#it's just really a matter of me needing to set aside some time to sit down to write out that first draft

[itsamenickname]

If you're still doing that writer's ask thing, I have a question:

💌

(Btw, I found your Bowuigi story earlier today and I freakin love it!!!!! I can't wait to see how the awesome story ends!!!!)

Aww, thank you so much anon! 😊 I apologize that it's taking me a while to get back on my feet, but trust me when I say that I have every full intention of finishing To Break the Bonds Within Two Kingdoms. :) (I already have the ending planned out, but it's more so of a matter of me taking some time to sit down and polish up the last two chapters (especially after I took an almost 2-month hiatus from writing). 😅))

And to answer your question, yes, I'm still accepting questions from the writer's ask (this specific post is what anon is referring to). :) As a way to make things easier for everyone who's reading this, I'll paste the question right next to the emoji/symbol so that everyone will know what anon is specifically asking.

💌 question: "Share something with us about an up-and-coming work (WIP) that has you excited!

So if you remember this post I made a while back, once I'm back on my feet, I am planning to upload a one-shot story before I start working on To Break the Bonds Within Two Kingdoms again. As I'm writing this response, there are two one-shot ideas that I've thought about for at least a few months (especially the second idea I'll talk about because that idea was a story I was originally going to work on after I finish TBTBWTK).

(Adding a cut here because the 2nd WIP will contain spoilers to TBTBWTK)

Idea/WIP 1: So the title of this WIP is called, Till Death Do Us Part My Sweet Little Bride and I'll start by saying right away that this story is a lot different than TBTBWTK because it's a one-sided angst Bowuigi story. Now to provide context on the events that happened before the actual story, Bowser kidnapped Luigi because he decided that he wanted to marry him instead of Peach (haven't figured out on Bowser's actual reason in wanting to marry Luigi instead of Peach yet). Now at first, Luigi was pretty compliant in waiting for Mario to rescue him, but minutes before the actual wedding would take place, Luigi made the brave and bold decision to attack the Shy Guy who was taking him to Bowser's throne room and make an escape attempt (the reason he did this is because he noticed that there were no other guards nearby who could stop him from escaping. It was just Luigi and that one Shy Guy in the hallway.) After Luigi attacks the minion/guard, the story would then center around Luigi trying to escape Bowser's Castle (while wearing a wedding dress), but would then hide in one of the guest rooms after he hears Bowser's voice and realizes that Bowser is now actively looking for him. (I will point out that this idea was kind of inspired by @jelixpo angst Bowuigi's au (which y'all can read about here), but the very first inspirations of this idea was me wanting to write a one-shot angst Bowuigi story after I finish TBTBWTK and the idea of Luigi wearing a dress to his wedding.))

Idea/WIP 2: I haven't found a title I like for this WIP yet, but similar to Till Death Do Us Part My Sweet Little Bride, this is going to be an angst Bowuigi story. However, unlike TDDUPMSLB, this story not only centers around Jerry the Hammer Brother, but it's actually kind of a prequel to TBTBWTK because the main focus on this story is Jerry's reaction to finding out that Luigi tried to kill himself (if you recall in chapter 17 of TBTBWTK, Luigi admitted to Mario that Bowser successfully saved him from committing suicide).

Now whether I'll work on WIP 1 or WIP 2, that's where I've been a little indecisive on. As of right now, I'm really leaning towards the Jerry-focused one-shot because I do really like the idea of sharing some of the events that happened before TBTBWTK took place (not to mention that I do want to create at least one story that centers around Jerry since he's become a pretty popular character in my story). :)

Although, I will say that I do love the Till Death Do Us Part My Sweet Little Bride title because of how mysterious and ominous it sounds.

[nyrasvoid]

The Cost of Duty

Gwayne Hightower x Fem!Reader

Summary: Gwayne Hightower, is summoned in Kingslanding during his wife’s first pregnancy. After giving birth to their son without him, she struggles to forgive Gwayne upon his return.

Warnings: lots of angst because our girl is alone but a good ending i guess ?

A/N: no use of Y/N and also included Daeron in the fanfic, he’s 7 yrs old and raised by Gwayne and his wife

- Word count: ≈2.9k

Your hand rests on your growing belly, feeling the subtle movements of your child. The babe is still small, just five moons along, but every tiny kick, is a reminder of the life growing inside you, a life you created with Gwayne. Yet, as the days pass, it feels like you are experiencing this miracle alone.

The door creaks open, and Gwayne steps inside, his expression tired as he pulls off his gloves. His face is lined with the exhaustion of someone who has been carrying the weight of Oldtown on his shoulders.

You watch him as he moves around the room, setting his things aside without a word. A part of you wants to let it go, to simply accept that he is busy, that he is doing his duty. But another part aches for his attention, for the warmth and closeness you once shared.

"Gwayne," you say, your voice soft.

He looks up, his eyes briefly meeting yours before he looks away again. "Yes, my love?"

You hesitate, trying to find the right words. "You've been so distant lately," you begin, trying to keep a calm tone. "I understand that your duties are important, but... I miss you. I miss us."

He sighs, rubbing his temple as he moves closer to you. "I know, my love. I know it has been difficult. But there is so much that needs my attention. With Father in King’s Landing, everything falls to me."

"But what about me?" you ask, your voice rising slightly. "What about our child? I need you, Gwayne. We need you."

He looks at you, with guilt in his eyes. "I am here now, am I not? I’m doing the best I can. But Oldtown... it doesn’t run itself."

You stand, unable to keep your frustration to yourself. "And what about me? Do I run myself too? I sit here every single day, waiting for you, hoping for just a moment of your time. But when you finally come, it’s like you’re not really here.”

You pause.

“You do not even look at me unless I speak to you first."

Gwayne steps back, as if putting distance between you would solve your problems. "I do not have the privilege of simply putting things aside, my dear. You knew this when we married."

"I didn’t know it would mean being ignored!" you snap, your hands trembling as you grip the skirts of your dress tightly.

He takes a deep breath. "I’m doing this for us, for our future. The child’s future. Can you not see that?"

Tears threaten to fall out your eyes, but you refuse to cry. "I just want my husband back," you whisper.

Gwayne’s face softens, and he reaches out to touch your arm, but you pull away before he can touch you. “My love-"

"Don’t," you say, "Just... don’t."

He watches you for a moment, but he says nothing more, only turning and leaving the room, the sound of the door closing behind him, leaving you alone again.

Days pass, and the tension between you two only grows. Gwayne is present, but his mind is always on his duties. You feel as if you’re growing further and further away from him.

One evening, after a long day, Gwayne finally sits down beside you as you take your evening meal. You’ve been silent for most of the day, and now the sight of him so close yet so distant is almost unbearable.

He clears his throat, breaking the silence. "I have received a raven from King’s Landing today," he begins.

"And?" You replied unphased, not even looking at him.

"Father has summoned me," he says, "He needs my presence to sort out some political matters."

You place your spoon down. "King’s Landing?" you repeat, disbelief in your words. "That’s so far... and I’m already five moons along, Gwayne."

"I know," he says, his voice low. "But I will be returning as soon as I can. I won’t let anything keep me from being here for the birth."

You shake your head, unable to believe what you’re hearing. "You don’t know that. What if something happens? What if you don’t make it back in time?"

"I will," he insists, reaching for your hand, but you pull it back.

"You’re not listening to me!" you raise your voice at him, your frustration taking over. "You’re choosing to leave. You’re choosing your father over me. Over us."

He frowns. "It’s not a choice, my dearest. It is a duty. My father needs me."

"And I need you," you sob, your voice breaking. "I can’t do this alone, Gwayne. I shouldn’t have to. You are my husband before anything else."

He reaches out again, but this time you stand, moving away from him. "Please," he begins, but you shake your head.

"Don’t ask me to understand," you say, "Because I don’t."

After a long moment of silence, you hear him rise from his seat. "I’m leaving in three days time," he says quietly, his voice filled with regret. "Please, try to rest.”

You say nothing, you hear the door close behind him, and you break down crying, once again, you are left alone.

The night before he’s supposed to leave, Gwayne comes to your shared chambers, his expression softer than it’s been in weeks. He moves to sit beside you on the bed, his hand resting on your knee.

"I know you’re angry with me," he begins, his voice gentle. "But I don’t want to leave on bad terms. I love you. You must know that."

You turn to face him, your emotions a mix of anger, sadness, and love. "If you loved me, you wouldn’t be leaving."

He looks surprised, but he doesn’t argue. Instead, he leans in, pressing a soft kiss to your neck, his hand sliding up your nightgown. "Let me show you," he murmurs as he presses tender kisses down your collarbone.

But the anger and hurt are still too fresh. You place a hand on his chest, pushing him back firmly. "Not tonight, Gwayne."

He pulls back, surprise and hurt showing in his eyes. "My love..."

"I can’t," you say, "I’m still angry. I need...time."

He nods understandingly. "I am sorry," he whispers, pulling you into his arms despite your anger. "I am truly, so sorry."

You let him hold you, sobbing into his arms without saying a word.

Gwayne leaves at dawn, you watch from the window, your hand resting over your belly as he rides away. He turns once, looking back, but you don’t move. You don’t wave.

As the days turn into weeks, the loneliness only grows. Gwayne’s absence is a constant reminder of the growing distance between you. You try to busy yourself with tasks; embroidering blankets for the babe, reading, even taking long walks through the gardens. But nothing can fill the void he has left behind.

You spend time with Daeron, Gwayne’s youngest nephew, who has been staying in Oldtown under your and your husband’s care since he was born, and he had now seven years of age.

One afternoon, as the two of you sit beneath the shade of a large tree, Daeron looks up at you sadly.

You reach out, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. “What’s on your mind, sweetling?”

Daeron glances up at you, his blue eyes filled with a sadness. “Auntie… will you and Uncle Gwayne forget about me when the babe is born?”

The question catches you off guard. You shift closer, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pulling him into a gentle embrace. “Forget about you? Never, Daeron. Why would you think such a thing?”

He shrugs, trying to appear indifferent, but his voice trembles as he speaks. “Because the babe is your child. He’ll be important, and I’m just… I’m just your nephew.”

You tighten your hold on him, your heart breaking at the thought that he feels so insecure. “Daeron, listen to me,” you say softly. “You are not just our nephew. You’re as much a part of this family as the babe will be. Gwayne and I love you dearly, and nothing will ever change that.”

His eyes fill with tears. “But… he’ll be your real son. Won’t you love him more?”

You shake your head. “Of course not, sweetling. I will love both of you equally, just as if you were both my sons. I promise you that. You and the babe will grow up together, and I will raise you both as brothers. Nothing will change how much I care for you.”

Daeron’s lip trembles, and he finally allows himself to lean into your hug, resting his head against your shoulder. “You mean it? You won’t forget about me?”

You press a kiss to the top of his head. “I mean it, Daeron. You are very dear to me. The babe will be your little brother, and he will look up to you, just like you look up to Gwayne. I’m sure you’ll be the best big brother anyone could ask for.”

He sniffles but nods. “I will teach him all the things I know. How to ride a horse, and how to climb trees…”

“And how to be kind and brave, just like you,” you add with a smile.

Daeron smiles a little. “I’ll do my best. I promise.”

You hug him tighter. “I know you will, Daeron. And I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

He pulls back slightly, looking up at you with determination. “I’ll be the best big brother ever.”

You smile, ruffling his hair affectionately. “I’m sure you will be, my love. And the babe will be so lucky to have you as his brother.”

The boy’s expression softens as he looks at your belly. “Do you think he’ll be just like uncle Gwayne? Brave and strong?”

You hesitate for a moment, the thought of Gwayne filling your mind with sadness. “Perhaps,” you say gently.

Daeron nods, then his face brightens again as he looks up at you. “Can I help you pick out a name for him?”

Your smile widens at the offer. “Of course. Do you have any ideas?”

He thinks for a moment, his brow furrowing in concentration. “What about Maelor? It’s a strong name, isn’t it?”

You tilt your head, considering the name. “Maelor…” you say slowly. “Yes, it is a strong name.”

Daeron smiles, clearly proud of himself. “I can’t wait to meet him, auntie. We’re going to have so much fun together.”

As the months drag on, you begin to feel your belly grow heavier each day. Letters from Gwayne arrive frequently, filled with words of love and concern, but you don’t care to answer them.

You feel alone, as the weeks turn into months and the baby gets more active. Every kick is a reminder that the time is running out and you can only hope that Gwayne comes back in time.

But as your belly grows, so too does your anxiety.

One evening, you feel a sharp pain. You clutch at your belly. It’s too soon, you think. Gwayne isn’t here. He promised he would be here.

The pain intensifies, and you know without a doubt that the babe is coming. Your maids rush to your side, their faces filled with worry as they help you to your bed. The midwives and the maester are summoned.

You grip the sheets, your knuckles turning white. “It’s too soon,” you gasp, tears streaming down your face. “Gwayne isn’t here… he isn’t here…”

The midwife shushes you gently, wiping the sweat from your forehead. “Breathe, my lady. Focus on the baby. He’s eager to meet you.”

The labor is long, painful, and each moment is filled with fear.

At one point, you feel that you can’t go on, the pain too much to bear. “I can’t,” you cry out, “I can’t do this…”

“You can, my lady,” the midwife insists. “You’re strong. Your baby needs you.”

The room is full of faces, of whispers and encouragements, of hands holding yours as you push with all your strength.

Hours pass, and just when you think you have nothing left to give, you hear it. A loud cry that fills the room. The midwives wrap the tiny babe in soft blankets before placing him in your arms.

Tears stream down your face as you look down at your son cry. He’s perfect, you think.

“Maelor,” you whisper, “my sweet Maelor.”

Days pass, and the babe grows stronger, his cries filling the empty chambers that once were filled with silence. Daeron is overjoyed to meet his new brother.

“Can I hold him?” Daeron asks one afternoon, his eyes wide with excitement.

You smile, carefully placing Maelor in his small arms. “Support his head,” you instruct gently, watching as Daeron cradles the baby with surprising care.

“He’s so small,” Daeron whispers. “Will he be strong like uncle Gwayne?”

You nod, your heart filled with pride. “He will. But he’ll also have your kindness, Daeron. He’ll need you to show him how to be a good man.”

Daeron’s face lights up, and he nods eagerly. “I will. I promise.”

You watch as Daeron gently rocks Maleor, your heart warming at the sight. For a moment, the loneliness fades, replaced by the joy of watching your sons together.

But as the days turn into weeks, Geayne sends letters, each one more desperate than the last, asking about Lucerys, about you, about your health. But you can’t bring yourself to respond, the anger still too fresh.

Maelor grows, his tiny fists curling around your fingers, tugging at your hair, his eyes beginning to focus on your face. He’s beautiful, perfect in every single way, and yet every time you look at him, you’re reminded of Gwayne’s absence.

Two months pass before Gwayne finally returns. Word reaches you that he is only an hour away, but you remain in the nursery, rocking your son in your arms as you sit by the window.

Despite knowing Gwayne is coming home, you make no move to greet him at the gates.

Footsteps approach, and a moment later the door to the nursery swings open. Gwayne stands there, his eyes searching for you immediately. He takes a step inside, his gaze falling on you and the child in your arms. “My love…”

You do not look up, focusing instead on Maelor. Gwayne approaches you, dropping to his knees beside you. “Please, look at me. I am so sorry…”

You remain silent, unwilling to let your emotions show. Gwayne reaches out, placing his hand on top of yours. “I know I’ve hurt you. I never meant to be away for so long. I didn’t think it would be so… difficult.”

You glance up then, your eyes meeting his.

“I needed you,” you say quietly. “I went through the hardest moments of my life without you, Gwayne. And now… now you come back and expect everything to be as it was?”

“I do not expect that,” he says, “I know I’ve done wrong. And I can’t change what’s happened… but please, give me a chance to make it right. I want to be here for you, for our son.”

You look down at your son, your heart aching. “Maelor is already two months old,” you say, your voice barely a whisper. “You’ve missed so much, Gwayne. His first smile, the way he grabs my finger when he’s hungry… you weren’t here.”

Gwayne’s breath hitches, and he finally touches Maelor’s tiny hand, his fingers trembling as they brush against the babe’s soft skin. “I know,” he whispers. “I am truly so sorry, my love. I’ve never regretted anything more in my life. Please… let me be here now. Let me be the father he deserves, the husband you deserve.”

“We’ll see,” you say quietly. “For now, all that matters is that Maelor is healthy and safe.” You pause and take a deep breath, “But… I want us to be a family, Gwayne. For Maelor and Daeron.”

Gwayne nods. “Thank you,” he whispers, leaning in to press a soft kiss to your son’s forehead. “Thank you for giving me a healthy son, my dear. I promise, I’ll spend the rest of my life making this right.”

You watch as he cradles the babe in his arms, the sight filling you with joy.

PS: I know I have to start writing for other characters, I just love this man so much 😔 So just a reminder that my requests are open 🥰🥰

[luveline]

could you please write something where maybe bombshell!reader hears one of the team members teasing about how she’s torturing spencer and she kinda backs off with the flirting and maybe it’s his turn to hold her hand and call her cute names because even though he always says he doesn’t mind, maybe he does and he just doesn’t want to tell her

tysm for requesting, 1k

Spencer's hair is brown silk in the sun. You bite your tongue to hold in a compliment rearing to come out, saccharine and completely true. Looking sweet, Spence. 

You love to compliment him and especially while Hotch is out of earshot. He and Derek play pairs against two agents from a different unit, their tennis racquets a shiny FBI navy. You start to speak and bite it back —a memory flashes, a shouting stop sign. 

You'd been teasing Spencer as he left the room, something about his indecisive hair. He's cut it shorter but left his curls without product, and you love it. 

Poor guy, Emily'd murmured, lips set against the rim of her coffee cup. 

What's the matter with him? you asked, perplexed. 

Nothing, just that he spins into a total meltdown every time you guys are within ten feet of each other. He must be exhausted.

She was joking and you know that, but something deep down worries she's right. It's not fair for you to keep winding him up… Especially when Spencer might be going along with you because he isn't sure how to say no. 

What if you're forcing yourself on him? 

You're sitting together on a small blanket in the grass with Anderson and a few of the other less competitive BAU agents. You bring your bottled iced tea to your forehead to cool down, condensation wetting your hot skin. The top of your head feels as though it has the full concentration of the sun beating against it. 

Spencer looks up at your movement. He's been reading a book for pleasure, or so he says, so he isn't going a mile a minute but he's still way faster than the average Joe. "Do you want to go find some shade?" he asks. 

"You look comfortable," you say, putting your iced tea aside.

Which is to say, I don't want you to come with me, it would disrupt you. Spencer nods and turns to the brown leather of his familiar satchel, popping the buckle open to dig around inside. 

"Do you think this would be okay?" he asks, bringing out his baseball cap. 

The fabric is starchy and the brim stiff as you accept it and wedge it over your head. You don't immediately cool, but your heart spins strange loops. "Thank you," you say. Thank you, handsome, gorgeous, baby, all beg to be said. 

Spencer stays looking at you for longer than normal. 

"Do I have something on my face?" you ask, swatting self consciously at your cheeks. 

"Nothing. You look really pretty," he says. 

"Thank you." Another loop. You point at his book, fingertip hitting a creamy page with a small thud. "Is this any good?" 

"I think you'd really like it, it feels like that last book I borrowed from you, and you loved that. They're very similar. I can lend it to you when I'm done." 

"Don't rush it for my sake."

Spencer gives you a private smile. "I won't. Just because you could watch a movie at two times speed doesn't mean you should." 

Your returning smile isn't half as nice. No shared lightness, no bright eyes. You're feeling awkward and unhappy —you really like Spencer. Like, you think you could be happy together for a long long time sort of like. He's charming and sweet and no one is ever as kind to him as he deserves, which is why you're trying to be kind now by putting distance between you.

You'll be brash forever. You can't change that, and Spencer doesn't need the stress of dealing with you, not on top of everything else. 

His smile fades as yours does. Quiet, without fuss, he scoots back on the picnic blanket, putting you knee to knee. The subtle muscle of his arm presses to yours and his hand wraps gently around your wrist as he dips his head down, his cheek touching briefly to your shoulder. 

"I know it's nice, but if the heat is getting to you we should go inside," he says, his fingers sliding across your palm to slot between your own. He squeezes your hand. "Heat stroke isn't obvious at first. Do you feel woozy?"

You stare at your twined fingers. He surprises you again, being this soft with you, and being uncharacteristically forward. Or maybe not uncharacteristic at all; Spencer won't let something like timidity stop him from comforting someone that needs it. 

"Spence," you murmur, closing your eyes, face angled down. 

"What?" 

"I'm sorry if I… If I've been messing you around. But I don't think this is a good idea." 

"What's not a good idea?" 

You can't make yourself say it. Instead, you rub the back of his hand, more for your own comfort than his, your tongue like a useless lump in your mouth. 

"You're sorry? Are you sure you're okay?" Spencer asks, no heed to the people sitting with you as he lets go of your hand to put his arm behind your shoulder like a shield. 

"I don't want to torture you," you say. 

Your friends love that word. You torture Spencer with your flirting and your easy affection. 

Spencer makes a face, eyes squinting and nose wrinkled. "They're just kidding when they say that. Emily, Morgan, they like making fun of me, it's like, sibling bonding or something. They don't say it because there's actually something to feel sorry about." He lowers his voice, bashful but sincere at once, "If you're torturing me, I guess I'm a masochist." 

You laugh without thinking, a breathless, girlish sound you'd regret if you had the wherewithal. "You're a masochist?" you ask. 

He takes the brim of your borrowed hat and pushes it up to unobstruct the view of your eyes. 

"If that's what it takes," he says. A hint of wryness creeps into his otherwise smooth tone. 

Despite his brave talk and his steady eye contact, his face has started to blush. A rosy hue kisses the tops of his cheeks and his nose, a dusting of pink splodges stark against his paleness. The curve of his lips seems extra tantalising now. He's very, very pretty. 

And he doesn't mind stepping in to take the reins when you're unsure of things. 

"We really should sit in the shade for a bit," he says. "Let's get drinks from the gazebo. Yeah?" 

You're halfway through a nod when he kisses your cheek too quickly for you to respond. You follow him to the gazebo without any more reluctance, weaselling your hand back into his, and attempt to pull another kiss from him.

[sashaisready]

Starting Over: Chapter 2 - Broken

Mob!Bucky x Female Reader

Series Masterlist

When Bucky throws you out of the house for a betrayal and won't listen to your side of the story, you know the only way out is through - it's time to start over. Maybe this was never going to be your happy ending.

I'm sorry, part 2 got a little out of hand in length so I've decided to split it up into different chapters! There should only be one more part after this (maybe??!) Hope you enjoy! This is more of Bucky's POV and gives some more insight into what happened. Thanks for all your engagement with this series, as always comments and reblogs are appreciated! Unfortunately I no longer use taglists.

💔

Your phone sat on Bucky’s desk as he stared at it blankly. He wasn’t really sure what he expected, maybe that you’d call it, or it would magically reveal some sort of answers to the many questions he had. But it didn’t. It just laid there, about as useful as a rock. A ‘babe, how are you?! we need to hang out soon!’ notification from Natasha had lit up the screen an hour or so before, but otherwise it just continued to sit silently �� an insulting prompt that mocked him with your absence, the clock on the screen taunting him with how late it had become.

He'd had a glance at the checking and credit card accounts he’d set up for you, but they hadn’t been touched. In fact, nothing had been touched. None of your clothes had moved, your toiletries remained in the bathroom. You hadn’t even appeared to have taken any shoes with you. Natasha’s casual check-in text suggested your friends were unaware of what had happened. You’d just…vanished. A ghost in the night.

He felt nauseous, his gut churning. He’d tried to find the CCTV footage of you leaving, but the image was grainy – he could hardly make you out. The cameras had been acting up lately, he needed Steve to get them fixed. He kept thinking about you wandering out into the night by yourself, no money, no plan, how he’d forced you out into the cold. The one person he swore to protect, to keep safe.

His guilt was eating him alive.

But then he thought of the recording. Your voice so clear, laughing with the fed – mocking Bucky, calling him names and sneering at his gullibility. He could hardly believe it all at first. Not you? Not his doll, who had opened him up to love in ways he could have never imagined. Surely it couldn’t have been you, who had uprooted his life for the better, who had hit him like a whirlwind, changing his very being forever in all the best ways?

But he’d checked in with Banner who ran the tech and had confirmed you had been there. Your phone had pinged the cell tower in that exact spot they’d tracked the meeting point to. They’d even found a CCTV clip of you getting in a strange car that day, despite telling Bucky you were having Wanda over for a girl’s night. The audio was delivered by his own men, verified by their informant. The evidence was overwhelming.

‘It was so easy’ you had giggled cruelly on the clip, the words burned into his memory, ‘I just fluttered my eyelashes a few times and he was asking me to move in after a few weeks. I barely lifted a finger yet he swallowed everything I gave him and asked for more. Now I know how his whole operation works…but I need more time on the Stark deal. Just give me a bit longer and I’ll have that one-armed pussy spill everything after a few more ‘I love yous’ and dirty fucks. I promise...’

Of course he’d seen red. How could he not? He’d always been hot-tempered (passionate, his mother used to say), and the recording had destroyed his entire world in a matter of seconds. Aside from the betrayal, the pain, he felt humiliated. He’d finally been vulnerable with someone, shared intimacy in ways he’d never experienced with another person – only to find out it was all a lie. A trick. A joke. It affirmed his biggest fear – that he had been correct to build those walls, to protect himself from anyone who would use his feelings against him. Love could be exploited as a weakness, and he’d turned up to the fight unarmed.

In his mind, he’d not thrown you out – not sweet, beautiful you. Not you who held him close in your sleep and nuzzled into his chest, not you who traced his scars with her fingers and encouraged him to take off his prosthetic when you were intimate if he wished to. Not you, who stayed up late on his birthday just to present him with a homemade cake when he came home after an exhausting meeting – insisting he blew out the candles. Did she ever even exist? He’d always joked you were too good to be true. Now he’d accidentally manifested that into reality.

No. He’d thrown out her. The woman who had been gathering intel on him since the moment the two of you had met. The woman who exchanged kisses for information. The woman who had laughed about all of this as she gleefully ratted on him, delighting in her prowess over the foolish, lovesick mob boss she’d so easily toppled. The woman who’d callously worn the mask of someone who loved him. She was thrown out of his house, out of his embrace.

Unfortunately, the two versions of you were one and the same.

But at least he knew better, now. He’d go back to casual sex and pretty girls hanging off his arm. Easy. Fun. Uncomplicated. The walls would go back up and they wouldn’t come down again. Deep down he’d always known that men like him weren’t meant to be loved, that they weren’t worthy of genuine affection. Not all voids could be filled. People like you, or at least who he thought you were, were not for him. They deserved better. You’d always deserved better. He’d had a brief taste of happiness, but that was all he deserved. The universe would continue to punish him for his many bad deeds.

The only thing left to do was finally go to bed, but a solemn knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. He could tell it was Steve. 

“Steve?” he called, checking his watch. It was late, he’d assumed his second in command had already gone home.

Steve entered looking sullen. He was tensely holding his phone, and someone appeared to be on FaceTime with him. He cautiously extended it to his long-time friend.

“I’m sorry, Buck”, he said gravely.

“Steve..what?” Bucky asked as he gingerly took the phone from him. Sam looked back at him from the small screen, his solemn expression mirroring Steve’s.

“Bucky…I’m sorry,” Sam said quietly in that same tone, filling Bucky with a sinking dread.

Something was very wrong here.

“What is it?” He fired angrily at Sam, “just spit it out…”

Sam flipped the camera around to face what looked like a heap of old rags on the ground. He appeared to be in a parking garage, surrounded by nothing but concrete and darkness. It was hard to make anything out.

“What am I looking at here?” Bucky squinted at the camera as he tried to focus the image. Steve silently observed over his shoulder.

“Tell him what you just told us,” came the sound of Sam’s furious voice off-camera.

Bucky watched with confusion at the screen as Sam's boot suddenly kicked out at the heap, and the heap moved.

And then he clicked.

The ‘heap’ was a man.

The man groaned and cried out as Bucky realised the ‘rags’ were ripped, bloody clothes. He rolled over in obvious pain as Sam manoeuvred the camera to get a better look. As the man turned over, Bucky recognised his face. 

It was one of his own. 

“Rumlow?” Bucky asked with confusion. 

Behind him, Steve moved closer and leaned forward to watch the screen. “Just watch, Buck” he said sombrely.  

Rumlow looked up at the phone, blearily staring into the lens as he squinted at the phone light. His face was bruised and bloodied. Someone had given him a good going over. 

“It was me. Alright? I did it,” Rumlow groaned.

“Did what?” Bucky sneered, still not entirely clear on where this was going – but already feeling his anger mounting.

Rumlow sighed heavily and Sam gave him another swift kick to the ribs to encourage him to continue. 

He moaned out in pain and closed his eyes. “Aaargh. Alright…I did it! I did it okay! I made the recording!” he spat.

Bucky’s eyes darkened as comprehension of the situation unfolding began to take hold. His fist tightened around the phone screen. “Which recording…Rumlow?” He asked, his voice sinisterly calm. 

Rumlow paused and spat a wad of blood onto the floor. Bucky recognised the look of fear building in the man’s eyes, he’d seen it many times before. Rumlow was stalling to delay the inevitable.

“Tell me!!” Bucky roared at the phone, holding it so tightly in his fist that the screen might crack.

He watched Rumlow wince as he turned away from the screen, dropping his head in defeat.

“Of your girl…talking to the police…it wasn’t her-uh-it wasn’t even real. I used AI. From…from recordings of her voice from old security footage…I’m sorry…I just-”

But Bucky was eerily composed. Rumlow took his silence as the cue to continue.

“I hacked into the security system and planted the clip of her getting in the car. And I stole her phone for a few hours when she was at the house with a friend, planting it at the meeting point then driving back with it. She didn’t even notice it was gone…I’m sorry I…”

Bucky cleared his throat. He tapped a single contemplative finger over his lips as his eyes glazed over.

“Sam?” he asked, his voice void of emotion. 

Sam flipped the camera back to face himself. He looked grimly into the lens. “I’m sorry Buck…we had no idea…I caught him on the phone with the feds about the shipment – he thought I’d already left and-”

“Keep him warm,” Bucky interrupted, his voice cold like ice, “I have more urgent matters to attend to first, but I will deal with him”.

Sam merely nodded. Just as he cut the call, Bucky heard Rumlow wail and beg in the background. He’d be doing a lot more of that soon.

In a sudden fog of anger, Bucky pelted his phone hard against the wall. He roared with rage, lobbing his scotch glass at the window – shattering both. He flipped his desk, the chair, the bookcase – leaving a tsunami of destruction in his wake. Steve merely watched on, patiently. He knew Bucky needed to vent whichever way he could.

Eventually Bucky slowed, panting with exertion as he took a second to try and slick back his hair, now unkempt and messy from his outburst. He pulled back his shoulders as he attempted to regain his composure.

“We’ll find her, Buck”, Steve told him unwaveringly. “She can’t have gone far on foot. Then you can explain everything and apologise”.

Bucky shook his head as he ran his hands through his hair. Toeing the pile of debris that now cluttered his office floor he sighed heavily. “She told me she didn’t do it, Steve. And I didn’t believe her…”

“The recording was very convincing,” Steve clamped a sympathetic hand onto Bucky’s shoulder, “it sounded just like her – and had all of us fooled. Not to mention the phone location evidence…the CCTV of her leaving…before I came up here, Sam told me that this AI is brand new tech, far more advanced and convincing than what the masses have access to…”

Bucky bleakly shook his head, “Doesn’t matter. She’s my girlfriend and I’m supposed to trust her. Believe her. When I heard her voice on that recording I just…”, he trailed off sadly, “…it tapped into my worst fears…”

Steve nodded sagely. “Let’s just find her first, and you can talk to her. And then we can deal with Rumlow”.

Bucky grimaced, “I knew he was a risk to take on…with our shared history in HYDRA’s organisation…but I never thought…”

“Let’s just find her for now,” Steve repeated, always calm in a crisis. He pulled out his phone, making calls to various members of their group, sending out texts and kicking off various communication chains. In mere minutes, they’d have entire squads of their men scouring the area with a fine-tooth comb.

Bucky stood amongst the wreckage – the room’s physical ruins a glaring reminder that this wasn’t the only mess he’d made tonight. He pulled his own phone from his jacket pocket, opening his photo album as the pings and buzzes from Steve’s device filled the room. He flicked through the pictures of you: your face cheesily grinning at the camera, your lips sweetly planted on his cheek, a candid shot of you cooking in the kitchen – caught off-guard, your mouth a small ‘o’ of surprise. You’d asked him to delete it as you thought you looked dumb, but he insisted he keep as he like the way your eyes sparkled in it. It was one of his favourites. Looking at the pictures helped him calm down, his breath evening as he remembered what was important here. He ran a finger over the image of your face, “I’m sorry, doll” he whispered, “I promise I’ll do anything I can to fix this…”

A couple of miles away, you slept deeply in the tear-stained hotel sheets – completely unaware of the organised efforts to track you down. You didn’t dream, you didn’t stir, you just slept - grateful to give yourself over to oblivion.

💔

There had only been a few places you could have gone on foot.

Bucky’s men had worked quickly despite the late hour. The local police force, already firmly in Bucky’s pocket, loaned him a few law enforcement bodies to assist with the search, no questions asked – as was standard. Sheriff Bodecker always played ball. They collected the CCTV from local businesses, doorbell cam footage from local residents (who weren’t particularly happy to be woken to do so, but didn’t have much choice), swept the area on foot and in vehicles. It was faintly possible you had hitchhiked and thumbed a ride into the city, but Bucky knew this wasn’t likely, so they put that option on the backburner – although it hadn’t been entirely ruled out.

The gas station staff hadn’t seen you, but their CCTV did catch a blurred figure passing in the road opposite the camera. A faint outline of your route started to emerge as the puzzle pieces came together. Eventually, Bucky was sent the security footage of you checking into the Holiday Inn. His heart pulled as he watched you looking lost at the reception desk – your eyes round like saucers as you produced crumpled dollar bills, head turning left to right as you surveyed your drab surroundings. He could only imagine how lost you must’ve felt, how hurt and betrayed. Exiled by the man you loved, you trusted, and having to hunker down in a shitty roadside hotel. Part of him was impressed by your ability to pick yourself up and keep going even in the toughest circumstances – it was one of the many reasons he loved you. But mainly, he was ashamed. Ashamed that he’d pushed you to this, that he’d failed you in so many ways.

Bucky inhaled deeply as he closed the hotel clip on his phone, nodding to his driver and stepping into the dark SUV.

I’m on my way, doll.

[hoeforalbedo]

Dolly (Pt 2)

Human Alastor x Housewife!Reader

Pt 1, Finale

Tw: Murder, Forced Cannibalism, reader is described as a woman, dumbifying reader, mention of pregnancy, pregnancy.

Note: I guess I’m making this a series? I really want them to meet in hell. Also I really haven’t made it obvious bc I don’t want to erase Alastor being aroace. The way I see it, he’s kinda just toying with reader and grew obsessed once reader became a murderer.

———————————————————————

The morning after your delightful meal, you found yourself puking your guts out. The food did not agree with you at all. You wonder how Alastor’s body did not reject your food. Maybe it was all guilty’s conscience, but you’re not guilty for what you did.

Alastor holds your hair back, rubbing small circles on your back. “Oh my, what a way to start the morning. It makes me wonder if you’re perhaps pregnant.”

You shoot him a look, “Please do not say that, I beg of you.” No, you’re not pregnant, and Alastor knows you’re not pregnant. But if you are. . . That means you’re all to himself. You will have no choice but to depend on him even more. Even if you decided one day to leave him, you can’t. Nobody other man wants a tainted woman with children. Maybe one day he should get you pregnant.

Oh he absolutely knows that his dear wife has committed something awful and he’s proud of you, although he won’t admit it, yet. For now, he’s here to support you through the aftermath of your actions.

He could even recall his first kill, it was messy and uncoordinated, and the gore did not sit right with his stomach. But he hopes that his wife does not meddle in the business no longer. All you must do is sit pretty and be the doll you are. The sweet wife who cleans the house and cooks for him and cares for him dearly while being oblivious to the fact that your husband is out and about, killing many people.

But he’s curious. You might be just like him and the thought of that makes him want to grasp you in his hands tightly. To keep you all to himself and keep you away from anything that could take you away from him. At the same time, he wants to test you, push you further into insanity until there’s no more turning back and you’re addicted to the feeling of blood on your hands.

You’ve made a decision, you’re going to confess to Alastor. You can’t just keep him the dark about what you’ve done. “Alastor dear, so about Linda. . . I’ve. . .”

“No need to say more, ma cheri. I know.” He says, acting sympathetic towards you. He pulls you into a hug and you can’t help but burst into tears. He pats

“My dear, you’ve had such a bad morning so I believe you should go out and treat your pretty self with something,” He hums, combing your hair back.

“But-“

“I insist dear. Allow me to tend to the home and when you get back, you’ll be treated to a nice meal. How does that sound?”

Your lips pursed in thought. “Fine, but only because you insist.”

The phone rings.

“I’ll take that, mon cheri. Now I’ll allow you to get yourself all pretty and I’ll get you some money for you to spend.” He kisses your head and leaves you be.

———————————————————————

An outing is just what you needed, although it was not to relieve your nerves. You only felt guilt for having stained your hands with red. That matters not, anymore. Alastor says to relax and enjoy your outing and that is what you’d do.

Now that you’re out, Alastor prepares to go out. He puts his gloves, “I should prepare a freshly cooked meal for my dear wife. It’s about time I went hunting.” He hums to himself and leaves the house.

———————————————————————

The sound of chopping is heard through the kitchen. Chopped vegetables are put aside and Alastor is seen kneading a sort of meat. After he’s satisfied, he chops the meat and sets it aside.

“Let us see,” He says, squatting down to the body by the kitchen island. He reaches inside the abdomen, a squelch being heard as his hands move deeper. “Ah, there it is!” He says cheerfully as he cuts out the intestines.

After squeezing the contents out of the intestines, he looks up at the clock. “Oh dear me! It’s about time my dear Y/N comes home!”

It’s already 5 and he expects you to be home in about an hour.

He continues to grind away the other organs and meat before stuffing the intestines, making the sausages for the jambalaya.

After an hour has passed, you are back home. As you were about to reach for the handle, the door opened, revealing Alastor. “Welcome home ma cheri!” He greets you with a smile, pulling you in for a hug. You reciprocate and kisses his cheek. “What have you got there?” He asks, motioning to the bags.”

“Oh I’ve only bought a few dresses. Nothing out of the ordinary,” You shrug, putting the bags down.

“Then I should expect a show from you then, is that correct? Give me a little twirl in each dress?” His voice deepens as he tilts your head up to look at him.

“If that’s what my dear husband wants,” You say, almost as if you’re purring.

Alastor hums in approval and pulls your lips into a kiss. His arm around your waist, pulls you in, pressing your body against his. “Oh my pretty doll, you’ve got me all distracted.”

“And it is my fault?” She chuckles.

“Yes dear, it’s your fault for being so gorgeous, however I cannot complain about that. Come now, I’ve made jambalaya. Let us eat before it gets cold.”

You follow him immediately to the dining room. “How I love jambalaya. I’m grateful you’ve introduced me to one of your favorites.” You smile as you sat down. “You didn’t put shrimp?” You ask.

“I’ve decided to add some meat instead,” Alastor says, placing some food on your plate.

“Well anything you cook is delicious. I’ll enjoy every bite!” You beam.

The two of you continue to eat and chat. While doing the dishes, the door bell rings. “I wonder who that might be?” You say confused, not expecting any visitors.

Alastor goes to the front door and opens it with a smile. “Hello, how can I help you fine gentlemen?”

“We’re with the police, I’d just like to ask about your neighbors.” One of the officers say.

“Well of course!” Alastor remains to smile, however he is irritated, not that anyone notices.

“Who is it Alastor, dear?” You say, walking behind him. “Oh! Well hello officer!” You immediately put a bright smile. Alastor wraps an arm around your waist.

“Yes, you must be this fine gentleman’s wife. We’d just like to ask if you folks know anything about Mrs. Linda and perhaps Mr. Connor?” The officer asks.

“Connor? Well what could have possibly gone wrong?” Alastor says in confusion.

“Well officer, last night we got a call from dear Connor and just earlier before that, I believe during the afternoon, Linda paid me a small visit,” You answer.

“Is that so? Well ma’am, did she enter the home?”

“Yes she did. Just for a couple minutes though.”

“Anything in particular happened? Arguments, anything?” The officer pushes on.

“Oh of course not! Linda and I may only be acquaintances but I do not harbor such ill feelings for her.”

Alastor squeezes your waist, “You see, my dear wife is far too good for her own good. Far too oblivious to the world, but who can blame her. She’s a doll after all.”

You smile at the officers, looking very innocent.

“Why, I see why you married such a beautiful lady,” The officers chuckles. “Well did she say anything before she left?

“No sir. . . Well she did complain about how she suspects her husband of have a mistress,” You answer.

Alastor adds, “The couple do tend to have a tendency for infidelity. There’s neighborhood rumors of one of the kids not even being Connors’! It’s no surprise though. They say Linda sleeps with other men.”

You gasp, “You mean that man she was with that one day-!”

“Oh no need to worry your pretty little head about it. That is not our problem,” Alastor says.

“And the call you received from Mr. Connor?” The officer asks.

“Oh he just called to thank my dear wife for her generosity. She was kind enough to bake the family a pie. She’s a rather good cook,” Alastor answers with a smile.

“Well you see, both of the couples are missing and have left their kids unattended.”

“Oh that’s awful! Are they okay?” You ask with worry.

“They sure are. If you happen to hear anything about them, please do give a call, thanks for your time,” The officer nods and leaves.

After Alastor closes the door, you immediately broke into a sob. “They’re out to get me Alastor! They’ll get me!” You cling to him.

“My dear you won’t, I promise you they won’t. I’d do anything,” Alastor says in a hushed voice.

“I-I’m the last to have seen Linda and Connor! Now Connor is gone too! What if they think I am the one who killed him!” You cry hysterically.

“My dear, have you not seen yourself? No one would believe that a small thing like you could have possibly killed someone,” he reasons.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course dear.”

———————————————————————

“Must you really go, Alastor?” You plead, grabbing his hand.

“I’m afraid I cannot skip out on work today, mon cheri. But what if they get me? What if I can’t see you again?” You say with worry.

Alastor chuckles. Your clinginess used to be something that annoyed him but not finds adorable. “Remember what I said last night?”

You nod.

“So you’ll let me go right?”

You nod and let go of his hand.

“Good. Now I’ll be back later, my dear.” He kisses your forehead and walks out the door.

He in fact did not come home that night. He was found dead, a bullet to his head. You never landed on the suspect list, as Alastor was found to be the serial killer of New Orleans.

[folklorcore]

skincare time - v. hacker

Pairing: Vinnie Hacker x Fem!Reader

TW/Tags: Pure fluff, established relationship.

Summary: Vinnie asks you to do your skin care routine on him, starting with a nice tradition between the two of you.

Words count: 0.63 k.

You were in the bathroom inside Vinnie's room, your boyfriend.

You were mostly doing your skincare routine, when he knocked on the door.

"Baby, are you done yet? I miss you." he complained, opening the door a little to see what you were doing.

"Actually, yeah, I just need to brush my hair." You nodded looking at him in the mirror in front of you while he hugged you around the waist and hid his face in the crook of your neck.

You ran the brush through the ends of your hair and then brushed the rest.

"What's it for?" he asked taking a tube of liquid charcoal mask.

You smiled at the product in his hands and set the brush aside when you were done. "It's a mask, love."

"The kind that stick to your face and take away the blackheads or something?" he stopped hugging you to better observe the product.

"Yeah, exactly." You were going to start saving everything you used but he stopped you.

"Do you think you could… I don't know, do your skincare routine on me?" he asked biting his bottom lip looking at you. "If you don't want it doesn't matter I just—"

"Of course, sit down." You indicated to him by moving to the side so that he could sit where you were before and he did that.

You started by taking one of your hair bands, using it to keep his curls out of his face.

To say that he looked adorable was an understatement. Vinnie watched the movement of your hands where they went, waiting for what you would do next.

First you helped him wash his face with a purifying gel that you used.

You passed a towel that you used especially for your face across his face, removing excess water from his face with touches all over it.

"Your touch is too light and soothing." he mentioned with his eyes closed, making you giggle.

"Thanks, baby." you responded by choosing a Korean face mask to put on, choosing an avocado one.

You opened it up and spread it out, placing it on his face carefully. But he was startled by the sudden cold contact on his skin.

"Shit, it's cold."

When you got it fully on his face you looked down at your phone, checking the time.

"We have to wait twenty minutes."

As the said time passed you talked about your day, while he just nodded because he couldn't speak or his mask would fall off.

When you looked at the phone again, at least twenty-five minutes had passed. You went back to remove the piece of cloth from Vinnie's face and deposit it in the trash.

You took the towel again to dry him and put it aside.

You took some facial cream, putting it in the palm of your hand and with two of your fingers of the other free hand, you took the product to put dots of it on his face.

Then you gently began to spread it all over his face.

"This really is relaxing." He muttered sleepily, and you smiled looking at him.

"I know." you nodded removing your hands from his face and left a peak on his lips, removing the band from his hair. "lets go to bed."

He nodded getting up from his seat, hugging you to guide you towards the bed. Where he threw himself with you into his arms making you laugh and him smile.

"Good night, love." you said looking at your boyfriend already asleep.

"Good night, doll."

The next day at night, you came out of the bathroom when you were done with your skincare routine and he was standing by the door.

And what he said left a smile on your lips.

"It's skincare time."

REQUESTS ARE OPEN.

[littlefireball]

ʏʜ|ᴋɪꜱꜱ ᴍᴇ, ꜰ**ᴋ ᴍᴇ, ʜᴇᴀʟ ᴍᴇ (ᴍ)

ᴇx-ʙᴏʏꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴄᴛᴏʀ ʏᴜɴʜᴏ x ᴇx-ɢɪʀʟꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ ᴡɪᴛᴄʜ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: ꜱᴍᴜᴛ|ᴀɴɢꜱᴛ|ꜱᴍᴀʟʟ ᴀʀɢᴜᴍᴇɴᴛ|ᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ꜱᴇx|ʀᴏᴜɢʜ ꜱᴇx(??)|ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴏᴜᴛ|ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴᴇᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴜꜱɪɴɢ ᴛᴇʟᴇᴋɪɴᴇꜱɪꜱ, ᴛᴏxɪᴄ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ

ꜰᴋ ᴀᴡᴀʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀɪɴ ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 3.2ᴋ

Some kind of rewrite Doctor AU (the previous one is not that good sorry🥲)

"Fuck it…so damn hurt…" As you stirred from your slumber, a jolt of agony shot through your abdomen. Glancing around at the sterile medical apparatus surrounding you, it dawned on you that you were back in the hospital—again. This marked your fifth visit in just a few months. Why, oh why, did your body choose this moment to betray you? The relentless demands of life and the toll of your menstrual cycle had conspired to weaken you further, leaving you feeling more fragile than ever.

Just then, a knock echoed through the room, jolting you from your thoughts. To your utter disbelief, the doctor who entered was your ex-boyfriend, Jeong Yunho.

"Fuck…" You buried your face in your hands, desperately trying to shield yourself from the reality of the situation. All you wanted was to vanish into thin air.

"Miss Y/N, well…" He walked to you, placing down thick documents on the table. "You really need to be careful with your power. Overdoing it can weigh heavily on your spirit," Yunho said, glancing over your health reports with a serious expression.

"I've heard you say that more times than I can count, Dr. Jeong," you replied, exhaling dramatically and rolling your eyes, a hint of annoyance creeping in.

"But you never take it to heart," he countered, setting the reports aside to focus on you. "Look at you—back in the hospital again." He glanced over the medical reports forwarded from various hospitals and couldn't suppress a disapproving shake of his head.

"It's just a bit of dizziness, nothing major," you said nonchalantly, shutting your eyes to escape his piercing gaze.

"That dizziness is a warning sign that your spirit is on the brink," Yunho pressed, his tone firm. "This isn't a joke, Y/N. A severe headache and dizziness indicate you've pushed yourself too far."

"If you continue like this, no matter how much medicine you take, it won't stop the pain." His warning carried a weight that was strikingly different from his usual demeanor. There was no one to blame; no one wanted to heal their ex;it was only natural to feel irritated, especially when his words seemed to fall on deaf ears.

"I will prescribe some medications. Make sure that you take them daily and please don't OVERUSE your power." He deliberately emphasized his tone, giving you a serious look. "Yes,sir." You helplessly said, pouting.

"Take a rest." He collected his things and made a move to exit, but instead, he concealed himself and peered at you through the window. He knew you so well, fully aware that you wouldn't listen to his pleas.

You let out a frustrated curse as the familiar agony of period pain gripped you once more. The painkillers that had once been your saviors seemed powerless now, leaving you at the mercy of the relentless discomfort. Sitting up straight, you focused your telekinesis to summon a cup for some soothing hot water, but just then, Yunho burst through the door, causing you to startle.

"Did you just forget what I said?" He gazed at the cup suspended in the air, his eyebrow arching in disbelief.

"I… I just want some water. Not… not…overuse my power" You managed a sheepish smile, your words tumbling out in a fluster. He moved closer, snatching the cup and filling it with water before placing it right in front of you. "Just get off the bed and grab some water. It's not that far."

"I would do it if I could." You murmured, voice barely above a whisper.

"Can't you just listen to my words at least once?Or you want to be more painful?" Yunho crossed his arms, saying impatiently, "You've always been like this all the time."

"Does it matter to you?" You countered. "You can just leave me alone and you don't have to do that much. We broke up."

"Listen, I'm your doctor, and you're my patient. This is just how it is, okay?" He let out a weary breath.

The tension in the room seemed to thicken with each passing moment, as if the very air was struggling to bear the weight of the unresolved emotions lingering between the two of you. Yunho's expression and gaze softened as he took a step closer, but there was still a trace of exasperation in his eyes.

"It does matter to me, Y/N," he said, his voice low and sincere. "Even if we're not together anymore, I still care about you. And as your doctor, it's my responsibility to ensure that you're taking care of yourself. Your powers are a gift, but they're also a burden if you don't use them wisely."

You looked down at your hands, avoiding his gaze, feeling a mixture of guilt and frustration. You knew he was right─overusing your power caused your body to almost collapse. Severe menstrual pain was one of proofs, which you didn't have it before.

"I'm trying," you mumbled, your voice barely above a whisper. But the truth was, you were lying to both him and yourself. You clung to the power that had become both your curse and your shield, a double-edged sword that offered strength at a steep cost.

"Y/N, you're not invincible," he said, his voice softening as he reached out to place a comforting hand on your shoulder. "Your powers are incredible, but they come with a cost. You can't keep sacrificing your health for money or whatever other reasons you might have. You're worth more than that." Yunho's eyes bore the weight of concern as he examined you, his words gentle but firm.

"I'm here for you, Y/N. You're still the person I used to love, even if we're not together anymore. That doesn't change the fact that I want you to be happy and healthy."

You nodded, a smile struggling to break free. Just someone he used to love? Why did that thought sting? Wasn't it the reality? Deep down, you still held onto feelings for him, even if you'd never confess it. The memory of that day he ended things lingered sharply in your mind—"We're not meant to be." He was right; it was a perplexing paradox between you two—he dedicated his life to preserving others, while you were the one who brought them to an end.

That was not what you desired but your family had twisted your power into a tool of manipulation, forcing you to engage in unspeakable deeds—murders, thefts, every crime imaginable staining your hands.

Yunho initially believed he could sway your thought, but he soon realized he was mistaken. You couldn't get rid of your toxic family.

"I'm tired. I wanna take a nap." Sighed, you laid down to the bed, closing your eyes. The conversation had to end; each word echoed the depth of your love for him and the ache that lingered since his departure. You fought back the tears, determined not to let him see your vulnerability.

Yunho stood still instead of leaving. From the instant he laid eyes on you, a deep ache settled in his heart. What has caused your health to deteriorate so drastically? What has your family done to you? A whirlwind of questions swirled in his mind, anchoring him in place. He recognized the absurdity of it all. He was the one who had initiated the breakup, yet here he was, grappling with an overwhelming reluctance to move on. If the break up had never happened, would things have turned out differently? He found himself unable to resist asking.

"Hiss…it's so fucking hurt…" Believing he had already departed, you let out a sharp gasp. You forced yourself to endure, wearing a mask of indifference, while inside, you were battling the period pain. "Why?Why?"

"Are you alright? What's going on?" Yunho's sudden voice surprised you, making your eyes wide open.

"Why are you here?" You startled. "…Nothing…I'm fine."

"Fine?! You look pale, and you say you're fine?" You were silent.

"I'm not going anywhere until you tell me the truth."

"Can't you just…hiss…" The sharp pain creeped in, causing you to look even more pale.

"It's alright, it's alright," he reassured, gently patting your back, and gradually, the cramping began to ease. "Just tell me what's going on so I can help you."

"How can you possibly help?" you whispered, lowering the blanket to reveal your weary eyes. "The painkillers aren't doing anything…"

"Where does it hurt?" Yunho's voice was tender, but you quickly pulled the blanket back, murmuring, "It's period pain."

"Wait, what?" he replied, confusion etched on his face. "I said it's period pain." You pushed the blanket aside, a pout forming on your lips.

"Hold on. Period pain? But you never had this before. When did it start?"

You thought of the breakup. You wanted to confess, but chose to keep that part to yourself.

"I forget." He knew you lied as he noticed your habit when you were saying something fake. "I can drink some hot water…"

"Do you think it's gonna work?" Yunho cutted off your words with a serious tone. "Drinking hot water is not useful─"

"So what can I do?" You said, your impatience bubbling over. "Please don't say I should ask for your help…" you grumbled quietly, hoping he wouldn't catch your muttering.

"What did you say?" Yunho inquired, while you fidgeted with your fingers.

"I told you not to suggest I ask you to fuck—" You abruptly halted, realizing you were just rambling. A heavy silence enveloped the room, and a deep crimson crept across your cheeks, flooding you with embarrassment.

"Nothing! Just leave my room!" you exclaimed, disregarding the tightness in your stomach as you pushed Yunho out by using your power, slamming the door behind him. You then buried yourself in the embrace of your blanket.

Shit!It's embarrassing!How can you say what you're thinking?!

After a while, a knock echoed through the room. Had Yunho called more doctors? "Come in," you whispered into the blanket, only to discover it was Yunho himself, walking to you with a towel in hand.

"What're you doing?" You asked, watching him to lock the door and close the curtain. "To do what you ask me to do."

"Wait!Wait!Wait!" You sat up straight, urging him to stop unbuckling his coat. "I…I…that's not what I mean." "So, what do you mean?" Gripping your chin, he climbed over the bed.

You struggled to find your voice, stammering as he held you down. Your bodies were pressed together, the heat between you palpable as he leaned in, his breath brushing against your skin, igniting a wave of shyness within you.

"Don't we do it so many times?"

"Shut…shut up."

"Then push me away." He let out a smirk, pinning your hand above your head firmly. "But I know you wouldn't."

"Who…who said…" He stopped your word with a kiss.

"See?You didn't resist at all."

"So…you gonna help me? But don't you hate me? Don't you think we're not a match? Do─"

He stopped your words with a sudden kiss and you melted for it.

"I can't see you suffer. It cuts deep. I believed I could handle it, but the truth is, I can't." Their eyes locked, revealing a shared sorrow that seemed to echo in the silence. "My heart shatters every time I look at you. What has happened to you? What has your family put you through? I regret thinking I could walk away. I just…sorry…please let me make up for you."

Gently brushing your cheek as if seeking your consent, he lowered himself to kiss you once you gave a nod. Perhaps he couldn't articulate the courage behind his actions, but his heart was leading the way. As the kisses grew more passionate, a wave of memories washed over you; bittersweet yet brimming with love.

With your arms encircling his shoulders, you drew him nearer, savoring the softness of his touch as his hands glided down to your lower body. Both of your clothes were thrown anywhere, leaving you both naked making out on the bed.

"Don't be too loud or they will know what we are doing." He whispered, leaving a peck on your lips before placing a towel under your thighs. "You know you're a moaner." You patted his chest playfully, earning a doting smirk from him. But the laugh soon died out as his tip rubbed against your entrance, he couldn't help but hiss when he saw your blood.

"Don't force yourself…I'm okay with it." "No, honey. Just wait for me for a second." He tucked the blanket higher, ensured to shield you both from prying eyes and keep your nudity hidden. Yet, a deeper flush crept across his cheeks as the reality of the moment sank in.

He was fucking his ex-girlfriend in his work place. Oh my goodness! What if his co-worker sees? But they won't find it, right?

"Yunho…?" Your soft whimper pulled him back to reality.

"Yes, honey?"

"Are you okay? You can just stop if you don't want to."

"It's fine, everything's fine." A grin failed to mask his anxiety. His hands quivered slightly as he leaned closer to you. An odd feeling washed over him; the combination of warmth and moisture stirred a sense of discomfort. It was sticky, yet he couldn't deny that it felt strangely pleasurable at the same time.

When he wanted to move, you stopped him by gripping his shoulder tightly. "Please don't move…You're too…too big…Just let me adjust first." It was not your first time but indeed you haven't done this in a long time.

"Tell me if you're okay." He murmured, not sure what to do but just stayed still. "Are you shy?" You tilted your head, finding his ears redden. He blinked several times and avoided your gaze instead of answering, making you let out a chuckle.

"Can you kiss me?" You cupped his face to make eye contact with him, whispering softly. As your request hung in the air, he pressed his lips against yours with a gentle urgency. Tears brimmed in your eyes, cascading down your cheeks like delicate raindrops. Enveloped in the warmth of your kisses, he began to move with excruciating slowness, ensuring you could feel every vein of his cock.

Your toes curled as he hitted your sweet spot without any error; he still remembered your body clearly. His cock rubbed against your tight wall while his pelvis grazed your clit. Breathless, you tilted your head back against the pillow and let out a gasp, feeling him to go deeper as if breaking through your limit. Yet, the sensation was so delightful that it nearly overshadowed the discomfort of menstrual cramps.

He could feel your blood flow out more as he slid deeper each time. Imagine that it was cum but not blood made him feel better, even more excited. It was too good to be so deep inside of you. Your wall kept squeezing and sucking him in, giving him a wave of pleasure. Guided by his desire, he left your legs up to fold you as a mating press, gripping your thighs as a support, drawing his hips backward before shoving into your soaked cunt.

"Yu…yunho…" Choppy moaning and the skin slapping sound mixed in the room, urging both of you to lose in this love making. "Don't be too loud." He pressed his lips against yours to muffle your groan, only a soft whine left your tongue as he fucked you rougher and rougher.

"Shit, I think I can't last long." Parting from your lips, he sat up straight and settled his hands on your waist, moving you back and forth roughly to chase his high. "Yu…yu…ahh…fuck!" "Call me like this again, honey." "Yuyu, please…" The bed trembled fiercely, the vibrations nearly overpowering your soft cries. Your fingers turned pale as they clutched the pillow tightly, a tight knot twisting in your stomach.

Of course, he knew you were on your limit, and he was either. His cock twitched each time his tip battered your spot, all the heat rushed to it. "Cum for me, honey. Let me feel you again." His words pushed you to the edge and came hard, dripping on the towel. "Goodness, you squirted. Feel that good?" His thrusts lost his rhythm as he lifted his head up, then cumming all in the condom with a long-throaty moan.

Breathing hard, he fell against you, pressing his lips to yours. "Do you feel okay now?" "Yeah…thank you." He tenderly brushed your hair back, his fingers gliding over your flushed cheek. "I was afraid we might never see each other again." You whispered. "Yet here we are." He grasped your hand, placing a gentle kiss on it, his voice as soothing as it was before your relationship began.

"I think…I still love you." Yunho admitted, causing tears to shimmer in your eyes. "I feel the same way. But…" The shadows of your past loomed over you, a relentless specter. You were terrified, terrified of reliving the heartache. "It's alright, Y/N. Take all the time you need." He understood your fears, resolute in his patience, choosing to let things unfold naturally. You nodded, enjoying the solace in his embrace.

Thanks to his treatment and care, you soon could be discharged from the hospital.

"Please don't overuse your power again. I really don't want to see you in the hospital," Yunho repeated, concern etched on his face.

"Can you cut down on the lecture?" You rolled your eyes, a light laugh escaping your lips. "Honestly, you sound just like my mom."

"What? I'm just looking out for you," Yunho shot back. "You act like a little kid who refuses to grow up."

"A kid? I'm a grown woman! I can handle myself just fine." "Then you won't be at the hospital every week." You pouted, crossing your arms. "Anyway, I have to go. Bye!" As you turned to leave, he called out to you.

"Hey, y/n."

"What?"

"Here." Yunho pulled a slip of paper from his pocket and handed it to you, revealing his phone number.

"Your number?" You tilted your head, intrigued.

"Yep. I changed it. Call me if you ever need anything."

"Thanks!" A smile spread across your face, warmed by his gesture. "But I'm not looking for a mom." Yunho's smile faltered at your words, uncertainty creeping in.

"Kidding." You teased, finding his reaction endearing.

"You should make up for me then." he said, stepping closer and lowering himself to meet your gaze.

"Why?"

"Cuz you hurt me." He pouted, looking so adorable. You suddenly gave a peck on his cheek, making heat rush to your cheeks.

"I gotta go now."

"See you then." He gently ruffled your hair, a smile lingering on his lips. "Don't hesitate to call." You nodded, turning to leave.

Perhaps the fog of yesterday will gradually lift, yet you still require just a bit more, only a touch more time. But never mind because Yunho will wait for you. He would never lose you again, never.

tag list:@angelsaway

[daryl-dixon-daydreams]

You had just sat down on the couch, sunk into the deepness of the cushions and gotten yourself comfortably when you heard heavy steps on your front porch. Your ears pricked up, listening, and sure enough there was a knock on the door. Your head dropped back and your eyes closed. You let out a slightly exasperated sigh before setting your paperback aside and climbing to your feet.

The door opened on a sheepish-looking Daryl Dixon.

You cocked an eyebrow at him, taking in the red welt on the side of his face and then the way he was cradling his hand with the other. Another sigh escaped you. "Come in," you said stepping back to let him enter. "You know, I was going to have a nice, quiet night of reading but I guess I'll be patching up your broken hand instead."

Daryl hurriedly toed his boots off on the rug in the entryway and trailed after you, nervously licking his lips. "Yeah, uhh—'m sorry. I know it's late."

You were putting some ice from the freezer into a plastic bag and turned to give him an appraising look. "Are yoooou going to tell me what happened or do I need to start asking questions?"

"Uhh—does it matter?"

You shrugged. "I guess not... But I'm extremely curious about what could have possibly happened that caused you to punch something or someone when we're supposed to be on our best behavior here..."

Daryl gulped. "It was—just that Aiden guy yappin', ya know?" Daryl froze as you took his hand and examined the swelling. He winced a little as your fingers pressed into his hand. You were making sure nothing was displaced.

"What was he yapping about?"

Daryl's face flushed with heat as he remembered it. "Ah—nothin'... just—talkin' shit," he said, hoping you'd drop it.

You gave him a skeptical look and a half-smile he found charming as hell. "Obviously it wasn't nothing if you got into a fist fight over it."

"Mmm," Daryl hummed, accepting the proffered ice pack. He laid it over his knuckles. He gulped again as you turned your attention to his face, looking the welt on his jaw over with concern. "Dun worry 'bout that. Guy barely got me. Couldn't throw a punch harder than Judith can righ' now," he drawled.

"Well?"

"Well what?" he asked, meeting your eyes.

You laughed. "You interrupted my quiet night in. The least you could do would be to tell me what all the drama was. You're dodging my questions. Did you think I wouldn't notice?"

Daryl's face flushed again. "Uhh—"

"Why are you being so squirrely?" you asked, your curiosity only increasing. You thought perhaps you'd better let it drop... He really seemed unwilling to tell you.

He ducked his head, staring down toward the ice pack over his bruised and swollen knuckles. "Just—stay away from that guy, alrigh?"

That hit you square between the eyes and you suddenly understood. "Oh." You paused and took a breath and Daryl hazarded a glance up at you, worry clear on his face. "What did he—?"

"I didn't like how he was talkin' about ya. And I set him straight. But I wouldn't put it past him to—I dunno. Just‚ he ain't worth the time of day, alrigh?"

You nodded, much more subdued now that you understood that the fight had been, somehow, over you. "Well... come and sit down. You should keep that ice on for 20 minutes. I didn't feel anything displaced in your hand.... I'm—I'm sorry you got hurt over—over something to do with me."

Daryl looked puzzled. "Whoa—hey. It ain't yer fault. Ya dun have anythin' to apologize for. Ya weren't even there. Besides," he said, fidgeting a little nervously, "it was worth it. And I'd do it again. I will do it again if he didn't learn his damn lesson..."

You smiled fondly at him, a little stunned by his protectiveness. "Thanks. I suppose I can still have that quiet evening now. Interested in joining me?"

Daryl nodded. "Ya got any books I might like?"

You grinned at him. "Mountain man adventures or pirates?" you asked him.

He laughed gruffly. "Surprise me." Prompt: "I was going to have a nice, quiet night of reading but I guess I'll be patching up your broken hand instead."

[helaintoloki]

The Ghost of You

pairing: Sparrow!Ben x reader

warnings: language, angst

notes: i got a request for sparrow!ben angst and a request for a continuation of relenting/keep your enemies closer so i thought why not do both

summary: reality finally sets in for you and Ben

“Does it hurt?”

“Only a little,” you admit with an indifferent shrug as you show off your fresh stitches to an uneasy Ben. The day’s mission had been an overall success but not without any damage done. You’d taken a nasty hit defending Diego from an attacker that had been planning to ambush him, and if not for Luther quickly rushing you out of there your injuries very well could have been much worse. “Grace says if I take care of it enough the scarring won’t be as bad.”

“You really scared the shit out of me, you know,” Ben admits through a shaky breath. “I didn’t see what happened, but when I saw Luther carrying you away I assumed the worst.”

“You know it’s kind of hard for me to die, right?” You remind him teasingly, but when you see that the apprehension in his features hasn’t melted away at your words you quickly reach for his hand and give it a tight squeeze. “Hey, I’m fine. I could never leave you- we’re in this together, remember? You and me forever just like we said.”

A small smile manages to break through his worried expression as he returns the gesture and gives your hand a careful squeeze. In the safety of your bedroom he knows that nothing can harm you, and as long you’re together everything will be okay.

“Forever,” he agrees with a firm nod, his voice echoing in the distant corners of your mind.

You wake with a start, heavily gasping for air as if you haven’t been breathing the entire time you’ve been asleep. Your chest feels tight and tears immediately spring to your eyes as your mind desperately tries to grasp at the remnants of the memory that had taken over your dreams. That had been the last time you’d seen Ben before the accident, before you’d been benched from the team because of your injury and failed to be present to protect him from death. You’ll never get over that night, and you’ll never get over him, which is why you feel sick to your stomach with guilt when you finally remember that you didn’t go to bed alone last night.

Ben sleeps soundly beside you, never once stirring from your movements, and in his sleep the Sparrow almost looks less mean. He almost looks like your Ben again, and you feel horrible for thinking that. What kind of woman were you to sleep with another version of your dead boyfriend in some sick form of coping with the loss of what could have been.

His arm across your waist suddenly feels uncomfortable heavy, and as your eyes trail along his forearm and down to the tips of his fingers you realize your shirt has ridden up and his fingers are splayed across the gnarled scar on your abdomen. Grace had been right about needing to take care of it in order to minimize the damage; after Ben’s death you hadn’t bothered to take care of yourself let alone worry about your stitching. Everything is suddenly too much for you and you’re forced to shove the man away from you before you begin to suffocate.

“What’s going on?” He complains with a hoarse groan, finally stirring awake after your erratic movements. The sheets pool at his bare waist as he sits up in bed and blearily rubs the rest of the sleep away from his eyes.

“I can’t do this anymore,” you whisper in a shaky voice as you begin to scour the floor for your clothes that had been carelessly tossed aside the night before.

“Can’t do what?” Ben retorts in annoyance. He doesn’t enjoy being woken up out of his own volition, and he certainly doesn’t enjoy having to deal with other people’s emotions this early in the morning.

“This-!” You exclaim emphatically before wildly gesturing between him and yourself. “Us! It was one thing sleeping with you when I thought the world was ending and nothing mattered, but it’s been six years! I can’t keep acting like this relationship is normal when it’s not!”

“Newsflash sweetheart, nothing about either of us has ever been normal,” Ben reminds you almost condescendingly, your outburst clearly upsetting him. “So what if we’re not from the same timeline or whatever it is you want to call it? Why does that matter? I’m still Ben-“

“You’re not my Ben!” You cry out in exasperation. Your harsh comment stuns him into silence, and now all either of you can do is stare at each other while you sit in tense silence. Tears stream down your face as you desperately clutch at your chest in hopes the pain will stop. Trembling, you continue, “The only thing you two have in common is a face. You’re nothing like him, and I was so stupid for thinking that maybe you could be.”

“So that’s it?” He retorts harshly as his hardened eyes bore into your soul. Though Ben masks it as anger, your words dig deep into his chest. You’re not the only one that’s lost someone, and you have no idea how painful it is to have the woman who looks and sounds exactly like your lost love tell you she wants absolutely nothing to do with you. “Just because I’m not some softie loser you won’t even try to make this work?”

“He was more than that,” you correct him with a pitiful laugh, carelessly wiping away your tears. “And the fact that you don’t get that is exactly why this won’t work. You need to go.”

You say nothing more as you wordlessly lock yourself in the bathroom and allow him the chance to gather his things and go. With your back pressed against the door, you slowly sink to the floor and hold your head in your hands as you begin to sob.

He isn’t your Ben, you know this, and yet a part of you desperately wishes he was.

[shamrockqueen]

Omega retreat : chapter 4

Pairing : Alpha Bucky x Omega reader

Warnings : R18, Eventual Smut, General Discomfort, nothing is what it seems, fluff, heart ache

Word count : 2131

Masterlist

He was very understanding when you asked him to give you time to think about his invitation. It was the turning point you hoped to avoid just a little longer, appreciating instead that you could be just like any other normal girl. Yet, some things couldn't be left on the back burner.

The untouched notification continued to light up your inbox, no doubt just being the website’s way of ensuring their reservation went through and they would be paid.

You turned over to look at your phone and the little banner still sitting at the top that said, “You’ve been invited to reserve a cabin by JAMES BARNES.”

It was fitting that he’d picked the Gold Package, and you had to admit, a sexy getaway was incredibly tantalizing.

Yet, everything felt rushed, and you knew exactly why. You knew you were always going to give in, but ever since that conversation at the hospital, you wanted so badly for every choice to at least be your own. Something you wanted to do, not be coerced by circumstances.

You told yourself every second after you’d logged into your computer, your eyes still heavy with broken sleep, that this was still your decision. Accepting the invite would be your decision, no matter what reason you had to make it.

With one simple click, it was done, a cascade of hearts flooding the screen as their little mascot hopped around with joy. It was cute, yet still a little cheesy.

You set the computer aside before laying back on the bed and letting the small streaks of sun coming in from the window warm your skin. You felt so oddly relieved, yet still so anxious. It was a good start, better than what you had before.

A small ding sang through the peaceful morning, and once again you emerged from your little sheet cocoon to grab your phone from the nightstand. It was a message from Bucky, and he seemed as excited as ever to have gotten your confirmation.

‘Good morning :D’

You smiled at the message, feeling more relief spread through your tired body as you typed back.

‘Morning. I take it you got the notification.’

You watched as those three dots jumped inside the prospective chat bubble before two popped up at once.

‘I did indeed.’

‘You have no idea how happy this makes me.’

Everything he said always seemed to make your heart blossom with a new feeling of warmth. It really put into perspective how tiring all that stress and anxiety really was when it finally started to disappear.

Expressing his eagerness through text must not have been enough for him, as the phone buzzed to life in your hand before you could type another reply.

You didn’t hesitate to answer it, and your belly fluttered at the low rumble of his voice as it sang through the speaker.

“Hey, doll”

“Hi. You miss me already?”

You heard him chuckle softly, probably smiling at the bashful tone in your voice. “I hope I’m not coming on too strong.”

“No! I think it’s really sweet.”

It was nice to have someone care this much about your needs, especially above their own. It was someone who wanted to take care of you at what may well be your weakest.

You hear him clear his throat for a second, shaking the sweet and sugary vibe that the conversation had started on. “Do I have the date right? If not, then I can fix the reservation..”

“No, you remembered very well. I’m actually surprised.”

“I guess I’m just excited.”

“That makes two of us; I’m practically shaking in my boots.”

He laughed back at your goofy little retort, and you giggled nervously along with him.

“I was kind of afraid you’d say no.” His voice seemed to fall again as he spoke, giving you a glimpse of a few insecurities of his own. “Like, maybe I scared you away.”

“As if.” You laughed it off immediately, bemused at the thought that he’d consider himself anything more than the teddy bear he’d shown you.

“I needed some time to take it in for a second. I just felt so much in the moment, ya-know.” You smiled down at the phone as you spoke, hoping you could melt his fears just as he did yours. “Believe me, you're not scary one bit.”

You swear you could feel the laugh he’d let out as you chuckled with him.

He’d talked to you for hours, showering you with compliments as he finalized the details of your trip.

“Are you sure you’ll be able to take that time off? It is pretty soon.” You stepped around your kitchen, looking for a mug to pour some coffee into. Bucky watched your shapely form as it moved across his screen, smiling to himself before you turned back to the phone and caught his eyes wondering.

The conversation had since evolved into a video call, letting you see the actual smile on his face. There would be glimpses of the rough grain in his facial hair and the deepening blue of his eyes, but there were finer details that you couldn’t see.

You wanted to see so much more, and soon you will. That thought alone made you feel so much happier.

He brushed his hair back with his fingers, leaving a thick lock behind his ear and a few strands to fall back across his forehead and cheek.

“I’ll be just fine; help to be your own boss.”

“Oh? Big boss, man, huh?”

He huffed a chuckle before he spoke back, “A story for another time, but I’ll tell you now it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”

You gave him a little pout.

“What about you?” He asked, in a clear attempt to redirect the conversation back to the original question.

“Oh, I always get my heat off. It’s kinda like that for Omega’s.”

You were more than lucky to work in an environment that was so welcoming to people like you, and you were sure that your supervisor would understand.

“Makes sense..” You watched his eyes wander from the screen as he pulled his phone from the pocket of his sweatpants. It looked so out of date that it was no wonder why he only used the webcam on his computer.

“Nice flip phone, grandpa.”

He laughed back at you with “gee thanks, doll” before tossing down the bad news. “I gotta go.”

“Awe, already.”

“Yeah, nothing like a work emergency on a Saturday.” You watched him toss the phone on his desk offscreen before turning back to you. “I can’t wait to see you, Omega.”

“I can’t wait either, Alpha.” You felt his eyes shift as you spoke, as if finally hearing you say his denomination so diffidently.

You tapped the red button on the phone screen, ending the call before you turned it off and set it aside.

By mid-afternoon, you’d since decided to knock out a few of your household chores. You were already elbow deep in some soapy dishwater when you heard another familiar ringtone. You fumbled for the dish towel nearby to dry your pruney fingers before grappling with your phone.

You accepted the call and called back a sweet greeting to one of your favorite people.

“Hi, mom.”

“Hi sweetie. I haven’t heard from you in a few days..” Her concern was sweet, but you were quick to cut her short, not wanting another reminder of the previous incident.

“I’m fine, mom.”

She sighed back, “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I know.”

“Any news?” Her voice lightened, truly hoping there would have been an update on your condition and even more so that it was promising.

There was plenty of news, wonderful news that you weren’t ready to break to your worrisome mothers just yet.

Better now than never, it seemed, “I met someone.”

“Oh?”

She didn’t sound happy, and every second afterward that she left you in silence made your once-airy mood deflate.

"He's uh...He’s an alpha.” Your jaw only tightens further as you wait for an answer back. Anything would be better than another ‘oh?’

“Well, that’s nice. W-where did you two..meet?” Her discomfort was never easily hidden, but at least she was trying.

“We met on this dating site, and we’ll be spending some time together soon.”

“I see. So is it a date to a cafe or dinner?”

“We’re going away for...." You struggled to find the words, "...it’s just this vacation rental somewhere quiet and calm.”

“Oh, a getaway. Sounds nice, but... you know your cycle will be coming soon. It’s probably best to be careful.”

“I-I'll be taken care of..."

“Are you sure? I can always be there to take care of you in case of another emergency.”

You felt your stomach tighten a little as she spoke.

“That’s actually why we’ll be out of town.” Your toes shifted along the floor, carting you to the fridge so you could grip the handle to better hold yourself upright.

She didn’t answer back right away, only giving you a weak “you can’t do that.”

It made the blood freeze in your veins, leaving your body tense against the refrigerator. “Mom..”

“Do you have any idea what might happen to you all that way from home?”

“I know what I’m doing.”

“The hell you do. You can’t do this. I can’t lose you.”

She seemed to spiral nearly as badly as you did.

“If I go through another heat without a partner, you fucking will lose me.” You nearly wailed as you yelled back into the phone, only to be met with a few moments of dead air.

It made the frantic beat of your heart seem louder and louder. Proof that no matter how calm the waters felt, you couldn’t escape the truth that swam beneath them.

“Sweetheart, I only want you to be safe.”

You knock your head back against the fridge before letting your body slide along the side of it, letting the newly mounting anxieties drag you down to the floor. “I’m not safe alone, mom.”

“I’m sorry. I know you wanted to wait for all this, and it’s not fair.” Her voice was just as weak as yours was now.

“It’s fine; I need to grow up sometime.” You said back, pulling your knees to your chest. You didn’t want to wallow in this disparity anymore; you were so sick of it all. It takes a single thought—a glimmer of hope shining through the dark clouds that have begun to circle around you.

You thought of Bucky.

“B..James’ is nice; I think you’d like him.” You had to quickly correct yourself, knowing his nickname had been sweet to you but could seem silly to others. You still remember the abashed laugh you gave when he first told you.

“I…good, that’s good.”

You knew that wasn’t what she wanted to say, and now you weren’t afraid to say it instead.

“You think you’d like him more if you’d gotten to meet him.”

“I didn’t say that, but yes.” You hear her voice wavering as she speaks. “I’m glad, though, that he’s nice. I hope you have fun on your trip.”

“Thank you, mom.”

“Please be safe, sweetheart. I love you.”

You sighed for a second before telling her you loved her too, and the call came to an end. You were still hugging your knees, nearly curling in on yourself in your kitchen. The floor was uncomfortable, and you finally unfolded yourself and pushed off of it. You missed the careless feeling you’d had while talking to Bucky, lamenting how easily your mood had dipped like a sinking ship.

It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fucking fair at all. Just when you thought you could escape the anxiety, it rounded its ugly head around each corner. Well, this time you wouldn’t be taking it lying down anymore.

You used this new momentum to spur yourself through the house and towards your bedroom. You bolted for your closet, determined now only to look ahead to your chance to get away from it all. You tore through your hung clothes, wanting to find anything that could impress your perspective, Alpha.

You found yourself leafing through more khaki shorts than you’d realized you’d owned. Faded sundresses and worn-out old sandals littered the pile, along with plain cotton panties in contrast to any lacy lingerie.

You still had a long way to go before you truly felt comfortable in your own skin. But certainly, a little shopping could do some good too.

There was a fire in your belly, burning you forward like an angry locomotive.

It will be a cold day in hell before anyone takes this opportunity away from you.

Chapter 5

Tag list : @bethyruth @scott-loki-barnes @wintrsoldrluvr @buckysdoll85 @lendeluxe @meowmeowyoongles @heletsmelovehim @mcira @buckysbaby-doll @serendipitouslife90 @unicornicopia1 @animegirlgeeky @matchat3a @darkdemeter @onyxwolf @thebuckybarnesvault

[totaly-obsessed]

can you write something for mary when she could be having a bad day or something and the reader helps cheer her up

Lucky Gloves

Mary Earps x reader request

-> Mary just needs her girlfriend after a hard day, but it's date night

➳ Masterlist

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

You were late.

Not that you really had somewhere to be, it was more just an annoyance – it was date night. Every Thursday the two of you would go out together, just a little tradition you had carried through two years of dating each other.

“I’m sorry love, let me get changed quickly, and then we can be off.” You rushed into the house, not even seeing Mary anywhere but you were far too stressed to notice.

Ten minutes later, now changed out of your teacher attire you started to look for Mary when she was not read by the door like she usually was. “Mary?” You could not hear an immediate response, furthering your panic. “Baby?”

“Hmm?”

Ah. There she was.

But after following her vague noises you did not find her in a casual-chic outfit ready to wine and dine you like she usually did. “Mary? Love, why are you still wearing your training stuff?”

The goalkeeper did not answer aside from a deep groan as she burrowed her face deeper into your favorite fluffy blanket. Wordlessly you sat down next to the couch on the ground, rubbing her back. “Baby? Are you okay?”

Finally, she turned her head, now facing you. Tired puffy eyes meeting your own. “Sorry love. Let me get dressed.” With cracking bones your girlfriend started sitting up, not expecting you to throw yourself on top of her.

With you straddling her lap, hugging her close to you, she had no way of leaving. Of course, she could just stand up with you on her hip, but she would never use her strength like that, too scared that she would hurt you.

A couple of minutes of careful coaxing and cooing in her ears let the brunette finally relax, nuzzling her face into your warm neck – humming with contentment. “What’s up with you my love, huh?”

Mary would never admit it to her teammates, no matter how much she loved them, but here in your shared home, with you on her lap was the only place that she would ever call home. “Had a really shitty day.”

“Awwh, I’m sorry honey. Why don’t you take a shower and get changed into comfy clothes and I’ll get us some food, huh?”

As good as that sounded, it was Thursday, and it was the goalkeeper's turn to choose the place to eat, and she didn’t want to disappoint you. You, who had shitty days all the time and never needed to be treated like a baby. “But it’s Thursday baby. It’s my tu-“

The blonde couldn’t whine further as she was shut up with her favorite lips giving her a soft kiss. “Nonsense love – quiet night in. Doctor’s order!”

A soft laugh escaped her chest, letting you relax just a little. “Who’s my doctor then?”

“Me of course – silly girl!” Your blatant lie of being a doctor only made the older woman laugh harder, pushing you off her lap. “Alright then.”

Twenty minutes later you were changed into one of Mary’s ‘MAE27’ shirts, fuzzy socks, and some shorts that definitely weren’t yours either. “Supporting me, I see.”

Warm arms wrapped themselves around your waist, Mary’s head finding its favorite place in the crook of your neck, peppering kisses wherever she could. “I’ll always support you, baby.” And she knew you meant it, even without the deep kiss that followed your silent promise – but she was thankful for it either way.

Mary laid the cutlery down on the couch table, ignoring your perfectly made dining space, opting for comfort instead.

So here you were, each a bowl of your favorite soup in your lap while the goalkeeper’s feet kept digging into your sides.

“So, you wanna tell me what’s made your day so bad then, love?” You had both finished your bowls, so Mary took it upon herself to steal yours from you, setting them both down on the table before laying back on the couch – pulling you on top of her.

Your front pressed snuggly against yours as her prize-winning hands found their place in your hair, giving you a massage.

“This morning I woke up without you – bad enough. Then I couldn’t find my lucky gloves and spilled my coffee. So I wanted to go to that tiny shop down the road, yeah? I get there – closed! Can you imagine? So I get to training and all Mark did was yell at me, fucking hate that prick. And then Ella – goddamn Tooney goes and fucking lobs me. The cheek the girl has! And, oh my god, she didn’t shut up about it!”

Mary’s rant continued for a while, finally getting everything off her chest. But no matter how shitty her day was, here in your arms life was perfect.

[where-dreamers-go]

hi!!! I’m obsessed with your connor writings ♡ so I was thinking if its okay if I request some hurt/comfort with connor and fem!reader who has kinda low opinion (both looks and personality) on herself and always put other people first and rarely think about her own comfort and feelings :( this is very self-indulgent so I’m sorry for that and you’re absolutely free to ignore this! thank you and have an amazing day <33

“Understand” Rk800 Connor x Reader

(A/N: Thank you for your request! It’s self-indulgent for us both, then. Caring for oneself takes work sometimes, lots of practice. But Connor is here!!! Warnings: minor angst, use of (Y/N) for your name Word Count: 721 words)

Weekends were looked forward to by many. The end of the work week for some people. Also a day to visit others to a number of people.

Late into the afternoon, you had finished your visits and social obligations for the day.

Not yet home, you sat outside on a city bench. The day’s activities weighing you down. Muscles in your arms and even your face tried to relax. You hoped a bit of fresh air could help.

For the first time in over five hours, you had time for yourself. Quiet and stillness in your personal space. Nothing left for you to do for other. Hopefully, for the rest of the day if you were lucky.

In your mind, your thoughts zipped between one past conversation to another and any action weaved throughout. However loud, you knew eventually you would work through the thoughts and memories until you could return to your regular streams of thoughts. You just needed some time.

You exhaled slowly.

I really don’t want them to call me later, you thought as you watched some birds squawk at one another. They talked…the whole time.

A light breeze tickled your skin, but you didn’t mind nor move. It was nature not a family member ‘asking’ you to do something.

“(Y/N)?”

With a mild startle, you turned to see your friend, Connor, standing with his LED spinning yellow.

“Connor? Hi, what are yo— OH!”

I completely forgot.

“Are you all right?” Connor asked. “We were supposed to meet an hour ago.”

“I’m so sorry. I completely forgot. I was with my family and being around them,” you took a breath, “it’s hard to think straight.”

“It’s all right,” Connor said more calmly than his words a few moments ago. “How long have you been sitting here?”

“Don’t know.” You huffed.

At that, Connor joined you on the bench.

“It’s just…been a day. I’m tired.”

“You visited some family today. Was it a party?”

“No,” you stretched your neck and added, “I ended up helping with the TV, phone settings, a laundry issue, and rearranging furniture. Multiple times. It was… They just kind of decided on it since I was there too. And I helped.”

“You moved furniture? (Y/N), you had put in a full week of work.”

“I know.” You couldn’t look at your friend. “I just did it. They needed help.”

“Weren’t other people there? You didn’t have to do everything.”

You nodded.

“Did you want to do all of those tasks?”

“No, but that doesn’t really matter.”

“Why not?”

“Because they needed those things done.”

Connor placed his hand on your shoulder, offering a type of warmth you had been neglected for a while. A gesture you denied yourself and he knew. Of course Connor knew.

He needs to understand that’s just how it is, you thought. They tell you to do something or ask whatever and you do it. That’s it. Either you do it or you can’t.

“It’s not a choice, Connor. If I didn’t help them, wouldn’t that make me lazy or rude? I’d never hear the end of it. And…they needed help.”

You looked over to your friend. Brown eyes stared back at you.

“(Y/N), it’s not wrong to step aside to allow other people to help. You don’t have to do everything for others. In fact, it’s impossible for you to always help someone especially if you’re uncomfortable or are not well.”

“But…”

He shook his head, a sad expression on his charming face. “No. I’ve all ready seen you overwork yourself. It isn’t healthy. You know, don’t you?”

Shoulders slumping, you leaned into your friend.

“I’m tired.”

Connor wrapped his arm around you and let you rest into his side. “You don’t have to do anything right now. We can sit here for as long as you want.”

Pressing your lips in a thin line, you suppressed the tears trying to escape. Too tired to discuss how right Connor was and too grateful to have Connor as a caring friend.

“(Y/N)?”

“Hmm?”

“Can you practice taking your own needs first, when appropriate, please?”

“I’ll try.”

“That’s all I ask. You can be happy too.”

Smiling, you wrapped your arms around Connor’s middle and took the first step in thinking about your own comfort.

~~~

(If you love my writings and want to support me, I have a Ko-Fi where you can buy me a coffee. I would be eternally grateful. coffee

Best wishes and happy reading.)

~~~~~

DreamerDragon Tags: @cubedtriangle

Detroit Become Human Tags: @shewhobreathesfire @

**Let me know if you would like to be tagged in insert readers, either through replies, ask, or message.**

[b4mpyre-k1zz3s]

The Jackass Guys Taking Care of You while you’re Sick HCs!

Johnny Knoxville X Fem!Reader, Chris Pontius X Fem!Reader, Steve-O X Fem!Reader, Bam Margera X Fem!Reader, Ryan Dunn X Fem!Reader

Warnings: Mentions of illness, pet names (ie. darlin’), alcohol

An: While writing this, I was actually bed bound for two days to to a nasty respiratory illness, so I think you could guess where my inspiration came from XD Ironically enough, in between writing this and coming out I got sick again. Boy, what an immune system I have! I get sick frequently and one thing I can always count on making me feel better is writing about the guys :)

You had no appetite, you could barely leave your bed, and you had a temperature of 101.9. Yep, with how sick you were, there was no way you’d be able to go to work.

So you called your boyfriend to help take care of you

Johnny

“Oh, darlin’…”

You were in sore shape, and like the amazing boyfriend he was, Johnny went to helping you feel better right away!

Really, he missed his calling as a doctor or nurse with how sweet and considerate he is to you

Helping you out of bed if you’re weak on your feet and to the shower, assuring you how much better you’ll feel after you get a lil’ steam in your system <3

And after you get out, he’d sit behind you and gently comb/brush our hair for you, no matter how many times you mumbled to him that yes, you were sick, but you could take care of your basic needs yourself

But you secretly enjoyed being babied by him

If you couldn’t stomach much, he’d bring you some warm tea and fruit with a kiss on the forehead before he went to set up the humidifier

When Robitussin and NyQuill weren’t making a dent in your fever, Johnny got a little creative,

“If it doesn’t make you better, you’ll forget you were sick in the first place!” He explained, handing you the mug of hot water, lemon, and a splash of bourbon

A hot toddy, he told you it was called, something his mama used to give him when he was sick at home

And that thing worked.

Your eyes were falling close as you murmured, half asleep already,

“Thank you, Dr. Knoxville…”

Bam

“You look like shit.”

Lack of bedside manner aside, he is probably the last person you want taking care of you while you’re sick.

“Well thanks, Bam- I feel like shit.”

Feeling a little bad for you he asked if you needed anything

So you asked for something to eat- maybe soup and warm tea?

But all you received was an uncrustqble (which you bought because bam doesn’t like the crusts on his sandwiches) and a bottle of water lobbed onto your bed from the doorway.

“D’you think you could grab me some tissues too?”

With a groan, Bam disappeared into the bathroom before you heard all this thudding and an exasperated, “Fuck!”

Before he emerged with a roll of toilet paper.

Sure, maybe he wasn’t Florence Nightingale, but he did what you asked and you honestly didn’t even expect this much from him

He mumbled, disticnt affectionate tone in his voice as a smile crept onto his face as he walked by your bedside to ruffle your hair a little,

“You’re a real pain in the ass, Y/N.”

Chris

“Time for your sponge bath!”

Chris is a firm believer in the fact that laughter is the best medicine

So that’s why he walked into your room wearing one of those sexy nurse outfits.

And while you appreciated the sentiment, you didn’t really need the sponge bath

You also didn’t need the rectal thermometer he proudly offered to you,

“Time to take your temperature! Roll over!” He chuckled that sweet stoner laugh of his, “Kidding, kidding- it’s one’a the normal ones.”

Or when Chris pretended to “accidentally” drop said thermometer next to your bed and bend over to pick it up with his ass in full veiw.

Soon, you began to recognize the click clack of cherry red high heels as the sounds of Nurse Pontius,

And you’d come to anticipate his spectacular bedside manner ;)

In fact, this whole ordeal just left you more endeared to him

Yes, even when he asked to warm your boobies up because in his words, they looked really cold.

“You know, your probably the best nurse I’ve ever had.”

Steve-O

“What’s goin’ on?”

He stumbled into your room, having kind of forgotten why you called him,

Steve isn’t so much of a caregiver as he is a heating pad

But damn it if he isn’t a good heating pad

He’d just walk into the room and lay down next to you, all warm and cozy- a heaven for your shivering, sick body

Despite how nice it felt to cling to him, he isn’t much help besides that given the fact he fell asleep five minutes ago (not that you noticed)

“Hey, do you think you could grab me some-“ Yep. Out cold

So you had to tear yourself from the comfort of your bed to make yourself soup

And when you return, all shivering as you slip back under the covers,

Of course that’s when he wakes up.

You had already started eating when Steve took the bowl from where it was resting on your lap to steal a few bites himself

When you pointed out that he just used the same spoon you did (and would probably get sick too), he just shrugged,

“So what? I don’t care.”

Ryan

“Are you dead yet?”

While there was an unmistakeable tone of sarcasm in Ryan’s voice, he really was concerned

Out of all the guys, he would be the one to get worried sick (no pun intended) about his ill girlfriend :(

But he played it off well, saying that he didn’t have anything to do that weekend despite canceling plans with Bam to look over you

So he might as well sit by your bedside to make sure you’re okay!

Or that he just conveniently rented all of your favorite movies because he wanted to watch them, but you’re free to join him if you wanna watch

And, despite your warnings that you’ll get him sick, he’d have no problem with laying down next to you if you can’t sleep

Because that’s what the two of you usually do! No reason to break routine because of a stupid cold.

“C’mon! With you shiverin’ like that, how could I not? It’s like seein’ a kitten out in the rain…”

[hwangverse]

skz when you need a break from studying.

pairing: stray kids (ot8) x female reader

genre: fluff, comfort

warning: none

BANG CHAN - stops whatever he’s doing.

As Chan wrapped up for the day, he stretched his tired limbs, sore from hours hunched over his laptop, fully absorbed in finishing a new song for their upcoming album. Glancing at his phone, he scrolled through his notifications, sensing something unusual. You hadn’t sent him a single message all day—a surprise, given how you often text him any random thought just to check in. He loved that about you, knowing it was just your way of showing you cared.

Curious, he sent you a quick message, asking how your day was going. Minutes ticked by with no reply. Knowing your schedule by heart (and even saved in his phone), he remembered you didn't have classes today. Concerned, he dialed your number, listening to the rings before you finally picked up.

"Hey, Mr. Loverman. What’s up?" you greeted him, trying to sound lively, though he immediately caught the tiredness in your voice.

“Oh, I don’t know? Maybe my girlfriend hasn’t sent me a single message all day because she’s probably glued to her laptop screen, her poor butt sore from sitting there nonstop?” he teased.

You chuckled softly, unable to deny it, and he laughed before adding, "Well, don't you worry, Y/N's cute little butt—I’m on my way to rescue you from that uncomfortable chair!" His words made you laugh.

"You’re not going anywhere! Comeback season’s around the corner, and you still have songs to finish" you protested, setting aside your iPad to focus on him.

“I can do the rest tomorrow. I got through most of my to-do list today” he insisted. “I’ll see you at your dorm in fifteen minutes.”

“Do I get any say in this?” you asked playfully. “Only to get ready for lots of hugs and kisses” he replied, excitement sparking in his tone.

“Bring some food, too!” you said. “Are my hugs and kisses not enough?” he asked dramatically.

“They’ll be enough once I’m full. I’m starving, Channie” “Alright, my love. Pizza, pasta, kisses, and hugs—on their way to you!”

LEE KNOW - scolds you (lovingly), but cuddles you afterwards.

In the quiet solitude of the university library, you’re battling a wave of sleepiness that’s been creeping up on you for minutes. The combination of no enough sleep, the library’s cozy atmosphere, and the silence of being alone makes staying awake even harder. Your friends just left to attend their next class, leaving you to focus on your looming term paper deadline.

But no matter how much you try, your mind feels like a blank page, and your eyelids are getting heavier by the second. You decide to rest your eyes just for a moment, convincing yourself that it’s only for a short time. With your head still facing your laptop, you lose track of time, drifting somewhere between wakefulness and sleep.

Suddenly, you feel yourself tilting forward, on the verge of hitting your laptop—only to feel a gentle hand press against your forehead. A familiar voice, warm with concern and a hint of exasperation, breaks the silence. “Geez, Y/N, be careful. What are you doing?” Minho whispers in a low, scolding tone.

Your eyes open, and you’re met with his worried gaze, his hand still resting on your forehead. You can’t help but chuckle at the situation, earning a sigh from him. “You’re really laughing?” he mutters, his tone serious enough to stop your laughter.

His brows knit in concern, and you pout in response. “It’s not fair; you know that pout of yours weakens me. Stop that, Y/N,” he sighs, removing his hand from your forehead and settling into the chair next to you.

“Then stop scolding me,” you retort with a playful frown. Minho’s expression softens as he gently smooths your hair, his voice dropping to a murmur.

“I’m just worried. You’re pushing yourself too hard, resisting sleep,” he says before pulling you closer, guiding your head to rest on his shoulder. You lean into him without protest, melting into his warmth and wrapping your arms around him in return.

“Did you finish class early?” you ask, looking up to find his affectionate gaze already on you. “Yeah. Our professor assigned an activity, and I finished early. I was on my way to your building when I ran into your friends, who told me you were here, working on your paper. Glad I came in time to stop you from hurting yourself—or your laptop,” he adds with a wry grin, a hint of scolding still in his tone.

You glare at him in mock annoyance, but he just raises an eyebrow and kisses your forehead, dissolving any defense you had left.

“I was just resting my eyes…” you mumble, sitting up to meet his gaze and prove your point, but he’s faster, pulling you back into his embrace. “Shh, rest,” he whispers. And this time, you do.

CHANGBIN - bring you your favorite show and food.

A notification chimes from your phone. You ignore it at first, focused on your work, but then you catch a glimpse of the sender: Changbin.

Instantly, you unlock your screen and see his message, “The plot twist of this episode?!” followed by a snapshot from your favorite K-drama.

Your jaw drops as you hurriedly type back, “How dare you watch that without me! I told you a million times—we’re supposed to watch it together, traitor!”

Almost immediately, you see the "typing..." indicator pop up on your screen. Changbin replies, “But you said you were busy studying. I didn’t want to distract you.” You scoff, knowing full well he’s teasing.

“Fine, enjoy it without me,” you shoot back, turning off your phone and attempting to refocus on your work. Moments later, another notification interrupts. It’s him again, this time with a photo of himself grinning over a mouthwatering slice of pizza from your favorite shop.

“This new flavor is sooo good!” he writes. You roll your eyes, replying, “I hate you.” He quickly texts back, “Want some?” You type, “Nope. I’m studying. Don’t reply anymore.”

Determined, you switch your phone to Do Not Disturb and dive back into your books. Time passes smoothly until you hear your mom calling from downstairs, saying that Changbin is here.

You stop typing mid-sentence and rush to see if it’s true. Sure enough, there he stands in your doorway, balancing pizza boxes with a sheepish grin. “You told me not to text back, so I came over instead,” he says, making you burst into laughter at his antics.

You pull him into a hug, grinning. “You’re so clingy! Couldn’t go a night without talking to me?” you tease. “Of course not!” he beams, making you laugh even harder.

“I thought you were enjoying that pizza all by yourself,” you quip. “Yeah, but then I thought of my poor girlfriend missing out and felt bad,” he replies, his tone teasing as he studies your mock-annoyed expression.

“But then again, she’s so busy studying, and I wouldn’t want to distract her…” “Get upstairs—quickly, before I change my mind!” you say, grabbing his hand and pulling him toward your room, secretly thrilled he’s here.

HYUNJIN - joins you in quiet companionship. him painting while you review your notes.

Even though you're tired and tempted to close your notebook, a gentle energy fills you, thanks to your boyfriend's presence beside you.

Hyunjin insisted on joining your study session, and now you both find yourselves nestled in a cozy café near campus. After persistent begging and multiple reassurances that he’s free for the day, you finally relented, allowing him to be by your side.

You made him promise to keep himself busy, knowing he wouldn’t get much conversation out of you, and he simply agreed, understanding without complaint. Now, you’re both wrapped in your own worlds—yours full of lecture notes, while Hyunjin is absorbed in his sketchbook.

It warms you to see him lose himself in his painting, a passion that lets him escape the pressures of his idol life. Without realizing it, you start to frown in concentration, a habit you’ve developed over time.

Hyunjin notices and reaches out, gently pinching the furrow between your brows. The touch makes you pause, looking up to meet his soft smile “Someone’s a little too focused,” he teases, his gaze warm and adoring.

You can’t help but smile back, leaning into your seat as you set down your pen and stretch your fingers, instinctively popping your knuckles. Hyunjin quickly takes hold of your hands, capturing them in his larger ones, a slight frown on his face.

“No more of that,” he murmurs, massaging your fingers gently. “Your hands need a break too, just look—they’re turning red.” “I won’t do it anymore, but I still need my hands to finish writing,” you say, laughing as you attempt to pull free, but he doesn’t let go.

His eyes are full of quiet affection as he looks at you, keeping your hands warmly cocooned in his. “Let’s rest for a bit,” he whispers, his thumb tracing soothing circles on your hand.

Glancing at his side of the table, your eyes catch a glimpse of his latest drawing—a woman bent over her notebook, absorbed in her work. “Is that…me?” you ask, surprised.

Hyunjin nods with a smile. “Pretty, isn’t it?” he says, giving you a quick kiss. In that moment, you feel grateful you let him join you. Maybe this will be the first of many study dates together, where even the quiet brings you closer.

HAN - adorably pesters you with playful whining.

Jisung decided to turn your usual Saturday date into a cozy evening in his room. This time, midterms had almost derailed your plans—your schedule was packed, and the stress was wearing you down.

But Jisung wouldn’t let that keep you apart. After nearly a week without seeing each other due to the distance, he thought up a way to be together that still let you study.

His plan? A stayover at his house, complete with dinner at the local fine dining spot you’d both been eyeing for ages. You agreed after he promised you’d still get to study, though his intentions might have shifted now that the quiet room is filled with his relentless whining, trying to pull you from your books.

“Come on, baby,” he murmurs, nudging you away from your notes. “This assignment’s due in two weeks. Aren’t you overworking yourself a bit?”

“Yeah, but if I get this done, I can focus on next week’s pile,” you argue, glancing at him over your laptop. He sighs, clearly not convinced.

“Alright, if you’re set on finishing it, at least take a break for a while? You’ll still have time to finish later.” He gives you a pleading look, though you shake your head.

“If I stop now, I’ll lose my momentum.” You stifle a yawn, rubbing your tired eyes. Before you know it, he’s gently pulling your hands from your face, planting a soft kiss on each eye.

“Your body’s saying otherwise, baby,” he whispers. “Just rest, please? Please, please?” His whining escalates, his pout deepening as he shakes your shoulder, and as much as you try to resist, you can’t help but smile at his ridiculous, adorable persistence.

“Y/N-ie ~ my baby, love of my life, my sun in the middle of my cold, lonely sky—come lie down with me,” he insists, sweeping you into his arms. With a huff, you let him settle you onto the bed.

“You’re insufferable,” you grumble, yet the smile still tugs at your lips. “And that’s why you love me,” he says, pressing a soft kiss to your lips before wrapping you in his arms. It’s the start of a long night filled with warmth and quiet, endless cuddles.

FELIX - shares the latest update of the game you both play.

“Here he comes again," Felix's sister mutters as the two of you hear footsteps approaching. You’re currently tucked away in her room, safely distant from the noise of the party outside.

It’s the perfect spot for studying, away from the chaos, and both of you need the peace to focus on a major test coming up.

Today is Felix’s mom’s birthday—a special occasion you couldn’t miss, especially for someone so dear to you. Still, knowing you needed to study, you’d asked Felix and his family if you could join the party briefly before returning to study.

They were more than understanding, even encouraging you to focus on your studies, but you assured them you wanted to be there, at least for a while.

But even tucked away from the noise, you’re not entirely safe from Felix’s playful interruptions. He’s been back and forth to his sister’s room so many times you’ve lost count, popping in just to check on you both.

"What do you need now?" his sister groans, sounding thoroughly exasperated, while you can’t help but chuckle at his antics. “Aren't you two tired from studying? They just bought ice cream! Come on, let's go get some!” he announces with a grin.

“Oh, nice! I’ll probably grab some later, still full from lunch.” You give him a soft smile, though his face falls, disappointed not to have swayed you.

“I’ll just hang here for now,” he sighs, dropping dramatically beside you. “I’m exhausted from playing with our nieces and nephews—those kids are unstoppable.”

“Ugh, do you have to do this right in front of me? Gross,” his sister complains, but Felix only sticks his tongue out at her, making faces.

A few moments pass in peaceful silence until a familiar sound cuts in—Felix’s phone chirps with the opening notes of a game you both love to play. He grins, noticing you sneaking a glance at his screen.

“There’s a new skin for your character,” he teases, holding up his phone. “And it’s in your favorite color too.” You can’t resist.

“You’ve got to be kidding me! It’s gorgeous!” Without thinking, you take his phone, admiring the new look.

“Y/N, focus! We’re not done studying yet,” his sister chides, rolling her eyes.

“A quick break won’t hurt,” Felix adds, nudging you with a knowing look. You hesitate but finally give in, and Felix cheers, sticking his tongue out at his sister, triumphant.

SEUNGMIN - closes your laptop and notebooks, then lifts you to bed.

With your headphones on, set to just the right volume, music from a playlist you share with Seungmin flows through your ears. A warm cup of tea, lovingly prepared by him, sits beside you, and the room is filled with the cozy scent of a candle you just bought. The ambiance fuels your motivation as you dive deep into studying and creating review notes, testing yourself.

Suddenly, a light touch on your back makes you jolt. Turning around, you’re surprised to see Seungmin standing there. “Babe? Seungmin? What are you doing here?” you ask, confused. His expression mirrors yours, but with a bit more playfulness.

“What do you mean? I've been here since early afternoon. It’s dark outside now,” he laughs. “I even asked if I could come over to bring you the food you've been craving all week, and you said yes. You also insisted I stay a while because you wanted to spend time with me. And that tea you're drinking? I made it,” he says, feigning hurt.

“Oh no, is my baby hurt?” you coo, cupping his face and teasingly baby-talking to him. He playfully rolls his eyes, and you give him a quick kiss before turning back to your laptop.

But Seungmin isn’t about to let you slip back into study mode just yet. He gently pulls you to face him again, surprising you. “What’s up?” you ask, laughing at his persistence.

“It’s Seungmin’s time,” he declares, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’ve been glued to your reviewers for too long. Your eyes are practically glowing with radiation. If you were looking at me, they’d be glowing with love instead.”

You let out a burst of laughter, half in shock and half in disbelief. “Babe, what was that?” you say, barely able to catch your breath. His laughter joins yours, both of you laughing at his cheesy line.

“Oh, you’re so in love with me, aren’t you?” you tease, wiping away the tears from laughing so hard. He gently wipes away the remaining tears with a warm smile, looking at you with that familiar, fond expression.

“Just give me a little more time, and I’m all yours,” you say, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek before turning back to your studies.

But it’s not long before he notices you rubbing your temples and squinting at the screen, the strain of too much screen time taking its toll.

“That’s it,” he says firmly, reaching over to close your laptop. “You need to rest your eyes. Are you getting a headache?”

“A bit…” you admit. “Then no more screen time for now,” he says, guiding you to lie down on the bed.

“Just relax. I’ll take care of everything,” he murmurs, his hands reaching to massage soothing circles against your temples. With your eyes closed, savoring the calm, you smile.

“When did you get so cheesy? The guys would never let you live this down if they found out.” “For you? I don’t care,” he says, pulling you close. "Anything for my girl."

I.N - helps you review, then pulls you into a warm embrace when you get tired.

The usual pre-exam study group you and your friends rely on didn’t come together this time; they all had prior commitments, leaving you to tackle the mountain of material alone.

You understood, of course, but the absence of their familiar company left a quiet void, a shift that made focus harder to grasp. So, determined to shake things up, you headed to the small diner near your house, hoping a change in scenery might do the trick.

But as you flipped through page after page, it quickly became clear that studying solo wasn't working. Every term seemed to slip right through your mind without someone there to quiz you, and with a frustrated grunt, you pressed your palms to your eyes, trying to force the information to stick.

“Easy there, miss pretty”

The familiar, soft voice brought an instant smile to your face. You looked up to see Jeongin’s warm grin, his presence like a balm to your fraying nerves.

“Tough day, love?” he asked, sliding into the seat beside you. “How did you know I was here?” you asked, still smiling.

“Saw your friend’s story. I was surprised she wasn’t with you, so I asked where you guys were. She mentioned you might be here, but I didn’t expect you’d be on your own. You could’ve called me, you know,” he said, gently rubbing small, comforting circles on the back of your hand.

“It’s okay, love. I didn’t want to bother you,” you replied, grateful for his presence. “I thought you were out with the guys. How was that, by the way?”

“It was fun,” he said, his smile stretching wider. “Chan hyung treated us to a meal after losing a game.” His expression was so infectious that you couldn’t help but smile back.

“But hey, are you good? Need any help?” he asked, brushing a few strands of hair from your face. You let out a small sigh.

“I’m struggling to quiz myself. Could you help me?” “Of course, baby. Hand over the flashcards,” he said, taking them from you and shuffling through.

He started quizzing you, his encouraging presence lifting some of the pressure as you worked through each answer. Yet, the growing pile of topics left to study loomed large, and you felt your frustration creeping back.

By the time you missed the last answer, a frustrated huff escaped your lips as you fought back the sting of tears.

“Hey, hey. Let’s take a break, okay?” he murmured, his thumb soothing over your knuckles. “You’re doing great. You just need to breathe.” “No,” you insisted, shaking your head.

“Let’s go through them again, from the start. I can get it right.” You handed the flashcards back to him with determination. Jeongin looked ready to protest, but then—right on cue—your stomach growled, loud and insistent.

The two of you froze, then burst into laughter, the tension breaking in an instant.“See?” he chuckled, shaking his head fondly. “You’re just hungry. Let’s get you some food. I’ll buy you anything you want.”

“I’m so lucky to have you,” you said, eyes misting with emotion.“We’re both lucky,” he replied softly, gently wiping away a stray tear before pressing a warm kiss to your cheek.

[willmiwi]

Thought I'd analyze Eddie's reaction to Buck coming out to him bc i don't think it's given enough credit.

First thing after buck tells him tommy and buck were on a date is Eddie looking confused, I don't even think what Buck said really set at all. He made the connection of the date and the first thing he wondered was "wait. Tommy's gay?".

Then, goes the question "so .... You two were...."

And he looks... Shocked, kind of hesitant too, doesn't even end the sentence, maybe afraid he misunderstood somehow.

Doesn't matter because Buck comes to the rescue to finish it. He smiles fondly at Eddie like his hesitance is endearing and kind of like saying it's "hey it's okay, yes we were on a date, you don't need to hesitate."

Buck is immediately insecure though; it's been a second and Eddie Still looks like someone has dropped a bucket of cold water on him. I think he's more focused on how this new information shocked him than doing what one does after someone comes out to them: reassure them. It's okay though, he's just surprised, nothing weird. And so Buck asks. "Is that weird?"

And he's looking at Eddie with that analysing look, searching for something and Eddie's quick this time. Pulled out of his own head.

"No . Absolutely not." You just took me by surprise there.

Buck's still looking at him like that, like he doesn't really believe it. And so Eddie's quick with a joke too, he looks kind of nervous? From now on? Like we Needs this situation to feel lighter somehow.

It works. Buck finally relaxes and laughs.

Then, this scene:

And Eddie's just trying to reassure him, telling him what every queer person hopes to hear when they come out, "this doesn't change anything, I still love you"

But Buck.... Oh buck, looks like that's somehow Not? What he was hoping to hear? He literally pouts, breaks eyes contact and goes "that's uh. That's good to hear"

Doesn't sound like he means it though.

He goes on:

Eddie proceeds to yap on best friend @ best friend advice: If he doesn't call u back he's an idiot.

But then. THEN!!!!

Eddie's reaction is what gets me the most here so I'm getting a gif that's a bit longer so u can see the reaction he has to that line:

Again. Same reaction. But from Eddie this time. Pouts, rises his eyebrows defeated, and pointedly looks away. All while looking upset and Not all all overjoyed about his best friend is crushing on someone. Hello?

Eddie then gives him some advice about not giving up and Buck gives it right back to him. Eddie takes that opportunity to all but Run off to talk to Marisol:

I think it hits him then that as much as he wants to run, to think about this on his own without prying eyes that want an answer from him right then and there, and just, Sit with it, That this is..kinda Huge, and maybe he should just put his feelings aside for a bit and reassure Buck a bit more. Like he doesn't want there to be any hint of doubt that Eddie's not okay with this.

So he stops by the door, turns around and they hug:

That's it ! I just think this tells us so much about their relationship, especially since after this Eddie doesn't seem to want to hang out with Tommy anymore. And the few times they do he doesn't look like he's having the best time, if u compare it to before (he knew about Buck's crush).

If you got here, thank you for reading!

gif creds: @beets @livelovecaliforniadreams :)

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

The Assignment 1

Warnings: this fic will include elements, some dark, such noncon/dubcon, and other untagged triggers. Please take this into account before proceeding. It is up to curate your online consumption safely.

Summary: your agree to cover an empty internship but the role isn't as easy as you expect. (older!reader)

Characters: boss!Lee Bodecker, glimpse of Andy Barber.

Author’s Note: Please feel free to leave some feedback, reblog, and jump into my asks. I’m always happy to discuss with you and riff on idea. As always, you are cherished and adored! Stay safe, be kind, and treat yourself💜

“I’ve already asked Anna. She has so much going on already with her daughter and you know I would if Stan wasn’t away on a work trip. Poor Melissa is just too new for a coverage position,” Nicole explains.

“Got it,” you say as you pack up the contents of your desk drawer. “I already said yes.” 

“I know, but I also know it’s a real pain. It’s just that there’s nowhere else that can spare the body and Mr. Barber owes Mr. Bodecker so--” 

“Yep, sacrificial lamb,” you utter dryly as you slide the drawer shut. “Really, Nicole, I get it. You don’t need to go on. We all know how this works. We go where they tell us too.” 

“Yeah, it’s just... he’s chased off three in the last two months. That kind of turnover...” she looks around. “They need someone mature. Who can handle the workload.” 

“Right,” you stand and pick up your box of things. “I won’t be that far away, no big deal.” 

She gives a tense smile and you turn away. You march out of your shared space and down the hall. You understand what she means by ‘workload’. Mr. Bodecker might be a hard ass for all you know but what everyone knows for sure is that he is a menace. There’s a reason those interns left almost soon as they got through the door. 

You claim the empty desk waiting for you and drop the box on it. You roll the chair out and sit. You should’ve wheeled yours over. You adjust the height and wiggle around. Hm, it’ll do. Work is work, no matter how comfortable you are. 

You stand again and take out your laptop and plug it in. Then you unpack your wireless mouse and keyboard and your pad with the wrist rest. You stretch your fingers above the tight brace and sigh. You can use all the ergonomic tools and aids but it’s not getting any better. 

No use putting it off any longer. He probably already knows. You go around the desk and knock on the closed door. 

“Come on in,” Mr. Bodecker drawls from the other side. 

You open the door and step into the doorway, “hello, Mr. Bodecker. Just letting you know I’ve got my stuff moved and I’ll be taking over for the time being, as requested by Mr. Barber.” 

“Barber? Old pal,” he says. “He sent you?” 

You hear it all in his tone. He sent you? I asked for a replacement, not an old lady. You don’t let it bother you. You’re not there for his pleasure. 

“Yes, me,” you confirm. “Is there anything I can do?” 

“Coffee, darlin’,” he winks. 

“Coffee?” 

“Double sugar, no cream.” 

“Sir, I’m an admin assistant, not an intern. I was referring more to your calendar or some tasks--” 

“I asked for the position to be filled. That means getting my coffee, sweetheart.” 

“Mm, sir,” you enunciate the last word sternly. “Again, I’m a professional. I don’t get anyone’s coffee but my own. Would you like me to review your meetings? Should I set aside some time to keep minutes for anything?” 

He huffs and sits back, his face wrinkling in consternation, “you can get outta my office.” 

“Yes, sir.” 

You close the door gently and return to the desk. You sit and tuck away your things in the single drawer. When you finally get sorted, you boot up your computer. Almost at once, a notification pops up. You click on it and a conversation expands across the screen. 

‘Thanks again for taking on the extra work. Please do your best to keep Mr. Bodecker happy. He’s working on a very important project.’ 

You review Mr. Barber’s message. The timing is peculiar. 

‘Yes, sir. I’ve checked in and offered to help arrange his schedule and tasks. I am awaiting further directive but will do my best to support.’ 

Three dots, then none, then three again. The next message pops up. 

‘Get him his coffee.’ 

Really? What is he, a child? Tattling on you? Over a cup of coffee. 

‘Sir, I understood I would perform admin work.’ 

The little eye blips down to show that your message is seen but no message comes. You shake your head and open your inbox. If the success of your work hinges on coffee, then you’re just as good going back with the others. 

You recognise Mr. Barber’s gait. You look up as he appears from around the corner. You sit up and greet him. His hands are in his pocket, his jacket pushed back, his neck and jaw tight. 

“I understand that you don’t think it’s part of your role but for now, it is. You will get Bodecker his coffee and anything else he asks for,” he says without courtesy. 

You try not to show your irritation. It isn’t just the task. You’re not some housewife or barista. On top of that, these men don’t talk to the young ones like this. Or the moms. Nicole and Anna can just mention daycare of soccer and they can get leeway and Melissa, so nice but young, she just needs to smile. That stopped working for you a long time ago. 

“Coffee,” you type as you speak, “I will add it to my roster, sir. I understand. Very important work.” 

“Come on,” he steps closer, looking down at you, “don't be like this. You’re a good worker. You know I respect you and appreciate everything you’ve done. It’s just coffee.” 

“Oh yes, just coffee,” you agree and stand up. “I better go put the pot on. Would you like a cup too, Mr. Barber?” 

He gives a slow blink and pushes his tongue into his cheek, “no, thank you.” 

His own agitation leaks through. He got what he wanted but you didn’t give him the deference he expected. You didn’t apologise for it. You just accepted it. You’ll do it, but you won’t be happy about it. 

“Try a smile,” Barber slips his hand from his pocket and taps the corner of the desk, “it might make things a little easier.” 

You stare at him. He lingers and when you don’t change your expression, he sighs and strides off. How many times had a man told you to smile? Why should you? For them? That’s why you don’t want to get the coffee; you give a little, they’ll take it all.