#it's like a restless kind of boredom
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le-velo-pour-dru · 2 years ago
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Duuuuuude I feel so weird :0 I wanna bring myself out of it but I don't know how
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lovelybucky1 · 6 months ago
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Oooohh i have a request!:
Playing “never have i ever” or something like that with logan and wade (maybe along the lines of a boring friday night with nothing else to do) and you admit to never having an orgasm by anyone but yourself
Flash forward you’re in logan’s arms and wade is eating the fuck out of your pussy, and then they switch 👀👀
i’ve written something similar two the second part here, but i love the never have i ever idea! // divider from @strangergraphics
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boredom isn’t something heroes are used to. there’s always something happening somewhere, someone needing to be saved. but tonight, everything is quiet. the three of you were suspicious at first, but you checked every police scanner, news outlet, and all of your contacts and came up with nothing. the bad guys had decided to take an evening off, and now you were stuck with nothing to do.
you, wade, and logan all sit around in the living room with bottles of beer. you and wade stare at the mindless gameshow on tv while logan rests his eyes. you’re definitely bored, but wade is restless. it’s like he’s itching for something to do, like his body is physically unable to handle the inactivity.
“why don’t we play a game?” wade asks, startling logan awake.
the two of you look over at wade. “what kind of game?” you ask.
“i don’t know, ‘never have i ever?’”
logan rolls his eyes, then shuts them again. he’ll deny any “old man” comments, but he really is one. you elbow logan in the side and he opens them again.
“come on, it’ll be fun,” wade pleads.
“it’s not like we have anything better to do,” you say to logan. reluctantly, he agrees.
you reposition yourselves in the living room. you sit on the couch, leaned against the arm with your feet in logan’s lap, who sits on the other end. wade sits on the floor by the coffee table, his beer on the table without a coaster next to him.
“this is your game, wilson. you start,” logan says before taking a sip of his beer.
“no, don’t drink! you only drink if you’ve done the thing i say,” wade scoffs. how can logan be so old and still know nothing about fun? “okay, okay. never have i ever… gotten arrested.”
you furrow your eyebrows at him while logan takes a drink. you’re almost certainly wade has been arrested before. “i don’t think you’re playing this game right,” you say. “you have to say things you’ve never done.”
wade scoffs. “i haven’t been arrested, thank you very much. all the cops who’ve tried have mysteriously ended up with broken noses.”
you roll your eyes at him. “my turn now? never have i ever… cheated on a partner.”
both of them take drinks, wade with more shame than logan. ugh, men.
then it’s logan’s turn. “never have i ever worn a dress.”
you figure it’s targeted at you, just because logan’s a dick, but to your surprise, wade drinks too. logan raises his eyebrow at him, silently urging him to elaborate.
“you wish you saw that, huh, peanut?” he taunts instead. logan makes a face at that.
“i’m thankin’ god i didn’t have to.”
you play a couple more rounds, all three of you exchanging stories and sipping from your bottles. it takes a lot to get them drunk, but you’re starting to feel it. there’s a collection of empty bottles, mostly beer, but halfway through the game, wade decided to up the ante with some liquor.
it’s wade’s turn again and he says, “never have i ever been with two guys at once.”
he means it as a joke. he doesn’t expect anyone to drink. there’s no way logan would do something like that, and you’re too innocent. that’s why his eyes practically pop out of his head when you throw back the shot.
the game turned sexual a few rounds ago, but it was pretty mild stuff. talk about doing stuff in public, kinks, freaky shit like that. nothing as interesting as this.
both wade and logan turn their full attention to you, eager to hear this story.
“what?” you play dumb.
“two guys at once?” wade asks. you shrug.
“it wasn’t anything.”
“nah,” logan says, sounding interested for the first time all game. “you gotta tell us.”
you sigh. “it was a while ago. i met this couple at a bar and they said they were looking for a third. i had nothing better to do and they were both hot, so…” you trail off, shrugging again.
“give us the gory details. how’d you do it? daisy chain?eiffel tower? double cowgirl? triple spooning? come on, tell us,” wade rambles.
“you’re a fucking perv,” you tell him and he doesn’t deny it. “it was just normal dp.”
logan raises an eyebow. “that stands for double penetration,” wade tells him.
“i know that. i’m just wondering how you took it all,” logan says.
you’re used to this kind of talk from wade. the man thinks with his dick so much that you question if he even has a brain. you’re not, however, used to this from logan. he’s no prude, but he usually doesn’t participate in these kinds of conversations with wade.
“must’ve been a tight fit,” logan adds on.
you look between the men and their interested faces. you’re still pretty bored, the game having grown stale a while ago, and now you’re a tipsy. you want something exciting and right now, you’re feeling bold enough to persue it.
“do you wanna see?” you ask them.
wade and logan share a glance, but it only takes a second before they’re replying “yes” in unison.
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melanchoire · 23 days ago
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PRICE OF CONCENTRATION ──── yu jimin
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── ( 📓 ) your focus is laser-sharp on the lecture, but your classmate karina, ever the mischievous one, decides boredom is a personal invitation to drive you wild; first with innocent attempts to catch your eye, then escalating to a secret game of teasing touches that slowly melt your resistance, until a shared, unspoken look seals the deal – textbooks forgotten, and the dorm room beckons for a different kind of study.
pairing. switch!student!karina x switch!student!fem reader
warning(s). cunnilingus, fingering, making out, pet names, scissoring.
word count. 4,5k
request. for some reason this request disappeared from my inbox 💔
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the bright  lights of the lecture hall hummed, a monotonous drone that mirrored the professor’s voice, droning on about something you were sure was important, but karina couldn’t for the life of her care. you, however, were a model of academic focus, a bastion of attentiveness in a sea of glazed—over eyes and restless fidgeting. she watched you, her gaze tracing the neat, precise strokes of your pen as you filled your notebook with information. you were a machine, a perfect student, and it was honestly a little vexing.
you were a study in contrast to her current state. your posture was impeccable, your focus unwavering, your pen moving with a rhythmic precision across the page, capturing every nuance of the lecture. karina’s eyes seemed to trace the smooth lines of your handwriting, the neatness a stark contrast to her own messy scrawl.
she straightened a little, trying to emulate your focus. she leaned forward, eyes darting to the screen where the professor was projecting dense formulas and colorful graphs. you could almost see the struggle in her face, her brow furrowing in concentration as she attempted to follow along. but it was like watching a car try to start on a cold morning, sputtering a few times before succumbing to silence. her concentration faltered, her gaze drifting to the window behind the professor, where a few brave sparrows were flitting about.
karina leaned back in her own chair, stretching her legs out beneath the desk, a silent protest against the suffocating boredom of the class. she crossed her arms over her chest, a gesture that screamed, “i’d rather be anywhere else.” she turned to you again, a small frown creasing her brow as she watched you. how could you be so engaged in this? it was like you were a different species entirely. she tried. oh god, did she try. she tried to mimic you, focusing her attention on the professor, willing herself to absorb the words, the concepts. but it was like trying to grasp water — the harder she tried, the more it slipped through her mental fingers. it was as if her ears were working, registering the sounds of the lecture, but her brain was refusing to process them, like a stubborn computer refusing to run a program. her mind was a tangled mess of “why was she even here?” and “does this really matter?”
giving up, a defeated sigh escaping her lips, she decided to go for a different approach. she scanned your pencil case, a kaleidoscope of brightly coloured pens and highlighters, and plucked out a vibrant purple one. she made a pathetic attempt at taking notes, the pencil scratching against the paper, but her handwriting was a chaotic mess of angles and loops, completely devoid of the neatness you possessed. vague, disconnected words filled the page, interspersed with doodles of abstract shapes and grumpy—looking faces.
boredom gnawed at her, a restless beast demanding attention. she turned towards you, poking your arm with the end of the pen. she wanted to talk, she wanted your attention, she wanted anything but this agonizing lecture. you didn't even look up. you knew what it meant. she was like a bored child, seeking attention, eager to find someone to share her misery with. you continued to transcribe the professor’s words, unfazed.
you didn’t miss a beat of the professor’s monotone, your hand still moving across the page. karina felt an inexplicable urge of annoyance bubbling up within her. then came the poke again, this time a little harder. she was persistent, you had to give her that. still, you refused to acknowledge her. so, she poked you again, a third time this time, it was quick as if giving you the pencil. that’s when you reached out, taking the pencil from her fingers. you didn’t even break eye contact with the professor. you didn’t see the small scoff that escaped her lips, the way her eyes narrowed in playful frustration.
she wasn’t going to be brushed off that easily. karina reached for the cord of your headphones, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. she yanked it from your ears, the soft humming of the song you were listening to floating into the air, a low, rhythmic pulse. you finally turned to look at her, one eyebrow arched in a silent question. karina knew that look. she was going to get a lecture about class soon if she didn’t diffuse this now. she’ll take the risk. she loved when she got you going.
you gave her a light punch on the arm, just a playful tap, but it still stung a little. “pay attention.” you mouthed, your voice low, a clear line drawn in the sand, but she couldn’t help but notice the slightest hint of a smile at the corner of your lips.
“class is boring.” she retorted, hitting you back in the arm, a little harder this time. “i’m bored.”
“well, if you paid attention, you might not be.” you whispered back, a hint of exasperation in your eyes, but it was clear you weren’t actually mad.
“you’re weird for actually liking this.” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. you chuckled lightly.
“you know i like learning.” you said. “It’s not my fault you can't focus for five seconds.”
“hey!” she exclaimed, her voice a little louder this time, drawing a quick glare from the professor. you exchanged a quick look, a silent agreement that she had pushed it, before you returned to your notes, effectively shutting her out.
for a good five minutes, she was silent. you figured she had finally run out of energy. then, out of the corner of your eye, you saw her pick up a pen and begin to write in her notebook. “okay.” you thought, that’s unexpected. you didn’t let it distract you, though, because you were focused on the next set of formulas.
that is, until you felt it. a touch, feather—light, on the side of your knee. you glanced down, your heart doing an unexpected leap in your chest. karina’s hand, warm and soft, was resting there, seemingly innocent. she was still writing in her notebook, her attention appearing to be fixed on the professor, but that hand, though, was doing more than just resting.
you tried to dismiss it. maybe she was just being absent—minded, maybe she didn’t realize she was touching you. but then the hand started to move, inching upwards slowly, tracing the curve of your leg as it went, the subtle graze of her fingers sending shivers up your spine. it reached your thigh, the warmth of her palm making your skin tingle.
you shifted slightly. surely she would stop now. it was a blatant invasion of your space, and you were certain she was doing it on purpose. but no, the hand kept moving, its fingers now pressing gently into your flesh. it was heading higher, angling to slip under the hem of your skirt.
your breath caught in your throat. the lecture faded into background noise, the formulas on the screen becoming a blur. your heart was pounding in your chest. you could feel the blood rushing to your face, your cheeks getting warmer, and you were sure you were turning as red as a tomato. you glanced sideways to meet her eyes, not before letting out a small cough, trying to sound as subtle as possible.
“karina.” you hissed in a low, barely audible whisper, a warning laced in your breath. you tried to sound stern, but there was a tremor in your voice that was quite embarrassing. her gaze flickered from her notebook to meet yours, the corner of her lips twitching upwards in a knowing smirk. she raised an eyebrow, as if to say “what?”, her eyes wide and innocent.
“stop.” you mouthed, your voice barely a breath.
she simply shook her head, her fingers now almost touching the edge of your skirt, and whispered back, “pay attention.” her voice an innocent whisper that barely reached your ears. the smirk never left her face, the mischievous glint in her eyes telling you everything. she was playing with you, teasing you, testing your patience. and you had a feeling she was enjoying every second of it.
karina’s hand, a warm, persistent weight on your knee, was the culprit. it had started subtly, a gentle brush, and had gradually escalated, inching higher with each passing minute. 
it was a battle against your own body, a struggle to focus on the quadratic equations scribbled on the chalkboard when karina’s hand rested, bold and possessive, on your thigh. it wasn’t just on your thigh, not really. her fingers were creeping higher, inching towards the hem of your skirt, the whisper of fabric against skin sending shivers that had nothing to do with the overly air—conditioned room. 
now, her fingers were perilously closer to the edge of your skirt, threatening to slip beneath and find the delicate lace of your panties. your breath hitched. you couldn’t focus on the teacher’s droning lecture; every nerve ending was screaming under the tantalizing pressure of her touch.
a simple glance, a fleeting lock of your eyes with hers, was all it took. you saw the same anticipation mirrored in their depths, a shared understanding of the unspoken desires crackling in the air between you. a silent promise of something more, something that couldn’t happen within the confines of the brightly lit classroom.
you knew the dance by now; the way her eyes, dark and mischievous, met yours, a coded language spoken only between the two of you. it was a simple exchange, a silent understanding of the desire that simmered beneath the surface.
you were barely registering the teacher’s droning voice, your attention consumed by the escalating heat radiating from karina’s touch. your breath hitched, a small, involuntary gasp that you hoped went unnoticed. you glanced at her, a question in your eyes, and her answering smirk sent a thrill through you. it was time.
karina’s voice, smooth as honey and laced with a playful urgency, cut through the monotonous lecture. “excuse me, mr. kim?” she called, her hand still firmly planted on your thigh. your skin prickled with anticipation. “i think that… well, maybe we should go to the bathroom. she’s not feeling too well.”
all eyes turned to you. you felt your face flush even more, a blush that wasn’t entirely faked. the combination of karina’s touch and the sudden attention had your heart hammering against your ribs. you felt the familiar clamminess of your palms, and the slight sheen of sweat on your forehead was real enough, lending truth to karina’s claim. the teacher, a middle—aged man who barely registered his students beyond the first row, glanced at you with a perfunctory frown. “you alright, miss…?” he squinted, searching his register your face.
you could feel the heat rising more in your cheeks, mirroring the flush you already felt from karina’s touch. you pressed your lips together, trying to look convincingly ill. a slight sweat dampened your forehead, the nervousness and anticipation adding to the charade. you gave a weak little cough, hoping it added to the effect.
mr. kim, ever the gullible academic, peered at you with concern. “oh my, you do look a bit pale. are you alright?”
you managed a feeble nod, grateful for the dramatic flare that karina had instigated. “yes, just a bit lightheaded.”
he seemed convinced enough. “alright, go along then. but don’t take too long.” he dismissed you with a wave of his hand, turning back to the whiteboard, utterly unaware of the charade playing out before him.
you practically bolted from your seat, grateful for the reprieve. you expected karina to lead you toward the bathrooms or the infirmary down the corridor, but instead, she took your hand again, her grip firm, and guided you in the opposite direction, toward the dormitories. a thrill shot through you. you glanced at her, raising an eyebrow in question.
“the infirmary is that way.” you murmured, a hesitant question hovering in your tone.
“we’re not going to the stupid infirmary right now. of course, we’ll get there, don’t worry.” karina replied, her hand now resting on your lower back, guiding you forward. “but first things first.” she said, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “my room is closer. we can… recharge there."
“but what about class?” you asked, trying not to let your voice betray your excitement.
karina winked. “after the fun, we'll go to the infirmary, get a note. problem solved. you’re still 'sick', after all.” she said, emphasizing the last word with a mischievous lift of her brow. “we’ll get a medical certificate, and we can give it to your professor.”
“he’ll probably notice that there’s a big time difference between when we left the classroom and when we went to the infirmary. and he’ll wonder why it took us so long to get to the infirmary after we left class.” you pointed out, trying to sound like you were trying to be responsible, even though your heart was already racing at the prospect of what was about to happen.
“we’ll say that we were in the bathroom because you were nauseous or you went to wet your face and cool off. or maybe even that you felt dizzy and almost fainted? i don’t know, but we’ll figure something out.” she says, her grin growing at the look of disbelief on your face. karina bit her lip, her eyes sparkling. “too extreme, isn’t it? well… how about we just say we went out onto the terrace or something because you needed some fresh air? maybe we can even blame it on the awful school lunch, if he still asks.” she added, her voice laced with amusement. “he never pays attention anyway.”
you couldn’t help but laugh, any lingering doubts swiftly melting away under her infectious energy. as you approached her dorm door, you noticed a name tag next to it. “wait, what about your roommate?” you asked, remembering the other girl whose name you vaguely recalled being “giselle”.
karina chuckled, pushing the door open and waves a dismissive hand. “don’t worry about her. she hasn't been in the dorm since the party last weekend. she always crashes at someone’s place after parties… she’s probably sleeping off a hangover at her boyfriend’s place. i haven’t seen her around since then, at least.” you had to admit, you had expected her to be there. you found yourself thanking her party habits internally. “don’t worry about her. let’s just focus on what matters, okay?”
she pulled you into the room, the door clicking shut behind you, and suddenly, you were alone. the room was neat, a stark contrast to the controlled chaos of karina’s personality. it smelled faintly of vanilla and something uniquely hers, a scent that made your senses swim. 
but the air in the small space crackled with a palpable tension. karina turned, her eyes locking with yours, and all the words, the worries, the questions, evaporated.
she reached for you, her hands cupping your face, her thumbs tracing the line of your jaw, and you were lost. her lips met yours, a soft, gentle pressure that quickly deepened into a hungry kiss. you tasted her, the sweet tang of her lip gloss, the warmth of her mouth, and you melted into the sensation.
your hands moved, finding their way to her shoulders, pulling her closer, desperate for any skin-to-skin contact. her fingers tangled in your hair, gently tugging as she deepened the kiss, and you moaned into her mouth, the sound raw and unfiltered.
the world narrowed to the feel of her lips on yours, the soft gasp of her breath mingling with your own. you could feel her body pressed against yours, the soft curves of her hips and the firm press of her chest, sending shivers of desire through you. you could practically feel her grin against your lips, as if she was just as giddy as you were.
but of course, you two couldn’t stay as two lovey—dovey people for long. 
now the kiss was hot, demanding, a release of all the pent—up tension that had been simmering between you since earlier in class. her hands, now free from the confines of your skirt, tangled in your hair, deepening the kiss. you leaned into her, your body pressing against hers, the soft texture of her shirt against your skin igniting a fire within you.
karina broke the kiss, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. she was a sight to behold, dark eyes shining, cheeks flushed, lips swollen and red: an absolute goddess. “wow.” she whispered, her voice husky. “that’s... more than i was expecting.”
you, a little flustered still, managed a breathy laugh. “better than boring classes, right?”
she grinned, a flash of white teeth against her flushed face. “absolutely. come here.” she murmured.
she grabbed your wrist and practically dragged you towards her bed, her nails digging into your skin. as soon as you two reached it, she pushed you down onto the mattress, crawling over you with a predatory grace.
she straddled your hips, her knees on either side of your thighs as she loomed over you. her hands gripped the hem of your shirt and in one swift motion, she yanked it up and over your head, tossing it carelessly to the side. she took a moment to admire your bared skin, her eyes roaming over your curves hungrily.
leaning down, she pressed her lips to your collarbone, her tongue tracing the delicate bone before she nipped at your skin. her teeth grazed your neck, leaving a trail of red marks in her wake as she made her way up to your jawline.
she captured your bottom lip between her teeth, tugging on it gently before soothing the sting with her tongue. she kissed you deeply, passionately, pouring all her lust and desire into the kiss. her hands slid down your sides, her fingers splaying across your ribcage.
karina’s hands slid further down, her fingers hooking into the waistband of your skirt. with a wicked grin, she tugged them down your legs, taking your panties with them. she tossed the pleated fabric and lace aside, leaving you bare and exposed beneath her.
she took a moment to admire your naked form, her eyes darkening with unbridled lust. she licked her lips, her gaze lingering on the juncture between your thighs. slowly, teasingly, she ran a finger along your slit, feeling the slick heat gathering there.
“fuck, baby, you’re so wet already.” she purred, her voice low and dripping with desire. “i’ve barely touched you and you're already dripping for me. such a needy little thing, aren’t you?”
she circled your clit with the pad of her thumb, applying just enough pressure to make you gasp. her other hand slid up your stomach to your breast, kneading the soft flesh roughly. she pinched your nipple between her fingers, rolling the hardened nub between them.
karina leaned down, her hot breath ghosting over your aching core. she inhaled deeply, the scent of your arousal filling her nostrils. a low, approving moan rumbled in her throat before she dragged her tongue along your slit, tasting your essence.
”mmmh, you taste even better than i imagined.” she murmured, her voice vibrating against your sensitive flesh. she circled your clit with the tip of her tongue before suckling on the hardened bud, sending jolts of electricity through your body.
she dipped a finger into your entrance, pumping it in and out of your tight channel. she curled it upwards, stroking that special spot inside you that made your toes curl. her thumb continued its relentless assault on your clit, rubbing quick, tight circles around it.
karina could feel your walls fluttering around her finger, your body tensing as she brought you closer to the edge. she added a second finger, stretching you further, filling you completely. she pumped them in and out of you, her palm slapping against your clit with each thrust.
karina could feel your body trembling beneath her touch, your breath coming in short, sharp gasps. she knew you were close, teetering on the brink of ecstasy. she doubled her efforts, her fingers pumping into you harder, faster, determined to push you over the edge.
“that’s it, baby, come for me.” she growled, her voice rough with lust. “i want to feel you come undone on my fingers, i want to taste your pleasure on my tongue.”
she sealed her mouth over your clit, sucking hard as she thrust a third finger deep inside you. she curled them, stroking that sensitive bundle of nerves, pushing you ruthlessly towards your peak.
your back arched off the bed, your hands fisting in the sheets as the coil of tension in your belly snapped. you cried out, your voice echoing off the walls of your dorm room as your orgasm crashed over you like a tidal wave.
karina didn’t let up, continuing to work you through your climax with her fingers and tongue. she drank down your release, moaning in satisfaction as your essence flooded her mouth. finally, as the aftershocks began to subside, she slowed her movements, gentling her touch.
she crawled up your body, her fingers trailing over your sweat—slicked skin. she captured your lips in a searing kiss, forcing you to taste yourself on her tongue. she smiled against your mouth, a wicked, triumphant smile.
“not bad for a warm-up, gorgeous.” she purred, nipping at your bottom lip. “but we’re far from done.”
her fingers find the waistband of her jeans, unbuttoning the button and lowering the zipper, pulling down her pants along with underwear from her long legs in the blink of an eye. a wicked grin spread across her face as she rolled onto her back, pulling you on top of her. she gripped your hips, her fingers digging into your soft flesh as she guided you to straddle her waist.
“c’mon baby.” she purred, her voice low and dripping with lust. “let’s see how well you handle being on top. impress me.”
she reached up to cup your breasts, kneading the supple mounds in her hands. she rolled your nipples between her fingers, pinching and tugging on the hardened peaks until you gasped.
karina’s other hand slid down your back, her nails raking over your skin until she reached your ass. she gripped your cheeks, squeezing the firm globes in her hands before pulling you forward, grinding your slick heat against her own.
karina’s eyes darkened with lust as she felt your wetness coating her skin, your arousal evident in the slick slide of your folds against her own. she rocked her hips up against yours, the hard ridge of her clit rubbing against your sensitive nub in a delicious friction.
“fuck… you’re so fucking wet.” she groaned, her voice strained with desire. “i can feel how much you want this, how much you need to fuck me.”
she guided your hips in a slow, sensual grind against hers, the movement allowing you both to feel the heat and pressure building between your thighs. her hands slid up your sides to your breasts, kneading the soft flesh roughly as she watched your face intently.
karina could see the pleasure playing out across your features, the way your lips parted in soft gasps and moans as you moved against her. she leaned up to capture your mouth in a searing kiss, her tongue delving deep to dance with yours.
she nipped at your bottom lip before trailing her mouth down to your neck, her teeth grazing the delicate skin. she sucked hard, intent on marking you as hers, on leaving her claim for all to see.
“ride me, baby.” she commanded, her voice low and rough with lust. “take what you need, what you want. ise me for your pleasure.”
karina’s hands gripped your hips tighter, guiding you as you began to move. you rolled your hips in a slow, sensual grind against hers, your slick folds sliding against hers. the sensation of your wetness mingling with hers was intoxicating, the friction sending sparks of pleasure shooting through your core.
as you found a rhythm, you started to bounce on her lap, your breasts jiggling with each downward motion. karina’s eyes were glued to your chest, watching the mesmerizing dance of your curves. she leaned up to catch a nipple in her mouth, suckling hard as her hand kneaded your other breast roughly.
her hips jerked up to meet yours, the head of her clit catching on your own with each thrust. the pressure built inside both of you, the heat coiling tighter and tighter in your bellies. you could feel karina’s muscles tensing beneath you, her body drawing closer to the edge.
karina’s fingers dug into the flesh of your ass, spreading your cheeks wide as she pulled you down harder, urging you to give her more. she could feel your walls fluttering around her, your body tightening like a coiled spring.
“that’s it, baby, fuck me just like that.” she panted, her voice ragged with desire. “i’m so fucking close. come with me, come on my pussy. i want to feel you fucking soak me.”
karina could feel your movements becoming more urgent, more desperate. your hips were moving frantically, grinding and rolling against hers in a wild dance. the obscene sound of your wetness filled the room, the slick slap of skin against skin echoing off the walls.
she could feel her own release building, the tension in her core winding tighter and tighter. she was so close, teetering on the brink of ecstasy. she needed you to come with her, needed to feel your pleasure as you rode her hard and fast.
“fuck, don’t stop.” she growled, her voice strained and rough. “i’m gonna come, baby. come with me, fucking soak me with your cum. i want to feel you fucking drench me as i come undone.”
she slammed sharply her hips up against yours, her clit rubbing hard against your own. the sensation was electric, sending a jolt of pure pleasure shooting through your core. your body stiffened, your back arching as your climax crashed over you like a tidal wave.
karina let out a guttural moan, her voice echoing off the walls as her own orgasm consumed her. her hips jerked and twitched beneath you, her body shaking with the force of her release. she could feel your walls clenching around her, your essence gushing out to coat her skin.
she gripped your hips hard, holding you in place as she ground against you, riding out the aftershocks of her climax. she panted harshly, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. finally, she collapsed back onto the bed, pulling you down with her.
karina wrapped her arms around you, holding you close as she peppered your face with soft kisses. she smiled up at you, her eyes shining with satisfaction and contentment. “... that was incredible.” she murmured, her voice soft and sated. “we’re definitely doing that again, baby. and again, and again…”
just as she was about to continue, a knock on the front bedroom door brings you two out of the intimate moment you were having. 
“karina? are you in there? it's me, giselle. can you open the door? i lost my keys during the party last friday! actually, i think i lost my entire handbag…”
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deckedcards · 27 days ago
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. . . GIVE ME WHAT I WANT, WHO AM I SUPPOSED TO PLEASE? WHO AM I?
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⌗ PAIRING: yandere! shuntarō chishiya x male! reader x yandere! hikari kuina
⌗ SUMMARY: kuina was the only person that chishiya tolerated during his time in the borderlands. wherever one went, the other followed. the two never let anyone join their pact, only hanging around eachother unless they were required to separate in games. however, what happens when chishiya introduces kuina to a kind face he met during the solitary confinement game?
⌗ THIS WORK INCLUDES . . . lowercase intended, typical aib warnings, typical yandere warnings, third person pov, slight fluff, angst?, reader is traumatized, established relationship (chishiya x kuina), implied poly relationship, protective kuina, flirting, kind’ve bisexual reader, kuina and chishiya reunite, chishiya has his eyeliner back, mentions of the king of spades, reader being too nice for their own good, manipulation, chishiya kinda breaks reader a little, reader gets treated like an object more than a person, character death but it’s not major so don’t worry, mentions of suicide, chishiya and kuina slightly take advantage of reader and his kindness, chishiya being a little shit, reader is mentioned to be taller than chishiya but shorter than kuina, set during the events of season 2, fixed grammar and wording mistakes ❨ edited ❩
⌗ EXTRA NOTES: i’m honestly now sure how to feel about this, i feel like it might be all over the place. let me know what you think, feedback is appreciated💙💙 (chishiya gif, kuina gif)
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⸺ THE SOUND of lights buzzing filled the silence of the prison. the air was thick as someone new walked in, everyone was spread out around the place, quiet and restless. the black metal bomb collars on their necks didn’t go unnoticed as they shined brightly.
chishiya sighed readjusting his posture. the last player had finally arrived he was waiting here for ages to the point that boredom had started to grow inside him. the tv rang as it turned on, starting to speak.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: JACK OF HEARTS.
GAME: SOLITARY CONFINEMENT.
the game was simple. guess the shape that appeared on the back of your collar, without cheating by looking at the symbol yourself or with a reflective object. choose a cell once the five minutes of each round ended and state your symbol. seemed easy right?
not quite.
there was time limit during the symbol guessing, don’t answer correctly or take too long to answer? consider your life, game over. the tv stated that the shapes would change every round, this is when a man with navy blue overalls ontop of a yellow shirt decided to speak up, ippei oki.
“wait a sec, so that means we just have to ask each other what our symbols are!”
attention was turned to him at this, “that seems easy enough.” a man who went by (name) spoke up, his mouth shifting into a toothy smile as he went to stand behind ippei going to tell him his symbol before chishiya butted in. “i’m not so sure. they haven’t told us what the conditions to win are yet.”
BE AWARE THAT YOUR OPPONENT, THE JACK OF HEARTS, HAS ALREADY BEEN PLACED AMONG YOU.
“oh, that’s good.”
the announcer continued to talk. no type of violence between players, no weapons, and the game will stop once the jack of hearts is defeated until then, the participants would be forced to stay here unless they find a way to figure it out. chishiya spoke up again, “this means that the only way this game will ever end, is if the jack gives the wrong answer. so, basically, no one here is getting out alive, unless they lie to the jack.”
(name) furrowed his brows at him, “but.. how will we do that if we don’t know who the jack is?” he questioned. chishiya turned to him as a slight smirk tugged at his lip corners, “that’s why we’re here to find out.”
THE GAME WILL NOW COMMENCE.
ROUND ONE: 01: 00: 00
the room fell into another uncomfortable silence, everyone looked at each other until someone spoke up. asking another man about his symbol, the man obliged. completely ignoring the possibility of this man being the jack. how dumb. “so, the twenty of us need to eliminate each other until we somehow figure out who the jack of hearts is.” a man in a suit, ōki yaba, said reminding everyone of what could happen, “what makes you think that anyone is trustworthy?”
the two pulled away, looking at the other in a puzzled manner. everyone else started to break up into groups despite this, in a way to make sure “no one” was going to lie. chishiya just stared, his sharp eyes examining everyone in the room, not bothering to care at their attempts to seemingly win this, “um.. excuse me.” his head turned at the call, it was (name).
“do you—do you mind telling me my symbol, please? and..if you want i’ll tell you yours.” chishiya’s eyes racked upon the man’s body language. his posture was stiff as his hands fiddled against each other, fingers rubbing against another, you could tell his anxiety was through the roof. “are you sure? for all you know, i could be the jack.”
“the jack wouldn’t say something like that.”
chishiya raised his eyebrows at the sternness, he felt something stirring inside him as he stared at the man infront of him, “good point,” he exhaled through his nose, swallowing down a bit of saliva that was stuck in his throat, “but, if you’re trying to survive, i’d advise you examine the people here a little more carefully. keep the ones who don’t lie close, you don’t know who’d be ready to stab you in the back at any moment. i wouldn’t let my guard down, if i were you.”
“does… does that apply to you as well? because, i don’t feel like you’d be the type of person who’d do that,” (name) said with a hint of nervousness in his voice. chishiya didn’t reply, just staring at his face with dark pupils, the jet black eyeliner that decorated his eyelids enhanced them. he felt something stirr inside him again, what was he feeling?
“hey!” a girl wearing all blue with a half up half down hairstyle walked up to ippei, urumi aramaki, a giant smile was plastered on her face as other players were trailing behind her, “do you three wanna join our team? no pressure or anything.”
“uh, it’s not that i don’t want to..” ippei said as him and (name) looked at eachother then at chishiya, he had a grin on his face as he seemingly brightened at her invitation, “okay. we’ll join your group.” chishiya replied for them emphasizing the ‘o’ as he said it. she smiled even more at this, nodding her head at them as she walked away to head downstairs.
(name) whipped his head at chishiya, narrowing his eyes as he opened his mouth, “but you said—“
“disregard what i said,” chishiya cut him off tearing the hoodie from his head as he leaned off from the wall, “i think this might be fun.”
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ROUND TWELVE BEGINS NOW.
one, then two, three, then five, seven, then nine, ten, then thirteen. hours have passed, half of the players were already gone and the jack of hearts still hasn’t been found.
(name) was crying, his legs planted under him as his hands clutched against his chest. he was still in his cell, not bothering to get up as he weeped. ippei was gone, he killed himself. killed himself even when he was told what the right answer was all because he couldn’t deal with everyone trying to trick each other. (name)’s heart couldn’t handle this anymore, he didn’t believe that people would actually go this far to win. chishiya was right about all this, he should’ve never let his guard down, he should’ve never trusted anyone.
he tried to be kind. always telling everyone the right answer no matter what. even telling urumi the right shape despite when she had gotten more than one person killed. (name) lived his life treating everyone with the upmost respect, he believed that everyone had a good soul deep down. even when they didn’t show it, no one was a bad person in his eyes. no one, not even the person that placed him in these games.
the door opened, letting brightness into the poorly lighten room. chishiya stood there in the middle, hands in the pockets of his jacket as he observed his shaking body. chishiya was jealous of (name). him and his golden personality. the smiles that he gave him after every round started or ended. trying not to let the deaths of the other players get to him, even trying to get chishiya to laugh when he didn’t want to.
wanting to share his snacks when they went down in the basement, comforting ippei when he was about to break down, trying to interfere when the other players tried sabotaging each other (and chishiya always having to stop him), never letting chishiya’s words break him down when he told him what he needed to hear, even when he looked half dead half the time. he wished he could be like that, happy.
“hmph,” chishiya sighed as he looked into the window of the door. ippei’s body was layed out against the wooden tiles, his blood scattered against the walls of the room as he pondered, “looks like we’ve lost our partner.” he moved his head up, seeing the rest of the remaining players looking at the duo, seemingly questioning them with their eyes as they heard the explosion in ippei’s cell. he didn’t care about that of course, he never did. as long as (name) was still alive it didn’t matter to him. his feet began to move, walking away from the dead body expecting (name) to follow behind him like he regularly did during each round.
silence. he didn’t hear anything trailing next to him, weird, since (name) was just behind him. chishiya stopped in his tracks, turning his legs to see what was keeping (name) from moving. ah. the man was staring at ippei’s corpse, he forgot the friendship the two had made during the rounds. chishiya rolled his eyes as he walked back up to him, (name)’s head refused to move away from the door, “it’s not worth your time.” chishiya said trying to return his focus back onto him, “he already chose his path. there was nothing you could do.” (name) gulped, nodding his head as he chewed on his bottom lip to prevent himself from crying, he was never the best at hiding his emotions. either way, he was glad he was able to make a friend during his time here, even if it was for a little while.
“c’mon, i’m hungry.” chishiya joked signaling his head to the direction of the basement. (name) took one last glance at ippei, his glossy eyes moving to look at the white haired man infront of him. he was so close to breaking, chishiya’s stomach stirred once again. butterflies, that’s what he was feeling. he felt butterflies moving around in his stomach at (name)’s gaze. why hadn’t he realized that before? was this love? no. this was something more, something he couldn’t point his finger at. but… what was this?
‘i don’t feel like you’d be the type of person who’d do that.’ those words echoed in chishiya’s head everytime (name) looked at him. oh, how wrong he was. how very wrong. he’s glad he hadn’t met him before, during the beach, his poor sunshine, maybe then he’d think about reconsidering those words.
the man shook his head as chishiya approached him, crouching down to meet at his eye level, “i’m tired..” (name) whined, his voice stammering at the words that left him, “i’m tired, chishiya. i don’t wanna do this anymore..” chishiya cocked his head, not bothering to hide his cat-like mannerisms. “this world has no place for people like you.”
“huh—”
“your kindness means nothing here,” he explained, “it doesn’t matter what you do, since it won’t be enough. the citizens here are like animals, i already told you, ‘examine the people here a little more carefully,’ but you didn’t listen. letting your heart steer you and not your brain, that was your first mistake. you’re never gonna be safe here if you keep up this act, you know better than this.”
(name) breathed heavily, he was right. his heart was holding him in a headlock. this place was about survival, not love, not care or empathy. all the people who’ve left him to die in previous games came flashing back to him, they were already dead. the previous players, dead. but him, he was still alive, this was how it always was supposed to be, just him. chishiya soothed back the loose hair strands that had fallen onto his face with his cold hands, watching (name) finally come to the realization he was trying to show him this whole time. a sharp smirk covered his face, “besides, you don’t wanna end up like ippei, do you?”
that. that was the breaking point. “no! no… no, never, i don’t—i don’t want that!” (name) yelled, if the remaining four players weren’t already far away from the cells, they could’ve heard what chishiya said and pin point him into the accusation of being the jack of hearts. good thing they weren’t though, luck was always on chishiya’s side right? “then why give up? you’ve already made it this far, why stop. other people would just beg to be in your position, you know.” (name)’s eyes steered away from him, ducking his head down as his body shivered.
chishiya always knew how to get into someone’s mind, it was like second nature to him. always convincing someone he was there to help, acting all buddy buddy just to leave them in a ditch somewhere. whether it be dead or alive, he didn’t care, he only worried about his own skin. his own chances of survival. but thats not how he felt towards (name), no. he wanted (name) to stick around with him. maybe even have him meet kuina, he knows she’d love him. she always liked guys like him. “now…” chishiya spoke up, the grin on his face still hadn’t faltered as he turned himself around,,
“mind telling me what my symbol is?”
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kuina thighs were aching, she’d already been through three face card arenas and she still hasn’t caught sight of ann or chishiya since they were separated during the king of spades game. she was getting tired, what if this plan of hers was for nothing? what if she broke off from arisu and usagi just to end herself up in circles? kuina shook her head, no. she knew one of them was close, she knew it. it was only a matter of time before the three reunited with each other.
‘stay positive’ she reminded herself, not letting her worries try and get to her. kuina moved her legs once more before a growl left her stomach. ah right, food. she forgot about that. unhooking her backpack from her shoulders, she unzipped it scattering the bag for any type of protein bar she might’ve left in it just in case. nothing, her hand picked up an empty wrapper chucking it against the gravel beside her. kuina scowered her eyes around, looking for any type of place that could’ve possibly had something to eat.
her iris stopped as they landed on an abandoned market, she picked her bag up once again as she checked around her to make sure nothing of harm was near it. she carefully walked towards it, stepping through the broken glass door as she scanned through the place. all the shelves were messed up but the food that were left on it had yet to be expired. she chucked anything that was healthy into her bag, not wanting to waste any time on getting back to her search. kuina jittered as a loud bang was heard in the back of the store, the sound of cans toppling over intrigued her.
she started moving, not thinking twice of the danger that could possibly be waiting for her. taking slow and easy steps towards the noise, her hands were balled up into fists, sure she was heading into something that might kill her but at least she was still being cautious. a tuft of white blurred past her vision, her eyes focused on what she was seeing, an almost human-like figure was making itself clearer to her. could it be—“chishiya?” her eyes enlarged themselves as she stared at him.
chishiya stood there with cookies in his hands, his outfit was different from when she last saw him. he sported a white jacket over a pitch black shirt and sweatpants, he was still somehow clean, no dirt or anything was to be seen on his pure white sweater or hair. “hey.” was all he said, his lips pressed into his regular straight thin line. kuina hesitated at first, what if her mind was playing tricks on her because of how hungry she was? there was no way. yes, she loved chishiya but she doesn’t think her brain was this good at making things seem real.
“chishiya!” she exclaimed extending both of her arms as she lunged at him. he winced as she took him in a bone crushing hug, he forgot how strong she was. “how are you here? when did you get here?—“ kuina bombarded him with questions, ‘where did he go?,’ ‘how’d he have time to change?,’ ‘what games did he play?’ stuff like that. another sound was heard, she focused her attention on this one, chishiya didn’t seem to care. kuina pushed him behind her, she had already found the source of his noise, so what could be making this one?
a man stumbled out from behind one of the shelves, a gun was perched onto his shoulder and a plastic bag was held in one of his hands as he stared at the two, centering his eyes onto chishiya. “don’t worry,” chishiya said to him stepping away from kuina’s hold, “this is kuina, the one i told you about when we left.”
(name) relaxed his body language, bambi eyes scanning over kuina before he extended one of his hands out, “it’s nice to meet you, i’m (name).” he introduced waiting for her to comply to the handshake. kuina looked over at chishiya, raising one of her eyebrows at him before she placed her hands into his. “you too.” she smirked as she fully soaked in his appearance, “hey... you’re kinda cute, y’know.” (name) raised his eyebrows turning his gaze back to chishiya.
“we met during the jack of hearts game,” chishiya started walking over to (name)’s side as he stared at him, placing his hand on his shoulder turning back to kuina, “he’s pretty useful, he’d be a good benefit to us. i already told him he could join us.” kuina crossed her arms ontop of her chest, the muscles on her biceps defining themselves at her action as she licked her lips slightly, “is that so?”
(name) nodded his head, his face looked broken, like he wasn’t even a person and more like a robot or a doll. what had chishiya done to him? “well, it’s nice to have you on our ‘team,’ (name).” she complimented him, he bowed his head as a thank you. “use your words,” chishiya demanded him sternly, “thank you, kuina.”
kuina cooed at him, ‘how cute’ she thought. it was like this man was made specifically for the two of them. obedient, handsome but slightly sexy, nice, semi-protective, his height even reached to her shoulders but he still towered over chishiya just how she likes it, and… did she mention cute? he was kinda like how arisu was when they first met him if you thought about it, only this time chishiya didn’t have any thoughts about betraying him. oh, she was definitely going to enjoy this addition of their relationship.
the three were walking on a dirty path through the city. kuina and chishiya were farther ahead as (name) trailed behind them, struggling to catch up with the two especially with all the extra weight they had forced upon him (the food bags in his hands, kuina’s heavy backpack and the gun hanging loosely off his shoulder.)
the duo infront had no want and made no effort in stopping for him. “i have to give it to you, chishiya,” kuina says biting down on her fake cigar, “you really know how to pick them,” she turned back watching as (name) kept his head low throughout all the steps he made.
chishiya let another smirk leave his lips following her gaze, “so, what do you think?”
“i like him.”
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© @deckedcards 2025 all rights reserved ☆ please do not repost, translate, copy or share my work on other platforms without my permission, thank you.
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devosin · 2 months ago
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— LATE NIGHTS & FLASHING LIGHTS !! prologue : a series of unfortunate events . .
♡. Spotify playlist | Updates, every Friday !! — Vil Schoenheit x reader | Vil pov . .
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Vil sighs, scrunching his eyes shut, which proved to be more difficult than it appeared with the mud mask that he applied over half an hour ago still on his face, currently drier than the gluten free bread he bought last week. He melted into his couch, feeling an overwhelming sense of boredom settle into his otherwise restless body. 
Before he knew it, he found himself mindlessly scrolling through Magicam, looking through the self proclaimed critique’s 30 to 60 second reviews on his new movie or the finale of some show he was in, for a hit of dopamine. Which clearly wasn’t working, as each video was the same thing washed over and over again repeated with new synonyms bundled together to sound authentic (Which it rarely was) and of course, there was those few criticisms here and there, nothing uncommon. 
Vil lays his head back, scrolling some more, “Influencer Tartaglia joins the new soon to debut boyband, D!CKZ—”, he shuts his phone and tosses it to the side carelessly . . Did he ever mention his distaste for influencers moving into the entertainment industry? . . It makes his blood boil, just a tiny bit, since most of the influencers tend to ruin it for a lot of genuinely talented and lesser known actors out there, not to mention they’re so-called talent is usually mediocre at best. 
And he could go on and list all the reasons why influencers do not deserve a spot in the spotlight with the elite, and they may all seem reasonable at first, but it’s a cover-up for the real reason.
He feels some weird sort of envy, towards those individuals who put in zero effort and somehow make it, and get all these big protagonist roles right away, and how they aren’t criticized for their faults or terrible acting skills, just because they have a huge built fanbase of delusional fangirls ready to defend them from the get-go. 
Or how they aren’t criticized when they look less than perfect on screen, although he appreciates that current age viewers can acknowledge that it’s only human to get acne or maybe a pimple here and there, he didn’t meet the same fate when he was younger . .  It just makes him feel bitter . . and he’d never speak those feelings into existence, but deep down he does feel a bit hurt by the shift, it sometimes makes him feel like all those previous breakdowns were for naught. 
Vil snaps out of his pity party for one, getting up and stretching, going into the bathroom to wash off the mask before it dries out his skin (It probably already has), burn-out has hit him hard, and as much as his love for acting runs-deep, he’d rather take a break before his audience starts noticing his shift in acting. 
Which is why he agreed to hosting the show in the first place, he wanted to switch up his career, for awhile at least, he’s taking a break from acting but doesn’t want to directly leave the industry, because it’s difficult to fit right back in place once you leave, as there's always someone who could come and steal your position, and maybe even do better . . that’s why this industry is so hard to survive in, and as pitiful as it sounds, he’s practically married to his work, he can’t exactly risk it, in peace. 
Vil dries his face with a towel and then moves to grab his moisturizer, when his work phone rings. 
“Hello, this is Amanda from Descendants. Inc. We talked before reguardinging ‘Late nights & Flashing lights’ . ” . . . “So, due to a multitude of reasons, we’re kind of in a time crunch to get the premiere launched, by the end of this month actually . . . but, we’ve received confirmation on who’ll be co-hosting with you, Y/n L/n!” 
“ . . . excuse me?” 
“This must be such a shock, but Y/n has actually been our top pick for this role, and the internet seems to really want to see the two of you on-screen together, considering your screen presence, I honestly think you two will be a perfect match for the show.”  
“I—”, Vil’s voice was hoarse as he tried to mentally wrap around all the information that was just dropped, “Ah—That’s time, we’re so excited to see you on set next week.” . . . “If you’d like, I could send you y/n’s number beforehand, so the two of you could talk things through?”, that seems to snap him back to reality, as the professionalism seeps right back into him, “That would be lovely, thank you.” 
The doorbell rings, informing Vil that his takeout that he ordered about two hours ago had finally arrived, but he didn’t feel like eating anymore.
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Drinking is completely legal at 18-19 in my country, so I'm just putting that over here before someone tries fighting with me about it (This has happened before), also Vil is currently in his late 20's.
Don't expect everything to play off of Vil in-game, since this is placed like a decade into the future, so things will be changes and messed around with to fit the current age and setting more. <3
Profiles | Masterlist | Next chapter . .
— LATE NIGHTS & FLASHING LIGHTS !! ♡. Synopsis : VIL SCHOENHEIT recently signed a contract under Descendant. Inc for his very own late night show, only to find out his co-star and fellow co-host is none other than Y/n L/n, someone he hates despite knowing very little about them and never having met them, previously. Y/N L/N, an actor who made their debut 3 years ago and hasn’t been able to catch a break since, recently decided to sign a deal with Descendants. Inc to host their new late night show “late nights & flashing lights”, as a break from acting . . Only to find out their favorite long-time actor will be co-hosting with them. Tune in every Friday, for a new episode of “late nights & flashing lights” to see if these two hosts can find a peaceful work-bond amidst their judgements . . and quite possibly even love? . .
♡. Want spoilers ?! . . Join my server . . !! (or for updates)
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— taglist ♡ ; @well-look-at-this , @honkai-freak , @kingnem10 , @merviolet-asks , @katzline , @pebble-bb , @meigalaxy , @lordbugs , @crowbird , @yuus3n , @azriel-sama , @reivelmin , @the-ghost-0f-t0m0 , @eliza-be-t-h , @feverish-dove , @yejiswifex , @l0v3r666 , @cece-cherries , @frootloopscos , @abell2029cluster , @ephemii , @alienlatteinspace
♡ . Ask to be tagged... (If you don't see yourself up here, I cant tag you)
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© devosin , do not repost, plagiarize, translate, or adapt my work without prior permission and or confirmation.
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riddleriddles · 1 month ago
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ಇ margaret.
(delicate, part one)
pairing. mattheo riddle x hufflepuff!shy!reader
summary. After the night of the ball, Mattheo couldn’t shake the thoughts of that girl. No matter how hard he tried to focus on anything else, her image lingered in his mind.
add notes. hey guys, i kind of disappeared for a bit, but i’m back now (kinda of), and bringing more Mattheo because i just love him so much. I’ve been thinking about writing more and developing him a bit further, i still feel like I’m not doing him justice, so maybe there’ll be more of him from now on. And I translated this with AI this time, so let me know if it’s better than when I used Google.
visit my masterlist :)
Mattheo was in the common room, immersed in a restless silence. The dim greenish glow of the fireplace was the only light, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. He stared at one of the paintings hanging on the wall, his hands buried in the pockets of his trousers. His eyes, though fixed on the painting in front of him, were unfocused. His mind wandered far beyond the room, lost in thoughts he couldn’t control.
In one hand, he balanced a cigarette between his fingers, occasionally bringing it to his lips with indifference. The bitter scent of smoke mingled with the heavy air in the room, but he seemed oblivious even to that. It was late—late enough that anyone else would have already been asleep. But for Mattheo, sleep was as distant as the faint moonlight barely creeping through the tall windows.
Meanwhile, Lorenzo was speaking incessantly, his excited tone filling the nearly empty room. He was recounting some Quidditch play with exaggerated enthusiasm, repeating details Mattheo had already heard countless times. Yet, Lorenzo’s words sounded like a distant buzz. It was impossible to care.
Because all that occupied Mattheo’s mind at that moment was her.
Mattheo hated it. He hated the weight of that involuntary obsession. It was as if she had quietly slipped in and taken possession of a space within him without asking for permission. He despised how his mind betrayed him, bringing back, like a cruel reflex, the memory of that smile she had given him at the ball. A shy, unpretentious smile, but one that had planted something within him—something he couldn’t name.
He knew how to handle girls. He always had. It was an art he mastered with ease, conducting encounters and flirtations with the skill of someone who knew the game well. But she… she didn’t play. She didn’t try. She didn’t need to. In fact, she had seemed genuinely surprised when he appeared beside her that night. And that unsettled him deeply.
“Mattheo, are you listening?” Lorenzo’s voice broke his thoughts like thunder, followed by a light pinch on his arm.
Mattheo blinked, reality slowly coming back to him. “Of course I’m not,” he answered flatly.
Lorenzo rolled his eyes, used to his friend’s lack of patience. “You’ve been off since that ball. Everything alright? Or did that girl actually get to you and your cold heart?”
“Don’t start, Enzo,” Mattheo replied with a frustrated sigh, leaning forward and crushing the cigarette in the silver ashtray on the table.
“Oh, it got to you,” Lorenzo laughed, teasing. “I’ve never seen you dance before. Especially not a waltz. And with a girl.”
“I was bored,” Mattheo lied, but the excuse came out with so little conviction that even he could tell how pathetic it sounded. He leaned back on the couch, squeezing his eyes shut as if that could push away the persistent images that kept invading his mind.
But if it was just boredom, why did he keep checking every room he entered, looking for her out of the corner of his eye? Why did that damn floral perfume seem embedded in his memory, like an echo that wouldn’t leave him?
The irritation burned inside him, slow and insidious. The way she had infiltrated his thoughts, occupying a space he hadn’t offered her, made him furious. She was like a riddle—and Mattheo hated riddles. Still, he knew he wouldn’t be able to ignore her, even if he tried.
Letting out a heavy sigh, he suddenly got up. “I’m heading to the dorm,” he announced, his tone making it clear the conversation was over.
Lorenzo raised an eyebrow in surprise, but his teasing grin remained. “Good night, broken heart,” he joked, but Mattheo didn’t respond.
When Mattheo reached the dormitory, he threw himself onto the bed with a low grunt, closing his eyes in a near-desperate motion. But the darkness didn’t bring the relief he had expected. On the contrary.
The first thing his mind conjured was the image of her bidding him farewell at the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room. The soft smile she had given him as she closed the door, the light of the hall reflecting off her shiny shoes as she carefully descended the stairs, holding the hem of her dress. It was an annoyingly vivid memory.
He turned on the bed, restless. He tried to push the thoughts away, but deep down he knew it wouldn’t be that simple. She wouldn’t leave his mind so easily. Not at all.
Days passed, dragged out, as if the universe was mocking Mattheo, torturing him while repeatedly playing those thoughts about her like a broken record. He tried to distract himself, searching for anything that would take him away from the constant irritation of being at the mercy of his own mind, but everything seemed utterly ineffective. Quidditch, and even the classes—which he no longer took as seriously—failed to pull his attention away and keep her image from his thoughts. And he hated it.
One day, Mattheo decided he would focus on the Quidditch practice. The cold wind sliced through his face as he flew with absurd precision, throwing the balls against the hoops with a force that seemed to expel his frustration along with them. But even then, something still distracted him. A simple glance at the stands and he realised: he was hoping she would be there, watching him. And the anger came back with full force. “This is ridiculous,” he repeated to himself, trying to refocus on the practice, but the truth was, nothing would pull him away from her.
That evening, the Great Hall exuded a vibrant atmosphere. The enchanted ceiling reflected a starry night sky, while floating candelabras gently spread a golden light across the long House tables. The sound of conversations and laughter mixed with the clinking of cutlery against silver plates. Platters overflowed with delicacies: succulent roasts, steaming bread, and colourful desserts that emitted a comforting aroma, filling the room with warmth that contrasted with the chilly air outside.
And then, there she was.
Mattheo saw her for the first time since that ball, and she seemed, if possible, even more enchanting. She was wearing her yellow and black daily robes, sitting near the centre of the Hufflepuff table, her face softly illuminated by the light of the candelabras. Her smile stood out among the crowd, and her hair, lightly tied up, seemed to catch the light in a way that made it glow gently. She leaned forward, laughing at something someone beside her had said—a trivial scene, but to Mattheo, it felt like the entire Great Hall had bent around her, as if the very room conspired to draw his attention to her.
In that instant, the buzz of conversations around him seemed to disappear, muffled by the intensity of his focus. He quickly glanced away, blinking repeatedly as he looked at his plate, his fingers tightening around the fork he was holding, as if that could push away the growing sense of discomfort. But the scent he had already come to know—that sweet floral perfume—seemed to linger in the air, even though she was metres away, as if the universe had decided to torment him.
The Great Hall, to Mattheo, had never seemed so crowded and, at the same time, so empty.
The cold wind cut through the air in Hogsmeade that Saturday afternoon. The clear sky allowed the sun to shine gently, while the breeze stirred the leaves and flowers, which responded with a soft, rhythmic rustling. The small village was more crowded than usual, filled with excited Hogwarts students strolling through the stone streets. Between laughter and voices, the windows of candy, clothing, and curiosity shops made for a cozy, vibrant scene.
Mattheo walked calmly, having separated from his friends only a few minutes earlier. His hands rested in his pockets, and his mind was as distant as the mountains in the background. The sounds around him were nothing but muffled noise, unable to distract him from the thoughts that haunted him incessantly: her. He tried, in every way, to find a distraction, but it seemed useless. As if the universe insisted on mocking him, his eyes found her.
She was standing in front of one of the candy shops, looking undecided about whether to go in or not. With her hands holding her coat to protect herself from the cold, her shoulders were slightly hunched against the icy breeze. Her hair shone under the soft light of the afternoon sun, moving gently with the wind. She seemed so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t even notice Mattheo approaching. He stopped a step ahead of her, hesitating for a moment, as if the simple act of approaching her required more effort than usual.
Then, she saw him. Her eyes widened slightly before a shy but genuine smile appeared on her face. That smile had been haunting Mattheo since the ball. She seemed surprised, as if meeting him here was the last thing she expected.
“Hi… Mattheo, right?” Her voice was soft, a little uncertain, but filled with sincere sweetness. There was a hesitation in her tone, as if she feared he might not remember her or, worse, might prefer not to speak with her.
Mattheo exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. For a brief moment, he was caught between the impact of that smile and her simple beauty. “Yeah, that’s right… What are you doing here alone… again?” he asked, a slight teasing tone slipping out unintentionally.
His eyes wandered over her face, as if trying to memorize every detail—the gentle curve of her lips, the faint blush coloring her cheeks, and the shy gleam in her eyes.
She laughed, a light and somewhat nervous sound, as her cheeks flushed a deeper pink, perhaps from the cold, perhaps from shyness. “I came to buy some chocolates. I don’t know how, but I ended up here. I think the smell of sugar drew me in.” She laughed at herself, as if finding her own distraction amusing.
Mattheo watched her closely. The calmness of that moment contrasted with the chaos that was unfolding inside him. This was the first time they were alone, without interruptions, and he realized that, although he had imagined this scene countless times in his mind, now he didn’t quite know what to say. He, who always had the right words, found himself momentarily lost. It was strange… and irritatingly fascinating.
“Actually, I was going to buy something next door…” he began, his voice coming out more casually than he had expected. “If you want company, maybe we could go together?”
She blinked, surprised, and then her eyes brightened with contained curiosity. “Sure, I’d love that. Maybe you can even help me choose something. I always get so indecisive in these candy shops.” She smiled lightly, her lips curving ever so slightly, but to Mattheo, it seemed like something monumental.
He managed a more genuine smile, feeling his own hesitation fade away. “Definitely. I’m practically an expert on chocolate, if you want to know.” He opened the door to the shop, inviting her in with a casual gesture.
Inside, the aroma of chocolate and sugar enveloped them. The conversation flowed easier than Mattheo had imagined, with her laughing softly at his ironic comments about the more eccentric sweets in the shop. He found that he enjoyed listening to her more than he had expected, and for the first time in days, his mind seemed less chaotic. It was as though being near her made everything a little clearer, a little simpler.
When they left the shop, both carrying bags full of candy, Mattheo felt a strange desire to prolong the moment. The cold wind didn’t seem so intense anymore, and the sound of her laughter echoed in his mind like music. He found himself looking at her again, noticing how the soft light of the late afternoon highlighted the delicate features of her face.
For a brief moment, he almost reached out to brush a strand of hair from her eyes, but he stopped. He didn’t want to be too forward. He didn’t know her well enough for such a casual gesture… at least, not yet.
When the sun began to set, they said their goodbyes. She smiled once more, a sweet and peaceful smile, before waving and heading toward the carriage with a friend. Mattheo stood there for a few moments, watching her walk away.
The air around the lake was calm and serene, as still as the water that reflected the orange sky of the late afternoon. Only the subtle sound of the waves and the whisper of the wind through the trees filled the space. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a soft golden hue over everything, as if the world had paused in that moment. She sat by the lake, her legs crossed and her eyes fixed on the water’s surface, as if trying to uncover some invisible secret hidden there.
Mattheo saw her from a distance, and his breath faltered for a moment. How was it that she seemed to be everywhere lately? He knew he should simply move on, pretend he hadn’t seen her, but it felt like an impossible task. It was as though an invisible force was pulling him towards her, persistent and inevitable. Perhaps it was the way the sunlight seemed to dance in her hair, or the almost untouchable peace that seemed to surround her, in stark contrast to the chaos she always left in his mind.
He took a deep breath, pushing aside the strange shyness that only seemed to appear in her presence, and made his way over. The sound of his footsteps on the grass caught her attention, and she turned her face towards him, her eyes lighting up slightly. For a moment, she seemed surprised, but soon looked away again, returning her gaze to the lake in a calm posture, as if trying to hide any reaction.
“Do you always run off here alone?” he asked, shoving his hands in his pockets as he stopped beside her.
She shrugged slightly, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Sometimes. I like the peace here. No one comes around except in the summer.”
“I see,” he replied, sitting beside her without asking for permission, though he kept a respectful distance. “It’s the kind of place that makes you forget you’re surrounded by so many people all the time.”
“Exactly.” She nodded, turning her face towards him. Her eyes briefly examined his face, as if she was assessing his presence. “Here it feels… outside of reality.”
He nodded silently, relieved that she didn’t seem bothered by his approach. “A good place to think… or to escape,” he added lightly.
She chuckled softly, the sound delicate and almost musical. Mattheo noticed how her eyes would close slightly when she smiled, and had to look away to the water, afraid he was staring too intently.
For a few moments, silence stretched between them, but it was comfortable. The cool breeze from the lake brought a sense of calm, while the reflection of the sky on the water created an almost magical scene. Mattheo tried to think of something to say, but her natural ease made it harder than he’d like to admit.
“So, do you come here often?” he asked, his voice coming out quieter than he’d intended.
She turned her face towards him, her eyes soft and curious. “Yes, it’s one of my favourite places at the castle.”
He nodded, feeling a small satisfaction from learning something more about her. Any detail was valuable.
“I hope I’m not disturbing your peace,” he teased, a slight smile playing at the corner of his lips.
She shook her head quickly, sincerity in her response. “Of course not. It’s nice to have company sometimes.”
Her answer caught him off guard, and he felt a more genuine smile spread across his face. But realising how silly it must have looked, he cleared his throat and turned his gaze to the lake, picking up a stone from the shore. He tossed it expertly, and the small rock skipped across the water three times before sinking.
“You’re good at that,” she commented, sounding a bit impressed. “I didn’t know it was one of your talents.”
“There are many things about me you don’t know,” he replied, with a teasing tone, though not daring to look at her directly. He didn’t notice the faint blush that coloured her cheeks.
She laughed softly, but didn’t respond, and that left him restless. He didn’t want the conversation to end there.
“Do you want to try?” He offered her another stone.
She hesitated for a moment before taking the stone from his hand, her fingers brushing his briefly. It was a brief touch, but one that left a warm trace in his mind. She threw the stone with a little less force than necessary, and it sank almost immediately.
She laughed at herself, that sweet, light sound he wanted to hear forever. “Clearly, I’m not as talented as you.”
Mattheo chuckled at her failed attempt, but, to him, it was adorable. Everything about her was adorable—the way she spoke, how she smiled, how she moved. He was lost for her, and he knew it.
“It just takes practice,” he said, trying to keep his tone casual while holding back a smile.
The afternoon passed with laughter, casual conversation, and more attempts on her part to skip stones across the lake, all equally disastrous. But Mattheo didn’t mind. In fact, he preferred it this way. Any excuse to stay beside her, watching every little detail, was more than enough.
And as the sun began to hide behind the trees, casting the sky in deeper tones, Mattheo realised that his affection for her was growing at an almost alarming rate. But he didn’t want to stop.
During Herbology class, the afternoon was warm. The students were scattered around the garden, working with the magical and exotic plants they were being taught to handle. Professor Sprout was observing closely, walking between the rows, supervising everyone’s efforts.
She was focused, struggling with a bold plant that had, without warning, begun to wind itself around her arm. With every movement she made, the plant tightened, as though it had a mind of its own and no friendly intentions.
“Oi! All right there?” Mattheo’s voice suddenly called, close enough to startle her. He approached with that playful smile on his lips, and she hadn’t realised he had been watching her since the beginning of the class.
She jumped slightly, turning to face him while still fighting against the stubborn plant. “I’m fine, yeah,” she replied with a slightly awkward smile, trying to cover up the disastrous situation. “It’s just… I haven’t quite figured out how to deal with this little plant.”
Mattheo laughed. He found it adorable how, even with the plant practically choking her arm, she still tried to maintain composure. But he could see right through the façade.
“Here, let me help,” he offered, stepping close enough for her to catch a faint whiff of his cologne, mixed with a trace of cigarette smoke on his robes. It wasn’t unpleasant, but unmistakable.
Now, with him so close, she noticed details she hadn’t before: the discreet scar on his cheek that she’d never noticed, and another that she liked to observe on the tip of his nose.
He wasn’t wearing the usual green and black Slytherin cloak, only the white shirt and loosely tied tie. His sleeves rolled up revealed strong forearms. With an absurd ease, he began untangling the plant from her arm.
“Is this all you can do? Let a little plant tear you to pieces?” he asked in a mocking tone, inspecting the marks the plant had left.
“Or do you like the pain?” He laughed, gently taking her hand to examine it more closely. His hands were cold and rough, but the touch, surprisingly, was gentle, as though he was trying not to hurt her more.
“Of course not, shut up!” She quickly replied, giving him a playful tap on the shoulder while letting out a light laugh. “It’s just that this plant, in particular, is a bit more… complex.”
“Complex?” A smile formed on his face. “It’s just another stupid plant,” he said, gently releasing her arm. His words made her give him a small frown.
“That’s what you think!” She shot back, pointing a finger directly at his chest. “This ‘stupid plant’ is worth the effort if you learn how to deal with it”
“Ah, right. And I suppose you know exactly what you’re doing, don’t you?” He teased, with a mischievous smile. She squinted her eyes at him, clearly not finding it funny.
“I’ll learn, alright?” She replied firmly, though he doubted her conviction would last long.
Mattheo chuckled quietly, stepping back a bit and crossing his arms while watching her with an amused— and something more, something he kept carefully hidden— look. “Oh, I’m sure you will.”
Determined, she tried again. She touched the plant carefully, moving her other hand with a pair of scissors, but it didn’t work. As soon as she got too close, the plant grabbed her arm again, this time with more force, causing her to bite her cheek in an attempt to hold back the pain.
Mattheo rolled his eyes as he watched her make the same mistake, but when he noticed the discomfort in her expression and the visibly tight grip on her arm, his face shifted. He quickly approached.
“Wait, let me take care of this,” he said, taking her arm again, this time with more urgency. He was so close that she could feel the heat radiating from him. “Relax your arm,” he instructed, his voice low and firm.
She obeyed, relaxing her arm, and after a few seconds, the plant gave way. He released it, while she quickly pulled her arm back, massaging her sore wrist.
“I’m never going to finish this task,” she complained, still rubbing the spot.
“Stop whining,” Mattheo said with a cheeky smile, his voice firm but laid-back. “You’re just being too nice to the plant. That’s not how it works.”
His words made her glare at him with a challenging look, as though silently daring him to show her something better.
“Watch and learn,” he said confidently — perhaps a bit too confidently. He stepped closer to the plant, rolling up his sleeves to avoid getting his shirt dirty. He studied the position of the roots for a few seconds before grabbing the plant with far more force than she had dared. Then, with scissors in hand, he cut the necessary parts with precision, finishing the task effortlessly.
“How can you be kind to a plant like that? That’s not how it works,” he remarked, wiping his hands with a cloth.
She watched the scene with a strange feeling growing in her stomach. It was odd seeing him so forceful with something, as he always seemed so calm and carefree. His sleeves rolled up, his strong arms, the confident manner — something about it made her blush. He looked strangely handsome in that moment.
“Hm, you’re rather good at that. Another skill of yours I had no idea existed,” she said, regaining her composure as she bent down to gather the little fruits that had fallen to the ground.
“There are plenty of things you still don’t know I’m good at,” he said casually, with an enigmatic smile.
The cold night wind blew gently across the castle courtyard, where she sat on one of the stone benches, reviewing her notes. Mattheo, who had a habit of seeking her out at night, was leaning against a nearby column, watching her in silence while pretending to be distracted.
“You know staring at me isn’t going to help me study, right?” she asked, not taking her eyes off the parchment in front of her, though a small smile played at her lips.
“I’m not staring, I’m just—” He began, but was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching.
“Well, well, look who I find here.” Cedric Diggory’s unmistakably confident voice cut through the air, and Mattheo immediately straightened up, crossing his arms as he observed the new arrival.
She looked up, surprised, and forced a smile, a little nervous. “Hi, Cedric. Long time no see.”
Cedric stopped in front of her, his bright, warm smile — the one so many people found charming — still intact. “That’s true. I thought you’d forgotten about me.”
“Not at all,” she replied, looking away slightly, visibly uncomfortable. “But I’ve been busy with studies.”
Mattheo narrowed his eyes, observing the interaction with a neutral expression, but anyone who knew him well would notice the tension in his jaw. He stayed silent, but his gaze never left Cedric.
“Well, I’m glad to see you’re alright,” Cedric continued, completely ignoring Mattheo’s presence. He leaned in slightly, in a casual gesture, though it seemed a bit too intimate for those watching. “You know, I still feel bad about that night…”
She froze for a moment, a bit unsettled by the mention, before lowering her gaze. “Oh… Cedric, that’s in the past. No need to worry about it now.”
Mattheo frowned, curious and visibly suspicious, but he remained where he was, his hands now clenched into loose fists.
“Still, I want to apologise. You deserved someone who—”
“Cedric,” she interrupted, her voice soft but firm. Standing up from the bench, she looked away once more. “It’s really fine. I’ve gotten over it. We’re friends, right?”
Cedric’s smile faltered for a moment, but he nodded. “Of course. Friends.” He stepped back a little, seeming slightly uncomfortable. “Well, I hope to see you at the next match. It was good seeing you.”
“It was good to see you too,” she said, maintaining her calm posture, though still visibly shy.
Cedric waved one last time before walking away, finally noticing Mattheo’s presence, but not caring much about it. As soon as he disappeared down the corridor, silence hung between them.
“So…” Mattheo broke the silence, his voice laced with sarcasm. “Friends, is it?”
She rolled her eyes, sitting back down on the bench. “Yes, friends. You heard.”
“Because it seemed more like he was trying to… I don’t know… redeem himself or something,” Mattheo said, stepping closer, leaning against the bench beside her, his arms still crossed. “Is there something I should know?”
She sighed, closing the parchment. “It’s nothing important. Cedric was… just a disappointment, nothing more. And it’s in the past.”
He raised an eyebrow, the jealousy clear in his eyes. “A disappointment, huh?”
“Yes, Mattheo. A disappointment.” She looked at him seriously, though with a hint of amusement in her gaze. “And for your information, I feel absolutely nothing for him.”
“Really?” He leaned in a little, his face closer to hers. “Because it seemed like he still feels something for you.”
She shook her head, laughing lightly. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“Ridiculous?” He smiled, though there was something challenging in his expression. “If I’m ridiculous, then what is he?”
“Uninteresting.”
Her quick reply surprised both her and him. Mattheo blinked, looking a little less tense, and a genuine smile appeared on his lips. “Uninteresting, huh?”
She shrugged, feigning indifference. “Yes. And are you going to keep insisting on this, or will you let me finish studying?”
He watched her for a moment before grinning, leaning in even closer until their faces were dangerously near. “I think I can accept that… for now.”
Her eyes widened slightly, her heart racing at the proximity. He noticed, but instead of pulling back, he just gave her a small smile before pulling away again, giving her space — but not much.
“Good luck with your studies, then,” he said, his voice carrying a tone she couldn’t quite decipher, before leaning back against the column and staying there, as if he had no plans of leaving anytime soon.
The silence took over them both again, but after a few minutes, he stepped closer still and, in a low tone, almost as if testing his words, asked:
“Was it him who made you cry that night at the ball?”
She was momentarily speechless, her face flushing slightly as she looked at him, nervous. She couldn’t meet Mattheo’s eyes, but the memory of that night still affected her deeply. Her fingers began to play with the edges of the parchment, looking for something to focus on.
“Yes…” she answered, her voice soft and hesitant. “It was him.”
Mattheo felt a wave of protectiveness surge within him. His eyes darkened for a moment, as if the thought of Cedric causing her pain bothered him deeply. He moved a little closer, his voice now laden with concern.
“He doesn’t deserve a single ounce of your attention,” he said, the softness of his words contrasting with the intensity of his gaze.
She looked up at him, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. Even without saying anything further, she knew Mattheo was there for her, with no reservations, ready to protect whatever was necessary.
“I know,” she replied, a shy smile beginning to form on her lips, comforting yet tinged with vulnerability.
He watched her for a moment, a protective expression on his face, and then gave a slight smile, softer this time, as though he was finally understanding what truly mattered.
“Don’t worry,” he said, in a tone that seemed to promise something. “I’m here.”
Mattheo stood in the dark corridor, hands in his pockets, trying to control the whirlwind of thoughts still spinning in his head. Enzo was beside him, observing his friend patiently. But the silence between them was growing uncomfortable. The tension radiating off Mattheo was almost palpable.
“Mate, you’re freaking out over this?” Enzo finally spoke, his voice low and bored, breaking the silence.
Mattheo looked at him, his eyes slightly irritated. “I’m not freaking out. I just… didn’t expect to feel this way, you know? I didn’t think I’d be so… bothered.” He took a step forward, stopping in front of one of the cold castle walls. “But he can’t just show up like nothing’s happened. And she… she seems so… calm.”
Enzo sighed, arms crossed. “You’re talking about Cedric, right?”
“Who else?” Mattheo muttered, almost growling, his eyes fixed on an invisible point on the wall. “He shouldn’t be so comfortable around her. And what’s worse is, she doesn’t seem to care. It’s like just another conversation, just another interaction. But what am I, Enzo? A spectator? damnit.”
Enzo moved closer to him, not showing much surprise at Mattheo’s behaviour, but still visibly paying attention. “And you think she’ll start thinking about you if you keep doing this? If you keep torturing yourself, waiting for things to sort themselves out?”
Mattheo turned to face him, frustration clear on his face. “I know what you’re trying to say, but I’m not an idiot, Enzo. I already know what she feels, I’ve already seen it, she’s not the type to make things clear that easily. And if I try to do something, I’ll just make things worse. I’m not… like him.”
Enzo gave a tired smile, shaking his head. “Mate, you’re hiding behind this idea of ‘I’m not like him’. I know what you’ve got in your head, but… maybe you need to stop thinking there’s a manual on how to act here. Just go up to her. Don’t overthink it. You’ve got a chance, but if you keep going like this, you’ll lose it, and in the end, what will be left?”
Mattheo remained silent for a while, his gaze fixed on the floor. He knew Enzo was right, but the idea of approaching her still felt so distant, like he had lost control over the situation.
“She should be in the greenhouse,” Mattheo commented, his voice tinged with slight hesitation but also resignation.
“Yeah,” Enzo replied, already knowing where this was headed. “Now go on, or do you want to keep complaining for another hour?”
Mattheo looked at him, a little irritated, but also unsure of how to react. He knew what Enzo was suggesting wasn’t just about having a simple chat. He was telling Mattheo to open up in a way he didn’t allow himself to. But deep down, he knew he couldn’t let things continue like this.
Mattheo let out a heavy sigh and started walking towards the greenhouse. Enzo watched him for a moment, his expression serious but still offering silent support.
The cold wind cut through the empty greenhouses as she stayed there, alone, organising her materials and rereading notes from the day’s class. The light from the setting sun filtered through the windows, casting an orange glow across the room. She was so focused that she didn’t even hear the footsteps approaching.
“You really don’t know when to stop, do you?” The familiar voice of Mattheo came from behind her, relaxed, with that trademark tone that made her roll her eyes — and, at the same time, smile.
She turned around, surprised, holding a quill in her hand. “You’re still here? I thought you’d have run off to the common room by now.”
“And leave you here alone, exhausted and lost in your thoughts?” He stepped closer with a teasing smile, stopping next to the counter where she worked. “Seems a bit irresponsible of me, don’t you think?”
She laughed lightly, shaking her head. “I’m fine. Just wanted to finish reviewing this before tomorrow.”
“Of course you did,” he replied, crossing his arms and casually leaning against the counter. “Always so diligent. But you know the plants aren’t going to run away if you leave them for tomorrow, right?”
She returned her focus to the notes, trying to ignore his closeness. “I’d rather be sure. Besides, if I head to the castle now, I’ll probably just get distracted.”
“So, you admit I’m a distraction.” He smiled, his gaze full of amusement.
She paused for a second, realising what she had said, and blushed slightly. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Of course not,” he tilted his head, his eyes watching her every reaction. “But it’s not like it’s a lie.”
She huffed, trying to stifle a smile as she returned to her materials on the counter. “If you’ve only come here to tease me, you might as well head back to the castle.”
“Maybe I came for another reason.” He took a step forward, now standing even closer, enough that she could feel his warmth, despite the cold around them.
She lifted her eyes to meet his, trying to maintain composure. “And what might that be?”
He hesitated for a moment, the smile fading slightly, but the sparkle in his eyes remained. “Sometimes, I think you’re the only person who hasn’t realised.”
“Realised what?” The question escaped her lips before she could stop herself.
He didn’t respond right away. Instead, he leaned in a little more, his face close enough that she could smell the faint scent of tobacco mixed with something woody. His eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, the silence seemed louder than any words.
“This.” The word came out before he closed the gap between them, his lips meeting hers in a soft, but confident kiss.
She froze for a second, surprised, before relaxing slightly. The kiss was gentle, as if he was waiting for her to pull away. But she didn’t pull away.
When he broke the kiss, the smile returned to his face, now softer and almost challenging. “Maybe that clears things up.”
She was still processing what had just happened, her heart racing, words escaping her. “You kissed me.”
“And you liked it.” He took a step back, but his gaze remained fixed on hers, as if waiting for some sort of confirmation.
She sighed, a small, involuntary smile appearing on her lips. “I liked it.”
He laughed, shaking his head, and extended a hand to help her gather the scattered materials. “Come on, or Professor Sprout’s going to turn us into fertiliser for being late.”
Without realising it, she let him accompany her back to the castle, and this time, the silence between them felt comfortable — and full of new feelings.
397 notes · View notes
amkyor · 1 month ago
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K. BAKUGO SHORT STORY ᡣ𐭩
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Walking on His Hands:
It was a quiet evening in the U.A. dorms, the kind of night where everyone seemed preoccupied with their own activities.
Deku was buried in his notebooks, Todoroki was reading in the common area, and Mina and Denki were playing a video game loudly on the couch. Katsuki Bakugo, however, was bored out of his mind.
He had already finished his workout for the day, his assignments were complete, and there was nothing interesting on TV.
Restless energy buzzed beneath his skin, and sitting still felt like torture. With an irritated huff, he pushed himself off the couch and stood in the middle of the room.
Then, the idea struck.
Without a word, Bakugo dropped his hands to the floor and kicked his legs up into the air, balancing perfectly in a handstand.
Mina paused her game to glance at him. “Uh, Bakugo? What are you—”
“Shut it, Pinky,” he barked, already starting to walk forward on his hands.
He made his way across the common area, his movements fluid and deliberate.
His focus was intense, his arms flexing with each step.
The others barely spared him a glance—this wasn’t the first time Bakugo had decided to do something ridiculous out of boredom.
As he rounded the corner toward the kitchen, he muttered to himself, “Tch, too easy.” He sped up, his pace quickening as he maneuvered around the furniture.
By the time he made it back to the common area, his arms were burning, but he refused to stop.
He passed Todoroki, who merely raised an eyebrow before returning to his book. Kirishima walked in just as Bakugo was making his third lap.
“Dude, you’re still doing this?!” Kirishima exclaimed, impressed.
“Shut up. Don’t distract me,” Bakugo snapped, sweat dripping from his brow.
Eventually, his arms began to shake, but his stubbornness kept him going.
It wasn’t until he reached the hallway that his strength finally gave out, and he collapsed onto the floor with a grunt. He lay there for a moment, catching his breath, before sitting up and brushing himself off like nothing had happened.
Mina peeked around the corner, smirking. “Feeling better now?”
“Yeah, whatever,” Bakugo muttered, standing up and stretching his shoulders.
He wasn’t about to admit that the ridiculous handwalking marathon had actually helped burn off some of his excess energy.
As he walked back to his room, the others exchanged amused glances.
Only Bakugo could turn sheer boredom into a display of raw determination—and somehow make it look cool in the process.
FANFIC RECOMMENDATION ᡣ𐭩
Adult Bakugo x Female Reader Fanfic
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214 notes · View notes
nemo-writes · 3 months ago
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𝗂𝗆𝖺𝗀𝗂𝗇𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗍𝖿 141 + 𝗏𝖺𝗊𝗎𝖾𝗋𝗈𝗌 𝖺𝗌 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖼𝗈𝗆 𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗉𝖾𝗌 ; 𝗉𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝗍𝗐𝗈 ── .✦
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── .✦ 𝗌𝗈𝖺𝗉 ; "𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗆𝗈𝗌𝗍 𝗉𝗈𝗉𝗎𝗅𝖺𝗋 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗌𝗈𝗇 𝗂𝗇 𝗌𝖼𝗁𝗈𝗈𝗅 𝖺𝗍 𝖻𝖺𝗌𝖾 𝖿𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗌𝗍 𝗉𝗈𝗉𝗎𝗅𝖺𝗋 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗌𝗈𝗇."
It’s day three of bed rest, and Soap’s already climbed up the walls of his room and back down again. Injured or not, he’s never been one to sit still, and being restricted to the base with “no hard jobs, no missions”—as the medic had stressed—has left him itching for something to do. Restless, he decides to wander, eventually finding himself at the library-slash-records room, a quiet corner of base he’s never thought to visit before.
He thumbs through a book on the nearest shelf, flipping pages more out of boredom than actual interest, when a voice behind him makes him nearly jump out of his skin.
“Good choice,” you say casually, glancing over his shoulder at the book in his hands. “I read that one when I was a teenager.”
Soap whips around, wide-eyed and ready to defend himself before he registers you standing there, a bemused smile on your face. It’s not often anyone manages to sneak up on him, especially after working alongside Ghost—but here you are, quiet as a shadow.
“Christ, you gave me a fright!” He laughs, trying to shake off his surprise. “You a ghost yourself, or just a natural sneak?”
“Neither,” you reply with a shrug. “I just work here. Records department.”
He raises an eyebrow, tilting his head with a hint of scepticism. “Records, aye? Right, sure. So… what squad d’you belong to, then?”
You laugh, not seeming to mind his incredulity. “No squad. No task force, either. Just a regular base staff member. I make sure all your physical files stay organised, is all.”
“Well, I didn't expect to find a hidden gem like you in here,��� he says, putting on his usual flirty grin, expecting some kind of blush or maybe even a shy look.
But you just give another amused smile. “I’m not a gem, just the records keeper. I also stock the books,” you add, gesturing around. “Figured a small library might be good for those interested. We don’t have much, but it’s a nice change of pace for some people.”
The flirting sails right over your head, and Soap’s grin falters ever so slightly before he recovers. “Ah, so you're the one to thank for this wee slice of quiet paradise on base, huh?”
You nod, a touch of pride slipping through as you straighten a few already-tidy books. “It’s simple, but I like to keep things in order here for whoever wants to pick up something to read.”
Soap tries another grin, leaning against a shelf, his tone softening just a bit. “Well, reckon I’ll be a regular if it means more chats like this. Seems like a fair deal, yeah?”
But you only hum thoughtfully, eyes scanning the shelf beside him, clearly cataloguing if anything’s out of place. Soap finds himself smirking, both amused and oddly challenged by how thoroughly you’ve ignored his attempts to charm you. He realises with a quiet laugh that this just might be the break he needed.
. . .
In the quiet of his quarters, Soap lounges on his bunk with the phone pressed to his ear, listening to his mum and sister talk about his childhood. It had started with the usual check-in���hearing how he was healing, how things were on base—and soon drifted into familiar family banter.
His sister, Cait, laughs as she recalls his ‘miraculous’ ability to get hurt every other day growing up. “Remember when you broke both your arms jumping off that shed roof, John?” she teases, barely stifling her laughter. “Mum had to practically wrap you in bubble wrap.”
“Aye, aye, laugh it up,” Soap mutters, though he’s grinning. “Was tryin’ to perfect my landing, is all.”
His mum’s voice chimes in with a fond chuckle, “Perfect it you did, son. Broke both arms and had us all in stitches—not just ‘cause of the casts, but because you couldn’t stop fidgeting.”
“Oh, I remember,” he groans, recalling the itch of the casts and the boredom of sitting still for weeks. “I was goin’ mad with nothing to do!”
“That’s why I read to you,” his mum adds, the warmth in her voice audible even over the line. “You were always restless, even with two arms in casts.”
Soap’s grin turns a bit softer. “I remember that… just not the book itself. Somethin’ about a fox and a forest?”
His mum hums thoughtfully. “It was a sweet story, but I can’t recall the title. Do you, Cait?”
Cait only chuckles, clearly drawing a blank. “Oh, I remember the fuss he made, but the book? Not a chance.”
Soap shakes his head, feeling a little pang of nostalgia. “Wouldn’t mind findin’ it again someday. Reminds me of home.”
A few days later, Soap strides through the hallway, his arm still snug in a sling but his energy undeterred. He greets everyone he passes, effortlessly drawing smiles and laughter from a few soldiers standing by the vending machines. A corporal waves, and Soap flashes him a quick grin, offering a joking salute with his free hand. 
But today, he’s not here to soak up the attention. His steps have purpose, carrying him straight back to the quiet sanctuary of the records room. When he steps inside, the calm hits him like a breath of fresh air. His eyes land on you instantly, tucked in the back of the room, your head bent over something on the desk.
You’re focused, scribbling notes or reading from a thick stack of papers, and for a moment, Soap just watches. There’s something about the way the light catches on your face, the peaceful concentration you exude. He doesn’t even realise he’s smiling until his cheeks ache slightly. He adjusts his posture and clears his throat, strolling over casually, pretending not to notice the way his pulse picks up just a bit.
“Hey, there,” he says, his voice breaking the quiet like a soft ripple on a still pond. You glance up, blinking at the interruption, and he swears there’s a flicker of recognition in your gaze that makes his chest tighten.
“Back again?” you tease lightly, setting your pen down. “Getting into trouble already?”
“Nah, just takin’ it easy,” he says, his tone breezy. “Needed a break from bein’ so popular, y’know? The fans are relentless.” He winks, and you roll your eyes, though there’s a smile tugging at your lips.
He shifts slightly, leaning his good arm against the edge of the desk. “Actually, I was hopin’ you might be able to help me with somethin’. Feels a bit daft, but here goes.” He scratches the back of his neck, suddenly feeling the weight of how silly this might sound. “There’s this book. From when I was a kid. My Ma read it to me when I broke both arms once—don’t ask,” he adds quickly, grinning sheepishly. “But I can’t remember the title. Just bits of it.”
That piques your interest. You sit up a little straighter, curiosity lighting up your features. “What do you remember about it?” you ask, your tone genuinely warm.
Soap exhales, relieved you haven’t laughed him off, and starts piecing it together. “Right, so it was about this fox. A scrappy wee thing, always gettin’ into trouble. Lived in a forest, sneakin’ around like it owned the place. There was… a badger, I think? Big, grumpy fella, always tellin’ the fox to stop bein’ reckless. But the fox didn’t listen—bit of a troublemaker, that one.”
You nod, your attention fixed on him, and it spurs him on. “One part I remember clear as day—there was a trap. The fox got its paw caught, and I thought it was done for. Had my heart in my throat. My Ma kept tellin’ me it’d be fine, but I was sweatin’ over it.” He chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck as if to brush off the emotion. “Then there was somethin’ about the forest gettin’ destroyed, so the fox had to leave. Find a new home, y’know?”
You lean forward slightly, completely drawn in, and it makes his pulse quicken. “That sounds… really sweet, actually. And a little sad.”
“Aye, it was,” he says, his voice softer now. “Hit me like a brick back then. Think I might’ve cried—don’t tell anyone that,” he adds quickly, wagging a finger with mock severity.
Your smile widens. “I wouldn’t dream of it. But… you’re describing it so vividly. I might know it. Hang on.” You tap your chin thoughtfully, sorting through your mental catalog of titles. Soap watches you closely, his expression softening as you mentally sift through the possibilities. After a moment, you shake your head, regret flashing in your eyes. “I think I know the book, but I don’t have it here. Sorry.”
Soap raises his brows, clearly impressed. “You’ve got a memory like a steel trap, lass. How d’you even keep track of all that?”
You wave him off modestly, a faint smile tugging at your lips. “It’s nothing, really. I just like books. Spend enough time with them, and you start remembering the little details.”
“Still,” you say, your tone tinged with determination. “I’ll keep an eye out. If it crosses my path, I’ll make sure you’re the first to know.”
Soap’s grin widens, his eyes crinkling in that way that makes it hard to look away. “Aye, I’ll hold you to that.” His voice softens, and for a moment, there’s a quiet warmth between you that neither of you rush to fill.
“Thanks,” he says finally, the sincerity in his tone catching you slightly off guard. “You’re good company, y’know that?”
Before you can reply, he pushes off the desk with his good arm, the playful edge returning to his expression as he gives you a wink. “Don’t let me distract you too much, aye? I’ll see myself out.”
You manage a small laugh, watching as he makes his way toward the door, the faint scent of his cologne lingering in his wake. But just as he steps into the hallway, he pauses, glancing back through the open door.
For a brief second, his gaze softens, the memory of the fox, his Ma’s soothing voice, and the quiet comfort of your little nook weaving together to warm a part of him he hadn’t realised needed it. With a nod to himself, he turns away, the thought of returning already forming in the back of his mind.
. . .
The cafeteria buzzed with the usual hum of conversation and clatter of trays. Soap, now out of his sling and feeling like himself again, sat among Gaz, Ghost, and a few others from the base, his laughter loud and infectious as they swapped stories and teased one another. His attention was fully on Gaz’s exaggerated recounting of a drill mishap when Ghost’s gravelly voice cut through the din.
“Oi, Johnny. Little mouse headed this way.”
Soap blinked, confused, until Ghost gave a subtle nod toward the figure approaching from behind. Soap twisted around, and his breath hitched the moment he spotted you.
Springing to his feet far too quickly, Soap’s knee hit the table with a loud clang, trays rattling dangerously. The others shouted half-hearted complaints, but Soap didn’t care. All his attention was on you, standing there with a paper bag in hand, a shy smile gracing your lips.
“I—uh—hi,” Soap stammered, suddenly unsure of himself as you held the bag out toward him.
“I found it,” you said simply, your tone giddy. “Thought you might like to have it.”
He stared at the bag, then at you, before carefully taking it from your hands. His fingers brushed yours briefly, and he swore he felt a spark. Peeking inside, his jaw dropped. There it was—the book. The cover was pristine, like it had just been pulled from a bookstore shelf.
“You didn’t…” he began, but words failed him. His gaze flicked between the book and your face, awe written plainly across his features.
You chuckled softly, patting the hand that held the book. “It’s no big deal. Enjoy it, yeah?”
And with that, you turned and walked away, leaving Soap frozen in place. He watched you go, only snapping out of his trance when Gaz whistled low under his breath. Soap turned back to the table, clutching the bag as if it held a treasure.
Seated back at the table, the book resting carefully in his lap, he barely touched his food, his usual chatter replaced by a soft, distracted smile. He flipped the book over in his hands, running his thumb along the edges of the paper bag, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.
“Someone’s got a fan,” Gaz teased, grinning.
“Shut it,” Soap muttered, his cheeks flushing.
But the teasing didn’t stop there. One of the younger men at the table, a mechanic who had joined the base recently, leaned forward, asking him about you with a smirk edged with something he didn’t like, at all.
Soap’s expression darkened instantly, his jaw clenching. Ghost, always the observer, grumbled lowly. “Leave it, lad,” he warned, his voice a quiet rumble. The mechanic wisely dropped the subject.
As the conversation shifted back to base gossip, Soap’s focus stayed on the book in his hands. He traced the edges of the paper bag absentmindedly, his mind replaying the moment you’d handed it to him and the warmth of your hand on his. His smile widened, soft and genuine, as he looked the book over again, the edges of the paper bag crinkling beneath his fingers.
Ghost glanced at Soap briefly, noting the faraway look in his eyes. With a barely audible snort, he shook his head and returned to his meal, leaving the smitten Scotsman to his thoughts.
. . .
Soap spent the better part of the next day scouring every corner of the base, peeking into offices, workshops, and even the records room during normal hours, hoping to catch a glimpse of you. Each empty space only added to his frustration.
“Sneaky little mouse," he muttered under his breath with an undeniable smile, hands on his hips.
His gripping earned a chuckle from Gaz, who leaned back in his chair and exchanged a knowing look with Ghost. “Maybe you’re just not lookin’ in the right places, mate,” Gaz teased, popping a peanut into his mouth.
Ghost, however, offered a rare bit of practical advice. “Try the rec room. Late hours.” His tone was low, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Sometimes I go there when I can’t sleep. Tea’s decent, and I watch matches on my phone. Could be she’s got the same idea.”
Soap perked up at the suggestion, nodding gratefully. “Aye, worth a shot. Thanks, mate!"
Later that evening, Soap made his way to the rec room. The base was quieter, the halls dimly lit, and the faint hum of a vending machine filled the otherwise empty space. As he approached the rec room, the soft clink of a kettle caught his attention. Peering in, he spotted you by the small kitchenette, the warm glow of the stove’s light illuminating your face as you poured hot water into a mug.
For a moment, he hesitated. His usual bravado faltered as he took in the calm scene, unsure how to approach without disturbing the peaceful air you carried with you. But then, squaring his shoulders, he stepped inside.
“Didn’t think I’d find you 'ere,” he said, his voice low but carrying a playful lilt.
You glanced over your shoulder, surprised but smiling softly when you saw him. “Evening, Sergeant. Tea, late-night stroll, or both?”
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Both, maybe. Been lookin’ for you, actually. You’ve got a knack for disappearin’, y’know.”
You turned back to the stove, shaking your head lightly as you reached for another mug. “You found me now, didn’t you? Want some tea?”
“Aye, thanks.” Soap approached, watching as you handed him the steaming mug. He cradled it, savoring the warmth in his hands. “Listen, about the book…”
You waved him off, cutting him off before he could continue. “It’s nothing, really. I should be the one thanking you. You’ve shown interest in the books and my little corner. It means a lot to have someone notice.”
Soap blinked, caught off guard by your words. Before you could turn back around to retrieve your own mug, he reached out, catching your hand. His fingers curled around yours gently, his thumb brushing the back of your knuckles.
The contact was warm, steady, and startlingly tender.
“No,” he said, his voice dropping to a softer tone. “It wasn’t nothin’. You went out of your way for me, and… it means more than I can say.”
You opened your mouth to respond, but the words caught in your throat when he lifted your hand, pressing a lingering kiss to your fingers. His lips were warm, his expression earnest as he looked up at you, gratitude and something deeper shining in his eyes.
For once, you were the one left speechless, your heart skipping a beat as the weight of his sincerity settled over you. Soap released your hand gently, his fingers lingering for just a moment before pulling back.
“Thank you,” he said again, his voice a near whisper.
You swallowed, your cheeks feeling uncharacteristically warm. “You’re welcome, Sergeant,” you managed, offering him a soft smile.
“Stay a while?” he asked, nodding toward the small table tucked into the corner.
Your heart skipped a beat, and before you could overthink it, you nodded, moving to sit down. He followed, his mug cradled in his hands as he eased into the chair across from you. The quiet hum of the room settled over you both, broken only by the soft clink of his mug against the table as he set it down.
For a moment, neither of you spoke, but the silence wasn’t uncomfortable. Instead, it felt warm, almost fragile, like something new and precious was taking root between you.
“You’ve got a knack for this,” he said, his tone low and easy.
“For what?” you asked, taking a sip of your tea.
“Doin’ things that catch a man off guard,” he replied, his blue eyes glinting with something playful yet sincere. “Like huntin’ down a book I barely remembered just to give me a piece of my past back.”
You waved him off modestly, though the compliment made your chest tighten in an unfamiliar way. "It's...just a book."
“To you, maybe,” he countered, his voice soft. “To me, it’s somethin’ more. And so’s this.”
He gestured vaguely, encompassing the quiet space you now shared, the table between you feeling more like a bridge than a barrier.
You lowered your gaze to your mug, the steam curling upward as you processed his words. There was a warmth in his voice, an openness you hadn’t expected but found yourself leaning into.
When you finally looked up, Soap was watching you, his gaze steady and filled with something unspoken. You held his eyes, the corners of your lips curving into a smile that matched his.
“This is nice,” you murmured, almost to yourself.
“Aye,” he agreed, his voice low. “It is.”
And as the two of you sat there, sipping tea and sharing quiet smiles, the space between you seemed to shrink, the glow of the moment wrapping around you both like a promise of something more to come.
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lunarw0rks · 10 months ago
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sweet thing | part one
˖⁺‧₊˚ read it on ao3 | masterlist | ask box | next part
price takes a liking to his neighbor. vulnerable, expecting, and in need of his helping hand. it's a good thing he always wanted a family.
john price x pregnant!reader (based on this idea of mine.)
warning(s): MDNI (18+); NOT EDITED, price is touch starved and kinda pathetic, pregnancy, angst/depression, alcoholism, fluff, fem!reader [wc: 1.3k]
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Involuntary stress leave, they called it.
But for John, it was just short of decay. Sedentary, bitter—restless. Stuck at home while there's still a fight to be fought, men who need guidance. His men.
Before the stress does him in, he figures boredom will close in on him first, and it would be less merciful than any bullet or blade. Chores are a necessity, and hobbies are nothing more than a temporary soothe to his aches.
Every morning, irony wakes him up cold. Takes its pound of flesh. The world he devoted his adult life to fighting for, has nothing in it for him.
(Stiff fingers, heaving chest, bile in his throat, tremors marring his nervous system.)
It's hours before he can shake the feeling, so he compromises by rising at ungodly hours and fulfilling a rigid routine—still a trained soldier to his core. And by nightfall, he nurses a bottle until he's warm again, ready for the reset at dawn.
As they gaze out the window, his eyes search for purpose. Two fingers parting the blinds. Something, anything, please. But nothing. The sharp sting of cheap booze rushes past his teeth, and he's ready to retreat.
He winces through the taste before he's at attention again. The rumble of an engine cut short right next door. He angles himself to catch a clear view of the person. Instinct yells for him to be vigilant, but the sight in front of him snuffs the bellow.
The flow of a slip dress in the breeze, sticky strands of hair pulled back, glowing skin, a nurturing hand resting on the bump that shows through the fabric.
You look anything but thrilled while you wrangle your bags and fight the wind gusts, and you're well aware of it.
All John sees is bloom. Purpose. Duty.
Before he can gather all his wits, he's closed the front door behind him, his spilled bottle dribbling along the end table. It's not so much your beauty that drives him; he isn't a superficial man and can't afford to be.
A living, breathing person is what quickens his stride. Someone to talk to. Someone to touch and study. As of late, the only people near have been on the other side of the TV screen, fueled by dramatics and in character.
You find yourself stuck in your headspace again, mentally listing all the tasks that await you inside your house. Chores, mostly, some grocery shopping—and loads more of that endless baby planning. Relaxation wasn't an option and you're actively learning to accept that. Although, it's admittedly difficult to feel any other way when you've got another human to consider now.
John clears his throat. "Let me take tha' for you, darling."
He waits until you meet his stare to extend a hand, fingers grazing the flimsy straps of your shopping bags. You freeze, soaking in the sight of him.
"Hm?" Your brows knit together, and it's only then that you catch up with him.
"Your bags."
The man has already taken them before the words finish rolling off his tongue, but he stays in place.
A soft chuckle comes out of you to crack open the sheet of embarrassment. "Sorry, I'm a little out of it today."
Pregnancy brain, you want to blame it on. But deep down you know it's because kindness is a new taste nowadays.
Most are courteous and accommodating, making way for you. Others look at you like dirt on their shoes. Fatigue draining your features doesn't help, and neither does the absence of a wedding band. Early on, you were naive enough to believe society had moved beyond the stigma. Wrong, more wrong, and a fool is all you are nowadays, even if only in your head.
Exhausted, not out of it, he analyses, and his heart aches.
"It's alright." His voice is smooth as nectar, leaving goosebumps on your skin that you'll chalk up to the wind. "Shouldn't be carrying all this by yourself, anyhow."
You fight the urge to scoff and instead lead the way to the front porch.
He's right. You shouldn’t be doing any of this alone.
Turning the key, you step inside and let the words spill. “Yeah, I, uh— I didn’t have anyone to call.”
Price should be more shocked by your words, but he isn’t. He is really, and truly, desensitized to all the misfortune around him. And it’s not any different with you. His eyes—conditioned to spot every minute detail of a person—took milliseconds to notice your left hand.
Feel her out. Find out more.
“That so?” He questions softly but doesn’t give you a chance to respond. You’ve painted the whole picture and more.
His words are full of every sensibility possible. “That’s a shame.” Pity. Empathy. Grief. Outrage. All except condescension; none of this is your fault, he can sense it.
You expect admonition.
Leading a stranger inside is bad enough, and walking the fine line between small talk and oversharing is worse.
But you can’t bring yourself to taste it. Outside of some coworkers and your mother, this is your first taste of organic interaction, and it’s been overwhelmingly amicable so far. Not something you can take lightly; loneliness is prevalent.
You let out a tired sigh, letting the silent gesture speak for itself. What else can you say? He's already got you pegged after spending all but two minutes with you. Makes you wonder how you haven't noticed him sooner, though you remember his driveway is usually vacant and the blinds are always closed.
By now, it's obvious that if he had ill intentions, he would've acted on them by now. The silence isn't thick or stiff—it's refreshing, oddly enough.
When his mouth upturns, the crow's feet around his eyes are made visible. They've witnessed things, awful things, no doubt. But he's also got a world of wisdom in them.
This is the part where you find a farewell, something moderately polite so you don't feel awful for kicking him out. (Not your fault you need to rest your feet. At least you get the sense that he'll understand.)
In search for the words, you place a hand on your stomach, "well, it was kind of you to bring that in, uh—"
"—John." He interjects.
Out of habit, you form a clumsy smile and ache to get the proper words out. "It was very kind of you, John. Thank you."
Without any further direction, he's able to pick up on your hints for him to make his exit. The bar is so low these days, it's almost shocking. Shuffling to follow him to the front door, your hand seizes the knob.
There's a lot left unsaid, despite meeting your handsome neighbor only a short time ago. The voice inside urges you to keep it short. Send him off, get out of his hair. He was just being nice.
"I should thank you again," you blurt, almost abruptly. Price turns on his heels with little surprise, a leer written on his thin lips. "Next time, I'll take another trip to carry the bags."
"No next time, love." A purr and a new nickname.
Too smitten to even notice the ruffle of some paper when he reaches a hand in his pocket. Even stole the pen off your entry table (a.k.a the junk-pile-of-mail-table) and you were none the wiser. Dated, the way he scribbles on the crumbled receipt and hands it to you between his index and middle.
Heat rises up your neck and to your face when you inch closer to retrieve the number, somehow finding it within yourself to not break eye contact. John's gaze stays genuine, despite the puff of his chest and the way he breathes your scent in shamelessly.
Albeit frazzled—you weren't born yesterday; he's attractive and extremely luring and you're single and hormonal. Wouldn't take much for something to happen.
And if not, you know you'll have fond daydreams, at the very least.
"You ever need anything, give me a call. 'M good for more than bag carrying."
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murderdogwater · 2 months ago
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How I think the Bachelors and Bachelorettes act when their sick:
Haley: A menace. The type to spit medicine at you like a camel, she'd whine about feeling awful but refuse to take any kind of medication. Don't even try to hide pills in things. She will find them and pick them out. Probably also the type to fake being sick when she was younger just to get princess treatment.
Maru: The type to not tell you she doesn't feel well, and you only find out when Harvey has to carry her back to the farm because she passed out at the clinic. She's probably pretty chill about medicine, but she'll get restless and want something to do while she's on bedrest. But keep an eye on her, or she'll be up trying to make another robot ai nurse or something.
Leah: One of the few who's probably being serious when she says she doesn't get sick. If she does, she'll be pretty chill and will stay in bed, probably sketching, until she's better. If she's sick, she won't stay that way for long, unless it's a real injury, then she's also pretty chill.
Penny: She's probably pretty self-sufficient. She can't exactly taste with how stuffed up she is, so she doesn't know how bad her food tastes. She'll probably eat and sleep a lot and explain it away, saying that Pam left her alone a lot as a kid, so she took care of herself. She'll probably cry if you take care of her.
Emily: She says she doesn't get sick, don't listen to her. Maybe worse than Haley about medication, because she insists that she needs natural methods to heal. She probably gets really delirious and tries to fix it with crystals and burning sage. Just make sure she gets what she needs and give her something to do in bed, and she'll wear herself out.
Abigail: Another one who says they don't get sick and is actually right, more likely to get injured or get food poisoning from her weird diet. Either way she’s pretty chill, and the biggest problem she'll have is boredom. Give her some soup, medicine, and attention, and she'll be fine. Probably plays video games until she feels better.
Sebastian: A BABY. Maximum level baby boy. His two favorite things are soup and tea. He gets sick often and stays that way often. And I feel like Robin is the type to baby him to shit, so he's pouty and needy for attention. Honestly, it will probably get worse if you keep him in bed, so it might be better to make him go outside if possible so he can actually get some sun.
Elliott: He's dramatic but very grateful if you take care of him. If he's really bad, then he'll start talking in Limericks that don't make sense until he falls asleep. Not exactly a baby, but certainly a drama queen. Will complain about his hair being messed up while he's in bed. Might feel better if he goes back to his cabin like a dying woman in a Victorian novel.a
Shane: Oh god, if you think Maru is bad about not telling you when she feels bad, then Shane is 10000 times worse. This man will be throwing up, coughing his lungs out, sneezing loud enough to wake the dead, and still tell you he's fine. You gotta call Jas and have her beg him (from a distance) to lay down and take care of himself. After that, he's chill about everything except his diet, is pissed he can't eat pizza all day but will eat soup and some vegetables if you tell him to.
Alex: Doesn't get sick and is right, but if he gets injured, then he wants princess treatment. He needs his pillows fluffed, his meals hot and on time, and DEMANDS cookies and attention. Evelyn probably spoiled him a little bit as a kid because it was so rare for him to get sick. The only bright side is that he'll gladly take medication without complaint as long as it's followed by a cookie.
Sam: Rarely gets sick, when he does he's a self regulater. If he's really sick, he'll sing softly to himself. His colds come with nightmares, and he'll probably wake up a lot. Cuddle him and make sure he's okay after, and he'll be okay.
Harvey: You'd think that either Harvey would be the type to not get sick or be a big baby. And you're wrong either way. Harvey is sickly and is a horrible self regulator, but he's very grateful for you taking care of him and will be the most cooperative patient ever. Will make dad jokes the whole time. Is very sweet.
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calcifiedunderland · 1 year ago
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Pride & Prejudice: A TWSTed AU
ft. Overblot Gang x GN Reader
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“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single leader in possession of power, fortune, and intellect, must be in want of a partner.”
“Pfft-“ you snorted to yourself, flipping through the pages. “What kind of story is this?”
Earlier that day, you and Grim had decided to clear out one of the rooms at Ramshackle. After a brief jump-scare from Crowley (who showed you how to make furniture out of a magic hammer?), the two of you were now on your way to making a ‘Guest Room.’ Finally, gone were the days of your friends groaning about your dusty couch and cobweb-filled living room!
But that also meant that the boxes in the room had to be moved out. Most of them held thread-bare cloth and other dusty knickknacks, but a few held books that looked as though they hadn’t been held in ages. Out of sheer curiosity and boredom (and the fact that Ramshackle had no internet whatsoever), you cracked open one of them and started reading, with Grim snoozing soundly on your lap.
“What are you reading, Prefect?” One of the Ramshackle ghosts wafted to you, resting on the armchair back behind you. You turned the book to read the cover, frowning, “Prejudice and Pride, by Jean August. It’s kind of ridiculous.” You ran a hand over the dusty cover, “I think we had something like this in my world, too.”
The ghost immediately grinned, “I remember this from when I was alive!” He dove in front of you, taking the book and flipping through it at phantom speed. “This was one of our required readings! Ah, you living folk miss out on the classics,” he sighed wistfully. “Here, this was the best part!”
You took the book and read through it. It seemed to be a love confession, where the main male lead was telling the female lead how much he ‘ardently admired and loved her’ and failed miserably.
“Wow, that’s cringe,” you winced, skimming the page. “And also unrealistic. I mean, who falls in love with someone they hate? And who starts a love confession with ‘you suck, but I love you anyway I guess’? Why the hell would they think that would even work?!” You and the ghost laughed, and continued reading together.
~•~
“The Prefect is… interesting, but not enough to tempt me!”
He remembered telling his dorm mates this exact phrase, after bristling at a group of underclassmen gossiping amongst themselves. It was no secret that you and he were close - after several overblots at school, it would’ve been impossible not to be. At least, that’s what he kept telling himself. It wasn’t like he laid awake at night, thinking about you right? How ridiculous would that be!
Meanwhile in his room, several hours later, the young dorm leader frowned, feeling restless. It was already close to sunrise, but he wasn’t able to drift off to sleep despite the exhaustions that came with leading an entire dorm. Instead of sleep and his impending responsibilities, his mind drifted.
Over the school year, he’d been able to push down his feelings (Sevens knew it was easy, and his overblot proved it), but now, it was impossible to deny it. This will not do, he thought, huffing irritably and sitting up in bed, absently rubbing his temple.
In vain, he’d struggled. But it couldn’t be denied, and despite his best and fiercest efforts to negate it, his feelings couldn’t be repressed. You’d proven yourself to be an unrelenting figure at Night Raven College - someone who he thought would be insignificant compared to his talent and renown. And yet. And yet.
Somehow you’d wormed your way into his life, to where it hurt to think of you as insignificant. Because how could an extraordinary person like you ever be insignificant? In his pre-overblot days, he was stubborn and yet still too prideful to even consider another way of thinking. But then you came along, and made him question everything, from previous prejudices to his own bittersweet pride.
You, who fell unceremoniously out of a coffin during the sorting ceremony with a little blue fiery cat, and scurried around the school running errands and odd jobs. You, who was once a passing glance, who became one of the things in the school he looked forward to seeing the most. You, with your heart of gold unshaken by the trials and tribulations thrown at you, day after day.
The feeling dawned on him, settling heavily and uncomfortably in their entire being. As the sun began rising, his mind reeled and he closed his eyes, the light bathing his room in a soft, pleasant glow. A warmth enveloped the room, but then a sudden chill ran down his spine. It was then, that he realized it:
He truly and ardently admired and loved you.
Now, he simply had to tell you so.
~
Now, dear Prefect, take his hand:
The Rose Red Tyrant: R. Rosehearts
The Usurper from the Wilds: L. Kingscholar
The Merchant from the Depths: A. Ashengrotto
The Schemer of the Scalding Sands: J. Viper
The Beautiful Tyrant: V. Schoenheit
The Keeper of the Underworld: I. Shroud
The Ruler of the Abyss: M. Draconia
———
notes: i really hope this wasn’t too cringe towards the end with the P&P refs but here we go! Seven chapters to plan AH, I can’t believe I twst-ified jane austen 💀
Chapters are coming soon!! A few are in the works!
Thank you to everyone who was interested in this idea!! What started as some brainrot has become bigger brainrot lmao, I fully appreciate it~
Take care shrimpies!!
———
Taglist: @eclecticprincecollector
@ars-tral @cerisescherries, @thehollowwriter, @twst-eeps,
(If your user is in bold, I wasn’t able to tag you for some reason 😅)
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goblinontour · 1 month ago
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Byronic Unhappiness
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television and a little bit too much of him
warnings: feelings, self-hatred, suggestiveness, not much happening but it’s implied, kinda sub!alex
word count: 7.1k
He’s been made aware — against his will, of course — that he tends to have a subtle preference for suffering his way through life. The awareness came unbidden, unasked for, like an unflattering photograph slipped under his door, exposing him in some hideous angle he could no longer ignore. He didn’t want to know. He didn’t need it laid bare like that, spelled out in a clarity that burned, leaving him more self-conscious than he cares to admit. The kind of self-consciousness that makes him wonder if he’s always looked like this to the world — a man feigning detachment while secretly clutching his anguish like a talisman.  
Because that’s exactly what he’s doing. He knows it, though he hates knowing it. Hates the way it turned him into a caricature of himself, a pretentious man who regarded suffering not as an affliction, but as some sacred currency, something that might bring him closer to truth. To beauty. To transcendence.  
And so he sits in his car, drowning in the low hum of the engine, or now, in front of a flickering television screen — despite his loftiest resolutions to abstain from such vulgarities. Television? For him? A man so far above the common delights of cars running circles or balls being kicked. And yet there he is, his gaze locked on the screen, letting himself be lulled by the banal rhythm of it all. The predictable rise and fall of action, the simulated drama, this boredom. He despises it. 
But not nearly as much as he despises himself.  
Him. This contemptible creature. A tyrant in his own mind, dictating his own rules of existence. A pendant, draped heavy with the weight of his self-assigned meanings. A crackpot, circling the same tired theories about pain and art and brilliance and decay. And a snob — God, the worst kind. The kind that looks down on everything but can never look away.  
It was this awareness that ruined him most. Not the suffering itself, but the way he had dressed it up, paraded it around as though it were something noble. As though it could save him.
“Are you watching reruns again?”  
Your voice breaks through the thick, stagnant air, and it feels like a needle sliding under his skin. First, the sound of it. Then, the sharp punctuation of your presence: one leg, then the other, until you’re fully in his field of vision. And then — just like that — you’re in the way.  
Between him and the screen. Between him and whatever dull, flickering narrative he had convinced himself was enough to fill the silence.  
A shiver runs through him, involuntary, and he blames it on the draft from the open window brushing against his bare calves. His robe had fallen loose around him, the terry cloth pooling limply on the bed like a flag of surrender. He convinces himself it’s the cold. Not you. Not the abrupt severance of the line of static connecting him to the screen.  
But the connection is gone now. He’s aware of it in the way a man notices his pulse after holding his breath too long.  
“Yeah.” He scratches at his face, nails dragging over the rough grain of his stubble. His tone is clipped, barely containing the irritation that prickles under his skin. “Can you move?”  
If the question wasn’t impolite enough, the way he says it is. There’s a sharpness to it, an edge honed by the hours of restless discontent that had preceded you. The way he gestures with the remote — jerky, almost dismissive — makes it worse. Like you’re a piece of furniture that’s been misplaced. Like you’ve forgotten how to exist correctly in the space around him. 
You don’t move right away.  
Instead, you linger there, in the glow of the screen. A shadow cutting through the dim light. For a moment, you look like an interruption incarnate, something solid and real in the midst of his hollow distractions. It’s maddening, the way your silhouette obliterates the little thread of meaning he’d been holding onto.  
“I’m in your way?” you ask, the words slow enough to show the irritation, so slow it’s as though you’re just now tasting them for the first time.  
He nods once, curtly. “Yeah. You’re in the way.”  
You cross your arms, unmoved. And there’s something about the tilt of your head, the slight narrowing of your eyes, that makes him feel as though he’s been caught in some small, pathetic act. Like you’re reading him — scanning — seeing through his own irritation straight to the ache buried beneath it.  
“What’s so important?” you ask, nodding toward the screen. “What’s worth watching over and over again?”  
The question lands heavier than it should, as if it’s meant to unsettle him. It is. And maybe it does. Because he doesn’t answer right away. Doesn’t look at you. Just keeps scratching at his face, pretending you’re not there. Pretending he’s not been made to feel small by the simplicity of your presence.
“Martha Stewart is making a cake.” he says at last. 
Cake.  
The word lands flat, humorless, as if he’s spitting it out just to end the silence. A verdict, final and immutable. 
His eyes don’t meet yours. They’re locked somewhere near your knee, his hand twitching slightly on the remote. He looks small, folded into himself, his body slouched on the edge of the bed like he’s trying to collapse inward and vanish. His robe hangs loosely off one shoulder, exposing the pale curve of his collarbone, the soft, hollowed planes of his chest. The fabric is bunched awkwardly around his waist, his legs stretched out but restless, the heels of his feet pressing into the carpet.  
“Now can you…?” he adds, gesturing vaguely with the remote, the motion clipped and dismissive. His hand is pale, thin, the tendons flexing visibly under the skin, but the movement is graceless, almost petulant, like he’s trying to swat you out of the air.  
It’s bad. It’s bad, and you’re getting caught in it. You know it’s bad. You can feel it like a hum in the air between you, a sharpness that makes your skin crawl. This Alex — this version of him that stews in his misery, clinging to it like it’s all he has left — is the hardest to be around. And yet, you can’t leave him like this.  
“No.”  
You cross your arms, your posture firm, your body a wall between him and the flickering TV screen. You don’t move, don’t flinch, even as his jaw tightens, his lips pressing into a thin, bloodless line. His eyes flicker up to meet yours for the briefest moment, dark and sharp and full of something that looks too much like loathing. But whether it’s for you or himself, you can’t exactly tell.  
“Babe-”  
“No.” you say, firmer this time. 
Your hands drop to your hips, fingers digging into the fabric of your jeans as you plant yourself more solidly in place. You don’t step aside, don’t grant him even the smallest sliver of his precious view. You block it entirely, eclipsing the screen, erasing the shallow distraction he’s clinging to. His lips part, a protest forming, but you interrupt before he can even begin.  
“No.” you say it again.  
And it’s then you feel it — the shaking. Not visible, not yet, but it radiates from him, a tension vibrating in the space between you. It’s as if his insides are unravelling, thread by thread, and you’re the only one close enough to hear it.  
“Baby, please…”  
“No.”  
A barrier against whatever flimsy excuse he’s about to offer. You’re caught in this Alex, the one who quacks on and on about the infirm, the diseased, the broken — and doesn’t see that he’s the diseased.
His breath hitches, and for a moment, the only sound in the room is the low buzz of the TV, the faint hum of the wind outside. He doesn’t move, doesn’t argue. Not anymore. But you can see it — the way his hands tremble slightly, the way his fingers curl tighter around the remote, like he’s holding onto it for dear life.  
A hand shoots up to his hair, dragging through it roughly, almost violently, his fingers spreading and clawing through it as if he’s trying to rip the thoughts from his skull and make sense of whatever storm is churning inside. But it doesn’t make sense. It never does. His breathing is uneven, shallow, and you can see the tension in his neck, the way his shoulders hunch as if under some invisible weight.  
He judges.
The strands catch between the webs of his fingers, and still, it isn’t enough. You can see it in the way his eyes dart around the room, in the way his lips part as if to speak but then close again, like he’s already decided the words won’t be good enough.
He judges poorly.
You see it. He folds into himself, trying to disappear into the tension, into the hate. The hate he has for himself. The hate he has for the world that dared to leave him here, abandoned in this half-life he never asked for.  
You step closer. Slowly, until you’re standing right in front of him. And so you reach. Your hand finds his hair, fingers curling with purpose, and you pull. Hard.  
His head jerks back, his neck arching, the motion sharp enough to make his whole body jolt and shake the surface of him but not yet touch the source inside. 
“Look at me.” 
And he does. His eyes snap up to meet yours, wide and startled, and for a moment, he’s still. Frozen. His chest rises and falls quickly. Pupils dark, the whole orb glassy with the faint sheen of tears gathering at the edges. And the pain in them is so palpable, it’s like a blade slicing through the space between you. His face is pale, drawn, his cheekbones jutting out sharply. He looks wrecked, utterly and completely undone, and all you can do is to not flinch at the rawness of it. Even though the look on his face wounds you. Not because it’s aimed at you, but because it isn’t. It’s aimed at no one and everyone and mostly himself. All that hate and anger, burning like a furnace with no outlet, no direction.  
And then the droplets fall.  
The first tear falls, tracing its way through the redness of his skin. Then another. They come slowly at first, then faster, and you can feel the way his body trembles under your touch, the way his chest heaves with the effort of holding it all in. They slide down the hard edges of his cheekbones, catching in the curve of his jaw before disappearing into the dark curls by his ears. They carve paths through the anger, leaving behind something softer, something that trembles and begs even as he fights it. Something that asks for his heart — something he’s spent so long denying, because feeling it only makes everything worse.  
He invents faults when he cannot find any.
But you don’t let go. You keep your grip firm, your fingers curling deeper into his hair, forcing him to look at you. His hands shoot out, wrapping around your wrist with enough force to bruise. His grip is so harsh, it’s desperate, but you don’t relent. Not now. You hold firm, even as his nails dig into your skin, even as his chest heaves with that weight of something too big for him to carry but that he forces himself to manage anyway.  
You lean closer, your free hand coming to rest on his shoulder, fingers pressing gently into the tense muscle there. “It’s okay.” you whisper, though you know it won’t fix anything. “I’m here.”  
His eyes narrow, the anger flashing through them like lightning, but it fades just as quickly, replaced by something else. Something softer, more fragile. He doesn’t speak, doesn’t move, but his grip on your wrist loosens slightly, and his head tilts forward, his forehead brushing against your arm.  
And for a moment, just a moment, he lets himself lean into you. Lets himself feel the warmth of your presence, the solidity of you standing there, refusing to leave.
But his eyes don’t close. He can’t look away. His brain won’t let him.  
So he stares as if you’ve torn something open in him, as if your refusal to let him sink is more terrifying than the sinking itself.  
To no authority, his mind protests, but it falters. Obeying nothing but the mysterious stirrings of his heart and his mind.
And still, you hold him there, locked, refusing to let him escape. Refusing to let him disappear into the nothingness he so desperately craves. Because even if he can’t see it yet, you do. The part of him that still exists, still breathes, still reaches — even when it hurts.
He takes a deep breath that rattles on its way in and barely makes it out. His shoulders shudder, his whole frame trembling like a taut wire about to snap. He’s like a kitten shaking with the pure weight of being alive, fragile and overwhelmed by the sheer effort it takes to exist in this moment. You can hear the struggle in the inhale, the way it scrapes against his throat. And when he exhales, it’s more like a collapse, a hollow sound that speaks of exhaustion and defeat. 
“I hate you.” he whispers.  
It’s cruel, not just in the words but in the stripped, raw silence that follows. The way he looks at you as he says it, straight into the deepest part of you, his gaze sharp and deliberate. There’s no static now — he must’ve turned the TV off without you noticing. No hum to hide behind. Just the weight of his words and the heavy, aching truth that they don’t feel entirely real.  
“You didn’t sleep, did you?” you ask, ignoring the venom in his voice, stepping over it like it’s a crack in the pavement. Your hand moves to his cheek again, brushing away the lingering wetness. He stays still, frozen through the sniffles and shallow breaths, but there’s tension in the set of his jaw. He won’t let himself be viewed as weak, not without his permission. Not against his will.  
“You stayed up again.” you say softly, searching his face. “Your eyes are all veiny and sunken.”  
It’s the story of his insomnia written all over him, etched into the shadows beneath his eyes, the tautness of his skin, the heaviness in the way he holds himself. He doesn’t respond, just stares ahead, his lips pressed into a tight line, willing you to disappear with his silence.  
“I want you to leave.” he says finally.  
“You’re being an asshole.” you reply, without hesitation.  
Because it’s true. His need to criticise the world around him, to pick apart its flaws and failures, can be a force of good sometimes — a way of making sense of the chaos. But there’s a fine line between a critic and an asshole, and Alex has been stumbling over it for years. Sometimes it feels like he’s built a home on that line, living in the cracks of his own discontent. And now, here he is again. Lost in it. Letting it consume him, letting it turn into a mood, a state of being.  
But not this time. Not today.  
“I’m not leaving.” you declare.  
You shift, moving with quiet determination, your leg rising and crossing over his, your body weaving through the valleys of mattress dips and the folds of his robe until you’re settled behind him. He stiffens, but you don’t stop. You wrap your arms around his middle, locking him in place, your legs pinning his down with enough pressure to keep him still without hurting him.  
Your head rests on his shoulder, close enough to hear the uneven cadence of his breathing. Your lips find the curve of his neck, pressing there softly, a quiet gesture of reassurance. Little fragments of empathy, transferred into the mess he’s made of himself.  
And still, he doesn’t fight it.  
He doesn’t struggle, doesn’t pull away. Because the truth is, he can’t. Even if he wanted to. Because the moment you walked in, his narratives — those grand, intricate stories he tells himself about the world, about his place in it — fractured. The version of reality he’s built, where he’s the lone martyr trudging through the cold and the dark, is crumbling under the weight of your presence.  
Your warmth radiates into him, unwelcome and unyielding, like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. He wishes it would blind him, scorch him, drive him away from you. But it doesn’t. It only serves to thaw the freezing, brittle parts of him, the parts he’s spent so long keeping locked away.  
All of a sudden, reality doesn’t look so bad.  
His breathing slows under your touch, the trembling in his body easing as you hold him. You don’t say anything, and neither does he. The silence stretches out, heavy but not suffocating, and for once, he doesn’t feel the need to fill it with something sharp, self-defensive or self-destructive.  
For the first time in what feels like forever, he lets himself rest. Not in his narratives, not in his misery, but in you.
“This feels…nice.” he says, so softly that it almost disappears into the space between you. But it’s there.  
But Alex…Alex…Alex.  
Alex, with his restless mind and his perpetual suspicion, can’t leave it at that. Can’t let himself have it. Because it can’t be that simple, can it? That’s what he thinks. That’s what he’s always thought.  
It can’t be that simple, can it? 
That’s the thought spiralling through his mind, relentless and sharp-edged. It can’t just be this. It can’t just be lying here, letting himself feel held, feel wanted, feel human. It can’t just be spending his days — your days — being lazy and letting the world fade away. It can’t just be the warmth of your skin under his hands, the way your lips brush against his neck, the way your arms encircle him as though you could keep him together with nothing but your presence.  
It can’t just be lazy mornings spent tangled in sheets, the two of you drifting in and out of dreams like it’s the only thing that matters. It can’t just be being goofy and silly with you, laughing until his sides ache, or being freaky and intimate and letting himself get lost in the heat of you. It can’t just be the easy rhythm of your hands brushing through his hair, the press of your lips against his neck, the weight of your body grounding him in a way he doesn’t fully understand. It can’t just be lying here, in this fragile moment, with nothing to distract him but the quiet sound of your breathing.  
Even with you, his heart is not content.  
It can’t be.  
Even if he spends every second with you, tangled up in this intimacy, in this love you so freely offer, his heart still won’t settle. There’s something inside him, a gnawing ache that refuses to be soothed.  
Because anything could be propaganda.  
Anything could be a trick, a mirage designed to lure him into complacency. Anything could be delusional thinking — a fantasy spun from the threads of his own desperate longing for connection, for purpose, for something real. Anything could be fooling him into believing in the sense of safety you’re so determined to provide, a trick his mind is playing on him, lulling him into a falseness he can’t discern. 
Anything could be a lie.  
So he has to stay vigilant. He must.
His back presses more firmly against your chest as he’s trying to sit up straighter, sudden and rigid, as if trying to reclaim or impose some semblance of authority over his own body. But even as he does, he’s betrayed. It’s a fragile defiance, one that crumbles the moment your arms tighten around him. Melting down in your arms even as he fights it. Muscles tremble with the effort of keeping himself upright. His breathing is uneven. And the tears keep falling, hot and relentless, unwanted but unstoppable, carving quiet trails down his cheeks like molten rivers through the stubborn set of his face.  
You know this. You know him. You know the fear that clutches at him, the fear of being deluded, of believing in something only to have it ripped away. You’re aware of it. You can’t blame him for it. You don’t understand it entirely, but you recognize the mood. The suspicion. The way he questions every good thing, every moment of peace, everything around him until there’s nothing left but the raw, aching truth. Expecting it to crumble beneath his touch.  
His fear is palpable. 
And you hold him through it.  
You don’t speak. You let your body do the talking, your arms tightening around his middle, your legs shifting to press more firmly against his. Your breath, slow and steady, whispers against his neck, an unspoken reminder that you’re here. That you’re not going anywhere.  
Your lips brush against the side of his jaw, tracing a path to his temple. His skin is damp, and you press a kiss there, gentle and lingering.  
He stiffens, just for a moment, but then he exhales shakily, his body sagging back into yours. The fight is still there — you can feel it, simmering beneath the surface — but he’s letting himself rest in you, if only for a moment.  
“Alex…” you whisper. Your hands move slowly, deliberately, one sliding up to rest over his heart, the other tracing small circles against his stomach. “You don’t have to figure it out right now. You don’t have to know. Just…let it be, for now.”  
He doesn’t respond. He doesn’t have to. You feel the way his breathing begins to even out, the way his hands — still clutching at your wrist — begin to loosen their grip. The way his head tilts slightly, leaning into the crook of your neck as though seeking something.  
“It’s okay.” you murmur, your lips brushing against his neck. You press your forehead to the curve of his shoulder. “You don’t have to always fight it.” His fingers are curling and uncurling nervously. His chest rises and falls in sharp, stuttering motions. “It’s just me.” you say softly. “Just us. That’s all it has to be.”  
And you stay like that, holding him as the storm inside him rages on, your warmth a quiet defiance against the cold logic he tries so hard to cling to. You can’t fix him. You can’t make the fear go away.  
But you can hold him. 
He’s still. Then, slowly, his hands move, hesitantly, almost reluctantly. One of them settles over yours where it rests on his stomach, his fingers brushing against your knuckles. The other comes up to wipe at his face, smearing the wetness across his cheek, trying to erase the evidence of his vulnerability.  
But he doesn’t pull away.  
And you don’t let go.  
Because even if he doesn’t believe it yet, you do. You believe in this. In him. In the fragile, complicated mess of him that somehow feels like home.
You can color in his cynicism. 
That sharp-edged need to peel back the layers of the world, to dissect and unveil, to pull everything apart until it’s nothing but pieces in his hands. It’s relentless, exhausting, and so entirely Alex. But it leaves you no choice but to do the same to him.  
To unveil him.  
Your hand moves to his shoulder, firm and unyielding, pulling him down, closer. His body reacts instinctively — another shiver under your touch, muscles tensing as he braces for impact. A soft sound escaping his lips, part wince, part surrender. You’re engaging with him in every way possible, positively and negatively, challenging and comforting, breaking and rebuilding.  
It can’t be a sober analysis. Not with him. So you make him get drunk on it — on the heat of your palms pressing against his chest, on the way your fingers trace the contours of his ribs, slipping into the spaces between his heart and his head.  
He can’t help but take the opposition. His arms move instinctively to block you, to keep you still, to stop you from peeling back too much. But even as he resists, you feel his heart pounding beneath your hand, erratic and unguarded. His body betrays him, his breath catching as your fingers twist at the rosy peaks of his skin, drawing out soft, pained sounds that don’t match the way his hands tighten on your wrists, pulling you closer instead of pushing you away.  
“Are you done crying for yourself?” you ask. 
The words are pointed, sharp enough to wound, but you can’t be cruel — not like he was. You won’t meet his bitterness with your own, won’t let him drag you into the same dark spiral. If you were to fall with him, you’d both end up in ruins. And you have to bring him back.  
“I love you, Alex.” you say, softening the edge of your words, letting them sink into the space between you.  
Another shiver runs through him, and he murmurs something, low and indiscernible, but there’s a flicker of something in his voice — pleasure, maybe. Relief. You’re not sure, but it’s enough.  
You hug him tighter, your arms wrapping around his trembling form, your lips finding his cheek in a soft, lingering kiss. You let your breath fan over his face, warm and steady, melting away the coldness he’s been carrying.  
“You’re so lovely, you know that?” you whisper, your voice gentle, a contrast to the sharpness of his pain. “Even when you’re mean, I can’t stop loving you.”  
You kiss him again, slower this time, your lips brushing against his skin as if to seal the words into him. He stiffens, but he doesn’t pull away.  
“I don’t know what’s going on in that stubborn head of yours,” you continue, “but it’s going to be alright, baby. I promise.”  
Another kiss. This one lands just below his temple, your lips lingering there as your hand moves to his hair, threading through the dark curls and tugging, gently this time. He exhales shakily, the tension in his body easing bit by bit, his head tilting slightly toward you as if seeking more.  
And you give it to him.  
You give him all of it — the warmth, the softness, the love he’s so determined to question. Because no matter how much he fights it, no matter how much he doubts, you know this: he’s worth it. Every sharp edge, every bitter word, every tear and every shiver.  
He’s worth it.
“Stop.” he says.  
“No, baby. I’m not going to let you do this to yourself.” you reply, holding him tighter. You don’t let go. You don’t ease up. You stay, soothing him, no matter how much he tries to pull away from his own breaking point.  
“At least, uh…” He pauses, his voice faltering, breaking apart under the weight of his own resistance. “Keep your…keep your fluffiness and- and your sentimentality at the door.”  
His words are strained, half-hearted, but there’s no real venom in them. Not anymore.  
A small laugh escapes you, breathy and barely audible. “You really think that’s possible right now?”
“I’m serious.”
And then he leans into you. Slowly, tentatively, testing his surrender. His head turns toward you, his eyes locking on yours, and you see it — the ache, the confusion, the quiet plea for something he can’t quite articulate. He’s looking for clarity, for a way to make it all make sense.  
You stare back.  
A pause.  
A regroup.  
Understanding blooms between you, unspoken but undeniable.  
“Okay.” you say softly, a word heavy with compromise and promise.  
He blinks, as if signaling something only he can understand, something you’re meant to decrypt.  
“We’re doing reality, yeah?” you say, your voice firmer now, breaking the silence with a decision, a declaration. “We’re doing reality.”  
He hesitates, his jaw tightening as he wrestles with the words, with himself, with you. But then he nods. A reluctant, almost imperceptible nod.  
“Reality’s overrated.” he mutters.
You feel him shift against you, his hands fumbling with the edges of the robe draped loosely over his body. It had been barely covering him — his hips, his forearms — serving no real purpose other than to shroud him in a thin layer of pretense. Now, he pushes it off, letting it fall away in a soft, crumpled heap. Finally deemed useless. Finally exposed.  
He’s letting you in. Letting you see him. Letting you do all the hard-nosed critique, all the unveiling, peeling back the layers of his carefully constructed defenses.  
“‘S cold.” he mutters under his breath, almost petulantly.
You almost smile. Your fingers graze the curve of his shoulder, marveling at the delicate slope of it, the faint bluish veins just visible beneath the surface. His skin is cool to the touch, soft and unblemished, like porcelain that’s been left out too long.
“You’ll live.” you say softly. Your touch lingers, trailing down the line of his arm, lightly, afraid you might bruise him with anything more.
And yet, he’s not entirely still. He’s crawling, shifting, searching for his place in this — this moment, this connection, this reality you’ve declared. He’s exposing himself in the only way he knows how, piece by piece, inch by inch, fighting and surrendering all at once.  
He finds his place in your lap.  
He settles there, hesitant but present, his weight pressing into you. His head rests against your chest, his breath warm against your skin, and you wrap your arms around him without hesitation, holding him close.  
“Do you always have to win?” he murmurs, his voice muffled against your shirt.
“Always.” you reply, pressing a kiss to his ear. “You make it too easy.”
Something between a scoff and a sigh can be heard, and he shakes his head faintly. “Unfortunately.” he mutters, but his arms loop around your waist, holding you tighter.
“This is pathetic.” he says.  
Restless, he shuffles, his cheek pressing into your chest like he’s trying to burrow deeper, trying to lose himself in the warmth you offer. 
“Maybe.” you reply, fingers trailing slowly through his hair. “But you’re here.”  
“Yeah.” he says, and it sounds like surrender, but also like a question.  
Your hand moves to his back. “You want me to stop?”  
“No.” The word comes fast, too fast, and then softer. “No. Just…don’t make it worse.”  
“What’s ‘worse’, Alex?”  
He exhales sharply. The question irritates him, but you know him too well to let that stop you. “Worse is…this. Worse is me. I’m worse.”  
“That’s not true.” you say.  
“It feels true.” he counters, his fingers twitching where they rest on your leg, scratching into the fabric. “Everything always feels like it’s…falling apart.”  
“Maybe it’s not falling apart.” you murmur, brushing a kiss against the crown of his head. “Maybe it’s just falling into place.”  
“Don’t.” His voice wavers. “Don’t say things like that.”  
“Why not?”  
“Because it makes it harder. You make it harder.” His head tilts up, his eyes catching yours. “You make me think it- it could be real. That- that I could be real.”  
“You are real.” Your hand moves back to his chest, resting lightly over his heart. “This is real.” You think he might argue, might push back the way he always does.  
Instead, he says, “Why?”  
“Why what?” 
“Why are you still here?” His voice cracks. It hurts to hear it every time. 
“Because.” you say, brushing your thumb across his jawline, letting the warmth of your touch linger there. “You keep asking me that, and my answer never changes.”  
“I hate you for that.”  
“No, you don’t.”  
“I do.” he insists.  
“Okay.” You lean down, your forehead resting lightly against his, your breath mingling with his. “Then hate me. I’m not going anywhere.”  
He closes his eyes, his hands coming up to clutch at your shirt, and when he speaks again, it’s barely audible.  
“Stay.”  
“I’m here.” 
Man, in reality, things are a lot more complicated. But neither of you wants to admit it.  
Neither of you wants to acknowledge the absurdity of him — nearly naked, trembling, his face pressed into your chest while you cradle him like a child. It’s too much, too raw, too uncomfortably real. And yet, here you are. His body quivers, the shivers starting somewhere deep inside him and finally radiating outward. You hold him tighter.  
It’s complicated.  
It makes enjoying this moment — the intimacy, the connection — feel like an act of rebellion, like something sacrilegious. There’s guilt in it, religious and repressive, as if joy itself is forbidden. How could he let himself enjoy something like this? But how could he not? How could he just give in without questioning, without scrutinizing every angle, every possibility?  
He doesn’t want to be the deluded one. He doesn’t want to fall victim to some imagined trap.  
So he deflects.  
His hips shift, just slightly, but enough to make his intentions clear. It’s a desperate, uncoordinated movement, almost involuntary, but it’s there. A sharp exhale escapes his lips, and he presses closer, rutting against your thigh like it’s the only thing tethering him to reality.  
How is he supposed to know when it’s okay to enjoy something? When he’s already anticipating it, overthinking it, sabotaging it? 
How are you supposed to know when to push and when to pull back?  
“I-” His voice cracks, a broken whimper spilling into your ear, and the sound makes your chest tighten. It clings.  
“What is it, baby?” you whisper, coaxing him to speak.  
“Everything.” he chokes out, his breath hitching on the word. It could have only been one syllable, but it still would have carried the weight of his never-ending spiral, a tangle of emotions too complex to name.  
You know this mood too. You’ve seen it before. It’s a storm that doesn’t pass on its own.  
The spiral pulls at him, drags him under, and you feel it too, the way it loops endlessly, pulling him back into himself. It’s a pattern you know all too well: his need to resist, to reject, to fight against anything that feels good because it’s easier that way. Safer.
And so, you’re left to force him to enjoy it.
It’s the cruelest irony, the self-fulfilling prophecy. He braces himself for the worst, anticipates the fall, and in doing so, denies himself any chance at the softness you offer. But you don’t relent. You can’t.
Your hands move against him, firm and deliberate, not letting him sink too far into his own darkness. “Breathe.” you whisper, your voice steady, commanding. You guide him, coaxing him to feel something other than the crushing weight of his own mind.
He presses harder against you, his movements erratic, desperate, like he’s trying to escape his own mind through sheer physicality. “I’m sorry.” he mumbles, the words barely audible. “I’m sorry.”  
“Shh…” you murmur, your hands smoothing over the trembling muscles. “You don’t have to apologise.”  
But he does. Or at least, he thinks he does. He thinks he’s done something wrong simply by existing like this, by needing like this.  
Then you feel it — a sharp, sudden sting on your shoulder. His teeth. He’s bitten down, even through the fabric of your shirt, and it sends a jolt through you. His teeth are sharp, almost animalistic in their intent.  
“Alex.” 
“I’m sorry.” he repeats, his voice frantic now, his hands clutching ‘cause now he’s afraid you’ll pull away. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I just-”  
“It’s okay.” you cut him off, cupping the back of his head and pulling him closer, holding him tightly enough to still him. “It’s okay. Just breathe, baby.”  
He shakes his head against you, his breath hot and uneven against your neck. “I can’t. I can’t stop.”  
“Yes, you can.” you insist, your voice firm but gentle. “You don’t have to- to…Just let it happen. Let me help you.”  
He’s frozen. He’s rigid. And then, slowly, he exhales — a shuddering, broken sound that seems to drain the tension from him. His head falls forward, his lips brushing against the curve of your neck, and he lets out a soft, muffled sob.  
“I’ve got you.” you murmur. “I’ve got you.”  
He pulls at you like a child lost in the chaos of himself, grasping, clumsy with need, and clinging with desperate fingers, his body trembling with the force of something he can’t name and can’t escape. 
His arms wrap tighter around you, his face buried in your neck, hiding from the weight of his own desires. But his body betrays him, his hips shifting insistently, and when his hand drags yours downward, pressing it against the heat between his legs, you feel the humiliation radiating off him like a second skin.  
The shame is overwhelming, sharp and heavy in his chest, threatening to choke him. He presses your palm against himself, his hips moving instinctively, helplessly, even as his mind screams at him to stop. He can feel the heat radiating off his own skin, the hardness straining against the fabric, and it only makes it worse.  
He’s caught in the push and pull of it, the unbearable shame of needing and the equally unbearable ache of denying himself. “I’m sorry.” he mumbles again, the words barely audible against your skin. He’s apologizing for everything — for needing, for wanting, for being this mess of contradictions in your arms. “I’m sorry, I-”  
“Stop.” you whisper, your voice soft but firm, cutting through his apologies before they can spiral out of control. “Don’t do that. Don’t apologise for this.”  
“I can’t help it.” he chokes out, his voice raw and uneven. His hips shift again, seeking friction, but it’s hesitant, as if he’s still bracing himself for rejection. “I don’t know how to-”  
“You don’t have to know how to…” you interrupt, cupping his cheek with your other hand, forcing him to lift his head, to meet your eyes. 
Wild, panicked, cheeks flushed with shame and lips trembling with words he can’t bring himself to say.  
Your hand presses firmer against him, and his breath stutters, a shuddering exhale that feels like it’s being ripped from him. “It’s okay.” you say softly, your voice teasing, cutting through his haze of shame with ease. He hates that tone, hates how it makes him feel exposed, seen. Your fingers curl slightly, pressing into the firmness of him. “It’s okay if you’re a bad boy, Alex.”  
A whimper escapes him, high and broken, and he shakes his head against you, a denial that carries no weight. It hurts, you can tell — it always does for him — but you know the pain is what he craves, what he needs. His hips buck slightly, chasing the friction, and he wants to sink into the floor, to disappear, to escape the humiliation of it. But he doesn’t stop. He can’t.  
“It hurts.” he murmurs, his voice trembling, and you can feel the heat of his tears against your skin.  
“I know.” you say, and your voice is so steady, so calm, it almost makes him break right there. Your hand moves deliberately now, slow and firm, cupping him, pressing into him. “It’s supposed to. It’s good, isn’t it?”  
His mind is a mess of thoughts he can’t untangle. It is supposed to hurt, isn’t it? That’s the point, isn’t it? The pain is what he deserves, what he needs. But then there’s you, holding him, touching him, making it worse and better all at once.  
He whines again, a soft, pitiful sound, his hips bucking slightly into your touch despite the weak protests he keeps mumbling. “No…I- I don’t…” he starts. His voice falters, the words dying in his throat.  
“No?” you say, tilting your head to look at him, your eyes piercing through the layers of shame he’s wrapped himself in. Your hand is still there, and it’s unbearable, unbearable in how good it feels. “Are you sure about that, baby?”  
He can’t answer. His voice has abandoned him, but his body hasn’t. His hips press harder into your palm, his breath hitching with every tiny movement. He feels ridiculous, pathetic, and yet he’s still doing it, still grinding against you like he has no control.  
It tells you everything you need to know.  
You tighten your grip, and the sharp, sudden pressure makes him gasp, his head falling back against your shoulder. “We need to get rid of this disobedience.” you say, your tone soft but firm, like you’re scolding him and soothing him all at once. “Don’t we, sweetheart?”  
His grip on your hand tightens, and he presses his forehead against yours, his eyes closing — shutting out the world.  
He shivers at the words, his body betraying him again with the way it arches into your touch. He wants to say something, to protest, to push you away, but all that comes out is another broken, pitiful whisper: “I’m sorry.” He’s trembling now, his body caught in that familiar, torturous space between pleasure and shame. “I’m sorry.” he whispers again.  
“Shh…” you murmur, leaning in closer, your breath warm against his temple. “You don’t have to apologise, baby. Not for this.”  
He hates how your voice makes him feel, hates how it softens the edges of his shame, makes him feel almost…safe. He doesn’t want to feel safe. He doesn’t deserve it. But then your hand moves again, your fingers pressing into him through the fabric, and he can’t think, can’t breathe, can’t do anything but feel.  
You lean in closer, your lips brushing against the shell of his ear as you murmur, “I’ll fuck it out of you. Is that what you want, hm?”  
His whole body goes still at that, his breath catching in his throat. “No…” he whispers, shaking his head, but the denial feels hollow, like it doesn’t belong to him.  
And you both know it.  
“Are you sure?” you press, squeezing him gently in your palm, watching as his eyes flutter shut, his body arching involuntarily. “Are you really sure, Alex?”  
He wants to say yes, wants to cling to the scraps of resistance he has left, but his body has already answered for him. 
“You don’t have to do anything.” you tell him, your thumb brushing softly over his cheekbone, over the tracks of dried tears. “Just let me.”  
“Okay.” he whispers finally, his voice barely more than a breath. “Okay.”  
“It’s alright.” you murmur, your lips slowly kissing his temple. “It’s alright, Alex. I’ve got you.”  
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a/n: Title is stolen from some video I watched. And that is what started all of it. It feels like the opposite scenario of my last post, you can consider them being the same world, kinda. That is how I see them, together with 'My Love', 'Somewhere In The Ether', and 'Come Undone'. Makes sense to me. Also this one is more or less inspired by @futuristicanoe and their works. They're on my mind quite a lot and I think I subconsciously lean more into that sort of tone lately because of that.
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anystalker707 · 1 year ago
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A little show
Pairing: Vinsmoke Sanji x [gender-neutral] Reader Kinktober prompt: Obedience Tags: he's so lovely / masturbation / dirty talking (?)
KINKTOBER LIST MASTERLIST
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          You’d been sitting on a wooden box on the top deck during night watch for a few minutes—before that, you were up in the crow’s nest until you started to feel restless, deciding to wander around for a little. Night watches weren’t necessarily the most interesting thing ever, and it’d been a particularly agitated day that now faded into boredom; the crew had just left the last island by the beginning of the night, and most of them went to bed earlier than usual. You were busy observing the stars in the dark sky when footsteps brought you back to reality, but you didn’t look away from the sky. That pattern of steps was familiar.
Sanji soon came into view, holding a plate in hand. He smiled a little bit, eyes averting away once you looked up at him. He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, we couldn’t spend a lot of time together today. I prepared this for you.”
The plate that Sanji offered you had a small portion of dessert on it—one of your favorites. Your eyebrows raised lightly as you took the plate in hand, humming softly.
“Thanks, sweetheart.” You took the spoon in hand, taking a good look at the dessert before you could even try it. Sanji always put such dedication into the dishes’ presentation.
Meanwhile, Sanji looked around, scratching the side of his neck. There was no other box he could place next to yours to sit with you, and sitting on the barrel would leave you two too distant from each other. He also didn’t want to make you sit on the floor. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he knelt down on the ground and sat back down on his legs, kind of sideways so that he could be closer to you. His head rested on the thigh that was in front of him, his cheek pressing to the fabric of your pants. Your fingers ran through his hair, making Sanji let out a soft hum, closing his eyes for a moment.
“This tastes so good,” you said while eating the dessert and wrapping your legs around Sanji, hooking your ankles together. “I mean, of course, it does. No dish of yours is ever bad.”
Sanji felt his cheeks heat up at the compliment. “Thank you,” he mumbled. “I bought the ingredients for it while we were on that island. I’m glad you like it,” he mumbled.
“I love it,” you said, tasting until the last bit of it before carefully setting the plate on the barrel nearby. Your eyes fell on Sanji, and your heart fluttered a little at seeing him there, like this. “Missed me that much? We were just apart for a few hours,” you said softly, running your hands through his hair, gently massaging his scalp with your fingertips.
“Well, today,” Sanji mumbled. “I was very busy with dinner yesterday, so the most we did was spend time together when you sat at the table while I cooked.”
You thought back to it, slowly nodding. “Yeah, sounds like it.” Silence fell between you as you observed Sanji for a long moment, still running your fingers through his hair, taking in the image of him by your feet like that. It wasn’t the first time it happened, but it still made your chest warm all the same. You couldn’t help but press a kiss to his head. “Cutie,” you whispered, and despite only being able to see the back of his head, you could clearly imagine him blushing.
Sanji nuzzled your thigh gently, pressing his face to it. “‘Missed you,” he mumbled with his voice muffled. He turned his head a little, looking up at you through his bangs with such eyes that made something in your chest twist.
“I missed you too,” you whispered with a smile.
He shifted, folding both of his arms over your thighs and resting his chin on them. “Y’know, I really missed you,” he mumbled quietly. Even with limited lighting, you could see the red tone that took over his cheeks.
A sigh escaped your lips as you leaned forward a little, cupping both of Sanji’s cheeks to caress them briefly before running your fingers through his strands once more. “Yeah? How much?”
Sanji pouted a little bit, his eyes averting away for a moment again. “…I need you,” he whispered quietly. He moved his arms a little so that he could rest his head against your thigh again, pressing a soft kiss to it.
No answer came from you at first; you only observed Sanji, thinking about what you could do for him without spending a lot of your energy. Nami had made you walk quite a lot through the island earlier today.
“Show me how much.” You caught his attention again, his blue eyes observing you for context. “No one else is here. You can show me how I make you feel, or just show me what you do when I’m not around. You think you can do that for me?” Your forehead touched his as you leaned forward, hands on his shoulders.
“Oh,” Sanji muttered as he looked back at you, breath hitching in his throat. Just the thought of it was making him flustered already. “Anything for you.” The idea of putting up a show just for you was exciting, honestly. Just the fact that your eyes were following each of his movements was something meaningful for him, making a shiver run down his spine in anticipation as he leaned back to give himself some space.
You leaned forward with your elbows on your thighs, eyes fixated on him, watching it as he unbuttoned his dress pants and pulled the zipper down. He pushed his pants and underwear down just enough for his cock to be out. It was only half hard, but it wasn’t something that couldn’t be fixed with a few strokes as he hissed, feeling the cold night air.
“Slow down,” you said, noticing the excessive urgency in his movements. Of course, Sanji whined, but he still did as told to. “We have all night long, after all. Give me your hand.”
Sanji pulled his hand away from himself reluctantly. Nonetheless, the frown was replaced by a surprised and flustered expression once he saw you spit on his hand, making it a generous amount. He stared at his own hand for a moment and slowly wrapped it back around his cock when you motioned for him to rush.
It felt better, of course. Sanji’s hand slid against his own cock a little easier, and he knew the eventual pre-cum would add up and make it even better later. He observed himself for a moment before looking up at you, though he couldn’t really hold your gaze—it made his mind rush and his cheeks burn more as his eyes drove away from yours. Sanji’s breath started falling out of pace as he moved his hand faster; his movements faltered when he felt your fingers on his chin to gently turn his head towards you.
“I’d appreciate it if you looked at me,” you whispered, looking into his eyes. “I want to see your pretty face. You make such cute expressions, did y’know that? That’s why I prefer it when we face each other while fucking. So that I can see your pretty face.”
Sanji’s eyebrows knitted together, and he bit his lip, whining a little as he tightened his hand around himself. You let go of his chin and looked down, watching his hand firmly work around his cock—it was hard in Sanji’s hand, the flushed pink tip sometimes disappearing under his hand.
“That’s it,” you whispered with a smile. The view of Sanji on his knees, sitting back on his feet like that with his cock in hand and whining for you… That was so hot. His other hand clutched on his pants, resting over his thigh. “So good for me,” you said as your eyes met his again.
Sanji nodded, taking a deep breath through his nose and slowly releasing it through his mouth while twisting his hand around himself a little, right at the base. He was starting to leak; the thick fluid already dripping down his tip.
“Why don’t you give more attention to the head, hm?” You made a motion with your hand before you rested your elbow on your thigh and your cheek on your palm. “I know how much you like to be touched there,” you muttered while observing Sanji slowly run his finger over the swollen tip, spreading the pre-cum over it; his thighs quivered. “Your legs always go weak whenever I suck your tip, and you get very loud. It also makes you cum quickly when I lick that spot under your tip, isn’t it?”
Sanji let out a shaky moan, his thumb pressing to his slit to collect the pre-cum that escaped it before he was stroking his cock again. It throbbed in his hand. Quite a sight. He took a while, but he did nod in confirmation to your words.
“Yeah,” you muttered with a soft sigh, trying to take in every single detail of the scene. “Why don’t you give it some attention as well, hm? Come on, touch all the spots you like. Make yourself feel good, sweetheart.”
“Y—Yes,” Sanji said with a soft whine. He had to take a moment, stroking his cock in a slower motion, then he finally let his thumb wander to the sensitive spot under the head. A whimper, and he placed his free hand behind himself to lean back on it, his hips bucking a little into his hand. “Mmph, fuck,” he moaned. The new touch made his cock twitch more in his hand, also leaking more.
“You look so good like this,” you sighed, watching Sanji struggle each time more to keep his hips still.
“Can I—”
“Hold it,” you cut Sanji off immediately, in a way his words lost themselves in a whine while he squirmed, thighs quivering while he held the base of his cock tightly, taking deep breaths. “Are you that easy? Do you really get more sensitive just from having me watch you?” You clicked your tongue, shaking your head as you pretended to be disappointed. It had Sanji’s eyes traveling to the ground as his head fell a little, the way it did whenever he wanted his hair to cover his face. “I already told you, sweetheart,” you said in a partially soft tone, “keep your eyes on me.”
Sanji hummed softly, shaking his head to throw some bangs away from his face. It was basically useless; some strands had stuck to his skin because of the sweat.
“Please,” Sanji whispered as he started slowly moving his hand around his cock, but he kept a certain distance from the tip, focusing on its length.
“You can hold on for a little longer,” you encouraged with a nod.
He groaned in frustration, but he complied. Sanji moved his hand slowly, always careful, enjoying the little break he had without any order aside from not cumming yet. He looked down at himself, pressing his lips together as he traced the veins along the underside of his cock, making it twitch in his hand with how his fingers made their way up.
Sanji inhaled deeply, groaning as he slowly started jerking himself off again, pressing his eyes shut. His hand was all sloppy with his pre-cum already, making it slide just nicely along his cock. It felt even better now.
“Please,” he gasped, opening his eyes again to look at you.
There was no response. Your eyes were on Sanji’s cock, following his hand’s motions, without giving his words a drop of attention. He whined, thrusting into his hand.
“Please, (y/n), please… Love of my life, my sweetheart, my dear, my everything,” Sanji mumbled among moans. Sometimes, the words ran one into the other. How cute. “Please.”
“Yeah,” you hummed with a nod, “you can cum.”
Sanji gasped, letting out a breath he had been holding as he started jerking himself off freely. He bit his lip when he ran his thumb over his tip again, muffling a moan, but it didn’t do much. He wasn’t very good at keeping silent, as much as he tried. As if proving it, Sanji’s mouth fell open with a moan as he furrowed his eyebrows and he was cumming all over his hand and part of the deck, messily moving his hips to meet his hands’ motion.
“Mmph, my love,” Sanji gasped, continuing to stroke himself through his high until his thighs were twitching, edging the overstimulation, but not quite there. He needed a second to recover, resting his head against your thigh again as he tried to catch his breath. He knew how to seek affection.
A smile tugged on your hips, your fingers running through his hair, soothingly. “That’s it,” you whispered, “you did so well, sweetheart.”
Sanji hummed softly in acknowledgment, leaning into your touches. As you cupped his cheek, he turned his head to press a kiss to your palm.
.𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟.
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someverygaymoth · 2 months ago
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In reference to an earlier ask by @deltacreeper
The castle would be incredibly confused if one of the boys disappeared. It would try and make Nightmare as comfortable and happy as possible, but it would do things like guiding one of the boys to the missing teammate's room, as if to ask "where are they?" Or remind the other to look for them. It'd also definitely bully Killer or Dust to alleviate some of the boredom and restlessness. (Playing mean pranks like tripping them or getting them lost)
I love the idea of NM sending Cross out to double agent with the stars maybe a year or two after he joins the team. Cross keeps the jig up for about a year, feeding NM and his teammates information that they can use against the stars later... the castle would definitely get grumpy about Cross being gone for so long. It can handle the boys being gone for a week or two, but more than that, and it gets restless. It starts keeping the boys from leaving, getting overprotective and frustrated. Any time the boys are out on the rare kind of mission that lasts a month or so, Nigntmare has to calm the castle and constantly remind it that their mortals will come back safe and sound.
The castle may or may not be slightly attached to its inhabitants.
《Mentions of character death below the cut》
Ohhh the heartbreaking idea of one of the boys dying and the castle just not understanding... Nightmare has been with it thousands of years, of course it wouldn't understand the lifespan of mortals... maybe when it finally grasped that the mortal wouldn't come home again, the hallways are filled with wails and the soft sound of crying almost every night for years after...
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otomes-and-tears · 4 months ago
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If its ok, I wanna request a qiu x reader (step 2) where reader keeps doodling qiu subconciously and they end up dropping one of their doodles somewhere, and qiu finds it :0 sorry if this is formatted wrong, ive never requested something before aaa!!!!
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♦ Qiu finds MC's drawing of them ♦
►tags and warnings: GN reader, Step 2
► words: 1696 words
► A/N: I AM ALIVE I SWEAR I promise I can still write more than just Shiloh brainrot!
► Masterlist
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It wasn’t really on purpose.
MC was trapped in the clutches of a terrible art block. It had been weeks since they managed to draw something they were satisfied with, and the creative stagnation gnawed at them, leaving them restless. Then there was Qiu, sitting a few seats ahead, their messy hair carelessly tied into a crooked ponytail, soft features relaxed in quiet boredom. MC didn’t even realize they had started sketching Qiu until the drawing was done— their fingertips smudged with graphite as they blended the last of the rough shading into the pencil sketch.
It looked good. Far better than any of their recent, fruitless attempts at drawing. The creases on their baggy sweater and the small intricacies of their expression almost perfectly captured in their style.
Part of MC wanted to brag, to walk up to Qiu and show them the drawing as a triumphant declaration that their terrible, horrible art block was finally over. But as soon as Qiu’s gaze found theirs, those soft eyes blinking slowly, like a cat, and that small, smug smile appearing on their lips, far too pleased with having caught MC staring, MC knew they couldn’t give Qiu any more reason to tease them.
It’s bound to be just a one-time thing, anyway.
It wasn’t a one-time thing.
Drawing Qiu became muscle memory, in the same way that drawing hearts or five-point stars, the kind with lines in the middle, became after an eternity of doodling them on the edges of notebooks.
There was just something easy about it. 
MC knew their neighbour so well that they didn’t even need a reference to capture the nuances of Qiu’s smile—the way the right side of their lips lifted just a touch higher than the left, the arch of their brows, or the slight widening of their eyes when surprised. It was effortless.
It becomes a warm-up exercise before the artist’s other drawings and a quick way to break the slump off art blocks, or even something mindless MC does in the middle of a particularly dull classes both share— they do suspect Qiu knew about those but never bothered them with requests to see the drawings, leaving MC to their quiet obsession.
What was embarrassing was how often they’d find themselves obsessing over the perfect way to angle their wrists to capture the sharp swoop of Qiu’s dark bangs to imply just the right amount of movement, or the fact that they filled so many pages of their sketchbook with studies of Qiu during ballet class that they had to replace it with a fresh one.
Their anatomy skills had improved dramatically in the meantime. But was it worth it, trading artistic growth for Qiu’s obvious disappointment when MC stopped letting them flip through their sketchbook? Or having to learn to draw things quickly and discreetly?
“You dropped a page.” MC says, flatly. Qiu is rummaging though their gym bag in search of their  earphones, notepad hanging precariously in their coat pocket. “Again.”
By this point, Qiu had long given up on retrieving whatever papers they lost, but MC still informed them out of habit anyway. Despite their disinterest, Qiu’s eyes scanned the floor—until they paused, bending down to pick the page up. 
The action immediately catches MC’s attention. It would usually take a lot of insistence for Qiu to bother, if they did at all.
"Started caring about the environment again?" 
MC teased. Qiu just snickered, unfolding the page with a widening smile. A smile that grew into something MC could only describe as pure, unbridled glee. That’s when MC noticed the paper wasn’t the usual color, weight, or size. It was larger, thinner, and undeniably from MC’s sketchbook.
“I was wondering when you’d let me see these drawings,” Qiu said, turning the page to reveal one of MC’s most recent sketches—a detailed study of Qiu, brows furrowed in concentration as they scribbled in their notepad, done only a few hours ago, just before lunchtime. There were also smaller drawings on the margins done in a more simplified style, all of Qiu. "When did I become your muse?”
MC’s breath caught in their throat as Qiu held up the sketch, a wave of embarrassment hitting them so hard they felt they could drown in it. Their little habit was a badly-kept secret, but it doesn’t mean that MC was looking forward to being found out.
Regardless, the question hung in the air, and MC knew that there was no universe in which Qiu would let it go without satisfying answers
Each second MC passed without answering only made Qiu’s grin grow further, their warm brown eyes flickering between the sketch and the artist responsible for creating it, a glint of mischief dancing in them.
“You know,” they continued, voice light and playful, “if you wanted me to model for you, all you had to do was ask.”
“No! I wasn’t— It’s not like that!” 
MC could feel the heat crawling up the back of their neck as they stammard, mind racing as they frantically searched for an excuse that would be any less mortifying than the truth.
Qiu’s smile softened, feeling bad for their friend’s embarrassment, even if they were having fun with their flustered reaction. Despite how much their personality had changed throughout the years, that was a small aspect Qiu would never be able to grow out of— despite their incessant teasing, they deeply cared for their neighbour, and didn’t like taking things too far for the sake of their comfort.
“Is that so?” they asked, the teasing edge in their voice giving way to something a little softer. "Because it seems like you’ve been drawing me a lot."
MC felt the weight of their own silence, the silent, embarrassing admission that came with it. 
Drawing Qiu had become a part of their routine. A habit, an easy way to keep up with their goal of drawing every day.
“I didn’t mean for it to happen,” MC finally said, pushing through their mortification to grant Qiu their answer. They glanced down at their hands, fingers still smudged with graphite, as if the evidence of their fixation was written all over them, taunting them. “I just… you were easy to draw. You’re always around, and I—” They paused. I can’t stop thinking about you. The words linger, right on the tip of their tongue. “I guess it just… happened.”
The playful gleam in Qiu’s eyes is replaced by something tender, a warmth they knew all too well.
“You know,” Qiu said slowly, carefully, as if trying not to spook them “I don’t mind being your muse.”
MC blinked, caught off guard by Qiu’s sincerity. They looked up, meeting Qiu’s gaze fully, and for the first time in a long time, there was no playfulness or carefully feigned disinterest in their eyes. Just warmth.
“You don’t—” MC began, stammering, struggling to find the right words, “you don’t think it’s… weird?”
“Why would it be weird? You’re an artist. Artists need inspiration, right?” Qiu glanced down at the sketch again, running a finger gently over the paper, careful not to smudge it. “And I’m honored. I don’t think I’ve ever been someone’s inspiration before. Much less to my favorite artist”
Somehow, MC doubts that. Judging by Qiu’s popularity in town, having been the crush of at least half of Golden Grove’s kids within their age group, they have absolutely zero doubts that Qiu has been the source of many ‘a angsty poem scribbled in someone’s diary.
Regardless, they felt their chest tighten at Qiu’s words, eyes widening as their mind replays the dancer’s words, over and over. They were Qiu’s favorite artist? Qiu didn’t mind being drawn?
That fills them with much needed relief, the tension from their body slowly dissipating.
“I’m not sure how much of an inspiration you really are,” 
MC muttered, trying to deflect some of the intensity of the moment with humor, but the warmth in their voice betrayed them.
“Oh, come on. I’ve clearly been *very* inspirational.” Qiu gestured at the sketch in their hand, then raised a brow. “How many of these are there, anyway? Ten?”
“…More.”
“More? Seriously?”
MC couldn’t help but smile now, the absurdity of it all catching up with them as they shake their head, disappointed at themselves.
“Uh, like, a lot of my last sketchbook? It’s just… you’re always around, and you’ve got this…” They gestured vaguely at Qiu, trying to find the right words. “This vibe. You’re fun to draw.”
Qiu raised an eyebrow, leaning in, invading their personal space enough that they could smell the subtle scent of cinnamon from their shampoo, voice dropping to a playful murmur. 
“Easy, huh? So you *have* been staring at me a lot.”
MC rolled their eyes, shoving Qiu lightly, but there was no malice in it. It’s true, as much as they hated to admit it, they had observed the dancer so much as to be able to draw them from memory.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” 
But Qiu just smiled, softer again. 
“I’m flattered,” they said, their voice gentle. “Really.”
MC didn’t know what to say to that. There was a lump in their throat, an unspoken understanding passing between them that felt both overwhelming and comforting. They had known each other for years by that point, after all, but In that moment, something shifted. The awkwardness, the teasing, even the embarrassment—it all melted away like snow in spring time, leaving behind only the quiet connection between them. Their unbreakable bond. It was comfortable in the way few things are.
Qiu handed the sketch back to MC, their fingers brushing for just a second felt almost electrifying. Has it always felt like this?
“Keep drawing me,” they said, voice quiet but resolute. “If it helps you, keep doing it. No need to hide it.”
When their eyes meet again, and they can sense Qiu’s sincerity, their heart races once more. They accept the drawing, storing it safely inside their sketchbook before they continue on their way home.
Maybe they didn’t have the words for everything they felt just yet, but right now, this moment was enough.
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talia-black · 4 months ago
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A Gift Repaid (Is But A Favor Owed)
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(I started this a week after 2.3 went live. Clearly this sat in my WIPs before boredom resurrected it. Based on the 2.3 post-quest. Currently in the middle of a hurricane and the internet is out so I finally have no choice but to finish some of my WIPs.) 
Angsty, because Lord knows I can’t separate poor Aventurine from his trauma, but let me know if you want a fluffy sequel. 
Trailblazer!Gender neutral!Reader
(But I do use the name Stelle because I am a part of the AvenStelle agenda)
Stelle wants to repay Aventurine's gift, but doesn't have a single clue about how to do that. Maybe something just a little bit more will come of their clueless but sincere gesture.
Aventurine let out a well-earned sigh as he collapsed into bed. The weeks following his return to Pier Point had been nothing but a series of meetings, debriefs, more meetings, follow-up reports, and even more meetings. Leaving the normally free-wheeling gambler feeling restless and pent-up. Watching the drama unfold on the Radiant Feldspar had been his only form of entertainment. So naturally once the negotiations had settled and the Fool's prank had been dealt with, the Stoneheart had nothing to distract himself from the stack of paperwork taunting him from its perch on his desk.
Admittedly he had resorted to browsing one of his favorite online stores when he got the notification that the limited-edition model of the Astral Express was finally open for bidding. He won naturally, and it only took him a few seconds before he decided what to do with it.
Aventurine bundled up a few trinkets he had collected while on Penacony and had them packaged alongside the train model before shipping it off to the formerly-named Radiant Feldspar.
Stelle had been by far one of the most interesting and delightful characters he ever had the pleasure of meeting. Despite the power they wielded simply by hosting a Stellaron and being a member of the Astral Express Crew, they were almost chronically lawless and free-spirited. Although, squirrel-brained might be the most accurate descriptor. They could be in the middle of a punch line to some terrible dad joke one moment, and the next they are sprinting off because something shiny was poking out of a trashcan and they just had to take it with them. Every expensive gift he sent their way was met with sincere gratitude. But Stelle's wide-eyed, embarrassed blush didn't hold a candle to the expression of pure joy that lit up their entire face whenever they dug out something they deemed worthwhile out of a pile of abandoned boxes or an alley that looked like it could launch a thousand microbiology studies. Stelle was just so genuine and thoroughly lacking in any kind of malicious intent or agenda that it was impossible to not be endeared to them.
As far as the Stoneheart was concerned, the Astral Express' resident raccoon in human skin could have whatever their heart desired.
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Honestly, Aventurine forgot about the gift after a week. Work wasn't any less busy, and it was becoming clearer by the day that part of his punishment for damaging his cornerstone and putting two others in jeopardy was to be grounded on Pier Point until Diamond was forced to send him somewhere else.
Five weeks later, the gambler was willing to take a second shot at that Emanator if it meant he would be able to escape the never-ending mountain of paperwork. One way or the other.
Which is why he decided to spend an afternoon sifting through his backlog of physical mail instead of addressing the two-foot stack of papers that one of Obsidian's lackeys had dropped on his desk five minutes before his lunch break or the 1000+ emails sitting in his inbox.
The majority was junk. He was appalled that most of it got past his subordinates desk, and he happily watched the papers be chewed to pieces in the shredder. A few particularly inventive scam attempts even managed to get a chuckle out of him before they met their fate.
The slightly more personal letters were mildly amusing. Threats from past "friends", professions of love from strangers who had caught a glimpse of him at this place or the other. 
He would definitely need to have HR reevaluate the person who handled his mail.
Aventurine saved the packages for last, mainly because he knew those had been thoroughly inspected before they were even allowed in the building. One attempted bombing incident and now all of his shopping orders took a minimum of 72 hours before he was allowed to pick them up. But it wasn't until he had actually started to examine the boxes that he noticed something odd.
One of the packages wasn't so much a "package" as it was something vaguely spherical wrapped in newspaper. A shipping label that barely met postal requirements was the only thing holding it together, and the smell of burnt metal radiated from it. The sender's name had been smudged, which only fueled the gambler's curiosity.
Mostly confident whatever was in the package wouldn't kill him, Aventurine tore away the wrapping paper.
"What in the name of the Preservation-"
Aventurine hissed. His fingers had struck metal, nearly slicing his finger open on a particularly jagged corner. The rusted bronze burned in the low lighting Aventurine had illuminating his office, offset by the shiny aluminum that had been soldered to it. Aventurine continued to unwrap the package and it was only when the last of the newspaper had fallen to the floor that he was able to make out what it was.
Several pieces of scrap had been melded together in a caricature of a star. Different types of metal and alloys gleaned in the light of his office, and despite the patches of rust and wear on it, a lot of effort had clearly been put into it.
Aventurine had no clue what to make of it. It wasn't some high-end art piece if the shipping was anything to go by, and wasn't anything close to gifts people had attempted to bribe him with before. He reached down to pick through the wrapping and take a second look at the shipping label and a folded piece of paper fell out. It looked like standard cardstock, but Aventurine could see his name scratched on the top.
The gambler's intrigue was practically suffocating him at this point as he snatched the paper up and folded back the crease.
Hey Aventurine, hope you're doing alright. I've been stabbed before. It's not a fun experience once the adrenaline wears off and you can't get your legs to work properly. Make sure you wait at least a few days before trying to go out and pick a fight, or you'll wake up with very disappointed people hovering over you.
Sorry I didn't respond to your gift sooner. I would say social anxiety is bitch, but March has been nagging me to stop masking my vulnerability with humor.
Truthfully, I didn't know how to thank you. Excusing that little scuffle at the theme park (No hard feelings there. A lot of my friends have tried to maim me before) you've been great company and I wanted to give you something in return for all of the presents you’ve given me. It took me a while to decide on what exactly that was. I've watched a few of your poker games. You can make more credits in a single evening than I've ever had in my entire life. It wasn't until Dan Heng commented on all of the "junk" in my room that I had the idea of making something.
March 7th says I'm a hoarder. I prefer the term "low-budget collector". The metal you're holding was scavenged from a massive junkyard that most of Belobog's decommissioned robots end up in, though some of it came from abandoned cycranes I found near the Alchemy Commission. You wouldn't believe the types of odds and ends that get thrown in their dumpsters.
I had to ask for Himeko's help to actually weld the metal though. I think I did a pretty decent job for my first time, and aside from a few burns I made it through the experience unscathed. Word of advice: never touch the tip of a welding torch. Even after it's been off for ten minutes.
I really did like hanging out with you, Aventurine. Not a lot of people are willing to put up with my hyperactive raccoon brain for long, and it was nice to meet someone else who enjoys causing general mayhem. There should be another present in here if I get Pom-Pom to approve it.
Anyway, I hope you at least like this gift. If you don't, feel free to toss it.
May your journey lead you starward
-The Trailblazing Raccoon
Stelle
P.S. If you were serious about that round of cards, the Express will be staying at the Luofu for the next few months before we go out of range of the HoloNet for a while. I know a place with great food and mostly empty tables if you feel like stopping by.
Stelle.
The letter’s words blurred from how hard his hand was shaking.
Aventurine blinked furiously. A single tear escaped and smeared the postscript. He set the ornament gently on his desk before looking through the newspaper for a second envelope.
Instead of another folded note, there was a smaller envelope crookedly taped to what had been the inside of the newspaper. 
The Astral Express welcomes all who wish to move beyond their past and journey along the silver rails, no matter their intent or agenda. Ms. Topaz has already been granted an Express Pass, so it would be inconsiderate to not offer you one as well when a Trailblazer has vouched for you. The Pass enclosed will allow you to board the Astral Express whenever you wish, barring emergency circumstances or a crisis state. 
- The Conductor of the Astral Express, Pom-Pom
A golden ticket was nestled in the folded page. The rainbow sheen on its glossy gold surface was a perfect replica of the reflection of the stars outside Aventurine’s office window. 
Those same stars were the sole light in Aventurine’s penthouse apartment later that night as he drowned his memories and anxieties in a bottle of Penacony’s finest. His alcohol-addled brain scheming away as he clutched that golden ticket in a death grip. 
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A few days later…
“Hey Stelle!” 
The Trailblazer in question looked up from their game to see March leaning into their room.
“You’ve got a package. Well, a few packages. And a letter.”
Stelle raised an eyebrow as March dropped six nicely-wrapped boxes and a letter on their bed.  
“Are you sure you haven’t gone over your budget this month?” March asked as Stelle reached for the letter. 
“I haven’t ordered anything,” Stelle mumbled, distracted by the ostentatious gold calligraphy decorating the front. The list of people she knew who would send them such a thing was short, and with the packages…
Stelle ripped open the envelope and leaned back, away from March’s prying gaze. 
Dear Stelle, 
It would be my honor to accept your invitation. The gifts I’ve sent are a small measure of my gratitude for such a thoughtful present, and I hope you won’t object to similar gestures in the future. I’ve never had the chance to visit the Luofu, but I managed to free a few days next week for me to spend at my leisure. You have my number, so if you’re looking for a little risky fun, give me a call. 
Your close friend, Aventurine <3
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