#make it hit harder but hat felt TOO cruel

[nephalem-da]

I hope this is the ask box, I’m not exactly sure which one was correct but I saw your latest y/n x bill story and I wanted to suggest one?

Do it whenever you want but I was thinking monster falls AU where hunter!Bill catches y/n (not sure what creature, but something mythical would be cool) and he’s very proud of his catch, showing the angry y/n off to the henchmen- who are other various hunters now.

Also if you aren’t taking requests just ignore this lol

The Hunt

(Human!Bill Cipher x GN!Reader)

Time for a Human Bill fic (╯✧▽✧)╯

Genre: Monster Falls AU, Slow-burn Romance, Humor.

Warnings: Mild violence, Panic/Anxiety on the Reader's part, Mutual pining/awkward tension, Fluff with hints of playful tension.

Summary: Bill Cipher is a skilled hunter who captures you, a rare mythical Selkie, after an intense chase through the forest. Proud of his prize, he shows you off to the Henchmaniacs.

The forest was alive with sounds of pursuit. Every snap of a branch, every whisper of wind through the leaves, sent your heart racing faster than your legs could carry you. Your feet hit the damp ground in frantic steps, each stride uneven as you darted through the towering pines. Your lungs burned, muscles protesting with every rapid movement. But you couldn’t stop. Not now.

They were close.

Bill Cipher, the infamous hunter who prowled these woods, had been tracking you for days—maybe weeks. Time had blurred into a stretch of panic ever since you realized you were being hunted. And now, the moment you feared had arrived. You were the prey in a game you hadn’t asked to join.

The transformation had already begun—whether from fear or necessity, you weren’t sure. The smooth, dark skin of your seal-like form shimmered, glinting under the dappled moonlight that barely broke through the dense canopy. The dampness from the nearby river clung to your limbs, and the scent of wet earth filled the air. You could feel the shift deep within you—the urge to dive into the water, your true element, was overwhelming. But there was no time.

Suddenly, a sharp whistle cut through the night, startling you. The sound echoed in your mind, a reminder that you weren’t alone. Bill was close.

Your seal-skin was only half-formed, and you were stuck between two worlds—too slow to slip into the full speed of your natural form, too vulnerable in this half-shifted state. Panic surged through you. You had heard the stories about Bill and his relentless pursuit of mythical creatures. There were whispers among your kind about his cruel efficiency and unbreakable persistence. He never failed.

“Where do you think you're going, fishy?” Bill's voice cut through the silence like a blade, mocking and far too close for comfort. “You’re just making this harder on yourself!”

A shiver ran down your spine at his words, but you didn’t slow. You couldn’t. With your lungs burning and your legs aching, you pushed harder, veering off the path and toward the river. Water—if you could reach it, maybe you could escape. Your Selkie form could glide through it effortlessly, leaving the hunter far behind.

But Bill had been planning this for too long, and he was one step ahead of you.

Just as the sound of rushing water reached your ears, you felt a sharp pull, the ground falling out from under you as a net sprang up, tangling you in its enchanted threads. You hit the earth hard, pain shooting through your side as you struggled against the bindings. The more you fought, the tighter the net seemed to hold, cutting into your skin and sealing your fate.

"Ha! Gotcha!" Bill’s triumphant voice rang out as he sauntered into view, his human form tall and menacing against the shadowy backdrop of the trees. His hunter’s outfit was weathered but well-kept, a wide-brimmed hat casting a shadow over his eyepatch that was oddly shaped like a triangle, and a single, golden eye.

“There you are! That took longer than I thought.” He crouched beside you, tilting his head in mock sympathy. “You almost had me, you know? But no one escapes me.”

You glared up at him, your chest heaving with the effort of trying to free yourself from the net. But it was useless. The enchanted rope sapped your strength and neutralized your magic, leaving you half-shifted and vulnerable.

Bill’s grin widened. "You’re quite the catch. I was expecting something more boring, but a Selkie?” He whistled low. “That’s rare. Guess it’s my lucky day."

You growled, shifting your weight in the net, but Bill only smirked. He grabbed a fistful of the netting and yanked you upright, pulling you onto your feet. “Easy there, slippery,” he chuckled. “Wouldn’t want to hurt my prized catch before showing you off.”

As if on cue, Bill’s henchmen—the Henchmaniacs—emerged from the shadows, laughing and cheering at their leader’s success. They were rough, grizzled hunters who worked under Bill’s command, each more eager than the last to prove their loyalty.

"Nice work, boss!" one of them shouted, nudging the others. "Look at that catch!"

The others chimed in, offering their congratulations as Bill proudly dragged you toward them, your bound form stumbling in his grip. You could feel their eyes on you—hungry, calculating, and cruel.

“Hey, think it’s dangerous?” one of them asked, eyeing your Selkie skin with curiosity.

Bill scoffed. “Not anymore. I’ve got this one under control. Besides—” he leaned in close, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper—“they’re too smart for their own good, but not smart enough to escape me.”

You narrowed your eyes, but your glare only made Bill chuckle. He tugged the net tighter, making you wince.

Behind him, the Henchmaniacs began to busy themselves with camp preparations, their voices blending into the background as they moved through the clearing. A fire crackled nearby, its light casting flickering shadows across the monstrous landscape.

And just beyond the edge of the camp, you could see them—the creatures of Gravity Falls. They lingered at the edge of the woods, watching with wide, glowing eyes. They watched the hunters from afar.

You could feel their gaze on you, watching as Bill presented his latest catch. They knew the game, but none of them would step in. The unspoken rule was simple: if you were caught by the hunters, you were on your own.

Bill dragged you to the center of the camp, his grin never faltering. “Everyone, meet the new addition to our little collection,” he announced, loud and proud. “A rare, hard-to-catch Selkie. Not bad, huh?”

The Henchmaniacs cheered, but the monsters at the edge of the woods remained silent, their eyes glowing with something you couldn’t quite place—pity, perhaps? Or maybe frustration? They wouldn’t step in, but it didn���t mean they weren’t waiting for something to change.

As the night wore on, you sat by the fire, still trapped in the net and unable to shift fully into your true form. Bill hovered nearby, his smug expression softening just a bit as he poked at the fire with a stick.

“You know,” he said after a long pause, “I don’t usually keep my catches alive. But you... there’s something interesting about you. Might just keep you around.”

You glared at him but didn’t respond. Every muscle in your body was tense, your mind racing with thoughts of escape.

Bill’s eye flicked to you, studying your silence for a moment before he shrugged. “Fine. Be that way. I’ve got all the time in the world.”

But there was something in the way he looked at you that gave you pause. For all his bravado and arrogance, there was something else there—a flicker of curiosity, of something deeper. He wasn’t just proud of his catch; he was fascinated by you. And that, more than anything, made your pulse quicken.

Part 2 || Alt. Part 2

[deans-writing]

Clawed Out

Character: (Red Dead Redemption) Vincent King, Rock, Florence Shaw, Rusty Caldwell

Warnings: Attempted scalping, general violence/death

Notes: None

The night, the very one which Vincent so often found himself staring at, had turned into something that worked against him. A cruel twist of the knife that fate held. Light only illuminated his situation once his body had been slammed into the ground.

Vincent couldn't help but think about the hours previous while he jerked his arms to the side, trying so hard to free them from the grip of his tormentor. A cold steel turned warm with his blood against his hairline and made him fight harder.

He sat around the campfire at camp with the other members of Rusty's gang. To break the silence that clouded the area, he spoke. "Gonna head up Roanoke." He'd said. The stares he got told him something was wrong, but no one actually spoke. Vincent explained it would be for collecting a bit of cash. He'd found a treasure map on a rival gang members corpse, and it certainly caught his attention.

“The land you’ll dare to walk is filled with red warm sand." Rock cut in, stopping Vincent from going on. "Those who own it will believe you their property as well. Your body as the toll." She stared dead at him while she spoke. Her eyes were cold, sending a violent shiver throughout his figure. He'd never heard one just so demented as she was. He only scoffed, waved his hand away and said it would be fine.

He found some humor in the fact that Rock of all people had actually been trying to warn him, and he wished he'd listened.

Travelling up the side of the river on Constantine, the sun began to set. Vincent set his lantern upon his hip, looping it on his belt while his hands took hold of his horses reins. He'd spent too many nights in pitch black to have any real fear of the dark. He'd fought and killed in the darkness of nature what felt like a thousand times over.

Then, he could hear wailing. It wasn't an animal. It was a person, calling out for help to whoever would listen. His heart started to thump harshly against his chest then. He pulled off to the side of the trail he'd been walking and hitched Constantine to the nearby stump of a tree. A part of him was still glad he'd left his animal out there, but the rest of him cursed himself for not grabbing onto his shotgun before going deeper in.

He'd seen the entrance to a cave while he broke through the treeline. He narrowed his eyes upon seeing lights die out by the person who had been crying out. By the time he'd gotten close enough to realize the person hadn't even been injured, it was far too late. He'd drawn a gun and aimed it at Vincent, who raised his hands. Then, his head cracked.

In an instant, the world had grown painful and dreary. Vincent hit the ground with his gun falling just out of his reach. Hands locked around his wrists and pinned them on his back, and his head was yanked up. He felt someone tear his hat off. And then the knife came.

Thinking about how he got in his dire situation had left him right back to where he started. On the ground with someone trying to scalp him, with the rest of his friends coming out of their hiding places to laugh manically. He could feel something start to boil inside of him.

Rage. The very rage that drove him to go on a homicidal rampage against those who'd murdered his father a world away. It burned bright, setting fire to his veins and making his brain swell inside of his skull. He began to growl. His hands trembled erratically. His jaw clenched.

Vincent leaned down. The man on top of him let out a grunt of confusion, right before Vincent snapped his head back up. The back of his head smashed into the front of the others and he fell back with a yell, dropping his knife in the process. "SHIT!" He cried. Vincent grabbed onto the knife.

He looked up through his hazy sight and saw a leg. It had been shot up in an attempt to kick him in the head. Vincent grabbed onto the man by the ankle and raised the knife high up before stabbing down into his knee. He screamed and tried to move back, only to collapse. Vincent quickly clambered ahead of himself, pushing himself up with one hand.

His other grabbed onto his Schofield while he made it to his feet. Things became clear through his anger. He was surrounded. Standing and fighting would be a dead man's effort. Vincent fired once blindly, he could hear the sounds of men scattering away from the general direction of his aim. After a few quick steps back, they began to move closer again. He fired in their vicinity, turning his head after his hand had already made it there.

"VAFFANCULO!" He roared. They were far enough away from him to feel confident in making a break for it. Vincent turned and ran, his arms took a moment to make it in front of him while he darted for the cave. Gunshots didn't follow him, not even arrows. That meant they were going to do everything in their power to close in for the kill. Fucking animals, Vincent thought to himself.

Past the initial darkness of the entrance, he found himself bathed in light. Torches were slammed crudely into the dirt to keep their area illuminated. Vincent ran further inwards, before throwing himself behind a wagon. Stolen for certain, but it'd serve its purpose in giving him a moment to regain his composure.

The blood had rushed from his wound as if it were escaping the flames of a house fire. It ran down his forehead and over his eye, partially blinding him. Vincent grit his teeth and snarled as he wiped at the cut. The attacker hadn't managed to carve the blade too deep into his flesh. The pain wasn't the part that bothered him.

Footsteps hit the ground harshly as the group approached the Sicilians choice of cover, calling out all the while. He gripped his gun tight and began to count in his head. He had fired twice while he ran away, giving himself the space he desperately needed in order to get to a semi-safe spot. Four shots. He prayed silently that it would be enough. Their numbers and weaponry up close would prove to be far too much if he wasn't able to send enough to hell.

Taking a deep breath in, Vincent stepped out from behind the wagon. His revolver was levelled in the direction of his attackers. He fired the moment he got sight of them.

The first shot hit one of the men in the stomach. A loud groan and he fell forward, clutching at his stomach. The men around him scattered like cockroaches seeing light. He cocked the hammer shot again. It zipped by the hand of another. It clearly didn't stop him though. Vincent raised his gun before slamming the hammer down and taking another shot. It went through the deformed skull of another. His legs gave out and his body crumpled on them, leaving his husk curled up.

Vincent took a step forward, trying to take back the distance he'd given so much of to the animals that chased him down. Their numbers had thinned. He could only assume they were taking position near the entrance of the cave, preparing themselves to either capture, torture or murder King. Possibly all three.

He pulled down the hammer to his revolver and shot again. The lead found a throat, soft and easy to slide its way through and out of. Two dead, one wounded and likely not getting back up to fight. Two still stood and were actively rushing him. Vincent spun his revolver so he'd be holding onto the barrel, which still held the heat from his previous shots. He took a step towards one of the men.

Vincent lowered the gun to his side while he got close. The attacker held a machete, he spotted. He'd only heard of the weapon through Camilia in passing, though he didn't pay much attention then. He understood why she seemed to speak of it so highly in that moment. A long sharp blade with a thick wooden handle. It was just his luck that he was about to go into melee combat with one.

He shot the gun upwards, aiming the handle of it at an angle. The enemy hadn't seen the strike coming, letting it break his jaw with one hard hit upwards. He staggered back before Vincent hit him again. The wooden grip bashed the top of his head. An incoherent cry was let out while he continued to stumble away from Vincent.

The other had gotten close while he was busy dealing with the first. Vincent felt a slash at his shoulder, and he growled upon the cut. "HMPH!" He bit his lip to stop himself from making too much more noise. His empty hand grabbed onto the man's hand, and he forced it against him. Vincent raised his own knife up and swiftly drove it deep into his throat.

"Hngh..." Vincent sighed as he pushed the man's corpse down before standing back up to his full height. He turned to the first one he'd been beating on, who was pressed against the stone wall that made up the confines of the cave with both hands on his head. He quickly drew bullets from his gunbelt and loaded up his revolver with one bullet before taking aim.

With one quick squeeze of the trigger, the man was dead in an instant. His brain matter splattered onto the stone behind him and he sunk to the ground. Vincent was finally able to breathe a little easier as the reality of what he'd gotten himself into got the opportunity to get deep into his mind.

Trapped. He'd gotten himself trapped in a cave, with at least five more of the animals outside. They'd be waiting for him. Vincent grimaced as he stared off to the distant entrance. There was no one else to help, he was on his own and was being forced to fight his way out. It was that, or he'd die in the process.

"Okay." He murmured. Vincent loaded his revolver up once more before he walked to the man he'd killed only a moment prior. His machete would be used against his own friends. Vincent grinned at the thought while he held the machete tight in his left hand, his gun in the other. He didn't consider it quite enough to take on the small band, but it would have to do.

Vincent ignored the fear in his mind, and instead focused on stoking that heat in his chest. That would be the thing that got him through alive.

The next minute or so was a blur.

He'd rushed up, gun raised with the machete not too far behind. The first man that stepped out of cover caught two shots to the chest, before Vincent buried the length of the machete into his face. Two more began to approach after the first one had become a corpse stuck on a blade. Vincent spun the body to be facing his friends, and he ripped the machete out while simultaneously kicking him back.

The body got sent backwards, crashing into the others. One stayed standing tall while the other got knocked back. Vincent took aim at the first. He too was pumped full of lead, being treated like a bottle for target practice as Vincent fired off three shots into him. Two had hit the upper half of his chest, and the third stuck him in the sternum. He fell back just as the second one had gotten up.

Vincent saved his bullet, taking a step forward and swinging the machete down from overhead. It struck his skull, but didn't fully go through. The man had already begun to yell and try to push Vincent away, but it was too late. What followed next was violent, repeated and enraged attacks.

The man's body fell while Vincent continued to strike his head with the blade. Grunts and growls turned into screams of fury while he attacked. The pain on his hairline seemed more intense as his heart pumped faster, and the rush of blood only grew heavier.

He stopped once his arm grew tired. Vincent stood back up and turned to the entrance of the cave. He raised the revolver in preparation for something to jump out at him while he walked through.

"Bastard..." One man groaned. It was the one he'd stabbed at the start of it all. Vincent lowered the barrel of the gun to aim at his head. "BASTAR-" He fired. The man's head snapped back and he laid on the dirt. Vincent looked around, sliding his revolver back into its home in its holster. Someone was missing, he was certain. Though he didn't have the time to sit there and hunt for the one that got away.

Without any time wasted, Vincent ran back through the treeline and to Constantine. He took the reins off of the stump he'd left it to prior, and he rode off. Back down the trail, through the forest, and all the way back to camp.

In only an hour, he'd made it back. The lights caught his eyes, and he snapped the reins down onto the back of his steed. It rushed forward. "Me! 'S just me!" He called as he approached the current lookout, one hand raised to show peace. Florence turned, lowering the repeater that went to every person who took guard. "God." She mumbled, getting a good look at Vincent.

His front half was dirtied and bloodied, his shoulder actively ran red and half of his face was still covered in his own blood. "What-" Florence paused, watching as Vincent rode past her. The question of what happened didn't seem important. She glanced to the trail he'd ran up, before turning and making her way to where he stopped his horse.

"Follow me." Florence said, slinging the Lancaster around her shoulder as she got next to Vincent, who was dismounting his horse. "How does it feel?" She asked, resting a hand on the males back as they walked to the nearby table. "Hurts." He admitted sheepishly. "Didn't expect so many of them." Vincent added, looking down.

She grimaced at that. Florence had heard of Murfree Broods territory, and had she been there when he discussed going past it, she would've warned him. It was clearly too late for that though. "If I'm being honest, I'm surprised you made it out at all, King. The choice to go was... Kind of stupid." She patted his back once they reached the table. He took a seat and looked up at Florence, allowing her to assess the damage.

Both turned their heads to stare at the two pairs of footsteps as they approached. Rusty and Rock. One looked concerned, hand on his hip. The other looked... Well, it was hard to tell. Rock never showed much emotion outside of pure mania in any situation. "How was the walk on bloodied ground with hollow bones inside?" Rock asked.

Vincent glared as Rusty looked at her in confusion. "Fuck you." He snarled. Rock simply grinned at that before turning and walking back off. "Jesus Christ." Rusty sighed, standing next to Florence. "What happened?" He asked, making her give a quick glance. "Lunatici got hold of me." He pointed to his hairline, which Florence had begun to push his hair away from to look at how deep he'd been cut. "Cut me there, tried to go across my head."

Rusty's eyes widened. "You went up Roanoke?" He said with an exhale of disbelief. "Lord above." Rusty put a hand to his own forehead, rubbing the sides. "They tried to scalp you, kid. If they had... Well... You would've had a lot more issues than some cut." Florence hummed in agreement. "You're lucky. They stopped before it got too bad." Vincent hummed lowly. "Only one held me down. Slammed my head into his and ran. I killed an entire goddamn group of them."

There was a pause as the other two took that in. "There was someone crying in the forest. I went in and tried to help." Rusty frowned, that's what he'd taught the Sicilian. He couldn't help but feel partially responsible because of that. Vincent continued. "Got hit with... Something. I was on the ground, they started that. I had to use a machete and a revolver to fight them off." He explained. Rusty nodded. "Well- hey, at least now you got a damn impressive story to tell when you talk about that scar."

Vincent chuckled. "Kinda wish I'd listened to Rock." He admitted. "Jesus. Never thought I'd hear you say that." Rusty added. "Apologies, but, if I can address the wounds?" Florence cut in. Vincent nodded while she stepped back. "Like I said, you got lucky. This cut on your head, it's nothing severe. It'll scar, but it'll be fine. I'll put bandages on it. As for your shoulder?" She pointed to it. "Shallow. They'll both hurt, but at least you'll be okay." She assured him, giving a comforting smile.

He nodded again. "Thanks, Ms." He mumbled. Florence patted his healthy shoulder. "I'll go get bandages. Wait here." She told him, turning around and walking off to her tent. Vincent turned to Rusty. "...is it actually a good story to tell?" He asked quietly. "Well, most armed groups die to an ambush of them." Rusty gave a shrug. "Yeah, I think it's a pretty good goddamn story."

Vincent leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair and pulling it back. He hadn't found the treasure he set out for, all he'd found was trouble and pain. He already knew he'd go back there, but next time he'd bring others. Strength in numbers. That's what kept him safe with the gang after all.

[circusxxxprey]

Yeah I don't have anything fancy for this. It's just Johnnie getting eaten out by the resident evil clown. Dirty talk, mentions of edging/denial, mentioned d/s stuff, bondage, nicknames ("princess" is used instead of her actual name) and just... Clowns. Look if you're following this blog you know what you're in for 😂 and if you aren't following, you should be

"Oh, god damn it-"

The ropes weren't giving. My efforts to escape just made the knots worse. The way they wrapped around my wrists, untying them was gonna be even harder than before.

I hissed through my teeth. Great job, Johnnie, I thought. Let's count the seconds before the General shows up… one-

"Oh dear, I'm not interrupting am I?" The voice came from the entrance to the tent. "Looks like you're a bit tied up at the moment, princess!"

I groaned. There he was. That was a new personal best for the bastard.

"Were you watching me the whole time?" I said.

General Jester lifted the brim of his hat up with a finger.

"Maybe," he said with a smirk. "Does seem like you're in a little predicament…"

His red eyes scanned my body, from my arms over my head, to my feet where they barely touched the floor. The General licked his lips.

Here we go again, I thought.

"You know, princess," he said. "We really have to stop meeting like this." He stepped closer, closer. "I'm starting to think you like getting caught in our traps. Would it hurt your pride too much to ask for," the General chuckled, "release on your own?"

I flushed.

"F-fuck you! That's not it at all and you know it!"

"Course I do," he said. "But it's so much fun making you squirm…"

He stood right in front of me, his grin wider than any human's. I still had to look up at him, to glare in his eyes. Didn't see the hand coming.

"Oh, princess," he cooed.

A hand traced up between my legs. My back arched, and I sucked down cotton candy scented air.

"Our very own sweet, sweet princess… what are we ever going to do with a naughty little thing like you…?"

His index finger pressed so gentle through my jeans against my clit. Somehow I lifted even higher on my toes.

"I think I'm a bit peckish," he said. "You don't mind if I-"

His hands snatched out. My jeans hit my ankles.

"Hey-" I protested. "Whoa -"

The General sighed. "Dear Princess, did someone steal your panties again?"

I wasn't going to answer that, and he didn't give me time to.

"Oh well!" He said.

Two large hands gripped my hips and lifted my weight up off the floor.

"Hey, hang on now," I said again, but it wasn't my face turning red this time. "We can talk about this, right?"

"I think you've been left hanging long enough," he said.

The warm air of his breath tickled the skin and hairs of my pussy. He'd gotten my legs on his shoulders so quick it took me a second or two to realize he'd done it. By then, it was too late.

My clit throbbed. His lips brushed against it and my body clenched hard.

"You gonna be a good girl, princess?" His lips spoke against my clit. "You gonna let the big scary man eat you out? Pretty please?"

The arousal took over as quick as he did. Last time, he'd been so cruel. He teased me until I begged, and never let me finish, not once, before painting that damn numbing cream on my clit again. Some punishment that was.

It'd been so long since I started fighting this evil circus, sometimes it felt like the three leaders had my body conditioned to them. Like I would never, ever, be turned in by another man but them. Bastards, all of them. Killers and creeps and ravishers.

I wanted to cum so bad.

As I nodded my head, his painted smile twisted into an amused smirk.

"Good princess. Horny little princess. Bet you'd do anything to get to cum, wouldn't you, after last time…"

If I had the chance, I would say some sharp stuff about that.

I did not get the chance.

His forked tongue skimmed over my clit. My gasp filled the void of the empty sideshow tent.

The General chuckled. He did it again. Again. Fucking over and over, the barest touches, sending lightning all through me. My toes curled in my sneakers, my fists clenched. Through my grinding teeth, I moaned.

"That's a good girl. Come on. Let the bad bad man hear the little princess moan like a whore."

His mouth clamped over my clit. I moaned. He smiled around my skin.

Even weeks after losing my virginity to this very man, I still felt weak and small under his hands. And his tongue. God. I swear, he counted them, the circles he danced around my clit with his tongue. The exact number of strokes, lapping at that little nub. My thighs quivered, my legs clenched hard. He didn't stop.

This time as I tugged on the ropes, it wasn't to escape. I couldn't stop squirming. My hips writhed against his hands. In the back of my mind, part of me was pissed. Letting him fuck me, again? Did I have no standards? But I didn't want standards. I wanted to cum after almost a week without it.

So close, I was so close already. How long had it been? Not long at all. My moans grew louder in my own ears. My thighs shook now.

It built up fast inside my core and my resolve snapped.

"Please - please - please please please please please-"

With my eyes closed I felt him smile against my skin. I braced myself, waiting for the mouth to pull away just moments before my release…

He didn't pull away.

It hit me so hard. I wailed. My body jerked in his hand, clenching, gripping around nothing. Blood pounded in my ears, in my cunt and clit. I gulped down air, my whole body consumed in wonderful fire.

And he laughed at me. I heard that as the pleasure faded, and my hearing returned. The General shrugged my legs off his shoulders and laughed, holding his gut.

"That didn't even take two minutes! Oh my God!" He straightened, wiped the tears from his eyes, and smiled. "Aww, look at you. All worn out and sweaty. You're so cute when you're dripping like that, princess."

I couldn't even reply to him. I still need to catch my breath. He shook his head.

"I think I could go for another taste…" He dragged his tongue over his lips again, slow enough to catch and hold my gaze hard. "But what would the poor princess's little pussy do if I did?"

Leaning down at the waist, the General tickled his finger over my clit.

"Coochie coochie coo~"

I swung my good leg at him. Hit him right in the shoulder with all my strength.

"Ow!" He jumped back up to a stand, rubbed his shoulder like I'd actually hurt him. "You bitch, that hurt."

I smirked at him. He frowned at me, then released a melodramatic sigh.

"Silly, silly princess. We'll make a good little circus pet out of you yet."

"Not if I send you back to hell first," I said.

"If you do," he said. "You're coming with us." He giggled. "And then you won't be cumming for a long, long time."

[sleeplesssmoll]

@withered-rose-unbreakable-lotus

You gave some really interesting points! And I do agree that I wouldn't put her in her 20s. I’d a like to add on another thing I overlooked that would make sense for Vertin to be younger:

Vertin’s searching for her mother.

While this can still be done if we were a young adult, it hits harder if she’s younger. Like a little kitten or duckling.

Although, it could also be taken as no matter how much she suffered as a child, she never forgot her mother. She’s an adult now and she has the ability to seek answers. She yearns for her mother even if she doesn’t know her. It's like an old wound that refuses to heal which would also be neat to explore.

As for not having all the answers, I think Vertin’s ability to understand what people want is a skill that normally comes from experience and reflection. She did it with Druvis, Jessica, Schneider, Regulus and so on. Other moments like redirecting Jessica’s behavior and looking after her crew while still letting them have their fun show she does know a thing or two about mentoring, but she’s not perfect. We see her get into trouble in Alien T’s anecdote and she feels more like a kid here, but that wouldn’t be out of character if she’s 19 either. I think it’d still fit well and is a point we both agree on! 19 is able to have way more responsibilities but also still a kid. I feel the same way you do about it!

Shamane is a great example of this. He learned a lot during his years but you can still see him grow as confronts ghosts from his past. While he is able to guide people, even he falters and has doubts. I’d say a lot of the SPDM kids have gone through this which is why aging up would not hurt the story, but enforce other motifs. On the same note, Vertin is similar but no where near as experienced. She won't always do everything right or "adult" the right way.

But you have another point with the Uluru games. Part of me wants to say that maybe Vertin wanted to let the kids cool off after their fight, but also she could have genuinely not known what to do. I do find it odd since she's not usually this hands-off in the Anecdotes or Suitcase interactions with members.

There is also a third way to perceive it (meta): It’s not Vertin’s story so she was only a vehicle for the real main characters. This would also explain why she’s so quiet and is around mostly to tie up loose ends. She has a Suitcase full of arcanists to test the stadium, she helps the Spathodea cross the desert, she brings that cool hat journalist to save the day. I liked the event, don’t get me wrong! I always love to see Vertin too but I’ll admit she felt like convenient extra in this one, in my opinion. 

Here is how I see the story playing out if she was aged up:

Vertin (19) has a deeper understanding of how the world works but is still trying out how to navigate it compared to the other SPDM kids since she was made the Timekeeper at 12-13. She’s seen how cruel the world can be. She’s also not your standard “gifted” child because she started from the bottom, not from the top. She was an awful student and her only saving grace was not getting erased like the other children. Now people applaud her for existing since it gives them a chance against the Storm. The “Timekeeper” title was thrust upon her but it could have been anyone with Storm Immunity. She’s grown into a kind, generous individual because she spent years traveling and meeting people. This also emphasizes her compassion. She’s not nice because she’s naive; she chooses to be a kind person despite the hardships she faced.

On that note, regardless of her age she’d still need an army of arcanists because she is a weak arcanist and the Foundation has literal soldiers. She’s better off working from the inside because they have her on a leash. Vertin also works within the Foundation because they give her the resources necessary to learn about the Storm and save people. Afterall, she is a kind person who genuinely wants to help people and staying with the Foundation allows her to do this. It’s not like they would let her go anyway. 

But if Sonetto is the same age, she’d also be 19. This would give us an even stronger contrast of Sonetto’s stunted growth and naivety due to the Foundation, and Vertin’s forced entry into adulthood. Sonetto's naivety and anger at the cruel world vs. Vertin’s experience and drive to change it are already present in the story, but I feel like giving them a bit of time to really grow into these roles adds depth.

In my opinion, the story doesn't change much if you do age them up but, it feels like it makes more sense. Also young adults and childhood trauma go hand in hand :D

Now for the more nitpicky stuff because I am insufferable.

She met a single mom at a snack bar at 2am which would have to be somewhere between 12-16, and 16 feels more unlikely but idk timeline. Vertin drinks beers and champagne, sure a 16 old can too but she seems to have easy access to alcohol. People refer to Vertin as a kid while punishing her like an adult, which is very common for freshly turned adults. You’re still a baby but you have all these expectations thrown on you.

Thank you for giving me things to think about! This is also just me adding on to the conversation and everything here is my perspective. Having another view keeps the brain rot from consuming me.

One thing I'd change about Reverse 1999.

The more I think about it, the more I wonder why Vertin and the others are so young. It's like the anime problem where they're so reluctant to use young adults/adults even though it'd make more sense in terms of immersion. Or they make a character look young but they're actually very old.

Matilda is 14.

Tooth Fairy is 25! I read her as at least 28-30ish. To put that into perspective, Blonney is 20 and Horrorpedia is 21 which I can see. They made Zima 29 so I know it's possible!

From a story standpoint, I read Vertin as at least 19, and that's including the trauma that forced her to be the mature and stoic Timekeeper. Her charisma, ability to travel the world on her own, and experience in the field made me think of one who is old enough to deal with problems but not quite at the level where they have all the answers. Also her travels and sneaking around in places she shouldn't be would be easier if she's older. For example, more job opportunities, the ability to get a license etc. 19 is a transitional stage where she's both a kid and adult. Although, you could say this about a 16yo Vertin too but it feels...different. like a different type of transition happens during these ages but I can't put my finger on it.

Idk if I can really put this feeling into words because that's all it is really. Certain characters ages don't "feel" right.

On a completely unrelated note, I want an arcanist that looks like your stereotypical witch with a point hat and black cat! She seems like a scary grumpy lady (70), but she actually has butterscotch in her pockets and and a big ol' loving heart in her chest.

I also want a Salem trials "witch" who is actually an arcanist.

[descendantofthesparrow]

Harry Hook’s mother

so i always flip flop for ideas about Harry’s mother, be it a fairy (Zarina), a mermaid, or *cough* Emma swan *cough* (that one is pure au tho) my favorite has to be, a mermaid. cuz g’damn no one is naturally that fucking pretty, there's some supernatural shit going on in that blood.

so Harry’s mom (unnamed atm) was a neverland mermaid, close with her pod, and she was a un-godly beautiful woman, with ocean blue eyes and unruly dark curly hair when it was dry. Hook took a liking to her, after seeing her attempt to drown his men and the lost boys several times. she was one of the strongest of the pod, her voice able to lure the fairies of pixie hollow. once, only a few months before hook was arrested and sent to the isle of the lost, she had been able to trap him with her voice and almost get him neck deep into the waters, her blue eyes never leaving his. he only survived because of Pan (that wretched boy, whom he now had some debt to for saving his life indirectly) 

but this sets off Hooks obsession with the mermaid, and just before he is arrested and sent to the isle, he captures her, not letting her speak as he explains to the new Auradon guard that she is his wife and he will not go willingly without her. and so the mermaid is torn away from her home, sobbing and screaming for her dear friends and family, leaving on in particular behind; her best friend Arella (cant stop this feeling only lore) 

a few moths later, she falls pregnant, and nine months later, gives birth to a fantastically healthy baby girl, blessed by the ocean gods and born of neverland blood. Harriet thrives, the ocean in her veins and a sneer on her lips. but the mermaid grows weaker as the years go by without the magic of neverland, and soon she can hardly move other than for short moments, bursts of energy if you will, her last dying breaths. she is grateful to Mr. Smee who takes her out to the waters and lets her swim around with her only daughter at the shore, her human feet wading in the slowly polluting isle water. 

and when Harriet is 2, the mermaid falls pregnant again, and she isn't sure how, she thought she wouldn't have any magic left to be able to carry another babe. but it doesn't matter, she will love this one as much as she loves her darling starfish.

she doesn't make it more than four months into her sons life, and 3 years into her only daughters life, before she is exhausted of all her magic, and dies, turning to nothing but sea foam. leaving behind two sea glass bracelets that are hidden within the pockets of her only two children, who have no idea if they will ever experience the ocean they way their mother did, but they swear they will honor it better than their father.

....yeah, ANGST MFS! 

in one of my first Headcanon posts for Harry, i mentioned his mom as a siren/mermaid, and thats why he never sings, cuz it does things to people.

anyway~ hope yall enjoyed~ i am very much taking name suggestions cuz idk how to name things. 

@sephiralorange​ 

[pastellepastary]

ITTO GETS THE BENCH HE DOESN'T DESERVE THE HAREM COUCH

He hears them say (type? After all, he couldn't exactly hear their voice.) He couldn't help but wonder, why? Why had they been treating him like this recently when they had been so excited upon finally being able to take control of him, to fight and to explore as HIM!

They didn't actually hate him, did they? Itto could even argue that they absolutely loved him! They weren't as cruel towards him on their first day as say, someone like the Raiden Shogun or Kokomi who they dropped off cliffs and drowned over and over and over before finally getting bored and leveling them, only to bench them for a few months.

They loved him, right? With the way they leveled him all the way to 90 within 30 minutes of getting him, with the way that he was given the honor to be the first that they "triple-crowned". But why was it that everytime they used him, they seemed so... sad?

And so, the usually confident Itto was now reduced to a miserable pile of thoughts and doubts.

They loved him, right? With the way they farmed endlessly for what they claimed to be a "decent hat", all for him!

They loved him, right? With the way they stood and played a very specific song on the lyre, only for him to hear.

They loved him, right? With the way that they stood in front of him in the teapot on that fateful day, promising that they'd love him until the end of time.

They loved him, right? With all their efforts to make him stronger, hit harder and survive longer.

They loved him, right? Despite the way they implied that they hated him, they were just joking, right?

Itto sighs, he wasn't even feeling up to go to the beetle fight that he and Ayato agreed on earlier that week in the forest.

Too invested in his own thoughts, Itto doesn't notice the sound of a door opening nearby, he doesn't notice the Kamisato's blond housekeeper emerging from a room either. Thoma perks up upon seeing Itto in the main hall of the mansion before raising a brow at how he seemed to be so lost in thought.

Thoma walks up to the half oni and greets him with a cheery, "Good morning, Itto!" The said man is snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Thoma's voice, only offering a half-hearted greeting back.

Thoma shoots a worried look at Itto.

"Are you okay? Are you feeling sick...?"

Itto looks up at him in disbelief,

"I'm Itto! the one and oni! Someone as cool as me doesn't get sick that easily!" He laughs, but Thoma notices that he didn't seem to be well.

"Are you thinking about something?" The Pyro user asks, testing the waters. Itto sighs, he figured that Thoma would definitely know if something was up.

"You remember the player, (y/n) or something?" He asks, to which Thoma nods.

"Of course! They *were* the one that brought me into the teapot in the first place. Why do you ask?" Itto thinks, and thinks and thinks some more before something clicks. Thoma! They loved Thoma, didn't they? Decking him out with the best gear they had and leveling him quickly.

"Well, I was wondering about something..." Itto sighs and looks away from Thoma before finally giving in and asking the question that had been plaguing him for quite some time. "They hate me, don't they?"

Thoma laughed, *so thats what it was about!*

"You really had me worried there, buddy! Of course they don't hate you!" At his response, Itto perks up.

"Y- you really think so?" Itto cringed at the sound of his voice crackling ever-so-slightly. To which Thoma nodded. The oni sighs in relief, it looks like he didn't need to worry so much after all-

"You know," Thoma started, "the only reason why they're acting like this is because you "traumatized" them so much during your banner." Itto was confused, tilting his head and urging Thoma to continue. "We honestly thought they were going crazy, constructing a ritual room, desperately skipping through their remaining story quests and hang-outs, including my own- and wishing as soon as they could."

*ah- so that was the pull I felt at that time-* Itto thinks to himself, almost laughing. "In the end, they did still manage to pull me in, so I'd still consider it a win!" Thoma nods, about to say something when the doors to the mansion were opened, Tubby the teapot spirit coming through and ushering them back into their rooms,

"Mx (y/n)'s coming into the teapot, get back to your rooms, you two!" Before rushing around the house to inform the other residents.

"You know, they couldn't hate you even if they tried! So if you wanna say something, I say go for it!" Thoma finishes, patting Itto on the back and running back to one of the rooms. Itto waved at him as he left before walking back into his room, thinking about Thoma's words.

After a few minutes (a few seconds to the player, Itto notes) the door to his room swings open and a familiar presence, this time taking control of his fellow horned friend, Ganyu, appears. She circles around him a few times, attempting to jump on various pieces of furniture in the bedroom that the player designed, before standing still in front of him to play the lyre, as usual. Itto inhaled, it was now or never.

—————-

It all went weirdly well, (y/n) noted. Their comms were weirdly easy, almost as if the game was ushering them to continue on with her "routine" as usual.

They paused, "Have i finished getting all the furniture from hell island yet?" They whispered to themself, zooming out on the map to check their exploration progress. They hum, shrugging and deciding that they would worry about it on another day, before clicking on the map option to go to their sereniteapot and claim their furnishing, coins and bond points.

After a weirdly short loading screen, they run up to Tubby and started putting various characters to work on making more furniture before claiming the coins and spending them on some much-needed mora. As they were about to skip through Tubby's text after doing what they needed, they raised an eyebrow at the new dialogue.

"It looks like someone in the teapot has something special to say to you, traveler!" Well, this was certainly something they'd never seen before.

"Okay...." They say to themself, cautious. They'd never heard of this happening to any of their other friends, but they'd never pass up the opportunity to find a secret or easter egg in the game. They close the dialogue box and walk into the mansion. The first person they talk to is Thoma, who only answers with his regular dialogue. "So it's not Thoma..." they mutter, before noticing the said boy's expression change before speaking, as if he had heard them.

"Oh! You should check on Itto! It seemed like he had something pretty important to say!" How weird, another unique dialogue, fully voiced too! They think to themself, closing the dialogue and jumping around Thoma in a sort-of thank you before hopping off to Itto's room.

"Itto~ I'm home~!" They called out jokingly as the door swung open for her. Beside the bed and behind a screen, Itto perked up. This was it- Itto thought to himself, now or never, go big or go home! he huffed, patting his face and shaking his arms. (y/n) noticed the new animation and jumped around Itto, looking at him in all directions. They, as Ganyu, then stood in front of him and started playing the lyre. They messed up quite a bit, cringing whenever they accidentally hit the wrong note. After a few seconds, they finally give up and finally decides to talk to Itto.

"He~ hey, sunshine!" Itto greets, *more unique dialogue!* (y/n) notes, a smile finding its way onto their face as they relish in the sound of the half-oni's voice and gaze. "You know..." Itto starts, not even waiting for them to move on with the dialogue, well, there wasn't even any text in the area they used as subtitles. "I've been thinking a lot, over the past few days..." Itto audibly breathes in after that, as if readying himself to ask something. (y/n) leans closer to the screen, blinking once, twice- were they really seeing this?! Itto looked so expressive, way more than he already was before!

"and....?" They whisper, and Itto finally hears them.

"You see, trav- no, (y/n)! I've been wondering about something." Itto rubs the back of his neck, this was it. He would finally get some confirmation on what he was feeling. (y/n) , on the other hand, is very obviously shocked by the mention of their name, well, their username. He closes his eyes for a second before opening them, nervously staring right at them, "(y/n), do you hate me?"

For a few seconds, silence. Those few seconds- or minutes to Itto, felt like an eternity.

"Oh my god." (y/n) spoke, after a few moments. "Oh my go- Itto! I could never hate you- I-" they sigh and laugh, Itto also sighing in relief, not that they noticed. "I couldn't hate you even if i tri- oh what am i saying, you probably can't even he-"

"No!" Itto exclaims. "No- I- I meant that as in i could hear you- don't worry about the technicalities of that, I just-" he laughs, "You really scared me for a while, sunshine!" (y/n) smiles wider at the screen,

"Imagine that, Itto the one and oni, scared by someone like me~" they answer, after a few seconds, Itto calms down. "But seriously, Itto, beloved, I really don't! I mean, I'm still just really salty about your banner- but I guess I'm finally starting to make peace with it? Either way, I still got you and that's what matters!"

"No matter what, you'll be my one and oni! my most beloved Arataki Itto, and nothing will change that!" They smile, and Itto feels his heart quicken. This was a nice feeling, he decided, and smiled widely at the screen. And it was a feeling he wanted to hold on for forever.

______________________

i still don’t know how to use tumblr properly //slapped

But yeah, hi SAGAU tumblr! I’ve been lurking for so long and i had this written a week or two back so ig im finally joining in! (Trying to, at least)

This is dedicated to the ppl who also got traumatised by itto’s banner :,DD

Aaaand im really sorry if there are any spelling mistakes, im just small brained like that 😔

[emyluwinter]

After the events of chapter 5.

Yuu recovered from a serious injury and sat in a hospital bed in the infirmary. Physical activity was forbidden to them under the threat of danger to their health. Ace and Deuce and Epel and Jack were supposed to come in after class. Their prefects strictly instructed them to go to classes, and in their free time to visit Yuu. So now they were alone in the infirmary. Even Leona didn't doze off here as he usually did. Although he couldn't stay in the infirmary for long because of Yuu. Leona said that " you smell too much like...burnt ... medicine that makes my nose ache."»

The infirmary was very quiet and only the sounds of voices from the corridor came from inside.

Taking a deep breath, they slowly got to their feet and walked over to the small medicine table. There was a cabinet above the table, and Yuu carefully took out a small mirror.

They hadn't seen their reflection in all this time, and they wanted to see something.

No. Make sure.

Removing the light robe from his right shoulder and picking up the mirror, Yuu took a few more deep breaths.

It was harder than they thought.

Finally deciding to look in the mirror, Yuu saw three large streaks from the burn and wound on his shoulder, running down to his collarbone and down to his chest.

They were afraid that they would stay.

Creepy

Disgusting

Scars.

The scars are proof of their weakness and their own stupidity.

Yuu shouldn't have gone alone that night. They had to ask someone for help.

Grimm was never found.

Yuu was willing to give all his money to buy up all the cans of tuna from Sam.

If only this problematic lump of fur would return.

- It looks awful, doesn't it? - Yuu whispered softly, looking into the mirror. Lucky it didn't hit their necks, or they wouldn't be standing here alive.

- You will always be the beautiful flower of Trickster-san. - Suddenly, a soft voice came from the window.

Yuu didn't drop the mirror in surprise and barely managed to grab it and hold it to his chest.

- Rook-san??Wha....whatt...why are you here?

Rook was, of course, a master at sudden appearance. Seriously, did he and Lily have some kind of competition to scare the hell out of people?!

Yuu noticed that now, every time they met, Rook took off his hat in their presence. Hunt had never behaved like this. Yuu thought that Rook felt guilty about what had happened. And with this action, he wanted to express that he was sorry.

"I'm so..Sorry I didn't prevent it."

- I wanted to check on you. But I saw that you decided to look at a new part of yourself.

Yuu put the mirror back on the table.

- Senpai ... please ... tell me honestly...doesn't this look disgusting? - Yuu asked in a soft whisper. They didn't want to see his expression.

He is a hunter of love. He will never say something offensive and cruel about the appearance of others.

Vil critical thinking would be more appropriate.

- I only see before me a man who bravely went to meet danger. This part will be hard for Trickster-san to accept. But these patterns on your fragile body will never make you ugly. You are still a beautiful flower bud that is about to open and show its beauty to the whole world....ah... I can't wait for this moment.

Yuu chuckled slightly as Rook was always in his repertoire.

- Ah!And Vil, unfortunately, could not visit you because of his busy schedule. But he has given you a modest bouquet of ointments of his own making for your patterns. They will help you to relieve tension and make them more accurate.

Patterns.

Yuu liked that word.

-Thank you Senpai...thank you very much..

***

Ace eat apples that brought Epel for Yuu. - You want to get tattoos??

Yuu smiling awkwardly – not really. I want to try to cover them with Mehendi patterns. But I was told that you need to wait until they are overgrown for the end, and this will last more than a couple of months.

Epel dreaming - tattoo in the whole body. It's so cool and manly!!!I want to stuff myself with a huge tiger or dragon on my back!!

Yuu worried- Epel................Epel no, please. I don't think Vil-senpai would appreciate the idea. Why don't you try the temporary one first?I'll draw you Mehendi whatever you want.

Epel is inspired – Can I ?? I want!!!

Deuce – and I want too!!!!

Jack - but will it come off after?

Yuu explaining - it's easy to wash it off, this one will be easier to explain to Riddle and Vil when they see tattoos and they try to kill me a second time…

Ace-you're definitely not okay with your sense of self-preservation.

[lovelivingmydreams]

My king au headcannon Part two

So this is the follow up to this post  Which is a headcanon for this au created by @rondoel Enjoy!

Something to think about The king was meditating. He was trying to familiarize himself with the mindscape again, get a better feeling of it and see what his halves had done since the split. He was sorely disappointed. There were pages upon pages of ideas, but he found no evidence of them in the fantasy realm. No traces of the epic quests the ‘light’ half had envisioned, despite how well worked out they appeared. An ‘Ultimate Storytime’ should have left traces in the kingdom. Remus at least lived out his ideas even if they were only ever half formed and lacked substance beyond the initial impulse that brought them about. The results of these outbursts weren’t all that impressive either. He didn’t examine the ideas too closely. Obviously his perfectionistic half had abandoned them for a reason and so they weren’t worth his time. The one named Roman had spent some time in the fantasy realm, but he didn’t considered it his main duty. Instead he’d wasted time on crafting ‘ideas’ and ‘bonding’ with the others. Even the impulsive Remus had prioritized interacting with Deceit over expressing himself. Disgusting. Not that he could truly fault either of his halves. Other than his purpose every trace of him had been purged from their minds during the split. They hadn’t known to distrust the others the way he knew they should’ve. Obviously the others were to blame for all this.

As he thought of them he could feel his minister’s energy surging and subsiding in subtle burst and raging waves. One of Roman’s nickname for him ‘Stormy Knight’ seemed to suit the boy quite well at the moment. The minister was mostly alone, aside from morality. Someone had to babysit him he supposed. Suddenly he became aware of music… something strange yet familiar. “Disney. Medley.” A faint memory offered him. He remembered Disney. It was his aspiration to create worlds and adventures just as amazing for Thomas to escape to when the real world inevitably bored him. Clearly he hadn’t been gone long enough for that to change. Though he didn’t recognize the melody that was currently playing, even though he could tell that it wasn’t something obscure and nearly forgotten to Thomas. The entire imagination responded to the melody as if it was an old friend. Almost as if it was born here even. There were voices singing, a magnificent harmony. Powerful and foreboding. He followed the sound of the voices and soon saw a structure appear. As he approached he found it was a massive statue expertly carved from marble. Center stage stood a figure he recognized as Thomas holding his hands in front of him to form a heart. A brilliant smile on his face. It was heartwarming to see his boy like that. To Thomas’ left stood grown Morality with one arm thrown over his shoulder and another pulling the hooded side, Anxiety, his minister, into the group. The young side allowed it with a small smirk and gentle eyes directed at their protégé. On Thomas’ right stood Logic, a steady hand on the boy’s shoulder as he adjusted his glasses, which did not conceal the fond look on the man’s face. On Logic’s right stood Deceit, his back slightly turned to the rest and adjusting his hat, but also with a soft, caring expression gracing his features. Then right behind Thomas, standing slightly taller than they would have in reality, seemingly standing on a stage behind the group, but close enough to still be part of the ensemble, was him. Or the two sides that had been him for a while. Roman looked regal and was posing as though he had not a care in the world, his eyes proudly overseeing his subjects. Not minding the presence of Remus who was hanging of his ‘brother’s’ shoulders and making a face. It was an idyllic picture that never was and now never could be. There was beauty in it’s tragic impossibility. At the feet of the stone depictions were stone letters. Fam in cursive and then in big bold lines ILY. And leaning against the L was the minister, singing the song that had lured King away from his meditation. The shadows around him were aiding in his musical endeavor drifting around him and the statue. King took in the marvel once more, wondering how the nervous side had managed to create such a blessing with what should’ve been a cruel curse for at least a few more days before King would grant the young one his council and guidance. He hadn’t enjoyed being cruel to him. Not entirely. Sure, he had opposed creativity in the past and deserved to be disciplined. But king also knew how integral he was to the process. Roman’s discoveries regarding that weren’t lost to him. He couldn’t silence Anxiety completely. He would not get Thomas to go on adventures at all if he did so. But he had to teach him his place now, before he got any ideas of fighting him. The minister had been about to try just that and might have been successful too if he’d gone all out at once. But luckily he seemed unaware of his own abilities, or at least unwilling to use them on what he still thought to be the twins he’d known all his life. Alas he’d never get the opportunity again. “It all can be sold!” the shadows chorused around the teen-like side, captivating baby Morality with their movements as the little one clutched to the dark uniform and distracting King from his musings. “As a specimen yes I’m intimidating!” One voice continued, drifting around the side who was swaying to the music playing in his headphones with his eyes closed, holding onto Morality and then the dark clad side sang himself. “You can blame my friends on the ooootheeeer siiiiiiiiiide.” And just like that the shadows dispersed. Mostly anyway. They still swirled around the minister, but they were more of a dark aura than when they originally manifested. Anxiety seemed to be in better spirits than when he came to offer his ridiculous apology to Roman. King barely resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the memory. What a waste of time. Still it had been sincere, at least it seemed to be. And King wasn’t completely insensitive. He could understand that it would be hard for this young one to let go of his halves when he had never known them as one. Perhaps, King could cut him a little slack. Though he would have to remain vigilant… Hmmm, why did that word feel so odd when thinking about… Right, Virgil. Everyone had names now. Not that he cared much for those. Names were too… Names were for friends, allies. He didn’t need a name, nor did his subjects. Lest any of them forget who was in charge. King wouldn’t. Never again. The infant noticed that they were no longer alone in the room and tugged at Anxiety’s hair to get his attention. In response Thomas’ guardian pulled off his headphones and looked down at the heart. “What’s wrong popstar… or… Well, doesn’t really fit right now I guess,” Anxiety chuckled a little sadly. “Guess I’m more the dad now than you, huh?” he mused. “When this is all over, I promise I’ll never complain about you treating me like your kid again.” There was an uneasiness forming in King’s stomach. Anxiety was close with Morality, both Roman and Remus remembered that. But… how close was Morality with Anxiety? King knew that their ‘moral compass’ could be as two faced as Deceit. No, this could be part of an elaborate plan to gain his trust, he’d fallen for it once before. And of course they’d send Anxiety to do their dirty work now that all of them had already shown him their true colors. Little Morality pointed at King and Anxiety looked up, curious at first and then his eyes widened in fear. He put the child behind him and stood in a strange mixture of a respectful bow and a defensive stance. Arms slightly spread to shield his friend and head raised so he didn’t quite let his eyes leave King’s frame. “I…I’m sorry if I was too loud,” Anxiety offered with trembling voice, assuming he’d angered his king someway. Good. King approached, not sure if he was in the mood to scold or to praise just yet, but stopped about three steps in front of Anxiety as his foot hit something. He looked down and saw that the floor surrounding his minister was covered in sketches. He looked up at Anxiety with a raised brow, curious to hear what had brought on this little storm of creativity. And he found him staring at the sketches around them in horror. Then he seemingly felt the structure behind him, he turned and looked up in horror, trembling even harder. He looked back at King with wide eyes. “I…I didn’t mean to…” he started. “Then I look forward to see what you create for me when you intend to do so young one,” King mutters calmly, as he bids one of the drawings to come to his hand. As far as he can tell it’s two children playing in a forest. “Tell me about this one boy,” he instructs as he shows Anxiety the drawing. The side takes the sketch with a frown and looks at it for a moment before a small smile of recognition appears on his face. “I’d manifested for about two months. Remus felt it was about time I came on an adventure,” he starts explaining, and as he does the drawing rises up and gains colors and details that weren’t there before. Anxiety didn’t seem to notice, too captivated by his own memory as he described how freaked out he was by the forest and all its creepy creatures. Remus never let a single one touch him though. Still, it was stressful for him and he didn’t come along as often as Remus would like. The painting showed two preteens, Remus and Anxiety, the later clutching a comfort item, pillow or blanket, King wasn’t sure, maybe it was a stuffed animal. They were running around and laughing. But in their shadows Anxiety was curled up in a ball and Remus was making a gesture as if he’d just popped out and screamed ‘boo’. A lovely memory with a shadow side. But that was the nicest thing Anxiety could create with the power King had granted. Once the story was done and the painting finished, King snapped his fingers and conjured a dark wooden frame with a vine pattern around it and hung it on a non-existent wall. “I’m sorry, I know you said to get rid of the feelings, but I… I can’t… I always mess up like this please I…” Anxiety flinched when King reached out for him. Curling into himself, expecting another curse or some other punishment perhaps. Which is probably why his posture relaxed and his face was overcome with confused surprise when all he received was a brief pat on his hair. “You may not have gotten rid of those feelings but you did something even better,” King laid a hand on Anxiety’s shoulder and looked down on him. “You made something out of them. I am very pleased with you,” he informed his disciple. Anxiety looked up at him confused. “Really?” he asked, his voice breaking over the single word. Before King could answer, a displeased cooing pulled Anxiety’s attention away. He turned around and picked up the infant who immediately latched onto his neck and stared at King over his shoulder. Clearly the infant retained enough of Morality’s adult thoughts to be wary of him. Good it wouldn’t be a proper curse if the traitor wasn’t aware of the danger King posed to him and his precious family. King grinned menacingly at Morality, hoping it’d confirm the child’s worst fears about his intentions for who he apparently considered a son. What could be worse than agonizing over the fact that your sins would result in an innocent paying for them? For that innocent to be your child of course. “Please Pat, behave alright?” Anxiety muttered as he got up and turned back to the king. “Sorry… Your majesty. He’s a bit clingy,” the young man offered nervously. “Not your fault. I don’t quite understand why Logic and Deceit would leave the care for such a fussy child to their youngest.” Not quite true, King could perfectly see how they thought they had to concentrate on finding a weapon against him that they hadn’t tried already. But still. One would think that the two oldest should be in charge of protecting both their young ones, instead of letting them wander off into the territory of their enemy. If Anxiety had failed to entertain him with his tale, who knows what he would’ve done to amuse himself during this second visit? Maybe he’d put morality in a bit of a dilemma… He might still do so if he ever needed for Anxiety to see that his ‘dad’ didn’t love him as much as he always claimed. “Taking care of him keeps my mind occupied. I don’t want to give Thomas nightmares or anxiety attacks. He doesn’t deserve to suffer for our messes,” Anxiety explained. King might be mistaken, but that almost sounded accusatory. He elected to ignore it. Once his rule was properly reestablished, he could revisit the subject if at all necessary, which he doubted. “Well, creating art seems to do the trick just as well,” he mused as he called forth another picture. Anxiety guessed what he wanted, looked at the picture and started to talk about the movie night and a popcorn fight, then a duel with cardboard swords and laughing about memories of middle school. The colors once again revealed a pleasant day, with a shadow of self-doubt and fear of abandonment. The shadows showed Anxiety pleading on his knees while Roman threatened him with a sword. This time the frame King made was golden and held roses. “C…Can I ask something milord,” Anxiety asked timidly. “Questions are always welcomed in the realm of creativity,” King decreed. Questions created possibilities. “What happened? Before the split I mean? The other’s won’t ever tell me.” That surprised King. And from the way Morality stiffened, he had to assume it was the truth. They’d really not taken the chance to sway Anxiety’s opinion in their favor? For a moment he considers spinning a grand tale of betrayal and heartbreak, but he found the very thought of recalling the details of the events leading up to the split… unpleasant. “I trusted them and they turned against me because they disagreed with my vision for Thomas,” he informed Anxiety calmly, hoping it was enough for now. “I’m sorry. That… That is terrible,” he whispered hugging Morality closer. The young minister couldn’t see it but there were tears in Morality’s eyes. Which pleased King. Let the bespectacled traitor be afraid this may end up being the last hug he’ll ever receive from his precious Anxiety. Was this why they didn’t tell him? Because they knew that there was no spin they could give to their deeds that wouldn’t destroy the trust they’d built with the one among them who already feared being betrayed. “I… It was a long time ago. I think… Logan seemed very ashamed of what happened. Even Janus seems to feel bad. I’m sure… can’t we all…” Anxiety struggled to express his desires, but a new drawing showed what he wanted. King and Logic shaking hands amidst the others, all back to normal and smiling relieved. Faint shadows of Roman and Remus with an arm around one another’s shoulders right behind King. The fact that his minister’s powers had conjured it showed that the desire felt impossible. King dismissed this drawing in favor of another. Anxiety sighed, accepting that the subject was finished, and continued to regale him with stories of the twins. Sometimes it was a sad memory where the shadows revealed his care and worry for them both. Like a fight over a failed audition where shadow Anxiety was trying to patch up shadow Roman. Or a fight about a nightmare where the shadow of Anxiety was embracing Remus. Then memories of the other’s came. A debate about negative thoughts where shadow Logic laid a hand on shadow Anxiety’s shoulder as a gesture of pride. A staring match with Deceit but their shadows were reaching for each other. One memory had no shadows. The ‘lights’ were in Anxiety’s domain and reaching out for him as he sat huddled in on himself on the ground. The image was conflicted enough on it’s own. Then King picked up a drawing of Morality. “That’s the first time you came to talk to me remember Pat?” Virgil coed to the child who’d been rather quiet during the creation of this gallery. Anxiety recalled how he’d been upset about another fight with Roman and he’d come over and sat with him in silence. Then he’d offered him one of his cookies. It had surprised Anxiety, he knew how much Morality loved his cookies. Sharing one was his standard gesture of love and appreciation. But Anxiety felt like he didn’t deserve either at the time. He felt trapped in a role he didn’t want to play. And because of Morality talking to him that day, for the first time, he thought that maybe he didn’t have to be. Anxiety talked more about how the thought was quickly dismissed as unrealistic but King found that it was hard to focus. The colors revealed a painting of a side being offered a hand by Morality. He didn’t even notice the shadows this time. It was like he was trapped in his own memories. Then suddenly, he was back in the present and heard something beside him. A wailing child and someone gasping for air like they’d ran a marathon at full speed. He looked down and found Anxiety curled up in a ball, rocking back and forth with a crying Morality sitting next to him clutching onto his arm. Before he could wonder what had happened he could feel the others approaching at high speed. He stepped back, not wanting to be found too close to the distressed side. He could not allow them to think for even a moment, that he felt a second of worry for the minister. He didn’t, but he didn’t need the implications of such a show of weakness to bring his strength into question. “Patton! Virgil!” Deceit called out, causing Morality to calm down and just let out a few more sniffles. King set up a disinterested mask and turned to the approaching sides. “Oh good, deal with this. They bore me,” he drawled calmly as he stepped aside. He was barely acknowledged which he normally would take offense in, but he’d let it slide until he knew what had happened just now. And if it had anything to do with that terrible feeling that had struck him when he saw Anxiety’s drawing. Logic kneeled next to Anxiety and Deceit spoke with Logic’s voice. “Virgil, can you hear us?” The boy nodded. “May we touch you?” Another nod and Logic placed his hands on the side’s shoulders. “Breath Virgil, in for 4, hold for 7 out for 8, you can do it.” One more nod and the side started to follow the rhythm that was tapped on his shoulders, stuttering trough the 4th count of holding his breath. “That’s alright, try again.” King observed as the two patiently helped Anxiety to breathe normally again. Somewhere along the line the troubled side started to whisper ‘sorry,’ and ‘so stupid’. “You are not stupid, your feelings are valid and we are here to help you with them. We shouldn’t have left you on your own. Especially not with him around,” Deceit growled, now in his own voice, before turning to King. “I don’t care what you do to me, but leave Virgil out of this! He has nothing to do with this.” Before king could retort. Claim the responsibility and remind Deceit that he’ll play with his minister however he likes, the boy spoke up himself. “Not his fault. Just, random attack,” he muttered. Deceit and King looked down and found Anxiety holding onto Logic with Morality trying his best to stand on wobbly legs while holding onto the purple sash adorning the minster uniform. Logic and Morality were staring at him accusatory, but Anxiety was pleading with Deceit. “You don’t have to defend him Virgil. We know what he’s like… And we’ll do a better job at protecting you now. I swear. Let us look out for you for once, please,” Deceit pleaded. So interesting. For all Anxiety’s fears of being abandoned and betrayed, the others seemed to fear for his safety before their own. Had they changed? Or had Anxiety not yet given them sufficient reason to be muzzled? Or was it his drastic decision of muzzling himself that had made them cautious of messing with his part of their duties? “I’m not. Jan look at me. You’d know if I was lying. He was just listening to me. He didn’t do anything bad. I promise.” Deceit frowned confused. “He didn’t do this to harm you? To cause you to create…” Finally Deceit really looked at what King and Anxiety had been working on and the statue Anxiety had done all by himself. “Virgil what…” “I don’t know, I was listening to music and all this just sort of happened. His majesty was helping me finish some drawings,” he explained, confusing King. Was he… what’s the term? Covering for him? Then Anxiety got up, picking up Morality and looking at Logic who followed his movements, hands hovering around him. As if he were afraid that the younger side would fall apart at any moment. “Please, just go back alright, I’ll be fine. Thanks for helping but you should focus on making sure Thomas is alright,” Anxiety explained bravely, not quite looking at the others. Had recalling all his doubts and fears made him suspicious of the others? This could benefit King greatly. “Run along now. And take Morality. I have matters to discuss with my minister. In private,” King informed Logic and Deceit. Anxiety looked from King back to his tutor and confidant and offered him Morality. Logic shook his head with wide eyes. “Logan, it’s alright. You look after Pat for a minute. I’ll be back soon. Just… Please trust me?” Logic hesitated, sighed in defeat and took the child. He moved to leave, but paused. He turned and laid a hand on Anxiety’s shoulder, a moment passed while the two held each other’s gaze. Anxiety nodded and patted Logic’s hand. “I will be safe. When am I ever not?” Something that would have been a chuckle rippled through Logic’s chest as he stepped away and started walking back to the commons, glancing back every ten steps or so. “Virgil… I…” Deceit started, unable to finish the thought. “I know. I’ll be okay.” And with that final assurance and a distrustful look towards King the last of the traitors left. “Why?” King wondered. It seemed obvious to him that whatever Anxiety just went through was actually meant for him. And not only had he taken the hit, he had covered for him as well. “I’m anxiety, taking on the insecurities and fears of the others is part of my job. I don’t take it all, just the really bad bits when I can take it. And… it took me forever to open up to the others about my own attacks. It wasn’t my place to share about yours. It’s nothing personal. Just me being professional I guess,” he shrugged casually. King allowed himself a small smirk and once again reached out to pat Anxiety’s hair. Once more the boy’s first instinct was to flinch, but he still let him do as he pleased. “Well done my boy. You have potential,” he told him before returning his attention to another drawing, leaving the one of Morality frameless. Later he might tell the little one a bit more about the betrayal. But first. He needed to get to know him better. “Now how about this one.”Being petted like a dog was degrading, humiliating. Trying to not just be civil towards him but formal and respectful was torture. But it was better than what he feared would happen every time the King moved his hand towards him. Virgil didn’t like being changed against his will and this king would do as he pleased with him. Which is why he had to keep him happy and away from the others. He ignored the urge to smile every time he received the king’s praise. He is not going to develop Stockholm Syndrome just because off a few half-baked complements. This guy is still a threat to Thomas… Even if the others, maybe made a mistake in the past and have a hard time owning up to that right now. Fact remained that Virgil’s job was to keep everyone safe. That meant making them not want to decapitate the king over an anxiety attack he hadn’t triggered on purpose. Still… What had triggered the attack?

[haloshornsinkstains]

Mine [Tomura Shigaraki]

This is a bit different from most of my other writing I think? Read the content warnings. It’s not as fluffy as a lot of my other writing. It was just an idea that wouldn’t go away and I finally got it all written out.

Sorry I haven’t updated much this week, first week back at work has been rough. Always open for requests though, especially headcanons or thirsts/drabbles atm.

CW: Omegaverse (Alpha!Shigaraki, Omega!Reader), female reader, NSFW, dubcon , blood, violence, kidnapping

Distressed omegas were meant to be a cowering, whimpering mess. They were meant to be easy to control, to comply subserviently with an Alpha, or even a Beta, in order to remedy whatever situation had them in such a state. Distressed omegas were most certainly not meant to be snarling, snapping and occasionally sending ripples of electricity and broken earth out at their captors. Which is exactly what you were doing.

 It was supposed to be an easy job, scope the place out, report back on your findings. The place was not, according to all the previous intel, supposed to be a hideout for one of the most notorious villain groups in all Japan. But just your luck, that was exactly what it was. You’d expected to die, honestly, when the small blonde had appeared out of nowhere. Maybe dying would have been the better option, rather than being tied up and surrounded by the League. You weren’t even entirely sure why you weren’t dead, she’d mumbled something about your scent and in a blurry series of events you’d found yourself here, growling at their leader as he crouched before you, easily recognisable with the hand obscuring his face.

 “Can someone tell me why we have a distressed omega in the middle of our floor?” He rasped, taking his eyes away from you for a moment to scan the group. “We caught her sneaking around!” Toga grinned, bouncing on the balls of her feet.  “Right. So why is she here and not, say, dead?” Shigaraki growled, before whipping his head back to you, nose wrinkled. “And will you stop that? You smell terrible.” You merely snarled in response. You knew your distress tinged your natural scent with a sour note that wasn’t pleasant, but it wasn’t as if you could control the feeling given your current predicament. “Um, boss, we do have her tied up. It’s probably not entirely her fault.” “Spinny is right. She smelled so good before~” Toga beamed. You snorted. “She’s bleeding, of course you thought she smelled good.” “Not like that! The blood smelled good, but she smelled right before she started bleeding. Then she smelled better~”  Tomura sighed, shifting forwards towards you to try and see what the beta girl meant. You shuffled backwards, baring your teeth at him in a snarl, sparks skittering off your skin towards him. Tomura snarled back, sharp canines glinting from between chapped lips in a clear threat. “Stop it! I could just kill you you know?” He glanced over his shoulder, missing the way your body drooped in poorly hidden hurt at his next words. “You just had to bring a broken omega didn’t you brat?”  Broken. You’d heard that before. No one wanted an omega who snarled and snapped back, instead of submitting at the drop of a hat. Omegas were supposed to be subservient. Motherly. They were supposed to have supportive roles. You were none of those, topped with an offensive type quirk, you weren’t what anyone would look for in an omega mate. You were broken, by their standards. “Stop. Calm down.” You reacted immediately to the new Alpha voice, your body relaxing against your own will, every fibre of your being racing to obey the alpha’s command. You turned your head to scowl at the man who’d pulled such a dirty trick, stupid Alpha’s and their stupid ability to make Omega’s obey. A scarred face grinned back at you, Dabi you realised, another strong Alpha - had to be to make you submit like that when you were so riled up. “You could’ve done that too you know creep, threatening her wasn’t going to make her any less distressed.” He huffed. “You’re the worst Alpha I’ve ever met.” Tomura scowled, scratching at his neck. “You must not spend much time with yourself.” Dabi huffed a laugh, leaning against the wall behind you. You could feel his eyes burning into the back of your neck, clearly watching for you to make some move to attack as Tomura shifted closer. His scent was getting stronger, too much so to just account for his proximity. He was trying to calm you, you realised belatedly, a hand twitching near his neck as if he didn’t dare scratch at the damaged glands further. It took a moment for the scent to really hit you, your eyes going wide and panicked as your body reacted, the urge to fling yourself towards him and flee warring between each other and leaving your frozen in place. You shook your head as a needy whine bubbled from your throat unbidden. Tomura fell backwards, brows pinched together in what you thought was a similar kind of distress. In a panic you tried to focus on a different scent, anything to push the scent of dusty rooms and decaying leaves and belonging from your nose. Your head whipped to Dabi behind you, breathing deeply through your nose. He was another Alpha, surely his scent should do something to mask Tomura’s, but the smoke and spice was far too faint to cover whatever the other Alpha had pumped through the room. Noticing your gaze Dabi just offered a lazy shrug, tilting his head slightly with a smug smirk. The burn scars that covered his neck must have messed with his scent glands, which also explained the tang of burnt flesh you got from him. The Betas weren’t doing much either, and everyone smelled faintly of blood, including you. With another needy whine you gave up and focused hard on the floor, trying not to breathe more than strictly necessary. The world around you blurred and faded as you fought every instinct in you screaming to reach out to the Alpha and bare your neck to his teeth. 'Stupid body, stop it. I'm better than this, I've met plenty of strong Alphas before.' 'But none of them smelled like that. Good enough to make you react like this' your traitorous mind whispered back. 'Screw that. I am not my secondary gender. I'm a hero. I don't roll over for anyone, and certainly not an infamous villain. No matter how good he smells…' 'Smells like mate. Your Alpha.' '...mate. No!'. You snarled into the floor, not quite sure when you’d shifted position like this. You vaguely registered the shuffle of feet, Tomura had stood and moved away at some point, and the low rasp of orders. "Spinner, go put her somewhere." "Okay? Uh, where?" "Anywhere but here." A door slammed and you felt yourself being lifted, heated over a shoulder. Spinner you guessed, he smelled weird, even under the blood and soft scent that marks him as part of the pack. His smell was dry, like sand and tanned leather and something reptilliant you couldn't place. He jostled you slightly as he moved down some stairs, making you hiss at him in irritation. He growled back, finally dumping you in a small cellar, your hands still tied.

“What was that all about?” Toga asked, spinning a knife in her hands.  “You can’t guess?” Dabi sighed. “Do you know anything?” Toga just shrugged, humming to herself. “I know how to stab people.” “From the omega’s reaction I’d say she smelled a mate.” Compress sighed. “I’m sure you can piece together who from the reaction.” “Oh. Oh. Maybe that’s why she smelled so nice before.” Dabi shrugged. “What did she smell like before? I only got the sour distressed smell, and… well.” Toga winced, the sour smell had been unpleasant sure, but the strange musk after it hadn’t been so bad. It reminded her of how things smelled after she got to play with blood. “She smelled good, like thunderstorms and old things. A bit like the bar when we first got here, except with more lightning.” “That explains it. Creepy hands McGee is going to be a child about it though.” Dabi hummed.  “You should have more faith in our leader.” Dabi shot Compress a disbelieving look and shook his head. “This is going to be a pain.”

You weren’t sure how long you’d been trapped in their cellar. Two days maybe, if they were bringing you three meals a day, longer if not and well… three meals a day seemed a little too generous for the group of villains. Yet no one had come to find you, probably assumed you were dead you reasoned, but the abandonment stung somewhere deep in your chest. You’d smelled your mate several times since you’d been captured too, lurking outside the door but never coming any further. Each time the battle with your instincts got harder, the omega inside you begging to call out, to crawl to the door and beg for him to come in. Occasionally small whimpers would slip past your lips, ones that you would scold yourself for, but worse was the answering growl that sometimes came from the other side of the door. Low and possessive and filled with a promise of something both dangerous and so, so tempting. Those times it was even harder to stay back, your body trembling from the effort of staying still. You didn’t want him, not logically, he was dangerous and cruel and evil. Everything opposed to what you worked for in life. But your traitorous body smelled a mate, the first one you’d met since high school, and it wanted him so badly it ached. 

Meanwhile Dabi was getting more and more frustrated, nothing was happening with the League while their boss was fixated on their captive, and while he didn’t really care about the League’s goals where they diverged from his own, the inactivity was boring the others and their restlessness was driving him insane. That and the constant growling of the other Alpha made his hackles rise, part of him he thought he’d buried long ago wanting to fight over the omega. It was stupid and he hated it, so it needed to be solved, and he knew just the thing to kick Shigaraki into action.

 You snapped awake from a fitful sleep as you heard the door to the cellar opening. A traitorous part of your mind hoping it would be your mate. Instead the faint smell of burning caught you nose and you huffed, turning away from the other Alpha. You heard a growl from behind you but ignored it, pulling the blanket around you protectively. “Go away.”  There was a rough laugh. “I don’t think so little Omega. All this pining is getting annoying.” You huffed. “There is no pining. But if you’re here to kill me just get it over with, this cellar smells terrible.” “Tempting but no” he grabbed your shoulders, flipping you onto your back in one swift motion “I’ve got a much better plan.” Your body tensed up, preparing to fight whatever this asshole planned to do to you, despite the power-dampening bands they’d locked onto your wrists. You pulled your legs up, closing them tightly, ready to kick him away. But Dabi was deceptively strong, pinning your legs down with one arm as his other grabbed something from his coat pocket, binding it over your nose and mouth. A gag, you thought at first, ready to scream for help that probably wouldn’t come as soon. But then the smell hit you, your eyes going wide and panicked. It was his smell, dusty and decaying and enough to set all of your nerves on fire. You thrashed on the bed, tossing your head around and trying to get it off, get away from the intoxicating scent, but Dabi had a hand pressed hard against your throat. “Behave.” You froze with a whimper that you hated yourself for. “Good Omega. Now, we just need to wait until your heat kicks in and this’ll all be over.” You struggled weakly again, your heat hadn’t been very far off when you first broke in here anyway, the overwhelming scent of Alpha, of Mate, would only bring it on faster. And with Dabi pressing down on your neck you felt you might pass out before you could get the clothing off you. Everything was hazy and the blood was pounding in your ears as the edges of your vision darkened.

 Dabi sighed, climbing off you and sniffing the air. Beneath the sour sting of distress he could smell the sweetness and thick musk that signalled an impending heat. A couple hours and you’d be in full heat he figured, plenty of time to convince the creep to get down here and trap him in here with you. Dabi figured he’d either kill you, fuck you and then kill you or (and it was probably the least likely) actually claim you as a mate and stop this ridiculous moping. Maybe having an omega around the place would be useful, you were supposed to be good at looking after people and all that shit and god knows these idiots need it. Now he just had to convince the creep to actually enter the cellar.

 In the end it was easier than he thought. All he had to do was suggest you were in some kind of danger and some long dormant Alpha instincts seemed to kick in, sending Shigaraki darting into the cellar before his brain could catch up with what he was doing. With a satisfied bark of laughter Dabi slammed the door shut again, banking on the boss’ instincts kicking in before he could think of disintegrate the door with his quirk. Sliding the lock shut he turned to address the door, raising his voice so he could be heard inside. “We’re all sick of your nonsense, so either fuck or kill each other. I don’t care.” You were staring wide eyed at Shigaraki from your makeshift blanket nest, a sheen of sweat making your skin almost glow in the dim light. The room stank with the scent of your heat, sickly sweet and tinged with ozone. For his part Shiagraki had pressed himself back against the door, staring at you as if you were about to pounce on him and eat him alive. Though, in his defence, your instincts were screaming at you to do exactly that. In a way it was almost funny, that something so simple could reduce someone so powerful to panic like this, but you knew how dangerous that could be at the same time, how easily he could kill you. You tried to growl at him, but it came out more like a needy whimper, a ripple of pain running through your body. You knew it was only a matter of time before he lost control, maybe it was better to just get it over with… the way your body was screaming at you was getting harder to ignore too. Before you realised what was happening you had started to crawl towards him, his snarl the only thing that snapped you out of the heat daze and made you stop. “Stay back.” You froze, studying him carefully. He was trembling, a thin sheen of sweat covering his face, his hands frozen into claws on the floor, pinkies raised. So it was getting to him faster than you bargained for. Great.  “I’m trying!” You hissed. “Try harder!” You narrowed your eyes, a snarl escaping your lips. “Screw you.” He answered with a growl, deep and low in his throat, the sound making you whine and press yourself to the floor on instinct, hips raised in the air. In the few seconds it took you to realise what you were doing something in Tomura snapped, the scent of your heat and the submissive mating position sparking every instinct in his body. In a flash you’re trapped beneath him, feeling the solid press of his length against your ass. He’s trembling, barely restrained as he ruts against your clothing. It’s sweet, in a twisted way, that he’s this far gone but still trying to hold on to a thread of control, to wait for your consent. And with him pressed so close, his intoxicating scent filling your nostrils, you know you can’t hold off much longer. Each time you try to say no it comes out as whine, your heat growing stronger with each passing heartbeat. “Please.” It comes out as a whine, but your hips rocking back against his is more than enough to tell him what you want.

 His fingers scrabbled at your pants, careful to keep his pinkie away from the clothes even in this state.  You heard the groan as he saw the mess of slick sticking to your underwear, you could feel it starting to run down your legs, the smell almost overwhelming. You heard more fabric rustle before you felt him pressing against you, felt the quiver in his body as he stilled with his head just pressing at your entrance. You whined, low and needy, bucking your hips back against him again, knees pressed together by your hastily tugged down clothes and chest cold against the floor. Behind you he growls, hips bucking forwards with enough force to almost push you over. His body folded over yours, hands pressed against the floor, away from you. A small thing, but it speaks volumes about his unwillingness to hurt you, that the bond of knowing you’re mates has stuck with him too. It’s the last coherent thought you have before your brain is completely overcome with a haze of lust, devoid of any thoughts except how good his cock feels inside you, hard and heavy rubbing along your inner walls. Your hands scrabble against the floor as he bucks up into you, pressing against a spot on your insides with every thrust that makes you see stars, his breath a series of harsh pants in your ears. There’s no dirty talk, no indication how much he’s enjoying this aside from the occasional ‘fuck’ or low moan. You could feel his knot pressing against your entrance, stretching you a little more with each thrust, brushing against your clit and pushing you closer and closer to your release. You knew anyone who passed would be able to hear your wanton moans and whimpers through the door, too lost in pleasure to control your volume. “Please. Please knot me Alpha, mate.” You whined, rocking back against him. “Need you.” There was a low chuckle from above you, dark and twisted. “Lost all your fight little omega? How pitiful.” You whined, clenching down around him. It was all it took for him to thrust hard once more, his knot pushing past your outer ring and locking itself inside you. The sudden pressure tipped you over the edge, spasming around his dick, barely aware as he made a final few shallow thrusts before groaning and tipping over the edge himself, filling you with his warm come. The pain of his teeth latching onto your neck, the sharpened canines piercing through the bond mark, was enough to bring you out of your daze. “Mine.”  Locked together you could feel his tongue lapping at the wound, cleaning the blood and soothing the sting of the bite. You tried not to struggle, worried the movement would anger him, even as you could hear the mutterings of ‘mine, my omega’ against your skin. With the worst of your heat sated right now you could almost think clearly again, despite the stretch of his knot inside you firing all kinds of signals inside your body. You’d allowed yourself to be claimed by one of the biggest villains in Japan, in a dingy basement against a cold stone floor. He’d bitten you and marked you as his. There was no way they were going to let you out of there now, no matter how much you begged or used your ‘omega charms’ on them. You were trapped. At least the claim would offer you some protection from the others, or so you hoped.

What on earth had you gotten yourself into?

[angelsdevils]

Keigo Atobe x Reader

Title: Missing Undergarments Fluff No Warning

You were the captain and coach of the U-17 tennis camp, you were in charge of the newcomers. You would have been able to do that for the upperclassman and be in charge of them but you knew they were lacking the spirit that you searched in a tennis team. So they gave the position to some idiot, you couldn’t stand. They weren’t normally your problem because the tennis team you were charge was your main priority. You were confident in their skills, mainly because you went to every tennis team, and hand-picked them yourself. 

Right now the upperclassman was giving them a hard time, and you could feel a tick mark appear on your head. It was only the second week and they were already causing trouble for your team. The team didn’t know you were their coach, so when you served the ball and hit Byodoin to back him up away from your team their eyes widen. You also weren’t to keen on him hurting your best friend Tokugawa. You knew they weren’t expecting a girl to be in this camp, so if it was under different circumstances you would have looked at their faces. 

“Oi! What do you think you are doing?” You asked walking down the bleachers, everyone parted ways, Tokugawa’s eyes widen. You were the captain for several years for U-17 camp, before you became a captain and a coach, but you normally didn’t make your appearance until the third or fourth week. 

“(L/N)~san it’s a bit early to be revealing your face to the newcomers don’t you think?” He asked with that irritating smirk. You rolled your eyes walking past him, and checking Tokugawa over, he looked away knowing you were going to scold him later on for this. 

“You need to go to the nurse and explain what happens. I will deal with you later.” You tell him, even though you two were best friends, you always scolded him when he did reckless things.

“Oi did you hear me? I am talking to you?” 

“Put some respect on my name, I showed my face because you and your airheaded team don’t know how to stop messing with my team. So I decided to come here myself to put a stop to it myself.” You said you voice getting darker with each sentence. Byodoin rolled his eyes before smirking holding his racket so it was pointing it at you. 

“No need to be a sour patch, you know this is a tradition for us.”

“It’s also my tradition to beat your ass, every time you do. So what do you say we picked up where you left off at with Tokugawa? Actually no, that would be too easy, I will let you keep your points and I will take his points down and start at zero myself.” You said you could hear the multiple schools of the newcomers whispering about you. 

“Always cocky.”

“No, if we both start at zero we both know I would crush you.” You say. 

“Very well then, ladies serve first.” He smirked, you tossed him the ball which made him narrow his eyes at you.

“If that’s the case then you should be serving first not me.” You said with a cheeky grin that made him growl at you. 

“Wait, miss, you shouldn’t. You will get hurt.” You turned your head, to see a cute redheaded boy that was in the golden pair. 

“Kikumaru Eiji, golden pair with Oishi. It’s fine, trust me I will be fine.” You say the boy’s eyes widen in shock before looking at the others. Just like that the match resumed, Byodoin needing one point to win while you had zero. He served the ball, and just like that, you knew he was aiming for your body. You sidestepped the ball before returning it at a fast, lightning speed. 

Point by point you caught up with Byodoin, and you could see the irritation in his eyes. He was getting angry with himself, and losing his cool in the process. You both were tied now, and he hit the ball just the way you needed. You stood in a position that everyone besides the newcomers knew, and they knew what shot was coming. Dragon Force. 

“You aren’t the only powerhouse, you should know this. Dragon Force…” Byodoin’s eyes widen, and he stepped back as you hit the ball that formed a dragon’s body flying through the air, you knew he would try to return it, but you simply turned your back to him.

“Don’t you dare turn~ your~back to me!” Byodoin yelled but the force of the ball sent him flying into the wall denting it.  “You aren’t a match, never been a match never will be a match for me. You mess with my team again, I will personally make sure you guys are suspended from any games that happen in the near future Do I make myself clear? I chose to take on with training them because I can’t stand half of you red jersey bastards.” You say narrowing your eyes harder. 

“You guys don’t deserve to wear the red jackets, so I plan to remove you guys completely to let them take your places when I am done with them.” You say putting your red jacket on your shoulders, that’s when the younger members realized you were the captain of the entire U-17 camp and must have been their coach. You walked away from them, before heading to the infirmary but were stopped by a member of Rikkaidai’s youngest member, Akaya.

“That was so cool!” 

“Ah, thanks Akaya Kirihara youngest of Rikkaidai’s tennis team.” You patted his head, and continued to walk away, you didn’t notice but a certain captain of Hyoeti’s tennis team was watching you in awe. 

“She is beautiful.”

“Uh, Atobe~kun she is like 2  years older than you.” 

“Don’t care. Oresama will have her one way or another.” Atobe sighed in content before you stopped and looked over at them. 

“ Let’s go  check on Tokugawa alright?” You said, and everyone began to follow you. Atobe made his way up to you, and before he could say anything you raised a hand. 

“Keigo Atobe, Hyotei’s captain.” You said, he felt his heart rate accelerate.

“You can call me or~”

“Call you Oresama? Yeah, not a chance.” You say raising an eyebrow, you heard snickering, and Keigo glared back at the team and they got quiet. 

“It’s good to see you again (Y/N).” Shuji came up to hug you tightly, you hugged back with a smile. 

“Good to be back, I guess.” You laughed nudging Shuji. 

“You know they were highly concern about you facing Byodoin right?”

“I know, but can you blame them? They don’t know me, they just see a small female that looks like she can break easily like glass facing a brute like him.” You say.

“Yeah, even after I reassured them that Byodoin was the glass in this situation they didn’t believe me.” He said, and you laughed. 

“Oi are you two...dating?” You turned your eyes to meet Keigo’s and he looked left out, Shuji looked at you and you both shared the same idea. Shuju was another one of your best friends that you adored and had to scold often for not training.

“She is soon to be my wife,” Shuji said, and you hugged his arms nodding. 

“Oh, I see.”  Atobe dropped his shoulders, the look of defeat on his face. 

“Don’t be down, there are plenty of pretty girls.” You say in a teasing tone.

“Don’t tease them Shuji, (Y/N) you are their coach/captain you shouldn’t be joining in.” You looked up, and you rolled your eyes. 

“ But we are dating.”

“Well, this is news to me,” Tokugawa said crossing his arms. You and Shuji looked at each other sharing the same though once again a smile on your face. 

“Want us to prove it?” Shuji asked Tokugawa looked you both before realizing what you two were planning.

“Oh gross, don’t you dare.” It was too late Shuji pecked your lips, your eyes widen and you slapped his shoulder. 

“Oi! We weren’t actually going to do that.” You exclaimed to Shuji who had a carefree smile on his lips.

“Too late now.”

“I am going to kill you.”

“Gotta catch me first.” 

“Ugh, I hate you.” You say as Shuji ran from you.

“Anything with dating doesn’t listen to them, they aren’t dating.” Keigo’s spirits lifted up, and you could see hope in his eyes. 

“Don’t go getting idea’s Keigo, I date people same age or older than me.” You say, before smacking Tokugawa upside his head. 

“Owe, that hurts!”

“Sorry, are you hurt badly?” 

“Not really, I just can’t overdo it.

“Good, 50 laps.”

“WHAT!?”

“You know the rules no joining in matches against the red jackets unless I or the other coaches arrange it.” You say.

“That is so cruel.”

“I can make it 200 laps. I am being nice because you got hurt during your match.”

“I am going, I am going,” Tokugawa said as he began running his laps. You smiled before yelling towards him. 

“Meet us in the cafeteria when you are done bye~!” You said, leading them to the cafeteria. 

“What are we doing here?” Oishi asked you looked over at him giving him a smile.

“Well when I reveal myself a month later, I always throw a small party for my team, since I revealed myself earlier we are just gonna have the party earlier. So if you want to shower and stuff just meet back here.” You say with a smile, they all nodded cheering that they get to relax a bit. You watched them all leave before Ryoma came up to you, you raised an eyebrow before saying the words you knew you were going to hear from one of them.

“I will beat you, and become the best.” You laughed softly hitting his hat down a bit.

“Go get in the shower you stink like sweat.” You say making Ryoma puff his cheeks out. You left to your room to shower yourself when you finished you went to put on underwear in a bra only to realize they were all gone. Every. Single. Last. Pair. You growled and went to look for pants or shorts only to realized your dresses were left behind.

“OH NO!” You exclaimed eyes widened in saucers, you put the skirt on and your red jacket so no one could tell.

“I can’t go outside to buy underwear,  pants or bra, oh my god. I need... Tokugawa! Come here! You yelled getting to the cafeteria. You held your skirt down, with a blush as Tokugawa made his way to you.”

“What’s up?”

“I need a huge favor.”

“Are you okay? You are red in the face.” He asked worried, your blush increased and you leaned in to whisper in his ear. 

“Someone stole my panties, bras, and pants leaving me with skirts and shirts. If I give you money can you please buy me undergarments?” His eyes widen, a blush covered his cheeks. 

“I-I can’t (Y/N).”

“Please, I will do your homework for the rest of the year.”

“I am sorry. I can’t help I can’t just walk into a girls shop and buy those things.” He said apologetically. 

“Fine, thanks though.” Shuji was the next person you called. 

“SHUJI!” Tokugawa walked away giving you an apologetic smile.

“What’s up?” He asked you blushed before getting it over with.

“Someone stole my pants and ALL of my undergarments. I can’t go by them myself because well I am wearing a skirt with… nothing please go buy me some I will do your homework for the rest of the year. Shuji felt a nosebleed coming on, and your blush darkened, you whined and Shuji shook his head. 

“I flirt with you, yes, but that’s because we enjoy making people think that, but I can’t possibly buy your undergarments. That means I would know exactly what you would be wearing, I can’t I am sorry.”

“Shuji if I don’t get these things, I will never be able to play tennis, I will have to forfeit matches and stuff please.”

“I am sorry but ask one of the younger males. SORRY (Y/N)!” He ran off to tend to his bleeding nose. 

“Is everything okay (Y/N)~senpai?” You turned to see Oishi, and your eyes widen. He is so sweet and pure. 

“Oishi, do you know anyone that has sisters? That isn’t shy? Or something…” Oishi thought for a moment.”

“Eiji, Fuji, Ryoma has an older female cousin. Uhm, that’s all I can think of.” 

“Eiji! Fuji! Thanks, Oishi.”

“Anything I can help with?” He asked.

 “Are you comfortable with shopping for bras and underwear?” You asked, and he blushed shaking his head.

“Then nope, thanks.” Eiji and Fuji made their way, Eiji had a blush.

“I know why you called I am sorry (Y/N) I can’t help. Tokugawa was asking around for you.” Eiji said.

“I didn’t hear what’s going on?” Fuji asked confused.

“Someone stole my pants and undergarments I need someone to buy me some I have money I can’t go out like this.” You said desperate, and Fuji’s eyes opened. 

“Do you know who did it?”

“Nope, I was in the shower, or It could have been when I was at the courts.” You said Fuji puts a hand on his chin.

“I can’t help but if you can’t find anyone, I can get my sister too,” Eiji said, and Fuji nodded.

“Same I can too.”

“Thanks, I don’t want to be a bother to them though.” You say.

“Oh tell Tokugawa to stop asking people I don’t want everyone to know…” They nodded, and you sighed slipping away from the cafeteria, but Keigo stopped you.

“Senpai, do you need to ask me a question?” You turned to see Keigo. You were not about to ask him, but it was like he knew the issue. 

“Did Tokugawa tell you?”

“Just ask me the question.” He said, you blushed groaning but you had no choice. 

“Keigo can you please head to the store. I can’t walk out like this someone~”

“Stole your undergarments and pants? Yeah, I figured that’s what they were doing. Here.” He handed you bags, and you looked into the bag seeing all new undergarments. Your eyes widen and he gave you his famous smirk.

“Oresama is amazing, right? I even reported the ones who stole your stuff.” Keigo said, you were about to hug him but stopped. 

“Once I am fully dressed, I am giving you a hug you are amazing.” You say speed walking to your room. Keigo grinned fist pumping in the air, and everyone walked to him.

“How did you know?” Tokugawa asked.

“When I was headed to my room, I heard Byodoin and some other’s say they were stealing (Y/N) stuff, so I recorded them and took it to the coaches.” Everyone nodded and began to party, and you walked out of your room to see Keigo waiting for you. 

“You were waiting for me?”

“Yepp.” You hugged him tightly, and he returned the hug. You gave him a soft kiss to the cheek before heading down to the cafeteria.

“Thanks, Keigo, I owe you one.”

“Just a date will be fine, maybe a dance tonight.” You glanced at Keigo, and he offered you his hand once you both made it The music was loud and you leaned your head back, before looking at him.

“You are serious.” 

“Oresama is very serious.” You looked over to see Tokugawa and Shuji who were grinning at you, you had a blush before taking his hand. You both continued to dance, and Keigo held you close. Even though you were older, you were shorter than him, it wasn’t long before Nioh pulled you away from Keigo and began to dance with you. 

“Puri~not sorry I stole her from you.” 

“Oi~!” Keigo growled at Nioh, you sweatdropped. Nioh danced away from Keigo in the crowd, somewhere along the way, Fuji was dancing with you, than Oishi, than Bunta, then Akaya, back to Keigo, then Shuji. You were confused, amongst the slight arguing you somehow started dancing with Ryoma. 

“How did I even get into this?” Ryoma was confused just as you were, someone pushed someone, and you let Ryoma go and fell into Tezuka. 

“Oh dear, this is getting out of hand.” You said, and Tezuka adjusted his glasses.

“It is now they are arguing who is better at tennis.” You laughed softly, you had your work cut out for you. Just then Keigo appeared at Tezuka’s side. 

“Can I have her back?” Keigo said, and Tezuka allowed you to dance with Keigo. 

“Idiots.” He mumbled, and you laughed softly before pecking Keigo’s lips.

“Maybe I can make an exception for you. After all, you were man enough to buy things no one else was comfortable doing.” You say. 

“You give Oresama a chance I would be so happy.” You laughed softly, and Keigo led you away from everyone. He sat you on the bench outside, before holding your hand in his. You leaned your head on his shoulder, and he looked down at you. 

“So dating now?” Keigo asked and you shook your head. 

“We only met today, but give it time I am sure it will happen in due time.” You say, and he kissed the top of your head. 

“I can wait, as long as you become Oresama’s in the end.” You shook your head with a smile on your face.

[thesculptedflower]

A Firecracker

May I request a Riddler x reader, where they meet during a heist, and after taking hostages and what not, the Riddler nabs the reader as a prize too.

@craftyjellyfishcat​

Note: I have to push the S1 Ed fic to tomorrow, I’m so sorry! Things came up at home, but it’ll be posted asap! Love you guys!

A Firecracker

’’Number 357!’’ The banker shouted, the queue moving painstakingly slowly. You glanced down at the number on your paper. 401. You sighed, prepping yourself for the next few hours you’d have to spend at the Gotham City Bank. You had fought your way up the cruel path of being a small business owner in Gotham, where basically anyone was a rival to you. People only look after their own gain, rarely wanting to see the neighboring business succeeding. You had faced many threats from businesses that were run by big and important families, but you didn’t lower your head. You fought back, even when they tried to burn down your place. It was a sloppy job, and they were quickly caught and brought to justice. Which was exactly why you were now queueing at the bank, the court had granted you a small fund to help you re-build. It felt good to be aided, but it also painted a huge target to your back. 

It didn’t make you scared or paranoid, but it sure made you even more courageous to push back those who tried to bring you down. You knew you had it in you.

You had lost the track of time, when a small explosion pulled you from your thoughts. People were screaming and running all over the place, but nobody saw anything or anyone. The heavy safety doors sealed all the exits and people were starting to panic more and more. Suddenly all the lights went out, except for one. The light shined above the staircase to the second floor, and under it was a tall man in a green suit. The Riddler.

You tried to find a way out of the room, but the darkness around you made it impossible.

’’Fear not, dear citizens of Gotham!’’ Riddler announced extravagantly. ’’I’d like to play a game.’’ 

Some of the people screamed, causing even more fear in the others. ’’SILENCE!’’ Riddler shouted, clearly agitated that his speech was disturbed. His deep voice quickly filled the whole space. ’’If any of you try to run, I’ll press this trigger, that will let out a toxic smoke. If you get all three questions right, I’ll let you live.’’He explained, showcasing the trigger inside his jacket. You stayed as low as you could, trying to slowly make your way closer to him. You weren’t the strongest, but you thought you could distract him long enough for the police to arrive. 

’’None of you shall be harmed, but only if you answer correctly to these three simple questions.’’ He was smiling like a maniac, walking down the stairs step by step, holding a gun in his hand. If you only could get that gun. ’’Let’s begin!’’ He shouted, the people below him shaking from the pressure. ’’I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?’’ 

There was a short silence, before people started whispering to each other, trying to come up with the correct answer. You were quick with your thinking, but you didn’t want him to notice you were getting closer to him. ’’An echo.’’ You whispered to a person next to you and kept walking.

’’An echo!’’ The person shouted, lowering his head afterwards to avoid being seen properly.

’’Excellent!’’ Riddler exclaimed joyously. ’’You see a boat filled with people. It has not sunk, but when you look again, you don’t see a single person on the boat. Why?’’

Whispering began once again, accompanied with a few desperate cries. This one was harder, but you came up with the answer in time, once again whispering it to the person nearest to you. ’’They’re all married!’’ They answered.

’’Correct once again. Maybe I chose the wrong bank.’’ His smile wasn’t faltering, he was so sure of himself, so confident. 

You were almost at the base of the stairs, ready to jump for his gun any point now. You knew he had the higher ground, but you had to take the chance. 

’’I have keys, but no locks and space, and no rooms. You can enter, but you-.’’ He started, but was interrupted by your sudden attack. You jumped out of the crowd aiming for his gun, but unfortunately for you, he had seen it coming miles away. He was surprisingly quick with his moves, ceasing you by the arm before you could even lay your hands on him. Now that you were forced to face him, you noticed how dark and dangerous his features were. The black bowler hat casted a sinister shadow on his face, making the already dark brown eyes seem even darker. The strong glasses framed his face perfectly, highlighting the strong jaw and high cheekbones. You didn’t want to admit it, but you were taken aback by how good he looked. And he was so intelligent, he saw right through you. 

’’Like what you see?’’ He teased, a cocky grin playing on his lips. You could feel a blush rising to your cheeks, but thanks to the poor lightning, it wasn’t too obvious. 

’’A little firecracker I see, daring to interrupt me in the middle of the last riddle, tsk tsk.’’

He was menacing, but you weren’t scared yet. You knew he loved his riddles, and he wanted to know if this poor audience could get away from him. 

’’Now if you please, let’s rise our bets a little, shall we.’’ 

He made you stand perfectly still on one of the steps and aimed the gun at your head. It made few people shriek, but you tried to motion them to be calm with your hands. The Riddler watched you silently communicating with them and let out a quick laughter. ’’Now would you look at that, what a heroine we have in our midst.’’ He said moving to stand behind you, and you swore you could feel his eyes on you. 

’’I’ll ask this one final riddle, and if you get it right, you’ll all get to go home.’’ He continued. ’’But, if you get it wrong.. Bang.’’ He pretended to shoot you in the back of the head. ’’She goes first.’’

People were crying and getting more panicked, but you remained calm. 

’’Only one color, but not one size. Stuck at the bottom, yet easily flies. Present in sun, but not in rain, doing no harm and feeling no pain. What am I?’’ He almost whispered, him being so close to your ear send goosebumps down your arms. You concentrated, forcing yourself to think of an answer. 

’’Is this too hard for our savior?’’ The Riddler teased, moving to speak to the other side of your head. ’’Time’s running out, and I’m right here, shadowing you.’’

That’s it.

’’A shadow.’’ You said almost too quickly.

You could feel the grin he had on his lips. ’’Well done, but unfortunately I can’t leave with empty hands.’’ 

You didn’t have time to comprehend his words before you were muffled with a cloth that smelled like, chloroform. 

* * * * * * *

When you woke up, you felt like you were hit by a truck. The room was small and dimly lit, and you sure as hell didn’t recognize it. You panicked a little and tried to sprung up from the bed, only to realize that you were tied down, only one hand free. 

’’Easy there, we don’t want you breaking anything.’’ A familiar, though more soft, voice said from somewhere in the room. Your eyes darted around, trying to find the source. A tall figure stood next to a kitchen counter, pouring two cups of coffee. He was wearing an ordinary flannel, and didn’t seem threatening at all. You had your guesses, which were proven right as he turned around. For some reason, you didn’t feel scared anymore.

’’Coffee?’’ He asked, setting the cup on the night stand next to the bed. You followed his every move with your eyes as he sat down to the end of the bed, carefully sipping his own coffee. Neither of you said a word for a while. 

’’You told me the answer.’’ You said first. Riddler lifted his brown eyes to yours, smiling genuinely this time. ’’That I did.’’

’’Why?’’ 

He let out a soft laugh, shaking his head a little.

’’You were telling the right answers to the others, trying to distract me from following you in the crowd. I wanted you to survive. You’re, different.’’ He explained, stirring his coffee with a spoon. The smell was delicious, and it was harder to protest the growing need for the coffee. 

’’It’s my own blend, a little chocolatey and not too dark.’’ He said suddenly, reading you like an open book. You could feel yourself blushing again as you carefully reached for the cup. The aroma was heavenly, and so was the taste. In a different situation, you would have loved to spend time with a guy like him. ’’It tastes amazing.’’ You whispered, hesitant to compliment him. He smiled in return before standing up slowly, careful not to frighten you. He pulled out a key from his pocket and freed your other hand. Your eyes were looking for an answer, even if your mouth didn’t ask.

’’You trusted me enough to drink the coffee, I’ll trust you enough to let you go.’’ 

Almost immediately you jumped out of the bed, but the effects of the chloroform were still pretty heavy on you, causing you to almost fall to the floor. You weren’t sure if you were lucky or not, but you were caught by the arms of your capturer. He held you so gently, it really felt like he didn’t want to harm you at all. You stared up at his brown eyes, trying to find a reason why you felt this way. Why were you so okay with being in his arms, this close to him. You could smell his cologne, and you liked it. You knew it was wrong, so why did it feel so right. 

He helped you back to the bed, where you took the coffee cup to your hands again. It was still warm. ’’Why are you being like this?’’ You asked carefully. He sat down next to you, now closer than before, but you didn’t move away.

’’I don’t really know, having you here brings out parts in me that I thought I had lost.’’ He answered quietly, showing a more vulnerable side of him. You turned to look at him and for a moment you could see a totally different person looking back at you. 

’’But I do understand if you want to leave.’’ He continued, turning to look down at his cup.

’’I think I’ll stay, for a while at least.’’

You were totally out of your comfort zone, but you weren’t afraid of it. Maybe all those fights and struggles were preparing you for this moment. This moment you shared with one of the most dangerous man in Gotham. And you were okay with it. He wasn’t dangerous, not to you anymore.

[phantom-curve]

find the strength, find the melody pt. 4 (working title)

I think I like this title but I can’t decide so don’t kill me if it changes!

also, you guys are amazing. your love for this lil fic makes me feel so happy. I’ve never written this much this fast for a side project. it’s actually starting to take over all of my writing so I might have to slow this roll a bit and catch up on my actual novel before I can post most. 

or maybe I’ll just lean into the insomnia writing even more! stay tuned to see!!

as always, lemme know if you wanna be added to the tag list! @blue-hat-girl, @lwhoscribbles (hey lookie there, a title! also sorry not sorry you cried, but at least you were in good company with me and Julie), @bluefyoto94, @5sosmukefan, @moonlightxnder, @leahthewonder​,  @kat-maybe-not​

Later that night, long after her father and Carlos had gone to bed, Julie crept out to her mom’s studio. She knew she was going to have to tell her dad about the music program eventually. She was shocked her Tía hadn’t beat her to it already. She needed something positive to offset the disappointment he would feel. Her dad had been gently prodding her to go out to the studio and at least maybe clean it up a bit for weeks now. He would love this improvement, that is, if she could work up the nerve to actually play. Sheet music clutched in her numb hands, she wrenched the studio door open. It was exactly as she remembered it.

Her eyes slipped shut as she stepped inside. She didn’t need to look to know where the couch, coffee table, and chairs would be gathered. She knew exactly how to avoid bumping into the ladder leading up to the loft. Her hand reached out just in time to catch on the fabric covering the piano, Julie allowing her fingers to lead her down the side of it until her pinky brushed a key. One soft note rang out, and her eyes opened, staring down at where she pressed lightly on the white key.

Her feet moved on their own, skirting around the bench, her knees bending automatically as she lowered herself to sit. A tight sensation built in her chest, her breaths picking up speed. The sheet music shook as she forced herself to lift the pages and spread them out on the music rack. She arranged the piece in the correct order, wasting time as she avoided touching the keys for now. Her eyes traced over the song again, her mind showing her exactly how her hands would dance along the instrument, exactly how her voice would reverberate in the silent space. Her gaze snagged on her mom’s final message once more.

You can do it.

Warmth blossomed in her chest, replacing the cold, lifeless feeling that had lingered there for the last year. Julie felt it all at once. Her mother’s love shining off of the pages in front of her, filling up all of the empty spaces inside of her. She could hear her voice, whispering those words in her ear. Tears sprang to her eyes again, but they were different this time.

Julie had thought that she would never be able to play without her mother because she never had. Every defining moment of Julie’s life was underscored by a soundtrack mastered by the one and only Rose Molina. She had thought that without her mother, the music would fall flat. She had thought it would be meaningless without the significance her mother, specifically, attached to it. Julie never realized until this moment that she had been the soundtrack to her mother’s life as well. The two of them, the soundtrack to her brother’s and father’s lives. It hadn’t only been Julie suffering for the last year.

A new type of determination surging through her veins, Julie placed her hands on the cool keys, lining her fingers up with the opening notes. Her mother deserved to be remembered like this, her music recognized and loved by more than just Julie. She would have hated the fact that Julie hadn’t played in so long, would have given her that sad smile, that soft, disappointed mija sigh. Her family deserved to come out of the silence she had forced upon them. They deserved to enjoy music the way they always had before Rose died. It was cruel the way she had taken it away from them. And Julie herself deserved this moment too. She had been punished long enough. Her mother’s love overwhelming everything else, Julie took a deep breath and began to play.

Here’s the one thing I want you to know

You got someplace to go

Life’s a test, yes

But you go toe-to-toe

You don’t give up, no

You grow

The opening was shaky, her fingers clumsy as they stumbled over the unfamiliar notes. Her voice cracked a bit, rusty from disuse. But then muscle memory took over, and Julie felt the tension drain from her body. Her fingers began to move with a mind of their own as she read the notes on the pages in front of her, voice smoothing out as she worked out the frogs. She made it through the pre-chorus easily enough, but the chorus hit her harder than expected. Like her mother was giving her permission to forgive herself for all of the hurt of the last year, reminding her that it’s who you are at your core that matters most. Telling her she still had the time to pull herself out of this spiral. That old message about how the music was always bigger than just the two of them coaxing her out of the shell she had hidden herself away in for the last year.

Better wake those demons

Just look them in the eye

No reason not to try

Life can be a mess

I won’t let it cloud my mind

I’ll let my fingers fly

Her fingers really were flying. She couldn’t even really feel the keys anymore, so sure as she pressed down against the ivory that she didn’t even have to look at the sheet music. Her eyes closed, head lifted as she belted the pre-chorus into the sky. The chorus hit again, but she was ready for it this time, emotion powering every line as she poured her heart and soul into each note. Visions of her mother filled her mind and Julie could practically feel the warmth of her love radiating throughout the studio. She glanced down to read the lines for the bridge and the words hit her like a sledgehammer. Like a secret letter from her mother written exactly for this specific moment.

So wake that spirit, spirit

I wanna hear it, hear it

No need to fear it, you’re not alone

You’re gonna find your way home

Her voice rang out pure and clear as she held the word as long as she could. Home. She really was home now. Here, in her mom’s familiar studio, playing the last song her mother’s hands touched, Julie was finally home again. The sense of rightness filled her completely as she finished the last round of the chorus. Her hands dropped from the keys, reaching out to gather the papers to her chest once more, the most precious treasure she had ever touched. 

Eyes closed, basking in the afterglow of playing, she imagined her mother’s spirit behind her, ghostly arms wrapping her in the sweetest hug. Julie shivered against the electricity coursing through her system. She felt alive again. An unexpected clatter sounded from the doorway. Julie’s eyes popped open, anticipating Carlos or her father walking through the doors. Nobody appeared, but she caught the tail end of a muffled curse. It was just loud enough to send a ripple of awareness through her.

“I can hear you, you know.”

She already knew who it was. She expected him to beat a hasty retreat, maybe yell something out in a horribly disguised voice before he melted into the shadows. Without warning, he appeared in the doorway, shoulders raised and a sheepish smile on his face. His eyes darted around the studio, refusing to meet hers. Her mouth fell open. Where does he keep appearing from?

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you, I just...I heard you playing?”

He said it like a question, an unsure tone she’d never heard him use before coloring his tone. She watched the way his bicep flexed as his hand rose to scratch at the back of his neck. That seemed to be his nervous tick. His body language told her he wished he was anywhere else right now. Then she glanced at the clock.

“What the hell are you doing creeping around my house at 1:00 in the morning?”

Luke’s cheeks turned bright red. The tips of his ears, peeking out of that same orange beanie, colored too.

“I’m not creeping!” Julie met his gaze steadily, raising a brow at his defensive declaration. “I uhhh, I just...I don’t really sleep? Or...well I guess...I don’t really have a place to sleep...sometimes...?” 

His voice trailed off, uncomfortable in every sense of the word as he stammered his way through his explanation. 

“My parents and I don’t always get along. Sometimes it’s easier to tell them I’ll crash somewhere else, only there isn’t always a somewhere else available.” 

He shrugged, careless and cocky, but it was off. Everything about him was off right now. 

“I make do. It’s no biggie, just gives me more time to soak in the club scene. Gotta stay one step ahead of the competition, ya know? It’s like a blessing really, gives us that edge.”

His rambling words painted a picture she was sure he would rather keep private. It didn’t take a genius to read between the lines. She didn’t buy his cavalier attitude for a minute. He was lying through his teeth. She knew. She had been lying for a year straight to practically everyone in her life, had nearly rotted her teeth through with all the saccharine sweetness she had faked. Her lips twisted in a sour smirk.

“You’re full of shit, but whatever. That couch pulls out into a mattress. You’ve gotta be gone by 6:30, that’s when my dad wakes up for work.”

“What?”

The squeakiest note yet. Julie looked Luke square in the eyes. That same intense energy from the other day sparked between them. The moment stretched on a beat too long. Julie gulped and forced herself to soften her tone. It was easier than expected.

“Stay here for the night, Luke. I’m not gonna ask about your parents, and no one is going to bother you in my mom’s studio. Sleep on the pull-out couch. There’s a bathroom in the back. It even has a shower and I think there’s still some soap in there though I can’t promise it isn’t floral scented. You can disappear in the morning and we won’t ever speak of this again.”

He stared at her, blue-green sea glass eyes cutting through to her very soul. She didn’t respond, letting the silence stretch and morph into something entirely too intimate. The tension between them pulled taut, Luke’s gentle smile breaking the moment as he took a few shy steps into the studio.  Julie ducked her head, tucking a few loose curls behind her ear, before she moved to meet him in the middle of the room, gracefully spinning around his body so her back was pressed against the doors. Their eyes caught again. One of those strong hands reached up to scratch at his neck once more.

“Thank you.”

The words were a quiet whisper, almost as sweet as when he returned the song to her earlier. She could hear everything he left unsaid with those two words. Thank you for not asking. Thank you for giving me a safe space. Thank you for caring. Unable to help herself, she bit her lip, gave him a small nod, and ducked out of the doors in a near perfect recreation of his response outside of the school that afternoon.

Heart a little lighter, she sneaked back into the house silently. It wasn’t until she was safely tucked away in the darkness of her bedroom that she dared peek out the window at the studio. The lights were off, but Julie swore she could make out a shadowy figure peering through the windows up at her room. She dropped her curtain like it was on fire, diving into bed and burying her head under the pillows. Heart racing, she laid with her eyes closed and tried to convince herself that Lucas freaking Patterson wasn’t slowly making himself a home in her heart.

[magnus-the-maqnificent]

LBOTW COUNTDOWN EVENT - Bromance

His First Rebellion

(Read on Ao3)

The ball rolled neatly across the alley and struck down all the pins placed at the end.

"Strike!" Jace cheered, pumping his fist in the air. Alec just shot him a small smile.

"Honestly, I'd care more if you didn't get a strike," he said, taking Jace’s place and picking up one of the balls. Closing one eye, he aimed and threw it. Just like Jace’s throw, it went and made a clean strike.

Jace  looked around them, and grinned at the all the reverent faces turned to the two of them. "Looks we're the champions here."

"More like cheaters. We have an advantage over the others. Obviously we'd get all strikes."

Jace tutted. "You make it sound like we're doping when we're just using our God-given gifts."

He moved to the open end of the bowling alley and picked up a new ball. "Now let's make this a hat-trick."

Neither of the two parabatai were surprised when this ball ended in a strike, too. Jace flashed Alec a grin, and Alec, with a smaller grin of his own, took Jace’s place.

After Alec finished his turn, Jace frowned and said, "This is way too easy. Let's do something else."

Alec raised an eyebrow. "This was your idea."

"Well, it was Simon's idea," Jace pointed out. "He said it would be hard. Clearly, he hasn't thought of going bowling after becoming a Shadowhunter."

Alec’s face took on a resigned expression. "Fine, what do you want to do?"

Jace smiled. “Just follow me.”

Planning a 'bro's night out' had never been on Jace’s bucket list, and yet here he was. 

Three years ago it had just been him, Alec and Isabelle in the institute, training to become Shadowhunters under the care of their parents and their tutor, Hodge. Then Clary and Simon and Magnus had come crashing into their lives and it was all uphill from there. Things had changed, mostly for the better, but sometimes Jace still felt a twinge of nostalgia for those days when it was only the three of them.

The nostalgia hit even harder now, when Alec was busy between the Alliance and raising Max, and Jace had to spend his time reading boring papers in the library as Interim Head of the Institute. So he'd done what anyone would do - he cleared his schedule for a night and dragged Alec out to spend a night together after convincing him that Magnus would be able to handle Max on his own.

"What are you planning now?" Alec asked as they walked along the pavement, stretching his arms. "So far we've done bowling, hit a few fast food stops, karaoke - speaking of which, if you show that video to anyone, I’m going to kill you.”

“Relax,” Jace said. “I was planning to show it only to Magnus.”

Alec’s expression turned into a sloppy frown, and Jace had to suppress a bark of laughter.

“In that case,” Alec said, his frown dissipating, and a familiar glint appearing in his eyes. “You won’t mind me showing your video to Clary.”

Jace groaned. Alec cracked a grin at that.

“Okay, fine,” Jace conceded. “Let’s make a mutual agreement not to let anyone see those videos of us taking turns and embarrassing ourselves by singing in front of a crowd, and occasionally use said videos as blackmail material.”

“I don’t know about the blackmail material part,” Alec mused. “But I agree to the rest.”

“Deal,” Jace said. He pulled out the address and checked his messages, confirming that the address they were heading to was the correct one.

“Seriously, what are you planning?” Alec asked. 

“It’s a surprise,” Jace said simply, to which Alec answered by looking away and muttering a string of curses under his breath. “Trust me. This surprise is worth it.”

Alec sighed. “If you say so. What’s up with you today, anyway?”

Jace froze and turned to Alec. “What?”

“No offence.” Alec pushed away a few strands of black hair that had fallen in his face. “But it isn’t like you to just… you know.”

“It isn’t like me to what?”

“Doing mundane stuff,” Alec said. “I mean, I know you’ve been getting more into the mundane world lately, but you usually do these things with Simon or Clary, not me.”

“Well, honestly?” Jace said, his throat feeling dry. “I missed you.”

“We see each other everyday.”

“Yes, but-“ The words were rapidly coming out of Jace’s mouth now. “Remember when it was just us and we used to spar in the training room every morning and geek out over bikes when we patrolled every night? And we used play all sorts of pranks on Isabelle, even if it ended up in us getting caught and having her dump a vat of glitter all over us. You were my first best friend, and it was the two of us against the world, and then I got closer to Isabelle and it was the three of us against the world, until we met Clary and Simon and Magnus - don’t get me wrong, I love them all, even Simon, but don’t ever tell him that. It’s just that sometimes I miss the days when I had you all to myself, you know? And now it’s even harder, because you’re busy making a family with Magnus, not to mention the Alliance, and I’m in line to run the Institue, and sometimes I miss those simpler days so I just thought- What?”

Jace had been so absorbed in his monologue that he didn’t notice Alec staring at him with a look of deep disdain, his face suggesting that he'd rather be at one of Simon's band's terrible shows than right here in this moment. 

"You just had to bring up feelings, huh?" Alec grumbled. The topic of feelings was, for some reason, nauseating for him.

"Clary says it's good to talk about feelings," Jace pointed out. 

"Doesn't matter. I still hate it," Alec said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. Ckearly, no matter what happened, he would still be Jace’s sometimes grumpy, sometimes partner-in-crime but always caring parabatai. 

"Okay, fine," Alec conceded with a sigh, even though Jace hadn't said anything. "You were my first best friend, too, and sometimes I miss you too, but I'm your parabatai and I'm not going anywhere. Our lives have already changed a hundred times over, and this is just another of those times, and we'll get through this.Wither thou goest, I will go.Wither thou lodgest, I will lodge. That's all I'm going to say."

Jace smiled the smallest of victorious smiles. "As you wish."

But there was a lot more to it. Alec had been more than just Jace’s first friend.

The first few times Jace and Alec had ever sparred, he had thought that Alec was a terrible fighter - not because of his techniques, but because he always pulled back when he could've hit Jace with his staff, always told Jace where his weak points were and helped him correct them, while Jace always took any opportunity to knock Alec off his feet. He had grown up with Valentine, who taught Jace that the world was a cruel place that would put him down any chance it got, that he had to hold his own against the world. Even Isabelle never held back, which was why Jace was always surprised when Alec did.

Back when he was still new to the Institute, Isabelle disliked him, Max adored him, and Maryse and Robert were still learning how to be good parents to him. But Alec always looked out for him, helping him tend to his injuries when he was used to doing it alone, letting him stay in Alec's room when he had nightmares, the silence between them comfortable then as it was now.

He'd often think of the silent brother's words, spoken to him only moments before he had met Alec, that having a parabatai made you a better warrior. But slowly he came to realize, that he didn’t need a good fighter to make himself better, what he needed was a good friend.

Valentine had taught him that in this world, Jace only ever needed himself. But he realized that that wasn't true, that it was okay to need someone else.

Alec wasn't just Jace’s first friend. He was his first rebellion against Valentine, against the only truth he had known back then.

"We're here," Jace said, pulling Alec into the parking lot of the supermarket. "And, I had Lily do me a favour."

"Lily did you a favour?" Alec asked, his eyes widening. 

"I had to tell her it was for you to get her to agree," Jace explained. Turning to look at Alec, he added, "You may be more popular now, but don’t forget that I'm the more handsome."

"Sure," Alec said dryly, his lips twitching up into a small smile.

Jace walked towards a tarp-covered misshaped heap at the far end of the parking lot, and pulled the tarp off in one swift move. He heard Alec gasp, and when he turned to look at him, was pleased to see the glow in his eyes.

"Are those-" The question hung in mid-air, unfinished as Alec reached out to touch one of the steel and leather contraptions. 

"Vampire motorcycles?" Jace finished for him. "Yes, they are."

Alec let out a short laugh at that, and swung his legs over one of the motorcycles. He revved the engine experimentally, and was pleased to hear the resulting screech.

"There's still a long time before sunrise," Jace said, taking the other motorcycle. "Wanna race to the East River?"

Alec shot him a devilish grin. "You bet."

[blackevermore]

x Secrets of The Lake: The Company of Misery and Pain

{ Chapter 13 }

Summary: Vladimir Masters’ family tree has always been tainted by secrets swept under the rug. From generation to generation there have been countless reasons the Masters’ family had seemed to keep private from the public. Even to this day, Vladimir was no exception. But what was one to do when a restless spirit from the settlement years finally breaks free from restraints and demands you answer for your ancestor’s crimes? Vladimir doesn’t know. However, Clockworks does.

Notes: We just having fun, rewriting some of the canon, new adventure new characters. I will apologize now for any grammar, spelling, weird sentence structuring in advance. My brain writes faster than my fingers and even when I go back through to reread it I still miss things. Sorry about that!

Word Count: 8640

P.s: Long chapter is long because i didn’t wanna stop writing pff

There was something off about the townspeople. He could feel it every time he set off in the mornings to sell and trade produce. First, it had been the women, their heads hanging low and their eyes barely meeting him when they handed him the money. Some of them tried to linger their touches but he quickly pulled away. Young maidens sought out for his affections but he would quickly reject them with the promise they would find their true suitor in due time. However, when it was whispered through the walls that Lady Spelltra was smitten by Vladan, the other young maidens ceased to come near him.

“Have you already taken someone?” Vladan could remember the way the fiery ginger hair woman asked him in annoyance. Vladan had told her many times he wasn’t interested and yet she came to his stall every day with hope on her shoulder. Every day she came and every day he would tell her he wasn’t interested. He tried to be as much of a gentleman as his mother taught him to be. But even so, he was getting tired of her advances as they became more and more aggressive and demanding. 

“I have and she waits for me.” Vladan held no remorse for the way he answered her. Maybe being nice was foolish, to begin with, he should have been more assertive with her, but none of that would get through the woman’s head. Vladan watched as the girl’s eyes widened then narrowed into a snarl. Through her anger, he could have sworn he saw green eyes glow. Unlike Tayonna’s that glowed with the help of the sun, this woman’s eyes gleamed in the shade that covered her face. The woman clenched her fist then sighed as she straightened herself out and held her head up in a pompous pride.

“Does she wait for you at home? Here or across the sea?” She asked, eyeing him up and down with a smirk. Vladan wishes he could say she waited for him at home. He wished he could happily say he was married as well, but they knew of the tragic end of his family and they knew he only lived with the housemaids. Vladan tried his best not to allow the other to see his anger. Lady Spelltra was the head judge’s daughter, it was best not to anger her if Vladan wishes to continue business within the community. Vladan told himself that in two months he would pack up everything and head back across the seas. The colonies were too much of a hassle while the English had a hold over it.

“She waits,” Vladan turned away from the woman and finished tying off the order she had come with. He handed it to her and the woman huffed and threw the money into his hand before yanking the bag and leaving. 

Then there were the men of the town who tried their hardest to get him to join them in their scandals. Whether they were playful adult pranks or shameful adultery, Vladan always held up his hand to dismiss them and excuse himself. Since his family had died it seemed like the townspeople were different creatures. Four years ago they were respectable townies that gave each other space and kept the community running with honesty and pride. Of course, Vladan had his issues with the English but even so the community was able to prosper with the incoming Dutch natives. But now the men were sleazy, everything they did was excused by the law created to shield them from punishment or swore to by the bible. Vladan could recall the many times some old man wrapped an arm around his shoulders to pull him in and point to a crowd of women. 

“They are to worship us like gods as we are to give them divine pleasure bestowed upon us by God himself.” The old man smelled of rioting morality and crooked senses, Vladan had pushed the man off of him and the old man laughed as he fixed his hat. “You are hesitant now, but once you are guided, boy, you will understand.” Vladan wished he could strike down the man by the power of the so-called God they worshipped. The cruel nature of imbalance was evident in the dark clouds that hung over the town more and more each day. The only peace Vladan had was when he was able to drive the carriage home and see the sun shining over his house in the distance. He could feel the weight of the gloomy corruption slid off his back as ghostly hands wrapped around him and the faint feeling of lips kissed his temple. When he made it to the short stretch of dirt road that led up to his home he quickly jumped from the driver’s seat. Without having to call out to the woman he loved, the door would always open to Tayonna wiping her hands on her skirt, smiling and beckoning him inside.

Vlad stirred in his sleep as he felt a wet sensation drape across his forehead. Slowly he blinked his eyes and tried to sit up but the pain in his chest made him wince and fall back. He could tell he was now in a bed and was grateful, the last few times of fainting to the floor was starting to wear him thin. After a few deep breaths, he had to make sure his lungs were back to normal, he placed a hand on his forehead to hold the cloth and sat up. He couldn’t remember everything that had happened before he made it to bed. The dream he had just woken up from had blocked out reality as he could now clearly remember it. Vlad removed the cloth and placed it on the bedside table. He tried to recall everything. He had been in his room drinking, then screaming, then that darn mist getting into his body...but what else? Vlad felt an aching pain starting to throb in the front of his head and he hissed as the throb felt like it was moving to the left and right. Then it all came like a crash course causing his brain to bounce around. 

“Don’t get up.��Tayonna’s voice was demanding and Vlad was taken back by it. Vlad looked up and saw Tayonna standing by the door with his two ghost maids standing right outside. Vlad cocked a brow then tried his best to sit up straight.

“Tayonna, I assure you I’m fine.” Vlad gritted his teeth as he felt another throb hit the sides of his head, harder than before. He fell back into the bed and groaned, laying down was the only thing that subdued the pain and gave Vlad a small ounce of ability. Vlad turned his head to the side and sighed as he saw the three ghosts watching him carefully. “Just a minor headache is all, nothing to be worried about, now if you all must be here at least take a seat. Your constant standing makes me uncomfortable.” Vlad let out a small chuckle and snapped his fingers for the maids to heed his command. But they wouldn’t move and only looked even more anxious than before. Vlad knotted this at their hesitant nature then turned towards Tayonna. He could see that even though she was hesitant to come closer to him, she looked angry as well. Vlad didn’t like that look, it told him he was in trouble and she was the last person she wanted to upset. ‘Wait, why?’

“They refuse to come in,” Tayonna told him, moving closer to him slowly before taking the seat in an armchair across from the bed.

“But I ordered them,” Vlad huffed and gave Tayonna a look.

“You may have ordered them but he doesn’t want them around.” Tayonna's eyes bore holes into Vlad’s as he looked between his maids and her. Vlad was confused and sat up once more in a haste and pushed to his feet. He stumbled and quickly caught himself, he could see in the corner of his eye that Tayonna was gripping her wrist, most likely to not reach out and help him. Vlad took a deep breath as the sudden dizziness of shift in gravity unbalanced him. Once he was sure he could stand on his own he straightened up and ran a hand through his hair. It was a silvery mess and he knew he looked dishevelled and hated every minute of it.

“No ghost or mist or whatever anyone shall be will be making orders within my house. When I call for them they will come.” Vlad commanded with anger and snapped his fingers once more to command the maids. The two maids jumped and turned towards each other in fear. The maid on the left reached out and took hold of the one on the right and hid behind her. The maid on the right sighed and tried to walk towards Vlad but quickly recoiled when she placed a foot over the threshold. The maid behind her quickly pulled her back and checked over her. Vlad couldn’t possibly understand why something like this was happening. This was his house! If any ghost of any sort wished to have control over anything Vlad had they would have to go through him. Linked to him or not it didn’t matter, Vlad was a force to be reckoned with that held power for a reason.

“I demand that the both of you come here, now!” Vlad's voice was dark as he snapped his fingers again and pointed to the floor in front of him. The maids shook with fear and tried once more to heed their master’s orders but when they both tried to ghost through the door they were zapped away by a now visible red force. Vlad’s sudden rush of anger dropped a bit and he took a step back. Surprised by the boom of his voice and the way it shook him down to his core. He was losing control over his own emotions and that worried him. He had never yelled at his maids, human or ghost, he always treated them with respect and valued the work they provided. He held his head in his hand and muttered an apology to the maids then turned back to Tayonna. The girl sat quietly in the chair still facing away from him.

“They can not come in until you can control yourself,” Tayonna said. Control himself? Vlad could feel himself slowly losing a grip since she had started to haunt his dreams. How could she make such a comment when nothing had been going right when she was the one to blame. “He is projecting his anger through you and none of us can go anywhere until you can control it, control him.” Tayonna stood up and walked towards Vlad and once again locked eyes with him. Vlad felt the anger vanish completely from his body and a warm feeling spread through his chest. He wanted to reach out and touch her, pull her in and feverishly kiss her until he heard her laugh. He had never felt her lips before but yet he craved them. He wanted to apologize to her about something he didn’t know he needed to apologize for. Vlad really wanted to take her in his arms like he had longed for her unstoppably. He wanted to hold her like he wished he could hold Maddie. Tayonna was far from being anything remotely close to Vlad’s Madeline. But yet he reached out and tried to touch her which made the girl flinch away.

“Do not touch me,” Tayonna's green eyes grew cold and she gripped her wrist tighter. Vlad’s breath hitched and he took a step back as well. Behind Tayona Vlad had noticed the red barrier had faded away and the ghost maids stayed put with continuous worry. Vlad cleared his throat and sidestepped around Tayonna making sure he looked away from the girl. 

“You two are dismissed, I apologize for my rudeness, please know I will never raise my voice like that towards the two of you ever again.” Vlad scolded himself for his behaviour and the maids knew he was sincere. 

“Of course, Sir.” The maids spoke in unison and curtsy as they poofed away. The silence in the room grew awkward as the last two in the room stood frozen in place. Vlad wanted to say something but he was afraid anything he said wouldn’t be of his own thinking.

Tayonna on the other hand had finally worked up the courage to speak, “I want you to remove this collar.”

“Excuse me?” Vlad turned around and Tayonna was already beside him running a hand over her neck where the metal was.

“Remove this collar,” Tayonna said bitterly, folding her arms across her chest. Vlad rolled his eyes and did the same, even with his weird new thoughts and emotions he still had his same old mind working and he refused to be bossed around. 

“And why would I do that?” Vlad lowered his eyes and watched the other take a deep breath. Vlad could feel the pull in his hands that wanted to remove the collar but he fought against it. This wasn’t him. This was nothing he wanted and nothing he felt. If this ghost was going to be in his house he wanted to have the advantage against her. But the constant double thinking and fogginess of certainty was a steep uphill battle. 

“Because you’ve already allowed him into your house, into your body, into your mind.” Tayonna stopped and took a moment to look away from Vlad as she tried to find her words. Vlad could tell it strained her. “You’ve already become a pawn.” Tayonna slowly looked up towards him with heavy eyes and Vlad’s heart skipped a beat.  He wasn’t sure he could trust her, let alone trust himself, but he also couldn’t be too sure if something else happened he would be able to handle it alone. He could call upon Danny but then he knew Dani would want to come. Plus they were a good distance away even with the aid of the ghost portal. Vlad sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose as he tried to think of something reasonable and failed. 

“I am no pawn Miss Tayonna, all of this will be sorted out and settled once you are put to rest. If I remove that collar there are rules you must follow.” Vlad held up a finger waving it back and forth and Tayonna rolled her eyes. He understood this was going to be a tough situation with Tayonna not being able to look past his face to see he was someone completely different. But the recurring reminders of him and Vladan being alike was displeasing. 

“Even you have rules that must be followed. It’s like he never left.” Tayonna caught herself before she let out giggles and swallowed them to keep quiet. Vlad noticed but said nothing. Again, he didn’t want to be compared to someone else.

“As I was saying, the rules are simple, one, you are not allowed to attack me when you feel like it. Even if you look at me and see him you are to keep your hands to yourself. Two, We are to try and work together to figure this out, which means when I ask you a question you must answer it. I deal with enough vague responses from my affiliates. Three, you will behave yourself as need be and you will never use those mind tricks on me or anyone else in this house. If you break any of these rules I will not only throw you back into the Ghost Zone, but I will make sure you never leave that dark hole you called home. I will also make sure you will never be heard of again. Do you understand?” Vlad knew his words were harsh and that he only meant half of what he said. But he had to save face and keep his advantage over her if this was their new agreement. Tayonna was wary and it showed as she bit her bottom lip and hunched over a bit, surrendering.

“Very well,” Tayonna bowed her head and Vlad walked forward to reach out and pushed her curls to the side. They were so soft and full of life despite the fact she was dead. He wanted to run his fingers over them but he quickly stopped himself and took hold of the collar. He made sure to whisper the release phrase so she couldn’t hear it and the glowing bars lit up, turning red as the collar unlocked itself. As he slid the collar off her neck and dark rings formed at her waist and she transformed into her ghost self. Vlad could admit silently he much rather preferred her in her human like state. Her skin was no longer the soft brown with red undertones but purple with a steel blue hue. Her eyes were the same but now looked like floating orbs in a black void. She was still attractive as she was when human but now it was evident that she was dead. Tayonna was a spirit that was haunting Vlad, not a welcome guest.

Vlad cleared his throat from how dry it had become and nodded his head.

“Better?” He asked, raising a brow.

“Much,” Tayonna answered by rubbing her neck and sighing. 

  Vlad had locked himself away in his study as he felt it was the only place in the house that didn’t feel intrusive. He had asked that Tayonna kept her distance as he needed space and the other happily agreed. It didn’t need to be said that the both of them much rather preferred the space between them. Vlad couldn’t handle the unnecessary need to touch her and Tayonna couldn’t bear to look him in the face for too long. Vlad had told her where in the house she could go and where not to. When he saw that she kept making eyes towards the garden he quickly made it another rule that if she stepped outside she had to turn back into a human and be human. In an instant, Tayonna became human and sank through the floor to walk out the kitchen backdoors and find home in Vlad’s garden.

Vlad tried to muscle himself into doing work but it was a failed attempt as he kept getting distracted by visions. Every so often he would think of being off in the countryside of some state he couldn’t recall and walking along a stream enjoying nature. Then he would think of someone waiting for him to find them through the wildflowers. The warm feeling in his chest would come back and he hums happily. It would be minutes before Vlad realized he was slacking off and would pull at his ears to get back to work. The visions were peaceful and Vlad found himself longing for his trip to Wisconsin to hurry closer. The sooner he could make sure all his companies were staying clear in the green, the faster he could plan his trip and get away from Amity. Amity was his home away from home, the fields of Wisconsin was where his heart lied considering he was born there. After an hour or so of fiddling on his computer, he had finished all his leftover documents and emails. 

Vlad sat back in his chair and closed his eyes to take a breather. The headaches were gone, thank god, but the constant mixed and foreign feelings he was experiencing kept tugging at him. Where is she? ‘She’s in the garden’ Vlad answered himself. Is she safe? ‘Why wouldn’t she be?’ Vlad opened his eyes and frowned at the odd thought. Why wouldn’t Tayonna be safe at his home? If a ghost wouldn’t dare to randomly show up and cause trouble, he was sure the fickle humans outside wouldn’t bother crossing into his property. Vlad tried to push the thought away but the more he sat in silence he kept asking himself the same question over and over. Now that Vlad knew who the little voice inside his head actually belonged to he had no choice but to reason with it to shut it up. Even he was getting tired of hearing his own voice, accented or not.

“I will go check on her, will that satisfy you?” Vlad asked coldly to the air knowing he wasn’t going to get a response. He grumbled and made his way out of the office and down the stairs to the kitchen. When he made it to the sliding doors he opened them and stepped outside. Tayonna was nowhere in sight but the garden seemed like it had become more vibrant. The rose bushes he had newly planted had already bloomed and the lilies were bigger than they were a day ago. Vlad ran his hand over the soft pedals and smiled at how beautiful they were. His mother would have been proud. He walked through his garden and saw his other flowers were just as alive, the tulip beds were fully bloomed and the many different colours they came in painted the ground. Vlad further into his garden and had finally found Tayonna sitting under the statue. She held a rose in her hand lacing the stem through her fingers somehow avoiding its thorns. Vlad couldn’t stop the smile that laces gently across his lips and the sigh that left his body in relief.

As Vlad watched the girl for a while he could recall a dream he had months ago when this all started. He could now piece it together, Tayonna was sitting by a small garden by the front of a house. She was digging with her hands to plant flowers she found and she looked so pleased with herself. Vlad could only imagine how happy, if she actually was, back then doing whatever she did. The dream would always end up with Vlad mouthing Tayonna’s name and the girl turned around to look at him with a big smile until it dropped in dread and fear. Tayonna would then drop everything she was doing to pick up her dress and take off running towards the dark nothingness. That dream always clenched at Vlad’s throat as he was never sure why Tayonna would suddenly run away when she looked so happy to see him. 

I had to protect her.

“Oh! Will you go away,” Vlad grumbled and waved a hand near his ear to silence the voice and it seemed to work. As he rolled his eyes and looked back towards Tayonna he noticed the girl had finally spotted him. He awkwardly cleared his throat and nodded towards her before walking towards her.

“I see you take a great liking to my garden, Miss Tayonna. I also see you’ve done some work with advancing their bloom.” Vlad was pleased by her work. He hadn’t thought much of it to maybe use his powers to speed along their growth. Perhaps it was a part of him who wanted nature to take its time and he could play happy caretaker. Tayonna spun the rose in her hand with her fingers and hummed before placing it down on the ground and waving a hand over it. The rose started to glow and its stem warped like a snake and travelled towards the statue and began to climb up the base. The stem broke in twos and threes and little rosebuds sprouted. The stems wrapped around the body of the statue and stopped when it reached the head. The stem wrapped around like a crown but instead of rosebuds sprouting, thorns grew like spikes. Tayonna waved her hand over the rose on the ground once more and it began to wither and fall apart. When the rose on the ground was dead and nothing but dust, the stem around the statue curled into itself and stayed put. 

It was a magical site and Vlad was very impressed as he watched the statue become something even more remarkable. Take that Mrs Welmsworth! 

“As much as I would love to woo my neighbours with the sudden change in the garden in the middle of the summer, I would actually prefer it if you didn’t perform where people could see you.” Vlad spoke towards Tayonna as he kept his eyes forward looking around to see if anyone was outside. When he was sure no one had seen what Tayonna was doing he looked back towards her. She curled into herself and that intoxicating sad expression she wore was back.

“He used to tell me to stop doing magic all the time. Afraid someone would catch me.” Tayonna said. Vlad could feel the all too familiar tug on his heart to comfort her but he stayed still. 

“Why would he be afraid of someone seeing you?” Vlad was curious, maybe this would help further aid in solving all this.

“I don’t know, I can’t remember.” Tayonna sighed and looked up towards Vlad in the same routine, her eyes would fill with hope but then die as she realized something and looked away. Vlad secretly hoped that’s not what he looked like when he reconnected with the Fenton family and saw Maddie. 

“Was he trying to protect you?” Vlad walked closer and held out a hand for Tayonna to take. The girl was confused but it quickly faded as Vlad gave her a warm smile and nodded slowly for her to take it. Tayonna took it and he helped her to her feet, she pulled away from him and grabbed her wrist and turned away.

“I don’t remember,” Tayonna replied.

“Hmm, can you recall anything that might be important?” Vlad knew there had to be something buried that would unearth the truth. He could see the way her eyebrows twisted together that Tayonna knew something but didn’t want to share it.  “Tayonna?” Vlad called out to the girl and she shook her head a few times, her mouth opened and close as she tried to find the words. Vlad saw the way her fingers dug into her skirt and she gripped the fabric for dear life.

“He was always so worried, always so tense, he didn’t like being there. We had to stay there because of his family but he wanted to leave so badly. He….He was….He-” Tayonna's voice began to break as the words lost themselves and tears formed at the corners of her eyes. She tried to wipe them away but the more she swiped at her face the more fell. Vlad had noticed that the sky above them started to turn grey and lighting sparked between the clouds. Vlad knew he shouldn’t touch her but he couldn’t deny that this was necessary for calming her down. He took hold of her hands and lowered them and used his thumbs to catch a few stray tears as he held her face. He didn’t say anything and just hoped his pleading expression was enough to calm her. 

Tayonna didn’t pull away which amazed him, he continued to do that as a few more tears fell and finally, Tayonna held onto his arms. Not to pull him away but almost for safety. They stared into each other's eyes and that’s when Vlad felt an easing sensation starting to rise within him. For the first time, he felt his core beat against his chest like a heart. And a faint glow started to rise through his skin. He hoped she didn’t see it and he quickly lowered his hands from her face and she let go and held onto herself. Vlad held a hand to the centre of his chest and pretended to be more so relieved rather than checking his core. That was an all new experience for him. When he felt it settle down again he checked back over to Tayonna to make sure she was calm. 

“This is a troublesome matter and it’s best if you don’t stress yourself talking about it. In due time, if you are comfortable enough to talk about it I’m willing to listen.” Tayonna only nodded her head and Vlad smiled. He turned on his heels and looked over his shoulder. “Would you like to come in for tea?” Ghost didn’t need to drink nor eat but Vlad felt this was the right response. Tayonna was more human than she was a ghost in the short time Vlad has had her around and could notice. Tayonna nodded and followed behind him as Vlad walked back towards the house and opened the doors for her to enter first. He gestured for her to take a seat at the small dining table as he went about preparing them both a cup. As the water boiled Vlad checked over his shoulder a few times to make sure Tayonna was still where he left her. A nagging feeling kept him doing so until the tea was ready and he could finally bring everything to the table. Setting up the tea set and giving Tayonna her cup and platter, Vlad sat across from her and poured both of their drinks. 

“Thank you.” Tayonna watched him pour the tea and Vlad gave her a gentle smile in return. They sat together in silence sipping their tea keeping an eye on each other. So much for wanting to put space between them. Vlad snickered at how it was he who broke his own rule. He practically ran to find her like a dog to a bone. But now that they were in the same space it didn’t feel as awkward. Sure Tayonna still glazed upon him every so often like a lost child, but Vlad no longer had a strong desire to touch her. Which means he could now continue his investigation about who she was and her relationship with Vladan. Surely a simple question wouldn’t get her railed up like before.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Vlad waited for her to look up and to have her full attention before continuing. “Did you and Vladan have a good relationship?” Vlad could easily put together all the dreams he had to know they did. But he wanted to hear it from her, see if her side of things were the same or different than what he knew. Tayonna’s shoulders dropped and she looked down onto the table with a lost but relaxed expression.

“We were in love,” Tayonna said so dryly then took a sip of her tea then pushed away from the table to pull one of her legs onto the chair to lean against. Vlad wouldn’t ask any more about the relationship if she didn’t want to speak about it. So he hummed and sipped away at his drink. “You look so much like him,” Tayonna mumbled, not really hoping for Vlad to hear. But with ghost senses like his, he heard her loud and clear. Vlad put down his cup and sat up straight, he moose back his hair though it had no fly aways and he smiled.

“Well I assure you once more, I’m not him, no matter how much we may look alike. This is a new era of people with new and approved mindsets. All I ask of you to do is look upon me as my own person. I know it must be hard but try. If we are going to work together then it’s for the best.” Vlad was calm when he said it, he meant every word and hoped she would listen with open ears. Tayonna seemed to perk up and looked him up and down.

“You handle yourself differently from him, Vladan hated being proper and well put together. He was such a slouch.” Tayonna cracked a small smile and whisked her finger in the air to make her tea move in circles.

“Was not!” Vlad snapped then quickly covered his mouth. Tayonna looked at him with wide eyes then her face softened before shaking her head and looking away. “Pardon me,” Vlad cleared his throat again and blushed. The sudden outburst was not something he would normally catch himself doing....anymore.  

“I’ve told you, Vladimir, you are nothing but a pawn now.” Tayonna sighed and lowered her head as she continued to magically stir her tea. Vlad grumbled ‘I’m not a pawn’ to himself and silently enjoyed the rest of his. Vlad looked off towards the garden and watched the flowers. They truly were beautiful.

  It was finally Saturday, the week had felt like a whole month, but it was Saturday and Vlad couldn’t wait for the day to be over. Saturdays were special days, Vlad gave the whole office a half day so he could mossy over to the local country club for a round of golf.  Then afterwards he and Dani would spend the rest of the day doing whatever she wanted. Which wasn’t much for the freshly 15 year old, she mostly wanted to spend time with her friends now that she was experiencing the thrills of being a teenager. Which was fine with Vlad but ever so often he craved the father-daughter bonding hours. Which reminded him, he needed to call her and make sure she was okay. After the whole thing on Tuesday he needed to make sure that those effects Tayonna had on her weren’t permanent. Vlad quickly reached for his personal phone and flipped through the contacts before landing on Dani’s number. He pressed dail and held the phone up to his ear. 

“Hello?” Dani answered the phone in a whisper, Vlad brows knitted together and he looked over towards his desk clock. Why would she be whispering at 12 in the afternoon on a Saturday?

“I hope whatever you are doing is either legal or won't be getting you into trouble with the authorities.” Vlad tsked and he could hear the sigh in Dani's voice when she pulled away from the phone.

“It’s legal in the Ghost Zone,” Dani responded. Vlad could easily tell that whatever Dani was hiding from she really didn’t want them to find her. Vlad sighed and hit a button on his computer that blanked out the whole screen then pulled up a tracker on Dani within the Ghost Zone. Vlad hadn’t told her about it but Danny knew, the young Phantom thought Vlad was being overprotective but Vlad swore that he would only use it in emergencies. That was also the reason he placed one on Danny as well. Because wherever one went the other was sure to follow. Vlad saw that Dani was in fact following Danny somewhere north of the zone.

“Why are you following Daniel?”

“Wait how-oh never mind! I’m not sure I actually wanna know.” Vlad smirked as he gave himself a point for being ahead of the game.

“A father has his ways, now tell me young lady why are you following him.” Vlad knew Dani could hear the smile across his lips and he could only imagine her making the infamous pouty face she was known for.

“I just wanted to go out with him but Danny was doing that weird big brother ‘no stay home’ and I wanted to know what he was up to.” Vlad knew Dani got more of her nosy behaviour from him rather than Danny. That’s what happens when you raise clones. And that was enough for him to also become curious as to what Danny was up to.

“So where is he going?” Vlad leaned more into his computer and pulled up the exact location of where the two phantoms were. Since the map wasn’t complete it was hard to actually pinpoint what islands of certain ghosts were where. But still with how many years Vlad had spent bonding with those in the zone he had a somewhat clear understanding when he looked at the charting numbers.

“I think he’s going to Clockwork, I heard him mumbling about wanting to ask questions earlier.” Dani's voice became clear which meant she was moving from her hiding spot.

“Danielle, you realize he wouldn’t have to travel through the Ghost Zone to get to Clockwork. He has the medallion that could easily open a patrol for him.” Vlad could hear Dani stop moving and grumble to herself.

“Then I have no idea where he's going. Shit!”

“Language young lady.” Vlad couldn’t help but laugh at his daughter’s failed attempt at following her counterpart. Just then Vlad saw that Danny’s signal went out then popped back up now behind Dani. “I believe you should turn around.”

“Why-”

“Ha, I knew you were following me!” Vlad could now hear Danny loud and clear through the phone. Ah yes the good old dupe trick, never gets old.

“I just wanted to know!” Dani groaned.

“Is that Vlad on the phone? Cough it up, short stack.”

“Stop calling me that!” The phone shuffled through hands before Danny mumbled something to Dani about going home with the teenager replied with a strong ‘no’.

“Hey fruitloop, sending Dani after me again?” Danny laughed and Vlad took the jab light heartily.

“Nonsense, she has a will of her own and became curious of where you were going. I actually called to speak to her but she was very busy keeping an amazingly low profile.” Vlad could hear Dani asking what he was saying but Danny kept replying with ‘nothing’ and ‘go home’. Vlad wouldn’t mind listening to the children bicker back and forth, making him feel just as much as a father as he liked to be. But he had pressing matters that needed to be sorted out. “Well Daniel as much as I would love to listen to you go, I would rather like to speak to Danielle, please.”

“Yeah, Imma hand her the phone but you gotta convince her to go home. Deal?”

“You have my word,” Vlad gave a scout's honour to himself and laughed. Danny handed the phone back to Dani who was not out of breath from trying to fight off the older phantom to get her phone back.

“Yeah?”

“I wish to ask you if you are alright since the time you left the house.” Vlad didn’t want to sound worried but he knew he did. Dani could tell and she didn’t speak for a moment.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Dani didn’t sound sure of herself and Vlad could only blame himself. 

“Danielle, dear, I’m sorry you had to be put in that situation trying to help us. This is exactly what Daniel and I were trying to warn you about.” Vlad felt his heartache and he loosened his tie from around his neck. “Those memories…I…

” Vlad halted in his words, he didn’t want to bring it up either, those times were dark for the both of them, but he had to know. “You aren’t-”

“Dad,” Vlad felt the strength behind Dani's words as she stopped him before he could speak. “Dad, I’m okay, that was the past and we’re beyond that and we’re good, okay? Her weird mind powers were just hella strong for no reason.” Vlad could care less to warn her about her language. He only cared that she was alright mentally and physically. 

Vlad nodded and sighed happily, “We are good, I was just worried about you, was all.”

“Oh god, come on, fruitloop, I can handle one mental breakdown and besides I wrapped her up with the gun. All under control.” Dani laughed.

“Don’t you dare start picking up any more of his bad habits. That forsaken nickname will be the death of me.” Vlad rolled his eyes and closed out the secret features on his laptop to pull back up his normal business work. “But I also wanted to know if you will be returning home before school is out or do you wish to stay with the Fentons’?” Vlad heard the laughter die down and he grew worried again.

“I-is it safe?” Dani whispered again, most likely turning away from Danny so he couldn’t hear her.

“Very much so, Tayonna is now being cooperative and has promised to do no harm. If you choose to come home, I will promise you no harm will ever come your way again, as long as I stand.” Vlad felt the protectiveness side of himself swell to its highest. He meant what he said. Even if Tayonna was willing to be on her best behaviour, one slip up between her and Dani and Vlad was ready to destroy her till there was nothing left. Even if it pained him in the end.

“I’ll think about it, that lady gives me the creeps.”

“Very well, just tell me when you are coming.”

“Thanks, dad.”

“Always.”

“Love you, bye!” Danny quickly hung up the phone before Vlad could register what she said. When the words finally formed themselves, Vlad pulled the phone away from his face with the biggest smile. Dani didn’t say if often, remotely never at all, but when she did he knew she meant it. Vlad had still yet to say it back despite how much Dani filled the empty hole in his heart. He didn’t feel the need to say it, which maybe was a problem, Danny says, all kids should be told they are loved. But Vlad was just never good with words. It was a lot easier to throw money at things and hope that they understood why you did it. Vlad would spoil Dani rotten if she’d only ask, but he was also grateful she had Danny’s small bit of humble nature. That’s why Vlad secretly placed money randomly throughout her room to make it seem like she forgot she had put it there. Vlad loved it when he saw her face light up and she called her friends to go hang out at the arcade. This had surely put Vlad in a good mood, he could only hope his golf match was just as great.

  Vlad had luck by his side or was it so the high he still had from being told he was loved by Dani, either, his golf session was amazing and he even signed a new deal with an associate that happened to be on the course with him. Vlad felt the shine of the sun hit his face as he drove his golf cart back to the lot and it felt mighty fine, the summer was rolling in nicely. Though his core did make it a bit difficult to enjoy the really hot weather. Even when it was 90 degrees outside it felt like a nice sunny 70, people would be sweating to death and Vlad sat comfortably in his suit. When he parked the cattie he waved goodbye to the staff and gathered his things to head home. As he settled into his car his phone began to ring. 

“Masters.” Vlad happily answered and he heard the ‘tsk’ of his lovely assistant on the other side.

“Good game?” Kate knew of Vlad’s Saturday golf sessions since she was the one that scheduled them for him.

“Simply splendid.” Vlad hummed back and started the car for his 30-minute drive.

“Well that's great but I have news for you. No luck at the other library nor any of the small business records I managed to get ahold of from companies that also happen to have partnerships with you currently that were established in the mid 18th century that happened to date back to the 17th century.” Kate sighed then moaned and Vlad made a bewildered look towards his car’s display screen.

“Miss Way if you are calling during rather private interactions, I think it's best if you would’ve-”

“I’m at the spa, Sir. I would much rather go out with your wacky affiliates than call you while getting my back blown out.” Kate groaned and then hissed in pain.

“Very well.” Vlad cringed at her explanation, rolling his eyes, he couldn’t be upset that she was doing something for her own pleasure when she did inform him she would.

“I leave for Pennsylvania tomorrow so I’ll keep you updated. Also, Jackson says hi.” Vlad could hear a faint nervous ‘Hi Sir’ come from the distance behind Kate and Vlad slapped his face. That’s where Jackson went?! “Before you get uppity about him leaving, it was a last minute thing and I paid for his flight.”

“Well it’s great I didn’t feel the need to call for him or I would have been utterly confused to be informed my driver was on vacation. A vacation he failed to inform his boss about.” Vlad sneered and Kate let out a small chuckle.

“Don’t worry you’re a big boy you can drive. Bye Sir.” Kate hung up the phone and Vlad shook his head but didn’t allow that one little hiccup to throw off his mood. Today was a good day, he thinks, and hopefully, when he got home it would end on a good note. When Vlad arrived home and pulled into his driveway he noticed Mrs Welmsworth standing outside across the street with her annoying little dog, Pepper, in her hands.

“Hello, Mrs Welmsworth, lovely day isn’t it?” Vlad didn’t particularly enjoy his neighbours, not because they were around but more so they didn’t know how to treat their former mayor with a bit more respect. Even in a quiet gated community people felt the need to be inside of someone else's home. Mrs Welmsworth was the worst offender. With only standing 5’foot nothing and 78 years old, she was the definition of old Hollywood that didn’t know who current celebrities were. She always wore her finest designer loungewear and kept her face painted with outdated beauty. She had long white hair and slanted hooded brown eyes that only showed young but matured mischief. She wasn’t ugly, even with her large nose and long face, Vlad knew that in her prime she must have been a catch with dark ebony hair and eyes, but she was indeed a very insufferable woman. Imagine her surprise when she thought the new guy moving him was just as old as her by the colour of his hair, only to find out he was only (mentally) 44. Vlad was grateful she didn’t like them young.

“Afternoon Masters,” Vlad felt his skin crawl at the way she seductively held out the letters in his name. Hopefully, she wasn’t changing her mind and trying her luck. “I see you’ve done some garden work and I couldn’t help but admire it. Considering just yesterday they weren’t in full bloom. Tell me your secrets.” The old woman chuckled and petted her dog as she eyed Vlad up and down.

‘My secret is a ghost that’s currently in my house’ Vlad thought and swallowed his annoyance to put on a gentle smile. “I have no secret other than money can make things very beautiful in a short time.” Vlad walked towards his trunk and pulled out his golf bag.

“Surely there must be something, I saw a young woman lurking around yesterday, is that your new gardener?” Vlad stiffened and quickly tried to think if anyone might have seen Tayonna when she wasn’t human. He should have been more careful. He knew he couldn’t turn around and lie or else the old woman would stick her long nose even farther into his property. So Vlad turned and nodded as politely as he could.

“Ah yes she is, a new hire I thought would help me maintain the glamour of nature. My mother would roll in her grave if I didn’t.” Vlad did take pride in his garden so it wasn’t a complete lie his mother could haunt him for killing flowers. God, he hoped not. One restless ghost in his house was enough. Vlad could see that Mrs Welmsworth was about to cross the street until he saw her stop in her tracks and go wide eyed. The woman began to seem confused as her mouth opened and closed repeatedly and she stumbled back a bit. Vlad’s brows knotted until he heard the sound of his front door open all the way.  Vlad turned around and saw Tayonna, luckily as a human, staring deep into the old woman. Vlad hissed and quickly walked up the pathway and the stairs shooing Tayonna back into the house. “Good day, Mrs Welmsworth!” Vlad waved and slammed the door shut. Tayonna looked up at him with a stoic face while he was more than visibly distressed.

“Why in the world would you do that?” Vlad’s voice was a harsh whisper and Tayonna rolled her eyes.

“I could feel that you were uncomfortable and then you started to panic.” Tayonna crossed her arms and began walking away. Vlad’s distress lowered and he cocked a brow towards her remark. She could feel his emotions? Did that have something to do with his core? Vlad facepalmed and grumbled a butter biscuit, of course, it did, Vlad had spent years learning about this ghostly half and yet he threw it out the window of logic. Tayonna was linked to his core which meant she could sense him and...he could sense her. Vlad had ignored it this whole time, the over sense of emotions were mostly hers even when she wore a blank face. Of course. Of course.

“I appreciate your help, but do not ever do that again. I don’t need any more trouble from the humans than I already get.” Vlad pushed off the door and kicked off his shoes before hanging up his visor. He was curious though, “What did you make her see?” He called out to Tayonna who only huffed which led him to the kitchen. He waltzed in and saw her sitting on top of his breakfast counter with flowers scattered around her, she was weaving the flowers together. Oh, how Vlad wanted to yell at her to get off and sit decently and clean up her mess.

“Her husband cheated on her with her brother and she caught them but never said anything. He doesn’t know that she knows he prefers to lay with men and has never actually loved her. She loves him and tries to win him back but it never works.” Tayonna said dryly and continued weaving the flower stems through each other to create bases. Vlad was impressed and hummed in a pleased manner. He never knew that about his neighbour and now he couldn’t help but want to know more. Oh no, he was becoming the thing he hated. “She killed him ten years ago, he’s buried in the basement under the new flooring.” Vlad’s face quickly dropped and he stared at Tayonna bewildered. She said it so calmly, casually as if it was another Saturday conversation.

“Well, um, that’s none of my business, I should stay out of it.” That would explain why sometimes Vlad could see a shadow of a man standing in Mrs Welmsworth’s bedroom window some nights. Mrs Welmsworth always said her husband was a very busy movie man who was always away on trips filming his new movies, not dead. Vlad felt a shiver run down his back, he has been living next to a murder sight for the past 3 years. Vlad took that as his cue to probably leave Tayonna alone and busy himself with something else. In a couple of hours, Saturday's big game would be on and he much rather think about the Packers winning than the fact he could see Mr Welmsworth and never knew. 

[12-am-username]

Well it's not THAT extreme XD But I definitely would love some more Yandere! Hanako headcannons but this is more about if Yashiro had been sent to the hospital for three days and went absent from school because uh let's say somebody in school caused it. Highlight: How/What is Hanako doing meanwhile? And the moment Yashiro came back what'd he do—?

yandere! hanako x nene headcanons

(yandere! hanako x yashiro nene | headcanon and oneshot | fluff, angst, and gore | 2.2k words | spoilers)

— requested by @aliarosella —

i didn’t think i’d be making a part two to this but hey i’m idea-less. @aliarosella i hope this lives up to your expectations 🥺🥺. this will contain spoilers from the manga so please proceed with caution. THERE IS a fair amount of GORE IN HERE TOO, SO IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO THAT KIND OF CONTENT, I SUGGEST YOU SEARCH UP SOME FLUFF CONTENT like some of my other works. (unedited)

He is an obsessive yandere

Obsessive in a way that he always have her safety on his mind, wonders if she messed with the wrong apparition, imagining her bright smile once more, or reminiscing of her warm hands that reminded him that she’s alive

He is obsessive in that he cared for her so much that he wanted to protect her from the dangers of her new reality

However, he could not protect her from that accident

“Kid, please!” Hanako begged. When Yashiro didn’t come to school, he didn’t think much of it. Until another day passed, and another one came. The apparition floated beside the young exorcist, shaking his shoulders.

“Senpai made me promise not to tell you.” Kou rubbed the back of his neck. It was one thing to promise Yashiro not to speak of the incident, and another to not speak of who did it. He already broke one. When Kou explained that Yashiro hit her head and suffered a severe concussion, Hanako could barely register the words coming out of his mouth. He assured the apparition that it would take a day in the hospital. He had to keep reminding Hanako that she isn’t dead.

Kou didn’t have any intention of breaking his promise. Yashiro specifically said not to tell anyone what really happened in the cooking room. Yet something inside him wondered if it was a good idea to keep it from Hanako.

“It was a guy in third year. They say he had disciplinary issues and acted like a delinquent.” Kou was hesitant. Who wouldn’t be? He looked down, waiting for a reaction from the ghost. Hanako’s eyes darkened.

“I don’t think Senpai told me the whole truth. Only that she was at the wrong place at the wrong time.” Kou muttered. He didn’t think it was loud for the ghost to hear, but Hanako could already envision what happened. His mind replayed a scenario where Yashiro was struck by a blunt object. It was on purpose, wasn’t it? That boy did it to provoke him, didn’t he?

“I’m sure it was just an acc—“ Kou stopped. When he looked up, he saw Hanako’s expression grow cold as shivers went down his spine. A dark shadow cast over the apparition’s face as his hand twitched in anger. Kou’s heart started to beat faster as Hanako lifted his head to meet his eyes. The look that he gave was unearthly and foreign. Kou didn’t know how much trouble he caused for the apparition. His brother’s words rang in his head. A troublesome ghost that goes unstable at the drop of a hat...

He is a resentful yandere

Resentful in a way that he can no longer put a facade on, that he has brought hell to the academy, except no one knew that he declared war

He is resentful in that he didn’t need words to express the feelings bottled inside

However, he’s walking the line between stability and insanity

He never thought too hard about it. Really, he didn’t. He didn’t. He thought that he didn’t. His mind always dirfted back to that delinquent that hurt Yashiro. What if that killed her? What if she died there, while Hanako didn’t know? What if he came too late? It killed him, thinking that way. Nothing good came out of it, but he can’t stop. He fell into despair while she was in the hospital.

Thoughts plagued his mind. He stopped smiling. He no longer had a carefree tone in his voice. He wasn’t the teasing and playful No. 7. No, he changed. There was no more joy in his eyes. There would be no more butterflies in his stomach. There would be no warmth to remind him that all he does is for Yashiro to live. All he felt was numb. Pain. Resent.

Resent for that boy. That insolent fool. He wondered if Yashiro would be better off without that kid. In fact, everyone would be better off without him, right? Hanako twisted his mindset. His head grew heavy as his heart turned bitter and harder, almost stone. It hurt to smile, too. But this sick and twisted grin, Hanako found himself adapting to this new look.

It didn’t go by unnoticed. Akane, Vice President and Clock Keeper, would often see him wandering the halls. He didn’t do anything out of the ordinary, just passing by. What caught Akane’s eye however, was the look on his face. It always seemed like he was looking for something beyond him. Akane fixed his glasses, heading to the Student Council Room.

Kou didn’t know what to do. For the most part, Hanako stopped talking at all. Not that he didn’t mind it, sometimes it was nice to not hear his perverted thoughts. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Worried, he looked for the apparition in the girl’s bathroom. He reached out to knock when he heard a giggle. It sounded like Hanako. It’s been a while since he heard him laugh. No, this is different. It wasn’t a pity laugh, nor did it stem from joy. The distant voice of his brother called to him. He harms the living at the slightest provocation...

He is a distant yandere

Distant in a way that he wouldn’t meet with anyone, preferring to isolate himself from people and apparitions

He is distant in that he won’t let anyone come near him, not that anyone approached him

However, he found himself longing for something to distract him from his loneliness

The 7th Wonder didn’t know when he started to isolate himself. For 3 days, he already seemed accustomed to it. Like second nature. It terrified him, how easy it was for him to adapt with the new reality he has. Yashiro is still in the hospital. He wondered how she’s doing, as he always does. He found himself at the school rooftop. He missed it when she made him donuts. Or when they came up there to talk about anything. He missed teasing her and seeing her face flush. The mokke came and went, offering him food they stole found in the cooking room. The cooking room. Where the accident took place. He shook his head.

“It’s not healthy to keep your emotions to yourself, you know?” Hanako turned his head and found Tsuchigomori, giving him a concerned look. Hanako sighed and went back to staring beyond the school gates. Perhaps if he was taller, he could get a better view and find the hospital. “Are you even listening to me?”

“I don’t have to.” Hanako crossed his arms. He looked at Tsuchigomori, glaring at him. The fifth mystery remained unfazed as Hanako continued. “There’s nothing you can do to change the fact that she’s hurt. And I’m not there with her.”

“We’re all hurt when we heard what happened. You’re not the only one suffering.” Tsuchigomori sighed as he went back the stairs. Some of the mysteries were uncomfortable with how the Honorable No. 7 was acting. Maybe he was acting out of self interest. Only doing what he felt like he needs to do. By himself, like he always did. Maybe that’s what Hanako is. Self-serving and violent...

He is a dependent yandere

Dependent in a way that he can’t see himself do anything without Yashiro, or yearn to brush her hair and feel the gentle touch when their hands intertwine

He is dependent in that he didn’t want to lose the solace he found in his arms

However, he found himself facing this temporary but painful reality

Hanako found himself rocking back and forth in the girls bathroom. God, how he wanted it to be over. He wanted Yashiro back in his arms. He wanted to talk about daikon, just to see her face turn angry. It always brought a smile on his face. She was his salvation. The only good thing in this world to him. The only thing that mattered in the world to him. The only thing that meant something to him.

Three days felt like hell. No, hell was kinder than this reality. Any day without her, left alone to his imagination, it didn’t do any good. The mokke sensed his distress and pain. The other mysteries noticed it, too. Without Yashiro, they’re left to wonder if Hanako would disappear from the near shore, because what is his world without her?

Kou’s mind wandered back to when his brother nearly exorcised the apparition. Hanako had said that he still had things to do. What things? The life of a murderer could never atone for anything. There were things that needed to be done. But this was a punishment for Hanako. Something worse than being released from the near shore.

Hanako found himself unconsciously reaching for the mop that Yashiro always used. He found himself unconsciously touching the door to the third stall. He was torn. He grew worse every day. His mind went to a dark place. A grim and lonely mindset that no one should ever go into. That boy... He caused his heart to turn cold. He wanted to snap, oh God, what he would do to snap. Release all the emotions. Like he did with Tsukasa. Tsukasa... He took his brother’s life. Taking life from another...

He is a taunting yandere

Taunting in a way that he didn’t see anything wrong with it, only acting on what he believes is true

He is taunting in that he’s trying to see how far he could go before something happens

However, he found himself slowly losing his grip on reality

Was this his punishment? For God to give him his haven, only to take it away once more? What more could God do? What other cruel fate is planned? His heart started to beat faster. Nothing could hurt him any more than this. His head hurt from all the thoughts that raced through his head. There would be another time to think about what happened. Another time to ask why Yashiro was hurt. Another time to ask why it had to be Yashiro.

Hanako could remember Teru’s words when they confronted each other. Maybe part of it was true. Maybe is a troublesome ghost. Maybe he would harm the living for what they did to Yashiro. Maybe it’s of his own accord, serving his self interest. To take away that delinquent’s life for nearly taking away Yashiro’s. He could disappear now, yes, but what if Yashiro got hurt? His days without her felt like it happened for forever. Maybe when she dies, they could be happy. Happier without the pain in the world. Happier without the pity that came too late. Yet he clings stubbornly to the near shore and refuse to accept his own death...

He is a quiet yandere

Quiet in a way that he didn’t need words to convey what he’s feeling, denying his delusions, and found solace in a gloomy place

He is quiet in that he kept his dark fantasies to himself, never letting anyone ask what was going on in his head

However, he didn’t know if what he did next was real

Night is about to fall. Something about today felt different. There was something in his eyes.

Maybe the joy of seeing his blood splatter in the kitchen room. Maybe the thrill and excitement that rushed through him as he held the knife. The happiness he felt when the boy’s heart slowed its beating. His eyes glowed with hunger for more, his smile growing wider every time he choked out blood. The look in his face never faltered, only growing darker as screams echoed in his head. The delinquent’s face started to lose its color, eyes drained of life.

Slowly, he closed his eyes, no longer witnessing the apparition’s murderous gaze. Panting heavily, he dropped the kitchen knife.

The night was quiet.

There were no screams.

Blood stained the floor, the walls, smeared on his face, on the countertop. The entire room would be a crime scene. Hanako looked out the window. The moon shone brightly, the smell of blood no longer filling up the room. Did he imagine killing him? It felt so real. It didn’t matter then, because his heart started to settle down. Whether he made it up or put it into action, he allowed his mind to reach the deepest and darkest pit that demons fear to enter.

It was fine.

He was fine now.

When Yashiro came back, he gave her the biggest hug and cuddled her like a koala. He refused to let go of her, even as she went to class. She didn’t mind, she missed him too. Her mind wandered as class began.

What was Hanako doing without her? Was he alright?

It’s been a few days, but she can’t help but worry about how lonely he must have been. Hanako stood behind her, twirling her hair in between his fingers. She reached behind her and touched his hand, which would seem like she was touching her hair to most people. He missed her soft touch and let out a small smile. But something lingered in his mind, making the soft look on his face falter.

He still can’t comprehend what happened. Whether he really did kill the boy. He couldn’t bear to tell Yashiro. He stared at the back of her head, lifeless eyes looking for a distant memory where he satisfied his bloodlust.

To be perfectly honest...

...it’s painful to look at...

[cakesunflower]

Liability [Peaky Blinders!Calum AU] Part 1

Liability—A person or thing whose presence or behavior is likely to put one at a disadvantage.

Summary: Being the daughter of the Police Captain meant Karina Garner should’ve kept her distance from Calum Hood, the notorious leader of the Peaky Blinders. It certainly didn’t mean she should agree to work for him, especially when Calum had underlying motives up his sleeves.

A/N: this is part 1 of my Calum AU that’s based around the tv show Peaky Blinders! if you haven’t watched it, it’s basically a show about a gang in 1920′s Birmingham led by the ever-so-fearsome Tommy Shelby--who, in this fic, is replaced by Calum, obviously. 

it’s important for y’all to remember this fic is based in the early to mid 1920′s, so some dialogue or exposition or plot points might seem a bit strange or different than what you’re used to reading from me but remember--this is a different time period! keep that in mind, and happy reading!!

Liability—A person or thing whose presence or behavior is likely to put one at a disadvantage. 

Part 1

Waking up in her childhood bedroom had been disorienting, not entirely remembering what she was doing there. But then the exhaustion she’d fallen asleep in caught up and Karina remembered her long journey back to Birmingham. She recalled the reason why she moved back and let out a tired, defeated sigh. Her return to her hometown wasn’t under the happiest of circumstances, but she wasn’t as heartbroken as one would expect. She was a grieving friend, maybe, but nowhere near a grieving widow. Never had Karina wanted to become someone who married just for the sake of being married, but that’s how life turned out, that’s what was expected from them. Archie, a wealthy investment banker from New York, had taken an interest in her; her family had approved, and that was that. Honestly if Karina truly hadn’t wanted to marry him, she could’ve protested and her parents would’ve listened. But Archie had been nice enough, handsome and rich and a way out of Birmingham.

Until none of that was worth it. Until he was gone.

Too many mistresses and refusing to let her work were suffered through for two years too long. When she didn’t want to give him a child when he was ready, things had taken a turn for the worse for their already deteriorating marriage, a mismatch made in hell with a constantly fueled fire. Then Archie fell sick, like he was dying from the inside, until he took his last breath, giving Karina a way out of an unhappy marriage and the money he left behind for her.

A bit tactless for her to think, and even a bit cruel, but he’d spent nearly their entire marriage treating her less than she—or anyone—deserved and Karina was not about to spend her time grieving over a man who viewed her as property to be invested in.  

“Morning, love,” her mother greeted as she entered the kitchen, robe tied around her as she joined her dad and brother at the table. “Egg and toast?”

Karina sleepily hummed her agreement before pouring herself some tea. “How did you sleep?” her father asked, already dressed in his captain’s uniform, finishing off toast lathered in jam.

“Brilliant,” Karina answered truthfully, recalling how her eyes shut the second her head hit the pillow. Looking at Sean, she asked, “Don’t you have work?”

Her twenty-one year old brother scrunched his face in annoyance. “I’ll go when I’m bloody done eatin’,” he spoke through a mouthful of eggs, prompting Karina to twist her own expression in disgust. Once he swallowed the bite, he said, “Everyone wants to go out for drinks tonight to welcome you back.”

Karina lowered the cup after swallowing her of tea, a wry smile on her lips. “You mean to drown me in alcohol so I’m not too heartbroken over Archie’s death and the fact that I’m a widow.”

Her mum clicked her tongue, placing Karina’s breakfast in front of her. “His passing is sad—you can pretend to be grieving. Plus, you’re twenty-four, love. You’ll find someone who truly deserves you. He’s out there, by God’s grace,” she added, her slight rough Irish accent something Karina missed.

But she shrugged, almost sadly at the loss of Archie and the thought of her marriage coming apart so quickly before his death, despite being glad not being stuck in something that didn’t make her happy. She wasn’t heartless; she spent two years of her life with that man, and while most of them weren’t happy moments, he’d still been a constant in her life. For all his faults, he didn’t deserve to die, but Karina wasn’t going to pretend she’d lost the love of her life, when she definitely had not. Still—no doubt her mum’s friends would talk, and while Karina liked to think she didn’t care what people said about her, she could only pretend so much.

Her dad cleared his throat before pointing at her. “Listen to your mum. We’ll shift your things to the flat tomorrow. I best be off.”

Karina looked at him with jade colored eyes, raising her eyebrows. She was staying at her family home just upon her arrival, but Karina had a flat that was a fifteen minute walk from the home that she was ready to move into. She’d lived in it for a year before her marriage, almost as a way of preparing herself for independence despite her family being so close. It was unfortunate she barely got a taste of it when she moved to America and was told to only adhere to Archie’s demands. “You’re leaving already?”

The police captain scoffed, picking up his hat. “Crime never rests—especially if it’s the Peaky Blinders.”

He left a few moments later, the front door slamming sounding his exit, and Karina looked at her mum and Sean and frowned. “The Blinders still give him trouble?”

Mrs. Garner sat to Karina’s right, letting out a breath as she prepared her tea. “Honestly, I think it’s the other bloody way around most of the time.” A disapproving expression matched her tone. “Likes to press on them when they’re not even outwardly doin’ anything.”

Sean scoffed as Karina listened with interest. “He’s lucky Calum Hood doesn’t condone killin’ coppers or else Dad would be dead ten times over by now. The Blinders are dangerous as ever and fucking terrifying but they protect us just as much as the coppers. Dad just doesn’t like sharing the glory.”

Their mum clicked her tongue. “Sean.”

Karina let out a breath, raising her eyebrows at her little brother. “You sound like a fan,” she pointed out, to which he only shrugged, and Karina found her thoughts suddenly consisting of the Peaky Blinders.

More importantly, Calum Hood—a name she knew and a face she hadn’t seen in a few years. He was the leader of the Peaky Blinders, founding the gang after returning from the war, and expanding their business and notoriety within a matter of months. A household name, not one to ever be fucked with unless someone wanted their eyes or tongues cut. They weren’t quiet about their dealings, were proud of their work, and had the entire town’s fear and respect in the palms of their hands—especially Calum. Always walked around as people moved out of his way, with the razor blade glinting in his cap, cigarette between his lips, and ring clad fingers ready to throw punches if need be.

The town also had the Blinders’ promised protection, which made work for the coppers harder, since no one would dare go against the Calum Hood and the Blinders. No one wanted to bite the hand that was feeding them.

Karina knew of Calum; had gone to school with him when they were children until he dropped out later in the years to help his family, and then she’d only see him around town. Then he had left for the war, and just a little while after his return as a war hero, Karina left for America. She knew the Peaky Blinders started around the time she had left, but her family never mentioned him in any of their letters—why would they?—and Karina never really thought about the dark haired man who was, more or less, making her father’s life a hell.  

She wasn’t going to lie; she’d definitely felt a shiver creep down her back when her brother so airily mentioned her father escaping death just because Calum Hood said so. It made her wonder just how powerful her old school mate had gotten over the years. How the mere mention of his name made most men she knew quiver in their shoes and run the other way. How the quiet boy with the full cheeks she used to see in the classroom had grown to be an illegal activities dealing, killer gangster. It all sounded almost surreal, but Karina guessed there was a fine line between delirium and reality.

After breakfast and drawing a bath, she changed into a simple outfit of a white button down blouse tucked into a long maroon skirt before spending the day with her mother. They had lunch, ran some errands, and then Karina joined her mum and her friends for some late afternoon tea.

“So, you poor thing, what are you going to do now?”

Karina pursed her lips as she swallowed her sip of tea, forcing the smile to remain on her face. She may love her mum, but Karina should learn to say no to tea with her friends. The old birds always had something to say, and now that Karina was back after losing a husband, she wasn’t surprised they wanted to gossip about her, clearly having no respect for the loss of a life.

“You don’t have to poor thing me,” Karina assured with a sweet smile, light brown hair framing her pretty face. “I’m perfectly alright. Might find me-self a job.”

“Karina’s very fast with numbers,” her mum piped in with a proud smile. “She can land a job at one of the banks.”

Karina smiled, grateful for her mum’s support. She knew her mum felt guilty for what happened, for even letting her daughter marry a man who made her live a life less happy than what she deserved, even though Karina had agreed to the marriage in the first place. She didn’t blame her parents; it was life. Sometimes it was shit, and though her husband might be dead and she mourned the loss of a life, she didn’t mourn the loss of a husband—no matter how much of a bitch that may make her sound.

“A job?” one of the women, Mrs. Nelson, guffawed. “You should find another husband, not a job.” She laughed, looking to the other laugh women. “The only work a woman should be doin’ is housework and raisin’ kids.”

The other women chuckled and murmured in agreement and Karina exchanged a flat, unimpressed look at her mother. She wasn’t all too surprised at the women’s way of thinking; they were all housewives, did nothing but cook and clean and raise their children. Not that there was anything wrong with that—Karina just didn’t want only that to be all she did in life. She wanted a little more, something less mundane. Something that gave her a purpose.

Honestly, Karina wasn’t sure how she survived the day with her mum’s friends, the women doing nothing but boasting about their children and grandchildren. The amount of cigarette breaks Karina took weren’t enough to keep her sane.

But then the night fell and it was time to head out for drinks with her friends. Karina put on one of her finer dresses, ruby in color and flattering, and she was looking forward to seeing everyone. It wasn’t until they were approaching the familiar pub that Karina shot her brother a look. “Should we even be here?” she questioned suspiciously. “If we don’t die in there then dad will surely kill us.”

Sean snickered, tossing the cigarette butt as the gravel crunched beneath their feet, the iron and coal scent of the factories around them digging into Karina’s nose as they approached the Garrison. “Sheffer’s is closed for renovation—Garrison’s the nearest pub, Karina. Besides, nothin’s gonna happen to us. Been here loads of times,” Sean reassured, holding the door open for Karina as she almost reluctantly walked in, following the few friends they were with, eyes flickering about to take in her surroundings almost cautiously.

Karina was hesitant upon entering the bar, knowing that it was the one owned by the Peaky Blinders themselves, buying it out after the gang gained their rightful notoriety. It’s where their men spent their time when they weren’t working, along with the factory laborers, and Karina knew from her brother that this was where Calum Hood often was as well, if he wasn’t out conducting Blinder business. Karina couldn’t help but think it was a risk coming here, being the daughter of the police captain, but she trusted her brother. If he said they’d be fine, she would believe it until they weren’t.

It looked newer than she remembered; a shining gold theme lining the walls and bar tops, circular tables in the middle with high red cushioned stools while booths lined up the walls as well, matching cushioned seats for those as well. The warmth in the pub was a pleasant welcome in exchange of the cold night of Birmingham outside, the air heavy with the familiar and ever present scent of tobacco, a deep breath escaping Karina at the loudness she was suddenly surrounded by. Men and women busied up the pub, and the live band playing upbeat music on a higher up platform on the back left of the room was a nice surprise to Karina. Last time she remembered, the Garrison wasn’t nearly as done up as it was now. The Blinders—Calum—had truly put in the work for a makeover.

The Garrison had never been much to look at, but things had obviously changed upon the Blinders’ acquiring of it.  

Karina admired her surroundings, briefly oblivious to the few stares she—not the people she was with—was receiving upon her arrival. One of the first things she noticed was how the pub consisted of both men and women, when at a time, it was only the men who worked in the factories that would drop a few pounds at the Garrison. Though now, the patrons look almost as classy as the pub. But as her gaze happened to wash over a few of the customers, Karina noticed the stares. Noticed the few double takes and curious looks that were suddenly accompanied by whispered conversations, menacing over the music playing. No doubt they were all privy to the reason of her return to Small Heath, maybe they were even questioning why the daughter of the police captain was in a known Peaky Blinders establishment, even if she was with her brother who apparently frequented this place.

Though, he was a man. Double standards often ran high in a town as small as the name it was given.

Neck tensing, Karina tried to ignore the looks, instead following her company to an open table while Sean and Joseph went to the bar to get drinks. Karina hopped on a stool, the soft material of her dress flowing against her legs as she pulled out her pack of cigarettes and a lighter. The first inhale managed to relax her, hoping those staring would realize there wasn’t much to look at and go back to minding their own business. Honestly, Karina didn’t care much if they talked—that’s all what people liked to do—but it was the staring. It prickled at her skin, as if their gazes drove needles into her nerves and paralyzed her, forced her to notice every single look she was receiving.

“Pay no attention to them.” Karina blew out a delicate puff of smoke at her best friend Joyce’s words. The brunette shook a curly lock of hair from her face, fingers gripping her own cigarette as she kept her gaze on Karina. “Just focus on enjoying the night, hmm?”

Karina raised an eyebrow, chuckling wryly under the sound of her friends chattering, noticing Sean and Joseph returning with the drinks. “You mean enjoy the night commemorating the loss of my husband?”

It was awful and heartless, Karina knew, to be doing this. She only justified it by claiming that she wasn’t celebrating Archie’s death. She was just grateful to be out of a relationship that lacked any ounce of love and respect. No harm in celebrating that, was there?

Joyce rolled her eyes, tapping the cigarette over the ashtray on the center of the table. There was a hint of a red circle lining her cigarette where her lipstick touched, Karina’s cigarette the same. “I mean enjoy the night commemorating your escape from an unfit marriage,” Joyce corrected, practically reading Karina’s thoughts.

The shot glasses were filled to the brim, and the smile on Karina’s face was genuine and easy as she and her friends lifted their glasses, clinked them together to cheers and even spilled some onto the table, before drinking their glasses dry. The vodka burned Karina’s throat gloriously, lips upturned and eyes screwing shut briefly as the drink sizzled down and settled in the pit of her stomach.

She enjoyed the company of her friends—friends she hadn’t seen in too long and had been left to only writing to them—with their two tables being littered with glasses and ashtrays filling up with the cigarettes being smoked. For the first time in a while, Karina genuinely enjoyed the people she was with, never having gotten used to being around Archie’s American friends who swam in money and childishly poked fun at her accent when they’d had too many illegal drinks in the safety of their homes. Her life in America, though one with money, had been unfulfilling. Archie’s death, though it was sad, offered Karina the opportunity to go back to her old life in Birmingham with the people she knew—and with Archie’s money as his widow.

Still, Karina recalled her conversation with her mother and her friends earlier that day; she may have Archie’s money, but she also wanted a purpose. Sitting around at home with nothing to do sounded just as mind-numbing as attending one of Archie’s friends’ dinners. Some kind of excitement in her life may do Karina some good—though finding it in Small Heath, that seemed like asking for a favor too big for the small town to deliver.

Eventually, Karina excused herself from her friends and wandered towards the bar, ignoring the few eyes that still lingered on her as she went. She paid for her drink, pausing at the bar to take a sip before she made a move to go back to her friends. She sipped, eyeing the various bottles sat on the shelves, remembering how the only way she’d been able to have a taste of alcohol in America was through private events where Archie and his friends somehow got their hands on alcohol that was banned across the country, the Prohibition Act that weighed upon the citizens having a tight grip on all alcohol.

So Karina savored her drink, allowing herself to lean her hip against the bar as she enjoyed it, only to regret the decision when a man taller and older than her, probably mid-thirties, came to stand to her right at the bar. He faced her, and Karina hated that she could actually feel his eyes drink in the sight of her, his stare unwarranted and unwelcome. Whatever was about to happen in the next few minutes, she was sure to not like.

“A lovely lady like yourself shouldn’t be drinking alone. Especially here, being the Police Captain’s daughter and all.” Karina tried not to roll her eyes at the man’s words, though she failed to ignore the way her skin crawled under his prickling gaze. Honestly, one would think being the captain’s only daughter would keep unwanted eyes away from her, and most of the time it worked. However, there were always the few courageous lads that tried their hand in hoping to impress her, especially at pubs, especially when they were older than her. They failed more often than not.

Karina put down her glass, the whiskey running smoothly down her throat as she raised an unimpressed eyebrow at the nameless stranger. If he knew who her father was, then he surely had to know of her only recent single status; did he truly believe Karina was wholly willing to entertain some random man at a pub after the death of her husband? Not that she was a grieving widow or anything—no more so than she pretended she had to be so she didn’t appear completely heartless. A tricky slope to live on, but Karina had never entirely been one to care much for what others thought, even in her compact community of Small Heath.

“But I’m not alone,” she responded innocently, offering a close mouthed smile as she rested her hip against the bar, raising an eyebrow at the man. “My friends and brother are right there. So your charming company isn’t required.”

The mocking sarcasm in her tone was quite heavy and Karina watched as irritation flashed across the man’s gray colored eyes, apparently not appreciative of her mild dig at him. He straightened to his full height, not the tallest man she’d seen but easily towering over her, as his expression tightened. Karina wasn’t entirely intimidated, not with her friends just a few tables away. Still, she didn’t appreciate trying to be scared into some type of submission. It was exhausting being a woman having to live in a man’s world.

“You’ve got quite a mouth on you, haven’t ya?” he sneered, eyes narrowing down at her, body shifting as a way of trying to step into her personal space. Karina’s teeth clenched. “Just ’cause your dad’s the captain doesn’t mean shit around here, sweetheart.”

For a betraying moment, Karina wondered if her father’s position in the police force meant anything at all.

Just as that thought fluttered across her mind, Karina heard the soft thudding sound of the pub doors opening over the music playing and people chattering, and instantly any sign of irritation wiped from her face at the sight of the man entering the Garrison. The man in front of her held no importance anymore—not that he ever did in the first place—as a familiar face entered the bar with all of the casual confidence in the world, instantly drawing the attention of everyone inside upon the opening of the doors.

Calum Hood walked in, his three piece dark grey suit pristine and crisp with a silver vest chain glinting in the light, a cigarette hanging from his plump lips while a cap that matched his suit rested atop dark curls. Ring clad fingers reached up to grasp the cigarette, dark eyes intuitively scanning the faces crowding his pub as a cloud of smoke curled out of his mouth, and Karina had to force herself to look away, not wanting to be caught staring for too long, and refocus her attention on finishing her drink as he walked further into the bar.

She downed the rest of her alcohol, setting the glass down as she vaguely heard the patrons going out of their way to greet Calum—an overenthusiastic “Evenin’, Mr. Hood!” here and a nervous “How are you, Mr. Hood?” there—not wanting to at all appear as if they were ignoring him, which was only a small hint to display the power he held. As Karina shifted to go back to her table, she quite honestly hadn’t realized she had completely forgotten about the man that had been attempting to chat her up until she began to turn away and was stopped by his hand grasping her wrist.

Karina stopped, blinking her widened eyes before following the hand up the length of the arm until she looked at the man holding her with an incredulous and slightly annoyed expression. “Didn’t your copper father tell you it’s rude to walk away from someone tryin’ to have a conversation with ya?”

Her jaw tightened, teeth grinding together as she stared at this man, older than her and relentless. Sometimes she truly wondered if the male species was even born with basic manners etiquette. Damn neanderthals. “He taught me how to deliver a punch if need be,” Karina responded, hoping to keep her voice calm despite the warning tilt that crept in as she spoke through gritted teeth.

The man laughed, as if what she had said was comical, only serving to quickly irritate Karina as her jaw tightened even more. He looked down at her, the jeering evident in his eyes as he raised doubtful eyebrows, the amused grin wide on his face, clearly taking her and her threat as joke as he taunted, “Oh, you’re gonna punch me, are ya?”

“There’ll be nothin’ of the sort.”

The sound of the new voice, raspy and deep with a lazy, almost uncaring drawl, had the man’s face blanching, Karina couldn’t help but notice. The color drained from his face as he straightened immediately, hand releasing Karina’s wrist, which she instantly pulled towards herself before looking to her right. It was then did she realize why the guy in front of her seemed to appear as though he’d been visited by a ghost.

“Mr. Hood, h—good evening.” Karina would’ve found it comical, how the stranger suddenly transformed into a bumbling idiot in front of a man who was obviously younger than him, if she wasn’t too busy staring at the newcomer in her own haze of wonder. She hadn’t seen him in years, but even with Calum Hood merely standing next to her, Karina could see why every soul in their town and beyond was absolutely terrified of him.

She couldn’t quite understand it, how someone had the power to appear so intimidating when they were doing nothing but standing there. Calum stood with the cigarette hanging between his lips, a thin stream of smoke curling from the end of it, with hands buried in the pockets of his expensive coat. The expression on his face, with dark eyes glued to the man, just appeared as though Calum had much better things to do then interfere in this conversation, and Karina knew that he most likely did—but stepping in had been done out of his own volition. And it confused her, making her unable to look away from him and put an end to her surprised yet puzzled expression she watched him with. Briefly, she wondered if everyone else in the pub was looking at them, or if the heat in her body was due to her previous irritation or with the newfound company she was in the presence of.

Calum Hood didn’t spare her a look yet, tilting his head up ever so slightly to look at the man from under the tip of his tweed flat cap. “It will be, once you walk away from Miss Garner,” he returned, the cigarette perfectly held between his lips as he spoke. His tone held no sort of emotion, though the command was somehow still clear as day in his calm voice. It was enough to have Karina’s heart jumping—along with his mention of her. He remembered her. She tracked the way his left hand pulled out of the pocket, fingers grasping the cigarette as the rings he wore glinted against the lights, using it to gesture towards the doorway as he added in finality, “Out, Stuart.”

The man—Stuart—didn’t even pause to argue. Karina watched in skeptic surprise as he gave a nod to Calum, not wanting to spare a moment that could ever possibly look like he was disobeying Calum’s order, barely looking her way as he picked up his hat and shuffled out of the bar, the doors swinging shut behind him. Karina’s gaze had been on him, watching him go, her view obstructed only briefly when Calum moved in front of her to take Stuart’s place.

She barely had a moment to comprehend what had happened when Calum spoke up again. “Leave it to Captain Garner’s daughter to try’n’pick a fight in my pub.” Karina straightened, throat working as Calum leaned his elbow against the bar top, body facing her as she watched him take off his cap. His curls sat perfectly atop his head but that didn’t stop Calum from running his fingers through them once he dropped his cap, the razors sewn into the peak clattering lightly. Stubbing out his cigarette in the glass ashtray on the bar, Calum quirked a lazy eyebrow at Karina. “Does your father know you’re here?”

His dark eyes were hypnotizing as he gazed at her, familiar but not, and Karina had to swiftly snap herself out of whatever trance she had found herself in to answer in a voice she hoped remained indifferent, “My father doesn’t dictate where I go, Mr. Hood. I am my own woman.”

He watched her intently, his gaze far too penetrating for her liking, her stomach turning under his stare along with the pointed Mr. Hood that had slipped from her tongue. Karina tried not to bristle, completely at a loss for what he may be thinking, his expression never giving anything away. She remembered, vaguely, how much of a smiling child he had been; how the fullness of his cheeks rosied whenever he grinned, and while some of that same roundness was still present, it was now accompanied by a stubbly jawline sharp and strong. A small inkling to how much he’d grown.

“A woman who’s apparently grieving,” Calum responded. He spoke in such a lazy, unrushed drawl, like he had all the time in the world and whoever he was speaking to had no choice but to wait for him to finish. Something told Karina that’s exactly how the world in their corner of Small Heath worked; it belonged to Calum Hood, and everyone else was just living in it. He lifted his chin, eyes still on hers, expression void of emotion even as he stated, “Sorry for your loss.”

Karina held back the snort. She doubted he was, doubted there was even a cell in his body that cared. Karina knew she should stop the conversation from flowing right there, should probably excuse herself politely and go back to her table with her friends and brother instead of lingering by the most dangerous man in Birmingham. Standing next to him alone was enough to rattle her bones. Still, her lips pressed together as they quirked up, nail tapping against the rim of her empty glass as she said, “Nothing a good drink can’t help with.”

She saw the subtle quirk of the corner of his lips, so brief that she would’ve missed it had it not been for the fact that she was looking at him, as Calum dragged his eyes towards the bartender and said, “Two whiskeys, Lewis.”

“Scotch or Irish, Mr. Hood?” the bartender asked promptly as Karina eyed him. He looked ready to answer to Calum’s every beck and call.

“Irish,” Calum told him, not bothering to consult with Karina as Lewis instantly went to pour out the drink. His dark eyes met her green ones as he mused, “Should be good enough to mend your broken heart.”

Karina bit the inside of her cheek, giving a tilt of her chin in the form of a subtle head shake as she gathered enough confidence to return smoothly, “Can’t heal what’s not broken.”

Her response, she could tell, intrigued the leader of the Blinders, one eyebrow quirking ever so slightly. Lewis placed their glasses down, but Calum’s eyes remained on Karina as he spoke in his drawling tone, carried over the music still playing throughout the pub, “Marriage didn’t agree with you?”

Was she seriously standing in the middle of the Garrison discussing her marriage with Calum Hood? Karina really would be needing that glass of Irish whiskey to get herself through this. She wondered, briefly, if her brother and friends had noticed just who exactly was in her company; wondered if they were purposefully staying away because it was Calum Hood or because they genuinely had no idea. Either way, Karina couldn’t bring herself to even look away from Calum, despite wanting to. Just gazing at him seemed like a bad idea; like he would suck her into his world and leave her to drown in it.

“My husband didn’t,” she corrected Calum, fingers itching to reach for her glass. He hadn’t reached for his. Karina took a breath, hoping the music would cover up the shuddering sound. “But I’m not one to speak ill of the dead.”

That, she saw, invited an amused smirk to tilt at Calum’s lips, the first true sign of some kind of emotion. Karina tracked the way his lips curled, a boyish expression that was coated with a kind of wickedness that had a shiver running down the length of her spine. It was then that Calum reached for both glasses, rings clinking against the glasses as he handed her one of them, which Karina hesitantly took. Couldn’t exactly turn a drink from Calum Hood away—Karina quickly and almost horrifically realized, in that moment, that she didn’t want to anyway. Just like she didn’t care for the few stares she knew were lingering on the two of them.

“So if the man was the problem and not the concept of marriage itself, I suppose you’re lookin’ for prospective suitors?” Calum hummed, turning his body so his back was against the bar, elbows rested on top as his hand held the glass after he took a sip. His body faced the expanse of his pub, filled with guests, but his head was turned towards Karina.

She felt her heart unnecessarily jump at his question, mind running with asinine possibilities as to why he would ask that of her. Honestly, Karina was still trying to accept the fact that she was having a conversation about marriage—her marriage—with Calum. Surely the leader of the most notorious gang had better things to do than to stand around conversing with a girl he once knew from his childhood about her marital status.

Karina’s throat was dry, both of her hands wrapped around the glass, hip against the bar as she gave a shake of her head. “I’m afraid you’d be wrong.” She noted the quirk of his eyebrow at her as he took a sip of her drink, silently prodding her to explain herself, and Karina pressed her teeth together at the condescending gesture. Was she some kind of pet who would know exactly what to do at the silent command of her owner? It heated her, but Karina wasn’t in the mood for pissing off Calum tonight. So she took a breath and found herself explaining, “I’ve come to understand that I would rather be working then getting married again. For now, at least.”

She waited for him to laugh, throat tight, just like her mother’s friends had when she told them the same thing—though Karina knew if she heard Calum Hood laugh, it would be so shocking that it’d feel like a slap in the face. But instead Calum was silent for a few agonizing seconds, the quiet only filled by the music and other patrons enjoying themselves, until Calum narrowed his dark eyes ever so slightly and pursed his lips before asking, “Are you a whore, Miss Garner?”

It was a good thing Karina hadn’t been sipping at her drink, because Calum’s question would’ve had her choking on it as she gaped at him in indignant surprise. He inquired about it so casually, as if it wasn’t an insult to her to suggest that the only work she was capable of doing was to service men through the likes of her body. If that’s the path some women chose to take, then more power to them, but Karina didn’t see that in her future any time soon.

It unnerved her, how she didn’t see any contempt or taunting in Calum’s eyes when he asked that of her, just curiosity as he stared at her expectantly. Karina wasn’t sure if the question itself was insulting, or the fact that Calum likely genuinely thought that the kind of work Karina was interested in doing was selling her body to whoever paid for it.

Her skin flushed, the tendons in her neck tensing briefly, forcing herself not to let the edge slip into her tone when she spoke up, already growing tired of having to control herself from slipping up in front of Calum at the risk of getting cut. “I’d rather get paid for my efficiency in typing and dealing with numbers than my body, Mr. Hood,” she told him, the hint of disdain at his insinuation involuntarily creeping into her voice. She couldn’t help it, she felt insulted.

At that, something flickered in the dark of Calum’s eyes, watching her intently in thoughtful silence as the pub buzzed around them. Karina was quickly realizing she was beginning to hate being unable to tell what Calum was thinking, particularly when he was watching her in such a way that had her nerves standing up on their ends and heart feeling as though something was forcing it to sink. He looked like he was thinking over something, maybe, and Karina was forced to stand in his silence, busying herself with her drink and wondering what exactly was running through Calum Hood’s wicked mind.

He surprised her by asking, “Your father’s alright with his only daughter stepping into the working world?”

Karina let out a soft yet exasperated breath through her nose, already growing tired of this. It was almost disappointing, how whatever fraction of an interest Calum seemed to have in her to spark conversation derived from the twisted relationship he had with her father. The leader of the Peaky Blinders being the number one target for her Police Captain father wasn’t quiet news; Karina was aware of how tough it was for her dad to ever get a solid hold on Calum Hood. The notorious gangster had more people in his pocket than anyone could count. Hell, Karina was pretty sure there were a few coppers on her dad’s police force that, while they weren’t entirely on Calum’s side, they also didn’t do much to go against him.

Karina felt like a traitor to her father, standing in the Garrison and chatting up Calum Hood, even if the conversation was seemingly innocent. Knowing all her dad wanted to do was put an end to Calum Hood’s reign should’ve been enough of a reason for Karina to never even step foot into this pub. Why didn’t she just walk away?

She took a breath. “Like I said—he doesn’t control what I do.” Karina found herself pushing away from the bar, skin tingling at the way Calum’s eyes tracked her movements. Always watching, always calculating. Somehow, she managed to gather the courage to tell him smoothly, “I didn’t come here to chat about my father, I’m here to enjoy the night with my friends.” Karina took a step away, praying that she wasn’t insulting Calum by walking away from him—she had an inkling that not many people did—but standing around talking to him was making her skin feel as though it was on fire and even though she was ready to walk away, Karina hated the fact that there was a part of her that wanted to stay put. So she raised her glass, the gold liquid dancing within, and she offered the smallest of smiles in the face of being polite. “Thank you for the drink.” As an afterthought, she added, “Mr. Hood.”

God, he never looked away. Karina kind of understood, now, why people moved out of his way the second they realized he was coming their way. A look alone was enough to send their hearts jumping into their throat where he was concerned. Calum tilted his chin up a bit, the corners of his lips lifting into a smirk as he raised his own glass. She saw the glint in his eyes reflecting off the lights of the pub, unsure if it was something she should worry about, as his smooth voice sounded, “Enjoy the Garrison, Miss Garner.”

Karina pressed the tip of her tongue to the back of her lower teeth, the smile still tilting slightly at her lips as she finally found herself turning around to walk away, never faltering despite feeling Calum’s gaze burning her back through the material of her dress. She didn’t dare turn to look at him, not when she knew he was still watching her, his stare enough to have goosebumps rising on her skin as she went.

Her entire body felt tense as she approached her friends, noticed the way a few of them, including Joyce and Sean, were looking at her with various degrees of alarmed expressions painted across their faces. Karina took a breath, knowing the inevitable round of questions about to be fired at her.

“Were you just talking to Calum Hood?” Sean questioned, eyes wide and eyebrows raised as he spoke in a conspiratorial, rushed whisper. He sat opposite of her, arms folded on top of the table as he leaned towards her. Karina wasn’t entirely sure if her brother was pissed or just plainly surprised. He was the one who suggested coming to the Blinders’ bar and Karina knew he didn’t entirely think ill of them, so she wasn’t sure of what her brother’s reaction would be. She wasn’t even sure what her own thoughts were regarding the unexpected and short interaction with Calum.

Before she could answer, Joyce jumped in with an excited whisper of her own, “Did Calum Hood just buy you a drink?”

Karina pursed her lips, not wanting to answer just yet as she raised the glass and took a long sip of her drink. She ignored the stares she was receiving from the two of them, her gaze wandering over to where Calum was standing, noticing how some men were now by his side as they chatted away. The band continued to play music that rang in Karina’s ears, but all of it seemed to drown out when Calum’s gaze met hers, freezing Karina in place and rendering her unable to look away despite her best efforts.

She remained still where she sat, hand tightly gripping her glass as her dark hazel-green eyes remained locked on Calum’s brown despite the distance between them and the few people that passed by that obstructed her view of him for seconds at a time. But he never looked away, absently listening to whatever the man to his right was saying to the group, and Karina felt her heart beginning to thunder within her chest as he watched her watch him. How could a single stare from someone affect her so boldly? And why did she have to be the latest target of Calum Hood’s intense, frighteningly promising gaze?

The weight of his observant stare had Karina’s stomach churning uneasily, only to be accompanied by the anxious, thrilling feeling that this wasn’t the end of what, without her permission or knowledge, had started.

--

tags: @irwinkitten @glitterprincelu @sweetcherrymike @meetashthere @valentinelrh @softforcal @astroashtonio @hereforlukescruff @novacanecalum @captain-what-is-going-on @angelbbycal @singt0mecalum @hopelessxcynic @lfwallscouldtalk @bodhi-black @findingliam-o @softlrh @calntynes @calumsmermaid @dammitbands @erikamarie41 @quintodosuniversos @longlastingdaydream @babylon-corgis @lukehemmingsunflower @spideyseavey @imfuckin10plybud @pastelpapermoons @conquerwhatliesahead92 @rotten-kandy @metangi @neigcthood @old-zeppelin-shirt @5sos-and-hessa @trustmeimawhalebiologist @vxlentinecal @pettybassists @vaporshawn @lu-my-golden-boi @heartbreak-5sos @visualm3nte @isabella-mae13 @dontjinx-it @lifeakaharry @neonweeknds @antisocialbandmate @ixcantxdecidexwhosxmyxfave @calpalbby @grreatgooglymoogly @gorgeouslygrace @sunnysideblogs @cocktail-calum @miahelizaaabeth @madelynerin @dramallamawithsparkles @aulxna @theagenderwhocriedwolf @kaytiebug14 @hoodskillerqueen @bitchinbabylon @empathycth @xhaileyreneex @inlovehoodx @calistheloml @aestheticrelated @bloodlinecal @sublimehood @madbomb @raabiac @britnicole11 @outofmylimitcal