#legit cried for like a day after finding that series

[atalana]

if you're also interested in comics, legally obligated to give a shoutout to the 2015 jughead series for being the first aroace representation i ever encountered

(him being uninterested in romance had been a running bit in the archie comics since like the 80s, but that series made it explicitly and wonderfully canon with several storylines dedicated to it and a writer who's not afraid to joke about it)

Do you have any book (or show or movie) recs with asexual men? I feel like all the books with asexual characters I’ve read feature asexual women but no asexual men. Fiction or nonfiction is good. TIA!

ooo this is a great ask!! women are definitely more likely to be the ace rep in the books I have read!!

first off, How to Be a Normal Person by TJ Klune is fantastic. the love interest is a man and asexual. it's a mlm adult romance novel, very low stakes and I totally cried. I haven't read the sequel, but the main character is demisexual in that one and a man. bonus, TJ Klune is asexual himself and (if I recall correctly) The Lighting Struck Heart has a prominent asexual side character.

Ace by Angela Chen is a nonfiction book and she interviews many people throughout her books, and I distinctly remember her interviewing men, specifically talking to one about how his gender intersected with his asexuality.

I never finished Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor, but one of the three main characters was an aro ace teen boy. This is a scifi, set in space, YA novel.

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman has a major character who is a demisexual teen boy. It's YA contemporary. I also cried reading this.

Rick by Alex Gino is a middle grade novel about a middle school boy questioning his place in the queer community. Very sweet.

That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert is a contemporary romance and one of the main characters is a demisexual man falling in love with his best friend (who is a fantasy author). This was unexpected for me because I picked this up for the author, not the demi rep so I was over the moon.

side note, for tv shows, I've only watched Todd's ace clips, but there is a male character who realizes he is ace.

The podcasts A-OK and Sounds Fake but Okay both have interviews with ace men, so if you like podcasts, I would check those out as well.

[oxygen-stealer]

Scriddler fic recommendations!!!

Stay (2017) by iammemyself

Rating: General

49,873 words, 11/11 chapters (discontinued)

Arkhamverse

After Arkham Knight, Jonathan and Edward move to Canada together, where the full weight of Edward's grief crashes down on the both of them.

This fic is fucking miserable in the best way possible. It feels so grey and depressing like almost the entire time even with its ups and downs. Things get better, but it's fucking hard. Legit among my favorite fics. Also Jon's so obscenely old here I love it lmfao. (There's also a Stay (2016) I haven't actually looked at, might be a prequel or smthn idk)

I'm With You by nonbinaryspock

Rating: Mature

50,684 words, 35/35 chapters

Jonathan and Edward rekindle their somewhat messy relationship from their college years. Things are still a bit messy but they've at least got some hindsight.

Hella angsty, they're both so horribly dysfunctional <3 (specifically Jonathan will just say/think the absolute wildest shit and then just go on like that's normal). I really just love how visceral their emotions can be.

Runs In The Family by ChaoticMimzy

Rating: Mature

8,703 words, 5/5 chapters

Edward's father dies and he goes to his funeral (solely to be there for his sister, mind you) where he grapples with past trauma and catholic guilt.

Very very rogues podcast coded (highest compliment). It's mostly Edward-centric and doesn't focus on the scriddler too much but it's still worth a read. Edward's rage towards his childhood circumstances is so potent and agonizing I love it so much. He should get to kill god a little bit imo

(More below)

Let me play you a song on my violin by batmanforeverlol

Rating: Teen

7,206 words, 1/1 chapters

Ghost AU. Edward is a retired criminal turned private investigator who finds himself running through a cemetery, where he meets a man playing a violin.

Ngl I cried super hard reading this but it's also one of my absolute favorites. Why would you write this? Why would you hurt me in this way? (It's really sweet but also really fucking sad, you should read it. Share my pain)

Terminal by iammemyself, promethea (Aerosol)

Rating: General

7,073 words, 1/1 chapters

Edward gets brain cancer again, this time the Lazarus pits aren't gonna help him.

As you could imagine, this fic is just sad from start to finish. I cried so fucking much reading it its not even funny.

He Just Likes The Rush by Human_Resourccs

Rating: General

16,072 words, 9/9 chapters

Jonathan's thrill-seeking brings him some interesting company. (Or, as I know it: the fic where a fucking spider lives in Jonathan's hair for months and Edward still lets him touch him. If that's not love I don't know what is)

Sapiophile by XavIniesta685

Rating: Mature

17,529 words, 3/3 chapters

The Moon Is Not Made Of Cheese by Stry_Shttu

Jonathan has given up in every sense and is about to leave Gotham until a series of events change his mind. A lot of "falling in love within a day" fics can feel kinda forced but this one flows really naturally.

Rating: Teen

7,820 words, 1/1 chapters

Arkhamverse

Edward is lonely, Jonathan goes to see him while also being Jason Todd's really lame dad. A good mix of sweet and silly.

The Boy With The Thorn In His Side by 30PacketsofKetchup

Rating: Teen

21,542 words, 8/? chapters (this fic hasn't been updated in like 5 years so be ready for that specific brand of agony)

Teenager AU. Jonathan meets the mildly annoying new boy in town and they bond.

I looove this fic so much I'm absolutely heartbroken that it wasn't ever finished. Idk the vibes are nice and I love how flustered young Jon gets when he's got a crush.

South of Hell by nonbinaryspock

Rating: Teen

14,194 words, 35/35 chapters

Teenager AU. No one in their awful little town likes Edward or Jonathan, but they've at least got eachother. Very southern gothic.

Exit Wounds by nonbinaryspock

Rating: Teen

18,066 words, 38/38 chapters

Demon/supernatural AU. Edward is a private investor and his demon ex-boyfriend suddenly shows up after 5 years in need of a place to stay. Edward is thoroughly unimpressed.

I'm in love with this AU big time, it's got some pretty neat world building. I also love how distinctive the characterizations here are. BAH I'm not great at describing but it's very angsty and good.

Frighteningly Unprofessional by bookynerdgoblin

Rating: Mature

28,412 words, 11/11 chapters

One of Jonathan's students knows about his unethical experiments, however instead of reporting him, he offers to help in exchange for his partnership. Things spiral from there. Edward is purposefully being super obvious and Jonathan talks to his cat like a person.

Words by scarecrowv

Rating: General

4,651 words, 1/1 chapters

Edward's daughter keeps calling Jon "mama" and he has no idea how to handle it, aka psychology professor Dr Jonathan Crane talks to a 2 year old like an adult.

A Case Study in Step-Parenting by Ifthinkerwrites

Rating: General

16,053 words, 5/5 chapters

Another lil scriddler family fic, Jonathan navigates step-parenthood :)

Sitzfleisch by SproxGrail

Rating: Mature

1,205 words, 1/? chapters

Jonathan is living in Edward's walls and talks about him like a little freak. I need this fic to update again please please please it's so creepy I'm in love with it

Some series to look at as well!

Memoryverse by Enigmatic_Robin

Rating: General

15,393 words, 11 works

A bit more of a psychological horror/thriller than a romance. Jonathan is manipulating Edward into complete dependency. It seems easy while Edward is in love with him, but he'd better watch out for when that veil slips.

Scriddler Family AU by Enigmatic_Robin

Rating: General

17,722 words, 9 works

Scarecrow and Riddler end up raising Stephanie Brown and Tim Drake. And all the shenanigans that come with that.

Love Me Dead by lymongrab

Rating: Explicit

25,624 words, 6 works

Kinda just a nice progression in Jonathan and Edward's relationship with some added spice here and there. Mostly pretty sweet.

Arkhamverse by iammemyself

Rating: General

354,608 words, 28 works

In which Edward and Jonathan's relationship is a bit complicated, but Edward is also a robot dad!!

(Everything from here is nsfw centric)

This section would be longer but i actually found out the person who wrote some nsfw fics i really liked was actually a proshipper weirdo so I'm not including those. Why can't people be normal

Kiss The Go-Goat by korereapers

Rating: Explicit

5,203 words, 1/1 chapters

Demon AU. Edward summons a demon and gets a little carried away

Shout out to this fic for getting me into Ghost, the only band I ever listen to now lmfao. Anyway I'm a big sucker for anything involving monster/demon/creature!Jon

Connected by korereapers

Rating: Explicit

6,458 words, 1/1 chapters

A hookup gets wayyy more emotional than expected. But, y'know, they're not in love or anything. Right?

Comfort by curiouscorvid (prometheanTactician)

Rating: Explicit

4,866 words, 1/1 chapters

Mad Max AU. Edward is traversing the wasteland, where he finds and helps a desperate escapee.

I've found that Mad Max AUs are always so sad no matter what even though the movie itself is kinda silly lmfao.

worldly pleasures by leetheshark

Rating: Explicit

3,227 words, 1/1 chapters

Arkhamverse

Jonathan doesn't really know how to handle any sensation that isn't painful.

[buckysimp101]

Clear Blue (1) | Mickey Henry 18+

Summary: You and Mickey have known each other since he moved to Greece. A couple of ex-pats, you flocked to each other for company. You were the first to find out his ex was pregnant and he was going to be a dad. You watched him try, and honestly fail, at the whole “being a dad” thing. And the two of you had a nice couple times hooking up. But Mickey has Chloe now and Mickey does what Mickey does best...he ghosts you. But now you have to break the silence. 

Mickey Henry x female reader, Mickey Henry x Chloe Gains

a/n: Okay so we’re taking a quick right turn away from Bucky for a second (don’t worry, First Grade Updates are coming back soon!) But I just think Seb’s character Mickey Henry from Monday does not get NEARLY enough love/fics on this app. So. Time to change that. This will be a short little mini-series! I’m not certain if there will be legit smut yet so I’m just gonna be safe and mark it as 18+

chapter warnings: language, mention of drug usage, a lil angsty really, mentions of sex/sex locations but no specific smut, daddy kink if you squint.

Part 2

Clear blue. It’s the color of the Aegean Sea as it moves throughout the day, tides coming in and going out. It is the color of Mickey Henry’s eyes, twin pools of the ocean situated on his face. Brightening as he laughs, darkening as he frowns. It’s also the name of the stupid pregnancy test you’re about to take. Thanks in part to the aforementioned blue eyed God. Except, Mickey Henry isn’t a God. Mickey Henry is a man, a very good looking man, that you have known for years. Ever since he moved to Greece really. 

You and Mickey moved to Greece around the same time. You partied in the same circles, with the same crowd. You explored Greece together. You explored each other a couple times. And then came Aspa. Mickey’s relationship with Aspa showed you that to him, you were replaceable. Mickey had a tendency to pick you up and put you down whenever another newer, shinier toy came along. And with Aspa, came Hector. When Mickey told you he was going to be a dad you were...concerned to say the least. 

Never had Mickey Henry proven to you that he was responsible enough to be a dad, you’d also never even talked about if he wanted to be one. But his carelessness put him right in the middle of fatherhood when his son was born. That was six years ago. Not much changed.

 In the six years since Aspa had Hector, she and Mickey fought and they fought and they fought. They had broken up not long after Hector was born due to Mickey acting like “a man-child who does drugs and doesn’t have a real job.” Aspa’s words. Not yours. But you silently agreed. Mickey never wanted to grow up. He worked as a Deejay on the weekends and during the week he was kissing whoever’s ass he needed to in order to produce a new jingle.

One thing you had to hand to Mickey, he did love being a dad. He loved Hector, you could see it in his eyes and in the way he spoke about his son. His entire body lit up with excitement and enthusiasm whenever he told you about what his son was learning or doing, even though most of that information came second-hand from Aspa. You could say that Mickey tried to be a dad. He did. But he didn’t really try. He half-assed everything, was constantly late, and on top of that he practically refused to learn Greek to even speak with Hector. Needless to say, the whole situation with Aspa and Hector was pretty touchy now. 

In the years since Aspa and Mickey’s break up, the two of you hooked up a few times. You were prone to fucking each other’s brains out after a few lines of coke at one of Mickey’s gigs. When Argyris found out, by accident after rounding the corner at one of the parties to find Mickey pounding into you from behind as you leaned over his vespa, he was ecstatic. “This is just what he needs! An American girl! Now go fuck! Make more babies!” Argyris had practically cried tears of joy, while you were too focused on crying Mickey’s name.

This happened more times than you could count. You’d do a little blow, drink a little drink, and start kissing just a little after his set. Kissing just a little led to making out intensely. Making out would lead to dry humping. Dry humping would lead to the two of you fucking wherever you could. Leaned over his vespa with one hand on your back holding you in place. Wrapped around his waist in a bathroom stall in between songs. On his lap in the corner booth with the skirt of your dress covering where the two of you met. You didn’t particularly care when or how Mickey fucked you, you just knew that you liked it when he did.

That meant that you two weren’t particularly careful. You were on the pill and both of you were clean, when you started up the tryst that was the one thing the two of you agreed on, regular STD tests if you were gonna sleep with other people. You both really liked it when he fucked you without a condom, and while Mickey wasn’t too certain about the possibility of becoming a dad again, boy did he like being daddy.

But you knew the last couple months of consistent hookups with Mickey were bound to end soon. You just didn’t expect to be there when he met his shiny new toy. You tried to support Mickey at all his gigs, well all the ones you could make it to. You saw her, another American, with her short blonde hair as she yelled into her phone on the other side of the party. And as you watched her, you saw Mickey. You watched him take note of her. You watched Argyris push the two of them together in a forced kiss. You watched them make out on the dance floor. And you watched them drunkenly stumble away together.

“Why are you so grouchy, huh? You need Argyris to kiss it and make it better?” he’d drunkenly uttered as he mock-pouted in your direction. You ignored him, threw back your shot, and elbowed him in the stomach as you walked away.

 Chloe was different. She was different from all the other girls Mickey had dated, or slept with casually. She reminded you of Aspa. She was driven, career oriented, she was big shot immigration lawyer for fucks sake. Even you were impressed by her resume. It still didn’t make it hurt any less when Mickey decided to ghost you, and all your other friends except Argyris, after the weekend he spent with Chloe. The weekend turned to Sunday, and Sunday to Monday and the next thing you knew you were hearing the story of how Mickey had chased Chloe down through the Athens airport and convinced her to stay with him.

You were nice to Chloe. Why wouldn’t you be. You were nice to all of Mickey’s girlfriends whenever he’d deem you worthy of meeting them. You never understood how the fuck Argyris always made the cut of the list of friends who could meet the girls. Probably something to do with the fact that you relationship with Mickey was never purely platonic. But when you met Chloe you knew. You knew she wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. 

But you may have made a mistake. You should’ve known that sooner or later your exploits with Mickey would come to light. He and Chloe have been together for three months now. The two of you had hooked up last mere days before he met Chloe. You didn’t seem to notice anything different. But when your boobs were more sore than they’d ever been? When the smell of gyros made you want to vomit? When your body was just so tired that all you wanted to do was go home and sleep after doing nothing all do? You started doing the math. You counted. And you counted. And you recounted. And you realized... it had been four months. Four months since your last period. 

And that’s how you ended up here. Squatting over your toilet and trying to pee on a stick that’s too damn small, all while thinking there has got to be a better way to test for this. And then you waited. Fifteen minutes you waited. Your stomach rolling and threatening to empty all its contents yet again. The shrill beeping of your timer going off set off a new bout of nausea. And so you took a deep breath, you brought the stick up to your face and you opened your eyes. 

Two lines.

And you blinked. Once. Twice. Three times. And then you had to quickly remove your body from the toilet to vomit.

Pregnant.

“Holy fucking shit.”

a/n: I hope y’all liked this first chapter!!! 

taglist:

@youlightmeupfinn

@la-undercover-latina

@hallecarey1

@bbgem329

@snufflet

@ohmygodsebastianstan

[transitjournal]

50 Days HRT Update 🔥

No, HRT will not make you turn to a cute anime girl instantly but it will surely do you these things.

Estradiol Hemihydrate 2mg/ Cyproterone Acetate 50mg

First of all, thank you all for your support and interest on my blog. It's what keeps me going.  💕

I used to take DIY HRT with different medications 2 years ago, with spiro and E2 valerate from January 26 2020 to late July 2020. Those doses were pretty low, at least considering from my point. And after I had to stop those meds, all my changes are rolled back, except some very very little breast growth. Now that I'm seeing doctors since October 2021, since HRT is gatekeeped in my country. Thankfully, I finally got them in July 25, officially got a prescription and had my legit cocktail! Now, of course I'm done with talking, let's move to the changes :)

Physical Changes

My skin is much more thinner and more translucent, and I'm more prone to bruises or tear even by slight contact with something. I feel that I have less tolerance for cold, that I now have to run my air conditioning in higher degrees. IDK what will happen in wintertime though! I've noticed my penis is also getting slightly smaller, as well as my testicles, since there's no T supplying those tissues anymore. No longer have to deal with morning wood or random erections, and this makes me so happy! I've noticed tucking is slightly easier because I can't get erections easily, and probably because of my testicular atrophy. I have small breast buds developing much faster compared to my old cocktail in 2020, (check my old posts if you'd like to get to know more about) the sad thing is since I'm taking single estradiol pill a day, fluctiations of estrogen affects my breast tissue. Sometimes it's like it's not there at all, and sometimes it's noticeably there (like a preteen girl's breasts, to compare).

My facial hair is slightly thinner, but it's still there and I have to shave everyday. The thing I didn't expected is, the growth pace of my facial hair is slowed considerably. Considering laser hair removal in future months, I'd do now but I'm short on cash nowadays. I always hated my facial hair, and it was (and still) my biggest cause of dysphoria. I've heard HRT makes laser hair removal on facial hair much more effective, so that's why I've been waiting around. I am also happy that, my scalp is less oily as well as my skin. I've had like soo much oily skin that I had to use lots of products to get rid of. My acne on my forehad is 90% gone, and I'm so happy for it.

Because of T reduced on my system, the sebum production is decreasing, making my skin dryer. And I tried to masturbate twice in a month, but it was so hard to reach climax. I guess I need to find different ways to please me. But my orgasms were more like a full-body experience, and it was... mind blowing.

Mental Changes

Okay don't be afraid of those negative things I say first cause they're not always here, haha. PMS symptoms, usually once a week (sadly). Cramps on my intestines to the point I can't move. Sometimes I find myself that everything in the world irritates me.

And my love life started to bloom again... at least from my side. I find myself I'm falling for handsome guys much more easily... I can't stop myself. It's more of emotional than sexual this time. I started to be able to cry again after months, I cried for my breakup with my boyfriend for first time after 3 months, why it happened is another story to tell about.

And I cry on emotional scenes in TV series. But being able to cry makes me feel free! 💕 I don't have specific craves to foods, but sometimes I feel hungry out of nothing... it's harder for me to say "no" to some foods. My emotions now feels like a rainbow.

[tony-stark-ing]

Hi, I just learned a fact that I just love about Tony Stark, I don’t know if you heard it too but he goes to orphanages to hold tiny babies when he’s sad, stressed, and can’t sleep.

OMG, I am literally crying! This is too good to be true, I never thought he would do that (especially with his attitude towards Baby Starbrand. “Aww, she’s so precious! *sniffs* Oh, gross, did you just poop? *gags* Carol, go change this!” Yep, I read that comic, he’s fine until Baby Starbrand cries, soils herself, or vomits (thankfully, not shown but we do get Tony Stark ranting on how disgusting messy diapers are while Thor calls him “crazy”) and basically having a panic attack when she starts crying. (Yep, he acts like those dads from those 80s and 90s comedy films where the dad is left with the kids and he does not know what to do and you either facepalm or laugh at how ridiculous he is (these clips on YouTube basically sum it up: https://youtu.be/FgsQDGPchGE) He eventually gives her to Captain Marvel because he can’t handle the gross parts of parenting. But he no longer has this attitude towards babies, guess Brandi helped him develop a stomach. Sorry to gross you out with that but that was big point in his character) Come to think of it, I thought it will only live in my imagination/fanart.

I draw it, a lot!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeMcNpdvRAM/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

https://www.instagram.com/p/CaOokexrsGO/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I have a soft heart and loved babies my whole life, you’d find me drawing them a lot! (I love seeing stuff like this) (Either he’s one of those people who love holding and playing with babies but when they cry or need changing, he’d hand them off to someone else because he doesn’t want to deal with it or he doesn’t mind that stuff just diapers until now)

Like, I am legit crying rn!

He’s Iron Dad! He’s a surrogate father who loves kids, he has lots of surrogate children and he finds peace in holding babies!

I wonder if he can go beyond and care for babies too like the dad he is!

Tony is just wholesome!

Hi! Oh I read that comic! It was so sweet! I have read all of the main series Iron Man run from Tales of Suspense to modern day (though I don't remember every detail of every issue lol). Tony is such a soft boy!

Love all the details in your art!

I love babies and kids as well! That's why I became a teacher, so I could work with the itty bitties. My love of children is also why I have an absolute WEAKNESS for fan fiction where Tony gets de-aged and the others (namely Steve) have to look after him.

Oh yeah, Tony is such a dad. I don't even think he realizes how many kids he's basically adopted and is looking out for.

[itssleepyrabbit]

hi! wow i super love your art and i don’t have enough dabihawks in my life 🥺 was wondering if you had any fic recs for them?? 💕💕

aah thank you so much!! 💕💕 💕💕

BOY IF I DO HAVE!! alright buckle up this might get long (most are fluff and SFW~ i’ll put a NSFW warning but be sure to look at tags in all of them!!)

Bed I made (lie in it with me) by  silverwordswrites

“Touya is in desperate need of a plus-one for his brother's wedding and Keigo is infinitely curious about the man who he was sure used to hate him in college.” 

-- the summary says everything and honestly it’s one of the most romatics dabihawks fics i’ve read.

On-going

He Doesn't Love Me by  Fatally

“Dabi doesn't love him. He's accepted that thorny truth, swallowed it down and let briars grow in his chest, drinking down his blood like water.Or: The one in which Hawks settles for pining for his entire life and doesn't realize Dabi's been staring at him the entire time, too.” 

-- I love pinning Hawks with a burning passion.

Completed

sweetheart, is that you? by  fuckendeavor666

“dabi and hawks say i love you (without actually saying i love you) in five different ways.“ 

-- This is my absolute fave dabihawks fic

Completed

Deck the Halls With Boughs of Folly by  DrAphra

“In which the League has acquired a new fancy mansion -with all the heating and food and plush beds they could possibly need - but they still prefer to spend the day out in the wilderness with just each other. Plus Hawks.“ 

-- Honestly all Aphra’s dabihawks fics are more than worth it but this one has a special place on my heart.

Completed

fuck, im so young - orphaned

“Todoroki Touya writes poems.

Words upon words of heartfelt confessions, letters of sing song fantasies, syllables of feelings he never got to say out loud.

When Todoroki Touya hits sixteen, he burns himself to death.

When Dabi hits twenty four-

He meets Hawks.” 

-- i don’t know how to explain but this fic it’s pretty

Completed

Feathers and Feelings by  Toboe1087

“Hawks keeps leaving feathers on his pillow, and Dabi's about had it.

(like hell he'd let anyone else have them, though)”

-- Dabi preening Hawks feathers is a blessing

Complete

(this is not a) swan song by  bittermoons

“"Who's your favorite, then?"

"Hawks." Touya doesn't miss a beat. "Definitely Hawks."

"What? Seriously? How come?"

"He has his flaws, but at the end of the day, he's trying to do good. It's something he always strives for. Dabi, on the other hand...if it weren't for Hawks, he wouldn't be a hero, that's for sure."

[Or: How a secret is revealed, and what comes afterwards.]”

-- Adorable no quirks AU with manga artist Touya and oblivious Keigo! Another author i adore pretty much all dabihawks works.

Completed

You can't trap the sky in a bottle by thyandra

“Letting Toga organize the accommodations for their trip might have been a mistake. This particular truth becomes obvious to Keigo as he opens the door of his hotel room for the first time. There, staring back at him mockingly, is a single, king-sized bed. It’s only by virtue of all the years spent perfecting his poker face around his adoptive parents, that he manages to keep his face straight. At his side, Touya clicks his tongue. “They must’ve given us the wrong key.””

--(no quirks AU) I really love they way Dabi and Hawks are written here i can’t express it in words and so so much pinning

Completed

A Tale as Old as Time by  EloFromMars, Gotcocomilk

“Dabi and Hawks are hit by the most improbable Quirk: both are yeeted in Fairytales land and have to rely on each other to get out of this.“

-- this was such a fun read omg

Completed

A Romance Written All Over Your Body by  minatsukinoamayo

//NSFW mind the tags!//

“Hawks is assigned to infiltrate the League of Villains in order to expose them. Hawks usually never fails a mission, but Keigo usually never falls in love, either.A story of how Hawks falls from grace to become a villain, because hero society has failed them all.

OR

5 times they're not in a relationship and 1 time they are.“

-- you know those fics you say “one more chapter” and it’s 3AM

Completed

it caught spark in your eyes by  youareoldfatherwilliam

//Mature - Implied Sexual Content//

“Keigo’s quirk is powerful, but sometimes it comes with unintended side effects.

Or: A 5 + 1 fic of five times the more…instinctively bird-like parts of Keigo’s quirk took over accidentally during his relationship with Dabi, and one time it happened entirely on purpose.“

-- I was screaming about this particular fic on twt the other day pls give it a read if you can it’s so so so good! Any fic that has Hawks with bird traits has a special place on my heart

Completed

The Others by  threesipsmore

//Mature - 2 sexual scenes, nothing too explicit but they’re there//

“"Skeptic's starting to think he’s more important than me,” Toga sneers, an acidic edge to her voice. “Making decisions on his own, sending out birdie without even talking to me first.”

She’d simply acquiesced to cooperating with Skeptic, but from day one the complaints had never stopped. In this tiny room layered with sushi and cakes, Dabi was forced to listen to her whining.”

-- You go birb, you get that man

Completed

Equivalent Exchange by  inexchangeforyoursoul

“Keigo blinks the blurry oblivion away from his eyes, although some part of it is oddly stubborn and to stay indefinitely. There's three things he's certain of: first, he’s alive. Second, just by looking at the bed and windows he can tell this is no villain hospital or torture room. Third: something feels wrong. Very wrong.

The silence… is deafening.

xxx

To obtain, something of equal value must be lost.

If so, what of a bird that has lost its wings?”

-- i had so many feelings reading i can’t physically explain them to you also PINK HAIR DABI PINK HAIR DABI

Completed

dabi's 5-step guide to being a better parent than endeavor by  twinkfrankenstein (orphan_account)

“A little voice inside his head whispered spitefully about how this was no place for a child, and how he was making a mistake and would only traumatize the kid, yada yada. He responded with an equally spiteful-

“Fuck off, its not like I planned to do arson today.”

(or: how Dabi becomes a good dad just to spite his own, realizes he kinda sorta maybe likes Hawks for realsies, begrudgingly admits the League cares and finally comes to terms with his protective side. Not in that order.)“

-- this legit made me laught out loud idk what else tell you

Completed

The Todoroki In-Laws by  aphrodaisyacs

“Over 10 years after the fight against the Paranormal Liberation Front, Rumi, aka the part-time hero Miruko and the proud wife of one Todoroki Fuyumi, decides it would be an awesome idea to create a groupchat with the significant others of the other Todoroki siblings.

Maybe things would be easier if its members weren’t two Pro Heroes, a former one and a rehabilitated villain, but…Honestly, where’s the fun in that?”

-- this is not dabihawks focused but it’s so funny pls

Completed

With Being Petty Comes Consequences by  CursedUndead

“"When we were saying fuck pro heroes, I didn't think you literally meant FUCK them," Tomura grumbles, kicking over an empty beer can.

"Pretty judgmental for someone fucking a pro twice their age," Touya says.

Tomura squints, and says, "Ten years is not twice my age."

Or, after spending Enji's money, Touya is forced to babysit for the number 2 hero to pay him back. Touya makes it his life's mission to fuck his new boss.”

-- this only has 4 chapters but i know it’s going to be one of my faves

On-going

The Truth series by  AmethystUnarmed

-- Hawks gets hit with a truth quirk and starts to be actually free by the power of love, friendship and a bit of crime <3

The last entry is on-going

and if we sit and count it up it's really not a lot by  sincerelysamedt

“Hawks finds a bento box in his messenger bag and almost cries.

"Is that a loving wife bento?"“

-- please PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD READ THIS ONE /sobbing noises/

Completed

steal your heart by  darlingest

//Mature//

“When infamous thief Hawks announces that he is going to steal the heart of Endeavor's son, everyone expects him to prey on Shoto Todoroki - nobody suspects Touya to be the actual target.“

-- Villain Hawks and civilian Dabi are my guilty pleasure and this one it’s so soft too i’m- djsahfdjkfhadf

Completed

darling, thank god it’s this universe we’re in (and you can annoy me as much as you please) by  juurensha

“ Todoroki Rei divorces Endeavor and moves all four of her children into a small apartment next to a boy with wings as red as the hair of her eldest son. “

-- This was one of the first dabihawks fics i ever read and, to this day, i come back to it when i feel i need the extra burst in happy feelings and check their other works too! Honestly all are such a good fucking read

Completed

[fallintosanity]

😭😭😭

aaa I legit cried when I wrote this scene D:

One of the most important parts of WSaWF for me is giving the adult bros a chance to really... slow down and even just acknowledge their trauma, much less start to work through it. At this point in the fic, Noctis is mentally only about a week out from Gralea - from hurting Prompto, to seeing Fenestala burning, to losing the Regalia, to putting on the Ring, to being separated from his friends and tormented by Ardyn, to finding Prompto tortured half to death, to being sucked into the Crystal and told he's going to be murdered by his own ancestors as soon as he gets back out.

(Another cut for length, whoops. Also this made me cry again because Noctis's destiny is so unfair, ugh.)

In canon, it's clear from Noctis's reactions that he has no idea how much time passed while he was in the Crystal. At most, he seems to feel as though it's been days, maybe? On the boat from Angelgard to Galdin Quay, he wonders how long he was out, so he clearly realizes that some amount of time has passed - but he wasn't aware of the passage of time until he wakes up on Angelgard. Then it probably takes him a couple of days to get to Hammerhead, and another day or two for him and his bros to get to Insomnia. So he's had almost no time to process the monumental change from "get the Crystal and save Lucis" to "take the Ring to the throne and sacrifice yourself". At best, he has the duration of the boat trip from Angelgard to Galdin, plus the night he spends in Galdin with Umbra. The rest of the time, he's with people - first Talcott, then the bros - and doing his best to catch up on the ten whole years he missed.

I suspect that after he woke up on Angelgard, he was running on... not exactly autopilot, but that desperate energy people get at the end of a long, horrific experience. There's an end in sight, and even if it isn't the end they might want... it's an end. It's a chance to stop, to breathe, to rest. Noctis hasn't had that since Insomnia fell. He's been careening from catastrophic disaster to brutal trauma to heartbreaking loss for nearly three months straight. Bahamut telling him he has to go die on the throne is just one more thing on the pile, one more horrible trial to get through. I don't think Noctis really grasps it in canon, the realization that he's going to die. He just doesn't have the chance to process it.

Until this scene.

This is the first time where Noctis has time to himself after reuniting with the guys. Time to realize how much he's missed them, and how much he's going to lose when he ascends the throne. Time to actually stop and think about what it means that he's going to die, for real, permanently. Not the abstract "the Empire wants to kill me" way he's known pretty much his whole life. Not the more immediate "fighting for his life against daemons" way. But a real, concrete, "your gods-ordained destiny is to die in the next three days" way.

And he doesn't want that.

But it's not just not wanting to die that he has to deal with. It's feeling this huge amount of guilt at what he sees as his own selfishness, that he wants to live even though him living means the whole world dies. It's not selfishness at all - Noctis is one of the most selfless characters in the entire Final Fantasy series - but it's a completely understandable feeling. He's barely started his life and it's about to end. Your own imminent death is a fucking huge concept to grapple with at any age, and Noctis is functionally still only twenty years old. He's still barely more than a child, and after seeing his brothers as actual real-time-passed thirty-year-olds, he's painfully aware of it. Of how much life he's already missed out on during the last ten years, as well as how much more life he should have had to live.

When you're twenty years old, thirty seems like old age, and fifty or seventy or ninety might as well be infinity years. When you're thirty - or at least for Noctis, when you see your friends suddenly be thirty - you still feel almost as young as you did at twenty, but fifty doesn't quite seem like infinity anymore. You can grasp time a little bit better, and you understand how much more of it you still have before you're actually "old" - before a natural death by old age. Even though Noctis grew up watching his dad age prematurely due to the Ring, he still had a twenty-year-old's sense of immortality, and fifty would have still felt like forever away. He thought he still had a whole life to live, even if it would have been a hard one as king of a country at war.

This scene is Noctis realizing he doesn't. He won't have it. He was never going to have it. He was always destined to die young, without even getting to live the extra ten years his brothers got. He lost ten whole entire years to the Crystal, and he's only allowed to be back long enough to glimpse what he already lost, and what he's going to lose in a few days. This scene is when Noctis finally allows himself to acknowledge all that, to really understand it, and to begin to grieve for it.

Ignis, meanwhile, has had ten years to grieve - but even so, he wasn't quite ready for how badly it would hurt to get Noctis back only to lose him again in a few days. He wouldn't give up these few extra days for anything - but at the same time, he's acutely aware that this brief reunion is worse than if Noctis had never come back at all. Now Ignis has to mourn him twice, and he's not sure he can survive that. He'll do it without complaint anyway, because he knows Noctis needs these days, deserves these days - but that doesn't make it hurt any less, and it won't make it any easier to bear when the dawn comes.

Ignis is trying desperately to hold it together for Noctis's sake here, but he's on the verge of breaking, himself. He wants to scream that it's not fair, that Noctis shouldn't have to die - but he knows how guilty Noct already feels for not wanting to die, and Ignis isn't going to add to that guilt. He doesn't say anything for most of this scene because, for Noctis's sake, he can't afford to admit that he doesn't want Noctis to die either - but he also can't bring himself to say that Noctis should die, that the prophecy is "right" or "good".

And Noctis knows Ignis well enough to understand exactly what his silence means.

Ask me stuff?

[ressyfaerie]

I'd like to hear more of your thoughts on why you think Tyson's dad sucks? I agree, he could've bothered his ass to be a parent but I'd like to hear what you think. Also: our lord & savior mr sourpuss 😂😂 That should be his full title

Dude I'm so glad you asked

I'm sitting in noodle box waiting for noods so this is the perfect time to explain why TYSONS DAD SUCKS

This is coming from someone who has daddy issues so stay with me here.

So I never read the full manga because I had a hard time finding translations (I'd still love to one day I'd love to buy the whole collection!!) So I'm just going off of what we know from the series

Specifically season 1 since he never comes back ever.

Tysons dad legit was like

"I'm going out to go get beyblades and milk"

And never came back with the beyblades or the milk.

I mean in season 1 tyson and his pals were legit abandoned in Europe at what 13 years old??

And mr. BRUCE (awful name btw) so let's call him his japanese (btw cant find where they actually address him by name anywhere and I'm not panning through the series in noodle box rn) so let's call him Tatsuya.

Anyways

Tatsuya clearly has the knowledge of what Tyson is up to like he can watch him on TV travelling the world.

And the way Tyson CRIES when he watches his dad on the VHS! And when he saw him!!! Like. Oh my GOD. The poor child!!! It was like he thought he was never going to see him again!!

And like Ryu is pretty spry for his old age but legit who ABANDONS their child with (I'm unsure if Ryu is his father or Tysons mothers father) but if hes tysons mothers father that even WORSE.

Imagine just abandoning your child at your in laws!!??? The absolute audacity!! (Which brings up the question, who is Tysons legal guardian anyway?)

And I'm assuming Tatsuya left after Tyson's mother passed away. And if I recall in the manga she passed away when Tyson was a very young infant.

Which means Tyson never really had a father, but still knew he was out there, he just wasn't important enough for him to stay for.

And that feeling fucking SUCKS.

And I believe that is the core of Tyson's character and why he is the way he is. (Independent to a fault, and has an extreme fear of abandonment (explains legit all of g rev))

Not to mention he took Hiro with him around the world and Tyson was left behind.

Imagine if Tyson didn't become a world champion and travelled the world.

He would be left with his Grandpa, playing with toys and kendo. While knowing that his father has a favourite, and consciously left him behind.

And theres no way that Tatsuya isnt aware of this as a parent. And the fact that he makes NO EFFORT to remedy this makes me furious!!

If I was Tyson, I'd hate him. But all Tyson wants is his love and attention.

And then he fucking LEAVES AGAIN.

what a LOSER.

[rayofsunas]

haikyuu!! as dads (pt.2)

A/n: hello! this is the part two to the haikyuu!! as dads ���series”. if I combined them they’d be very long.

Summary: haikyuu characters as dads/domestic living.

Pairings: Yuji Terushima, Akaashi Keiji, Yu Nishinoya, Tsutomu Goshiki

Warnings: some timeskip spoilers, fluff, parenting, angst (kinda, not really), swearing (maybe), crack, all characters are aged up

Word count: 2.2k

Part One!

Yuji Terushima

- childish man sigh

- he has a daughter and son, who he’s just as childish as, and it really shows

- boy has so much energy

- he’s ALWAYS chasing his son and daughter around

- he offers to take his kids to the playground, he says he’s doing it to give you a break, but really he has just as much fun playing on the playground as his son

- when he picks his sons up after daycare expect them to race to where you’re waiting by the sidewalk

- he will not let them beat him, he doesn’t realize it, but he gets caught up in having fun and will legit run off sprinting to you, leaving his kids in the dust

- has to repeatedly apologize and promise he won’t do it again, but it still happens everyday

- he’s an apprentice hair stylist so boy knows how to do hair

- you can find him playing with both of his kids hair if they let him

- it definitely puts them to sleep at night, so he does it often

- watches cartoons/movies with them because he also enjoys it

- his sons tries to say doing hair is for girls, and teases terushima about it

- BUT on the low everyone in the family knows he’s just joking and he secretly loves it

- would rather do something involving movement, boy can’t sit still for shit, so often he’s out and about with his kids

-adores his children so much

- he thinks they're so fun

- would rather hang out with them over adults

- “adults are boring” “I agree daddy”

- his children cling to him, and because he’s so close to them, they come to him to talk about anything

- wherever terushima is, his children were sure to follow when they were little

- despite being childish, after taking his now teen daughter to a soccer game, he managed to become famous amongst the mothers who called him “a hot dad with a tongue piercing”

- “I’m telling mom” his teen son said one day while his daughter was on the field still

- “what?” terushima lowkey was confused, doesn’t see the harm in the comments, as long as they don’t over step right?

- “why do you entertain them?”

- “it’s funny” he shrugged.

- “still telling mom.”

- because he’s childish, and his children come to him for everything, he has dirt on his kids that you don't know

- “if that's the case. i’m telling her what you did.” he smirks

- “what did I do?”

- "your boyfriend, last week, behind the bleachers...”

- “oh...”

- “yeah, oh.”

- “you know she supports your relationship, but she’s also protective, and she’ll wanna give you guys the talk.”

- “i’ll still tell her... she’ll beat your ass, childish old man.”

- his daughter still tells him things, but after her brother told her what happened during her game, she will keep certain things from him

- although terushima joked about telling you what went on between your son and his boyfriend, it accidentally slipped out at dinner

- “dad you promised!” “SORRY!”

- he was just having a nice convo with his family and then it slipped out, he doesn’t regret it lol, he thinks it's not a big deal, but when you began having the talk OVER dinner he regretted it oop

- your son claimed it wasn't an accident and therefore tells that he’s been allowing the mothers to flirt with him, but you're more focused on giving your son the talk

- “you know you always have to use protection. I know it may seem different, cause he’s a boy, but if you're doing an-”

- “BABE, SHHHH, I’M TRYING TO EAT!”

- “YOU SHOUDL’VE KEPT QUIET.”

- your daughter is so traumatized...

Akaashi Keiji

- when his daughter was born, he was lowkey stressed

- he wants everything to go smoothly and perfect, and it did, but he was stressed

- akaashi still to this day cannot say no to her

- he gives her that smile, and it just lowkey melts his heart, he doesn't show it though

- you would often come home to see them laying on the couch together, him reading a children's book to her, her pointing at the little pictures

- she’s wrapped around his finger and vice versa

- is in her life a lot more than other dads maybe but he also knows space is important

- he overthinks a lot, so he’s always worrying when his daughter comes home late

- he trusts her, but he knows how influenced teens can get when around with friends

- he’s the type of dad that seems scary cause his blank and serious looks, but he’s actually soft af

- he kinda strict though ngl

- he wants his daughter to do good in all aspects of life, school, careers, everything

- so he’s kinda the strict parent

- when his daughter was little, and even now, he makes sure she always eats good

- she can’t leave the table unless she’s cleaned her whole plate up, he’s very humble sooo

- he’s the one who helps his daughter through tough days or if she has mood swings lol

- he had to deal with bokuto and his ups and downs, so you best believe he’s skilled in that department

- he makes sure his daughter is always neat looking

- he’s not a clean freak by any means, but he always wants her looking presentable/neat

- when he learned his daughter had a boyfriend, lets just say he didn’t talk for hours after the first initial “oh...”

- “dad I want you to meet him” “who?” “my boyfriend- I just said that!” “oh...”

- “mom said you’d react like this, but he’s a good guy promise. “i’d only bring home the best for you to meet”

- doesn’t wanna accept she’s growing up and is sad about it

- isn’t gonna say he cried about it, but he probably cries in your shoulder when his daughter is out of the house

- it’s always been his daughter and him against the world, and it feels as if he’s letting her go, when in reality, he’s not

- she’ll still come home at the end of the day

- misses when she was a baby, because he could read books and tell her stories all day :(

-nonetheless he’s happy for her, just SHOOK

Yu Nishinoya 

- omg he loves his kids so much, he always does the most extra stuff for them

- throws over the top crackhead birthday parties

- has a football team of kids ngl

- 4 kids-

- and he wants more, but you said no :(

- it took him years to get over the initial shock that they also need your attention too- BUTTTTTT he got over it

- he has 3 sons and a daughter and keeps them so active lol

- he’s always going on adventures with them

- he’s the dad that would take his kids camping, in their backyard though (his youngest child is too young to go camping)

- but he sets up a cute little tent and bonfire and its so cute

- sooooo, nishinoya has grown since high school, and although he’s not the tallest or biggest man, he’s taller

- in old photos, his sons (if taller) make fun of his heigh, poor nishi

- will slap them silly

- if his sons are popular in school and get a lot of attention, they are the only boys he will accept who get attention

- he’d be like yes bitch, get them girls/guys

- anyone who looks at his daughter is going to face a rabid chiuaha

- he may not seem so strictly protective, but he doesn’t like when anyone flirts with his daughter

- it is his only daughter, and the youngest child at that

- he embarrasses his kids, A LOT. especially when they're older

- they didn’t realize as young children why the people would stare when they went to amusement parks or to get ice cream

- BUT NOW

- they see it :(

- when you decided it would be great for the whole family to go out for dinner, it resulted in your husband getting into an argument with a waiter for apparently “flirting with my daughter and my wife”

- simply put, the waiter was not flirting, he was just doing his job, taking your order-

- nishinoya is a rabid Chihuahua all the time, and results in his family getting kicked out of a lot of restaurants/places because he’s TOO LOUD

- if one of his kids got suspended from school, he legit can’t find it in him to punish them, he’s not strict at all and is a major goofball

- instead much to your dismay, he REWARDS them....

- two of your sons got into a fight with another boy, resulting in suspension? nishinoya takes them both out for dinner

- when he came home from said dinner, he had the largest grin on his face claiming to you, “they were standing their ground!”

- your son starts rumors about another boy? all nishinoya can say was that it was deserved

- your daughter bad mouths a fellow student and gets suspended for vulgar language? rabid chihuahua dad to the rescue!

- defends his daughter in front of you, the principle, and other child's parents while in the principles office

- the whole house is chaotic and a zoo, and you’re the only sane one tbh

- if not for you, they wouldn't be disciplined at all

- truthful, nishinoya means well and did mature (?) but overall he’s very crackhead chaotic embarrassing dad

Tsutomu Goshiki

- okay so goshiki as a dad is so cute uwu

- we all know he loves to show off, soooo

- he shows his son of every chance he gets

- when you three go to the grocery store, he’s always proudly holding his son on his shoulders, making sure people see him lol

- and when they do see him and comment how cute he is, goshiki just be like “i know” with the FATTEST smirk

- when he’s teaching his son how to walk, he’ll intentional take his son outside and walk him around on the strip of sidewalk in front of your house and a few of the neighbors houses

- he knows that your neighbor, a grandma who’s grandkids are all older and don’t visit much, will see it through her window and come out to gush at how cute your son is and how he’s a better walker than her grandkids when they were his age  

- goshiki couldn’t be prouder lmao

- brags about his kids to the Green Rockets ALL THE TIME

- will confidently and proudly say he has the cutest and smartest kid on the planet and will argue about it for hours to anyone

- “shiki, it’s not a debate, why’re you so defensive?” you asked one afternoon after picking Goshiki up from practice with the Green Rockets, one of his teammates sat in the back with your son beside him in his car seat

- you offered to take his teammate home seeing as though his ride wouldn’t be here for a while, plus he lived a street over so it was easiest and made more sense

- the whole way, Goshiki’s teammate was happily playing peek-a-boo with the three year old, your son was having a blast, and all you could hear were his loud giggles, it was adorable

- “i think he likes me” his teammate mentioned after fifteen minutes. your husband scoffed beside you in the passenger seat

- “i think so too. he’s shy because goshiki is always showing him off, but he really likes you!” you explained, eyes focused on the road

- the whole time gohsiki was glaring back at his teammate

- “look goshiki, he’s reaching for me! he wants a hug”

- “It’s just because you’re holding his favorite binky.”

- eye-

- “....whatever. I still think he like’s me.”

- your husband just coldly laughs and turns around to face the front, “no”

- goshiki spends a lot of time with his son in his early years, so they're very close and always do stuff together

- but on his sons first day of preschool he’s more nervous than his son is tbh

- he prideful, so he knows his son is going to make tons of friends and do alright, but he can’t help but feel bored and alone the rest of the day, since he’s so used to doing everything with him

- on his days off, he always woke up early with his son and spent the day together

- now he has to send him off to preschool for the WHOLE day...

- not gonna lie, the first week wasn’t as bad as he imagined it, but once the second week started, it kicked in for the first time that this would be an everyday occurrence until summer and it wasn’t something temporary

- on the second monday of preschool, after dropping his son off, he comes home sad and legit goes to find you to complain and whine

- “does he really need preschool?” goshiki whined.

- “yes, shiki, it’s important.”

- “homeschool is an option.”

-  you laughed. “who will teach him?”

- “me of course.”

- “what? NO!”

- an hour later...

- “i miss him.”

- “he’ll be back in two hours.”

- “two hours is too long.”

- probably cried in your neck a few minutes later because he was sad about it :(

- don’t tell his teammate though-

- he gets happy again though when you reassure him how much he misses goshiki too

- his response.... “well duh, I am his favorite.” prideful bastard...

- IS SO SO SO HAPPY WHEN HE GOES TO PICK HIS SON UP HUSH

- HIS SMILE IS SO HUGE UWUWUWU

10.21.20, rayofsunas

[loser-writings]

Oh hey! Im new here so, can I ask for a mating season with Omega shigaraki? I just read how you described him and i love it, he doesn't help the Alpha reader in her/his ruts but he demands help in his heat,....okey so what about the Alpha reader gives him a taste of his own medicine? Leaving him alone so he has to deal with his heat just like he does to the reader.

UNINTENTIONAL BIRTHDAY POST. I LEGIT DIDN’T KNOW IT WAS HIS BIRTHDAY, BUT HERE YA GO. CHOKED FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY YA NASTY

Warning: Neglect, Manipulation, Omega heats, Sub Shiggy, Dom reader, Gender Neutral but Alpha anatomy, Choking and just all around NSFW.

You sighed softly as you hauled two large trash bags out of Shigarakis room, throwing them in the dumpster since he was busy deep cleaning. His heat was coming up and suddenly became aware of how disgusting his nest had become. His sheets were stained with a variety of unknown liquids, trash had become embedded inside, and the smell of it alone was enough to have the Omega gagging. You weren’t that surprised though since the main giveaway was the random cravings he had been having for roughly a week now, so you were well prepared to deal with him ordering you to help him.

Since you had decided to court him, he had gone off of his suppressants as a way to keep control over you. Sure, you were well aware of that fact because Toga would occasionally question him about it, but you also didn’t mind it. The only problem was that now you wanted revenge. When your heat had suddenly hit, he only tossed you some clothes of his and told you to leave him alone since he was “Too busy” Trying to beat the damn game he had suddenly became interested in the second signs of your heat appeared.

Now wasn’t the time to start your plan for revenge though since Tomuras’ Omega was quickly decluttering his nest and demanding you clean the many piles of ruined cloth. Luckily, Kurogiri had gone out and grabbed tons of new, clean sheets, fluffy pillows, and even some blankets that All for One had sent the second he got the distressed Omegas’ message that morning. All you had to do was scent them and give them to the tense man.

The second you handed him everything, he got to work. It put your alpha at ease watching the thin male create his nest on top of his now clean bed since it was a taste of a more domestic lifestyle. You could hear him purring from your seat at his desk as he laid pillows down, adjusted the blankets, and tucked your clothes in as well. When he was finished, He sighed and flopped inside the nest, grinning a little at how comfortable it felt. “Alpha?” He called before looking over at you, opening his arms so you could join him. A rare moment of vulnerability for Tomura since he always seemed tense and irritable but the clean nest seemed to make his Omega purr from pride.

But you had other plans. You stood up and walked over to the nest only to lean in and kiss his forehead. “Not now, Omega. I’m going to cook some food for you. You have to eat.” A loud whine instantly came from the boy as his partially gloved hands grabbed you. “Tell Kurogiri to do it. I want to be held.” He said in an almost bratty tone. You smirked before moving to peck his nose, noticing how he stretched in an attempt to get you to kiss his chapped lips. “I want to do it myself, Omega. Let me spoil you.” Shigaraki suddenly growled before pushing you away, his scent starting to smell moldy and burned. “Fine, Go fucking cook for me like some sort of housewife instead of treating me like a real Alpha.” He barked as an attempt to insult you, but it only made you chuckle. “It’ll be worth it, Tomura. I’ll be back in a moment.” You said as you left his room with a cheeky grin.

You weren’t expecting to find your Omega curled up in his nest, clinging to the shirt you had worn yesterday as if it was his lifeline. Your alpha naturally wanted to comfort him since the distressed scent was stronger than before, but you took it slow knowing that Shigaraki would take advantage of your guilt. Instead of running to help him, you slowly walked over to him and sat on the edge of his nest. “Sit up, Omega. I won’t feed you since you got upset about it last time.” A loud whine came from him and you sighed, remembering something else about his heat. His body starts to ache, but that wouldn’t stop him from scolding you when you try to feed him.

You moved to carefully pick up the Omega before laying him back on the nest, the little surprised chirp showed that he wasn’t expecting you to do that and it was followed by a snarl. “Don’t fucking touch me,” He swatted at your arm, not actually trying to hurt you. “You wanted to make food so now I don’t want to be touched.” He growled until he watched you grab the large bowl of ramen you had made for him. His eyes widened and he just sighed, hands carefully taking the bowl and chopsticks you had rested on top. “Thanks…” He refused to look you in the eyes, but he quickly began slurping away at the noodles. “No problem. You don’t eat during your heat, so I decided to make you some food.” He just hummed, but he knew you were right. He always lost a little weight after a heat, and that was scary considering that he was already underweight. Going from 120 lbs at 5’9 to 115 lbs doesn’t seem like a lot, but it was enough to make his Alpha panic.

After he ate, he seemed to be in a more pleasant mood. His eyes glanced over at you again before he huffed. “Alpha.” He demanded your attention. “Hold me. I feel tired, and I want you.” He spoke bluntly, yet there was a hidden tone your alpha picked up on. His omega seemed to shine through, expressing fear of rejection that couldn’t be heard by the average person, but it caused you to move before thinking. You laid on your side and pulled Shigaraki in your chest, feeling him sigh before tangling his long, thin, legs with yours. Another set of purrs came from him that were so intense that you could feel his chest rumbling as he pressed his head right under your chin. One arm wrapped around your neck, pressing the scent gland on his wrist against yours on your neck as a way to scent you as well as get your scent on him. He was content and found himself falling asleep in a matter of minutes.

When he woke up, he quickly felt an uncomfortable yet familiar burning through his body. A loud chirp came from his omega who realized that his alpha wasn’t there before he did. He attempted to sit up, but his sore body caused him to cry out in pain. He expected to find you beside him but only found a note and a box on the edge of the nest. 

“Sorry Omega, Something came up and I had to leave. I promise to be back soon!”

Tears started to fall while a wave of rage ran through him. He took off his glove and instantly decayed the paper before moving to look at what was in the box you had left. Food, Water, and a hoodie you had scented heavily were inside as if you believed that he would take it. He only scoffed loudly and crawled back to the center of his nest, trying to fall back asleep so he could ignore the intense burning in his stomach.

Loud chirps of distress came from his Omega as his heat started picking up a bit. He groaned out in annoyance, quickly stripping off his shirt that had begun sticking to his body and shivering at how cool the air was before moving to try to kick off his shoes. He groaned loudly as he struggled to take them off but quickly said fuck it and just decaying them instead. You would have to buy him a new pair since you weren’t here. After that, he stripped himself of the rest of his clothes that were sticking to him, biting back a whimper as he collapsed back inside of the nest.

He touched his forehead and swore he was burning up, not surprised at all since he usually broke out in a fever during his heats. He suddenly felt a wave of nausea and rolled over, face down in the nest as a series of whimpers, chirps, and cries came from him as he attempted to ease his pain. 

It had been about 6 hours since you left Shigaraki at the first sign of his heat. You had originally planned to stay away for a whole day, but your Alpha was livid that you left your Omega to suffer at all. When you approached Shigarakis’ bedroom, you heard the soft chirps and smelled the strong scent coming from the other side of the door. With only 4 of his scent glands working, it was clear they were on overdrive.

The second you walked in, your Alpha growled loudly. Not at him, but at you because how fucking dare you leave him when he needed you. As you approached the pale body collapsed on the bed, you noticed how he wasn’t moving at all. “Tomura?” You called only for him not to reply, only getting a chirp that sent  your Alpha in a panic. “Omega?!” You pressed your hand on his forehead only to feel how hot he was. Your alpha knew this wasn’t okay and quickly took over. 

You quickly grabbed a towel from his bathroom to soak in cold water before starting a warm bath for him. As that filled up, you grabbed the towel and draped it over his head before carrying him to the tub. Once you laid him inside the water, you softly stroked his hair and mumbled soft apologies and praise to him.

After a few minutes, his temperature managed to lower significantly and he started to regain consciousness. Your alpha instantly purred knowing he was okay, but went straight into comfort mode the second he whimpered. “ It’s okay Omega. I’m here now…” You whispered while running your hand through his damp blue locks. He only whined as his gaze slowly locked onto your own.“You weren’t here…” He sounded almost heartbroken, as if you had let him down. You instantly felt guilt and moved to press a soft kiss to his cracked lips. “I’m so sorry. I’ll never do that again, no matter the reason.” He looked at you again and gave a small nod, “It hurts so much more without you here.” He croaked out before shivering as the water got colder. “I know. I’m here now.” He moved to carefully sit up when he felt your arms slip under him, whining at his aching joints. 

You laid him back into his nest before slipping the hoodie you had left over his head. Another soft whine came from him as he opened his arms, able to focus a bit more since he was in between waves. As you pulled him close, he yawned and shoved his face in your chest. “Alpha?” He spoke softly, only continuing when he heard you acknowledge him. “Will you bond me?” His voice was quiet as he asked, omega present once more. “I don’t want you to go…I want you to be my Alpha.”

He seemed to tremble in your arms,yet he tilted his head to kiss your neck softly as if to convince you. Your Alpha was instantly okay with it, and you agreed with your alpha. “Of course, Omega. I’ll mark you so you know I’m all yours.” Your words soothed Tomura, and he instantly moved to kiss you again.

His hands moved to cup your cheeks, little fingers away from your face since he wasn’t wearing his gloves. He felt his body starting to heat up again and became desperate to strip you of your clothes, whining when his hands pulled away from your face to begin tugging off your shirt. He started to struggle with your pants and grew impatient, deciding to just decay them off of you. You gasped and started to scold him, but he only moved to bite your neck to get you to stop.

                        ∘◦✂ ——NSFW STARTS HERE——–✂ ◦∘

“Shut up, Alpha. You left me alone, I need payback.” There was the bratty Omega you adored so much. He tried to take control, but you were quick to catch him off guard by flipping him under you while pinning his hands above his head. You were both very well aware that he could’ve won the fight in a heartbeat, but his Omega wanted him to submit and made him whine loudly as he watched you grab the gloves he had thrown off earlier.

He didn’t put up a fight when you moved to slip them back over his thin hands. Even though he may tease you or threaten you, he never actually wanted to harm you, so sitting obediently as you gave his hands attention wasn’t a problem. Once you had finished, you softly pressed a kiss to his palm which caused him to grin a little. “Asshole…Stop being so fucking soft.” He mumbled before bringing your face down to kiss him. 

He refused to have you pull away from him though. The second your lips left his, he pulled you back in for another sloppy kiss. His covered hands would cup your cheeks and then find themselves caressing down your shoulders, nails digging into your skin when you run your hands across his chest. He let out a low groan and moved to grab a fistful of your hair. “Sensitive, you knothead.” You only chuckled and ran your fingers across his chest once more, watching him bite back a moan while throwing back his head. “I know.”

Then your lips attacked his neck, instantly causing him to throw his head to the side to fully submit to you. Despite his quirk causing his skin to be rough, you never hesitated to dive in and mark the sensitive skin. As you gave his neck special attention, a series of praise and moans slipped past his lips before a loud giggle erupted from him.

“What’s so funny?” You asked as your lips searched for the scarred scent gland of the other. He simply hummed, shutting his eyes and moving his head so you could find it easier. “Thinking of you marking me…and other people getting jealous.” You simply smirked and nibbled the scent gland, receiving a hum of pleasure. “You getting off knowing that they couldn’t do shit about it?” He nodded with a big grin. “Yeah cause you’re mine-” He cut himself off with a loud moan when you started sucking on the scent gland. “H-Hey fucking give me a warning!” He spat, sending you a harsh glare. 

You pressed another kiss to his neck after leaving a dark mark over the place you would be returning to later. “Are you…Going to try bonding me there?” He asked only to receive a nod in return. “Fuck..” He mumbled, thinking about how visible it would be. “Would you stop worrying and let me handle things?” “If I did that, everything would turn to shit.” You grabbed his thigh causing the Omega to gasp and squirm under you. “Stop being an asshole.” He huffed before tugging on your hair once again, being bratty to challenge dominance.

His challenge didn’t last long though. The second your hand slammed against his neck, a surprised chirp erupted from his Omega, his eyes rolled back, and a blissful grin appeared on his face. “I forget how much you like that.” You chuckled, knowing that he loved having control taken from him this way. Your other hand reached down, grazing past his member which only forced another loud whine. “S-Such a bitch-” he groaned as more pressure suddenly appeared on his neck. “And you’re ungrateful.” 

A low hum from you made him know you were enjoying what you were seeing. “Jesus babe. You claim to not be a bitch, but you’re a fucking wreck.” He whined, feeling you cover your hand in his slick before lifting it to show him. “God-” he choked out a chuckle which only made you grin as well. Your hand released his neck as you quickly pecked him. “You’re a mess.” He smiled before shaking his head. “Will you just hurry up and breed my ass so I can take a nap. I’m tired of your mouth. Fucking make that shit useful.”

You rolled your eyes and wiped your hand off on Shigarakis’ thigh, making him whine and attempt to kick you. “Oh my god, stop being a little shit for five minutes will you?” You grabbed him by his thighs before pulling him close, wrapping his legs around your waist. A loud laugh came from him and he smiled at you. “Fucking make me.” You only hummed and slipped your hands under the hoodie he still wore, pinching his sensitive nipples once again. The omega only threw his head back and yelped, trying to kick you once again. 

You pulled away and pulled him close once again, grinding against him as he threw his head back. He could only whine and grip the bed as a loud moan filled your ears when you started to push into him. “Oh fuck!” He was not a quiet man, that was for sure. As you bottomed out, the Omega was whimpering and grinding against you. “H-Hurry up!” He growled, reaching up and grabbing your shoulders to pull you down for a sloppy kiss. His arms wrapped around you as your hips started to move, the pace starting slow to make sure he was comfortable but quickly picked up the more he begged. His hands moved down to your back, leaving deep scratches as he whimpered against your lips. The second your lips abandoned his to bite at his neck, his loud pants and content sighs filled the room.

When it was clear that he was getting close, you could feel your knot beginning to swell. He whimpered as tears of pain and pleasure leaked down the sides of his face. “A-Alpha! Alpha breed me please!” He choked out, crying out one more time as one of his hands moved to pump his neglected member. That was enough to send him over the edge, a loud string of swears erupting from him as he clenched around you. The second your knot fully locked the two of you together, you bit down against his scent gland. 

An overwhelming amount of emotions suddenly came over Tomura as he felt your teeth sink into his neck. He was quiet, only whimpering from the pain at first, but then he felt himself starting to get choked up. He trembled and moved to carefully pull you closer, his legs wrapping around your waist to keep you as close to him as possible. “Alpha..” He sniffled and shoved his nose in your neck, trying to calm down as his omega began chirping. “D-Don’t leave me…” His hand tangled in your hair as he felt your teeth leave his neck, instead being replaced with your lips softly pressing against the tender area again and again. 

“I never will, Omega. I promise you that. I’m all yours.” He sniffled and hiccuped before hugging you again, trying to process the emotions he was feeling. Sadness was there, but at the same time he felt honored? He felt special, and wanted. He felt as if somebody accepted who he was for once, and he didn’t feel alone. He wiped his eyes as you pulled away to kiss his tears. “Omega, Are you okay?” Your voice was soft and your protective Alpha was present in your voice. It caused a new wave of tears, but he slowly nodded while wiping them away. “Y-Yeah…I’m alright Alpha.” He sniffled and quickly pressed his lips to yours, pulling away because he was tired. 

“Rest Omega. You’re tired, and you shouldn’t have any heatwaves for awhile now. Especially with that mark.” He nodded and laid down, grinning when you snuggled into his neck and pressed a small kiss on his mark. “Alpha?” You simply hummed, feeling his fingers playing with your hair. “Do you love me?” A sleepy chuckle and a nod made him sigh softly. “I…think that might be what I’m feeling…B-But I don’t know. I bet it’s just the mark.” You shrugged and moved to peck his lips. “You don’t ever have to say it, Tomura. Just as long as you know that I’m here for you, and I’m all yours, then I’m happy.” He looked down at you and huffed softly, pressing chapped lips to your head. “You’re too good to me…” He yawned softly, feeling the adrenaline starting to go away. “Maybe one day…until then, thank you for taking care of me.” He mumbled, shutting his eyes as he felt sleep take over. “No problem Shiggy…Rest. I’ll be right here.” He hummed and allowed himself to sleep.

[enmy-writes]

Baby Avenger

Summary: (Y/N) is one of the youngest avenger members and some government officials repeatedly let her know of “her position.” So, she lets them know exactly what her position is.

Word Count: 2100

Fandom: MCU Avengers

Pairing: Avengers x Reader

Genre: Fluff, soft, slight angst and sadness, & family love.

Rated: 18+

Content Warnings: profanity, death, abandonment, bullying, this is my first ever post of any fanfiction ever so it’s probably bad

**** This is my first ever imagine that I have ever finished and published. Please give me feedback and let me know what else I should write! I’m very excited and nervous so please let me know if you enjoyed this :) I’m thinking of making this Y/N character into a little “Baby Avenger” one-shot series, so let me know your thoughts ****

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Baby Avenger.

Baby Avenger.

Baby. Avenger.

 In her head, her stomping can be heard throughout the whole Compound and all of its residents and guests can hear her anger. They know she’s going right to the meeting room; not the team meeting room, but the meeting room they use when they have special guests in for a meeting.

The new government officials who are now “in charge” of the Avengers since The Snap Part 2 were in for the day to go over the general plans that the Avengers have been coming up with. They’re nicer than those in charge of the group from the Accords, but in no way were they nice to majority of the group as a whole.

(Y/N) (L/N) happens to be the second to youngest member on the team coming in at an age of 18, second only to her best friend Peter Parker

(Y/N) is an orphan, the typical origin story of any superhero. Her parents spent their last minutes pushing her out of their burning house in rural Pennsylvania. Actually, it was her father who got her out of the flames and by their fishpond 100 meters from the house. Her mother was inside, trapped under a steal beam in the basement.

(Y/N)’s mother was a scientist who worked in secret in a little band of scientists who tried to accomplish their own small victories in testing the alterations and limits of humans. The goal of these scientists is to stay out of sight of the CIA, FBI, S.H.I.E.L.D., and other government agencies. Most of them are left alone and those who get found are either immediately sent to a high security prison or recruited to continue their experiments for a certain country/agency.

(Y/N)’s mother decided to give herself her treatment she was working on instead of potentially kidnapping someone in the everyone-knows-everything kind of town that they had been living in. Her experiment and life studies were all in trying to find a way to unlock the rest of the human brain so that more than that small percentage is being used at a time. It has been hypothesized that humans could do a lot if their brains just used itself more.

The only problem is when she gave the treatment to herself, she was unknowingly pregnant, and the treatment attached onto that small lifeform instead of her own. She created a super baby.

No one knew the exact answer to what is on the other side of that tunnel of science. No one knew what opening the mind could do, there were only theories to support ideas. Plenty of scientific evidence, but it meant nothing with no legit proof.

Well, turns out that those on the team of “you will gain the ability to read minds and shit unlike any human” were the correct guessers.

(Y/N) can read others’ minds, move things with her mind, slow down time in her mind to be able to successfully breakdown a situation and perform the best possible reaction to anything that comes her way. Oh, and the color spectrum is broader for her, allowing her to see a significantly more amount of colors than a normal human (including seeing the aura’s and heat that people give off. Very useful in the few missions she goes on.).

But her parents are dead.

After setting small (Y/N) down, her father ran back in to save the love of his life. Or, well, that’s what the towns’ people say to romanticize the situation. A brave man trying to save his family.

In the end, her father had shaken his head, laughing at the moment like a mad man with tears running down his face. He pulled (Y/N) in for the tightest hug that he had ever given the girl—which is tight considering how close the two really were. They were just like two peas in a pod, the light of each other’s lives, basically soulmates.

But love makes you do crazy things.

“You listen to me, (Y/N).” He gripped her face in a painful grip, cheeks sure to be bruised later. “I will always love you. Don’t doubt that, baby girl, okay? I love you so so so so much” By this time, tears are pouring off his face, the neon flames coming from the house reflecting off his wet face. “Mommy… mommy just needs me now, baby. I need mommy, too. We love you so much.”

It had confused her, his words. Nothing could prepare her to watch her father run back into the house, leaving her by the pond with nothing but a small bag of little family things like pictures, little stupid gifts, and a notebook she had stolen from her mom’s bookshelf one day.

Her mother’s grandfather had been friends with Howard Stark, both science men having been in the same circle of famous inventors since before WWII. While neither her mother nor father personally knew his son, Tony, he was still listed as the godfather to the child. With no close friends allowed in their secret circle, old bonds and pacts that her grandfather had with the older Stark led to a blind trust in the man.

Tony Stark had agreed to be the godfather during a one-week bender in his 30s, and when he was yelled at about it, he chose to just keep it there because “the chances of this happening is very slim.”

But here we are, Baby Avenger.

The officials who are here now actually were the same people that used to do check-ins and such with them pre-Accords, so they knew the team better than any government official save for the rare union that the team members may have with government officials. (Y/N) randomly has one with the Queen of England (she did a favor for Her Majesty once, and now they have tea every third Thursday of every month).

They knew that Tony suffered from panic attacks, and they knew Steve was going through a never ending loop of an existential crisis, and that Bucky will most likely always be having an identity crisis, and that Sam cries to sleep a lot around a certain time of year that renders him almost useless in his sleep deprived state he puts himself into. They know EVERYTHING vulnerable about the team.

So, that means they know how when she first got to the team and to Tony that she wouldn’t speak to anyone unless absolutely necessary. It took her almost a year to be able to speak more than a sentence to every person she was around. No one was too upset, though, Tony was trying to figure out how to save himself and rebrand his whole legacy and the Avengers weren’t really a family family yet like they are now. (Y/N)’s shyness made it much easier on the adults to figure out their stressful situations.

The officials, though, never got why she wouldn’t speak to them. They actually pushed her progress back more and more with taunts and comments such as “Oh, the baby can’t speak?” or a “Get your phone out! She’s about to say her first words!” every time she did go to say something.

Tony soon got fed up with it and filed a lawsuit against them which threatened their agency enough to pull them out and let a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent be a liaison for them. After their presence was rid of, (Y/N) grew exponentially with her new family. She was still home schooled, but now she had Peter Parker as a friend and world geniuses as her teachers. She was an only child, but now she’s a big sister to Morgan and has plenty of people on the team that are dubbed her siblings (since they don’t act their age majority of the time to be considered aunts and uncles).

While she’s trained to fight, (Y/N) doesn’t go out on the field much unless they need her brain or her extended vision. She likes to remain behind the computer screen and help that way. She’s invented a way to make prosthetics like Bucky’s become more available to the general public and has started a school/home that’s three miles from the Compound for orphaned kids, mutants, super kids, and those who aren’t accepted where they come from.

In conclusion, (Y/N) is 18 and not useless in any way, shape, or form.

So why, why, do these absolute short dick idiots decide that they can come into here, her home, and push her around like she hasn’t contributed more to the Earth and society in the short 18 years than their middle-aged asses?

Eyes narrowed and seeing red, she stomps her way down the last hall, shoving herself into the door of the meeting room and throwing it open.

The team stays unfazed, knowing she’d show up pissed at some point. The officials, though, jump in their seat and turn to look at her.

It wasn’t the biggest meeting, the original Avengers plus Bucky, Sam, and Wanda sit around the table. Though, Rocket and Groot are here sitting along the back wall, looking bored as hell. Thor must have drug them along.

Fists clenched, (Y/N) narrows her eyes more. She’s been here since the first attack. Sure, she didn’t fight since she was like, 8 or so, but she was in charge of her man-behind-the-computer work. She’s been a part of the team since the beginning, and these assholes are too big of pricks to acknowledge that.

That’s what’s pissing the girl off. This could have been a meeting for every one of the fighters of the team, which she wouldn’t go to because that’s not her role. This meeting, though, was scheduled as “Originals plus the newly appointed leaders only.” She’s an original.

SHE IS AN ORIGINAL.

SHE. IS. AN. OG.

AND YET, they remained in telling her she wasn’t invited because “The Baby Avenger doesn’t need to join big kid conversation.”

She locked eyes with her adopted father and her best friend, aka Peter Parker, aka the only reason she knew this meeting was still being held.

Poor, lovely Peter. He grew confused when his best friend wasn’t sitting in between Mr. Stark and him for the meeting, especially when the officials referred to the meeting as they did. He was just there to take notes for Mr. Stark, not that the man wouldn’t remember it all. Pepper thought it’d be a good idea if Tony had written evidence to anything said in these meetings so that he wouldn’t be pouring statements out of his ass without proof, and poor, lovely Peter got elected to take such notes.

When he noticed you weren’t there, he had sent you a text asking where you were and that your drink that he brought you was right next to him.

“(Y/N)! It is so great to see you, my wonderful flower.” Thick arms wrapped around her as a golden man squeezed her tight to him. Thor and (Y/N) had a special relationship. They’re always close and do the most innocent of tasks together like flower crowns, step-by-step painting classes, and making those Tik Tok crocheted blankets made with that big yarn. He even had taken her to Asgard (back when it was a planet) for a royal ball where she was the guest of honor. They’re just soft together.

Though, rage blocked that softness that normally occurs between the two. Pushing off of him, she points her finger at the men in the front. The officials look like they’ve seen the devil and all of Hell and (Y/N) can see the fear pouring off of them.

“Let’s get this clear,” she says as she slowly stalks her way up to them. “I am an Avenger. I am an original Avenger. I know about 3,000 ways to kill you in this room at this very moment with anything. I drink tea with the fucking Queen on Thursdays, and I’ve created a better orphanage/school system in 2 years than this country has in the 250 years it’s been around. Don’t you EVER call me a fucking baby again, you fucking hear me?”

By this point, she’s right up in their faces, her glare unwavering and them sweating. The silence in the room was great and seemed to go on forever. The team held their breaths, some trying not to laugh and some scared of backlash that might be trust upon the girl.

With one last eye narrow (you could blindfold her with toothpicks at this point), she whips around and walks back to Thor, placing herself sideways on his lap and relaxing into his hold. Peter passes her (Drink Order) down the table, and (Y/N) takes it.

Clint, Bucky, and Sam try and hide their laughter when the meeting starts again as they look at their long-time teammate cradled and curled up in Thor’s arms, head on his shoulder and under his chin as she sips her drink with an angry look in her eyes and a pout on her face.

All wrapped up like a baby.

[bubblyani]

Bail Out : 07

(Bruce Wayne x Reader)

A Bruce Wayne Multi Chapter Series

Chapter 07: Apologies & Decisions

Summary: One fateful, drunken night gets you arrested for assault.  However, once you get bailed out by Billionaire Socialite Bruce Wayne,  surprising obstacles get in the way, forcing you to question all your  choices in life, career, and in love.

Word Count: 10k +

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Swearing and (Surprise!!)

Author’s Note: Haha Long Chapter, Yay! Needed a small break, but I’m back. Hopefully I can post weekly again. Gonna work hard for that cause I love writing this so much. Enjoy!

CHAPTER LIST HERE

In your head, gratitude morphed into the form of Alfred Pennyworth almost a million times whilst you stood before the stainless steel letterboxes in the apartment building lobby. Aside from graciously stopping by an ATM machine, Alfred was considerately patient when you took the opportunity to grab a carton of milk and a few envelops as well. This, when it came to your assigned duties as a roommate and friend, Alfred Pennyworth was your savior for the night.

Inserting the money filled envelop into the specified box, you prayed the farewell party would be a success. “Oh! Señora Hernandez...” you muttered to yourself with a soft chuckle, “ I almost died for you today”.

Given her previous call of concern, you expected Allison to show you what real dramatic worrying was all about. Instead, you did find her, sleeping peacefully on the sofa.

Though she sloppily slept on her side, with her mouth open, she managed to carry it adorably, all the whole the light of the television washed over her figure. Smiling, you entrusted your tip toes to guide you to and from the bedroom, only to bring a throw blanket for your friend. Covering her with it, you were suddenly fully appreciative of all the little joys that were presented to all in life. You were grateful, once again.

Speaking of gratitude, the phone vibrated, sending signals to your face, tempting you to smile from ear to ear as you opened the text from Bruce Wayne, your savior, the object of your desire:

Can’t sleep.

You chuckled, biting your lower lip. All the sudden, it came to realization how those two simple words carried so much more weight with all the variety of meaning. There entailed softness, excitement, a smile that would not wash off your face, and a sudden throbbing inside full of possibilities. Turning the television off, you floated over to your bedroom as your fingers expertly formed a reply:

Well I can. In fact, think I’ll take a sick day tomorrow.

Considering you hardly take any days off, this was a certainly bold move indeed. If almost getting killed by strangulation and bleeding doesn’t suffice as valid reasons, then what would?

Kicking your shoes off, you sank into bed, exhausted to do anything else but to stare at the screen longingly as he responded:

You deserve it

You may have been in your lonesome in your room, yet you had never felt this shy. Even the simplest of words suddenly tempted you to smile your troubles away. Heavens, you could literally hear his voice in your head. That voice of his, so kind, so soothing, rousing in every way. Greed suddenly begged to crawl its way back into your head, so you could long for him passionately. More importantly, greed even offered to bring in desire along, all so you would be free to long for his heavenly lips on yours once again. You missed them already, even a few minutes later. Finally, a new drug addicts frustration was relatable to you. The memory of that wonderful first kiss, it felt powerful enough to inject you with intoxication, forcing your eyelids to grow heavy as you proceeded to type:

Th-

Except your heart seemed more inclined to sink into that memory once more, releasing you from any form of control as you sank into that intoxication.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

As your eyelids slowly managed to open a few millimetres, it was clear that the intoxication had vanished. However, it managed to carry you over to witness the golden rays of morning. Opening them fully, you found a figure similar to Allison standing before you.

“Ali?” You mumbled sleepily, “Wha-?”

Pausing, you realized you had difficulty moving your lips freely, for your phone rested on your face.

Not only that, you also discovered how your roommate was stood there with her phone, dressed in her work clothes and a rather mischievous smile. Your seemingly goofy confused expression brought Allison hearty laughter.

“Oh my-!” She kept laughing, “You should have seen your face, Sweetie!”

She added, as the shutter sounds played rapidly from her phone, possibly from taking photos. Groaning with with chuckle, you turned away from her to the side, your phone sliding off your face as you covered it shyly.

“Shit! I should have gotten a video…” You heard her say, recovering from her laughter, until she gasped, “Wait! aren’t you working today?”

“Taking a day off” your tone remained muffled with your face pressed against the pillow. Putting her phone away, Allison chuckled.

“Oooooh…” as she rubbed her hands together, “Someone had a wild night last night?” “Mmm….You could say that” Clapping her hands together, Allison began, “Alright sweetie, Imma head out” she said, heading out of your room,  “ So I’LL DIG THAT DIRT ON YA LATER…” her voice echoed, followed by naughty laughter as the apartment door closed shut behind her.

Silence. With complete silence finally being in your ownership, you slowly sat up. You stretched, you yawned, all before you sleepily waddled over to the bathroom. Gasping loudly as you caught sight of yourself in the mirror, did you truly realize the intensity of your injuries from last night.

Body getting sweaty with panic, you quickly stripped yourself from the hoodie, leaning on the sink as you observed your neck. It was simply a canvas, filled with the detailed colors of smothering, strangle marks evident in their dark maroon. You shuddered loudly, for a split second, it did not seem to look like your own. You felt disgusted, you felt sorry for yourself. Studying your right wrist, the wrapped bandage was another reminder, of the pain and the struggle for your life, all the while you almost bumped heads with the Grim Reaper, who came in the form of Alpha. Under the fluorescent light, you appeared lifeless. You needed a bath, you needed a proper hot meal.

“Sweetie…looks like I messed up the times. I have the night shift toni-”

Allison’s voice crashed in to the bathroom, stopping the very moment she caught the sight of you turning to her with surprise.

“Hey! Wassup?”

You blurted over-enthusiastically. Standing in just your tank top and leggings, you quickly found yourself covering your neck. However, given her furrowed eyebrows, Allison was not amused. In fact, she was quite far from it.

“What the hell are those?”

She inquired, pointing directly at your neck. You shrugged innocently. “Nothing...” You murmured. Pressing her lips together, she quickly dropped her handbag down, which alarmed you. For that move was nothing new to you. She was simply angered.

“Sweetie, I can fucking see them…” Allison yelled with frustration, “What the hell is going on?” She added, voice shaken soon after.

Being your trusted friend for simply ages, Allison Hughs was certainly no fool. You sighed heavily, not knowing where to even begin. With your hands on your hips, amidst the speedy heartbeat, you offered a somber reply:

“You’re gonna need to sit down for this” 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“So let me get this straight...” Allison finally began, whilst sitting on one of the dinner chairs, “According to the police guy, Erik Henderson could be trying to KILL YOU?” She yelled, her frustration translated into rage, “And you’re JUST SITTING HERE DOING NOTHING?”

Truthfully, you did not blame her. How else would a friend respond when you finally decide to dump every trouble you encountered since that fateful Friday night? Getting up on her feet, Allison was clearly furious, “I mean, what were you think-”

“Well, it’s not like I have a choice, do I Ali?” you cut her off, with your own frustration. As soon as you broke out, you noticed the anger in her eyes slowly vanish. Standing before her with your arms folded, you sighed, “Say I step up and make my accusations…” you continued, “It’s just my word against his…No legit proof” scoffing could not be helped, “…and none of the perps will talk, no matter what” a sigh passed your lips once more, “He’s one bad, rich man!”.

Rubbing your forehead nervously, it finally dawned on you on the ferocity of your situation. You finally realized how powerless you really were. That foul hearted man had certainly had you trapped in the box of corporate power, and there were little holes of justice poked for you to truly breathe.

“Sweetie…”

You looked over to Allison, “As twisted as all this is, you can’t just go on like this, not without telling me…” she said, voice growing emotional with her hands on her chest,  “I mean…” she paused, for her voice broke, “…what if something had happened to you?” she inquired softly, her hand slithering over to her mouth. That very moment was when sheer guilt washed over you in a flash. How selfish were you truly to leave everyone in the dark this way? But your intention was never that. A nuisance was what you clearly did not wish to impose on anyone. If Lillian ever knew, she would surely be hurt. Your shoulders loosened while your arms rested on your sides.

“I’m sorry…” you said, shyly looking down. A few seconds of silence was adequate for you to walk over to her, confirm your apology as you gently stroked her shoulder. It was certainly adequate for Allison to succumb to it, until she willfully brought you in for a hug, pressing her face against your tummy. Allison truly defined a true friend. “But I was always fine…” you began, “I mean, Batman saved m-” “BATMAN!!” Allison cried out, her face lighting up as she pushed you back gently, “Oh bless that man for saving you!” She said, bringing her hands together in a prayer stance, before she clapped excitedly. You chuckled, relieved to find her in a better mood now. But of course you were not foolish. Revealing your story did not exactly entail revealing the entire truth about Batman. For now, he was merely a hero who saved you every single time. “But wait…” Allison paused, “Where were you when I called you, then? The police? The hospital?” Shaking your head, it came to your realization there was no other fitting lie to replace the original. “Uhh…with Bruce Wayne...” You answered shyly. It did not take long for Allison’s jaw to drop. Concern hit you hard like a bullet. Could she possibly connect the missing dots? “Wait…so you…him….” Allison began, getting up in an instant. With a gasp, her eyes widened: “DID YOU SLEEP WITH HIM? Suddenly it was your jaw’s turn to drop. “WHAT?” You yelled, “NO NO!!!” Shaking your head frantically, you backed away, “WHY would you-” “I mean, you were gone for so long, I assumed you had sex with hi-” “Ali, could you stop saying the S-word please?” You blurted out, covering your ears as you felt the heat rise in your cheeks with fervor. The heat grew intense, as if an explosion were to occur was a result. Why on earth would you act this way? And Allison seemed to find it quite amusing. “Why?” She mocked, “Sweetie, why you suddenly so prude-” Pausing, she smiled widely, as if she just realized.

“Ha!” She scoffed, “You really like him, don’t you?” she inquired, “You’re serious…” as she looked at you with amazement. Your immediate response was clearly to laugh nervously and uncontrollably. Yet as each second passed, the continuous confident glance of your friend, clearly steered you towards the similar direction of realization, as you stopped laughing. It all seemed so clear.

“Yeah…” you breathed, nodding, “I do…I guess” you admitted, smiling softly by the thought of the very man being mentioned. It was true. Every reminiscent of your confession to Bruce last night,  and the blessed kiss that followed, it was a symbol of rebirth on loop. And you felt at peace. Squealing with excitement, Allison jumped up and down whilst clapping.

“Oh my god! Oh my god!” She said, grabbing your hands, “So? So? You guys are finally a couple or something?”

That simple question. Funny how it surprisingly shooed away the smile on your face. Funny how suddenly that peace was disrupted. For that question led you to another realization. The realization that taught you the gravity of it all. The gravity of the harsh reality that shattered all forms of hope. Allison appeared confused the moment you simply headed back to your room, only to close it shut and scream your frustrations out in the fittest way possible:

“FUUUUUCK!”

Simply put, you kissed your boss. Fantastic.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Allison Hughs certainly had quite the morning dealing with you. And the following stage was indeed no different. Laying on her side on the bed, she could only continuously shake her head with complete disbelief watching you pace from one corner to the other in your bedroom. And you knew of that, you noticed it clearly. Though you were caught in a tangled mess. Being a corporate woman, you handled conflicts and issues in a professional manner. Therefore, this was simply an embarrassment.

“Oh god! oh god! oh god-” you went. “I don’t understand what the big deal is, Sweetie“ Allison said coolly.

“Oh Shit! No no no” Your concern still continued as you kept muttering to yourself. “So you guys kissed...And?”

Allison pointed out, as she incited more groans from you, “Okay! Let’s say you guys do start dating…So what?” Allison posed the inquiry, sitting up finally with a smile, “Personally I think it’s hot” she grinned mischievously, while bringing her knees to her chest, as her mind wandered, “Imagine…” she began dreamily, “...getting it on with Mr.Wayne in his office at Wayne Tower...” A sensual tone exited from her, “....No one there to eavesdrop your sexy encounter because the doors locked-”

“Oh yeah...it’s all so tempting until you REALIZE this is REAL LIFE...with CONSEQUENCES!” You spat out frustratingly, before covering your face “...shit! I kissed Bruce Wayne...” Muffled tone emphasized your frustration. Funny how you were blind to all this last night.

“Sweetie! if you like the guy, what the fuck is wrong?”

Allison’s innocent inquiry forced you to look up. You were touched. She really did care for you. However you also sensed her naiveté. And life did not carry on the way one hoped it would. You were finally on the smack bottom of reality. Deeply breathing, You grew calmer.

“Ali, it’s not like I’m falling for a colleague, that’s different. THIS IS Bruce Wayne…” you scoffed, “I mean...dating my EMPLOYER BRUCE WAYNE! It’s just the worst timing. It’s bad enough I punched Henderson, but NOW THIS?? If I do this…” you continued, “I’m bringing Wayne Enterprises down with me…Just think of all the horrible rumors” sighing  heavily, you began rummaging the bed for your phone.

“Sweetie, Who cares?”

“I HAVE TO CARE, ALI!” You looked back at her, pausing by your own loud reply, “This is not a fantasy…” you said softly, grabbing the phone, “This is real life…” your tone brimming with sadness.

Breathing deeply, Allison stared at the wall with realization, “…for a second I forgot you’re the acting Head…Shit” she muttered, “Real life problems…” she said, breathing heavily, “…definitely not easy…”

With the phone pressed against your ear, You were finally relieved to see Allison finally understand.

“Greg? Hey!” you began as the call was answered, “No! No! I’m better” you said, shaking your head, “Listen, I’m coming by later to office, okay?”

Allison looked at you confusingly as you finally hung up. You jolted when your phone vibrated in your hand. It was him:

Hope you slept in today.

“Thought you were taking the day off” you heard Allison begin. Your heart could not help but clench when you forcibly swiped the message off your lock screen. The first grueling step.

“Well…” you said, looking up, “I guess I need a distraction from this nightmare”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(Few days later)

The sounds of the television echoed throughout the Wayne Penthouse. All the while Alfred Pennyworth continued to set the dinner table for one. The evening news played, images of the variety of criminals courtesy of Gotham’s underbelly, captured and arrested taking main stage as the news reporters presented their usual reports. With the appetizing yet comforting meal served in fashionable white crockery, the butler finally sat on the sofa when the elevator door quickly opened with a ding! The old man smiled, especially when his wrinkled eyes caught the sight of Bruce Wayne enter.

“Another successful arrest…” He began, pointing at the screen, “Thanks to you, sir” he added with a teasing tone. However, the younger man did not acknowledge. Clad in his jeans and leather jacket, Bruce quietly made his way towards the bedroom. Alfred sighed in silence. Fourth night. This probably was the fourth night his young master had acted this way. And the fourth consecutive night he barely touched his dinner, even after his nightly duties. Not to mention, the fourth night of absolute silence. And by this very moment, Pennyworth simply had reached his limits.

“Something’s been bothering you, Master Wayne!”

Alfred began loudly, forcing Bruce to halt, “I can tell…” he added, walking towards the paused man. Tired, Bruce turned back.

“What are you talking about, Alfred?” He inquired with possible denial. Alfred’s eyebrows furrowed: “I’ve raised you since you were an infant…to know when you’re fibbing, Sir…”

The moment the words left Alfred’s lips, an invisible force urged Bruce to sink into the nearest armchair. Bending forward, Bruce covered his eyes before letting out a heavy sigh.

“It’s just that…” he paused, “…it’s her…” taking his hands away, he looked at the old man. Given the nature of their relationship, it was more than sufficient information for the both of them to understand what exactly was being discussed here. And who.

Nodding slowly, Alfred made his way to the counter:

“Think it’s time to open up that Whiskey you’ve been saving, Master Wayne”

He said, who did not notice the subtle sad smile that appeared on Bruce’s face during.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Performance Appraisals : the review of employees performance and the overall contribution to the company. In other words, the busiest time of the year for the HR Department. It was certainly the most perfect distraction from the nightmare you had identified as reality. Which mainly was the situation between you and Bruce Wayne.

Forget him.

Your fingers, they were shamed, they were strictly forbidden from traveling anywhere near his name on your phone screen to form any sort of replies to his countless messages.

I suppose work is keeping you quite busy, huh?

Messages that kept coming:

Is everything alright?

With much enthusiasm and concern:

You know, I’m here if you need me. What’s going on?

In other words, you had made the horrid, difficult decision to forbid yourself of thinking about him. Let alone hope for any possible future with him.

Forget him.

You welcomed late night, early morning assignments, deadlines, work meetings. you volunteered on behalf of everyone, all the to the point they all began to wonder about your sanity. And it did not matter to you. Fully immersed, you made sure the only free time you were gifted with, was only to sleep. Just for one vital goal:

Forget him.

Physically and mentally, you were quicker and more reflexive than ever before. It seemed quite essential to do so, especially when you were more prone to accidentally encounter the man you wished to avoid with all your heart. And it was quite the challenge to avoid him, considering the fact he surprisingly was present at work every day.

However, those efforts were tested, and Lucius Fox was responsible. Little did you expect to submit a report to the CEO all the sudden, only to find Bruce Wayne sitting in his office conversing with him during. Though sheer panic came over, you remembered politely offering your greetings to both. As much as the sight of him brought a sense of comfort to a part of you, the strength of your will assisted in forcing you out of the office in time to recover yourself in the elevator.

Truthfully, you were no fool. You knew who he was, and you could appreciate him. If you were any other woman, heaven knew how much you would treasure him with all your heart. With no shame and no boundaries. Heaven knew the infinite amount of love you would give to him.

But you were you, and you were desperately full of bad luck. You were at the risk of being called out as the Senior HR Manager entangled with the owner of Wayne Enterprises, possibly sleeping with him as well. It was not what you were deserved to be called as, but it would be rumored and fabricated as such. Life was never kind to women. It still is not.

Forget him : Two words that you kept telling yourself. They were what you had to believe in, even though you truthfully missed him every single time. It was the pill you had to swallow every single moment your body would be in cold sweats deprived of his touch. That wonderfully innocent touch you were gifted with one night, being in his arms as you kissed him with all the love. You were not happy with this, that was the plain truth. In fact, the self-hate and disappointed increased by tenfolds.

Forget him

You prayed you would bore him. You prayed he would move on. You prayed to see him smile, alongside a wonderfully appropriate woman, someone that he could walk hand in hand with. You prayed he would be happy with no shame or regrets. Dying of jealousy would be inevitable for you, but at least you would be at peace. All because you truly cared for him, because you truly loved him. And thus, there you were, immersed in the distraction, your life consistently on fast pace , like a dance remix track on loop.

However, one early morning, a particular phone call suddenly managed to force your life to hit pause.

“Miss, Please come”  

Alfred Pennyworth said, his voice laced with a tone close to sadness, something you had never heard before:

“It’s about Master Wayne”

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The manner you scrambled in to the elevator, “Forget him” was certainly the last thing you could ever do, for Bruce Wayne was all that you could think of at the moment. Was he hurt? Injured? Or something worse? The few seconds taken for the elevator to reach the Penthouse felt like an eternity, thus driving you beyond patience as your foot tapped nervously. Your heart was beating at a new pace of its own, speed so deadly you feared you might even explode. Hunger or thirst had come second in your needs this morning. The moment the elevator opened, the tapping of your foot joined the exact speed of your heart. You literally jumped out:

“ALFRED!” You cried,  “ Alfred…where is h-”

You paused, eyes widening with confusion. The worry and panic birthed in you suddenly seemed quite wasteful. Especially when you found Bruce Wayne casually standing next to the sofa chair alongside Alfred, being at their safest and calmest. That very moment, did you realize how overdramatic your behavior might have seemed, which caused nothing but sheer awkwardness in the room. It was clearly intensified when you noticed the mess of a state you were in. Dashing out of your own apartment so fast, you had forgotten to tuck in your shirt, while your hair remained loose and inhibited. With a proud smile, Alfred looked at his master:

“I told you so…” the butler said, beginning to walk away from him. You grew confused.

“Told?-” you paused,  “Wait!” you exclaimed, looking at Bruce. Confusion morphed into instant anger. Could this possibly be another cheap ploy to see you? By playing with your emotions? You were in disbelief, as you pointed at him accusingly:

“Did you put Alfred up to this?”

“It was purely my doing, Miss”

Your eyes widened once more when Alfred answered with confidence. Panting to recover your breath, you looked at the older man walking over to you.

“I only did the needful…cause no one else did…” he said, shooting you a look before looking over at Bruce, “I’ve made you some, if you excuse me”

You chuckled in disbelief. It appeared that someone was clearly compelled to take decisive action on behalf on both of you, as a proper adult. And his name was Alfred Pennyworth.

“Thank you, Alfred” Bruce said, to which the butler nodded in acknowledgement before leaving the area.

All your dire efforts in the past few days seemed moot, when finally you were back to square one, as you had this standing right before you. Dressed in such simple attire such as a crisp white shirt and black pants, Bruce Wayne still managed to break your defenses, leaving you breathless once more. He was the physical embodiment of the dewy grass in the early morning. Simply cooling and refreshing. The mere thought of being alone in a room with Bruce Wayne would have been your version of heaven a few days ago. Truthfully, temptation frantically begged you to run into his arms, only to just remain there for an eternity. And heaven knows what else it would urge you to do with a man such as he was.

But you could not. You should not. Not when you constantly felt as you were being trialed by morality. You despised it.

The room reeked of silence, to the point it was simply unbearable. The fact he did not seem cross made it worse for you. An explanation was needed by him. You could not disagree on that. Taking a few steps towards him, you inhaled deeply, especially when he looked at you with a gentle yearning:

“I-”

The phone rang frantically in your bag, making you jump. With a deep sigh, you took it out. Immediately, you looked over to Bruce:

“It’s Officer Blake…”

You said, knowing information of much importance was to be received. It was a call not to be ignored. With his nod of agreement, you put the call on speaker phone.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

With a reasonably stacked file in hand, Officer John Blake sat comfortably at the rooftop of the Police Station. It was a cloudy morning as he looked over the Gotham city with his phone pressed to his ear. This call, was certainly the precinct walls need not eavesdrop to.

“Officer Blake!”

The woman known publicly as ‘The Bruiser’ answered, “ I really hope you’re calling to bring me good news” John could not help but chuckle by her response, “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Ma’am” he said, “But I promise to give you something better than ‘I’ve got nuthin’” Opening the file with one hand, he continued, “The shooter from last time…” “… Mr. Slender?” “Who?” John asked confusingly. The woman laughed nervously from the other side of the line. “Sorry…” she said, “…that was what I called him in my head…” “Makes sense…” John nodded, proceeding to smile when he saw a woman walking over to him. It was Nina Langdon. With her loose red hair brushed to the side, she quickly perched next to John, offering him a coffee cup, labeled “Commons Café”. Putting the call on speaker, John handed the phone to Nina as he went through the file whilst taking a quick sip of the hot beverage:

“His name is Emilio Cruz, or thats what it says in the system...” He said, as the coffee warmed his throat, “No priors, and…” sighing, John shook his head, “…there’s very little detail about him. He barely talked during the interrogation. And before we knew it, Henderson’s men got him out again” 

The woman exhaled deeply. John did not blame her. For even Nina did not seem pleased.

“So he’s a free man again…”

“Technically yes, there’s not much the police can do right now” John answered, looking through the file, “The CCTVs near the bodega were blocked the moment shots were fired, so we couldn’t make out the other people involved.”

The woman expressed her response with silence. Blake felt guilt clenching him hard. His distress was evident. And for a second, he did not even have the heart to look at Nina. Gripping the file tighter, his voice suddenly grew louder:

“Ma’am…” John began, “…I know this seems like a dead end, but it’s not. I won’t let it” he said, “I’ll do my best to open a case against Henderson, and you will have to come in every once in a while for questioning”

“Of course…anything you need, Officer”

The woman answered instantly. Her voice rife with enthusiasm and relief.

Finally hanging up, John quickly took in another long sip for comfort.

“You’re doing the right thing, John” Nina spoke, the warmth in her voice seemingly much stronger than the beverage. As he looked into her eyes, John knew he got the morale boost he so needed to carry with this mission.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Putting the phone away, you let out a heavy sigh. You were filled with such suspense during the call that your forced you to sit down. As he stood with his hands in his trouser pockets, Bruce watched you silently. After almost escaping death, a partial hope formed within you, that perhaps your life would finally be spared and intruded. Truthfully, how far could someone really go for murder? But now, upon hearing the sombre tone of Officer Blake, another reality dawned on you. One where you might have to keep your eyes wide open. Open for ‘Emilio’ and for ‘Alpha’. Feigning a chuckle, you slowly got up, barely looking at the man.

“Guess I still got a target on my head…heheh”

You said, looking down. But the moment your eyes traced his footsteps growing closer, you cleared your throat,  “..right-”

“You’re avoiding me, aren’t you?”

You tensed, when Bruce Wayne finally brought up the elephant in the room. Turning your head up slowly, your eyes finally met his. His eyes, they were far from displeased. However, you did manage to catch a glimpse of sadness in them. As if he was let down. As this was not expected. Not from some such as yourself. You felt so ashamed.

“Mr.Wayne-”

“Bruce” he corrected, with a soft smile. Shushing yourself embarrassingly, you held your hands together for forgiveness, “Force of habit….” You muttered shyly. As your hands were engaged in a silent wrestling match of it’s own, you took a deep breath:

“I’m really sorry…” you began softly, “…truly…for everything, Bruce”

His name, simply unbelievable how it rolled out of your lips so beautifully. And more importantly, how you managed to involuntarily smile whenever it did. As you smiled, you felt your body relax, enabling you to admire those handsome features he owned. For a split second, you were overjoyed to implant your gaze at him. Your eyes, they indulged in the details as he grew closer. The brunette hair parted on the side and brushed back seemed so delectable, your fingers suppressed their desire to run through it with frenzy. The high cheekbones and the lines on the sides of his mouth seemingly majestic, distracting you until it was clear he stood merely a few centimeters away from your face, bending his head, high hopes to steal a long-awaited kiss.

Except you looked down. With a deep breath, you put your hands on your hips before looking up with a serious expression: 

“I am a woman...” you began, “....who takes her job very seriously…” You stated confidently, “And…” you chuckled, pointing at him, “…you being you...and me being me…” you said, pointing at yourself, “I just…” you paused, “…this ...is this right?” You inquired, “…Us? I mean…” taking another breath, you smiled, “Are you sure you want this?”

Beating around the bush just to inquire the ethics of a relationship. Was this over dramatic? Bruce however, did not flinch. Instead, he smiled.

“I think you should ask the question yourself...” he said, his voice softer than velvet, “... do you want this?” He said, passing the ball over to you, which you held with such reluctance. You sighed:

“Don’t do this, Bruce-”

However you shut up the moment he cupped your face with both hands. He was not amused. He seemed highly convincing:

“You’re the one who kissed me” he stated, his warmth breath falling on your face, “…you’re the one who drove me insane… from the very moment I saw you”

Breathless, you tried your hardest not to be. But it was difficult, especially when his velvet voice soothed your wounded soul.

“Well, to be fair…” you began in a witty tone,  “…you weren’t entirely innocent yourself” you said, smiling. Bruce shot you an amused glance. Breathing deeply, you sighed, “You have no idea how wild you drove me” you added with sincerity: “And you kissed me back, mind you”

You said. Chuckling together, the atmosphere seemed to grow normal and comfortable. Truthfully, you missed that dearly.

“I just hope you understand, I’m in a really screwed up place…” you said sadly, “…you being my boss and all…” you stated, for that was simply the truth. Bruce smiled gently.

“Well, until things get unscrewed…” he began, “I will wait for you…”

“I wish you won’t…” you said, reminded of the kindness  you felt in him on the very first day you met him. Instead of a defying reply, his lips landed on your forehead, kissing it gently to send a rush of warmth though you. As simple as it was, yet it called out for many of your frustrations to come out of the shadows. And it simply caused you to long for him even more. Forget him? It would be a herculean task indeed.

“But don’t make me suffer for too long” he teased, muttering on to your forehead before looking at you. With a chuckle, you tilted your head:

“See? I don’t want to be a burden to you…”

“You’re not-”

“Master Wayne!”

Alfred’s voice emerged out of nowhere, forcing Bruce to release you from his grasp. The older man walked over briskly, “Pardon the intrusion but…”

“And that’s my queue to leave…” you announced, unwilling to intrude on pressing matters.

“Best if you stay as well, Miss”  

Alfred certainly had other plans, as he turned on the television to GCN Breaking News. Complete surprise was the default mood as you all watched Erik Henderson standing before Henderson Incorporated surrounded by news reporters. His smug expression was as flashy as the tile of the news frame that read:

Wayne Enterprises: Guilty of Intellectual Property Breach?

Bruce’s phone began to ring continuously, however he silenced it as Henderson began to speak to the press:

“Henderson Incorporated has been robbed of our dignity. And I demand Bruce Wayne to step forward and address this. He may be able to protect thugs in his own company like ‘the Bruiser’ but, we will not rest until this issue is resolved”

Folding your arms worriedly, you wondered if you were actually a fatal curse brought upon to destroy Wayne Enterprises, and Bruce Wayne himself.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

An Emergency Management Meeting was called. Being Lillian’s backup, it was imperative for you to participate from HR. Henderson’s surprising stunt had definitely caused quite the stir that a swarm of reporters waited outside Wayne Enterprises when you finally arrived. Thus, entering the building itself was a dire task with you bombarded with questions:

“Bruiser! Bruiser! Over here!” “What are your thoughts regarding the claims made by Erik Henderson?” “Do you feel partially responsible for all this?” “Have you been in contact with Bruce Wayne?” “Do you regret attacking Henderson?”

Those unanswered questions echoed in your head, sitting alongside the other Heads and members at the conference room. The group collectively clamored with questions, growing louder when Lucius Fox and Bruce Wayne arrived and took their seats. But as soon as Fox stood up, silence fell on all of them.

“Members of the Management” he began, his voice booming across “As we all know, Erik Henderson has made certain unsavory claims about Wayne Enterprises”

“What the hell is this devil up to?” Kline from Accounting certainly had no time to be formal, while the others heavily buzzed in agreement.

“He’s claiming Wayne Enterprises has stolen the…” Fox paused, as he read the file in hand,  “…blueprints of their Main Server” he added with raised eyebrows. As if what he heard was unimaginable.

“That’s preposterous!” Kline cried out, leading the crowd to continue their clamour.

Slight relief washed over you. When you expected the Heads to show their aggression towards you for your previous blunder, they somehow surprised you with complete solidarity instead. Perhaps that company dinner helped. And it was certainly a relief that the Board of Directors were not involved. They did not need to be. Heaven knows the chaos they would make, and the blame they might impose on you. Thank goodness for Fox. You looked over at Bruce, who sat on the other corner of the table. Looking at Fox with seriousness, he seemed to be deep in thought. Maybe he was.

“Regardless of the minor details, this is simply utter nonsense” Fox said.

“But Mr. Fox, we cannot take this lying down” Ted Hawthorne pointed out, sitting beside his Head in Legal with a concerned expression, “The Board of Directors will definitely have questions. And Henderson will not hesitate to press charges…”

“Exactly…” Fox said, “..so before this drags on to court, I suggest we meet Henderson’s team in private, resolving this as peacefully as possible”

“Henderson is asking for me”

All turned towards Bruce’s direction as his voice pierced through, “I will go.”

Your heart clenched. As valiant as he was, this was not the time to be Batman. He  could not take on this endeavour all on his own.

“You’re going to need us, Mr Wayne” Ted said, “Henderson’s Team is like a pack of wolves, you’re going to need reinforcements if this is gonna be resolved.”

“Thank you” Bruce nodded at him.

And so, whilst the Management continued to plan out their strategy before the fated meeting, you could not help but continuously glance over at Bruce. A sudden urge came over you to speak to him. Was he prepared with this? Will everything be alright? As he kept himself busy listening to the Legal Team, you were descending down on a personal spiral of regrets. Which included getting this entire company in trouble in the first place.

All because of a drunken punch in the face.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“What the damn HELL?”

Lillian Foster’s enraged voice filled your ears through the phone. In complete disbelief yourself, you could not help but laugh while walking out of the ladies washroom. You could not resist sharing the news with your Boss.

“Yeah! my thoughts exactly…” you said, bending to toss the used tissue to the trash bin. Lillian sighed heavily.

“I swear, that man Henderson is going off the rails”  her voice kept you in good company strolling through the HR floor, “So…He thinks we had a spy stealing a Blueprint?”

“So…you remember Caleb saying he went for an Interview at Hendersons before joining Wayne?” you recalled, walking over to your office,“And that was like TWO years ago” you stressed, locking the door behind you, “And now suddenly it’s a matter of company safety for Henderson? He’s unbelievable…” you scoffed, standing by the window blinders , opening it slightly to watch the staff outside, “Anyways, How is the baby?” your voice quickly changing to an affectionate one.

“Thankfully loves her mama…I could sleep for a few straight hours finally”

Nodding, your eyes seemed occupied once you caught the glimpse of Clara Bennett. Sitting in her lonesome in one of the smaller meeting rooms, she seemed to be far from her usual self. Down in the dumps, more like.

“So, what are you gonna do about the Offer?”

Your focus returned immediately upon Lillian’s query. Nervousness began to form.

“What offer?” you blurted out with feigned surprise. Your boss chuckled.

“Don’t play dumb with me, young lady …” she said,  “I bet you already got Hudson’s email …I heard from a contact”

With a deep sigh, you made your way to your computer. Lillian seemed patient with your silence, as she cooed her crying baby lovingly. You opened your inbox with trepidation, clicking on that fateful email titled:

Job Offer for General Manager -Hudsons Solutions

Hudsons Solutions, possibly the best HR Specialist Company in Gotham city. It was known to only hire only the best in the field, providing excellent services to all major companies and businesses. The fact that Clara Bennett herself was not a permanent staffer there was a clear example of their elite status.

Therefore, it was quite the surprise when they offered you a job. You remember going for the interview two years ago. It was an impulse decision after a bad day. But never did you think they would get back with a green light. This email was a blessing. Yet, you were reluctant to even consider it.

“So…how does it look?”

Lillian inquired as you looked at the email. You sighed with an involuntary smile, “It’s everything I hoped it would be…“ you said, “...the working hours, the pay, the benefits…” You added, feeling a sense of excitement the more you read it , “But” you paused, “… after the Bruiser incident… would they choose me?” You wondered, your fingers grazing over the mouse.

“The fact they sent this after the incident, clearly shows they want you no matter what”

Funny how you still were brimming with confusion, even with Good News staring at you in the face. “I really don’t know what to do, Lillian” you admitted, crossing your legs, “But…Hudsons is my dream place to work”

“Heheh…I’m really gonna miss you if you go…”

You chuckled, “Well, Why don’t you come along with me?”

“Don’t tempt me. I might…”  

Lillian said, with laughter breaking out between both.

Truthfully, you were surrendered by fear. It finally was evident that you possibly may fear of letting go. Imagining the possibility of leaving the company that was your home for a decade. The thought of it seemed heartbreaking. It was never hell. But you always longed to get better. However, if you did strive and take the daring step, would that not help you in every way imaginable? With Bruce Wayne, for example?

Then again, if the Billionaire ends up never being invested as you were, would it regretful to leave behind a trustworthy workplace?

“You were born to do great things, honey. I hope you make a good decision”  

Hanging up, a huge weight landed on your chest with more queries. But at the same time, you had a thirst that needed quenching. And a sudden urge to check on a friend.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Gently knocking on the small meeting room door, you surprised Clara with two paper cups of steaming coffee. And to your sheer relief, her face lit up soon after.

“Thanks...” she said, taking one cup, “…you already know my order” she added with surprise. You smiled.

“That happens when you come to the HR Department at Wayne Enterprises…you remember your coffee order” you chuckled, sitting in front of her. Finally, after a few of consulting, it was finally Clara’s last week. But that could not possibly be the reason for her blue expression, “You doing okay?” You inquired.

Looking up from her coffee, Clara appeared quizzical, “What do you mean?”

“I’m not saying I miss you poking on our business but…” you said ,shaking your head, “It’s just that…you’ve been unusually quiet these days” you stated, shrugging, “Just wanted to see if you’re okay”

Ever since the night you were almost killed, you were too distracted by being distracted ,to fully notice how Clara exuded a different energy at work. She spoke less and she smiled rarely. Holding onto her coffee, she sighed: “I’m sorry. It’s just that-” she paused, smiling, “Never mind..”

“What?” You asked quickly, only to stop yourself, “I mean- you don’t have to-if you don’t want to…” you said, unwilling to cause trouble by slowly getting up, “I can just-”

“No, I want to” Clara said, urging you to sit down once again. Taking a deep breath, she looked at you, “So…I’ve been seeing this guy”

“Ooh…” You began excitedly with a smile, “….someone tamed Ms. Bennett’s heart. Spicy!-Sorry…” you bowed your head embarrassingly upon seeing Clara’s look.

Taking another sip, she continued: “Anyways, We went out a couple of times. And he wasn’t shy on telling me how much he liked me”

“So he’s an expressive one, that’s rare” you noted, nodding before drinking your coffee. Clara chuckled.

“Yeah, I like him, I do” She added, “But, I was scared to admit it for some reason”, you swore you felt your smile fade upon hearing it, “And when I finally summed up the courage to tell him…” Clara smiled sadly, “…he didn’t seem that interested anymore. He had moved on”

“Oh Clara…” you breathed. She shrugged.

“Guess he figured I wasn’t as invested as he was…” she said, “…which was NOT true…I was just late to the party. I just didn’t…do it right…” she added, her fist clenching tightly. You sighed deeply.

“That just sucks…really, I’m so sorry”

Clara chuckled amusingly, "Why you getting so upset?”

The sadness was evident on your face, you may not have seen it. Yet you felt it. Coming to realization, you pressed your lips. She was right, why were you so upset? Could it that it was a clear reminder of someone else you knew? Yourself? Your future? Bruce?

“Me?” You feigned your disbelief, “ I just-” you paused, “ I guess I can understand when you like someone…and the challenges that come with it” Indeed, you could empathize to the core. More than ever. Along with the what would smother you. In every way.

"Ah well…what to do” the consultant replied, leaning forward “ All I can tell you is this: If you really care for someone…” she added seriously, slowly tapping her fingers on the table, “….like or love or whatever, better act on it… fast” she stressed, finally leaning back once again, “Cause very few people will be patient in life. And Life IS short so….” Getting up, you were left with some of your own pondering as she left.

Work proceeded as usual, going on until you managed to look through the glass window to the glittery Gotham skyline that evening. Unease remained in you throughout the entire day with one person in mind: Bruce Wayne. 8 hours since they left for questioning, and there were no news. The number of texts you sent were still left unanswered. So, this is what it feels like, you thought.

Perhaps Alfred. Being his confidant, he may have contacted him.  Making your way out of the Wayne Tower, you knew where to head over to.

But all was made simply made convenient for you, when you found Alfred Pennyworth standing by the Rolls Royce,  in front of the Tower, seemingly waiting for you.

“Master Wayne insisted” he said, before you could even question. And without any objection, you nodded to let him drive you home.

As the vehicle cruised through the city, you were quiet. It could not be helped. A certain form of guilt had occupied you, forcing you to do so. However, when Alfred’s eyes greeted you from the rear view mirror, you knew you were compelled to speak: “Any news from Bruce?” You inquired.

“Not at the moment, No”  the butler answered with politeness. Sighing was inevitable at this point, as you looked through the window.

“I hope they’re not in trouble” you muttered.

“It’s Master Wayne, miss” Alfred said, “He will figure it out somehow” The reassurance he offered, filled you with comfort. But simultaneously that guilt within you grew larger like a tumor, reminding you of the indirect cruelty you had inflicted on both men.

“Alfred…” You began with a deep breath, “I’m sorry….” You continued, “…for avoiding you both…” sighing soon after, “This situation…its not easy for me…”

“We are all bound by responsibility, that I understand, Miss” Alfred replied, as he continued to drive, “But one thing is for certain. In all my life, I have never seen Master Wayne wanting so much to be happy with someone…” he insisted “…and by someone… I mean you, Miss”

He may be the trusted Butler in the Wayne family, but given his tone, you also heard the concern of a father, watching over his son with affection. That strong concern pierced through your heart and remained with a memorable pain.

As you sat on your bed that night, rubbing hand cream, you recalled all the moments that clearly urged you to reflect: Lillian, Clara and Alfred. All three of them, involuntarily shedding light on the path you possibly should journey in. And in the end of the day, you were the one to decide, to take that daring step. Was Bruce alright? You wondered still. Given the time now, it seemed impossible to imagine Henderson’s legal team to wear them out with accusations at this hour. It was simply ludicrous.

Your heart skipped a beat when the phone vibrated. But the moment you glanced upon it,  you chuckled lightly, for you guessed it wrong. It was Clara.

Thanks for today. I felt much better unloading on you.

Smiling warmly, you were relieved. Such a sheer pity she would leave soon. It was certainly a rollercoaster ride of emotion knowing her. However, it all worked out well in the end. You formed a reply:

Yay! Glad I could help.

Would you be truly fortunate enough to receive a text from Bruce instead? At least one word, just to hint all was well. Sleeping seemed unimaginable to you now. For all you could imagine doing was to blankly stare at the screen, drown oneself in the blue light until his name would appear at some point. You were patient.

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(5:30 am )

Dawn peacefully greeted your eyes when they slowly opened. Exhaustion finally had sent you to deep slumber, you appeared to have rested in fetal position, cradling your phone as if it was the most precious object. The reason for it, you had an important one. But, as you glanced upon the screen, the efforts still seemed moot.

With a glass of water in hand, you quietly paced around the apartment in your oversized t-shirt. Morning lights in shades of blue and gray had fallen over every object and corner of the premises. The blue hour, as it was called, was possibly your favorite moment of the day. Regardless of what time you may sleep, your eyes would always open to be greeted by the blue hour. Perhaps your body was hopelessly besotted with it, therefore efforts to wake up seemed nonexistent anymore. You were thankful, for it was the apt moment to indulge in peace, the beauty before the bustle of the streets grew loud, before your roommate woke up. The blue hour was indeed your own, special hour.

Gulping down the entire water, you kept the glass in the sink with a sigh. He never managed to leave your thoughts every single minute. It was inconceivable to imagine how one could think of someone always, but it seemed you could, at least once a minute. For no matter how many attempts arise, he managed to stealthily conceal himself in some undiscoverable corner of your heart. You asked for nothing much, all you really longed for was to confirm his safety, his company’s safety.

The doorbell rang, suddenly waking you up from your pondering. The fact it rang so early in the day, had you quite suspicious. Could it be another attack? Right here in your home? With a deep breath, you tip toed over to the door. Your heart evidently beating out of your chest as you pressed your ear against the door.

“Y-Yes?”  You inquired softly.

“It’s me”

That familiar voice. It suddenly provided you with the amount of life your body truly needed. Brimming with relief, you swore you almost felt your eyes water with tears. Overjoyed, you quickly opened the door wide to find Bruce Wayne standing there. Still dressed in his suit and tie, he certainly wore an extra exhausted look as he entered:

“Hey, sorry for barging in like th-”

He paused. He had to. Especially when you ran into him for a tight embrace.

“I-I didn’t go to war, you know” Bruce began, confusingly.

“Doesn’t matter…you’re here now” you replied, with warmth. Heartbeat began to increase the moment you felt his own arms tightly hold you back, to bring you closer. This very moment was when you realized this probably was the very first you shared an embrace. And truthfully, you certainly were pleased with the result. In fact, you were euphoric. His body, you found home in it, with its warmth and it’s safety, framing your own body with such care as your face rested on the crook of his neck. Bruce finally sighed:

“But it did feel like war” he breathed gently. You chuckled.

“Well, Welcome home, soldier ” you whispered teasingly. 

Pulling away was torturous. If only you could stay like this forever. Nature certainly was on your side, when you realized his magnetic energy exuded with strength. You were deeply inclined to press your forehead against his, witnessing the quiet, syncopated breathing between each other. And you did. Being in this close proximity, noses brushed against another, sending small sparks of electricity throughout your frame. The memory of that first kiss. The tension, the warmth and the affection. You were reminded of all of it instantly. Lips were heavily strengthened with the magnetic force, urging to reunite with one another. However before tensions skyrocketed, you moved away. Breathing in to reality once again. And it was Hell.

“What the hell happened, Bruce?”

You inquired casually, your hands resting on your hips, “How long did they keep you for?” “Since this morning” “What?” Hissing in shock, your eyes widened as he quietly closed the door behind him. “Henderson’s guys, they were good” He said softly, shaking his head as you offered him a seat on the sofa, “They were armed with enough questions to last the night. Some of them just plain outrageous, in fact. All just to make sure we didn’t steal their Blueprints” he chuckled.

“God!” You exclaimed quietly, “…that man is crazy” you said, walking towards the window while looking at him, “Were you alone?”

“No no...” he said, “Ted and the others...safe to say, they saved my ass” he added, following you. Smiling proudly, you tilted your head:

“You owe them big time, by the way”

“Oh, I told them to sleep it off today....” Bruce said, with a smile, “With pay...”   Clutching your chest, you were joyous to see all had ended well, “Thank you...” you breathed, to which he nodded graciously. All the sudden, it came to your awareness of how indecent you appeared before him. Being the woman who paraded around in her formal office attire, now standing in just her oversized T-shirt, messy hair and no makeup.

Yet, it indeed was surprising that it only occurred to you later on, for your strongest emotions and concerns had come first before reputation. With your long silence, it seems Bruce finally took a good look at you as well. Dare to catch his expression, you dared not, for you urged yourself to shyly look away.

“Henderson...he-“ you began, folding your arms, “I’m pretty sure all this happened because of me...” you added, looking down at his shoes. You sighed, “this was definitely a petty method to get you to fire me. I mean, none of this would have happened if it wasn’t for me” you stated, “I’m putting this company through so much”. Hunching forward, you chuckled sadly:

“They should have just killed me in that alleyway in the first place-Ah!”

Gasps exited your lips when you felt Bruce snatch on to your right hand with an iron grip. Only then did you realize the intensity of his eyes piercing through the dim morning light. And how they glinted with hurt.

“If they killed you,...” he breathed, pressing his lips soon after, “I would never be able to live with myself…ever”

Those words brimmed with vulnerability. However, your heart could not accept them.

“You’re just saying that“ you whimpered. Looking in to your eyes with focus, he breathed in your name.

“I spent one whole night…” Bruce began, “…answering senseless questions, to a man child with anger issues…And I did it for you” he said, “And…I would do it all over again...”

To your surprise, this composited of all qualities deemed romantic, though it may not seemed traditional. They were certainly most adequate for you. But, your heart was not yet convinced:

“Bruce…” your voice almost broke, “…I’m just a Senior Manager in your company” you said, with a sad smile, “You deserve better”

And you meant it, truly. Gently pulling you closer, Bruce exhaled deeply: “I don’t care of what I deserve...” he stated, his thumb grazing over your hand, “…I care of what I need…”

Your fast paced heart had difficulty functioning when you felt him place a gentle kiss on the back of your wrist. The same traumatic place Alpha willfully slashed, the same spot blood managed to gush out. His lips, they were akin to an invisible bandage you preferred not to rid oneself of. And to find him  reach this stage of vulnerability, you would be lying if you did not acknowledge your broken heart as a consequence.

“Bruce...” you breathed, your defenses breaking down within seconds. Looking up, he looked at you with desperation:

“What is it?” he inquired with impatience, “What do I need to prove to y-”

He was silenced, when you clashed your lips against his with sheer desperation. Your heart finally understood, it seemed.

“Just kiss me” you breathed shakily, your lips brushing against his. Was this what he desired for? You wondered for a split second. But the moment he exhaled with relief, Bruce kissed you back with equal fervor, both finally have come to an understanding.

A desperate one, to be exact.

Bruce’s lips were as addictive and charismatic as his entire presence itself, and certainly strong enough to drive away and forget all matters that resided in your head, except one: your desperate need for him.

Desperation was what you tasted when he kissed you, and that was what your own lips preached religiously to his. It was the lead role of this passion play. Every minute, every day, every week you had deprived yourself of him, you hopelessly needed them back. All forms of doubts and suppression that lingered, you threw all out of the window. For you chose him, you wanted him.

His lips, they held on to you tightly, savoring your own with enough passion and impatience whilst his hands gripped on to your waist with intensity. And truthfully, you did not blame him. With your arms wrapped around his neck, you were relieved to share that similar greed for one another. You moaned into the kiss, as his palms made themselves at home on your buttocks. Backing up, you finally stopped the moment you felt the dinner table right behind you. And before your brain could even form any connection, Bruce was generous, lowering himself enough for you to jump onto him, just so he could carefully place you on the table.

Pulling him by the loosened tie, you felt the kiss deepen at last. Tongues were in a desperate race to reach their destination before the other, intoxicating each other with no shame. As he stood between your legs, you heard yourself gasp into his lips as bodies clashed intimately close. It sent goosebumps, it cause fireworks. Your body was awakened in more ways than one.

Like a drug addict deprived of her usual supply, you suddenly looked at Bruce with desperation when his lips quickly pulled away from yours. Looking at your messy, aroused state, he began breathlessly:

“I can…” he panted, forehead pressed against yours, “I can stop if you want-”

“Don’t dare fucking stop, Bruce!”

You whispered, sheer impatience leading you to kiss him roughly afterwards. His consideration even at this point led to even more arousal than before. By now, the level of desperation increased, to the point a sense of connection was expected of, where desire and lust grouped up form a stronger alliance. A pair of trousers being unbuckled never sounded this heavenly, especially when it was Bruce Wayne engaged in it. With your own fingers hooked on to the ends of your panties, you impatiently managed to pull them down whilst moving from side to side on the table. All the while his lips were desperately glued onto yours.

No clothes were in need of shedding, for there was simply no time to. Sloppy Desperation overruled this morning, to the point all that simply mattered were the uniting of one’s bodies until two became one, until that burning flame could finally be put out. Until that hunger was satisfied, and that thirst was quenched.

“Bruce…” you breathed, pulling away, eyes widening as you looked down.

For the moment your eyes caught the glimpse of his own aroused manhood reveal itself before you, the need for him was confirmed once more . The very moment you found yourself adjusting for him, you were aware of what you needed. The moment you let out of an incredibly emotional cry  when he finally inserted himself into you, all that seemed challenging in your life were suddenly filled with clarity.

“Ah! Bruce…” you cried softly, as his own grunts harmonized with yours.

With every thrust he made inside you, with every kiss  he planted on your skin, you gladly were prepared to be his. As the apartment filled up with suppressed moans, grunts and whispery sighs exchanged between the two, you were hopelessly and shamelessly his.

When finally the passion peak was reached, and his own passion erupted and released within your core, You finally knew what really was important for you. For you had finally decided. 

——————————————————

Chapter 8 HERE

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[sun-moon-stars-jedi]

Batfam Ficrecs – Fluff Edition

Part 1

Everything is kind of crazy right now, so I thought some wholesome Batfam fanfics would be a great way to take people’s minds off it for a bit. I tried to mostly include fluffy/funny gen fics that are maybe not as widely known as the big fanfics of the fandom. Hopefully you find something new that brings you some joy.

Find Part 2 here.

The Happiest Place on Earth by Team_Alpha_Wolf_Squadron (Gen, 11.3K, Rated T): Bruce and the kids take a trip to Disneyworld and it is just so cute, I legit cried at the end. The Batfam doing normal family stuff is always great and every kid gets a day with Bruce, highlighting each relationship beautifully.

Lost At Sea, And I’m Having A Time by whaleofatime (Gen, 16.1K, Rated T):  On a mission with Jason to deal with pirates in the Caribbean, Bruce finds himself ejected overboard and accidentally lost at sea. This is one of the funniest stories I have read in my life, the humour is superb. If you need something to make you laugh, go read this.

Best Served Wet by RandomReader13 (Gen, 2.3K, Rated T): Dick and Bruce teach Jason how to swim during his Robin days. Years later he gets revenge. Super sweet, I’ve read this one probably a hundred times. Perfect if you need something to make you smile.

Don’t Read Into It by RandomReader13 (Gen, 3.5K, Rated T): In which Jason is a literature nerd and helps his siblings. Very fluffy.

Call Me Hopeless by incogneat_oh (Gen , 3.3K, Not Rated): Dick and Jason bond after Jason’s first gala. Slightly drunk Dick is a treasure and Jason realising he now has a brother always makes me feel so warm inside.

But we’ll carry our brothers (oh, we’ll carry them home) by AutumnHobbit (Gen, 1.6K, Rated Gen): Bruce asks Tim to find Damian during a gala. Damian gets to act his age, Tim is a good older brother and it is super sweet. Mentioned Bruce/Selina.

Ensemble Performance by lowflyingfruit (Gen, 4.8K, Rated Gen): Damian has a dark secret and only Jason can help him. This is peak good big brother Jason, so sweet and fluffy.

Fatherhood in the New Millennium (or, Use a Great Ball, Stupid) by 8sword (Gen, 4.3K, Rated T): The Batkids get into Pokemon Go and Bruce is suffering. Very wholesame Batfam content.

Listen by CrimeAlley1048 (Gen, 2.7K, Rated Gen): Damian finds a new target for his aggressive care-taking. Some Tim and Dami fluff.

Paperwork by starknjarvis (Gen, 3.6K, Rated T): Jason thinks Bruce will kick him out because he failed a test at school. Starts out angsty but turns so fluffy and definitely leaves you with a warm feeling of happiness.

Carry by Ptelea (Gen, 4.9K, Rated T): Dick gets kidnapped and Jason rescues him. Lighter than you think and has some very good jokes.

Butts by hearslogos (Gen, 1.0K, Rated T): The Batkids debate what signifies a nice butt and it is hilarious.

Cat’s in the Cradle by TheResurrectionist (Gen , 3.4K, Not Rated): Tim gets his wisdom teeth removed, wakes up super loopy and bonds with Bruce.

Conflict Resolution by AnicomicQueen (Gen, 1.5K, Rated Gen): It started off as a quiet Sunday morning, until Timothy and Damian decided to take their argument outside. Batkids being normal kids, very light and fluffy.

Eye for an Eye by LueurdeLaube (Gen, 2.8K, Rated T): In which Jason makes the horrifyingly startling discovery that his youngest brother is...cute.

Peppermint Winter by RascalJoy (Gen, 11.9K, Rated Gen): Jason’s first Christmas at the Manor is spent bonding with his new big brother and Dick comes back to the family. Jason and Dick are super cute together. Then comes Christmas after Jason comes back with new little brothers and old traditions.

Home Movies by fanfictiongreenirises (Gen, 3.9K, Rated T): Tim unearths a box of videos from when Dick used to create and perform magic shows for Bruce and Alfred.

Just the Same by Sohotthateveryonedied (Gen, 2.1K, Rated Gen): Jason is sick and Bruce takes care of him and it is so fluffy.

Bedraggled by gypsydancergirl (Gen, 0.6K, Rated T): Tim gets rescued by his brothers and Jason shows Damian how to treat a pinata.

A Father’s Love by Mayarene Rose (Gen, 1.6K, Rated Gen): Jason has a habit of stealing the Batmobile's tires. It's tradition.

Biphasic Reaction by renecdote (Gen, 2.5K, Rated Gen): Damian has an allergic reaction and Tim takes care of him. Lovely little story about the two of them simply being brothers.

bred in decency and order by OkayAristotle (Gen, 3.2K, Rated T): Bruce finds an injured Jason in his study and helps with hot chocolate.

Boy I’m Telling You by fishfingersandjellybabies (Gen, 1.4K, Rated Gen): After a teamup with other heroes Damian finds himself standing alone - until his brothers join him. Very good Batbrothers content.

Fluffy Socks and Batman Onesies by chibi_nightowl (Gen, 1.5K, Rated Gen): The Batbros get deaged and use their time as kids to do what kids do - have fun.

Good Samaritan law by ShariDeschain (Gen, 2.2K, Rated Gen): Damian's not very good at comforting children. Jason's a little better. Just some nice Jason and Dami bonding.

Flutter, Flutter Little Bat by audreycritter (Gen, 6.2K, Rated T): Jason comes by the Manor to hang out with Alfred on Halloween but instead meets Bruce at the door. It’s a suprisingly nice night from there.

how many bats jumping on the bed by noctelle (Gen, 1.1K, Rated Gen): Everyone comes by to cuddle Jason because they love him.

if i’m going down i’m taking you all with me by spider_momo (Gen, 9.6K, Rated T): The Batfamily Group Chat is a recipe for disaster and so hilariously funny, you can’t read this without laughing out loud.

Honourable mentions for fanfics most of you have probably already read:

In For a Pound Series by Cdelphiki (Gen, 240+K, Rated Gen): An AU in which Damian came to live with Bruce as a baby and how that changed the entire Batfam. One of the best series out there with good dad Bruce and adopted sibling relationships that make you melt. If you like wholesome Batfam, you will love everything written by Cdelphiki.

The Dark Knight Strikes Back by audreycritter (Gen, 8.2K, Rated T): Bruce plays Minecraft and it causes havoc in the Manor. Very funny story about Bruce actually showing his playful side with a dash of feelings thrown in.

Fair is Fowl by Lysical (Gen, 4.3K, Rated T): Jason has the chickenpox, which is the ideal time to bond with Dick. I absolutely love baby Jay in this fic and Dick learning to be an older brother always has me so weak. I can’t even count how often I’ve read this fic, it always makes me feel happy.

And we will find a way home by AutumnHobbit (Gen, 1.9K, Rated Gen): A group of sick Robins sleeping off a virus gives Bruce the chance to remember how much he loves his boys.

batcoons by drakefeathers (Gen, 6K, Rated Gen): Jason adopts the racoons living outside of his safehouse with some help from his family (even though he didn’t ask for it).

Diversionary Tactic by audreycritter (Gen, 1.9K, Rated T): Jason has a unique talent, that is very useful, but also kind of gross. Hilarious little fic, always reread it with a smile.

Grow and grow till tall by AutumnHobbit (Gen, 2.3K, Rated Gen): Jason hangs around the Manor for some R&R, which winds up involving some carpentry.

[dinosaurloverman]

This is copy and pasted from the r/dinosaurs subreddit. It's from a post I made.

SO YouTube channel Dead Sound decided "HEY IMMA UPLOAD A DINOSAUR ANIMATION TRAILER TODAY" and I gotta say: I love this man/woman.

I legit cried watching it. It was amazing! (So to explain why I cry when I see dinosaur media. I'm autistic. I'm super emotional. And dinosaurs are the only true 100% good thing I've had in my life) I was so ecstatic I had to make this discussion post just to talk about my love for dinosaurs.

Ever since I was little I was fascinated by these unkown animals. I had so many books for all ages and even for scientists about them, so many movies and shows and episodes, and figures and stuffies and so much more. I loved them all so much. I didn't even care if the material was wrong I just loved them so much.

I still can't tell which dinosaur movie was my favorite. Was it the jurassic park series, or was it Disney's dinosaur? Even today I still don't know. Both seem like such adventure. On one hand a man wanted to bring back these creatures and show them to the world, learn about them and perhaps let them live with mankind. On the other is a land before time story after the possible mass extinction event of the dinosaurs to find a safe place to live while a monster from a continent away stalks them breathing down their neck.

Speaking of land before time, it's still one of my favorite stories even if its super outdated, dark, and had the death of a young actress at the hands of her father. I still love it even with all the crappy sequels. I still cry for little foots mom. I still hate Sara. I miss ducky. Petrey is amazing. Spike is best boi.

Walking with dinosaurs was the first piece of media I really cried to. At the time I played episode 4 first and not episode one because I was dumb. And I was bawling at 5 years old to the ornithacirus. I was legit bawling. I actually stayed away from walking for a full year before I started at the beginning and skips 4 to get to 5 then the end. I loved walking with dinosaurs and its series. Even if its wrong and outdated. I love it and I wanna remake/remaster of it. Hell I even watched it again a few weeks ago and guess what? I cried again to the entire thing. Beginning to end. I love it.

Jurassic park has done nothing wrong to me ever. Even if 3 was and is still controversial. I love world. I loved park. I love the spin off and games. I love the whole of it. Hell the brachiosaurus scene and theme still makes me cry from amazement and even talking about it gets me teary eyed. I love it so much despite its issues and wrongs. I'm excited for domionon but also terrified it'll end with the death of every dinosaur and that'll be it. That's what I'm most scared about. I don't even care if world or fallen were as top notch at park. They were still great stories and I love them all. Even the sound tracks and spin off materials. I love it all. I even plan to get a tattoo one day of jurassic park.

One thing I don't like is the majority of games or stories where it's "hey. Go hunt all these dinosaurs for fun." I am not a hunter at all. If I had the will power and the geuinin goal to not eat meat ever again I would. For now I eat from very selective sources and from ethical farms. But truly I dislike the common paleo story of "dinosaurs are monsters. Kill them all." They arnt. They are animals just like all of us. Just like every creature on this planet beginning to end are animals. We are all connected by a single cell ancestor.

I know most of this post was paleomedia and paleo fiction but I still love dinosaurs. These were amazing animals and If someone helped bring them back or make something super similar to them I'd f**king run away from home and work there no cap. I'd throw everything away just to see them. Hell to even know someone tried to remake them. I know the DNA thing won't work as most paleo DNA is gone and unravels every 500 years or so. But still...I love to see them. I'd probably be happy crying every day before bed.

Dinosaurs are amazing creatures. I love them so much I'd probably do what happens at the end of fallen kingdom and let them all go. For three major reasons. One: no living creature, not even the most evil of human beings deserves to die chocking on gas in a small room. Two: they deserve life. They deserve to live until the day of their death be it by external forces of their clocks run out. Three: Just because we remade them we don't own them. They deserve love and protection. Even if they are so common 100 years of industrial fishing happens. Even if they are so rare they are described as ledgends. Every living thing here on earth (except negative cells and parasites and nasty things) deserves life and love and care and their story recorded.

That's all I can say now. My eyes are burning and I'm super teary eyed. Sorry. Thank you all for reading my post. I hope your day is well.

[talas-starlight]

Can i get a fluffy headcannon for suki x fem!reader? Since my birthday is coming up, I’d like to see what she would do for her girlfriend on her special day. I want all that soft shit if you need more specifics then you can just like message me bro - @simpinforsukka

A/N: Happy birthday!!! 🥳🥳 Omg omg I hope you had an amazing day and please accept my (awful) gift to you,,, YALL this is my first headcannon & request and omfg this was a lot harder than I expected HAHAHAHA BHRIDFVG ☠️ 🤣🤣 – also I think this is a bit longer than a normal headcannon is supposed to be??? & I think I low key did it wrong AHAHAHAH - I really don’t know my friens oop but i hope you like it! @simpinforsukka​ 💖💖💖

• OKIE so let’s establish something real quick,,

• You were not expecting anything on your birthday- well anything extravagant that is 

• Suki is super sweet and supportive of your passions, just as you are of hers, so generally in past years she would let you take the lead,, happily joining along just to make your day brighter 

• Yet of course this year,, she’s learnt quite a lot about your likes and dislikes from past years hence making the decision to take the lead 

• SO IMAGINE YOUR SURPRISE WHEN SHE ROCKS UP AT YOUR HOME INSTEAD OF YOU STEALING HER AWAY FROM ZUKO FOR THE DAY 

• Well actually, you weren’t really surprised more so discombobulated when you naturally woke up to her on top of you

• Arms wrapped securely around your waist 

• Head nestled into your neck, with her hair tickling your chin

• But you were able to fight the urge to freak out at the initial shock of finding someone in your bed fast asleep- as you soon realised it was your girlfriend 

• Yet you were unable to fight the happy tears welling up in your eyes 

• because even thougH zuko would ALWAYS be more than willing to allow suki to come visit you - you rarely woke up together in such a peaceful way 

• let alone on special occasions like birthdays 

• because tbh the guilt of taking her away from the duties she was so proud of doing always ate you up inside 

• ANYWAY, so suki being as skilled as she is, sensed your uneven breathing and woke up

• “Baby? What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?”

• Okok so now she was fussing over you and you tried to diffuse the situation 

• “No, I’m okay- yes suki I promise!! I’m just really happy you’re here”

• QUEUE THE 🥺🥺🥺 FROM SUKI 

• Realising why you were so happy, she squeezed her arms around you even tighter (but not tight enough to break ur ribs because I knoW she could) 

• *insert cute, slow & soft make out session because happiness and yoU BOTH DESERVE IT*

Okok now time for the proper festivities!!!

• So, after your wonderful reunion suki takes you on a lil trip/ game 

• NOW what this involves is that whatever age you’re turning is the number of things she has install for you for the day 

• Okie so foR the first item of the day she serves you your favourite cake for BREAKFAST because who cares about eating norms when its your birthday 

• And if you don’t like cake its your favourite celebratory meal 

• Following this she takes you to all of the places your love 

• if it involves travelling, she uses one of the fire nation hot balloons that she stole because she can

• So throughout the day she throws in some significant places/ activities that relate to the two of you 

• BECAUSE you’re with suki and you’re GUNNA have some places that make the both of you soft even if you’re not that much of an affectionate or sentimental type of person 

• And the ENTIRE day you’re just in awe realising how much your girl actually pays attention to what you love and what you care about 

• Like she’s a total SWEETHEART and a total BADASS but there are multiple points throughout the day where she just made you think 

• “is this really my life?” 

• Tbh you were already over yue that she came to your home while you were sleeping just so she could spend all of your special day with you 

• & you would’ve been more than content with just staying in bed all loved up 

• OKAY BUT SEE WHAT I DID THERE – OVER YUE??? OVER THE MOON???? I'm a comedic genius take it or leave it

• AND LET ME TELL YALL she one-upped herself with every single thing she did with you that day 

NOW FOR THE GRAND FINALE 

• Okay so you just finished your second last activity for the day, and you were genuinely wondering what she could possibly have planned for you with the last one 

• So, you were both taking a stroll through the woods and the sun has already set 

• Honestly you were a tiny bit concerned – like why does someone take their girlfriend into the woods, IN THE DARK

• But she was doing so well all day, you didn’t want to jump to conclusions

• And she leads you to an open field 

• Your jaw DROPS 

• you’re just like… “what is all of this?”

• before you in said field are dozens of lanterns, a giant fire pit with a LEGITIMATE FEAST on a GIANT wooden table 

• you have no idea how you’re supposed to consume all of that with just suki

• anyway, she fully LAUGHS AT YOU 

• “just wait my love”

• THEN OUT OF THE LITERAL SKY HERE COMES APPA WOOHOO 

• “Did you really think our friends would allow me to keep you all to myself on your special day?”

• now it was your turn to laugh

• so, when he lands ALL of your friends come running towards you

• you’re legit tackled into one giant hug as they all scream 

• “HAPPY BIRTHDAYYYYY!!!!!”

• Ngl tho sokka was the last one there because he got side-tracked staring at the food 

• You were so overwhelmed with happiness that you cried for the second time that day

• And then they cried because you were crying over how happy you were (yeS EVEN TOPH LET OUT A TEAR)

• Then eventually you all got over your tears and to sokkas relief you spoke out jokingly 

• “LET THE FEAST BEGIN!” 

• So, for the rest of the night, you joked, laughed, and cried (just a little bit more) with all of your best friends around you 

• But that didn’t stop you from turning to suki with a loving smile as multiple conversations broke out around the table a few hours into the night 

• “Thank you, my love, for everything.”

TAGLIST: I'm not guna put one here honestly because idk if anyone wants to be for stuff like this or if they only want to be tagged in my fire nations assassin series sooooo lmk if you do want to be added to other alta content & I'm scared ppl are guna get mad at me for tagging them in female character content LMAO AHAHHA 

also if you liked this and want to send in ur own request you're more than welcome just read the rules first please :)) rules are: here!

masterlist is: here!

[bluedemon1995]

I can’t watch you with someone else. It’s tearing me apart. Happy Valentines Day my dear friends!! (Yeah I’m late but whatever)

What’s going on on? I hope you all are good!

Pidge has been quiet for a few weeks, months if she is being completely honest. Analyzing her options carefully and trying to figure out what she should do. She wants to be happy for him. In fact, she is. He deserves to be happy after all. He deserves to be with someone who eases his load and appreciates him. And while she didn’t realize what she really felt for him before she does now. Fuck. There’s no putting that element back into the table now.

Typical. Sometimes the timing in life just sucked. Maybe some distance… maybe she just needs some space to get a little perspective. So with Keith and the Blades scheduled to be back home for at least a few months for negotiations and humanitarian talks Pidge had decided she needed to leave before Keith even got on the planet.

After careful consideration of her options, Pidge ultimately decided to sign up with the MFE pilots for their upcoming space mission. They felt like they needed some in depth experience in space and with the upgrades her and Matt finished on their crafts, it was time to test them out. Pidge secretly talked to a few people and requested to be reassigned as their point person to make adjustments… on their ships… in space.

Pidge knew she had to talk to her parents about her decision but in typical fashion she put it off to the last minute. But with Keith’s eminent arrival, time was up. She sat them both down to let them know why she needed some space. While her mom was not happy, she understood thank goodness. Unfortunately, this time it was her dad who was more…unhappy. Her mom gave her a hug and whispered, “I can handle dad. Just, please be careful and come back safe. Love you.”

With tears in her eyes, Pidge promised.

A few short weeks later, Pidge knows she isn’t going to be able to run away from these feelings but she also knows, she can get through them. She just has to be focused and busy. Which she embraced. So late nights, projects and lack of eating led her to her current problem.

She was currently hanging over James’ shoulder while he stalked through the halls of the ship. She should’ve known he’d enforce the ‘rules’ he placed on her. He was a little more like Shiro than she felt comfortable with. Making her eat, sleep and just be with the team was not what she imagined he’d be like on a mission. Get the job done. So she ignored his requests, then orders. But here they were. He finally gets to her room and throws her down on the bed.

“Stay. Sleep.”

“Um, gee, James I didn’t know I was your pet? What the fuck?” She sits up frowning, pushing her hair back out of her angry eyes.

Pointing at her, he returns, “You’re here until you sleep, at least ten hours! You’re lucky I don’t tie you up! That’s an order.”

“Gee James, kinda kinky, don’tcha think? I didn’t know you ran that way.” She bats his finger away.

“Argh!!! Please tell me you are worse now than before! How did you manage to save the flipping universe?!? You don’t listen, you don’t sleep and I swear I don’t know if you even eat! Take care of your damn self! I’m definitely not trying to be your parent but hell if you don’t need someone looking after you! Look, I don’t care if you have some secret issues that you won’t share with your team leader - “

Suddenly Pidge has lunged for James, hitting him square in the gut followed by a leg sweep. “SHUT UP!! I don’t need another mom or dad, I have two already!” Panting and red faced she stares down at him.

“You wanna fight? Let’s go then! Maybe you will wear yourself out and get some damn sleep!”

He lunges upward and Pidge feints left only to move right, jumping onto the bed and slamming back into him. He falls but quickly grabs Pidge so suddenly she is on top of him, twisting to make sure he falls on the bed.

They end up wresting, each one trying to get the upper hand. Once again James is surprised at her strength and quickness, especially when he knows she must be exhausted. But, James won’t let up. So when Pidge punches him again he grabs her wrists in his hands and holds her down using his weight as leverage. No matter what she doesn’t outweigh him and she’s using too much energy. Finally, after she’s exhausted her little reserves of energy she has she stops moving. Then he hears her sobs.

James eyes widen, instantly letting go of her wrists quietly murmuring, “No, no, no, no crying! For God’s sake are they right? You, um shit. Whoever HE is, he isn’t worth it.” More softly, he adds emphatically, “He isn’t worth your tears.”

With that he pulls her close and lets her cry on his chest. After some time, he looks down and sees she’s basically cried herself to sleep. In his arms. For another guy. Shit. He moves her from his arms to the bed, making sure to take her shoes off and cover her. He starts to leave but when she whimpers he stops. Feeling more tired than ever he debates with himself. Frozen he doesn’t know what to do.

He finally decides to leave when he again hears her whimpering. He groans, pushing off his shoes and laying down in bed beside her-over the covers. He hesitates but when he hears a groan he ultimately pulls her close and holds her, rubbing her back. Laying next to her small form, he can’t help but wonder, who is she hiding from? What idiot wouldn’t thank the stars that this little spitfire wanted him? Sighing, he figured it really wasn’t his business and he just let sleep claim him.

Meanwhile, Keith has finally cornered Matt and Shiro. “Where’s Pidge? And don’t give me that crap - top secret mission stuff either.” It’s been two weeks. And no sign of her. And no one is talking. It stopped being annoying a week ago. Now he’s torn between being mad and nervous. She’s not answering his calls and she KNEW he’d be here on Earth. Why would she leave?

Matt avoids eye contact and mutters, “Why do you care? Aren’t you busy with your team?”

Keith frowns, breathing out of his nose, trying like hell to hold onto his patience. “What. Is. Going. On?”

Matt pushes past Keith muttering, “I can’t tell you a goddamn thing. I promised.” Then yanked the door open and slammed it shut.

Keith looked to Shiro. His heart was racing, and he felt jittery with a bad feeling in his stomach. “Shiro. Please, tell me Shiro. Please. Is she mad at me? Did she leave BECAUSE of me? What the hell??? What’s going on?”

Shiro sighs, “Keith, I can’t give away Pidge’s reasoning. All I can say is she is helping the MFE pilots with their training. In space. It’s a legit mission. You know she worked really hard to”

Keith freezes, “The MFE pilots? Griffin’s team?”

“Um, yeah well he’s there. Why does that matter? Everyone is there and ”

Keith frowns, “Why didn’t Matt go then? This isn’t right. I gotta go, I’ll talk to you later Shiro.”

As he walks away, his thoughts are focused on a past briefing about drills being run, by the MFE pilots. He can get out there with Cosmo. Would that be weird? Frowning he bumps into Kolivan and his mom. Krolia grabs Keith’s arm and pulls him into an empty room.

Kolivan begins, “Keith, the Green Paladin is on a mission. With another team. She is not slated to return until well after our trip is finished. This appears like a strategic move.”

Krolia nods, “Yes, Colleen offered congratulations on your engagement. She said they had been told that you were marrying a fellow Blade. When I discounted this she seemed concerned. I was able to piece a timeline that indicates Pidge took this mission last minute. Why would they think you were mated?”

Keith frowned, “What?Who the heck would say that? Maybe someone on controls sent a wrong message? Shit. They are still really bad at English. But that still doesn’t explain why would she leave?”

Krolia and Kolivan exchanged a long look. Keith growled, “If you know something spit it out. I don’t have time for this. I need to corner Pidge and figure out what’s going on. This isn’t like her.”

Kolivan slowly stared at Keith, “What would you do if you got word that your little green paladin was marrying some other male?”

Keith’s eyes flashed, “What? Who?”

Krolia took his fist carefully in her hand. “Exactly, you’d fight. But I do not think your mate’s first instinct is to fight. Especially in love. She’s young and inexperienced. And if she thinks this is what you want.”

Kolivan returns, “I’m actually surprised myself, I did not picture her running.”

Krolia frowns, “It is a strategic retreat. NOT running.”

Keith froze. After a few doobashes he looks up, “Do you think she ran? Because…”

Krolia shook her head. “Keith, we do not know. This is something you need to ask her. In person. Soon. Where is Cosmo?”

Back on the ship, things have returned to normal. Pidge is working hard and staying focused but has deigned to eat and sleep. When the pilots invited her to the bar for drinks and dinner to celebrate a successful one month in space, she declines.

Back in her room, she was sitting on the bed, wondering what her next steps could be. Should she stay in space? Take another mission? Get back into active duty?? Get some perspective? Travel?

She saw from her phone that Lance was calling but she declined the call and crawled in bed. She still wasn’t ready to talk to anyone about this. Not even a friend. Maybe a movie night was in order. As she was scrolling through her laptop, she decided she needed a comedy. Maybe a series? Then she heard a knock.

Frowning she ignored it. But the knocking didn’t stop, who ever it was they were persistent. Finally getting up, she whips door opened to find James, holding a two bottles of scotch?!?

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“Can I come in?”

“Um sure.”

A few hours later, both are laying in her bed, watching the Office reruns and swapping swigs from the same bottle, which is almost empty at this point. Pidge is giggling and keeps saying lines from future episodes, which James has no clue of. Which annoyed him because it wasn’t fair but it just made her laugh more. Then she kept saying, “That’s what she said!”

After James said something, which was clearly irritating him. But for her, it just made it more fun for Pidge. After another season, Griffin was really getting comfy, taking off his shoes and jacket. Pidge teased him, “You know you could take off your uniform shirt and just stay in your t-shirt? Be a rebel.”

James grinned, “That’s what she said!”

Pidge laughed, “Doofus, I literally DID just say that, that’s not how it works!”

As they calmed down and starting watching another season of Jim dance around Pam. James quietly asked, “So, you don’t have to tell me, but who is the guy? … Lance?”

Pidge looks up, “What?!? No! God, there’s too much gossiping on this ship.”

James nods, “Yeah, I agree… but it’s true, right?”

Pidge quietly replies, “Look it doesn’t matter in the end. Lance, Shiro, whoever, the bottom line is he’s with someone and I want him to be happy. So I’ll step back and when I can get my shit together, I’ll be able to be around him again. I just can’t watch him with someone else.”

James stares at her silent for a minute, then turns off the light and removes his uniform shirt, pushing her gently, he says, “Move over.”

Pidge complies and once James gets situated, she snuggles into his side. He continues, “So, definitely not Lance. If, it’s not him, it’s well, it must be Keith. I saw how you two interacted, always eating together on the Atlas, his eyes watching you when you weren’t looking and just being comfortable in each other’s space. So I don’t like him but I’m sorry. For you, because he must be stupid to…” his voice trails when he looks down at her. Her eyes are shiny and he mutters, “Please don’t cry. It, well, it just fucking breaks my heart.”

Pidge tries to laugh, “Look, you and Keith are more alike than not. He’s not perfect but he’s a great guy and well, he should be happy. So. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Now watch this because Pam and Jim will finally get their shot. It, it’s super sweet.” Her voice trails off at the end.

James nods, “Yeah okay. But honestly, this is it, I swear, but, if he doesn’t see how amazing you are. Well, that’s on him. Because, any guy would jump at being yours. Now, I still don’t get how this is romantic. He liked her forever, and she liked him but they won’t take their shot?”

Pidge smiles, “It’s only romantic because the audience wants them together and know how great they’d be. If they don’t get together it would have just been sad but since they do…it’s amazing.”

Pidge awakens to a crack?!?, yelling and the covers suddenly being ripped off of her. Blinking in the surprise, she rubs her eyes to see Keith and Cosmo, in the room?!?

“Keith!! What the hell???” Standing on the bed, she feels Cosmo jump over and rub against her legs. Instinctively holding on to him, she sees Keith punch James and James return the favor. The room is too small and they are bumping and knocking around her already crowded room.

Keith roars, “Why are you in here?!?”

James grins, “C’mon I’m sure you have an idea. Whatever you’re thinking, that’s it.”

Keith’s vision suddenly turns hazy and he launches himself forward. Only to see Pidge jump between them. Instinctively he changes course so he doesn’t hurt her his fist slams into the wall. Breathing heavy, he stares at Pidge, who is hanging on his arm, lowly asking her, “Tell me what’s going on?”

Pidge sighs and turns to James. “James, I think I need some time to talk to Keith. Thanks for, um,” Pidge isn’t quite sure how to finish that sentence so she just waves a hand, “everything.”

James frowns, “Are you sure?”

“Mmmhmmmm.”

As James very slowly gets his stuff to leave, Keith growls noticing he has to pick up his shirt and coat from the floor. Then he takes note that there’s an empty bottle(s) of scotch and her laptop is on the bed. Were they Netflixing and chilling. Did she? Did he? Not Griffin. Please. He closes his eyes to try and focus. This situation somehow just got worse. Worse than he already thought. When he hears the door finally closing he opens his eyes focusing totally on Pidge. He looks at her and realizes, thankfully, she’s in a t-shirt and pajama pants.Okay that’s a good sign. Right? He doesn’t think one would get dressed after having sex so that’s a plus. And Griffin had pants on too come to think of it. He stalks towards her and stops right in front of her. She’s got her arms crossed and is looking at the floor. “Pidge.”

She doesn’t look up. He frowns. He needs. Fuck too much at this point. “One-I’m not engaged or getting married or whatever you thought.”

Pidge’s eyes snap up. “What?!?”

“My mom said your mom thought I was engaged. I am not. Two-if you had questions why the hell would you not call me and ask?!? Instead what-you left? When you knew I was coming back. Three-you, um, didn’t answer my call…calls. What did I do? Why are you mad at me? I fucking left you messages. A lot.” At this point his hands are gripping her upper arms and he has pulled her close. Staring at her, trying to figure out what is eve going on.

Blank. Pidge’s mind is in flux, all she can think is…I can’t think. Shit. “Um, sorry. I um, am helping the, uh-“

“No, that doesn’t explain the silence. You didn’t pick up. Worse, you didn’t call me back. Hell, you left me unreadable, why?”

“Fuck, I’m sorry!!!”

“You’re forgiven, if you tell me WHY?” He pulls her close, and now she’s on her tip toes.

Pidge sighs, “Fuck. Keith, I just can’t watch you with someone else. It would tear me apart, seeing you are with someone else. But I, I want you to be happy and, I, I”

“What?” Keith closes the space, taking the last step closer, both of there chests are now brushing each other and Pidge can feel Keith’s body heat. She blinks. She’s gotta think. How can she think when he’s so close and staring at her?

But then Keith’s hand reacher for her chin, and his thumb brushes her lower lip.

Her mind short circuits and she blurts out, “I have feelings for you. And I “

Keith’s eyes flash, and suddenly his arms are around her. His mouth is on hers before she can formulate any thought and after his mouth was on hers, thought was freaking impossible. Keith was holding her, kissing her and she was responding, moaning and her knees literally buckled.

After some time, Keith has maneuvered her to the bed and is holding her close. His hand is lightly tracing patterns on her lower back, as they snuggle into each other. Keith whispers, “So, moment of truth- my whole reason for coming back to Earth, was to put myself in a strategic position so I could date you. I finally figured it out, that what I felt for you was not simple friendship. It was so much more, so much. I needed to talk to you, needed to ask your opinion and bounce ideas off you. And that was new for me, so I tried to ignore what it could mean. But, I couldn’t not talk to you. Then you went radio silent. And it freaked me out. Really. I can’t, just, don’t EVER do that again.” He gripped her face in his hand, voice dropped, “please.”

“What?”

“Katie, I… can you feel what I am writing on your back?”

“I…L..O..V..E..U. Keith?!? Really?”

“Yeah, I do. Um how do you feel?”

“I love you too.”

“Babe.”