jumped in with her own version of events. She talked about how supportive Teddy had been during their brief affair, and how I was just a jealous ex who couldn't move on.

As Rosie spoke, her words felt like sharp knives twisting in my chest. The betrayal and deceit were too much to bear, she was the one who was sleeping with my husband. I clenched my fists, trying to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. But then, a familiar voice cut through the tense atmosphere.

"Objection, Your Honor!"

I turned to see my lawyer standing up, his expression firm and determined. "These allegations are baseless and unsubstantiated. My client has provided ample evidence of Mr. Teddy's infidelity and emotional abuse. I request that these false claims be stricken from the record."

The judge nodded solemnly, looking at Teddy and Rosie with a steely gaze. "I will not tolerate false accusations in my courtroom. Stick to the facts."

Teddy shifted uncomfortably in his seat, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. Rosie, on the other hand, remained composed, a smug smile playing on her lips.

"I have evidence that will prove my client's case, Your Honor," she declared confidently. "I request permission to present it."

The judge nodded again, signaling for Rosie to proceed. She stood up gracefully, producing a stack of papers from her briefcase.

"These documents show that Mr. Teddy was out of town on the dates in question," she began, flipping through the pages with ease. "He could not have been at the locations alleged by Mrs. Y/N."

I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Could it be true? Had I been mistaken all along? Her proof was just texts from Teddy to her saying he was out of town. Which proves nothing, if anything it was more incriminating.

But then, just as doubt started to creep in, a sudden realization hit me like a bolt of lightning.

"Your Honor," I interrupted, my voice trembling but resolute. "I have proof that Mr. Teddy and Ms. Rosie colluded to fabricate alibis and deceive me. They were working together against me all along."

The courtroom fell into stunned silence as I presented the evidence that exposed their treachery. Teddy's face drained of color, while Rosie's mask of composure finally cracked.

"I-I can explain," Teddy stammered, but it was too late.

The judge slammed his gavel down with finality. "Case closed. Divorce granted in favor of Mrs. Y/N. You are to pay her a monthly settlement of alimony."

As I walked out of the courtroom, a weight lifted off my shoulders. It was finally over - the lies, the betrayal, the manipulation. I could start anew with a sense of freedom and clarity.

And as I glanced back one last time at Teddy and Rosie, their faces twisted with defeat, I knew that justice had been served.

Waiting outside of the courtroom was Harry with a grin, he did a sassy wave to Rosie and Teddy.

"Congratulations, Y/N," Harry said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and kissing the top of my forehead. "You did it."

I couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of relief and satisfaction wash over me. "I couldn't have done it without you, Harry. Thank you for everything."

"Always, love," he replied with a gentle smile.

As we walked out of the courthouse hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel grateful for having Harry by my side.

"I'm so glad this is all over," I said with a sigh, leaning into him as we reached his car.

"Yeah, me too," he agreed, unlocking the door and helping me inside before making his way to the driver's seat.

As we drove away from the courthouse, I couldn't help but feel a sense of closure. My marriage may have ended in betrayal and deceit but now I was free to move on and start over.

"So what's next for you?" Harry asked as we drove through the city streets.

“ I think we should celebrate.” I looked at him with a playful smile.

"Celebrate?" Harry raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "And what did you have in mind for this celebration, Mrs. Y/N?"

I grinned mischievously, leaning over to gently tap his knee. "Oh, nothing too wild. Maybe just a quiet dinner for two at a cozy little bistro."

"A quiet dinner, hmm?" Harry's smirk grew wider. "And what about later, when we're no longer 'quiet'? Any ideas for that celebration?"

"Well," I purred, eyeing him up and down playfully. "That all depends on how good of a date you turn out to be."

"I'll have you know," he countered confidently, "that I'm an excellent date."

"Oh really? And what sort of things do excellent dates do to impress their partners?" I challenged him with a teasing glint in my eye.

Harry chuckled softly before leaning closer to me. "I believe the key to impressing you, love," he whispered against my ear, sending shivers down my spine, "lies somewhere between your pasta and your dessert."

"And exactly how do you plan on pulling that off?" I asked skeptically but with undeniable curiosity piqued within me.

"Oh," he smirked wickedly as he brushed a strand of hair away from my face. "I'm sure I can come up with something...tasty."

We arrived at the bistro and Harry led me inside, his hand resting on my lower back. The smell of freshly baked bread and spices filled my nostrils as we were greeted by the friendly hostess. She guided us to a cozy booth in the corner of the restaurant before handing us each a menu.

As we perused through the options, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment with Harry. Despite the chaos that had been my life recently, he was there to make me smile and forget about all my worries. I was grateful to be able to be like this with him.

"You know," Harry said, breaking the comfortable silence between us, "I haven't had a proper date night in ages."

I smiled at him. Soon after the waiter came to take our orders and after much deliberation, we settled on sharing a few appetizers and ordering our own entrees. As we waited for our food to arrive, Harry reached across the table to take hold of my hand.

"I'm proud of you," he said sincerely, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "You handled everything with grace and strength."

I felt tears welling up in my eyes at his words. It meant so much to have Harry's support and encouragement through everything I had been going through.

"Thank you," I replied softly, unable to find any other words to express how much his words meant to me.

Our food arrived shortly after and we dug into our dishes with enthusiasm. We laughed and joked as we shared bites of each other's meals, savoring every moment together.

After dinner, Harry insisted on treating me to dessert at a nearby ice cream shop. We walked through the bustling streets hand in hand, enjoying each other's company in the warm summer night.

As we sat on a bench outside the shop, enjoying our ice cream.

My voice trembles as I stare at Harry, regret and guilt weighing heavily on my chest. "I should've left Teddy that night after the motel," I confess, tears welling up in my eyes. "But I was scared. Scared of losing my residency, scared of facing my family's disappointment. I thought I could endure it for a while longer, or that he would be the one to leave first." My words choke in my throat, coming out as a desperate plea for forgiveness.

"I'm so sorry, Harry," I continue, my voice shaking. "I never meant to hurt you or lead you on. I was just...lost and confused."

Harry's expression softens as he takes in my words. He reaches out to brush away a tear that falls from my eye.

"You don't have to apologize, love," he says gently. "I understand why you stayed with him. But I wish you had told me sooner."

The guilt bubbles up inside of me, threatening to drown me in its heavy weight. How could I have been so blind and selfish? How could I have hurt someone who cared?

"I'll make it right, Harry," I promise him, wiping away the tears from my cheeks.

Harry's eyes light up with hope as he grasps my hand tightly.

"We'll face this together," he says firmly, determination evident in his voice.

And just like that, the burden on my shoulders feels a little bit lighter knowing that I have Harry by my side.

"It's okay," he whispers soothingly, kissing the top of my head. "You did the right thing.”

We finish our ice cream in comfortable silence before heading back to Harry's flat.

"Can I ask you something?" I say, breaking the silence.

"Of course," Harry replies, squeezing my hand reassuringly.

"Why did you never tell me your feelings before?" I ask, feeling a little hesitant.

Harry pauses for a moment before answering. "I didn't want to pressure you or make things awkward between us," he admits. "I wanted you to be happy and if that meant staying with Teddy, then I accepted it. So I left, I couldn’t see you in that situation."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I realize just how selfless and understanding Harry has always been despite his hardened appearence. He truly cares.

"I'm sorry for being so blind," I say softly.

"It's okay," Harry reassures me. "We all make mistakes."

My heart was pounding as we entered the safety of his flat, my senses heightened by the lingering scent of his cologne. Our fingers traced each other's as he deftly made two cups of steaming tea, every touch sending sparks dancing up my arm.

"Would you like a touch of cream?" Harry asked seductively, a teasing smile playing along his lips. His sultry voice sent trepidating waves through me, igniting an insatiable desire that twisted in my belly.

The sight of him leaning casually against the kitchen counter, bathed in soft light, stirred a primal need within me. I watched as he poured a dash of cream into my cup. The way it swirled and mingled with the dark liquid mirrored our own dance - two intricate beings melding to form something far more tantalizing.

"Thank you," I murmured, accepting the warm mug from his hand. My fingers brushed against his, eliciting a delicate shiver that rippled down my spine. "I couldn't have asked for anyone better..."

As we navigated our way towards the plush sofa, our bodies brushed together, the heat between us flaring like a bonfire on a cold night. The taste of our shared dinner still lingered on our tongues as we sipped on our teas; notes of cocoa and warm spices cascading over our taste buds.

He leaned back onto the couch, pulling me with him until I was nestled comfortably against his side. A silence fell upon us as we enjoyed our drinks; comfortable and yet teeming with an unspoken promise of what was to come.

"There's no rush," Harry purred into my ear, allowing his fingers to trace lazy circles around my wrist. His hot breath fanned out across my heated skin, setting off tremors beneath my flesh. "Let's just enjoy this moment."

His words washed over me like scalding water, igniting a yearning that threatened to consume us both. I finished my tea swiftly, setting the empty cup on the coffee table before turning back to Harry.

"Harry," I breathed out, staring into his deep emerald eyes. They were dark with desire, a mirror of my own want. "I want you...now."

With those words, our evening took on an entirely new flavor - one more intimate and fervently carnal than the most decadent dessert. And as I let go of all inhibitions and allowed myself to drown in Harry's love- the guilt and fear felt like distant memories.

Where there had been tears earlier now blossomed laughter and sighs of pleasure, echoing off the walls of Harry's flat. The heat between us couldn't be contained within mere cups of tea. It was a passionate flame that ignited every sense, searing through every inch of our bodies as we began to explore each other with newfound fervor and desperation.

The room seemed to shrink as my words echoed around us. I could feel myself growing wetter by the second, my heart pounding in anticipation of what was to come. Without another word, he stood up and pulled me close, our bodies pressing tightly against each other.

My hands found their way to his strong shoulders, digging into his skin as he claimed my lips once more. I moaned deeply into the kiss, tasting the tea we just drank on his tongue as he explored every inch of my mouth. His hands traveled down my back, over my ass cheeks, until they reached the hem of my dress.

I gasped as he lifted me off the ground with ease, carrying me towards the bedroom. My legs wrapped tightly around his waist, pulling him closer still. As we entered the room he kicked the door shut behind us, locking us in together.

As he backed me towards the bed, his cock growing hard, he paused to look down at me. His eyes dark and hungry as he took in the scene laid out before him. "You look so fucking sexy like this," he growled out, his voice rough with desire. I moaned in response, my fingers curling into the sheets beneath us as he lowered me onto the mattress.

His lips trailed hot kisses down my jawline and across my collarbone before moving southward. He nipped at my sensitive flesh while his hands explored every inch of my body, tracing patterns around my tits through the lace fabric of my bra. My breath hitched as his warm mouth hovered over my nipples, making them stand at attention.

"Please," I whispered, arching into him as he teased one of my hardened nubs between his fingers and thumb. His tongue circled around it before finally drawing it into his mouth, sucking on it with such force that I cried out in pleasure.

He pulled away slightly, looking down at me with a smirk that made my stomach do flips. "I'm going to fuck you so good, baby girl." His eyes bore into mine as he slowly undid his pants, revealing his already hard cock straining against his boxers. My mouth watered at the sight of him; all 8 inches of thickness glistening with pre-cum that reflected the light in the room.

I reached up to grab his shirt, pulling him down towards me as I wrapped my legs around his waist again. He groaned into the kiss, deepening it as he lowered himself onto the bed between my spread legs. His teeth grazed against my bottom lip before trailing hot kisses down my neck and chest.

"Fuck," he muttered under his breath as he reached behind me to undo the clasp holding together my bra. It fell away from me revealing puckered nipples begging for attention which he eagerly obliged by taking one into his mouth while pinching the other between two fingers causing tiny whimpers to escape from deep within me.

His lips trailed down my stomach, stopping momentarily to press kisses to my belly button before continuing their journey south. I shivered with anticipation as his fingers hooked into the sides of my lace panties, pulling them down and off of me in one swift motion.

He took a moment to admire me, spread out before him, completely exposed and vulnerable. His gaze traveled over every inch of me, causing goosebumps to rise on my skin.

"God, you're beautiful," he murmured, before diving back in between my legs. His tongue flicked against my clit sending shockwaves of pleasure through me. I gripped onto the sheets tighter as he continued to tease and lick at my most sensitive spot.

I could feel myself getting closer and closer to the edge, his expert mouth bringing me to the brink. Just when I thought I couldn't take it any longer, he pulled away with a smirk on his face.

"Not yet," he said huskily, crawling back up towards me. He kissed me hard on the lips while positioning himself between my legs. I felt his tip brush against my entrance and I lifted my hips in response.

The room around us was hazy from the scent of our arousal, and I couldn't help but feel like I was in a dream as he continued to tease me. With every lick and nip, his touch sent shockwaves of pleasure through me. My body arched off the bed in response to his expert ministrations, my breasts pressed against his strong chest.

"You taste so fucking good," he groaned, his voice dark and rough with need. His hands slid up my thighs, teasingly close to my aching desire before moving away again. It was driving me crazy!

"Please," I begged him. "I can't take much more."

He chuckled deep in his throat, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "Oh, you think you can handle me?" He leaned down and flicked his tongue gently over my clitoris again, making me gasp in surprise at the intense sensation. "We'll see about that."

I couldn't believe how turned on I was by his dominance. As he continued to tease me, I imagined what it would be like to fully submit to him—to let him take control of my body and pleasure me however he saw fit. It was terrifying yet exhilarating all at once.

It felt like hours (or maybe just minutes?) before he finally eased himself into me, filling me up with his thick cock. I gasped at the sudden intrusion but moaned in delight as he began to move slowly inside me. Every thrust sent violent shudders through my body as we found our rhythm together—his hard and demanding possessions; mine willingly given submission underneath him amidst silk pillows and warm blankets scattered across the sheets beneath us.

I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him deeper into me, wanting more, needing more. His hands gripped onto my hips, holding me in place as he continued to thrust into me with increasing speed and force.

I could feel the pleasure building inside of me, growing and swelling until it was almost unbearable. My nails dug into his back as I cried out his name, consumed by the intensity of our union.

He leaned down and captured my lips in a fiery kiss that only added fuel to the fire burning between us. Our bodies moved together in perfect synchronization, reaching higher levels of ecstasy with each passing moment.

The bed rocked beneath us as we gave into pure primal desire. He was an unstoppable force, taking everything from me and giving it back tenfold.

"Fuck," he groaned against my lips, his voice thick with need. "You're so tight."

"Oh, God," I moaned, my toes curling against the sheets. "Don't stop."

He didn't listen to me of course; instead, he continued to pound into me relentlessly, driving me towards the edge again and again until I couldn't take it anymore. My orgasm crashed over me like a tidal wave, consuming every ounce of my being and leaving me shaking in its wake. He followed close behind with a muffled groan as he spilled himself inside of me. He collapsed on top of me, both of us gasping for breath as we came down from our high.

We lay there tangled together for a few moments before he rolled off of me onto his side. He pulled me against him, his arm wrapped tightly around my waist.

"Wow," I finally managed to say.

We lay there panting for several minutes afterward, our heartbeats echoing in our ears above everything else around us.

Finally, he disentangled himself from me and collapsed next to me on the bed, both of us spent and covered in a sheen of sweat.

"Fuck," he breathed out as he ran a hand through his damp hair.

"That was..." I trailed off unable to find the words to describe the intensity of our union.

He let out a bitter, exhausted chuckle laced with satisfaction. "I swore I'd never marry again, but if this is what life could be like on a regular basis, I may have to reconsider," he muttered through gritted teeth. The thought of committing himself again brought a surge of both fear and longing, but for the first time in years, he felt alive.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, he turned to me with a mix of vulnerability and determination in his eyes. "I never thought I'd find someone who could make me question my own convictions," he said softly, reaching out to gently touch my hand.

I looked back at him, her own eyes filled with understanding and a hint of mischief. "Maybe it's time to rewrite those old promises," I suggested, a smile playing on my lips.

A sense of peace settled over him as he realized that maybe, just maybe, he was ready to take a chance on love once more. With a hopeful heart and a newfound sense of purpose, he whispered, "Maybe it is."

As the last rays of sunlight slipped beneath the horizon, their eyes locked and they both felt an electric current surge through their bodies. It was a sign that their journey together was just starting and would be filled with endless twists and turns, but they were ready for the challenge.

372 notes · View notes

vivwritesfics · 5 months ago

Note

can we please get a mafia lance fic, where reader gets assaulted and doesn’t tell him and he finds out when she’s asking and screaming out in terror and pain. He takes her to a hospital and finds out everything and has a whole episode but doesn’t know what to do and has to learn how to be gentle for her as well as takes revenge for her. it’s a long one but please can we have mafia lance 🎀🎀🎀

I changed up this up to fit the mafia lance nanny au and because i don't like writing proper assault

I'm gonna make a full masterlist and do proper chapters for this one at one point I promise.

The park was meant to be safe. It was the park she and Ben always went to and there had never been an issue before.

So why was it an issue now?

"Promise me you guys will be safe," said Lance. It was stupid, that a gut feeling had him so paranoid, but it did. It wasn't enough to have him going with them or even keeping them home, but it was enough for a warning.

And for him to call a few times.

The first time he called, she had the phone between her shoulder and her ear as she pushed Ben on the swing. "How can I help you, Mr Stroll?" She asked with something of a laugh.

"Is everything going okay at the park?" Lance asked.

"Yeah, we're gonna get some lunch after this. Do you want me to bring anything back for you?" She asked as she pushed Ben a little higher.

There was a second before Lance answered. "Just bring my boy back safe."

"I always do, Lance."

The call finished and she slipped her phone into her pocket. "Wanna go down the slide a few times before we go for lunch, Ben?" She asked as she pushed him a little gentler, slowing the swing ever so slightly.

"Come with me?" Ben asked. He hopped down from the swing, grabbed her hand and dragged her to the slide. He wasn't quite ready to tackle the slide on his own, and she was more than happy to go with him.

At the top of the slide she sat and placed Ben in her lap. They went down it a couple of times, his shrieking giggle filling the air.

Their stomachs were both growling as she picked up their bags and walked him over to the little café in the park. It was so damn nice, sitting there with Ben as he sipped his milkshake and ate his sandwich.

Damn nice didn't last long in this kind of life. As she and Ben made their way back to the car (a gift from her employer for her last birthday. Every employer got their kids nanny a car for their birthday, right?)

But they didn't make it to the car. Suddenly, Ben was no longer holding her had.

His scream echoed in her ear. "Ben!" She cried, head whipping in his direction.

The man that had a hold of him was masks. He ran as fast as he could with a six year old in his arms. Ben struggled, just the way his daddy had always told him to.

Instinct kicked into gear and she raced after him. The more Ben struggled, the harder it got for the man to keep a hold of him. The second he had wiggled three, he was running towards her, running into her arms.

She pushed Ben behind her and swung at the guy, landing a pretty good blow. "Shit!" The guy cried, but she didn't stay to watch him hold his nose in pain.

No, she was holding Ben and running back to the car, heart beating erratically. She didn't even buckle Ben into his car seat before she was driving away, racing back home as fast as she could.

It was a miracle they made it in one peace. She didn't register anything as she drove him back to the Stroll house. Even when she pulled up outside, she was still breathing so heavily as she grabbed Ben from the passenger seat.

Her lips were against his head. "Tell me you're okay, Ben, please," she muttered, eyes shut.

He nodded his head, but his eyes were scared and unsure. Fuck, this was all her fault.

Holding him against her, she rushed him through the house and up to Lance's office.

When they strode in, Lance was grinning. But the grin dropped from his face the moment he saw the looks on both of their faces. "What's the matter?" He asked, standing from his desk and walking around the both of them.

He took Ben from her arms and kissed the top of his sons head. Before he could grab her and offer her a similar comfort, she was sitting down, feet on the chair and knees pulled up to her chest. "Somebody tried to take him," she said through tears. "Somebody tried to take Ben."

And then she was full on sobbing. Fat, ugly tears rolling down her cheeks. She furiously tried to wipe at her eyes, but it did nothing to stop the flow of tears. Lance put Ben down on the little sofa. "Sit tight, Benny," he mumbled and kissed his head again.

And then he turned his attention to her. "Baby," he whispered as he crouched in front of her. He gently grabbed her wrists and pulled her hands away from her face. His lips pressed against her thumb and he stood straight, pulling her up with him.

"I'm gonna find these guys," he said, tucking her against his chest. "And I'm gonna fucking kill them." That last part was whispered, lips against her temple. He kissed her quickly and turned his attention back to Ben. "C'mon, you guys," he said, taking both her hand and Ben's. "Let's go and get some ice cream."

#lance stroll #lance stroll imagine #lance stroll x reader #lance stroll fluff #lance stroll x you #ls18 #ls18 imagine #ls18 x reader #f1 #formula one #f1 imagine #f1 x reader #formula 1 #formula one imagine #formula one x reader #formula 1 x reader #formula 1 imagine

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chococolte · 2 years ago

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kaeya or zhongli on their knees?? pls am begging,, ur work is so good

word count. 1.1k

୨୧ — ꒰ cw. yandere, unhealthy relationships, possessive & obsessive thoughts/behaviors, religious + cults themes, power dynamic (in readers favor), general cult au + sagau shit, g/n reader. i do not condone yanderes irl.

୨୧ — ꒰ a/n. i promise i'm not dead guys... i hope u like this nonnie, i chose zhongli cus im predictable but if u want kaeya too pls feel free to send another req!!!!

“Kneel.”

Zhongli listens with all of the urgency unbridled in his bones, reverence and fervor burning his skin as he bends his waist.

It’s not his place to question you, nor is it his place to wonder. He doesn’t concern himself with the reasons for your request— you’ve echoed your order, and isn’t it only right that he kneels before you?

He settles into place as if he had long been torn away, now back where he was always meant to be. A mellow silence engulfs the two of you, but it is a comfortable silence. To listen to you breathe is a blessing unto itself, and he yearns for nothing else but to sit by your side. To be able to hear your voice was worth every millennia he spent waiting. For even the briefest moment to touch you, he would go through all of it again.

Zhongli is known by many names— Morax, Rex Lapis, God of Geo, God of War, God of Contracts— each another layer to his image, but all of his titles are discarded when he is in front of you. His head dips forward, every breath held close to his chest; all of the rightful ego of a god lost within the swaddling warmth of your chambers.

His body creaks in place, eyes stuck at your feet. The heat of your gaze washes over him like sun flares, whipping at his flesh with embers. Zhongli takes note of the places where your eyes stray for longer— does his appearance please you? Or do you find those parts of him unpleasant?

Despite how his lungs struggle, it feels right to be burned by you, to feel his heart palpitate in his chest from your glance alone. It’s his place to be beneath you like this, akin to the ground you walk on; dirty his soul, and it will still call for you; it will still howl with the urge to kiss your feet— to hold your ankles as if they were porcelain inlaid with gold, lay benign kisses to every inch of skin, murmur all of his prayers into the warmth of your flesh until every moment where he did not love you in his youth has been made up for.

Whispered orisons and pleas in the silent cold of his room do not satiate him any longer. Adhering to every order and request does not prove how unlike he is of his past self. He wants to worship you until every part of his arrogance is turned into only devotion for you.

How else is he to prove worthy? How else is he meant to treat you, if not with all of himself?

Ask him to stay in place, and it is only a question of how long. Another thousand years to his lifetime of eternities is nothing if you are what awaits him. Let the moss cake him and the lichen curl around his limbs; he will keep his eyes open until he can catch glimpse of you again.

Zhongli’s expression gives nothing away to the severity of his thoughts, to the fervent piety churning within— his face is pulled taut, composed and as still as a winter's lake, still untouched by the sun's warmth.

Your hand cups his cheek, tilting his head up to face you.

Despite the unsaid permission, Zhongli doesn't allow himself to look at your face. He gulps down the desire until it sits with his heart, thumping in his throat. A punishment of his own design for failing to prove himself any better than he was once before— still unworthy to worship you in the way you deserve.

He doesn't dare to bask in your gaze, to soak in your light as if it's a sunbeam; your touch, even if only brushed along his skin, is enough to leave him weak and out of breath. The brief phantom of your nails against his chin leaves him biting the inside of his cheek, choking down the whimper that yearns to come out.

All he wishes is to say your name until it's ringing in his ears, the only word he cares to understand.

"You're so beautiful." Your thumb swipes over his lips, soft and malleable under your fingers. Your name seems to get louder in his mind, his heartbeat drumming against his veins like agitated waves against a cliff face. "I want you to look at me, Zhongli."

He no longer hesitates. Your order ripples in his mind for only a second before he complies, uncaring for how weak his legs may turn. All he bothers to think is that you have asked him to do so, and so he must.

Zhongli has wondered before what it is like for a mortal to see a god's body. What is it like to look on their majesty, to feel so infinitesimal in comparison? He wonders what it is like for man to see him, how their blood flows so quick at the sight.

But every time he looks at you, he understands. He knows what it is like to look upon a being, gaze at their light; to feel so small in comparison. He is nothing when compared to you, but is he meant to be anything more? You are the brightest sun, and he is a dim star, light flickering.

He desperately tries to cling onto your image just as he has before, until you are the only thing he sees when he closes his eyes. Anything to remember the curves of your features, the shape of your lips.

Zhongli's chest swells with every peal of his pulse, his knees trembling underneath him.

He has seen you before, but his heart still cries as though it was the first. His eyes still linger unfettered, still try to drink you in as if he will never have this chance again. He could see you every day, and still wish for it to be every minute; still feel the weakness in his bones and lungs with every moment in your presence.

Part of him wants to bow his head, to kowtow before you entirely— he wishes to completely give himself up to you, in all of his flaws and imperfections. Maybe once he has done that, he will finally be able to revere you the way he wishes. In the way he has wanted too since he was still a young god, hardened with the arrogance of youth and pride undeserved.

The other part of him tells him to stay still, to wait for your order. Even if his bones ache and cry, until your words echo permission, he is not to even breathe.

Your laughter, soft and mirthful, finds its way to his ears. It’s only then that he realizes how his cheeks burn— red and hot, blood pumping in his ears.

“This is where you look best— on your knees.”

Zhongli lets out a sharp breath, unable to stop the whine from coming out of his mouth.

#[🦇] — my writing #genshin impact #genshin x reader #yandere genshin #yandere male #sagau #yandere x reader #yandere genshin impact #yandere genshin x reader #self aware genshin #sagau zhongli #yandere zhongli #yandere zhongli x reader #zhongli genshin impact #zhongli x reader #gender neutral reader

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namii-88 · 6 months ago

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boboiboy galaxy au

pairing: reversed!elements x reader

TW: blood, injuries

(a/n: i tried my best to keep their personalities as close to canon as possible but struggled a bit, so apologies in advanced if they seem out of character!)

How.. how did things turn out this way?

It was supposed to be a simple mission, but why?

Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I ran as fast as I could, trying to navigate where I am along the way. We haven't even stayed here for a day but it felt as if we've been here for months. Navigating a planet that's covered in trees made it impossible to know where I came from. Every time I pass an area, I can't help but feel like I've come across that area before. Finding my way back was almost impossible, but I don't have a choice.

I suddenly felt a vine wrap around my leg and it pulled me harshly until I fell. The impact wasn't that sudden so I was able to catch myself before I sustained any injuries on my face. I screamed in pain as I realized that there were thorns on the vines and they were digging into my flesh. I scrambled around in panic trying to tug my feet away from the vines that it was captured in, careful in trying not to drag the thorns further into my leg.

"I'm coming to get you," I heard a playful voice echoing from the trees, a surge of terror fills my entire body as I hastily removed the vines. I continued to run trying my best to ignore the pain in my leg, tears were building up in my eyes but I tried my best to push it away. Exhaustion was slowly filling up my body as the damage from the previous fight started to kick in. My running became more sluggish and I became less aware of my surroundings, bumping into trees and stumbling in every rock that I come across.

No.. Please just a bit more and I can get some help..

Just a bit more and I can save hi-

My thoughts were cut off when I slipped on ice that suddenly appeared from the ground. I tried to push myself up but was struggling to do so because the entire world seemed like it was spinning. My head was pounding and I felt a wet and warm liquid drip down the side of my face. I lifted a hand to touch it.

Blood..

I bit my lip and wiped the blood off as best as I could. With the little strength I have left, I lifted myself off the ground while trying to ignore the splitting headache I was having because of my injury. I was about to run again but was unable to, due to vines suddenly crawling up and encaging my entire body. My legs, arms, and waist were completely covered by vines.

I can't move

I tugged as hard as I could against the vines but my attempts were in vain. "Stop trying to escape," I quickly looked in front of me and saw Thorn pouting at me, "Don't you wanna be with us?" I hardened my gaze towards him and continued my struggle with trying to escape the vines. He starts to walk towards me with a smile—smirk and starts to giggle, "Stop doing that n/n, it's not gonna do anything silly."

"Daun," Ice suddenly appears behind Thorn and stares at him in annoyance, "Stop fooling around and bring her back to the ship, Solar is almost done preparing." I felt a chill run down my spine when I realized what he said.

The ship?

That was the only place I could send help, why would they want to go there?

Unless.. no...

Dread fills my entire body as I realize what they did, yet I couldn't help but feel a tiny speck of hope.

Thorn rolls his eyes and turns around to meet his 'brother'. "Boooo, you're no fun, I'm just having fun with capturing her," he whines. I felt the urge to roll my eyes but was afraid to do so when Ice's gaze met mine. "Oh please! You only want n/n's attention for yourself!", Blaze suddenly appears and accuses him in a snarky tone. He crosses his arms and shots Thorn an annoyed look, "Keeping her for yourself won't make her like you any more than she likes me." A smirk appears on Blaze's face as he sees Thorn's eyebrows furrow in anger. Ice sighs tiredly at Blaze's attempt to pick a fight and chose to watch silently, having no intentions of stopping his 'brothers'.

The vines that were wrapped around me started to get loose when Thorn faced Blaze in anger, but before he could come up with a comeback, a voice suddenly interrupts their little argument. "Daun, you were supposed to bring her back 20 minutes ago," Gempa suddenly appeared with a disapproving look on his face. I let out a whimper of pain as I felt the vines tighten around me because of Thorn's reaction with the sudden appearance of his brother.

Gempa suddenly meets my eyes and the previous look of disapproval was replaced with a look of worry. "Daun, you're hurting y/n," he says with an assertive voice. Thorn quickly looks at me, eyeing me up and down until his eyes widen as he finally spots my injury. I quickly felt the vines loosening up, he quickly rushed over to me and gently held my face. "N/n! I am so sorry, I was so busy with trying to get you, I didn't realize that I was hurting you." I almost felt bad with how he sounded, he actually sounds guilty.

With the sudden appearance of the four of them, I didn't realize that my wounds were getting worse by the second. Blood started pouring out of my forehead again and the pain in my leg was beginning to become more unbearable. Thorn was about to inspect my wounds but was unable to because of my hand suddenly grabbing his wrist.

"Stop," I tried to muster out the most confident voice I could do, but was struggling to do so with the tears welling up my eyes. Thorn looks at me in confusion—worry, "N/n?" I almost broke with how genuine he looked but was able to keep my composure, "Stop acting like you care about me."

Thorn looks at me in disbelief as I saw the other three having similar reactions. "W-what do you mean?", I let go of his hand as I tried to get out of the vines. With how much they loosened up, I was able to remove them easier than before. Gempa tries to make his way to me but with my new found freedom, I try to escape. I turned around and tried to sprint away from them, hearing them yell my name, but was frozen from my spot when I saw Thunderstorm already looking at us with his usual cold stare. His arms were crossed and his eyes were following my every move intently.

From the back, I felt arms wrap around my waist and a chin laid against my left shoulder— hugging me. A familiar tone fills my left ear, "Why do you want to run away so badly?", I tried to ignore the pounding in my chest when I realized how close Cyclone was next to me.

"Let me go," I shakily tried to remove his arms around me but was unable to, due to him tightening his hold around me even more, "Hmmm? But I don't want tooo," he whines as he snuggles into my shoulder even more.

"I wanna hug n/n too!!", I heard Thorn's voice get near us, followed by a remark by Blaze as well, "No fair I got here first!", Blaze and Thorn then tried to remove Cyclone who was persistently holding onto me while laughing and taunting the other two. I heard Gempa sigh as he commanded the three to let go of me, "Taufan, please let go of y/n. Api, Daun, can't you see that she's struggling because of your rowdiness?". And with that, Thorn pouted while stepping away from Cyclone, Blaze stepped away with a 'hmp' while crossing his arms, and Cyclone removed his hand from my waist with a dejected look.

Gempa sighs again then turns to look at me with a warm look and a gentle smile. He slowly makes his way to me and gently holds my cheek. I felt his warm hand and I subconsciously leaned against it, the exhaustion from my body, making it difficult to show rejection to such warmth.

"Are you okay n/n?"

I almost believed that he was still the boy I fell in love with, but wasn't able to fully sink into that delusion because of the constant reminder of who he really is. Those red eyes and white hair that every single one of them has. The kind, selfless, and warm hero that I fell in love with was gone–at least some of him was. All that's left are the elements that he used to control, free to be their own person. But they were much more twisted than they used to be, no matter how much they try to be who they were before, I could tell that something about them has changed—for the worst.

#boboiboy #boboiboy x reader #reversed!boboiboy × reader

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marsplastic13 · 2 months ago

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'Complicated' (part 19) - Kaz Brekker x Reader

Idea - Kaz Brekker hires a prostitute to overcome his touch aversion, and be a better man for Inej, but things take an unxepected turn. Pairing: Kaz Brekker x Prostitute!Reader, (had to use y/n because I'm bad at names) Genre: modern AU, slow burn word count: 7.9k

@millercontracting @coldmermaidhologram @syd649

@luffysprincess @cryptidghostgirl @beekeepingageissome

@hufflepuff-16 @lukepattersin @jay-is-a-pinguin @le-clair-de-lune @theravenphoenix26

Kaz arrived home to find Y/N and one of her friends in an intricate position on the carpet. “What are you doing?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yoga and talking about dick,” Y/N replied with a smirk, making her friend giggle.

“Of course you are,” he sighed.

“Kiss?” she asked, looking up at him with a playful glint in her eyes. Kaz looked at her, noting she was half upside down with no easy way to reach her without inappropriately touching her friend. “Maybe later.”

He retreated to the kitchen, listening to their explicit conversation drift in from the living room. As he poured himself a drink, he heard bits of their chat.

“Wait, the one with the mustache?” her friend asked.

“Exactly, he likes when you do nothing, just lay there,” Y/N responded.

“Really? Why did you keep him until now?”

“Are you kidding? I even squeezed naps in between whatever he thinks he’s doing, he always takes hours to finish.”

Kaz’s mind wandered, pondering if she ever discussed him like that when he was her client, imagining her saying to her roommates that he just wanted to hold her hand and didn't even manage to do that very well. He sighed, knowing that it happened for sure.

“Fine, I’ll take him,” her friend sighed. “But why are you leaving me that lawyer too? You always said he’s really good.”

“I guess now I have someone else that fucks me just right,” laughed Y/N, joined by her friend.

Kaz stopped mid-sip, taken aback. He wasn’t sure if that conversation was meant for him to hear or not. He couldn’t hide a proud smile; he still struggled with the thought of not being enough for her, and that was another reassurance he needed. Her words echoed in his mind, giving him a sense of validation that his efforts were truly appreciated. As he listened to Y/N continue her conversation with her friend, Kaz felt a surge of protectiveness and affection. He wanted to be the one who fulfilled her needs in every aspect of their lives together. The idea that she was willing to adjust her professional boundaries for their relationship was both humbling and gratifying.

“Is he that good?” asked the friend in a conspiratorial tone.

“Oh, he is, and he's a really fast learner.”

“Well, with a teacher like you…”

The girls kept laughing, and Kaz heard them shifting positions. He couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride at Y/N's words. Despite his confidence in most aspects of his life, he still harbored insecurities, given her experience. Hearing her praise meant more to him than he could easily express.

“Can I try him?”

“No way, I’m not leaving him in your dirty hands” replied Y/N.

“Your hands are dirtier than mine,” laughed the other girl.

“Well, he’s my boyfriend,” pointed out Y/N.

“So you are jealous.”

“No, I'm not,” protested Y/N.

“Ask him then.”

He heard her sigh, “Kaz! Do you want to have a threesome with us?”

Kaz paused, considering it. His mind raced through the implications and possibilities. On one hand, he knew Y/N liked to push boundaries and explore new experiences, and he wanted to support her in that. On the other hand, he wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about being shared between the two girls. He decided to play along, if only to see where it might lead. “Sure,” he replied with a smirk.

He heard the noise of the girls falling on the ground, clearly taken aback by his response. A moment later, Y/N peeked into the kitchen, her eyes wide with surprise.

“Really?” she asked, clearly not expecting him to agree.

“No, love,” Kaz laughed at her expectant face, “not yet,” he winked.

Y/N made an amused face before returning to her friend. She always left hints, more or less direct, about what she wanted to try with him, but never made him feel pressured about them. It was one of the things he appreciated most about her—her willingness to explore and communicate without forcing him into anything he wasn’t ready for.

Kaz couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that she was leaving some of her clients, which was unexpected. A small smile tugged at his lips at the implications of that. It meant she was slowly shifting her priorities, and he liked to think it was because of him.

“I've been asked to babysit tonight. I was thinking of bringing her here. Is it a problem?” Y/N asked.

“No, it's fine. I have some work to finish,” Kaz replied, his mind already shifting to the tasks at hand.

“Shower?” she asked with a smirk, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Shower,” he replied, letting her take his hand and guide him to the bathroom. They had purposefully chosen a really big shower to be able to share it comfortably. Kaz was feeling more and more comfortable with the contact with wet skin. He had stopped panicking when their fingers brushed while passing things, but they still hadn't gone much further than accidental brushes.

As the warm water cascaded over them, Y/N turned to him with a teasing smile. “Do you know who asked me out?”

“Tell me,” Kaz said, intrigued.

“Pekka Rollins.”

The bottle of body wash Kaz was holding slipped from his grip, crashing onto Y/N’s foot with a dull thud. She yelped in pain, reflexively grabbing his arm to steady herself.

“Kaz, fuck, that hurt,” she exclaimed, her voice filled with pain and surprise.

The sudden contact sent an involuntary shiver through Kaz, his body tensing. He took a long breath, fighting against the surge of instinctual panic that urged him to shove her away. He clenched his jaw, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. He didn't want to hurt her, but her touch was a stark reminder of his ongoing struggle with physical contact.

“Y/N, please let me go,” he muttered under his breath, his voice strained but controlled.

“Sorry, sorry,” she quickly apologized, releasing his arm and stepping back. Her eyes were wide with concern and regret, the pain in her foot momentarily forgotten.

Kaz’s heart pounded as he watched her, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He hated how his past still had such a grip on him, how it could intrude on moments like these. He took another deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

“Pekka Rollins?” he repeated, trying to focus on the issue at hand. He turned off the water, the warmth of the shower suddenly feeling too overwhelming.

“Yeah, can you believe it? I said no, of course,” Y/N replied, her voice softening as she wrapped herself in a towel, her eyes never leaving his face.

Kaz stepped out of the shower, his thoughts racing. The implication of his attempt to ask Y/N on a date sent a fresh wave of anxiety through him. Was it a coincidence, or was it a deliberate move? He needed to know more. Maybe it was time to be more public about their relationship, to send a clear message. Or the opposite? Should they keep it even more private?

“Baby, are you okay?” Y/N asked, her concern evident as she moved closer, her hand gently touching his arm.

“Yeah, sorry,” he said, his voice distant. His mind was still processing the implications, the potential threats.

“Kaz, even if you didn't have history with him, and we weren’t together, I would have never said yes to him, he’s creepy.”

“I know, I know,” Kaz said, leaning on the sink. He looked at his reflection, seeing the tension etched on his face. Turning back to her, he asked, “Why are you leaving some clients?”

Y/N made a small smile, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. “I don't know, just felt like it.”

Kaz hummed, stepping closer to her, needing to understand her reasoning. “Are you sure you don't know?” He reached out, his hand gently cupping her cheek. He liked seeing her trying to stay vague about her intentions, but he needed clarity.

“Oh you know, I was making too much money, didn't want to make you feel bad,” she chuckled, and Kaz knew better than to push further.

A few hours later, they found themselves on the couch, Kaz typing rapidly on his laptop while Y/N and the little girl were engrossed in a Disney movie. The soft glow of the screen illuminated their faces, Y/N’s arm wrapped protectively around the toddler as she watched with wide-eyed fascination. Every now and then, Y/N would lean in, whisper something funny into the girl's ear, earning a burst of giggles that filled the room with warmth.

Kaz kept stealing glances at them, his fingers slowing on the keys as he observed the peaceful scene. They looked so comfortable, nestled together like that, and the thought hit him—Could this be his life? Evenings spent on the couch, kids’ movies playing in the background, worrying about bedtimes, schools, and being present. Being a father.

The notion unsettled him, not because he didn’t want it, but because it was something he never thought he could be. A father. The idea felt foreign, like trying on a coat that didn’t quite fit yet. How could he, with his past, teach someone how to be a good person? How could he be a role model when his life had been so full of darkness, crime, and survival at any cost?

But then, as he glanced over at Y/N, gently stroking the girl's hair as she drifted off to sleep, Kaz felt a flicker of hope. He had overcome so many obstacles he once thought impossible. He had built a life, brick by painful brick, out of ruins. Maybe, just maybe, he could do this too. Not alone—but with Y/N by his side, they could figure it out. Together.

Sensing his gaze, Y/N looked up, her eyes softening as she smiled at him. It was the kind of smile that made him feel grounded, like he could take on the world if she was with him. Kaz smiled back, the corners of his mouth twitching upward in a way that was still new for him. He tried to refocus on the deal in front of him, but his mind kept drifting back to the two of them.

Before thinking about kids, he needed to get one important thing done—proposing to Y/N. He hadn’t yet decided if he should pop the question on a random day, catching her off guard, or plan something more elaborate, like a weekend abroad where they could be alone, away from the weight of the city and his business.

Then there was the wedding. He didn’t want to rush her into anything. They’d take their time, make it theirs. After that, he would have to start extricating himself from the darker, shadier parts of his dealings. He couldn’t bring a child into the world with all that still hanging over his head. But the idea of a future—their future—was something he hadn’t imagined possible until now.

Kaz shook his head slightly, almost in disbelief. His life had shifted so quickly, and yet it felt like everything was falling into place in ways he never thought he deserved.

***

Kaz came home to the smell of cake lingering in the air. Y/N reached him in the entryway, linking her arms around his neck and pulling him in for a kiss. He smiled against her lips at her enthusiastic greeting, feeling the warmth and familiarity of her embrace. “Are you baking something?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“I made three cakes,” she hummed, their noses touching as she spoke. Her hands wandered around his chest, tracing the contours of his muscles. “I'm going out, I have…” She took his lower lip between her teeth playfully, “13 minutes, what do you say?”

Kaz chuckled, his amusement evident. “I say that Jesper is right behind me.”

Y/N glanced over Kaz's shoulder and spotted Jesper standing there with a grin. “Fine by me,” she said with an allusive smile, making Jesper raise an eyebrow.

“Sure, love,” Kaz laughed, shaking his head. “Jesper is staying for dinner.”

“Alright, there's uhm, cake and beer I think,” she said, walking towards the kitchen with a casual sway in her step.

Kaz raised an eyebrow at Jesper, who shrugged at the peculiar menu. “If I don’t have to cook, it's fine.” commented Jesper.

Following her into the kitchen, Kaz rested his hands on her hips as she checked the cake in the oven. “Where are you going?”

“Just home, girls' night watching the Kardashians,” she smiled, turning to face him.

“Did you eat?” Kaz asked, noticing a hint of hesitation in her demeanor.

Y/N hesitated, her eyes darting away for a moment. “Yeah, sure.”

“Y/N,” Kaz said more firmly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at her.

She sighed, her shoulders slumping a little.

Kaz’s expression softened, and he cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing over her cheek. “Y/N-”

“I know,” she replied, looking up at him with a small, apologetic smile. “I’ll eat there.”

Kaz nodded, his fingers lingering on her skin for a moment longer before he let her go. He glanced at the cakes, the sweet aroma filling the kitchen. “That smells amazing, by the way.”

“Thanks,” Y/N said, a bit more cheer in her voice as she turned back to the oven.

Jesper, who had been lingering awkwardly by the door, finally spoke up. “So, what’s the occasion? Or is it just a regular Tuesday cake?”

“Just felt like baking,” Y/N replied with a grin, pulling the last cake out of the oven and setting it on the counter to cool.

After a while, Y/N excused herself to get ready for her night out. Kaz and Jesper settled on the couch, beers in hand. Y/N reappeared in the living room, dressed for the evening. She kissed Kaz passionately goodbye, her lips lingering on his just long enough to leave him wanting more.

"Have fun," Kaz murmured against her lips, feeling a pang of longing as she pulled away.

"I will," she winked, grabbing her bag and heading out the door.

Kaz watched her go, a slight smile on his face. He turned back to Jesper, who was already engrossed in a work document.

About an hour later Kaz and Jesper were immersed in their work, discussing plans and strategies for their next job. The room was filled with the soft clinking of beer bottles and the rustle of papers.

Suddenly, Kaz's phone buzzed, breaking his concentration. He glanced at the screen and saw a message from one of Y/N’s roommates: ‘Can you tell Y/N to answer her damn phone?’

Kaz stared at it, a knot of unease forming in his stomach. They were supposed to be together. His mind started racing, envisioning all sorts of scenarios. As soon as he clicked on the notification to answer, the message got deleted. Kaz frowned even more, feeling a surge of worry. He had no idea what was going on.

"Everything okay?" Jesper asked, noticing Kaz’s troubled expression.

"Yeah," Kaz replied, his eyes still on the now-deleted message. He debated whether to call Y/N or wait for her to get home and talk face-to-face. Was she lying to him? Where did she go? The questions bugged him, leaving him with a strong sense of unease all evening.

When Kaz heard the door open around midnight, he was already in bed, playing on her Switch. The familiar sound of her footsteps echoed through the apartment, accompanying the tension building inside of him.

Y/N peered into the bedroom, "Hey," she greeted softly, heading to the bathroom to take off her makeup.

Kaz tried to keep his composure, thinking about the imminent conversation. He wanted answers, but he didn't want to accuse her unfairly. His mind raced with conflicting thoughts, each one making him more anxious.

Minutes later, she emerged, half-naked, her skin glowing in the soft light. She climbed directly into his lap, snatching away the console from his hands to get his attention. Kaz's eyes couldn't help but get lost in the sight of her cleavage, particularly the new tattoo she had between her breasts that made focusing increasingly difficult.

"Hi," she said with a smile, guiding his hands to her waist.

"Hey," he replied slowly, his mind still on the text.

"How was your day?" she purred in his ear, rocking her hips slightly against him.

"Good," he said, his breath hitching as she bit his neck. He knew he had to ask her, “Love?”

Y/N hummed against his skin in return, her hands wandering on his body.

“Lia texted me, telling me to make you answer the phone,” he said, purposefully using the wrong name to gauge her reaction.

Y/N didn’t falter. “Lia? We were together. You mean Mia?” She corrected him without hesitation.

Kaz felt a mixture of relief and suspicion. She corrected him well, but was she just quick on her feet? “Yeah, Mia. She wasn’t with you?” He allowed her to guide his mouth to her neck, humming in satisfaction as he kissed her.

“No, she has this new guy,” Y/N explained, her hand sliding inside his boxer, skillfully working him up.

Kaz struggled to maintain his focus. “Why didn’t you answer her?” he asked, his voice strained.

“My phone was on mute,” Y/N replied, her hand’s movements making it increasingly hard for him to concentrate.

“Why did she delete the message?” he asked, feeling his resolve slipping away.

“I don’t know. She must have remembered that I wasn't with you,” Y/N said, her hand working him more intensely now, making him forget his doubts as pleasure took over.

Kaz’s mind fogged over, his earlier concerns buried under a wave of desire. He wanted to trust her, wanted to believe in their relationship. As Y/N’s lips found his again, he decided to let go for the moment, losing himself in her touch and the reassurance of her presence.

***

They spent the next morning in bed, between sloppy kisses and drifting back in and out of sleep. The sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over them. Y/N curled against Kaz, her head resting on his chest as his fingers lazily traced patterns on her back. They exchanged lazy smiles, savoring the rare luxury of a morning without obligations.

"Do we have to get up?" Y/N murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

Kaz chuckled, his hand moving to play with a strand of her hair. "Not unless you want to. We can stay here all day if you’d like."

She nuzzled closer, planting a gentle kiss on his chest. "Good, because I’m not ready to leave this bed."

Kaz tightened his arm around her, drawing her even nearer. "Neither am I."

They lay in comfortable silence, the only sounds being their steady breathing and the occasional rustle of sheets as they adjusted their positions. Kaz’s mind drifted back to the previous night, the lingering worries pushed aside by the sheer contentment of the present moment. He felt Y/N’s fingers dance across his skin, a soothing rhythm that kept him grounded.

"I love mornings like this," Y/N said softly, her breath warm against his chest.

"Me too," Kaz replied, kissing the top of her head.

Their kisses grew more fervent, passion slowly rekindling. Y/N rolled onto her back, pulling Kaz with her. He hovered above her, their eyes locked in a silent conversation filled with love and desire. The connection between them felt stronger than ever, a silent promise of their commitment to each other.

***

But the doubts of the previous night crept back into Kaz’s mind when Y/N disappeared again that evening with another vague excuse. He had a work thing and returned home late, finding her already asleep. He stood in the doorway, watching her peaceful form beneath the blankets. She had once told him she cheated on all her previous boyfriends, but Kaz believed he was different. He thought he could be the one she wouldn’t stray from. He needed clarity, but he didn’t want to accuse her without evidence.

Her phone buzzed persistently on his side of the bed, pulling his attention. He knew it was wrong, that invading her privacy would be a betrayal of trust, but his doubts gnawed at him. With a heavy heart and hands shaking with guilt, Kaz reached for her phone.

He glanced at her one last time. She had an arm draped over the pillow, her face nestled into it, completely oblivious. He began checking her notifications: three were from clients, one was a payment confirmation. Kaz's tension eased slightly, but the unread messages from the tennis guy caught his attention. Fifteen unread messages, all asking to see her and seeking explanations for her sudden absence. This information eased his mind somewhat; it seemed she wasn’t with him at least. But still, there was no clue as to where she had been that evening.

Kaz's thoughts raced. He considered waking her to confront her, but he knew that would lead to a defensive argument and likely no answers. Instead, he decided to wait for the morning. He would ask her directly, hoping for honesty. He placed her phone back on the nightstand, gently, as if it might shatter under any more pressure.

He undressed quietly and slid into bed beside her, careful not to disturb her. His mind replayed every interaction they had over the past few weeks, searching for signs he might have missed. He loved her deeply, and the thought of her betraying that trust tore at him. But Kaz also knew he had to be rational, not let jealousy cloud his judgment.

***

The next morning, Kaz woke up to the smell of coffee and breakfast. Y/N was in the kitchen, humming softly as she cooked. The sight of her in one of his shirts, moving gracefully around their shared space, made his heart ache. He joined her, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder.

“Morning,” she said cheerfully, turning her head to give him a quick kiss. “I made your favorite.”

“Morning,” Kaz replied, his voice steady but his mind racing. Looking at her so at ease made it impossible for him to start the conversation. He decided to trust her, at least for now.

‘I’m babysitting tonight,’ her text pulled him out of the books of the Crow Club. Kaz couldn’t help but ask himself if it was a lie or not. He shook his head, the bittersweet flavor of doubt lingering in his mouth. If he had decided to trust her that morning, then why had he slipped an AirTag inside her car when he went out?

He checked her location obsessively. Y/N stayed home until around 4 when her car made the journey to her other house to work. At 7, Kaz received another text, ‘Just finished work. I’ll be home around 11, you?’

He contemplated his response. ‘Still not sure,’ he decided to reply.

About an hour later, her car started to move, and Kaz’s heart was about to explode. He came close to praying that she would turn toward her friends’ house to babysit, but she didn’t. Her car stopped in the parking lot of a hotel. A nice one, but not nice enough for her to be with one of her clients. His heart sank; he couldn’t believe it.

Kaz had no idea what to do. He didn’t want to confront her, didn’t want to accept the truth that it was really happening. He texted her that he wouldn’t be able to come back home that night and decided to bury himself in work and alcohol.

Kaz made his way home not too early the next morning, and he met Y/N as she was going to the gym. “Hi, love,” she greeted him with a smile, kissing his jaw. “Where were you last night?” she asked.

Kaz did his best not to scoff. Where were you? he wanted to ask, but instead, he just shrugged, “Work stuff.”

Y/N hummed, her hand still on his cheek. “I could make it up to you after Pilates,” she said, batting her eyes.

“I’m probably going to sleep all day,” he said, and Y/N frowned, clearly taken aback by his rejection. “Are you free after dinner?”

Y/N made a tight smile. “I think I’m busy.”

Kaz nodded, his heart breaking. He didn’t even ask her what she had to do; he couldn’t bear to hear another lie. He just kissed her forehead and let her go.

As she walked away, Kaz felt a gnawing emptiness. He trudged to the bedroom and collapsed onto the bed, the weight of his suspicions pressing down on him. The AirTag had confirmed his worst fears, but he was still clinging to the hope that there was some explanation, some reason that didn’t involve betrayal.

***

After an entire week of lies, Kaz found himself outside the hotel, his heart pounding in his chest. All their conversations flashed through his mind—their shared moments of vulnerability, her doubts, the times she had warned him that she would only end up hurting him. Her ex-boyfriend’s words haunted him, taunting him with the prophecy that Kaz would become just like him. At the time, it seemed impossible, but now he was right there, having looked through her phone and stalked her location. Kaz laughed at the bitter irony, shaking his head.

The ring was still waiting for her, carefully hidden away. What was he supposed to do if they broke up? Take it back to the shop? Sell it? Dramatically throw it in the harbor?

After about an hour, Kaz spotted Y/N leaving the hotel, a man walking closely behind her. They stopped to talk for a while, but when the man cupped her cheek with his hand, Kaz couldn’t take it anymore. He strode towards them, his anger boiling over.

“Y/N,” he said coldly as he reached them. Y/N turned, her eyes wide with shock. “Kaz, what are you doing here?”

A manic laugh escaped his lips. “Me? What are you doing here? You always said you didn’t work outside your house, so what the fuck?”

“Work?” asked the man, puzzled.

“Kaz, wait,” Y/N began, her voice pleading.

“No, Y/N, come on, not even six months?”

“Love-”

“Who is this?” the man asked.

“He’s my boyfriend,” she replied softly.

“I was about to fucking propose to you, Y/N,” Kaz shouted.

Y/N froze, but then a small smile spread on her lips. “What?”

“You heard me. Why did you have to do this?”

“Kaz-”

“I can’t believe this is happening, Y/N.”

“KAZ!”

“Why, Y/N-”

“This is my father.”

Kaz stopped dead in his tracks, his mind struggling to process her words. “Your father?” he repeated, his voice barely more than a whisper.

The man nodded uncomfortably, clearly sensing the tension. “Yes, I’m her father.”

“I know I told you they were dead, but—” Y/N began, her voice trembling.

“They’re not. Alice told me,” Kaz said softly.

Y/N looked confused. “When did you talk to her?”

Kaz felt a surge of embarrassment for the scene he had just caused. “When I asked her for her blessing to marry you,” he admitted, his voice tinged with regret.

Y/N’s eyes widened, then a laugh bubbled up, her amusement genuine despite the tension. “You asked for her blessing? You're so old-fashioned, baby,” she teased, reaching out to touch his arm.

Kaz and Y/N’s father exchanged an uncomfortable glance. Kaz wanted to disappear, feeling the weight of his lack of trust in her. As he looked closer at her father, he could see the resemblance between them—a shared softness in their eyes, the same determined set to their jaws.

Y/N took control of the situation, turning to her father with a reassuring smile. “So, this is my boyfriend, Kaz. I’ve talked to you about him.”

Kaz extended his hand, and they shook. He felt a bit under scrutiny, the older man's gaze assessing him. “My pleasure. I’ve heard a lot about you,” Y/N’s father said with a tight smile.

Kaz nodded, feeling both relief and unease. He didn’t know much about Y/N’s parents; she had preferred to think of them as dead. Now, he found himself unsure of what to say.

“You went to Alice to ask for her hand—that's a nice thing to do,” her father continued, trying to bridge the gap.

“Thank you, sir,” Kaz replied politely, feeling the formalities help ground him amidst the turmoil. The awkwardness hung in the air, thick and palpable. He was acutely aware of the judgmental glances exchanged between Y/N and her father, each assessing the other’s significance in her life.

Her father nodded, looking slightly more at ease but still wary. “I appreciate that. It shows respect.”

Kaz forced a smile, trying to read the man in front of him. He knew so little about him, yet this stranger was so crucial to Y/N’s life and past. “It felt like the right thing to do. Y/N means a lot to me.”

Y/N’s father gave a small, approving nod. “I’m glad to hear that.”

Kaz nodded, understanding the weight of those words. “I know. I’m here for her, always.”

Y/N watched the exchange, her eyes darting between them. She placed a hand on Kaz’s arm, grounding him further. “I think we should catch up another time. There’s a lot we need to discuss, but not here.”

Her father glanced at her, then at Kaz, before nodding in agreement. “You’re right. We’ll talk soon.” He turned to Kaz, offering a hand again. “It was good to meet you, Kaz. Take care of her.”

Kaz shook his hand firmly. “I will, sir.”

Once alone, Kaz and Y/N locked eyes. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words and lingering emotions. Kaz took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words to apologize.

“I’m so sorry, Y/N, I—”

“I was acting shady, I understand, Kaz,” she interrupted, her arms hugging herself defensively.

“No, I crossed the line. I should’ve talked to you instead of jumping to conclusions.”

“I should’ve come to you too,” she replied, looking away with a sigh. “Usually, I love public scenes, but how about we go home?”

Kaz nodded with a small smile, relief washing over him. “I have to stop at work for a second, but I’ll reach you there.”

He turned to go to his car, but Y/N grabbed him by the arm, her serious gaze locking onto his. “Kaz,” she said, her voice steady and filled with emotion, “I love you.”

Kaz felt a weight lift from his chest at her words. “I love you,” he replied, squeezing her hand reassuringly before walking away.

Kaz didn’t go to his office. Instead, he went to buy flowers and those vegan chocolates Y/N liked. He wanted to show her how much she meant to him and how sorry he was for doubting her.

When Kaz arrived home, he found Y/N making drinks in the kitchen. She had changed into one of his shirts, which hung loosely on her and exposed her legs. The sight of her like this made his heart ache with love and regret. She looked up and smiled at him, her eyes softening when she saw the flowers and chocolates.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly, stepping closer to her. He kissed her temple and handed her the gifts.

Her smile widened as she accepted them. “You didn’t have to,” she said, but Kaz could see the happiness in her eyes.

“I wanted to,” he replied, his voice earnest. “I needed to.”

They settled on the couch, drinks in hand, the atmosphere between them more relaxed now.

Kaz settled next to Y/N on the couch, feeling the need to clear the air further. “He contacted me a few weeks ago,” she started, her voice tentative. “Said he wanted to get to know me. I wanted to understand his intentions before talking about it.”

“Why?” Kaz asked, his brow furrowing.

“I don't know,” she admitted, looking away. “I didn’t want to jinx it, I think. I was afraid that if I talked about it, it might not turn out the way I hoped.”

Kaz nodded, understanding the fear of misplacing her hopes. “What do you think about him now?”

Y/N sighed, leaning back against the couch. “I still don’t know. He seems sincere, but at the same time, his family has no idea I exist. It’s complicated.”

Kaz gathered his thoughts, knowing he had to come clean. “I thought you were cheating on me,” he confessed. “I went through your phone one time while you were sleeping. I even put an AirTag in your car and followed your position.”

Y/N’s eyes widened slightly, but she remained calm. “That’s fucked up, love,” she said, though her tone was not accusatory.

Kaz cradled his head in his hands, feeling the weight of his actions. “I know. I’m so sorry. I was paranoid and I let my fears get the best of me.”

“I can understand, Kaz,” Y/N said softly. “I did everything I could to make you doubt me. I always repeated how unworthy of trust I was, so it’s not surprising that at the first sign of shadiness, you thought the worst.”

“You’re not mad?” he asked, lifting his head to meet her gaze.

“I mean, I didn’t think you would actually do those kinds of things, but I can understand why it happened,” she replied. Her eyes were filled with understanding and sadness. “I know you’re not a crazy stalker.”

Kaz pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her tightly. He was immensely grateful for how things had evolved. “I’ll do better,” he whispered. “I’ll trust you, and I won’t let anything ruin what we have.”

Y/N nodded against his chest, her arms around him just as tightly. “And I’ll be more open with you,” she promised. “No more secrets.”

They sat like that for a while, the silence between them comfortable and filled with unspoken promises. Kaz felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing they had come through this stronger.

Kaz felt a surge of anticipation as Y/N's grin widened. “So, you were about to propose?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

“I still am,” he replied, determination clear in his voice as he stood up. He walked to the safe, feeling the weight of the moment pressing on him.

It wasn't absolutely the proposal he imagined, but with her, nothing went as he planned.

With steady hands, he retrieved the ring, taking a final look at it in its box. It was perfect, just like the moment he had been envisioning, despite all the turmoil they had been through.

Y/N covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes wide with disbelief and joy. “Is this really happening?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Kaz nodded, feeling a rush of adrenaline as he dramatically dropped to one knee. He ignored the sharp pain that shot through his leg, focusing entirely on her. The sight of her laughter and tears mingling together filled him with warmth.

“Y/N,” he began, his voice strong but filled with emotion, “will you marry me?”

She opened her mouth, uncertainty written all over her face, but he gently cut her off. “I want you to know that I'll wait for you. You said one day you're going to leave your job. I'll wait for that day. If it's tomorrow, or in ten years, I don't care.”

Her eyes softened, tears welling up. “Will you? Really?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

“Yes,” he affirmed, his eyes locking onto hers with unwavering sincerity.

Y/N's face lit up with a radiant smile, her hands trembling as she reached out to him. “Yes, I'll marry you,” she said, her voice choked with emotion.

Kaz slid the ring onto Y/N’s finger, the smooth metal encircling her finger with a perfect fit. The moment felt suspended in time, the culmination of all their shared experiences and deep feelings. He stood up slowly, his heart pounding as he pulled her into a tight embrace, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat against his chest. The warmth and intimacy of the moment were overwhelming, a powerful affirmation of their love.

Y/N responded by kissing him deeply and passionately, her lips pressing against his with an intensity that conveyed all the love and commitment that words couldn't fully capture. Her kiss was both a promise and a celebration, a silent testament to the depth of her feelings.

They pulled back slightly, their foreheads resting against each other, eyes locked in a gaze that spoke volumes. “I love you,” Kaz whispered, his voice filled with tenderness and relief, the words almost a sacred vow.

“I love you,” Y/N replied, her eyes shining with happiness, reflecting the joy and gratitude she felt. Her voice trembled with emotion, each syllable laced with sincerity.

Kaz looked at her, his gaze softening as he took in the sight of his fiancée, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Taking a shaky breath, he couldn’t help but tease her gently. “Are you crying?” he asked, shoving her slightly with a smile.

Y/N laughed nervously, her tears slipping freely down her cheeks. “Yes, I’m fucking crying,” she admitted, her voice trembling as she met Kaz’s gaze. “No one ever showed me this kind of respect before. I always thought I wasn’t worthy of it, you know? I never expected someone to be so committed, so... real with me. It’s a lot to take in.”

She took a deep, shaky breath, trying to steady her emotions. “It’s just... I’ve been through so much. I always felt like I had to fight for every bit of validation, every ounce of respect. No one ever really took me seriously. I was always the one who had to prove herself, to show that I was worth something.” Her voice wavered, the vulnerability clear as she continued. “And I ended up doing it to myself too, you know? I learned to doubt my worth, to think that maybe I wasn’t deserving of something real.”

Her eyes shimmered with fresh tears as she looked at Kaz, the weight of her past struggles mingling with the joy of the present. She swallowed hard, trying to steady her voice. “It’s a bit overwhelming,” she said softly, her breath catching. “I never allowed myself to believe I could have something like this. I’ve always held back, convinced myself that I wasn’t deserving of this kind of happiness.”

Kaz’s heart ached at the sight of her vulnerability. He gently cupped her face, his thumbs brushing away the tears that continued to spill. His gaze was intense and full of emotion as he spoke, each word measured and sincere. “Thanks to you, I’ll be able to have a normal life,” he began, his voice carrying a profound sincerity. “I thought I would never be able to be so comfortable with someone. You might not realize it, but you’ve changed everything for me. I wasn’t able to hold someone’s hand without feeling like I was suffocating before meeting you. I couldn’t get kissed without throwing up from anxiety.”

He paused, taking a deep breath, trying to capture the gravity of his feelings. “You’ve made me feel things I thought I’d never experience. You’ve shown me what it’s like to be loved without fear, to be with someone who understands me and accepts me completely. I’ll be grateful every single day for this— for you.”

Kaz’s thumbs continued to caress her cheeks gently, as if trying to imprint the moment in his memory. “You’ve given me a chance to live a life I never thought was possible. And every time I look at you, every time I hold you, I’m reminded of how lucky I am.”

She managed to laugh a bit, her voice carrying a light, playful edge. “You ruined my reputation,” she teased, her eyes still glistening with emotion.

Kaz chuckled, his fingers gently drying a tear from her cheek. “How are you going to survive?” he asked, his tone light but filled with affection.

“I guess we’ll find out,” she replied with a wink, the playful spark in her eyes returning.

Kaz scooped her up effortlessly, though his limp was more pronounced as he carried her toward their bedroom. She playfully protested, giggling and squirming in his arms, but he just smiled, determined to make their moment special.

They stumbled onto the bed, laughing and catching each other in a deep, lingering kiss.

“Can you believe that we’re engaged?” Kaz murmured against her skin, his lips brushing over her shirt as he kissed her nipple through the fabric. “I won, love.”

“You won?” she hummed, scratching his head affectionately. “I didn’t realize it was a competition.”

“Of course it was,” Kaz grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’m here to claim my prize.” He lifted her shirt with a flourish, trailing kisses down her stomach, reveling in the way she arched under him.

“My friends won’t believe it,” she whispered, her voice a soft murmur as she relaxed into his touch.

Kaz smiled against her warm skin. “Why not?”

“Let’s say I always had strong opinions about how boring committed relationships are,” she admitted, her tone playful yet sincere.

He bit gently at her hip bone, making her hiss in response. “Are you bored?”

“Not yet,” she teased with a satisfied smile.

“You always said you wanted children,” Kaz said, his curiosity piqued. “How did that fit into your plans?”

“Oh, it was good,” she replied, a mischievous glint in her eye. “All four of us were supposed to have the same sperm donor and raise our children together in a big, confusing family.”

Kaz hummed against her inner thigh, mulling over the unconventional plan. It didn’t sound all that bad. “Can I send it to them?” she asked, holding up her phone to show him a picture.

Kaz glanced at the screen, seeing his head clearly positioned between her legs, but the explicit part of the scene was partially obscured by her hand that displayed the engagement ring. He grinned, thinking it would make a great wallpaper for his phone. “Just to them, and to me,” he agreed with a crooked smile, returning to his affectionate attention.

“We could use it for our engagement party invitations,” she laughed, tossing her phone aside as she surrendered to the pleasure, her head falling back against the pillows.

“Matthias would carve his eyeballs out,” Kaz laughed.

Kaz increased the rhythm of his tongue, his fingers working in tandem, sensing her growing restlessness and the mounting pleasure.

“Are you going to tease me all night?” she whined, her voice tinged with frustration and desire.

“Yes,” Kaz replied with a smirk.

“I’m sorry for the neighbors then,” she moaned loudly, her voice thick with pleasure as Kaz gently nudged her clit with his teeth. Her moans filled the room, mingling with the soft rustling of the sheets and their shared breaths.

Kaz’s heart raced at the sound of her unrestrained sounds, each one a testament to the pleasure he was giving her. He loved how vocal she was, her cries of ecstasy echoing off the walls and cutting through the silence of the night.

Her reactions were music to his ears, each moan and gasp a reminder of how alive she was beneath his touch, silencing the voices in his head. With every cry she released, Kaz felt a sense of liberation.

He reveled in the way her body responded to him, how her hips arched and her breaths came in quick, uneven gasps. Her hands gripped the sheets tightly, and he could feel her heart racing beneath his fingertips. It was a visceral, intoxicating experience, and he found himself lost in the sensation of her warmth and the sound of her voice.

***

The next morning, Kaz was jolted awake by a cacophony of voices coming from the hallway. Groggy and irritated, he threw on some sweatpants and stumbled toward the noise, which was clearly escalating into a full-blown argument. As he got closer, y/n’s voice cut through the chaos with a sharp edge.

“I’m so sorry if your husband can’t get it up anymore!” y/n shouted, her tone laced with mocking.

Kaz rubbed his eyes and shook his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. He could hear the muffled responses of their neighbors, but y/n’s voice was the loudest, filled with defiance.

“You know what? Maybe if you didn’t spend so much time eavesdropping on us, and more getting down on her, you wouldn’t have to be so uptight!” she continued, her voice rising.

Kaz reached the hallway and saw y/n standing with their disgruntled neighbors, their faces a blend of shock and fury. The couple from next door were clearly at their breaking point, their eyes wide with indignation.

Kaz leaned against the doorframe, an amused smirk playing on his lips as he surveyed the chaotic scene unfolding before him. “What’s going on here?” he asked, barely containing his laughter.

The husband’s face was a deep shade of red, his anger palpable. “Your noise last night was out of control!” he roared, his voice shaking with frustration.

Y/n, clearly at her limit, threw her hands up in exasperation. “Oh, please! Have you ever had good sex in your life? Maybe if you did, you wouldn’t be such a stickler about it!”

Kaz struggled between laughter and embarrassment. “We got engaged last night,” he said, trying to provide some context, ��we were celebrating.”

The wife shot him a look that could have frozen fire. “It’s not just about one night! It’s about being considerate! You’re disturbing everyone!”

Y/n’s eyes narrowed, her temper flaring. “It wasn’t even that long!”

The husband’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “You went on for almost three hours! We were trying to watch a movie!”

Y/n’s smirk widened as she turned to Kaz, clearly enjoying the moment. “Almost three hours? Good job, baby.”

The neighbors scoffed, their faces a mix of shock and indignation. Kaz, now thoroughly red-faced, tried to hide his grin, feeling both mortification and amusement.

The wife’s face contorted with frustration. “This is absolutely ridiculous! You can’t just make everyone else miserable because you’re celebrating!”

Kaz couldn’t hold back any longer. “You’re the only one complaining, just turn up your volume a bit.”

The husband glared at him, but Kaz’s easygoing demeanor seemed to infuriate him even more. “We’re going to the building manager with this. This isn’t over!”

As they stormed off, Kaz turned to y/n, shaking his head with a mix of disbelief and amusement. “That was something.”

Y/n laughed, stepping closer to him. “I’d say they needed to get a life. They can’t handle a little excitement now and then.”

Kaz grinned, pulling her into an embrace. “They were right.”

“They were absolutely right,” agreed y/n laughing.

notes: hope you liked a bit of a rollercoaster here:) I'm sorry to say that next part is going to be the last, we've made this journey with them and they kept us entertained all summer but now it's time to let them live happily.

#kaz brekker #kaz brekker x reader #kaz brekker x y/n #kaz brekker fanfic #kaz brekker x you #kaz brekker x fem!reader #six of crows #six of crows fanfic #soc #kaz brekker fluff #kaz brekker angst #kaz brekker imagine

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yanderes-galore · 11 months ago

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Can you do Mike afton with your prompts 57, 53, and 10? Also can it be romantic?

Sure! I'll see what I can do :) Been a bit since I've done this AU. This is a new take on it.

@okchijt helped me with this so this is mostly their take while I filled in the plot they gave me. Requester wanted FLS AU.

Yandere! FLS! Michael Afton Concept

What is the FLS AU?

Yandere! FLS AU! Michael Afton Prompts 57, 53, and 10

"You're stuck with me, like it or not."

"I left you a few voice mails, why didn't you pick up?"

"I've given myself all to you! Yet you call me a monster!"

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Stalking, Violence, Breaking and entering, Manipulation, Kidnapping implied, Forced relationship implied.

The phone rings on and on as you type away at your keyboard. On screen is an email soon to be sent to your boss, Henry. You were nearly at a breakthrough on an important case.

Incriminating evidence filled the email. Many documents and notes were attached all about two people behind a long list of murders. The case of The Aftons was very important to your employer.

Your job was to play detective. You were meant to work for them at their Pizzeria, collect evidence, then leave. That was it... that was the job.

Then one of them, the son, got attached.

You had a feeling he caught on to you. Even now as you type away and prepare to send Henry your evidence your phone rings. You knew it was him, the voice mails were endless.

You hadn't bothered to listen to them. Instead you focused on your email by putting on the final touches. Then your mouse drifted to the send button...

Only for the power to cut.

You go silent, eyes blown wide and looking at the computer in shock. There wasn't any storms. Did you flip something by accident?

"I left you a few voice mails, why didn't you pick up? Are you ignoring me?"

The voice echoes from close by and you feel the hair on your skin shoot up. You spin your chair around and search the darkness for answers. Unfortunately... your questions are answered.

Michael stands in the doorway of the room. His posture is confident and he stares at you like you're his newest prey. You can only stare as he blocks your exit.

"Don't you know how much I've done for you?" Michael sighs. "I've been protecting you from my father as I already know your plans. I could've just killed you... but now I like you too much for that."

The man in front of you does a fake pout while leaning in the doorway. The fact he knew everything made your heart drop to your stomach. He's more clever than you thought.

"I've already sacrificed so much by allowing these games to play out. However, this still means I have to prevent you from exposing the family business, y'know?" Michael sighs, playing with your emotions to satiate the sadism within him.

"You're a monster for doing all of this!" You yell at the man. You can see Michael feign shock and surprise before chuckling.

"I've given myself all to you! Yet you call me a monster!" Michael accuses in a playful manner before turning serious. "I could've just killed you, but I'm nice enough to protect you and let you live!"

You quickly stand up to keep distance as Michael walks forward. Despite the situation you manage to keep yourself calm. It's in the line of work, after all. Yet you still find yourself shaking when he gets close to you.

"I've been so patient with you. I think things should go my way for once, shouldn't they?" Michael hums towards you. You try to run around him but he catches you with ease. It's funny to him... did you not think he was an experienced killer?

You feel your chest hit the desk hard as your arms are held behind your back. The resulting impact causes the computer to crash onto the ground, the email and evidence now long destroyed. Panic sets in as struggle and fight against the killer behind you.

Said killer only appears excited by your fate.

"I think it's time you rest, dear. Isn't it getting late?" Michael coos, raising the knife in his hand. You suddenly feel a blunt object smack into your head before your vision darkens.

"You're stuck with me, like it or not." Michael whispers with a giggle before your vision fails you.

#yandere five nights at freddy's #yandere fnaf #fnaf father like son au #yandere fls michael afton #yandere michael afton

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lichilly · 2 months ago

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"It Will Come Back" — Hozier

Werewolf Joseph AU (Song Analysis)

I heavily encourage you to go listen to this song, either along with the analysis or by itself ! This post won't hold the same weight (in my opinion) if you go in blindly!

youtube

(tumblr hates me trying to upload my own mp3.. so I had to link to youtube instead..)

I’ve loved this song for a long time, and as I’ve delved into the Werewolf Joseph AU, I’ve noticed that it heavily relates to how I view werewolf Joseph. This song perfectly portrays the push and pull of Joseph’s internal struggle between his human side and his more feral, werewolf nature. Alright, let's dive in!!

You know better, babe, you know better, babe Than to look at it, look at it like that You know better, babe, you know better, babe Than to talk to it, talk to it like that

These opening lines reflect Joseph’s internal conflict. The “It” throughout the song refers to his werewolf side—a part of him he believes shouldn’t be acknowledged. By referring to it as “It,” Joseph distances himself from this aspect of his identity, as if it’s something separate, something dangerous that could easily latch onto the MC if provoked.

Don't give it a hand, offer it a soul Honey, make this easy Leave it to the land, this is what it knows Honey, that's how it sleeps

This verse speaks to Joseph’s primal nature, which is deeply rooted in him and exists beyond his human control. The line “Don’t give it a hand, offer it a soul” is a warning to the MC. Engaging with Joseph on a deeper level—offering more than just superficial affection—awakens something in him that he struggles to suppress. The "land" here symbolizes Joseph’s instinctual connection to his feral side, which only "sleeps" when left undisturbed.

Don't let it in with no intention to keep it Jesus Christ, don't be kind to it Honey, don't feed it, it will come back

This verse highlights the inevitability of Joseph’s return to the MC if they show him kindness or affection. His feral side cannot be ignored, and the MC’s kindness, fuels Joseph’s obsession. The warning “Don’t be kind to it/don’t feed it” suggests that even a small gesture of kindness has significant effects on Joseph. It awakens a hunger in him.

You know better, babe, you know better, babe Than to smile at me, smile at me like that You know better, babe, you know better, babe Than to hold me just, hold me just like that

This verse echoes the earlier warnings but with a more personal touch. By this point, Joseph and the MC have developed a closer bond. The MC’s smile, their touch—simple, human gestures—have a powerful effect on Joseph. Their growing closeness blurs the lines between affection and danger, making it harder for Joseph to maintain control over his instincts.

I know who I am when I'm alone I'm something else when I see you You don't understand, you should never know How easy you are to need

This verse is crucial in understanding Joseph’s internal struggle. When he’s alone, he has a sense of control over who he is, but the moment he sees the MC, his control begins to slip. He becomes “something else,” his feral nature taking over. The line “you should never know how easy you are to need” reveals how irresistible the MC is to Joseph, a fact that he knows the MC could never fully comprehend.

It can't be unlearned I've known the warmth of your doorways Through the cold, I'll find my way back to you

This lyric can be seen as both literal and symbolic. In the fanfiction I’m writing based around this song, the MC is staying in a cabin in the middle of winter. The cabin represents a warm, safe space, not just physically but emotionally—a place linked to the MC. Joseph feels a sense of warmth and safety in their presence, something he’s never experienced before.

Oh, please, give me mercy no more That's a kindness you can't afford I warn you, baby, each night, as sure as you're born You'll hear me howling outside your door

This verse marks a turning point for Joseph. Here, he fully succumbs to his true nature. The line “You’ll hear me howling outside your door” signifies his complete loss of control. Hozier’s almost growling delivery of this lyric emphasizes Joseph’s transformation—he’s no longer the man he once was, but something far more primal and dangerous. His howling outside the MC’s door is both a warning and a declaration that his obsession has taken over completely.

Don't you hear me howling, babe? Don't you hear me howling, babe? Don't you hear me howling, babe? Don't you hear me howling? Don't you hear me howling? Don't you hear me howling, babe?

This is my favorite part of the song ( no surprise there hehe). The repeated question, “Don’t you hear me howling?” serves as SUCH a haunting conclusion. The repetition, combined with the loud drumbeat that, to me, mimics knocking on a door, suggests desperation. The haunting, eerie nature of these lines reflects the idea that Joseph is no longer fully in control—he is now fully driven entirely by his feral nature and his obsession with the MC.

I hope you enjoyed this analysis! It was quite difficult trying to wrangle all my buzzing thoughts together but alas, I have done it. If you're interested in learning a little more about the werewolf AU you can find more about it over on my twitter linked at the top! Fair warning, most of it is incoherent rambles asdjldkfa

#Werewolf Joseph AU #joseph haberdae x reader #joseph haberdae #joseph cullman #sdj joseph #somethings wrong with sunny day jack #swwsdj #sdj #sunny day jack

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agirlwithdemonblood · 4 months ago

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Breaking Free: Chapter 7: The Rescue Mission

Pairings: AU! Mechanic Dean x Reader

Chapter Summary: Dean finds out Y/N is in trouble and does everything he can to make sure she's safe.

Series Masterlist here!! & Main masterlist here!

Dean was wrapping up the day's work on the last car when he spotted John approaching, an unusual expression evident on his face-fear.

He set down his rag and leaned against the car, bracing himself for whatever unsettling news John had to deliver. John hesitated, fumbling with his phone before meeting Dean's eyes, clearly struggling to voice his thoughts.

"I think Y/N is in trouble," John finally managed to say, his voice heavy with concern.

Dean's confusion was evident. "Y/N? How would you know? You barely talk to her. What's going on?"

John leaned against the car, visibly troubled. "I met with Y/N today and asked her for a favor. I regret it now. She agreed to meet Andrew for something, and now I'm worried..."

Dean's heart skipped a beat. "What happened? What favour?"

"Andrew offered us an interview if he could have a conversation with her. I asked her to just talk to him. She called me before going, said to call back in an hour. If she didn't answer, she wasn't okay."

Dean struggled to contain his anger. "And?"

"I called a few minutes ago. Andrew answered. He said she was there, staying with him. I don't believe it. I think she's in trouble."

Fear and anger surged through Dean. He moved closer to his father, frustration evident. "How the hell could you ask her to do that after what I told you about the motel?"

John shook his head, remorseful. "I wasn't thinking, I wasn't sure what I believed."

"Damn it!" Dean shouted, pacing away, hands running through his hair as thoughts spiralled in his mind, What did Andrew do to her? Is she okay? She wouldn't just stay there willingly.

"Dean, I haven't called the cops yet. I wanted your input."

Dean scoffed, turning back to John. "My input would've been not to send my girlfriend to her abusive ex's house!"

"I'm sorry," John sighed. "I shouldn't have asked her."

"F-Fuck!" Dean took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I need to go to Andrew's. I need to find her and make sure she's safe."

"That's why I told you. I'll send you his address. Bring her back."

Dean nodded, rushing to his Impala without a second thought. Speeding down the road, his mind raced with worry. Nothing mattered now except finding Y/N and praying she was okay.

My eyes slowly opened, aching with pain as consciousness returned. Glancing around the room, panic surged through me when I realized I was still in Andrew's house, trapped in his bedroom.

The source of my pain became painfully clear as I looked down at my legs—bruised, discoloured, likely broken. Tears welled up as I saw cuts and scrapes on my arms, and a throbbing ache in my head suggested more injuries.

Struggling to move, I whimpered in desperation. Every attempt to escape was met with excruciating pain, leaving me stuck in place.

Heavy footsteps echoed up the stairs, intensifying my fear. Andrew was back. His presence advanced over me, his smile chilling me to the core. He faked concern as he approached, settling on the edge of the bed next to me.

"Good afternoon, sleepyhead. You had quite the nap," he greeted, his tone disturbingly casual.

"Andrew... what are you doing?" I managed, fear and desperation thick in my voice.

He smirked, his gaze cold and devious. "Just saying hi, that's all."

"I-I need to go to the hospital... You have to take me," I pleaded urgently.

His expression darkened, anger flashing in his eyes. "Yeah, so you can tell everyone I did this to you?"

Dread gripped me as I realized the gravity of my situation, imprisoned and vulnerable in Andrew's trap.

"You pushed me down the stairs!" I choked out.

He straightened up and made his way towards the door, brushing off my accusation with a scoff. "You fell. You're always so dramatic, Y/N. It’s one of your less attractive qualities."

"P-Please... Please take me to the hospital, Andrew, it hurts..." I pleaded, my voice trembling with pain and desperation. I didn't care how vulnerable or weak I seemed; all I wanted was to escape the agony.

He turned back to face me, a cruel smirk twisting his lips. "Why would I take you to the hospital when I could take care of you here, forever?"

My heart filled with horror as the reality of my situation sank in. Forever? He wasn't going to let me go. Either that, or he was going to kill me. Panic rushed through me as I struggled with the terrifying realization that I might not survive this nightmare.

Before Andrew could say anything else, the sudden pounding on the door shattered the heavy silence. Relief washed over me momentarily, a glimmer of hope that someone had finally come to rescue me.

Andrew quickly opened a drawer and pulled out a gun, fear overwhelming me as he told me to keep quiet. He left the room, and I listened as his footsteps pounded down the stairs to the front door.

The shouts grew louder as I strained to make out the voices. It became increasingly clear with each passing moment that it was Dean.

"Where the hell is she, Andrew?" Dean's voice vibrated through the house, filled with urgency and frustration.

Andrew shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "She's upstairs, sleeping. Come on, Dean, just let her go."

Dean's voice hardened with determination. "She'd never willingly come back to you. Move out of my fucking way. I'm going to get her."

I could hear the sound of a gun cocking from where I was, and my heart completely stopped for a moment, panic filling my body.

"If you come into my house without permission, that's trespassing. I have every right to shoot you. How would you save your precious Y/N then?"

Tears streamed down my face as I heard the door click closed and Andrew's heavy footsteps returning upstairs. He entered the room with a twisted smile, settling himself on the edge of the bed beside me.

"Dean's gone, honey," he said softly, his voice upsettingly calm again. "It's just you and me now."

Tears streamed down my face as I desperately thought of a way to escape. I knew I had to get out of here and prayed someone would save me.

Dean stood outside Andrew's house, his heart heavy with worry as tears threatened to spill. "What am I supposed to do?" he muttered to himself, his mind racing with concern for me.

He knew I was inside, scared and possibly injured. He needed a plan, and he needed it quickly, before it was too late.

Suddenly, inspiration struck. Dean swiftly pulled out his phone and dialed his father's number, pressing the phone to his ear with urgency. "Dad, I need your help," he said quickly. "Call everyone in town. Tell them to come to the shop. Say Andrew's doing the segment and we need their support."

Andrew was in the middle of tending to my wounds, a rare act of kindness for which I resentfully felt grateful for, when his phone suddenly rang.

He pressed a hand over my mouth, attempting to muffle any potential noise from me, but I knew better than to speak at this point.

"Hello? What? Seriously? I haven't even scheduled the day with you yet, John. Damn it, seriously? Everyone's already there? Fine, give me 10 minutes," he muttered impatiently into the phone.

With an exasperated sigh, he stood up from the bed. "I have to go, baby. John's interview. Everyone's waiting, and I need to make an appearance," he informed me, his frustration evident.

I nodded silently, keeping my head lowered as he hurriedly prepared to leave. Pausing at the doorway, he turned back to me with a smirk. "You'll see in time that this is the best choice for both of us."

I said nothing, my eyes glancing down at my injuries as the tears formed again. I was terrified, in so much pain and fear, and god at this point I wished Andrew would just kill me.

But maybe if he was gone I could get out of here. It was going to be difficult, but I had to try. I waited until I heard the front door close and lock before I gathered the courage to pull the covers off and scoot to the end of the bed. Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself to the ground, a pain filled scream filling the room when my legs hit the cold floor.

I pulled myself across the floor as quickly as possible, wincing with each painful movement as my legs scraped against the carpet. The pain was unbearable, but the determination to escape drove me forward.

Reaching the top of the stairs, panic surged through me. The thought of tumbling down the steep stairs once again paralyzed me with fear. I laid there, uncertain of my next move, but knowing that risking the fall might be my only chance at freedom.

Dean waited patiently, his anxiety nearly overwhelming until Andrew finally arrived.

The smirk that crossed Andrew's face was anything but reassuring as he breezed past Dean to greet John, shaking his hand with false warmth.

Their plan was in motion; the entire town had gathered for what felt like an unexpected performance, similar to an early Christmas for the locals.

Andrew signaled to the cameramen, beginning the segment with practiced ease. "Good morning, everyone! I'm here at Winchester Mechanics, speaking with the man who built this business from the ground up. He started this shop at twenty and has since turned it into a family business. Please welcome John Winchester!"

John gave Dean a subtle nod, a signal to encourage Dean to slip away from the crowd. Darting to the Impa,a he started the engine and sped out of the parking lot, leaving only a trail of dust in his wake. He could almost feel Andrew's furious gaze burning into his back as anger consumed him.

Just as Andrew prepared to chase after Dean, John rested his hand around his shoulder, a wicked smile spreading across his lips, "You wouldn't want to disappoint your fans by leaving early, would you? Think of your reputation." John's grip tightened on Andrew's arm, forcing him to continue the interview, rage under his breath at the unfolding predicament. He knew Dean's plan and understood the risk he was in now.

This was impossible.

Every inch I dragged myself only intensified the pain, tears streaming down my face as loud, agonizing sobs escaped my lips with each painful movement down the stairs.

I froze as I heard the doorknob turn and noises from the other side. He was back. It was over.

The door began to open, and panic and fear surged through me at the idea of my life being ended, right here because I tried to escape.

"No! Please, no! Leave me alone!" I screamed, terror seizing my voice as the door swung open, revealing Dean. His eyes filled with concern and tears as he took in the sight of me.

"Oh my god, Y/N... Fuck..." Dean's voice cracked with emotion as he rushed up the stairs towards me.

"Dean, you came back... I thought I was trapped here," I cried out, relief flooding through me despite the pain and fear still gripping my heart.

Dean knelt beside me, carefully assessing my injuries to figure out the best way to lift me. "I'll always come for you," he murmured softly, determination engraved into his features. "Come on, let's get you out of here."

As he attempted to lift me, pain shot through my body, and I couldn't help but scream. Dean flinched slightly in shock. "D-Dean, I think my legs are broken..." I managed to gasp out, tears streaming down my face.

His expression turned pale, but he nodded in understanding. With gentle care, he shifted his grip under my stomach, apologizing as I winced. He lifted me carefully, one hand supporting my back and the other beneath my thighs, and began carrying me towards the car.

The moment we stepped out of that house, relief flooded over me. I was finally out, and Dean had come to rescue me. I clung to him, reassured that I was safe now, that everything would be okay.

Dean jumped into action, his foot heavy on the accelerator as he sped toward the hospital. Every scream of pain from me caused him to curse under his breath, his hand squeezing my arm reassuringly in between.

Glancing at him, my heart shattered. He was desperately trying to keep it together, trying not to break down for my sake, but I could see the disturbance in his eyes. In that moment, he seemed more devastated than I was.

We must have broken some speed records getting to the hospital, and a sigh of relief escaped me as we finally reached the emergency entrance. Dean swiftly moved to my side, helping me out of the car and supporting me as he carried me towards the doors.

With every step, agony shot through me, causing my vision to blur with pain. I felt like I was on the verge of passing out or vomiting, or maybe both, and I couldn't bear it.

"Dean, please, we have to stop, I can't..." I pleaded through the haze of pain. He nodded in understanding, helping me into a chair before hurrying off to find a wheelchair.

Gently settling me into it, he rushed to the front desk, urgently begging for help. My vision began to fade, and I grasped his hand, drawing his attention back to me. "Dean… I feel like I'm going to pass out…"

Frowning with concern, he leaned closer. "Please, try to hold on, sweetheart, okay?"

I shook my head weakly, pulling him closer. "Don't let Andrew get me again, please..."

Dean sniffed back tears, wiping his eyes with his hand. "I won't. You're safe with me."

I nodded faintly before my head slumped back, darkness enveloping me as I slipped into unconsciousness, the last thing my ears caught was Dean's frantic voice, begging me to stay awake.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it! Chapter 8 coming soon stay tuned!

Like, comment, and reblog, feedback is my fuel 💕

#supernatural #supernatural fanfiction #dean winchester #supernatural one shot #dean x reader #dean #spn fic #jensen's smile #deanwinchester #spns

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parkjayist · 8 months ago

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ESSENCE OF ROMANCE: THAT OLD FEELING - CHPT. 2

sum park jongseong is in denial, but the truth is undeniable: he's hit a dead end. how can he maintain his title as a world renowned chemist if he can't even advance his own research? meanwhile, you, an aspiring chemist, have faced constant belittlement from your male colleagues as you pursue your own groundbreaking research in isolation. when jongseong finds you conducting experiments in HIS own lab, he's enraged. he's enveloped in fury when he realizes that you two are trying to research the same topic. yet, buried beneath his rage lies a deep sense of desperation, and he's willing to do anything to finally finish his research he's been putting off for so many years. perhaps you're the missing piece in his research (and life).

pairing chemist!park jongseong x female chemist!reader

genre written series, slowburn, angst, fluff, " enemies " to lovers, coworkers au, 1960s au, smarty pants x smarty pants

warnings mentions of past trauma, swearing, gender stereotypes(misogyny), more arguing!!!

an FINALLY this is starting to go somewhere!! i actually enjoyed writing this chapter, ty for all your support so far.. it really means a lot! btw i forgot to add this to the first chapter, but here's a music PLAYLIST you can listen to while reading this series... enjoy!

wc 2k SERIES MASTERLIST

as the days passed, jongseong's encounter with you faded into the background of his mind. he was preoccupied with his own work, determined to make progress in his research despite the setbacks he faced. but like always, he never made any significant progress – deep down, there was a burdening feeling of guilt and embarrassment for the way he had treated you.

meanwhile, you were focused in your own experiments on abiogenesis, delving deeper into the mysteries of life's origins. the incident with Jongseong lingered in the back of your mind, a faint annoyance that you pushed aside to focus on your work.

it was another late night in the lab for you, the hum of equipment and the soft glow of the overhead lights providing a sense of comfort in the otherwise empty space. you were in the midst of cleaning up after a long day of experiments when the door creaked open, and he stepped inside. the atmosphere in the lab was tense as jongseong cautiously approached you, his footsteps echoing in the quiet space. you could feel the weight of his presence as he drew nearer, and you resisted the urge to look up, keeping your gaze fixed on the task at hand.

"i'm sorry," his voice broke the silence, tentative yet filled with sincerity. "i've been thinking about what happened, and i realize i was out of line. i thought maybe we could put it behind us and...maybe even be friends."

your grip tightened on the beaker in your hand, the glass feeling fragile and delicate beneath your fingers. if you pressed any harder, it would definitely shatter into pieces. friends? the word echoed in your mind, bitter and mocking. after everything that had transpired between you, how could he even suggest such a thing?

you turned away from him, your jaw clenched in frustration as you continued to busy yourself with cleaning up the lab benches. "friends?" you scoffed bitterly, unable to keep the edge of contempt out of your voice. "after you accused me of trying to steal your research in front of everyone? you've got a funny way of making friends."

jongseong winced at your words, his expression pained as he struggled to find the right response. "no, it wasn't like that," he protested weakly, but you weren't finished.

"are you taking me for a fool?" you spat, your voice trembling with restrained fury. you started to feel lightheaded from all the anger you were trying to contain within yourself. "you waltz in here with your half-hearted apology, expecting me to forget the humiliation i endured? if we were to work together, do you honestly believe it would be an equal partnership? no– you would take all the credit, leaving me to toil in obscurity as the ‘lowly lab technician’. don't delude yourself into thinking the world would acknowledge a woman's contribution in a man's domain. you’re not stupid. you know that's not how reality operates."

jongseong's brows furrowed in frustration, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. you were just as intelligent as any other chemist, probably even more, and this was an opportunity to showcase to those people who doubted you. he hated this. he hated having to argue about this. because he knows you’re right. the world is a cruel place – and he wishes it wasn’t that way. but he’s so desperate that he can’t back down now.

"but we can show them that it's possible," he insisted, his voice pleading. "you can be my co-publisher, we can share the credit."

your laugh was bitter and mirthless as you scoffed at his words. "co-publisher? what does that even mean? people will still think i seduced you, or gave you money, or had an affair with you. none of which is true. the title of co-publisher doesn’t matter in this case, i'll forever be seen as the woman who rode your coattails."

the tension in the room was palpable, thickening with every passing moment as you stood face to face with jongseong, the air crackling with unspoken resentment and bitterness. you searched for any emotions in his face, the only ones you could detect was defeat. you should’ve felt triumphant that you “won” against him, you convinced him of your own beliefs. but honestly, you were disappointed. disappointed that he didn’t fight harder. but of course, what were you expecting? it’s not like you guys are friends anyway.

"if you have nothing else to say, i'm going to go now. good night dr. park." you said coldly, turning away from him, but before you could leave, jongseong reached out and grabbed your wrist.

shit. nonononono –

your heart hammered against your ribcage like a prisoner demanding release as jongseong's hand closed around your wrist, his touch igniting a firestorm of emotions within you. panic surged through your veins, a chilling reminder of past traumas that left you breathless and trembling. with a sharp inhale, you recoiled instinctively, your body tensing as if preparing for a fight. every nerve in your body screamed in protest, urging you to break free from his grasp, to flee from the danger that his touch represented.

"d.. don't touch me," you stammered, your voice barely a whisper as you struggled to regain control of your trembling limbs. the words escaped your lips in a breathless rush, choked with a mixture of fear and anger.

with a surge of adrenaline, you summoned every ounce of strength you possessed and pushed him away with a force that surprised even yourself … the air crackled with tension as jongseong stumbled backward, his expression a mixture of shock and remorse. for a moment, time seemed to stand still as you stared at each other, caught in the throes of a silent struggle.

of course – you let the weight of your past experiences bear down on you like an oppressive burden. memories of previous encounters flooded your mind, each one a painful reminder of the trust betrayed and the wounds left unhealed. you couldn't bring yourself to meet jongseong's gaze, the fear of rejection and disappointment eating at your insides. you knew that if you dared to look into his eyes at that moment, you would see the disdain reflected back at you, a silent condemnation of your insecurities and vulnerabilities. the thought of jongseong turning away from you, of seeing the disappointment etched into his features, was far too much to bear.

jongseong's eyes widened in alarm at the tremor in your voice, his own features contorting with worry. "i'm sorry," he murmured, his tone heavy with regret. "i didn't mean to scare you. i just... i wanted to talk."

"i'm fine," you forced out, your voice strained and unsteady as you struggled to regain your composure. no, clearly you were not fine. beneath your ‘brave’ facade, your shaky voice betrayed the fear that still lingered beneath the surface. “i… i should get going. i’m telling you this now – no. i’m not working with you.”

with that, you slowly turned and walked away, leaving jongseong standing alone in the empty lab.

"please consider it!" jongseong's voice called out from behind, his tone desperate and sincere.

with a heavy sigh, you turned back to face him, your eyes meeting his in a silent exchange of uncertainty and longing. for a fleeting moment, you allowed yourself to be drawn in by the warmth of his gaze, the sincerity in his eyes melting away the barriers you had built around your heart. but just as quickly as it had come, the moment passed, replaced by a surge of determination and self-preservation. with a firm nod, you tore your gaze away from his, steeling yourself against the pull of his sincerity.

curse him for his good looks, a voice in your head said.

"i'll think about it," you replied, your voice tinged with a hint of hesitation. you turned on your heel and walked away again, each step carrying you further from jongseong and the strange emotions he stirred within you.

back at home, you reclined on your bed, gazing upward as your mind churned with a flurry of conflicting thoughts and emotions. jongseong's proposition lingered in your thoughts like a persistent melody, stirring a quiet curiosity within you. despite the lingering frustration from your encounter, a subtle flicker of interest danced at the edges of your consciousness. however, mingling with that delicate spark was a cautious wariness, a quiet voice of doubt echoing in the recesses of your mind. you couldn't shake the memory of jongseong's accusatory words, the sharp pang of skepticism that had pierced through your defenses. it left a lingering unease, a shadow of uncertainty casting doubt on the possibility of collaboration. as the minutes slipped away and the city outside settled into a hushed lull, you found yourself ensnared in a silent struggle, torn between the allure of partnership and the fear of vulnerability. on one hand, there was the luring prospect of joining forces with someone as driven and capable as jongseong. yet, on the other hand, there was the apprehension of being let down once more, of opening yourself up to potential disappointment. with a heavy sigh, you closed your eyes, attempting seeking solace in the quiet embrace of sleep. in the depths of your dreams, questions wandered in your mind, uncertainty wove through the fabric of your thoughts. you hoped to yourself that the repercussions of working with jongseong wouldn’t be too bad.

………… _______

the next morning dawned with a gentle warmth, casting soft rays of sunlight through the windows of jongseong's apartment. with a determined resolve, he rose from his bed early, the events of the previous day still fresh in his mind. determined to have at least some sort of control in his life, he laced up his running shoes and ventured out into the quiet streets, the rhythmic patter of his footsteps echoing in the stillness of the morning.

his life philosophy was whenever something was going wrong in your life, you just kept running until all you could think about was how tired you were.

as he ran, the cool breeze brushed against his skin, invigorating him with a renewed sense of energy and purpose. with each stride, he felt the weight of his worries begin to lift, replaced by a quiet contentment for the day ahead.

upon returning to the lab, jongseong was greeted by a small yellow sticky note. he furrowed his eyebrows, irritation starting to bubble up at the thought of someone entering his lab again. however, when he read the note, its message was a beacon of hope in the sea of uncertainty that had engulfed him.

i'll do the research with you. don't make me regret it.

the messy handwriting made him chuckle a little bit, but a surge of gratitude washed over jongseong as he read the words, his spirits lifting with each passing moment. finally, he had found someone willing to join him on his journey, someone who believed in his vision and was willing to lend a helping hand. with a newfound sense of purpose, jongseong wasted no time in embracing the moment. he turned on some Chet Baker, the soothing melodies of jazz filling the air with a sense of joy and anticipation. with each beat, he allowed himself to lose control, his body flailing around like a penguin, and his head bopping so fast that it seems as if it would fall off.

outside the lab, jaeyun sim, a friend (and the only friend) of jongseong watched with amusement as the man danced with abandon, his laughter echoing through the glass door.

"what the hell is this man doing?" jaeyun muttered into the glass, his voice slightly muffled, but tinged with amusement.

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

tagged: @sophiko22 @minseongsworld @enha-stars

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mybworlds · 7 months ago

Text

Chapter 2

Paring: Joel x F!Reader (NO Y/N)

Warnings: pre!outbreak and post!outbreak, AU (there will be some characters, Joel's backstory is different), no Sarah, no Ellie (maybe!), a lot of flashback (at least in the first chapters!), age gap (reader is approx. 10 yrs younger than Joel), slow burn, mutual pining, angst, SMUT, unprotected sex, creampie, oral sex (m and f), fingering, masturbation (m and f), language, attempted SA, trauma, death and violence.

Rating: M

Masterlist

Word count: 3.6k

Summary: You work in the Millers' company, you are their friend, you have a job you love, your coworkers esteem and love you. Your life is perfect. Suddenly, one day, you wake up in the hospital, you are alone surrounded by silence and strange noises, your door is barricaded, but what happened? And what happened to the world out there?

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Thanks @saradika for the divider and the banner.

Thanks @vase-of-lilies for the banner.

JANUARY 2014

You suddenly wake up and turn toward him, toward Joel, facing a man you remember so different from the way he's now, he gives his back to you, you observe him intent on putting something in a backpack, you don't know what exactly it is, it's all still so confusing. You turn in a supine position and look up at the windows, it's almost dark and it's raining. The only light comes from the street, it is dim and flickers.

You observe the apartment for what you can and notice the flaking paint off the walls, the broken appliances, some of the tiles torn off, you remember that as soon as you stepped foot in this place, you fainted and the last thing you remember was Joel's strong arms grabbing you preventing you from hitting your head.

You really struggle to reconcile your memories with what you see today, coming here you walked at a brisk pace and Joel insisted over and over again to avoid the main roads because controlled by FEDRA, but more than anything you struggle to reconcile the memory you had about Joel with the man you are standing next to today.

"Hey," Joel says noticing that you are awake, you see him leave what he was doing and approach you, you furrow your brow as you look at him, he strokes your forehead, and you, in an almost unconscious gesture, close your eyes "I was scared to death when you fell into my arms," he adds, you open your eyes again and look at him. His brown eyes are still the same, but something in his expression is changed.

"What happened? What…? I'm so confused…" you say letting a moan escape your lips and closing your eyes, you touch your head and feel it getting bandaged, he takes your hand and squeezes it between his, you look into his eyes feeling a weird feeling. It's not fear, it's something you can't even quite define, you sigh and find yourself swallowing without stopping looking into his eyes.

You can't remember much, everything's hazy.

"I can only imagine how ya might feel right now," he tells you and you find yourself nodding, "however, ya have to trust me, what I tell ya, okay?" he adds.

You hesitate about your answer, you just look at him for a long time in his eyes, in those eyes that…

"I'm sorry," you say as you sit up, but your head hurts so much, "but I don't … I don't know…"

"Wait, ya need to stay down," he says placing a hand behind the back of your head and making you lean your head back against the pillow "I get ya a painkiller," he adds moving away from you for a moment, you see him crouched in front of what you imagine is his backpack and you see him intent on digging and pulling out a packet of painkillers "here it is," he says opening the packet and rolling a pill into the palm of his hand "take it," you look first at the tube and then at him, his eyes, "trust me."

"Trust me." this word run through your head like a distant echo of something already lived and that's what it gives you the confidence to open your mouth and take the pill, then with one hand he holds your head up and helps you drink some water from a bottle, "Trust me."

You lie there until you feel light-headed again, "What happened?" you ask him as you open and close your eyes, you hear your voice almost muffled to your own ears, you feel his hand squeeze yours tightly, they're so warm, so big, "I don't know exactly when or where it all started, but since that day everyone's life has gone downhill. Some say it was a fungus taking over the host, some say it's a virus created in a lab, some think it's a parasite found in some foods. In any case, many, millions of people from what I know turned into things they call runners, some call 'em clickers, some call 'em in different ways depending on the stage of infection. Don't know, but what matters is that a bite is fatal 'cause ya become one of 'em." you swallow, widening your eyes, Joel squeezes your hand just a little tighter "I know 's overwhealming." you nod looking at his face, he caresses you "want ya to know that as long as I'm around, I won't let anyone hurt ya."

You nod, "But will there be a cure? A vaccine that can be created, right?"

A great eerie dread makes its way through you, you're afraid, you're cold, "Joel," you reach for his hand in the dark, he immediately grasps your hand turning his gaze toward you "is this your home?"

He looks up from your face to the window behind you, his eyes are sad "Scientists, doctors all over the world have already tried, but nothing seems to stop this."

"Is this happening everywhere or just here?" you ask scared.

"There's no place that hasn't been hit. No place is safe anymore."

"No, my home was on the other side of town, too far from the hospital. I wanted to be there when..." he says, but then stops abruptly.

Your head gets lighter and lighter "Mhm, mhm," you mumble "Joel?" you say "Talk to me some more." you add, closing your eyes.

"'bout what?" he asks, you feel him so close, you can't open your eyes, you're so tired.

"What did we do before the hospital? We worked together, right?" he caresses your head, it's such a sweet gesture, so intimate in a way.

"Yes, we were a good team, and you were the most dogged and capable worker of all. You, Tommy and I were friends as well as colleagues..."

JANUARY 2012

"Please," Joel says holding the door open for you, you smile at him lowering your gaze for a moment and then look up to the venue, it's a very nice, refined, cozy place.

"It's a beautiful place," you say when he moves a chair to let you seat, you smile looking first at the warm colors of the venue and then you dwell on the beautiful man in front of you who finally invited you out, you are so excited that you are afraid to say or do something wrong that might ruin everything, he smiles at you and seems just as nervous as you. It's so different Joel away from work, the worker Joel is precise, even rigid and prickly at times; while the man in front of you is shy, sweet, actually he always has been with you, aided by the fact that you work well - those are not your words, but everyone starting with Katherine and your four department colleagues, and then including the executive and monitoring team and finally Joel and Tommy themselves apart from your mutual liking and affection.

Joel taps his fingers on the table, he should order something to drink, but he is too focused on watching how you arrange your hair on your shoulders, how you curl a strand of hair around one of your fingers, how you smile as you lower your gaze, he finds it so tender and sexy that he has to pull himself together, he always found you sweet and delicate, precise and decisive, strong and resolute, a fatal mix in his eyes. He has always found you beautiful since the first time he saw you in that alley, eyes full of fear, fearful of him and Tommy, and today inviting you was an achievement in his eyes.

"I'm glad ya accepted my invitation," he says, looking at you stealthily.

"If the boss calls!" you joke with a shy smile lighting up your eyes, and when that happens, Joel can't help but smile too.

"was hoping ya'd say ya were pleased to receive a friend's invitation, I mean…we met before work, right?" you nod nervously bringing your hands to the table "If it bothers ya…"

"Oh no, no, no." you interrupt him by settling better in your chair "Forgive me, I didn't mean to snap or be rude, it's just…"

"Afraid that someone from work might see us together? If there's a problem," he says interrupting you "Tell me and I'll set him straight." he adds, you know he would be capable of it, Joel would really do anything for the people he cares or loves. You smile shaking your head, "My door 's always open for ya, remember." he adds again taking your hand in his "Don't get me wrong, it's just that... I love ya and I want ya to be able to work as peacefully as possible and feel as comfortable as possible." you can't help but look at your joined hands, your hand clasped in his, at how big, warm and enveloping is, at how this gesture is so intimate and familiar.

Joel's heart beats fast in his chest, he takes great pleasure in seeing that you did not avoid his touch, that you are not bothered or said words full of annoyance.

"I love you too, Miller."

JANUARY 2014

"I don't remember," you tell him in a light voice, almost as if you were speaking to him in a dream. You feel his hands wrapping around yours, "Don't worry, it'll take time, but ya will remember," he says trying to soothe you about this your confusion.

"Do you know how I feel?" you say again, "Like I'm surrounded by thick clouds of fog, what you've told me is like I've lived it in a dream. I wish I could remember everything you are telling me, but..." he nods lowering his head, then he looks up again and kisses your forehead in a gentle gesture, you instinctively close your eyes savoring his soft lips on your forehead tickled at the same time by his beard.

"Ssshh, don't worry," he says still smiling at you weakly "If necessary, I'll tell ya everything since we met, ya don't have to worry about that."

"Joel..." you whisper "when, I had the accident? Was it before everything," you say looking around, "ended?"

"Happened on the second day, all of Seattle went crazy, stores besieged, pharmacies, people were out of control." he pauses squeezing your hand tighter between his "It was the end of the world, the cancer that hit us was spreading like wildfire, everywhere. Children, women, men, the elderly, no one could escape it." he adds.

"And how did we survive?" you ask again, your head getting lighter and lighter.

"It was ya, from the moment ya heard about these fevers and mysterious attacks, ya started stocking up on canned food, protein bars, water, medicine, anything that could be useful for survival. Ya immediately informed Tommy and me, but also other colleagues of yours. Only Tommy and I listened to ya though, the others thought ya were being influenced by the news from TV." he concludes "Now no more questions, rest. Let's continue later."

"Promise?" you ask, by now your voice a pale echo.

"Promise. Trust me." he says, caressing your head once more.

"Trust me..." you repeat and then give in to the drug-induced sleep.

Suddenly you wake up when you hear gunshots, "Joel!" you're in complete darkness, you feel your heart in your throat "Joel!" you cry out frightened and getting up suddenly, Joel reaches you "Hey, hey, hey," he takes you in his arms hugging you "ssh, quiet, baby, I'm here!" you hide your face in the crook of his neck, his hand in your hair "ssh, ssh, ssh, it's okay, I'm here, I'm here." he smoothly repeats, as outside the gunfire continues, you cling to him throwing your arms around his neck, shaking.

"That was the plan," he also whispers in your ear "I was coming to you to get ya, everything was ready. I had even packed my backpacks," you feel his hand tighten just a little more in your hair "then Tommy called…"

You hear inhuman screams and gasps, those same gasps you heard in the hospital, followed by gunshots and more human screams.

"I don't understand…" you are going to say, but he shushes you again by holding you to him, you close your eyes feeling your heart beating hard in your chest "please take me away, I don't want to be here," you whisper in his ear.

"Tommy…" you repeat his name "He's… your brother, right?" you ask, pulling away from him by loosening your grip.

"Yes, the two of you were-- you are very close." he tells you "That morning, he was in a bar and I don't know what he was doing there, but the fact is that he got into a fight with a couple of drunks, or so he said. You as soon as ya heard that he was in danger, you rushed over."

"What about you? Were you with him? I called you, what happened?" you ask looking into his eyes for what is possible.

Joel caresses your cheek in a distracted gesture "No, but you told me on the phone what happened to my brother and I reached ya right away. Tommy was fighting with such fury, I'd never seen him like that…I didn't think twice about…" he swallows "killing that person, that one was growling, making non-human sounds." he looks you in the eye "It was hell in the city, people running, people screaming, people storming stores, violence. We were no longer us, none of us were anymore." he concludes.

You turn your head the other way to the window from which the screams came, now there is only the pelting rain and a few flashes of lightning lighting up the sky. Whatever happened, it's over. Joel follows you a half-step away "Don't look out the window, it's dangerous," you look at him or, rather, half-turn toward him "people, those who survived, are like crazy. Everyone is trying to survive as best they can," he adds again.

You have a headache again, but you do your best to push away that throbbing pain "And why didn't you leave? I mean, I could never wake up and you could have abandoned me in that hospital with those... those things and go away, why didn't you go away?"

He reaches out to you taking your head in his hands, "I could never, never leave ya. I came every day, I'm the one who at one point, when I saw that you were starting to wake up, I unplugged all the monitors because you were showing all the signs of healing. Before to do that, I did the crazy thing of documenting myself in the library. I couldn't leave you there, I would never allow that."

"But why?" you insist again.

"Because -- because we're friends, you and I, even though you don't remember."

You find yourself blinking, "How did I end up in the hospital? Was it in that bar you were telling me about?"

You can't see his expression clearly given the almost total darkness surrounding you, "There was a widespread confusion, inside that bar, outside, people were running, some people started showing signs of infection and attacking others, then there were pile-ups and a car smashed through the glazing of that place, you were ahead of us and it hit ya."

You lower your head, close your eyes, and for a few moments you feel pain, screaming, your light-headed, someone calling you repeatedly, someone shouting to take you to the emergency room right away, then it all fades.

"How long was I in that state?" you ask in a whisper.

"Almost four months." he replies "You were lucky, you broke your legs plus various bruises," he adds, caressing your head.

You step back and go back to sit on the couch, taking your head in your hands, "Tommy, why isn't he with you? You-- you said the three of us were friends, but then where is he?"

He sits next to you barely making the couch squeak, "We took ya to the hospital together, there they told us they would take care of you and for a while we stayed with ya, then the contagion spread there too. Tommy and I got separated there in the ER, he just yelled to me that he would do anything to join Maria in Jackson."

"Maria? Jackson?" you ask confused "Who is Maria? His, uh, wife? His fiancée? Do I know her?"

"No, no, he met her outside of work, I don't know if he ever introduced her to you. I don't know her. Let's just say I was very strict with him from that point of view," Joel replied, sighing loudly.

"He loved having good time, I guess," you state.

"Nice guess, baby." says Joel turning to you and gently stroking the back of your head "How's your head, rather? Do you still have pain?"

"No, pain no, but I feel slightly nauseous." you answer.

Joel stands up, "Listen, under normal circumstances, I'd take ya to a doctor. Chances are you weren't ready for everything you've already done or listened." he tells you "You hungry?" he gets up and takes a jar from his backpack "We could eat one of these Van Camp's Pork and Beans, what d' ya think?" you nod "For two? " you nod again, at that moment a first loud clap of thunder echoes along the city streets and in that dingy apartment, you and Joel find yourself silently eating from those tin cans, every now and then he glances your way perhaps to make sure you are all right and have no meltdowns of any kind. When you finish eating, Joel takes the tin cans and leaves them on a shelf in the kitchen, walks you to the bathroom door fearing you might fall or get dizzy; he leaves you a small flashlight advising you not to point at the window for any reason and then closes the door behind him giving you some privacy.

You almost feel like you're in a blender, all these events of the past and present swirling almost meaninglessly in your head, you have a lot of confusion: you, Joel and Tommy were friends, according to him, Tommy left, Joel stayed. Why did he stay? Joel did not answer your question yet. Also, Joel said the three of you worked together, but what did you do? Were you an engineer, an architect, a factory worker, a doctor, an astronaut, who were you?

FEBRUARY 2012

"I'm saying this for you, there's something between Charlotte and Joel!" Jane says again while the two of you are waiting for the bus "Think about it, Charlotte was very nervous last month after talking to Joel and he, who's not funny at all, treats her badly, but the worse he treats her the more she seeks him out!"

"I don't understand your reasoning, if a person treats another badly then it's not love!" you insist.

"Forget 'bout love, but what if just it's sex?" she continues, you feel a painful grip, luckily the bus arrives at that moment and you can hide your tears and that sense of inadequacy and inferiority that is making its way inside of you "Sorry, but I don't want you to get hurt. I'm glad I realized who Tommy was, a guy who likes to have good time! Unfortunately, I think it's a Millers characteristic..." by now you don't listen to her anymore, you can't nor you want to believe that the sweet and shy man you dated three weeks ago at the same time is dating someone else, no, you don't want to believe it, what you always believed you can well read are Joel's eyes, his words and actions may lie, but not his eyes. His eyes inspired and inspire you trust and affection, you can't believe he can pretend like that.

Your stop is only a few blocks away, you get off the bus and head towards the company building, you swipe your pass to get into the elevator and get on, Jane apologizes for being so direct with you, but you just tell her a don't worry, it's okay, but the your tone of voice is distant, she understands because she doesn't insist. When the doors open, Charlotte is the first person you see, and she is glowing that morning, handing you a coffee, and you don't know if Jane's words made you paranoid, but the fact is that the way she speaks and what she says seems to you an obvious allusion to you, to Joel, to Tommy, to your friendship. You try not to show yourself piqued by his tone and words, you don't want to have a case of hysteria and run to Joel to ask him if it is true that he dates Charlotte off of work, rather you focus on work and put all your thoughts on hold. On the other hand, you and Joel are just friends, he can see whoever he wants, it's you who have a big crush on him.

"Everyone's attention, please," Katherine says after almost five hours of hard work, "these are Kyle and Arnold, from now on they are part of the team, so I invite you to make 'em feel welcome right away, if you need anything," she says turning to the two men, "ask me or her," she says pointing at you and immediately mentioning your name, the two men look at you and you can't help but feel flattered and at the same time a little embarrassed, then Katherine invites them to settle at their desks and later she will explain to them the work they will have to do.

Kyle is a young man in his late thirties, he has blond hair, bright eyes, lean body, and a very simple look. Arnold is in his early forties, he's bald, brown eyes and a hint of a mustache and beard, broad shoulders and a athletic build. They all greet you with a handshake and a big smile. Well, that's the best way to start working together!

The day thankfully spends pleasantly and all of you spend your break together, you find out that your two new colleagues are very nice and friendly, Kyle is from Texas like the Millers - and that's a point to his favor - Arnold is from New York and told you many stories from his youth in the Big Apple, stories that made you laugh out loud, when you turn to the elevator, you see Joel who pretends to look at some papers he had in his hands and presses the elevator button and leaves.

JANUARY 2014

Joel doesn't know exactly why he remembered that very day when the two new interns arrived, perhaps he remembered about of your sweet smile and your loud laugh that made him smile and brighted his days in such a dark time when there is no reason to be cheerful.

He doesn't want to be intrusive, but he is genuinely concerned about you, maybe he should have been less direct about what is happening to all humankind, maybe you need a little more time, although time is precious in this reality and it may be short.

You open the door, your head and eyes down and your flashlight pointed at the cracked tiles, then you look up, "Tomorrow, if you want we can go, anywhere you want."

Joel finds himself nodding and smiling at you "I'll keep you safe, I promise. Trust me."

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atinyslittleworld · 5 months ago

Text

Light: The Descent

demon king!seonghwa x angel!reader

Summary: The mighty King of the Underworld, Seonghwa, gets intrigued by a little angel, whose light is intoxicating

Genre: angst, au, romance

Warnings: signs of depression, brainwashing by a demon

<previous part

Life in the underworld had become a torment for Y/N. Stripped of her celestial light, she struggled to adjust to her new existence as a fallen angel. The once radiant beacon of hope and purity now found herself enveloped in an overwhelming darkness. The weight of her wings, now a muted grey, mirrored the heaviness in her heart. The warmth that once filled her soul had been replaced by a cold, consuming void.

Seonghwa watched helplessly as Y/N sank deeper into despair. Each day, her sadness grew more palpable, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't reach her. He offered her comfort, distractions, and even the treasures of his dark kingdom, but nothing seemed to lift her spirits. The love that had once sparked joy in their hearts now seemed like a distant memory.

One night, as Seonghwa sat on his throne, his thoughts consumed by worry for Y/N, she entered the room. Her movements were slow, her eyes void of the light that once defined her. She approached him, her steps hesitant but purposeful.

"Y/N," Seonghwa said softly, rising to meet her. "How are you feeling?"

Y/N looked up at him, her eyes filled with a desperate longing. "I don't know who I am anymore, Seonghwa. I feel so lost.”

Seonghwa reached out, gently cupping her face. "You are still the same Y/N I fell in love with. Your light may have dimmed, but your spirit remains."

Y/N shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I can't feel it, Seonghwa. I can't feel anything but this emptiness."

In a moment of desperation, Y/N closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to his. The kiss was intense, filled with a raw need that startled Seonghwa. He could feel the despair in her touch, the way she clung to him as if he were her only anchor.

Seonghwa pulled back, his eyes searching hers. "Y/N, what's wrong? This isn't like you."

Y/N's eyes were glazed over, her thoughts clouded by a darkness that wasn't her own. "I need to feel something, anything," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Please, Seonghwa."

A chilling realization struck Seonghwa. He sensed a sinister presence in the room, an energy that wasn't his own. One of his demons was manipulating Y/N's thoughts, feeding on her vulnerability. His anger flared, his protective instincts kicking in.

"Stop this," Seonghwa commanded, his voice echoing through the dark halls. "Show yourself!"

A shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, a smirk playing on its lips. The demon bowed mockingly. "Oh, mighty King, I was merely having a bit of fun."

Seonghwa's eyes blazed with fury. "You dare to toy with her mind? She is under my protection!"

The demon's smirk widened. "But look at her, Seonghwa. She's so fragile, so easy to manipulate. I thought I was doing you a favor."

Seonghwa's grip tightened around Y/N, his rage barely contained. "Leave now, before I tear you apart."

The demon laughed, its form dissolving into the shadows. "As you wish, my King. But remember, even in the underworld, darkness can be quite persuasive."

As the demon vanished, Seonghwa turned his attention back to Y/N. She looked at him with confusion and fear, her earlier desperation replaced by a hollow emptiness.

"Y/N, I'm so sorry," Seonghwa whispered, holding her close. "I won't let anything harm you. We'll find a way through this, together."

Y/N clung to him, her body trembling. "I'm so scared, Seonghwa. I don't know how to fight this darkness."

Seonghwa stroked her hair, his heart breaking for her. "You don't have to fight it alone. I'm here with you, every step of the way. We'll find your light again, I promise."

Days turned into weeks, and Seonghwa dedicated himself to helping Y/N reclaim her light. He sought out ancient texts, consulted with wise spirits, and even ventured into the deepest parts of the underworld in search of answers. But the path to restoring her light was elusive, and Y/N's depression grew deeper.

One night, as Y/N sat in their chamber, staring blankly at the flickering flames, Seonghwa approached her with a gentle touch. "Y/N, can you hear me?"

She turned to him, her eyes reflecting the torment within. "I hear you, Seonghwa. But I can't find my way back."

Seonghwa knelt beside her, taking her hands in his. "I know it's hard. I know you feel lost. But I won't give up on you. We will find a way, no matter how long it takes."

Y/N's eyes filled with tears. "Why do you love me so much? I'm not the same anymore."

Seonghwa's gaze was unwavering. "Because I see the real you, the Y/N who brought warmth and light to my world. You are still that person, and I love you with all my heart."

Y/N leaned into his embrace, finding solace in his unwavering love. "Thank you, Seonghwa. I don't know what I'd do without you."

As they held each other in the darkness, a spark of hope flickered within Y/N. Though the journey ahead was uncertain and filled with challenges, she knew that with Seonghwa by her side, they could face anything. Their love, forged in the balance of light and dark, was a beacon that would guide them through even the darkest of times.

#ateez fanfic #ateez imagines #ateez x reader #ateez fic #ateez #park seonghwa imagines #park seonghwa x reader #park seonghwa #seonghwa #seonghwa x reader #seonghwa imagines

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twisted-art-wounders · 5 months ago

Text

YGO AU: Breaking the Seal 17

Chapter 17 Transmission Yami has played the Seal of Orichalcos against Yugi's wishes and now will pay the ultimate price.

Yugi blinked once-twice before finally focusing on his surroundings; the last thing he remembered was the other Yugi playing the Seal of Orichalcos and him being pushed away by the force of the evil magic. As he got to his feet he turned around looking left and right then up and down, he was in a dark void with nothing around him.

“Where am I?” He wondered looking forward.

Right in front of him was a floating window in the shape of the Seal of Orichalcos and inside the window he could observe the duel currently happening between Yami and Raphael only now the magic circle encased them both.

Yugi's whole body shock in disbelief.

“The Seal of Orichalcos! No! How could he have played it!”

Looking around again Yugi tried to find someway to escape but after running around he found this place to be nothing but a endless void. Whatever, wherever this void was he trapped there, he looked back up at the window again.

“Other Me! Can you hear me!? Help!” Yugi screamed hoping the spirit could hear him but alas he didn't respond.

This felt just like before in Duellist Kingdom when Yugi struggled to be able to get Yami Yugi to hear him, no matter how much he shouted his voice could never reach the other Yugi. Now he was back at square one stuck only watching as Yami Yugi controlled everything his body did and he had no say whatsoever.

“No...this can't be happening! I need to find away out! I have to do something before-”

As Yugi continued to watch on Yami used the power of the Seal of Orichalcos to summon 4 powerful monsters in one turn, he knew his other self was a exceptional duelist and under the influence of the Orichalcos he became far more ruthless in battle.

“I need to get out of here! There has to be away!”

It's too late, my child He's already fallen into his own darkness...

A familiar voice now echoed in Yugi's mind or was it all around him? Yugi looked back and forth again before he saw the figure of Dartz standing beside him; arms folded behind his back as he watched the window in front of him just as Yugi did. Yugi was surprised to see him here not knowing how he could be here right now but ignored it since this may be the key to his escape.

“Dartz! You have to hep me! I'm trapped in here and my other self played the Seal of Orichalcos! ”

Dartz seemed to ignore his question and kept his focus on the window, this upset Yugi since he was hoping Dartz was here to help him so he spoke louder.

“Dartz! Are you listening to me!? Please help me! I can't let the other me do this!” Yugi turned to Dartz with his fists clenched only to be met by the man's still statuesque form towering over him.

“DARTZ!” Yugi shouted again.

“Yugi. I want you to watch.”

Dartz spoke coldly with an almost robotic response to him, it once again made Yugi confused and frustrated.

“I CAN'T just watch! I have to do something!” Yugi growled only to met once again with Dartz's cold voice telling him once more.

“Yugi. I want you to just watch.”

Yugi wanted to argue, oh how much he wanted to argue with the man but something deep inside of him couldn't force the words out of his mouth, so he reluctantly turned back to the window and watched with a sorrowful expression.

Meanwhile outside of the void; Mai's Jeep had finally turned up as they all existed the vehicle and made their way to the edge of the tall cliff overlooking the canyon and below where the duel was in progress. As Joey called out Yugi's name he turned around to see his friends arrival only for them to be shocked by the not only the presence of the seal but the fact Yugi had the symbol on his forehead, a clear sign that he played it himself not his opponent.

As they made their way down the cliff face they met up with Rex and Weevil who realized they came along as well to see the duel thus why they had gone missing. Joey was furious and demanded to know why Yugi of all people was using the Seal of Orichalcos. After Rex explained Yugi got the card from Raphael and activated it on his own Joey couldn't believe Yugi would just play the card like that. After all they all witnessed this awful power for themselves just yesterday! And now he was using it like it was nothing to him.

“This is insane! He knows that card is evil!” Joey shouted.

“Doesn't look like its gonna stop him though...” Mai watched on folding her arms.

As Yugi watched the duel continue he started to see the dark power of Yami Yugi's heart manifest and grow around him as one by one he started to sacrifice his monsters using Catapult Turtle's special effect. He could launch a direct attack at Raphael by halving the monsters original attack points, but due to “Limit Tribute” Yami was only able to sacrifice one monster per turn while Raphael could dodge his attacks and rebuild his forces. This move was no doubt influenced by what Yugi had done in his duel against Joey earlier.

But while Yugi didn't want to use this method only in such a dire situation in his mind, Yami was more then ready to use this method as a fast way to win. He first sacrificed Dark Magician giving Raphael some direct damage and in the process powering up Dark Magician Girl due to effect of Dark Magician being the graveyard. To him it was just another cog in the machine to set up his final attack, but to Yugi who watched on all he could see was his other self losing respect for their monsters...

“Other me...you can't do this! Those are our monsters!” Yugi cried out holding his hands over his mouth to stifle some sobbing.

Dartz kept his same neutral expression but inside he was grinning from ear to ear watching the Pharaoh descend into his own darkness while dragging Yugi's confidence in him down as well.

As Joey and other's watched Yami Yugi duel it was Joey who noticed just how ruthless Yami Yugi was acting and could tell immediately it was due to Orichcalcos' effect on him. Mai had also taken note of Yugi's actions and while impressive she too could see Yugi was starting to dump his morals for the sake of winning this duel.

“I can't believe he's really acting like this...This isn't his style of dueling...” Joey looked down a little clenching his fists. “He's gotta snap outta this!”

“That magic card is effecting every part of him...He used to have a lot more of dignity as a duelist and now he's just a ruthless tyrant...” Mai watched with disappointment in her voice, she really hoped Yugi had grown out of his childish tunnel vision but it looks like he didn't.

“But...as long as he wins that what matters right?” Tristan looked up at Joey who only closed his eyes and shook his head.

“He may win this duel...but he's gonna lose a lot more then just that guy's soul in the end...”

Yami chuckled as he watched Raphael from across the field; it felt good to finally be the one taking control of the duel and have Raphael on the ropes finally. He never felt more liberated it was like the doors were finally open for him to cut lose and really let out some steam. And for it to be let out on the man who was mocking him earlier felt all too cathartic for the spirit of the puzzle.

“Do you see how powerful I've become Raphael? I managed to use the full power of the Seal of Orichalcos in one turn and I've beaten you down so hard you're the one running away from me...”

Raphael hissed drawing two cards and setting one face down.

“Oh you're powerful alright....but it's due to evil inside of you that brings out the power of the Orichalcos! You're power is from darkness just like I always suspected.”

Yami drew a card before he closed his eyes and put his hands on his hips with a Cheshire grin.

“I am in control of my darkness Raphael. That's why I can wield this card so perfectly. Anyway I think it's time I finally end things here...I'm tried of the cat and mouse game, so for my next tribute I'll use Dark Magician Girl!”

As he called out her name the blonde sorceress turned back to face him with a look of fear and betrayal on her face. Her bottom lip quivered wishing she could speak to him but it wasn't possible for her to do so. The sting of his betrayal burned into her heart and mind, adding to the misery she already felt form his first use of the Seal.

“Other Me Stop! Don't you remember your promise to Dark Magician Girl? ” Yugi shouted and banged his fists against the Orichcalos window.

Tears ran down Yugi's face as Dark Magician Girl looked back at Yami Yugi her eyes wavered ready to stream tears herself, reluctantly she landed on the back of the catapult and was sent flying at Raphael hoping this attack would be final blow.

“Take this! Direct attack!” Yami pointed as the pink ball of energy rocketed towards Raphael.

All of Yami's confidence was shattered as Raphael revealed his face down magic card “Shrink” cutting Dark Magician Girl's attack in half once more and saving himself from losing in this round. As the ball of energy hit him in the chest the blonde man was sent flying back into the force field with a thud, he slide down the green wall wincing in pain. Everyone including Yami was shocked by Raphael's saving move.

“You're such a stubborn cockroach you know that?”

Yami was annoyed with the out come he was hoping this attack would end things for his opponent but it seems he was far more suborn then he originally thought. He looked around as he saw the “Swords of Revealing Light” effect finally expired which gave him a renewed joy in the fact now all he hand to do was use Catapult Turtle's effect on itself and win the duel in the next turn.

“Well well well, looks like your magic card has finally faded and now we're finally down to your last turn! Stand up Raphael I can't wait to send you to hell with my next move!” Yami grinned with twisted joy as more darkness manifested around him.

Yugi watched with tears in his eyes, he'd never seen Yami looks so evil before. Yes Yami could be very cruel especially back when they first met before they started working together, but this time it seemed like all the evil he carried inside of him was fully on display and had no signs of stopping.

“Why...why is he doing this? Why didn't he listen to me?” Yugi sniffled and rubbed his eyes before putting his hands on the window again. “The darkness in his heart is growing stronger...”

“This is who he truly is Yugi...” Dartz's voice was sombre as he closed his own eyes and continued.

“The Orichlcos provides a path for the user to take, and for those with wicked hearts there is only darkness that pours from them. That is what is within him, darkness.”

Yugi turned to face Dartz, again he wanted to argue with him but he couldn't...he only turned around and continued to watch the duel unfold. Yugi's heart was sinking more and more as he started to see just how cruel the other Yugi was.

//Other Me...Pharaoh...Are you really this evil? Are you really this cruel?// Yugi hung her head in shame.

Raphael slowly stood up again chuckling as he did.

“You really want to win don't you? No matter who, no matter how...Well done Nameless Pharaoh...how does it feel to know you'll win?”

Yami glared at Raphael as he continued.

“You've finally proven there is darkness in your heart...You trapped yourself because you wanted so desperately to win. As the darkness in you're heart grows so does the power of the Seal of Orichalcos. You haven't even noticed it but look at your field!”

Raphael pointed to Yami's monsters all of them hissing and shaking with the over whelming power of the Orichalcos running through them, all powered by Yami's darkness. Yami's eyes widened as he truly could see for the first time just how cruel he'd been to his monsters, sacrificing them one by one all in his desperate need to win...turning them into horrible versions of themselves betraying their trust... //I...I did all of this?// Yami thought.

Yami growled and yelled out “No! You tricked me!”

“You used the Seal of Orichalcos to seal away Timeaus power, the legendary power of the duel monsters world. You never realized the only thing I was afraid of was your Legendary Dragon! Not only that you threw away your partner...the only person who kept your evil in check!”

Yami held his head as he finally realized Yugi had been absent this whole time, his voice vanished from him the moment he used the seal and now he was alone.

//Partner! What have I done to you?// Yami held a hand in front of is mouth as he started to shutter.

“This is the final turn that will decide our fates! My turn!”

Raphael drew two cards and could feel he'd finally drawn the key cards to his victory.

//Eatos, You've finally come.//

He activated the magic card “Celestial Sword” the heavenly sword materialized and slammed into the ground below as it did Raphael then summoned his ace monster “Guardian Eatos”.

As the powerful aura that surrounded Raphael through out the duel finally manifested in it's true form; a blonde woman with a grey bird headdress and native attire appeared in the sky above them. She then picked up the sword and used her special ability forcing Yami Yugi's duel disk into the air and pulling out the top five monsters in his graveyard to appear before him; Dark Magician Girl, Dark Magician, Big Shield Gardna, Gazelle and Berfomet.

“Look into the eyes of your monsters Nameless Pharaoh, The darkness in your heart, you're cruel and heartless actions lead to their demise! Now you will face judgment from them...”

Yami fell to the ground as he looked up at each of his monsters, all of his creatures stood before him each with a look of disappointment and anger towards Yami for his selfish and cruel ways. Yami's heart sank into the pit of his stomach. He was so desperate and ashamed of himself he couldn't really face his monsters, not like this.

He shouted up to them

“St-stop it! Don't look at me like that! I never meant for this to happen!”

“The darkness in your heart will bring out the full power of Eatos effect!” Raphael yelled out.

All of Yami's monsters gave him one final look of anger before they all turned into ghostly phantoms and flew back into the holy sword held by Guardian Eatos her attack points jumping to 10,000.

“10,000 points more then enough to wipe you out...Nameless Pharaoh! Feel the rage of your monsters!”

The holy power bathed everything around them in new bright light the clouds of Yami's darkness that covered them before vanished instantly. Everyone watching from the sidelines had to cover their faces from the blinding light as Raphael called for Eatos to attack using “Forbidden Gospel”.

Eatos brought down her sword as an overwhelming power rushed out of the blade, the holy light ripping into Kuribaboylan and Catapult Turtle destroying them instantly before the attack finally reached Yami Yugi. He screamed out in pain as he too was bathed in the light of the monster's power, he could feel the anger and rage of his monsters all cutting into him at once. Only now could he truly feel the weight of his betrayal hint him like a speeding truck.

All of the other's watched as the light enveloped the field before finally letting the dust settle, all that stood there was Yami Yugi and Raphael only now Yami's LP were at 0 and Seal of Orichalcos was ready to claim it's prize.

“No...my other self...he lost the duel! Now he'll lose his soul!” He screamed.

Yugi watched from behind the window his eyes widened as he realized what this meant. As the blinding brilliant light of Eatos' attack hint Yami's field whipping out the last of his monsters and directly dropping his LP to 0.

“I- I have to do something! I have to save him!” Yugi looked back at Dartz once more.

“Please Dartz! I have to do something now before it's too late! I have to break the seal again!” Yugi yelled but could feel his legs were giving out as more of his energy was drained from him leaving him as weak as a new born kitten trying desperately to walk.

He dropped to his kneels and held himself again, shaking like a leaf he asked

“W-what's happening to me?”

“I'm afraid you only have 10 percent of your soul left...Now that this duel is over you will be gone once the seal leaves the field...” Dartz looked down at Yugi who held onto his puzzle tightly in his shaking hands.

He could tell it was true he felt like he was almost all gone and with this duel concluding they'd both be gone...everyone would lose.

“N-no...” Yugi whimpered out

Everyone couldn't believe Yugi had really lost. It was finally over and Yami stood in pure shock and terror as smoke floated away form his body from the direct attack launched upon him. Disappointment, despair, and guilt now hung heavily in his heart as Yami began to resolve himself to his fate. Raphael stepped towards him with a look of satisfaction on his face.

“Nameless Pharaoh, you lost something important in this duel, not only your soul but the soul of your partner as well. But don't worry your souls will be sacrificed to our god's resurrection. Goodbye, your highness.”

“This is the price he will pay for his actions. The Seal of Orichalcos will not leave the field without a soul. I'm sorry Yugi.” Dartz closed his eyes and turned away.

Yugi looked back to the window and saw that the seal was about to close around his other self.

“My other self! I wont let this happen to you!” As Yugi cried out his fully grey eyes soon sparked with light as he looked down and saw his puzzle started to glow.

“I-I'll use this!”

Holding the puzzle tightly he drew upon the very last bit of power he had, his hope his wish to save Yami driving him as he lifted the puzzle over his head and brought it down on the window slicing through it like paper.

Dartz's eyes widened as he saw Yugi become bathed in white light, he reached from him yelling.

“No!”

But it was too late Yugi was finally free of the void and found himself back in the real world; just as the seal had closed around Yami who'd relented to his fate and was waiting to be taken by the evil power. He then felt a pair of small hands push against his back and send him out the circle. Yami turned around only to be met with his partner looking back at him, a small weak smile on his face as he fell to his knees finally out of energy.

“What? Yugi! What are you doing doing here?” Yami yelled in surprise turned to horror. “Get out of here! You have to break the seal's power!”

Yugi had a sad smile on his lips as he looked up at Yami, tears started to stream down his cheeks “I'm sorry...I don't have the power to break the seal again... all I could do was save you...”

Yami's eyes widened once he realized what was going to happen now and reached out “No...no! Yugi please don't do this!”

Yugi closed his eyes and hung his head down, his final haunting words echoed in Yami's mind forever a chilling message he'd have to carry.

“I'm so sorry other me...I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough...”

“Nooo!” Yami screamed as the pillar of light shot up into the sky vanishing along with Yugi's soul.

Once the light had vanished Yami's body had gone limp as he fell forward into his stomach. His limp and lifeless from spread out in front of his opponent. Joey, Mai, Tristan and Duke could only watch and yell out for Yugi to wake up hoping this was wasn't real, hoping this didn't really just happen to their friend. But the truth was before them; Yami Yugi had lost his soul and with his soul gone now they didn't stand a chance of beating DOMA, their hope vanishing with it.

Raphael bent down and took not only the Orichalcos shard necklace from his lifeless body but also popped out the Orichalcos card in his duel disk. He grinned as he said he wont being needing them anymore, standing back up he felt the winds of the helicopter rising up behind him Alister in the pilot seat. A rope leader descended from the aircraft for Raphael to grab onto, with Yami's lifeless body under his arms he flew over Yugi's fiends and tossed his body to them causing Joey and Tristan to fall over in desperate act to catch him.

Before he left Raphael called down to Joey “Don't worry Joey, I'll be back to take your soul next! I look forward to it!” He chuckled as the helicopter flew away from them into the air.

“Get back here you cowards!” Joey screamed up at them while Mai, Tristan and Duke all looked at Yugi fearful of his demise. Rex and Weevil on the other hand saw this as their chance to join DOMA so they had run off quickly to grab their bike and follow the helicopter.

The group remaining placed Yami Yugi on his back, his friends calling out his name hoping he'd wake up. As he finally opened his eyes he blinked a few times before sitting up, relief washed over everyone as he got back onto his feet.

Mai felt the most at ease before her expression changed to that of anger.

“Yugi! What on earth were you thinking? Stealing my bike and riding off in the middle of the night like that!”

Yami didn't look up at her as he answered “I...I didn't damage your bike...”

She blinked at his answer which only made her more upset so she kept yelling

“I don't give a shit about the bike! That's what insurance is for! I'm talking about you! What if this guy was after more then just your soul!?”

Yami turned away from her and started to shake bit, Joey and other's watched him do so and assumed he was trying to avoid being punished.

“Mai! Chill he' been through enough!” Joey tried to interrupt her but she kept going.

“You're just lucky you managed to escape in one piece!” Mai huffed folding her arms.

Yami held himself now as he fell to his knees finally breaking down in front of his friends he yelled out.

“He didn't escape! They took him!”

“W-what are you talking about, Yug? Who didn't-” Joey asked confused.

“Yugi! They took him instead of me!”

Everyone stared in shock at the revelation that it was Yugi's soul that had been taken by DOMA. Yami slammed both his fists into the ground and yelled out again with tears streaming down his face.

“It's all my fault! I failed him and now-ARGGGHHHH!!!” He slammed his fists down again and arched down even more sobbing into his hands as everyone else watched him speechless.

In the skies over the small island temple of DOMA's HQ a green beam of light appeared and shot down out of the sky landing inside of the spiralling mountain. Dartz awaited at his alter dressed in his white robes holding out his medallion as a set of white tiny orbs floated down and added themselves to the larger orb of light that floated over his jewellery, the glowing white orb flashed completing itself.

Dartz had a snide grin on his face as he held the larger orb in his hands, it's warm light emitting off the newly collected soul of Yugi Mutou. He chuckled as he stood up before the alter of his god and held up the orb presenting it for his god to see before bringing it back closely to himself giving it slight petting.

“Welcome home...my son.”

#yugi #yugi mutou #yami yugi #breaking the seal #au #waking the dragons #yugioh #yugioh dm #fan art #fan fic

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