#is it supposed to be wander around blind until you figure it out

[purble-gaymer]

has anybody blazed through frogsong fast enough to tell me what the fuck i’m supposed to be doing during the last phase of the final boss

[xxchumanixx]

hiii, could you write a Tim Bradford X Grey!reader? She is sergeant grey’s daughter but adopted, so everyone can imagine themselves as they want 💕!

and they have to sneak around because she is “off limits”, also maybe younger than him??

and one day, while they are at her house and they are doing it (idk if you write smut, if you don’t you don’t have to go into details ofc). Wade goes at her house because she was not answering her phone and finds them while she is literally on top of him ??

Not just any man

Tim Bradford x Grey!reader

Warnings/Tags: 18+ mdni!, smut, p in v (wrap it before you tap it!), language, fluff, secret relationship, reader is Grey's adoptive daughter

Word count: 1.722

Authors note: Hey love, thanks for the request! Yes, I do write smut. I hope this fits your expectations! I really appreciate the idea with the reader being adopted, so everyone can imagine the reader as they like!

Enjoy!

There was a lot you had Wade Grey to thank for.

Catching you with your boyfriend wasn't one of those things, though. Especially when your boyfriend was one of his officers and he was older than you.

You were in so much trouble.

It had all began when you met Tim at a charity event hosted at the police station (not the best place for an event like this, as your father later would always like to mention).

It had instantly clicked.

The thrill of doing this behind everyone's back was what excited you the most the first few months - that was, until Tim confessed his feelings to you.

You were deeply in love with each other, and no one would be able to separate you - not even your father, even when he decided to fire Tim, if he ever found out.

When you were a baby, barely a few months old, Wade had adopted you.

Your parents died a few days prior, losing everything, including their lives, when a drug deal went horribly wrong.

You didn't know much about them, but you didn't care. The Grey's were your family, not them.

Family didn't end in blood.

You were a little older than their biological daughter, but you were still your fathers little girl.

Which meant you were off limits - to everyone, including Tim. Not that it would have stopped you, though.

You had to sneak around of course, but someday your parents eventually had to find out - especially if you wanted to spend the rest of your life with Tim.

It just wasn't supposed to be that day, especially not like this.

You and Tim had been busy that day, you both had a day off and had been cooking together, went shopping (yes, you did that together, when your parents weren't near), and watched movies.

All that time you didn't look at your phone, though - missing several calls from your father.

Now, you were very busy with Tim, as he placed kisses down your neck, making you shiver in delight.

Your naked body's pressed together, his fingers brushing over the curves of your breasts, wandering further down.

Your fingers touched him wherever they reached - his muscular chest, his back and his arms, brushing through his short hair as his fingers pleasured you.

His lips found yours, muffling a moan, as his fingers went in and out of your tight pussy, his palm brushing your clit in the process, sending shivers up your body.

You loved every second of it.

You loved the way he always took care of you, the way he took his sweet time.

The knot in your stomach tightened, as he quickened the pace of his fingers. Gasping his name your fingers dug into his shoulders, his lips ghosting over your neck, as his thumb drew figure eights on your clit.

With a few last strokes you came, moaning his name, pure bliss pulsing through you, blinding you momentarily. You rode out your high on his fingers, before he removed them, smirking down at you as you gasped for air.

He was breathtakingly beautiful. His eyes that shined like the stars at night, full of love. His face, his lips and his hair - he was perfect the way he was.

And he was all yours.

His lips found yours again and he stroked himself, before he aligned his dick with your entrance.

Slowly, he inched forward, stretching you out in just the right way, the initial pain quickly fading into a feeling that was so much better.

When he was fully settled, he started to move, not giving you much time to adjust.

A throaty moan passed your lips, as his hands gripped your hips to steady himself. You fell into a steady rhythm, the familiar knot in your belly already forming again.

"Fuck." he breathed, one of his hands finding your breast, pinching your nipple. Moaning loudly your legs wrapped around his middle, taking him even deeper.

He thrust into you vigorously, your moans mixing together. But you wanted a change in position.

Pushing him back you sat up, his brows furrowing in confusion. You pushed him onto his back, causing him to chuckle knowingly, as he realized what you were doing.

Smirking, you straddled him, not wasting any time to sink down on him again. He groaned, his hands gripping your hips, steadying you.

“Oh fuck…” His moan was like music to your ears, raw and unfiltered, as you started to move, up and down and up and down.

Skin slapped on skin, as he gripped your ass, helping you in your movement, when he suddenly stiffened, pulling you into his arms to cover you up.

"Tim wha-" you wanted to ask what happened, when you heard it.

"You better be kidding me!"

Flinching, your head snapped in the direction of your father's voice, body pressed against Tim, as your eyes widened.

"What the hell?" you yelled, your father's back turned towards you, one hand on his pistol.

"What the fuck?" Tim cut in. "What the hell is he doing here?"

"What the hell am I doing here?" your father bellowed, as you climbed off Tim, frantically searching for your clothes. "What the hell am I doing in my daughter's house? WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

He shouted - never a good sign.

Tim searched for the right words, not sure how to explain, as you threw his shirt at him.

When you were both fully clothed your father had already left the bedroom, pacing in your living room.

Walking towards him you tried to come up with an explanation. It would have been useless to lie, so you decided to confront him with the truth.

"We're together." you spoke, swallowing. Fast and painless - just rip the bandaid off in one move.

Your gaze fixed on your father who so suddenly stopped, you thought time had paused for a second.

"You are what?" he yelled, anger clear as day on his face, a vein on his neck popping out. Tim stood somewhere behind you, not daring to say anything.

After all he was still his boss.

"We. Are. Together." you repeated word after word. "We are in a relationship. We love each other."

Your father's eyes nearly bulged from their sockets, as he stared at you, mouth agape.

How we're you to explain, if he suddenly had a heart attack?

"You of all people!" he spoke angrily, pointing at Tim and you stood in front of him, blocking his way as your father took a step closer. Giving him a pointed look, he fell silent.

"Dad, I'm not thirteen anymore!" you tried to reason, shaking your head at him. "Im twenty-six! You don't have to protect me from men - and you definitely don't have the right to tell me who I date and who I don't!"

Blinking rapidly he tried to process your words.

"But-" he started, irritation clear on his face. "Y/N, you're my daughter! I told them you're off limits!"

Furrowing your brows you looked at him in disbelieve. "You did what?" you almost shouted. "God, you're so embarrassing!" His eyes were wide. "I am embarrassing? Seeing my daughter naked with a man - that is embarrassing!"

Your cheeks flushed, not wanting to be reminded of that, as you looked away.

Sighing he tried to find the right words, only making unintelligible sounds, though. "I can decide on my own who I want to be with, dad." you explained, brushing away a lose strand of hair.

"But-" he tried again, brows furrowed in sadness, and your heart grew heavy. "You're my daughter, my little girl! I can't just hand you off to any random guy!"

"What?" Tim interrupted, stepping forward. Rolling his eyes your father shook his head, fully knowing he could trust Tim Bradford.

If anyone, it was him.

It grew quiet, as you bit your lip, nervousness washing over you in waves. Would he fire Tim? Destroy his entire career just because he loved his daughter?

He sighed heavily, wiping over his face with his hand.

"Look, you didn't answer your phone all day so I got worried - and then I find you with him!" he explained, briefly pointing at Tim, who grabbed your hand, not letting go even as your father's jaw clenched at the sight.

"I'm not ready to hand you off just yet."

Closing your eyes for a moment you took a deep breath. "Sarge, I love your daughter and I want to be with her." Tim started, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze.

It would all be good.

"I'm not willing to give her up, just because you can't let go."

Your father's brows rose at the bluntness of his words, but he kept quiet, chewing on his cheek as he thought.

"What if you break her heart?" he wanted to know after a while, tilting his head. "Won't happen." Tim returned without a moment's hesitation.

You couldn't help but smile at his words. You loved him with all your heart and you knew he did the same.

Your father swallowed, nodding after a while, eyes glistening. "If you just so much as look at her in the wrong way, I will make the rest of your life a living hell." he swore Tim, huffing at his emotions taking over.

Letting go of Tim's hand you walked to your father, hugging him in relief. He returned the hug, his arms the same shelter as when you were just a small child.

"Thank you." you whispered, happy tears filling your eyes. "When he hurts you, just tell me and I'll get rid of him." he offered, letting go of you.

Judging by Tim's huff he heard his words, but you were sure he did it intentionally.

"I love you, dad." He smiled down at you, the emotions still clear on his distraught face. "I love you too, kiddo."

Rolling your eyes you hugged him again, before letting go and walking towards Tim.

Smiling up at him you took his hand back in yours. It would all be good. He returned the smile, still a little hesitant because of your father's presence.

Standing on your tip toes you kissed him, causing your father to immediately protest.

"No!"

[jupipedia]

smile for the camera ! — choso. ↳ ❝ baby she look like a star, but only on camera. ❞ ↳ content warnings : nsfw ( minors do not interact ! ), guys THERE'S A PLOT, supermodel + photographer!choso x actress + supermodel!reader, black!reader, pleasuredom!choso, ( consensual ) explicit photography, praise, body worship, fingering ( f. receiving ), public sex ( in a studio ), exhibitionism, cunnilingus, cum play (?), unprotected sex ( no cream🥧s tho), pet names, overstim ( funny how she's always here 😅 ), not beta read.

choso posed in a seated position in front of several cameras, eyes having grown used to the constant exposure to the blinding flashes. despite his stoic and professional actions, he found himself to be in a bit of a predicament as he was instructed to hold your thigh that was placed over his shoulder with your heel resting on his thigh, his head leaning close to your core. it wasn't supposed to be arousing and he knew that if he was paired with any other model, he wouldn't be the slightest bit bothered.

but it was you.

he's known you for a while, almost as long as you've been in the modeling scene. you ran in similar social groups, have been to each other's places, and have done group and paired shots in the past. he'd consider the two of you to be a little close than friends after one or two substance infused hook ups, so that did nothing but enhance his current arousal.

he also a man, known to be a lustful creature when in the presence of the preferred gender. he can't help but to be little turned on when he has a beautiful woman so close to him that he can feel your body heat. you had on a pair of figure-fitting slacks and a blouse paired with the tightest vest that he'd ever seen and it looked great on you.

and maybe, just maybe, he had a little crush on you.

"we wanna get a few more close shots before wrapping up. could you two do a few poses from earlier? keep your heads relatively close though," the main photographer asked, motioning for you to get closer to each other. you nodded and removed your leg from its' position, prompting choso to remove his hand and take a deep breath to relieve his nerves.

you took a seat next to choso and shuffled close. you decided to rest your head on his shoulder, craning your neck to a semi natural position before giving your attention to the camera men. the two of you adjusted as they gave directions before changing to a standing pose. choso's arm was firmly wrapped around your waist, pulling you close to his as you looked to the side, giving the camera a clear view of your side profile. both of your hands rested on his shoulder as he kept facing forward, posing effortlessly.

it was smooth sailing until the photographer asked the two of you to make eye contact, your eyes meeting his dark ones. a familiar stir occurred in your stomach as you held the eye contact, his eyes darkening as your lips separated.

"good! great! okay, let's get the two of you changed and you're free to go. you guys did great as always. it's always a pleasure working with the two of you," the photographer speaks as the set begins to pack up.

"it's great working with you, too. i'll see you next time, yeah?" you responded, starting to undo the first few buttons of the vest as you walk to the dressing room. choso averted his eyes out of respect, but couldn't help as his mind wandered, imagining what you had on underneath.

"i'll see you soon," he tells the photographer before trailing after you. he caught a few knowing looks as he began to follow you and huffed out in amusement. "y/n, i have a favor to ask really quick."

"what can i do for you, handsome?" you turned back to him, vest fully undone along with a few of your blouse buttons. he smiled at the nickname as you wiggled your eyebrows, jokingly flirting with the man.

"i'm working on a few things for my portfolio and wanted know if you were free to do a few shots. i can give you more details if you're interested," he explained, looking down at you.

you shrugged. "i'm pretty free this week. just give me a time and place and i'll be there. hopefully, you'll send me a few so that i can post them and show the world how good you are."

choso blushed from the compliment. "i'm alright," he said coyly, turning away from your praise.

"you're better than okay. text me the details, pretty boy," you turned on your heels and complete your trek to your dressing room, leaving choso to look after you with a dopey smile.

yeah, he's got it bad.

you showed up to the studio as choso instructed, dressed as casual as you'd allow when you intended to take pictures. you were a bit earlier that original planned but choso was already there, telling you to come upstairs to the space he rented.

"hello, hello, hello," you announced your presence with a knock as you opened the door. choso was turned away from the door and towards the backdrop, leaning over his laptop as he edited a few pictures.

"hey," he greeted, quickly glancing over his shoulder as you walked to him. he did a double take as he noticed your outfit, heat rushing to his face and groin. "you look good."

"always do," you grinned, sitting your bag next to his laptop before leaning against the table. "so, what's on the agenda, cutie?"

"straight to business, i see. no time for chit chat?" choso joked, picking up his camera.

"what can i say? i'm a serious person," you said, shrugging with a playful smile before looking at his laptop. you moved to the gap between him and his laptop, bending a little to examine his work. "dude, you should really start commissioning. you're really fucking good at this shit."

"i'm still doing some portfolio building before i get to that point. i been doing a few shoots to prep for commissions, but nothing crazy."

"stop being so coy and start own up to the fact that you're not only a stellar model, you're also a really good photographer," you said, pushing away from the laptop and turning to face him. you could feel his breath tickle your lips before he smiled boyishly and moved back. "so, how do you want me, boss?"

"we're just doing a few natural shots, i need a few headshots and, well, you're beautiful so we'll take a few of those too. nothing too fancy," he explained after a few beats of silence, ushering you over to the backdrop. "you can start posing however you want."

you nodded and did as he instructed, immediately doing a few of your signature poses before trying a few new ones. there were a few natural shots where he complimented you and captured your dopey smile or when you started dancing slightly to the music he was playing.

"could i get one of you glancing over your shoulder?" he asked, squatting a bit to get a change of angle. you nodded and posed as he said. he took a singular shot before he lowered his camera, squinting slightly at your shoulder.

"something wrong?" you asked, turning to face forward.

"is that a new tattoo?" he asked, approaching you. he lightly pushed your curls from your shoulder to uncover said tattoo.

"it is. i've gotten a few since the last time you saw me. they're pretty inconspicuous though," you shrugged. you moved your curls even more to reveal the tattoo behind your ear. "this one is fairly new, too. i got it like two months ago?"

there was a heavy silence that filled the room as choso took a step closer, your bodies pressing against each other as he examined your tattoos.

he couldn't lie, the tattoos added to your attractiveness. he already knows that you aren't a pussy when it comes to needles as you have multiple piercing in your ears and a nose piercing, but the tattoos were different. sure they weren't that noticeable, but now that he knew they were there, that was all he could see.

"got any more?" he asked, voice huskier and breath tickling your ear. you shivered slightly, leaning back and resting your back on his front.

"wanna find out?" you asked, turning your head to come face to face with the man. choso didn't offer a response as he leaned forward, connecting his lips with yours. your head was pushed back by the force of this kiss but you quickly returned with fervor, turning in his arms and wrapping yours around his neck. choso hummed into the kiss, using your change in position as an opportunity to pull your body closer to his. there wasn't even room to pull apart for air as he moved his hand to cup your neck, deepening the kiss.

choso was the first to pull away, lungs screaming for air as his heavy breathing mixed with yours. the two of you maintained eye contact as you caught your breath before scrambling to strip, your skirt landing on one side of the studio and choso's shirt on the other. you sat on the floor, watching as he removed his pants.

instead of returning his lips to yours, choso decided to suckle on your neck, leaving a trail of hickeys as he descended to your breast.

"you're so beautiful, y/n," choso mumbles on your sternum. he pulls back to take in your naked image, your chest rising and falling as you inhaled. you shivered under his gaze, exposed to him without the effects of alcohol calming your nerves. his hands roamed your torso, occasionally groping a bit of pudge before caressing a new spot. one of his hands slid lower, heading towards your pussy. you were dripping and he's barely touched you.

as his hand traveled, his mouth found it's way to your breasts, deciding to peck and nibble on your areola before wrapping his lips around your nipple. your back arched with a moan as he firmly sucked on your nipple. his wandering hand found its way in between your folds, collecting the wetness on his thick fingers. he rolled your clit between his knuckles, causing you to squeal at the slight pinch. he removed his lips from one nipple and moved to the other, showing it the same attention that he gave the other.

"c-choso, please," you whined out. his deft fingers continued their ministrations, but you craved more. you want to feel more of him, all of him.

"i got you, gorgeous. i just need you to relax for me," he pulled away from your hardened peak as he spoke. he stared at you for a few more moments, trying to memorize the sight before an idea struck him. he reach over for he camera, glancing at you to read your expression. "do you trust me?"

your head swirled as you focused on the camera in his hand. on one hand, it was risky. it was less about how much you trusted choso and more about how easily someone could leak them if he uploaded them to his laptop. it would also mean you'd be vulnerable, all of you on display for him to capture.

on the other hand, it was thrilling. you couldn't help but attempt to clench your thighs at the thought of him using the pictures as fap material. you could feel the heat rush to your core when he picked up the camera, knowing what he was going to ask. you trusted him, he was always genuine and kind hearted, even in moments where he didn't need to be.

"yeah," you muttered out. choso gave you a small smile at your response before holding his camera up, giving you a few seconds before taking the first picture. you tried to appear as relaxed as possible, suppressing your nerves and jitters. he took a few before handing it to you. you looked at him, surprising and confusion swimming in your eyes.

"it's only fair if you get to take a few," choso said, deciphering your confusion. he didn't say much of anything else, choosing to resume his ministrations. he continued his trail of kisses, stopping at your mound. he left wet, sloppy kisses on your skin, looking at you through his eyelashes as he continued his descend. he settled between your thighs, anklet dangling next to his head as he lowered his mouth to you dripping heat. you let out a breathy moan at the feeling of his tongue grazing your twitching clit.

you looked at the camera in your hands, mustering up the strength to hold yourself up long enough to take a photo. the sight of him gazing up at you through his eyelashes was sinful.

almost as if the flash of the camera was all the approval that he needed, he began to run his tongue through your folds, circling your entrance a few times before taking another languid swipe. his arms wrapped around your hips, effortlessly pulling you closer to his mouth. he was devouring you, the lower half of his face covered in your arousal and his saliva. your moans egged him on as he suckles at the spots that made you louder.

"fuck! choso, please- ah!" you yelped as you felt his fingers begin to prod at your entrance. the feeling of his thick fingers stretching out your tight cunt had your eyes rolling back. your legs twitched around his head as he continued to pleasure you, pushing his fingers in deeply before dragging them out. a familiar heat pooled in your stomach, signalling the approach of your climax.

"gonna cum for me, doll?" he said, angling his fingers just enough to graze your g-spot. you clenched around his long digits, hands shooting for the loose bun sitting on the crown of his head. "soak my fingers f'me. you can do it."

his words paired with the constant stimulation of your pleasure point sent you hurtling towards your first orgasm. you wailed, legs quivering around choso's head as helped you ride out your orgasm.

"choso, 'm sensitive, no more," you pleaded out as he continued his ministrations, mouth and fingers never leaving your core. your hips bucked and your hands weaved through his hair, the bun long undone due to your pulling.

"can you give me another one, sweetness? i know you can," he muttered into your pussy, the vibrations causing your toes to curl out of overstimulation. you couldn't tell if you wanted to push him away or pull him closer but you had no time to decide as a second orgasm began to wash over you so quick that you couldn't even register the build up.

"that's it, baby. fuck, you soaked my fingers," choso groans out, pulling his fingers from your sensitive core and licking them clean of your slick. "hmm, you've got the sweetest pussy."

choso grabbed his camera from your hands, taking this opportunity to capture your blissed out state. your chest rose and fell as you tried to catch you breath and unblur your vision. a few of your curls stuck your forehead and you knew you lipstick was smeared as the red pigment lingered on choso lips.

"gonna let me feel you, beautiful? gonna be good for me and let me fuck you, hmm?" choso asked, aligning his leaking cock with your entrance. choso tapped your clit with his cock a few times as he waited for your response.

"please fuck me. please, i wan' it," you whined, bucking your hips towards his cock. you dragged your pussy against against his shaft, moan as his tip caught your entrance. his hips bucked, pushing into you without warning. choso groans deeply, placing his arms next to your head as he pushed into your heat. your breaths mingled, faces only a few inches apart.

choso basked in your moans, pushing one of your legs up to deepen his strokes and pull those sinful harmonies from your lips. your arms roped around choso's neck, pulling him down to connect your lips in a sloppy kiss. he swallowed your whimpers and moans, his deep strokes jerking your body from the force. his tongue rubbed against your own, allowing you to taste the heady flavor of your cunt.

"look at you," choso remarked, pulling away from the kiss to observe you. "you're taking me so well, baby. every time i pull out, she sucks me right back in. you're so pretty all fucked out f'me."

you were reduced to moans and whimpers, not being able to form a coherent phrase. he could tell that your shaking babbles were you calling out his name, crying out for the relentless pleasure. he felt you twitch around his cock, indicating your approaching orgasm. your volume raised, jumbled pleas falling from your lips as you begged for your release. he answered wordlessly, his hand returning to toy with you clit.

he continued his strokes after your brutal release, chasing his own and your final one. your hands found purchase on his wrists, squeezing it as you cunt was overworked. choso groans now held a whine edge as he approached his climax. he whimpered your name, lost in your warm vice.

you felt like you were on fire. your back ached from the hard floor and the force of his thrust. your legs burned, hamstrings taut from stretching your legs around choso's large frame. your brown skin glistened with sweat from the erotically warm room. your lungs burned and your throat was sore from the pleading, not even thinking to control your volume in a public space.

"ah, ch-choso! 's so much, mm! i can't-ah!" you squeak out, feeling the pressure pool in your stomach. choso leaned down toward your ear, your leg hitting your chest as he moved.

"you can. you're so pretty when you cum for me. you're twitching so cutely around me. you wanna cum f'me, baby? hmm, you wanna make a mess on my cock? go ahead, pretty girl. cum for me," choso whispered, breath tickling your lobe. you moaned out, not being able to properly respond as your orgasm crashed over you. you creamed on choso cock, body vibrating from the immense pleasure. choso choked on a moan, thrusting a few more times before pulling out, cumming on your chest and stomach. he groaned, noticing how a drops of his cum landed on your chin.

the two of you stayed on your position on the floor, mulling over what just happened. you nudged choso with your foot and he looked at you, breathless. you motioned to his camera and he understood, taking a shot of your body covered in his release before passing it to you. you took your own photo of his lipstick covered face, eyes still swimming with lust as his hands gripped at the fat of your thighs.

"you got a lil' something," you pointed to choso mouth. he wiped his lip with his thumb, seeing the lipstick stain on his thumb.

"yeah, so do you," he joked, motioning to the drops of cum on your chin. you wiped your chin, bringing your finger up to you mouth to taste his release. choso groaned at the sight and turn his head away, trying to prevent his cock from hardening.

"you should let me take you out to dinner," choso said, back to his timid ways as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"i've been waiting for you to ask me out for a month. we're gonna be a lot more than dinner," you giggled, pulling yourself up to him and connecting your lips once more.

© JUPIPEDIA. all rights reserved.

[wanderersbell]

first kiss

wanderer x gn!reader

genre: angst, fluff

warnings: scara's sad inner thoughts :(

word count: 2403

a/n: minecraft c418 music made me do it. i love writing from his pov so much he's so dfhfjsfj ⁩૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡ enjoy!

the sins that weigh heavy upon his soul grow infinitesimally smaller in your presence, gently laid to rest under the shade of the tree where you sit side by side in comfortable silence. the pain, the uncertainty, the remorse that lingers still is carried away with the breeze that tousles your hair and sways the leaves above in a whispering dance. 

no amount of torment could ever hope to rid him of the unwavering sense of belonging that knowing you has granted him. the feeling of being seen, of being wanted, that shakes him to his very core every day over again when you greet him with that blinding smile of yours that seems to never dull. every lie he’s been fed, every decade of brutal torture he endured fades away amidst the soft laughs that you try to stifle whenever he has something bad to say about someone.

every minute spent watching you clean up his wounds with worry etched onto your face, every hour spent teaching you how to fight and hunt and start a fire the right way, has slowly chipped away at the carefully constructed mask he always wore until there was nothing left to shield him from the all-consuming weight of your undivided attention. 

“why do you always have to repay favors?” you ask from your spot next to him, gaze fixed on the pair of dusk birds comfortably perched on a tree stump adjacent to you. 

having gotten used to your sudden and straightforward questions to him long ago, the wanderer responds without missing a beat. he doesn’t have to hesitate or think about his answers, not with you. the words flow out of him freely, like his voice was always made to reach your ears alone. 

“because borrowing and returning are the foundations of all human relationships, and,” he pauses, fingers absentmindedly picking at the slightly frayed seams of his shorts. “i do not wish to owe anything to anyone.”

the wind seems to slow down to a stop in response to this, as if his answer, that held within it a lifetime of grief and sorrow, was heavy enough to will the atmosphere around him into stillness. almost half a millennium of knowing his worth based only on his utility and his usefulness to others remains deeply rooted in his soul, even after all this time. 

when he glances at you out of the corner of his eye, you’re still watching the birds, and they way your face is slightly scrunched up in thought sends a warmth racing up his fingertips all the way to his elbows. he can practically see the gears turning in your head as you mull over his words, knows you’re undoubtedly picking apart each one carefully and trying to make sense of it. he would just tell you if you asked, but you‘re always so insistent about trying to figure it out on your own. 

you’ve always been so stubborn like that. overflowing with an insatiable curiosity and a wild determination to see things from every perspective, like it’s your very purpose to understand everything you’re faced with no matter the complexity. it’s one of the many things he admires about you, he supposes. 

“but, you never let me repay the favors you do for me.” you point out after a few moments of silence. when your head turns and your eyes finally fall on him, he feels like he’s burning up under the steadfast honesty in your gaze. 

no mortal should be able to harbor so much conviction and wisdom, or reach such a level of self awareness that it could challenge even that of an ancient god; and yet, when he looks into your eyes, he swears he can see every planet, every galaxy, everything that once was and that will be swimming around in your clear e/c irises. the same ones that see all of him for everything he is and still regard him with such patience and kindness, that see right through the deception that has clouded his conscious for as long as he can remember without a hint of judgement. 

“so what? i don’t need you to.” 

though his answer is blunt and short, the meaning behind his words find their way to you like a hushed confession in the depths of your mind.

 as long as i continue to owe you, i have a reason to stick around.

there is no timeline nor alternate reality where you would ever demand he have a reason to remain by your side, and he has never doubted this on your behalf. this answer resonates from deep within his own broken and worn down spirit, where it was shattered into a million pieces long before you ever found him. although partially mended, it bears some fractures so deep that even all the time he has left may never be able to fully heal them. 

still, this doesn’t deter you. it never has. 

“in that case, i don’t need you to either. stop repaying my favors.” you say firmly, crossing your arms over your chest in a show of seriousness that does nothing to affect him. 

“not a chance.” he replies with finality laced into his tone, facing away from your piercing gaze to watch the way the leaves of the adhigama tree that tower above pull and tug with the return of the wind. like the tides of the unforgiving ocean, the branches part occasionally to let warm shafts of sunlight filter through just to sweep them away into the shade again. 

“why not?” you press on anyways. “you know, when i do things for you, it’s because i want to.”

this, too, is a truth he cannot deny. for some reason, despite the fact that he can never offer himself up or give anything of worth in return, you jump at any opportunity to show him an unwavering kindness that nobody has ever bothered to grace him with. having hot tea ready for him when he returns to you every night, making an extra portion of food even though he insists he doesn’t need to eat, combing the tangles out of his silky hair when he drifts off and can’t stop you from doting on him. everything you do for him, you do without a second thought, without an ultimatum. 

though he is cruel, his hands stained with blood, his emotions locked tightly away so that nobody can ever hurt him again, not a day goes by that you spend treating him as anything less than equal. 

“okay, and? your point?” he knows this isn’t the answer your looking for, and even though he can’t see you, he can perfectly imagine the way your eyes lightheartedly roll into the back of your head. it’s one of his favorite expressions of yours, he takes immense satisfaction in being able to fish it out of you, because the smile you give him afterwards always leaves him with a feeling of fulfillment. 

“my point is that when you care about someone, you want to do things for them without asking for anything in return.”

the wanderer bites down on the inside of his cheek at the prospect of you caring about someone like him, knowing he’s done so little to deserve it. he wants to argue and try to convince you that you shouldn’t, but more than that, he wants to be able to accept it from you and demand for more. 

but what then? the voice that lives inside of his hollow, aching chest wonders helplessly. when the day comes that you have nothing left to give, won’t you just leave?

surely you wouldn’t, right? 

humans aren’t as bad as he always believed them to be. what he always saw as an incessant swarm of buzzing insects turned out to be nothing but a harmless colony of ants, following each other through their meaningless lives in a line that will eventually lead into the inevitable embrace of death that awaits them at the end. so why, then, waste your time on him when it was only a handful of years ago that he wouldn’t have hesitated to hurdle you into the hands of death had you gotten in his way?

the thought has him clenching his teeth together in annoyance until they ache. not because of you, but because of how impossible it is for him to accept something as simple and as human as being cared for. is he not worthy of having it? were the final words of someone long gone to time not affirmation that he was as human as the people closest to him perceived him to be?

“i really don’t see where you’re going with th-“ he starts to say, but you quickly cut him off with your teasing tone. 

“soooo, does that not imply that you do it because you care about me?” 

he whips his head around with an attempt of a frown that does little to nothing to mask the surprise on his face, and the smug yet slightly nervous look on yours has his previous thoughts coming to a crashing halt. 

“i- you-“ he begins, frantically trying to get his brain back on track after being so suddenly derailed. it’s typically not easy for him to be this caught off guard, but the way you said it told him something he’s appalled to realize he never considered. 

sure, you’re just poking fun, but he can tell right away that your question is genuine and it feels like a pit is sinking slowly into his stomach at the idea that he might have failed so badly at showing any kind of gratitude after all this time, that you had to indirectly ask if he cared.

“of course i care about you, idiot.” he says in a voice much softer than he intended. it’s almost terrifying to hear such words come out of his mouth for the first time since his creation, but the way you’re suddenly trying not to break out in a huge smile chases it away in an instant, the hardness of his eyes softening into liquid hues of blue and purple. 

“could’ve fooled me.” you laugh quietly, but even though your expression is undeniably happy, the slight wobble of your voice betrays how relieved you are to hear these words from him.

you really didn’t know. 

it finally hits him then, how foolish he is to have had such a selfless and irreplaceable person in his life and to never clearly express his gratitude. he may not understand it, he may not be convinced he deserves it, he may never be able to fully reciprocate it, but at the very least, he can put the small amount of effort into making sure you know that it’s meaningful to him all the same. 

once upon a time, he fought tooth and nail to remove himself as far as possible from his humanity. he swore upon everything he had that he would never harbor affection for another living creature, or feel another worthless emotion ever again. but now, with this new life and new will, the wanderer knows you were always meant to be a part of his story. 

in this moment, under the protective canopy of leaves that project flickers of warm light onto your skin like a kaleidoscope of gold, an intense wave of self assuredness rushes through his veins like blood. 

“let me make it clearer then.”

he truly never will know what possessed him to do so, but the next second he surges forward and the featherlight press of his lips against yours that follows makes him realize that every hardship he faced in his lifetime was leading up to this very moment here with you. 

he can feel the way you inhale sharply through your nose in shock, but you’re just as quick to sigh out a shuddering breath and melt into the kiss, hands reaching up to tenderly cup his face. his own hands find their place on your elbows, as if he’s afraid you’ll let go, and his lips tremble slightly against yours with inexperience.

when you pull away just enough to look at him he swears the whole word falls silent, and for a moment the fluttering in his chest feels like a real beating heart, born from the soft press of your lips. your eyes are brimming with adoration for him and your hands so warm and gentle where they rest on his cheeks that they leave tingles in their wake. the overwhelming feeling of being held so lovingly has his grip on your arms tightening and his eyes welling up with tears, having never thought anyone would ever see him as anything but the monster he always knew himself to be. 

when you lean in for one more kiss, then another, and another, the tears fall from his eyes in a steady stream and wet your fingertips where they meet his skin. your thumbs wipe them away as they come, your forehead coming to rest against his lightly while a breathtaking grin has your eyes crinkling into crescents. he’s so close to you that he can see every fleck of color in your irises, every eyelash and every freckle on your skin, and he feels as though he’s drowning in the blinding light of all that is you. 

distantly he realizes he might be smiling too, but he’s not sure because all he can focus on in the moment is the feeling of unbreakable companionship that he hasn’t felt since his early days as a wandering puppet, in a history long lost to this world. this particular feeling runs even deeper than he remembers, it fills his entire being with wonder and contentment and desire. he knows not what this feeling is, but knows it must be the same one he sees reflected in your eyes as you gaze at him like he’s the only thing that matters right now, and knows he’s in no rush to identify it as long as he continues to experience it with you. 

after centuries of being alone, being lost, being unwanted, he never expected to find what he was looking for under this tree here with you. under the watchful sun and and familiar sky, he nears the end of a journey. enveloped in your loving gaze, he finally finds his purpose.

[thatsdemko]

neighbor - m.barzal

masterlist

requested: n

pairings: mat barzal x fem!reader

warnings: mentions of alcohol + mentions of first round 2023 playoffs

a/n: feedback is always appreciated xx

he’s your neighbor for Christs sake, but you can’t help but stare. ever since the very attractive brunette across the way started opening his blinds more, you couldn’t help but feel your eyes gravitate more towards that window.

and how could you not? half the time he’s in an unbuttoned linen shirt and sweatpants walking around his apartment, while the other half he’s dressed to the nines in a suit and tie. needless to say, he’s quite nice to stare at.

he hasn’t caught on, but every so often he pretends to stretch a couple feet away in front of the window to stare at you. he pretty much knows your morning routine, how you get up in nothing but a sports bra and sweatpants, you start your coffee pot first thing, and usually play with your cat for the next thirty minutes before you disappear to work.

he’s seen you in your outfits for the bars to your next morning hungover pajamas, and he’s even seen you when you think nobody else can. it’s okay, he won’t say a thing but he does enjoy the show every so often.

it’s two in the morning when he’s awake, playoffs just about to start his mind can’t help to wander. it’s prompted him to slip outside, enjoy the fresh air to clear his thoughts.

“you look cold.” you say watching his head snap in your direction, you’re met with none other than his eyes. the ones you made bets about how pretty they would be in person, and you were right, they were gorgeous.

“oh,” he says looking down at himself, he’s in nothing but sweatpants and a pair of slides. it didn’t take him until you said something to realize the weather outside his apartment is actually unpleasant, and rather chilly for a man who’s not wearing a shirt.

“I’m y/n, I think my window looks at yours.”

he nods moving over on the bench allowing you to sit, “I’m mat, it’s nice to finally put a name to your face.” he watches you take a seat all the way at the edge, a nervous smile placing your face as you two listen to the sirens and faint voices of the city.

“so why are you awake?” he bites first, pulling his arms across his chest to try and stay warm. it’s too early to invite you back to his place, sit inside his heated space, he’ll just have to make due to keep warm until it’s the right time.

you shrug, “lots to think about, you?” you turn to him and he nods, you watch him run his fingers through his short brown hair. you remember the day he came home with a buzz cut, your friends practically mourned the loss.

“yeah works getting a little competitive I’d say.” he sighs, eyes looking upward at the stars, only a few shine bright in the cities skies. it makes him miss home, the amount of stars he’d see in the sky are much brighter and clearer than the clouded ones of New York.

“is that why you dress up sometimes? sorry, I don’t mean to sound weird I just see you—“

his laugh cuts you off, of all those times you’ve seen him laugh you never expected it to sound like it does against your ears. it brings a smile to your face. “kind of, although I’m supposed to dress clean for work, bosses demand.”

“so that’s why you got a buzz cut?” you ask moving a little closer to him, you can see the goosebumps that decorate his arms.

“that was my own doing.”

“a poor decision if I must say so.” you snap back, watching him roll his eyes in response. he mutters a couple words you can’t hear but you don’t press to figure them out.

“I must say, you’re judging me a lot for someone who wears the same clothes three days in a row.” he sends you a playful wink and you’re thankful for the night lights that don’t cast over your red cheeks of embarrassment.

“I think I’m going to start closing my blinds from you.”

—

he moves in front of his window, suit jack and button up shirt holding two different ties in each hand. holding them up, you move to the window from the kitchen to point at the one you like the most. you’re liking this new found friendship, ever since that late night on the bench, things have been awfully fun and exciting.

you’d go to your window, hold up whatever decision you had and he’d answer with his opinion. you’d see each other on the streets more often than you expected, and sometimes he’d even walk you to your office for work. he was becoming a friend rather than just some neighbor.

“then my friends and I were thinking of going to the bars, you’re more than welcome to come! I’m sure they’d love to meet you.” you nudge his shoulder with your elbow listening to him hiss at the burnt coffee that split over his hand.

“I’d love to but I actually have a date tonight.” he proudly smiles, it’s the first you’d talk about relationships. you always assumed he was single. having not seen a single woman over in his place, unless it was his mother, so it makes since the bachelor was getting lonely in his nice pad.

you’re just not sure why you feel your throat closeup and the saliva in your mouth make it impossible for you to start a sentence.

“but if I change my mind you’ll text me the address?” he stops in front of your office, and all you can do is nod before bidding him a quiet goodbye before rushing up the stairs to the big doors of your building.

when you finally get up there, you heave out a long breath finally feeling your throat clear and salvia dry your mouth. boy, did you have a story to tell your girlfriends tonight.

they were rooting for you two, saying it’s a perfect trope of boy meets girl and boy next door. and yeah maybe you were also rooting for it happen too, because as time went on you developed feelings for him that were more than just a crush. you began to enjoy his company more and more, you just wish maybe he enjoyed it the same amount.

—

when he enters the bar of the location you’ve sent him, it’s not hard to find you. your smile brightens up any room, and can easily be spotted a mile away. after a shitty date, seeing you was all he wanted.

he moves throughout the sweaty bodies, couple of them offer pats to his shoulders congratulating him on the playoffs achievements, but none of those matter. he’s more focused on getting closer to you, and when he does a man that had been blocked by other bodies comes into focus.

he’s got his hand on your hip, as he yells into your ear, whatever it was made you laugh, but nothing like how mat made you laugh. he had the ability to get your full unhinged reaction, your body leaning forward and a snort or two. he thinks it’s cute.

your attention shifts when you recognize that familiar body that’s standing a couple feet away, “mat, you came!” you exclaim, motioning for him to come closer and he does.

“no way you know mat barzal.” the guy you’re talking to is stunned as he extends a hand, mat gladly takes it assuming he’s fan, “I fucking hope the canes destroy you guys.”

mat quick to withdraws his hand from the other guys grip, you give the two a confused look having no clue what they are talking about, “mat barzal, islanders player? please tell me you watch sports.” he laughs. you shake your head slowly looking up at your neighbor, who’s nervously playing with the hairs on the nape of his neck.

“hey man congratulations though!” the guy you’re talking to excuses himself, and you’re pretty sure he won’t be coming back, but that’s fine. mat’s here and from what you remember, it means his date didn’t go as planned.

“so you’re alone, it didn’t go well?” you turn to him and he shrugs a slight nod. he watches you play with the tiny straws in your drink trying to slurp the rest of the liquid.

“how many of those you had?” he chuckles watching you nearly chug half the drink before he jokingly pulls it away from your lips, “easy now.”

“I don’t know, they’ve all been free.”

he laughs watching you sway side to side from the music, but the alcohol that’s following through your body, “why don’t I buy you a glass of water and we can go home?” he offers, you happily nod heading to say goodbye to your friends.

once you’re out the doors of the bar, he drapes his coat around your shoulders and he offers for you to come inside his place. you’re eager to see the rest whether you’ll remember it or not, but you nod following him inside saying hello to his doorman.

when you enter his place most of it isn’t what you expected it to be. it’s minimal decorations, only a few decorative pieces of art work hang on the walls, and a hockey stick hangs above his dinning room table.

“Crosby’s stick. he gave it to me after my first game against him. I nearly cried.” he laughs watching you move across his floors taking in his space, you stop at the infamous window and look inside your apartment.

you can se the hallway that leads to your bedroom, the cat tree where you cat sleeps in, and the living room where you spend most of your time entertaining your boring nights.

“I didn’t realize how much you see of me.” you turn to him, he’s seated on his cream colored couch shaking his head.

“I look over yeah, but I know when to look away.”

“like when?” you dangerously ask, moving to sit beside him on his couch, he positions himself to look at you.

“okay like when you get out of the shower and you have on no towel, I know to look away. I’m not a pervert.” he scoffs having remembered the time his mother was over and nearly had a heart attack at the sight of you.

you gasp, hand covering your mouth, “do not tell me you’ve seen me in nothing but my underwear and bra?!”

he gives you look of confirmation without even saying the words, you hide your face into one of his pillows hearing that beautiful laugh ring your ears, “oh come on! it’s okay, I’m sure you’ve seen me in my underwear before.”

you pull your face away from the pillow with rosy red cheeks, “yeah but that’s different! you walk around in your shorts and nothing on all the time!”

he smirks, “oh so you do watch me?” watching you shove your face into the pillow of embarrassment once more.

“it’s okay, I like knowing it’s you watching me rather than some other girl. I was beginning to think you didn’t notice.”

you pull your face away from the pillow tossing it aside, “what’s that supposed to mean?” you ask, and it’s his faces turn to light up red.

“isn’t it obvious?”

you shake your head, “it’s as obvious as you playing a sport!”

he laughs moving a little closer to you on the couch, “I wouldn’t be asking someone which tie to wear if I didn’t like them a little more than a friend.” he places a hand against your kneecap watching you lean back against his couch.

“you like me more than just a neighbor?”

“I guess it’s not as obvious as I thought it would be.”

you shake your head, “you’re horrible at making things obvious, but it’s okay we can work on it.”

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

The Truth of the Matter

A Four Part Miniseries

@wonderland-girl143-blog @gregre369 @420-hun

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Steve lay in bed, staring up at his ceiling. He had driven in silence the whole way home as he thought about Bob and still remained quiet after they all walked through the door. There had been a couple of times that he had gone into Radioshack for something, and he had thought there was something familiar about the man. Had that been the connection he had sensed? Did Bob know it, too, or was he blind to what the rune had been hiding? Did his father die not knowing that his son had been within his grasp? Steve wanted to kill the Harringtons. What was he supposed to do with his last name? How could he prove that he was a Newby? How could anyone understand that? The question was. . .was he ready to let go of a part of himself he lived with his entire life even if it wasn't real?

"I can hear you thinking over there," Eddie mumbled sleepily.

It was decided by the kids that they would just spend the night since it was so late. Steve had spent 10 minutes watching from the stairs as Eddie had spun around like a cartoon character as he tried to figure out where to sleep. He was clearly struggling to stay with the kids or to follow Steve into his room. Robin eventually joined Steve on the stairs to watch, and they giggled for a while to whisper about Eddie. Finally, Steve took pity on him and dragged him upstairs. Now, here he was, lying shirtless in bed with Steve with his cheek pressed into the other pillow and his hand placed on Steve’s chest.

"I'm just thinking about Bob. . . He never. . .he never knew I was here. Right here. . .all this time," Steve whispered.

"I'm sorry, baby," Eddie whispered.

"I don't know how to process it," Steve said, tears coming to his eyes. "I'm sorry, you can go back to sleep."

"I'm not going to sleep until you do," he said softly.

"I just keep picturing Joyce looking for Will. . .did he go through all that. . .only to come up with nothing?" Steve sobbed.

Eddie scooted across the bed and laid on his chest, holding him tightly. Steve cried into his hair and quickly cried himself to sleep. When he woke up, Eddie was gone, and he heard the sound of clattering pans downstairs. Steve rubbed his eyes and threw on a shirt he found on his floor before stumbling downstairs and into the kitchen. Eddie was sitting on the counter, sipping coffee, and wearing Steve’s yellow sweater. He handed Steve a cup and welcomed his kiss.

"I tried to cook for you, but Dustin wouldn't let me," Eddie said.

"Can you cook?" Steve asked.

"Well, no, but I wanted to do something nice for you," Eddie said.

"Poisoning him isn't the nicest thing to do, especially since he's your boyfriend!" Dustin exclaimed.

"I'm not that bad," Eddie pouted.

Steve laughed and stepped between his legs, leaning back against his chest.

"He loves cooking," Steve said. "He learned from his mom, and he loves to do it for other people."

"I know we joke, but I love that shithead like a brother," Eddie whispered in Steve's ear.

"Yeah, me too," Steve grinned.

"I heard that!" Dustin smiled.

"The others still asleep?" Steve asked, sighing.

"Very much so," Eddie said.

Suddenly, Robin wandered in, yawning and rubbing her eyes. Half of her hair was sticking up wildly.

"Coooofffffeeeee!" Robin moaned.

"And so the coffee zombie enters the room. Watch out, she's a biter!" Steve exclaimed with a laugh.

Robin glared at him and swiped his coffee. She hopped up on the island, sitting across from them.

"This is all very domestic, you know," Robin said, wiggling her eyebrows at Steve.

"I know," Steve grinned.

Eddie wrapped his arms around Steve’s waist and pressed a hard kiss to his cheek. Steve giggled.

"I hope you know that this dingus is my best friend in the whole world. He means a lot to me," Robin said to Eddie.

"You threatening me, Buckley?" Eddie asked.

"No, I just wanted you to know that it would break my heart to see him cry because of you especially since I actually fucking like you," Robin said.

"I actually fucking like you, too," Eddie grinned. "You know, you'd get along with Ronnie."

"Ronnie?" Robin asked.

"My best friend in the whole world," Eddie said. "She's in NYU right now studying to become a lawyer."

"So, you have a platonic soulmate too?" Robin grinned.

"Yeah, and I'm so fucking proud of her," Eddie said.

After breakfast was done, Steve dropped the kids off at their house. They had complained the whole way.

"But Steve, what about the address in Indianapolis?!" Dustin asked.

"Yeah, we can help," Mike said.

"As much as I appreciate it, you guys need to do your homework, and I think your parents want you back home," Steve said with a sigh. "I don't want them to think I kidnapped you."

"Too soon, Steve," Lucas said.

"What? Even though I said it, and it happened to me?" Steve asked.

"Definitely," Mike said.

Dustin was the first one to be dropped off, and then it was Lucas. Mike was the last one. He paused before getting out of the car.

"I'm sorry about Bob. . .I hope you find your mom," he said softly.

After he stormed inside, Nancy came out with. . .Chrissy Cunningham? They were talking and giggling on their way to Steve’s car. Eddie grinned and rolled down Steve’s window.

"How's it going, Big Wheels?" Eddie asked.

"I told you not to call me that," Nancy laughed as she leaned against the car.

"Oh, did you?" He asked innocently.

"What have you guys been up to?" Nancy asked. "I didn't think you liked Steve very much."

"Uh, turns out I do, very much," Eddie said, blushing. "Very friendly. Just a couple of dudes hanging out."

Steve smiled and leaned over to whisper in his ear. Eddie giggled before nodding his head.

"Eddie is now my boyfriend," Steve replied.

"That's great!" Chrissy exclaimed.

"Thanks, Chrissy, it's good to see you again," Steve said.

He stared at her, feeling a sense of familiarity that he had never felt from her before. He didn't feel like he was related to her, but. . .they were the same. Chrissy tilted her head to the side, and she looked at him in surprise before grinning, her eyes turning an inhuman shade of green. Steve felt his eyes glow, too. She was a fairy, not a relative but a fairy like him.

"How did you remove your rune?!" Chrissy asked excitedly.

"Oh, uh, a witch," Steve said. "You?"

"Same, I accidentally ran into one when I went on vacation with my parents over the summer. Although they're not really my parents, they killed my birth parents," Chrissy sighed.

"Jesus! That fucking sucks. My dad died, but I'm still trying to find my mom," Steve said.

"You're a fairy, too?" Nancy asked in surprise.

"You know about Chrissy?" Eddie asked. "How do you know about Chrissy?"

"How do you know about Steve?" Nancy asked.

"I'm the witch who removed his rune," Eddie smirked.

"Chrissy told me about herself," Nancy said.

"I didn't even know you were friends with Chrissy," Steve said.

"Well, we were friends when I was on the squad, but we recently reconnected," Nancy said, blushing.

"Nancy Wheeler was a cheerleader?" Robin asked.

"Very briefly. And I was horrible," she said.

"You were not!" Chrissy exclaimed.

"I was very distracted," Nancy said and looked meaningfully at her.

"Oh!" Steve exclaimed in surprise.

"Am I missing something?" Robin asked.

Chrissy shared a look with Nancy, and she smiled, nodding.

"Nancy and I dated when she was on the squad," Chrissy revealed.

"Oh! There's a lot more queer people in this town than I thought," Robin said with a grin. "Then again, I didn't think there were fairies or witches or an alternate dimension underneath Hawkins. I don't know which ones I'm more surprised about. I'm a lesbian, by the way."

Chrissy giggled.

"What are you guys doing now?" Nancy asked.

"Going to follow up on an address in Indianapolis that might lead to Steve’s mother," Robin said. "But first, Steve needs to drop me off so I can change my clothes."

"Me too!" Eddie yelled.

"You guys want some help?" Nancy asked.

"She can't resist an investigation," Chrissy teased.

"No, I really want to help!" Nancy exclaimed.

"Babe, I was teasing you. I know how big that heart of yours is," Chrissy said. "But you also can't resist searching for clues."

"Come along," Steve said with a grin.

Nancy grinned before rushing off towards the house. Chrissy's eyes never left her, watching as she disappeared through the front door. Chrissy smiled fondly.

"You guys are cute," Robin said.

"Thanks," Chrissy said.

A moment later, Nancy came out of the house arguing with Mike. He huffed loudly, flipped her the bird, and stormed into the house. Nancy slid into the back seat of Steve’s car with Chrissy.

"Having a little brother looks like a lot of fun," Robin said.

"Oh, yeah, you should try it," Nancy said sarcastically. "By the way, Chrissy, I was looking in my purse when I found this."

She pulled out a large magnifying glass out of her purse.

"I found that, and I thought of you," Chrissy said sweetly. "And I thought it would be funny."

Nancy smiled and leaned over to kiss her before quickly moving back again. Chrissy bit her lip.

"I can't believe I'm the only one not in a queer relationship," Robin sighed dramatically.

"You would be if you just told Vickie," Steve said.

"We don't know if she likes women!" Robin exclaimed.

"We didn't know that Nancy liked women until today!" Steve yelled as he drove off. "We didn't know I was a fairy until yesterday!"

"That's all very fair points," Robin said.

"My dad died without ever knowing what happened to me. The question you have to ask yourself. . .Is Vickie worth taking the risk?" Steve asked.

"Fine! Fine! After this, I'll make a move," Robin said.

"You know, Cunningham, this isn't the first time we've hung out," Eddie said.

"It's not?" Chrissy frowned and then paused. "You know, you do look familiar."

"It's going to come to you," Eddie replied with a smile.

"Oh! You look like the witch who took the rune off of me!" Chrissy exclaimed.

"Wait. . .what?" Eddie asked.

"Yeah, his name was. . . Oh, it was Allan!" Chrissy exclaimed.

"Oh, fuck!" Eddie cursed. "That's my dad, which means. . . My dad was the one who placed the rune on you."

"Small world," Steve said.

"Yeah, I had to pay a pretty penny to get him to do it," Chrissy said.

"Of course, you did," Eddie sighed. "My dad doesn't do anything for free, nor does he do anything out of the goodness of his heart."

"Do you think your dad's the one kidnapping the fae children?" Nancy asked.

"I wouldn't put it past him," Eddie muttered. "Fucking piece of shit that he is. Anything to earn a profit."

"Sorry," Nancy said softly and squeezed his shoulder.

Steve squeezed his hand and held it all the way to Robin's house. Robin hurried to go into her house to change and then talk with her parents. She came out with a bag of cookies.

"Mombie's famous cookies!" Robin exclaimed as she slid back into the car. "Oh, she said this is for you and to wish you good luck. She would have come out, but she tripped over the dog again."

Robin leaned over the seat and gave Steve a slobbery kiss on the cheek. When it was Eddie's turn, he was in the trailer with his uncle Wayne for the longest time. When he came out, he was wearing a Corroded Coffin shirt, and his uncle was leaning against the doorway. Eddie stopped, spun around, and hugged his uncle tightly before running back to the car. He slid back into the passenger's seat with a grin and held up a baggie of sandwiches.

"He insisted when I told him Robin's mom made cookies. He can't cook for shit but he can make some pretty good sandwiches," Eddie grinned.

"Hey, how annoyed would you be if I set my mom up with your uncle?" Robin asked.

"Not very," Eddie cackled. "I LOVE your mom's cookies. Let's parent trap them."

"Done," Robin said and shook hands with him.

Steve smiled and waved at Wayne before driving out of the trailer park, heading towards Indianapolis.

"Oh, Corroded Coffin! How could I forget?!" Chrissy exclaimed, pointing at Eddie's shirt.

"I don't know, you're a freak," Eddie said, and she giggled. "My head was buzzed, and I didn't have these sweet tatties so. . .easy mistake to make, especially since I didn't tell you my last name."

The older teens fell into an easy discussion on the way to Indianapolis. Nancy talked about how she thought she was a lesbian for the longest time and how when things ended with Chrissy, Nancy had been surprised to find herself attracted to Steve, to the kindness she witnessed him give to another student when he was without Tommy by his side. Nancy had discovered a new part of herself, but she didn't deny the other part either. Chrissy had talked about her crush on Eddie before knowing that he was the same Eddie from her talent show. Nancy had pretended to be jealous, but there was this understanding between them that in another life, Nancy would have been with Steve or Jonathan while Chrissy would have ended up with Eddie or perhaps even Steve. The discussions quickly turned into which celebrity they each had a crush on. Nancy also talked about her break up with Jonathan and how it went better than Chrissy's break up with Jason, how they were both there for each other afterward. . .

"We're here," Steve said.

Robin unstuck her drool covered cheek from the window. She blinked rapidly.

"Shit. . .when did I fall asleep?" Robin asked.

"Right when I was talking about heavy metal," Eddie snorted. "I'll try not to be offended."

They climbed out of the car and walked up to a small, boring looking gray house. No one would look twice at it. It was perfect for anyone trying to blend in. Steve stood in front of the door and took a deep breath before knocking. They all waited with baited breath, but no one answered. Steve knocked again, and this time, the door seemed to open on its own. It hadn't been locked or closed at all, though. They stepped into a one room, open space house with a door in the back corner leading to a bathroom, right next to the kitchen. A layer of dust indicated that a bed had been there once, as well as a couch and a desk.

"No fairy markings," Chrissy frowned, her eyes glowing green.

"Fairy markings?" Steve asked.

"Markings only fairies can see, a way for the fae to pass secrets to each other or messages to leave for their lost children," Chrissy said. "It's how I found my parents."

"You seem to know more than me," Steve said softly.

"A little more but not much," Chrissy said. "I still have so many questions."

"Yeah," Steve said softly.

They looked around the house and found nothing. Nancy took out her magnifying glass when she saw Chrissy glance her way, and she winked.

"If I'm going to investigate, I'm going to do it the right way," she said. "Thank you again for the wonderful gift, baby."

Chrissy kissed her before moving onto look for clues as well.

"Now all we need is a talking dog," Eddie said.

Steve stood in the kitchen and began looking through the cabinets as well as the drawers. He came to the last drawer and let out a holler.

"Guys!"

"What did you find?" Nancy asked.

"Part of an envelope," Steve said. "It's torn. . .no letter in it, but there is an address for a house. . . In Lenora Hills?"

Nancy hurried over and looked over Steve’s shoulder.

"Well, it's not Jonathan's house. . .so you're not related to them," Nancy said.

"I fucking hope not, I once had a sex dream about you and Jonathan," Steve said.

"What?!" Nancy exclaimed.

"Focus, baby," Chrissy giggled.

"Well, I guess we're going to Lenora Hills. . ." Eddie grinned.

"All of us are going?" Steve asked.

"Yes!" Nancy, Chrissy, and Eddie exclaimed.

"Lenora Hills, it is then. . . How the fuck are we going to get there?" Steve asked. "Not all of us can afford a plane ticket."

"Magic, sweetheart, magic," Eddie whispered in his ear.

Part Four

[anon-amiss]

Okay hear me out on this, Wally with a romantic partner who is colour blind. Like they could see colour when they were younger so they know what colours are but once they grew older everything faded into greys, whites, and blacks. Bonus points if the only colours they see are on Wally and they (the reader) say something cheesy like 'you bring colour into my life'

Beginning Notes: Oooh!! This one is very interesting! As an artist who can see so many colours and shades, I could never imagine what would happen to me if all of it just suddenly dissipated! :°[ I think this will be particularly fun to try out though! It's a great scenario, and I'll do my best to deliver. Thank you for the great request, dear neighbour!

Warnings: Nothin' really! Just good vibes around :°]

Wally x Colourblind!Reader

(Romantic)

Your eyes focused on the bouquet in front of you, intensely glaring at each of the individual petals with the sharpest glare you've ever given anything in your life.

You were trying really hard, but your attempts all ending up fruitless. The dull boquet was suddenly pulled out of view by a familiarly bright and colourful hand. You turned to face the figure with a questioning gaze.

"If I had known you didn't like roses, I would have gotten you a different gift ha ha! " Wally bantered, patting the velvety petals with his felty hand.

"No, I love them! I was just doing the thing again," you replied, frantically trying to save his feelings. Though Wally wasn't hurt. He knew exactly what you were doing, even before you explained yourself, and it was somewhat amusing.

Anyone else entering Home for the first time would probably be shocked by the enormous array of colours everywhere. The vast amount of hues would certainly be blinding to anyone who just arrived, but when you first arrived, it looked like nothing special to you. Everything was just the same. Black and grey with hints of white.

You didn't even notice you were in a whole different universe until you felt the soft and cushiony terrain. You did initially think it was strange how some of the shapes seemed to be somewhat exaggerated, such as flowers looking rounder and hills looking cleaner than they were supposed to.

The first creature of sorts you met while wandering around was a dog named Barnaby, and you did freak out a bit at first, but you got over it relatively quickly when he offered to find you help. He took you around "Home" and introduced you to everyone, but when you got to the last resident, you couldn't stop yourself from jumping in surprise. You stared at him intently.

You were in such awe.

The resident in question being Wally, of course. He only stared back at you, not saying a word. You stood there for about a minute before he said his first words to you:

"You blinked! I win!"

You were confused at first but then realized he must have thought you were having a staring contest. That was honestly not a bad guess at what you'd really been doing.

Throughout the whole day, Wally couldn't help but notice the peeks and glances you stole his way. He knew he was handsome, but he didn't think it would be that distracting. Though, now that he thought about it, he did have a tendency to stare at himself in the mirror for hours at a time, so maybe it wasn't such a farfetched reaction.

Still, he felt the need to ask you about it just to be sure. You were embarrassed at first, but you felt like he deserved to know considering how rude it must have looked from an outsider's perspective.

You explained your whole colourblind situation, telling him that when you were a kid you could distinctly remember seeing every shade of the rainbow, but as the years passed, it all started fading away. At first, you'd been devastated to hear that you'd never be able to see colour again, but you learned to cope with this loss.

It still hurt you to think of it sometimes, sure, but you dealt with it by just imagining the missing colours in place of the dull, dark shades you saw.

"What do you imagine when you stare at me?" He asked you, curiously. Wally only knew one other person with colourblindness, which happened to be Barnaby, but even Barnaby could see some semblance of colours. He was intrigued by your situation and even felt bad for you. You seemed so sad when you were explaining your condition to him.

"That's the thing," you began, grabbing his hand, tracing your fingers over his palm carefully. You were simply baffled by this unique circumstance. "I can see your colours for some reason."

Wally was surprised, not sure what to say at that moment. He felt a bit special, thinking about your words over and over. While the both of you did not understand the reason you could see only his colours, neither of you wanted to question it. You cherished it dearly.

From thereon out, you two became very close. Wally didn't mind you staring at him every few minutes. He encouraged it, really. You would both often test out little experiments you had in mind such as putting red paint on him to see if it would show up, though, it did not... But even with this experiment dismissed, you still liked to put on some red lipstick and smooch Wally's cheek, usually saying how you wanted to just 'make sure' your results didn't change.

He knew you were lying, you were terrible at it, but he didn't mind.

He would frequently catch you staring intensely at certain things such as flowers or crayons. Wally learned that this was like a little guessing game to you. After you guessed the colour, you would usually ask Wally if you were correct, to which he would either confirm or deny your guess. Though, he did lie sometimes and say you were right. He just couldn't stand to see your disappointed face when you found out you were wrong.

Plus, everytime you did a good job, he was allowed to place gold stars on your forehead! Win-win!

Wally was sure you were guessing what colours the roses were this time and handed them out to you. "So what colour do you think they are?" He asked, sitting himself down next to you.

You let out a laugh and rested your head on his shoulder, setting the bouquet aside. "I don't need to know."

Wally looked over to you, tilting his head quizically. He's never had this response before, so naturally he was just a little confused with you. You loved this game! Maybe you were bored of it now??

You turned to face him and stared into his eyes. "You're the only set of colours I love to see." You gave him a peck on the mouth. Wally's expression was now that of surprise. "Hey, you're red now!"

He laughed at your comment and cupped your face. "I just can't get enough of you, dear." You leaned into his touch and smiled joyfully. Wally reciprocated your kiss and gave you a warm embrace. He leaned back to look at you and couldn't help but giggle at your reaction.

"Hey, you're red now, too!"

End.

End notes: Oh dear, I feel like this is way too short! :°[ I'm going to probably expand on this idea more later on! I really love your scenario and feel like I've misplaced some really great potential! Now... I usually follow intuition and reread my stories to see if there's anything else I can expand on, but I just can't quite put my fluffy finger on it! I promise I will find out what the problem is and get back to you again! With a longer story this time!

Apologies, dear neighbour!

I hope this shorter-than-usual story will suffice for the moment!

[igotanidea]

Elf : Dick Grayson x reader

Christmas bingo day 13 : elf

They were just casually walking through the mall, finishing the christmas preparations, buying some additional presents and food.

There was no indication of an upcoming catastrophe.

Not until they wandered close to the Santa Claus stand and Dick’s eyes almost glowed.

„Oh, no -” Y/N muttered while being dragged closer to the platform with St.Nick’s armchair surrounded by the dummy trees and reindeers, all sprinkled with fake snow.  „dick!” the sudden hiss coming from her mouth did little to zero in stopping him. Once Dick Grayson set his mind on something there was no way to convince him otherwise or distract him.

Even if his initial idea was - well - stupid.

Just like now,

He couldn’t care less about the kids crowding around and their parents’ hateful gazes as he pushed through the throng, his sole purpose to get closer. All while still holding the hand of his poor girlfriend, who was just throwing apologetic glances left and right hoping no kid would start crying or throwing a temper tantrum.

„Dick!” she hissed again „Stop right now!”

Obviously he was not listening at all, his gaze fixed on the genre scene

„Richard Grayson!”

„Oh.” ironically he stopped so abruptly she almost ended on his back „you’re using my full name now, huh?”

„Just to remind you you’re an adult!”

„so what?” Dick shrugged and looked as her uncannily, only unnerving her more

„this is for kids!”

„maybe I;m practising?” he smirked

„practising? Practising what?”

„Performing for the kids. You know  -” suddenly his arms were on her waist pulling her closer despite the indecency of such behaviour around children „for future purposes-”

„Oh- oh- well- I guess I can turn a blind eye to it, then....”

„Great!” once he got what he wanted he dragged her to the front before she had a chance to change her mind.

However, Santa Claus seemed to be late and the only thing that could save the day (and possibly salvage parents from the wrath of their kids) were -

„Elves!” Dick almost jumped from excitement seeing colourfully dressed Santa’s helpers coming on stage. „Y/N! Do you see?!” he tugged at her sleeve like a child seeing snow for the first time.

„Uhm.”

„Come on! Where’s your Christmas spirit! Just look at them! I wish I could - ‘’ his voice faltered a little before finishing the sentence and it was not a good sign. Y/N could almost see the wheels in his brain turning and it quickly dawned on her.

„No.” she said sternly, squeezing his hand

„Oh, yes.” he grinned in response.

„Don’t you dare. I swear if you do, you’ll be spending Christmas without me.”

„We both know you would never be so cruel, love” quick peck on her lips and ruffle of her hair was all she got before Dick literally evaporated.

oh no, no, no....

Five minutes later another elf came onto the view.

Very, very familiar elf with dark hair and blue eyes and dressed in all blue and red, grinning wildly, happily and shaking the pompon on the big elf hat.

And suddenly it was not embarrassing anymore.

Suddenly, he was the most handsome man to ever walk the earth and his childlike disguise did nothing to hide his pretty face and perfect figure.

Suddenly she was happy that there were only kids and married women around and not teenage girls or single ladies.

But there was no jealousy.

She was definitely not jealous of her childish boyfriend walking the stage in a Christmas costume looking like a movie star, entertaining the same kids he pushed away earlier.

And - funny thing - no one seemed to remember that when dick put on his golden boy appearances.

„Y/N!” he cried out towards her „have you been nice this year?”

She blushed when all eyes landed on her instantly, pretty sure that adults understood that sentence quite differently.

„I’m pretty sure that’s the question Santa is supposed to ask me.” she retorted trying to keep her cool.

„Well, he’s not around, is he?”

„I wonder how he’ll react after figuring his subordinate is trying to take his job?”

„I’m just filling the gap.” Dick grinned „I;m just ambitious, last time I checked, it was not a crime.”

„Not like poking on innocent girls, who wished no attention?”

„I think -”

„SANTA!!” before Dick could finish the sentence (thank god) the man dressed up as disguised as a kindly old man wearing a distinctive red costume took over, discreetly shoving Dick away.

Normally, Grayson would be devastated, but in this case the only thing filling him was contentment. He got his five minutes, he got the attention and most importantly -he made Y/N flustered and saw that pretty, natural, pink blush adorning her cheeks.

It was good enough.

Oh, and she was still about to answer that naughty or nice question for him ....

[yearningaces]

Is it too much to ask this Halloween, to be surrounded by the loving embrace of a horrific nightmare of a sentient creature who adores me and is so gentle but terrifies anyone who dares to get close enough to see their visage? I'll wear a mask so I don't get scared either idgaf

...

Actually...

Did you know exactly what they were? No.

Did you even know what gender or even what creature? Also no.

But they were sentient, and they adored you. You'd been stuck in the darkness of an abandoned house the first time you met. Out of fear of what you were moments from seeing and fear of the situation of being locked in here by those who were supposed to be your friends, you covered your eyes.

And they appeared. Urging you to keep your eyes closed as they approached. Sometimes you'd feel massive paws gingerly guiding your blinded self. Sometimes it was harsh talons that held you with care. On the occasion something akin to a tail was placed in your hands for you to follow them as they wandered.

And as long as you keep your eyes covered and closed, they could remain close and adore you the way they demanded to.

And now any time it's dark enough you can't see, any time the lights go out or you so much as cover your eyes, you feel them reaching out. Some days it's a massive fur covered soft and plush form with a fang filled maw the size of your toreso nuzzling against you. Other days it's the lightest pressure of a miniscule figure sitting on your shoulder, curled up against your neck with leathery skin and a thin tail.

On the strangest days you feel like you're being held in a massive pair of hands, able to fit in the palms of your unseen companion.

And you never questioned why you needed to keep your eyes covered, until one day that is.

They felt similar to a bear today, massive, furry, chubby, and rumbling deep in their toreso as they held onto you while you both simply lounged on the forest floor.

You had a silk scarf tied around your head to cover your eyes, a gift they'd presented months ago. You saw nothing but could feel every touch and hear every soft adoring word they uttered to you in enamored affection.

Until they froze, their grip tightening just slightly and you heard footsteps approaching. But they didn't try to hide or move, they simply sat and quietly asked you to keep your blindfold on.

You didn't understand until you heard panicked exclamations from someone who must have just gotten close enough to see your companion.

And the screaming began.

Pained, panicked, throat tearing screeches as if someone was being driven mad rang out in the otherwise silent forest. Your companion placed a massive paw over the side of your head, covering your ear and pressing your other ear against their chest. The noise muffled as the screaming grew wetter and wetter, before devolving into a strangled gurgling sound. Eventually a quiet 'thud'.

And all was silent.

After a long time, they uncover your ears but continue holding you close.

"That is why you must never look upon my appearance, precious one." Was all they said, in the calmest tone.

You never found a body. They made certain you didn't. They brought you home and waited to leave until you were asleep, removing any trace of what happened because they were just so considerate of their favorite precious human.

Just keep your eyes closed, keep the blindfolds on, and you will be adored and treasured like never before for the rest of your life.

Not a terrible trade off, right?

[whumpinthepot]

Hamster Interactive Story

Chapter 8. Threat

Prev - Masterlist

Content: CYOA format, poll options, Being watched, physical restraint, verbal threats, cages, pet trope, Giant/Tiny, Selective Mutism, poor vision, drug mention (in poll), no medication for pain, fear for ones life, dehumanization, female cast, ableism,

Pov: Hamster, then switches to Ashley for the poll.

Poll winner: Rub your eyes and crawl closer to see if they’re real

—-

You rub your eyes and clumsily crawl closer to the blurry image that stands across the bars. You fall into your shoulder a couple of times but lucky enough the padding in the cage cushions any pain it might have caused. The figure does look like one of Ashley’s prop dolls, and you start to relax. 

Until it talks- “You really are blind, aren’t you, Pet?” 

You scream immediately, kicking backwards from reflex, and the voice becomes shrill, “Hey! Shut up- Stop screaming!” The figure is opening the cage now to get to you. They force the door to stay ajar by shoving a pencil into it. 

They storm towards you, and you don’t stop screaming. In fact you scream more from terror. Until he’s shoving a hand against your mouth and you’re face to face with someone who is the same size as you, “Stop screaming before something bad happens to both of us!” His hand shoves against your lips, and grinds flesh into your teeth. It hurts, and you want it to stop. 

You stop screaming in hopes he’ll let go of you. It doesn’t stop the tears though, and when he takes his hand away you continue to back up to distance yourself from him. 

The man closes the distance and towers over you, “Does the human know about me?” He asks. You stare at him in disbelief, and he says it again, “Does. The. Human. Know. About. Me?” This time you shake your head quickly. 

“You don’t talk do you?” He tilts his face sideways.

Once again you shake your head. You’re not going to say a word to him. 

“Then you won’t tell the human you saw me, right?” 

You keep shaking your head, though you’re not sure if you’re supposed to nod at that last question. It doesn’t matter, because he understands it anyway, “Good.” He seems satisfied enough. 

You both stare at each other for a second, then he takes off. The cage door slams shut, and he’s gone. 

You’re left shaking like a leaf, and you need Ashley to come home NOW so that she can protect you. The medicine in your system dies down mid day, and your arm starts to throb against the inside of the cast. You feel miserable. 

Once Ashley finally comes through the front door, it's late, and you’ve already cried your heart out from fear and pain. 

When she puts her hand in your cage to check on you, you cling to her fingers immediately for safety. Ashley startles, but she scoops you up with no problem, “Oh Honey, does your arm hurt? It's okay, Mummy’s home. Here-“ She puts you to her chest where her heart thumps against you as she chucks her purse onto the counter. She then takes you to the bathroom to get more medicine syringed into your mouth. It’s bittersweet but you swallow it. 

When Ashley tries to put you back down you latch to her thumb, and refuse to let go. You’re still terrified of the tiny man killing you in your sleep. You’ve never done this before, and Ashley seems rightfully worried. She brings you back up to her chest and looks around as if lost. 

—

(Top two or three poll winners may be used) 

Taglist under the cut:

Tag list: @frogkingdom @verkja @whumpsday @octopus-reactivated @marvel-gt @rsitb-second-account @fallen-grace-smd @winged-wolf-s-collection-of-arts @kyp-the-spacekiwi @dramat1ques @ilasknives @hollowgast1 @whither-wander-whump @redd956 @zobodahobo @alittlewhump @blackrosesandwhump @angst-after-dark @sandygarnelle @copperyote @kim-poce @mayisreallygay @smoll-stace @demondamage @vickytokio @sunshiline-writes @whump-in-the-closet

[bubbleguppyyy]

Oh, Little Birdy.

Chapter 1

Dean x fem! reader, Past! Bucky x fem! reader

Story Synopsis: Being plagued by constant dreams of a man with beautiful green eyes who calls you Birdy can be very confusing if you don't remember ever meeting him. You want to understand these dreams all while trying to understand why you used to harbor feelings for a certain Winter Soldier who wants "nothing" to do with you.

----------

You really should’ve listened to Soldat when he told you to carry a compass because you had no idea where you were. 

It was damp out, and the roads were starting to become slick from the small mist of rain. Forests surrounded both sides of the narrow road that seemed to go on for miles and miles. You had been wandering it for about 5 miles now with no clue what direction you were going. No cars had passed by in a while and nothing but eerie silence filled your ears. 

None of this would have happened if you had completed your mission correctly. All you were supposed to do was shoot some politician from his second-story bedroom window. His house was in the middle of the woods in a state you couldn’t remember the name of. This was one of the easier jobs you had been given during your time with Hydra. No fighting or contact was involved. 

Everything had been fine, you were programmed to your soldier form and ready to take any order Hydra wanted to give you. You never felt anything in that form. It used to bother you until Hydra made sure that it didn’t. 

Your finger was on the trigger waiting for the order to execute. Next thing you know, you’re being attacked by someone. They were a good fighter, but you were better. The only person you weren’t better than, was Soldat. 

Right before you shot them, they threw some weird powder in your face. It made your eyes hurt and your throat tighten, spurring a coughing fit. You dropped your gun and ripped out your com that had some random Agent screaming Russian in your ear. You dropped to your knees, rubbing your face, trying to get the powder off.

When you finally felt like you could open your eyes, you felt an immense amount of emotions run through you. You gasped as large tears slid down your cheeks. You gripped your chest where your heart hurt. 

Your soldier form had been compromised. 

Everything seemed more vibrant, it wasn’t all just some colorless haze anymore. You could hear the crickets and the sound of the politician's dog barking in the distance. The leaves on the trees rustled with the wind and their light green color almost hurt your eyes. For the first time in a long time, you felt so alive. 

The moment you realized all this, you immediately abandoned your mission and ran as far away as you could. That brought you to the road you had currently been wandering. You kicked a pebble in frustration, shivering slightly from the breeze. 

You stopped walking at the sound of a car coming up fast from behind you. It was blaring music and as you turned around to see what it looked like, it came to a screeching halt a few feet away from you. You shielded your eyes from the headlights while trying to identify the song playing.

You tilted your head and squinted your eyes as two figures got out of the car. 

“You lost, sweetheart?”

The figure that spoke moved in front of the right car light, giving you a break from being temporarily blinded. His voice was deep and smooth. He was tall with broad shoulders and bowed legs that you found sort of endearing in a way. He had short brown hair sort of spiked up and green eyes that shone with mirth as he watched you size him up. 

“Easy there, we aren’t going to hurt you. We just want to make sure you’re okay. What’s your name?” The second figure spoke up when he saw how tense you were. He was taller than the other one with long shaggy brown hair and a kind smile. You gave him a tentative smile and relaxed your shoulders as you thought about what he asked.

The question shouldn’t have been as hard as it was but it had completely stumped you. You had no idea what your real name was. With Hydra, you were either called by your number or by your soldier title. 

You looked between the two as you spoke.

“I’m not sure what my real name is. I haven’t been called it in years. I would prefer that you didn’t call me by my other names since I am sort of escaping the people that called me that so, I guess you can just pick something.”

You watched as they gave each other a worried look, no doubt wondering why you were called something other than your given name. 

You shivered as they silently communicated with each other, hoping they wouldn’t notice. The one that had called you sweetheart seemed to catch it out of the corner of his eye and immediately shrugged off his large leather jacket, carefully approaching you with it. 

When he reached you, he slowly wrapped it around your frame. It engulfed you in a scent of motor oil, leather, and musky vanilla.

You couldn’t look away from his eyes. They were so green, so alive. Just like the leaves of the tall oak trees surrounding you. You felt tears coming on again. 

“How about we call you…. Birdy. Since you said you’re escaping.” He gave you a wink and half smirk, proud of the new name he picked for you. 

You shot a quizzical look at the other guy who looked equally confused as he gave you a shrug.

You turned back towards the man in front of you who looked eager to hear what you had to say about the new name. 

“I guess it does fit my current situation, I like it. Now that you have my name, what are yours?”

You giggled a little when the jacket guy seemed to puff his chest when you said you liked the name. He smiled wider when you laughed at his antics. He then cleared his throat and gestured to himself and the other guy.

“Our names are D-

The emergency alarm and the voice of Friday woke you up in a panicked state. Something about an immediate mission meeting happening. 

You had been so close. So close to understanding the meaning of all of these random dreams. So close to finding out who called you Birdy. 

You slid out of bed and threw on a zip-up hoodie over your crop top and shorts. You grabbed your go bag in case the mission was going to happen right after the meeting. 

Whatever was going on, you hoped it would distract you from the green eyes plaguing your mind.

[vampire-exgirlfriend]

Lips Like Lightning (Skin So Sweet)

Pairing: Modern Aegon II Targaryen x reader (3rd person)

Rating: E

Warnings: booze and smut, you know the drill

This is a gift for my sweet @jadore-andor, who I was lucky enough to get in the HotD server Holiday Exchange! She loves a wet cat man and there are few more drunk, sarcastic, and pathetic than Aegon in the Paper Crowns AU

masterlist

"You really think you're hot shit, don't you?" She asked, a derisive little laugh trailing behind her words, not bothering to raise her voice over the noise of the band that played the stage.

"Oh, I know I'm hot shit, darling," he answered, pulling his pageboy hat off, shaking his chin length hair from his eyes and leaning against the bar. The lights from the stage caught in the white blonde strands, setting them off blue and red and green and purple. "I'm Aegon." He held his hand out.

She just looked at him, her eyes darting back to his face. "Good for you, Aegon." Her fingers wrapped around the glass in front of her and she threw back the rest of her drink, a slight grimace on her face at the burn of the alcohol. She didn't usually drink, but it seemed fitting in the face of "new year, new her".

"...Targaryen," he finished, his brows pulling together in confusion, his hand dropping limply as she made no moves to take it. He watched almost helplessly as she glanced down at her phone, the time - 10:32 pm - flashing.

When she looked back up her gaze traveled over his figure, taking in his hideous vintage sweater, tight torn jeans, and scuffed boots. He was handsome, pretty even, with his violet eyes and pouting mouth, but utterly unfamiliar to her. "That's quite the name. You say it as if I'm supposed to know who you are."

Aegon smiled, a slow, sensual unfurling of his lips, a flash of white teeth. "You aren't from around here, are you?"

"Oh, not even close." She smirked back at him, a little lost in his eyes, tangled up in the strobing lights that flashed over his face.

His answering laugh was good natured, if a little manic. There was something wicked about him that she liked, something libertine, something chaotic. "Then the name doesn't really mean shit. Can I buy you a drink anyway?"

—

She nearly tripped over her own feet, Aegon's tipsy weight jerking her back as he gripped her hips. He pressed her into the elevator wall, his lips dragging over hers until she opened for him, laughing against his mouth and clinging to his shoulders. When he pulled back she pressed a fingertip to the dimple in his chin.

"You never told me your name," he whispered loudly.

She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth to keep from laughing, giving him her name, her cheeks heating as he repeated it back.

"You are lovely." His eyes danced over her figure, his hands wandering beneath her coat.

"And you are drunk," she teased.

He kissed her again and again and once more for good measure. "I assure you, love, I am always drunk. But I'm not blind."

The bell dinged before she could respond, the doors sliding open into a long hallway. Aegon pushed her out ahead of him, his hands on her hips guiding her to the door at the end. She was surprised when it didn't open with a key. He pressed his thumb to a little pad by the knob, the lock sliding free after a few seconds. When she glanced up toward the ceiling, a camera stared back, the little red light blinking down at her.

Maybe his name was more important than she initially thought.

But Aegon was nudging her through the door, peeling her coat from her shoulders and throwing it over the console table that sat just inside the entry to the loft, flicking on a lamp. She liked what she saw, surprised by the comfortable, lived-in nature of the loft. Framed concert posters hung on the exposed brick walls and a huge, low midnight blue sectional took up a chunk of the room, the floor covered in a mishmash of Turkish rugs. His record collection was impressive, everything from The Clash to Annie Lennox to Fleetwood Mac. Books and photos lined the shelves of massive built-ins, most featuring him and a troupe of matching pale blondes, their silver hair and violet eyes painting them all as family. In one was a girl, wrapped in a baby blue tulle dress and a leather jacket, a caterpillar crawling over her extended finger as she grinned excitedly. Another featured a young man with long hair and a sullen face, glaring at the camera and holding a pool stick, his middle finger aimed at the photographer - his right eye covered by a black patch. In a third was Aegon with a woman his own age, her chin resting on his head, her straight white hair falling around both of their faces like a curtain. Her eyes were closed while he rolled his, a wide smile on her pretty face, a cigarette in her hand. Suddenly, she was hit with the feeling that the man she'd come home with was nothing like the man she'd met at the bar. It was uncomfortable, the realization that they were both real people with real lives and that this was just a moment, a blip in time, a miniscule light in the dark.

But any light was better than none.

Tomorrow she would leave, heading home to Volantis to start the new year back in her real life. And Aegon Targaryen, whoever he was, would go back to the people in the pictures.

Music filtered in from hidden speakers, and she recognized the intro to Take It On The Run by REO Speedwagon. When she turned, she found him watching her, his eyes narrowed slightly before pasting a grin over his mouth and holding his hands up. "Like what you see?"

"I've spent the night in worse places," she answered, her brow raised in challenge. Her heels clicked on the concrete floor as she made her way to the couch, dropping to sit on the edge of the cushion. Aegon strode to where she sat and she craned her neck to look up at him.

"I want you." He said it as plain as day, no teasing or testing or playing, another layer peeled back to reveal the man beneath. "Do you want me?"

She considered him for a moment, but the heat licking behind her ribs had her nodding in answer. She wanted him to kiss her again, she wanted to devour him, she wanted to sink her teeth into him and not let go.

"How do you want me?" His eyes looked so soft in the dim glow of the lamp, the lights from the city below painting him silver and gold.

She blinked, the butterflies in her belly blooming into something more dangerous, something with talons, something hungry. "On your knees."

He fell before her without another word, looking up at her from beneath his sooty lashes, his palms resting against his thighs. After a moment, he dipped his head sarcastically in a bow, spreading his arms wide. Time stretched between them, heavy and tense and full of dark promise, before he reached for her foot, quick fingers surprisingly gentle as they unclasped the strap around her ankle. She jolted in surprise as her shoe hit the floor, the sound jarring over the quiet music that played in the background.

"A bit jumpy," he teased, hands sliding up her calf torturously slow, his eyes on hers. He lifted her leg, lowering his head, his breath warm as it ghosted over her heated flesh. His mouth was soft against her ankle, his teeth scraping lightly over her skin. Her fingers curled in the soft material of the blanket beneath her, her breath coming quicker as he kissed the delicate skin at the bend of her knee. Aegon nipped and sucked a constellation of bruises against her inner thigh, his other hand snaking beneath the hem of her dress, fingers curling in the fabric of her underwear. His eyes darted to hers, a grin pulling at the corners of his full mouth. "I'm going to keep these if that's alright with you."

"All yours," she answered, fighting to keep her voice steady as he tugged the scrap of fabric down her legs, stuffing it in the pocket of his jeans with a smirk. He stood and extended a hand, pulling her to her feet when she accepted.

The walk to his bedroom was short, her eyes fixated on his messy silver curls as she followed him down the hall. It was easy to fall into his bed, to prop herself against the green satin pillows while he reached back, tugging his ugly sweater over his head, revealing a body that was absolutely unfair. Hard muscle lay over his stomach, a few tattoos scattered over his pale skin. Over his heart was a little blue butterfly, landing gracefully on the hilt of a knife, the blade itself seemingly piercing his chest. The words "fire and blood" were scrawled over his ribs in a small, flowing font. And when he turned his head, she noticed a little smudge behind his ear. Pushing to her hands and knees, she leaned closer and saw it was a tiny dragon, peeking out from his hair. "I like this one," she murmured, sitting up and pressing her lips to the ink.

"My brother and sister have a matching one. And my nei -," he cleared his throat," my best friend, she has one too."

She couldn't help but smile at the little piece of himself that he shared, the knowledge that he loved his family, that despite his ridiculous facade, he was capable of having a friend who cared about him enough to mark her body in commemoration of their bond. "I think it's lovely." She nipped at his jaw, catching his lips in a kiss that left her feeling drunk.

"Do I need a condom?" He asked, dispelling the dreamy vulnerability of the moment as if he were uncomfortable with it, jerking his chin toward the bedside table. Her eyes followed his and she waffled for a moment. His voice softened as he looked back at her, realizing his misstep. "I'm clean, if that's what you're worried about. Test results are next to the condoms."

One last reckless night before going back to the real world - that's what this had started as. And to be honest, she wanted to feel him, to burn the sensations into her memory. "I'm clean," she said. "And I have an IUD."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Without another word, Aegon's hands found the zipper at the back of her dress, wasting no time in pulling it down, his fingers grazing each new inch of exposed skin. He peeled the thin straps from her shoulders, his lips dragging over her collarbone, tugging at the fabric until she was bared to him. Her own hands roamed over his chest, his ribs, his back, memorizing the feel of his body beneath her palms.

The low light from the salt lamp on the dresser painted her body in pink and gold shadows and she found she liked the way Aegon looked at her, like she was magic. The buckle of his belt hit the floor and he kicked out of his jeans, sliding his ridiculous tie-dye boxers down his muscled thighs before stretching out over top of her. She rolled him to his back, straddling his hips and tanging her fingers with his, dragging them to lay over his head.

"I love a woman that takes charge." His grin was cheeky, his tongue darting out to wet his bottom lip.

"Then you're in for a good time," she answered, leaning forward and stealing his laugh, brushing her tongue against his. His hips bucked beneath her and she ground down against the hard ridge of him, his mouth parting in a low whine.

It was impossible not to lose herself in Aegon. He was all unhurried kisses and calloused fingertips wandering over soft flesh. He was warm, like fresh spring, like buds breaking through once frozen ground. The most delicious noises fell from his lips and he responded to every touch, every murmur, his pulse thrumming beneath her lips. His hand slipped between them, fingers spreading her, sliding through the slick that had gathered there. And then he was inside her, curling his fingers forward against that soft spot up high, grinning wickedly when she cried out, sharp and surprised. His thumb rubbed lazy circles over her clit, winding her up tighter and tighter until she lost her composure, grinding down against him for more, more, more, taking what she needed.

She came in a hot rush, her back arching, her thighs trembling on either side of Aegon's thighs, her nails digging into the muscle of his shoulders.

"Yeah, that's so fucking good," he said, his eyes revenant as he watched her come down, her eyes glassy and mouth parted. "You make the best sounds."

She dropped her weight, sliding over his length, grinning when he dropped his head back, the veins in his neck prominent. "Don't make it weird." Looking between them, she watched the way she parted around him, the blunt head of his cock nudging her clit. It was obscene. It was ridiculously hot.

His hands found her hips, fingers digging in almost painfully to hold her still. "It's not weird. Shut up and let me compliment you."

She wrapped her fingers around his length, thick enough that the tips only just touched, and guided him to her entrance. The stretch felt near impossible and she was sure she would split in half, rocking her hips gently to mold around him. Aegon shook with the effort to not plant his feet and drive up into her, to break her open and fuck her the way he so desperately wanted to.

Next time. He would make sure there was a next time.

When he was finally buried inside her, she held her breath, adjusting to the feel of him. He moaned when she rolled her hips, the sound somewhere between a growl and a groan, her pace a lazy grind. Sweat broke out on his brow, his grip on her waist tightening as she dragged her clit over his pubic bone; it straddled the line between too much and not enough. Without warning, Aegon pushed himself up, wrapping his arms around her, one hand tangling in her hair and dragging her mouth to his. There was nothing gentle about the way he kissed her now, urging her on as he thrust his hips beneath her. His other hand rose to cup her breast, his thumb trailing over her peaked nipple. Her head dropped back on her shoulders and Aegon leaned forward, scraping his teeth over the column of her throat. The pleasure was nearly blinding, the heat that had pooled low in her belly spreading outward to glow in her chest.

"Aegon," she moaned. "I'm so close."

"I can feel it," he bit out between clenched teeth, pressing his face to her chest. "You're so fucking tight, you're gonna make me come."

"Not til I say so." Her words were clipped as she chased her release. It bloomed like wildfire, sudden and raging and seemingly without end. Aegon grunted, shifting his hips and dropping her back against the blankets. His thrusts were hard, so deep it stole her breath as she clenched around him, still fluttering. One of his hands found hers, raising it lay above her head, fingers tangling.

"Let me come, baby," he murmured against her mouth. "Haven't I been good for you?"

"Hmm," she mused, her lips curling in a grin before a whine split them. The overstimulation was almost too much and she felt her pleasure ripple over her, heavier this time, pulling her down and she broke apart around him again. "God," she groaned. "You're good, you're so good, Aegon. Come for me."

His teeth sank into the soft flesh of her neck and his spine went rigid as he came, his hips stilling, burying himself as deeply as he could in her heat. She felt it as he made a mess of her. Aegon didn't raise his head, even after he was spent, and she felt him tremble, his breath shaky against her chest. Untangling their hands, she ran her fingers over his back in a soothing gesture until their breathing evened out, their heartbeats slowing. He nuzzled her cheek and she couldn't wipe the smile from her face if she tried. After a few long moments, she nudged him, rolling him off of her to sprawl over the sheets.

"Bathroom?" She asked.

He pointed toward a door on the left side of the room and she pushed from the bed, thighs clenched as she darted from the room.

She cleaned up quickly, almost afraid to look at her reflection. The mirror showed her what a mess she was, hair mussed, teeth marks scattered over her chest, lips red and kiss swollen. She washed her hands and swiped the smeared mascara from under her eyes before heading back to the bedroom. Reaching down to the floor, she scooped up his hideous sweater, pulling it over her own head and running her fingers through her hair to smooth out the snarls.

"It suits you," he teased and she scrunched her nose at him.

"That's not really a compliment," she said with a laugh. A dark bruise lay over his pulse point in the shape of her mouth and she smiled, happy to not be forgotten easily when she left in a few hours.

Fireworks exploded outside of the penthouse window, a kaleidoscope of colors bursting from the other side of the city, misting the room in gold and green and silver and red. She crawled back into bed and Aegon yanked her closer, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her to lie against his chest. "Happy New Year, you," he said softly, kissing her forehead.

"Happy New Year, you," she answered, brushing the hair away from his eyes before pulling him on top of her, kissing his smile and wrapping a leg around his waist.

[jenerousjenocide]

Familiar Face

Chapter two leggo Chapter 1 - AO3 Mirror

If finding a dress hadn't been the hardest part of the day, bringing yourself to leave your room at the inn definitely deemed to be the most difficult. 

After hours of searching you finally were able to navigate the city well enough to track down a dress maker closer to gates of the Upper City. It should have been obvious that any store selling fancy clothing would be low on stock considering how the party was such a big topic among citizens when you were trying to find your way around. The shopkeeper did seem a little exhausted from how many clients they have likely catered to throughout the day, but they assisted you nonetheless with your quest to find something reasonable enough to show up to a masquerade in. 

After skimming through the limited options, you did land on something that caught your eye. 

A black and gold floor length gown, the sleeves sheer enough to allow some skin to peek through. The plunging neckline wasn't your favorite, in fact you were more awe struck by the low cut back, but when the shopkeeper insisted it was 'all the rage these days' you really didn't feel like you had much of a choice.

Standing in front of the mirror with it on, you felt like you were someone else. You realized you hadn't noticed the slit up the thigh in the store, but decide it's rather alluring the way your leg peeks out with every step you take. You spent some time pinning your hair up instead of allowing it to cascade down your back or in braids as usual, figuring if you were going to wear something backless you might as well show it off. The shoes you'll need to get used to, feeling as though you're walking on stilts for the first time, but it was offered up as a gift to go along with the dress, how could you refuse?

You finally catch your own eyes in the mirror, the uncertainty painting your face as you debated your next steps. You could practically hear your mother scolding you in the back of your mind about how dangerous it is to wander into the city so blind, much less the palace owned by the very Lord that resides over the city. For a moment, you detest the way your eyes remind you of her, having heard your entire life how you got your mother's eyes.

No, I have to do this. To hells with it.

You draw in a slow breath, an attempt to slow your heart rate as you finally reach for your black eye mask, secure it to your head and finally leave your room.

You've fought gnolls and goblins growing up, yet the thing having you shaking in your heels was a silly little party. 

You had the day to find your way to the palace, recognizing all of the backroads to take in order to avoid the crowd as much as possible. You did wait until nightfall before venturing out to ensure you weren't stuck waiting for the doors to fly open the moment sundown hit. Your current effort to walk in heels might be pathetic, but you weren't going to be waiting at the door like a rabid fan pathetic.

The palace stood before you like nothing you have ever seen before. There was an aura on it you couldn't quite place, it felt like you wanted to escape your own skin and run home before you could even step foot inside- Regardless, you push on. Climbing the steps to the giant wooden doors standing at the entrance, already open and the hum of music can be heard from the ballroom further down the main hall. There are people strung about laughing, drinking and enjoying the company of others. You note that not only do the party goers have their masks on, but so do the staff. You suppose for something called a midnight masquerade they really do take it seriously. 

Your heart pangs in your chest and you draw in another slow breath, not allowing the anxiety to show as you walked through the front doors and down the hall lined with extravagant sculptures and protected artifacts that look older than time itself.    

You watch through your mask as people dance and mingling on the dancefloor of the ballroom further down the hall, their clothes just as extravagant as the decorations lining the palace themselves. It would seem everyone took this night very seriously indeed, especially after learning it happened on the same night every year from eavesdropping during your prior adventures. 

Your footsteps slow to a halt as you stand at the doors of the ballroom, taking in the beautiful decorations, a full buffet of the finest foods you could only dare imagine and among them some of the most beautiful people you have ever seen.

Granted the masks can be deceiving, but it's amazing how it brings a sense of mystery to all of it.

You follow along the wall to the side, debating quietly to head towards the buffet first or if you should scope out the area first before making any decisions. 

Your eyes trail among the dancing bodies and some wandering hands, wondering quietly if this is some weird sex party you've heard about from some of your family friends during late night conversations when you should have been in bed. You shake off the memories, finally landing on the head of the room- A grand throne at the center of it almost as though it was on a pedestal. Although it wasn't necessarily the furniture that drew all of your attention.

There sat a bored looking man, a pale elf with his chin in his palm as he watched the party unfold in front of him. His wild white curls adorned his head, clashing against the dark purple color of the mask covering his eyes. You can see the way his lips seem to curl into a frown, as if unimpressed with the extravagance of the evening itself. 

It only took half a second to deduct he must be Lord Astarion.

The next half you realized he was staring back at you.

It was as though as shiver ran down your spine, you could barely catch the color of his eyes from this distance and yet it felt as though it shot electricity through you. The moment your eyes met you were drawn to him, and when you finally forced yourself to look away, the feeling faded.

Strange.

You shook it off, it must be the nerves, and he's absolutely entitled to look upon the guests that have entered his home.

However the thought that he noticed you staring first made you uneasy, noting it's probably best to keep your eyes to yourself for now. You just wanted to blend in and have some memories to share when you get home and despite your parents disapproval of leaving home in the first place, but still inevitably ask for every detail you can offer up. 

With that you found the courage to move your feet, walking over to the buffet table and looking over the drink selection.

You grab a golden goblet, inspecting the contents of the liquid before recognizing it as wine and take a slow sip.

Dry, rich, definitely not any wine you're used to having back home.

"My, aren't you a pretty young thing that wandered in?"

The sultry voice nearly makes you jump where you stand, spinning around on your heel to see the very eyes that sent a shiver down your spine.

"I don't believe I've seen you before, a traveler?" Astarion's lips curled into a smile, leaning in closer with a tilt of his head, obviously expecting an answer. 

It took way too long to find your voice, but you're surprised it wasn't reflecting how fast your heart was beating.

"Just making my way through, I saw the invitations and I was curious." You manage to get out, bringing your other hand to hold the goblet and steady yourself to prevent from shaking. "My apologies if outsiders are not welcome."

"Nonsense, I welcome anyone and everyone into my home this evening. I would have been insulted had I found out someone like you was in town and decided not to come by for some fun." His eyes flicked behind his mask over you, taking in your dress, your posture, trailing back up your neck and back into your eyes.

It was then you realized his eyes were red. 

"I welcome you to my humble abode, please make yourself comfortable." He practically purred, reaching down to take a hand into his and raising it up to press his lips against your knuckles. 

It was gentle, soft and quick, but you noted how cold his lips felt against your flesh. 

Before you could open your mouth to reply, he was already slinking away, potentially busying himself with ensuring everything was in order.

You felt like he had taken the air right out of your lungs, the feelings of his lips still lingering on your hand as it falls back to your side and you are left completely dumbfounded.

You're pretty sure the Lord of Baldur's Gate is a Vampire.

Honestly you're not too sure why that was the first deduction that came to your mind, but you've seen those eyes before, you're absolutely sure of it. 

It took a moment to realize you were holding your breath, finally forcing the air back out and bringing yourself back to reality. If he is a vampire and you've wandered into a vampires home, you're probably in a lot more trouble than you first believed. It doesn't seem as though it is common knowledge among the other citizens dancing about without a care in the world.

If it is a secret, you're definitely not going to be the one to pull the alarm. 

You raise the goblet back up to your lips, chugging back the rich wine in one quick gulp before setting the empty cup down on the table and wander out of the ballroom to make your escape. 

Perhaps the buzz of the wine hit you a bit too quickly with your efforts to down the drink in one motion, the haziness swarming your head as though you haven't had a drink in your entire life. 

No, you recognize this feeling. It reminds you of the experimental concoctions you made growing up to prove to your father that you had a knack for crafting potions. 

Of course the wine would be charmed. 

Your parents would be so thoroughly disappointed in you.

It was like everything was moving in slow motion, along with a rose colored shade now illuminating everything in sight. You can't bring yourself to leave, staring at the front doors as you internally fight yourself to just walk forward, go back to your room at the tavern, sleep off the effects of whatever was added to the wine and finally go home.

"Don't tell me you were thinking of leaving." A voice drawled out next to you, half expecting to see Astarion once more, you noted the way your heart sank meeting the gaze of a different pale man behind a dark mask. "The party is only getting started."

"I think I-" You choke, your legs beginning to feel weak. "I think I just need some air."

"Come now, don't play hard to get." The man took another step closer, causing you to move away until your back hits the wall behind you. "I can't let someone as delicious as you get away that easily."

Okay, now you definitely know this is a vampires monastery. 

He flashes a toothy grin, the sharp edges of his fangs catching in the light and you aren't even sure if they're bothering to keep it a secret at this point. However with the drinks being charmed, they probably have no reason to if they threw this event to ensure they get as many unsuspecting necks as possible.

He had already begun to lean in close to you, and you brought up your hands to press against his chest and try to discreetly keep him at bay. His smile faltered, looking down at your hands and back at you with a confused crossing his face, as though you should be enthralled with the fact he's invading your personal space without your consent.

"I do usually enjoy a challenge," He growled, reaching up to grip your wrist with a tight squeeze. "But we've waited all year for this, so if this needs to be done the hard way, I have no problem spilling some blood."

"Lawrence."

You both froze, feeling the grip on your wrist immediately let go and it was like he had been shot with electricity the way he jolted away from you. You're both met with Astarion standing at the entrance of the ballroom, hand on his hip and his eyes focused on the man you were sure was about to murder you without a second thought. 

"You forget your manners, it seems. I have no problem reminding you of them." His tone shifted to a threat, dropping low and causing Lawrence to visibly shake where he stood. 

"I've been too eager, my apologies, my Lord." He quickly stammered, ducking his head in a bow and scampering away behind a curtain further down the hall, disappearing out of sight entirely.

A complete shift from the confident man that first approached you.

"My family forgets themselves at times, my sincerest apologies if he startled you." Astarion offers, stepping away from the door and giving you a look over as if to inspect you for any damage. "I must admit, he does have taste."

"If you think some charmed wine and sweet nothings whispered in my ear is going to be enough to drink my blood, you definitely have the wrong girl." You suddenly spat back, placing your hands behind you to steady yourself against the wall. "With all the stories I've heard, I should have figured I was walking into vampire territory."

"Aren't you the perceptive one." He hummed, looking far more entertained with your response than you expected. "You haven't even been here all that long and you've figured that out. You're definitely not from around here."

"Like I said, I was just passing through." You try to push yourself off the wall, finding it hard to steady yourself on your own two feet with every passing moment. "I think it's time I head out, but thank you so much for the... interesting evening."

"You don't look like you can walk two steps forward much less through town to whatever gaudy tavern you have for yourself in the city." His smile falters slightly, his eyes catching yours and it felt like your heart was about to explode out of your chest. "We have plenty of space here, why don't you lie down for a bit?"

"And leave my neck open for the taking? Only an idiot would accept that." 

Suddenly your knees buckle beneath you, fully expecting to crumble on the floor until you feel two arms wind around you to keep you up. You could feel Astarion's breath near your ear, he was so dangerously close and you're pretty sure he could hear your heart pounding in your chest.

"I assure you nobody will come searching for a late night snack," He replied, laughing slightly at your efforts to stand up and resist his help. "You have my word."

Your limbs felt like jelly, you could barely see straight much less focus on navigating the streets to get yourself home. You know it would be more dangerous to leave in the state you were in, not even knowing the dangers you could face were you to collapse in the middle of the street.

He took your silence as an answer, leaning down and sweeping his arm under your knees to pick you up off the ground. Your hands grip onto the front of his vest, the sudden motion of being lifted up causing your head to spin faster.

As he began to walk, everything surrounding you began to fade, the music now drowned out with the sound of your own heart beating in your ears. 

The people around you were somehow no longer there, the elaborate decorations fading out of focus as well. 

You forced yourself to look up, the last thing you manage to see was a pair of sharp fangs smiling down at you and piercing red eyes boring into your soul before all remaining was lost to darkness.

[justaduckarts]

“I… I don’t want to lose you again. Not in this life, too.” “You won’t, I promise.”

starholder!au? mayhaps....

Ouch. This one's gonna hurt.

Here we go!

Hey! This has some lore spoilers! (ish)

TW: Mentions of Death, Illness

Mortals were not meant for such power. Their bodies are too little and too weak. The amount of energy they'd need to perform even simple magic like healing is immense.

Any human finding themselves in possession of such magic would need a steady supply of energy to thrive.

The star fragments Pluto bestowed upon the gods were meant to ensure that you always had the strength needed to perform the star's abilities.

But you grew up isolated in a temple. And you were barely able to heal without fainting. In fact, you had fainted on your first meeting with him.

Sun and Moon reacted rather harshly to your budding friendship with Eclipse. They would claim it was for your own safety when you were sent to live in the tower with Moon.

The lunar god wasn't exactly unfriendly but you couldn't bring yourself to be close with him. Not when he casually uprooted your life just to keep you out of reach of the one person you felt comfortable around.

It was when Moon figured out you were praying to Eclipse that things took a truly awful turn. In order to prevent Eclipse from 'poisoning' your mind further, Moon enchanted the tower so that Eclipse's voice wouldn't reach you.

The star needs constant energy to thrive.

The star is your very life force.

With your bonds to the gods in ruins, you wilted rather quickly.

Until you were gone.

Moon carried a horrible guilt with him when he buried you. He was supposed to be taking care of you, and he had ensured you had all of the things humans need. Yet still...

Equally troubling was that the star never separated from you. It hadn't occurred to the gods until then just how permanent your bond with the star was. Perhaps ot was because humans exist purely in the physical. While gods live in things like moonlight and shadows.

Eclipse grieved you quietly. His hatred for Sun and Moon only growing as years trickled by.

Somewhere, in a village of no consequence, a child by the age of nine was playing merrily. When suddenly, for no reason at all, you fell to the ground and began to scream. Pain. Blinding white pain. It wasn't there, it wasn't this moment. But it was a memory so strong it shook you to your core.

And the memories kept coming. By the time you were thirteen, you'd gone back to being called by your name from your previous life.

By the time you were fifteen, you were running away from home.

It wasn't that you didn't love your family or your current life. But you'd made the mistake of healing someone after a terrible accident. And rumors about it had spread. Far enough for Sun to send his men looking for you.

How you resented the sun god. You'd always believed your death would be the end of your ties to him.

But it would seem fate had other plans.

It was in your 20's, while wandering from place to place, that another very important memory hit you.

It grasped you like a vice and left you misty eyed and red faced.

Eclipse.

Your friend.

In this life, you'd never prayed to the gods. Not once.

Now, you were clasping your hands together. You took a breath, looking around the little cottage you'd been renting. No one was here. No one to catch you.

"...Eclipse?"

Warmth spread over you. It settled around you like a weight. Like a heavy blanket.

"Hello?" He sounded confused. "Who... how are you calling upon me?"

"It's me," you said quietly. Tears starting pouring. A nervous laugh bubbled out of you. You came undone, explaining how you'd been reborn and how you were on the run from Sun and how you were still regaining your memories from your previous life.

Eclipse wasn't going to let them take you away from him again.

"Where are you, darling? I'll come fetch you right now." He sounded more than eager. Your face flushed despite the tears.

"You don't have to. Sun doesn't even know what I look like in this life-

"Please. I want to see you." His voice was so gentle. But also tired.

In the end, you caved and told Eclipse where you were. And as he said, he was there before the first light of dawn to collect you.

The moment you stepped outside the cottage to greet him, he swept you up. Four strong arms wrapped around you.

"It's really you," he laughed. "You're here. I- I've missed you more than I can say."

There were the tears again.

"Sorry for taking so long to get back," you said quietly, wrapping your arms around him.

"You're more than worth the wait," he gently set you back on your feet.

"Well," you smiled up at him. Your smile turned to panic when you saw that he too was crying. "Oh, Eclipse..." You gestured him closer. He knelt before you and you carefully wiped his tears.

"You're crying," you said quietly, "it's alright. I'm here now." Gingerly, you rested your forehead against his. He wrapped tightly around you once more.

"You're here." He took a breath. "Come home with me. Please."

Home?

Did you really want to commit yourself to another lifetime at the side of a god? Your life may not be glamorous, on the run. But at least you were finally free. You'd finally seen things like the ocean. Finally gotten to be your own person.

You cared about Eclipse deeply.

But if you went with him, would that be the end of your journey?

Clearly he remembered things you'd yet to remember. Was your relationship with him deeper than you knew?

"It's a very kind offer, Eclipse," you said quietly, "but I... don't know." You looked at him uncertainly. "I'm finally free."

"I would never cage you," he took up your hand gently, "but Sun... he knows you're out there. He'll keep searching. Please, let me protect you. I... I don't want to lose you again. Not in this life, too."

Vaguely, you thought that you were seeing something you shouldn't. A god in his moments of weakness.

"You won't, I promise," you smiled at him, "I... don't remember much yet. About us." You squeezed his hand with both of yours. "I want to keep running. There's so much I want to see. So much I want to try."

You smiled. "Maybe you should run with me."

What a novel idea. A god, running from all of his responsibilities.

"I couldn't," he shook his head. Well, he couldn't be gone for long.

You sighed, letting his hand go.

"Then it seems-

"Don't turn me away yet," Eclipse said, cupping your face tenderly. "Compromise with me. I beg you. I've only just gotten you back, I can't bear to see you leave so soon."

There was so much longing in his expression. It was enough to make your face burn.

"..." You looked back into your little cottage. You didn't really own a lot. A red cloak. A collection of Elusia's poems. A painting of a poppy field you'd made yourself.

"..." You looked back at Eclipse, kneeling on the ground and looking at you. Waiting. Hoping.

With a sigh, you smiled once more.

"I will make you a deal. You gods like deals, don't you?"

"What sort of deal?" Eclipse crossed his arms. He knew you to be cunning, but he never expected you to be so bold. Perhaps it was because you'd had the chance to live so free. He suspected he would grow to love this boldness, though. Just as he had loved you when you were timid.

"I will go with you. But," you held up a finger, "you must keep your word. You must tell me that I am free to leave whenever I please. And I will not go as your servant. I will only go as your equal."

Oh. You'd grown very bold. Eclipse couldn't help but grin.

"My equal? When you're so small?" He teased, propping his chin in his hand. He delighted in the way your blush darkened. Well, you were still just as easy to fluster.

"I'm- I'm not small," you crossed your arms, "it's you whose absurdly large."

"Is that so?" He laughed, "I suppose I am quite large."

You shifted. Warmth spread through your core. Somehow, this felt familiar. Comfortable.

"Do we have a deal?" You extended your hand to shake. Eclipse took it. But instead of shaking it, he bent and pressed a tender kiss to the back of your hand. A little jolt ran up your arm and into your heart.

"We do," he grinned at you once more.

Flustered and unable to maintain eye contact, you pulled your hand away.

"Ahem," you shyly stepped back into the cottage, "why don't you come in a moment while I gather my things?"

It didn't take long to gather your handful of possessions. You left a note for the landlord before stepping out into the daw ln with Eclipse.

He took your hand. The two of you watched the sun rise for a moment.

"Are you ready?" He smiled down at you.

"I am," you nodded. He squeezed your hand gently before he plucked you up.

"Then rest," he said quietly, "and when you wake, we'll be home."

Home.

Nowhere had felt quite like home since you were first struck by the star, a lifetime ago.

But as you curled up in Eclipse's arms. As your eyes shut to sleep.

You thought that maybe you could be home.

If he was there beside you.

[veryace-ficrecs]

Animal Transformation fic recs

This list will include all ratings and tags, so read at your own discretion! :)

One Piece

Cat’s Cradle by Hazel_Athena - Rated T

In which a run in with a new Devil Fruit user leaves Sanji with an unexpectedly furry problem.

stay by itsmylifekay - Not Rated

Sanji doesn't know what he's done in a past life to deserve this, but somehow when Zoro gets turned into a cat he's the one stuck on babysitting duty. How someone that small can cause so much trouble, he'll never understand. But even after all the hell he's put through, he still manages to fall in love.

raise ev'ry fallen star by greenyogurtelephant - Rated T

“I’m supposed to be finding this guy, Prince Sanji of Germa,” Zoro explained, figuring he might as well be honest with the rabbit about his initial impressions of the missing royal. “Typical, right?” he grinned. “More like the Prince of Dumbass Kingdom, wandering off and getting lost. Moron’s probably so coddled he couldn’t even fight his way out from under wet bread.” The rabbit glared up at him from behind the heavy fringe of tawny hair, its nose scrunching indignantly. Zoro ran a finger over the handsome face depicted on the curling paper. "But something about it doesn’t seem quite right,” he admitted softly, voicing his doubts aloud for the first time. “While the honorable thing for me to do is complete the quest… I’d like to hear his reasons for leaving when I find him. Sometimes lost things should stay lost.”

X-Men

Humane Society by smilebackwards - Rated M

Once Erik finally allows himself to decide that Charles is pretty much the best thing since sliced bread, he spends the next week being incredibly bitter that he's Charles' cat and not his boyfriend.

serious koala business by chiasmus, stlkrchck - Rated G

Erik has no particular fondness for animals, so he isn't entirely sure what to think when Charles is turned into a stuffed bear. I’m alive, not stuffed, Charles points out, and a koala, for your information, which isn’t technically a bear.

Guided by bad_peppermint - Rated G

Charles - telepath, youngest tenured Columbia professor of all time, blind - is very happy with his life. Or he was, until someone turned his guide dog into a man.

My Hero Acadamia

as small as an elephant by feelingstabby - Rated T

Izuku’s lip is trembling, and he hates it. Sensei just doesn’t understand. He doesn’t see what Izuku does every time he closes his eyes. “If you are incapable of following basic orders,” Aizawa says, sounding like the storm outside, “you can give up your dream of being a reliable hero.” The harsh words are another nail in the coffin, and when thunder breaks around them, Izuku thinks he does too. Or, the one where Izuku and his sensei are turned into cats and have to learn to trust each other while struggling to find their way back home.

When I Said Being a Cat Would Be Nice, This Isn't What I Meant by lostintheclouds321 - Rated G

During an unexpected villain attack, Shouta finds himself in an unfamiliar area suddenly turned into a cat of all things. Before he can even begin to enjoy this transformation or try to find his friend, he's cornered by a group of middle schoolers and has to be rescued by none other than Midoriya Izuku.

Regrets™: Yagi Toshinori Rendition by Hayato (TheLennyBunny) - Rated T

Toshinori meant to catch the villain, not be caught by his Quirk. He guessed this was his life now. At least he had feet.

The Witcher

this animal i have become by splendidlyimperfect - Rated T

“Look,” Jaskier says, holding his hands up in surrender as he slowly approaches the wolf. “I’m really just trying to help you. It’s the least I can do for you saving those people, but honestly, I can’t do much if you bite my hands off.” The wolf, which stands nearly half Jaskier’s height and is bleeding heavily where the crossbow bolt is sticking out of its leg, bares its teeth and snarls.   “Oh, knock it off,” Jaskier grumbles irritably. “I’ve been growled at plenty; you don’t scare me.”  Six months after Jaskier leaves Geralt on the mountain, he finds another white wolf.

rare species by winterbucky (WinterLadyy) - Rated T

Almost 2 years after the moutain, Geralt is coping. He's fine. He's making great decisions like taking a contract on an ice troll at the start of winter, in the mountains. The hunt goes wrong and he finds himself dying in a ravine, covered in snow, cold and alone. And then, like an angel descenting from heaven, is the cat. A rare species of cat, a snow leopard that seems determined to keep Geralt alive, even against his own wishes. Geralt can do nothing but let him, and maybe talk - he was always better at talking to animals and he has many regrets to comb through. or i do uno reverse on the wolf geralt trope and make jaskier a big kitty after the moutain and geralt, ofc, doesn't realize. thats it

Supernatural

The Literal Bear Hug by almaasi - Rated G

Suddenly, Cas was a bear. This was not supposed to happen.

on little cat feet by museaway - Rated T

Dean fears Cas has been killed on a hunt when he discovers a small cat sniffing around the remains of his trench coat.

Star Wars

The Wisdom of Cats by inkpenpaper - Rated T

Cody felt it was a sad reflection of the amount of poodoo the 212th had dealt with over the course of the war that his first reaction to his General turning into a cat wasn’t panic, but resignation that he owed Rex another 50 credits.

Paws and Reassess by blackkat - Rated T

While on a training mission, Wolffe picks up a sorry, scrappy stray cat and smuggles it back to Kamino with him. (Jon Antilles has the worst luck of any Jedi, and that's saying something. But maybe this particular bout of terrible luck has a clone-shaped silver lining. And potentially a lot of Sith-shaped complications. Opposable thumbs would probably make this whole thing a hell of a lot easier to deal with.)

[jayjaymorgan]

RexWalker Week - Day 3, Rescued

Author’s Note : Please remember that English isn't my native language, so there might be some mistakes and stuff. I hope you all like it, have a great day/night!

Taglist : @rexwalker-week

TW : cursing, slight solitary confinement

The room was freezing and pitch black. The man’s blacks did nothing to prevent the cold of the metal floor and walls from seeping into his body, settling into his bones and weighting him down. His teeth chattered, as he sat curled up in the corner, occasionally sniffling and wiping his nose with the back of his hand. He had no idea how long he had been sitting there. It felt like an eternity. It couldn’t have been more than a day or two tops, but the silence was suffocating and making him feel like he was on the brink of insanity. The leak in the ceiling. It was the only noise in the room, the slow pitter patter of the droplets falling, as the puddle of thick, murky liquid grew. He tried counting the drops, but lost count at around one thousand. The smooth walls. He spent hours pacing around the room, blindly searching for a hatch that would contain all the cables he had to rip out in order to open the door. He gave up after circling the small cell half a dozen of times, when his legs could no longer carry his weight. He tried meditating, just like Anakin taught him too, but his mind kept wandering to places he didn’t want to visit. In the end, he curled up tighter in his corner, desperately trying to conserve what little warmth he had left and waited. And waited.

He haven’t even realized that he fell asleep, if it hadn’t been for a loud explosion to shake him out of his restless stupor. His head snapped upright, heart beating out of his chest, as the emergency sirens started wailing. He could hear the distant sound of blasters and droids barking orders. The man tried to stand up, but his limbs refused to cooperate, every muscle in his body screaming in protest. The floor shook under his feet, making him stumble back onto the cold, hard floor. He cursed, before letting his cold, numb body lean against the wall. He could do nothing else but wait, as the fight outside his small cell raged on, the blasts growing louder, until...

Everything went quiet.

He strained his ears, hoping to hear the sound of friendly troops coming to his rescue, but the battlefield remained quiet.

Then, footsteps, just outside the cell.

The door opened and the man squinted as the flashing red light poured in, blinding him momentarily. He shielded his eyes, blinking back tears as he looked at the figure standing in front of him. He felt a wave of relief washing over him as his eyes got used to the blaring lights and could finally make out the details of his visitor’s face. “...kriffing finally.” he said bitterly, but there was a hint of playfulness in his voice. “Took you long enough.”

Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the emergency light, was Anakin.

His Jedi robes were torn and singed in few places from the explosions, hair disheveled, lightsaber in hand. In his other hand was the head of a tactical droid, its lifeless eyes flickering, cables spitting out sparks and hissing as they went out. His eyes were dark, face scrunched up with a look of utter furry, looking like he was pulled out straight from someone’s worst nightmare. Rex grinned from his cold corner. “...has anyone told you that you’re really handsome, covered in droid blood and all?” Skywalker’s eyes narrowed, but the corners of his lips twitched upwards, as he tried his best not to smile. He was supposed to be angry, raging, wrathful! He was supposed to scream at the clone and berate him for being such a careless idiot, for getting captured by a bunch of incompetent clankers, yet... He couldn’t help but to chuckle. “Just you, Rex.” he said quietly, the tension slowly leaving his body as took his lovers into his arms, squeezing him tight. “Just you.”