#it took me way too long to figure out that TRACE = Treasure race to teume (jikjin)

[winterarmyy]

A Fucking Treasure

A series of random Bucky Drabbles that I can't let go but don't have the brain to make the whole complete plot of.

Summary: A date gone wrong? Same old, same old. But, having Bucky pinning her against the wall, now that’s new.

Pairing: avenger!bucky x female!reader

Words: 6.1k++

Warnings: 18+ content, no minors allowed, nsfw, fingering, nipple play, marking kink(?), multiple orgasm, praise kink, dry wet humping, cum eating(?), p in v, going in raw, creampie and well you know me, i can’t write smut without some sort of angst or fluff, so yeah, body insecurities, super sweet bucky but also needy and insatiable bucky.

Inspiration: i was mentioned by @mercurial-chuckles in her Smutty September Fest post and some of the prompts fit nicely with one of my wip. Btw, thank you for tagging me! I feel included 💕

Prompt number: #5 body worshipping + #16 accidental i love you’s during sex

Read my other works here: Masterlist

Bucky’s footsteps were heavy as he made his way to the kitchen, but the quiet hum of the refrigerator was enough to mask the sound of his movements. The dim light from the hallway barely reached the living room, casting long shadows across the area.

It has been a routine for him to wake up in the middle of the night, the nightmares of his memories haunting his sleep, dragging him back into the darkest corners of his past. He was used to it. But tonight was different. There were no memories clawing at him, no ghosts whispering in his ear. Instead, his mind was consumed by thoughts of her.

He wished to hold her, to feel the warmth of her skin against his, to trace the curve of her cheek with his fingertips. He longed to pull her close, to bury his face in the crook of her neck and breathe in her scent, to hear the soft, steady rhythm of her breath as she slept beside him. The thought of it sent a shiver down his spine; a yearning so deep it bordered on desperation. 

So he decided to clear his head, avoiding letting his head stay in the gutter.

He let out a sigh, not one of sadness, but of suppressed desire, the kind that made his heart race and his cock stirred. As he reached for a glass, something caught his eye; a silhouette on the couch. Bucky’s heart skipped a beat when he recognized the figure lying there, motionless, as if the day had been too much to bear.

It was Y/N.

Confusion clouded his mind. She wasn’t supposed to be here. 

A few hours ago, she’d been dressed to kill, draped in that black satin dress that clung to her in all the right places. The sweetheart neckline framed her delicate collarbones; the softness of her cleavage was bare for him, and the high slit teased him with every step she took. He had admired her silently, his gaze dark with something he didn’t dare voice. The way the fabric had caressed her skin, the soft curve of her shoulders, the way the dress accentuated her body; he couldn’t tear his eyes away. 

She was breathtaking.

They had made eye contact, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. His gaze was feral, full of unspoken want, yet his lips remained sealed tight, trapping the words he wanted so desperately to say. If she had super hearing, she’d have heard the low, approving hum that rumbled deep in his throat. But then, the moment shattered. His heart broke a little when he heard her mention to Natasha that she was going on a date. The words were like a punch to the gut, knocking the air out of him.

He had been sitting at the kitchen counter at that time, listening as Sam and Natasha hyped her up, teasing her about how lucky her date was going to be. Bucky stayed quiet, forcing himself to look away, fighting the jealousy that gnawed at him. It wasn’t fair; he had no right to feel this way, but he couldn’t help it. The thought of her with someone else, someone who could give her everything he couldn’t; it was unbearable.

But now, she was here. Alone.

Sleeping on the couch in the same sinful dress that had driven him to distraction earlier. But the sight of her now was different. Her face was tear-streaked, her eyes puffy and red. It was clear she had been crying, and the sight of it twisted something deep within him.

Gently, he knelt to her level. He knew she was a light sleeper, so he approached with care, his metal fingers brushing softly against her cheek. Her eyes fluttered open, and the moment they met his, they were filled with a mixture of surprise and vulnerability.

Bucky's voice was a low murmur, intimate and tender. “What are you doing sleeping here, babydoll?”

Her cheeks reddened, the flush deepening as she realised he was seeing her at her most unfiltered state. The thought made her heart race, and the way he spoke, so close and personal, only made it worse. The intimacy of the moment was too much.

She gathered herself, sitting up with a sigh. “I didn’t plan to… I was just…” Her voice trailed off, and her expression softened into one of sadness as the memories of the evening came flooding back.

It had started off well enough. They had connected online, his messages charming and full of wit, making her think that maybe, just maybe; this could be something. But the moment she met him in person, she noticed a shift. The easy smile he’d worn in his profile pictures seemed a little tighter, the warmth in his eyes dimmed.

As they sat across from each other at the restaurant, she couldn’t ignore how his gaze kept drifting downwards. His eyes lingered a little too long on the exposed parts of her chest, his attention fixating on the stretch marks that she usually tried so hard to ignore. She had seen the change in his expression; the way his gaze hardened, a slight frown creasing his brow, followed by a low scowl that he probably thought she couldn’t hear.

Then, out of nowhere, he just left. No explanation, no goodbye; just a curt excuse about needing to use the restroom, and then he was gone, leaving her alone at the table with a half-finished meal and a hollow ache in her chest.

She knew why he left. She had seen that look before, the way his eyes lingered on her stretch marks, the way his expression shifted from interest to disdain. It was the same with most of the guys she went on dates with. The moment they saw the imperfections, they would withdraw, their interest waning before her very eyes.

She knew they hated the stretch marks on her skin, found them hideous. It was in the way their eyes would momentarily widen in surprise, followed by a barely concealed grimace. She could see the discomfort in their expressions, the way they quickly looked away as if trying to erase the image from their minds.

At first she always thought stretch marks were normal. It was human nature, a part of life, a testament to growth and change. She had tried to embrace them, reminding herself that they were natural, that everyone had imperfections. But each time she saw that look of disgust, it chipped away at her resolve, making her question everything she’d tried so hard to believe. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe it wasn’t normal. Maybe she wasn’t supposed to have them. Maybe there was something fundamentally wrong with her.

She didn’t even know how she got back home. The memory was a blur, a haze of tears and jumbled thoughts. She remembered crying, feeling the tears stream down her cheeks as she stumbled out of the restaurant. But the rest was an utter fog. Did she walk home? She couldn’t remember. The city lights and the sound of her own sobs were all that lingered in her mind. It was as if her body moved without her conscious thought, carrying her back to the one place where she didn’t have to pretend everything was okay.

Bucky waited, his eyes searching hers, but she remained silent, fidgeting with the fabric of her dress. He could see the sadness lingering in her expression, and it didn’t take much for him to piece together that the date hadn’t gone well. A part of him was furious; how could anyone make her feel like this? She deserved to be cherished, not hurt. If it were him… if only she were his… He clenched his jaw at the thought, forcing himself to stay calm.

But, he knew better than to push her to talk about it. Instead, he simply reached out and took her hand in his, his touch gentle yet reassuring. “You must be tired. How about we get you to bed, hmm?” he said softly, his voice filled with a warmth that made her heart ache.

She nodded, still too caught up in her thoughts to speak. They walked in silence, Bucky leading the way while she followed just a step behind. Her eyes drifted down to their hands; knitly intertwined. His hand felt warm, comforting in a way that made her wish she could stay like this forever. The truth was, she didn’t even know why she kept trying to go out and date other men when the one she truly craved was right here, holding her hand as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

But then, the doubts crept in, as they always did. She was self-sabotaging, she knew that. She kept telling herself that she wasn’t good enough for him, that he could never truly want someone like her. Someone who didn’t have Natasha’s confidence, her grace, her perfect everything. Why would he look at her the way she longed for him to, when he could have someone like that?

Despite all her doubts, she couldn’t ignore the way his touch made her feel. 

Safe. 

Wanted.

Y/N almost bumped into Bucky’s back when he suddenly stopped. She blinked in surprise, realising they had already arrived at her room. “Oh, we’re here”, she thought to herself, feeling a strange mix of disappointment and relief. Bucky turned slightly, his gaze dropping to their still-intertwined hands before he gently led her to the door.

“Will you be alright, doll?” he asked softly, his voice filled with concern. His thumb moved in slow, comforting circles on the back of her hand, a gesture so natural it was almost as if he didn’t realise he was doing it.

She nodded, but her response was barely more than a whisper. “Yeah…”

She tried to sound convincing, but her voice wavered, betraying the turmoil swirling inside her. Her eyes flicked up to meet his, and for a moment, she was caught in the warmth of his gaze. Bucky looked at her with such tenderness, such genuine care, that it made the butterflies flutter wildly within her.

Bucky took a step closer, closing the small distance between them. His free hand reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face with pure adoration. As he touched her, his fingers lingered slightly, savouring the softness of her skin. 

He took in every detail: her eyes, even puffy and red from crying, held a beauty that made his heart go mushy. The tears that had streaked down her cheeks were a testament to the raw emotion she was feeling, a vulnerability he wished to protect. Her skin was delicate, and the way her lashes brushed against her flushed cheeks. Despite the distress she was experiencing, she was still incredibly beautiful in his eyes.

Bucky’s gaze finally settled on her pink, pouty lips, he felt an overwhelming urge to press his own lips against hers, if not to comfort her, then to taste the sweetness that he imagined was there. The thought of kissing her once, just once; seemed to consume him. He couldn’t hold back any longer. “You’re gorgeous, Y/N,” he murmured, his voice filled with sincere admiration, hoping to convey just how deeply he felt about her.

But Y/N’s reaction was not what he expected. The words, rather than warming her, seemed to chill her further. She didn’t think he was insulting her by blatantly lying to her face; she just couldn’t bring herself to believe that he truly meant it. It sounded to her like a polite gesture, just another way of saying something nice in the face of her misery; a form of lip service.

Her lips twisted into a small, almost imperceptible frown, and she quickly looked away, her gaze falling to the floor. It was as if her brain refused to process the sincerity in his tone, unable to reconcile his words with the image she had of herself.

She scoffed, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Yeah, thanks,” she said, unable to fully accept the compliment.

Bucky’s hand stilled on hers, his thumb halting its comforting motion as her response sank in. He was taken aback, not by any notion of insult, but by the realisation that she didn’t seem to believe the sincerity of his words. His brows furrowed with concern, and he stepped even closer, his body nearly touching hers. His hands came back to gently hold her face, tilting it up so she had no choice but to meet his gaze.

“I mean it, Y/N,” he said, his voice firm yet tender. “You are beautiful. You always are.”

He searched her eyes, silently pleading with her to see herself through his eyes. His tone was unwavering, full of the affection he felt for her. 

But even as she looked into those blue eyes, the doubts that clouded her mind made it hard to fully accept his compliment. She couldn’t quite bring herself to believe that Bucky’s words were anything more than a kind attempt to cheer her up. The sincerity in his eyes was almost too much to process. Even if his compliments were meant to lift her spirits without fully reflecting his true feelings, she appreciated his kindness more than she could express.

A soft, fond smile appeared on her lips as she took in his earnest expression. “You’re so sweet,” she murmured, her voice tender. Gently, she stood on tiptoe, reaching up to pull him closer. With a delicate touch, she pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. Her lips lingered there for a brief moment, and she whispered against his skin, her breath warm, “Thank you for saying that, Bucky.”

Bucky’s heart pounded wildly in his chest as Y/N’s lips brushed against his cheek. The soft, lingering touch of her kiss, combined with the faint, intoxicating scent of her perfume, overwhelmed his senses. But when she pulled away, he felt a rush of heat flood through him, his control slipping. 

Overcome by an intense wave of feelings, Bucky pulled her back to him with a force and urgency that surprised even him. As he did, he could feel the warmth of her soft body pressing against his own, her delicate form moulding perfectly against him. He snuggled into the crook of her neck, inhaling her sweet, intoxicating scent, which seemed to envelop him entirely.

His lips found her neck, and he kissed her with a fervour that spoke of his overwhelming need. Each kiss was infused with a deep, desperate longing that he could no longer contain. Y/N didn’t push him away; instead, she clung to him, her hands gripping the fabric of his shirt, as if seeking comfort and reassurance in his embrace. The contact between them was electric, and the soft moans that escaped her lips only fueled his desire further.

When she leaned in closer, a low, guttural growl escaped Bucky. He responded eagerly as he sucked gently on her skin, enjoying the taste of her as his hands roamed over her back and sides, his touch possessive and desperate. His palms pawed at every curve he could reach, exploring her with a need that bordered on frantic.

Y/N’s moan was soft, a sound that almost drove him further into the depths of his desire. But as the sound of her pleasure reached his ears, reality hit him like a splash of cold water. He realised what he had done; his actions were driven by raw, sinful need rather than the tenderness he had intended; that she deserved. The realisation struck him hard, making him feel as though he had somehow taken something that wasn’t his to claim. 

So he pulled away abruptly, his eyes wide with guilt. “I’m so sorry, Y/N,” he stammered, his voice heavy with contrition. “I didn’t mean—”

But then, it was as if time slowed, allowing him to savour every delicate moment. As he pulled away, the sight that greeted him was almost more than he could handle. The tiny strap of her dress had slipped from her shoulders, revealing even more of the gentle curve of her cleavage, her doe-like eyes were fixed on him; hazed and heavy with emotion, her breath coming in ragged, uneven gasps, “Bucky…?”

The rush of desire he was so desperately trying to hold off, surged back through him, intensified by the vulnerability displayed before him. Bucky was barely able to maintain control. His heart raced, and the urge to be close to her again, to touch her, became nearly unbearable. In a moment of desperation and need, he guided her into her room, almost too urgent, too needy.

Once inside, Bucky pinned her gently against the door, his body pressing close to hers as he closed it with a soft click. His arms braced on either side of her, trapping her in a way that made her feel both vulnerable and electrified. The intensity in his gaze was palpable as he looked down at her, the hunger in his eyes undeniable.

“Fuck, babydoll,” he growled, his voice low and raw with yearning. “Please, let me touch you.”

His plea was a mix of desperation and want, a testament to how deeply he felt for her, even as he grappled with the boundaries he had momentarily crossed. The room was filled with an electrifying silence, broken only by the sound of their heavy breathing and the lingering intensity of the moment.

The voice she let out was almost too quiet, her tone tinged with a mix of curiosity and disbelief. “You want to touch me?” The question was almost a whisper, her eyes searching his ocean blues for the truth.

Bucky’s response was immediate, driven by the urgent need that surged through him. When his body responded faster than his words. He pressed his hardened bulge against her thigh, the physical evidence of his desire unmistakable. “Hmm, I wanna touch you, kiss you… want you so bad,” he murmured, his voice thick with desperation and lust.

Y/N’s breath hitched at the feeling of him against her, and her own passion began to match his intensity. “Touch me, Bucky,” she breathed out, her voice trembling with a mix of eagerness and anticipation. “Want you too. Want you all over me.”

His response was immediate. Bucky crashed his lips onto hers in a passionate kiss, their tongues dancing together as moans and groans filled the space between them. He effortlessly lifted her, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist, and carried her to the bed. The heat between them was unfiltered, and as he laid her down, his hands were already working to strip himself of his clothes.

With a sensual precision, he unzipped her dress, whispering praises against her skin. But as the fabric slipped from her shoulders, revealing more of her body, she hesitated. Her hands moved to cover her breasts, instinctively hiding the marks she had always felt so self-conscious about. The events of the night had taken their toll, and though she wanted to believe him, doubt crept in.

Bucky noticed the shift in her eyes, the uncertainty that dimmed her earlier confidence. He paused, his gaze softening as he gently coaxed her. “You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, doll,” he murmured, his voice tender and reassuring. “You’re safe with me.” his fingers tracing soothing patterns on her skin as he waited for her to continue.

She hesitated, then took a deep breath, the words spilling out before she could stop them. “It’s just… the stretch marks,” she confessed, her voice barely audible. “My date tonight, he left because of them. It’s happened before, and I—I know it’s stupid, but I can’t help feeling like they’re… ugly.”

Bucky’s heart twisted at her words, anger flaring briefly at the thought of anyone making her feel this way. But he forced himself to remain calm, to be the comfort she needed. His thumb brushed the underside of her breast, sending shivers down her spine as he tried to ease her worries. “Well, aren’t I lucky to have these all to myself?” he teased, hoping to lighten the mood.

She whined softly, her tone serious. “I’m being serious, Bucky.”

His expression sobered, his brow furrowing with concern. “So am I.”

“Y/N,” he began, his voice soft yet firm, “...there is nothing ugly about you. Not your stretch marks, not anything. I’m so sorry those idiots couldn’t see that. But I do. And I want you. I’ve always wanted you.”

He watched as her defences slowly crumbled, her eyes searching his; for any sign of insincerity, but finding none. “Are you sure?” she asked, her voice wavering.

Bucky’s lips curled into a tender smile, “I’m very sure, Y/N. You have no idea how obsessed I am with you. All of you.” his hands gently pried hers away from her chest, revealing the parts of her that she wanted to hide the most. The sight before him made his cock twitch, arousal leaking from the tip as he took her in, completely captivated. “And these stretch marks?” His voice dropped to a husky whisper as his fingers traced over the marks on her skin. 

Y/N’s body responded instinctively. A shiver ran through her, her breath hitching at the sensation of his touch. The warmth of his hand contrasted with the coolness of the air, making her skin tingle where he caressed her. 

“Fuck, I love them.” His touch was reverent, almost worshipful, as he continued, “They’re proof of how your body adapts, changes, grows. It’s like your skin’s telling a story, and every line, every mark, is beautiful.” He pressed a kiss against one of the marks, his lips lingering as he added, “You’re a masterpiece, babydoll, every inch of you.” His words were heavy with pure hunger, his admiration clear as he looked up at her, eyes dark with passion.

Bucky's breath was warm against her skin, the contrast between his sweet words and the raw hunger in his eyes sending a shiver down her spine. As he leaned in, his lips brushed softly over the stretch marks he had just praised, and then his kisses deepened, becoming more fervent. He trailed his mouth along the curve of her breast, his tongue flicking out to taste her skin before he began to suck, leaving his own mark on her as if staking a claim.

Her body responded instantly, arching toward him, a quiet whimper escaping her lips. The combination of his hot mouth on her breast and the cool metal of his fingers tracing circles on her other nipple sent shockwaves of pleasure through her. His metal thumb and index finger rolled the sensitive bud, each movement sending a jolt of sensation that made her gasp, her breaths coming in short, rapid bursts.

Bucky didn’t stop there. He switched sides, his tongue flicking over her other nipple before capturing it between his lips, sucking and nibbling in a way that made her toes curl. Every touch was deliberate, meant to drive her wild, and it was working. Her hands found their way into his hair, tugging gently as if to anchor herself to reality amid the whirlwind of pleasure he was creating.

As his mouth worshipped her breasts, his fleshed hand began a slow descent, sliding across her stomach and leaving a trail of heat in its wake. When he reached the edge of her panties, he paused, revelling in the moment before pressing his flesh fingers against the soaked fabric. A low, approving growl rumbled in his chest as he felt how wet she was for him, the sound vibrating against her skin and making her moan louder.

He started to rub her clothed pussy with agonising slowness, applying just enough pressure to make her hips buck toward him, seeking more. His thumb found her clit through the fabric, rubbing slow circles that had her whimpering his name, her body begging for more of his touch. 

The dual sensations of his mouth and metal hand on her breasts and his warm fingers rubbing her pussy were too much. She was on fire, her entire body trembling under his touch, her mind lost in the addicting pleasure. Every nerve ending was alive with sensation, her moans growing louder as he increased the pressure, her body responding instinctively to the pleasure he was giving her.

Bucky, too, was lost in the moment. He groaned against her skin, the taste of her driving him insane. The way she reacted to his touch, the way she moaned his name, only fueled his desire. He needed more of her, needed to make her feel just how much he wanted her.

With a growl of pure need, he slid his hand under the waistband of her panties, and pulled the last piece of fabric off her. His fingers find her wet folds, slipping between them. "Fuck, babydoll, you're so wet for me,"  he murmured, his voice rough with passion. The way she responded to his touch only made him more desperate to worship every inch of her.

As his fingers moved inside her, Bucky’s thumb continued to circle her clit, the sensations pushing her closer and closer to the edge. His mouth and metal hand never left her breasts, continuing to tease her nipples until she was writhing beneath him. Her moans were desperate now, her body begging for release, and Bucky was more than happy to give it to her.

He pulled back for a moment, looking up at her with dark, adoring eyes. "You're so beautiful, Y/N," he whispered, pressing kisses along her chest. "I love the way you feel. Every part of you is perfect." His praises were soft, sincere, each word filled with pure admiration.

When he curled his fingers just right inside her, she arched off the bed, and he couldn’t help but marvel at her reaction. "Fuck, you’re incredible" he groaned, adding a second finger and feeling her tighten around him. “Love the way you taste, how you feel... hmmm, I need you so bad, Y/N” He was relentless yet tender, his every movement calculated to bring her to the edge of pleasure.

His lips found her breast again, tongue flicking over her nipple as he sucked and kissed her sensitive skin. His free hand never stopped caressing her, moving from her breast down to her stomach, then back to her other nipple, never leaving her wanting. "I wanna hear you scream for me, wanna feel you cum all over my fingers,” he growled between kisses, his words thick with arousal. 

Bucky’s thick fingers worked inside her with deliberate intensity, each thrust pushing deeper into her soaked core. He pumped his fingers in and out of her, his movements rhythmic and forceful. With each thrust, her wet juices squirted out, dripping and mixing with his harsh movements. The slick sound of his fingers sliding in and out, combined with the feeling of her arousal, drove him feral. His pace grew faster, his fingers curling and stroking with expert precision, drawing out her moans and cries of pleasure.

Y/N’s body responded to every touch, every word, her hips grinding against his hand as she chased the pleasure he was giving her. She was so close, so desperately close, and when Bucky twisted his fingers inside her, in places she never was able to reach before, and her world exploded in a blinding rush of pleasure. 

Bucky kept hitting that right spot inside her in every deep plunge of his fingers, until he could feel her tightening around him, her body trembling with the approach of her orgasm. His own need was growing unbearable, the taste of her nipples, the feel of her wet hole, driving him to the brink. He moaned against her breast, his voice thick with arousal as he told her how beautiful she was, how much he needed her, how much he loved the way she felt around him.

As her moans turned into desperate whimpers, he groaned in response. "That’s it, babydoll, let go for me. Let me feel how much you need this, need me," he urged, his voice thick with arousal. His thumb pressed harder against her clit, and his fingers pumped faster, pushing her closer and closer. “Cum for me yeah, fucking cum for me that’s it angel.”

“Buckyyyy”, She cried out his name, her body shaking with the force of her orgasm, her fingers digging into his shoulders as she rode out the waves of ecstasy. Bucky groaned in response, feeling her tighten around his fingers, her pleasure only increasing make his cock throbbed with need.

He continued to move his hand, "So perfect. So fucking perfect." drawing out her orgasm until she was left panting, trembling beneath him. Only then did he finally pull his fingers from her, his hand wet with her arousal, and brought them to his lips, tasting her with a deep, satisfied groan.

Bucky’s own need was reaching a fever pitch, the taste of her, the feel of her soaking wet pussy gripping his fingers was too much to bear any longer. "Fuck, I can’t wait to be inside you, can’t wait to make you mine," he moaned, his lips trailing down her body, leaving a path of hot kisses.

Bucky’s cock was almost unbearable as he pressed himself against her, his hard cock sliding between her drenched folds. Every night, he had fantasized about this moment, dreaming of the warmth and wetness of her body. So many nights, he’d ended up frustrated; his cum laid there wasted on his abs as he jerked off to thoughts of her.

Now, finally feeling her hot and wet against him, he was nearly driven mad with raging lust. He groaned softly, his breath coming in short, desperate gasps. His cock, heavy and throbbing, glided between her folds with a hunger that bordered on desperation. Each stroke elicited a shiver from her, her body sensitive and responsive from their earlier intimacy.

Bucky’s movements were urgent and almost primal. He humped against her, his moans a testament to his pleasure. “Fuck babyyy, you feel so amazing," he rasped, his breath coming in quick, uneven gasps. "You’re so fucking wet, Y/N. I’ve wanted this for so long, and it feels so. fucking. good."

Y/N’s has been a moaning mess under him, her body still tingling from the previous orgasm. The lingering sensations of his thick fingers inside her made every touch feel electric. Now, with his big, thick cock rubbing against her, her pussy twitched and pulsed in response.Each stroke was a jolt of heat, his tip bumping against her clit with every movement. Her hips trembled under his tight grip, her body reacting intensely to the pleasure.

Bucky’s moans were guttural, full of raw need as he lost himself in the sensation. "I’m not even inside you yet, angel," his cock rubbing insistently against her sensitive flesh as he panted, his voice trembling with desperation. "But, you feel so good, I’m gonna cum."

“Hmmm, Bucky… Bucky, please,” she whined, her voice trembling with need. “Feels so good… oh fuck! Cum on me, cum on me please...” Her words were almost incoherent, her pleasure overflowed from within, her body quivering and almost drooling from the way his cock was rubbing against her needy cunt.

Lost in his own world of lust, Bucky couldn’t get enough of her. He worshipped her pussy with a passion that left him breathless, his dirty talk coming out in desperate, needy groans. "You’re so fucking perfect, Y/N. I can’t get enough of you," he rasped. "You’re driving me insane. I want to mark you, claim you completely."

Their pleasure reached higher, each thrust and touch sending them both spiraling towards their orgasms. Bucky’s thrusts grew harsher, more insistent, as he chanted, “I’m cumming, doll. I’m cumming so hard.” His voice was raw with need, his body moving with a frenzied desire.

She was pleading, her voice a mix of desperation and pleasure. “Please, please, please…” Her words were breathless, each plea a testament to the intensity of their shared ecstasy. “I’m cumming, cumming on you baby, ‘m cummingg fuckkk,,”Bucky whined in absolute pleasure.

As they both came together, Bucky’s release was intense and overwhelming. His cock throbbed and twitched with every spasm, cum spilling endlessly from his tip in hot, thick ropes. Each pulse of his orgasm sent more of his seed dripping down onto her, coating her skin with the evidence of their union.

Even in the throes of his orgasm, Bucky continued to rub desperately against her twitching pussy, his movements frantic and unrelenting. “Still cumming for you, baby, paint you so pretty with my cum,” he groaned, his voice rough with need. The heat and friction were almost too much, his need to feel her and mark her as his luring him to continue. His cum painted a path up to her breasts, the warmth of it a vivid testament to his desire and dominance. 

He marked her completely, his release a physical declaration of his claim.

As Bucky’s release subsided, he looked down at her with eyes still feral and full of desire. She lay beneath him, breathing heavily, her body still quivering from the intensity of their climax. Bucky’s gaze lingered on her, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “So gorgeous, covered with my cream,” he murmured, his voice rough and slow. He lazily rubbed his still-hard cock against her swollen pussy, his movements deliberate and teasing. “Now I’m gonna paint your insides, then fill you to the brim.”

Her whimpers of need were barely coherent. “Please, wanna feel your cum inside me so bad,” she begged, her voice trembling with craving.

Bucky slipped inside her easily, his cock finding its way with a smooth, satisfying glide. “So fuckin’ tight, shittt,” he groaned, feeling the exquisite heat of her around him. His thrusts were powerful and deep, each movement sending waves of pleasure through them both. “Tight little pussy’s mine,” he growled. “You take me so perfect, baby.”

His filthy words gradually transformed into sincere praise, his voice softening with affection. “You’re so good to me,” he panted, his hands exploring her body with tender care. One hand played with her clit, rubbing it with a skilled touch that made her moan and writhe beneath him. The other hand teased her nipple, tugging it gently as he thrust harder and deeper.

And as Bucky continued to thrust into her, the sound of their bodies connecting was raw and unrestrained, each movement accompanied by the slick, wet noises of their joined pleasure. Despite the intensity, their dialogue remained tender and sweet. “I love you, Y/N,” Bucky whispered lovingly, his voice a mix of pleasure and adoration. “I love you so much, doll.”

She could hardly believe what she was hearing. Normally, such words would be met with doubt, but the way his cock was filling her completely, the intense pleasure he was giving her, and the look in his eyes—filled with an earnest, almost desperate longing—made it impossible to ignore. 

She moaned in response, her own voice trembling with emotion. “I love you too, Bucky,” she gasped, her words mingling with the sounds of their physical connection. 

Bucky’s thrusts grew more deep and harsh as he neared his climax. “I love you. I love you. I love you, Y/N,” he groaned, his hands rubbing a tight circle on her clit and tugging at her nipple. “Now, take my fucking cum.”

When Bucky finally released inside her, the sensation was nothing he ever felt before. He felt so good his eyes rolled back and his mouth fell open. His cock pulsing and throbbing with each spasm of his orgasm. His endless cream was flooding her, and with every thrust, it leaked out, creating a hot, sticky mess. The warmth and thickness of his release filled her completely, and the sensation of it escaping with each of his movements made him groan in pleasure.

Even as Bucky reached his high, he continued to fuck her through it, each thrust pushing his cum deeper into her. “You take me so well,” he moaned, his voice thick with emotion and need. Her own pleasure was amplified by the sensation of his cum inside her, her body responding eagerly to each thrust.

Afterward, Bucky remained inside her, relishing the intimate connection. He carefully cleaned the traces of his cum from her skin, his tongue gently licking and slurping it clean. “You’re perfect, babydoll,” he praised between licks, his voice soft and affectionate. “So beautiful, so fucking amazing.” He took his time, his lips brushing against her with care. “I’ve never felt anything like this,” he murmured. “You feel so good, you’re everything I’ve ever wanted.”

She responded with soft moans and shivers of pleasure, her body reacting eagerly to his touches. Each lick and gentle caress made her quiver, her breaths coming in quick, shallow bursts as she felt his adoration and need. Her eyes fluttered shut, enjoying the sensation of being worshipped so completely.

Occasionally, Bucky would grind into her, savouring the way her pussy tightened around him, deepening his pleasure. “You’re such a fucking treasure,” he continued, his voice a blend of awe and desire. “I can’t get enough of you. You’re mine, and I’m never letting go.” She whimpered needily, her body responding to his movements with a mix of pleasure and longing.

He continued to move his hips against her, thrusting with a renewed sense of urgency and need. “It’s gonna be a long night ahead, baby,” he murmured, his voice filled with determination and passion. “I’m not gonna let you leave this bed until the only thing that leaks out of you is me.”

With that, he pressed into her once more, his movements both firm and tender, as he prepared for another round of intense, passionate connection.

End.

Read my other works here: Masterlist

A/N: Been collecting dust in my drafts for way too long. Now lemme hear your thoughts. Please? 🥹 And go send @mercurial-chuckles some love!

[skywalker1dream]

unknown feelings

note: I wrote 3 parts of this fic, I have been working on this for whole day...and I hope its good ;3 hope you have good day or night...drink water..uff I have to rest my fingers hurt.. oh And there is few charapters United, If I hadn't done that, would have been short fic, like really short

Part one | part two | part three

As the sun began its descent, casting a warm, golden glow over the paddock, Carlos Sainz's eyes fixated on a singular figure amidst the bustling crowd. There you stood, Lando Norris's younger sister, your laughter dancing through the air like a siren's call, drawing Carlos in like a moth to a flame.

From the moment he laid eyes on you, something stirred within Carlos, a possessiveness he couldn't quite explain. you were more than just Lando's sister; you were a treasure he felt compelled to protect, to shield from the world's prying eyes.

Every fiber of his being screamed at him to keep you close, to guard you from anyone who dared to get too near. he found himself watching you with a fervent intensity, his eyes tracing the curve of your smile, the way your hair caught the sunlight, the infectious energy that seemed to radiate from your every pore.

you was like a magnet, drawing him in with an irresistible force that left him feeling both exhilarated and terrified. He knew he had no right to feel this way, knew he was crossing boundaries he shouldn't even be considering, but he couldn't help himself. The mere thought of you slipping away, of someone else claiming your attention, sent a surge of possessiveness coursing through his veins.

"Hey, Carlos, you alright?" Lando's voice cut through the haze of Carlos's thoughts, momentarily snapping him back to reality.

Carlos tore his gaze away from you, his expression a mask of casual indifference as he turned to face his friend. "Yeah, just keeping an eye on your sister."

Lando shot him a knowing look, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "She's a handful, isn't she?"

Carlos forced a laugh, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, but she's cool."

Cool was an understatement, though. you were captivating, a force to be reckoned with, and Carlos couldn't shake the feeling that he was being pulled deeper and deeper into your orbit with each passing moment.

As the evening progressed, Carlos found himself unable to tear his gaze away from you, his every instinct screaming at him to protect you, to shield you from any potential harm. He knew he was treading dangerous waters, knew he was playing with fire, but he couldn't help himself. He was consumed by a possessiveness he couldn't control, a need to claim you as his own, even if it meant risking everything he held dear.

And as he watched you laugh and joke with your friends, a surge of jealousy welled up inside him, threatening to consume him whole. you were his, he told himself, and he would do whatever it took to make sure you knew it.

Lando's Blind Spot

Lando clapped Carlos on the back, oblivious to the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. "I'm glad you're looking out for her, mate. Means a lot to me."

Carlos managed a tight-lipped smile, his mind racing with thoughts of you. "Of course, Lando. She's like family to me."

Little did Lando know, Carlos's definition of family was starting to blur into something much more complicated.

As Lando walked away, Carlos's gaze followed him before flicking back to where you stood, chatting animatedly with your friends. A surge of possessiveness washed over him, and he clenched his fists at his sides, fighting the urge to pull you away from the crowd and keep you all to himself.

But he couldn't do that. He had to respect your space, even if it felt like it was tearing him apart.

Carlos found himself unable to tear his gaze away from you, his eyes following your every move with an intensity that bordered on obsession. your smile lighting up the room in a way that made his heart ache with longing.

He knew he should look away, should give you some semblance of privacy, but he couldn't help himself. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame, unable to resist the pull of her magnetic presence.

Eventually, Lando came back over to join him, breaking him out of his reverie. "Hey, mate, you okay? You've been staring at my sister like she's the last piece of cake in the bakery."

Carlos forced a laugh, trying to shake off the intensity of his emotions. "Yeah, sorry about that. Just lost in thought, I guess."

Lando raised an eyebrow, his expression curious. "You sure that's all it is? You seem a bit… I don't know, distracted."

Carlos shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, just tired, I guess. Long day at the track."

But Lando wasn't convinced, his gaze piercing as he studied Carlos intently. "Okay, if you say so. Just remember, she's my sister, mate. Hands off."

Carlos felt a pang of guilt at Lando's words, knowing that he was already crossing boundaries he shouldn't be. But try as he might, he couldn't seem to shake the feeling that he was falling deeper and deeper under the reader's spell, unable to resist the allure of your intoxicating presence.

But he knew he couldn't have her, not like this. She was Lando's sister, off-limits in every sense of the word, and he had to respect that, no matter how much it tore him apart inside. So he forced himself to look away, to focus on anything other than the girl who had captured his heart in ways he couldn't begin to explain.

.......

The sabotaged date

you nervously fiddled with your phone as you waited for your date to arrive, your heart pounding in your chest with anticipation. you had been looking forward to this night for weeks, hoping that maybe, just maybe, this guy would be different.

Meanwhile, Carlos sat in his car across the street, hidden in the shadows, his heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over him ever since you told him about your date. Although he knew he shouldn't interfere, a part of him hoped that this guy would stand you up, giving Carlos a chance to step in and be there for you.

Minutes turned into hours, and Carlos watched with bated breath as the your excitement slowly turned to disappointment. He felt a pang of guilt at the sight of your distress, knowing that he was partially responsible for it, but he couldn't help the surge of exhilaration that filled him as he realized that his plan was working.

As you got up from your table and made your way to the door, Carlos held his breath, praying that she wouldn't see him waiting in his car. He knew he should leave, should give you space, but he couldn't bring himself to move, couldn't tear his eyes away from you as you stepped out into the cool night air.

Just as you reached the sidewalk, Carlos's heart skipped a beat as your eyes met, and he watched as recognition dawned in your eyes. He braced himself for your anger, for your accusations, but to his surprise, all he saw was relief.

"Carlos?" you breathed, your voice barely above a whisper as you made your way towards him, your steps hesitant but determined.

Carlos swallowed hard, his heart racing in his chest as he rolled down the window and leaned towards you, his gaze never leaving yours. "Hey," he said, his voice coming out softer than he had intended.

"What are you doing here?" you asked, her tone a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

Carlos hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. He knew he should tell you the truth, should confess that he had been hoping your date would stand you up so he could be there for you, but he couldn't bring himself to admit it, couldn't bear the thought of you rejecting him.

"I, uh, I was just driving by and I saw you," he lied, his voice sounding hollow even to his own ears. "and I thought maybe you could use a ride home."

you furrowed her brow, studying him for a moment before nodding in understanding. "Yeah, that would be nice. Thank you, Carlos."

As you climbed into the car beside him, Carlos couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at him, knowing that he was deceiving you, knowing that he was betraying your trust. But as he drove you home in silence, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope, a flicker of something warm and tender stirring in his chest as he realized that maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance for them.

.....

"What happened? Why didn't he show up?" Carlos asked, his eyes searching her face for answers.

you shrugged, tears welling in your eyes. "I don't know. He just never showed, and I waited for hours."

Carlos's heart clenched at the sight of your tears, and he fought the urge to pull you into his arms and never let you go. "Well, forget about him. Let me take you home and I will make you some pancakes"

...

As he drove in silence, the tension between Carlos and you hung heavy in the air, each lost in your own thoughts.

"Carlos, why are you always so protective of me?" you finally asked, breaking the silence and turning to look at him, your eyes searching his face for answers.

Carlos's grip tightened on the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white as he struggled to find the right words. "Because… because you're important to me, okay? I care about you more than you'll ever know."

your brow furrowed in confusion, but before you could respond, Carlos pulled into your driveway, effectively ending the conversation.

Unraveling Secrets

As he pulled up outside your house, Carlos's heart raced in his chest, his thoughts racing a mile a minute. He knew he had to say something, to address the tension that hung heavy in the air, but the words eluded him, trapped behind a wall of fear and uncertainty.

you made to get out of the car, but Carlos's hand shot out, gripping your wrist gently to stop you. "Wait," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We need to talk."

you turned to look at him, your brow furrowing in confusion. "What is it, Carlos?"

Carlos took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to say. "I need you to know... I need you to understand that... that I care about you, okay?"

your eyes widened in surprise, your heart skipping a beat at his words. "Carlos, I..."

But before you could respond, Carlos's attention was drawn to a figure approaching the car. It was Lando, his expression a mixture of confusion and concern as he neared them.

"Hey, what's going on?" Lando asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

Carlos glanced at you before turning back to Lando, a small smile playing on his lips. "Just catching up with [your name] here. You know how it is."

Lando nodded, a knowing look passing between them. "Yeah, I get it."

you go inside house, Lando turned back to Carlos with a curious expression. "So, what's really going on, mate? You seemed pretty intense back there."

Carlos let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "It's… complicated, Lando. Just some stuff I've been dealing with lately."

Lando nodded, a sympathetic look crossing his face. "I get it. We all have our demons to face. You know I'm here if you need to talk about anything, right?"

Carlos managed a weak smile, grateful for Lando's offer of support. "Yeah, thanks, mate. I appreciate it."

The two friends fell into easy conversation then, the tension from before melting away as they caught up on each other's lives. They talked about everything from their latest race results to their plans for the upcoming season, their bond as friends growing stronger with each passing moment.

The Tempest Rises

The next day, Carlos couldn't shake the unease that lingered in the pit of his stomach. Despite his attempts to distract himself with work, thoughts of you consumed his mind like a relentless storm, each passing moment only serving to intensify his feelings of possessiveness and obsession.

As evening approached, Carlos found himself driving aimlessly through the city streets, his mind filled with tumultuous thoughts. It was then that he spotted them, you and a guy named William, laughing together outside a cafe.

His heart clenched at the sight, a surge of jealousy and possessiveness coursing through his veins. He knew he had no right to feel this way, but he couldn't help it. He had warned William to stay away from you, and yet here he was, flirting with you as if nothing had happened.

Flashback:

Carlos's hands clenched into fists as he confronted William in the parking lot outside your favorite cafe. His voice was low and menacing as he delivered his ultimatum.

"You stay away from her, you hear me?" Carlos growled, his eyes blazing with anger. "If I ever catch you near her again, you'll regret it."

William's eyes widened in fear as he took a step back, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "Hey, man, chill out. I was just asking her out for coffee. No harm done, right?"

But Carlos wasn't buying it. He knew William's type, knew the kind of guy he was. And he wasn't about to let him anywhere near you.

"Just stay away from her," Carlos repeated, his voice cold and menacing. "Or else."

End of Flashback.

For a moment, Carlos was frozen in place, his mind racing with fear and uncertainty. What if William had convinced you to give him another chance? What if you had already forgotten about Carlos and moved on?

But then, as if on cue, William's gaze flickered in Carlos's direction, his expression turning to one of fear and apprehension. Carlos felt a surge of satisfaction wash over him at the sight, his fear replaced by a possessive determination to protect what was his.

Without a second thought, Carlos strode over to where you and William stood, his steps purposeful and determined. William's eyes widened in fear as Carlos approached, and he stumbled over his words as he addressed you.

"Uh, hey, [your name], I, uh, I have to go," William stammered, his voice trembling with nervousness. "I'll, uh, I'll see you later."

And with that, he hurried away, leaving you standing there, your gaze flickering between Carlos and the retreating figure of William.

Carlos's heart raced as he approached you, his chest tight with a mix of emotions. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

you nodded, your eyes wide with surprise. "Yeah, I'm fine. What was that all about?"

Carlos hesitated for a moment, his mind racing as he struggled to find the right words. "I… I just wanted to make sure you were okay. That's all."

you studied him for a moment, your gaze searching his face for any sign of what was really going on. "Carlos, what's going on? You seem… different."

Carlos's heart clenched at your words, a mix of guilt and longing swirling inside him. He wanted to tell you everything, to pour out his feelings and confess the depths of his obsession, but he knew he couldn't. Not yet, anyway.

"I… I'm just worried about you,Cariño," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "That's all."

you nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "Well, you don't have to worry about me, Carlos. I can take care of myself."

But even as you spoke the words, Carlos couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of his mind. He knew that as long as you were in his life, he would do whatever it took to protect you, no matter the cost. And if that meant giving in to his possessive and obsessive desires, then so be it.

--------------------to be continued-----------------------

I forgot to add warnings T_T

[dark-and-kawaii]

What about Raphael finding out Haarlep has caught feelings for Tav and Raphael forces Haarlep to drain tavs soul. Happy or sad ending up to you. Maybe tav lives maybe tav dies

༺ 𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓈 𝒫𝓊𝓃𝒾𝓈𝒽𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉 ༻

Haarlep

Notes: oooooh more angst, gimmie gimmie!!! Sorry this took a long time to get to!!! This was so hard to write because Haarlep is my baby and I don’t wanna hurt them (*꒦ິ꒳꒦ີ) but at the same time I do!!! Ahhh!!!! Enjoy ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶

Added Note: I’ll be replying to my ask box tomorrow!! I just wanted to crank out some stories I had written first!!!

Pairings: Haarlep x f!Tav/Reader

Angst - Tragic Love - Character Death - Slight NSFW

Your secret rendezvous with Haarlep did not go unnoticed. Raphael's wrath was as chilling as the void between stars. "Haarlep, how disappointing. Didn’t your mother teach you not to put your hands on someone else’s property?" His voice echoed through the dimly lit boudoir, "You forget that I can feel every last thing you do in my form, even when you shift out of it.”

Haarlep's face scrunched, their heart racing as they faced their enraged master, "An incubus has its needs, and you’ve been oh so busy out there collecting souls.” Their facial expression changed into delight, “I thought it wouldn't be too much trouble if I just took a bite out of your lovely new little treasure.”

Raphael's eyes narrowed,”Is that so?”

He watched as his incubus sauntered over to him, their tail curling up as their hips waved side to side, “I figured, you’d love to be able to use Tav when she isn't around. I now possess the body of your little mouse, does that not please you?”

You could only watch as you clung the sheets to your chest…

Before Haarlep could move in for a kiss, Raphael grabs their face, his grip tightening so that his nails digs into their cheek. A grin curling upon his lips. "You are sworn to me and you underestimate the power I hold over you. You are bound to me, body and soul. Your purpose is to seduce and drain the essence of mortals, not to fall in love with them. Especially when they are already mine.” Raphael threw Haarlep’s head to the side, “To make you understand your role once more you will do as I command."

Haarlep knew they had no choice but to obey Raphael's demand, whatever it may be. If they didn’t keep Mephistopheles son in check, rather keep him satisfied, there’d be a far worse punishment awaiting in Cania.

“You will embrace your role as an incubus, Haarlep. Use your seductive powers to ravage my mouse until she is naught but a wisp of her former glory.” A cruel smile traced upon Raphael's lips. "You will obey, Haarlep. I will not tolerate disobedience."

Haarlep needn’t say it, their eyes told you, ‘Forgive me.’

Your reply was a breathy, despairing acknowledgment of your fate, "it’s okay.”… You nod to them.

Reaching up, Haarlep could feel their hands trembling as they traced the contours of your body… Their lips hovering over yours…

With each thrust of their cock, each moment of forced passion, Haarlep could feel your life force diminishing. Your spirit waned, your vibrancy ebbing away with every kiss, your soul slipping away so it could feed them. Despite the rip in their chest, thanks to Haarlep being an incubus the vile demand was a mix of pleasure and torment, desire and despair, as they surrendered to Raphael’s twisted will.

Your moans only fueled the insatiable hunger within Haarlep, it almost left a bitter taste upon their tongue. Lost in the moment, their incubi ways began to take control. Closing their eyes, Haarlep basked in your pleasure.

Raphael watched from side of the bed, “Marvelous- Drink from her pleasure Haarlep, consume every last bit of her until she is nothing more than a doll for our amusement.”

As the dreadful finale arose, Haarlep felt you clench around them, both your final breath and climax approaching, a cruel harvest for their own sustenance. But you, even in the throes of fading, you mustered a weak smile, a gesture of forgiveness.

“Haarlep," you gasped, your voice a mere shadow of itself, "It’s- it’s not your fault." You reached out, touching Haarlep's cheek, a tear slipping down your own. "It’s… okay…" And with those last words, your hand fell, and the light of your soul was extinguished, leaving nothing but the empty shell of what once was a living being.

Raphael's laughter filled the boudoir, a cacophony of cruelty, "How unfortunate, I did quite like this one, but you see Haarlep? This is the consequence of an incubus delving too deeply into the folly of love. You consume every ounce of it, greedily, uncontrollably, until there is nothing left."

Raphael vanished, satisfied with the night's cruel entertainment, as Haarlep lay there, cradling your lifeless form. Left alone with the bitter knowledge that their nature had been both their greatest weapon and their most tragic flaw.

[saga-project]

"LEO. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING, GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW OR SO HELP ME I WILL FIND A WAY TO BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF A GHOST--"

"He's too strong. He's not gonna stay in there unless I keep him in there. We've tried everything else--"

"Leo, please don't do this. LEO---"

"Heh. You're one to talk, big bro. Hero moves are totally your style--"

"Leo. Leo, PLEASE. Don't do this. Please don't do this. We can figure something else out. We can--"

"H-hey, Donnie. Remember what I said when we fought? That I wished I never even had a twin?"

"Are you still hung up on that? Is that what this is about? I FORGIVE YOU, you stupid IDIOT, just come back, PLEASE--"

"...you're the best twin I could have asked for. I'm so, so glad that we got to find you again. I....I love you so fucking much. All of you. So fucking much."

"Don't you FUCKING dare---"

"Goodbye."

The comm clicked off. The portal exploded. And all Saga could do was stand there in stunned silence, hardly being able to move, hardly being able to breathe--

Something in him was snapping. Something in him was coming undone, something in him was howling like a feral animal, but the sound couldn't escape his mouth, all he could do was stand there and plead for it to be some kind of twisted dream, beg for Leo to miraculously appear and say that it had just been some kind of shitty joke---

Leo couldn't be gone. He couldn't. His fucking better half couldn't be gone. Not when Saga had just started getting used to the idea of having a twin again. Not when he'd just watched another fucking version of Leo throw himself into a literal death arena to try and prove himself to Saga, not when his brother was in danger and he couldn't fucking do anything about it yet again--

The stupid fucking song that Leon and him had sung sprang into his head again. Only this time, he remembered the rest of the lyrics.

What if I never find you What if I'm a twin no more I'd give all the kingdom's treasures If you came walking through that door---

Saga felt the tears running down his face, and felt the great gaping hole in his chest, and finally gave in, tossing his head back and howling in grief.

Leo was gone. His twin was gone. And he'd never fucking feel whole again.

Mikey was still standing there with his stupid fucking arms outstretched like that would accomplish anything, and Saga felt anger rising up in them before they could stop themselves, baring their teeth. "Stop that. STOP, Mikey. He's fucking GONE."

"Don, don't--"

"Leo never gave up on us...and he didn't give up on you, either, Don. I'm not giving up on HIM." Mikey turned back, baring his teeth in a feral snarl, and then--

--something was happening. Blinding yellow light was emerging from Mikey's hands and tracing up his arms, and there was a literal hole being ripped in the air in front of him, growing larger and larger and larger, and both they and Raph raced forward--

"Mikey, whatever you're doing, don't you dare fucking stop--"

"We're here, Mikey! Together!"

The portal stretched wider and wider and wider, and ow FUCK that tingled like a son of a bitch but all Saga cared about was seeing their brother again, seeing their twin again, and--

--Leo was gazing at them through the portal, his gaze a mixture of fear and relief. "Took you guys long enough."

Saga couldn't help but wheeze out a relieved laugh under their breath as Raph reached forward with his ninpo to collect Leo, as he started to pull him back through the portal--

--and then the Krang loomed up behind Leo again, its metal claws outstretched, and Saga absolutely saw red.

"GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM MY BROTHER, YOU BITCH---"

He summoned a gigantic drill, all metal and points and malice, and slammed it into the Krang's face through the portal before he could even think to contemplate what he was doing, before he could even think to feel sickened over the Krang bits that flew everywhere. He simply twisted back towards Mikey, shouting at the top of his lungs. "MIKEY, CLOSE THAT PORTAL NOW---"

The portal closed in a wink of light, and all of them hurried towards Leo's prone form, Saga's eyes flicking over every single inch of his twin's frame as he silently pleaded Leo to wake up, please wake up, oh my god I'll take back every single nasty thing I've ever said about you if you'll just fucking wake up--

Leo's eyes opened. And even though his voice was weak, he still managed a smile, his tone still light. "Hey. Ewww, are we in Staten Island?"

"YOU--"

"Donnie, woah, hey, I think I kinda sorta broke like eeeeevery single one of my bones so maybe take it easy on me--"

"You are NEVER doing something that stupid again or so help me God I will drag your spirit back and beat the shit out of a GHOST--"

"Okay, okay, geez, like that's any better than trying to give yourself up to a giant sentient brain--"

"Those things are not remotely the same--"

"Cut it out, you two." Raph's voice, now. "Let's just concentrate on getting patched up first."

And as all of them started chattering over the comms, Saga stood back, gently exhaling.

It would all be okay. It was going to be okay. Leo was back and everything was okay. The future that was written down in those journals wouldn't come to pass anymore.

.....so why did he feel like there was still some kind of unfinished business to attend to?

[aplateoflasagna]

TREASURE's 1st concert TRACE

Just going to put down my thoughts because I have so many feelings about Treasure's first concert 🥲. I screen recorded the concert and rewatched it three times already 😭 (i also forgot to mute my desktop so me laughing, crying, clapping and saying 'cute' like a 100 times was also recorded lol)

They opened the show with JIKJIN, Boy and Going Crazy?? That's insane! I remember Jihoon saying that performing MMM after Boy during Teuday was too difficult and they'd never do that again but this seems worse??? such intense choreo for all 3 songs but honestly? still nailing it. They finally performed Going Crazy fully live! (i'm not counting Shoppee, i really think that was pre-recorded) And they wore such beautiful stage outfits for the opening! 💕 Hyunsuk, Mashiho, Junkyu and Yedam looked like actual princes. 🙈

Going Crazy EDM version??? Orange Dance version?? Darari rock version?? Who thought of this????--- Let me shake your hand cause it was brilliant🤝 (sadly they didn't perform Slowmotion, Everyday or Gonna Be Fine though 🥲)

Jinhwan and Donghyuk from IKON and Papa YG attended the concert! Imagine performing in front of the people that made you want to become an idol 🥲 (Yang Hyunsuk being there was such a surprise and I hope they made him proud 💎)

Hyunsuk: Doing the most as always 🔥He performed Good Boy with his whole chest + I swear he rapped like 3 solo songs with all the adlibbs he did throughout the concert 😂 I bet he was so tired but he kept giving 100% and he kept talking to make the concert go smoothly. Srsly Hyunsuks charisma on stage is unmatched! He is such a joy to watch and he obviously loves performing so much 💙 He truly deserves all the praise he gets!! Hyunsuk was born to be on stage and when they do a YG Family concert (which they will!! I can feel it!!) he will fit right in with the greatest in the industry 💎 YOU KNOW WHO I AM!!

Jihoon: Jihoon singing those high notes for B.L.T. and It's Okay! I was so impressed! King behaviour 👑 Idk how he keeps getting better and better but he just does. He doesn't have a very unique voice like Junkyu or Mashi but he can belt high notes with the best of them. 🔥 + like, you really need some balls to cover Taeyang's part in Good Boy lol and he nailed it. I'm forever proud of Jihoon and I can't wait for how he'll impress us next time.

Yoshi: I remember Yoshi being so shy for Teuday but he was so full of confidence for TRACE 😭 When Teume clapped and were surprised by Yoshi's visual and he didn't know what was going on 🥰 deserved to go viral for that moment srsly. His rapping skills are sky high and I don't understand why he got overlooked before?? People finally seem to recognise his skill and give him the attention he deserves after JIKJIN came out. Like i obviously love all 3 guys but there is just something about his flow, his charisma etc Prince Yoshi!! 👑 Dark Horse Yoshi!! 🔥

Junkyu: ... I'm going to be honest, Junkyu completely blew me away. It's been so long since we heard him (confidently) sing live, I honestly thought he had developed a fear for singing live, that the pressure might have gotten to him or smth... But he did sooooo well and when they covered 'Really Really' I was just staring at the screen like 👀!! (also completely redeeming themselves for the kind-of-bad cover they did during debut days on KBS Cool FM/ they were nervous and unprepared I know). Also Junkyu looked gorgeous in the prince outfit!! 🥰 And he was absolutely adorable on stage! God, Kim Junkyu you are soooo effortlessly cute 🙈 I really couldn't stop looking at Junkyu throughout the entire concert because he looked so happy and confident and I love that for him!!

Mashiho: I've said it before and I'll say it again; Mashi was born to be on stage 🙌 Out of everyone, Mashiho stood out the most and reminded me why he was called 'Nations Center' during YGTB. He was the MVP for their 'Love Scenario' cover! Mashiho is truly Treasure's underrated ace. He can do it all! Sing, rap, dance, amazing stage presence etc. I need to see him as center more often 🙏The way he steals the show everytime they show him on screen. Also his hair! 😍The pink suits him so well!

Jaehyuk: I will never get tired of praising Jaehyuk ✨He's so humble and hardworking and always does his absolute best and what more can I ask for? He made a few mistakes on Teuday and as he himself said, he made a few mistakes on saturday aswell but that doesn't matter because sunday was perfect. 💕 Not a day goes by that I don't think about Jaehyuk and how lucky we are that Treasure has such a sweet guy as one of their members. He said that his nickname is 'Hardworking Genius Jaehyuk' and it fits him 100%. He acted like a natural on stage! All your hard work paid of Jaehyuk 💙 I'm so proud of him.

Asahi: Finally we heard him sing!!!! They turned his mic UP ⬆️. Sahi has such a beautiful voice but we barely hear it most times. What shocked me the most is that Asahi apparently only auditioned in 2018??? He was the last to join YG out of all the members apparently?? is that even possible? That means he was only at YG for a few months before participating in YGTB?? Also Asahi thanking his 'Mama + Papa' for their support 😭 Yes I did start crying. I know Kim Junkyu exists but Sahi was truly the cutest man alive at that moment (his shy smile!!!). He is also so handsome 💕 He's truly one of the most handsome people I've ever seen goddamn

Yedam: Yedam casually destroying his voice to give us Darari rock version 🤘I do feel like he's straining his voice too much?? or maybe it wasn't in perfect condition because they haven't had a break since January 🥲 When Yedam was performing Wayo and he let his head fall in his hands I started crying istg + He sang an unreleased english solo that he worked on for weeks in his studio before the concert 👑 But the lyrics though. Being unable to schoulder the pressure and needing people around you to help make things better. If this is autobioghraphic i hope Yedam finds support with his members, family and friends 💎 It must be incredibly difficult managing everyones expectations of you, maintaining that high standard for years and for more years to come. + Yedam crying at the end 😭 He couldn't really explain himself well but I think what he meant to say was that; Working so hard for so long, you start to forget what you're working towards. And finally remembering his goal at the concert. 🥲I've since then watched quite a few fancams of Yedam having an absolute blast (especially during the encore) and it made me so happy! Fighting Yedamie

Doyoung: Give Doyoung a center dance break and bigger parts in their songs!! 😭 I felt like i barely saw him during the concert :( but when they did show him on camera, he danced his heart out 💙 His facial expressions never fail and I'm happy he got such a big part for Love Scenario. We just all need more Doyoung in our lives ☀️ Have you seen the sun today? ☀️ :p

Haruto: Blond Ruto with a ponytail!!! Him going viral for both his looks and his raping skills 🥰 He was absolutely amazing during Bang Bang Bang and Really Really 🔥I can't wait to see him grow even more in his skills and stage presence! It's already sky high, how much further can he go???? Saw and heard it again that we will be totally ruined if Hajeongwoo ever becomes an actual unit lol though i highly anticipate HyunHaYo aswell :p

Jeongwoo: B.L.T. is such a difficult song to sing when you're the one doing all the high notes, but Jeongwoo killed that song!!! Especially because they performed that after 'Come to me' and 'U' 💀 I'm so proud of him. I have no idea how he kept being able to sing so well and hold his notes when he sings like half of this song srsly + his high note for Darari was perfection + him covering Yoon's parts in Really Really lives rent free in my mind. Super impressed with Jeongwoo 👑He succeeded my already very high expectations of him!

Junghwan: Hwanie did so well 🥰 No matter how old he gets or how mature he looks or how much time he spends at that YG gym, he will forever be Treasures precious maknae with a smile as bright as the sun! ☀️ I'm getting emotional just thinking about it haha Junghwan is always up for a challenge and him doing those high notes in Love Scenario was so good! Eventhough he has a deeper voice, he still pulled it of really well and it just reminded me of how far he's come 💕Watching his fancams, he had so much fun on stage

So, in conclusion, They all worked incredibly hard for this and I couldn't be more proud of them 🥲 Treasure had a packed schedule since January and so I can't imagine how difficult this must have been for them. Haruto said that they only slept a few hours a night so they could practice for the concert. Hyunsuk saying that literally all members cried when the concert was over and they went backstage 😭 The effort they put into this to make this memorable for Teume, I'll forever be grateful 🙏Treasure brings me so much joy. I feel so lucky getting to experience their journey with them and watching them grow to become even more amazing and dependable. Thank you Treasure

💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎

[mayans-sauce]

Break Up, Make Up (3/3)

Pairing: Bishop Losa x Female Reader

Word Count: 1.4K

Warnings: hint of smut-ish, a little angst, mention of dead Riz :(

A/N: last part of the Break Up, Make Up series! Sorry it’s a little late. Thank you to everyone for showing love and support for the first two parts! It means so much to me as this has been one of my favorite things to write! Enjoy this little ending <3

• Part 1 • Part 2

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Gif Credit: @pedropcl

The feel of the bright morning sun shining through the window blinds warming your skin was what woke you up from the deep slumber. The window was slightly ajar, which let the crisp air from outside spread through the room. Bishop wasn’t by your side when you searched for his comfort and body to cuddle against. You scanned the space of any trace of him, and that’s when you heard his soft voice singing in the shower.

It wasn’t often Bishop sang. The only times he did was when he was sure that no one was around to hear. But you had caught the sweet melody of him a few times, and you always treasured the moment to the fullest. Just laying there on the soft bed with your eyes closed as you listened to his beautiful voice.

After some time, your mind started racing to last night's activities. It was unlike anything you had ever done before. Bishop was known to be hard and rough with you in the sheets from time to time but last night was a whole new experience that was hopefully going to happen again in the future.

You heard the water shut off, and not a minute later; he emerged from the bathroom. His eyes met yours when he opened the door. A wide and beautiful smile on his face as he saw you lying there with nothing but a thin sheet covering the most sensitive parts of you. “Mornin’ beautiful.” “Good morning to you, too handsome.”

Your eyes couldn’t help but admire him. All he had around himself was a towel low on his hips, showing you his trail that led to the part of him that had your mouth water in need and your core desperate to be filled. A few drops from the shower were running down his Godly body that you wanted to lick off to feel him under your tongue. Your mind started fantasizing about him bending you over the bed and taking you hard from behind as he pleased. You felt yourself throbbing, and you needed to clench your thighs together to stop yourself from thinking any further.

“How did you sleep?” His voice was so deep, and it didn’t make it any easier with the whole scenario you were picturing in your head. “Go-good.” He felt you were nervous because of his presence, and it left a smirk on his stunning face. He came to sit down beside you. “I was going to ask you to join me in the shower, but I figured you must be pretty tired from last night.” He had his warm hand on your shoulder, caressing the soft skin. “Yeah, I’m pretty worn out… but it was good… more than good, it was perfect. It was extremely... mind-blowing.” His heavenly laugh made you smile out. “I enjoyed myself very much, sweetheart, more than you know.” “Me too.” A long kiss was left on your forehead, which made butterflies explode in you at its softness. “I’ll prepare breakfast while you get ready, and then we can talk.”

Talk… right… You both still had some things to talk through with the stuff said a few days before. You hadn’t told him yet, but you already forgave him last night when he was cuddling you so soft and lovingly like only he could after fucking you good and raw. But this would be an opportunity to strengthen your relationship even more if the conversation went in the right direction.

After the shower, you chased the mouthwatering smell of breakfast as you walked downstairs to the kitchen. Bishop was putting what he made on two plates for you to enjoy as you walked in. It was so lovely to see him out of leather and in his home attire, moving around comfortably and happy in your shared house.

Always being a gentleman, he pulled the chair out for you to sit on. “This looks so delicious, babe, thank you.” “Thought you would need some good nutrition from the workout I put you through last night.” Out of the corner of your eye, you saw him with the tiniest of a cocky smirk, clearly very proud of himself and his accomplishments. You gave him a look that said, “shut up, we know,” which made both of you chuckle.

There was a comfortable silence as you ate, but you could still feel the slight tension in the air about the conversation that would be. “Should we move into the living room?” He questioned when both of you had finished the plates. “Yeah, sure.”

Once you were both seated on the couch next to each other, knees touching, he let out a deep breath while taking your hands in his. His thumb was caressing the back of yours. He kept looking at you the entire time as he talked. He wanted you to know his feelings entirely, and it was told with more than just words. His eyes and facial expressions also held his feelings and honesty.

“I’m sorry about the way I acted. It was shitty of me. I should have let you in instead of pushing you out when Riz died. But I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you when I was already feeling so low and grieving my brother. It ate me up inside, and I started thinking irrational thoughts. I know we belong together, and I’m so sorry for fucking up big time… I love you, and I will never stop loving you, caring for you, and protecting you. I want to marry you, have babies, create magical memories, grow old and gray as we are surrounded with our many grandkids, and then still be close as we are buried together for all eternity. You’re the best thing that has entered my life, and I can’t live without you; you are what keeps me going when I want to give up. You are what brings me love, joy, and comfort when I need it the most, so… please can you forgive me, sweetheart?”

You saw how much it was tearing him to pieces that he had hurt you so deeply with his words. It was hurtful, but you could have been a good partner and stuck around, despite him pushing you away, so he didn’t need to feel so alone and lost. But for you, at that moment, it felt like the right decision for both. Your eyes clenched together hard to prevent the tears from falling.

“You have nothing to be sorry about, Obispo. I’m the one that’s sorry for walking out when you needed me the most. I know you were only thinking about what's best for me and my safety… but I’ve chosen to be with you and love you for the rest of my life, and that comes with some risks that I’m willing to take and not think twice about.”

You took the sides of his face in your hands so he could properly look at you and feel your complete honesty with him. “I love you, Obispo, and that’s so much more important than some fight. I love you, and you love me. We are both healthy and here in this world together. Let’s just enjoy each other while we are both still breathing… we never know what will happen tomorrow, and that’s not in our hands, so just,” your foreheads touched as you whispered the last words, “let’s just be here and live our lives in the love we have for one another.”

He let out a breath of relief that you both managed to work this out. His arms wrapped around your body in the most warming and reassuring hug the two of you had ever shared between each other. Your legs lifted to drape over his to keep the closeness. His lips left light kisses all over your neck and shoulder as he rested his head where he belonged. The feel of his beard was tickling you, but it made you feel so at home and safe as you were loving and cuddling one another. “You know I will never let anything happen to you as long as I’m alive, querida… never.” “I know Bishop… I know…”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Thank you for reading❤️ If you liked it, a quick reblog and feedback would be so much appreciated❤️ Let me know if you want to be added/removed from the taglist.

MAYANS MC TAGLIST: @blessedboo @60shannon @bellisperennis0 @capnsaveahoe @diaryofkali @behindmyeyes-insidemyhead @xvvalx @missswritings @theocatkov @pinguinstudiert @chibsytelford @encounterthepast @rawrlittlepanda-95 @beeroses @siriussnape07 @adaydreamaway08 @miss-nori85 @oldstuffnewstuff @omg-mymelaninisbeautiful @jatriciaaa @browneyes912 @cole-winchester @blackksunflower12 @phoenixhalliwell @cant-decide-at-this-moment @love-mesome-me @holl2712 @jennisdirtyimagines @balladbloodwrites @lilacyennefer @smallflower16 @marvelmaree @brwnlikefoxy @kaylaygrace @stupiddsapphicc @violet624 @boomclapxox @mijop @macgruberrr @queen-under-the-shire @missihart23 @vixemi @heeeeeres-saint @paintballkid711 @x-goddess-of-nature-x @angelreyesisdaddy04 @mrsmarvelous1995 @luckyharley1903 @lilac-tea-time @leilaxaliel @gizmosworld23

[the-purity-pen]

PTC:  part iv

Pairing: Marcus Moreno x Fem!Reader

gif by @pascalsky​

Word Count:  2,238

Rating: PG

Warnings: sweet moments, some dirty thoughts here and there

A/N: words are not enough to say thank you for all the support on this story! @creativekat​ and i are absolutely in love with writing this together!

Read Part 1 | Read Part 2 | Read Part 3

The individual pizzas had been a huge hit. The kids had loved deciding what toppings went on their own crusts. And the twins, Fast Forward and Rewind, had especially liked the fact that they didn’t have to share with one another. Everyone had finished eating and you were packing up the leftover food while Marcus put popcorn kernels into the air popper. 

You carried a short stack of tupperware to the refrigerator and placed the items inside. Once the door was closed, you turned and leaned against it, releasing a small sigh of relief that the chaos of dinner was over. The kids were pretty active inside the classroom, but that was nothing compared to what they were like on their own time. Your ears rang with the laughter and happy shouts from earlier. 

Turning your head, you watched Marcus load the air popper, his biceps moving just below the short sleeves of his shirt. Your eyes started to drink in the rest of him, but you stopped yourself. You were afraid to let your body react to him again like it had earlier. Suddenly thirsty again, you pushed away from the fridge door so you could open it. The cold air felt good on your warm skin. “So, that was a success,” you commented as your eyes searched the chilly space without seeing anything inside.

Marcus finished popping the corn and turned his head towards you before placing the popped kernels into separate little brown paper bags for the kids. He nodded with a soft smile on his face. “It was. I’m glad you were here to help,” he commented quietly, feeling himself having to turn away from staring at your body.

He focused on the popcorn and scooping an approximately even amount of popcorn into each bag. He moved slowly and carefully so as to not waste a single kernel. He knew that if Missy’s friends were anything like her, they would be devouring the popcorn and would definitely want more. He was thankful for the concentration because the more time you were closer to him, the more he felt the need to explain his feelings for you.

You sighed quietly and shook your head and when Marcus heard you, he swiped his hands on his jeans of butter and salt and came over. “What are you looking for? Can I help you find something?” he asked as he tried to lean into the fridge to look with you but the sudden closeness of him had you holding your breath. Marcus turned his head and realized he’d made a mistake. He could smell your shampoo and it made his head swim. 

“Uhh… just trying to figure out what I could have to drink…” you stammered the words out and turned your eyes back to the fridge contents. 

Clearing his throat, Marcus did the same, “Help yourself to anything… Do you want a beer? I think I’ll have a beer.” He reached back behind the orange juice and retrieved an IPA. When you nodded, he handed it to you and felt the immediate absence of your body next to his when you backed away from the refrigerator to find the bottle opener. When he closed the door he had his own beer in his hand. 

You popped the top off yours and held the bottle opener out to him, which he took, careful not to let his fingers graze yours in the process. Trying not to stare at him, you took a long swallow of the cold beverage. Just then Missy burst through the door from the living room, “Is the popcorn done yet?”

You startled slightly as Marcus smiled, focusing on his daughter, “Yes, hija.” The three of you made yourselves busy as you took the bags into the living room to hand them out. You followed Marcus and Missy and finished handing out the bags to which all of the children said thank you. You smiled at each of them but you gave Wheels a little wink which he reciprocated.

The kids all started to dig into their popcorn and get back to watching their little movie marathon that Missy had turned on. You had no idea what the movies were about but they all seemed to be very excited about it. 

Marcus left the living room with you, the two of you nearly walking side by side down the hall. Your shoulders just grazed each other as he took a few steps faster and you felt your breath hitch for a moment before you were clearing your throat and walking over to where you had set your beer down. Marcus grabbed his and walked over to the table and you opted to follow him to sit at the table beside him.

At first there was a silence between you and Marcus as you focused on the beer bottle label which had become loosened with condensation. You began to pick at it, peeling it bit by bit. Suddenly, Marcus cleared his throat, “So… tell me about you. Is your family local?” 

Family was an interesting subject for you. You knew you didn’t fit in with them, so even though you all lived in the same town and you saw your older brother quite regularly, you still felt as if you were hundreds of miles apart. You let a small smile lift your features, “Ummm… yeah… but, we aren’t very close unfortunately.” You wondered if he would push the subject. You knew a lot about Marcus Moreno. You heard many stories about him over the years. Some of them you knew were true. Others you wondered about. “It must be nice having your mom around to help you with Missy.”

You went back to peeling at the label on the bottle. Half of it had come loose now. You paused in your hyper focused activity to take a drink, startled when Marcus met your eyes. You swallowed hard and set the bottle down, feeling incapable of looking away as his dark eyes searched your face. 

Marcus couldn’t help his staring, that’s just how he listened. And when the conversation turned back to him, he sat up a bit straighter and swallowed a lump that had formed when hearing how you weren’t close with your family. He couldn’t imagine that and how lonely it might be.

“My mom certainly is great,” he said with a small nod. It was true though. Anita had been around much more after his wife died and was more than willing to help train Missy and her friends during the first alien attack last year. Marcus had a brief moment of wondering if you were a mother because seeing how you were with the kids made him think you’d make a great one.

But that comment was lost on his lips as he watched you, his eyes dancing over your features. He swallowed hard again and your own eyes couldn’t help but follow the movement of his throat. Your heart was racing and your nose flaring, which Marcus would later admit was very cute, as the two of you had a moment of intensity.

The moment seemed to draw itself out but neither of you looked away. Instead it seemed as if the space between you was closing. You inhaled sharply as his hand came up to your shoulder, stroking it lightly with his thumb, making you shiver. All the reasons you shouldn’t do this, right now, flooded your thoughts. The kids, his daughter, your students were in the next room. He was a Heroic and … your history with Heroics had not been good. 

A protest formed on your lips as you whispered his name just before his lips found yours. The kiss was gentle but firm. There was yearning there, but no demands. Your mouth opened, inviting him to deepen things and your tongue pressed against his, sweetly. A soft moan escaped your throat as your hands reached for him, finding purchase on either side of his torso. You could feel the way his ribs expanded with his own labored breathing. 

Marcus leaned in closer, if he could even manage that, when he felt your hand on his torso. Your touch was electric in ways he would have never imagined. He had been pining after you for so long and it was finally the moment he had thought of for so long.

His mind whirled with emotions as he kissed you deeper, slowly pressing his lips and tongue against you and into you, like a slow motion dance. The hand on your shoulder came up to cup your face, holding you to him as you kissed him with emotions you didn’t know you were capable of. It was a silent message between the two of you, a love letter written in the dark of night with whispers spoken into the ink.

Marcus pulled away in what felt like a too soon moment and you couldn’t help the soft whine that escaped you. Both of you were breathing hard, trying to catch your breath. Marcus rested his forehead against yours for a moment, his thumb tracing over your jaw before he pulled back just enough to look you in the eyes.

You licked your lips and treasured the taste of him for a moment longer as you tried to catch your breath. Your eyes searched his face, yearning for more, but wondering if you should even want that. Hesitantly, you pulled your hands away from his body, letting them rest a moment on his knees only for a moment, like a butterfly searching for a place to land. 

Finally, you reached for the bottle again, taking a drink trying to quench the rampant thirst Marcus had brought out of you. Nervously, your hands moved to the label once more, peeling the last of it off in one swift pull. You laid it flat on the table, letting your eyes wander to the shiny paper, then returning to his immediately. He had a pull on you that you couldn’t seem to resist. With a shaky breath, you finally voiced one of the many thoughts you were having, “What, uhhh …. What does this mean?”

Marcus felt you shift back and he let his hand drop from your face but not before sliding it down to your arm slowly. His heart wouldn’t calm down as he watched you pull the label off but his eyes were only watching the movement in his peripherals. He was watching your face, watching your eyes, your lips and he could feel the way his own still tingled from the contact.

Your voice broke his stares and he cleared his throat. His lower lip quivered a moment, unsure of how to answer it without feeling too forward. Hell, you had just kissed in his kitchen with kids in the other room. Was there really such a thing as being too forward at this point?

“It uh-” he paused, his other hand coming to the label you had peeled off and picking at it slightly. A momentary distraction to try to gather his racing thoughts.”I guess it’s me telling you that I like you. Ha- have liked you. For a while now,” his words stammered out. He let his gaze fall upon the label as he nervously picked at the corners, feeling the plastic coated paper peel away from itself as he touched it.

You couldn’t help but smile at his words, his shy movements. This was the great Marcus Moreno, leader of the Heroics, confessing that he liked you. “For a while?” You wondered aloud. You’d had no idea. A warmth filled your chest at this new knowledge and Marcus finally looked at you from the corner of his eyes, smiling shyly. Your heart hitched at the adorableness of that look. 

But, then reality came roaring back to the forefront of your thoughts, forcing you to look away again. You thought of the kids in the other room. Of the way your family had always looked down at you, when they were the ones who were supposed to love you. The way you’d rebelled as a teenager, lashing out and getting into trouble. “I … uhhh, I like you too… but…” you didn’t want to tell him this wouldn’t work between you. But, some part of you wondered if that was true. Were you just getting in your own way? Letting your past affect your future. 

Marcus waited patiently for you to gather your thoughts, even though he was dying to know what came after that “but”. He couldn’t imagine what it could possibly be. He hadn’t felt anything like this in years. 

Finally, you shook your head and finished your thought, “why me? I’m nothing special.” You’d heard that enough times to know it was the truth. Marcus’s face dropped. That wasn’t the end of the sentence he was expecting. He thought it would be one of the other numerous excuses he had heard from others he had shown interest in. “Too busy.” “Too focused on work.” “Not good at relationships.”

He wasn’t expecting this but when he saw your own face change he reached over and held the underside of your chin gingerly. He slowly lifted your face to look him in the eyes. “You are though. So special,” he reminded you quietly as he leaned in and let his lips press against yours softly.

[wlw-lovestruck-fiction]

Please can I have a soft moment between Ruelle and her gorgeous queen MC, where they exchange a soft first kiss...Ruelle gets soo nurvous that she goes invisible just as they lock lips, not wanting to show that she's blushing like crazy!!

The moon was high, casting long shadows down the endless halls of Altadellys. The scent of wood stoves long turned off still lingering in the air. A completely silent corridor save for the sound of a single pair of shoes against the sleek marble. With a slight blush already beginning to paint it’s way across her cheeks, Llewellyn took a left towards the library. Knowing how rarely the Autumn princess allowed herself to get close to anyone, the newly appointed queen was a little surprised when Ruelle had started to find reasons to spend more time with her. Tonight she had asked the queen to meet her in her favorite spot - a quiet corner in the far backside of the library, close to the fireplace. It was next to the books Ruelle had treasured most. To look at her, one would assume such books would consist of things like tactical information, or maybe a study on the most useful herbs in Lysend - but it had always been the books that could transport Ruelle far away from the restraints of being an Autumn princess - that she loved most. Llewellyn smiled, noticing the tattered cover of one of Ruelle's favorites in her hands, her thin frame leaning back against the bookshelf. It was the story of a young woman - transported to another realm where she bore the face of a terrible witch queen. After being saved by a beautiful sorceress, the two women defeated the witch and lived happily ever after - The young queen remembered how her heart had warmed when Ruelle had described the tale to her - her deep amber eyes flickering with a softness Llewellyn had yet to see in her. It was the same soft look that resided on her face now. 

“Who knew one could look so beautiful while reading.” Llewellyn said, immediately getting a smirk out of Ruelle as she looked up from her book. 

“Heh… and who knew a queen could be so smooth?” 

“Oh, this queen can be lots of things.”

“Is that so? Please, enlighten me.” 

Llewellyn could immediately feel the heat spilling out between them as soon as she began to close the distance between them. A charged current pulling the two closer together. Like two misplaced stars that had finally found each other again. 

“Well, now.. Isn’t that something you would rather figure out on your own?” 

Ruelle smirked, placing her book down on the shelf behind her. The smell of decaying parchment and words long forgotten wafting through the thick air of the library as her eyes raked over her queen. 

“Perhaps.” She responded, watching as the Wildergirl started to become more flustered by the mere presence of her. Ruelle’s long fingers playing idly with the bottoms of Llewellyn’s brilliant red hair, daring her to continue. 

“Oh? Just perhaps? Nothing more to add to that?” 

Llewellyn moved in a little close - the part of her that only kept the deepest of her insecurities wondering if maybe she had gotten the signals wrong. She knew Ruelle was never going to be the type to wear her heart on her sleeve - but sometimes it was hard to tell when she was just being playful, or was sincerely uninterested. Her opalesque green eyes tracing over the fine lines of the Autumn princess’ face - smirking slightly as she saw the slightest of pink hues begin to paint over it. 

“Heh… Well, a girl does need to retain some air of mystery.” Ruelle replied.

“Pretty sure you’ve got that down, Ruelle.” Llewellyn laughed. 

“Good. Then my plan is working perfectly, isn’t it?”

“And what plan would that be?” 

Ruelle adjusted herself slightly, standing upright. A keen smirk to her face as she cupped the queen’s face - watching as an even deeper flush spilled over the freckles that flawlessly decorated her cheeks. 

“Now… isn’t that something you’d rather figure out on your own? Your highness?” She asked, tracing her thumb over the apple of Llewellyn’s cheek. 

“Frost, Ruelle...” 

Llewellyn’s warm skin turned three shades darker as the Autumn princess chuckled. She had never quite been able to switch the tables back in her favor, with Ruelle rarely ever disarmed by their flirty banter - but just once in their meetings, she wanted to keep the upper hand. 

“Nothing more beautiful than a flustered queen.” 

“Oh? And just how many queens have you flustered?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” 

Ruelle chuckled again, watching as her queen became more and more flustered with each word that passed between them. Her bright green eyes brilliant against the fierce blush that was rapidly spreading across her body - and Ruelle couldn’t help but to wonder how it looked. A deep crimson brushed so elegantly under a sky of freckles. 

“There are things I would much rather know instead.” 

“Heh.. and what would those things be?”

Llewellyn bit her bottom lip, slightly averting her eyes before answering. “Ah, well... What it’s like… to kiss you, for one…”

“... Oh?”

“Mhm.. Frost, Ruelle.. Why, there are some nights where… where it’s all I can think about.”

“O-oh…” 

This time it was Ruelle’s turn to blush, immediately disarmed by the young queen’s ability to be so open. To speak the words that Ruelle had been thinking about for days, weeks. It was one of the thoughts that kept her company on her long nights spent in the shadows. She swallowed hard, trying to think of the right way to respond. 

‘Heh.. well, I.. corpse, Llewellyn..“ 

The young queen knew better than to tease the Autumn princess - not when she had finally disarmed her for the first time. “It’s just true, Ruelle…” 

The way the dust had begun to dance around the two seemed almost whimsical in the setting of the dark stacks of the library. The deep red hues that painted and spilled their way beautifully over the both of them. Hearts racing as their eyes drank each other in. 

“I… ahem…” Ruelle’s eyes shifted nervously - while she was no stranger to the pleasures of the flesh - matters of the heart were something completely different. “Corpse.. I.. it’s true for me too...” 

“It… it is?” 

“Of course. Do you see me inviting anyone else to meet me in such places?”

“In dark old libraries?” The queen laughed.

“No. To the places that mean the most to me. To the places I consider a home. Places of solitude and reflection. Places of comfort.” 

And with nothing more than that single response, Llewellyn was disarmed yet again. “Frost, Ruelle.. I’m.. aah.. I’m honored that you share such intimate places with me..”

“And I am honored to have you here, my queen.” 

The cool skin of Ruelle’s fingers were soothing against Llewellyn’s flushed skin as she lifted the young queen’s chin to look at her. Llewellyn’s soft tongue skating over her bottom lip, inviting her in. 

She locked amber eyes onto a sea of green, waiting for consent. The flushed queen nodded quickly closing her eyes - wanting nothing more than to have Ruelle’s lips on hers - and she swore that all of Lysend spun on its axis when she finally got her wish. Soft lips crashing against hers. Heat spilling over them like burning embers as their fingers tangled in each other’s hair. Mouths partly opened as Ruelle’s warm tongue danced over hers, causing her to whimper. Creating a heat in her core so deep that it was all she could do to push Ruelle back against the bookshelf. It was a kiss of pure want - desire, need. One that that the thought of alone had kept these two women fulfilled with fantasies - kept them warm at night - and it was so much more than either had anticipated. 

‘Frost, Ruelle.. I.. that.. Wow.” 

The young queen opened her eyes, slightly taken back when all she found was an empty space between her and the books - for a moment she had wondered if she dreamt it all, imagined every last delicious detail - but the very real feeling of Ruelle’s heated body against hers said otherwise.

“Ruelle? Is everything... okay?” 

“Heh.. ah.. Sorry.” The Autumn princess slowly rematerialized before her. Llewellyn’s fingers still tangled deep in the emerald locks of her hair. A gorgeous blush painted over every inch of Ruelle’s face, almost as deep as her eyes. “That.. ahem.. that only happens when I’m... “

Llewellyn laughed, placing one of her hands to cup the princess’ flushed face. ”It’s alright, Ruelle. I understand.” 

“It has just... been many nights where I have pictured that moment…”    

“It’s been the same for me.”

“Heh…”

Llewellyn leaned up slightly, placing another kiss to the Autumn princess’ lips - this one softer, warmer. Ruelle’s long arms around her waist as she pulled the young queen closer in. Completely lost in the bliss of the moment, with the soft spiced scent of Llewellyn rolling over her - Ruelle had felt almost as lucky as the woman from her favorite book. 

[zeldaelmo]

This is my contribution for the @behind-the-fic MFC contest! It's an old story (the first chapter, actually, but I figured it would work as a one-shot as well). I am working on something else, but I’m slow and the new story is very much out of my comfort zone, so who knows if I’m able to finish it to my satisfaction until 01.08.

I'm not fond of the idea of competition when it comes to my creative hobbies, so I don't want to win anything. I just like to be part of it because I was too shy to do the podcast as a non-native speaker.

But enough of me, you are here to get sad. 😉

tw: Link is an orphan in this one and the loss of his parents is mentioned as a backstory. Nothing horrible, but I want you to be aware.

Well. And warning for horrible proposals. 😆

Oh, and this story was inspired by a scene of @spacebeyonce Halloween fic ‘draw me like a magnet (to the sea)’ !

A fool such as I 

He knew he was a fool when his eyes scanned the passing sidewalk for a woman with blonde hair from the passenger's seat of Pipit’s car. 

He knew he was a fool when they entered the charity gala, and he couldn’t stop himself from looking for a pair of blue eyes. 

He knew he was a fool when a bell-like laugh made him turn around to find out if it was her.

It was not. 

It was never her. 

“Link,” Pipit nudged him in the side, rolling his eyes at him, “you are doing it again. Get yourself something to drink and enjoy the evening, for Hylia’s sake! I didn’t drag you here to look for your imaginary girlfriend!” 

Sighing in defeat, Link grabbed a glass from the tray of one of the waiters, not caring at all what fancy drink he might have gotten himself. Old habits die hard – the point wasn’t that Link didn’t know Pipit was right. It was just... he sipped his drink to distract himself and the bitter-sweet taste of the bright orange aperitif rolled on his tongue. 

This wasn’t the first time they'd had this conversation and if Link was honest with himself, it wouldn’t be the last, either. He knew that looking for her was like looking for a needle in a haystack. His heart, however, knew not. Every time he convinced himself to give up, every time he tried to move on, his pulse thrummed against that faded scar on his palm, and he did it again. 

Like a fool. 

He had been eight when he first met her. 

It had been his mother’s last summer alive. She had been suffering from a mysterious lung disease the doctors couldn’t explain and couldn’t heal. They had sent the whole family to Skyloft, a famous climatic spa, in a last, desperate attempt to save her life. His parents hadn’t told him how severe his mother’s condition was, perhaps to spare him or perhaps to spare themselves from the truth. They just spoke about a long vacation with him, an opportunity for him to meet new friends and to stray over the little island on his own. He had loved the idea immediately. 

The girl arrived three days after him, her cheeks lacking color, her hair coiffed in two neat braids, and her proper cotton dress dancing around her knees. She was without her parents, just with her nanny – a stern-looking woman named Impa. The curious child that he was, he asked her in the following days why her parents didn’t accompany her. She shrugged and said, they were extremely busy and their jobs couldn’t afford a summer break and that was that. To him, it didn’t matter anyway, because sneaking her out was much easier this way – Impa never caught them. 

The physician had diagnosed her with general weakness and a susceptibility to illness and therefore she'd been sent to Skyloft. Link couldn’t detect anything ‘ill’ on her. Her face lit up every time she saw him in the eating room and after she winked at him over the huge bowl of pumpkin soup, he followed her in a safe distance to her room on his tiptoes. Impa, whose room was on the opposite, frightened him, so he didn’t dare to knock in case she would hear him. Instead, he bolted out of the back door and threw little pebbles on her window to get her attention. She opened the window with a wide smile, and he knew immediately that he had never seen anything so beautiful in his life. 

The days flew by after that. 

They met at the Goddess statue whenever she had free time between her treatments, and she sneaked out every evening to sit with him at the little pond. Her cheeks began to grow rosier from day to day and soon her blue eyes sparkled in the summer sun. 

She hadn’t been ill – she had been lonely. 

He taught her how to catch bugs and butterflies with a butterfly net, and she taught him their correct names. They read stories from the books of the little library, she more often than him because she was already a fluent reader while he was a beginner. Later in the summer, he even showed her how to swim and when she was too frustrated with her lack of stamina, they ended up in a giant water fight until their giggles made their faces and stomachs hurt. They raced over the island together, always hand in hand, stealing apples at the market and hiding sky stag beetles under seat cushions to watch the poor owner of the cushion being pinched from their hiding place. ‘Oh, will you look at these cuties!’, the adults exclaimed when they saw them, or, ‘Ah, to be young and in love again!’ and they both blushed in the warm summer sun. 

One afternoon, after they got a large piece of pumpkin pie from one of the farmers for helping to harvest the earlier pumpkins, she even kissed him. ‘You have pumpkin on your lips, Link,” she whispered, and then she pressed her lips to his and he was sure that he would burst into tiny pieces any moment out of sheer happiness. 

Like every summer, this summer too, had to end. She sneaked out of her room for the last time to meet him at their favorite place. They sat closer together as usual, both searching for comfort in the other, instinctively unwilling to separate from each other. Their hearts heavy, not many words were spoken, at least for eight-year-old standards. When the light of the sun turned slowly in a glowing shade of orange, she took his hand and turned his palm upward, stroking a line over it with her index finger. 

“Do you have your carving knife with you?” She spoke under her breath, “I want to take an oath.” He had and so he traced the stinging, bloody cut in his palm when he watched her part with Impa the following morning, swearing to himself that he would do anything he could to keep his part of the promise. 

They would see each other again, no matter what. 

And if that made him a fool, so be it.

“Earth at Link, earth at Link, we need you down here!” Pipit waved a piece of paper in front of his face. His friend had been busy filling out the symbolic check for their donation and was obviously expecting his input. Link blinked at him. “How much do we usually give? 3000 rupees?” he asked, trying to cover his slip into the daydream before his friend would shoot him another remark. Fortunately, Pipit was used to his aversion to numbers in general and didn’t grow suspicious. Pipit was the book-keeper and planner of their little security firm, while Link stuck to the operating tasks like installing an alarm device or overlooking a festivity in addition to the regular stuff of another rich family. His job description was a mixture between bodyguard and engineer, but usually, he liked to be on the road and working with Pipit was a huge pro as well. 

His friend nodded in agreement to his question and tapped the pen at his lips. “Well, write 3500. I’ll cover the rest.” 

Pipit blew a whistle. “What’s up, Link? Feeling generous tonight?” 

“It’s for an orphanage this year, Pipit,” he sighed. “There are too many kids who don’t have the same luck I had back then.” 

And that was true. Life didn’t give him much opportunity to think of his promise at first. His mother died only weeks after their return from Skyloft and his father followed her half a year later. A broken heart, the doctor said with thin lips when he squeezed his shoulder. He ended up in an orphanage for a few months but was lucky enough to find a family who was willing to adopt him. It was very unusual that a child of his age found a family at all. His adoptive parents said that they loved his messy hair and his honest smile from the very first second, and no matter how ridiculous that sounded to him, he was immensely thankful. Of course, it took some time to grow to love each other, but they managed somehow, and he didn’t feel so lost anymore – at least regarding his family. 

A year after he had left Skyloft, his life had changed dramatically, but he hadn’t forgotten his friend at all. Dreaming of her smile warmed him inside when the grief shook him to the core and thinking of her hand in his, anchored him when he was on the verge of drifting off. His new family knew nothing about her and although they shared a robust trust after a while, he was hesitant to share this treasured piece of his old life with them. 

Instead, he secretly started to look for her whenever they were in new places. Stood on staircases to get a better look over a crowd. Glanced at all the other tables when they were eating in a restaurant. Stayed near the door of a bus to observe if she might be one of the people who hopped on or off the vehicle. 

She was never among them. 

As a teenager, he gathered his courage and made a serious attempt to find her. He had little to start - they hadn’t thought of exchanging addresses or even last names. The horizon of eight-year-old children only extends so far. So, the administration of the health resort in Skyloft was his first shot. The files of the patients were only stored for five years, and they wouldn’t give him further information anyway unless he was related to her. He scrolled through the homepage of the staff next and contacted the few faces he recognized, stumbling through his lines on the phone. Nobody remembered a blonde girl with her name.

The last hint to her was Impa. He tried to find her instead, hoping an adult would leave more traces behind than a girl would, but the internet was dead silent about a nanny named Impa. It was hopeless. He was stuck looking for her everywhere he went.

Pipit coughed in his fist beside him and nodded in the direction of a brunette a few steps in front of them, hissing, “Babe alert!” 

“You are married, Pipit.” Link rolled his eyes at his friend. “Karane won’t be lucky over the fact that you are pining after other women.” 

“I’m talking about you, you moron. Or are you still dating Peatrice?” 

Link groaned and waved his hands. “Don’t get me started on that girl. She was so clingy, horrible.” 

He had tried to like her, really. She had begged him for a date, and he had given in. They had done all this dating stuff, watching films in the cinema, dining in a restaurant, even holding hands on a walk in the park. It had always been the same, after two hours more or less, he hadn’t been able to stand her anymore. The mindless chit chat, the exaggerated admiration for him, the false lashes, everything about her had put him on edge. 

Like a clockwork, his scar had begun to itch, and he had fled from her presence. 

“She wasn’t her.” Pipit narrowed his eyes at him. “That’s why. Because you are still chasing rainbows. Link, man up and move on!” 

“She was clin-” Link stopped. 

Looked again. 

Took a few steps forward. 

“Link?” He heard Pipit asking somewhere behind him, but he was already on his way. 

Could it be? His pace quickened when the people in front of him revealed a glimpse of blonde hair once again. The beat of his heart drummed through his veins, all the way down to his fingertips and his toes, too loud, too fast, and he tried assertively to push it back into his rib cage. 

He had been wrong before. 

He was most likely wrong again, the people and the yards between them made it difficult to be sure. Her calf-length evening dress was pink, yes, but who knew if it was still her favorite color? She had been eight. 

When she turned and his desperate eyes slid over the curve of her nose, her lashes, her powdered cheeks, a stubborn thing called hope expended in this chest. The bright, powerful hope like the sun after a summer storm, not the simmering, obstinately hope like a smoldering fire which had accompanied him for so long now. 

She was talking to someone, an elegant gentleman with long white hair, and her face lit up just in time when he was near enough to confirm that her eyes were blue. And then she smiled, a polite, practiced smile only, not even reaching her eyes, but it was proof enough to let his heart skip for far too long as it should be medically explainable. 

He had found her. 

Hylia above, after all these years, he had truly, finally found her! Tiny, shaky breaths left him, in and out, which did nothing to calm his nerves, and he took her in again, just to be sure. She looked different, of course, but her eyes had still the slightest trace of sadness that they had when he had seen her for the first time. Her features had grown out of the roundness of a child and her cheeks were rouged to hide the lack of color again. 

It had to be her – his heart beat nothing but her name through his veins. He had nearly caught up to her now and raising his trembling hand, he called, “Zelda!” Her head snapped up and his chest expanded nearly painfully from joy – it was her. It was her! But before their eyes could meet, a security guard in a black suit tapped her shoulder and led her away. 

No! 

Someone on the stage announced the charity entry of the princess, but he didn’t pay anything around him mind, nearly batted the unpleasant noise away with his hands. Setting his shoulders once more and squeezing through the people, he tried to follow the way she had left. He would not lose her again, now that he had finally found her. Never again! 

The stage and the backstage area were closed off with thick red ropes, a bodyguard with a stern face on each side of the stage, who already eyed him when he gave the rope a frustrated slap. He couldn’t look for her here. 

Fretfully, he turned around only to realize that he was trapped. Every single attendant of the charity Gala had gathered around the stage and it was pointless to try to get through these people, let alone find her again. Rolling his eyes, he braced himself for the next minutes of what would probably be a boring charity speech from the princess while he was dying to be on his way to find Zelda once again. 

He had never been particularly interested in the royal family – he wasn’t even sure if he would recognize one of them beside the King on the street. The King was the figurehead of the parliamentary monarchy and gained the main interest of the journalists and the people, while the rest of the royal family lived a relatively secluded life. Every now and then one of the members would participate in a charity event much like today. 

Sure, there was some kind of gossip press, too, but Link had always believed himself having more important things to do than following ‘reports’ of people he would never see in real life anyway. In the past, he had watched the New Year's speech of the King on television every year with his adoptive family, and he still did sometimes now he lived alone to keep the tradition up. Therefore, in all honesty, his curiosity about seeing the Princess wasn’t as great as it seemed to be the case with the people around him, but now that he was standing in the first row, he might as well take a look at her. 

The moment he turned around was the moment he realized he hadn’t been only a fool. 

He had been the greatest fool of all. 

Zelda. 

Zelda was the Princess of Hyrule. 

His heart dropped in his stomach, no to the floor. Suddenly, everything made sense. Impa hadn’t been a stern nanny; she had been a bodyguard. Her parents hadn’t been able to accompany her because they were the King and the Queen. Of course, she had been pale and lonely and well educated, because she had spent so much time on becoming a perfect princess as a child. Nobody remembered a blonde girl because they all only recalled the one summer the Princess was in Skyloft. He had never seen her on the bus because she had her own chauffeur. 

His knees nearly gave out under him, the edge of his vision blurring, when he tried to process the new information. Zelda was the Princess. That changed everything. Or did it change nothing at all? How was he supposed to think straight with that soundscape here?

He quashed the urge to block his ears from the horrible sappy violin music, his eyes returning to her instinctively, searching hers in vain. She was so sweet and beautiful and familiar; he couldn’t tear his gaze away. Oh, how he had missed her! 

So, what if she was the Princess? He wouldn’t let something like that get in their way. A promise was a promise was a promise. He just had to talk to her somehow when she left the stage – then they would pick up their friendship. Perhaps, if they still clicked like all these years ago, he even dared to hope for more. 

The piece of music the fiddlers were playing reached an even more sappy height and a guy with an odd, red pompadour he hadn’t noticed before stepped up to Zelda. He nestled with something in his pocket before he dropped down to one knee. Link’s eyes widened in horror, his body frozen in place. No… No, stop it! Not now, when he had finally found her! An icy fist gripped his heart and refused to let go. This had to be a cruel joke of destiny. 

One long, wonderful moment she said nothing, and he dared to hope that – yes, what? That she looked over, realized her undying love for him, so they could ride into the sunset on his non-existing horse? 

He fled when she nodded and the idiot raised again, not hesitating to kiss her. The people in front of him barely parted, and he stumbled, tripped until he found himself breaking down on the grated steps of the emergency exit. The cold of the autumn evening crawled under his skin. Or maybe it was the cold sting of realization. If he had found her ten minutes earlier, a week earlier, a year earlier, he might have stood a chance. Now, every moment he had looked for her had been in vain, her fiancé didn’t look at all like the type who would tolerate a rival, even if they would just be friends. 

What a fool he had been! 

He pressed his palms to his eyes, casting the world out. Who was he kidding, she was the Princess. Princesses didn’t stick with orphaned country-boys running a little two-person-operation, which made barely enough to donate a little sum every year. Princesses married rich company heirs, fancy musicians, or whatever this guy was. 

He wasn’t sure how long he sat with his face buried in his hands, hot tears dwelling at the corner of his eyes, unwilling to shed, when he heard the metallic click of the door. It could have been minutes. Or hours – and now Pipit had finally found him. It was time to move on anyway for him. 

A delicate hand stroked his back once, twice, before it withdrew. 

“A break-up?” A soft voice asked and when he raised his head, the tears finally fell. 

Rainbows. 

He had been chasing rainbows – she didn’t even recognize him when he was directly in front of her. 

It took him two attempts to get the words through the stinging lump in his throat. “Kind of,” he finally choked out, torturing himself by looking at her face from so close. 

She smiled that polite, meaningless smile, saying, “You’ll find someone else, eventually.” 

“I guess I have to,” he whispered and tore his gaze away, his heart shattering into a million pieces. The silence hung between them like the moon between the stars, and he waited and hoped and hated himself more for it with every passing second. 

Finally, she sighed and rubbed her arms. “I’m sure it’s a beautiful night somewhere, for someone.” 

He didn’t dare to look in her eyes again when he unwound his white-blue shawl and placed it on her shoulders. Denied himself to let his fingertips linger. To enclose her in his arms to shield her from the cold. From the world that forced her to paint her pale cheeks with rouge.

“Thank you,” she breathed, quiet, earnest. 

He looked at the moon again, taking his time to breathe in and breathe out, failing to prepare himself for a goodbye he had dreamed of as a beginning. A goodbye, he had never meant to say. 

“Congratulations on your engagement.” 

She looked at the rock on her finger, fidgeting the underside of the ring with her thumb. “Ah, yes, that. Thank you.” 

Despite himself, he took her hands in his and pressed a kiss on her knuckles, his fingers brushing her scar and hers brushing his for a terrible, perfect moment before he left. 

“Goodnight, Zelda.” His voice was as quiet as his heart was loud.

The emergency door fell shut after him with a heavy thud and the crowd of the gala swallowed him without hesitation.

She really should look happier, but it wasn’t his concern anymore. 

Perhaps it never had been. 

Psss... if you are like me and can’t stand a sad ending, check out the rest of the story here.

[creativekat]

PTC part iv

Gif by @pascalsky​

Word Count:  2,238

Rating: G

Warnings: sweet moments, some dirty thoughts here and there

A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who is reading and commenting! It’s so amazing for @the-purity-pen​ and I to know that people are enjoying what we are writing! We have been having a blast writing it together!!  Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

The individual pizzas had been a huge hit. The kids had loved deciding what toppings went on their own crusts. And the twins, Fast Forward and Rewind, had especially liked the fact that they didn’t have to share with one another. Everyone had finished eating and you were packing up the leftover food while Marcus put popcorn kernels into the air popper. 

You carried a short stack of tupperware to the refrigerator and placed the items inside. Once the door was closed, you turned and leaned against it, releasing a small sigh of relief that the chaos of dinner was over. The kids were pretty active inside the classroom, but that was nothing compared to what they were like on their own time. Your ears rang with the laughter and happy shouts from earlier. 

Turning your head, you watched Marcus load the air popper, his biceps moving just below the short sleeves of his shirt. Your eyes started to drink in the rest of him, but you stopped yourself. You were afraid to let your body react to him again like it had earlier. Suddenly thirsty again, you pushed away from the fridge door so you could open it. The cold air felt good on your warm skin. “So, that was a success,” you commented as your eyes searched the chilly space without seeing anything inside. 

Marcus finished popping the corn and turned his head towards you before placing the popped kernels into separate little brown paper bags for the kids. He nodded with a soft smile on his face. “It was. I’m glad you were here to help,” he commented quietly, feeling himself having to turn away from staring at your body.

He focused on the popcorn and scooping an approximately even amount of popcorn into each bag. He moved slowly and carefully so as to not waste a single kernel. He knew that if Missy’s friends were anything like her, they would be devouring the popcorn and would definitely want more. He was thankful for the concentration because the more time you were closer to him, the more he felt the need to explain his feelings for you.

You sighed quietly and shook your head and when Marcus heard you, he swiped his hands on his jeans of butter and salt and came over. “What are you looking for? Can I help you find something?” he asked as he tried to lean into the fridge to look with you but the sudden closeness of him had you holding your breath. Marcus turned his head and realized he’d made a mistake. He could smell your shampoo and it made his head swim. 

“Uhh… just trying to figure out what I could have to drink…” you stammered the words out and turned your eyes back to the fridge contents. 

Clearing his throat, Marcus did the same, “Help yourself to anything… Do you want a beer? I think I’ll have a beer.” He reached back behind the orange juice and retrieved an IPA. When you nodded, he handed it to you and felt the immediate absence of your body next to his when you backed away from the refrigerator to find the bottle opener. When he closed the door he had his own beer in his hand. 

You popped the top off yours and held the bottle opener out to him, which he took, careful not to let his fingers graze yours in the process. Trying not to stare at him, you took a long swallow of the cold beverage. Just then Missy burst through the door from the living room, “Is the popcorn done yet?”

You startled slightly as Marcus smiled, focusing on his daughter, “Yes, hija.” The three of you made yourselves busy as you took the bags into the living room to hand them out. You followed Marcus and Missy and finished handing out the bags to which all of the children said thank you. You smiled at each of them but you gave Wheels a little wink which he reciprocated.

The kids all started to dig into their popcorn and get back to watching their little movie marathon that Missy had turned on. You had no idea what the movies were about but they all seemed to be very excited about it. 

Marcus left the living room with you, the two of you nearly walking side by side down the hall. Your shoulders just grazed each other as he took a few steps faster and you felt your breath hitch for a moment before you were clearing your throat and walking over to where you had set your beer down. Marcus grabbed his and walked over to the table and you opted to follow him to sit at the table beside him.

At first there was a silence between you and Marcus as you focused on the beer bottle label which had become loosened with condensation. You began to pick at it, peeling it bit by bit. Suddenly, Marcus cleared his throat, “So… tell me about you. Is your family local?” 

Family was an interesting subject for you. You knew you didn’t fit in with them, so even though you all lived in the same town and you saw your older brother quite regularly, you still felt as if you were hundreds of miles apart. You let a small smile lift your features, “Ummm… yeah… but, we aren’t very close unfortunately.” You wondered if he would push the subject. You knew a lot about Marcus Moreno. You heard many stories about him over the years. Some of them you knew were true. Others you wondered about. “It must be nice having your mom around to help you with Missy.”

You went back to peeling at the label on the bottle. Half of it had come loose now. You paused in your hyper focused activity to take a drink, startled when Marcus met your eyes. You swallowed hard and set the bottle down, feeling incapable of looking away as his dark eyes searched your face. 

Marcus couldn’t help his staring, that’s just how he listened. And when the conversation turned back to him, he sat up a bit straighter and swallowed a lump that had formed when hearing how you weren’t close with your family. He couldn’t imagine that and how lonely it might be.

“My mom certainly is great,” he said with a small nod. It was true though. Anita had been around much more after his wife died and was more than willing to help train Missy and her friends during the first alien attack last year. Marcus had a brief moment of wondering if you were a mother because seeing how you were with the kids made him think you’d make a great one.

But that comment was lost on his lips as he watched you, his eyes dancing over your features. He swallowed hard again and your own eyes couldn’t help but follow the movement of his throat. Your heart was racing and your nose flaring, which Marcus would later admit was very cute, as the two of you had a moment of intensity.

The moment seemed to draw itself out but neither of you looked away. Instead it seemed as if the space between you was closing. You inhaled sharply as his hand came up to your shoulder, stroking it lightly with his thumb, making you shiver. All the reasons you shouldn’t do this, right now, flooded your thoughts. The kids, his daughter, your students were in the next room. He was a Heroic and … your history with Heroics had not been good. 

A protest formed on your lips as you whispered his name just before his lips found yours. The kiss was gentle but firm. There was yearning there, but no demands. Your mouth opened, inviting him to deepen things and your tongue pressed against his, sweetly. A soft moan escaped your throat as your hands reached for him, finding purchase on either side of his torso. You could feel the way his ribs expanded with his own labored breathing. 

Marcus leaned in closer, if he could even manage that, when he felt your hand on his torso. Your touch was electric in ways he would have never imagined. He had been pining after you for so long and it was finally the moment he had thought of for so long.

His mind whirled with emotions as he kissed you deeper, slowly pressing his lips and tongue against you and into you, like a slow motion dance. The hand on your shoulder came up to cup your face, holding you to him as you kissed him with emotions you didn’t know you were capable of. It was a silent message between the two of you, a love letter written in the dark of night with whispers spoken into the ink.

Marcus pulled away in what felt like a too soon moment and you couldn’t help the soft whine that escaped you. Both of you were breathing hard, trying to catch your breath. Marcus rested his forehead against yours for a moment, his thumb tracing over your jaw before he pulled back just enough to look you in the eyes.

You licked your lips and treasured the taste of him for a moment longer as you tried to catch your breath. Your eyes searched his face, yearning for more, but wondering if you should even want that. Hesitantly, you pulled your hands away from his body, letting them rest a moment on his knees only for a moment, like a butterfly searching for a place to land. 

Finally, you reached for the bottle again, taking a drink trying to quench the rampant thirst Marcus had brought out of you. Nervously, your hands moved to the label once more, peeling the last of it off in one swift pull. You laid it flat on the table, letting your eyes wander to the shiny paper, then returning to his immediately. He had a pull on you that you couldn’t seem to resist. With a shaky breath, you finally voiced one of the many thoughts you were having, “What, uhhh …. What does this mean?”

Marcus felt you shift back and he let his hand drop from your face but not before sliding it down to your arm slowly. His heart wouldn’t calm down as he watched you pull the label off but his eyes were only watching the movement in his peripherals. He was watching your face, watching your eyes, your lips and he could feel the way his own still tingled from the contact.

Your voice broke his stares and he cleared his throat. His lower lip quivered a moment, unsure of how to answer it without feeling too forward. Hell, you had just kissed in his kitchen with kids in the other room. Was there really such a thing as being too forward at this point?

“It uh-” he paused, his other hand coming to the label you had peeled off and picking at it slightly. A momentary distraction to try to gather his racing thoughts, ”I guess it’s me telling you that I like you. Ha- have liked you. For a while now,” his words stammered out. He let his gaze fall upon the label as he nervously picked at the corners, feeling the plastic coated paper peel away from itself as he touched it.

You couldn’t help but smile at his words, his shy movements. This was the great Marcus Moreno, leader of the Heroics, confessing that he liked you. “For a while?” You wondered aloud. You’d had no idea. A warmth filled your chest at this new knowledge and Marcus finally looked at you from the corner of his eyes, smiling shyly. Your heart hitched at the adorableness of that look. 

But, then reality came roaring back to the forefront of your thoughts, forcing you to look away again. You thought of the kids in the other room. Of the way your family had always looked down at you, when they were the ones who were supposed to love you. The way you’d rebelled as a teenager, lashing out and getting into trouble. “I … uhhh, I like you too… but…” you didn’t want to tell him this wouldn’t work between you. But, some part of you wondered if that was true. Were you just getting in your own way? Letting your past affect your future. 

Marcus waited patiently for you to gather your thoughts, even though he was dying to know what came after that “but”. He couldn’t imagine what it could possibly be. He hadn’t felt anything like this in years. 

Finally, you shook your head and finished your thought, “why me? I’m nothing special.” You’d heard that enough times to know it was the truth. Marcus’s face dropped. That wasn’t the end of the sentence he was expecting. He thought it would be one of the other numerous excuses he had heard from others he had shown interest in. “Too busy.” “Too focused on work.” “Not good at relationships.”

He wasn’t expecting this but when he saw your own face change he reached over and held the underside of your chin gingerly. He slowly lifted your face to look him in the eyes. “You are though. So special,” he reminded you quietly as he leaned in and let his lips press against yours softly.

[green-g3ck0]

Philza has joined the game

[I wrote this in mind that’s it’s setting is if L’manburg didn’t get blown up but it’s after Schlatt lost power]

<<Characters: Wilbur, Niki, Tubbo, Tommy, Eret, Fundy, Dream>>

Though the Dream SMP had its fair share of rules and commands, who interacted with who was not one of them.

Anyone could comment with others outside of teams. Sapnap and Tommy got along fine, Fundy and Eret could manage well, and Wilbur and Schlatt could crack jokes here and there.

Everyone got along just fine outside of bits. Some bits though... happen to slip into daily life.

Wilbur sighed softly as he sat in the grass next to Niki, watching the rest of what used to be L’Manburg’s team jump and run around the festivals remains.

He watched as Tommy would surpass Tubbo in a race to slap Erets hand in victory, Tubbo pausing to watch something.

The Pogtopian man followed his eyesight to see Fundy texting away in the chat. Though, the messages seemed to be whispers to someone unknown for now.

Tommy ran up the hill towards the couple and huffed in victory. He shouted at Wilbur, celebrating his scores to the unconcerned Brit.

Seeing he wasn’t paying attention, he looked at where everyone else was and cocked an eyebrow.

“Why are you so worried about Fundy? I’m sure he’s fucking around with something important.” The blond stated.

“Tommy- he’s talking to someone. I don’t know who, but it’s someone he cares about.” Wilbur replied.

“Maybe it’s Dream?” Niki piped in.

Both of the males quickly looked at her in dismay.

“What? I mean- Fundy proposed to Dream after they watched Treasure Planet. I wouldn’t be too surprised since they’ve been talking a lot since, and that’s probably why Fundy was on Schlatts side for so long.” She explained.

Wilbur still stared her down as Tommy laughed beside him. Eret called for Tubbo and Tommy to come back and said boy turned to go back down.

“Niki..” said girl tensed at her name being spoken.

“Why..? Why would that be an idea- I’m sorry but Fundy is still my son, whether he’d like to admit it or not, and thinking he could be with the man I have a rivalry with- that had to be one of the most absurd things I’ve heard you say!” He chuckled.

Not wanting to start a fight, Niki nodded and laughed a bit, turning her attention back to the field.

Fundy looked around to see if anyone was watching him closely. Niki was watching the other boys, Wilbur following suit. The rest happening to go fight in the boxing ring.

Fundy backed up until he was hidden and whispered to his last texted.

[You whisper to Dream: I’ll be right over, just gotta get out of sight of “father” lmao]

He ran down the hill towards the river and checked to see if he was out of sight still.

[Dream whispers to you: idk why you’re so worried of him. Nothing to hide, he’s just old. But good, I got something to show you ;)]

Fundy blushed as he read the text and started swimming towards the prime path. Once he got there, he got up and shook himself off mostly dry.

[You whisper to Dream: you know him, he still hates you from L’Manburg days. I’ll meet you at the community house, can’t wait to see the surprise ;)]

He sighed contently as he walked down the path, lazily looking around at anything. He watched as Techno and Quackity ran around a bit away. He glanced behind himself to see Karl and his fiancé skipping around the path and laughing with red faces. He checked to see who’s online; George and Schlatt no where to be seen. No real surprise there.

A figure flew above him onto the house roof, and his ears perked up, along with his steps. He quickened his pace, hurrying to see his loved one.

He went to touch the handle of the door, but it already opened in front of him, a white mask smiling at him.

The mask lifted up and the Dutchman blushed at the cute brunette behind it.

“Please come in!” Dream stepped aside and let his fiancé in, shutting the door behind him.

“Thank you baby. What’s up, what did you wanna show me?” His smile became a bit more fake as a message read in chat.

Tommyinnit: yo Fundy wya??

Dream took note and softly wrapped his arms around the fox, giving him a small forehead kiss.

“What I can’t see my fiancé in private and get to enjoy time with him alone??” He smirked softly.

Fundy’s smile grew bigger with his blush, and he hugged him back. “You’re adorable, but you know what I meant.”

Dream chuckled and let go of the smaller one, reaching into his inventory to get something.

The other male looked around carefully, waiting for the brunette to find the item. He felt like he was being watched, but he shrugged it off, knowing and feeling safe with Dream.

As he looked back to his lover, a delicate hand grabbed his and he looked down to watch. Something small was places in his hand and was forced to close over it.

Dream stepped back and watched Fundy carefully open his hand to look at the item.

It was a small polished granite heart. A black string wrapped around a small gold clip attached to it. The heart wasn’t too thick in width, it was a bit thin, but it was still dense. Fundy moved it around to see it was polished just enough that it looked red. He rubbed his thumb over the smooth material and smiled wide. His eyes pricked with tears as he looked up from the stone.

“Baby..!” He whined and tackled Dream in a hug. “I love it so much!! Thank you thank you thank you!!! Thank you so much!!”

The masked man laughed and hugged his loved one back, glad that he enjoyed it as much as he did. He wasn’t even expecting that much love, I mean it’s made of granite- who loves granite??

He then got a shiver when he saw someone watching from a distance. He glared softly and hugged the Dutchman tighter. No way was he going to lose the one person who tried so hard for him.

Fundy took so long to get here. He wasn’t going to give it up so easily. No way. He coded night and day for this. Not a chance.

~~~

Fundy walked back to Manburg holding the small pendant in hand. It saddened him to imagine everyone not realizing he left. Dream would realize right away. That’s why Dream is the one. He would care. His “family” doesn’t.

He quickly shoved the necklace into his pocket as he watched a small brunette run up to him.

“Fundy there you are! You need to box Tommy!” He grabbed the others hand and dragged him to the small ring.

“Seriously, he needs the ego deflate.” A deep voice said behind the two. Fundy chuckles lightly at the comment and quickly followed the brits.

He pushed his anxiety aside and gained a false confidence to try and scare the teen. As he walked up to the ring, he saw Tommy leaning on the railing talking to Niki. Wilbur walked over and sat next to her, whispering something in her ear.

Fundy shook it off and joined the old champion in the ring. He knew Tommy usually had a bigger ego than he could handle, and Fundy was glad to take him down.

He sighed heavily and put everything he had in a chest so he wouldn’t risk losing them just in case.

He looked up to see a small figure in the distance and he smiled knowing who it is. He shook his body loose and tried to clear his mind. He didn’t want to lose and embarrass himself in front of him.

He took the necklace out of his pocket and put it around his neck, feeling a new genuine confidence sprouting.

He shook his hands and bounced a bit, looking at the blond teen across from him. He smirked and stood ready.

“Get ready to lose bitch!” Tommy copied Fundy and laughed.

Tommy flung forward and swung at his target. The other man dodged and retaliated, hitting his arm. They both kept swinging until Tommy made a move that sent Fundy over the edge.

When Tommy swung at Fundy next, he happen to catch the necklace. Fundy felt the string break around his neck and he watched the pendant fall onto the floor of the ring.

His blood boiled and he didn’t know what came over him. He glared at the teen in front of him and decked him in the cheek.

Tommy fell to the floor unconscious.

Fundy stood back and huffed as he watched Tubbo run in and check on his friend.

“Fundy what the hell?!” He heard Wilbur bitch, but he ignored him and picked up the pendant.

He felt a rush of cold air behind him and he calmly looked to see who it was.

Dream rested on the barrier and nodded. “Good job, Funds. Needed to be done.”

Fundy nodded and looked back down at the heart. He traced it and wiped off any dirt or grime possibly on it.

“Don’t condone this Dream! He just knocked Tommy out!” Wilbur continued.

“When have you not liked a little silence on his end though? Besides, his ego was too enflamed.” Dream replied.

The rest of the conversation drowned out in Fundys ears. All he could hear was incoherent yelling. He walked over to Tommy and grabbed the string from his hand. He tried to find a way to attach them back together, but to no avail.

He walked off the arena and blindly stepped toward the podium. He could feel someone following him and he sat down in one of the chairs in front of the podium.

“Fundy?”

He looked up to the voice and saw his lover. He nodded in response and looked back down at the pendant.

“Dream.. he broke it..” the Dutchman spoke quietly.

[And scene. This is all I had but after Nov 16 I just,,, didn’t want to finish it. But maybe if it gets enough love I’ll continue it- maybe. But I wanna work on other stuff. Maybe different husband shit- or maybe Karlnap 🤔 iunno- we’ll wait and see ;P]

[aizawasbodypillow]

Truly Madly Deeply

Ship: All Might x Reader Prompt: Was for my BNHA Hangout server collab before I had to move blogs Length: over 1k A/N: Soft Toshinori is my jam.  I love him so much.

The sigh escaped as you spotted Toshinori hunched over the desk softly snoring after another long day at UA.  He was going to run himself ragged if he kept it up and you didn’t have any idea on how to distract him.  As long as you’d known him, he was single minded in his purpose and goal.  “The Symbol of Peace” was all he’d been known as for so long, but now he only had teaching.  All Might was still a name on the people’s lips but it wasn’t as positive as it used to be.  You reached over and plucked the cell phone hanging limply from his fingers.  A series of articles flashed across the screen and another heavy sigh passed your lips.

“Oh Toshinori.  You shouldn’t listen to these people.  You never have before.”  The headlines talked of chaos and fear that people were experiencing.  Without All Might how will we survive?  That one made you shake your head.  Toshinori already put so much on his shoulders, he didn’t need to be reading the public doing the same.  You gently set the phone down beside his head and nudged his shoulder.  

He straightened up like a shot as his eyes darted around the room.  Leftover from his hero days no doubt.  The electric blue landed on your form and the lines eased from around his eyes and mouth.  His voice was whisper soft as he murmured your name and held out a hand for you. “Did I fall asleep again?”  You ran your fingers through his hair as he wrapped an arm around your waist, tugging until you were pressed against him.

“You work so hard Toshi. It’s okay to take a break every now and then you know?”  He sighed and you could already hear his argument in your head and heart.  Instead of arguing you pressed a kiss to the top of his head.  “Let’s get you into bed.  If you stay out here then you’ll do nothing but complain about your back hurting tomorrow.”

“Are you insinuating that I am old?”  You paused and tucked your tongue into your cheek.

“Well…  If we put the candles on your birthday cake next year we may have to call the fire department.”  You let that sink in for a second before squealing when his fingers gently pinched an ass cheek.  “Hey!”

“And you’re too cheeky for your own good.”  You leaned down and pressed your lips to his with the laughter on your lips.  He loved this.  The quiet times, the times where he’d get to taste your laugh on your lips. There had been too many days in the past where he’d thought he’d never get to come home to you.  Now.  Now he was able to see you almost every day.  Like he’d once dreamed about when he first met you.  

“But you love how cheeky I get.  If I remember right…”  You flashed him a wicked grin.  “You fell in love with me the day you rescued me.”  The memory was a treasured one.

“And you told me.  If I remember, to kiss your ass.”  The memory always brought a chuckle out of him. You’d been the only one to never be in awe of who he was.  He was All Might but he wasn’t All Might to you.  He’d greatly appreciated never having to worry about your love being because of hero worship.  You loved him for being Toshinori.  

“I was not having a good day that day.  At least up until the number one asked for my phone number.”  He coughed to cover up the embarrassment of that blunder.  He’d been so shocked at being told where to shove his rescuing that he’d blurted out the question: Can I have your number?

“And I still remember what your face looked like.”  Toshinori protested only slightly when you gently tugged him up out of his chair. Even in his smaller form he was still a tall man.  Your lips twitched as you heard the creak and pop of his joints as he stood.  “Not a word.”  You swallowed the giggle that threatened to spill out.

“I am offended you’d think I’d say anything.”  His eyes narrowed as your voice shook with barely constrained amusement.  

“I hear you get up in the morning too.”  Toshinori chuckled at the shocked gasp that he got from you.  “What did you compare yourself to this morning?”  He grasped his chin as if in thought.  You lightly smacked his shoulder as you knew perfectly well what you said.  “Ah yes. A bowl of Rice Krispies.”  

“Rude.”  You stuck out your tongue at him as you walked down the hall to the bedroom with him.  Toshinori chuckled at your childish display.  He hoped you never lost it.  Throughout it all you never treated him reverently.  Like some idol to be worshipped.  Anytime he came home and there had been a chore forgotten he’d get an earful about it.  At home he wasn’t All Might and he loved that about you.  Loved that with you.  He loved you.

“You wouldn’t have me any other way.”  You turned to look at him and the look in your eyes stopped him in his tracks. There wasn’t a trace of amusement in your eyes but what was there stole his breath.  His hand lifted for your cheek as his thumb brushed over the skin there. He knew your face and could see it in his dreams.  Could picture every single feature when he closed his eyes.  This wasn’t the first time he’d seen the emotion shining in your eyes but it was the first time it had stolen his breath.  He was afraid that touching it or speaking of it would shatter it and he’d be left standing in the shards of your love.

“No.  I wouldn’t have you any other way than what you are Toshinori.” You leaned in and kissed him gently. Just a feather soft brush of your lips against his but the wealth of emotion behind the kiss weighed it down. He found himself sinking into the kiss, tugging you back for more with the hand on your cheek.  A soft sound left your parted lips as his sealed over them. It was almost his undoing hearing the quiet sigh.  

His hand tensed against your cheek and your hand automatically covered his.  The gentle touch anchored him and he lifted his head. You smiled at him as he pressed his forehead against yours.  “If I didn’t have to go in early tomorrow.”  You couldn’t stop the stupid smile that made its way on your lips.

“Oh?  And what would that be Mr. All Might?”  The mischief in your voice had a laugh slipping past his own lips.  “Will you keep me up all night lecturing me on my devious ways?”  That broke him and the laughter filled the room.  It was one of the first times you’d teased him you’d but you’d been bare ass naked when you’d said it.  His genuine confusion had caused you to laugh so hard you’d choked. That first time together had been filled with laughter which had eased his nerves with you.  He’d fallen completely head over heels with you the moment he’d seen you laughing without a stitch of clothes on.

“You wish.”  He snorted in reply as he tugged you in close for a hug.  His eyes landed on the table by his side of the bed and what was in it.  He’d never been able to do it while he’d been number one and he still wasn’t sure he could without villains targeting you.  Despite not being the number one hero, he still had a wealth of enemies that would look for any opening to hurt him.  He felt your arms wrap around him and your heart racing against your chest.  Just like his.  All these years and he still felt his heart jump whenever he walked into the room with you.

“Boo.  You’re no fun.”  You softened your words with a kiss to his cheek and a grin on your lips. He squeezed you in a tight hug despite your laughing protests.  They were muffled as he gave you another kiss before releasing you.

“What would you say if I asked you to marry me?”  That brought you up short.  There’d been talk about marriage and why it was never a good idea.  To be honest you’d been okay with it.  The Symbol of Peace had too many enemies at his back and you understood his concerns.  Rather than have him worry every time while out, and potentially put others in danger, you agreed to remain as a committed partner.  It had worked out well for the two of you all these years.

“Come on Toshinori. You told me why that wasn’t a good idea years ago.”  You gently nudged his shoulder with a nervous laugh.  Why would he bring it up again?  Nerves tangled in your belly.  Was he worried about what would happen to you when the inevitable happened? Your fingers tightened on his sleeves as he gazed into your eyes.  “Toshi?” The quiet question broke him from his thoughts.

“I’m no longer the Symbol of Peace.  I’ll always have enemies but I have to put my faith in the heroes that are out there today. Put my faith into young Midoriya and his classmates that they will be able to fill my shoes.”  He reached up and brushed the backs of his fingers over your cheek.  “But I can’t picture my life without you in it.”  Your heart squeezed tight at the soft look on his face.  As if there was no one else in this world but you.  The nerves warmed your belly as you tried to figure out what he was trying to say.

“Toshi?”  He stepped towards the bed and pulled open the top drawer of his nightstand.  You followed his movements and your eyes widened when he pulled out the velvet box. It looked so tiny in his hand. Like a children’s toy given from a capsule machine but you had a sinking feeling that there was no child’s toy in that box.  You whispered his name again as he turned back to you.

“Do you know when I first bought this?”  You shook your head.  You had no clue he even had the box.  He held it out for you and you gently lifted it with only slightly shaky fingers.  “Go ahead.”  You tilted your head in confusion but flipped open the top of the box. The gasp left your lips.  The ring was nestled against the same velvet that made the box.  The cut and stones were perfect.  

“Toshi.  I.”  He placed his finger against your lips and gently shook his head.

“Please.  I had thought of this years ago.  There just.”  He sighed as he looked at your face.  The shock, the love, and the barely restrained emotion there.  “There just didn’t seem to be a right time.  I know there will always be enemies dogging my heels because of who I was.  I can’t avoid that.”  His voice was low and serious as he spoke while his hands took the box from you. He plucked the ring out of the velvet and let the box drop between you.  “But I can’t live without you in my life.  Never have been.  Since the very first time you told me to kiss your ass.”  That earned him a shaky burst of laughter from you.  “I’ve wanted to make it something that will last.  Be forever.”

“It already is Toshi. I don’t need a ring on my finger to make it any more real.”  Your quiet words reassured him that you did love him.  Had loved him for all of these years.  You put up with so much but he wanted to see the ring on your finger. Making you his.  A visible show to the world that you were his partner, his love, and anyone who dared to get between you would be in for a world of hurt.

“I know.”  He pressed his lips against your forehead as he held the ring between his fingers.  “We don’t need to have it to make our love real.  I want to ask and do this right.”  He stepped back and dropped down to one knee.  “I want you to be mine.  And to show the rest of the world that what we have is real.  And nothing they do can ever break it apart.”  

Tears misted your vision as he held the ring up to you.  You barely saw it thanks to them but you managed a nod.  “I will Toshi.  Always.” He slipped it onto your finger the cool metal warming quick on your skin.  You’d never dared hope you could get married to Toshi one day.  It just hadn’t seemed possible.  He was the Symbol of Peace.  Now?  Now he could be Toshinori Yagi and soon you’d be able to share that last name.  You liked the sound of that.  You looked back at him to tell him how much you loved him when you noticed his discomfort.  “Toshi?”

“Well.”  He coughed as he tried not to give away his predicament.

“Toshinori Yagi.  Are you telling me you can’t get up?”  He had the grace to flush but you leaned down and wrapped your arms under his.  He slowly got up and sighed at your laughter.  He didn’t want to know what you were going to say.  Likely something full of snark and teasing but it would make him laugh anyway.

“Go ahead and say it.” You laughed at the resignation in his voice.  You stepped back after he was on his feet and gave him a mischievous grin.

“Should I be the one carrying you over the threshold then?”  You laughed as he moved lightning quick and had you in his arms.  Despite the wiry build he still had enough in him to lift you up.  “Toshi! I’m heavy!  Put me down before you hurt your back!”  

“Okay.”  He stepped over to the bed and dropped you like a rock onto it.  You cursed his name as he laughed before joining you on it, pinning you down with his weight.  “I do love you.”  His words stopped your struggling as you looked up at him in surprise. “Madly.  Deeply.”  He pressed a kiss against your lips to punctuate each word.  “And forever.”

[danddymaro]

Bucky Barnes x Reader |Pt.5

Word Count: 2119   | Part 3: Rising

Very short chapter.

Previous part : Content

Rising

“Sometimes I wonder what my place is in this world.” She said out loud, 

“And it’s always amazing to think that there are people that idolize me,” She added with amusement, thinking fondly of all the people that have stopped her, the most treasured moments being those with children.

‘ From an outsider’s perspective...I guess I have everything figured out,’ She mused, ‘And it makes it worse because I’m just one big lie,’ She went on.

 "- Because the truth is, I don't know what I'm really doing with myself. And it feels like, at this point...I should already have everything figured out." She said while staring down at her palms, pondering over just what their purpose was.

“ Oftentimes, I want to find what that reason is,” (f/n) spoke, “ I have the interest to change, but, just as I feel that way I cave. And then, I just go on with what’s given to me. “ She admitted.

“ And it’s so contradicting... to want so much, yet, be this compliant.” She voiced out, blowing out a soft, lukewarm chuckle.

'I'm pathetic,' She thought to herself, ‘Am I just not trying enough?’ She then wondered.

“I want to be so much stronger.” She said while looking up, (e/c) colored eyes full of certainty while the (dark/light) orbs finally found their way to his.

 “I want to be much more...just like you,” She said while looking straight at the man, wanting to match his every step, but knowing fully well that she lacked plenty to do so. 

“But...I know it’s impossible,” She admitted, aware that if she had a tail it’d be tucked in between her legs, hiding in misery as she admitted her deepest insecurity to him,

‘How can I Overcome being Human? ' She wondered, her certainty quickly dying out, vanishing with a low, azure breath.

'Is this all I’m meant to be?

Is this my limitation?’ She continued to ponder.

"I just can't do it..." She admitted, her voice sounding soft and strained as she uttered the words.

Quiet silence filled the spaces in between, and just when she was growing accustomed to the quiet, he spoke, 

“ Is this your way of throwing in the towel? ” He then asked her, his gloved index giving her chin a quick nudge up, the loving bump up forcing her to look at him.

"Huh?" He added, “Is this your way of saying goodbye?” He proceeded to asked her, shaking his head all the while, seeming disappointed, though, throughout it all, offering her a faint smile. 

Stunned at the question, she stayed quietly still, her only action being the deep, harsh swallow she executed.

“If so, then you could at least look at me,” He mused, his soft smile inching up more, the very action forcing a shaky breath from her, because until then, she'd avoided actually gazing into his eyes.

‘Do I have a choice?’ She idly wondered, ‘Can I fight it?’ 

‘ Or...Is this goodbye?’ She continued to wonder, a sharp pain suddenly striking her, forcing her to step back, distancing herself from the man. 

Stumbling, she nearly fell before doubling over.

At that, he took a step to her, following her while she found her distance, soon continuing at the same pace she drew back. 

She felt as though her body were being split in two, and helplessly, she wrapped her arms around herself as though attempting to hold her two halves into one, all while he watched, his blue eyes observing her.

“- I believe in you.” He said with certainty. “So don’t tell me you’re done, “ he went on, watching as she crumpled, her body withering in pain. 

"You've held on this long," He informed her, " - It's not just luck," Steve apprised her.

"Come on," he encouraged her, his hand held out to her. 

“Just come towards me,” He enthused, baiting her like a man would a beast, all with a promise in his palm, 

"(f/n),” He called out to her. 

“(f/n)….” he went on, his voice sounding faint whilst she stopped, her (e/c) colored eyes tightly closed as she grimaced, a blaring alarm ringing, the obnoxious sound bouncing within her pounding brain,  overpowering the sound of his calls.

Blindly, she reached out, her arm stretched as far as it could go, waving left and right to try and take hold of his hand.

‘I’m trying,’ She swore. ‘This time...I’m really trying,’ She went on, with stumbled steps she hobbled forward, walking towards the warmth that led her towards a bright path.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

A deafening, strangled cry made blue eyes go wide, the blood-curdling noise causing the light hairs that were on the back of his neck to all stand, pointed out with alarm.

His head rose from its hanged state, and during then, his eyes lingered in awe, softly breathing the woman's name in a dazed fashion that perfectly mirrored his every bit of astonishment.

Stilled, he watched as right before him, she had awoken with a start, not knowing where she was, the first recollection she had being that of the vicious encounter in the wilderness whilst held at the mercy of a cornered beast.

The howl that had been silenced during that period finally found its way out, bouncing off of the white walls with alarm, no longer restricted.

She rose, her upper body lifting off from the mattress, and soon after she found herself sitting, her hands instantly flying towards her gaping mouth.

Again, the bitter taste filled her tongue, dancing over her miserable buds before powerful coughs that were mighty enough to rake her entire body overwhelmed her.

Scarlet dripped from her parted lips, splattering out like the flowing waters of a sprinkler in its moderate setting, creating a scandalous mess that painted her surrounding with the barbaric tint.

The falling liquid stained the white bedsheets, and the distant grey-colored gown alike, leaving traces of its fierce brilliance behind. 

Everything in its path lay colored with red, dripping from her paled lips and landing in small splotches that were similar to red azalea’s scattered over the white snow.

The monitor beside her began to pick up with life again, beeping wildly to keep up with her racing heart, roaring loudly with its digital sound throughout the previously silent room with its own form of excitement.

Greedily, she swallowed up masses of air, gasping like a drowning person in panic.

Her (e/c) eyes briefly skimmed around the room, the wet (e/c) colored orbs soon catching sight of the two men there with her, as they too stared at her wide-eyed, gobsmacked by the occurrence.

Dark chocolate drops and crystalline gems met with her own (e/c) orbs for only a split second before she succumbed to darkness once more.

The sudden sluggishness hit her with an unexpected sucker punch that overwhelmed her, whilst at that very moment, a searing fire ran across the length of her abdomen in a crude, jagged line.

Her head soon collided with the softness of the cushioned pillow, as she came crashing back down, falling like an anvil from a skyscraper.

'Again...' She thought to herself, drowsily taking in the sensation of pain before welcoming the sweet warmth that coddled her afterward.

‘But it feels different,‘ Accepting the comforting lull into darkness.

As she felt herself drift off, she felt a soft heat consume her again just as it had before during the same moment that the sun had so kindly coaxed her from the path of darkness.

The hot pain she felt was subdued to soft tingles before she was welcomed by a tranquil silence that felt welcoming and kind, and more like a new beginning rather than a bitter end.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

When he had heard the monitor stop, he held in his breath, the man too afraid to look at the thin, red line that was drawn across the screen, because he knew that once he caught sight of the sign, there was no hope left.

There would be no measly bit of faith to hold on to, leaving the unconscious woman to become a memory, one with a final sweet expression that would forever haunt him for failing her.

He had been hesitant to look at her still body, unwilling to accept that she actually laid there without the same life she had been bursting with before only hours prior.

After the blaring sound, all he'd heard was silence, an unbearable quiet he wished was full of her voice instead, all until the monitor decided to fret, its sound masked by another cry.

- And it absolutely stunned him.

Steve Rogers couldn't believe it, because, before him, just a few feet away was the woman he had thought to have lost, now budding with new life.

“How..?” He breathed, an enormous smile spreading onto his previously grief-stricken face as he, too, swallowed up globs of air.

It was a mystery he didn't even care to get explanations for because he would be satisfied the rest of his life to simply know that she was now well, brought back to him by whatever strange force that decided to work its wonder.

'You're back...' He thought with a wash of relief.

Sam had been at his side, his hand suspended in the air before he became startled by the sudden revival, all to a point he was motionless with stun.

He was the first to move, soon standing at the woman's side, gazing at her with astonished, dark eyes.

Throughout his life, he'd been witness to many things, exposed to many scenarios no common person could ever even fathom, yet, what had occurred that day was the most staggering up to date.

It was nothing short of a miracle, because as he inspected her sleeping face, he stood stunned, finding amazement in what was happening before his own eyes.

He began signaling Rogers with vigorous hand movements, all so he would find a place at his side and watch the phenomenon.

Entranced, they watched as the bluish marks marrying her body faded, taking with them every speck of imperfection that had been there after the mission. they disappeared, vanishing without a trace of evidence that was proof of her struggle.

“I don’t know how she did it,” Sam started, all while shaking his head down at his sleeping friend, “But she actually managed to cheat death,” he said while beginning to smile broadly, a swell of pride striking him.

‘That’s it,’ Wilson thought to himself, cheering her on.

The blonde couldn't even begin to define the joy he felt, feeling the weight of his heavy heart grow light with his friend’s words,

“ She sure did,” he responded back, hanging his head tiredly as a weary chuckle escaped him, one that soon morphed into true, joyous laughter.

Sam gave him a side glance, watching as the taller male covered the upper portion of his face, shielding his slightly glossed eyes as he laughed alongside him.

There was nothing to fear, nothing to shed sorrows for, and even then, he couldn't help but let the faint trace of misery escape him.

‘You were so close...You were right there.’ He thought to himself, grateful she’d found her way back to them.

“Got a tear in your eye there captain?” Sam said smiling, the teasing tone that made Steve snicker.

‘Leave it to Sam…’ He thought with an eye roll, shaking his head at the playful remark.

“ Nah...” he breathed, “ It’s just a little something... you know from dusting you every morning for the past 2 years.” The blonde responded, giving the darker-skinned man a sympathetic pat to the back before turning to the exit.

He was quick to run his forearm over his eyes, doing away with the threatening tears, deciding to leave with a present smile instead, one that held more meaning as Wilson stayed behind, all while at a loss for words.

Sam then rolled his own eyes, his mouth hanging open at the rather smooth reply, surprised at the ease it left the super-soldier.

He half shrugged, nodding, “ Ok, maybe I had that coming.” He said while chuckling, not bothered in the least bit by the jab.

“Good one,” he complimented.

“- Come on Sam, I'm sure all she needs is some sleep,” Steve said while staring over to the steady breathing girl, trusting her to pull through.

With a silent nod, the other male agreed, following in suit.

Both men walked out, certain their friend would be only hours away from being the same joy she’d been before.

All she needed was a little rest, just some shut-eye and she’d be up running alongside them again.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Next Part : 

[chaseatinydream]

treasure: brothers forever || j.yh (atz)

He could hear the screams.

It used to disgust him, the bloodthirsty screams of the monsters beyond the stone walls. With each of their roars, lead coursed through his veins and a cold fury burned in his heart, the revulsion that brewed inside him as potent as poison. The voices of the demons, he used to believe they were, and he swore he could glimpse hellfire burning behind their ash-strewn eyes.

Once, when he was younger, he hated them, was sickened by them, was repulsed by them. Every one of them were the spawn of the devil, curled horns and forked tongues hidden behind human skin and rouge that only reminded him of blood dripping from their lips. The expensive furs and beads couldn’t fool him, even if they could beguile the eye of everyone else.

Back then, he had refused to let himself be hoodwinked, to lose himself in this arena of the mind.

There was the clattering of heavy iron chains slithering across the ground, rattling and groaning as the gate before him began to rise. His fingers tightened around the shaft of his spear, feeling the rough wood under his touch, and his other hand raises his shield.

Once, when he had been a child, he pretended that he was a great warrior, about to charge onto the battlefield, ready to sacrifice his life for a noble cause.

The screams started again, vengeful and hungry for blood, bleeding with frenzied excitement. He closed his eyes against the sight before him, and took a single breath.

One step.

Two steps.

Three steps.

He could feel the two silver rings in his hair, their comforting weight resting against his temple. Yes. He would return. He would not leave him behind.

Gravel crunched under his feet, reverberating in his ears even as the cries and hollers of the monsters grew louder, trying to drown out every thought in his mind. To him, they were nothing more than the roars of malevolent beasts of the night, hounds with glowing red eyes at every turn.

Once, when he had first stepped onto this bloodstained ground, tears ran down his cheeks, pale and bloodless with terror.

He opened his eyes, not a trace of fear in his eyes as he stared down the monsters in the stands.

“May I present you, Jeong Yunho, the undefeated one, primordial of battle and war, an all round favourite of all of our patrons, the one and only Titan!”

Once, a long time in the past, Jeong Yunho would have spat at the title, refusing to accept such a fate for himself that would turn him into nothing more than a mindless killing machine. But people grew up harsh and scarred by life, and he learned that fighting against his fate would only lead to the dead end. He was no longer that starry eyed boy who dreamed of one day seeing the sea, meeting people from all over the world, tasting the air of freedom. Dreams were nothing more than lies.

And he had crushed them all.

He raised his spear and shouted into the still air.

“Titan!”

And the crowd screamed his name.

Jeong Yunho was the Titan of Vera Cruz.

In Greek mythology, the Titans had been a race of deities, the second generation of divine beings who brought the earth into creation. They were forces of nature to be reckoned with, all-mighty and godlike, their power knew no bounds. Nothing in this world could bring them down.

Yunho didn’t like to think about his gladiator title in such a romantic, fairy tale manner, but he was determined to be just like it, if not better.

The lion opposite him snarled, baring its jaws to reveal incisors the length of his fingers, but they didn’t scared him in comparison the hidden fangs of the spectators in the stands.

His spear flashed forward without hesitation.

The massive beast leapt at him, but Yunho immediately threw himself to the side, rolling away from it. Now was not the time to think his actions through, for if he did not move the second his instinct demanded him to he would be dead in seconds. It lunged for him with its claws outstretched and Yunho felt them tear through the skin of his side, warm blood dripping down his skin.

The spectators booed, demanding him to fight back, but Yunho merely ignored them, heart pounding in his chest as he eyed the lion carefully, trying to figure out his next move. Fighting the apex feline head on offensively was nothing more than folly, and if he tried that he’d been cat food in seconds.

The lion charged him once more and he could hear the screams of the spectators in the stands rise to a fevered pitch as they eagerly awaited his death. For a moment, he felt a sense of pity for the lion. It reminded him of himself in some way, such a ferocious, primal beast tamed for the mere enjoyment of humans, forced to live and fight to death in this godforsaken arena, never to see the world outside ever again.

But then again, they were also different.

“Sorry about this.” He muttered under his breath, gripping his spear tight and staring the lion in the eye as it pounced at him, leaping high into the air. “But I really can’t afford to die here.”

He slid beneath the lion’s claws in one smooth motion, his spear arcing up into the beast’s heart.

“Brother, are you awake?”

When Yunho opened his eyes, he was in his bed once more. A wooden board underneath his back, the thatched ceiling of straw above him. There was a painful burning sensation at his left side and even half awake he could feel sticky blood seeping through the sloppily done bandages. That was how the arena treated them. Mere creatures which fought for the amusement of the wealthy.

Yunho closed his eyes once more as he sank back against the filthy ground.

Perhaps he’d get infection, but at that point, the exhaustion was too much for him to bother about it.

“I don’t know.”

He could hear Gunho’s indignant little puff of air and even through the agony, a tiny smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Then his younger brother was shaking him by the arm, insistent on getting him to the bed.

“Brother, you can’t keep sleeping on the floor with that injury! The healer said that if the wound gets dirty, it could become infected!”

Yunho groaned, shaking his head in refusal.

“Gunho, you know I like the floor more.”

He didn’t. The floor was hard and his bones would ache after a night on the wooden planks, at night it’d get drafty and his fingers turned blue from the cold. He dearly wanted just one night on a straw mattress, no matter how thin or worn it had become. But the bed was Gunho’s. That was indisputable.

“Hyung, you got mauled by a lion! Stop trying to take care of me, I’m a big boy now!”

Yunho almost snorted.

No, he wasn’t. Gunho was only fifteen, a mere child. Yunho, barely two years older than him, had to fulfil the role as his older brother and protector, sacrificing everything to keep his younger brother safe and alive.

The rage that used to bubble up in his chest at the thought of his parents, who had sold him and Gunho to the arena in return for a single gold coin each, no longer came. Instead, he glanced over at his brother’s concerned face and wished for just a moment that they could have at least taken Gunho with them instead of leaving him in such a desolate place such as this.

But dreams were nothing more than lies, and wishing wouldn’t get them fed.

“I’m tired.” He cut his younger brother’s lengthy explanation about infection and fever off with a curt sentence. “Go to sleep. I have a big day tomorrow.”

Gunho froze at his words.

“Yeah…” There had been a fight scheduled for him tomorrow, against another of the arena’s gladiators they had grown up with, shared rice with, been brothers with. But the crowd loved this sort of drama, the tension and emotions running wild in the air as two people or more who had once been so close fought each other to the death with their own lives on the line.

Sometimes it ended up in romance if the patrons loved the tales of two star crossed lovers. Sometimes it ended up with friendship if the audience was touched by their story of brotherhood and strength.

But most of the time, it ended in tragedy.

That was how Yunho’s previous battle had gone, at least. It was clear who had survived.

“Brother…” Gunho’s voice trembled and Yunho opened his eyes to see his younger brother quiet, hands fisted in the hem of his shirt and head bowed, one silver ring hanging from his dark hair. Yunho knew its meaning. “What if it’s me?”

Yunho paused for a moment to think about it.

What if he was forced to fight his brother in the arena one day?

As much as Yunho had lain awake each night on the floor thinking this through, listening to the soft breathing of his younger brother as he slept on the bed above him, his answer had always been the same.

“Then you need to kill me, because I can’t hurt you.”

Gunho’s face crumpled at his older brother’s declaration, twisting with guilt and unease. “Brother… That’s not fair, I can’t hurt you either.”

Yunho shook his head firmly.

“I’m the older brother, I’m supposed to protect you.” He said. There was no uncertainty in his voice and deep within him, Yunho knew it rang true. As Gunho’s older brother, his entire being was dedicated to ensuring that he survived no matter the odds, even if he had to give up his own life in the process.

“But-”

“Go to sleep, Gunho. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” Yunho cut off the younger boy and turned over on the floor to face the wall. He heard his brother’s unhappy sigh behind him and the shifting of the straw mattress, before something rough was being draped over him.

The sackcloth blanket.

“Gunho-” Yunho began to protest, but his younger brother scowled at him, putting his hands on his hips.

“If you’re not going to take the blanket, I’m sleeping on the floor.”

Yunho rolled his eyes at Gunho’s determination to ease his discomfort, but something in his battle hardened heart warmed slightly, softening in a way that it did only for his younger brother. It was because of moments like this Yunho didn’t care less about his own life if it meant keeping Gunho safe. Gunho was Yunho’s most precious person in the world, and Yunho would do anything to see him happy.

“Fine, fine.” He grunted, wrapping the blanket around him. His brother finally wore a content smile and went to bed, and moments later Yunho heard the sound of light snoring. The wind was strong again today, the icy drafts whipping through the cracks in the walls and causing shivers to race down his body, he could feel his toes turning blue once again. It was going to be cold that night.

He glanced at Gunho’s sleeping form.

Careful not to wake him up, Yunho got to his feet and placed the blanket on Gunho instead.

Then he went back to the cold floor and fell asleep.

The next day, Yunho stood before the cold gates once again, spear in hand. The wooden shaft was still tainted with lion’s blood from yesterday, but he couldn’t be bothered to clean it off. It would just get dirty all over again soon enough.

Who would it be this time?

Yunho checked the shield on his forearm, ensuring that the straps were done properly to prevent it from falling off in the middle of a battle.

Did it really matter who it was?

His grip tightened on his spear, his constant companion a comforting weight in his hand. Yunho had no doubt in his abilities, knew that he was far superior than most in terms of his battle capabilities, but there was always that tiny feeling of fear deep in him that he would soon face someone better.

But what he had to do didn’t change. If it was anyone other than Gunho, he’d kill them or die trying.

If it was Gunho, he’d simply die.

He could hear the announcer outside extolling his praises, declaring to the crowd of the Titan of Vera Cruz, the undefeated one, the man who had single handedly fought a lion yesterday and won. Yunho’s fingers brushed the sticky, dried blood at his side. It hurt like hell and he desperately wanted to simply keel over from exhaustion and pain, but if he did, he knew that the match officiator would simply put Gunho in the ring to threaten him into submission.

Yunho couldn’t let that happen.

So he gripped his spear, kept his back straight, focused on his goal. He couldn’t let his opponent see a trace of weakness, lest they use it against him and defeat him in battle. The gate opened before him and he stepped forward, eyes squinting momentarily against the glare of the sun as he was deafened by the cheers that echoed around him.

“Titan! Titan! Titan!”

But there was another name being called, the chanting growing louder and louder.

“Reaper! Reaper! Reaper!”

Even though Yunho thought he had been completely prepared for such a scenario to happen, he felt his heart sink in his chest.

Reaper’s true name was Min Jaeha, a fearsome warrior in the arena who’d gained such a title because of the massive scythe he fought with. He was the same senior who had first taught Yunho how to wield a spear, the man who had snuck leftover scraps to him when Yunho lost a match and had gotten beaten up for it, the same person who had guided Yunho for the early parts of his life.

Yunho closed his eyes against the memories before they could change his deadset mind.

“Ladies and gentlemen, here we have your most anticipated match of the year! The fight to the death between our undisputed champion, Reaper, and our undefeated legend, Titan!”

Jaeha simply looked at Yunho’s eyes with sadness.

Both of them understood. Yunho could see his own despair and hopelessness reflected in Jaeha’s eyes, from the way his senior’s fingers tightened around his scythe painfully tight. Neither wanted to fight the other, but they didn’t have a choice.

Yunho hated his fate with a burning passion.

“Fighters, get ready!” The announcer screamed, his voice nearly cracking from the excitement. Yunho felt that same familiar feeling of guilt and terror wrap around his heart and lungs once more, except that he was so used to it now, it almost didn’t matter to him anymore.

He lowered his spear into a fighting stance, and Jaeha did the same.

The moment the official announced the beginning of the match, Yunho lunged forward with his spear, attempting to catch Jaeha off guard. The older man spun, knocking the tip of the spear to the side and swinging the scythe about, the razor sharp blade whistling dangerously close to his head. He could see a few locks of his brown hair flutter to the ground.

Yunho dove to the ground just in time to avoid getting beheaded, jabbing his spear at Jaeha’s legs. His senior was more fast, more skilled, a better fighter than he was, not someone he could beat at his current standard.

Almost crippling fear crept over him, but he forced it down violently, leveling his spear at Jaeha without hesitation.

How could he win this match?

The other gladiator leaped above the weapon, bringing the scythe down on Yunho’s head. He managed to roll away, glancing around him for anything that could help him. First blood had yet to be drawn, but if he kept up this offensive stance for much longer, he’d have his head separated from his shoulders before it happened.

The second time Jaeha swung at him, he ducked and ran for the opposite side of the stadium.

The crowd booed and screamed at his cowardice, some tossing rotten tomatoes and eggs, but Yunho ignored them all. He could hear Jaeha’s footsteps behind him, thundering against the sand of the arena floor, and he glimpsed his goal, one of the armed statues used to decorate the circumference of the stadium.

Yunho sprinted for it as hard as he could.

He didn’t know whether it was luck or simply primal survival instinct, but there was a sudden violent tugging in his chest and he moved with it, throwing himself to the side as hard as he could.

And not a second too late, because the massive scythe barely missed his head. Yunho could see the entire blade appearing right next to his head, the cruel glint of steel reflected his eyes that were filled with silent terror, and suddenly something warm gushed from his shoulder.

He had almost died there and then.

Pain exploded at the wound and his feet stumbled, he crashed into the ground and rolled to a stop before the statue. It was holding a spear too, he realised, through the hazy tint of red in his eyes. Then he realised blood was soaking through the sand, turning it black, and he could feel himself starting to get light headed at the blood loss.

Agony ran down his arm and he gritted his teeth against the pain, forcing himself to his knees. The limb was badly injured, the spear he had been holding lay in the sand a few feet from him. He was weaponless and completely vulnerable.

The world swayed around him and he could see Jaeha approaching him with that massive scythe slung over his shoulder, his mouth pressed into a grim line. The man came to a stop between him and the statue.

For a moment, the name Reaper couldn’t have been more accurate.

“End him! End him! End him!” He could hear the entire arena roaring for blood, the air was thick with the sound of their maniacal excitement, and for a moment, he truly felt like giving up. How could he survive, against all these odds?

“You need to always come back to me, Brother. Promise me?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry, Yunho.” Jaeha murmured softly under his breath, so that only Yunho could hear him. His apology was sincere, genuine and true and Yunho’s determination shattered into pieces. “But I have my younger sister to take care of.”

Yunho bowed his head. He understood only too well.

“Kill him! Kill him! Kill him!” The spectators screamed, but in that moment, it was as if everyone else had disappeared, their voices fading into the background. There were only two of them in that entire arena.

Jaeha closed his eyes, unwilling to witness Yunho’s death, and lifted the scythe.

And in moment, Yunho lunged forward, ramming his shoulder into Jaeha’s stomach.

The older man got thrown backwards by the sheer force of Yunho’s strength, right against the statue from earlier. His body jerked as he crashed into the stone, before he stopped, unmoving, hanging limp. The scythe slipped from his fingers and clattered to the ground, the massive weapon as still as its master.

There was complete silence in the arena as Yunho staggered to his knees, crumpling to the side in sheer exhaustion.

And then the audience was screaming for Jaeha to move, to get up and finish Yunho, but he was the only one who could see the red running from the corner of Jaeha’s mouth.

The Reaper was dead.

The tip of spear the statue had been holding had run his senior through from the back, shattering his ribs, puncturing his lung and destroying his heart.

“I’m sorry, Jaeha-hyung.” Yunho rasped as the match official ran up to them to inspect his opponent. The official froze in shock as he saw what happened, his fingers coming away sticky with Jaeha’s blood. Then he turned around to announce the results of the match.

“The Titan is once again victorious!”

The audience, who seconds ago had been screaming for his death, burst into applause, calling his name and hollering praises.

Bile rose in his throat and he forced it down, glancing once more at the corpse of his senior, dead by his hands.

“I promised.”

And then he passed out.

When he came to once again, he was shocked to find he was no longer in his usual cell with Gunho. For a moment, panic rose in him as he whirled around in alarm, searching for any clue where he might be. Then he realised that he was shirtless, not dressed in the rags that he usually wore, clean bandages wrapped around his shoulder and side. From the sharp smell of marigold at the wounds, he had been treated. Properly treated, in fact, and suspicion stirred in him.

His damn owner wouldn’t have given a shit if he died.

He was on a straw mattress, kept miles better than the one Gunho slept on, in an empty room which he assumed was an infirmary. The air here was clean and didn’t smell of misery and defecation, but before he could ponder why exactly he was here, the door opened.

“Ahh, you’re awake.”

A man stepped in, dressed in a crisp suit with a gold topped walking stick in hand. From the make of his suit and the way with which he carried himself, this man was a rich business owner. Yunho’s eyes narrowed.

“What do you want with me?”

The man sat opposite him, shaking his head. “Is that anyway to speak to your redeemer?”

Redeemer?

The word echoed in Yunho’s head over and over again, bouncing about in his skull as he took in the severity of the word. Redeemer? As in, a man who had bought his freedom from his owner? The person who’d made him a free man?

“I saw your match yesterday. Very clever strategy, if I say so.” The man smiled a little faintly and Yunho’s heart sank as he remembered the events of what had happened. “I used to support him greatly for his prowess and I was intending to buy him yesterday… until you stepped in.”

Crushing guilt swept through him, but he couldn’t let his emotions show in front of this man.

“I apologise, sir.”

“The one you should be apologising to is already dead, so I suppose that there’s no point in your apology. I will take care of his sick sister, however. That is the most I can do for him.” The man rose to his feet once more, turning to leave the room. “Anyway, Titan, you are a free man now, so you may go as you please.”

There was a click as the door shut behind him.

Excitement overpowered every other emotion in him as the words sank in. He could go as he wished, leave this wretched, desolate place of pain and suffering, finally see the world out there with his own two eyes. He was his own man, the chains of his slavery had finally been broken, and he was free.

But then he paused.

Gunho.

How could he leave Gunho behind?

Dashing from the room, he realised that he was in the business side of the arena. He ran down the halls to the wing where the other gladiators were kept, the same thought echoing in his head over and over again as his feet slapped against the glossy marble floors.

I can’t leave Gunho behind.

Then his toes felt rough dirt once more as he entered the gladiators’ quarters, the guard at the front a man he recognised by face and had spoken to on occasion. The man smiled at him. “Congratulations, I heard you got freed-”

“I need to see my brother.” Yunho gasped desperately from his unexpected exertion, he could feel a sting from his shoulder and wondered for a moment if he had reopened his wound, but he couldn’t be bothered with it right now. The guard’s face faltered a little, his grip on his spear shifting.

“You know the drill, I can’t let anyone who isn’t the boss or a gladiator into this section…” He trailed off uncertainly, but Yunho immediately sank to his knees, ignoring the way his side twisted in pain, pressing his forehead against the ground.

“I’m begging you. Please let me see my brother.”

The guard glanced around a little desperately, clearly torn between wanting to let Yunho in but afraid of what consequences he might suffer if he was discovered. Then he quickly pushed open the gate, ushering Yunho inside the gladiators’ quarters urgently.

“Tell no one about this.” The guard whispered and Yunho slipped in gratefully, bowing to the guard as the gate shut behind him.

“Thank you.”

The guard waved him off and returned to face the outside.

He walked briskly down the hallway, the same as he had always done after finishing a match. And yet this time it was different, because he was a free man.

Or was he?

He stopped outside the cell his brother was in, fingers at the bars as he searched for Gunho.

“Brother.” Gunho smiled at the sight of his older brother, stepping to the gate. Yunho’s fingers reached for Gunho’s desperately through the bars, their fingers intertwined and Gunho squeezed tight, tears falling from his eyes. “I’m glad you made it.”

“I promised.” Yunho’s voice cracked and suddenly everything hit him all at once like a tidal wave. He’d killed Jaeha, his mentor and senior, the man who’d taken care of him much like he took care of Gunho. Fat tears fell unbidden from his eyes, and he momentarily closed his eyes to fight off the pain welling up in his heart.

Gods, it hurt so much.

Warm, thin arms wrapped around him and pulled him close. Even through the bars, Gunho still comforted him, pressing their foreheads together as Yunho sobbed against him, guilt clawing at his insides.

“It was you or him, hyung. You can’t blame yourself.” Gunho pat his older brother on the head soothingly, trying to comfort him. “I’m happy you were the one who made it.”

Yunho merely nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Then he felt his brother smile against his cheek.

“I heard you got freed. Congratulations, hyung.”

Yunho could hear the pride in his voice, the happiness at his brotehr’s success, but sensed the underlying sorrow running beneath. If he left, they would be separated, and Yunho wouldn’t be able to take care of Gunho like he was supposed to.

Gunho would be utterly alone in this place.

Yunho made up his mind.

“I’m not leaving.” Yunho said firmly, shaking his head. “I’m going to stay here with you.”

“What?” Gunho’s face flashed with fury for a second and he yanked himself away from Yunho, fuming with anger. Yunho flinched as if he’d been slapped across the face. Gunho had never shouted at him before, no matter how angry he was or whatever argument they had been in. “Don’t be stupid, hyung! You’re free, so go into the world like you’ve wanted to your whole life! Don’t let me drag you down!”

Yunho hated how much he just wanted to agree with Gunho. He yearned to be free, to leave this prison, to be a free man able to make his own choices. But how could Gunho possibly ask him to abandon him here?

“I can’t, Gunho.” Yunho beseeched his brother, hoping he’d understand. “I can’t leave you. You can’t expect me to walk off into the sunset while you’re still trapped here being forced to kill people everyday, and enjoy my life out there while you’re suffering!”

“Then go out into the world, make enough money to buy my freedom and come back to me.” Gunho told him forcibly, unrelenting in his words. “I’ll be waiting for you, hyung.”

Yunho paused for a moment. True, it would be a lot smarter if he simply left this hopeless place and made a fortune for himself in the world outside to buy Gunho’s freedom. That way, the two of them would be free.

But Gunho. Gunho would be alone.

“Go.” Gunho insisted, seeing the way his older brother’s resolve was weakening. “Please save me from this place. You can only do that from the outside.”

Yunho’s determination was crumbling brick by brick. “But-”

“I want to see the world too.” Gunho pleaded, grasping his brother’s hand through the bars. “Don’t condemn us to this place.”

And finally, Yunho nodded slowly.

“Alright.” There was cold fear bubbling slowly in him, fingers clutching at his younger brother’s like it was the last time he would ever get to do so. “You’ll be here when I return, won’t you?”

Gunho nodded, a single tear slipping from his eye. “I promise. I’ll be here. So go.”

With that, Gunho released his hand. Yunho’s arm fell limply to the side as he took in his brother’s face for the last time, brown eyes a shade lighter than his that always burned so bright with love and passion, the way his cheeks rose just like his when he smiled, the one silver ring in his hair that signified his first victory.

“I’ll see you soon, Gunho.” Yunho whispered, the vow leaving his lips. Gunho smiled at him.

“See you, brother.”

Yunho tore himself away from the face of his brother, forcing himself to move towards the door, each step taking him further and further from his brother.

Walking down the hallway felt strange. His steps were the same as they had always been, the dirt underfoot familiar, the spider in the corner in the ceiling was still there. And yet they were not the same, because they were his last over each patch of dirt, each corner. Already, he was bidding farewell to this place, the only home he had known his whole life.

The closer he drew to the gate, the more of it lay behind him, left behind in face of his freedom.

“I will return.” He spoke quietly, and continued saying it to himself as the gate opened before him without letting himself look back once. “I will.”

He stepped out into the light, feeling the rays touch his face, the warmth so sweet because of the freedom he now had.

“I promise I’ll save you from this place, Gunho.”

He didn’t know it would be the first promise to his brother that he had ever broken.

[theonethatyoudreamof]

Alright so I started this blog for fun, but also so I could start a series. I’ve been writing stories (loosely) based on @taylorswift songs for a bit and I figured, why not share them? As reputation is my favourite album, I’ll start with my story based off of Ready For It. Hope you enjoy!!

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Knew he was a killer the first time that I saw him. It wasn’t hard to deduce, not when he had pinned me up against a wall in the back of an alley, a polished knife digging into my neck. All I could see was the murder in his eyes. My brain had scrambled, desperately trying to figure out where I had gone wrong. I had been oh so careful, making sure to never leave a trace. I hadn’t taken my gloves off since my arrival in this forsaken city. I always made sure that the hair dye job was holding up, that my blonde roots were not showing through the mousy brown. I had not worn my size of shoes, ensuring that no one would be able to trace any footprints back to me. And now there was a knife digging into my skin, and hot breath against my cheek. What had I forgotten?

“What’s your name?”, the brute demands. I blink slowly. He was clearly poorly trained. Any good assassin, any Carrythian assassin knew to confirm your mark’s identity before cornering them. Killing was so much easier when there was no talking involved. At least, that’s what I had been told.

“Elle. What’s yours, baby?”, I ask, letting a sensuous smile curve my lips upward. I’ll use any distraction, anything to get me out of this situation.

“I am not an idiot. I know that’s not your name, just as you know exactly why I’m here.” He says roughly. The knife hasn’t shifted, hasn’t stopped digging in just hard enough to keep me still, but not hard enough to draw blood. He may be one of the king’s assassins, but it does seem as though he has a slight clue of what he’s doing. How unusual.

“If you know my name, why didn’t you just say so? And stop wasting my time with your bullshit posturing. According to you, we both know why we’re here after all, isn’t that right?” I wrack my brains, trying to figure out what makes him stand out, why I feel like I know him… “Joe?”

I see the name hit its target, right as I feel a faint line of fire burn across my neck. Blood pools beneath the knife, and a single droplet rolls down my neck. Joe is staring at my neck in surprise, as though he hadn’t planned on cutting my neck. When he starts to speak, he almost sounds a bit sorry. It doesn’t last long.

“I- Alright. Elle, or should I say Elizabeth,” he winks, gloating in the fact that he knows who I am, “The king isn’t too pleased that you took his jewels. All of them, in fact. He wants them back, or you dead. I think you know where I fit into this equation, seeing as you seem to have some idea of who I am. And what I do.”

Joe, this kingdom’s most deadly assassin, looks at me grimly.

“So I either return them, or die, is that right?”

“Yes.”

“But what if,” I say, “I don’t have them? What then?”

A rat rummages through the garbage behind Joe. Neither of us pay it any attention. His focus is centered solely on me. He looks at me quizzically, his brown eyes scanning my face, looking for any hint of deception, any sign that he was being tricked. I let no emotion show on my pale face.

“You’re lying,” He says, somewhat desperately. I shrug.

“That’s for you to decide. But you seem to have a lot riding on this? Is the ickle bickle king giving you a hard time? Making threats?” I ask.

His hand slackens, in either surprise or fear, but I don’t waste a second of it. In three quick moves, I am out of his grasp with him pinned to the wall in my place. As it should be.

I grin wickedly, relishing every second of it. Joe, or whatever his true name was, is notorious for being unstoppable, unbeatable. And yet here he is, completely at my mercy. I lean in.

“I’ll make you a deal,” I whisper into his ear, “You don’t tell the king you found me, and I don’t kill you right here. He needs you, right?”

Joe flinched slightly.

“Or does he?” I wonder aloud. “Well, either way, I don’t care. Just nod your head, agree to my terms, and we both end up happy, hmm?”

Joe swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing against the knife. He seems unable to meet my eyes, keeping them firmly trained on the dusty cobblestones beneath us instead. I lift his chin, waiting until he meets my stare. It takes a while, but finally his brown eyes meet my blue ones and all I can see is fear. I would stay to ponder the mystery of the king’s assassin, his strange mood swings that have him shifting between extremes, but I have a ship to catch.

“I asked if you agree, Joe. And I have better places to be, so if you could hurry this lovely little encounter up, that would be lovely.” I watch Joe, as these words hit him.

“It’s Richard, actually.” Is all he ends up saying.

“Proud of you. Didn’t ask. You already know my name’s Elizabeth, but you won’t be needing your name if you don’t make your mind up in the next three seconds,” I snap. Does this imbecile not know that people have places to be?

This finally seems to get through to Richard, and a fog lifts from his eyes.

“I’m coming.”

“Like hell you are.”

“No, I- I need to come. I can’t stay here, or he’ll kill me.” Richard mutters. I pull the knife back slightly. Twelve bells toll in the distance. Shit. I have to go. I look at Richard, at how his face has lost its deadly aggression and now holds only infinite sadness and a tinge of fear.

“Fine. Fine, you can come. Just hurry the hell up.” I snarl, turning and sheathing my knife. I take off at a dead sprint without seeing if Richard is following. If he truly was in that much danger, he would have no other choice.

Seconds later, I hear the sound of footsteps echoing behind me and I know that Richard is truly following me to the ship.

Soon enough, we arrive at the docks and I race to The Queen of the East, Richard right behind me. I bolt up the gangplank and whip around, pulling a knife out of its sheath in one smooth motion.

Richard’s hands fly up. Unfortunately for him, the knife struck him in the heart a second before he had the chance to grab any of the weapons that I’m sure are covering his body. His eyes go wide and he chokes, hands scrabbling at his throat uselessly. Richard’s body falls to the ground.

I walk over cautiously, just in case, but by the time I arrive at his side I see that my trepidation was useless. Richard is as dead as a doornail and half as useful too.

I squat down, thighs straining against my dark leathers, and start rolling the corpse towards the gang plank. With one mighty shove, Richard tumbles down, down onto the dock.

I nod to the captain, a dark haired pirate that I freed from prison years ago, and head down to the trove.

That night I fall asleep between piles and piles of gems. Everywhere I look there is treasure, a vast amount that I still can not seem to wrap my head around. Gold, silver, rubies, sapphires, diamonds, all forming hundreds of thousands of the kingdom’s priceless artefacts. My priceless artefacts. I let a soft smile slip onto my face, reveling in the luxury of it all. I may not have married a prince or run away with a pauper, but I know I found the love for me.

[magma-cjay]

https://www.heroforge.com/load_config%3D14357897/

https://www.heroforge.com/load_config%3D14358082/

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(note: omg guys I love all your contributions to the AU! I like seeing how y'all add your own stuff with references to minor characters to help flesh it out more ❤)

The commotion on the harpies’ island did not go unheard, neither in the sky – or in the sea. For beneath the ocean merely a few miles from their home, lay the undersea domain of Jotaro, prince of the Joestars, and next in line to the throne after his grandfather King Joseph, for his father Sadao was nowhere to be found.

He took his duties as ruler-to-be with earnest loyalty, and was willing to defend his home if need be. And so, when word reached his kingdom that a battle between harpies and merfolk had taken place, he knew it was serious business.

“Koichi, you are the most reliable and trustworthy of my aides,” he told his small, green-tailed assistant. “I would have preferred to check on this problem myself, but this kingdom needs my guidance, and I have faith in you to be able to learn more about the situation. Take care, Koichi.”

“You can count on me, Prince Kujo,” he said earnestly but with a hint of mild reluctance. He was willing to be of Jotaro’s aid…but he’d also heard terrifying tales about harpies, some even from Jotaro himself, and he knew that they could be dangerous.

“There is one of the sky-folk that I’d like you to find,” Jotaro added. “His name is Giorno…and he is particularly important as he has ties to our family.”

“I’ll do my best,” Koichi replied, as he swam off. Behind him, Jotaro grumbled to himself in exasperation, as there was never a shortage of responsibilities being a leader-in-training, and this fiasco with the harpies was yet another unwelcome addition to his list.

“Yare yare, give me a break,” he sighed.

It was late afternoon when Koichi arrived to the island after a long, long day of swimming. He searched out a river to head upstream, and soon found a route that let him go deeper into the island. "Hello…? Anyone there?“ Koichi called out toward the trees uneasily as he swam upstream. "I’m looking for the one called Giorno…hello? Anyb–”

His calls were suddenly interrupted by a shadowy figure that dropped from the sky, and Koichi had barely any time to respond before he felt poweful arms seize his tail and lifted him screaming out of the water.

“WHO ARE YOU, FISH BOY?” Abbacchio growled, grabbing the panicked merman by his tail and holding him up like a prize catch. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ON OUR ISLAND?”

“I DIDN’T MEAN ANYTHING BAD!” he wailed in panic as he struggled in Abba’s grasp. “I’m just here looking for the one they call…Giorno!”

“Let the child go, Abbacchio,” said a voice from behind. Abba turned around and saw Giorno, who had landed behind him with scarcely a sound, and Bruno, whose wing had just recently recovered, alighting on a branch overhead.

“Please don’t hurt me,” Koichi pleaded to the trio of harpies. “I’m not here to hurt anyone, I’m just here to look for the one called Giorno. Prince Jotaro sent me. Also…I’m not a child, I’m just very small,” he added in a complaining tone.

“Giorno? Oh, that’s me,” Giorno replied. “Put him down, Abba, I believe this one is a friend. I’ve heard of the Joestars before.”

Abba complied with an angry grumble and dropped Koichi back into the water, before flying off and perching on a branch to join Bruno above, and noticed the absence of a bandage on the other harpy’s wing.  “How’s your wing, Bruno?” Abba asked his companion.

“It’s healed very nicely, though I haven’t tried flying much lately,” Bruno replied with a smile. “Ris doesn’t want me tiring myself out too much.”

Abba laughed dryly. “I guess we’re both stuck with a fish then,” he mumbled, knowing the feeling all too well from Prosciutto and his enthusiastic admiration.

Below in the water, Koichi resurfaced with a relieved gasp. “You’ve heard of the Joestars before?”

“Indeed,” Giorno replied. “As strange and unlikely as it may seem…one of my two fathers was a Joestar as well.”

Koichi scoffed in confusion. “Wait, two fathers? Also, the Joestars are merfolk, Giorno? From what I’d heard, our races couldn’t interbreed! We’re completely different species!” he explained.

“Yes, but my other father was a harpy like me, and a magic-user like myself. However, he’d used his power for darker deeds, and made a powerful rival with the first king of the Joestar clan…and through black magic beyond even my comprehension, I was born of both their blood. And though I took after my feathered father…I was born with this.” He pulled down his sash, exposing the back of his neck, revealing a distinctive star-shaped mark on his skin.

Koichi gasped in amazement. “The Joestar mark…on a harpy? It…can’t be!”

In the meantime, further off into the forest, Zucchero strained angrily at the bamboo bars of his cage. He’d given Bruno’s flock what they wanted, but much to his anger the three young ones had refused to release him, and kept him as some sort of plaything. The nerve, how dare they kept a right-hand servant of the Crimson King himself, locked up as some sort of pet? He seethed at the very thought.

His anger subsided as he noticed a splintered bamboo shaft on the flooring of his cage. He grinned maliciously to himself as he realized his opportunity.

Pounding on the broken shaft, it wasn’t long before he broke open the bottom of the cage, struggling his way out as though if he was hatching a second time. Soon he was free, and he stretched his wings eagerly after having been cooped up for days.

He knew he couldn’t just return, though. No harpy was foolish enough to confront the Crimson King after a failure, unless they wanted to get all their feathers painfully plucked out and tossed into the sea to drown…Zucchero shuddered at the prospect. Perhaps he could offer him some sort of gift, in consolation?

He glanced down at Giorno’s hut and rubbed his hands wickedly. What better gift could he give, than something of the healer’s spells, which Diavolo greatly coveted?

He flew downward to the hut, looking out for any of the flock, should they return. Tiptoeing his way into the healer’s clinic, he rummaged about searching for something of value, until his eyes laid a glance upon Giorno’s book of spells, which lay on one end of the table…perfect. All the knowledge it contained within…

“Hey, who’s there?” stirred Formaggio as he woke up from his cup of water, which rested on the table on the other end. He scarcely had enough time to react when the intruder turned to leave, and in his rush, knocked over Formaggio’s cup with his wing, sending the tiny merman falling onto the floor.

Gasping frantically, he saw the green-winged harpy, clutching the spellbook as he departed, but he was unable to intervene as his water was draining away on the floor fast, as he helplessly flopped about in the shrinking puddle. He was too small to reach the tub, the only other source of water in the hut…

Zucchero took no mind of him and his struggles, and promptly sailed out the door, soaring away clutching his prize. There was no trace of the rest of the flock in sight, and he knew right where to go.

Gliding off to the stone pillars as quickly as he could, he saw Diavolo perched on the tallest pillar, who was gazing out to sea while eating a small fruit, and quickly alighted eagerly before his king.

“Greetings, my lord,” he said, with an exaggeratedly sycophantic tone. “I, your humble servant, have returned after the failure of my two incompetent companions–” Behind him, on a nearby stone pillar, Sale and Luca shot him a dirty glare. “–and here I come bearing you the greatest treasure of all!”

“Ahhh, Zucchero, you’ve returned at last.” Diavolo crooned. “I was expecting that you worthless cowardly fool would come back pleading for mercy, and I was just preparing to…dispose of you, if you dared return…” He crushed the fruit in his grasp, and Zucchero gulped uneasily, imagining how the fruit could easily have been his neck.

“But it seems that I still have use of you yet, after all!” Diavolo added, as he seized the spellbook from Zucchero’s hands. “Excellent, Zucchero! You’ve proven yourself with this ultimate prize…one whose knowledge shall make me Giovanna’s equal in magic– or even greater…”

In the meantime, oblivious of the thievery, Giorno and Koichi conversed in the river, discussing the mystery of Giorno’s heritage. “So this would mean that you’re a hybrid of a harpy and a mer, something we all thought was impossible…” Koichi pondered. “And yet you don’t look it one bit…”

“Perhaps there’s a deeper mystery to it,” Giorno suggested. “My spellbook holds ancient knowledge, perhaps it may have some answers. Hold on there for a while, Koichi. I’ll go back to my hut and get the book.”

“It’s dangerous out here,” Bruno interjected. “Koichi won’t be safe if we leave him out on the river on his own. Perhaps we should take him over at our place, we’ve got a small pool nearby." 

Giorno nodded and flew off back toward his hut, gliding over the river as he followed it back towards his house. Landing on the soft sand path, he headed towards it on foot, but at immediate glance, he noticed the door was ajar, and he felt right away that something was not right. 

His heart racing, he barged his way in, and to his horror, he saw that the place had been ransacked. His home was a mess, and the spellbook– which he had left on the table– had vanished.

"Help…me…” cried a small voice, and he glanced down to see Formaggio laying on the floor, his tiny chest heaving rapidly as he gasped for breath. “Water….”

“Formaggio, no! What happened?” Giorno said in a panic, scooping up the tiny merman in his hands and dropping him into Ghiaccio’s now-unoccupied tub. Ghia was out at sea practicing swimming again, once his tail was healed, but Formaggio had stayed behind to watch the place, and it was fortunate –or for him, perhaps not– that he did.

Giorno waited for a few tense moments before the tiny merman surfaced again, breathing heavily. “Whoa, thanks a lot there, bird boy,” he sighed. “Another moment without water and I’d have been a goner. So about that: remember the guy who Narancia and the others caught? Seems he’s broken out and stolen your book!” Formaggio pointed at the table, where a telltale green feather lay ominously where the book once was.

“This is bad,” Giorno groaned. “Weren’t you able to do anything? I thought you could use magic as well?” he said half-scolding to Formaggio.

“I need to be immersed in water for my magic to work, and he knocked me out of my cup!” Formaggio defensively explained. “And yeah, I know size-shifting is all I can do, but I could’ve tried and stopped him if I was bigger. Anyway, about that, if I’m gonna have to be on land for a while…”

He dove back under the surface and rubbed his hands on the gem he kept on a necklace that he wore. Formaggio clapped his hands together and snapped his fingers, and in a flash he increased tenfold in size, growing as big as Ghiaccio was and filling up the tub entirely.

Giorno stumbled back at the sight of the now-large Formaggio, surprised.

“This is how big I usually am, bird boy,” Formaggio explained, crossly. “I can survive out of water much longer at normal size, and perhaps even more if I had one of those scarf things Riz and Pros have…But we’ve got not time! We need to warn the others!”

Formaggio hauled himself out of the tub and fell to the floor with a crash.

“Owww…” he complained. “I’d forgotten how heavy I am at this size.” He looked up awkwardly at Giorno. “Er…I hope you don’t mind giving some help?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sure.. I could" Giorno helps him into a more comfterble position and sighs, "I'll help bring you out to the others" "Hurry!!" The two manage to flee the robbed home and reach the others, "Bucciarati! Bucciarati!"

"Giorno?" Bruno and Abbacchio look back at him, "what's wrong?" "Something bad has happened hasn't it twerp?" Abba groans and steps toward Giorno.

"My room! It's been destroyed by that bird we had captured! He took my book!" The others gasp in shock- well this certainly wasn't how they wanted this to go- "The book!? No! That has all of your spells!" "And now the King most likely has his hands on it.. damnit" Abba grits his teeth, "how the hell did those two idiots let him escape!?"

"I don't know, but now we have to be on extra precaution. Who knows what the king could send out next... especially with the magic he has now at his fingertips"