#if it tastes any different we will start hurting people

[centi-pedve]

subway is so crazy their whole menu system is crazy. ordering online is crazy. they remove spicy italian off the menu for some fkn reason. okay so we'll just customize a different sandwich to be a spicy italian which should be perfectly possible because it's not like they're out of the ingredients. well for whatever reason if you go to one sandwich it'll only let you have two proteins and you can remove them but not add any others. okay so if we can remove we'll just go to a sandwich with unbearable protein and remove everything except pepperoni and salami. okay so now we can't remove anything at all we have to have all four chosen meats on this sandwich. why. it's not like they're pre-made. so maybe we should go to a sandwich which is protein neutral maybe they'll have all the meat opportunities open liiike the veggie one. oh you can't add any protein. why. what if we really like veggies but maybe some ham slices wouldn't hurt. are you trying to protect vegetarians from themselves? then we find a different sandwich which is just a spicy italian with a different name. we should walk into the subway store and shove the tip of a rifle into our mouth right in the direction of our brain

[headspace-hotel]

I agree with the idea that a lot of humans nowadays have a severe lack of curiosity about the world, but I think there has to be a solution other than shame.

I think about this every day because the fate of our world hangs on curiosity: either we will rediscover the importance and wonders of the soil and bugs and flowers and water and finally with the whole natural world, or this way will be forgotten.

People raised in the great wasteland of the suburbs and roads and buildings have never seen most of the plants and creatures that are supposed to fill every field and meadow. So many humans have never seen with their own eyes more than a scant few of the most common of hundreds of wildflowers that are supposed to surround them. Some live in biomes designated forest and have never witnessed truly mature trees. They do not know what the birds sound like. When they see an ordinary deer, they are awed and amazed by it or even afraid of it. They have never eaten any of the delicious wild fruits that grow in their homeland; all birds except starlings and robins and sparrows are so strange and beautiful that they stare in wonder. They confront insects like people on an alien planet encountering an unknown life form: What is this? Will it hurt me?

I cannot even describe the grief I feel on behalf of humans that grow up and live in the wasteland of pavement and lawn. That we are expected to live in these brutal environments, that we are expected to be content without the right or ability to live alongside living creatures, to walk among wildflowers, to hear birdsong, to feel the plush softness of moss, to see even common bees and butterflies—the fact that we live, work, and raise our children in poisonous wastes where nearly everything has been wiped out, and the simplest and most abundant of natural pleasures are rare privileges—it's cruel. It's a crime against the human spirit. It makes me so angry and sad.

When I started researching plants, I had no idea that I would end up expanding my mind so much that I would be virtually a different person within the year. Before I learned, I could not have imagined the diversity and beauty that exists in the world. My mind did not have the tools to come up with it.

I lived for over twenty years believing that there was only one species of firefly. I lived for over twenty years not knowing that the Southeastern US has native bamboo. I had never tasted the indescribable flavor of a pawpaw or seen the iridescent vibrance of a red-spotted purple butterfly. I had only seen a Pileated Woodpecker out the window of a car. I had never touched true topsoil, the soft, living blanket of rich, sweet-smelling earth full of mycelium, as springy and plush as a mattress. Just one year ago, I knew nothing!

Humans, as creatures, are insatiably curious and hunger for beauty. It is so cruel to deprive a human of relationship with their natural environment.

It is no wonder that we are all addicted to the internet—we have a crucial need that is unfulfilled. Compared with a forest, the world of lawns and buildings is so ridiculously flat and unstimulating. You would expect humans in such a place to feel constantly bored, restless, frustrated, and incurably sad.

I feel that lack of curiosity can be a chosen thing, but it is also a defense mechanism against a world that will feel like sandpaper on the senses of the curious.

But we need curiosity to fix this—we need the ability to notice the living things that have crept in at the edges of the wasteland and be infected and tormented by their beauty. We need to recognize the forest reaching into our cage in the form of tiny saplings. We need to discard the word "weed," not because it is derogatory because it is fundamentally incurious—it designates a plant as needing no identity outside of its unwantedness. We must learn their names. We must wonder what their names are.

[save-the-villainous-cat]

"You're quitting?" the villain asked and the hero nearly jumped out of their own skin. They had had quite the day and the last person they had expected to see in their own living room was the villain.

"Jeez- yes-" They felt their pulse in their throat and when they set down their plate, their fingers shook. Right. They hadn't told the villain.

It was stupid that they felt - to some degree at least - obligated to tell their nemesis that they weren't interested in wearing the cape anymore. In all honesty, that feeling of obligation only existed because the hero wanted some comfort.

"You're quitting?" the villain asked again and the hero only frowned softly.

"Yeah."

"Bullshit."

"No, I am done. I am done with this." In return, the villain let out a huff and crossed their arms in front of their chest.

"You can't just quit," the villain said, as if they had any say in this. It was refreshing, though. Most people had encouraged them. Hell, their parents had begged for years, colleagues called them incredibly lucky and friends only sighed in gratitude.

But the villain didn't seem to accept this.

"I did. I did quit," the hero said. "I signed the papers and everything. They wanted to throw a party but I declined."

They stared at their wine glass. It was difficult not to feel like a total loser. Because, in the end, this was much more "giving up" than it was "quitting."

"Why?"

The hero took in a deep breath and a sip from the glass. The wine was a gift from their boss, but it tasted much too sour.

"Why are you here? Was it that necessary to break into my apartment?"

"Why are you leaving? We were just starting to..." The hero stared at the villain. Starting to...? The villain rolled their eyes. "The people love you."

They came closer, every step taken urgently. The hero was flattered but also slightly overwhelmed. They could feel their cheeks heat up when the villain was right in front of them, their hand nearly reaching for the hero's arm.

Only now, the hero realized that they had never been in their home together and moreover, the hero had never looked this revealing, even though they were fully clothed.

Their gaze was glued to the floor.

"This stupid city needs you. Most heroes are total assholes with no consideration of anyone's feelings, including citizens. Do you want that to be your legacy? The perfect hero who gave up?"

"I'm just sick of all the blood. And the violence. About not actually making a difference. Once I defeat a bad guy, two more appear like hydra heads. I'm just...I'm not good enough. I can't deal with it anymore," the hero admitted. They stared at their toast on the plate and wondered what their next move would be. For most of their life, they had trained to be a hero. They had given everything. "It just hurts. A lot."

Getting a job, probably. That seemed to be a good move.

And then, the villain laughed. It wasn't a chuckle, it wasn't a snicker. It was a loud and honest laugh. As if the hero had just made the most ridiculous joke.

"You're funny."

"You know what? I don't have to tell you anything."

"You are the best thing that has ever happened to this city," the villain said. Now, they seemed quite aggravated, quite serious. "And you're quitting?"

"Like I said, I...I am just not good enough."

"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard you say."

"I am not saving enough people, okay?! People keep dying and I can't...I can't..." The hero bit their bottom lip but it was still trembling. "I can't save everyone."

The villain was quiet and the hero could see how hard they were clenching their fists. When was the last time they had ever seen them this angry?

"You know what? Screw you." The villain frowned, almost as if their own words pained them. "No one can save everyone. But a hero, a true hero, inspires others to be the very best version of themselves. They rise to the occasion and others follow them, not out of obligation but because they...because you...because you touch the very soul of others. You're the light in the darkest cave, you are the water in the driest desert, you are the hope the people crave."

The hero hadn't noticed how their jaw had dropped. They didn't know what to say, all they could whisper was the villain's name.

"Ugh. And now I am making a fool out of myself again because of you." The villain crossed their arms in front of their chest but the hero still saw the soft blush on their face.

"No, you...listen, I..." Why was it so difficult to say anything?

"I'm leaving. And you-" the villain pointed at them with an angry index finger "-better show up tomorrow."

With that, they climbed out of the window and the hero stared at their toast for the next 20 minutes in silence.

[dilemmaontwolegs]

Hi, hope you're alright. I came up with a story idea: the reader is married to Gasly's/Daniel's close friend but their marriage is hanging by a thread. The driver invites her to a few races so she can change the environment, they spend some time together and unexpectedly become lovers. And maybe later her husband is trying to fix their marriage but she and the driver can't stop thinking about each other

His Best Man || DR3

A/N: I took some creative liberties with the plot but I think it does this request justice 💕 ps: never condone cheating, it's horrible and this is purely fictional

Warnings: 18+ only, nsfw, alcohol, cheating, smut WC: 7.6k F1 Masterlist || One || Two || Daniel’s Reaction

Dinner with James was a quiet affair, though it shouldn’t have been a surprise. Why would your anniversary be any different when his indifference was the only constant at this point?

You watched as he smiled at his phone, something you hadn’t been able to elicit from him in months, before he locked the device and placed it facedown on the table. The sigh that wanted to exhale from your flared nostrils barely remained silent as you focused on shifting the food around your plate, your appetite gone like the connection to your husband. 

“Daniel sent us some passes to the race in Melbourne next month. I thought we could go, make a little holiday out of it?” 

There was no excitement in your tone, it was more a question borne out of politeness because he would have seen the paddock passes sitting on the kitchen side if he ever looked away from his phone. The blasted device vibrated again and his fork clattered on his plate in his rush to read the incoming message. 

“Well?” you asked as his thumbs flew across his screen. 

“Can’t. Work project is going to keep me busy until the deadline,” he answered without looking up. “Take one of your friends, have a girls trip.”

Friends…those people you never saw anymore because James hadn’t liked them, though he never outright said it, those friends who had warned you that you were marrying a narcissist. 

“It’s our anniversary,” you reminded him. “You know, falls on the same day each year.”

“Mhmm, yeah,” he nodded, clearly not listening. “Sounds good.”

You propped your elbow onto the glass tabletop and dropped your chin onto your palm as a familiar burn of resentment simmered in your soul. “The mailman gave me a pearl necklace.”

“That’s nice. Put it on my credit card.” He reached into his back pocket and tossed his wallet across the table, narrowly missing the glass of rosé. 

You opened it and saw the polaroid from your wedding day no longer sat in the clear card slot but was stuffed behind his drivers licence. You shouldn’t have felt hurt after months of being ignored but the pain still surprised you, almost as much as the condom that you found with his cash. He hadn’t bought a box of condoms in at least three years, not since the wedding when you started trying for a baby - something that was probably best that it didn't happen.

“He must eat a lot of pineapples because it tasted delicious,” you murmured as you took his cash and the platinum credit card too.

James nodded and pushed his empty plate away. “Yeah, tasted good, thanks. Need to finish this project.” He rose from the table with his phone and started to make his way down the hall to his office. “Don’t wait up.”

“Wasn’t planning on it.” You had a trip to plan. 

You weren’t going to have a girls weekend but you were going to Melbourne. He may have been James’ friend first, but no one had the ability to turn a bad day (or year) around like Daniel could. 

When you arrived in Perth you hadn’t expected Danny to be the one personally waiting at the airport. It was impossible to miss him with the amount of people that surrounded him, asking for pictures and autographs before he spotted you stepping out of customs. 

You didn’t need to read lips to see him apologising to everyone as he made his way towards you, holding up a large welcome sign for ‘Roo’. You rolled your eyes at the nickname he had given you after one drunken night that ended with you tangled in a hammock, your head poking out of the material like a joey in a kangaroo pouch. You were only grateful he hadn’t nicknamed you Joey since the name had stuck over the years.

Your greeting turned to a peal of laughter as he dropped the sign and swept you into a hug that lifted your feet off the ground to spin you around. 

“I’ve missed you, you beaut!” Danny’s smile was contagious and even when your feet were securely back on the ground he still kept his arms around you. “A shame James can’t come, but we can totally make his jealous as fuck for ditching us. One week, you, me, road trip to Melbourne.”

Day One - Perth to Kalgoorlie “I hope you know where we are going.”

Daniel laughed and just winked from the driver's seat of his Ford Ranger. It had been three hours of driving on the highway and you had not passed one town in the dusty landscape. 

“It’s not far, just down the road a little more,” Danny said for the third time. “We still have half a tank of gas and a crate of Vitamin B, we’ll be fine if we need to camp.”

You quirked an eyebrow up as you looked in the backseat and saw the green box of Victoria Bitter beer strapped with a seatbelt.

“You’re out of your mind if you think I’m going to camp anywhere,” you scoffed, tucking your knee up as the song changed to another country song from his endless playlist. “Spiders, snakes, dingoes, and your snoring. I think not.”

Daniel laughed and indicated to pull off the road despite there not being another soul within what felt like hundreds of kilometres. 

“I’m sorry I said you snore, please don’t leave me here.”

His laugh only intensified as he turned the engine off and turned to face you. “I wouldn’t do that to you, Roo.”

“Then why have you stopped?” You tested the window but it had powered off with the engine. “It’s a freaking sauna in here.”

“Because you haven’t been yourself all day and there’s no cell reception out here so there’s nothing to distract you.” He took the useless device from your hand and tossed it in the glove compartment. “What’s going on with you and James?”

“Nothing,” you muttered as his brown eyes narrowed. “Seriously, there’s nothing going on with him. We hardly speak anymore and he sleeps in his office when he’s not out of town on another ‘business trip’. It’s just…nothing.”

Daniel’s brows pinched together in confusion as he sucked a lungful of air through his teeth. “But…what the hell happened?”

“I don’t know,” you exclaimed as you threw your hands in the air, just as clueless. “What do you want me to say? That he’s having an affair, or that one day he just stopped caring, or both?”

You turned away as it wasn’t a bead of sweat that rolled down your cheek when you sighed in defeat. Unable to withstand the heat without the air conditioner, you tugged the door handle and checked the dirt for any unwanted animals before jumping down from the running boards. 

Daniel was already getting out his side and circling the bullbars before you could wipe the tears away but the sob you had tried to suppress clawed its way out when he pulled you against his chest. “I’m sorry,” he murmured softly as he rubbed your back and let your tears soak into his shirt. “He can be a bit of a cunt, but I never thought he could do that to you.”

“He did and it’s done,” you admitted with a raspy voice that was still strained from the emotion choking each word. “I moved my stuff out last week, not that he even noticed. I thought I could have a break to get away from it all and deal with a divorce when I get back.”

“That fucking idiot,” Daniel said as he pulled his shirt up to wipe your tears away. “He just lost the best thing in the world and he doesn’t even know it.”

Day Two - Kalgoorlie to Caiguna It was another long day of driving but after the broken sleep spent tossing and turning you weren’t much of a companion. You had eventually drifted off to sleep to the country music that Daniel loved so much and dreamt of crawling through fields of watermelons but the paddock soon turned to mud and you sank under the suffocating weight with it filling your lungs. 

“Hey, it’s alright, you’re alright,” Danny soothed as you startled awake, his quick reflexes throwing his arm out to catch you from hitting the window. You could still feel the filthy fluid on your skin and shivered as you changed the song over and took a shuddering breath. “Bad dream?”

You rolled your shoulders and twisted your stiff neck, groaning at the crick that had come from using the seatbelt as a pillow. “Just weird.”

His eyes darted away from the endless road ahead and saw you trying to massage your neck before he brushed your hand aside. There certainly were perks to his strength training because his fingers were a godsend as they erased the knots that had formed.

“Hmmm, thank you,” you sighed deeply and his lips tipped up at the sound.

“Anytime. Hope you got the rest you needed, there’s a stop ahead and these guys know how to throw down.”

You narrowed your eyes at the horizon that was blurred by heatwaves and tried to see what lay beyond but gave up after a few seconds. “Throw down what?”

“Huh?”

“What are they throwing down?”

“Throw down,” he said slowly as if it would somehow make you understand but you were still confused. “Party, drink, dance. Throw down.”

“Oh, throw down, why didn’t you just say that?”

He laughed at your sarcasm and squeezed your knee. “You could definitely do with a drink or two and loosen up. Then I can get my old Roo back.”

“As long as I’m not expected to sleep in a hammock again.”

The motel was a little rough and run down but it had four walls and the bathroom was clean enough to last one night. Daniel had barely given you enough time to get changed into fresh clothes before he was knocking on your door ready to escort you next door to the bar. Coincidentally, the bar was also the restaurant, service station and grocery store all rolled into one.

You and Danny were by far the youngest people in the place but it didn’t stop the warm welcome from everyone. If any of the patrons knew who he was they hid it well because they treated him just like any other stranger passing through.

“Where ya from?”

“Where ya headed?”

“Watch out for ol’ Deloris, she’ll try take a bite out of ya.”

The questions came in quick succession and you looked around the room trying to figure out which of the ladies was Deloris only to find the name on a plaque beneath a huge crocodile head suspended from the rafters.

“Fuck me,” you gasped as you took a step back, bumping into Danny as he laughed along with the bartender.

“Gets ‘em every time,” he chuckled as he placed two large bottles of beer onto the well worn bartop. “Looks like ya sheila could use something a little stronger.”

Daniel’s large hands landed on your shoulders and started to massage the tense muscles. “There’s no crocs ‘round here, isn’t enough water,” he whispered to calm your nerves. “Deloris was probably a pet.”

“Who in their right mind would keep that as a pet?”

“Probably someone not in their right mind.” His warm laugh tickled your ear before he turned you back to the bartender to grab your drink. “Cheers.”

Daniel found a small table in the surprisingly busy restaurant space and it appeared as if most of the locals were keeping the economy running in the place. It was strange to think that the faded walls decorated with old photographs of the glory days gone by felt more homely than the one you had built with James.

You could easily see yourself placing a coin on the pool table to save your place in the queue or ordering the fresh market fish off the menu without questioning how it was fresh so far from the sea. You could see yourself walking in to see the same faces at the end of a long week and the barman would listen to your complaints as he poured your usual without needing to be asked.

You took a generous gulp of beer that Daniel swore was ‘the good stuff’ and hummed at the hoppy flavour as it quenched the thirst that hadn’t stopped since you stepped foot in the country. It was no wonder why they liked their beers so much, they needed whatever they could to cool their bodies down.

“I like this place,” you said with a smile that Danny returned with pride.

“Thought you might, and tomorrow’ll be even better.”

“Where are we going tomorrow?”

Daniel shook his head and occupied his lips with the bottle so he could keep you in the dark a little longer. You didn’t mind this type of surprise, knowing he wanted to make you smile and was planning everything could to make that happen on the road trip.

The doldrum tune that was playing from the corner of the bar was interrupted as a coin was slotted into the jukebox and Josh Turner’s Your Man came on the machine. Couples around the bar and restaurant left their belongings and made their way to the dance floor. Where you came from no one would do that, and if they did their belongings wouldn’t be there when they returned.

Beneath the table you could feel Daniel’s foot tapping in time to the beat and his fingers drummed on the long neck he lifted to his lips. He caught the longing in your eyes as you watched a grey haired man holding his wife, slowly swaying together like you had imagined you would with James in 40 years.

“Come on, Roo,” he invited as he pushed his chair back and held out his hand. His palm was cold and damp from the beer bottle but it was refreshing on your skin with the heat that still lingered with the setting sun. Leading you to the edge of the dance floor he pulled you close and curled an arm around your waist as he started to sing along. “I've been thinking 'bout this all day long, never felt a feeling quite this strong, I can't believe how much it turns me on, just to be your man. I know you know the words, don’t be shy.”

It was impossible to feel embarrassed with him, even if you butchered the song he would still smile like he was listening to his favourite artist live. So, you placed your hand in his and the other rested on his shoulder as you started to sway and sing along.

“There's no hurry, don't you worry, we can take our time. Come a little closer, let's go over, what I had in mind.”

Daniel let go of you and your head fell back with a laugh as he spun you away and pulled you back. You could only giggle as you returned out of step and ended with your back to his chest instead of face to face but he adapted quickly and held your waist instead.

“Baby lock the door and turn the lights down low,” his voice was deep and rich in your ear, intimate and full of promise that hit you unexpectedly. “And put some music on that's soft and slow. Baby we ain't got no place to go, I hope you understand.”

You were glad you weren’t facing him as his words affected you in a way you couldn’t remember feeling for over a year. The very air seemed to thicken in your lungs as you felt every inch of his body fitting against yours. You could feel the veins on his hands as you laced your fingers with his and guided them down to your hips.

This was the first time the lines had blurred throughout the years of friendship and you allowed yourself to feel wanted, if only for a song.

Day Three - Caiguna to Yalata The pounding in your head turned out to be banging on your door and you somehow found the strength to answer it. Bright sunlight flooded in through the crack and you groaned as you covered your eyes.

“Good morning sunshine,” Daniel greeted brightly as he stepped inside. “It’s 7am on another stunning day here in Straya.” 

You playfully shoved Danny and he rolled with it to splay across your bed, the blankets still tucked in from collapsing atop them last night. 

“7am is too early,” you complained as you climbed into the small space he left on the twin sized bed, curling onto your side and throwing your arm over your face to block out the light. “Let me sleep.”

“You can sleep in the car.” His fingers danced teasingly over your ribs and you jutted your elbow back into his hard abs before he could properly tickle you. “Ouch, you’re not very nice in the morning.”

“This isn’t morning, this is still night,” you grumbled as his arm draped over your waist instead.

“The sun is up.”

“Tell that to the people of Norway. It can be sunny at midnight there.”

You could feel him silently laughing at you as it shook the bed. “But we aren’t in Norway.”

“Shh,” you murmured as you snuggled closer to him. “Let me go back to sleep.”

“Fine,” he conceded, making some adjustments to the pillow before shoving his arm under your head, “but just because I’m comfortable now.”

The hangover was gone by the time you woke naturally and you felt refreshed as you stretched lazily. Rolling over in Daniel’s arms you found his eyes closed and his lips parted slightly with soft snores. You raised your head a little to see the alarm clock that was probably considered vintage in the 80’s and saw it was well past check out time. Luckily it didn't appear that the No Vacancy sign was ever used, so there was no rush to leave.

The small movement was enough to wake him and your stomach clenched at the smile that brightened your day more than the blistering sun outside when his honey brown eyes opened. 

“I can’t believe this,” you tutted as you let him pull you closer against his chest. “I was ready to go at 7 and you just went back to sleep…so lazy.”

“How rude of me,” he chuckled. “I’m sure I can find a way to make it up to you.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

“Woah,” you whispered breathlessly as the truck bounced to a stop on the hard sand of the tidal line. “It’s beautiful.”

“Isn’t it just,” Daniel grinned as he opened his door and looked across at you. “Coming in?”

You bit your lip as your eyes feasted on the picturesque scene. Big barrel waves crashing out in the bay and white sand welcoming bare feet on the shore, it was a sight pretty enough to make angels cry. Hopping out, you rounded the four wheel drive ute and sat on the metal bar running across the front, distracted by the breathtaking view. “What about sharks?”

Daniel’s door shut and you turned to the sound in time to see him pulling his singlet over his head and tossing it through the backseat window before unbuckling his belt and shoving his jeans off too. It was impossible not to stare at the hard planes of his chest or the definition of his abs, and then the thick thighs that were barely covered by his boxers. 

“The chances of a shark attack are less than…” His words trailed off as he looked up and caught you blatantly staring, his teeth sparkling as a big smile grew on his face. “The view is spectacular, am I right or am I right?”

“You or the beach?”

“Spectacular is pretty high in the standards of compliments,” he said as he started to flex his arms, “but if you think I’m spectacular then I would accept that.”

You closed your eyes from the harsh sunlight and tipped your head back to feel the rays on your cheeks as you laughed. “You’ve never had to worry about your ego, have you?”

He sent you a playful pout as he walked towards you, his thongs flicking up golden sand behind him with each step. “It would take a hit if you didn’t come swim with me.”

You hadn’t realised quite how many types of heat there was until that moment. There was the heat of the bonnet from hours of driving beneath you, the heat of the sun in the sky above and the heat of his hands that landed on your knees. It was the heat of his hands that seeped into your blood and spread throughout your body, increasing to boiling point as they slowly ran up your thighs.

Your knees unconsciously parted for him and he stepped into the space so you were eye to eye and his tongue rolled across his bottom lip. “There’s nets out past the reef, you’ll be safe with me.”

You took a sharp intake of air as his fingers caught the hem of your shirt and his knuckles grazed your skin. “Well?” he asked quietly. “Trust me?”

You swallowed deeply as you nodded and he rewarded you with another of those smiles you had come to love before he lifted your shirt up and left it on the hood of the truck so he could grab you around the waist and haul you over his shoulder.

“Daniel!” you yelped as the world was suddenly upside down and he kicked his thongs off before jogging towards the water. “Don’t you dare dunk me.”

You expected the next sudden shift when the water reached his knees but as quick as he tossed you up off his shoulder he caught you again with a booming laugh. His arms were bound around your thighs and your hands planted on his shoulders as you looked down at his amused face. 

“I wouldn’t dare,” he promised as he eased his grip, your body sliding down his until you were once more eye to eye. “I just want to make you smile.”

Day Four - Yalata to Port Lincoln  As much as you had found yourself enjoying the historical rich motels in the outback, you were just as happy to find the accommodation in Port Lincoln was a five star resort on the waterfront. The sun was just starting to set when you arrived at the hotel and checked into the two bedroom suite with a gorgeous view of the harbour. 

“I never knew driving could be so exhausting,” you said as you dropped into the swing chair on the large balcony. 

“Don’t worry, tomorrow’s a rest day so you can recover from all that driving you didn’t even do,” Daniel pointed out with a smirk, taking the spot beside you and taking over the leg exercise of swinging it back and forth. “We can do whatever you want, just can’t miss the boat to Adelaide tomorrow night.”

It was nice spending so much time alone with Daniel on the road, comfortable conversations rolling like the tires on the highway, but a change of pace would be welcomed. “What is there to do?”

“Hmm,” he frowned and stood up. “Let me go see.”

Daniel disappeared out of the room and returned a few minutes later with a stack of brochures that he had taken from the tourist stands in reception and you met him on the couch inside where the pleasant offshore wind couldn’t whip them away. Together you flicked through them, separating them into three piles of yes, no and maybe. 

“Sure you don’t wanna cage dive?” he teased as you threw that particular brochure across the room. “You could get up close and personal with a Great White. Once in a lifetime opportunity right there.”

You snorted and shook your head. “Once in a lifetime because it would kill me. Not happening.”

“Here, that’s a yes for you.” 

You took the advert for a farm park where you could hand feed the animals and added it to the yes pile. “Maybe next year we can go to your farm…unless James gets you in the divorce.” Your lips turned down at the idea and you realised you had hardly thought of your husband, but now that you had he had disturbed your peace even though he was thousands of miles away.

Daniel reached over the coffee table to the stationary set, grabbing a hotel engraved pen before pulling his shoe off. “It’s just like Toy Story,” he said as he waved the pen in your face. “Put your name on me first.”

You managed a small laugh as you took the pen and clicked the nib out. “Should tattoo it so it doesn’t wash off.”

Daniel squirmed on the couch as the pen tickled his foot and you grabbed his ankle so he couldn’t move too much but he started to giggle uncontrollably as the nib ran over his instep. “How long does it take to write Roo?”

You laughed and kept going before he wretched his foot free and crossed his leg over his knee to see your full first and last name on it - maiden name, not married.

“For legal purposes,” you said as you clicked the pen nib away and tossed it on the table.

“Fair enough.” He grinned at the writing everytime he looked at his crossed leg and draped his arm over the back of the cushion as you returned to the seat. “You can come by the farm anytime, don’t have to wait for next year.”

“Except for shearing season,” you smirked as you remembered that mistake where you were roped into helping the jackaroos round the sheep up and shave them. “I have no interest in losing all feeling in my arms again.”

“Earned that beer though,” he said with a chuckle as he started to massage your neck. “I was so proud, you weren’t afraid to get stuck in and help. I kinda thought you were a bit of a princess ‘til then.”

Your nose crinkled at the endearment James used to call you. “Well I’m glad I got rid of that image. But, out of curiosity, what do you think I am now?”

The smile could only be described as devilish as his hand spread across your nape and guided you closer to him. His eyes held you captivated and his lips parted with his answer but it was silenced by the sound of ringtone breaking the tension and like a puppet whose strings were cut he fell back into his seat. The emotion in his eyes was erased with a blink and you reached blindly for your phone, answering the call without needing to see who it was from.

“Hey, isn’t it like midnight?” you asked as you lifted the device to your ear but there was no answer at the other end. “Hello? James?”

“Fuck, yeah, just like that baby. God, Laura, you’re so perfect.” The phone slipped from your grasp as you heard the muted but unmistakable sound of James’ voice.

Daniel frowned as he picked the phone up from your lap and lifted it to his ear, shock registering before it transformed into anger and he hung up the phone without breaking the screen with the force of it. He discarded the phone and pulled you into his lap in the same instance but you didn’t hear what he said as you buried your face in his neck and grappled onto him for dear life.

Day Five - Port Lincoln to Adelaide You didn’t feel like doing anything other than staying in bed and sleeping the day away but Daniel wouldn’t let you waste another minute of your time because of James. In a way you could understand the logic and as a big ‘fuck you’ to him you were going to get your shit together and go and have fun.

Daniel worked even harder to get a smile or a laugh out of you and kept his camera on hand to capture the moments he succeeded. The animal farm did make you feel a little better and holding a joey as you bottle fed it was finally enough to break through the invasive cloud that had hung over you. 

“Roo and Roo Two,” Danny commented as he moved around taking a million shots of you.

“Need a hand?” a passing couple offered after watching Daniel try and extend his arm enough to get in the shot too.

“That’d be a dream,” Daniel nodded and he handed his camera over before sitting down beside you and curling his arm around your waist. The joey was almost asleep from drinking all of the milk and Daniel grinned at you as he stroked its neck. “Looks like you when you sleep.”

You grinned back, forgetting about the camera. “Cute, right?”

“Yup, that’s, uh, exactly what I was thinking.” He cleared his throat and scratched his neck awkwardly before laughing when your elbow connected with his ribs. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding. You’re a cutie-tootie when you sleep…it’s another story when you’re awake.”

His laugh was loud enough to wake the joey when you nudged him again with an offended look. “What? You’re beautiful when you’re awake.”

“That’s totally what you meant,” you said sarcastically before rolling your eyes. “Just look at the camera and smile like a normal person.”

He tipped his head to yours and smiled brightly for the camera, but he couldn’t resist whispering, “Bold of you to assume I know how to be normal.”

Day Six - Adelaide to Portland It took a moment to recollect the events from the night before and it wasn’t because of the many wine tastings you had gone to around the Port Lincoln area. Perhaps that had a little bit to do with it, but mostly it was because you had fallen asleep in the truck to the gentle rocking motion of the ferry but now you were tucked into an unfamiliar bed. 

“Danny?” you called out as you tossed the covers back and found you were still in yesterday's clothes. You could hear some sounds outside of the room but Daniel hadn't answered your call so you picked up the coat rack from the corner and quickly opened the door.

“Jesus Christ.” Daniel jumped back as you waved the long pole his way. “What the fuck?”

You sagged in the doorway and dropped the makeshift weapon to clutch your chest. “You gave me a fright.”

“I gave you a fright?” he asked incredulously. “You gave me a fucking heart attack. What were you going to do with this?” He swiped the coat rack off the floor and couldn’t stop himself from laughing at it. “Please don’t give me a concussion before the race.”

“But any other time is good?” you quipped as your lips tipped up now that your heart rate was returning to normal. “How did I get to bed?”

He flexed his arms with a cocky grin. “I tried to wake you up but you were dead to the world. And now that sleeping beauty is awake, how about we go out for breakfast? There’s meant to be a huge market that sells a bit of everything that we could check out after.”

You held a finger up as you looked down at your clothes and heard your stomach rumble, answering the question of whether to shower or not first. “Just give me one minute to change.”

Daniel had obviously been awake for a while being an early bird so he was ready and waiting at the door when you reappeared, his hand held out and waiting for yours. The lines between friendship and more were getting blurrier each day but it no longer felt wrong as you laced your fingers with his and stepped outside.

“Are you limping?” you asked with a frown as he kept his weight on one side the entire walk to the market.

“No, just got pins and needles in my foot.”

An hour later he was still favouring his right foot so you steered him back towards the hotel so he didn’t make it worse before you got to Melbourne. “You should probably see a doctor.”

Daniel dropped onto the couch and stole the remote to choose a movie, patting the space beside him so he could kiss your temple after joining him. “You worry too much, I’ll be fine.”

“You’re quiet,” Daniel commented as he turned off the tv. “What’s got you thinking so loud?”

You chewed your bottom lip as he called you out. He was too observant, or you were too easy to read. “It’s our last night together.”

“You’re still going to stay with me for the weekend, right?” He shifted in his seat to face you and stroked your cheek with the back of his hand as he waited for an answer.

You nodded and he relaxed a little only to freeze as you spoke, “But you’ll be busy, we don’t have time to hang out.”

“I’ll always make time for you,” he promised as he pulled you into his lap. “This week with you has been…spectacular.”

“Spectacular is pretty high in the standards of compliments,” you reminded him, much to his amusement.

His smile softened as his fingers trailed along your jaw and down your neck to trace your collarbone. “Which is why it’s reserved for very, very good things.” 

You were almost certain he could hear your heart racing like thunderous hoof beats in a quiet desert. The blood was pumping around your body carrying the oxygen you needed to replace but couldn’t seem to draw the air into your lungs as he leaned forward.

“You were his best man,” you whispered with the last of your breath as you felt the heat of his lips so close to yours.

“But I’ve always been the best man for you.”

The first kiss was softer than the wind, tentative and testing as you learned how your body responded to the caress before hunger yearned for something deeper. A deep moan rumbled from Daniel’s chest as your tongue rolled across his lips that parted for you and his arms encircled you to hold you tight, as if he were clinging to the spell so it couldn’t be broken.

“Please, Danny,” you sighed longingly as his hands slipped under the summer dress you wore and his thumbs teased you with painfully slow circles on your thighs. “You have never been a patient man, don’t start now.”

His quiet laugh heated the skin of your neck that he kissed with such tenderness you wanted to cry. It had been so long since you had been touched in such a way that you couldn’t wait any longer.

“Please,” you begged as you rolled your hips over his cock that was straining against his shorts. You moaned as the hard length brushed over your panties and a reciprocal sound came from Daniel before he stood up abruptly. 

“Fuck, I wanted to take my time with you,” he murmured against your lips as he blindly walked to the closest bedroom. 

“Later,” you promised. “Right now I need you to get me out of this goddamn dress and fuck me.”

Day Seven - Portland to Melbourne “Oh, fuck off,” you growled as your phone rang on the bedside drawers. You rolled back into Daniel’s embrace and wrapped your arms around his waist as he saw at the voicemail notification before it started to ring again. 

“He’s just going to keep calling,” Daniel said with a sigh that turned to a yawn after the late night spent getting to know each other's bodies intimately. “You’ll have to talk to him at some point.”

“I know, I just want to savour this moment before the drama starts. I can’t remember the last time I woke up like this, happy and content. I’m not ready for that to end.”

“What makes you think I’ll let this end?” he teased as he rolled you onto your back and trailed wet kisses down your neck. “I might just write my name on your foot too and call you mine.”

The warmth of the blankets disappeared as Daniel made his way down your body, kissing the entire length of you before settling between your legs as the phone rang again.

“Answer it,” Daniel ordered as his fingertips delicately traced the stretch marks across your hips, committing every inch of your body to his memory. “Or he won’t go away.”

You tried to find any hint of resentment in his face as you reached for the phone but there was only an air of smugness as he made himself comfortable, resting his head on your thigh.

“I think we have been robbed,” James said without even a hello as you answered the call on speakerphone. “Everything in the guest room is gone.”

A huff of amusement bubbled at the image of him standing in the empty room, his face crumpled in confusion as he scratched his head. “It’s at my apartment.”

“What apartment? What are you on about?”

“The apartment I rented before I moved out two weeks ago. The one I will be living in when I get back.” Daniel’s fingers traced the waistband of your panties and your breath hitched as they slipped beneath the lace.

“Bullshit,” he laughed but there was a hint of uncertainty in the sound. “Just come home and talk about this before you make any rash decisions. I know I have been busy with work lately-"

“More like busy with Laura.” The air that hissed between your teeth could have been mistaken for anger but it was entirely from the devilish look in Daniel’s eyes as he bit the soft skin along your inner thigh.

“Laura’s my assistant.”

The laugh turned to a gasp as Daniel pushed the lace aside and ran his tongue through your folds, his eyes rolling up to watch your reaction, the phone falling from your hand as you reached for his hair.  You tugged the strands as his tongue circled your clit and you couldn’t stop the moan from escaping as you arched your back at the growing pleasure.

“Fuck, yeah, just like that baby,” you begged shamelessly and he chuckled as he felt your walls flutter around the fingers he curled into your cunt. “God, Daniel, you’re so perfect.”

A round of expletives filled the air as James heard a real orgasm take over your body but they fell silent as he realised why the words seemed so familiar. You weren’t just accusing him of fucking Laura, you knew. And you were using his best friend to show him.

“Some friend you are, sack of shit,” James growled as you whimpered with the aftershocks of the orgasm.

“Some husband you were,” Daniel snickered as he tore your panties off and climbed up your body to kiss you, sharing the taste of your pleasure on his tongue before he picked up the phone. “You lost the best thing you had, mate. I won’t make the same mistake you did.”

Daniel ended the call stared down at you in wonder as a slow smile started to spread across his face. “I don’t think he will be calling back.”

It may have been the high of the orgasm, or it could have been the knowledge that after a year of enduring the decaying marriage, but you were free - either way, you were giddy with joy as you wrapped your legs around Daniel’s hips and pulled him closer. 

“I can’t believe you did that,” you giggled as you hooked your fingers into his boxers and pushed them over his hips. 

“He had to know who you belong to now, he had his chance.” His voice was pure decadence in your ear as he ran the tip of his cock through your folds before stretching you wide as he thrust forward and stilled. He gave you a moment to adjust to his size and brushed a gentle kiss across your lips before captivating you with his golden brown eyes. “Still want to know what I think you are?”

Your fingers ran softly down his back, feeling each bump on his spine right down to the twin dimples at the base. “Tell me,” you whispered as your hands grasped the firm muscles of his ass, your nails digging in to spur him into moving.

“Mine.”

Melbourne Grand Prix - Race Day The screams of Daniel’s home crowd were intoxicating and you couldn’t help cupping your hands around your mouth and joining in as he parked front and centre of the pitlane having won his home race. Climbing out of the car, stood atop the halo and threw his fists in the air before tearing his helmet off and holding it up too, tapping his finger on the large number 3.

You couldn’t help but notice how he still favoured his right foot after he jumped off the car and rushed towards his team, grappling them into strong hugs that probably crushed the air out of their lungs - not that they cared as they ran on adrenaline after the race.

“Wow, Daniel, what a race! You were absolutely flying!” the interviewer praised after he took his microphone and joined her in front of the Sky Sports camera. “Looking at some of those high speed corners, it looked like you were fighting to keep the race line.”

“I couldn’t brake hard if I tried,” he laughed and combed his sweaty hair back through his fingers. “Got a fresh tattoo and it’s still a little tender.”

“On your foot?” Naomi asked as she pointed to his Red Bull boot. 

“Yeah, glad it wasn’t on my throttle one or I don’t think I’d be up here,” he joked.

“I’m certain I am asking on behalf of everyone when I say, can we see it?” A cheer from the crowd confirmed her statement and your fingers gripped the metal barrier as goosebumps broke over your skin.

“No way,” you mumbled under your breath as you shook your head to get rid of the ridiculous thought you had.

“Sure, I’ll need this off for my shoey anyway,” he said as he pulled the boot off along with his sock. Turning around, he bent his knee so the sole of his foot could be seen and looked over his shoulder, grinning as he found you at the barrier with his team. 

“Aww, look at that, it’s adorable,” Naomi gushed as she saw the basic outline of a kangaroo on the sole of his foot. “What a way to pay homage to your nation!”

You bit your lip from smiling too hard when he started to laugh as she completely misunderstood what the picture meant. “Of course!” 

He excused himself quickly and hopped towards you, not wanting to get the days old tattoo dirty on the ground. 

“You’re actually insane,” you gasped as you slapped his chest playfully, still in disbelief that he had the word Roo tattooed on his foot beneath the picture. 

He leaned in closer so he could talk without fear of being overheard and you inhaled the purely masculine scent of him enveloping you as his lips brushed the shell of your ear. “It was your idea, and if you didn’t sleep so much you would have been awake to come and get it done with me.”

You rolled your eyes but you couldn’t keep the smile off your face as his hot hands came to rest on top of yours. “I must admit, I’m a little disappointed that it isn’t my full name.”

“Do you know how ticklish that was? I would have wet myself trying to get your whole name.”

You smirked at him, the crinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening with his growing smile. “That sounds like a you problem.”

“Does anyone have a marker pen?” Daniel asked loudly and about half a dozen were thrust his way in an instant. 

“What are you doing?” you asked as you took a step back but the crowd was so tightly packed there was nowhere to go.

“Foot,” he said as he tapped the barrier, “up. It’s not a tattoo…yet.”

“You’re insane,” you laughed as you shook your head but instead he dropped to his knees and caught your ankle under the barrier.

“And you’re mine, I just need to…stop wriggling,” he complained as he pulled your shoe off and bit the cap off the marker before inking your sole. Twisting your foot about you saw his driver number covering the skin and bit your lip at the self-satisfied smirk on his face as he flipped the pen in his hand. “There, that’s better.”

“Is it?” you joked as you slipped your shoe back on. “I would have said spectacular.”

You were always surprised that his smile could somehow brighten, even when it seemed like it couldn’t possibly grow any more. But his smile grew as stepped closer and his hand reached for the back of your neck, pulling you to meet him as much as the barrier allowed.

“Spectacular?” he echoed before crushing his lips to yours until you were breathless and forgot where you were. “Yeah, that’s more like it.”

Daniel's Road Trip Playlist: Cruise - Florida Georgia Line Watermelon Crawl - Tracy Byrd Your Man - Josh Turner You Make It Easy - Jason Aldean Right Now the Best - Zach Bryan Over For You - Morgan Evans Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw Die A Happy Man - Thomas Rhett Butterflies - Kacey Musgraves

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[avocado-writing]

I saw some of your BG3 headcanon and I got to say I love it. 💕

I hope it okay to ask what would BG3 companion would react if the reader is a selkie 🦭💕

how cute! hope you enjoy, anon!

Astarion

sort of glad he isn’t the only “afflicted” of the group (even though you consider your selkie-dom a blessing and not a curse like his vampirism)

you spend long nights discussing how you adapted to “normal” life after the tadpole. he doesn’t need to hide from sunlight, you don’t feel the pull to constantly be near water.

makes jokes about stealing your sealskin when you annoy him, in return you threaten to stake him. just girly things 💕💞💓💗💝💘💖

when you finally get the confidence to transform in front of him he is transfixed. you are beautiful.

“what do you think?” nervous eyes, picking at your fingers.

“you’re wonderful,” he says, uncharacteristically sincere, and you feel your cheeks heat up.

Gale

super duper fascinated.

asks you a billion questions, ones you didn’t even think about the answers to!

”so how does it feel when you actually slip into your seal form?” “?? Normal I guess? Idk, Gale!”

he watches you transform and swim around, making lots of notes to start with — but he gets distracted and just watches you play.

when you flop up onto the bank next to him, covered in water and out of your seal body, he gets lost in the sweet depth of your eyes.

when he kisses you for the first time it’s the most sure he’s ever been about anything.

Karlach

“oh my GODS that’s so cool!”

also asks a billion questions too but not like… smart ones.

“have you ever eaten raw fish?” “yeah of course, Karlach!” “haha ew how did they taste?” “pretty good actually!” “AMAZING”

can’t stop looking at your, stroking your cloak when you’re in kith form. she knows how precious it is to you and wants to keep it safe.

she submerges herself in water and heats it up like a hot tub, you turn into your seal form and float around lazily enjoying her heat. ❤️

Wyll

gobsmacked but honoured you shared this side of yourself with him.

we know our lad likes fairytales, he’s swept up in the storybook aspect of it all.

(secretly you’re both thrilled at the idea of being a knight having a romance with a selkie. it’s so perfect and sweet! 💕)

always checks in to see if there’s anything he can do to make you feel more comfortable - finding you water to relax in or getting you some fatty food to enjoy.

perfect partner. respectful and doting. no notes!

Shadowheart

surprised, but pretends she knew all along (she didn’t, she just doesn’t want you knowing how taken aback she is)

I think you being a selkie helps her get the courage to try and swim.

maybe it’s you in bipedal form holding onto her and leading her into the water, or maybe you turn into a seal for extra buoyancy.

either way, she’s squeaking “don’t you dare let go!!”

she eventually gets more comfortable with this side of your life and there is nothing she enjoys more than just floating with you, holding your paw or your hand 💕

Lae’zel

doesn’t really understand.

you have to explain the concept to her a couple of times before it sinks in.

”this is a confession?” “yes…” “I do not understand why you believe I would think any differently of you. you are still the source of my joy.”

her honest acceptance of you, all of you, is enough to make your soul feel sweet.

you kiss her. there is simply nothing else for it.

Halsin

my man wildshapes, so he’s pretty used to people being in animal forms - even if it’s a bit different for you.

the two of you talk at length about changing into beasts and how it feels, what joy and freedom it brings.

let’s be real. we’ve all seen the bear scene. the two of you probably both turn into seals and get freaky. it’s great.

he likes to curl up in his bear form around you as a seal and drift off to sleep on the shore. you feel so safe next to him. he’d never let anything hurt you.

[balsee]

okay normally i like the way oda writes a story, but man oh man do i hate how sanji and nami part ways in whole cake island. it just leaves such a bad taste in my mouth. like i get it, nami doesn't understand why sanji is leaving them, and she has every right to be hurt and upset when sanji and luffy start fighting. how could she be anything but? however, i think nami's decision to slap sanji was completely uncalled for. and even then, i can still see why she does it. nami is deeply afraid for her captain and her crew, and in this moment, she probably thinks that sanji really isn't coming back to them. after everything they've been through together, she still sees someone she loves hurting another person she loves and leaving, and she's helpless to do anything about it. all of those emotions manifest themselves when she hits him. it's not a mature or logical or compassionate response by any means, but it is just a tad bit understandable when you try to put yourself in her shoes.

or, at least, it would be, if oda had resolved this particular issue differently.

once nami finally understands why sanji decided to leave in the first place, once it finally clicks for her that sanji is sacrificing himself for the sake of his true family, it would've been so great to see anything resembling some sort of an apology or heart-to-heart between the two of them. but we don't get that. obviously, nami being there with luffy when sanji leaves the crew is done on purpose, and how amazing would that purpose be if nami, at some point, (be it before or after she discovers why sanji left), tried to reach out and tell him that she knows exactly why he's doing all of this. if anyone can understand why he decided to push them away, it's her. she understands his mindset of cutting ties with the crew, because the darkness he's spent so long trying to run away from feels so much bigger than them at their best, and all he's trying to do is save them from it. it would've been such a wonderful call back to nami's own struggle with arlong, and would provide an important piece of character development for the both of them. nami would be the one to give sanji that verbal and emotional support he so desperately needs, and luffy would be the one to give him the tangible proof of it.

a lot of people say that the whole altercation between luffy and sanji would've been way better if zoro or usopp had taken nami's place, but i don't think so at all. i think that nami had to be there, because who else could've given sanji that comfort but the one who had been the first to pull away? who else could've told him: you saved me. you didn't let me go, now let me do the same for you. only nami, in my opinion, could've been the one to give that to sanji.

or, at least, she would have, if oda had written it differently.

[mapoeggplant]

skip to loafer chapter 61 analysis // spoilers

between monster and doctors, the ones who are fit to survive are the ones who are ready to bare their souls to the world — and sometimes, the one to do so it’s the one we expect the contrary.

at first, when i started to think about this thread, i was about to say “we have a chapter with two extremes: one character who’s ready to speak his mind and the other who’s afraid to do so”. but, as fast as this thought came to mind, it also slipped away because…well..they are not that different from each other, are they?

ujjie is tired. tired of people who do nothing but bring other’s down for their own benefits — and tired of being on the other spectrum of things. after all, what gives the right to some to step on others but act with superiority as soon as they taste their own poison? after a long time of being rejected and having his opinions denied, ujiie starts to speak what is on his mind without worrying about any retaliation — after all, what could harm him when he is someone who has nothing in the eyes of others?

having this power allows him to express himself more and fight for his place in the world, as well as serving as protection. this causes him to block himself from relating to other people who are not seen as equal in his eyes. if they didn't listen to him, why would he listen to them? why do they have this right and he doesn't? (and this becomes much more explicit when he has the argument with mitsumi, someone who is really the opposite of him and who tries to see everyone's heart before anything else.)

however, ujiie doesn't realize that he ended up falling into his own trap: what ends up slipping through his fingers is the opportunity to realize that other people also hide much more than he himself imagines.

then shima enters and the concept of appearance starts to suffer a shock. well, in a world divided between monsters and doctors, who knew a monster could have a soul after all? unlike what ujiie imagined, shima is much more like him than he thinks. after all, both were silenced several times and had their desires denied in different ways. while ujiie suffered from the hypocrisy of those around him, shima was forced to accept a desire that was not even his, but that of everyone else around him. both were created by a doctor, but in different laboratories.

and it's at this moment that the second monster has the chance to show its claws: shima is finally fighting for something he likes and for a role that he admires so much. this gives him the courage to feel like he does have the right to play whoever he wants, because he will do his best to make that possible.

shima is starting to change and come out of the glass dome he had previously been placed in. it is now becoming clearer to him where his desires stand in comparison to someone else's that were forced upon him. he is starting to fill up all the things that were stolen from him and is taking them one by one, with his own hands.

of course, not all change comes with serenity: it is still very difficult for shima to understand who he is taking the reins from. even though he now understands that he needs to make his choices alone, the shadows of all those who helped him begin to creep in. "if i have the right to take what's mine back, who should i take it from? if taking back what's mine would mean hurting those who helped me, would i still have the right to do it?"

it's still very difficult for him to see himself in any position other than the fine line between doctor and monster. he can see parts of himself with his character and his battles, but he also finds himself carried away by the speech of others, making him see a little of the doctor, who denies the monster a free life, in himself. that’s why ujiie’s right in his opinion, but that doesn’t mean he will accept it that easily.

compared to all the chapters focused on shima, this is a big leap towards conquering his identity. it's very beautiful to follow shima's growth and see him abandoning the silence that has always accompanied him. sensei chose to give him a chance to find his own voice in a very gentle way, without generating any other trauma that would put him back in a dark mindset. all of this could have taken another form and shima could very well have been forced to take risks that he had never before thought of taking — but that is not the way she chose to write this story; skip to loafer is written on the basis of love, and there is nothing more tender and painful than the struggle for self-love.

in the end, we had a chapter that wanted to show two very different characters but, in fact, ended up showing how the similarities are found in details that would most likely be ignored or overlooked due to the behavior or the way the characters were developed.

this is a technique that i really like in sensei's writing. it always tends to put into combat two characters who, on the surface, have no similarity at all just to then unravel them and make them connect in the end. i don't think this means that we will see a big change in the relationship between shima and ujiie (but i, personally, would love to see the two being friends or at least colleagues), after all habits are difficult to break, especially after just one event. but i believe this showed us readers new ways of reading them. now we have a more in-depth idea of ​​ujiie and his interpersonal relationships and we have a new shima who prefers to face what eats at him instead of absorbing everything for himself.

i'm very glad sensei chose to write this chapter and not jump straight to the trip. we do need a little more ground to stand on before facing what comes next, because that will take a lot from shima and his new power and confidence he found. he would not be able to face mitsumi if he didn't face himself or people who don't believe in him first — he needs to find his own strength to fight this new battle.

as always, thank you for reading 💛 hope you guys liked the thread and the chapter as well!! remember: if you can, please help sensei by buying the chapters or the volumes. also sorry for any mistakes. thank you thank you!!!!

[fettuccin-e]

Angel Incarnate

Kinktober Day 7: Soft and Slow

Tags: Javier Peña x Reader, afab!fem!reader, unprotected piv, slight breeding kink, really really light angst, domesticity, javi is finally happy guys okay (w/c: 1K)

A/N: Alright so this is so fluffy it hardly even feels like a kinktober prompt but y'know what javi has his dick out so it counts okay. anyway i had a really fun time writing this because i love it when sad characters are happy it brings me insurmountable joy (For the month I've been using these prompts from flightlessangelwings!)

Everything around him has always been so violent. His world has always been bloody and bruised and chaotic, and Javier had always supposed that it was just meant to be that way.

He didn’t deserve anything better than the angry pain of Bogatá. He’d hurt too many people, ripped apart too many lives to be redeemed, to deserve any kind of sweetness. His life boiled down to blood and tears, the endless race against the narcos too much to take anything slow. The only sex he had was rough and violent, just like his life, just like his soul.

Getting back to Laredo, to his father’s ranch, had been a kind of culture shock that he didn’t think he could experience anymore. The lack of gunfire, the lack of violence, day in and day out, had him reeling.

He’d tried burying himself in the work, fixing up his childhood home and tending to the cattle and the horses, hardly venturing into town at all. The people who knew Javi, the young man who left Laredo with a bride at the altar for a life as an agent, did not need to know Javier, the broken, hollow, shell of a man. He didn’t need their pity, their looks of confusion mixed with sympathy.

He regrets those first few months now, the ones that he spent hiding from the rest of the world. After all, the first time he went out into town, went into the only little library for miles, he found you.

And you, God, you’re so different. So kind and patient, even when he’s rough with you, even when he tries to push you away. It’s a kind of slow, soft sweetness that sings through his bones, that makes him feel human again. 

You’re slow with him, gentle in a way that he hasn’t been treated in years. He feels precious here, with you, between the soft sheets of your shared bed, as you roll your hips on top of him, taking him slow and so deep inside of you.

He wants to grip your hips so hard they bruise, roll you over and slam into you until you’re sobbing and writhing from the pleasure of it. He wants to press your face into the pillows and fuck you hard into the mattress. 

But he holds back, just like you want him to. Let yourself just feel, Javi, you had told him one day, after he’d taken control from you, just like he wants to right now. We don’t have to rush.

So he doesn’t. He brushes his hands along your waist, relishing in your soft skin as  you drop yourself down on his cock, over and over again. You gasp as he stretches you apart.

“That’s it, baby, so beautiful for me,” Javier murmurs. “That feel good, sweetheart?”

You nod, whining as he guides you down to grind deep into your g-spot. “It’s so- it’s so good, Javi. You feel so big like this.”

Javier groans as you clench around him, tight and wet and fucking perfect. The soft morning light filters through the curtains you put up last week, illuminating your skin and enshrining you like an angel. You are an angel, he thinks, as close to heaven as he’ll ever get.

He leans up, searching for a kiss that you gladly grant him. He loves kissing you, licking into your mouth and tasting you as you moan for him.

You curl your hands into his hair, grown longer with his time away from the DEA. The one time he’d asked you about cutting it, you’d protested so hard he’d laughed for thirty minutes straight. He’d started letting it grow after that.

You lean back up, undulating your hips in a way that has him groaning, pulling on your hips to help you along.

“You want to cum, Javi?” you murmur, pulling him in so fucking deep his eyes roll to the back of his head.

“Por favor, nena, si,” he gasps, and God, you’re the only one that can make him beg like this. To make him desperate like this.

“Come on, honey, fill me up,” you coo, and Javi is lost to it. His hips jerk up of their own accord, pumping into you involuntarily with his orgasm. He spills into you without the fear of knocking you up, knowing that there’s no violence, no uncertainty with you. A small, not-so-secret part of him actually hopes it’ll take.

You whine above him, pushing your hips down on him over and over, frantic for your climax. He reaches a hand between you both and rubs slow, hard circles into your clit, and fuck, the way you cum will always steal the breath from his lungs. Your eyes clench shut, your mouth exhaling a beautiful, melodic little moan as you rock yourself on his cock, working yourself through it.

“That’s it, beautiful, so fucking good to me, so pretty for me,” he husks, and you curl yourself over him, meeting his lips in a sticky-wet kiss that has you both desperate for more. He palms his hands over your back, pulling you down to rest on top of him as you both breathe through the aftershocks of your orgasms.

You both don’t move for a long time, content to bask in each other’s warmth as the morning sun rises, bringing another day to spend together. It’s a kind of peace, a kind of contentment, he’d thought was a pipe dream for so, so long.

“How did I ever find you?” He murmurs into the quiet of the room. You tilt your head up from where it rests on his chest to smile softly at him. He feels like he could drown in your gaze.

“I think we were always meant to find each other,” you whisper, and like always, he knows you’re right.

[bedoballoons]

─⊰⁠⊹ฺ🎃𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕟𝕤⊰⁠⊹ฺ🎃

{༻~Kissing a monster~༺}

CW: Characters are different types of monsters! GN! Reader, mentions of blood because vampires, some characters are considered dead, descriptions of making out, some characters are a little rough, Neuvillette doesn't wear alot of clothing, may be a little ooc!

(Pet names: Lyney: Mon amour, my love, Albedo: Dearest, Neuvillette: Play thing, beautiful!)

A/n: Talking a little break from requests (sorry) to write some self indulgent spooky stuff! I hope you enjoy!! Sorry it's a late post!!

(Includes: Lyney, Albedo, Xiao, and Neuvillette!)

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

𑁍༄Lyney: (~Vampire~)

Lyney bit his lip, watching intensely as your crimson blood ran down the tip of your finger, dripping onto the ground by his feet with the quietest of splashes that rang much louder in his trained ears. He didn't want to hurt you, but his sharp teeth ached for a taste...just a drop, "Lyney? You okay? You're not one of those people who faints at the sight of blood right?"

His violet eyes, now tinted with a bright red, met yours...scanning your lips and neck, all the way back to your small cut, "I...please forgive me mon amour.." You gave him a curious look, about to question what on earth he had done that needed to be forgiven, when his hand grabbed your wrist, his tongue sliding across your finger, licking your blood away while you watched completely shocked and blushed.

"L-lyney?!?"

Just that little bit had his mind dazed, never in his life had he tasted something so incredible as you before, it was like he'd broken away from his normal self, became a beast as pulled you close to him and kissed you roughly, hands sliding up your body in haste. "Let me have more of you my love~"

𑁍༄Albedo: (~Vampire~)

Albedo wasn't sure what had changed in him, what had made your lips taste like candy...so addictive he couldn't get enough, what had changed his normally gentle touches into harsh ones that made him seem more and more desperate for you, what made his sharp teeth cutting your bottom lip open seem like a spark to starting a lustful fire.

He lifted you onto his desk, your thighs wrapped around his waist tightly as sucked on your tongue and drank up every single drop of your delicious blood as if he had been starved, the kiss only growing more heated as he groaned into your hot mouth. He needed more, but it was already taken everything in him to not move to your neck, he was getting to excited, he should pull away...

"D-dearest maybe we s-shouldn't-" He pulled away in a attempt to calm himself, but you didn't let him leave you long enough to even finish his sentence, your hand gripped the front of his shirt, pulling him back into the kiss...he'd started it after all~

𑁍༄Xiao: (~Grim Reaper~)

You touched Xiaos cheek, the thick fabric of his hood rubbing the back of your hand as if it was reminding you what he was...a collector of souls, someone who could end your life at any moment. His touch could even potentially be dangerous to you and yet here you were, standing by cemetery in the middle of the night with him, hoping to have just one of his poisonous kisses.

"You shouldn't....we shouldn't be together. I'm... not good for you..." He tried to persuade you to leave, wanting nothing more than for you to be safe, his grip on his scythe tightening protectively, but your lips met his anyway. It was like the rest of the world faded away, fog gathering at your feet and the full moon shining down on you as his free hand wrapped around your waist...this was a risk you simply had to take.

"You're going to be the end of me..."

𑁍༄Neuvillette: (~Siren~)

You felt almost dizzy, following what seemed to be the voice of a angel that sung to you, calling you to them with every verse. How had you ended up in a cave in the dead of night...sea water swishing around your feet and the cold making your whole body shiver, why were you still going forward...

"Well look at you, aren't you a beautiful being, please come closer~" The voices abrupt change in pitch had you frantically searching around until finally you caught sight of him, long white hair flowing all the way to the ground, his body mostly exposed with only ocean items used as clothing...however what had you truly entranced were his bright almost glowing eyes that lingered on you almost threateningly.

You couldn't run away even if you wanted to, your legs carrying you closer to him, making you kneel in front of him while he smirked slightly. "How long has it been since I had a play thing as goregous as you, I wonder if you taste as good as you look..." He curled a finger under your chin, forcing you to look up at him while his lips met yours...it was cold but you couldn't get enough. Whatever spell he had put on you...was more than working...

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

◥(•̀￦•́)◤☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 ☾𖤓~Have a spooky day~*⁠.⁠✧

[the-kr8tor]

May I have Bitter Orange in a ⭐ bottle please? The start of R and Hobie being handcuffed together before they turned, with R succumbing to the effects of the virus much faster than Hobie due to his spiderpowers, so for a bit he just watches his love become a husk of who they were before he too is a zombie?

*laughs evily* Yessss I've been waiting for a request exactly like this hwjsjwijsjaj hope you like it!

Pairing: Hobie Brown x fem! Reader/ Spider-Punk x fem! Reader

Word count: 3.2k (whoops)

Tags: Use of Y/N sparsely, no specific physical description of the reader (except for her clothing), description of illness, TW blood, CW injury, TW death, zombie AU, Zombie apocalypse AU. Angst, Hurt/comfort

A prequel to this one shot

Katy's one year celebration 🎉

The air is nice and cool on your face as you walk hand in hand with Hobie in the barren street. There's rows upon rows of abandoned houses, all in different stages of decay from both scavengers trying to survive and time itself proving to be the worst enemy. But it's on your side for now for it has given you infinite time to be with him.

Hobie's hand is suddenly on your scarf, fingers gingerly sliding the fuzzy material up to your chin. He smiles at you, the sun blindingly light behind him. Despite the apocalypse, he still looks just as handsome. He has new shallow scars on his chin where a stubble is slowly growing, hair a bit of a mess but beautiful nonetheless. You've once told him after a lucky find of one whole pound of chocolate pudding that he's apocalypse chic, that he makes the end of the world look good. To which he laughed and shoved a spoonful of chocolate pudding in your mouth. Compared to him you probably look like a mess, you wouldn't know, you've ignored mirrors ever since you ran out of shampoo a few days ago.

“What are you thinkin' ‘bout, gorgeous?” He tugs you closer to him, the crowbar hanging from his backpack clinks against the machete next to it.

“That I really need shampoo, and that you look unfairly handsome in this light.”

Chuckling, he intertwined his fingers around your own. It could mean death for the both of you if the undead suddenly lunges and he doesn't have enough time to take his hand away from you. But he thinks it's alright for him to do, to indulge himself to your touch since the entire place is empty save for a few dead cars and scattered luggages left by people.

“You should see yourself in my eyes, lovie, the greasy hair is doin' a lot for me.”

“Oh yeah? You like it when you pat my head and you get petrol on your hand?”

“We need petrol, d’you think if I bunch up your hair and squeeze it I can collect the oil?”

You nudge him playfully, “you're an ass.”

“Yeah, well, you're stuck with this arse.”

Your mind goes back to your friends and family you've left behind. “Do you think they're okay?”

“'m sure they are, Yuri's got them, and they have Ned, he'll whip them into shape. ‘sides, we're almost at James’, if I was them I'd stay there.” He adjusts his hold on his pack and guitar. “We'll find them.”

You smile, nuzzling his bicep for his own reassurance, knowing that he also worries for them. “You're right. They're probably doing better than us.”

“Yeah,” he pecks the crown of your head. “They're living like kings, I bet.”

You two stop in front of a large house, complete with white marble steps and tall roman columns. “James' dad never had taste, huh?”

Hobie snorts, “his son took all of it. C’mon, then.” He leads you on the porch, trying the door, wishing that it was locked because if it is it means that someone's inside, that they're surviving and waiting for the two of you. To his despair, the door opens without a problem.

Hobie looks back at you having the same expression. “It's okay,” you try to be optimistic, “maybe they left a message for us.”

He nods, “yeah, maybe.” Crossing the abandoned space, he takes his guitar from his back to strum a tune. When he doesn't hear stumbling or any rattling from anywhere inside the house, he continues forward, but his guard is still up. “We might as well get some supplies while we're ‘ere.”

“Yeah, there might be some left in here.” You give him a small smile. “How about we split up? This place is too big, it'll take us forever to comb over this place.”

Hobie considers it for a moment. The place seems pristine except for the furniture and cabinets that are picked clean, so he deems it safe. “Okay, just…” you walk to his side, rubbing his arms, smiling sweetly at him even though he probably doesn't smell the best. “...keep your knife close.”

“I will keep my knife close,” you repeat his words, “and I'll stay alert.” Poking at his chest, you peck the frown off his lips. “And you keep safe.”

He's still apprehensive, but he knows you can hold your own. Taking your face in his hands, he kisses you fully, smooching until you're giggling. “We’ll meet back ‘ere in fifteen.”

“Aye, aye, Cap'n!” You mock salute. “Any special requests?”

“Chocolates.”

“I said a request, not wishful thinking.” You tease, he has an urge to kiss you again.

“Towels, the nice fluffy ones.” You slide your hands away from him, to which he already longs for.

“Got it! I bet James has a ton of them.” You wink, knife in hand, walking away from him.

Hobie watches your retreating back, tamping down his anxieties. He searches upstairs, grinning at James' familiar room. His posters and messy floors remain untouched, the bed still looking like it was tossed around by a tornado. He almost cries at the picture frame on the bedside table containing his band's smiling faces plus you who's embracing him.

Turning the frame around, he takes the picture and pockets it to show to you. After rummaging James' room, he takes a few shirts and pants for him and you. He even finds a pair of silk pajamas that he knows you'll love. A piercing scream echoes around the house, he immediately bolts downstairs, heavy footsteps thudding across marble floors.

You're on your back, fighting for your life while the undead on top of you tried to get a chunk out of you. It all stops when Hobie's guitar connects to the corpse's skull in a sickening crunch of metal and bone.

You scramble away, neck and arm in pain. Hobie's wide eyes meet yours just as when the back door bursts open, revealing a whole horde of the undead. Panicking, he yanks you up, holding your hand, running outside to more of the shambling dead.

“Fuck!”

“Hobie!”

“Just hold on!” His hand is tight around yours, you try to run at his pace, panic in your veins, adrenaline in his.

It feels like you've been running forever, Hobie sees an opening hidden in an alley. He can climb on his own without a ladder but you can't. So he leads you towards the empty alley while the rotten, decayed corpses of once human beings run after you at full speed.

Hobie jumps to take down an emergency ladder, without missing a beat, he grabs your waist and throws you on the ladder. You climb, but the pain in your arm gets worse so you're slower but you still try for him.

The undead finally gets to the alley, you don't dare to look down. Once you're on the rooftop, you peek below to see him struggling to get up the ladder, he's halfway with a handful of zombies dangling on his leg.

You scream his name but it's too late, one of the undead has bitten a chunk of his leg as he tries to kick the former human off the ladder where he's desperately trying to climb to. You wish he didn't run out of web fluid, you wish the world didn't end, you wish the throbbing pain on your arm is just muscle spasm, but the warm crimson seeping out of teeth marks says differently.

With a sickly crunch, the zombie falls down the ladder and into the rotten horde. Hobie climbs up quickly back to you, hands immediately grasping on to you.

“Did it get you?!” You yell, still in denial, frantically checking in hopes that his boot saved him. Your heart falls into your stomach at the sight of broken skin, blood staining your fingers where you hold the hem of his trousers away to get a better look. You're frozen on the spot, tears clinging to your lashes. “Hobie,” you gasp, taking off your scarf to make a makeshift tourniquet around and above the bite. “Fuck—!”

“You okay?!” He does the same to you, heaving, ripping off your sleeves like a madman trying to find the secrets hidden in your skin. He prays that he finds none. His eyes widen, terrified, broken hearted, shaking his head, refusing the fact that you're infected. “No,” he shakes his head again, closing the torn up cloth around the slowly rotting wound. “It's just a scratch, love, y-you’re not—”

“Hobie…” you smile bitterly, eyes mirroring his own. He rips the hem of his shirt, using the cloth to wrap it around your arm, just above the wound in an attempt to stop the spread. He ignores the stinging pain on his leg. “Hobie, stop, it's—”

“We can still stop it!” He yells desperately, tying the cloth tightly. “It's just a scratch.”

“Hobie, please.” You hold his trembling hands, “it has been ten minutes.” He refuses, you squeeze his hand weakly, the virus already taking hold. Slowly killing you. “And—” with trembling hands, you show him the gaping bite on your neck, oozing dark decaying blood. He choked on a sob. “B-but there's a chance for you, your abilities might've made you immune—”

“No, if you're goin’, ‘m goin’” He stands up, not giving up on you. “There's a chemist’s ‘ere, maybe if w-we…” he puts on a brave face amidst the impending doom and rotten flesh that stings his nose. “Maybe there's somethin’ there.” Hand reaching down, you smile up at him, orange and pink hues from the sky dancing around your face. “C-can you get up?” His voice breaks, chest heaving. “I can carry you. Don't make me carry you, love.”

You slide your hand onto his own. “Hobie,” your voice is soft above the mindless groaning below. His eyes beg you to move. So you do. “Okay,” with a single word, you bring him hope.

With divided effort, you both make it towards the roof of the pharmacy. He was uncharacteristically silent the whole way, but his hand never left yours. His eyes never met with your wounds that's slowly festering. You feel it inside you, the fever, the virus that's eating at you, spreading throughout your body, gnawing at every bit of your warmth like a seed taking root. Hobie feels it too, he's terrified that you're experiencing it too. It's his worst fears came to life only because he wasn't fast enough.

Opening the creaky door, he hopes that it's devoid of the undead. Like he's not on the brink of eating flesh, he does his usual prep. He strums his guitar softly to attract any walking corpses waiting behind doors, when none comes out, he cracks the door wider. With his torch, he lights up the way. But he doesn't feel your presence behind him.

Looking over his shoulder was a mistake, he finds you hunched over the doorway, groaning quietly, nails clawing at the throbbing wound around your neck. That's the moment he knew that you'd go out before him. For the first time, he curses his gifts.

Slowly, he crosses the distance towards you, shaking hands grasping your shoulders. You're warm, incredibly warm. “Love?” He could cry, but he doesn't want you to see his sorrow.

You sniff, tears streaming down your face from the pain and the tragedy of it all. You've accepted that you were infected, but not him, you'd take the virus from him too if you could. “I'm s-sorry, so fucking sorry. I should've—”

“Oi, none of that, yeah? You're gonna be fine.” He says it to convince himself. “You'll be back on your feet tomorrow and by then we'll see Yuri and the others.” Nodding, he takes you by your arm, careful of making your wounds worse. There's blood sticking to his clothes, seeping through his clammy skin. He hates the fact that it was yours. Bringing you behind the counter, you almost keep over. “I've got you, I've got you.” He says it against your temple like a prayer.

“H-Hobie.” You sob, salty tears marring your pretty face. “I can't— it hurts.” The gnawing feeling gets worse, as if a chainsaw is ripping you apart from the inside. “It's so hot, I–I can't breathe.”

“O-okay, I'll set you down ‘ere, get you comfortable. There's some fever meds over there. It'll help.” His hazel eyes pleads for anyone, anything that'll help you. He helps you sit down, and you immediately lie down on the cold tiles. “Do you want a blanket?”

“N-no,” you're hot and cold at the same time. “I don't know.” You look up at him, he sees the light in your eyes fading. “I don't feel so good, Hobs.”

Hobie could only look away from you, inhaling, exhaling but it doesn't feel like he's breathing right. He kneels down, setting his guitar next to you, palm placed on your forehead. “This is nothing, love.” He tries to smile, but fails. “Remember when you had the flu?” You nod weakly, “you were a fuckin' beast, you beat it on your own in just a few days.”

Even though you feel your heartbeat going faster and then slowing down in a weird rhythm like a heartbeat monitor going haywire, you smile for him. “I was, wasn't I?”

He rubs your bicep, under his touch, he feels your muscle twitch. “Yeah, you still are.”

You chuckle softly, tears sliding down your cheeks and into the cold tiles. “Okay, get me the meds.”

“That's my girl,” laying his forehead atop yours, he hopes that he'll take your pain away with the simple gesture, but it's futile. “I'll be back, I promise.”

“Don’t make me wait.”

Smiling, he squeezes your arm. “Never.” Standing up, he rummages through the entire place for the pills you need. Crouching down to check under the broken shelves, climbing up on the walls to get a bird's eye view, and all the while ignoring his own pain. It's slim pickings, but he manages to find a single bottle of tylenol that has rolled under a shelf, it's not enough, but it'll do.

With a victorious sigh, he quickly makes it to the counter, rounding the corner, he sees you wheezing, catching your breath and with blood leaking out from your eyes and ears. “No, no, no!” He takes you in his arms, making you sit up. “I've got the meds, love. Oi, open your eyes for me.” You crack one eye open tiredly. “That's it, good job.” He almost cries when you smile at him through the thick fog of illness.

“G-good job,” you murmur, he doesn't know if you're delirious or you're congratulating him for finding the medicine.

“Bottoms up.” He brings two pills to your mouth, to which you gladly take. Giving you his canteen, you drink most of it, downing the tepid water. “That's good, see, you're already gettin' better.”

You shake your head weakly, barely opening your eyes. “Thanks to you, Hobie.”

“Yeah, thanks to me.” He tries to joke but it comes out choked when blood still leaks out of your tear ducts. Sitting next to you, he now feels his temperature rise so he takes the same amount of pills as you.

You lay your head on his shoulder, hand shakily reaching towards his own. “I'm sorry.”

He almost breaks down at your apology. “Nothin' to apologize for, love.” Meeting your hand halfway, he intertwined his fingers with yours, you're cold now, frozen under his hold. “D’you want that blanket now?”

“Please,” you wheeze out.

Hobie obliges, taking a thick blanket from his pack and then draping it around you as if it'll protect you from the infection. “There, nice and cozy, eh?”

“Thank you,” he feels your crimson fall down on his collar. “For everything.”

“None of that, Y/N, please. None of that.”

“I still want to talk to you.” Your voice is soft and small. “I still want to stay with you.”

Hobie brings your intertwined hands to his lips, kissing each knuckle softly. “And we will be, after this—” a sob escapes from him. “After this, we'll be together, yeah? Just like how we talked about.”

“Forever and ever?”

His tears flow freely, “yeah, forever and ever.” After a beat of silence, he fears the worst. “Love?”

You cough, he sighs in relief. “Still here, Hobs, not leaving yet.”

“Not yet,” embracing you, he lays his chin atop your head, you're made comfortable in his hold. Home, you feel like you're back home in his houseboat, watching a shitty romcom while he rambles on about his patrol. You want to be back there again. He wants to be back there again. “Can I say somethin'?”

You hum into his chest, squeezing his hand tighter but your sickness, he barely felt it.

“I don't want to…” he could barely say it. “I don't want to kill you. ‘m sorry, I know we talked about it—”

You lean up, he's met with milky eyes, he knows you can barely see him now. “Then don't, I don't want you to—” you pause, clinging to humanity. “— to feel that before you go.”

Nodding, he kisses your forehead, crying, weeping into your skin. “I couldn't save you, ‘m so fuckin' sorry, love, ‘m so sorry.” He shakes, you gather enough strength to embrace him and bury yourself in his chest, letting his scent waft around you for comfort.

“Don't apologize, nothin' to apologize for.”

He sniffs, peppering your face with heavy weakened kisses. “Oi, don't use my own words against me.”

You smile against the rough leather of his jacket. “Can I say something?”

“Go,” he can practically see the countdown. “We have all the time in the world, love.” There's something warm leaking out of his eyes and ears. He's catching up to you.

You'd laugh but you can feel your life slipping through your fingers. “When we turn, I don't want us to be separated.”

“What do you propose?” He tries to inhale but he could only let out a sickening cough.

“Tie our hands together…really tight.” Your words fade away, but you still hold on.

“I've got rope here, I can do it now.”

“But I'll turn first, Hobie, I-I might—”

“It'll be my honour to be your first meal.”

“I'd laugh if we weren't dying right now.” Eyes too tired to open, you feel the rough rope around your wrist, and the unmistakable sound of a knot getting tied. You smile for the last time when you feel his fingers wrap around your own. “I love you.”

“How's that? Too tight?” He whispers close, he feels you slipping away, “Y/N? Love?” he breaks down when your hand falls limp around his own. “Not yet, please, not yet.” He holds you, rocking you back and forth like a babe needing to be held. Your heart doesn't beat in sync with his anymore. “C’mon, not yet, we still have to find the rest of the band, right?” His eyes cloud over, cold taking root inside his entire body. “Say somethin’, fuck!” He yells with all his might, “I love you, fuck, please wake up.”

Closing his eyes, he wraps you in what's left of his warmth. “Don't go, please.” Hobie pleads and cries until he can no longer breathe the same air as you. His last thoughts were of you.

[itsfairly]

Two Negatives Make a Positive // Nanami Kento x f!reader

word count: 2.4k

cw: f!reader, neighbors to lovers, valentine's inspired (not mentioned but that's the main idea), not proofread

summary: dating can be tricky and nanami has confirmed that fact tonight on his date. but as he gets home and sees his neighbor alone by the stairs, he gets the feeling he isn't the only one with a bad night.

notes: i have no notes other than you can tell when things started to flow for him in this one.

liked this? show it with a like, reblog, and/or comment. each is greatly appreciated and celebrated!

His date wasn’t going well. Not because his date was rude or not interested, but it didn’t feel like a date. Rather than feeling his cheeks hurt from how much he was smiling, Nanami felt he was just being polite rather than smitten. Maybe he was jumping to conclusions so quickly, he thought, maybe as the date went on things would fall into place to meet again.

But things never seem to fall just right. Conversation was bland and when it seemed like it would get better, the moment didn’t seem to last for longer than a few seconds whether because of an interruption or because that was the end of that thread. They couldn’t seem to find their pace, resulting in multiple occasions when they ended up interrupting each other mid-sentence, maybe her sneaking her phone down the table as if to escape the awkwardness of the situation, which only made it worse in his eyes. It was obvious to know that, despite the kind “we should do this again sometime”, they wouldn’t meet each other for a second date.

After walking his date to their car, Nanami sighs, running his fingers through his hair. This one wasn’t as lucky either. Neither was the last, and the one before that, and the one before that…when did dating become so complicated? Even with this many ways to meet other people, the universe didn’t seem to help him much with his cards. Again, it wasn't like the people he met were horrible, they were always polite and even lovely, but it didn’t seem to click with any of them. Nanami was beginning to think that maybe he was looking for a spark that didn’t exist for many people, that he was having too high of expectations and he had to lower them to his dismay.

For now, he just wanted to be alone, maybe have something to get rid of that sad taste in his mouth once he got home. The drive was nothing noteworthy, simply love songs playing on the radio no matter how much he tried to avoid them by changing stations, almost as if the universe decided that mocking him was much more fun than helping him in his predicament. But eventually he gets home, but he also sees you. His neighbor was all dressed up and sitting by the entrance of the building with your phone in your hand.

Of course he knew you, but he had to admit he had to double check to confirm it was you. He just never caught you looking so…elegant like this, you were always rushing out of the building and coming back so exhausted from work that you always kept your appearance simple to make it easier to maintain. Not tonight. Tonight it was obvious that you took the time to impress someone: flowery dress with heels, blush and glossy lips, string earrings that match your necklace, along with a small purse that kept you company on the side. Another thing that was different was your face, not because of the make up but because of your expression. Rather than the bright and confident look that you always wore, you were looking down with a soured expression, letting out a frown as you put your phone down and buried your face in your hands.

While Nanami did know you, it wasn’t anything beyond neighbors. Hello and good evening accompanied by small talk for the sake of being polite, nothing more. But it wasn’t like he could just walk past you when you were obviously distressed. It might not be his place as a guy that happened to live in the same building as you, but he couldn’t ignore that you were alone outside and all dressed up. His mind made two and two together and decided to walk up ahead to you.

“Seems like I’m not the only one ending the night on a bad note.” Nanami said, trying to sound as casual as possible. He didn’t want to seem as if all he wanted was to downplay what you were going through.

You run your hands up through your hair, looking up at Nanami before you. Just like you, he was dressed quite elegantly, his blazer hanging around his arm and revealing the rest of his white shirt and black vest. He always dressed quite professional, being a businessman and all, as well as always looking quite stressed. Tonight though, he seemed let down, just like you did.

“You’re a man, right?” You asked, sounding gloomy. Before he could express his confusion to the question, you continued with, “explain to me why a guy would cancel a date five minutes before it.”

So it was as he thought, he got much luckier than you by not getting stood up by his date like you were. Offering a sympathetic chuckle, he sits down one the stairs with you. Not by your side but on the opposite side of the stairs to you. It was one thing for a date to not work like this, but it was another one to get canceled at the last minute, practically to be denied the chance to know whether or not it would lead to something more. It was a quite immature move to cancel so quickly and out of nowhere, especially when it seemed like you really put a lot of consideration into tonight if you looked like that.

“Do you want a polite answer or my answer?” He asks, bringing his hands together as he rests his elbows on his legs.

“Whichever is more real.” You mumbled.

Nanami sighs, looking up at the night sky as he searches for an answer. He didn’t want to make you feel worse, especially considering that your date’s actions are nowhere near your responsibility, but he knew how it could be so easy to beat yourself up over it if you looked distressed over it.

“Maybe he got cold feet at the last minute, realized that dating isn’t his thing or found someone else. Regardless, if he canceled minutes before your date, they are not worth your time if they disrespect you so quickly.”

You nodded, wrapping your arms around your legs and resting your head on your knees, looking straight ahead. Nanami could only hope that his words weren’t too harsh on you, so he decides to add onto his answer to soften whatever blow he might have landed.

“Besides, a man doesn't cancel a date so close to it. Maybe you got lucky avoiding such an immature guy just now.”

You chuckled, the corner of your lips lifting for a second in appreciation. You turn to look at him, your back resting against the stairs rail with a sigh.

“I know it has nothing to do with me or that I did something wrong, it’s just that I was excited for tonight. You know, that giddiness that comes on a date, getting to know each other, and…just hoping for more…”

As your words trail off, the two of you sit in silence, letting those feelings of disappointment come back up for Nanami. Those experiences you described were the ones he felt he was left out of tonight, instead getting brushed to the side at times by getting interrupted or his date focusing on something else other than their date together, as well as hoping for the date to either end or get better rather than wishing more of it. Of course, you probably felt the same as him, deprived of what so many people call the purpose of life. What a joke, he thought. If the purpose of life was to find someone you loved, then why was it so hard for some over others.

It felt weird for this to be his first conversation with you outside of small talk and other neighborly matters, but at the same time there was this odd comfort in knowing he wasn’t the only one feeling robbed of some romance for tonight, someone to share his misery with, even if you two were yet to know each other better.

“Being on the date isn’t easier either,” Nanami broke the silence with a light scoff.

You raise your brow at him, taking a good look up and down before asking, “Is that why you're all dressed up? I mean, you’re always looking very fancy and elegant. It’s just that tonight you looked like you were headed to somewhere nice.”

He chuckled, surprised at the subtle compliment, he doesn't comet much about it. “I did. It just wasn’t the date I was hoping for.”

You softened, your brows pinching together as your shoulders relaxed. “Was it that bad?”

“It wasn’t bad. She didn't do anything outrageous, but it was just uncomfortable. Not because of first date nerves, but because we didn't really click.” Nanami explained, shrugging his shoulders to show that it wasn’t that big of a deal. It wasn’t that things didn’t work out on this particular date that bothered him anyways, it was that things weren't working out for quite some time and it was growing frustrating for him.

You nodded, taking in his words as well as his frustration. It was a different kind of frustration to yours at the moment, but it was the same feeling. You two were still looking for that romance that simply didn’t seem to come to either of you just yet, no matter how hard you tried to find it.

“Seems like dating is hard for the both of us.” You chuckled, resting your head against the railing. “It’s too tricky. Maybe we should start a support group for the romantically challenged."

Nanami chuckles, no, he laughs. It was enough to lift up his spirits after bringing them down. He shrugs, looking at you with a sympathetic smile, “That would mean we would have to find other people to join in.”

“I think people would be embarrassed to even join. You know, between dating apps and all, they would feel like there’s no excuse to complain about being single.”

“Then it can be just the two of us. It seems like we understand each other right now.”

You smile, making Nanami’s mood improve when he sees that smile that you always wear. That smile simply pulls your look together, brighter than the jewelry you’re wearing and softer than the dress around your body. It was strange. He just came out of a nice restaurant, the kind that has a nice dinner with dim lights, and he was having much more fun at the stairs of his building with his neighbor. One moment frustrated that his date didn’t click and the next feeling his lips curl up because of your smile, a smile that was because of him.

It took a second for him to realize that he was smiling much more sincerely before you than he did before his date tonight, a smile that not only reached his cheeks but also his eyes. That his chest was warming up with that feeling he has been seeking for longer than just this evening. That things were clicking.

After a few seconds of silence, he speaks up, his voice softer and tender, “I should’ve said this before, but you look really pretty tonight.”

Your smile softens as your head tilts downwards to look down at your clothes, as if you had forgotten that you had gotten ready for tonight, before looking back up to him, “oh, thank you…you look very nice yourself. Well, you always do, considering that this…” you signal to his clothes up and down with your hand, “...is what you wear on a daily basis. It’s a really good look on you.”

He chuckles, looking downwards for a second as he thinks on what to respond before he realizes he has a blazer on his lap. He looks up at the sky, the moon high on the night with the stars shining all around it, making him remember your smile and the earrings that frame your face nicely. He thinks that sight of you looks just as beautiful as the sky right now…

“Thank you. I wasn’t saying it to be nice though. I meant it and it’s a shame that they canceled and missed out on such a lovely person.” He reaffirms, scooting a bit closer to you.

You hummed, not scooting away from him or pushing him away. In fact, it seemed like your eyes couldn’t drift away from him. Whether it was the moon shining on them or something else, there was a shine to them now. He liked it. He really really liked it.

“Say,” Nanami clears his throat, swallowing his nerves as he looks at you with a hint of shyness now that he realized how much of a reaction he was having at the moment, “since we’re both so dressed up, what if we go out for a drink? To end the night on a better note.”

You chuckled, nodding at his proposal as you extended your hand for him to grab. “Thought you never ask.” You say playfully, your smile reaching your eyes as they squinted slightly.

Nanami chuckles as well, getting up from the stairs and standing in front of you to take your hand. As he lifts you up the stairs, he wraps his blazer around you, meeting a soft “oh” from your lips. When you try to take it off, insisting that he doesn't need to, he shakes his head.

“Please, it’s already late out here and cold. At least until we reach my car.” He insists, tilting his head down towards you to meet your eyes.

You keep your hands on his blazer, pulling it closer to you by the edges of it as you thank him. It was a nice feeling, maybe this is what he meant earlier when he called the guy that stood you up as immature because here he was as his contrast. Nanami wasn’t even your date until a few seconds ago and he was already making you feel all those butterflies in your stomach, that giddiness, that excitement of getting to know him…maybe this was what it meant to go out with a man that knew the kind of relationship he wanted. Secure and upfront, but also tender and considerate.

Opening the door of the car for you, Nanami helps you into the seat and then walks around the car on his own, a genuine smile on his face as he drives off to a café you recommended just now. As he drove, those same love songs from earlier keep playing on the radio, making him thank the universe for letting things play out the way they were supposed to. Now, not only did he know you two would do this again soon, but he also got that spark he has been looking for with you.

[jessource]

prompts:　random quotes + excerpts.

“ you are so vulnerably haunting; your eeriness is terrifying irresistible. ” “ we’re not that different, you and i. ” “ you are a child of the cosmos, a ruler of the skies. ” “ you’re just becoming more of what you’ve always been. ” “ i’m not changing, none of us are changing. everything is fine. lets have a picnic. ” “ my father had the kind of anger all fathers do – loud and terrible. it lingers for your whole life. ” “ girlhood rots between my teeth, a sickness so sweet it aches. ” “ i wished so badly to have my own life, but you wouldn’t let me. ” “ parts of me died in the house i grew up in and i visit them in dreams. ” “ today i heard your name and my hands started shaking. please make it stop, make it stop. ” “ i wasn’t even allowed to cry over any of it, anyway! i wish the only thing that i spilled in my life was milk. ” “ this is not fun! it’s just scary! ” “ but if i hadn't fallen, i wouldn't have met you. ” “ have you let go of the ails that anchor you yet? ” “ have you let this marvelous spinning earth pull you into its arms and sweep you off your feet yet? ” “ i dream, i dream, i keep dreaming. one word in my mouth crystallises like sugar: hope. ” “ the nights get heavy like they always do. ” “ heavy wind, cold rain, and yes the stars. ” “ drifting apart always seems to hurt more as it happens. ” “ i am trying to say: look at me. ‘i am weightless. you make my heart grow light.’ ” “ right now, everything without you is almost sticky-sweet. it tastes like nectar. ” “ can you accept help or are you the eldest daughter? ” “ i swallow a bee for each ill deed done. i am a hive walking. i strain to hear you over the regret. ” “ i knew that it was cruel to be so optimistic, but, in my solitude, i couldn't resist the urge and spent entire days basking in idiotic fantasies, sometime verging on prayer. ” “ grief is not a feeling, but a neighbourhood. this is where i come from. everyone i love still lives there. ” “ there is a certain clinical satisfaction in seeing just how bad things can get. ” “ i was once very close to getting out of here. ” “ there is no moving on. only running away. ” “ i don’t love anyone. well, maybe my sister. ” “ i am infatuated with the private life, and with anonymity; perhaps even invisibility. ” “ sometimes you just need someone to tell you you're not as terrible as you think you are. ” “ i opened my mouth, almost said something. almost. the rest of my life might have turned out differently if i had. but i didn't. ” “ she is still inside of me. i carry her with me wherever i go. ” “ being a confessional human being for me is like a defense mechanism. if i can tell you the flaw before you see the flaw, then maybe it's okay. ” “ being a person didn't come naturally to me the way it seemed to for others. people who were sure of themselves awed me. i studied them and tried to mimic their ease. ” “look back at the mess you've made. try your best to pick up the pieces. ” “ not only had my brother disappeared, but– and bear with me here–a part of my very being had gone with him. ” “ i kinda wish i was buried six feet under ground. but oh god i also wish i was buried in your arms. ” “ we tell our stories differently, don’t we, you and i? ” “ you poor thing. sweet, mourning lamb. there’s nothing you can do. ” “ a golden cage is still just a cage. ” “ although i may not be yours. i can never be another’s. ” “ my mother didn't foresee what was going to become of us as a result of witnessing her despair. ”

[ratatoast]

Son coeur est le tien

Alastor x Reader qpr (general headcanons)

a/n: halfway through writing this, i realised that maybe my idea of a qpr might be different than someone else's haha,,, also, this is the very first time I've written for hazbin hotel lol (and should i mention that english isn't my first language? haha)

that being said, i hope y'all enjoy this mess :P

also also if y'all would like me to continue writing Alastor qpr (cuz there's def a shortage on that), feel free to send me prompts :)) i obvi wont write nsfw, but other than that, i think anything is fine (?)

Being in a qpr with the radio demon would include…

Long talks over tea/coffee

There’s never any awkward silence between the two of you. You two could be chatting about the most mundane things, and the conversation would still flow perfectly.

He’d definitely learn exactly how you like your hot beverage.

I personally can’t imagine him being an avid coffee drinker tbh, but I don’t think he’d mind if you are one.

Takes your tea parties very seriously, knows all your favourite pastries, puts on some smooth jazz, brings out the fine china, etc

Loves listening to you talking about your day, your current interests, hobbies, etc. Even if the topic itself isn’t all that interesting to him, he’ll still listen to you.

The both of you love gossiping with each other. Neither of you will admit it to others though.

Petnames

You very rarely hear your given name come out of this man’s mouth.

He never calls you anything that he deems too sickly sweet, usually sticks to dear, sweetheart, or darling.

If he’s having a particularly great day, he might call you love, but that doesn’t happen very often.

Constant praises & words of affirmation

I think words of affirmation is one of his main love languages.

He constantly showers you with praises, telling you how gorgeous you look, how witty your jokes are, etc.

We all know that this man is a charmer, however his compliments to you are more than just empty words… most of the time :p

Do keep in mind that this man is a master manipulator tho, so he isn't above using sweet talk to get what he wants.

Playful banter that keeps you on your toes

He loves a good back and forth, especially if his darling is a particularly witty individual.

The two of you can turn any conversation into a battle of words.

However, if you take it too far, he’s not afraid to put you in your place with a couple of sharp words, aimed to hurt.

But most of the time it’s just good fun :)

Never having to so much as lift a finger

He’s very big on acts of service.

Forget about opening doors or pulling out chairs for yourself.

He takes being a gentleman very seriously, especially when it comes to you.

But not only is he a gentleman, he’s also a powerful overlord.

So if you ever need anything, be that a new pair of shoes, or getting rid of a particularly nasty demon, consider it done.

Being his closest confidant

We all know that Alastor has many acquaintances, however he falls short on meaningful connections.

He doesn’t let people get too close to him, and it is sort of understandable why.

You are one of the only exceptions to that.

You know more about this man than all of hell combined.

It took a while for him to open up to you, and even longer until he started telling you about his past.

He’s the kind to drop hints about himself and let you figure out the rest.

Trust goes a long way with him, I think he’d be more open to sharing his plans and such with someone that he knows won’t question his every move.

Even so, there’s still a lot that you don’t know about him, but you’ll just have to take what you can.

You can dress however you want… as long as it fits his taste

He’s not all too picky about what you wear.

Contrary to popular belief, he wouldn’t expect you to be in full glam 24/7.

If you like more revealing clothes, well, he’ll just have to make sure that anyone that dares to as much as look at you the wrong way is taken care of.

That being said, looking well put together is a must.

You represent him in a way, and he expects you to look the part.

He can’t have you wandering the streets of hell in rags that not even the lowest sinners would wear.

Absolutely no modern technology allowed

Do I even need to explain this?

He’d rather be safe than sorry when it comes to the possibility of Vox messing with you.

You are never truly alone

Alastor would make sure to accompany you on your outings as much as his schedule allows it.

But let’s be real, he’s a very busy man.

He makes sure that a few of his shadows keep an eye on you though, even in his absence.

I don’t think your personal strength matters in this case, as I’ve mentioned before, there’s very little that this man wouldn’t do for you, especially when it comes to your personal safety.

Lets you get closer to him than anyone else

This time, I’m talking about physical closeness.

We all know that he isn’t big on physical touch.

However, I feel like you could get away with a lot more than others.

When the two of you are walking somewhere, it’s not unusual for him to offer you his arm.

When you’re standing next to him, he sometimes rests his hand on your back, although that is often a subconscious thing.

If you’re having a particularly rough day, he isn’t too opposed to letting you hug him.

You can also get away with laying on his lap sometimes, and if he’s feeling exceptionally gracious, he might even pet your hair.

PDA is definitely a big no-no, on one hand he has an image to protect, but I also just don’t think he’d be too comfortable with showing his more vulnerable side in public.

As for kisses… if you haven’t seen each other in a while, he might greet you with a kiss on your hand, but that’s as far as it ever goes.

He’s not a very touchy-feely person, so if that bothers you… good luck finding someone better than the radio demon ;)

me af tbh lmao

anway, thanks for reading pookies mwah (slash platonic lol)

[smutinlove]

—JASON TODD AND CARL GRIMES X READER—TRINITY—SMUT

—searching, finding, begging, needing, wishing.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ────── ⊰

Jason Todd and Carl Grimes were two different people who had met on the occasion of joining forces to defeat a common enemy, a man named Negan Smith. Carl was twenty when he and Jason combined their communities.

Two years had gone by, and their communities fought Negan. They had managed to get rid of a few outposts and had killed a lot of saviors. But whenever they cut the head off one, two heads took their place.

Jason Todd and Carl Grimes were two different people who had met on the occasion of joining forces to defeat a common enemy, a man named Negan Smith.

But there was one thing—well, rather, a person—that always intrigued them. Negan Smith's daughter, Y/N Smith. They had seen you fighting side-by-side with the other saviors. You had killed some of Carl and Jason's men.

You even fought Carl and Jason once. But that fight had ended with you flirting with them and giving Carl a quick kiss, both confusing him and Jason.

You often thought of that kiss. His lips were soft and enticing, leaving you wanting more. But you also wondered what Jason tasted like. I mean, he had the body of a Greek god. That was rare.

You gazed at the starry night. Today was quite peaceful. The grass clung to your arms as you laid back. Your father also hadn't planned any attacks on Alexandria, and neither did Alexandria on the Saviors. But your lips longed for the two men behind enemy lines.

You closed your eyes, wishing things could be different. Then, maybe they could. You got up and ran back inside. You went into your bedroom and searched for a pen and paper.

You quickly got down to writing:

To my two favorite Alexandrians,

We need to talk. Me and my father want a truce. Too many people have been hurt and have suffered. Both on our side and yours. Meet us in the woods behind Alexandria. There will be a camper van. Knock twice. Be there tomorrow at night. We only want you two.

-Y/N Smith

You folded the piece of paper twice and left your room to find someone who'd be willing to give it to them. Then, you spotted a boy who was two years younger than you. He'd do anything you asked.

You smirked and walked up to him. "Hey, Daniel," you said flirtatiously. He grinned sheepishly. "I was wondering if you could give this note to Carl and Jason? They're at Alexandria. You know them, right?"

He nodded. "Why? Is it important?" he asked. You nodded. "Do this for me, and you'll be rewarded." Daniel's eyes lit up, and he did as you asked. He skipped off, leaving you smirking.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ────── ⊰

You heard a small rustling sound near the bushes. You smirked. It was them.

You heard a knock. Then, another. You went over, unlocked the camper van, and let them in. "Hey," you said sweetly. Jason and Carl entered. "Get comfortable," you said. The two sat down on the sofa.

"Where's your dad?" Carl asked. "Oh, he's not here," you said, sitting next to Jason. "Wait—" You smashed Jason's lips against yours, cutting him off. The thing is, he didn't pull away.

Your hands wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer to you. Jason's hands trailed down your waist, stopping at your hips. You felt a pair of lips trail down your neck. It was Carl. One of his hands was on your waist, his finger digging into it.

You pulled away from Jason and started to kiss Carl; his lips fit perfectly against yours. Your hands were tangled in his hair. Jason got down on his knees and pulled down your shorts, revealing your lacy black panties.

"Dirty, girl," he chuckled before pulling them down as well. Once Carl pulled away from the kiss, he started to work on your upper body. He took off your shirt, revealing your bra that matched your underwear.

He skillfully unclasped it.

Carl's mouth attacked your boob, his tongue swirling around the nipple. His free hand kneaded your other boob. Jason spread your legs and started to plant kisses from your knee to your thigh.

"Oh god," you moaned.

Carl's mouth attacked your breast, his tongue swirling around the nipple. His free hand kneaded your other breast. Jason spread your legs and started to plant kisses from your knee to your thigh.

"Oh god," you moaned. Jason's mouth latched onto your clit, his tongue drawing circles on it. Your hands pulled on Carl's hair.

Carl sucked hard on your breast. Jason inserted a finger into your core, and a pornographic moan came out of you.

Jason pumped his finger faster, while Carl left love bites on your neck and boobs.

You felt a knot form in the pit of your stomach. Carl pulled away from your chest and started to attack your mouth, his tongue sliding against your bottom lip. You allowed him to explore your mouth.

You let out a muffled moan into the kiss as Jason curled his finger, hitting your g-spot. You were so close. Jason continued to pump his finger. "Let it out, doll," and you swore you experienced heaven.

You broke away from the kiss and cried out. Jason's mouth and finger never left your core. After a minute, Jason stood up and crashed his lips against yours, letting you taste yourself. You felt his erection rub against your knee. You also felt Carl's erection against your back.

"I'm not done with you two yet," you murmured.

You pulled away and unbuttoned Carl's shirt and pulled it down his arms, throwing it to the ground. Jason took his shirt off, revealing his perfectly sculpted body.

You stood up, and unbuckled Carl's belt, and let his pants slide down. You took his boxers off, and his cock sprung out.

Jason did the same to himself. You took your time to admire them; their bodies were perfect, no scars or anything.

"See something you like?" Carl asked. You smirked. You pushed them down on the sofa. You climbed into Jason's lap and started to grind on him. "Fuck, angel. You're perfect," he groaned.

His fingers dug into your ass, helping you move faster. You felt him getting harder. You stopped and turned around. Carl was in front of you. "I want you both," you breathed.

Jason grabbed his cock and rubbed it on your core.

"You sure about this, princess?" he asked. You nodded.

"Please," you moaned. Jason's eyes darkened. He lifted you up slightly and let his cock slide into your cunt. You moaned at the sensation of being full.

"Holy fuck," he cursed. Carl's fingers wrapped around his own cock, pumping slowly.

Jason's hands were on your waist. You moved up and down his shaft, feeling his veins rub against your walls.

Carl's free hand played with your boobs. Jason leaned his head on the sofa, groaning. You moaned, feeling him hit your g-spot. Jason's hands gripped your waist, his hips meeting yours. "God, angel, you feel so good. I'm going to fill 'ya up."

You leaned back on his chest, your back arching. You moaned loudly. Jason's hands went back to your hips, controlling your speed.

"Come on, baby. Come for me," Jason whispered in your ear. Your body jerked as you reached your climax. "Jason!" you screamed. You panted. Jason lifted you off him.

Jason and Carl grinned. They lifted you up. Carl grabbed his cock and aligned himself at your entrance.

You felt his tip penetrate your hole. He groaned and thrusted in, inch by inch. "Oh my god," you cried. "Holy shit," Carl groaned. "So fucking tight," Jason was behind you. He kissed the nape of your neck.

"It's okay, angel. You're doing so well."

Once you adjusted, he pulled out and slammed back in, causing you to cry out. "Fucking hell, princess," Jason growled.

"Oh, shit!"

Carl's thrusts became faster and deeper. Your hands held onto his shoulders. Jason's fingers trailed down to your clit and started to rub circles.

"Fuck, babe, I'm close," Carl moaned.

Carl and Jason's thrusts became erratic. You clenched around their cocks. "Shit! I—" you screamed.

A second later, Carl released into you. Jason thrusted one more time and came, moaning your name. Your head fell back on Jason's shoulder. You were exhausted. But this was thrilling. The idea of two men fucking you dumb got you going. "Don't worry, love. We'll take care of you," Jason whispered, wrapping his arms around your back.

───── ❝ authors note ❞ ─────

THIS IS INSANE!!!! AHSIMAJRNINS

I DID NOT EVER EXPECT TO WRITE THIS. LIKE A FANDOM CROSSOVER???? WOAH... LIKE. ANYWAY I HOPE YALL ENJOYED. this was insane. i cant believe im legit mixing fandoms. who am i? hermione granger? this is so shocking and fun and like confusing but OMG.

this is fun af

anyway i seriously hope yall enjoyed. this was wild to write. omg. (consider this as my VERY LATE 200+ followers special!)

i love you<3

[0nlythrowharrybeaux]

A Chance - Part 3**

Ugh took forever! I've been so busy with work but it's up! This little series will have one final part which is already in the works! Read the rest of the series here!

Warnings: workplace drama/gossip, verbal confrontations/discussions, mentions of sexually explicit things, rejection, bad friends, aaaaaaand A BIG FAT SAUCY SMOOCH!

WC: 8.7K

It was Monday again and you were not ready for the work week to start. Despite the lovely time you had with Harry on Saturday morning, you were feeling preoccupied that an inevitable run in with Destiny or Carmen would anger you once again after you’d decided to just get over it. Your paths hardly ever crossed, but now knowing their malevolent nature, you hoped you wouldn’t have to deal with them in a social setting ever again. You didn’t plan to confront them about what they’d said or anything like that, you’d worked through it on your own over the weekend. And you could be professional and interact as needed for work, but outside of that, you wouldn’t be caught where they were. And since you’d shared your concerns with Adam and Harry, you trusted that you wouldn’t have to endure any social events with them in a small group setting ever again. They wouldn’t put you in that situation again and that was enough of a resolution for you. However, when you arrived at your building and hurried into the elevator in the parking structure, you felt your stomach sink as you saw Destiny approaching and step in wordlessly. You were sure you were just imagining the tension between you two until she cleared her throat and turned to face you. 

“Look Y/N, I’m not sure what you think you heard Carmen and I talking about over the weekend but it wasn’t you.” She said matter of factly. You wanted to roll your eyes and tell her that you heard them saying your name, but just stayed quiet as you continue looking at your shoes, “Hey!” She raised her voice a bit and you sighed and glanced up. “Stop pretending like you didn’t go and cry about it to Adam! He told us what you said and said we better apologize to you!” She complained, “And he said that now he and Harry don’t want to be friends with us again because they think we’re shitty people!” She accused you and you frowned. “You literally ruined my night with Harry! He didn’t even tell me he was leaving! If you have a problem with something I’m doing don’t go behind my back and make other people fight your battles for you, Y/N. It’s immature.” She said spitefully.

“Honestly, I don’t know why Adam thought to confront you and Carmen about any of this. I didn’t ask him to get involved. I heard you and Carmen say, with my own two ears, that no one wanted me out with you guys on Friday night, don’t pretend you didn’t say it. After hearing that I just decided to go home, because I can read social cues, unlike you two believe. Adam was being persistent about me staying out the rest of the night and that’s why I shared with him what I heard you two saying, because I shouldn’t have to be out with people who don’t want me around. Who think I’m a freak for having different tastes in entertainment. Who think I’m condescending every time I open my mouth. Who think I’m a basic dresser that no one likes and should’ve stayed home form the start.��� You repeated what she had said and her angry expression wavered as she fought off a frown of shame.

“Look, I really don’t have a problem with you or with Carmen, despite what Adam may have said or led you to think. I wasn’t even going to bring this up to either of you ever! If I wanted to discuss it, I would’ve waited for you two to leave the stalls and deal with it then and there because unlike you two, I’m a forthright person. Clearly, I have no problem saying what I think.” You informed her and she refused to look you in the eye. “Yeah, you were a jerk and it hurt my feelings at the time but I realized that you behavior is not an issue I can fix, not matter what I say. That’s all you, Destiny. Why you feel entitled to judge people you don’t know and treat them that way, I have no idea! All I know is that after that experience with you, I knew I just wouldn’t want to interact with you socially again…yet, here we are.” You stated dryly and she looked absolutely stunned as the doors opened to the lobby of your building. When she didn’t say anything you stepped forward and she moved out of your way to let you pass.

“Hey,” you appealed to her and she finally looked up at you with tearful eyes, “I’m not going to be a bitch to you at work because of this, we have shit to do, you know? But I need you to realize that no one has made me feel that badly about myself since I was thirteen years old.” You informed her and she swallowed thickly, “Truly a dark time in my history.” You added with a small, sad smile. “However, I’m too grown for that juvenile mean girl shit. I hope one day you can realize that you are too.” You said and she inhaled shakily to prevent herself from sobbing.

You just hurried on by and went to the next set of elevators only to see her running across the lobby into the bathrooms down here. You hadn’t meant to make her cry, you didn’t even think you’d been rude, but she was locked away in the bathroom now balling her eyes out. This is why you were never even going to confront the situation head on. But Adam and his meddling…a new heaviness was weighing on your chest about it. But you had already confronted Destiny, so you wondered if it was even worth confronting Adam about this. But the more you thought about it the more you decided that this was an opportunity to draw a boundary on what was acceptable of him and what wasn’t. And then it hit you like a ton of bricks that on Friday night it sounded like he was going to confess having feelings for you.

You suddenly didn’t feel equipped to have that conversation with him. Once you got to your floor you trudged over to your cubicle wary of Adam. Thankfully, when you got to your area it was pretty quiet so you assumed he wasn’t in yet and closed your sliding door behind you and settled in. Obviously, he could peer over the divider if he really wanted to talk to you, but he typically respected your space when your door was closed. 

“Hey Y/N!” You heard moments later and glanced up from your screen to see him peering over the divider. He greeted you first seeing as you hadn’t even thought he was in yet.

“Hi.” You greeted with a polite smile.

“You look very nice today.” He complimented you, though there was nothing different about how you did yourself up or dressed on this particular day. 

“Really? I look how I…always do.” You said with an awkward chuckle and he shrugged.

“I don’t know, just…something looks different to me, I guess.” He said and you hummed, mentally deciding if you were going to have a discussion with him about him intervening with Destiny and Carmen or not. “How’s your morning been?” He asked and you took that as your cue to bring up the situation with Destiny.

“Ummm…weird actually.” You said and he hummed and nodded, indicating that you continue. “Destiny approached me in the parking garage-”

“Oh thank god! I told her how upset you were at her and that she needed to apologize for the things she was saying about you with Carmen. You didn’t deserve that from them. They don’t even know you! You know? But I made it clear to them how you and everyone else feels about what they did to you and that she needed to make things right with you.” He said and you sighed.

“Well…she actually started berating me over what you asked of her because she thinks that I ruined her chances with Harry by telling you what they had said about me. She thinks I asked you to go and make her apologize to me, that I was too scared to fight my own battles or something like that.” You sighed with annoyance and he rolled his eyes.

“Well you know it’s not like that.”

“I know that. However, I also didn’t give you permission to communicate anything on my behalf, Adam.” You explained and he frowned in confusion.

“Look, I just wanted to help smooth things over.”

“I know that you meant to do good but I think you created a situation for me which…was uncomfortable.” You said and he scoffed, “I’m not saying that to be a dick, but it’s the truth. There was nothing to smooth over, you know? I hardly even interact with them for work! Either way, I corrected the narrative, assured her I didn’t ask anything of you because honestly, if it were up to me I just wouldn’t have even given it that much effort. I just wanted to move on. Those people aren’t my friends…so while it stung in the moment, I decided not to give it or them more of my energy. Like I told you that same night. I don’t need to prove anything to them so long as I feel good about the decisions I make for myself. And you…took that closure from me.” You said and he shook his head.

“I’m sorry you feel that way about someone sticking up for you.” He said lowly and with a hint of disdain.

“I didn’t ask you to do that!”

“You shouldn’t have to! If someone cares about you they try and make things better for you. That’s all I wanted to do. It wasn’t even my fault that happened! Harry invited Destiny along! So if anyone should’ve been the one to try and resolve this it’s him! But apparently he hasn’t even spoken to Destiny since.” He pointed out and you sighed.

“Harry did reach out and cleared the air with me the very next day.” You shared with Adam.

“Oh…well, it didn’t seem like he was going to and I know how you feel about him to begin with so…” he trailed off.

“I told you already, Harry and I are good.” You assured him. “I just…really would’ve appreciated it if you checked with me first before making claims about how I’m feeling about things to other people. I don’t need help confronting issues, you know that. I also know that on Friday night my feelings were very hurt, so I get why you maybe felt you needed to step in, but now these girls think I have some beef with them and that I’m rallying others up against them and it’s complicated everything.” You explained your frustration. “Again, I appreciate what your intentions but just…ask before you speak for me next time. Please?” You asked.

“Sure.” He huffed before stepping down and getting back to his desk. You frowned but decided to just give him space.

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

Harry had been a little late and he had an important review article to finish writing so he went straight to his desk and got to work. He did text you that he was running late because he was hoping to grab coffee with you, but then just texted back that he’d catch up with you later on, which you had liked and that was that. After an hour he was done and just needed to do his first edit, he was about to get into zone for the editing bit when Adam peeked in.

“Hey man, you got a few minutes?” Harry glanced up and looked at the time for a before nodding.

“Ummm, sure. You alright?” He asked as Adam stepped into his cubicle and slid the door closed before plopping down in the seat across from Harry and groaning quietly. It looked like he was battling with himself for a minute before he leaned forward, the conflicted expression still on his face.

“I like Y/N and I think I really fucked it up with her.” He whispered to Harry.

“Oh…” Harry expressed. A little confused at Adam’s apprehension in sharing this with him. Adam sighed and shook his head, clearly feeling shy about confessing this and Harry smiled a bit.

“Don’t make fun…I know she’s…a little bit much at times but-”

“Whoa! No, I meant “Oh” as in like “that’s it?”. You just seemed really…conflicted about what you were going to say.” Harry explained quietly.

“Well yeah, I am…I didn’t know how you would react to that information. Because well, again, Y/N is just…a little different than the people I typically go for.” He explained and Harry was getting more and more annoyed at the way Adam was sharing this. Almost as if he felt embarrassed that he was into you. “Anyway…I…didn’t heed your warning about confronting Destiny and Carmen.” He explained and Harry tutted. “Apparently she made a a big fuss at Y/N and didn’t even apologize to Y/N like I hoped she would!” he explained, “And I can tell Y/N is trying not to be upset at me…but like…I don’t get it! I mean I was trying to stand up for her, you know? Defend her. Show her that I…could be that for her, you know?” He explained lowly.

“Well…maybe she’s just not that kind of person that expects a partner to…treat her like a damsel in distress. Confrontation is not something she struggles with, you know?” Harry said and Adam nodded.

“Right…how do I fix this?”

“Apologize for overstepping.” Harry said right away. He had no idea why he was helping Adam with you though. He needed to ask you if you were fine with telling Adam about you two because he didn’t feel comfortable with this set up.

“Here’s the thing…I’m not sorry for it because I had good intentions. And I don’t want to apologize when I don’t mean it.” He said and Harry shrugged.

“Then I don’t know, mate.” 

“What if I get her something? To like make up for it?”

“Well personally, that seems like you’re just trying to distract or brush your mistake under the rug.”

“For fuck’s sake…why is she so complicated?”

“I don’t think she is at all.” Harry chuckled, “Y/N is…very obvious and straightforward. Yeah, she can be a little cranky, but it’s part of her charm.” Harry said with an easy smile.

“You really find it charming? After all the times she brushed you off?” Adam asked.

“Yeah, I really do. Now that I understand her better.” He explained and Adam hummed.

“You seem to understand her really well for someone who just started talking to her. I mean, we talk all the time but…I don’t feel like I know enough about her to speak of her how you do. How did you do it?”

“Well, I don’t know…we just have a lot in common I think.” Harry explained and Adam hummed.

“Well…thanks for listening.” 

“Yeah, mate.” Harry hummed as Adam started to stand.

“Oh, and you know just keep it on the DL that I like her. I think she knows, I started to say something to her on Friday but ummm…yeah, just keep it to yourself.”

“Don’t worry, I will.” Harry assured and Adam nodded once before leaving. 

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

Adam had been really quiet and you could basically feel his brooding for yourself. You thought he was going to come chat but ended up leaving for almost ten minutes before returning and once again, being silent. You could hear him sighing every now and again and you wanted to intervene but decided to just leave it. And when lunch time neared you left a few minutes before to go and find Harry.

“Hey.” You greeted him as you peered into his cubicle. He glanced up from his screen at the sound of your voice and smiled instantly.

“Hi!” He greeted you in return as he pulled off his glasses.

“Have you finished the article?”

“Yeah, just doing a bit of polishing.” He said and you nodded.

“Good.”

“Do you want to have a look before I send it to Gary for editing?” He asked and your eyebrows arched in surprise.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I’ve read it way too many times.” He chuckled before standing and stretching. He groaned in relief and you even heard the satisfying cracks of his spine straightening out. “Come, sit.” He invited you and you went over and sat in his seat, already warm from his body heat. He moved around the desk and plopped into the chair across from you and watched you read. It was just a spotlight/ review article about a new enoteca-style bar down town. You were smiling fondly as you read. “Feel free to edit if you see anything that might need improving.” He said and you hummed. After another few moments you pulled back and glanced over at him.

“It’s perfect. Detailed, brief, and it conveys warmth and curiosity about the spot.” You said with a smile, “Excellent job, Harry.” 

“Yeah? It’s good like that?”

“Yeah, I promise.” You assured him.

“Well, since you’re there, send it over for me?” He asked and you smiled and nodded and started drafting up the email. “Adam ummm…came over to talk about your argument this morning.” He added in and you hummed.

“I mean, I wouldn’t say it was an argument, I just…think he overstepped by forcing them to apologize. He also told Destiny that you guys thought she was a shitty person.” You said and Harry sighed.

“For fuck’s sake…”

“I know. He just made it bigger than it needed to be…” you mumbled, “I’m trying to forgive him but…I’m still upset. I made Destiny cry because I told her she was a little to grown to be a mean girl…” you sighed and Harry sniggered.

“She cried?”

“Yeah…” you said with a frown.

“Are you feeling bad?”

“I don’t know…it kind of felt good…knowing that I got to her somehow.” You said as you looked over to him, “Not in a bad way. Like got to her in her heart. It was like she saw me as a person for the first time.” You explained quickly.

“I know what you meant.” He said reassuringly and you smiled and then continued with sending off his article.

“There it goes.” You hummed as the little “swoosh” sound effect sounded through the computer’s speaker. “Ummm, I was wondering if you…wanted to grab lunch together?”

“I’d love to.” He accepted with a pleased smile.

“Wanna walk to the deli? Could go for a reuben.” You said.

“Have you had it with toasted marble rye?” He asked with excitement and you nodded.

“Of course. And with concerning amounts of mustard.” You said and he chuckled.

“Yeah, s’the only way.” He agreed.

"Alright, let's go!" you said and started heading over to the elevators.

“Wait.” He narrowed his eyes as he glanced to you, "Do you have it with pastrami or corned beef?" he asked.

"I definitely prefer pastrami, but the corned beef down the street is elite." you admitted and he smirked.

"Okay...I will accept that." he chuckled, "Pastrami cuts are a little too fatty for me." he explained.

"That's the best part!" you argued and Harry just made a dramatic gagging sound and you cackled as you pushed the call button for the elevator.

Soon enough you were walking through the lobby of the building to get outside and walk the few minutes to the deli. You ordered right away and then quickly sat because it really filled up over lunch. You were sitting across from each other in the two-person booth and Harry sighed.

“Hey so ummm…I was wondering if you’d be okay with me telling Adam about us?” He asked, “That like…we’re seeing each other.”

“Well, I think that Adam likes me.” You said with a worried expression, “So…it might…hurt his feelings.”

“Oh… you know about that?” He asked and you nodded, “Well, it’s just that he always comes and asks me for advice about you and I feel a little weird trying to help him get noticed by the person I’m interested in.” He chuckled.

“Oh…” You said in realization and then smiled at Harry.

“Yeah…” he chuckled bashfully and then reached his hand over to yours and you turned it over out of sheer instinct. You were covered in goosebumps and your hearing was transfixed on the sound of your heart pounding away hard inside of your chest. His fingers sliding up your palm caused you to smile until his fingers wrapped around your hand and his thumb extended out to caress your wrist.

“Yeah, you can tell him.” You smiled. “But let me try to make things right with him first.”

“Yeah, of course.” He hummed, “You let me know.”

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

“Hey, Adam! Wait up!” You called after him as he breezed by your cubicle at the end of the day. He sighed but turned around. “Look, I didn’t mean to berate you this morning. I’m sorry.” You apologized and he smiled a bit, “I freaked out. But I just…I wanted to handle this my way, with as little drama as possible, you know?” You explained and he nodded.

“I get it.” He assured and you nodded, looking at him expectantly, hoping he would also apologize for overstepping. “We’re good though.” He said and you rolled your lips together in disappointment and nodded.

“Okay…sounds good.” You added.

“See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, see ya’.” You called after him as he headed off. 

You then made your way over to Harry’s cubicle again but as you rounded the corner to his cubicle you heard Destiny in there.

“-I just really thought there was something between us. I mean, after you got me the coffee and invited me to hang out on Friday, you know?”

“I can definitely see how my actions implied I had a romantic interest in you. I’m sorry if I led you on, that wasn’t my intent at all. I was just being nice.” Harry explained gently. 

“Well, I like you and ummm…if you’re willing t-to give me a chance then I’d love to go out and grab drinks or coffee?” She offered.

“That’s sweet of you, but I’ve actually started seeing Y/N.” He shared and you bit your lip to suppress your smile upon hearing him say it out loud. You felt like it was time to leave the conversation but not without hearing her response. You hoped it wasn’t going to make her more upset at you.

“Oh…” she mumbled, “But she’s…” she started out and then grew silent.

“She’s what?” Harry asked.

“She’s famously kind of a bitch, particularly to you, no?”

“It was a misunderstanding between us. She’s actually very kind and smart and funny, and beautiful.” He said and you decided that you’d eavesdropped enough.

You backed away around the corner again and looked through your phone for another few minutes. When you heard steps approaching you glanced up and were faced with Destiny who was sniffling a bit. She stopped right in front of you and you frowned.

“Are you alright?” You asked and she sighed.

“I’m sorry about everything on Friday. You’re right, I don’t even know you like that and to talk shit about you like that was very high school of me.” She admitted.

“Oh…ummm, thank you.”

“Yeah. And ummm, also sorry for accusing you of ruining things with Harry. I just finished talking to him and he said that he’s actually seeing you.” She informed and you nodded in confirmation, “You could’ve thrown that in my face earlier to humiliate me but you didn’t.”

“Of course not. And well, I didn’t think you’d believe me anyway…probably think I was off my rocker or something.” You said through a breathy snigger and she chuckled.

“Yeah, you’re right.” She admitted and you smiled, “I’m sorry again. That wasn’t my finest moment.”

“It happens to the best of us. I’m sorry too for making you cry earlier.”

“It’s not your fault. I’m starting my period soon and am always more fragile emotionally.” She explained as she rolled her eyes, “But I needed to hear that though. You were right. And well, Harry also explained about Adam and how he doesn’t have a problem with me. But of course, I mean, h-he likes you so I’ll back off and all.” She assured.

“Well thank you for being so understanding and coming around.”

“Of course. Have a good one, okay?”

“You too.” You smiled and waved as she headed off.

“This is why I like you.” Harry said and you whipped around quickly with a startled gasp to see him come around the corner of his cubicle, “You’re very sweet, you know that?”

“Stop it…” you murmured bashfully.

“I like you a lot. I refuse to withhold the lovely things I think about you.” He said and you smiled, not really sure what to say to that. He saw you blushing, but didn’t want to rub it in, so he distracted you by taking your hand and you looked up at him again. “I’ll walk you to your car?” He suggested and you smiled and nodded.

“Sure. Thank you.” You agreed and headed to the elevators. 

There were others leaving also, so he scooted closer to you, so much so that your arms were touching. Everyone getting in was greeting him because again, he was very well liked. But that forced them to greet you and much to their surprise, you weren’t as stoic about it like in the past, but you were certain most of them expected that very flat and cordial response from you. However, Harry’s persistent kindness had made you feel safe around him, especially after discovering that he wasn’t being fake about it. Clearly, Harry had seen your soft and gooey bits beneath the layers of armor you had guarded yourself with for years. His forgiving and understanding attitude helped you feel more open because if he was willing to forgive you and even had feelings for you, why wouldn’t others give you a chance? That’s why you didn’t mind greeting people enthusiastically in return and chatting a bit. You weren’t selfish and were an observer, so you felt like you knew plenty of basic things about your coworkers, you just didn’t interact as much so that they’d know as much about you. And as you parted ways with people they all said goodbye to you both, which you had to admit was quite nice.

“Hey so ummm…I talked to Destiny, just to clear the air and assure her that I didn’t hate her or anything. And ummm…well Adam was pretty harsh.” He said and you sighed, “Either way, ummm, she came onto me and I told her I’m seeing you. Just…letting you know in case everyone knows about it tomorrow.” He said nervously.

“Yeah, I ran into her afterwards and she apologized and mentioned that you said that. I’m not upset by it, in fact ummm…I kind of eavesdropped little.” You admitted, “Literally just happened to walk up when she asked you out.” You confessed with a bashful smile and he smirked, “I promise I left right after. But she was crying again and I apologized for making her cry earlier. I guess I did feel bad about it.” You said and he suddenly reached for your hand again and you smiled up at him quickly before glancing down at your hands as the heat creeped up your neck. “I also apologized to Adam for berating him, but he didn’t apologize for overstepping and putting words in my mouth so I don’t know…it’s bothering me.”

“Maybe he’ll come around soon.” Harry said encouragingly.

“I hope so.” You sighed, “Well, here I am.” You said as you saw your car just a few steps away, “Where did you park?”

“The fourth floor.”

“Oh, I can take you up?” You offered, “I’m not exactly ready yo say goodbye.” You confessed and he smiled.

“I’d love that.” He smiled and you guys got in.

“So ummm…what are we doing for our date on Friday?” You asked. Among all the other things that you’d been obsessing over, this was the main one.

“Well, dinner, but I wanted to pick your brain about that. Would you like a proper, more dressy sit-down meal or something a little more casual?”

“Ummm…are we doing something before or after?” You asked and he grinned.

“Yes, and that can be either before or after. I’d prefer after but ummm whatever. That’s a surprise.” He said and you smiled.

“Okay… will I need to be comfortable for that or can I do it in heels or maybe a dress?” You questioned. You were obsessed with the tingles running through your body of the prospect of this date with him.

“Either or…I mean, how do you feel about walking in heels? Like it’s not a trek or anything, but there will be some walking involved.”

“Hmm…if anything I could wear a comfy heel. But what’s the fancy option you had in mind?”

“French food.”

“And the casual?”

“A dumpling place, which we can also just pick up and eat at the secondary location if you’d prefer. He informed and you hummed excitedly, “Dumplings it is…” he chuckled and you turned to him quickly to smile.

“Perfect. We can eat at the secondary location.”

“Perfect. Snacks will also be provided for the secondary activity.” He informed you, “I’m very excited for this. I think you’re going to enjoy it.” He said excitedly.

“I’m sure I will.” You assured him. 

“There’s my car.” He pointed and you pulled into the empty spot beside his.

“Well, here you are.” You smiled as you put it in park and then turned to him.

“Thank you. I know the day started out pretty rough but I hope it ended off on a high note.”

“It did. Thank you for listening to my venting and for being so kind about everything and not judging me. Even when I was…awful to you. I think about that a lot now. You didn’t deserve any of it, Harry.” You said with a small pout.

“No, but we figured it out, yeah? I’m not dwelling on the past, Y/N. I’ve forgiven you and clearly am quite taken by you.” He reminded and you smiled.

“Is that a kink thing? Being into women who are mean to you?” You questioned teasingly and he chuckled.

“Maybe a little…” he smirked, there was a certain glint in his eye that made you excited and nervous simultaneously. You giggled to play off the nerves.

“Maybe a little…” you repeated through your giggle and he nodded smugly. His gaze then dropped down to your lips, which led you to do the same to him. They were so pretty and the bottom one looked so pillowy, you were desperate to get it between yours and suck it swollen.

“Stop that.” He mumbled before bitting down on his lip to suppress the urge working it’s way up his body. He wanted to taste your lips so badly, it was like an itch that he just couldn’t relieve, that’s how it would feel until he finally got a taste of you.

“What?”

“Being so…enchanting.” He hummed and you bit your lip to stop yourself from smiling like a fool. “You know, this whole time I’ve just been trying to get to know you.” He said softly with a smile and your gaze softened, “I mean, I knew once you let me init was gonna be good, but it’s…far more than I ever could have hoped it would be.” He smiled with satisfaction, “And we haven’t even been on a date!” He emphasized and you giggled.

“I feel the same, Harry.” You chimed in, “You just…fill a void that I never…understood.” You explained and he reached for your face and grabbed it gently.

“Fuck…I’m definitely going to fall in love with you if you’re gonna be talking like that.” He said through a smile and you just laughed and broke eye contact, it was too much. You were suffocating in the feelings for him that were blossoming inside of you. You leaned in and peered up at him.

“Please kiss me.” You whispered and he smiled as he closed the gap. Your lips met in an ardent manner, the give and take was perfect. Your growing smiles caused your lips to smear together sloppily, “You kiss so nice.” You giggled and he grinned and nudged his nose against your cheek playfully.

“Touché, baby.” He hummed, “Taste so nice too…and also like…sour punch straws.” He chuckled.

“Guilty. I had a little snack right before I headed over to find you.” You confessed and he sniggered and pecked your lips again. 

Breathing Easy by Hers started to play over the car speakers and instantly the playfulness of the moment vanished and the vibe grew tense and serious as your eyes met. You felt alive for the first time in a long time. The sudden awareness of your existence and experiences as a human beings struck you like lightening. You already felt close to him but you wanted to be closer. You reached for his gorgeously structured jaw and pressed your lips into his. You nipped at his bottom lip and he smiled. You tugged at it once again and were able to get enough between your teeth to suck on it for a few seconds. He exhaled loudly as a groan rumbled in the back of his throat. It continued crawling up his throat until he moaned lowly. You felt the deep sound right in your core. 

“Harder.” Harry muttered against your lips and you tugged his swollen bottom lip between your teeth and dug them in with an increasing force. “Like that…” he sighed and you stopped there for a few moments before relieving the pressure and doing it once more, once again, completely enamored with how much he was enjoying this.

You could kiss him for hours… You smooched tenderly a few times as the kiss started to wind down. It was prudent of you both to stop it there for the time being. You were just starting to drip slick into your underwear, you were very aware of your vuvla pulsing desperately, with each swell your pussy was pumping out more slick. God, what you would do to have his delightful mouth making out with your pussy like this. You could tell he’d give amazing head…and on the off chance that wasn’t as good as you believed, he’d certainly have the natural potential to be excellent at it. It was getting reckless to be in this situation. You pecked once more before pulling apart. You snuck a glance down at his lap and saw the outline of his already sizable boner through his slacks. You had the urge to reach out and grope it through his pants but refrained because then you’d need to feel the smoothness and warmth of it in your bare hands. You’d get to see if he was cut or uncut. God, you hoped he was uncut… and well, then that would lead to you needing to feel the weight of him on your tongue and savor his taste… Like you said before, it was prudent to stop now, while these urges were barely in the planning phase, the perfect place to stop.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” You hummed lowly, living for the way your kiss-bitten lips smeared against his own in delicate little swipes. Despite being so distracted, he nodded in confirmation.

“Yeah, see y’tomorrow, love.” He whispered before smiling and opening up the door. You waited for him to settle in and when he was buckled up and ready to go he gave you a thumbs up and you smiled before taking off, each to their own destinations for the night but both wishing that you could’ve spent the entire night in that perfect little bubble.

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

It was Thursday morning when Adam had shown up at Harry’s cubicle again. It seemed that he hadn’t even settled in for the day, that was his first stop of the morning and well, this indicated to Harry that he just needed to break it to Adam that he was dating you. 

“Hey man, got a minute?” Adam asked.

“Sure, I actually needed to talk to you about something as well.” Harry said and Adam took a seat and nodded.

“You first, before I burden you with my girl troubles.” He said through a smile and Harry cleared his throat.

“That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.” Harry said and Adam nodded, urging him to go on, “I’m actually seeing Y/N.” He said it plainly, getting right to the point. Harry  waited for Adam to respond but right now he just looked surprised, which he could understand, “So ummm…it does make it a bit…weird for me t-to you know talk to you about her. I would’ve like said something sooner about us liking each other but I wasn’t sure if she’d be alright with me telling people that just yet.” He added and Adam just sat there staring at the desk.

“Is that why you went after her last weekend?” He asked when he finally glanced back up at Harry.

“Yeah. And well, I misinterpreted something that happened between us from before and that’s why I wasn’t really talking to her as much and why she was flat out ignoring me that night. We were clearing that up when you came out and found us.” Harry explained.

“Oh…well, I mean…I like her too. I reckon I’ve liked her for longer than you have and well, we’ve been friends for longer too.” He explained and Harry’s expression changed into one of confusion.

“Okay, so what are you saying?” He asked for clarification.

“I’m saying that I have dibs!” Adam chuckled as if it were obvious.

“Dibs? We’re not teenagers, Adam. We’re grown men!” Harry chuckled in disbelief at what he was hearing.

“Well are you exclusively dating?”

“We haven’t really gotten there yet.”

“Then can I ask her out too?” He asked and Harry was trying hard no to scowl at him.

“I…I don’t know! I mean…I would rather you not because what the fuck…” he chuckled and Adam sighed.

“Yeah, but dude, I’ve thought she was good looking forever! You’ve only seen her that way for a few weeks.” Adam exaggerated.

“No, I’ve been into her for a long while! She just disliked me so she never gave me the time of day even when I would try my hardest to get to know her. But when she finally gave me a chance it just…worked really well. We clicked.” Harry explained. “I have been putting moves on her forever! Obviously, I was trying to start out as friends first so that we could get to know each other a little better and that’s what all of this has been this entire time!”

“Okay, same! Why do you think I made nice with her?” Adam chuckled.

“Well what about all the times you’ve…talked shit about her to me or to other people? I literally would have never known that you were into her!” Harry reminded him and Adam sighed.

“It’s not talking shit! I’m sympathizing with the people she upsets, to like help them get her. Like you know she’s not the easiest person to deal with at times, H.” Adam said.

“I have to disagree with you there, mate. She really isn’t hard to figure out or to grow close with…” Harry explained and Adam’s gaze withdrew from Harry’s. “Look, I can’t forbid you from asking her out too because we’re just getting started but I think we’ve got something that could become really special. And as someone who I consider a friend, I ask that you hold off and respect that I asked her out first.” Adam glanced up at Harry then and his lips quirked up in a small smile.

“I think you’re just nervous that she’s going to choose me over you.” He said smugly. 

Harry couldn’t tell if he was just this unserious or being malicious about it. He could challenge Adam and tell him all of the things you were upset at him about but that wasn’t his place. Better that Adam hear from you that you weren’t into him so that he could just move on. Harry knew you’d have no problem dealing with that, especially since you were already a little bit upset at him for him dabbling in the Destiny situation. And well, maybe Adam was not as good of a guy as he may have thought before.

“Suit yourself.” Harry sighed and then just returned to his work. Adam sat there for a few more seconds before standing and leaving without another word.

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

Meanwhile Adam and Harry were having a tiff over you, you were getting to your cubicle, more than delighted to find a little box of four dark chocolate covered strawberries at the center of your desk. You immediately smiled brightly and went for the note taped on the side of the box.

Admittedly, these are NOT NEARLY as tasty as your lips but nevertheless, a little sweet treat for you to enjoy. - H

You could feel that your face growing red hot. You weren’t embarrassed, you were just overwhelmed. You had no idea how to express the joy and excitement that was burning through you. You had always believed that you weren’t the type of person to be whisked off your feet with thoughtful and romantic gestures like this, but now that you had someone who showed affection this way, well, you felt special. You felt considered, knowing that Harry had spared you a thought. It was sickeningly sweet of him to do this. You put your strawberries away in your mini fridge and then sat at your chair and quickly pulled out your phone to text Harry a thank you message.

“Hey!” You heard and glanced up, your smile still wide and excited from your surprise. You saw Adam peering into your cubicle, “What’re you all chipper about?” He asked as he stepped in.

“S’nothing. What’s up?” You asked as you set your phone down to give him your attention.

“Just dropping in to say hello.” He said as he took a seat.

“Well…hello.” You giggled nervously as you reached for your computer’s power button.

“Hi.” He chuckled and just watched you for a few moments as you logged in, “Did you bring lunch today?” He asked.

“I did not.” You disclosed as you glanced over to him again.

“Well, would you want to go out and grab a bite to eat with me at lunch?”

“Well, actually I’m leaving early today, I have an appointment so no lunch break for me.” You explained and he hummed.

“I see…well what about tonight? Do you have dinner plans?” He asked and you bit your lip nervously before just asking what you wanted to ask.

“Are you trying to ask me out on a date?” You inquired and he chuckled nervously and shrugged.

“I…guess I am. Yeah.” He said through a bashful smile. “And look…I know that you’re talking to Harry now, he just told me. But I mean, we’ve been friends for a while and I think you’re pretty and smart and I would love to have a chance to take you out as more than friends before anything gets too serious between the two of you.” He explained and you pouted a bit as you heard this.

“Oh ummm…this is sweet of you but I’m not interested in you like that, Adam. And well, like Harry said, we’re already seeing each other, so no.” You explained.

“But you haven’t even given me a chance, Y/N…” he chuckled as he looked at you with some disbelief and you pouted.

“Right, but that’s just because I don’t…see you in that way. If I did feel some attraction towards you I would be open to going out with you but I don’t.” You explained as gently as possible.

“So all the times that we hung out before were nothing?”

“Not nothing. I mean, we’re friends. Friends hang out.” You shrugged. “You haven’t indicated that you’ve liked me more than friends before. I mean, very recently you’ve been acting a little different but-”

“So you’ve noticed that my way of being with you has shifted and you still decided to date Harry?” He asked and you sighed.

“Look Adam, if you’re the one with feelings then it’s your responsibility to bring that up to me. I’m not a mind reader…I can speculate about why things have changed but I’m not going to assume and then jeopardize our friendship if I was wrong.” You defended your stance. “And like I said before, I also haven’t responded to these changes because I just don’t think of you in that way.”

“Is this because you’re still upset over the Destiny thing?”  He asked next and you sighed.

“No, it’s not that. I mean, I’m still not very pleased with you for that but again, I wasn’t into you like that before it happened.”

“I thought we had cleared that up already.” He sighed.

“Ummm not really? You didn’t even apologize for talking to her about an issue between us without asking first. I apologized to you in case you felt berated by me or something, but I at least expected you to recognize that what you did wasn’t okay and that it made a mess of things.” You explained. “I know you were meaning to help but you didn’t. And I know you were trying to defend me but you actually put me in a bad situation with Destiny.” You explained again. “And quite honestly, the way you dealt with that and now this, it does make me question whether we know each other all that well.” You explained. His jaw tensed and he cleared his throat.

“Yeah, I’ve been asking myself that too…” he mumbled. “I don’t want to apologize for the Destiny thing because I truly feel like I was doing the right thing. And I’m not going to say sorry for something that I don’t regret. I know I meant well and I can’t be sorry for that. If Destiny then turned it into a bad thing then she’s the one who should apologize to you.” He explained.

“She did. Harry talked to her and cleared the air with her and that made her apologize to me for believing I had been trying to turn you guys against her and for talking shit about me on Friday night. I mean, you told her that no one liked her anymore because of that…that’s not okay, Adam. Yeah, I don’t think I’ll ever be friends with her but I also don’t dislike her.” You said and he sighed.

“I just…she didn’t seem to feel bad about it so I wanted her to…to just know how it felt to be you for a bit, where people just don’t like you from one experience.” He explained and you frowned.

“What are you trying to say?” You asked him.

“Oh come on, Y/N…It’s no secret that a lot of people here aren’t all that fond of you.” He said and you scoffed, “People give me shit about being friends with you all the time. It’s also why I just…was nervous to really make a move. I mean…I’m not ashamed of you but I also just…I didn’t want people to think that I became a dick just because I started to date you.” He explained.

“You know what, Adam? We’re done.” You said emphatically. “I don’t like you like that and quite frankly, I think I don’t even like you as a friend any more.” You said to him and he frowned.

“Y/N-”

“You clearly think of me the way everyone else does! That I’m just some bitch you have to tame and put up with! If you really knew me you wouldn’t even be concerned about what other people thought of us as friends or even if we were to be more than friends!” You snapped, you were trying your hardest not to raise your voice.

“I don’t think of you that way, but sometimes it’s just hard t-to justify the things you do!” He explained and you frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“Like…when you’re so picky about other people’s work! People spend hours on their articles! And sometimes you tear them to shreds and it upsets them! And I then hear about it and like…step in t-to let them vent and I try to get them to see your angle, you know? Like I remind them that you went to Mizzou, like Gary did, and that’s why you’re such a stickler and that you’re just more introverted and whatnot…but like, it’s still hurtful when you do that and people work their asses off on their columns and articles.”

“I’m a news editor here, Adam! It’s my job to dissect and fix and question everything that comes across my desk. We’re a great magazine because we make sure that everything we publish in our news column is factual. It’s not personal when I make corrections, it’s just my job to ensure that our integrity as a news and media outlet is not compromised. I know I’m not all bubbly and chipper all the time but I’ve never been rude to anyone about their work! And if you, my supposed friend, have been going around and reinforcing the idea that I’m some elitist grump and editing tyrant from the Mizzou Mafia it kinda makes sense why no one likes me! Do you see how that paints me as a person?” You questioned and he frowned upon hearing this and shook his head.

“Shit…I didn’t mean to do that, Y/N! I really was just trying t-to defend you and get people to understand where you were coming from, you know?”

“I get that…but it’s the same thing with Destiny, you’re speaking for me instead of letting me deal with my own things. I didn’t ask you to step in and defend my honor ever and quite frankly I don’t need that. I don’t need help with those things. If anyone ever has questions about the notes I have on something they can come and talk to me and understand why I gave that note. And I can assure you, the reason has never been “because I went to the top school for journalism in the country so you have to make the edits I suggested”. Like no…just no! And now that’s what everyone thinks, that I’m some condescending elitist!” you sighed in exasperation.

“I’m so sorry.” He apologized again, “And I’m sorry f-for making you look that way. I guess I’ve been…trying to get everyone to see that you’re pretty cool and I’ve been fucking it up. I’ve never been that smooth… or good with the ladies.” he said with a sad smile as he glanced down at his hands in his lap. You felt bad for him, you really wished you were into him, but you just weren’t.

“Hey, y-you’re a catch, Adam.” You said and he glanced up at you.

“You’re just sweet.”

“No, I’m serious! Maybe just not exactly for me, but someone else will be so lucky to be your partner. You’re smart and handsome and funny!” You encouraged.

“And meddlesome…” he added with a small smirk and you nodded.

“Yeah, but who hasn’t got things they need to work on?” You shrugged and he smiled.

“I understand if you ummm…need a little space. I should probably also apologize to Harry. I was a dick.” He said.

“He’ll be gracious about it.” You assured him and Adam nodded.

“Yeah of course he will, he’s…Harry.”

“Harry.” You both said at the same time and then chuckled. “Hey ummm, he left some chocolate covered strawberries on my desk this morning. Want one?”

“Milk or dark?”

“Dark.”

“Fuck yeah, break ‘em out.” He chuckled as he settled in. 

Of course, you’d continue to be cautious because Adam seemed to be a little more immature than you expected him to be. However, you were relieved that you had cleared the air with him because now that just left one guy to devote thoughts to in your brain.

>> NEXT PART >>

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[milksnake-tea]

The Stellaron Hunters were a group renowned and hated across the galaxies, both feared and respected by the factions. But under those skillful manipulations and operations, was an organization as put together as a monkey circus. You should know this best, as a member of this menagerie.

stellaron hunter!reader (no specific pairings)

contains: cursing, possibly ooc, written before version 1.2, just a bunch of silly shenanigans, unedited, can be read as romantic and platonic !!

word count: 3.7k

a/n: i had to rewrite this like... 4 times bc tumblr kept deleting it :// anyways night dancer got me through this piece so :D u can tell i have a blade preference but listen he's hot

Before we get on with the sillies, let's lay down some groundwork.

Every Stellaron Hunter has a specific role in mind. Blade is the feral dog that you throw at people, Kafka pisses people off (and shoots ig), and Silver Wolf gets past all defenses.

You're the expert on espionage and disguise. With the power of masks, voice changers, and makeup, you can become basically anyone if you put your mind to it. Even people with completely different builds than you, you could pull off - as long as the holographs don't start glitching out.

You're often paired with Silver Wolf in order to infiltrate various bases. Silver Wolf can transcend any physical barriers, while you sweet talk your way into the inner circles of any leaders. Sometimes, you implant ideas into people's heads in order to guide them towards a certain path, sometimes you just do it for the fun of it.

Your favorite victim so far has been the Express. Ever since the Trailblazer joined, you've entertained yourself by posing as them or other members of the Express (the only ones you can't figure out are Welt Yang and the conductor, Pom-Pom).

And it was surprising, how easily you could trick March 7th and Dan Heng. You had no idea where the original Trailblazer was (probably up some poor soul's dumpster), but frankly, you didn't care.

You somehow managed to trick the two for the better half of a day. It wasn't until you didn't jump at the sight of the first trashcan on the Xianzhou Luofu that the duo realized that something was off.

"Who- Who are you?!"

March stepped back, Dan Heng already drawing his spear. But you weren't going to give in so easily. No, you wanted to see just how far you could take this.

"Guys?" You feigned hurt and confusion as you faced the two. "What're you..."

"Don't play dumb," Dan Heng cut you off, thrusting his spear under your chin. "You're not them. The real Trailblazer would've started ransacking that trashcan by now."

What kind of freak-

"C'mon guys, I have taste," you sighed, crossing your arms. "The trashcans here don't compare to the ones at Belobog. They're not as shiny."

"Trailblazer said that appearance doesn't matter when it comes to trash!" March shot back, her bow appearing in her hands. "Enough games, who are you really?"

You paused for a moment, contemplating your options. You could try to bullshit your way out of this, but you sincerely doubted you would be able to. What kind of freak personality did Silver Wolf program into the vessel, anyways?

You sighed, making the two tense up. Your face, still that of the Trailblazer's, twisted into a condescending sneer, before you doubled over in laughter.

"Ah... Damnit, and here I thought I was doing well!" You stretched your arms, March backing away from you. "Well, that just goes to show, I still have much to improve."

With a snap of your fingers, your disguise melted away, revealing your true appearnce.

"You're-!" March gasped. "You're one of the Stellaron Hunters!"

"Am I really that famous?" you pondered, leaning back on the railing. "And here I thought Kafka or Silver Wolf were more popular."

"What're you trying to pull," Dan Heng growled, "pretending to be the Trailblazer? What did you do to them?"

"Oh, nothing," you replied simply, popping your bone. "I just sent them a coupon for that restaurant down the street. So don't worry yourselves, I'm just here to have a little bit of fun."

Before the two could comprehend the stupidity of their companion, you jumped onto the railing, balancing on your toes.

"Well, it's been fun, Nameless." You waved cheerfully, taking a step back into the open air. "Let's meet again sometime soon, yeah?"

"Wait!" They rushed to the railing, adamant on catching you - but you had already vanished.

The world might see you as a complete weirdo, but honestly, you aren't even the worst of the Stellaron Hunters. In your humble opinion, you're the lesser evil compared to your comrades.

If you're going to survive in this job, you have to get used to Kafka bullying you. Don't worry, she does it to everyone, it's not just you. But signing up to become a Stellaron Hunter also means you sign up to a life of relentless teasing.

You roll your eyes at the feeling of a familiar gun barrel against your head. Kafka holds it against your temple firmly, but you know her finger isn’t anywhere near the trigger. It’s not like you’re Blade, who somehow survived getting thrown off a four-story building.

“Now who do we have here?” Kafka muses lazily. “A potential spy from the IPC? Or perhaps, one of the Xianzhou Cloud Knights?”

“Don’t fuck with me, Kafka,” you turn around, unimpressed. With one move, you pulled off your mask, glaring at her pointedly as you grab a bottle of water. “I know that thing isn’t loaded.”

“Oh, it’s you, [Name],” Your senior gasps mockingly, removing the gun. “When did you come in? I could’ve sworn an intruder-”

You throw the bottle at her. She dodges because of course she does.

And Kafka isn't even the least of your worries. At least she has a sense of financial responsibility.

There's no doubt that Silver Wolf is integral to the workings of the Stellaron Hunters, especially with her hacking abilities. She's certainly skilled with her work, and she has saved your ass many times before.

But sometimes, you have to play babysitter to her, because homegirl may or may not have a gambling addiction, especially when it comes to whatever those gacha games of hers. Whenever she visits the city's nearby arcade or casino, either you or Kafka have to be around so that she doesn't end up gambling all of your funds away. You would get Blade to do it, except he couldn't care less about your financial problems.

“Let me go! I’ve almost got it, I know I do!”

Silver Wolf kicked at your shoulders wildly as you hoisted her up. You paid her no mind as you left the arcade, Blade walking in tow. You kept a firm grip on his sleeve, making sure he didn’t run off and start any trouble. You saw the look he gave the claw machine. If you hadn’t dragged Silver Wolf away, he would’ve likely broken the thing out of impatience.

“I was so close!” The girl on your shoulder whined, like a kid who didn’t get their favorite toy.

“You already spent 500k on it,” you replied bluntly. “It’s a scam, don’t you know?”

“So what?” Silver Wolf retorted. “I would’ve won!”

“Yeah,” you shifted her up, your shoulder getting sore. You weren’t really built for hard labor. “After you spent another hundred thousand credits, sure.”

“I wasn’t!” She’d stopped fighting you, now hanging limply so that her entire weight pressed down on you. “I could’ve hacked it-”

“Really? You’d put that much effort into a claw machine?” Before Silver Wolf could argue, your phone dinged, as did Blade’s and Silver Wolf’s - successfully interrupting your bickering. You glanced at Blade as he checked his phone for the three of you.

“It’s Kafka,” he reported, typing out a quick response. “She says it’s time to go back.”

“Tell her we’ll be there in 10 minutes, if Silver stops her tantrum,” you said, looking pointedly at Silver Wolf. The hacker kicked you in response. 

“I am not throwing a tantrum,” she huffed. You rolled your eyes.

“Sure, whatever you say.”

Speaking of which, Blade is like your guard dog. A very intimidating guard dog. With a sword. And attitude issues.

Come to think of it, he's more like a cat if anything.

When he's not being launched at the faces of various enemies, Blade often finds himself acting as your shadow. He just follows you around, doesn't say anything, and the second he smells a whiff of a threat, the sword comes out and you have to talk him down before someone calls the cops.

It seems that you’re the only one unaffected by the suffocating tension clogging up the clothing store. There’s an obvious circle of space surrounding you and Blade as you browse through various suits, intent on finding one that would fit the man standing behind you. Elio’s next script required that Blade and Kafka go to a dinner party, and knowing Blade, the man didn’t have any clothes other than the ones you and the other Hunters got for him.

It wasn’t that Blade didn’t have an eye for fashion, rather, he simply didn’t care much for it. Shopping wasn’t exactly his cup of tea either. His hands itched for action, but he did have to admit that this was better than sulking around in his room all day.

You pulled out another suit that had caught your eye, a simple black one with a bronze lapel. It would fit the vest you’d already picked out for him. Holding it out in front of Blade, you squint as you try to picture what it’d look like on him.

Decent enough. You hummed in satisfaction, turning the suit around to show it to him. “What do you think?”

Blade shrugs, only giving the suit a brief glance. “It’s fine.”

You sigh, giving him a look. “Do you like it?”

“It isn’t the worst thing you’ve put me in,” he says nonchalantly. You huff, lightly hitting his chest. For a second, a glimmer of a smile flickers onto his face at your action.

“Watch your attitude,” you reprimand playfully. “Otherwise I’m giving you the shittiest suit I can find in here.”

“You wouldn’t,” Blade says easily as the two of you walk toward the cash registers. “Your heart couldn’t bear to do that to a face like mine.”

“Cheeky brat.”

You remember the day Blade was first brought to the base, picked up by Kafka and Elio like a stray cat. He had a strange resemblance to that of a drowned rat, being absolutely sopping wet.

Your seniors just kinda dropped him off into your room with the only instructions being "Make him look presentable", which didn't give you a lot to work with. You weren't sure how you were going to fix him, but after a lot of bathing, hair drying, and brushing, you soon discovered that the drowned rat had a pretty face.

So basically, you're the only reason why he looks remotely presentable.

And quite frankly, Blade does not make it easier on you. He doesn't care about how he looks, only how his enemies look - and that's dead and unmoving. Sir somehow manages to fuck up his fit every time he goes on mission, coming back with his very expensive clothes, mind you, covered in blood, and his hair messed up.

The audacity of him, to just walk into your room unannounced, clothes completely torn and hair a mess, and plop himself down on your perfectly clean chair and wait for you to fix him up. Granted, you'll do it (you wouldn't allow any of your comrades to leave without a decent haircut), but that doesn't mean you won't rattle his ear off with a scolding.

“Just what did you do to it this time?”

You grumbled as you cut away at Blade’s hair, the man in question sitting in your salon chair and scrolling through his phone. He had just come back from a mission, and this time he somehow managed to cut off the bottom half of his long locks, resulting in a horrendously uneven cut.

“You’re literally so photogenic and then you go and do this?” you huffed, blowing his hair into his face with a blowdryer.

“You can fix it, can’t you?” Blade didn’t even look up from his screen as he texted Silver Wolf, likely using this as an excuse to escape her pleas to game with her.

You scowl, venting your anger as you brushed his hair, cutting a few extra strands. “Just because I can, doesn’t mean I always have the time to do so! Now sit still.”

Oh, and another thing? There's no such thing as privacy when you're with the Stellaron Hunters.

You first learned this when you came back from a particularly grueling mission, early on in your career with the Hunters. You were covered in blood that wasn't (or was it?) yours, drenched from the rain and safe to say, not in the greatest of moods. All you wanted was to take a shower, and preferably, take an undisturbed nap on your warm bed.

Unfortunately, Kafka had other plans.

You opened the door to find her lounging on YOUR bed, IN THE DARK, ruffling through your makeup collection like it was normal. She didn't even seem bothered when you flicked on the light, didn't even acknowledge you until you threw a knife at her.

And what did she say when you made it abundantly clear that she shouldn't be in here? Nothing. She just scrunched up her nose and told you to take a shower.

And that is how you learned that having your own room is utterly useless because every single Hunter could pick a lock. You could try to use an electric one. Silver Wolf sure did. And to her credit, it worked, until a certain dog named Blade came around and just kicked the door down.

Out of all the Stellaron Hunters to creep around in your room, Sam was by far the worse. You could handle Kafka going through your makeup, or Blade judging your taste in books. You can deal with Elio having his fucking shoes on your bed because he's your boss and honestly what are you going to do against an actual seer? Exactly. Nothing. At least his shoes are usually clean.

But Sam? He doesn't visit so that he can go through your things, or just hang around. No. He comes around with the pure intention of scaring the shit out of you.

He just waits?? Outside your door?? In the dark?? Until you open it and he jumps you. It usually ends with someone getting punched, but honestly, it's nothing either of you couldn't handle.

Silver Wolf likes to pretend that she isn't as bad as the other because in her words, she "gives you a warning". Said warning is "You better be decent" before she barges in and starts rambling about the new game she bought.

One time you were not decent and someone had to pay the price. That someone was not you.

There is one good thing that comes out of all this invasion of privacy. Because whatever the others do to you, you get to do right back to them. 

“What does this button do?”

“Don’t touch that.” Kafka playfully whined as Silver Wolf snatched away the console in her hands. The hacker was less than pleased, having returned to her room only to discover that she’d been chosen as the Hunters’ victim for today.

You lean against Kafka’s shoulder, pouting alongside her at your latest toy being confiscated. “C’mon Silver, let us have some fun at least.”

“After you two invaded my room? Not a chance,” she replied, tossing the console to somewhere you and Kafka couldn’t reach. Kafka merely hummed at the loss, leaning back onto Silver Wolf’s messy bed.

“You know, you should really clean up around here,” she commented. “They nearly killed themselves tripping over a stack of DVDs.”

“Agreed, although I wouldn’t mention that last part,” you said, picking up another one of Silver Wolf’s consoles. This one had a fighting game on it. Silver Wolf rolled her eyes as you quickly busied yourself with fighting the boss she had left off on.

“If you don’t want to get hurt, then don’t come in,” she said, plopping down on the bed next to you. Kafka smiled.

“Sure, but where’s the fun in that?” she asked, watching you tap away at the screen. “It was just a suggestion, no need to get all worked up.”

“I’m not, but okay.” Silver Wolf hissed as your character took damage. “If you get my character killed-”

“I won’t,” you retorted, swiftly defeating the boss. You tossed Silver Wolf the console. “See?”

“You’re half dead,” Silver Wolf deadpanned.

“Doesn't matter. I still won.”

Your group chat is an absolute mess, with no one understanding Silver Wolf's slang or dialect. Blade's outdated brain short-circuited the first time he touched a phone, while Kafka just silently accepted her fate. You often have to translate because Silver Wolf sure wasn't going to.

Gambling Addict: Ykw blade

Gambling Addict: This is why u pull no bitches

Gambling Addict: Bc if [name] didnt yassify u 

Gambling Addict: U would have zero rizz

Gambling Addict: Negative rizz actually

You: I see no lie here

Gambling Addict: So stfu about my social life at least i can pull bitches

DONT PICK UP: [Name], translate

Gambling Addict: [Name] i have ur closet at gunpoint 

You: She means Blade can't attract maidens bc he has as much charisma as a blobfish

You: Also stfu silver I know you can't shoot for shit

Gambling Addict: [NAME]

Gambling Addict: Actually no, ur right

DONT PICK UP: Oh, I see

You: I'm always right 💅✨

DONT PICK UP: That does sound like Bladie

Gambling Addict: Listen

Gambling Addict: All i know is that blades been real quiet since i said that

Blade: Silver Wolf.

Gambling Addict: And so he speaks!

Blade: Count your days.

You like to fuck with the others by pretending to be them. Blade nearly murdered you because one time you got bored, and decided that slandering his nonexistent image would be ample entertainment.

In minutes, you turned yourself into Blade's lookalike, and spent the afternoon prancing around in a maid dress because what else were you going to use it for? Unfortunately, that also put you as a target for Blade's wrath. Fortunately, you have a lot of experience escaping people you pissed off.

Silver Wolf still has the pictures. Kafka laughed her ass off until you did the exact same thing to her. And that's when she started shooting.

"I can't believe you did this," you sniffed dramatically, fake tears falling from your face. In your hands was what used to be your pride and joy, the beautiful maid dress that you'd spent millions on (lie).

What used to be a gorgeous garment with frills and lace, was now in tatters from Kafka's bullets and Blade's sword. The two aforementioned culprits weren't the slightest bit guilty as they watched you lament over your clothes.

"You should've thought of that before you started walking around like that," Kafka blew at her smoking gun. Blade nodded firmly in agreement, holding his sword close to his chest.

"It was cute!" you huffed, shaking your head. You weren't actually mad at them. You could always buy another dress to mess with them. Besides, you already got what you wanted.

Your gaze met with Silver Wolf's, who grinned back, holding her phone in between her fingers.

None of the Stellaron Hunters know basic first aid, and that includes you. Most of you just slap on a few bandages, some weird smelling ointment, and call it a day. Silver Wolf doesn't even do that, she just downs three bowls of rice and walks off the broken arm like a Sunday hangover.

But one day, just as your luck would have it, you came back to base with an injury that you couldn't just bandage away. No one knew what to do, and you were bleeding out fast. So what did this hardened group of criminals do?

They googled it. They fucking googled it.

Silver Wolf deadass just searched up how to fix you while you were bleeding out next to her. Kafka, to her credit, did hold your hand to try and comfort you (albeit mockingly), and Blade just stood back and watched. If Elio foresaw a way to help you, well, he didn't say anything.

But it all turned out all right in the end. Eventually, Silver Wolf gave up and simply shoved a bowl of her fried rice in front of you. You still don't know how or why, but it somehow worked. It shouldn't have, but it did.

The scene in front of you reminded you of a bunch of school children watching a chemistry experiment for the first time. The Stellaron Hunters crowded around you, eyes trained onto your closing wound with unnerving fascination. Even Blade, who rarely had any emotion at all, was watching you with the faintest glimmer of awe.

"What the hell did you put in that thing?" you turned in disbelief to Silver Wolf, the only unphased person in the room. The hacker was already somewhere else, her thumbs tapping rapidly as she played another one of her rhythm games.

"Trash."

"WHAT." You almost throttled her before she quickly teleported a safe distance away, clutching her phone to her chest.

"Kidding, kidding, no need to get all worked up!" She sighed, clearing a level without looking.

"Just some solid water and protein rice, that's all."

"You mean ice?" You swatted at Kafka, who was poking at where your wound used to be.

"No."

Safe to say, the Stellaron Hunters are an... interesting bunch, to put it lightly. They're all assholes, including you, and seem to thrive over inconveniencing each other. The only time you all can somewhat work together is when you're acting out one of Elio's scripts.

But you'd be lying if you said you hated working at this job. You live for the thrill of things, and being a Hunter was the most fun you've had in a long, long time, even if your coworkers occasionally annoyed you to death.

None of you would ever say it aloud, but you wouldn't trade each other for anything in the world.