#iron man 2 headers

[pa1nrema1ns]

In a Sea of Fire || Sung Jin-woo (Part 3 of 3)

  Siren!Jin-woo x Deaf!omega!reader

A/N: Hello everyone! I'm so excited to finally bring you the conclusion to the siren AU trilogy. This is my first full-fledged fic, and it was a true labor of love. To mark this milestone, I commissioned this absolutely drop-dead gorgeous artwork of Jin-woo's siren form from the amazing @ekkurea. She is super kind and an incredible artist. I highly recommend checking out all her beautiful art and commissioning her.

I have been overwhelmed by the positive reception to this series and I am so grateful for all of you. I also want to personally thank my good friend and dedicated beta-reader @forbidden-sunlight for supporting me in the creation of this story. I could not have done it without her 🖤 As always, please pay heed to the content warnings listed below.

╰┈➤ Previous Chapters

🐚Prologue by @forbidden-sunlight 🐬Part 1: Master and Apprentice 🧜🏻‍♀️Part 2: Two Intertwining Melodies

Content warnings: 18+MDNI, mutual pining, afab!reader, implied smut, a/b/o dynamics, heat cycles, mating bites, courting rituals, objectification of reader, obsessive thoughts, angst, possessiveness, violence, mythical creatures au, yandere!Jin-woo, mentions of corruption, derogatory & misogynistic language used by a side-character towards the reader, ooc!Jin-woo, mildly ambiguous ending.

Word count: 12k

Summary - Autumn approaches Jindo Island and with it flourishes new love. But lingering doubts and conflicting desires threaten to cast shadows over your romance with Jin-woo. Just what terrible secret was he hiding from you?

Header artwork created by @ekkurea exclusively for this series. Please do not repost, edit, or use for your own fics, headcanons, or drabbles.

Dividers by @firefly-graphics and @anitalenia

At the heart of the shopping district on Jindo Island…

For the first time in his life Sung Jin-woo found himself at a loss as to what to do.

The siren nervously runs a hand through his hair as he studies his appearance in the full-length mirror. His reflection looks back at him clothed in a partially unbuttoned dress shirt with its sleeves rolled up at the forearms and a pair of tapered trousers. It was a polished look that drew attention to his athletic frame and emphasized his stormy grey eyes.

Jin-woo chuckles when he notices Iron giving him a small thumbs up from the reservoir in his shadow. His soldiers were doing an excellent job of boosting his morale but the same could not be said for him. Jin-woo couldn’t help but remain somewhat self-critical.

The siren tended to gravitate towards darker clothing while disguised as a human. This was partly due to their resemblance to his actual color scheme. Of course, this meant the only options that interested Jin-woo were those in differing shades of black. While this allowed him to retain some semblance of his true self, he worried that black may be too drab of a color for your liking. He was also starting to feel very out of his element in this stuffy little fitting room.

To make matters more complicated the sales associate at this posh boutique was quite the chatterbox, an incompatible match for the introverted siren. The older man had been particularly insistent on helping Jin-woo find an outfit that would ‘knock his little lady’s socks off’ after he mentioned needing clothes for a date. His very first date to be precise.

With you.

Jin-woo was determined to make this a memorable experience for the both of you, and the first step involved picking out the appropriate attire.

Unfortunately shopping proved to be a far more tedious task than he thought. At least dungeon raids had the benefit of being relatively straightforward.

As he idles in front of the mirror a contemptuous voice lingers in his head jeering at him.   

“How much longer do you intend on playing human, Sung Jin-woo? This reckless relationship has consisted of nothing but lies and deceit on your part. Have you ever considered how your beloved omega might feel after discovering you’ve been misleading her? It’s only a matter of time before your house of cards comes tumbling down.”

It was like listening to a crude mockery of himself, tone, inflection, and delivery of speech the exact same as his.  

“In the end this farce will result in nothing more than heartache and tragedy and you’ll have no one to blame but yourself.”

The malicious words hang heavy in the air like an omen. An unwanted reminder that beneath that thick veneer of invulnerability Jin-woo was indeed malleable.

“Just because Ashborn was accepted by his human lover doesn’t mean Y/N will do the same for you. That woman has no obligation to love a monster who preys upon her own kind.”

He grits his teeth at the intrusive thoughts bidding them to disappear. To grant him a moment’s respite from the terrifying possibilities of all that could go wrong.

It’s to no avail.

“Would she look at you the same way if she knew you weren’t human? If she knew a siren wanted to fuck her like some insatiable animal? You still have the taste of her in your mouth, don’t you? So soft, sweet, and willing for her alpha. Yet you refused to claim her right when she was in the palm of your hand. You pathetic coward.”  

A preternatural violet hue alights Jin-woo’s body, and his muscles draw taut. A sign that he is well and truly pissed. The entire room threatens to crumble under the suffocating pressure.

“Tell me, just how many times have you woken up in the middle of the night? Hard, desperate, and starving for her touch. You must’ve lost count by now.”

A low growl emits from his throat. “Shut up! Shut the hell up!”  He silently screams at the voice as it exposes his repressed sexual urges.

“What if she lashes out at you in anger? Do you really expect her to stay civil and calm after she finds out you’ve been lying to her this entire time?”

It was for her own good! I had to lie to protect her! Jin-woo finds himself mentally pleading with his internal monologue. Begging for it to understand the reasoning behind his deceptive actions.

This only incites it to twist the knife further.

“Why not just take her then? After all that’s what you’ve always done with every obstacle in your path, every thorn in your side. You destroy and take from it until there’s nothing left. And that woman will be no different, but this time it will be a triumph greater than any other once she’s yours to possess.”

Jin-woo couldn’t form a rebuttal at this point. He was livid and positively shaking with rage.

For months he had been struggling with conflicting feelings for you. Every single aspect and idiosyncrasy about you resonated with his being. From your feistiness and fierce independence to your infectious smile and compassionate nature, Jin-woo was wholly and unconditionally in love with you.

He knew from the moment you took him into your arms on that desolate beach that you were a genuinely kind person with a good heart. Someone he’d want by his side for an eternity.

Perhaps one day you could even find it in yourself to love him the same way he loves you.

But another side of him, a primal side of him, sought nothing more than to devour you.

To corrupt you.

To desecrate you.

To free you from those worthless shackles of human morality…

And shape you into a wanton goddess capable of handling his brand of darkness.

Not even sleep would grace him with the mercy of a reprieve; Jin-woo was often plagued by vivid dreams of you. Explicit images and sensations of fleshly pleasures that elicited the worst of his bestial nature. On more than one occasion he’d awaken to his knot swelling with need and a deep-seated longing for your warmth.

He knows he should be ashamed for fantasizing about such depravity, for perverting the friendship that had gradually cultivated between the two of you.

But he can’t bring himself to care.

Jin-woo would give just about anything if he could have you in the same way as his dreams.

And he can envision you perfectly.

Your shapely thighs wrapped around his narrow waist, urging him deeper inside you. A dazed expression on your pretty face as he thrusts into you with sheer, masculine drive. Honeyed moans spilling from your lips as he trails hot, open-mouthed kisses across your jaw, down your neck, and over your collarbones. Your supple breasts heaving with exertion when you finally topple over the edge with him. And your sated form pressed against the firm ridges of his body as he soothes you in the wake of your earth-shattering climax.

Jin-woo hisses and bites back a groan as he feels himself growing hard against the inseam of his trousers. Shit. He’s never wanted someone so badly in his entire life.

It was terrifying how easily you had him wrapped around your finger. You tempted him, left him on the brink of insanity, and you weren’t even aware of it.

How? Just how did it come to this? Meeting his comeuppance at the hands of a beautiful woman.

The siren was supposed to be a hardened warrior. An indomitable force born from the outcome of hundreds of harrowing battles. Time and time again Jin-woo overcame insurmountable odds and arose from the ashes. Ever stronger, ever colder. With Ashborn’s guidance he had rebuilt himself from the ground up and molded himself into a successor worthy of the title Shadow Monarch.

Jin-woo was not some naïve boy who believed he could woo you with flowery language and saccharine declarations of love. Nor was he some unruly beast whose restless soul could only be placated by carnal satisfaction. He was better than that, more disciplined and pragmatic…

At least he believed himself to be –

“Hey, kid! Are you alright in there? You’ve been awfully quiet for a while now.”

The sound of the sales associate’s voice instantly breaks his train of thought.

“I’m fine, I was just mulling over all my options,” he responds evenly hoping to not draw attention to himself.

“No worries kid. Just let me know if you need anything.”

Once the man’s footsteps fade Jin-woo slumps into one of the chairs in the cramped room. He then lowers his face into his hands, too disgusted to look at himself any longer.

The minutes tick by but Jin-woo doesn’t budge from his spot.

“My liege! Please, I beg of you, stop tormenting yourself!” Beru, the newest of his shadow soldiers and the only one capable of speech attempts to talk some sense into his king.

“…” the siren doesn’t provide him with a response.

Beru continues, “My liege, I cannot bear to see you so despondent. My lady is not so cruel or callous that she would cast you aside merely for being a siren.”

“I am a monster Beru. Nothing will convince her otherwise once she knows the truth.” Jinwoo replies flatly.

“My liege please forgive my impertinence, but do you truly believe she thinks so little of you? I’ve seen the way she looks at you and there is nothing but adoration in her eyes. My lady will not forsake you regardless of who or what you are.”

Jin-woo gasps at the sincerity of Beru’s words. The shadow had been more perceptive than he initially thought. He feels the beginnings of a smile form on his lips.

“You’ve been acting surprisingly obstinate today Beru. What’s gotten into you?”

The ant almost immediately bursts into a fit of tears causing Jin-woo to regret his choice of words. The weeping shadow then prostrates himself before his king.

“My liege I am so sorry! I only meant to –”

“Thank you Beru. I really needed your pep talk. My mind feels much clearer now.” Jin-woo interrupts before the ant can misinterpret him. Beru sheepishly raises his head, feelings of shame now overtaken by pride.

“I won’t falter again. You have my word, all of you do.” He addresses his entire army this time.

 A collective sigh of relief spreads throughout his soldiers. Because their souls were inextricably tied to their king’s every emotion Jin-woo experienced was shared firsthand with his shadows. They felt his happiness, his sadness, his anger.

And his desire for you.

It must’ve pained them greatly to see him in such a distressed state prompting Beru to act. His loyal soldiers needed a strong and centered king to guide them.

He would not submit so easily to despair again.

Jin-woo glances at his wristwatch; it was a quarter past one o’clock. He had three more hours to spare until your agreed meeting time at four. The siren really needed to get a move on if he had any hope of being prepared for the date. And to think that he had balked at human decorum before you stepped into his life…

He changes back into his street clothes and folds his chosen outfit into a neat pile. Before stepping out Jin-woo reaches into his inventory to examine his final courtship gift to you, a lustrous necklace composed of teardrop shaped mana crystals and pearls he harvested from his latest dungeon raid.

He spent hours meticulously crafting the jewelry by hand, working feverishly to ensure it was flawless. A one-of-a-kind item that no one else could hope to replicate or exceed. Still as he thumbed the necklace in his hand, he couldn’t help but replay those twisted words spoken by the disembodied voice.

Why not just take her then?

He tightens his grip on the necklace before hurriedly stowing it away in his hidden inventory. Next to it the Holy Water of Life lay untouched, burning a hole in his pocket.

The ball may have been in his court, but you would have the final say.

He'd make sure of it.

A sense of anticipation pervades the air as glowing neon lights come into view. You stop just shy of the entrance to a large commercial building, the chosen location for your date with Jin-woo.

A quick glance at your phone tells you that it’s a quarter till four. You still had another fifteen minutes to go. Ever the punctual one you always sought to arrive well ahead of schedule. This applied to your personal life as well.

From the corner of your eye, you think you see a deliberate movement in your shadow, one that does not match your own. You blink. Once, then twice. When you stare at the sidewalk again your shadow is as it should be, nothing but an intangible effigy bound to the push and pull of your own will. Weird, you think, had it been a trick of light? Your eyes then wander back to the front of the establishment.

Despite being the middle of the day, the bookstore’s sign remained lit by garish hues of yellow. You recall how many of the locals disapproved of the business when it first opened. To those who spent much of their lives in this quaint region of the Korean archipelago it was yet another ploy of gentrification from the mainland. To you, this bookstore served as a haven during your formative years. You spent countless hours getting lost in the worlds of your favorite authors here.

From the provocative narratives of Anne Rice to the gritty prose of Stephen King, your love for reading was fostered here. It only made sense to share this special part of yourself with Jin-woo, the beguiling alpha who was starting to consume your every waking thought.

As time draws nearer to your date you ponder over your last few months on the island.

The filming of ‘Murder on the Cerulean Sea’ wrapped up earlier this week and your colleagues were clamoring for a congratulatory celebration, something you wanted no part of. From personal experience you knew a constantly flowing stream of alcohol did not pair well with a room full of self-serving narcissists. You also hadn’t forgotten how rude the other make-up artists and stagehands had been to you on set. The fact that your date fell on the same day as the party was just the cherry on top.

Which brings you back to your dilemma, figuring out where you stand in your relationship with Jin-woo.

Throughout the entire twelve weeks of filming, you were both meeting in secrecy. Devoting this time to strengthening your bond tête-à-tête.

You learned much about Jin-woo and he about you, but you could tell he was harboring some kind of secret. Every time the topic of his personal background came up, he would steer the conversation in a different direction. In addition to this there was an ever-piling list of excuses for why he couldn’t divulge more about himself. This had you second guessing everything he was willing to share.

You really liked Jin-woo and you had no doubt he returned your feelings but you were also becoming highly suspicious of him. If you could wear your heart on your sleeve around him then why couldn’t he do the same for you?

Guilt was eating away at your conscience for even entertaining these thoughts. It’s through this haze of turmoil that your mind wanders to the more lighthearted moments between the two of you.

You think of the all the times he joined you on your early morning treks along the beach. Both as a companion and a protector. You had teased Jin-woo about it initially asking if he intended to use his ‘scary dog privilege’ to ward off other alphas. He scoffed at this suggestion clearly nonplussed by the comparison.

Yet despite your cheeky attitude you had readily taken up his offer. Your friends’ schedules often conflicted with yours, which meant they were usually working on the days you had off. What began as a nice change of pace from walking alone transformed into a cherished part of your routine. His warm, calloused fingers interlaced with yours as dusk bled into dawn.

There was also Jin-woo’s determination to communicate with you. Unsatisfied with written words alone, he had taken it upon himself to learn sign language. Jin-woo showed up one day with a step-by-step instruction manual containing illustrations. A cute shade of vermillion dusted his cheeks when he showed the book to you. You grinned from ear-to-ear and readily agreed to teach him.

He ended up being more adept at sign language than Cha and Jinho. By the end of your first session, Jin-woo was able to grasp several simple terms and phrases, a feat that greatly impressed you. Now he was bordering on being fluent. It was astonishing just how quickly he progressed.

And then there were his many gifts to you.

First a glory-of-the-seas cone in sumptuous tones of burnt ochre and golden brown. Then a bluefin tuna, a much sought-after and rare delicacy, captured fresh from the brine. And most recently, a natural South Sea pearl that appeared almost otherworldly in its splendor. Each offering a unique and thoughtful portrayal of his devotion.

The ritualism and intimacy of these gestures was not lost on you, and it left your heart racing. No one, save for director Jinchul, was ever this attentive towards you. And the latter had only done so on a professional basis. But Jin-woo treated you with a tender affection usually reserved for lovers. A title that was not either of yours to take. Not yet at least.

But both of you were well on the way to getting there.

Everything came to a turning point three days ago when your enigmatic friend finally worked up the courage to ask you out. You remember the bashful look on his face and the endearing image of his rosy cheeks. No sooner had Jin-woo finished signing his question than you found yourself excitedly leaping into his arms. At last, at long last you were both taking the next step in your relationship. So overcome with joy you completely overlooked all your unanswered questions and concerns about him. Nothing else had mattered at that moment.

Jin-woo effortlessly caught you and brought you into a twirling hug. You felt laughter bubble up from within you. It was as if a massive weight had been taken off your shoulders.

Just a few months ago you had been virtual strangers completely inconsequential to one other. Now you embraced as two intertwining melodies coalescing into one song.

When Jin-woo placed you back on your feet he had one more favor to ask. You watched intently as he brought both hands towards his face and formed them into half circles. He then placed the tips of his fingers together before puckering his lips. It was the sign for kissing. He wanted to kiss you.

You froze stunned by the unexpected request.

Apprehension painted Jin-woo’s handsome face. He was waiting, imploring you for an answer. Without missing a beat, you brought yourself closer to him. You didn’t stop until you were in such proximity your breath intermingled with his. You lifted your head and locked eyes with Jin-woo before lowering your gaze to admire his parted lips. After a flicker of hesitation, Jin-woo closed the gap between you and captured your lips with his.

Your eyes fluttered shut.

Gentle. It had been such a gentle kiss at the beginning; petal soft and languid. However, there was a palpable shift in mood the instant Jin-woo ceased his rhythmical movements to slip his tongue inside your mouth. He slid it across your teeth, coaxing you to open more of yourself to him. And you willingly surrendered, moaning into his mouth and allowing him to stroke his tongue against yours.

Jin-woo’s kiss soon devolved into a scorching clash of teeth and tongue that left you breathless. The last of his restraints snapped and he was not holding back. He fisted a hand in your hair and tilted your face at a better angle so he could deepen the kiss. He then circled your waist with his other arm pulling your pliant figure flush against him. This prompted you to grasp onto the front of Jin-woo’s shirt for purchase, pressing your breasts into his chest. You were so close to Jin-woo that you could feel the vitality of his rapidly beating heart. He nipped at your lips before parting from them to mouth at your jaw, the curve of your neck, and the cleavage exposed by your tank top.

You shivered though from fear or want you did not know. This was an animalistic side of him you had never seen or experienced before. It was electrifying.

Your breath caught in your throat when you felt one of Jin-woo’s incisors graze over the junction of your neck and shoulder, threatening to break skin.

And then, just as quickly as this act of madness had started, it came to an abrupt and sudden end. Jin-woo’s eyes regained their focus and his ministrations stopped at once. He slowly raised his head from the crook of your neck and turned to look at you. A heart wrenching expression of guilt distorted his face.

He had lost control of himself and succumbed to his baser instincts.

And if he had bitten down on you back there, he would’ve marked you as his mate for life. Because that area on your neck contained some of your scent glands.

An alpha will bite an omega’s scent glands while mating with them to stake their claim. This also mixes the alpha’s and omega’s scents together securing their bond. It was an irreversible process and Jin-woo came within an inch of forcing it upon you.

He released you from his grip and took several steps back, placing him some distance from you. Wisps of ebony hair obscured his eyes, making his face difficult to read.

You ran towards Jin-woo attempting to grab his hand, yet he pulled his arm away from your touch. But your resolve was strong, and you refused to give up. After a few more tries, Jin-woo finally acquiesced and let you come near him.

As soon as the two of you were face to face, you leant forward and cradled his face in your hands, forcing him to look you in the eye. The guilt was gone but now it had been replaced by fear. Fear of what he had almost done to you.

You were having none of it. Nothing about Sung Jin-woo scared you, not in the past and most certainly not now.

You dropped your hands, letting them fall to the side before raising them again. Then you began signing to Jin-woo, doing everything in your power to reassure him. You let him know that you were alright, you weren’t afraid of him in the slightest, and that both of you would be okay. What happened earlier was purely instinctual and would not draw a wedge between you. And most importantly you told him that you had absolutely no regrets about the kiss.

‘I wanted to kiss you,’ you signed, ‘I’ve been thinking about you as more than just a friend for a while now.’

‘So please, Jin-woo,’ you pleaded with him as your hands shook ‘let’s give this a shot. I want to be with you.’

He exhaled sharply before taking your smaller hands into his own. You really were his greatest weakness. He couldn’t resist you even if he tried.

You eventually managed to convince him to move forward with the date. The time and location were arranged shortly thereafter, although on slightly awkward terms given the circumstance.

Later that night while you were tucked away in the privacy of your bedroom, there was an unrelenting heat building between your thighs. The type of heat that set your nerves on fire and left you aching for release.

You hadn’t taken your heat suppressants in a while, and your body was paying a heavy price for it. You should’ve known better than to let yourself fall by the wayside, but you no longer cared about taking your medication anymore. It was like you were daring your heat to come, to wash over you and rid you of your inhibitions.

When the flames of your desire became unbearable, you slipped a hand underneath the waistband of your pajamas hoping it would slake your lust. However, as you stroked yourself to completion you couldn’t help but imagine it was Jin-woo’s deft fingers that were caressing your slick folds instead.

In the corner of your room an unknown presence watched you with rapt interest. It greedily drank in your sinful actions, the dips and curves of your body, the steady rise and fall of your chest. And as you reached your peak tendrils of shadow danced across your skin like silk.

After you fell asleep a lone hand emerged from the darkness and gently ran its knuckles over your cheek…

“ – !?”

You’re startled from daydreaming when the familiar scent of lavender and sandalwood perfumes the air. It was the tell-tale sign that Jin-woo had just arrived. You check your phone again and are shocked to see it’s already a minute past four. You totally lost track of time while standing outside the bookstore! Embarrassed, you turn and are greeted by the sight of your alpha.

He looked incredible, like a god amongst men. You loved the color black on Jin-woo, it brought out his sharp features and contrasted wonderfully with his fair complexion. The outfit he was wearing for your date exemplified this. His dark trousers and dress shirt were perfectly molded to his body creating a sleek and streamlined appearance. You slowly dragged your eyes across the hard planes of muscle bulging underneath the tight fabric. When you reach Jin-woo’s face there’s an amused glint in his eyes. Oh crap! He noticed you were ogling him. Heat blossoms across your cheeks and you self-consciously tug at the hemline of your cable knit sweater.  

Unbeknownst to you Jin-woo had also been eyeing you up albeit in a far more discrete manner. The leggings you wore clung lovingly to curves like a second skin and your high heeled ankle boots completed the look giving it a touch of elegance. You were strikingly lovely, like a flower coming into bloom.

After several seconds of silence, Jin-woo break is the one who breaks the ice.

 ‘You look great, Y/N,’ he signs to you, ‘I’m so happy to see you again. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.’

Jin-woo must’ve had known you’d been embarrassed about being caught red-handed, so he didn’t bring it up. Instead, he complimented you. God, how could he be so smug yet so charming at the same time?

Precious boy, you muse.

You greet the raven-haired man back with a smile before pulling him into a hug. Jin-woo returns the embrace and presses a chaste kiss to your forehead. All the tension and uncertainty from the past few days had dissipated allowing you to relax and enjoy each other’s company. It signaled a return to normalcy, to better days ahead for both of you.

‘Ready to head in?’ Jin-woo signs to you with a grin on his face that matches yours.

‘Let’s go,’ you respond with a jaunty spring in your movements.

You grab his hand and lead the way, threading your fingers through his.

The next two hours are spent perusing the bookstore’s massive collection. It was one of the largest retail booksellers in Asia boasting over 100,000 different titles on its shelves. Jin-woo’s eyes widened when he walked in. He’d never seen so many books in one place before.

‘Overwhelmed?’ you ask him, nervous that you made the wrong decision on choosing this bookstore for your first date. The size of it alone could be daunting to newcomers.

‘It’s amazing,’ he answers, excitement evident in the fast motions of hands. Your chest fills with warmth at his display of enthusiasm.

You share your interests and favorite genres with Jin-woo, showing him the many novels you read over the years. Jin-woo seemed particularly drawn to the paper- and hardback books in the ‘Classics’ section. He picked up a copy of The Odyssey and leafed through its contents making you curious about his tastes.

One of your hands was clutching onto a large special edition hardback so you typed your question on your phone this time.

[“Do you like Greek mythology?”]

‘I’ve read a few stories here and there,’ he signs back after glancing at your screen.

[“I remember being assigned this book in AP literature when I was a second year. I found it rather interesting, but I loathed Odysseus. I thought he was a complete asshole for cheating on his wife. She remained faithful during his 10-year journey from Ithaca despite having over 100 suitors. But he gets a free pass for sleeping with goddesses and other women. Ugh😒”]

You huff after airing your grievances about Odysseus and his infidelity in your text message. It was silly but you’ve held a personal vendetta against the fictional man ever since you finished reading the epic poem.

Jin-woo snorts in amusement at your reaction. Looks like you both held a distaste for Odysseus although his reason for disliking him differed greatly from yours. Sirens only became weak to humanity after the epic hero found a means of circumnavigating their deadly voices. It felt good to share a common enemy with you.

‘You’re even prettier when you’re angry,’ Jin-woo smirks as he signs this to you.

Now it was your turn to snort. Really? That was a new one.

[“Flattery will get you everywhere with me! Now state your price handsome. 😉”]

He inhales before signing, ‘Will you watch the stars with me tonight?’

The tips of his ears and nape of his neck were bright red as he asked you this. It was adorable.

You answer with a fleeting kiss to his mouth, and you can feel him smiling against your lips. Of course you’d watch the stars with him tonight! You’d be willing to watch them every single night by his side if he’d let you.

The two of you continue floating through the different aisles, a copy of The Odyssey tucked underneath Jin-woo’s arm. He also picked out another book, a science fiction novel titled, The Ants, by Bernard Werber. Jin-woo had read the novel once before and he wanted to revisit it for old time’s sake.

As your book tour concludes Jin-woo comes to a halt after catching sight of an ornate hardcover. Intrigued, you scan the title. It was Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.

‘This story always makes me so sad,’ you sign to Jin-woo with a melancholy look in your eyes.

‘Can you tell me about it?’ Jin-woo asks, his interest piqued.

You find yourself hesitating.

‘Are you sure you want me to spoil it for you?’

‘I don’t mind.’ he responds.

You decide to use your phone to relay the plot since the fairy tale is a lengthy one.

[“There once lived a beautiful and kindhearted mermaid. Having spent most of her life at sea she longed to explore the world above and learn more about humanity. When she becomes old enough to swim to the surface she falls in love at first sight with a handsome prince. After a violent storm sinks his ship, the mermaid rescues him and brings him back to land before he regains consciousness.”]

Jin-woo’s gaze is intense as he studies your phone screen. You’ve never seen someone be so invested in your storytelling. It was flattering.

You continue typing away intent on finishing what you started.

[“The mermaid’s infatuation with the prince drives her to strike up a deal with a powerful sea witch. The witch offers her a potion that can transform her into a human, but it comes at a high cost. The mermaid would never be able to return to the sea once she drank it. What’s more the potion also robs her of her voice and causes her excruciating pain whenever she walks. Despite knowing the toll it will take on her body the mermaid moves forward, blinded by love.”]

Jin-woo’s eyes narrowed after reading this passage and he signs, ‘She’s being manipulated by the witch?’ You confirm his question with a nod of your head.

Your final text ends the story on a low note.

[“The mermaid finally meets and befriends the prince but everything she sacrifices is for nothing. He falls in love with a princess from another kingdom instead and this breaks her heart. The sea witch appears once more to give an ultimatum to the mermaid: she must kill the prince and allow his blood to drip onto her feet. Only by having her revenge could she return to the sea and live as a mermaid again. But she refused. Her love for the prince prevented her from stabbing him. In the final scene the mermaid tosses herself into the sea and as daybreak approaches, she dissolves into foam.”]

You sigh once you’re done. It’s more akin to a tragedy than a fairy tale, you think.

Your next message asks:

[“So, what’s your opinion on it? Pretty sad stuff huh?”]

When you turn to Jin-woo to gauge his reaction you’re taken aback by how pale he looks. There’s a bead of sweat sliding down his face and his countenance had turned grim, a far cry from his relaxed expression at the start of your date. The ending must have disturbed him way more than you anticipated.

Crap. You should have never offered to explain the plot to Jin-woo. This version of, The Little Mermaid, made you bawl like a baby the first time you read it and you usually remained dry-eyed while reading most tearjerkers. Why did you think it was a bright idea to discuss it on a date of all things? It was time to shift into damage control mode, stat!

You struggle for words while coming up with an apology to Jin-woo. You try to keep the text casual and concise to reduce any tension between you.

[“Jin-woo, are you okay? Do you need to sit down and rest? I’m so sorry! I’ve gone and dampened the mood.😭”]

He shakes his head after looking at your message and retrieves a pen and a small notepad from his pocket, an indication that he wanted to hold a longer conversation with you. Although Jin-woo’s grasp of sign language was excellent he found written words to be suitable when the circumstance called for it. Like now for instance.

When he’s done writing with his stationery he hands the notepad to you.

[“Please don’t feel the need apologize. You haven’t done anything wrong. You tried to warn me about how sad the story was, but I insisted on you telling me it anyway. I was just surprised was all. I can relate a bit to the mermaid because I’ve also made great sacrifices for the ones I love. In the mermaid’s case her love for the prince destroyed her. She gave up everything for him only for it to be in vain. It’s sobering to see love portrayed so tragically.”]

Jin-woo worries at his lower lip. He mentioned making sacrifices for his loved ones to you before but what exactly did he mean by it?

[“What sacrifices did you make if you don’t mind me asking? I’m here if you need a shoulder to lean on y’know.”]

You play coy with your response to glean more information from him. Maybe now that you’re officially dating, Jin-woo will open up to you.

Your hopes are dashed when the notepad is back in your possession.

[“Nothing I haven’t said before. Long hours, being away from home, missing my mother and sister while I’m away. Those kinds of sacrifices. Fishing at sea can be deadly if you’re not careful. I’ve had to dirty my hands on more than a few occasions while on the job.”]

Dirty his hands? Now this was something he hadn’t discussed with you before. Was Jin-woo involved in something illegal? Commercial fishing and maritime hunting were mercilessly cutthroat. A big profit can be made from harvesting seafood, fish, and other resources from the ocean. Some companies go as far as committing murder to weed out the competition.

Could this be what he meant by ‘dirtying his hands?’ That would explain why he was so flighty about his past with you. What if he was in trouble? If he was then why didn’t he ask you for help? Did he not trust you or did he not want to drag you into a mess of his own making? 

Your mind’s going a mile a minute you’re so worried about Jin-woo. If he ended up injured or even dead because you decided to believe his lies and look the other way you would never forgive yourself. It was time to address the elephant in the room once and for all.

You type so fast; it’s a miracle you can come up with a message that was even coherent. Your face is hot, and you can already feel the sting of tears in your eyes.

[“Jin-woo, you need stop lying to me. I know there’s something you’re hiding, and it hurts that you can’t trust me enough to say it. If you’re in trouble just tell me. Say the words and I’ll try to help you to the best of my ability. I really like you Jin-woo but honesty should be mutual between us. I’ve spilled my guts to you, told you all about my life, my friends, and my job. Why can’t you do the same for me? I feel like I’m only falling in love with your reflection, not the real you. I just can’t do this anymore! I don’t want to lose you, but I refuse to be part of a relationship that lacks any kind of integrity!”]

Jin-woo takes on the pallor of a corpse as soon as he scans the contents of your text.

Fuck, you had done it now. There was no going back.

When he can bring himself to gaze at you there’s a devastation in his face that makes you instantly hate yourself for lambasting him. Yet you had to stand firm and conquer this hill if you had any chance of a future with him.

His little notepad is staring you in the face before you know it. Jin-woo’s handwriting looked frenzied and frayed. When you glance at him, his head is bowed, and his eyes are cloaked in shadow. He was utterly ashamed of himself. You can’t even begin to imagine what thoughts must be going running through his mind. He had to be as distraught as you were if not worse.

[“Tonight,” the scrawl reads, “I am going to tell you everything tonight. No more lies, no more excuses, I promise you. Even if you despise me for it, even if you never want to see me again, I’ll give you the truth no matter what. So please just this once trust me. I don’t want to lose you either. You’re everything to me, Y/N. I’m sorry for not being truthful to you, I just didn’t want you to get hurt because of me. I’ve only ever lied to protect you.”]

The desperation in his words makes your heart plummet. Just how terrible was this secret that it made Jin-woo think you would hate him for it? And he was scared you would be harmed if you knew? There was no doubt about it, Jin-woo absolutely was in danger. Why else would he be so disturbed about telling you?

Your hands are shaking so badly you can barely keep your phone from falling out of your grip. Jin-woo notices and steadies them by taking your hands in his own. Even at his lowest point you were his priority.

Did he ever once consider his own well-being?

How could he be so considerate of you at a time like this? You wanted to scream; to demand he be angry at you, to curse at you. Anything to justify your self-loathing. You berated Jin-woo without considering why he may be lying in the first place. For all you know his life could be on the line. Yet you only thought of your frustrations like a petulant child.

Stupid. You were so goddamn stupid!

A bookstore associate sees your distress and heads in your direction. Although your argument with Jin-woo was silent your panicked demeanor was starting to cause a scene. You really don’t want anyone to see you like this right now. Especially since you were on the brink of having a breakdown.

Jin-woo quickly acts as your shield, his protectiveness of you second nature. He pulls you to his chest, hiding your face from prying eyes. He’s warm, his heartbeat is steady, and you can feel his palms running up and down your back, consoling you. Jin-woo held you with the tenderness of a lover.

It’s in the comfort of his embrace that you let go and allow yourself to weep for him.

“Hello, ma’am is everything alri–”

“You can direct your questions to me. Can’t you tell she’s upset right now?” Jin-woo interrupts the man with clipped tone before he can finish. There’s a particularly nasty scowl on his face and the aura resonating from him is menacing at best. Did this moron not know how to read the room or was he lacking in common sense? You were vulnerable and in no position to be approached by a stranger let alone some random man.

The store associate pales and falters at Jin-woo’s display of aggression. He glances at the dark-haired alpha then back to you before his eyes widen. He had connected the dots.

“I… I… Sir, please try to understand. I didn’t mean to intrude on you and your mate, there were just some concerns from the staff and other patrons because of how scared she looked.”

Jin-woo’s hold on you tightens ever so slightly, and he levels a sneer at the frightened associate. The fucking gall of this man, of these humans, thinking they had a right to invade your own personal matters!

If you hadn’t been there with him he wouldn’t think twice about murdering every single person in this building. He’d flay the flesh from their bones, reap their misbegotten souls, and resurrect them into mindless pawns; just cogs in a machine for his army of the undead.

Jin-woo reluctantly quells his rage and spits out, “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave. What happens between her, and I is of no concern to you. Now go.”

His commanding baritone brooks no argument, and the man flees with all the grace of a wounded animal.

For the next few minutes, you remain in Jin-woo’s arms until your tears run dry. When you’re feeling stable enough to walk Jin-woo softly takes your hand and leads you out of the building. Your books lie forgotten and haphazardly stacked on top of one another on a random shelf.

You both walk aimlessly with no set destination in mind. Your eyes were still swollen and puffy from earlier, so you avert your gaze from Jin-woo. He merely squeezes your hand in response, a gesture of reassurance.

An unoccupied back alley with a dead end eventually comes into view. It’s here in this inconspicuous passageway that Jin-woo decides to explain the full extent of his powers.

Once you’re seated on a nearby windowsill, he activates his inventory in front of you for the first time. Jin-woo said he would show you the truth and he was a man of his word. He withdraws Kasaka’s Venom Fang, the oldest dagger in his collection, and gracefully twirls it in his hand before holding it out to you.

As expected, you’re awestruck by the sight of the weapon. However, what Jin-woo doesn’t anticipate is for you to suddenly extend a hand towards the blade, your index finger almost touching its venom-tinged edge. He snatches your wrist so nimbly you barely register what happens. Only the warmth from his body alerts you of his hold.

You gasp.

Despite the incredible velocity of his movements Jin-woo was able to rein in the force behind them, preventing you from being hurt by his grip. Even the most elite athletes struggled to find the perfect balance between speed and strength. His control of his body was beyond human capabilities.

He shoots you an apologetic look and releases your wrist.

‘That dagger can paralyze and drain your life if it cuts you,’ Jin-woo warns after returning it to storage, ‘I should have told you sooner. I’m sorr –

‘It’s beautiful.’

He raises his eyebrows. Of all the words you could use to describe such a deadly weapon ‘beautiful’ wasn’t what he had in mind. His lips quirk into a small smile.

‘You think so? It doesn’t frighten you?’ he queries, pleasantly surprised by your nonchalance.

You nod and peer at him with a soft expression.

‘I do.’ There’s a long pause before you add, ‘You’ve used that knife before, haven’t you?’

You bite your lip and clasp your hands together after you’re done signing. You knew you were backing Jin-woo into a corner with a loaded question, but he wouldn’t be lugging around such a dangerous item without having a very good reason for it.

The grin on his face vanishes, replaced by grimace. You hit the nail on the head. Jin-woo readies himself for his answer.

‘Yes, I have. I’ve used that dagger to hurt and even kill people in the past. I know I’ve told you many lies and half-truths, but I wasn’t lying when I told you I dirtied my hands.’

He expels a shaky breath before delving into all the gritty details of who he really is. Unraveling and stripping himself down to his barest form.

Through a combination of sign language, a visual demonstration of his abilities, and written words Jin-woo reveals that he is a hunter, a warrior who fights life and limb against otherworldly beasts; day in and day out.

He exposes his many skills including stealth, the power he used to manifest outside of the bookstore.

Next came his accelerated healing and immense physical prowess. Jin-woo spots a discarded cinderblock on the ground, grabs it, and shatters the hard object with his bare hands. This causes his palms to scrape and bleed. You gasp and rise to your feet, alarmed by Jin-woo’s injuries. But he lifts his arm, an unspoken order for you to stay exactly where you are.

Suddenly light eclipses the abrasions and his skin starts to mend itself. You watch in disbelief as Jin-woo splays his opened and visibly undamaged palms in the air. You had just witnessed Kandiaru’s Blessing in the flesh.

And then he unveils one of his greatest assets to you.

The shadows pooling at his feet rapidly proliferate until the entire alley is submerged in darkness. Within seconds a lone obsidian knight emerges from the void. He cuts a formidable figure on his own standing well over 240 cm with vibrant hues of amethyst accenting his heavy armor. A single red plume hangs atop his helmet and sways with every stride he takes. When he gets within five feet of you and Jin-woo he kneels in reverence.

You learn the knight’s name is Igris and that he’s one of hundreds of soldiers who serve under Jin-woo. This was only a taste of the Shadow Monarch’s full dominion.

Once finished Jin-woo issues an order for Igris to return. The knight stands tall and nods his assent to his king and much to your shock, to you as well, before he disappears into the receding shadows. Moments later the alleyway is as it always appears with nothing to indicate what transpired.

It’s at this stage that you present one more hard-hitting question to Jin-woo. A question he’d been dreading.

‘You aren’t human, are you Jin-woo?’

He clenches his fists.

‘No, I’m not.’

You study his face closely trying to scope out any signs of deception, but there are none. He was being completely honest with you. But then what else could he possibly be?

Before the weight of his answer can fully sink in the revolting stench of congealed blood assaults your senses. It reeks of decay and viscera, the potent odor violating the air like a malignancy.

This was the unmistakable scent of an alpha, one that you were unfortunately all too familiar with.

It was Kang Taeshik’s nauseating musk.

You internally panic, horrified that your assailant from months ago was somehow back in the picture. Your thoughts become a frantic mess.

No…no…no! It can’t be! Director Jinchul fired him! He should’ve been long gone by now, so what the hell was he doing back on this island!?!

You feel like the air’s been punched from your lungs. Your legs shake uncontrollably and threaten to crumble. Jin-woo quickly catches you by the waist before you can slump to the ground. He then maneuvers your body so that you’re facing him, not the unseen nightmare that was approaching. He strokes your hair, and his pheromones are released in full force to calm your nerves. The aroma of lavender and sandalwood slowly begins to supersede the miasma of death.

“Show yourself already. The bloodlust from your filthy stench’s enough of a giveaway, alpha.”

Jin-woo’s eyes narrow into a frosty glare as the sound of obnoxious clapping echoes throughout the alleyway. Taeshik had finally announced his arrival.

“Well, color me impressed! It’s not often I come across someone who isn’t intimidated by my scent. Looks like you’ve got some balls on you! I like it! You’d make a great brawler in our fighting circuit.” An unknown voice commends Jin-woo with a condescending undertone.

You begin to whimper as the odor increases in intensity. Jin-woo gently tucks your head into the crook of his neck granting you access to his scent glands. Right now, his instincts were kicking into overdrive. He was solely focused on protecting and cherishing you. Fighting could be put on the back burner. For now.

 A man with a wild mane of purple hair arrogantly saunters into view. He’s accompanied by a large group of men, around ten in total and all of them alphas. Judging by the murderous intent in their eyes they were on the prowl for prey.

Taeshik’s mouth spreads into a smirk reminiscent of a Chelsea grin when notices you. He openly leers at your body; an action that causes Jin-woo to snarl and bare his fangs.

The purple haired man raises his hands in mock surrender.

“Hey now there’s no need for that. I was just appreciating the view, that’s all. Besides, your omega and I have a bit of a history together. Isn’t that right, Y/N?”

Jin-woo’s eyes go wide. How did he know your name?

His reaction seems to delight Taeshik who continues his spiel.

“Why the shock? She must’ve not told you about me. Y’see we used to be coworkers up until she got me fired. And after I was just trying to help by doing a little favor for her. No good deed goes unpunished, I guess.” He breaks into a fit of disconcerting laughter at the end of his speech.

“A favor?” Jin-woo asks, no, demands Taeshik to answer. Just what had he done to you?

One of the gang members, a burly man with several scars, spiky black hair, and a five o’ clock shadow snickers and interjects.

“Isn’t it obvious, brat? That little slut went into heat right in front him. She was practically begging for it too! Taeshik here was gonna bring her to us so we could all get a piece of that fine ass. Too bad that fuckin’ director had to go and ruin our plans. But your boss isn’t here to save you this time, huh sweetheart?”

“She can’t hear or speak to you, Dongsuk. She’s deaf. I don’t know how many times I have to keep reminding you.” Taeshik drawls, annoyance lacing his voice.

“Heh, so what? A hole’s a hole. It ain’t like she’s gonna be able to talk with a mouthful of cock anywa –”

Slash!

In the blink of an eye Dongsuk’s head rolls off his shoulders leaving nothing but a bloodied stump in its wake. His body slumps to its knees like a marionette with its strings cut before flopping onto the ground.

“Wha – what the hell just happened!?!”

“Holy shit!”

“D…Dongsuk!? No!”

Confusion and panic overtake the men within seconds. Even Taeshik looks ill at ease. None of them had been able to pinpoint the exact cause or reason for the man’s untimely demise.

When the purple haired alpha redirects his attention to Jin-woo, he’s mortified by what he sees. Black eclipses the end of the alleyway submerging everything in darkness except for Jin-woo’s piercing gaze.

In that moment, Taeshik learns what pure, unadulterated terror feels like. He was staring death in the face, a face that bore nothing but apoplectic rage.

A crimson and black dagger, the Knight Killer, was wielded in one of Jin-woo’s hands. The weapon’s jagged edges were ensanguined up to the hilt; evidence of the life it had so effortlessly taken. Jin-woo’s other arm remained wrapped around you although now you were facing Taeshik, the remainder of his men, and the decapitated corpse of Hwang Dongsuk.

You tear your gaze away, unable to bear the gruesome sight any longer. Jin-woo looks at you sympathetically before hardening his expression.

He knew he was letting his anger get the better of him, but he was infuriated by these vulgar bottom feeders and the disgusting remarks they made about you. Jin-woo really couldn’t give a fuck about killing these wastes of space, but he wouldn’t let you be a spectator to the slaughter he was about to commit. You’ve been traumatized enough.

An insect-like specter suddenly manifests from the shadows and bows before you and his king.

“Beru, take her somewhere safe and far away from here. I don’t want her to see this.” Jin-woo orders, his voice dropping an octave lower.

“At once my liege.” The ant diligently obeys his master and offers a clawed hand to you.

“My lady?”

You pause at the gesture, unsure of whether you should accept it or stay by Jin-woo’s side. The dark-haired man notices your hesitation and makes the choice for you. He clasps onto your shoulder and squeezes it urging you to escape with Beru.

You reluctantly allow the ant to hoist you into his arms. As Beru prepares to launch himself into flight you turn and cast a final glance at Jin-woo.

He looks nothing at all like himself. He’s cold, menacing, inhuman.

That’s right, Jin-woo wasn’t human. He admitted as much to you. But it hadn’t changed your feelings for him in any shape or form. Your heart still yearned and bled for him all the same.

Your lids grow heavy once Beru takes to the skies, a likely side-effect of overexposure to Jin-woo’s pheromones. As you start to succumb to slumber, your last waking thoughts are filled with nothing but him.

The moon hangs high in the sky when you wake up. After gaining your bearings you perform a cursory scan of your surroundings. A vast sea cavern greets you, its atmosphere dank and foreboding. Stalactites rain down from the ceiling like arrows frozen in time, weathered rocks line the walls, and the air is so humid you struggle to breathe. The only source of light is from moonbeams drifting through a crevice at the top of the cave.

You soon realize that you’re lying on top of a sandbank in the middle of a large body of water. There didn’t appear to be any means of escape other than swimming, but you were mentally and physically exhausted. Your phone was also nowhere in sight, making it impossible to text for help. You were effectively stuck.

An undulating motion in the water’s surface catches your attention. You weren’t alone, something was in here with you and it was getting closer. However, you’re not afraid. In fact, there’s something oddly familiar about this presence...

The movements abruptly ceases, and all is still for several heart pounding seconds. Then out of nowhere a large figure surges from underneath the briny waves.

It’s a male siren, and he’s utterly magnificent. His appearance more akin to a work of art than a living, breathing being. He looks at you with a serene expression. Was this who you thought it was?

You drink him in, appreciating his beauty in its entirety.

The siren’s eyes consist of blackened sclerae with amethyst irises. A smooth layer of ebony skin partially coats his jaw, shoulders, and back. It contrasts wonderfully with the ivory coloring on his chest and face. He bore the same pattern as a killer whale; an apt comparison given that sirens were also apex predators. Webbed ear fins protrude from the sides of his head, the scales on them aglow under the faint moonlight. And luscious locks of black hair frame the siren’s stunning face.

He's simply not of this world. Words could never accurately describe his ethereal visage.

The siren is sprawled out on the edge of the sandbank. Upon closer inspection you notice that he’s highly anxious. You see his dichromatic throat bobbing, and he makes a conscious effort to avoid eye contact with you. You’d seen these nervous tics before.

‘Is that you, Jin-woo?’ You sign to the siren although you’re certain you already know the answer. You just needed his confirmation for peace of mind.

He shuts his eyes and nods, a somber admission of the truth.

You take a deep breath before exhaling. Then you present him with another question.

‘Did you kill all of them?’

The siren remains still this time. His lack of a definite response was an answer in itself.

You wet your lips. So, you were right. Jin-woo said he’s killed before to survive, but this time he did it for you. To punish those men who sought to use you for their own perverse interests. And Taeshik… his fate must’ve been worse than death for what he put you through.

Jin-woo signs to you.

‘I’m sorry you had to find out this way… this was supposed to be a special day for you, but everything went wrong. I know you’ll want no part of me in your life after this, but I’m glad I met you. I’ll have Beru take you home.’

Jin-woo turns his back to you and prepares to make his departure. So, that was it? He was going to vanish from your life just like that. You hadn’t even gotten a word in; he just assumed you didn’t want anything to do with him. That idiot!

You had to stop Jin-woo before it was too late! But what could you possibly do to prevent him from leaving…?

You have an epiphany then; what if you gave all of yourself to Jin-woo, body and soul? Only an intimate act, the consummation of your relationship, could fully bind you to Jin-woo.

A mating bite is irreversible. Once you are bonded there’s no going back on it. But you’ve wanted Jin-woo for so long. In fact, you wish he had bitten your scent glands when he first kissed you. Him being a siren, a killer of mankind and monsters, did not deter you. He was your chosen mate. You would never refuse him.

The sound of rustling of clothes stops Jin-woo in his tracks. He inhales shakily, not quite believing what was happening just feet from him.

You were disrobing yourself. You wanted to mate with him!

As you peel off each article of clothing, the sweet scent of your pheromones and slick become more pronounced. Jin-woo groans as his knot starts to swell. God, you smelt incredible! If only he could see your nude form. The things he’d make you feel, the sounds he’d drive from you…

Why was he still stopping himself? Your actions just now said all that needed to be said! You wanted him, and you were more than ready for his knot. As an alpha he’d be remiss not to tend to the needs of his omega.

His mouth curls into a wolfish grin. You really had no idea what you’d just gotten yourself into.

You feel heat pooling between your thighs at the sight of Jin-woo’s broad shoulders. The muscles of his back flex deliciously when he finally turns to relish you in all your naked glory. The smoldering gaze he sends you as his eyes sweep over every inch of your bare body looks like it’s carved in sin. You delight in his attention and crave more of it.

Unable to endure another second apart from your alpha, you rush to the edge of the sandbank fully prepared to swim to him if necessary. But you’re beaten to the punch as Jin-woo emerges from the water and pins you to the ground at a speed that’s downright demonic.

He holds both of your wrists above your head in one large hand while he rests his other arm on his elbow beside your head, trapping you beneath him.

Jin-woo looks into your eyes one last time for any sign of resistance. There’s none; you were not backing down from this. You wanted him to claim you.

Your explicit consent is all he needs to unleash himself upon you. He molds his lips against yours in a searing kiss that burns with passion. Your eyes slip shut as you lose yourself to it. Jin-woo was kissing you with abandon this time, and it was sublime. There was a clear intent and purpose in every stroke and caress of his mouth. He kissed you as if nothing else mattered.

He abruptly parts from your lips to press his forehead to yours. At last, both of you could indulge and get lost in one another. You bask in Jin-woo’s warmth and spread your legs apart allowing him to slant between them. He releases your wrists and cradles your face in his hands.

Your breath hitches when you feel his length prodding against your stomach. This was really happening! You shiver in spite of yourself. Would you be able to withstand Jin-woo’s brute strength?

The siren presses featherlight kisses to your lips, cheeks, and eyelids to quell your nerves. When he pulls back you notice his mouth is moving. You focus on his lips, carefully deciphering each word.

“Raise your head and close your eyes. I have a surprise”

You do as he asks, and something cold prickles against your décolleté and the back of your neck. You’re curious about what Jin-woo’s placed on you but you keep your head raised and your lids remain firmly shut. Moments later two taps of his fingertips on your cheek signal that you can open your eyes.

When you glance down, you’re amazed by the jewelry dangling from your neck. It’s gorgeous. Incandescent shards of crystal and delicate alabaster pearls pour from your nape down to the swell of your breasts.

Jin-woo in turn finds himself mesmerized by the image of the gemstones splayed across your dewy skin. Your complexion glows in the moonlight, making you all the more alluring.

He decides to take you right then and there.

As you wrap your arms around Jin-woo’s shoulders, he captures your lips with his and slides into your tight heat. You keen and arch into Jin-woo, baring your throat to him. His fangs lengthen, and he sinks them into the tender flesh of your neck, staking his claim.

Stars adorn the night sky as the two of you intertwine and become one.

Five days later…

Woo Jinchul was beside himself with worry.

He wearily rubs at his bloodshot eyes. A quick glance at his phone tells him it's just past three o’ clock in the morning. Yet another sleepless night had come to pass. The man contemplates grabbing more coffee but decides not to. He was already five cups deep and the caffeine was doing nothing for his exhaustion.

Jinchul knows he isn’t at his best when he’s sleep deprived but he couldn’t afford to waste another minute, not while you were still nowhere to be found. And now, based on recent developments in your case, you were classified as an endangered missing person. Sleep was the very last thing on his mind.

He looks down at his desk to examine your case file for what must’ve been the tenth time in the last hour. These classified documents contained sensitive information. Jinchul had to resort to pulling strings to obtain a copy of your records. He hated throwing his weight around to get what he wanted but bringing you back home safe and alive was far more important to him.

Lead detectives Baek Yoonho and Choi Jong-In hadn’t been too thrilled about sharing the particulars of an open investigation with some ‘big wig’ film director. It took some major convincing on Jinchul’s part for them to relent and provide him with such crucial details.

So far, it’s been almost a full week since your disappearance. During that time, an exhaustive search of the island had been performed. However, there was no sight or sound of you. And as fate would have it, another misfortune occurred on the very night you vanished. This time it was a massacre.

Kang Taeshik, a name Jinchul wishes he could just forget. The man had a propensity for violence as well as a lengthy rap sheet that was conveniently scrubbed from public records. He knew Taeshik engaged in some unsavory pastimes, namely hosting unsanctioned brawls in the underground fighting circuit. But this was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Racketeering, drug trade, and much to Jinchul’s horror, human trafficking, had been just a handful of the crimes the sick bastard had gotten away with.

If only he had known sooner, then you would’ve never been in this situation. He should’ve trusted his gut and chosen another actor for Taeshik’s role. Jinchul always despised the way that man looked at you, like you were a slab of meat. It was disgusting.

Imagine his shock when he discovered Taeshik had fallen victim to a mass murderer. Body parts and mutilated remains barely recognizable as human were found littered in an alleyway like trash. The scene had been so grizzly that dental records were required to identify the deceased. Only four out of the eleven decedents could be positively ID’d, with Taeshik being one of them.

There were no eyewitnesses, no biological evidence, no suspects. Nothing. The murders would be exceptionally difficult to solve.

And they didn’t stop there.

A large bookstore was set on fire two days after the gruesome discovery. Widespread flames and hundreds of thousands of books were a recipe for disaster. Despite the best efforts of the fire department and emergency services, over seventy people lost their lives. It was initially presumed to be an accident, likely faulty wiring or inadequate maintenance.

This theory was thrown out the window when the autopsy results of one of the store’s associates revealed some truly unsettling details.

To put it lightly the man had been decimated. Every bone in his body was shattered, his spinal cord was severed, and both his legs were torn off. The associate had undergone an excruciating death, with any one of his injuries being fatal. He’d been tortured extensively before expiring from blood loss. Whoever committed this murder must’ve wanted him to suffer. The damage to the man’s body also bore striking similarities to the injuries sustained by victims of the massacre.

When his surviving co-workers were asked by detectives if the man had any known enemies, an older woman spoke up. Apparently, there was a tall dark-haired alpha having a falling-out with his girlfriend in the store a few days prior. The associate attempted to intervene and stop the lover’s tiff, but the boyfriend had been greatly angered by this.

“It was as if he’d seen a ghost,” the woman stated, “He was absolutely spooked by the confrontation and refused to talk to us about it. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t dropped the topic so easily. That boy was such a hard worker, always so eager to help those in need�� it’s awful what happened to him. I don’t know how his family is coping.”

But if a grudge was only held against the associate then why did the killer go so far as to destroy the entire building? Did he also harbor resentment towards the business? Was he trying to make an example out of them?

Unfortunately, all the surveillance cameras in the bookstore had been destroyed in the fire. Staff members were able to provide a detailed description of the alpha and his girlfriend. When Jinchul first saw the composite sketches he nearly fell out of his chair.

The girlfriend had been a dead ringer for you.

If that wasn’t enough of a smoking gun, the day the man and woman were seen together coincided with the day you went missing.

Evidence in your case was mounting but none of it made sense. How did you get involved with this man? As far as Jinchul knew you weren’t dating anyone during filming. Cha and Jinho were also certain you were single. But that didn’t exclude the possibility of you being in a secret relationship… 

At this point in the investigation, all Baek and Choi had to run on was the assumption you’d been kidnapped by a highly dangerous individual. A man who just so happened to be linked to almost one hundred deaths within the last week. The resolution to your missing person’s case was becoming bleaker by the day.

Jinchul rubbed at his temples. Going days without a proper night’s rest was taking its toll on him. His head was throbbing with a killer headache. Everything’s gone to shit since you’ve been gone.

Due to the tragic events surrounding the island and the unsolved disappearance of one of their own, executive producer Go made the difficult decision of suspending production on ‘Murder on the Cerulean Sea,’ indefinitely. The movie was most likely going to be shelved.

Jinchul sighs and reaches for his phone again. He skims through his photo gallery until he comes across a picture taken on the first day of filming. You, Cha, and Jinho persuaded him to join in on a group selfie to commemorate the special occasion. The hopeful look in your eyes and the mirth in your smile causes Jinchul’s chest to feel heavy. He longs to return to happier times like this.

But those days were past and gone.

A monster came to Jindo Island, salted the earth with its rage, unleashed a burning inferno to incinerate all in its path.

And you disappeared with it in a sea of fire.

Tag list: @soft-dots @joannthebish @rokuxx6 @augurythirteen @princeizuku @vee-love @imaginarydreams @iamapotatoe @phisen @rai-xxx @ayam99920 @asylrd

[sergeantbarnessdoll]

Ooo can I please request a Bucky x civilian!fem!reader where she’s Bucky’s very pregnant (about to pop) wife (she has been a friend of the Avengers for years and she met Bucky when he was on the run in Romania, she happened to be on a vacation there and stayed with him during his two years on the run and they got married) and she is now traveling with Team Cap during Civil War (Bucky and Steve would be worried someone from the government would show up at her doorstep looking for them) and she’s hiding (where she can still see what is happening) while Team Cap and Team Iron Man are fighting at the airport, and with all the stress going on, her water breaks and she literally runs out to where they can all see her and is like, “PLEASE STOP FIGHTING, MY WATER JUST BROKE, I’M IN LABOR” and they all stop what they’re doing and are like “OMG???” and the moment they all see Bucky and Y/n’s sweet little baby girl, and see just how soft and gentle Bucky is with his daughter and his wife, neither side want to fight anymore🥺

Miracles Happen When You Least Expect It » Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier

Pairings: Husband!Bucky Barnes x Wife/Pregnant!Reader with Team Cap and Team Iron Man

Summary: Miracles happen when you least expect it, especially for you and Bucky.

Warnings: Fluff, language, dad!Bucky/mom!reader, labor, crying, kissing, pet names

A/N: Thank you for the adorable request @kpopgirlbtssvt 🩵

Written on my phone. My apologies for any mistakes.

Header made by @buckyys-babydoll / divider made by me

GIF IS NOT MINE! Gif credit goes to the creator.

Being on the run with Bucky while you’re pregnant is not a good idea. You and Bucky got married 2 years ago and found out that you’re pregnant shortly after yours and his 2 year anniversary. You originally went on vacation to Romania, but then you met Bucky. Things got good between you two and you ended up staying with him. Bucky has been doing everything he can to protect you and your unborn baby. Also, Bucky has been very attentive during your pregnancy. If you’re hungry, he’ll make you anything you want to eat. If you need a foot massage, he’ll happily do that.

Right now, you and Bucky are at a local market. Bucky tried to get you stay home so you and the baby will be safer, but you begged him to let you go with him. Ever since you got pregnant, Bucky has been having a hard time saying no to you. He just didn’t want to upset you. So he gave in and let you go to the market with him. While you were looking for snacks you’ve been craving, Bucky was getting some plums, but then he sensed that something was wrong.

“Baby, look at what I found!” You showed him a package of your favorite cookies. “I haven’t eaten these in so long.” You say.

“That’s nice, doll.” Bucky says softly with a smile.

“Are you ok?” You asked.

You gasped softly when you felt yours and Bucky’s baby kick before he could answer you. She’s been more active than normal all day today.

“What’s wrong, babydoll? Is it the baby?” He asks softly with concern in his voice.

“I’m fine. She just kicked. She’s more active than normal today.” You say, putting one of your hands on your pregnant belly.

“We should go home.” He says.

“Good idea.” You agreed.

Bucky pecked your lips softly before you two paid for yours and his things.

“Is it ok if I check today’s newspaper real quick?” Bucky asks.

“Of course.” You replied.

Bucky wrapped his metal arm around your waist before you two crossed the street, looking both ways before you guys did so. You frowned in confusion when a man at one of the vendors ran away from his stand as you and Bucky crossed the street.

“That’s weird.” You say.

“I know right.” Bucky says.

Bucky picked up a newspaper and read the headline. His eyes went wide at what he read. He put the newspaper down and protectively wrapped his arm around your waist.

“What’s wrong, honey?” You asked with concern in your voice.

“We have to go home.” He says.

You didn’t question him. All you wanted to do is get off your site feet and eat your cookies, but that looks like that’s not going to happen. As soon as Bucky opened the door to yours and his apartment, Steve was in there. He was wearing his Captain America uniform and had his shield on his back. Steve was looking at a baby onesie with a look of confusion and curiosity on his face, wondering why Bucky would have something like that. That’s when Steve heard a presence behind him. He put the baby onesie down and turned around. His eyes went wide when he seen you pregnant. He hasn’t seen you in 2 years and wasn’t expecting to see you pregnant.

“Hi, Steve.” You say softly.

“Hi, Y/N.” Steve says. “You’re pregnant?” He asks.

“With my baby.” Bucky answers for you, putting his hand on your pregnant belly.

Steve’s eyes went wide again. He was not expecting for you to be pregnant with his best friend’s baby.

“How far along are you?” Steve asks.

“9 months. I’m a week away from my due date.” You tell him.

“How long have you two been together?” Steve asks.

“We’ve been married for 2 years.” Bucky tells him.

Steve was not expecting you to be married to his best friend’s either.

“Do you know who I am?” Steve asks Bucky.

“You’re Steve. I read about you in a museum.” Bucky says.

“Bucky didn’t do what you think he did. He’s innocent.” You chimed in.

“I’m your side. I’m here to protect you guys.” Steve says.

As Steve and Bucky continued to talk, the baby decided to kick a little harder than she normally does, making you wince a bit and put your hand on your belly.

“Are you ok?” Steve asks with concern in his voice.

“Yea. She just likes to kick me a little bit too hard sometimes.” You say.

Sam gave Steve a heads up that cops were going to yours and Bucky’s apartment. That’s when all hell broke loose.

———

Today has been a very long day. At least for you. You and Bucky started off the day by going to the market and now you’re hiding safely somewhere at an airport. You watched out the window as Bucky fought alongside Steve and his team Tony and his team. You were fine until you felt something wet gushing in between your legs. You looked down at the floor, seeing that your water broke. Your eyes went wide.

“Oh no.” You say to yourself.

You immediately left the safety of inside of the airport to go where everyone was fighting. You stopped halfway when you felt a contraction. You were close enough to yell at them.

“PLEASE STOP FIGHTING! MY WATER JUST BROKE! I’M IN LABOR!” You yelled.

Everyone stops fighting and looks at you with wide eyes. Bucky immediately ran over to you.

“It’s time?” Bucky asks.

“It’s time.” You confirmed, wincing when you felt another contraction.

You leaned against your husband and remembered your breathing.

“Let’s get you to the hospital.” Bucky says.

With everyone’s help, they found a hospital closest to where you guys are right now and got you there as fast as they could. You were immediately admitted to the hospital and got an epidural, which helped with the pain a bit. A few hours later, you gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Now, you and Bucky are looking at your newborn daughter with smiles on your faces.

“She’s so beautiful.” You say softly.

“She gets that from her beautiful mama.” Bucky says softly.

“She has your eyes.” You smiled.

You and Bucky looked up when you guys heard a soft knock on the door to your hospital room. Steve opened the door just enough to poke his head inside.

“Are you two up for visitors?” Steve asks softly.

“Yes. Come in.” You answered softly.

Steve, Sam, and everyone else came in the room. They smiled widely when they seen yours and Bucky’s baby girl.

“She looks just like you guys.” Steve says with a smile.

“What’s her name?” Sam asks.

“Rebecca.” You and Bucky tell everyone softly in unison.

“After your sister? I like that.” Steve smiles.

“Do you want to hold her?” You asked Steve.

“I would love to.” Steve replies softly.

You carefully and gently put Rebecca in Steve’s arms. Rebecca stared up at her uncle like she knows him.

“Looks like Rebecca loves her godfather already.” Bucky says softly and smiles.

“What?” Steve asks. “I’m her godfather?” He asks.

“You’re my best friend. Of course you are.” Bucky smiles.

“I’m honored to be your daughter’s godfather.” Steve says, tearing up a bit.

Everyone took their turns holding Rebecca and said how adorable she is.

“We all bought you guys a few things for Rebecca.” Wanda says, handing you a bag from the hospital gift shop.

You opened it, smiling when you saw a couple stuffed animals, a few baby beanies, and a couple baby onesies.

“I bought the white stuffed kitty.” Peter points out.

“Thank you, kid.” Bucky smiles. “Thank you, guys.” He says.

Everyone stayed until visiting hours were over and then they had to leave. They told you guys that they’ll be back tomorrow.

“I can’t believe she’s here.” Bucky says, gazing down at his baby girl.

“Me neither.” You say, leaning your head against Bucky’s shoulder.

“I love you, doll.” He whispers, kissing you.

“I love you too, honey.” You whispered back.

“And we love you, our sweet baby girl.” He whispers, smiling down at yours and his little girl.

-Bucky’s Doll

[n0tamused]

︶꒦꒷‧₊˚Ashes of Honor︶꒦꒷

Summary: King Eurypon has sent out many of his people to hunt down the members of the outcast army, and rumors of dragons and beasts have brought in promises of honor and riches. Will you be the one to return successful and reap the rewards of honor, or will you meet a 'glorious' death like so many others before you? Contents: very canon divergent, Dragon Mydei AU, GN! Kremnoan reader, some violence/blood, use of you/your but also Y/n. Words: 4172

A/N: I am so happy to present this piece to you all! I don't remember the last time I wrote this much for a fic, or this happily tbh, I was really brainstorming this to find the best plotline and I really went on yapping. As you may notice once you read through, there is a chance I may end up writing pt 2. I already have a lot of notes written down, so we'll see how it goes. Tysm for the people enabling me with my dragon propaganda lol Ily! I did my best to keep this consistent so I hope all that work paid off. Please enjoy! Art in the header is done by me!

-Also, if you'd like to see how I've drawn Mydei as a dragon - here's the link to that post!

Rock and dirt sat still beneath the gold painted skies, sashes of red swirling like silk scarves discarded as the earth came alive with each sparse breeze. The air was stale and smelled of iron and old bone. And the sun, a giant orb held on the back of the distant titan’s back, was dipping beneath the smoke. The smoky fingers were swallowing the horizon whole, turning the world into bleak chaos beyond the expanse of those colors meant to symbolise triumph. 

It had been days since you last saw a proper face. And even longer since you had a taste of home, or any proper food for the matter. You were no poor hunter by any means, but game was scarce in these lands. Yesterday you stood over an edge if a mountain, taking in the view of Castrum Kremnos. A small anthill in the distance with two smaller anthills beside it, marking the smaller cities. 

There is blood on the ground now. Dotted in small splatters here and there, almost as dark as the earth itself; were it not so glossy you would have missed it. The smell of iron mingled in the air, intertwining with the sea of moving fog. Or smoke. Or perhaps it was magic? The question was as abrupt as it was absurd, making you huff a faint laugh; you wanted to scold yourself for feeling so pathetic, for thinking that way, but the rapid beating of your heart and the ache in your legs swallowed up any sense of ‘you’. Whatever was tracking these footsteps was simply following commands and instinct, a dangerous concoction that was currently leading you to possible doom. ‘Glory’, you hastily reminded yourself, ‘it is leading me towards triumph and a way back to honour ‘.

People of Kremnos were no strangers to trials and the ways of combat, and it was only natural they would develop various ways to test their very souls to see how far they can really go, even if it meant destruction of the self. There was no room for frailty, no room to wiggle out and turn back to come empty handed - such a fate would be worse than death. 

Perhaps that is why you kept marching on, your aching legs eating up the steep incline that led to an open mouth of a cave. Jagged teeth of rock lined the entrance, a piece of cloth hung off one, fluttering in the dying breeze. It was the same color of cloth of the man you were hunting, his traitorous blood speckling the ground. It was so dry, your throat was dry, and the earth seemed to breathe beneath your sandals as if it were alive. There was a distant light somewhere further in the yawning darkness, just around the corner as you made your way inside. The first few steps into the cave showed it to be narrow like a hall of a home, a slithering path that curved and would have posed a good advantage even to a dying man, were he to be interested in such an ambush - but it seemed he had no interest in such schemes. 

A small piece of you felt like smiling at the thought of him being too fearful to confront you, but you did not allow yourself to feel triumphant just yet. His soul still clung to its mortal shell and until you separated the two, you could not rest. The task suddenly seemed too heavy to think about, and where a smile would have graced your features, a frown took place instead. An odd lurching feeling was tugging at your stomach ever since you saw him turn on his heel and run. You had caught him by surprise upon a cleft on a hill, overlooking the valley below, but he was quick to flee after you landed a blow on him, cutting off a brooch pinning his short cloak to his shoulder. A token of where his loyalty lay. The brooch of outcasts. Traitors. They were all just traitors.

The word was spoken more oft than not in Castrum Kremnos, and it would seem that the King’s every speech began with the same. You wondered many times what his own son could've done to earn such foul words from his own father, that young boy you once glimpsed in the city with big golden eyes. Now that same boy led a rogue army outside the walls of Castrum Kremnos, bowing to no one. And with every speech, King Eurypon showed you a side of the Prince you could not even imagine, him and his lackeys pillaging towns and taking as they pleased.

It was the King’s wish and the King’s order to see their heads on spikes, especially the Prince’s head. And anyone who succeeded in bringing even one head back would be rewarded handsomely. Just like lions were hunted for their pelt and teeth, they were being hunted so one could prove themselves able in defending their honor and their people. But the feeling it gave you was odd, overripe and bitter on your tongue. The King spoke of the Prince’s transgressions, betrayals and murders, the sacking of villages and petty crimes. He spoke of every thing that could hate a man, but too much of one thing is bound to stir a person, and it was making you suspicious. 

There were many questions you no longer knew how to answer as the darkness ate your vision when you were made to crawl through a small passing, only to enter a large section of the cave - still poorly illuminated, with the only light coming from an opening in the ceiling several dozen feet above.  Specks of dust flew in the lone, fading lance of light.

A large hole stood in the middle like Mother Earth's open mouth, a gateway to a place much darker and more painful than a shadow. Where did he go, did he fling himself from the edge? 

A blade sprouted from the shadow, flinging itself at you from the hand which held it. It whistled overhead and down into the gnawing abyss. You spun around and met the assailant head on just as he put his weight into the spear which seemed to have emerged from the sandy underfoot. His step was lame and his skin appeared pale, his side stained with blood. While a spear was an excellent weapon to use to run through someone with the small point of it, it made it all the easier to avoid. Whatever force guided you felt not your own, your blood was running thin and boiling with all the years spent sweating underneath the scornful eye of your tutor. 

“An attack from the shadows?” you growled. “Suits you just right, you vermin” you spat with venom you did not know you possessed. His other hand came down upon you, mailed and heavy and it sent you reeling back from him, yet your grasp on his spear remained steady, pulling him stumbling along with you. Pain shot through your nose and up the side of your head, and the next blow you landed on him held less power than you anticipated, yet it left him breathless nonetheless. 

He grunted and stumbled, staggering before putting his entire weight into his shoulder to ram you into the cave wall once he felt your grasp pull again on his, now useless, weapon. He took the opportunity of your shock to wrench the spear free of your hold and prepare for another chance at using it. Your knees had given out from below you and you found yourself on the fleeting sandy ground, dry and shifting. 

With your heart drumming a deathly beat in your lungs you lurched for his knees in an embrace full of ire that it sent him tumbling back on his back. Not knowing whether to grasp for you or you or his spear first, the man was caught unprepared. He grasped for your wrists, discarding his spear, feeling blindly as you went to grab the bone hilt of your dagger to wrench it from its sheath, the sound as loud as a whistle to your ears, even over the thunderous beat of your heart. Adrenaline never tasted so sweet as survival hung on by a golden thread of light. To kill or be killed, to kill him or return empty handed to the city. 

“You of the rats that crawl over these lands, what name do you bear?” you questioned, his grip strong around your hand even as you inched the tip of the blade closer. Closer. Right there. Above his heart. His calloused hands seized your wrist, looking for ways to wrench the blade from your hold.

“Leonnius.” He struggled with the word, blinking rapidly as sweat beaded down his brow. He gave an angry huff, pushing back but you only put more weight over him. The sandy ground seems to yearn to swallow him with how it embraced him the more weight you placed onto him, hugging him like a lover. “And who are you?”

The light shone in his eyes like an orb containing his very soul, staring back at you with hope or desire akin to a burning flame eating at dry wood. Poison bubbled up your throat, you could taste it as you grit your teeth, your eyes swallowing the sight underneath you like a pill too large. 

You pried your hand from his hold, raised it high and spoke with the voice you only recognised as that one of the King:

“Death” the blade came rushing down. But the target was missed as the entire earth, the cave, suddenly roared to life. From the yawning darkness came a sound so shrill and loud it rattled your bones, like wind through the hollow of the trees. Even Leonnius winced at the sound and shivered. 

Leonnius pushed you away in haste, knocking the air from your lungs after he had twisted your own blade from your hold, slicing you across the arm and boiled leather you wore for armor. 

Through the shaking of the ground you could only land a punch on the man, and this time he went over the edge due to the thunderous quaking of the world, falling into the abyss that was waking up. A shout, a sickening thud, and more groaning of the cave did not serve to ease your racing heart. If the ground swallowed him, you'd have no proof to show for your quest. 

Yet, whatever thoughts of the quest you had vanished when the chasm moaned with ire again.

Then came the breaking, the growl, a heavy sound of something clawing its way out from the depths of Tartarus itself to tower over you. Whatever light there once was, was no more as the shadow stood above you, balanced over cliffs and edges that surrounded the deep pit in the middle of the large cave room. The shadow had eyes of molten gold, otherworldly… and angry.

There was no word for ‘fear’ in Kremnoan, but the feeling of your heart seizing at the sight of the towering beast might have given it a name in that very moment, a word even more terrifying than fear itself. Death bowed its thick neck and opened its maw, the moment flowing as slow as sand on even ground, and you stood frozen where you stood. Gold and red light filled its throat, and the large sword-like teeth glared at you, wondering how they’ll look stained with whatever remains of you. The beast was colored in shades of red and peach, great curling horns a deep red and the great beast wore pieces of iron shields and chains as ornaments along its upper body.

You found your back pressed against the rocky wall, the sharp edges digging into your back. If you had returned empty handed, you would have been humiliated, ridiculed and left to live in shame - a fate worse than death. 

Blood pumping, you pushed yourself off the wall in the very last moment before the fire came to lick up at the rock and sand, narrowly dodging the heat. Screams filled your head, fighting to win over the choice of to run or fight. The voice wishing to fight had a strange tone, as if multiple people spoke all at once, and you recognized one voice as that of your tutor. The other side was your mother, begging you to return. 

You flung yourself forward, picking up your blade and launching it up at the dragon’s head. The blade bounced off of the hide, of its brow, clattering down the abyss.

“A Kremnoan..”

Was it death’s servant come to collect you that spoke, or Death itself? Your lungs were burning, muscles taut as bow strings and aching. Suddenly, you were all too aware of your frailty, of how small you were.

“This one found me by the east point, scouting, I never thought they’d give this much pursuit”

It was Leonnius who spoke now, although you did not see him, he was somewhere below. His voice was distant, almost weak.

“Yet another foolish one, to come after you this far..”

Your heart sank to your feet as the beast drew closer again. There was a distinct smell of flesh and char in the air which had turned too warm, something you internally told yourself that you can handle - it is the sharp swords for teeth you were worried for, staring right at you.  

Your mother's voice was heard again. What is disgrace beside a mother's love for her child? Return to the city. ‘But the King and the others will be furious..’

Suddenly, the earth gave way beneath your weight and you went stumbling back through a small archway of the cave, tumbling over a ledge that led to the small path concealed from the dragon, and soon your feet found the quick rhythm needed. There was a blast of flames that lit up the hidden section, the heat licking at your back and sending you speeding further up, climbing until your lungs threatened to light the way forward. The ground rumbled all around, and when you inevitably came through the exit point, you were met face to face with the dragon again, his head peering at you over the edge before he pulled himself higher up. The sight of those molten gold eyes peering over the edge made your heart leap into your throat. Those great claws scratched and sang an eerie rhythm over stone and thickly packed dirt, once threatening to undo an entire section. You would find no exit here, and the darkness encroaching on the sides of the cave gave no sign of the tunnel you crawled through in the first place.

“It is the King’s orders you are obeying. That weak excuse of a king sent you here to kill on his command” there was no question in the beast's gravely tone, but certainty.  The heavy muscle of his tail swished behind him in slow but powerful motions, and for a second you thought you glimpsed not one, but two men looking up at the event unfolding from the cliff below. 

“Yes! He has!” you proclaim with the last strong grasp of courage, steeling your tone to sound less frail than you felt. The gaze of the dragon was alluring, hypnotic in a way that gave you pause, even if your heart throbbed for the open skies. There were rumors of the Prince having strange pets on his side, but a dragon was not the rumor you had ever believed in, until now “And I surely will..”.

That last part earned itself a great bark of a laugh, and the edges of the dragon’s mouth drew up, twisting and revealing the glistening teeth once more. 

 “A brave, but a stupid thing to be said by one so…” his head bowed down, looking as if he tried to make himself level with your height, “-small”. He was the foot of a man over an anthill, huffing in your direction to send you hurrying along.  A golden glint overcame his grand eyes while he watched you side step in half-calculated and rushed steps, coming near yet another tunnel, or what you believed was another tunnel Yet, on another glance, it was revealed to be a fireplace casted in shadow, burnt wood sitting dormant in a pile of ashes. The dragon did not speak now, but he could sense you swallowing your unease, watching how your mind raced and came up empty of a solution. 

He did not unleash another blast, instead he seemed to have listened to something another man had said from below, something having mentioned your name.. Kremnos..King Eurypon... Was that the Prince?

“And how do you propose you’d get through me?” he began, but gave you enough pause to have you want to respond, before he continued.

“My scales are like steel armor, no blade can penetrate it, and even if you managed to stab your toothpick through it, you would not kill me. How do you propose to reclaim your honour?” 

You found yourself swimming in doubts, torn between the voice of your mother on one side and your people on the other. But your fate was tied to this cave with no exit. No one will even know you've died, or how you died. 

“Your master is Kremnoan as much as I - and we both know all living things can die, and that includes you. Surely he taught you lessons of your own mortality. One way or another.. you will die. Even if I must die by the end of it, it can be done. It matters not to me if it takes days or months or years” a resolute step forward was your display of courage. 

This time around, the huff of amusement did not seem so cheerful as before, perhaps sensing your lack of passion, or perhaps he was reading your mind this entire time.  The dragon adjusted his grip on the nearby ledge and rose a few feet up once more. 

“What has that mad king promised you? Lands..riches..titles..? I do not disagree that I'll see a day where one such as you kills me, but it is a shame it will not be you, you will not be here to see it” he grumbled with a long breathy sound of the last words, then, he hissed: “The man you call your King has weighed the value of your life, among many others before you, and found it worth nothing”. 

What you felt was not anger, as you expected, not disbelief, you did not feel offended, but a deep sense of disappointment filled you, rejection. What for exactly, you could not say, or did not allow yourself to acknowledge. “Are you mad?” you spat, willing yourself to fight even if felt futile, unwilling to let yourself fall for such schemes. Dragons were known for their mischief and lies, their mind control, you reminded yourself, hands curling into a fist. You inhale swiftly in a hiss, stepping forward until your heavy footsteps cast pebbles and sand to fly over the edge as the Beast sighed and pulled himself back from you.

Rejection was a hard pill to swallow for anyone, but rejection of a battle, for a Kremnoan? It felt worse than death. The Beast who could dispose of you with a simple opening of his maw was backing away from giving you the combat you so desperately needed, and pulling away his life along with it from your reach. 

“You are being used, Y/n. Do not bother denying it” he said as he went back down to the level you initially made contact with him, retreating in slow, measured steps. The light from above seemed brighter now again, when he was no longer blocking it. The light briefly illuminated the red stripes over his large body. His wings were twice the size of the average dragon, or what you imagined they'd be anyway - they looked awfully large. He had to bend them and keep them close to his body when shifting; he used the great clawed thumb on the wings to grasp at the walls around him, painting an image of a large, muscular spider, horned and a thousand times more terrifying. 

A hundred things ran through your head, ranging from anger to sadness to relief - but it did not change the fact you would need to return to the city empty handed and disgraced further. That is, if you could even find a way out. Given his retreat, did he mean to watch you starve? Wither away like a flower with no water? No, that can't do.

“You toy with me” you said through grit teeth before you were made to go down the tumbling, dark tunnel once more to catch up to him. You could no longer see where the other two men went, nor did you care much. They were there,  prowling in the shadow.

“You humor me with your soft talk. For a castaway Prince infamous for his bloodthirst, I expected more of his lap dog! Is your master so scared that he even denies me his audience?!” You growled at him as you went running to the edge of the ledge again, sneering and grasping at straws. Along the way you plucked up the discarded spear.

“Is this what has become of you, oh great Prince?” You shouted into the void so the runaway Prince may hear your words, but your voice wavered as the dragon froze in place, his head dipped in shadow, save his eyes.

“I give you the choice to leave and you do not take it.. You are either naive or stupid to think you have any grand to stand on. But brave or honourable, you are not. For a honourable one would see the folly in this matter and turn away from it. You cannot kill me even if you do have to…” he swished his tail angrily, stirring sand and rocks as he adjusted himself on another ledge, but he still seemed to fill in the cave. “I do not fight uncertain vermin, for that would bring dishonour to me”. He spoke after a moment, as if thinking his words over. There was a melody of humor and melancholy simultaneously mingling between those words in a sound that grated your ears from within, so much so that goosebumps rose over your skin - something you were tempted to blame the cold of the cave for. Your prior altercation with Leonnius seems to have not gone unnoticed by the dragon. 

“Be gone, Y/n of Kremnos”

Silence overtook you like a silent vice. Squeezing your throat until it threatened to turn blue and purple but you were standing at the edge of the world with your feet planted in drying concrete, overlooking the chasm that wished to reject you. It was a long way down the mountain, and even longer way back to rock bottom you had hoped to avoid returning to. 

His shaking footsteps began to recede again, moving away from you. His head dipped and his body turned to face away from you to dive back into the abyss.

Shame swam into your lungs like a slimy eel and you wished to weep. The flame of hope you had clung onto was gone and all you could do was stare at the spikes and fins in the middle of the dragon’s back, moving in an odd, hypnotic way similar to a jagged wave lapping at a shore. Was this it?

The Dragon churred an angry melody once you landed on his back, small feet padding across the vast expanse of his spine before the tiny tip of the spear began poking at his scales. He groaned and his mouth filled with smoke, belly full of fire as he turned his head to snap his jaws at you. 

The scales were tough, impenetrable, marked by countless other scratches and scars and broken arrow points. The Beast snapped his jaws, once, twice, and the question of why he had not outright blasted you with a wash of flame did not dawn on you as anger blinded you. Every action was driven by anger, grief, envy - why could you not be like the other warriors, soldiers, like him.

“I will not go back! On my mother's name, I will not!” 

Suddenly, the dragon roared, a sound so shrill and terrifying it shook the cave and golden blood splashed across your face as the spear found its way between broken scales. He stumbled, and then you were falling. He had breathed a great puff of flame into the air before you had found yourself groundless. And that small flash of light allowed you to see the figure now falling with you, below you. His eyes, golden, glowing, and surprised. You knew those eyes. And now your heart filled with dread. 

Ⓒ n0tamused/jarttavia_. Do not repost, translate, edit, and/or copy any of my works. Likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated.

[romana-after-dark]

Our Gentle Sins: Part 17

Thank you so so so much to @plasticbabies for making this beautiful header!!!! we finally have a good one!

Dark!Logan Howlett x fem!reader

Series Masterlist : Main Masterlist : Logan Masterlist

Spotify Playlist

Follow @romana-updates and click follow, join my tumblr community or ask to join the tag list to keep up!

Buy Me A Coffee : Kofi

Chapter summary: Past. You think back to your fears of hell. Present. How Logan learns.

Warnings: This fic features non con, pregnancy, and themes of religious trauma. I will not be saying everything that happens to warm you, by clicking read more you are prepared for extremely dark themes and that you at 18+. You are responsible for your own media consumption.

EXTRA WARNING: Near suicide attempt and graphic gore

2.9k words

Logan took a big whiff of your hair, thumbing away the tears.

"There we go, sweet doll. It's over now, that wasn't so bad, was it?" When you don't answer, you felt his fingers press into your stomach just a bit more. "Was it?" 

"N-no..." A pit in your stomach deepens, and you hurt… it all hurts, and all you want right now is to be held. It’s sick, wanting it from Logan, but despite yourself you find yourself leaning back against him.

"I'm so sorry it happened this way, but you're gonna be quiet, right? Not gonna tell Charles or anyone, not when you got as wet as you did, right?"

Your heart falls into that pit in the middle of you. Visions flash of every time you tried to reach out, every time you wanted to get help with Mark… the doctor who said you were responsible for your miscarry, the police man who asked what you did that made him put your head through the wall, your mom reminding you to keep sweet and obey… If Charles looked in your head, and even the thought was humiliating, he’d see that you got wet, that your body betrayed you because it was Logan. Of course you wanted him… but not like this.

You shake your head, no. No one can ever no. Not Charles, not Scott. Scott would kill him, hands down, he’d been waiting for a reason… Not Remy, never Remy. Remy would try to hurt Logan, and Logan would slash him to pieces. 

No more blood would be spilled because of you. You’d done enough. Memories of the lives you took in cold blood, the smell of iron and the coppery taste in your mouth from your husband's head exploding on you filled your senses. Your ears rang, your bad ear echoing the feeling from when you’d shot the gun, a silencer but no hearing protection, giving yourself tinnitus, Hank said it was. That should’ve been enough, that should’ve been it. You killed Mark for what he’d done to you, for killing your baby, you should’ve been satisfied. But no, you had to go on, you had to kill more innocent people. Not even trying to save your sister from teen marriage through the authorities, you kill every adult involved, then turn the gun on yourself.

And you almost do it. You almost shoot, the gun trembling in your hands, but the cross on the wall catches your eye. The reason you don’t pull is not out of hope. You don’t hope for things to be better, but fear. If you kill yourself now, you go to hell. If you stay alive, maybe, just maybe, you can make a net positive for yourself, and still get into heaven. The gun drops to the ground as you do to your knees, screaming to god for forgiveness on the floor next to your marital bed. 

Then you pack what you can, the little money you have, and run away, taking buses wherever they were going until you find yourself in New York state 2 days later.

Charles said he felt you calling, felt the pure agony when you reached New Salem completely lost and exhausted and out of money. It was Remy he sent to get you, and when the strange, handsome man with red eyes came, you thought he was the devil. He turns out to have been your savior and your best friend.

As Logan nuzzles his face into your neck, you're reminded that you used to trust Logan the way you trust Remy. You brought Logan here, to your bedroom, on a few occasions just like Remy was sometimes allowed. You wonder if Remy was waiting for his chance.

*

For a while, Logan is in bliss. He’s finally got you, his Dolly, in his arms and in bed. It was good, life was good and you and him would be together forever. No one was going to get in his way, not Jean, not Scott, no one. He’d kill them, he’d kill for you, he’d die with you in that’s what it took.

Logan wished he’d taken you out of your dress, that he’d taken his time but there was no time, was there? He needed you, and you needed him, your body calling to him. It was fate. It was God. It was biology. It was whatever it needed to be for him to slide inside you and claim your body as his.

From underneath him, Logan heard soft singing. Singing was anything but uncommon for you, the gentle song of Lift High the Cross often echoed out of the kitchen, Here I Am, Lord while you grade papers, or Holy, Holy Holy down the halls of the school. Logan remembered hearing that one in church growing up. From the memories coming back together, Logan didn’t think his family was particularly religious, although it was certainly hard to escape completely during the Second Great Awakening, and Holy Holy Holy came out of that.

It wasn’t that you didn’t know secular music, because sure, sometimes he heard you humming along to the radio or bumbling through ones you knew enough, especially after you’d been at the school a few months. It was impossible to escape pop music completely, even being homeschooled.

What he didn’t expect was to hear you singing Landslide.

It was quiet, so quite a few words would come in and out of even his hearing because your voice simply couldn’t speak that quiet, but he knew the song. 

“Can the child within my heart rise above?”

“Dolly?” Logan tried to talk to you, but you just stared off into space, looking at the candles you and him were supposed to make today. Concerned, Logan pushed himself up a bit, the heavy weight of his body met with a deep breath, and he wondered if you couldn’t breathe under him. Still, without him there you wrap your arms around yourself, and you look so lonely, Logan manhandles you both onto your sides. You don’t stop singing.

“Take my love…. Take it down…”

He pulls you into a tight hug, letting you sing until the two of you fall asleep.

After

Logan heard a knock on the door early in the morning. Thinking it was Scott ready to accuse him of hurting you again, he flung open the door angrily, only to find Kurt. The elf looked nervous, wringing his hands together and his tail swishing about.

“Whaddya do’n here so early?” He asked his friend. Logan loved Kurt, him, Wade and Morph were his only real friends here. Kurt would understand him, honestly, if he explained himself. He’d just have to do it better than with Wade… Maybe after Stevie was born. 

Kurt was looking down as he spoke. After all these years, he still got nervous about certain things, even with him. “I vas just… checking on you two is all.”

Blood rushed in Logan’s body, senses hightening. He tried to get a sense for what, exactly, Kurt was asking and if he needed to be wary. Who would Wade have told? Certainly not Kurt. Scott, probably… Did he say something to Remy? And Remy talked to Kurt?

“Why would you need to check on us at 6 AM on the weekend? C’mon elf, be straight.”

Logan bent over until he caught his friend's yellow eyes. Finally, he spoke.

“It’s just… Vade. Him and Scott, they were saying some things…”

“And you believed them?”

“No!” Kurt looked straight at Logan now, determination on his face. “I left! They were trying to talk to me and Remy said you did… terrible things to her…” He spoke in a hushed tone, but Logan still glanced over to where you slept. “I don’t know why they talked to us but Scott vanted me there to vouch for you in good faith, and I did! I said you’d never do zat!”

Dread bubbled up in his chest. Wade and Scott were plotting against him, and they wanted Kurt there because if even Kurt turned against him Scott knew he was justified. The fucking coward could never just stand on his shit, needed to be backed in his morals. Well, as Kurt explained what happened it seemed he convinced Remy, and that was going to be good enough. Remy would do anything for you. They were in trouble.

“But I didn’t believe a word, Logan! I don’t care what they say, you are a better man than that”

Logan put his hand on Kurt’s shoulder. “Thank you. Scott is still mad about Jean, and listen I don’t blame him… did you know she slept in another room last night?” Logan hadn’t smelled Scott on her when she came to check on Dolly and Stevie; she hadn’t even been in their bed. She always had a distinct smell of their sheets, a mix of perfumes, Scott, shampoos and body washes, when she used to sneak away from her husband in the middle of the night.

He shakes his head. “No, but zats vhat I mean, I don’t think he’s doing well, mein friend. Do not be angry with him, please-”

“Kurt?”

Logan turned around, opening the door to show you in the bed, sitting up. He wasn’t afraid of Kurt seeing you in anything untoward, you dressed modestly even in bed.

*

Kurt looked into the room, seeing you sit up on the bed. He was so relieved that Logan confirmed he was right. Wade had said he’d admitted it, but Kurt knew you, and you wouldn’t hurt a woman like that, especially not you. He has enhanced night vision, so the half of you he saw, he saw clearly. You looked tired, but that was understandable so far along.

“Hallo Fräulein” Kurt smiled into the dark room, giving a little wave and nod. “I’m sorry I woke you.”

“Nonono don’t worry!” You begin to sit up, scrambling despite your stomach to go to the table. “I’ll make coffee!”

Kurt waved his hands. “Nein, I must get to the gymnasium, coffee vill make me jittery, danke. I vill see you for lun-” Kurt choked on his words when you turned to face him. A puffy eye, green blue and purple all along that side of your forehead with a small cut topping off the lump. Something was wrong. Something was very fucking wrong.

“Y’alright, elf?” Logan asked, reaching for Kurt to steady him but Kurt just stumbles back more. 

“J-ja. I’m fine. Uh, little lightheaded is all. Maybe I should eat first.”

You step closer to the door. “I can cook you someth-”

“Nein! Danke!” He laughs an obviously nervous laugh, sure he’s giving himself away. Wade said he hurt you last night. No one saw it except for Jean and Bobby who were still in bed. There was no way for Wade to know, unless what he said was true, that Logan confessed to hurting you. And if Wade was telling the truth about the physical abuse… did he rape you?

It was all too much; his tail snapped anxiously, the spade scratching his leg. 

Logan gave him a funny look he couldn’t decipher, but nodded. “Alright, go get you some food. We’ll be down in a bit. Don’t pass out or noth’n” Kurt smiles, and began to walk away when Logan stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. He pulled the younger man into a hug. “I love ya, elf.”

Kurt had a sinking feeling, and when he returned the affections to Logan, he poofed to his room to think it over while the rest of the house slept in.

He heard Scott’s door open and close.

*

Logan shut the door behind him, turned to you with wide eyes. “We need to leave. Now.”

You blink at him, the coffee pot brewing a fresh cup behind you. Bubble bubble, toil and trouble. “Like… to the store?”

“No.” He went to his closet, pulling out a backpack. “Put everything you need for a days trip in here, then we leave.”

“Logan!”

When he whipped around, the look in his eyes reminded you of last night, and you were frozen in fear. He was scaring you, and you couldn’t let him hurt you again. You got lucky last night with Stevie being safe, you weren’t going to risk it. Painful memories of your miscarraige flooded you, and your hand touches your stomach. This was no time to fight back. This was no time to run. You needed to go along with whatever he was doing for Stevie’s sake. Logan wouldn’t hurt you. Logan wouldn’t hurt Stevie. It’s okay, you needed to trust him… Logan was different.

Right?

“Okay.” Your voice was quiet, barely above a whisper. “Can I say goodbye to Remy?”

Logan shook his head. “Absolutly not.”

“Please? I won’t say goodbye, just- let me hug him? Something? You got to say it to Kurt…” Just Remy, please… you needed to see Remy… Remy would help you, Remy would help Logan see reason, that whatevers happening you could fix, together!

To your surprise, his face softened, and Logan walks over to gently cup your bruised face. Despite the pain, you lean into him like a nuzzling cat. “No.” Was still his answer. “Pack up, and do not leave this room. I’m getting something from downstairs.” He pinched your cheek, making you gasp in pain. “Do. Not. Leave this room. Okay?”

And you whisper yes, because when he’s like this, you wouldn’t dare.

You pack what you think you might need: prenatal medicine, clothes, lots of socks… you grab warm coats for both of you, because its still May and can be cold out. Middle of May, in fact…

If you were gone more than a week, you’d miss graduation.

*

Rogue couldn’t be happier with how life had been going. Remy was back, and things had been going GREAT since they’d gotten together. Rogue had some semblence of control over her powers; it wasn’t like she could make out with Remy for long periods, and they couldn’t have sex without a condom, but it was enough that a little skin to skin contact wouldn’t hurt him and they made it work. Boy, did they make it work.

She had her friends, her man, and she’d really come into her own as an X-man. Charles had even said so himself! He was even going to let her present an outstand graduate award when he came back for graduation next week, and she would start teaching, too. Even said she could start leading missions he felt were in her wheelhouse. Yeah, it was good.

“Ah come on!” Jubilee shook on the door handle to the kitchen, but someone had put a padlock on it. “We didn’t even leave it a mess this time!” Sometimes, Scott would lock the kitchen door if the students or kids left it a mess. There was always plenty of food around in other places, no one ever went hungry and if there was something they really wanted to make or grab Scott would unlock it, but it was to teach them responsibility… or something. Sometimes Scott just liked a power trip.

“Just blast it! It wasn’t us!” The lock was all electric, no key needed. 

“No way! Scott would like, totally freak out. I’m not being on the receiving end of that! You knows he’s been so weird lately.”

Scott HAD been weird, and so had Logan. Remy had filled her in on everything, of Scott accussing Logan of hurting you and honestly, it seemed like a shitshow. Scott didn’t have any right, but Logan HAD been acting weird. Praying? Logan? Not that suddenly going to church to apease his bride to be was unheard of in the south, and it certainly didn’t equate abuse, but it was a bunch of strange happenings.

“Just blast it, sugah, I’ll take the blame. Ahm stahv’n” 

Jubilee looked uncertain, but acquiessed. “Fine, but if he asks, you made me!” 

Rogue smiled, standing back as she watched Jubilee fire up and surge the lock, making it fall apart completely.

“Jubes!” Rogue laughs loudly, covering her face in hysterics. “I wanted it unlocked, not destroyed!”

She looked horrified. “Oh my god! What the hell, I’m 24 I should have control by now!”

Feeling a little bad for laughing, Rogue tried to control herself and patted Jubilee on the shoulder as she went for the door. “Relax hun! We all get a lil crazy sometimes. C’mon, let me show yuh how t’make collard greens.”

Jubilee mumbled something about Scott killing her as she looked at her sparkling hands, but catching up to her friend and pushing open the door.

They both saw it at the same time. For a moment, it was hard to make out what it was, the red, fleshy mass on the floor. Then, they realized what, and who, it was. The body, or lack there of, would have been unidentifyable if not for the red sunglasses laying in the pile of sliced up body parts. 

Jubilee scream Scotts name, running to him but Rogue caught her, holding her friend back with her super strength. There was nothing she could do, the pieces of bones and organs barely resembled a body shape anymore. Scott was dead, and had been for a few hours. If Jubilee touched him, she’d never get the feeling of her mentors guts off her hands, and Rogue new she had to save the sensitive girl from that, even as she screamed bloody murder.

Bobby came running into the room, asking what happened, but threw up as soon as he saw the horrors on the kitchen floor.

And there was only one person who could have done it.

see guys!!! kurt didnt mean it ;-; he was trying to see for himself, he just accidentally cued him on what was happening and it was an ACCIDENt!!!! leave him ALONE

i think only one chapter left, but lets see how chapter 18 goes? Sometimes, writing the last chapter can be really hard and long and maybe splitting it works best. I ended up splitting up ROF's last chapter, BBTF and I think TWW too? idk that ones been 2 years since writing it. we'll see.

Anyway, for various reasons i plan to re-upload a lot of my stuff and transfer it over to @cosmic-kid-in-motion which will be my new blog, housing both dark and none dark. The reason im sdoing this now (although i've debated it for a year) is because the next logan series i have coming up and this tommy miller series i have planned, both i dont wanna spoil if they are good or dark. i want to keep people guessing ESP the tommy one bc its a bit of a mind fuck what is happening.

I beleive in warning about dark themes if they come, but Its come to the point in this for me that i no longer desire to warn of every little thing. Im sorry, but were grown. Ill never jump scare you with random dark content or suicide or some thing but i might not always be as specific as ive been. i'd like to know you opinions in asks on what you think the best tagging is to avoid spoilers, things you think are necessary etc. I'd like to hear opinions!

there was hoopla a few months ago bc a pal of mine didnt tag a plot twist in her fic. Im sorry that joel and reader didnt end up together but come on. No need to over react LMFAO. im not tagging my spoilers, yall.

anyway, thanks for reading!!!! lmk your thoughts!!!!!

thanks everyone! love you!

@multiversed-daydreamer @my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction @del-ightfulling @miraclesabound @hindi-si-ikay @samsamsantos @madamerubrum @shybluebirdninja a @hornystan @rogueinmymind @accountforreading123 @yawnetu @princessanglophile @and-claudia a @new-genesis100 @teaganthemorningstar @oldloganslittleslut @zaggprincess2 @bugsinmyeyez @groundclueless @cosmolight @nonamevenus

[zerosconsort]

Zero's Fic Binding - Archive Anthology - Stony Volume 1

A collection of fics all written by Areiton (@areiton)

let me hear (your battle cry) | chains around my daemons | monsters of sea & sky | inspired | muse

Fandom: Marvel

Ship: Steve Rogers / Tony Stark

Start Date: 10/07/24

End Date: 11/25/24

Pages: 355

First Archive Anthology book. This is a collection of 5 of my favorite Arei Stony fics. They are all also from 2021, which I did not mean to do but just so happen to realize as I was typesetting. I wanted to start this proof of concept project with someone who I A) knew and B) would be cool with me using their fics as a test.

So, the cover. She's beautiful. For the AA series, I want the covers to be the uniform - so every Stony book will copy this cover type, but the colors will shift to blue and white for Vol 2, and then back to red and gold for Vol 3. I sketched out the Iron Man that I wanted myself and made an SVG for the first time, leave me alone, adding the swoosh marks to him and to Steve's shield. I wanted a simple, classic looking font for a universal text title. This book series wont have quotes on the back so instead I have a full spread of the graphic. Tony's the icon on the spine this time - and I think he looks great~

Ah! The side shot. I used my guillotine for the first time - so the chop on this bitch is CHRISP. Headband is gold and handstitched. The whole side profile? Crispy like fall leaves.

Title page shots. A TOC (that I only notices was a little low after I had printed both copies) with a new and customized copyright page. I looked at a bunch of pages in the Renegade Bindery discord and compiled something that felt right AND specific to this project going forward.

Typesetting this was not…bad. It did take a while while I worked out fonts and overall ideas, but ones I had them I was able to fly through. There are quite a few here, so lets take a peak...

I kept Let me hear a little simple - with more medieval drop caps and banner headers. This fic is the only one with a nontypical drop caps - but with how simple the titles were I wanted a little bit more. I also - as per my standard - did this fic first, and then started to dig down and get more complicated the further in I got.

Chains has a little more flavor - each chapter has a splash of color. Originally I had hyper detailed headers for this fic, but they just look like SO MUCH, and I couldn't figure out a way to make them look uniform with the different daemons I was showcasing. Scaling back with a flash of color, but not to much, feels much better for this fic. Also realized that I need to figure out how to trim to what my printer considerers a 'full page'.

mos&s has a little more character for the headers, where I pull peace out from each chapter to add to the title. This chapter header - and the last one - are my favorite. I used hand drawn lines to highlight under each chapter title, and pulled a color for the splash image to match with both that line and the matching line breaks in the chapters.

inspired is told from Tony's point of view - so I kept the chapter titles black and white, with harder linework and a focused idea from in each of the chapters.

In contrast, muse is told from Steve's POV - so every chapter header is an explosion of color. They're all based on a variety of art mediums - spray paint, stamp art, charcoal, oil pints, anything I could find that I remember ever doing myself. I also colored each of the drop caps a contrasting color to what the header art is.

All in all, I'm very happy with how this came out. This is the blueprint I'll use for any of my Anthology books going forward. I already have at least three more in mind for Stony specifically, and then a collection of Raven Boys and Good Omens ones that are not long enough to be a book by themselves but I still want THEM ON MY SHELVES.

Thank you again Arei - your wonderful <3 Go read Arei's fics ASAP!

[dangermousie]

Tagged by @tavina-writes

1. why did you choose your url?

This nick and my icon is all the way from Farscape forums back in early 00s. I picked it because I enjoyed the Dangermouse cartoons.

2. any sideblogs? if you have them name them and why you have them.

I made dangermousie2 in the event the main one gets banned or there is some other issue, but I don't use it. I am old enough that I started when people didn't have theme/sideblogs and that's how I roll.

3. how long have you been on tumblr?

2011? 2012? I am a LiveJournal refugee who first got an account when LJ started being unreliable but only switched in a meaningful way when I got into Spartacus and all the fun fandom was here.

4. do you have a queue tag?

Nope. Impulse control and planning, what's that?

5. why did you start your blog in the first place?

I first got LJ back in 2005 (I think) because a cousin got me into it; I was posting about things like books and Bollywood and Star Wars then. And then here I am all these years later.

6. why did you choose your icon/pfp?

Fits my user name. A very kind person made it for me back on long defunct Farscape boards back in 2003/2004.

7. why did you choose your header?

I don't have anything there, it's whatever tumblr gave me.

8. what’s your post with the most notes?

I have NO idea how to find it out tbh. But it might be:

9. how many mutuals do you have?

No idea how to check.

10. how many followers do you have?

6581

11. how many people do you follow?

2565

12. have you ever made a shitpost?

Nope

13. how often do you use tumblr each day?

Way way way too often.

14. did you have a fight/argument with another blog once?

Yes. I am a lot less likely to do so now but when I was younger and more impulsive, oh yes.

15. how do you feel about ‘you need to reblog this’ posts?

You say that, I will not reblog and will likely block you to boot.

16. do you like tag games?

Sometimes.

17. do you like ask games

Sometimes.

18. which of your mutuals do you think is tumblr famous?

I have no idea. Thankfully we are largely past the era of BNFs and I am glad for that.

19. do you have a crush on a mutual?

I am waaaay too old for that question. No.

20. what is the last song you listened to?

ТІК & Ірина Білик - Не цілуй

21. what are you currently watching?

I have a pinned post about that but a bunch. My faves out of the airing stuff I am watching are Love in the Desert, Black Out and Iron Family.

22. sweet/ savoury/ spicy?

I have no spice tolerance so the other two.

23. what is your current relationship status?

Married. To a man who is OK with listening me describe Wu Chang Jie to him in excruciating detail so def a keeper.

24. what is your current obsession?

Lust in the Dust (iykyk), Cass Morris' Aven Cycle, coffee.

25. what are nine albums/ songs you've been listening to lately?

no idea, it changes.

Tagging @aysekira @silviakundera @renewedmotionforjudgment @fake-married-my-dead-fiance and anyone else who wants to

[kimplosion]

Day 70

Instead of a drawing today, I'm gonna go over the fairly simple RPG system I made out of the bones of other systems! I call it...

Boss Rush!

BASICS The intention for this system is to be able to quickly make a character, get into a fight with a big bad enemy, and do cool things at them until they're dead. To that end, there's very little combat math (unless you count "which number is bigger?"). Disclaimer: I largely improvised this system precisely one time 3 months ago, and I didn't really write down the rules, so it's bound to be a mess. But it's a fun mess!

THE GOLDEN RULE Many of these systems will likely be exploitable, and that's ok.

The important thing is that everyone's having fun and telling a good story.

Describe your actions as full scenes! Be as evocative as you can muster! I'm not here to shame players who "hit the bad guy with my sword again", I have been that player. But if you can add any spice, your group will appreciate it.

THE DICE Actions in this game use dice to determine success. Novel concept, I know. Most of these dice will be able to be increased (d4->d6->d8->d10->d12) or decreased (d12->d10->d8->d6->d4). There is, however, one die that cannot be changed in such ways.

THE D20 You cannot increase to a d20. You cannot decrease The D20. The D20 will be rolled, no matter what, in any Action you take. All praise to The D20.

CHARACTER CREATION Start with a notecard. Write your name at the top, and the 5 STATS where you'll see them. Assign each stat one of your dice. In total you have d4, d6, d6, d8, and d10.

Nearby, write a header called "BONUSES". Write in 3 Bonuses, assigning 2 d6 and 1 d8. Optionally, you can make your Bonus a Activated Bonus, increasing the die from d6 to d8, or from d8 to d10.

Your GM will tell you your Level, and by extension how much XP you have to spend (hint: it's the same number). Optionally, you can take up to 2 Drawbacks, each one giving you an additional XP.

You can spend 1 XP to increase a Bonus or Stat die to the next biggest size (maximum of d12), or 2 XP to add a new die at d4, either to a new Bonus or an existing Bonus or Stat. This means, yes, a high-level character can dump all their XP into Strength and roll 5d12 every time they punch something. Insert Saitama joke.

You can also not spend XP. For each unspent XP at the start of a fight, you get a Cool Point.

STATS Every character has 5 stats, known as STATS!

Strength: Can you lift that truck? Will the bouncer be intimidated by your muscles? How many pieces will the opponent's ribcage be left in when you're done with it? Strength is how you find out!

Toughness: This counts for armor, stamina, and good ol' determination.

Agility: If you're more often dodging incoming fireballs than tanking them, Agility is the way to go. Also useful for knife throwing and skateboard tricks. At the same time if you're good enough!

Technique: More mental, interpersonal, and metaphysical abilities. If it's a thing most people can't do, and it's not tied to a gadget, it's Technique.

Stuff: How much equipment you have, and how good it is. Usually used for Actions involving gadgets, but also applicable for "do I happen to have handcuffs?"

BONUSES A Bonus is something that sets your character apart from the rest. Superpowers, future tech, sweet abs, the usual. Bonuses should be specific enough that you can't use them for every Action you take without coming up with creative uses.

Iron Man's Armor, for example, is probably too broad for a single Bonus, but you could split it up into Plating, Weapons Platform, and JARVIS.

ACTIVATED BONUSES Some abilities are meant to be brought out halfway through a fight to raise the stakes. "This isn't even my final form!" is the most obvious use, but it also applies to finishing moves, and even calling in allies.

If a Bonus is an Activated Bonus, it begins a fight Deactivated, and must be activated during the fight by taking a successful Action to do so, using an Opportunity die of equal or greater size, or spending a Cool Point.

DRAWBACKS Drawbacks are anything that will in some way hinder your character in a fight. Glasses? Drawback. Old football injury? Drawback. Glass bones and paper skin? Probably don't bring that character to a fight, actually.

Whenever a Drawback is deemed relevant to hinder an Action, the GM increases the Difficulty die to the next highest size. If the Difficulty die was already a d12, you'll need to spend a Cool Point to attempt the Action in the first place, at which point the Difficulty die will be a d20.

TURN ORDER Each player makes an Action roll collectively opposed by the GM's single The D20. The highest single die goes first, ties broken by the second-highest, further ties broken by the size of the Stat or Bonus die rolled, followed by the size of the other die, and if there's STILL somehow a tie, laugh at the absurdity of it all and decide amongst yourselves. The GM will never win ties, as they have no second die.

After your turn, play is passed to a player or GM who hasn’t gone that round. If everyone’s gotten their turns, a new round begins and you can pick anyone but yourself.

ACTIONS On your turn, you get one Action, with which you can do one of the following:

Anything you can come up with.

After selecting your Action, take one die from your STATS, one die from your Bonuses (if applicable), and The D20 and roll them all.

STOP! Do not do math! Do not add the numbers!

The GM will then roll their The D20 and the Difficulty die. They will also do NO MATH at this stage!

Now take your highest-rolling die and compare it to the GM's, then do the same with your and their second-highest.

If your highest beats their highest, the Action succeeds! If your second-highest beats theirs, you create an Opportunity die. These are not mutually exclusive!

If both your dice are lower than the GM's, the Action fails. Better luck next time.

SUCCESS This is a big silly fight game, so generally success will be inflicting a Wound on the giant monster you're fighting. However, depending on the Action taken, you can also make a narratively permanent* Bonus die of a size equal to your highest non-The D20 die, Activate a Deactivated Bonus, or otherwise narratively alter the fight in a way the GM deems reasonable.

*"narratively permanent" means permanent until 1. the end of the fight or 2. a plot development makes it no longer relevant.

CRITICAL SUCCESS If The D20 rolls a 20, or if your highest die beats the GM's by 10 or more, it's a Critical Success, effectively doubling the effectiveness of your Action. 2 Wounds, make the Bonus available to your entire party, make even more ludicrous changes, or take 2 Success options at once.

OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities, when created, go in a pool in the middle of the table (or whatever digital equivalent you use over Discord). Before rolling an Action, a player can take an Opportunity die from the pool and add it to their roll (note: add in a physical dice way, not a math way)

CRITICAL OPPORTUNITIES Similar to success, Opportunities can also be Critical if the second-highest die beats the GM's by 10. A Critical Opportunity increases the Opportunity die to the next size, but if the die was already a d12, it becomes a Success!

FAILURE It wouldn't be much of a game without the chance of failure, and sometimes the dice are against you. You can still describe it in a cool way, though! Remember the golden rule, have fun with it, and make it a good story.

CRITICAL FAILURE If you roll a 1 on The D20 and fail the Action, it becomes Critical, giving the GM a Success out of turn!

COOL POINTS Cool Points are used to buff up important rolls even after the GM has rolled, but if you use them you MUST describe the Action as dramatically as possible! These are moments that turn the tide of battle, not to be used willy-nilly.

1 Cool Point can be spent to:

Reroll your entire dice pool

Flip a non-The D20 die to its highest face

Add 10 to The D20

Activate a Deactivated Bonus

Declare 1 fact to be true about the fight (At the GM's discretion)

AND THE REST There are more caveats to the game, but it's getting late, so more on those (as well as GM rules) tomorrow!

[carmenized-onions]

Just wanted to hop in and wish you a happy birthday!! Also wanted to praise you and your writing. Literally everything is perfect from the flow, to the composition, the characterizations, and of course the masterful weaving of the reader insert into the lives at the beef and the bear. Honestly I even love the visual font style that you write in! I'm absolutely not shocked that you write professionally and wish they had you in the writers room at The Bear. You're absolutely phenomenal! I also wanted to ask what, if any, are your favorite episodes from the show? I love any episode with a Mikey flashback because as an oldest child with trauma and younger siblings I'd do anything for; he's kind of my thing. Anyway thanks for writing and looking forward to more!! You're so lovely. ❤️

THANK YOU LOVE !!

This means the world, I gotta print this and tape it to my inner eyelids. I am a very detail oriented bitch so it really does mean a lot to hear that like yes the characterization and story is good but ALSO the visuals/the composition is good— That makes me so so happy. Like the little intro headers, the chapter image, the fuckin’ scene ombre dividers (day for Chip, night for Carm)-- The quotation marks being in times new roman was honestly not something I did on purpose because I just copy and paste from word because I hate writing in tumblr drafts— However once I noticed it made a difference, I could never go back.

GIRRLLLL GET ME IN THAT WRITERS ROOM WHO DO WE HAVE TO CALLLL— But really, who’s got a film job for me I’ve been slogging at this admin job and it’s fine but I would like. To be. In the career i was meant to be in. (recently joined the union though so hopefully the iron strikes soon man hhhhhh). AND WOAH A QUESTION!! What ARE my favourite episodes…

I’d say anything with Mikey 100% weirdly as a baby child with a lot of trauma? I find a lot of comfort in that guy man. He’s absolutely also my thing. But lemme pull up the fuckin directory we’ll go season by season. 

OH such a lowkey episode but S1EP04 Dogs will always have a special place in my heart. So will the pilot episode honestly, I love love love dropping into the story half way through it, it’s a tell tale rule my prof taught me and I can’t believe more shows don’t do it nowadays. Also Season 1’s finale Braciole will always be that bitch. I also think let me just check… Yeah, it’s this one. With the Cooking Show Intro? That opening genuinely scared the shit out of me because it was exactly like a short film I made. And i was like

Oh is this fucking play about me? What the FUCK?! I DID NOT PUT MY BIRTHDAY IN?

Season 2, gotta be Fishes and Forks. Fishes and Forks y’ALL WILL ALWAYS BE FAMOUS!!! And again, the finale FUCK bro. Freezer fight had me GOING. Literally the reason why i made the series. I’m gone. 

Season 3,,,,, Little uh…. Little less of my favorites here, I’ll be honest. But Napkins and Ice Chips were absolutely my favourites. The finale was a little messy to me, as was the opening episode (I just think in general they’ve always had a kind of very inaccurate timeline going, and so it was very hard to follow some points but like good? Like it’s grown on me? I just felt like I was on crack for the first 10 minutes). 

And this has been your onion review of da bear. Thank you so much for your thoughts I hope you like the next chap too !!!

[marvelbang]

Two great stories left for artists to claim this year!

Both stories feature Tony Stark and Peter Parker. One is Gen featuring Superior Iron Man and the other one is Starker slash.

Marvel Bang accepts a wide variety of art--including traditional art, digital art, manips, fanmixes (with 8 songs and cover art), mood boards with banners/headers, and vids--so if you think you might like to try your hands at one of these stories, we welcome you!

For the summaries and instructions visit:

@marvel-events-central @thebigbangblogproject

[littleinsaneegg]

Hi ooc post decided to make a blog to develop my OC! I know she may not be everyone's cup of tea so dont interact if not. Ooc post will be green while in character will be Pink! (I'll probably make sure it's known ooc anyways). I will probably follow from ghostpaynes as it is my main. Not Sonic three friendly but not really spoilers under the cut

Header graphics credit icon from here

Mun is over twenty one while the character themselves is 16

More information under the cut

Birth Name: Delainey Elizabeth Grace Winstell

Known allies: Lanney, Delainey Stone, Delainey Carson.

Gender: Female

Pronouns: She/they

Date of birth: Unknown

Age: 12 (Sonic 1+2) 15 (post Sonic three)

Family: Orphaned at eight years old.

IQ: 299

History: Lanney had always been a bright kid. She took a great liking to the robotics making herself known to the world. This came with its disadvantages. When she was seven her parents were killed and she was taken in hopes of conditioning her to build robots for the wrong reasons. She was there for a year before the government found her and took her into care.

She was given to one Agent Stone on a temporary basis until she could be moved to safer accommodations. This eventually turned into what was supposed to be a permanent situation once proven that she had a positive effect being around both the Agent and Robotnik. She stayed close to their sides till she was twelve and the Sonic incident happened.

She was relocated and her original name wiped from government databases to a foster home under the condition she was not to slip up about what happened in green hills and she was not allowed to build anything that could lead her to reaching out to with Stone or Robotnik at any point. A month after her fifteenth birthday she disappeared intending to go to Green Hills or wherever the people she considered family may be armed with only an iron man like suit and will power.

[pesterloglog]

Terezi Pyrope, Dave Strider

Act 5, page 2772

gallowsCalibrator [GC] began trolling turntechGodhead [TG]

GC: H3Y 34RTH BOY

GC: W41T...

GC: 1 JUST 4SSUM3D YOU W3R3 4 BOY

GC: M4YB3 YOUR3 4 G1RL?

GC: 1 DONT KNOW MUCH 4BOUT YOUR W31RD HORNL3SS SP3C13S, 1 GU3SS YOU COULD B3 >:\

TG: yes im a girl

GC: OH R34LLY?

GC: 34RTHL1NGS 4R3 R34LLY B1Z4RR3

GC: NO OFF3NS3

GC: WH4T 1S YOUR SP3C13S C4LL3D

TG: north american hollering phallus baboon

GC: >:?

GC: 1 TH1NK YOU M1GHT B3 PULL1NG MY FROND, F3M4L3 34RTHL1NG

TG: no its true we are highly endangered

TG: when our territory is threatened thats when the indiscriminate fucking begins

TG: could fuck a circus tent down a gas tank

TG: bunch it up in there good

TG: slam the lid and drive away

TG: beep beep albino hairless dickmonkey coming through

GC: 1M NOT SUR3 WH4T TH4T M34NS

GC: BUT 1 SUSP3CT 1T W4S SOM3TH1NG H1GHLY L4SC1V1OUS >:|

TG: the glittering civilization before you was built on angry apefuck power alone

TG: stand agog and marvel bitch

GC: H4H4H4 OK TH1S 1S NONS3NS3, YOU 4R3 4 JOK3R

GC: L1K3 M3 >:]

GC: MY N4M3 1S T3R3Z1, WH4TS YOURS

TG: shaggy 2 dope

GC: OK SH4GGY, S33

GC: 1 C4N SM3LL D3C31T

GC: L13S H4V3 4 SUBTL3 ODOR, 34SY TO M1SS 4T F1RST

GC: BUT TH3 MOR3 TH3Y P1L3 UP TH3 MOR3 TH3Y ST1NK!

GC: TH4T 1S NOT YOUR R34L N4M3

TG: ok sorry

TG: its ben stiller

GC: 4LSO 1 DONT TH1NK YOUR3 R34LLY 4 G1RL

TG: nope

TG: sorry to disappoint you dude

GC: 1 4M 4 G1RL NOT 4 BOY!

TG: dont care

GC: >:[

GC: TH1S F1RST 3NCOUNT3R 1S NOT GO1NG 4S W3LL 4S 1 HOP3D

TG: oh man another failed trolling attempt

TG: i had such high hopes trapezi it started out brilliantly

GC: T3R3Z1!!!!!!!!

GC: 4ND 1 4M NOT TROLL1NG YOU, 1 4M JUST TRY1NG TO G3T TO KNOW 4 L1TTL3 4BOUT YOU 4ND YOUR SP3C13S

GC: 1 JUST D1SCOV3R3D 1T 4ND 1 4M CUR1OUS

TG: excuse me but it says right in the header of this conversation that youre trolling me

TG: persterchum always knows

GC: OH...

GC: OH Y34H

GC: BUT

GC: OK TH1S M1GHT B3 H4RD FOR 4N 34RTH B4BOON TO UND3RST4ND

GC: BUT TROLL 1S 4 V3RB TH4T H4S 4 LOT OF NU4NC3

GC: TH3 WORD C4N M34N 4 LOT OF TH1NGS

GC: FOR 1NST4NC3, 1 4M 4 TROLL!

TG: no shit

GC: NO 1 M34N

GC: TH4TS WH4T MY SP3C13S 1S C4LL3D

TG: ok

TG: let me just set aside some time to be stupid enough to believe that

TG: hey looks like next month is chemical lobotomy month youre in luck

GC: OH GOD WH4T 4 SM4RT4SS!

GC: SM4RT4SS13ST 4L13N 3V3R

TG: so what do you think

TG: time to block you yet or what

GC: NO!

GC: L3TS K33P T4LK1NG

GC: UM

GC: WH4T 4R3 YOU DO1NG NOW

TG: drawing a comic

GC: H3Y 1 L1K3 TO DR4W TOO

GC: 1M R34LLY QU1T3 GR34T 4T 1T

TG: awesome

GC: C4N YOU SHOW M3 YOUR COM1C

TG: nah

GC: COM3 ON

GC: 1 W1LL DR4W YOU SOM3TH1NG 1N R3TURN

GC: 1T W1LL B3 4 CULTUR4L 3XCH4NG3

TG: i dunno

TG: you seem kinda young to me and this thing is like

TG: borderline pornographic

TG: how old are you

GC: 6

TG: goddamn

TG: ok now youre messing with me arent you you arent 6

GC: NO 1TS TRU3!

TG: whatever thats bullshit

TG: ok fuck it

TG: just dont tell your parents

GC: WH4T 4R3 P4R3NTS

TG: thats just about the saddest thing i ever heard get said

TG: here

TG: http://tinyurl.com/CDandSL

GC: 1 4M NOT SUR3 WH4T 1S PORNOGR4PH1C 4BOUT TH4T

GC: 1TS JUST K1ND OF STR4NG3

TG: i guess

GC: 1TS PR3TTY GOOD THOUGH

TG: its ok

TG: im not thrilled with this direction though i think its too much like my bros stuff

TG: need to figure out my own ironic statement to make

TG: spread my wings you know

GC: Y3S

GC: 1 TH1NK YOU C4N DO TH4T

GC: YOU JUST H4V3 TO F1GUR3 OUT WH4T TH3 TRUTH 1S 1NS1D3 YOU

TG: pretty deep troll girl

GC: 1TS TRU3!

GC: TH3R3 1S 4 LOT 1N YOUR M1ND WH1CH 1S CONC34L3D FROM YOUR SURF4C3 P3RC3PT1ON

GC: YOU JUST N33D TO TRY TO B3COM3 4W4R3 OF 1T

GC: CLOS3 YOUR 3Y3S

GC: 4ND T3LL M3 WH4T YOU S33 1N YOUR M1NDSP4C3

TG: ok

TG: i see

TG: that fucking puppet

GC: H4H4 Y3S YOUR 4DULT CUSTOD14NS S3RV4NT PUPP3T

TG: uh what

GC: WH4T 3LS3 DO YOU S33

TG: man i dunno

TG: wheres this drawing you promised me

GC: OH Y34H

GC: H4NG ON

GC: OK H3R3 YOU GO B3N ST1LL3R

GC: http://tinyurl.com/FORB3NST1LL3R

TG: oh my fucking hell

TG: that is horrendous

TG: in the most beautiful way

GC: TH4NK YOU B3N >:]

TG: god damn

TG: that mouth

TG: its like

TG: i dont know

TG: a fucking pork chop

TG: jegus

TG: i mean jesus

TG: so overwhelmed i cant even damn type

GC: Y3S W3LL

GC: B3N 1 4M DR4W1NG W1TH 4 MOUS3 YOU KNOW

TG: is there even any other way to draw on a computer

TG: fuckin doubt it

GC: 1M ST4RT1NG TO TH1NK YOUR N4M3 1SNT B3N

GC: 1 TH1NK TH4T W4S 4NOTH3R RUS3

GC: T3LL M3 YOUR R34L N4M3!!! >:[

TG: ok lets say its

TG: dave why not

GC: D4V3!

GC: TH4T SM3LLS L1K3 TRUTH

GC: 1 W1LL D3C1D3 TO B3L13V3 1T >:]

TG: fuck

GC: OK D4V3, 1 H4V3 4 LOT TO DO

GC: BUT 1 W1LL G3T B4CK TO YOU

TG: what the hell could you possibly have to do

TG: doesnt seem like youre into trolling us as much as your numbnut friends

GC: MY FR13NDS?

GC: 4R3 YOU SUGG3ST1NG OTH3RS L1K3 M3 H4V3 TROLL3D YOU

TG: yeah what didnt you get the memo

GC: 1 WR1T3 TH3 M3MOS!!!

GC: 1 M1GHT NOT H4V3 WR1TT3N TH1S ON3 Y3T THOUGH...

GC: 1 SHOULD PROB4BLY RUN TH1S BY

GC: UH

GC: MY L34D3R

TG: your leader

TG: thats a retarded thing to say even by the standard of your own bullshit made up vernacular

GC: SM4RT4SS!

TG: whos he really

TG: your boyfriend or something

GC: PFFFFFFFF Y34H R1GHT

GC: W3LL OK

GC: 1 M34N

GC: 1TS B33N SORT OF COMPL1C4T3D W1TH H1M

TG: ok asking for an explanation on that is pretty much the exact opposite of what im doing

TG: and interesteds the opposite of what im being

GC: SM4RT

GC: 4SS

GC: >:P

GC: 4CTU4LLY H3S K1ND OF SM4RT4SSY L1K3 YOU NOW TH4T 1 TH1NK 4BOUT 1T

GC: BUT YOU S33M C4LM 1NST34D OF SHOUTY 4LL TH3 T1M3

GC: 4LSO

GC: YOU TYP3 1N BR1GHT BOLD R3D

GC: YOU DONT H1D3 TH3 COLOR OF YOUR BLOOD L1K3 4 STUP1D W1GGL3R >:]

TG: ok that remark was almost as boring as it was weird

GC: OH P1P3 DOWN D4V3, 1 4M TRY1NG TO P4Y YOU 4 COMPL1M3NT!

GC: 1 4M HOLD1NG OUT TH3 1NT3RSP3C13S OL1V3 BR4NCH H3R3, 4ND YOU 4R3 G1V1NG 1T 4 GOOD F1RM S4SS GR4B

TG: haha

GC: ON3 D4Y YOU W1LL RU3 4LL TH1S S4SS YOU H4V3 D1SH3D D4V3

GC: YOU M4Y NOT B3 4 G1RL, BUT YOU W1LL CRY L1K3 ON3 WH3N 1 4M THROUGH W1TH YOU

TG: i dont cry

GC: YOU W1LL

GC: TH3R3 W1LL B3 T34RS

GC: TH3Y W1LL SM3LL S4LTY, 4ND TH3N YOUR CH33KS W1LL B3 MY S4NDY B34CH >8]

TG: oh god

GC: OK, 1 W1LL G3T B4CK TO YOU 4FT3R YOU B3G1N PL4Y1NG

GC: TH4T W1LL B3 N3XT SOL4R SW33P FOR YOU

GC: TRY NOT TO B3 TOO 1MP4T13NT FOR MY R3TURN

TG: i plan on forgetting about you instantly after this conversation

GC: Y34H R1GHT

GC: YOU KNOW 1 H4V3 L3FT MY M4RK

GC: 1 4M S33R3D 1NTO YOUR R3T1N4S

GC: L1K3 4 B1G R3D SUN

TG: well maybe

TG: even if thats the case

TG: ill just forget on principle

GC: TH4T SOUNDS L1K3 SOM3TH1NG TH4T 4 COOL K1D WOULD TRY TO DO

TG: yeah

TG: pretty cool guy here

TG: case you hadnt noticed

GC: 1 MOST C3RT41NLY D1DNT H4DNT NOT1C3D >:]

gallowsCalibrator [GC] ceased trolling turntechGodhead [TG]

[srvgers]

iron man 2 icons (tony)

please like or reblog if you’re using/going to use !!

[sergeantbarnessdoll]

A corporate barbecue that R brings her godchild to (as they just lost their respective best friend/mom) where reader runs into Bucky. She introduces them to one another, and her 12 y/o anti-wingman watches reader and Bucky flirt with each other (pathetically). Her best friend’s kid has always been incredibly perceptive, especially about other people (it’s a trait inherited from reader’s best friend). When they turn and leave the conversation, the kid asks “So when’s your first date?”

Bucky overhears the remark and realizes that it’ll be very soon. While the tween wasn’t R’s wingman, they sure were his.

IDK, just a thought lol 🩵🩵

Little Matchmaker » Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier

Pairings: Avenger!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader with goddaughter Lexie

Summary: Your goddaughter plays a little matchmaker to get you and Bucky together.

Warnings: Fluff, language, flirting (pathetically), nicknames/pet names

A/N: Thank you to the lovely anonymous person who requested this🩵

A/N #2: The reader works at Stark Industries in this.

Written on my phone. My apologies for any mistakes.

Header made by @buckys-wintersoldier

GIF IS NOT MINE! Credit goes to the creator.

“Remind me why I have to come to this.” Lexie, your goddaughter says.

“Cause all you did this Summer is scroll through your phone and it’s nice to get out of the house.” You say.

You’re at a corporate barbecue for your work and you took your goddaughter with you. Lexie lost her mom, your best friend, almost a year ago and she was left to you.

“That’s not true!” She said. “I went to the beach last month!” She states.

“Point made, but I was with you.” You say.

Lexie made a grumbling noise and continued to walk next to you.

“Is Iron Man and the Avengers going to be here?” Lexie asks.

“Tony Stark has to be here cause it’s his company and as for the Avengers, I don’t know if they’re going to be here.” You answered.

You greeted your coworkers and introduced Lexie to them. As you were talking to them, you couldn’t help but notice a guy staring at you a few feet away. Lexie noticed it too and smirked to herself, coming up with a plan in her head.

“Y/N, I’m going to get something to drink.” Lexie says.

“Ok. Get me something to drink too please.” You say.

She nodded before walking away to the drink table. She did get something to drink, but as she was walking back, she walked up to Bucky.

“Sir?” She says, snapping him out of his thoughts.

“Yes?” Bucky answers.

“Not that I’m being nosy or anything, but I couldn’t help but notice that you’re staring at the woman over there.” She says.

“I’m sorry. I’ll stop.” He apologizes.

“No need to apologize.” She replies. “I can introduce you to her if you want.” She suggests.

“Oh, that’s ok. I don’t want to intrude.” He says.

“It’s ok.” She says with a smile.

Lexie motioned for Bucky to follow her, in which he did after a short hesitation.

“She hasn’t been on a date in a while so go easy on the flirting.” Lexie tells him.

“Oh ok.” Bucky says.

Bucky furrowed his eyebrows, wondering why a 12 year old is telling him this. You excused yourself from the conversation with your coworkers when Lexie walked back to you with the guy who was looking at you.

“I thought you were getting something to drink?” You say in a quiet voice.

“I did.” Lexie hands you your drink. “I also brought you a guy.” She tells you. “Sir, this is Y/N.” She introduces you to Bucky.

“I’m Bucky.” Bucky introduces himself to you, holding his hand out for you to shake, which you did.

“Now that you two know each other’s names, I’m going to let the two of you talk.” She says.

“Stay where I can see you.” You tell her.

Lexie nodded and walked away, leaving you and Bucky alone. You gave him a polite smile, trying not to make anything awkward between the two of you.

“Is that girl your little sister?” Bucky asks curiously.

“No. She’s my goddaughter. We get that a lot.” You answered. “Her name is Lexie and she’s 12. Her mom passed away almost a year ago and I’m all she has.” You explained.

“I’m sorry to hear about that. No kid should go through that.” He says sincerely.

You smile softly and nodded in agreement.

“Lexie mentioned that you haven’t been on any dates in a while.” He says.

“She shouldn’t have said that, but she’s not wrong.” You say.

“So…” He starts. “What do you look for in a man?” He asks curiously and upfront.

“You’re pretty straightforward, aren’t you?” You chuckled. “That’s part of what I like in a man.” You admitted. “I also like when men are sensitive and buy me flowers.” You tell him. “Those are just the basics of what I like in a man.” You say.

“Well, lucky for you, I can do both of those things.” He says with a flirty smile in a flirtatious tone.

Meanwhile, Lexie was sitting at a table where you can see her. She had some chips and a soda while she watched you and Bucky flirt pathetically with each other. She couldn’t hear what you two were saying so she just watched the pathetic flirting. She was also curious to know if Bucky was trying to ask you out on a date.

“What do you look for in a woman?” You curiously asked Bucky.

“So you’re the one who’s being straightforward now, huh?” Bucky playfully jokes and chuckles softly. “Everything I like in women is everything you have, doll.” He says softly and moved a piece of your hair from your face.

“Even if I have a godchild?” You asked.

“Yes.” He replies with a smile.

“If we’re going to see each other again, that means we’re going to have to exchange phone numbers.” You say with a hopeful smile.

“Fine by me.” He says, taking his phone out of his pocket and handed it to you.

You put your name and phone number in Bucky’s phone. You handed Bucky your phone and he did the same thing. Lexie came back at the same time you were giving his phone back to him.

“I hope I’m not interrupting.” Lexie chimes in, looking from you to Bucky.

“You’re not. I have to get back to my friends. It was nice meeting the both of you.” Bucky says before walking away.

You gave him a smile and Lexie waved bye to him.

“So when’s your first date?” Lexie curiously asks you with a grin on her face.

You couldn’t help but blush and softly giggle when she said that. Little did you and Lexie know that Bucky heard her say that. He smiles to himself and put his hands in the pockets of his jacket, knowing that yours and his first date will be very soon. Sooner than you think actually. Little did you know that Lexie was playing matchmaker and was Bucky’s wingman.

🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖

-Bucky’s Doll

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