#it will see the light of day... if you ask nicely-

[sadisticmagpie]

Danny stared at him and then starts giggling. "You know, you aren't the only one to have said this to me, but you are the first alive adult to do so." He massaged his eyes, "Thank you for that" The halfa looks up at Clark and smiles.

This time, this time there's something tangible in that smile, a silver of hope. Clark looks at the child and sees, sees that this child, while a hardened warrior, a hero, is still a teenager who died. "You're welcome, Danny." Clark smiles back. After a moment of hesitation, he adds. "...Can I hug you?"

Danny again stares at him, ducks his head and gives a timid nod. "Yes" Clark envelops him like a protective blanket. His hug is just as warm as Danny remembered, full of caring and gentleness. As if nothing will hurt him while the kind reporter hugs him. It makes him feel vulnerable, tired, but protected.

Clark feels the boy tremble a bit and his hearing picks up on choked sobs. "Come on, let it out. It's okay, it's alright. It's over. They wont hurt you again." He reassures the ghost boy, holding him as close as he can.

"...what will happen now?" The child asks.

"While you recover, you'll stay here in the Watchtower med-bay. Green Lantern got some ghost yetis to help you and other ghosts recover. You'll have to stay here for however long your doctors deem necessary." Danny interrupts and looks up at Clark "Is one of the Yetis names Frostbite?" He has to pause for a bit at that question. Scott said the leader of the ghostly doctors is called Frostbite. Did Danny know them? Could the reason as to why the yetis seem protective of Danny be that they do know him? Was he healed by them before? "Yes, the leader. Do you know him?" Clark asks.

"Yeah! He's really nice, helped me a lot before with fighting injuries." Danny confirms, smiling brightly at the mention of his friend / doctor.

So Danny had some kind of medical backup, that's reassuring... wait "Did you say fighting injuries?"

At that Danny looks at him proudly, but also a bit sheepishly. "Yeah, I am... was the only one to protect Amity for a while, before befriending a lot of the ghosts and fought them so they won't cause too much damage. And then the GIW..." He gets a distant look in his eyes. "They weren't much of a threat at the beginning, but they learned. Upgraded their weapons, tactics, bases. After a while it became hard to raid them and release the captured ghosts..."

After that confession, Clark had a realization. Danny was the main protector of Amity Park. How much did he have to fight? "You are their hero." There's no doubt about it, no questioning or second thoughts. "Yes. And I wouldn't change my decision any way, or at least after dying." Danny looks up at Clark again. "What about my sister, Jazz, or my friends, or parents? Will they be able to visit?" He asks in a curious and hopeful manner.

"They should be able to, though again, you'll have to clear that with the medical team. I don't think they'll allow visitors for the next several days. Also, it would be a bit hard, with us being in space."

"Thats... good. I don't want to worry them and it'll give us some time to calm down..." Danny admits, then gets a focused expression. "Wait, space? We're in space?" At that, Danny's eyes light up like miniature stars.

"We are, though please don't try to escape your bed to watch it, at least not for a few days. I don't want you to get more injured." Clark pleads, seeing the boys obvious fasciation.

"Okay, okay, i won't go out now. Though no promises next week!" Danny smirks tiredly, with every second becoming more aware of how tired he is.

Clark notices that, lays the boy on the bed and covers him with a blanket. "Now sleep, you'll need to regain as much energy as you can while you're recovering" He said while stroking the Halfas hair.

"Mmmmmm, a'right, just a bit..." And just like that, the boy passes out from exhaustion.

Clark tucks him in, making sure he's comfortable.

"Goodnight Danny"

Danny is gravely injured by the GIW, his voice box is severely damaged.

Making use of his own voice is impossible, but through some ghostly means Danny doesn’t quite understand, he can mimic others voices he hears just fine.

It’s a ghostly ability he found out he had a few years ago, with just a sentence or two heard he can do a flawless impression of that person. Now it’s not so flawless. The mimicked voice warps and fluctuates pitch, it’s crackly and he has a hard time not switching between multiple voices with every sentence he speaks.

His voice is reduced to an uncanny frankenstined attempt at speech that activates the average persons fight or flight response.

It’s no surprise that Superman is startled when he calls out for survivors while freeing the ghostly captives and a “not a deer” version of his own voice responds back.

[llamagoddessofficial]

Thank you @cari-canes for this delightful commission. I'm so sorry I went so overboard... but I just could not resist the opportunity to write the bad guys in the cafe au. Cafe au has got everything!!!

---

You unlocked the glass door and stepped through, out of the bitter cold, watching to make sure the little ‘closed’ sign didn’t flip itself over as you shut and re-locked it behind you. Though some dim morning ambience made its way in through the big front window, it was still pretty gloomy with all the lights off. 

Honestly, though? You didn’t mind. 6:30am was a relatively late start for you. You used to get to your old bakery for 4 so you had all the time in the world to bake everything for the displays. A 6:30 start was a walk in the park.

First day nerves are normal. Just take a deep breath.

You put your coat on an antique wooden hanger by the door, and headed deeper into the still-closed cafe. It was a relatively quaint establishment, a medium sized room with about six tables of varying sizes. A nice oak counter, a glass case with room for sandwiches and pastries, a blackboard with coffee types lined up alongside chalked prices. A big pretty coffee machine with a shiny top. A sign on the wall behind the countertop declaring that they reserved the right to ‘remove anyone from the premises’. The only abnormal thing wasn’t even all that abnormal; most of the back wall was a continuous bookshelf, full of books of all different sizes and genres. The sort of thing that’d definitely give this spot enough charm to make it some people’s cafe of choice.

By all means, a perfectly normal, perfectly ordinary looking place.

... Nothing at all like its owners.

You moved behind the counter, floorboards ever-so-slightly creaky underfoot. The kitchen lights were on, you could see through the little round windows in the tops of the doors; someone was already in. The first day nerves kicked into high gear, butterflies making a racket in your stomach and throat... you kept telling yourself that you didn’t need to be as worried as you were, you wouldn’t have gotten hired if you made a bad impression on the staff. But nothing seemed to ease the anxiety that’d firmly lodged itself in your stomach.

You’d had other plans for the week. Nothing major - nothing that couldn’t be cancelled. But you had plans. Who wouldn’t? You lost your previous baking job with absolutely no notice, through no fault of your own. You’d been expecting to suddenly have a lot of free time you didn’t know what to do with. But here you were, plans cancelled, and little more than three days spent unemployed.

The hiring process had been.... Well. For lack of a better word, weird. Not anticipating any responses or interest but eager to reduce your chances of not being able to pay rent, you’d printed out your hastily-updated CV, taken your out-of-touch uncle’s advice and tried walking around town handing out copies to any place that let you breathlessly approached the counter. When you got to this cafe, a place you’d admittedly never even been inside, you had an experience that stuck with you for the rest of the day.

“Are you hiring?” you asked. 

The server at the counter was a skeleton monster. You’d never seen a skeleton monster before. He had his hood up, but you could see sharp red eyelights shining out from underneath - they looked bored. By this point in the day, you had just about gotten over the jitters that had followed you from shop to shop. But this guy was bringing them back.

He didn’t say anything.

“Uhm. Can I give you a copy of my resume?”

...

He clearly wasn’t interested. You’d definitely had some half-assed responses, but no one had outright IGNORED you yet. It was pretty disheartening.

“... Nevermind,” you said, small. “Sorry for bothering you - ”

A delighted voice right behind you. “we’re hiring.”

Startled, you spun around. Wait - another skeleton monster? This one was the polar opposite of the guy at the counter, he was grinning from nonexistent ear to nonexistent ear, a smile full of pearly white teeth. He had a dark serving tray tucked under one arm. Somewhat alarmingly, there were large black lines running down from his empty sockets to his jaw, but living in Ebbott city meant you’d seen more than enough strange monsters. There were far scarier looking (but completely harmless) monsters out there. 

“O-oh. You are?” you replied, flustered by his enthusiasm after a long day of little more than side-eyes. “I didn’t see a sign,”

“ain’t had time to put one up yet. your timing couldn’t be better.” He held a gloved hand out. He was so friendly - he looked so happy you were here. “i’m killer. that’s dust. ignore him, he’s a dickhead with everyone. can i have two copies? i’ll pass one on to my boss.”

“S-sure!” you said. Wow, what a positive response! You were suddenly riding a little high. You made a mental note to remember this particular place.

“we’ll be in touch,” Killer said, beaming. “promise.”

He wasn’t lying about being ‘in touch’. Literally the next morning, you had an email in your inbox, asking when you were free for an interview; when you politely responded that you were available as soon as possible the response came in asking you to be there later that day after the cafe had closed. You were pretty sure that by the time you walked into that building for the interview, most places hadn’t even read your resume yet.

And the interview itself...

You bit the inside of your cheek. That was a story for another day. You did your best to bring yourself back to the present. You took a breath, shifting your bag around on your shoulder, then stepping through into the light of the kitchen.

... Horror was the one already in the kitchen. Of course he was, he was the chef. He had his back to you, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows; he was kneading dough on a heavily floured work surface. Batch making bread?

He was a huge guy. That had been clear during the interview, but he had been seated for most of that. Now, with him standing? You got to see his full size and height. He must’ve been almost seven feet tall, his back alone was twice the size of you. You couldn’t help but wonder if he got his shirts tailored specifically for him... where was a guy that big realistically going to get reasonably sized clothing, other than someone making it for him?

You were going to be spending hours in the kitchen alone with him. 

At the sound of the door, he looked over his shoulder at you. His big red eye took up most of his socket. The iris widened, just a fraction, at the sight of you.

“... you’re... early,” he said. His voice was very deep. He spoke each word like he was measuring it syllable by syllable.

“Y-yeah.” You fiddled with your bag strap. “I know I was told to come in at seven, but I thought I’d just get in a bit earlier. Get a feel for the place.”

...

“... experience?” he asked.

You tried very hard to keep you voice light. Perhaps too hard. “Lots. I’ve worked in plenty of bakeries and cafes before. What about you?”

He shook his head. His bony hands were covered in flour, up to the wrist.

You did a quick visual sweep around the room - the shelves full of perfectly organised and dated ingredients, equipment clean and sorted, shiny countertops, ovens you wouldn’t mind cooking your personal food in. The place would pass its health inspection with flying colours.

“This room looks... really good,” you said, honestly. “I’ve seen kitchens full of seasoned pros that look much worse than this. You won’t believe the state of some of the kitchens I’ve worked in. It’d make you never want to eat out again.”

Horror made a sound in the back of his throat. Then went back to kneading the bread, back to you.

... 

“Hey, I... I know Nightmare hired me to be ‘in charge’ of baking back here.” Your voice was shaky. “But this was your kitchen first. I don’t want you to think I’m coming in here to move all your things around and steal your job. I’m just baking brownies and pastries, and stuff. You’re the chef.”

... He paused, turning fractionally, red iris catching you again. 

Your employer was... well, you weren’t wrong about there being scarier monsters out there than Killer. Nightmare was a perfect example. You shuddered, remembering his cyan eye staring at you during the interview, flanked by the other three skeletons. That had felt less like an interview and more like an exercise in not displaying fear in front of predators.

“Honestly, I thought I blew the interview when I asked him if he only hired skeletons. But I guess not, since I’m here.”

Horror... 

... Chuckled. 

Phew. The sound visibly relieved you. You put your bag down. “Sorry. I know I talk too much. I’ll look around, give you some peace.”

...

“... i... like... when you talk.” He looked back to his bread. “... nice voice. fills quiet.”

You blinked.

... You got the overwhelming feeling you’d completely misjudged him. He suddenly didn’t seem quite so tall. Horror was clearly trying really hard; talking, laughing at your bad humour attempts, trying to make you feel more comfortable. 

Was he just... shy?

... The smile you gained must’ve really been something, because you could’ve sworn there was a little hint of red on the high edge of his cheekbone.

“When you’re done with the bread, do you mind showing me where things are kept?”

This time, his smile was higher, and nod was much more resolute.

Just like that, you didn’t mind being alone in the kitchen with him. Not at all.

---

You and Horror worked like a well-oiled machine. Not a word needed to be spoken - you weren’t sure what it was, but Horror just seemed completely in tune to everything you, he knew where you were going and what you were reaching for and why you needed it. His huge physique translated into incredible strength, he single-handedly managed tasks that would’ve taken your old kitchen three people. When the ingredient delivery car came, it took all your strength to carry just one box. Horror carried four. 

By the time you and Horror were done prepping, you emerged from the kitchen in a flour-dusted apron that was a little too big for you, really craving coffee. You were a tad more confident, glad to have made a friend, and you were determined to figure out how to use that lovely big machine. Maybe you could offer Horror something to drink?

... Dust was there. You hadn’t heard him come in. He was leaning against the counter, reading a book whose title you couldn’t see - sunlight was coming in through the cafe’s front windows, catching the edge of his hood and lighting up what looked like some specks of dust he hadn’t brushed off; it must’ve been late morning now, getting closer to opening time. You somewhat admired his commitment to dressing casual. He was wearing his barista apron over top a white shirt and hoodie, he was absolutely dedicated to dressing like he didn’t want to be there.

You paused just outside the kitchen door. Had you not just spent an hour with Horror, you definitely would’ve considered Dust an intimidating figure - now, though? He didn’t look like much. You hadn’t forgotten your first encounter with him, nor the dismissive way he’d treated you. But he didn’t cause the same pit in your stomach as he had when you first walked into the cafe. 

You fixed a polite smile onto your face.

“Hey,” you said softly, taking one or two steps closer but still giving him room. You awkwardly put one hand on the counter. “Morning. You know how to use the coffee machine, right?”

His dark, crimson eyelights flickered up to you from his book. You opened your mouth, about to ask him if he minded showing you how it worked. 

... Then he rolled his eyelights at you. 

You bristled, a hundred different insults sprang to mind, but your ‘years of working with assholes’ instincts kicked in and your teeth clamped together. You couldn’t help the way your brows twitched, though. What the fuck?

His expression shifted, slightly. But you didn’t really care to stay around long enough to figure out how, or why. If he wanted to be like that, you weren’t going to put up with it, you’d had more than enough experience dealing with terrible coworkers and you weren’t about to waste a moment more with him. You just turned around to head back into the kitchen. After such a pleasant time with Horror, it was whiplash to be treated so badly. You didn’t even want a coffee anymore. 

“told you he’s a dick.”

You almost jumped out of your fucking skin. It was Killer. Right behind you, in front of the kitchen door, where you had just come from. How did he get behind the counter? Flustered from being frightened, you put a hand to your chest and let out a few small shocked laughs. “H-holy crap. I didn’t hear... How did you...?”

Killer beamed at your laughter. He leant back against the inside of the counter, folding his arms over his chest. He was remarkably well-dressed, wearing a spotless dark turtleneck underneath his apron and a few silver rings on his phalanges, he stood in stark contrast to Dust. You could definitely imagine him being popular with customers.

“don’t take dust’s needlin’ personally,” he said, tone light and playful. “he’s like that with everyone. works at the coffee machine all day, an’ he point-blank refuses to ever make me or horror any coffee. we just gotta band together and ignore him.”

You couldn’t help but smile at him, letting out a breath through your nose, lowering the proverbial hackles that Dust had made you raise. Killer’s aura was... infectious, really, it was brightening and easygoing. You know what? Two out of three coworkers being nice was great. Better than some people had.

You turned around, glancing over your shoulder, to get a look at the guy who was being such an asshole to you.

... Dust was gone. 

“Eh?” Your back straightened in surprise, and your head swiveled back and forth. You couldn’t see him anywhere in the cafe.

“he’s on a smoke break, probably.” Killer clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. Wait - did he? He made a sound that resembled the action, for sure. But he didn’t have a tongue, right? He was a skeleton. You looked back at him.

“But we haven’t even opened yet?” you said, bewildered.

“toldja. he’s just the worst. don’t ask him for anything, he’ll make you feel dumb for askin’.” He shifted his weight onto one foot, bending his knee slightly. “if you wanna know where anything is, just ask me.”

“... Ah. Okay.” You smiled again, appreciative. “Thank you, Killer.”

He grinned anew, corners of his sockets lifting. 

“you’re cute. i’m real ‘excited to be workin’ with you.”

... Your mouth opened slightly, taken aback. What? Did you hear that right? 

“Yeah, excited to be working with you too,” you blurted, absolutely no idea how to respond. Did he mean cute like adorable? Or cute like... “But I’ll be in the kitchen most of the time, right?”

“course. but it’s a quiet cafe. nice.” He tilted his skull, talking so casually and warmly, like he didn’t literally just call you cute. “we’ll get lots of chances to chat. lots of time to get to know each other better.”

“Sure.” Your head was spinning, heart starting to thud. You were glad your voice came out so much calmer than you actually felt. Was this just his personality? That had to be it. He had to just be the kind of guy that sounded flirty. Your hands twisted in your apron. “That... that sounds great,”

Killed leaned, resting his elbow on the counter and putting his chin on his hand. 

“i’d love to get to know you better,” he purred.

Okay, no, you were definitely being flirted with. A flush of heat prickled your cheeks. Oh my stars, he probably wanted you to respond. How were you supposed to respond?

Fwump! A blue cloth landed on Killer’s skull, then flopped onto the counter. It made you jump, but Killer’s only reaction was a slight annoyed downturn in his smile. You looked over your shoulder - Dust was walking away, toward the back of the cafe, probably to put his book away.

“I-I should get baking then, huh?” Taking advantage of the lull you quickly darted past Killer, turning around and using your back to push the kitchen door open. “I’ve got, uh... dough. That needs... attending to,”

You kept backing up. Killer advanced, still smiling. “mind if i come see? not much of a baker, myself.”

“I-I don’t know if...”

A massive shape moved into your field of view. Suddenly, Horror’s hand slammed into the door frame. He had moved with a startling amount of speed for such a large guy. With just that move, he body blocked the doorway entirely, sending Killer reeling back.

“kitchen staff only.” Horror didn’t sound happy.

“since when was that a rule?” Killer didn’t sound happy either. “stop getting so possessive.”

... You couldn’t see anything. Only Horror’s back. But you caught the way Killer’s face twisted, smile falling.

“fuckin’ hell. message received. don’t have to get so weird about it.”

You didn’t wait to find out what happened next. Flustered and confused and just grateful to be back in the kitchen (clearly a safe zone), you turned away from the mess happening in the doorway.

... Something on the counter caught your eye.

A fresh coffee. In a pretty stoneware mug. It was on your side of the kitchen, but you definitely hadn’t put it there. 

Just from a glance, you could tell it was your usual. And it was clearly new, made within a few minutes, there were still gentle wisps of steam rising from its surface.

... Cautiously, you picked it up. There was only one person who had been at the counter the whole time Killer was flirting and Horror was baking.

You took a sip.

...

You were getting some pretty mixed signals from Dust.

But damn. He knew how to make a good coffee.

---

When you envisioned the sort of person that ran a cute little independent cafe like this, you definitely pictured someone that matched the decorations. Someone friendly, bookish, tasteful. Perhaps an owl monster, or a plant monster with big monstera leaves, or even a human (specifically one who wore dungarees). Someone who looked like they probably had a beautiful private Instagram. 

... The person behind the counter shifted, at the sight of you entering the cafe once again. It looked like he had been cleaning the coffee machine until you walked in, a small rag in one giant clawed hand.

“ah. thank you for coming in after closing,” he said. His voice, soft and deep and satiny. His smile, ice white. 

When you envisioned this cafe’s owner, you didn’t picture Nightmare.

You shuffled over to the counter. There was a stool pulled up to it, but you didn’t sit down, too nervous to. “No problem,” you said, tiny. “I was going to come back and prep some stuff anyway.”

Horror may have been taller. Killer’s tears may have been more visually striking, Dust’s face may have been ‘spookier’. But there was no one with an aura like Nightmare’s. By all appearances, he was just a skeleton monster with pitch black and tarry bones - considering there were monsters that were ten-foot springs on fire and giant carnivorous fish with teeth the length of your forearm, a skeleton with tarred bones was nothing. He didn’t appear particularly out of the ordinary. He was wearing a well fitted black button-up shirt, and a silver watch on one skeletal wrist... a perfectly average humanoid monster.

But there was just something about him. You felt it, the moment you walked into the interview. Something about the way he held himself, something about his air, the slightest tilt of his chin. That sharp, brilliantly cyan eyelight - whoever could’ve guessed that cyan could be such a powerful colour? Something about him set off an instinctual nervousness deep inside you, a flighty feeling that told you to pay close attention to every move he made.

You swallowed. 

... It was very attractive. 

You could never, ever say it aloud. Especially since he was your boss. But everything that made Nightmare intimidating to you just made you blush. You felt it the moment you walked into the interview, and you felt it now; his overwhelming energy made your breath catch in your throat. He was handsome. Strong jaw, defined cheekbones, but not too sharp or angular. Just... nice to look at.

There were some papers, and a pen, on his side of the counter. He slid them over to you. You didn’t know why, but you expected the tips of his claws to leave black marks on the white paper - they didn’t. 

“just some documents for you to sign,” he said. His voice wasn’t as deep as Horror’s, but nevertheless, it reverberated inside your chest. “had to be in-person. then you’re all on board.”

“Oh, okay.” You picked up the pen.

“i wanted to check how your first day was, too.” He set aside the rag he’d been holding, and leant on the counter. Both elbows. There was still almost a metre between you, but it felt as if he was pressing into your personal space bubble. You could smell something; a cologne, maybe? It was really good. “how was it?”

“Good,” you replied, shakily, completely unable to concentrate on the words actually on the paper. “Everyone was nice. Horror, especially.”

“i’m glad to hear it.”

“Killer... did flirt with me, though.” 

Nightmare’s brows raised. “did it make you uncomfortable?”

“N-not really. Just confused.” Why did you blurt words out like that around him? You’d done the exact same in the interview, just saying whatever came to mind. You needed to get a hold of yourself. 

He cared whether or not you were uncomfortable... that was sweet.

Nightmare tsked. “he’s like that with everyone. but he shouldn’t be. i will have a word. tell me if it happens again, i’ll beat some sense into him.”

Not expecting that last line, you coughed out a little laugh. Nightmare was clearly pleased, grin inching up his face. 

“let me make you something to drink.” He shifted off his elbows, hands flat on the counter.  

You stood up straighter. “O-oh, it’s fine. I wouldn’t - ”

“you aren’t imposing,” he said, turning around and pushing his sleeves up his arms. “sit down.” 

Your butt was on the seat. Huh? You’d sat down before you’d even thought about whether or not you wanted to obey. You swallowed again, glad he had turned around and couldn’t see your face. He possessed an incredible gift for sounding commanding, without sounding aggressive. 

He took the kettle, bringing it over to the sink and starting to fill it with water.

“I... what’re you making?” you asked, flustered at how easily he was able to make you do as he said.

“it’s a surprise.” He pulled out a mug. “don’t look.”

Well... you had no trouble not looking at what he was making. You couldn’t help the way your eyes were drawn to his arms; the bones that made up his forearm were large and thick, almost as thick as your wrist. 

“You’re sure?”

“my treat,” he hummed.

You turned your eyes down, finally actually focusing on the paperwork. It was the usual... bank details, confirming you’d read the employee code of conduct, right-to-work, all of that. Honestly, you skim-read most of it. You tapped the pen gently against the edge of the paper, rather than on the wood, so you could fiddle without making too much of a noise.

As your gaze trailed up and down the pages, signing and dating whichever ones asked for it, you couldn’t help but note how nice this felt. Sitting at the counter, after closing, listening to the sound of Nightmare making something. The kettle boiling, cutlery and equipment clinking, the gentle hiss of the milk steamer. It all felt very... safe. Cosy.

“here,” he said.

You looked up. He was holding the drink out to you. It was a nice dark blue mug you hadn’t seen on the shelf yet. Was it reserved for him? 

“Thank you,” you said, softly, reaching out. It smelled incredible. It was clearly hot, and frothy, he’d sprinkled a tiny pinch of dry tea leaves on the top for effect.

As you took the drink from him... his fingertips brushed your hand. You could’ve sworn it was deliberate, like he had shifted his hand specifically to allow the tips of his claws to trace over the top of your palm as you took the drink. 

Your cheeks and neck prickled. It must’ve just been an accident. Right? You were looking into it too deeply because you liked him. You cleared your throat, a tiny sound, and sipped the drink. 

... It was sweet, hot, comforting. It was creamy and fluffy - yet somehow floral and sophisticated. It felt deep, but layered, it was an absolute treat.

“Woah,” Was all you were able to breathe out. 

He rested his forearms on the counter this time. More casual than just the elbows, perhaps. To your relief, he’d made himself one as well, you would’ve felt much too awkward drinking something on your own. 

His gaze was relaxed, socket lidded. But at the same time, there was something indecipherable about the way he looked at you. “i’ll take that as a good response...?”

“What is this?” you asked, right before taking another sip.

“lavender london fog. one of my favourites.”

“I’ve always been fond of lavender,”

His eyelight became a fraction wider, and the cyan glow a touch stronger. “... you have good taste,”

“I think I’m done with all the paperwork,” 

He tilted his head. “i intimidate you. don’t i?”

... 

You made a little surprised, confronted sound, where did that come from?! 

“I-I’m so sorry,” you squeaked. “It’s not you, I promise,”

He chuckled. What a lovely sound. “don’t be silly. of course it’s me. i have that effect on people, i always have.”

You were spluttering. You couldn’t deny you were a bit relieved that he knew the whole time, but you still didn’t like that you’d been so obvious. “I feel terrible, though! You’ve been nothing but nice to me,”

“you’ve been nothing but nice, too.” He swirled his drink. You could hear the foam sizzling against the sides of the cup. “despite how obviously unpleasant myself and my employees are, you’ve treated us all very well. don’t think it’s gone unnoticed.” 

“You’re not unpleasant,” you stressed, embarrassed and avoiding the compliments. 

“it sounds unprofessional,” Nightmare said. “but i mostly hired you for that. your pleasant aura, despite it all.”

“Aura?” you parroted.

“metaphorically speaking.” He finally drew the paperwork back across the counter to him, eyeing your signature. “my boys are... difficult. don’t tell them i called them my boys. hiring has been incredibly troublesome, because until now, they’ve never liked anyone who applied. they’ve chased off three other potential hires already. finding someone they all like has been hard work.”

“Pft.” Your cheeks could not catch a break. They were about as hot as the mug you were squeezing in both your hands. You had no idea you were so desirable, nor so easy to get along with. It was very flattering. “How did they chase them off?”

Nightmare raised his brows. “dear, i would like to keep you around. i don’t think i’ll tell you that.”

You laughed. The pet name flew over your head. Nightmare’s smile wasn’t getting any wider, but... it was getting softer. 

“I-I should get to work. I wanted to make some batters now, so they can rest overnight.”

“could i lend a hand?” Nightmare tilted his head. “my baking knowledge is not... extensive. but i’m happy to assist.”

Unlike Killer’s ‘offer’ to help, this one, you were delighted to accept. “Of course. If you don’t mind being told what to do.” 

He chuckled.

“if it’s you, i don’t mind one bit.”

[trivia-yandere]

ok head me out…jungkook…who happens to be your brothers best friend…are you catching what im saying???

well why the fuck not? off limits

he’s a 10 but…he’s your brother’s best friend & completely off limits.

word count: 3.118

warning: smut, little plot fr fr, age difference (like 3 years), fingering, unprotected sex, alcohol intake, oral sex (f/m) creampies, dirty talking,

“Did you know?” you asked Jungkook, head pressed against the cold window. Your eyes watch as the world passes by in a blur with the speed in which he’s driving. Your mind is a mess, the alcohol flowing through your body.

“Know what?” Jungkook asks.

Jungkook was the person you called to pick you up from your night out with your friends. It was nice of him to deal with all of you - the random crying in the backseat from one friend, to the angry screaming another did over the phone with her boyfriend. It was silent now, however, as he was on his way to driving you home. There’s soft music playing through the speakers that’s at the perfect volume for you and him to talk.

You don’t answer his question - not yet, at least. “Remember…my freshman year of highschool,” you start, lifting your head from the window to turn to look at him. “when I kissed you?”

Jungkook feels your eyes on him as he drives. His hand grips the steering wheel, his right hand lightly tapping his fingers against his thighs.

Jay, your brother and his best friend, would have not picked you and your friends up without giving you an earful along the way. Especially once he saw the way you were dressed - short skirt, tight shirt and laced stockings. It was one of the main reasons why you called Jungkook, after all.

“Yes.” Jungkook murmurs. “You weren’t even supposed to be at that party.”

True, you think. But neither was Jay. Your parents were out of town that weekend and that meant Jay was going to do what he wanted. You threatened to expose him if you didn’t go along with him - typical younger sister actions. After giving you a long list of things not to do, he allowed you to come.

Of course, he had told all of his friends about you being there and to keep an eye out. Your beer was stolen from your hands by Jimin who replaced it with soda. Taehyung had plucked the joint that was handed to you by a senior right out of your fingers and insisted you do something else. That something else was joining a game of seven minutes in heaven where, surely, no one would be there.

Except, Jungkook was. And the moment he saw that you were going to be in the closet with someone older than all of them, he had stepped forward and gone inside with you instead. He fully intended on not doing anything with you, of course.

“The look on your face was funny.” you snort, thinking about that memory. You haven’t talked about it with him ever - neither did you even tell Jay. Your brother made it clear from day one - back in elementary school when he met his closest friends - that you were to never be associated with them outside of a platonic relationship. 

They were off limits; and so were you.

“I wasn’t expecting you to do that.” Jungkook responds, snorting. You’ve done it so fast and it lasted less than five seconds. There was only a minute left in the game and you had placed a hand onto his chest and murmured a quiet “our little secret” before leaving. “You were like a little sister to me back then.”

Your smile immediately falls, your eyes shifting back to the road. The mood changes immediately and Jungkook notices it.

Your question you asked him before was did he know. Did he know that you liked him back then? You were only a freshman while your brother and him were juniors. You didn’t blame him for seeing you as a little sister as you all grew up around one another. He witnessed you and your brother fight and argue countless times, eyes bouncing between you and him with large doe-like eyes.

“How about now?” you ask as Jungkook stops at a red light. The roads are clear from any cars in sight. “Do you still think of me as a sister now?”

Jungkook allows himself to look at you fully now. He stares at you for a few moments, gathering your question into his mind. He doesn’t respond, unsure how to.

It was easier to see you as a little sister back then - all of the friend group had. Taehyung would always tease you like Jay had while Jimin was more of the caring type. 

Now, however, it was different. He noticed the shift as you began to grow older. Your senior year to be exact. Your figure changed, your voice grew a bit deeper and older. You were growing a bit mature for a senior girl. He told himself it was because you were a pretty girl so naturally, he would notice these changes.

But even after highschool, his eyes continued to wander to you and linger longer than they should. You moved in with Jay into his apartment to be closer to college and he would see you whenever he frequented there. Your shorts fit you perfectly, as did your shirts. You showed more skin (than Jay ever wanted you to) and when you spoke to him, it was always in a tone that Jungkook swore wasn’t entirely platonic.

“Kook?”

Jungkook blinks, turning his eyes away to look at the light that’s still red. He contemplates just running it as it’s nearly 3 a.m and not a single car around them. His cheeks are dusted a bit red when he realizes he’s been staring at you the entire time.

“No.” Jungkook says. “I don’t.” he answers truthfully.

“Kook?” you hum once more, this time a hand reaches out for him. It touches his arm and causes a jolt of electricity to shoot throughout his body.

“Yeah?” Jungkook swallows, adam’s apple bobbing. This damn light wasn’t turning fast enough. He turns his attention towards you. He notices from this angel, the red lights are illuminating your face. Your lips are coated in gloss and it shines.

“Can I stay at your place tonight?”

Another swallow, followed by a squeeze of the steering wheel.

“I lied about where I was going to Jay tonight. And…if I go home. He’ll see me dressed like this.” you explain further. It causes Jungkook to glance down at your attire again, immediately regretting it and then meeting your eyes. “He’ll call me a whore again.”

Jungkook wants to say no - that you should go home. Jay should be asleep by now; he had work in the morning right? 

Jungkook doesn’t see the issue of you being at his apartment. You’ve gone there before…with Jay. Without Jay, what would be the reason for you to be there? What if Jay found out and thought-

“You’re thinking too much into this, Kook.” your lips form into a smile and your head tilts. Your hand squeezes his biceps a bit. “Besides, what could go wrong? It’s just me.”

Everything could go wrong - and it did.

You’re unsure how long it took when you and him got into his apartment, but your lips were on his before either of you could think.

Jungkook’s mind screams at him to stop this. Not only were you not sober, but you were off limits. You were someone he respects greatly and shouldn’t take advantage of.

But your hands roam his chest, then go lower to his stomach. You grab hold of his hands and place them onto your hips - all the while continuing to deepen the kiss.

Jungkook gives in, pushing you closer. You smell of fruity alcohol and strawberries - your lips taste of peach; soft and sticky from the gloss. He’s hooked, the flooded feelings he suppressed coming out at such a terrible time. 

“I want you.” you mumble against his lips, arms wrapped so tightly around his neck. Afraid to let him go in the guise that this could possibly be a (wet) dream; one you didn’t want to wake from just yet.

Jungkook knows you do, but he’s hesitant. Kissing you is bad and it goes against his friendship. But fucking you was something so heinous. If Jay found it, it would ruin nearly two decades of friendship.

“Please,” you repeat, one arm unhooking from his neck to take hold of one of his hand that’s gripping your ass. You dip it between your legs and through the skirt so he can feel just how much you wanted him. “please.” you repeat.

Jungkook groans - how much could one man handle? You’re soaking through your panties and the stockings you’re wearing. His fingers are directly against your clit and on instant, they rub circles on the wet, sensitive bud.

“Jay’s going to kill me if he finds out.” Jungkook groans, capturing your lips into his as his fingers dips between your wet folds. He makes no move to stop or push you away, however.

“It’ll be our little secret.” you say, repeating those very words he heard years ago. A secret he was going to take to the grave with him, no matter how small and insignificant it may have been back then.

Jungkook dips his fingers into your hole. It’s tight and squeezes around him. Instantly, he begins to pump, needing to feel just how wet you were for him.

You don’t hide your moans in the slightest. You wanted Jungkook to know how much you wanted this; wanted him. You waited years to be in this position - to have Jungkook all to yourself, even if it meant that you had to do it behind everyone’s back.

“Just for tonight.” Jungkook says, his warm breath tickling your cheek. “Tonight I’ll give you what you want.”

“The whole night?” your hand is still holding his wrist as he pumps his fingers deeply inside of you. Your arousal is coating his palm, a groan escaping your lips.

“Fuck,” Jungkook grunts, eyes already clouded with lust. “you’re going to be insatiable.”

Jungkook removes his fingers from you, a whimper escaping your lips at the loss of them. He juts his head down the hall to the bedroom. He tugs you along, slamming the door open and leading you inside.

You don’t take your time in removing your clothes and the stocking, having them pool around you.

Jungkook doesn’t waste time pushing you onto his bed and pulling your legs apart. Your pussy is glistening underneath his LED lights and he groans at the beautiful sight. His head dives down, tongue swirling onto your clit. He’s groaning and grunting, his cock throbbing with just the act of eating you out.

It felt so wrong doing this, Jungkook thinks. The same young girl who was once so innocent and sweet was now you. The girl who was an adult who knew what she wanted. Who was laying naked on his bed and whimpering as he suckled onto your clit.

Your hand places itself onto his head, gripping his hair. Your hips grind against his tongue and he lays it flat so you could continue. The amount of times you thought of Jungkook in less than holy ways couldn’t be counted on both hands, but getting to live it out was a dream.

“Fuck, Kook.” you moan. 

Jungkook wasn’t going to stop until you came - which wasn’t far. He has your legs on his shoulders and his hands on your thighs to assure you cannot squirm away from him. His tongue laps your clit greedily, messy black hair jumping with the way his head bobs back and forth.

Jungkook’s cock is painfully hair as you moan for him. His eyes flicker up to your face - scrunched in pleasure with your eyes fluttering open just in time to meet him. He doesn’t look away, a satisfaction flowing through him when your eyes widen slightly and you groan. His tongue continues to ravish onto your cunt greedily until you’re shaking with pleasure.

You begged for him to fuck you right there. To take you as rough as he wanted - to not hold back. You were on birth control, you said. You wanted to feel him - all of him if this was going to be the one and only time.

Jungkook was but a man. He was already a fucked up person and friend. He sinks his cock into you and pounds you so disrespectfully - as if you weren’t his friend's baby sister. As if you weren’t someone he cared about deeply.

You begged for more, each thrust causing your stomach to churn. Your breast bounces erratically and your pussy’s already squeezing out another orgasm, but you don’t want this to end; neither does Jungkook.

Jungkook turns you around and fucks into you even deeper, your face pressed into his cotton sheets. Your ass was amazing from this view - it was going to be engraved into his mind. 

“Your pussy feels so good.” Jungkook whines, fully positive that he sounds like a school boy experiencing sex for the first time. 

It doesn’t help that you’re far too willing for him  to fuck you that you do whatever . You spread your  legs even further to allow him more access, nails digging into his sheets. He pounds into you with no mercy, your pussy squeezing him.

Jungkook hovers about your arched back, right hand dipping between your thighs to capture your already throbbing clit in his. He rubs it as he pounds into you, his lips close to your ear. “Are you really on birth control or was that a lie?”

“I-I am!” you say through moans. “A-Are you going to cum in me?”

Jungkook grunts - you weren’t going to make it easy for him, were you? The thought of cumming in you was exciting as he never did it with anyone without a condom. 

What’s the worst that can happen? You and he were already doing the unforgivable.

“You want me to cum in your pussy?” Jungkook’s voice sounds like sex, deep and sensual. 

You cum right there, overstimulation flowing through you but you nod your head erratically. You wanted any and every part of Jungkook that he was willing to give you.

And Jungkook had.He came right in you - again and again.

The fucking didn’t stop until he’s came in you at least four times. One time on your back so he could see your face as you cum around his cock. Once while you ride him, his hands cradling your hips possessively, eyes darting from the way you rise and fall on his wet cock to your bouncing breast in his face. The next follows immediately after, this time Jungkook taking control while you kept your position right above him.

Somehow, even then you weren’t done. You allowed yourself an hour before you asked if he could cum in your mouth. The request was outlandish but, Jungkook complied. You laid on your back and opened your mouth for him to, in your words, use you.

Jungkook should feel disgusted of himself for already using you as if you were nothing but a whore, but it was far too tempting. He pumps his cock into your mouth, watching the way you take him effortlessly and he ponders just how long you wanted this.

Him fucking your mouth turns to him fucking your breast - another request you had. His hands squeeze your breast together as his thumbs twirl against your hardened nipples.

“I didn’t know you were such a slut, Y/N.” Jungkook grunts.

“Only for you.” was your response that has him cumming again, cum shooting out and coating your breast.

The amount of sex that you and he have leads the both of you exhausted, sprawled out on his ruined sheets and both breathing heavily and sweaty. Jungkook’s mind wanders to how he was going to be able to look at you or his friend in the face again without feeling like a complete asshole.

Neither of you have time to think when a loud ringing sound comes from down the hall. It’s your phone and judging by the time, you can guess who it was. 

“It’ll go to voicemail.” you murmur to Jungkook. “He still thinks I’m at a friends.”

Jungkook's heart sinks but he nods.

“Wanna shower with me?” you ask, a hand placing onto his sweaty forehead. “We can both use it.”

Jungkook sniffs. “If that’s what you’d like. We can.” he says. “Y/N, I-”

You place a hand onto his lips to silence him. “I know, Kook.” you murmur. “You don’t need to let me down easily.”

Jungkook lifts himself to a seated position. “I wasn’t going to say anything like that.” he shakes his head. “I just…I want you to know that I do have love and respect for you.” 

You blink as Jungkook continues.

“And I don’t want you to think that I view you as…a slut or…any less than before.” Jungkook’s cheeks are a crimson color now. “I-”

“Kookie,” you lift your body so that you can grab his hands into your own. The nickname was one he hadn’t heard since middle school and it immediately caught his attention. “I get it. Trust me.” you say, a smile forming onto your lips. “Did you know…” you began, repeating the question from earlier. “...that I liked you?”

Jungkook's mouth goes dry and slowly, he shakes his head. It should be surprising as Jungkook was oblivious to any and every girl that liked him.

However, Jungkook does recall one moment - an instant in which Jay had stated that you and him could never be together. It was a random comment that came entirely out of nowhere, but it happened right after you kissed him.

“Jay knew.” you murmur. “I didn’t tell him but…he knew.” you look away. “I thought maybe he told you. I’m glad he didn’t.”

Jay wouldn’t have - not even now. 

Jungkook slowly inhales. A part of him feels even more like an asshole because this was a mistake. You had feelings for him that should’ve been obvious if he wasn’t such an idiot. Things are much more complicated now.

“Let’s shower.” you say, noticing the change in Jungkook’s demeanor. This was a one time thing that wouldn’t happen again and you’ll grow to be fine with that. “Then if you’re up for it, you can show me that movie you’ve been talking about.”

Jungkook nods slowly, allowing you to tug him off the bed and towards his bathroom. His mind wanders back to your confession and recalls just the amount of times he’s caught you looking his way and smiling shyly when he notices.

Off limits, he hears Jay’s voice say in his mind over and over again as you turn the water on to heat up. He was fucked.

@darkuni63 @sweetempathprunetree @chimmy-licious @investedreader @momnomnom

[moonlightwritingf1]

Pillow Talk | LN4

★ summary ━━━━━━━ Lando and Y/N cuddle in bed after a long, tiring day.

★ pairing ━━━━━━━ Lando Norris x she!reader

★ word count ━━━━━━━ 2.8k

Based on this request.

It’s nearly midnight, and rain streaks down the floor-to-ceiling windows of Y/N’s bedroom, blurring the glittering skyline beyond. The soft patter of raindrops against the glass fills the silence between them, a rhythmic lullaby to the storm brewing outside. The air still carries the lingering warmth of their shared shower—steam still lingering in the air, the scent of her shampoo and his body wash mixing in a quiet intimacy.

Y/n lay curled up under a plush white duvet, her head nestled in the crook of Lando’s shoulder. He lay on his back, one arm wrapped around her while his free hand brushed gentle strokes along her arm. They had finished dinner at her favorite Thai restaurant earlier that night, laughing over shared dishes before heading back to her place to shower and wind down. Now, surrounded by the cozy comfort of her bed, time felt slower—each moment more precious.

It had been five months since they officially became a couple, though they had known each other for way longer. The initial weeks of their relationship had been a mixture of bashful smiles and playful teasing; Y/n constantly reminded herself that she had been wary of Lando, yet somehow, in those five short months, he had shown her just how tender and genuine he could be.

“Hey,” he whispered softly, dipping his head to catch her gaze. “You okay?”

“Mm-hmm,” she murmured, letting her cheek rest against his warm chest. “Just tired. Work was brutal today, and I’ve been running on caffeine fumes. Having you here…makes it better.”

Lando’s lips curved into a slow, affectionate grin. He pressed a light kiss to her forehead, inhaling the faint floral scent of her shampoo. “I’m happy to be here,” he murmured, his voice low. “You have no idea how much I look forward to these nights.”

She smiled against his skin. “I think I have an idea, considering the amount of texts you send me when I’m stuck in meetings,” she teased, recalling the playful onslaught of messages and voice notes he’d sent throughout her workday.

“You love it,” Lando teased right back, turning slightly so that he faced her more fully. His hand continued to run gentle circles on her shoulder. “Besides, I can’t help it when I miss you. Monaco’s nice, but I’d pick London and you any day.”

She smiled at his words, cheeks warming at the sincerity she heard in his voice. There was a contented silence for a while as she listened to his heartbeat. 

“You’ve gotten comfortable in my space,” Y/n noted, half-closing her eyes. “Remember how you practically sprinted in here the first time, looking around like you were on a secret mission?”

Lando chuckled, recalling the memory. He had been so eager to see where she spent her days, to be a part of her world beyond the dinners and the group hangouts. “What can I say? I like to know every inch of your life.” He squeezed her gently, the tone in his voice growing softer. “I’m just glad you finally let me in.”

Her hand drifted up to trace the outline of his jaw. Though they teased each other, there was an undercurrent of emotion swirling between them—something tender and powerful that she found simultaneously comforting and electrifying. “I’m glad I did, too,” she admitted. “You’ve been…worth it.”

His eyes sparked with warmth. He tilted his head and gently brushed his nose against hers. It was a fleeting, almost childlike gesture, but it sent a surprising jolt of warmth through her. She could feel the beginning strains of tension—the lovely kind that made her want to pull him closer.

“How’re you feeling now?” he asked, letting his fingers dip to her waist. A playful glint appeared in his eyes as he noticed the way her breath caught.

“Tired,” she repeated, then paused. “But also…really happy.”

He smirked. “So, if you had to choose one…which is it right now? Sleepy or happy? Or maybe something else?” The slight growl in his voice suggested the possibility of “something else.”

She bit her lip, trying to keep from letting out a giggle. “Stop that,” she murmured, a small laugh escaping anyway.

“Stop what?” he asked, tilting his head in feigned innocence. His hand skimmed her waist again in a playful manner, and she felt her heart flutter.

“You’re being a tease,” she said, half laughing and half scolding, but her tone was gentle—she was far from annoyed. It was a familiar dance, one that she’d grown more comfortable with over the months.

“Me?” Lando said in mock offense. “Never.”

She rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t hide her grin. She allowed herself to scoot closer, pressing into his warmth as the rain continued its steady patter on the glass.

“You smell really nice,” he commented in a low voice, taking a moment to nuzzle into her hair. “That shampoo—it’s jasmine, right?”

“Jasmine and a bit of vanilla,” she confirmed, letting her eyes flutter shut for just a moment.

Lando’s free hand found hers, their fingers interlacing beneath the duvet. “You want me to put a movie on?” he asked. “We can do that, or we can just…talk.”

She lifted her head slightly, resting her chin on his chest as she peered up at him. “I wouldn’t mind just talking.”

He smiled. “Tell me about your day. The real version, not the polite one.”

She exhaled, letting out a small laugh. “It was…stressful. The project my team is working on is behind schedule, and my boss wasn’t exactly thrilled. We had to do a lot of damage control. On top of that, I had to skip lunch to attend a meeting that should have been an email.”

“Sounds rough,” he sympathized. His thumb drew soothing patterns across her knuckles. “Did you eat enough for dinner at least?”

She nodded. “I did, thank you for making sure I got extra spring rolls,” she teased.

Lando grinned. “I’ll always make sure you eat plenty of spring rolls. I care about you,” he said, only half-joking. “I want to take care of you, you know.”

She felt her heart flutter at his earnestness. Looking up, she saw the gentle concern etched onto his face, and warmth spread through her chest. “You already do,” she whispered, moving her hand to gently cup his cheek. She felt the light stubble there, and a tingle raced through her. “More than anyone ever has.”

His expression softened, and he dipped his head to press his lips against hers in a tender kiss. It wasn’t rushed or insistent; it was warm and certain. She let herself melt into it for a moment, forgetting the world outside her door.

When they parted, Lando brushed a lock of hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. “So, tomorrow,” he began, shifting under the covers so he could face her more easily, “we can stay in and order breakfast, or we can go out for a walk by the river. It’s supposed to be nicer in the morning, I think. The forecast said the rain should stop overnight.”

Her eyes flickered to the window where the raindrops continued. “A walk might be nice. But I’ll warn you, I’m probably sleeping in.”

“Good,” he answered quickly. “You need the rest.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And you’ll be wide awake, what, making me coffee?”

His grin deepened. “Actually, I might just stay in bed and watch you sleep for a bit. But, sure, I can make coffee too. I’m multi-talented, you know—F1 driver, coffee expert, professional girlfriend-spoiler.”

She giggled softly, lightly swatting his shoulder. “Don’t be creepy,” she teased, though the image of him being there, simply adoring her when she woke, sent a wave of comfort and contentment through her. “But okay, deal. You can watch me sleep, then we’ll have coffee. Then maybe we walk along the river.”

“Sounds perfect.” He placed a soft kiss on her temple. “Anything else you want? Whatever you want to do, I’m all yours tomorrow.”

She studied his face for a moment, taking in his bright eyes that always seemed to hold an easy smile. Five months ago, she never would have pictured being this cozy with him—this intimately connected. Now, she couldn’t imagine not having him around.

“Right now,” she said, her voice quiet, “I just want you to hold me.”

Lando’s gaze flicked down to her lips, then back up to her eyes, and he nodded. “Come here.” He guided her head back down to his shoulder, wrapping his arms around her so she was secure against him. They sank deeper into the pillows, the duvet a soft cloud around their bodies.

For a while, they simply breathed together. The occasional gust of wind rattled against the window, but it only made the room feel more intimate. He nuzzled his nose into her hair, inhaling the jasmine-vanilla scent once more. She could feel his heart beating against her cheek, strong and steady.

Eventually, she spoke again, her voice muffled by his shirt. “I’m so relaxed, I might fall asleep on you.”

“Then I’ll be the most comfortable pillow you’ve ever had,” he teased, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“Mmm,” she mumbled, contentment evident in her tone. She ran her fingertips lightly over his chest, feeling the fabric of his t-shirt move under her hand. “I like how you feel. You’re so warm.”

“Is that so?” he teased in a husky whisper, his hand drifting to the curve of her waist. There was a gentle pressure that sent a shiver through her, a teasing reminder of how good it felt whenever he touched her. The sexual tension that always lingered between them rose to the surface, making her breath hitch.

She caught his gaze, and for a moment, words seemed unnecessary. A current of unspoken desire passed between them. He leaned down and kissed her slowly, more deeply this time, but still with that careful tenderness that made her stomach flutter.

Her lips parted, savoring the warmth and reassurance he poured into that moment. Then he pulled back, ever-so-slightly. “Don’t want to tire you out even more,” he teased, breathless.

She let out a soft laugh, her cheeks warming. “We have all night,” she reminded him softly, and there was a gentle challenge in her eyes—a playfulness that mirrored his own.

“So we do,” he agreed, pulling her impossibly closer. He brushed his lips against her neck, leaving a trail of light kisses before letting his forehead rest against her shoulder. “No rush for anything, right?”

“Right,” she whispered, a smile tugging at her lips. “We have all the time in the world.”

Another quiet lull settled over them, comfortable and intimate. She splayed a hand across his chest, feeling his heartbeat, and closed her eyes.

“Thank you,” she murmured after a while, her voice soft with sincerity.

“For what?”

“For making me feel safe,” she said, looking up at him. “You know I don’t always let people in easily. But you—” She paused, a slight smile lighting her face. “You never gave up on me. Even when I was making it complicated, you were there. You’re always here.”

“Of course,” he said, tightening his hold around her. “I’m not going anywhere.”

She leaned in and pressed her lips to his collarbone in a feather-light kiss. “I don’t want you to.”

He let out a happy sigh, brushing his lips across her forehead once more. “Good,” he murmured, “because I’m exactly where I want to be.”

They continued to hold each other, exchanging soft kisses and whispers in the dim light. The rest of the world seemed far away—a distant hum outside her skyscraper apartment. Beneath the covers, they shared slow caresses and hushed laughs, the gentle friction of their bodies creating a warmth more comforting than any blanket could provide.

“You’re mine,” he murmured, his voice low and rough, as though the words had been pulled from somewhere deep inside him. His lips found her forehead, pressing a kiss that lingered, and the sensation sent a wave of warmth cascading through her body. She tilted her face upward, meeting his gaze, and the intensity in his eyes made her breath catch. His thumb brushed her cheek, tracing the curve of her jaw before his lips captured hers in a kiss that was slow and reverent, as if he were memorizing the feel of her with every touch.

Her fingers tangled in the fabric of his shirt, holding him close as she kissed him back, savoring the way his lips moved against hers—soft, yet insistent. There was a sweetness to it, a simplicity that made her heart ache in the best way. When he pulled back slightly, his breath warm against her skin, she could feel the curve of his smile against her lips.

“What is it?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

His eyes searched hers, the corners crinkling with affection. “You,” he said simply, as though the word itself held the weight of everything he couldn’t quite articulate. “You feel like home.”

Her chest tightened, and she buried her face in the crook of his neck, inhaling the familiar scent of him—clean, with a faint trace of his cologne, mixed with the warmth of his skin. His arms tightened around her, pulling her even closer, and she felt utterly safe, utterly cherished. There was no room for doubt or insecurity in his embrace; here, in his arms, she was everything she’d always wanted to be—loved, valued, seen.

He kissed her again, this time on the temple, his lips lingering as if he were savoring the moment. His hand slid down her arm, fingers interlocking with hers, their palms pressed together. The intimacy of it—barely a movement, yet so deliberate—sent a shiver through her. She squeezed his hand, and he chuckled softly.

“What?” she asked, smiling against his chest.

“You’re so soft,” he said, his voice warm. “Every time I touch you, I can’t believe how lucky I am.”

Her cheeks flushed, the praise warming her from the inside out. She tilted her head to look at him, her gaze tracing the curve of his jaw, the faint stubble that shadowed his skin. He looked at her as though she were the only thing that mattered, his eyes soft with adoration.

“You make me feel...” she started, then hesitated, searching for the right words. “Like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

His smile deepened, and he pressed his forehead to hers, his breath mingling with hers in the space between them. “You are,” he said simply. “Right here, with me—you’re exactly where you belong.”

She closed her eyes, savoring the words, the way they wrapped around her like a soft blanket. His lips brushed hers again, this time with a subtle urgency, as if he couldn’t quite get enough of her. She kissed him back, her hands sliding up to tangle in his hair, her body arching slightly toward his. Every touch, every breath, every heartbeat felt magnified, as though they were connected on a level that went beyond the physical.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them slightly breathless, she rested her head back on his chest, her fingers splayed across his heart. His hand continued to stroke her arm, his touch light and soothing. The room was quiet except for the sound of their breathing, steady and synchronized.

She felt it then—a sense of peace so profound it almost brought tears to her eyes. In his arms, she wasn’t just Y/N, the girl who worked long hours. She was his. And that was enough—more than enough. She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of his embrace and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lull her into a state of perfect content.

“I love you,” he whispered, the words soft but certain, breaking the silence.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him, her heart swelling in her chest. “I love you, too,” she said, her voice steady, each word filled with the depth of her emotion.

He kissed her once more, a slow, lingering kiss that spoke of promises and forever. And as they lay there together, wrapped in each other’s warmth, the rest of the world faded away, leaving only this—only them. And it was perfect.

Eventually, as the rain started to taper off and the rhythmic pattern grew faint, Y/n felt her eyelids grow heavy. Her long day was catching up to her, but she felt content in a way she rarely experienced.

Noticing her struggle to stay awake, Lando gently shifted to guide her head back down to his chest. “Sleep,” he whispered, pressing his lips to her temple. “I’ll be here.”

She managed a small nod, allowing the steady thrum of his heartbeat to lull her into drowsiness. “Stay,” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, but he caught it.

He smiled in the darkness. “Always,” he whispered back, stroking her hair until she drifted off.

[russellbee]

DONE LOOKIN’ FOR SIGNS IN THE GAPS AND THE SILENCE (LN4, MF)

lando norris x childhood bff!reader x max fewtrell (she/her) summary. the timeline of your friendship with lando and max, leading up to the day they finally become yours. (writing, small smau) (5.2k) warnings. conflicting thoughts on polyamory, cursing, mentions of drinking alcohol, a nameless older sister that's basically a plot device :P andi's note!! IT'S HERE!! i hope you all enjoy :D! gonna go eat dinner 😊 (title from decode by sabrina carpenter) -> the inspiration/original

nav+masterlist • tags: @aykxz98 & @makanirock05 :)

July 2013 — 14 years old

You've come to the decision that you hate Italy. Which is not true, but the heat clinging to your skin has made you a bit irrational. It's not all the heat, but it's easier to blame something intangible on your bad mood than your actual problem. Your sister speaks — something about water or the weather — before walking off. You're not sure.

You watch her leave, the anger festering in you releasing through you harshly pulling your arms out of your suit. The sleeves flop beside you, resting on the pavement. You stare at them for a second, feeling sick in the stomach.

A liability. Why do you even keep going, then?

In November, your parents will tell you what you already know, but they'll dress it nicely. The harsh version is: You have no future in racing; you'll have to find something else to do. There's still a couple of months, but you can feel yourself already missing the thrill of karting and getting a cool trophy to decorate your room with. It's not fair, truthfully, but your sister had been a warning. You're just following her footsteps now.

This whole week, you've watched the boys around you, the ones wearing the same suit as you, racing carefree because they don't need reassurance that they can go far. They will, most likely. You've had a bitter taste on your tongue since overhearing your father's phone call. You shouldn't have listened.

"Are you okay?" You blink, looking up at who spoke. He's wearing a Ricky Flynn suit, bright and obnoxious. But he also looks genuine, like he cares about how you're doing. That's new.

"Um, I'm fine." As an afterthought, you add, "Thanks." He could be about your age, but you wouldn't be surprised if he's younger. He's probably around the same height as an elf.

"Do— Would you want to get lunch with Max and me? It's not— like our parents are gonna be there. Obviously. But we think you're cool, and we want to hang out with you." When he's stopped speaking, he lets out a breath like he didn't breathe the entire time. "I'm Lando, by the way." Max? He can't be talking about Verstappen because you're pretty sure he went home directly after his race. So, Fewtrell, then. The longer you squint at Lando, the more you remember him hovering in the background of your memories, Max Fewtrell by his side.

"I'd have to ask my sister." His whole face lights up, and it's ridiculous but endearing at the same time. "Yeah, cool. Cool."

You get lunch with Lando, Max, and their families. Your sister exchanges your parents' information with theirs, and there's a silent promise to hang out again. It's nice, a bit of weight off your shoulders.

You even get to spend your weekend in Italy, a rare permission from your parents. When you get home, your digital camera, the one you'd gotten for your most recent birthday, is full of photos. Your sister helps you get them printed out, and together you decorate the walls of your room with your photos. At night, you stare at the singular framed photo on your nightstand; you, Lando, and Max huddled together in a restaurant booth. It stays there until you move out.

December 2015 — 16 years old

The cold air bites your exposed skin when you step out onto the street. Lando hisses like a cat at the feeling, hunching his shoulders, and bringing his arms closer to his body. As you laugh, you can see your breath in the air, like a fog. Max pulls his beanie off his head, fitting it over Lando's, who squeaks at the sudden intrusion. "If you don't stop pouting, I'm taking it back." He adds, rolling his eyes when Lando huffs.

"I'm not pouting! I'm just saying we could've left earlier, and it would've been a bit warmer." Max pushes Lando in the back, urging him to start walking. They fit themselves beside you, Max on your left and Lando on your right. "How are we supposed to see the lights then? The whole reason we're leaving now is to see all the decorations and stuff." Max teases, raising an eyebrow at Lando. He goes to speak but he closes his mouth, eyes trained on your face.

"Right. Yeah, ‘bet they'll look cool." Your face feels too hot for this weather. You keep your eyes forward and try to ignore the feeling of their eyes on you, sneaking glances like you don't know. Once the Christmas market is in your view you speed up your pace. Distantly, you can hear Max speak — such a suck-up, mate — and Lando's offended noise. You can imagine how red he must look.

"Hurry up!" You yell, not even looking back. You stop near the entrance to the market, pulling your camera from your coat pocket. Scratches litter the outside, but luckily not the lens, some that you've covered with random stickers you've come across. There are also two distinct signatures, small but noticeable. So when we go pro you can sell it, be as rich as us. Lando had said, and you had rolled your eyes and told them earnestly you wouldn't sell it. They both turned bright red, and you chose not to acknowledge it.

You turn it on, panning the camera around the market to see if your photos might look good. They won't, you know it. Your camera's too old, and it was never excellent even when you first got it. But you like the memories, even if your favorites are too blurry to understand. You finally turn around, Max and Lando coming into view on the tiny screen. Before they can notice, you take a photo, laughing at Max's groan when he realizes. He'll always complain about you and Lando's theatrics, but he's just as dramatic.

In the photo, Lando is smiling bright, his cheeks rosy red. Max is blurry from his sudden movement, but you can make out his smile in the mess of colors.

You stay at the market till it closes, eating too much food and drinking an absurd amount of hot chocolate. Your SD card is full when you get home because Lando had snatched your camera when you were distracted. It's only 10 pm when you get back to your sister's apartment, so you decide to watch a movie on the pull-out couch.

When the light floods through the windows in the morning, you're still there. Lando is on your right, and Max on your left. They're both turned toward you, their heads resting on your shoulders. Lando's curled up against your side, and one of Max's legs rests on top of yours. It's too much. You wouldn't mind if it was just one of them, but both is suffocating. It feels wrong, to have them this close to you.

You hold your breath and leave the couch as quietly as possible. Your sister's bedroom door is ajar, and you slip into her bed like you were supposed to last night: Sharing beds like you had ten years ago. She blinks at you as you get comfortable, tugging her comforter closer to you. "I was wondering when you were going to join me." You huff, turning so she can't see how flustered you are. "Nice night with your boys?"

"Stop talking," You grumble. She laughs and lets it be; for now.

Lando and Max leave in the afternoon, heading back to their parent's houses. You lay on the couch, knees tucked against your chest as you go through the photos on your camera. The ones Lando took are noticeable, a bit blurrier than yours, and much more focused on human subjects. You and Max, specifically. In some of the photos, Max's annoyance at Lando is visible, but you can see underlying fondness in his smile and his eyes. You blink at the photos of yourself, finding similar qualities in your own face, with no difference for who you're looking at. You turn off your camera and stare into space for a bit. Your boys.

It feels greedy, to like them both. But then, if you have one, you leave out the other. There's no winning, is there?

Your sister flops onto the couch, her legs invading your personal space. You glare at her, extending your legs in retaliation. She doesn't acknowledge it, instead asking; "How'd your photos come out?"

You stare at the blank screen for a second, remembering the warmth in your eyes as you looked at Lando behind the camera. "Fine." She raises a brow, used to your rambles and rants about your pictures. Her foot nudges your ankle, bringing your eyes back to her.

"Is it what I said?" Your body goes hot, and you focus on anything other than her. "No." She sighs, pulling her legs closer toward her, giving you space. The silence is uncomfortable as you both think of something to say.

"It's fine if you like both of them, you know?" You barely think before you speak, spitting out an answer as fast as possible. A shield from your actual wants and feelings. "It's not normal." Your sister frowns before her lips twist into a teasing smile.

"Since when have you been normal? Or, any of you." You stare at her, not saying anything but not backing down either. "It's not— If all three of you like each other, you could date. It's a thing people do. If you think for whatever reason that dating them isn't going to make you happy, don't. But I know you like them and they make you happy right now. You could...try."

You can't speak, unknown words lodged in your throat, and a war in your mind. She leaves you to think, and you don’t talk about it again for a while.

November 2018 — 19 years old

Lando's birthday is no longer something intimate, spent in one of your bedrooms or a random hotel room with a shitty pre-made cake. Apparently.

When you get to the pub Lando had sent you the address of, you don't expect to see multiple tables pushed together, heaps of people you've never seen before sitting around them. You know Lando's becoming a bigger deal. He'll be an actual F1 driver in a couple of months. It's just different, but you won't complain.

You spot Max near the end of the table, and his eyes light up when he spots you. He waves you over, and you notice a chair beside him, his puffer coat taking its seat. You fight back a smile at something so simple. Nothing but a friendly gesture, right?

You maneuver through the chairs around the tables, too many people squished together in an effort to be included. Max has moved his coat so it rests along the back of his chair, and as you near him, you can hear him asking people to shuffle their chairs in. He smiles at you as you sit down, bright and charming.

"There's more people than I expected, to be honest." You mutter, looking for Lando in the mess of people. You recognize some: like Alex and George, sitting not far but clearly in their own world. "Yeah, I know, right." It's not a question, more of an annoyed grumble. You follow his gaze, finding Lando with a girl hanging off his arm. She's ridiculously pretty, maybe a little older. A model, or an influencer? How did Lando meet her?

"I— Is that like his girlfriend or something?" You whisper, your voice weak. Max glances at you, and his eyes seem to study your face before looking back at Lando. "I mean, I dunno. He's never mentioned her or anything."

"But she's here?"

"Yeah." Max sounds a little dejected, and you wonder if he knows how hard he's gripping the neck of his beer bottle. His face looks tight: his jaw clenched and eyes piercing into Lando. Who hasn't looked over; nor spared you a glance since you arrived. Did he even see you?

You slip your hand over Max's, prying his fingers from the bottle. He looks at you, a silent question in his eyes before he lets you take it. You both stare at each other as you bring the bottle to your lips. The second you taste the bitterness of the beer, you screw your eyes shut, but drink it anyway. Max lets out a short laugh as you put the bottle back on the table, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand.

"That's horrible." Max smiles, not as bright as before but, still him. "Yeah, but it's a good distraction from...that." He waves his hand in the general direction before freezing. You have another staring contest, and for a second, it looks like Max might say something, but he doesn't.

"Well, we have each other, right?" It's awkward, the silence painful. Then, Max swallows heavily, a weak yeah, leaving his lips before he takes the final swig of his beer.

You don't talk to Lando the entire night, and when it becomes clear that he'll be going home with his mystery stranger, you offer Max a night at yours.

You stumble on the uneven cobblestone street that leads up to your apartment, having split too many beers with Max. Though, he is considerably more sober than you. It feels like the air is punched out of you when Max's hand hesitantly touches your waist. You look up at him, his eyes shiny under the streetlights and a small smile on his lips. Then you back him up against the nearest building and with a quick glance at the street number, realize it's yours.

"You good?" His words are a little breathless, his hand hovering instead of touching now. Your right-hand grips the collar of his jacket, your left probably holding his hip too tightly. "Yeah, all good."

"Um." Max looks around a bit, and you realize he might be waiting for you to let him go. You don't want to. "I like you." Your words become one, but you know Max hears you because his eyes go wide. He relaxes a bit, his smile returning.

"Yeah, I—." You don't let him finish, pulling him into a kiss as soon as you know. His words turn into a small groan, and he finally grabs your waist for real. It's everything you ever wanted; a kiss from one of them. Your boys. One of Max's hands gently touches the back of your neck, moving you closer to him. When you pull away, he rests his forehead against yours.

"But I...y'know." You can't get yourself to say it, but Max knows. "Lando?" Of course, he knows.

"Don't," He takes a breath, cutting himself off and pulling away slightly. "Me too, honestly."

You drag Max into your flat, and stay up late, talking about all the things you both want from Lando but are too scared to ask for. In the morning, you wake up with Max on your left and your phone buzzing on your right. Lando's pissy about you apparently not being at his party, and you wake up Max with your argument over the phone. He helps you calm down, assures you that you haven't accidentally torn your friendship apart, and then takes you on your first date. You can't win, but having Max by your side is close.

July 2019 — 20 years old

Max picks you up from a bus stop in Silverstone and immediately pulls you into a kiss. You make a surprised sound before kissing him back. His passion is overwhelming but not bad.

He's got a big, bright smile on his face when he pulls away. "Hello, uni grad." You roll your eyes, pushing him away with a muttered, fuck off. Max laughs, pulling you right back to him.

"I really wanted to be there, y'know." His playful tone has slipped away, replaced with fondness and a tinge of guilt. "I know, it's fine. My parents miss you, by the way." You kiss his cheek, your pointer finger hooked in his shirt collar to pull him toward you.

Max grins, tugging you toward his rental car, right hand in your left. "They're my biggest fans, I think." You split, letting go of his hand to head toward the passenger seat. "That's not true. You've got me cheering for you." The, and Lando, goes unsaid but, you know he heard it.

In Max's hotel room, your bag gets thrown to the floor in the haste of pushing Max onto his bed. Your hands creep under his shirt, cold hands on his hot skin. "Hi," You grin down at him, hovering above him, your legs straddling his. "Missed you." Max pulls you down for a kiss, his hand heavy against the back of your neck.

You inch closer to him, hands sliding further up his shirt: feeling every inch of him. Max's other hand grabs your thigh as he leans up, deepening the kiss.

"Oh my God!" You jump at your sister's voice, flipping over so you're lying on the bed beside Max. "What the fuck?" You curse, eyes going from Max to your sister, then Lando. He looks like he ate something sour, lips screwed up weird.

"Max texted us that you were here," She explains with a teasing smile that falters when she sees Lando's face. "We need to talk," She grabs you by the wrist, pulling you into the en suite. The door shuts harshly behind her, and she locks the door. She's dressed in a papaya polo because Lando vouched for her to get a job on his team. He's complained about her constant mothering, but he asked for it.

"What about Lando?" She seethes, voice quiet because you both know how thin hotel walls can be. You stare at her, your arms wrapped self-consciously around yourself. "We— It's just better this way, alright? He doesn't need any more unnecessary attention. Plus, he doesn't even—."

"Don't say he doesn't like either of you. I have seen him smile like a fucking idiot at your group chat. I have suffered through his questions about whether he's pissed you or Max off because you're 'taking too long' to respond to a text. He likes you. Stop being stupid. Both of you, honestly." She rolls her eyes, her gaze just as harsh as her words.

"You good, mate?" Max asks after a beat of silence, both of them having watched the bathroom door slam shut. His eyes have a sheen to them Max doesn't want to acknowledge, and his lips have been stuck together like they've been glued. "Why didn't you tell me?" Lando sounds hurt, devastated that you'd gone behind his back. Max gets it, but he's had time to figure it out. Neither of you have been hiding it.

"I mean, we thought you'd figure it out?" Truthfully Lando knowing was never really discussed. A silent agreement had hung over the both of you because neither of you wanted to know how Lando would react.

"Congrats, I guess." Lando scuffs his shoe against the carpet, not looking at Max.

"Right. Thanks."

December 2019 — 20 years old

yourusername 🏔️🩵 (tagged landonorris, maxfewtrell)

liked by yoursister and others

maxfewtrell 👋🩵 (liked by yourusername)

landonorris sick pics 👍

yourusername thanks lan 🙃

yourfriend cuteee! (liked by yourusername)

yoursister no lando?

yourusername he's in the last pic? 😐 yoursister not what i meant (commented deleted by author) yoursister right didn't see him there!

August 2020 — 21 years old

You walk into the bedroom in your flat that you share with Max, a plastic bag in your hand. Guilty pleasure foods and sugary drinks. An in-the-moment fixer-upper. You turn on the light, finding Lando lying on Max's right, head on his shoulder, watching him mindlessly scroll on his phone. No one says anything for a bit before Lando goes to get up. "You can stay," You swallow heavily, feeling like there's a lump in your throat. "If you want." He stops, sinking back into the bed.

It's fine. It's everything you've ever wanted, but it's not true. Max is yours, and Lando's like an addition. He'll be here tonight, but maybe never again.

You drop the bag on your desk chair, pulling off the hoodie you wore to the shops. It was too hot out for it, but you didn't want to let go of it; Max's cologne clinging to every thread. One of them makes a little noise as your shirt rides up like the hoodie doesn't want you to go. Lando probably. You know what Max sounds like.

You hesitate before slipping into bed, to the left of Max. Lando's on his other side, clinging a little. His head is back on Max's shoulder, and his arm is wrapped loosely around your boyfriend's. You shuffle closer to Max, and he hesitantly wraps his arm around you, eyeing you. Are you okay with this? You sling your arm around his chest with ease, your hand resting by Lando's face. Yeah. Obviously.

You're all silent except for your breathing.

Max huffs after a moment, dropping his phone so it lays on him. "It's too hot for this." Truthfully, it is. But you don't want to admit it, and neither does Lando. You roll your eyes, "The fans on. We'll be fine." Max shifts, putting his phone somewhere else without moving away from either of you. You close your eyes, your head tucked near the crook of Max's neck.

"Go to sleep," Lando mumbles, and you can hear Max grumble. His body relaxes under you, and you can feel his head move, tilting toward Lando. It's the quickest you've fallen asleep in months.

You wake in the middle of the night, covered in sweat and lying half on Max. Lando's eyes blink at you in the dark, but you can't make out the rest of his face. You move your hand, your fingers gently brushing against his face. He breathes in harshly, eyes darting to Max's sleeping figure. "We both want you here, y'know? I don't mind. I'm sure Max doesn't either."

Lando blinks, then again and again. "Yeah, that's cool. I'll...I'll be here. When you want me to." His fingers ghost your hand, and you can feel the heat of his hand even if the touch is barely there. "We always want you." He makes a noise in the back of his throat, and then you can't see the shine of his eyes anymore, and the heat of his hand is gone. You hesitate before moving your hand, letting it linger near him. If he ever wants it back. You back.

August 2022 — 23 years old

In your hotel room in Ibiza, room service has been ordered. Lando is digging through his suitcase, and Max is looking at a collection of photos on his phone; taken over the past few days. You've only been in Ibiza for a couple of hours, work keeping you from joining them sooner.

You're basically sleeping, your head resting on Max's shoulder and looking at the photos through bleary eyes. Fucking early flights. There's a knock on the room door, and Max gets up to answer it. You fall onto the bed with a groan, curling up into a ball. Lando laughs in the distance.

A finger prods at your spine, and you bend your back, trying to get away from it. "C'mon, get up. Food's here." You nuzzle your face in the sheets with a muffled, "Let me sleep." Max moves, footsteps trailing off in the distance.

"You hate cold food. Get up." Lando's hands prod at your sides, and you squirm, sitting up to get away from him. "Asshole," You curse, ignoring the heat in your face. Lando giggles, heading toward the balcony where the plates have been set. You stretch, groaning at the feeling, before joining them on the balcony.

You sit next to Max and go to dig into your food when you notice a wrapped box on the table. "What's that?" Lando visibly brightens, grabbing the box and extending it toward you. "I was gonna give it to you at Silverstone ‘cause I thought you were coming. But, y'know." You take the box hesitantly, nodding along to what Lando says.

You had intended to go to Silverstone with Max, but then a project at work was fumbled by a coworker, and you had to pick up the pieces. It was nice to hear Max's recaps of the day, with Lando's comments in between; on the phone with them like you had when you were younger.

The box is wrapped badly, so at least you know Lando wrapped it himself. You hook your finger in an opening, tearing off the paper. At first, you think you're going crazy, your sleepiness jumbling the words on the box. Then, you're dreaming because in what world is Lando buying you a €4,600 camera? "Lando." Your voice is a bit harsher than you intended, and you see the worry fill his face. "You— Why would you buy me this? I barely take photos anymore." A Leica Q2: the camera you had recommended for Lando. Not for you. Because you knew he had the money and wanted to be artsy and dramatic. You didn't need this. You're fine with the camera you picked up at a second-hand shop after your digital camera gave out.

"I thought it was just ‘cause you had a...bad camera. I can return it. I just thought you'd like it. When you recommended it, you sounded like you were in love with it. And— You deserve it." Lando's eyes flicker to Max's, who have been more focused on him than you.

"I'll keep it, but don't spend this much money on me again." Your fingers gently touch the box; hesitantly because this camera just became the most expensive thing you own. Lando laughs weakly, awkward because Max hasn't taken his eyes off him.

You go out to eat later in the night, and when Max disappears to the bathroom you get a text.

max 💞 he likes you

100%

you shut up

max 💞 i looked up the camera it's fucking expensive

you i know (6:38 pm)

max do you think he likes me too? (6:44 pm)

You don't respond to his text, but when he comes back to the table, you squeeze his hand in silent reassurance. Lando watches from the other side of the table, looking guilty. Neither of you notice, too caught up in your thoughts.

July 2023 — 24 years old

2nd mother don't forget what we talked about!

lando 🙄 ik

"Are you listening?" Lando looks up from his phone, immediately shutting it off at Max's annoyed look. The apology is on the tip of his tongue, but Max rolls his eyes and keeps talking.

"I was thinking about that restaurant down the corner for Wednesday?" Lando's nose scrunches up, thinking of the sushi bar just a few buildings down. Apparently, Max can read his mind. "Not the sushi place, the one with all the...plants and stuff. I don't know the name, Y/n does I think."

"She's uh, coming with us then?" Max's eyes narrow, and Lando shrinks because he read this wrong. He thought it'd just be him and Max, and now he can't flirt with Max in front of his girlfriend, can he? There's also the uneasiness in his stomach when around you both at the same time that he doesn't want to feel. He feels left out; and wants to be a trio again, preferably with more physical affection, thanks. "Yeah, well. Neither of us have seen you in a while."

Lando stares at Max for a second, sees his anger in the tightness of his shoulders. He should spit it out already.

"I just— I don't want to be your third wheel anymore."

"Then get a girlfriend. I'm sure you've got enough girls in your dms to find one." Max sounds pissed, but that's not what Lando was trying to say. He groans, leaning against the counter in his kitchen, head in his hands.

"That's not what I meant!" He looks at Max as he says, "I want it to be us three again, like a trio or a fucking throuple. I want both of you and I have been excluded for years. I'm desperate at this point, Max."

"You're kidding." Max's voice is weak, staring at Lando like he's grown five heads. "No, I'm not."

"You should've said something sooner, you muppet." Max's hand gently touches the back of his neck, pulling him in for a kiss. Lando groans, gripping onto Max's t-shirt like he'll float away. He could stay in this moment forever, but there's still someone missing.

On Wednesday, you meet Max and Lando at the restaurant down the street from Lando's London apartment. You hadn't been able to attend Silverstone, again, stuck in another country for work. But you're here, and they're smiling brightly when they see you. You don't even get to say 'hi' before Lando pulls you into a hug, restricting but very warm and familiar. "I missed you."

"I missed you too. Now, let go. I don't think I can breathe." Lando laughs, letting go of you so you can hug Max. They both look happier than they have in a while, and you can't help but question it. You don't get to voice your opinion before you're pulled into the restaurant.

The table is a slightly bigger single table, so there's enough space for all your plates. You sit with your back to the rest of the building, Max on your left and Lando on your right. Things feel like they've shifted; Lando seems more like his old self around you two — another question to ask.

Max is discussing something with Lando about Quadrant when you feel something tap your ankle underneath the table. You eye Lando, who's got an impish grin on his face.

You forget about it until his shoe bumps your ankle again, causing you to hit your knee against the table. Max stops talking, looking at both you and Lando. "Everything all right?"

"Yep, all good," You say before kicking Lando's calf underneath the table. He tries to hide his pain, but Max can tell, rolling his eyes. "You're both terrible. I swear I can't take you anywhere together."

"Well, that's gonna be a problem, isn't it?" Lando murmurs, and they've both got matching teasing grins.

"Alright, what's going on? All of a sudden you're like reading each other's minds. Tell me."

"Lando wants us to be a throuple. You, me, him." Max grins, and well, that explains a lot. You barely think before you speak. "You're kidding."

Lando rolls his eyes, "Is it so hard to believe that I could like both of you?" You look at Max, who shrugs, "Well— I love you guys, just accept it. Deal with it. There's no going back from here." Lando cuts Max off, grabbing both your hands and dragging them toward the center of the table.

"You're all mine now. Double WAGs...Wait, can Max be a WAG or is there something different for that?"

"Just stop talking. That's probably the least of our worries."

i'm thinking of making a lil addition of this from like fans/internet perspective if anyone's interested? cause i love writing stuff like that lol 😊 tell me your thoughts?

[allwaswell16]

A One Direction fic rec of fics that have a bad boy Louis character as requested in this ask. If you enjoy the fics, please leave kudos and comments for the writers! You can find my other recs here. Happy reading!

- Louis / Harry -

🖤 What Really Matters by @lovemylarry

(M, 116k, uni) After finishing school, Harry Styles starts studying at Manchester University. Harry is a nice, innocent boy who has his heart in the right place. In contrary, Louis Tomlinson doesn't have anything in common with Harry. 

🖤 Strawberries & Cigarettes by dimpled_halo / @comebackassholes

(E, 76k, omegaverse)  Two stories, eleven years, and the two boys that never stopped loving each other.

🖤 The First Year by @parmahamlarrie

(E, 46k, uni) When Louis Tomlinson was assigned a first year student to be his roommate for his final year at the University of Manchester, his expectations were low. All he needed was a cheap place to sleep and keep his stuff amidst his nights out, willing his brain to forget his past. 

🖤 Buried Like Treasure by QuickedWeen / @becomeawendybird

(E, 40k, royal) Semi-retired thief Louis Tomlinson has been pulled in for one last job: steal a painting from an uninhabited mansion.

🖤 Want It Flowing Through My Streams by screwstyles

(E, 30k, omegaverse) Harry has just qualified for his first Grand Slam, and he’s prepared to make the most of it – that is, until his heat unexpectedly hits him only a few days before his first match.

🖤 i’d burn this city down to show you the light by you_explode / @nobodymoves

(E, 23k, strangers to lovers) Harry's a sheltered rich kid and Louis's a punk with a heart of gold. They meet when Louis breaks into Harry's house, Harry obtains an instant and all-encompassing crush, and they spend the summer falling into a whirlwind romance.

🖤 taken by lust’s strange inhumanity by CuckooTrooke / @larrydoinglaundry

(E, 20k, omegaverse) One of the reasons Harry said 'yes' in the first place was because he believed Louis Tomlinson, the campus’ most notorious “bad boy”, would be here.

🖤 For You, I Will (I Don't Believe in Magic, but) by theweightofmywords / @lil0

(E, 17k, criminal Louis) Louis leads two lives, when all he wants is a simple one with Harry.

🖤 Saturday Detention by @fallinglikethis

(NR, 15k, The Breakfast Club au) Five boys with nothing in common end up together in Saturday detention. Maybe if they can get past their first impressions, they’ll realize they're not as different as they thought.

🖤 Wild by LarryUniverse

(G, 10k, boarding school) the au where louis is forced to go to boarding school and hates it from the minute he looked at it but a curly haired, frenchy, photography obsessed stunner changes his mind.

🖤 Canny With The Flow by thinlines / @thinlinez

(E, 9k, omegaverse) Omega Harry brews a plan to bag his crush and executes it. Period.

🖤 Sun-kissed Hurricane, Perfect Storm by iwillpaintasongforlou / @canonlarry

(T, 7k, high school) Harry is the quiet kid in the back of his statistics class who writes a lot and dreams about Louis’ cheekbones . Louis needs a statistics tutor ASAP before he flunks and the quiet kid in the back of the class seems like a good choice.

🖤 If You Could See Him Like I Do by BornOnABeach

(T, 7k, getting together) The gossip came from everyone. But the people who talked didn't know Louis like Harry knew Louis. 

🖤 Baby Doll by zedi

(E, 4k, pwp) PWP with shy nerdy Harry and Bad Boy™ Louis

🖤 We can wait 'til tomorrow by fallenflowercrowns / @headband-husbands

(T, 3k, neighbors) Harry pines hoplessly after his best friend who he thinks rejected him, Louis turns up under his window one night. They go on an adventure.

🖤 we're swimming with the sharks until we drown by velvetnoodle

(T, 3k, casino) There’s only one thing that makes Harry’s job on the casino floor bearable, and that’s a chance to grab the attention of the mysterious man who frequents the establishment often.

🖤 dark dark nights and violent things by StarryDay13 / @daydreaming-sunflower

(T, 695 words, rich Harry) Harry's friends are rich assholes and Louis just wants to go home and cuddle (and maybe get high).

- Rare Pairs -

🖤 To Catch a Thief by StormDancer

(E, 49k, Zayn/Louis) There are some rules even thieves have trouble breaking. Marriage vows, for instance.

[brshoyo]

02182025

warnings tooth rotting fluff, they kiss, sfw

the brazilian sun had nothing on shoyo hinata.

it was the first thought that crossed her mind the first time she met him. the warm sand nearly burnt the skin of her thighs as she watched him spring across the shore, sand flying along his ankles as he chased a stray volleyball. her lungs burned, legs ached, and her skin was slick with sweat, but she couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of him.

his skin was tan from months under the south anerican sun, freckles that were once invisible now stood out against his darker complexion. his hair was wild, tousled by the wind, and his laughter rang through the salty air, infectious and bright.

and when he turned back to grin at her–broad, unfiltered, and so full of joy–she swore the world got just a bit brighter.

that was the same day he asked for her number. well, demanded it, really, still breathless from chasing the ball.

“i don’t know if i’ll ever see you again, so i should probably fix that, right?” he’d said, a little sheepish but entirely confident. his fingers drummed against his phone as he held it out to her, expectant and hopeful.

she had barely known him, but the sun clung to his skin, and the ocean seemed to carry his voice like a song, and she had never been the type to say no to something that felt like fate.

and now, months later, he was here—leaning against the railing of her apartment balcony like he belonged there.

he sighed, stretching his arms before wrapping them around her from behind, chin resting on her shoulder. “mmm. this is nice.”

she smiled, setting her drink down on the little table beside her before reaching up to thread her fingers through his curls. his hair was softer than it looked, still warm from the lingering heat of the day. he let out a quiet hum, tilting into her touch like a cat seeking more.

she didn’t need to see his face to know he was smiling. she could feel it–pressed into her shoulder, in the way his arms tightened around her just a little bit more.

“you’re quiet,” he murmured, his breath tickling the side of her neck.

she let her nails scratch lightly against his scalp. “just thinking.”

he laughed, pressing a lingering kiss to her shoulder before turning his head to press another into her cheek. “about what, amor?”

she turned in his arms, resting her hands against his sun-warmed cheeks. “i think the sun is jealous of you.”

his brown eyes widened slightly, blinking. “huh?”

she smiled, tracing slow circles against his skin with her thumbs. “the sun’s always doing its best out here, all bright and golden, but you’re still the one i can’t ever stop looking at.”

his lips parted slightly, a blush rising high on his cheeks despite the heat of the evening. his grip on her waist tightened, and before she could tease him for being speechless, he closed the distance between them, kissing her slow and deep.

his hands slid over her back, warm and steady, pulling her closer as if he needed to feel how real this was. her fingers curled into his hair, and he sighed against her lips, smiling through the kiss.

“i love you, sunshine.”

the first time she saw him, she thought the world got a little brighter.

now, wrapped in his arms, she realized—he was the light.

brshoyo, 2025 -> please do not copy or repost my works without permission

[cozmowrites]

Sleep Deprived

3:25 am.

Streetlights outside your window casted a faint glow across your desk. A mountain of textbooks loomed over your laptop, the blinking cursor on a blank document that was taunting you. The quiet hum of the night was broken only by the faint ticking of the wall clock.

You knew you should sleep. Your body screamed for rest, but your mind stubbornly refused to acknowledge the passage of time. It was always like this—late nights turning into early mornings, the hours bleeding together as if the concept of sleep didn't apply to you.

You hadn't slept properly in weeks, not since the school workload became overwhelming. Not that you'd admitted it to anyone—not until tonight, at least.

Your phone buzzed on the desk, lighting up with a notification. You picked it up, squinting at the brightness.

Bakugou: Dumbass? Why are you still awake??

You blinked, momentarily disoriented due to the bright screen. How had he known? You hadn't texted him, hadn't posted anything online. You figured he must've noticed your exhausted demeanor at school earlier in the day—or maybe it was the dark circles under your eyes.

You: I'm fine. Just finishing some homework.

You replied, fingers flying across the keyboard. The response came almost immediately.

Bakugou: Don't lie to me. You've looked like a zombie for weeks. How long have you been pulling this crap?

You hesitated, chewing on your lip. You knew he wouldn't let this slide, but you also didn't feel like arguing. So, you answered casually, not thinking much of it.

You: I dunno, maybe a few weeks? No big deal.

The three dots signaling his typing disappeared and reappeared several times before his next message arrived. 

Bakugou: A FEW WEEKS? Are you an idiot?! Open your damn door. I'm coming over.

You groaned, slumping back in your chair. Of course, he was coming over. There was no stopping him once he made up his mind. You shuffled to the door of your dorm, opening it to let in the blonde. The moment you did, a familiar mop of spiky blonde hair appeared. Bakugou pushing himself in, and sitting on your bed.

"Seriously, Katsuki?" You muttered, stepping back to give him space. "It's the middle of the night."

He ignored your complaint, his crimson eyes narrowing as he took in your appearance. "Holy crap, you look worse than I thought. Have you even looked in a mirror?"

"Gee, thanks," you deadpanned, crossing your arms. "Nice to see you too."

"Don't start with me, dumbass," he growled, closing the window behind him. "What the hell are you doing to yourself?"

"It's just school," you mumbled, avoiding his gaze. "I'll catch up on sleep later."

"'Later'?" He echoed, his voice dripping with disbelief. "Do you even hear yourself? You can't just skip sleep for weeks and act like it's no big deal!"

You shrugged, brushing past him to sit on your bed. "I'm used to it."

"Well, I'm not," he snapped, following you. "You're gonna burn out, get sick, and then what? You think I'm just gonna sit back and watch you ruin yourself?"

You rolled your eyes, though guilt was starting to creep in. "I said I'm fine, Katsuki. You don't need to babysit me."

"Clearly, I do," he shot back, plopping down beside you. His sharp glare softened slightly as he studied your face. "Why didn't you tell me? I could've helped."

You hesitated, fumbling for an answer. "I didn't want to bother you..."

"Bother me?" he repeated incredulously. "You're my girlfriend, dumbass. You think I'd just ignore you?"

The room fell silent, his words hanging heavy in the air. You fidgeted with the hem of your shirt, unable to meet his gaze. It wasn't that you didn't trust him—you did, more than anyone. But asking for help had always felt... impossible. Like admitting weakness. You and Bakugou were one in the same about that.

"I didn't think it was a big deal," you murmured finally.

"Well, it is," he said firmly. "And from now on, you're gonna take care of yourself. Got it?"

You raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And how do you plan to enforce that?"

A sly smirk tugged at his lips. "Easy. I'm staying here tonight."

Your eyes widened. "What?! Katsuki, you can't just—"

"Shut it," he interrupted, already kicking off his shoes. "I'm not leaving until I see you actually sleep. You're not pulling another all-nighter on my watch."

You opened your mouth to argue, but the determined look in his eyes stopped you. There was no point. Once Bakugou set his mind to something, there was no changing it.

With a resigned sigh, you crawled under the covers, feeling uncharacteristically self-conscious as he made himself comfortable on the floor beside your bed. "You don't have to sleep on the floor, you know," you muttered. "You're my boyfriend, you can sleep in the bed too."

"I'm fine," he replied, his voice softer now. "Just shut up and go to sleep."

Despite his gruff tone, there was a warmth in his words that made your chest ache. You hadn't realized how much you'd needed this. "Move up here or I won't go to sleep."

+++

The sunlight streaming through your window was the first thing you noticed when you woke up. The second was the faint smell of something cooking... or burning?

You bolted upright, your heart racing. "Katsuki?!"

"Calm down," he called from the kitchen. "I didn't burn the place down."

You stumbled out of bed, rubbing your eyes as you followed the sound of his voice. Sure enough, Bakugou was standing by the stove, glaring at a pan of what you assumed was supposed to be breakfast.

"What are you doing?" You asked, stifling a laugh.

"Making sure you eat," he grumbled, flipping something that vaguely resembled an omelet, but you couldn't tell because you were so hungry and sleepy. "You're not skipping meals either. Got it?"

You couldn't help but smile, your chest swelling with a mix of affection and gratitude. "You're unbelievable."

"And you're an idiot," he shot back, though there was no bite to his words. "But I'm stuck with you, so I guess I'll deal."

"Gee, thanks," you teased, leaning against the counter. "I feel so loved."

He rolled his eyes, but the faint blush dusting his cheeks betrayed him. "Just shut up and eat."

As you sat down to an edible breakfast, you realized that, for the first time in weeks, you actually felt rested. And it was all thanks to Bakugou's stubborn insistence.

"I love you, by the way.. Thanks."

"Tch. Love you too, dumbass. If I wasn't here, you'd be dead." Bakugou grumbled.

+++

masterlist ⟢

more bakugou ⟢

requests ツ

[lolitasangel]

Noah x Reader head cannons

Moving in together

Tw-none, pure fluff

An- I will at some point be posting a master list of all my writings and where you can find them and writings that I also recommend from other authors here on tumblr!🫶🏼

——

• Ever since Noah had asked you to move in with him you were ecstatic, you had always dreamed of having your own place together and seeing it come true was even better

• The first few weeks of unpacking were definitely hectic seeing as Noah liked to play little jokes on you, like throwing a shirt on your head or suggesting hanging the posters in the kitchen.

• Noah definitely spends weeks talking you into getting a pet, he’s “worried that you’ll be alone while I’m gone, babe. A pet will keep you company”.

• Noah loved spending his days off with you shopping for different furniture and dish sets, and the way your eyes would light when you found what you needed/ wanted.

• Noah also loves to ‘forget’ that he’s 6’3 and keeps putting the dishes and cups at the top of the cabinets out of your reach. (Definitely not a reason to hold you close to him when he grabs them for you)

• You and Noah spend his days off picking paint and the rooms in which color would be on the walls. This leads to you and Noah covering each other in paint from a paint war. (You definitely didn’t start it by trying to put paint on his nose).

• Your first night when everything has been set up and finished you spend on the couch watching the first movie you had watched together. Cuddled up together under a blanket and going over the years you’ve been together.

• The boys come over and check out the place, looking at all the different rooms and how nice and spacious it is. Joking “Y/N which rooms mine?” “None! None of em!” Noah would shout up the stairs towards Matt.

• You both have spent weeks and months looking for a nice place to live together, where it is peaceful and not too loud.

•Noah loves coming home to seeing you in the kitchen or living room working on something or just relaxing in your safe space. That’s what your place was together, a safe space for you both.

[pushspacetocontinue]

"Heh, they couldn't ask for better leaders," Bill said, smiling, "And that's why everyone knows you're great at this job, despite what some asshole hunter thinks."

"We haven't been," Leofric said, "We've been able to stick to that despite everything. We know that, and so will any members of the public if this comes to light."

And Leofric had a feeling that it was going to sooner rather than later. With the chaos Five had been causing, it was bound to get noticed. When it did, the sympathy would have to fall on them rather than Five and his henchmen.

"Yeah, we're gonna be fine," Travis said, "You got us. We've all got each other and we're gonna send that chucklehead running."

Russell nodded, before smiling up at Erica.

"M-maybe he'd, he'd like to, to meet Misty some-sometime," Russell offered then, "Well hope-hopefully an, an emotional slap in, in the face will, will be enough to, to make Frosty realise what, what kind of man he's, he's been working with."

"Yes, sometimes you do," Simon said, "Perhaps if the revelation doesn't get him to think about what he's doing, someone can physically knock some sense into him."

"Well, if it makes him happy," Bill said, grinning, "And it would be one day to deal with that, rather than us having to worry about trying to blow it up or set it on fire."

Russell nodded.

"Y-yeah, that's, that's fair," Russell agreed, "I, I just didn't, didn't want to, to drag, drag others into this."

"Nice to put a name to the face," Simon mused, "But yes, I feel that could be an effective option."

"Y-yeah, if, if I, if I happen to, to see him, I'll, I'll ask, I'll ask him," Russell said.

He didn't even realise how soon that would be.

"There's a reason if mum is second in command!" Rook replied with a grin, "I bet the guys miss me already."

Not that Veronica was tougher or meaner. She just knew how to keep rowdy pirates in line and remind annoying novices that their bickering might cost them their heads.

"Yeah. It took me ages to get it across that we don't kill on sight and he's ruining everything."

"Things will calm down, Rook. Don't worry." Erica went to get herself another apple once Smokey started purring. He was one adorable happy kitten indeed. "He also noticed you have a cat too."

"I guess we'll have to meet him to see what he's like. Leofric's the only one he talked to and he was probably shitting his pants at the time." Rook said, summoning a rag to start cleaning her sword, "Yeah, that remains to be seen. I have a feeling Antonio would rather punch Frosty in the face."

She felt inclined to do so, at least. Frosty not being friends with a prick would have saved her a few nightmares.

"Sometimes you've got to cast fist." Erica said solemnly before taking a bite off her apple.

Rook folded the rag and placed it on her leg, before letting her sword rest against it.

"Yes, I know Shade." she confirmed, "He wasn't happy to find out he's been left out of all this fun we've been having. I guess this could be his chance to join in."

"Come on, Russell! Not even Five would try to fight Godzilla!"

"Well, even if he did, I feel like Shade would have to smack against that particular wall in order to take our concerns into consideration." Rook added, "I guess we could ask him to see to leveling the place. The first one who can get in touch with him should, at least."

Erica nodded, "Yep. Reception's bad in the void."

[rhaeheartzsquirrelz]

General Sevika Headcannons (p.2)

Sevika x Female Reader (Fluff)

Content: Slightly modern Zaun.

Proofread || Note: These are so random, I just happen to love this woman.

Sitting at an empty table, waiting for the rest of Silco’s goons to show up, she’ll turn the paper straw covers into tiny rings for you. She’ll even ask the bartender for a pen and draw shaky little hearts all around it. Has she ever given you them? No, she’ll ends up stuffing them in her vest if she finds it cringe.

Real life stalker. Let’s say you’re out on a girls night, drinking and dancing in your short little dress with your face all prettied up with makeup. Sevika, who knew how dangerously sexy you looked in your outfit, went out to.. watch over you. She wouldn’t use the word follow, shadow, nor stalk. She was just.. well, protecting you. Keeping all the drunken men away from her goddess of a girlfriend.

Has candles around her apartment to mask the smell of sweat, alcohol, and cigarettes. Her signature scent? A nice, warm woody smell. She dislikes rough perfumes that smell like cakes and cookies, something softer for the nostrils is her go to.

Takes you out on library dates in Piltover. She wants you to have more options, more opportunities to read books from the city of progress. But, in her personal opinion, she prefers taking you to libraries in Zaun. Yes, she will get a discount but, not only that, the “aesthetic vibes,” she learned that from a kid, fit you. The dark oak of the bookshelves with the worn, yet loved conditions of the rest of the place, she thinks you prefer that more than the bright, obnoxious lighting of the libraries in Piltover. Is she biased? Yeah. She is. She won’t deny it. She loves Zaun, no matter the condition.

Brings home a new blanket every month. Walking past the Everything Store, she’ll come across a fluffy new blanket with designs that just catch her eyes. Without a doubt, she’ll risk being ten minutes late for her new and exciting blanket— that she’ll fold and keep on the sofa in case the apartment got too chilly.

Was never into shirts until you smothered her with affection after seeing her in a red and black button up. She has never gotten over that and, almost everynight, will think about it with her cheeks all heated. Now, she wears them every day she’s off duty. Wandering around the apartment impatiently waiting for you to notice her.

Lets you tie her hair into pigtails and draw whiskers on her cheeks.

She knows how much you love “yapping” to her. Be it drama from a year ago that you randomly remembered, how your day has been, or even if you came across an old friend, Sevika will happily listen to your rants with full attention. But, if you grow too emotional [sad, angry, hurt] she’ll shut you up with a brief kiss on your lips.

Collects beads. Any color. Any type.

On your one year anniversary, she gifted you a necklace that she, herself, had made. The charm being two bullets from the finest gun she owned, she even went further and wrote the both of your initials on them.

Would love to have her hair cut by you but she’s scared you’ll give her a fat bald spot. So, she lets you trim her ends and give her layers— she even suggested matching with the hairstyle.

Okay bye I’m tired

[nephilimeq]

Come Fly With Me

Prompt: Surprise

@bucktommyfluffebruary

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/62721625/chapters/161852191

Tommy let out a sigh as he stepped through the front door of his house, having just gotten off the shift from hell. Normally he loved being in the air—but after the stunts he’d had to pull that day, his entire body felt like one big bruise, and he had no desire to do anything for at least twenty-four hours.

“Hey, babe, is that you?”

Evan.

“I’ve, uh, I’ve got some great news! Like, you won’t believe how awesome it is, I can’t wait to tell you about it,” he called out to him, and Tommy just blankly stared into space, absently kicking the door shut behind him as he let his duffle bag hit the floor with a dull thud. His boyfriend’s enthusiasm was sweet, but the airman found that he couldn’t return the energy and simply grunted back at him as loudly as he could, dropping all of his things just inside the door, kicking his shoes off and leaving them lying haphazardly in the entry way as he made his way towards the living room…

…and then he collapsed face first onto the couch in a tired heap.

He lay there for a while, debating whether or not he should simply fall asleep right then and there, every part of him saying that he should—but his mind scolded him, telling him that his back would hate him for it, and he knew that it was right.

Though that didn’t change the fact that he was far too comfortable…and then he heard footsteps coming from the archway into the living room and absently lifted a hand and waved it, saying in a muffled voice, “Hey, sorry, tired,” and he heard his boyfriend chuckle and say, “Yeah, I can see that. Sorry, babe.”

He then felt a warm hand on his lower back, and he hummed in the back of his throat.

“Mmm, feels nice…” He relished in the touch, and then blearily asked in an attempt to try and engage in conversation, “Wha’s your news?”

“Nothing, never mind. It can wait until later,” and Evan’s light touched turned into a firm, massaging stroke, and Tommy moaned, his mind blue screening and all he could focus on was the way his boyfriend was giving him a much needed massage, eventually bringing in his other hand and removing every inch of the stress of the day from his body. He didn’t know how long it lasted—but it was long enough that his stomach softly grumbled, and Evan chuckled.

“Want me to heat up some leftovers?” he suggested, and Tommy nodded.

“Yeah, would you? I’m just so tired…though the massage seriously helped,” he replied, slowly rising up onto his elbows and casted a look at his boyfriend over his shoulder. “But seriously, before you go get the food, what was your good news? You sounded really excited…”

Evan shook his head.

“It can wait.”

He thought about pushing—but then decided that if Evan said it could wait, then it could wait. He was starving.

Less than twenty minutes later, his boyfriend had brought them both plates from the kitchen laden down with his leftover pasta casserole, and Tommy managed to find enough energy to sit up straight and enjoy every single bite of it, letting out a contented sigh as he popped the top button of his jeans after putting his plate down on the coffee table in front of them, and then propping his feet up on the edge and giving the younger man a loving glance.

Smiling, he said, “I think I might go up another pant size because of you,” and patted his stomach, thinking about the ring that he’d ordered and how he couldn’t wait to get it onto his finger in the next few weeks.

Hopefully.

Evan gave him a half-hearted smile…and then he said, “Hey, uh…I wasn’t going to ask, but about a week ago you took a phone call, and you said you were switching shifts with Lucy this past week—but I heard a man answer the phone when you made the call. I-I don’t want to sound insecure or-or suspicious, but I was just wondering if—if you…”

Tommy felt his breath catch. Shit. That was the phone call he’d received about the ring being ready, and since he’d ended up switching shifts anyway and working exactly when he said he would be working, he didn’t think anything of it—but now his boyfriend had questions and he needed to answer them without tipping him off about the truth…and said, “Yeah, okay, it wasn’t Lucy who called, but I did end up switching shifts with her, so I didn’t lie about that. So, let’s just say…it’s a surprise and I want you to trust me.”

He gave his boyfriend a look.

“Yeah, okay. I can do that…especially since I have a surprise for you, too,” Evan said, giving him a sly look.

“Yeah? What kind of surprise?”

At that, Evan moved his own plate to the side and grabbed at the airman’s hand and gently squeezed it and said, “I, uh…I’ve been looking around at some places, trying to find some information about helicopters and stuff like that…and, uh…well, I found this.”

He pulled out a piece of paper that he’d folded up into his front pocket and handed it to him.

Tommy arched an eyebrow and looked down at the paper, squinting slightly because he didn’t have his glasses—and then Evan said, “Oh, wait, here,” and reached over and grabbed his glasses from the end table on his side, and he smiled as he slipped them on in order to read the paper…

…and then just about swallowed his tongue.

Right there in black and white ink was the words explaining that all he had to do was sign on the dotted line and he would have full ownership of his own personal helicopter and it would be kept at an airfield only half an hour from his house. The payment plan was easy and—to put it in simple terms—was the best fucking goddamn deal he had ever seen for such a high-end machine. Tommy stared at it, baffled, trying to wrap his mind around it.

“Evan, how…how did you…? The-the down payment alone…”

“I saved up for it. I’ve had some money set aside for something like this for a while now,” he softly admitted, giving him a shy smile. “I’ve been texting with Sal, too, and he mentioned that you’ve been looking for a helicopter for a long while, and this…well, it just so happens that I know someone in the business and used a few of my old connections to find something that you would like, and asked Sal to confirm it…so…you like it?”

Without hesitation, he leaned in and pressed a hard kiss to his lips, one hand wrapped around the back of Evan’s head, and as he pulled back he said, “I have never been so in love with you than I am in this moment,” and Evan chuckled.

“Really? Well, if I knew that finding you a helicopter would earn me this, then I would have done it sooner…”

They shared a smile.

And then Evan added, “You wanna take it up?”

--

Tommy still couldn’t believe it as he steered the chopper through the air with his boyfriend in the copilot’s seat, still trying to wrap his head around the fact that Evan had somehow managed to find him the best deal he had ever seen on such a high-end machine.

The feel of the rotors thumping above his head reminded him of Evan’s heartbeat.

“God, this is so cool!” his boyfriend exclaimed over the headset, and the airman grinned and replied, “Hey, I told you when we met that I would show you a good time!”

It was the next morning after Evan had told him the news about the helicopter, and he was almost giddy with euphoria as he turned them over the dunes and headed back towards the airfield. They had been up in the air for almost an hour, but the bird had been taken up with a full tank, and now it was time to take her back in. There was a familiar sense of freedom as he banked low and wide, purposely angling out over the water, and he wondered if Evan could feel it, too.

Just as he thought about him, Evan suddenly said, “Hey, maybe we could use this for a date night sometime. What do you think?” and Tommy said, “Yeah, sounds like a plan,” already knowing exactly when and where it would be, the thought of a ring being involved making him grin like an idiot.

He was grateful for the size of the headset as it blocked some of his face from him, keeping his boyfriend from figuring out anything too quickly.

It had been next to impossible to make his plans to propose to him when Evan was so focused on him—mind you, he loved the attention, but it was like trying to hide a brand new chew toy from a dog that was constantly following you around all the time. He knew the metaphor was a bit rough, and he didn’t like comparing his boyfriend to a dog, but when they were together, Evan was surprisingly—persistently—almost always in his personal place.

Again, not that he was complaining.

Actually, he kind of loved it.

“You really have an amazing job, babe,” Evan said, taking him out of his head, and he replied, “Evan, we have the same job,” and shot him a sideways glance, and his boyfriend shook his head and said, “No, not really. I mean, we both fight fires, but you…you’re up in here in the sky almost every day seeing things that most people will never see. You have the chance to do things that a lot of people only dream out, you know? It’s really…it’s really somethin’ else,” he finished, sounding genuinely amazed, and Tommy smiled.

He couldn’t wait to marry him.

He finally brought the chopper back to the airfield, landing it with all the skill of someone who had done it over a thousand times before (he had), and as they made their way back to the main gate, he grabbed at his boyfriend’s elbow and tugged him into a corner and then planted a heavy kiss on him, pinning him to the wall as he used his mouth and body to tell him how grateful he was for the amazing, insightful gift.

“Mmf, what…what was that for?” Evan said, pulling back slightly, and Tommy smirked and rubbed his thumb against the base of the younger man’s neck and retorted, “That was for being the most amazing boyfriend ever. I still can’t believe you did this for me, Evan…”

His cheeks pinked and he ducked his eyes.

“Yeah, well, I guess I thought that you deserved it, you know? After everything you’ve done for me and for all the lives you’ve saved over the years, it just seemed like you should have something like this,” he said with an earnestness that made the airman’s breath catch in his throat.

He then used his thumb to tilt Evan’s head back up and levelled his eyes on his.

“You…god, I love you so much,” was all he could think to say…

…but apparently it was enough as his boyfriend’s eyes lit up and he gave him that smile of his that made his heart skip a beat every time he saw it—and Tommy couldn’t help himself and leaned back in and kissed him a second time, this time allowing his thigh to slip between his legs and his hands to wander down to his ass, hoisting him up slightly, using the wall behind them as leverage, thrilled when Evan let out a needy moan and ground down slightly against his leg.

He then panted out against his lips, “Won’t we…won’t we get caught?” and Tommy smirked and said as he pushed his thigh tighter against him, “We’re the only ones here, right now, so no. Wanna fool around?” and he grinned.

God, he loved him.

...he couldn't wait to marry him.

[gaypirate420]

I love your vastayan!reader oneshots! I never see vatayan reader inserts so it's always a treat when I see them!

I'd love to read more! Whatever you got! I'm not picky :)

Nyah! Kitty be upon ye!

Sunbathing// Viktor

Pre-S1!Viktor x gn!Vastaya!reader.

Summary: You got comfortable in the new place.

Fluff.

Viktor got into the Academy to study, he had to leave the undercity and of course you went along with him. He found a small place in Piltover, near the Academy, it was enough for you two although he felt it was too cramped for someone of your nature but you haven't complained, how could you? Anything was better than to keep living in the undercity and Vitkor was supporting it all by himself.

His classes were done for the day, one hand holding his cane and the other a small plant. He found them a rather nice and discreet decoration for the apartment, although he didn't like it when you would stare at them like you were going to pound at them and break them.

The small sound of keys jingle echoes through the hall, he pushed the door open.

"Koťátko! I'm home, sweet one." Viktor calls for you, taking off his shoes and coat at the doorway.

"Koťátko?" He calls again, there's no sound on the kitchen, the bathroom lights are turned off and the bed that's ungracefully out of a room for itself was empty.

The student walked further inside, letting down the plant. After a couple of steps he finds you, laying by the window, completely asleep. The sunlight is hitting your fur so beautifully.

The position you're in makes his back hurt just by seeing you, he knows your feline body and elasticity can handle such postures and stretches. It was mesmerizing, something so simple as you laying down.

A soft smile creeped onto his lips at the sight of your peaceful face and flickering ears, noticing how your feet paws twitched every so often. He slowly kneels down in front of you.

It warmed his heart, he's never seen you so comfortable, he tried for many years, blankets, pillows, you name it, but it seemed the sunlight was what you needed. You both needed it, fresh air, sunlight, better food and warm water to shower, it's just been a couple of months, it's still the "honeymoon phase" but he feels like he finally had everything he ever wanted.

The young student cups your face, his thumb bopping your nose, a soft pawing to his arm was the only reaction you gave before your eyes fluttered open.

"Hi, love..." You mumbled sleepy, your toe beans curl as you stretched. Viktor chuckled quietly, his fingers disappearing into your soft coat of fur.

"is this what you do while I'm gone? Just sleep under the sun?" He speaks softly between an amused laugh. You yawned and meowed at him.

"I cook and clean around...I deserve a little nap, dear." You murmur softly, closing your eyes as you melt into his touches. Viktor smiled softly, his hand moved from your stomach to your face, his finger stroking the fur under your chin, you immediately turned into a puddle, purring softly and leaning onto his hand.

"But on the floor?" He asks softly.

"it's very comfortable, you should try it." You murmured between purrs.

"Unfortunately I don't have fur all around my body, I don't think my back would appreciate me sleeping on the floor." Viktor speaks quietly with a soft chuckle, you smiled and giggle softly, nodding at his words.

"Wouldn't you like to nap on the bed?...with me?" He asks, a soft hint of pink creeping on his cheeks, you meow softly and sit up quickly, your tail swaying around with your movements.

"That sounds better than the floor."

Viktor with reader:

[serxinns]

Helllloooo how are you? I was wondering if you could make a platonic yandere neglectful family x disabled reader like reader either lost a limb when they were little and they have to wear a fake one? You can make it a one shot or anything I just want to see how you interpret it! Have a nice day!

Yandere fam x disabled reader

A/n: it's been a while motivation has been down lately but I manged to make something woohoo! This is my first time making these especially making a physically disabled character so please feel free to criticize and give me helpful tips so I can improved in the future please and thank you

TW: yandere behaviors, neglect, toxic family dynamics, violence, weird behaviors that I DO NOT condemn, violence towards reader?, ableism, And more read at your own risk, this is purely fiction please do not think what the parents are doing is right this is suppose to be shown in a negative light ableism isn't cool ty

"So when are you running away?" Your friend asked worriedly on the phone "Early in the morning im so fucking tired of them" you as you frustratedly threw a bunch of clothes, food, and other items you needed in the bag while hot tears streamed down your cheeks you andMotherer" just got done with another heated your mother had a habit of always blaming you and never on your brother even if your brother had the proof all over him and your father would back her up saying "listen to your mother" or " stop being so defensive and be grateful" or when your parents made everything about him

But it was never like that you were born with a limb reduction defect which your parents worried a lot but mostly about their reputation, so before your 1st Birthday they taught you the basics at an early age like how to crawl then after that walking,, fortunately, you were a fast learner which pleased your parents and the other parents at the daycare giving praises to them, they always told you to hide your prosthetic leg claiming that "the world doesn't like people who are different" Shorts were banned in the house. If so, they would force you to wear long ass socks that would cover your whole entire leg. Whenever a parent or a kid questions it, they excuse, "Oh, we are just protecting their skin from the sun! Or "It's just their weird sense of fashion" they'll joke about making sure no one was suspicious

You had a normal family and life with amazing friends your parents would always throw big celebrations even when it's something small inviting all the neighborhood kids and families "My what an intelligent child you have!" said a woman who filled them up with pride and joy "they must've had their mother's intelligence or their fathers easy going attitude" the kids would even praise you as well some jealous glances here and there but you didn't mind all you cared about was that your parents were proud of you that was all that mattered you would think as you ran to them in open arms all happy and smiles

Those memories now burned in the back of your mind.

Then your parents came home with a beautiful baby boy your eyes beamed at you seeing your parents smiling brightly as you saw the sleeping child swaddled in the car-themed blanket to be truthful it was the most happiest and painful memory of you holding and kissing your brother's chubby cheeks, how your father discovered you fell asleep in his crib while feeding him, how they'll laugh when you and your brother made a mess or you dressed him up in embarrassing clothing the two of you were like peas in a pod they'll say

But then it began it was when you got 2nd place on a scienceprojectyou worked so hard on "great job y/n!" Your father as father picked him up and twirled him around the room as mother had the biggest grin on her face "I'll be making your favorite dessert!" "YAYYYY!" Your brother then came home frowning both you and your parents rushed to him worried expressing on their face "honey what's wrong? Is everything ok" "i...I got 5th place on my spelling test" your parents were face fell "Oh honey it's ok how about we make you your favorite desert!" Your brother face lit up as your face fell

"but you said we were making my favorite..." your father came up to you with a reassuring smile "dont worry honey we'll make yours another time but this time your brother is feeling down dont you think it's a bit selfish to think that when your brother is down" you didn't say anything as your father walked away comforting your younger brother were you really selfish? You would think the feeling crushes you as you saw how sad your brother was so you sucked it up and didn't protest to avoid any future situations it was just one time right

That was untill it became more frequent

They often missed your special events like they graduated fifth grade with an all-A-honor roll and perfect attendance you wanted to show your parents but they weren't here rather they were at the ice parlor with your brother celebrating that he tied his shoes all by themselves your grandparents had to replace them for you and they took you out to eat at your favorite restaurant as at least but you were still hurt by your parents and bothers absence when you returned home they didn't even apologize they just made up some crappy excuse like "we didn't want your brother to feel like hes nothing" or something like that you didn't say anything but told them "i understand" it to yourself not wanting to disappoint them

But this was only the beginning on your 11th birthday they always brought you to a family entertainment restaurant and made an excuse like "Oh I'm sorry sweetie we'll go there next year let your brother have this" You nodded trying so hard not to cried right in their faces your grandparents were outrageous an out this and both had a big fight which ended up forcing you to keep a low contact on them

Or when you were tired of hiding your leg from your friends and showed it to them they all stared in wonder asking a bunch of questions about it when you got home they were horrified

But it didn't stop there on events like Christmas or Halloween they would buy your brother the most high-quality stuff and gifts while you got some hand-me-downs and had to wear your previous costumes that could barely fit you and would use the "we're on a budget" while ordering your brother the newest toy that cost over 200 dollars your brother didn't make it better as he would brag it off to you playfully which pissed you off resulting in you shouting at him scaring him off causing a drastic shift in your relationship

As time went on, your parents became distant and strained on you only strict when you did something wrong and needed punishing you began to argue as your brother just gave you dry responses and avoided you making some comments here and there you only came out when it was dinner time or some "important family meeting" which rarely ever happened

One day tho was the final straw it was a week before your birthday and your parents called you two down for an important meeting in the living room as you sat on the couch your mother announced that they were going on a family trip to a country you always wanted to go to Your eyes widened as they all cheered hugging each other are did they actually planned this for you? Did they finally acknowledge your achievements guess all the hard work paid off didn't it

Oh how naive and gullible you were

"Oh no y/n you're not going it's just gonna be the 3 of us"

"What"

You stared at them for a moment, thinking as if this was some sort of sick joke they were playing, but it was serious. They were actually serious, your father signed, frowning, trying to show concern. "Oh dear, but who will watch them?" Your parents started talking about letting you stay at relatives' house the room started spinning and without a warning, you threw a glass bottle across the room at a wall which startled your parents as they saw your teary-eyed glare

You lashed out telling them calling them all sorts of them and calling them out on their favoritism your mother started crying as your father in her defense stated that "they did everything for you" It changed from yelling matched to a heated argument with hurtful words were said as your brother watched in fear crying, you gave them one final "Fuck you" to them and slammed the door and break down crying calling your friend and telling them about everything

They suggested that you stay with them for a while

And here you are, packing everything you need, leaving this hell. "y/n, it's ok. I'm here," your friend's comforting words echoed in your ears as you continued packing; you felt numb at the moment, not caring about anything but just letting your body do. Wondered if you wanted to see your parents or even talk to them again but you knew you didn't wanna stay here anymore you couldn't take it you needed someone to comfort you to hold you close and tell you the things you needed to hear

For the rest of the night, Your parents didn't even bother to check on you or even yell at you after that your brother just stared at your door silently for a moment and slowly went back to his room your parents suggested that they would punish you dearly after the trip taking all your electronics away and such making sure you won't cause another outburst again

The next morning roam as you heard your window knocking signaling you that it was time your friend grabbed your bag you made your way crawling out the window taking one final glance at your room and then carefully jumping out the window feeling a sense of relief

As your family went on a trip you started warming up to your friend's family they were the opposite of what your family was they made sure you felt welcome always checking on you whenever you or your friend needed anything they even took you to your favorite restaurant on your birthday they called your grandparents reassuring them that you were alright and well and to not tell your parents about where you were

When your parents got back they realized that the house was quiet too quiet... they stomped up the stairs and went into your room and saw that you were gone... impossible you couldn't your mother started freaking out searching the entire neighborhood begging them to look for you while your father was pasting around the house think where you could be "Wait they must've stayed in our relative's house remember" your parents and brother jumped In the car and drove to each relatives house but they all gave them the cold shoulder for some reason even your grandfather threw cold water at them yelling at them to get out

They were all confused why were they given the cold shoulder and where could you be? They decided to go the last place they could think of

Your friends house

"Kids come get your dinner!" Your friend's mother, Mrs Rodger, yelled as the two of you raced downstairs, "hell yeah, taco night!" "Language!" She scolded as the two of you sat down amd began devouring the taco a doorbell rang along with some knocking you started getting worried and so did your friend as the knocking and doorbell grew louder and desperate your friend's father overheard this and walked up to the door looking out the peephole his face turned red in anger

"Kids I want you to go upstairs as quietly as you can do not make a single noise f/n make sure you hide y/n" Your friend nodded as they quickly took you to their room making sure they hid you in a safe place Mr. Rodger calmed himself down and opened the door to see your parents in an exhausted yet worried state their hair all messy and the mothers face all wet and eyes red from crying

"Hello, Mr and Ms l/n, what brought you here, oh, Mrs l/n, are you crying?" Mr Rodger had a worried expression on his face as your mother started wiping away her tears and nose with a soaked tissue. "My child, I...they're missing, and I think they ran away somewhere 'cause we had a nasty fight, and it ended horribly, and the next day they were gone!" Your mother started crying again as your father soothed her, trying to calm down as your father began to speak. "We were wondering if they were staying at your house?" "I'm afraid I don't they haven't gone to our house or even visited they didn't even call my kid's number I'm sorry-" they all stopped when they heard a bump from upstairs

"What was that?" your mother asked, trying to peek into the Rodgers house, but Mr Rodgers blocked her. "It's just my kid playing, that's all, ms," but your mother didn't have it. "Lies! You must've kidnapped my baby and given them back to me right now!!" Your father held your mother back as she started screaming at Mr Rodgers "Ms l/n you need to calm down I didn't take your kid" Your brother got out of the car watching everything in horror as your father tried to drag her back to the car as she screamed "give me back my baby"

You covered your ears and started crying as your friend hugged you comforting you as you held them tightly you never saw this side of your mother she was always calm and knew what to do she was very intelligent and mature for her age and now you hear her breaking down and screaming trying to attack Mr Rodgers while your brother begged her to stop "dear please calm down I'm so sorry Rodger well talk another time" as he placed your mother in the car and drove back to the house defeated

Ever since then everyone in the l/n house began to change a day after Mr Rodger heard from, the neighbors that your family started developing weird behaviors your brother would come in your room and would sleep in there while your mother would only eat what you eaten like favorite snacks to favorite dinners and even liked your type of fashion your dad on the other hand was a different story he began to think that everyone was a suspect to your disappearance he sometimes would bash on the door demanding you to come out for almost a hour for him to walk off when Mr Rodgers threaten to call the police

Your mother would sometimes come to your friend's house smiling unusually and humming your favorite song that you used to listen to as a kid or even start to taut you a bit reminding you about all the memories or either sobbing and begging for forgiven stating that they'll be better parents

The final straw was when you were finishing up your last class and you looked out the window to see your father smiling In the car waiting for you.

Eventually, you begged Mr Rodgers to let you change schools to avoid your family and decided that you weren't gonna go back there not yet.. until everything calmed down but until that, you held your guard up for the time being

You knew your parents were just gonna give up now then not now they needed you their precious baby and they were gonna do everything to get you back in their arms again

[reomikagekin]

Hi hi again! I had another alien stage request, I was thinking of how the main four (+luka, but if that’s too many characters feel free to cut it down) all separately. Meeting an older gn!reader who had won alien stage in the past and got really popular over it. But after they won they went mostly mute and stop talking or singing from the trauma of winning. With that somehow the reader sees something in each of them and brings them out to talk again even if it’s for a short while.

Thank you again when you get round to this and have a nice day!

Echoes of Silence

Mizi

Mizi finds you in a quiet garden, hidden away from the flashing lights of the city. She plops down beside you, smiling like you’re old friends.

“You were my favorite,” she says. “Winning… was it scary?”

You don’t look at her, but after a long pause, you whisper—

“…It was lonely.”

Mizi’s smile softens. She doesn’t try to fill the silence, just scoots a little closer.

“Then I’ll stay here for a while,” she says. “So it’s not so lonely anymore.”

---

Sua sits beside you on the rooftop, legs swinging over the edge.

“They still talk about you,” she says. “Like a legend.”

You don’t react, but she knows you’re listening.

“They expect you to be something impossible,” she continues. “It’s exhausting, isn’t it?”

The wind carries your voice, barely there—

“…Do you regret it?”

Sua huffs out a quiet laugh. “No. Do you?”

You exhale, the tension in your shoulders easing just a little. You don’t answer, but you don’t need to.

Till finds you in an art studio, sitting in front of a blank canvas. He doesn’t ask why you’re here. Instead, he picks up his sketchbook and starts drawing.

Minutes pass, then an hour. Finally, he holds up the portrait—a rough sketch of you, quiet but alive.

You stare at it before murmuring—

“…It looks like me.”

Till nods. “Because it is.”

Your fingers brush against a paintbrush. For the first time in years, you pick it up.

Ivan slips away from an afterparty and finds you under the glow of a neon billboard.

“You’re real,” he says before he can stop himself.

You don’t reply. He exhales, rubbing his neck. “I used to want to be just like you.”

Silence. Then, so soft he almost misses it—

“…Don’t.”

Ivan stills. Something twists in his chest.

“…Okay,” he murmurs. For once, he doesn’t force a smile.

Luka seeks you out. Finds you in a quiet café, away from the world.

“I want to know what happens after winning,” he says.

You don’t answer at first. Then—

“…Nothing.”

His brows furrow. “Nothing?”

Finally, you meet his gaze. There’s something empty in your eyes.

“And that’s the worst part.”

Luka watches as you stand and walk away. For the first time in a long while, he feels cold.

[vigilante-3073]

Texas Honey

Joel Miller x Female Reader

Summary: The story of how Joel Miller fell in love with Y/N, a girl sweeter than Texas honey.

TW: Joel is smitten, age gap, mentions of infected people/death.

Y/N was only five years old when the Cordyceps brain infection began to spread. She was lucky enough to make it into the Boston Quarantine Zone with both of her parents and her grandmother.

Her parents had quickly established a reputation for themselves in the smuggling community. They were brave enough to go where few people went and the items they had were highly sought after.

Joel thought they were stupid.

Those people had a kid at home and they were putting themselves in danger for absolutely no reason. Nobody was shocked when they were eventually torn apart by infected while on some ridiculous run.

Y/N was understandably devastated, but it was bound to happen at some point or another. After the death of her parents, Joel hadn't heard anything from her or her grandmother.

He didn't see Y/N again until sixteen years later, she had grown into a beautiful young woman and he was almost caught off guard. Y/N had recieved medical training during her time in the QZ and many people turned to her when they were sick or injured.

FERDA officials would be suspicious of certain injuries and some individuals had nowhere else to go. Y/N had quickly converted a section of her apartment into a clinic of sorts and people came to her at all hours for medical care.

Joel found himself on her doorstep when he sliced his hand open while he and Tess were on a run. He had wrapped it in duct tape to stop the bleeding, but he knew that he needed stitches.

Y/N was kind and gentle with a feather light touch as she cleaned his wound before stitching it closed. He watched her closely as she worked, delicate and meticulous as she pushed the needle through his skin.

"How long have you been doing this?" Joel asked.

"I've been working with one of the doctors since I was fourteen. He said he wanted to pass on his knowledge to someone who cared and I guess that's me," She said, picking up a pair of scissors and snipping the thread.

"Is your grandma still around?" Joel asked.

"She is. Did you know her?" Y/N questioned, pulling out a small roll of gauze.

"Knew your parents more, but your grandma was always a nice lady," He said.

Y/N carefully wrapped his hand, she cut the gauze and tore off a piece of tape before taping it in place.

"I have no idea what you cut yourself on, so I want to see you again in a few days, okay?" Y/N questioned, he nodded.

"Thanks," Joel muttered, standing up from the table.

"Wait, Joel... I-I'm sorry if I'm putting you on the spot, but if you and Tess are going on a run anytime soon I can come with you. My medical training can be really helpful, I'm not the best shot, but I'm fast and a good climber," Y/N said.

Joel stared at her for a moment, "Where's this coming from?" He asked.

She huffed, tears gathering in her eyes as she crossed her arms, "I need ration cards," She admitted softly.

"How bad off are you?" Joel questioned.

"I haven't eaten in two days... I have enough for my grandmother, but I don't know what else to do and I won't let her go hungry because of me," She said shakily.

"Sweetheart, I know you might think it's a good idea, but it isn't. The world out there is dangerous and you can lose your life in a second," Joel said.

Y/N nodded, "I understand... I'm sorry for bothering you, Joel," She mumbled, wiping away a tear quickly as it rolled down her cheek.

Joel felt incredibly guilty for refusing her help, but he couldn't be the one who got her killed. He wouldn't.

"Honey, listen. I can help you out, alright?" Joel said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a stack of credits.

"Joel, no, I can't just take your credits," She said quickly, resting her hand over his.

"I haven't even done anything to earn them, it's wrong," Y/N added.

"You stitched me up," Joel stated.

"That's nothing," Y/N said dismissively.

"Your big heart is making you go broke, babygirl. Take the credits, I have plenty," Joel said, counting out a stack and placing them in her palm.

He closed her fist around the crumpled bills, "Take 'em," Joel said.

Y/N hesitated before reluctantly nodding, "Okay," She said softly.

"Ill see you in a few days. Make sure you eat somethin', alright?" Joel said.

She nodded again, "Thank you, Joel. You don't know how much this means to me," Y/N said shakily.

"You deserve it," Joel stated.

Y/N watched him leave her apartment, closing the door behind himself before she looked down at the pile of credits he had left for her.

Maybe Joel Miller wasn't all bad.

He had a reputation in the QZ, but she couldn't imagine someone so evil being capable of such kindness. Y/N was able to eat for the first time in days and she would always owe him for that.

...

Joel had seen Y/N on multiple occasions since that initial exchange, she always greeted him with a smile that made him want to melt. Y/N had always been the sweetest thing, she never complained and she had an awful habit of putting everyone else first.

Joel couldn't think of a time where he'd seen her be ungrateful, angry or irritated. She was always happy and willing to help, dropping whatever she was doing in order to care for someone else.

Joel had one hell of a soft spot for her.

He would never admit it, but he would move heaven and earth for that girl. Y/N was a genuine ray of sunshine and people tended to take advantage of her.

Joel would always remember the day when Y/N started avoiding him. He had a bad feeling and the second he saw her, he knew exactly why she had been staying away.

Her face was covered in bruises and her lip was split, Joel had to do everything he possibly could to keep himself calm. Joel tilted her head up and examined the damage, her lip trembled as she turned her head away from him.

"Who did this to you?" He asked, tone scarily calm.

Y/N sniffled, body trembling as tears welled up in her eyes, "His name is Trevor. H-he came looking for pills and I've never had them, but he kept saying that I did. He trashed the apartment and took a bunch of supplies," Y/N said.

"I want you to go find Tess," Joel instructed.

"No, Joel, you can't hurt him," She said shakily.

"I won't hurt him, I promise. I'm just gonna get your stuff back," Joel stated.

He wouldn't hurt the kid. He'd kill him.

"Go get Tess and tell her to stay with you until I get back," Joel said.

Y/N hesitated before reluctantly stepping out of the apartment and rushing off to go and find Tess. Joel stood in the apartment, silently seething as he waited for her to return before he could punch the punk's teeth down his throat.

Joel knew of the guy, he was an asshole and he definitely deserved to be beaten within an inch of his life. Y/N came back with Tess following closely behind her, she was obviously worked up and wanted to make it better.

"Joel," Tess started.

"I'm just gonna talk to the kid. I need you to stay here and keep an eye on her while I'm gone," Joel said.

Tess huffed, "Fine, but keep the conversation short," She advised, Joel nodded.

He left the apartment and came back two hours later with everything that had been taken from her along with a set of seriously bruised knuckles.

Tess had always known that he cared about Y/N, but the lengths he was willing to go to for her still shocked Tess. Y/N was not a person who would ever stand up for herself and Joel quickly slipped into that role for her.

Joel was incredibly hesitant when Y/N kept insisting on joining them on runs outside the QZ. She wouldn't accept his ration cards without doing something to earn them and he was struggling to keep her from venturing outside the safe zone.

Y/N eventually went to Tess and they came to him as a united front and he knew that he wouldn't be able to argue his way out of it. Y/N joined them on a few simple runs, she brought a pack of medical supplies but she was also surprisingly agile and quick.

Y/N helped them cut their travel time in half during certain runs when she was able to get through a tiny space and clear away debris for them. She didn't like using guns, but she was pretty good shot and it made him feel better about bringing her out of the QZ.

Joel always had Tess slip some of his cut of the ration cards in with Y/N's and she teased relentlessly him for it. Joel wanted to help Y/N without her knowing he was helping, she wouldn't accept the funds otherwise.

When Joel passed Tess a small stack of ration cards for her to add into Y/N's cut, she smirked.

"Softie," Tess teased, taking the cards.

"Shut up," Joel muttered, shoving his stack of cards into his pocket.

"Why don't you bring the cards to your girlfriend this time, huh?" Tess said, holding out Y/N's ration cards to him.

"She's not my girlfriend," He stated.

"Bet you'd like her to be," Tess grinned, wiggling her eyebrows at him.

...

Joel went to deliver the ration cards to Y/N, his stomach dropped when he saw her sitting out in the hallway. Y/N was crying, body curled up against the wall with her arms wrapped tightly around herself.

Joel made his way over to her, "What happened? Is it your grandma?" He questioned, she nodded.

"I came back from my shift and she was in bed. I-I thought she was sleeping but then I realized that she- she wasn't," Y/N hiccuped, breath catching in her chest as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Take a breath," Joel instructed gently, kneeling down in front of her.

Y/N took a shaky breath before continuing, "She wasn't breathing and she was cold. I tried to help her, but sh-she was already gone, Joel," Y/N said with a sob.

"I'm so sorry, honey," Joel said.

"She was all I had," Y/N mumbled shakily.

Joel looked into the apartment as two men made their way towards the door carrying a body bag.

Joel stood up, "C'mere," He said, holding out his hands to her. Y/N took his hands and Joel pulled her to her feet, he wrapped his arms around her and held her body close to his chest.

Joel turned his back to the doorway, blocking her line of sight as the men carried her grandmother's body away to be burned. Y/N wrapped her arms around him, her hands gripping onto the material of his shirt. Her lip trembled, a fresh wave of tears rolling down her cheeks as she sobbed.

"You did everything you could for her, sweetheart. You gave her the best years she could've had," Joel assured.

"Sh-she died alone, Joel," Y/N said shakily, tears soaking into his shirt.

"I'm sorry, honey. She was a good woman," Joel said, rubbing his hand over her back gently.

Y/N slowly managed to calm herself down, reluctantly pulling away from his embrace. Her eyes were red, her cheeks were damp and her skin was blotchy. Joel cupped her cheeks, gently wiping the tears from her skin.

"Joel, can I stay with you tonight? I don't want to go back in there," Y/N said softly.

"Of course, honey," He nodded, hands dropping from her cheeks.

"You can say no if you want to," Y/N mumbled.

"Why would I ever say no to you?" Joel questioned.

"I just wanted you to know that you don't have to say yes," Y/N said.

"Don't worry about it, sweetheart. You can stay with me for as long as you need," He assured.

"Thank you, Joel," Y/N nodded.

He walked her down the hallway to his apartment, unlocking the door and allowing her to enter first. He watched her as she looked around the room, lingering in the middle of the apartment awkwardly.

Y/N had never been in his apartment once in the years that they'd known each other. Joel always came to her apartment while she looked after her patients and her grandmother.

"You can have the bed, I'll take the couch," Joel said.

"I'm not kicking you out of your own bed," Y/N replied.

"I'll be fine. It's one night," Joel assured, moving over to the couch.

"Why don't we just share the bed? I mean, we've slept next to each other before," Y/N offered tentatively.

It was true. They had slept beside each other on multiple occasions while outside the QZ. They had even shared a sleeping bag once or twice, but Joel still hesitated.

"I-I'm sorry, that was a really stupid thing to say," Y/N muttered, realizing that she may have overstepped.

"No, it's alright, we can share the bed. Just don't be clingin' onto me, alright?" Joel said.

"I won't, I promise," Y/N nodded.

That night, they fell asleep on opposite sides of the bed but woke up in each other's arms. Her body was pressed up against his side, her arm thrown across his stomach and her leg slotted between his. Her head rested on his chest and his arm had found itself wrapped around her waist, holding her close to him.

Her skin was warm and her hair was soft when it brushed lightly against his chin as she shifted. Joel knew he needed to get up soon for his shift, but he couldn't bring himself to leave quite yet.

He wanted to spend every second he could in her arms and he was reluctant to leave her. Y/N seemed to feel the same way, gravitating towards him after the loss of her last surviving family member.

Y/N started to come around his apartment almost every day after the passing of her grandmother. She cooked for him and Tess, cleaning the apartment and had even started doing his laundry.

Y/N had a need to be needed after all those years caring for her grandmother. She had never experienced life without being a caregiver and she felt like she didn't have a purpose now that her family was gone.

Y/N stood at the stove in his apartment, heating up some soup in a pot on a hot plate. She scooped it into a bowl before placing it in front of Joel at the table.

"Thanks, honey," He said, she smiled.

"Tess, do you want any?" Y/N questioned.

"No, I'm good," Tess said, shaking her head.

"Okay, well, I'm gonna run back to my apartment. I have a few people coming to see me today," Y/N said.

"You're not gonna eat?" Joel questioned.

"No, I'm not hungry but I didn't want you to go without. The hot plate is off, but it should keep the rest warm until you're done," She said, Joel nodded.

Y/N stepped out of the apartment, closing the door behind herself gently. Tess stared at Joel across the table as he started to eat silently, he didn't acknowledge her but he could feel her eyes on him.

"She your little housewife now or something?" Tess questioned.

"Leave her be," Joel stated firmly, leaving no room for argument.

Joel would be happy if Y/N spent the rest of her life with him in his apartment. If she needed to cook and clean to feel useful, he'd let her.

This incredible person had chosen to care about him and he needed it more than he was willing to admit. Y/N was a light in his life and he loved her more than anything.

Maybe he would eventually come clean about his feelings, but he was content with the way that things were.

For now.