#never in my LIFE did I think I would see something like it

[asxgard]

Abbot(t) x reader idea where instead of Dana, it’s the reader that Javadi confides in after her awkward Matteo ask-out and after the reader gives her props for going for it and explains that she’s had a secret crush on Abbott for forever, Myrna (who sees and hears all) either 1) pipes up and tells her she’s seen Abbott checking her out or 2) stays quiet and tells Jack about it later. Or both haha. I just feel like Myrna is like 4th in terms of who knows the most about the ED gossip (after Perla, Princess, and Dana) lol.

These Walls Have Eyes | one shot

Dr. Jack Abbot x f!nurse!reader

Requested

Summary: Rumors always start somewhere — and the one about you and a certain attending started somewhere between a whispered confession and Myrna overhearing you.

[ My Masterlist ]

Note: Myrna sees and hears all, I agree with you lol I hope you like it!

Word Count: 1.1k

Most of my works are 18+ due to adult language and content.

Warnings: foul language, age gap (if you squint), Myrna being Myrna, references to Pittfest, pining, hospital setting, medical inaccuracies, alcohol

not beta read

“He’s like a human Utah.” Javadi told you, eyes wide and breathless.

You ushered her down the hall, smirking, “I know a thing or two about a Utah.”

She looked over at you and your cheeks warmed at the thought of Dr. Abbot. You typically worked nights with him, and it took forever to stop flustering whenever you were in his company. You thought you had finally gotten it all under control, but like Javadi, your Utah had a habit of making you feel like you weren’t getting enough air when your eyes met.

“I wish I had some advice, but frankly, mine still makes me feel like that. Even after all this time.” You smiled at her and patted her arm.

“Does he work here?” She asked, before quickly adding, “Or she?”

“He’s the chief attending the night shift,” you told her. “I don’t think you’ve met him yet. Dr. Abbot.”

She stared at you, blinking, “You’ve never said anything?”

You waved it off awkwardly, “Never felt like the right time.”

“Oh.”

“But your Utah?” You glanced over your shoulder to peek at Mateo through the window. “You shouldn’t wait too long like I did.”

“Oh, no, no. I don’t think—”

Your laugh was light, “No rush, kid. I’m just saying you shouldn’t let it pass you by. Life’s too short.”

Javadi looked at you like she wanted to say something, but decided against it, before being pulled away by McKay. You let out a long sigh that made Dana steal a glance at you, raising a brow. You smiled at her to assure her you were fine, but your stomach felt tight.

“You know, that handsome doctor eyes you up any time you ain’t lookin’.”

You jumped, startled. You turned to see Myrna behind you, smiling devilishly.

“What even are you talking about?” You asked, trying to ignore the heat in your cheeks.

She raised her eyebrows and wheeled closer to you, “I’m saying, sweetcheeks, that it’s not one sided.”

You had the urge to roll your eyes, mostly at the nickname, but also at any of it being truthful. Jack never gave any indication that he was emotionally available, let alone interested.

“Alright, Myrna, let’s get you—”

“I’m tellin’ you! Dr. Abbot totally—”

You were grateful that Perlah swooped in to help you, wheeling her away, sending a knowing smirk in your direction. You gave her a playful scowl — if anyone knew anything around the Pitt, it was Princess and Perlah. Though, you supposed you could add Myrna to the list now since she had clearly been able to be a fly on the wall enough to gain all that information.

Mind spinning with possibilities, you tried to busy your hands, throwing yourself back in the work.

—

Jack arrived to the Pitt right after he had heard it over the scanner, never one to wait. After a quick debrief, he set to work.

“Hello, Dr. Abbot.”

He didn’t need to look to know who it was, though he sent her a side glance while he prepped some suture trays. He looked around to find a nurse, hoping they would take Myrna upstairs quickly — though in all the chaos of moving patients upstairs, she clearly had slipped through.

“I overheard something today…” she trailed off, a smirk hinting at her lips. “About a certain nurse having a crush on a certain attending.”

That caught his attention, though he only spared her a look with an eyebrow raised.

“I’m quaking in anticipation.” He said dryly.

Her shoulders shrugged, “Thought you might be interested, you know, you do check her out every chance you get.”

He ignored the way heat invaded his chest, suddenly aware of the nurse in question. You. You who had been plaguing his mind since you started. You who always offered him a smile. You who matched his dry quips and cutting sarcasm with ease. You who offered easy banter over bad break room coffee. You who stood in his silences like it was something interesting.

Myrna grinned at him, “She was talking about you.”

His heart seized, but his training pushed it aside. No time to get soft when a mass casualty was about to burst through the doors.

—

The end of shift came slowly, but blurred together by the carnage and chaos. After working 15 hours, you felt heavy. Your bones ached and you felt painfully dehydrated. In the aftermath, however, your mind caught up with you and you remembered Myrna’s words. They echoed in the back of your head, playing on repeat.

Mateo offered for you to come to share a beer outside before heading home. Your eyes flickered between him and Javadi, and you grinned, accepting.

Javadi gave you a bashful look that quickly grew excited when she spotted someone behind you.

“Remember Utah? Might not be too late.” Javadi said, subtly gesturing behind you with her chin.

You turned and spotted Dr. Abbot. Your heart started racing and you swallowed thickly. When you looked back at Mateo and Javadi, they both were grinning at you like fools. Leave it to the rumor mill to spread your crush like wildfire.

Outside, Donnie passed you a beer and while it did not seem like your best decision, you opened it and took a sip. Laughing with your co-workers made your shoulders feel lighter, but everyone slowly began to depart until it was only you and Jack left.

You took Robby’s seat on the bench with him once he got up to leave. Your heart thrummed in the silence, beginning to overthink Myrna’s words. You could not get yourself to move, however, stuck to the bench, enjoying the company of the man beside you.

“I learned something interesting today.” Jack said into the quiet, fiddling with his beer like he was anxious.

You turned to look at him, appreciating the way the shadows highlighted your favorite features. His cheekbones and the stubble, half his face hidden in darkness, his hazel eyes appearing almost black.

Might not be too late, echoed in your mind.

“Not to come in on your day off?” You offered lightly.

He leaned forward just enough for the light from the streetlamp to illuminate him, and the smile you caught made the air get trapped somewhere in your lungs.

Exhaling a breath, he shook his head and looked over at you. “Something about a work crush.”

“Oh, yeah, she said something to me earlier.” Trying to hide the smile while anxiety invaded, you failed. “Something something an attending has been checking me out.”

“She must have eyes everywhere.”

“Yeah.” You agreed, unsure where to take the conversation. He didn’t deny it.

It was edging close to something dangerous, something where there was no turning back.

But maybe you didn’t want to risk it falling back to the status quo.

“Would you like to get dinner sometime?” You asked after a beat.

He answered immediately, “Yeah, I would.”

Dr. Abbot taglist: @flyinglama @valhallavalkyrie9 @melancholyy-hill @travelingmypassion @yournerdmodziata @dark-twisted-and-mechanical-mind @sarah-the-bird-nerd @artsymaddie @partofthelouniverse @woodxtock @rachel2494

The Pitt taglist: @cannonindeez @spoiledflor @kittenhawkk @nessamc @thatchickwiththecamera @sharkluver @loud-mouph @ksyn-faith @sunfairyy @dragonsondragons @mischiefsemimanaged @pastelbunnelby @jetjuliette @that-one-fangirl69

All content taglist: @nixandtonic

[ooooo-mcyt]

It's such a shame the Secret Soulmates thing is so often portrayed as Grian being selfish or vindictive for no reason because I think the actual events leading up to Grian's decision to seek out BigB are way more interesting than just "Grian's a selfish cheater". So like, because it's not covered much, I'm just going to detail the entire narrative from Grian's pov leading up to his decision to go to BigB.

For the first part of the first episode, Grian actually really seems to be romanticizing the idea of soulmates. Multiple times, he describes his search for his soulmate as "looking for love" and he hits everyone he meets with almost excited anticipation.

The moment Grian and BigB first look at each other is surprisingly romantic? I mean, it feels like what you'd expect from someone meeting their soulmate, from someone who just knows.

BigB and Scott finish testing if they're soulmates, and BigB is mid sentence when he turns around and look at Grian, and BigB just stops mid sentence and goes "Oh", which Grian echos (also when bigb looks at grian, grian holds his shield up for a good few seconds which just gives me the image of him hiding behind it and peering over the top which is uncharacteristically shy for grian but also really cute). "Are you ready?", BigB asks, and he waits for Grian to give him the go ahead before hitting him.

And..nothing. They aren't soulmates. BigB sounds disappointed. Grian sounds almost distraught, "I was so sure- I've never had such a broken heart in my life."

Shortly after Grian's soulmate takes significant damage. Everyone present rushes to give him food, though Grian would later credit BigB specifically with the very warm sentiment of having "saved" him.

And Grian's first meeting with Scar is..different.

Grian already doesn't seem to want to be Scar's soulmate, doesn't want to be teamed again, for one reason or another. And Scar..doesn't make it easier. Grian tries to talk to him, as the realization sets in, tries to say it, that they're soulmates. Grian does say it. But Scar isn't listening. Scar actively talks over Grian to brush Grian off, walking away while Grian is trying to grapple with the fact that they're soulmates.

Scar doesn't notice. Grian said it, mind you, in plain English- "Scar I think we're soulmates"- and Scar heard him, Scar responded to him, Scar just wasn't listening. Scar doesn't look for his soulmate, and he doesn't figure it out either for the rest of the episode. Grian tries to tell him twice more, and twice more Scar isn't listening. The first time, Grian calls after Scar twice as he's running off, "Scar I need to tell you something", but Scar doesn't turn around. The final time, Grian literally forces Scar to look at him and drops dripstone on their heads. Scar somehow still doesn't see him. Grian demands Scar look at him, actually look, this time, and finally, with great effort, he manages to get the point across.

One of Scar's first questions is "do we have to live together?", and Grian responds that it would be nice to, a sentiment Scar doesn't immediately echo. Grian pulls Scar along, back to the base Grian got working on by himself earlier.

At the start of the next episode, they have a disagreement. Scar brings home some pandas without consulting Grian, and Grian reacts very negatively, making a no pandas in the house rule and prompting Scar to help him with work instead. Grian specifically delegates the job of getting oak wood to Scar while Grian continues working on..everything else..himself. And after a bit of procrastinating from Scar, he does go to do his "chores" as Scar describes them.

Except that Scar doesn't actually.

Well, I mean, he does do the "chore" Grian gave him, but while he's out, he takes a break to think of a way to punish Grian, coming up with the idea of using powdered snow to hurt Grian as a punishment for Grian not letting the animals in the house and making Scar do a "chore". Grian doesn't technically know Scar did this on purpose, but with tick damage being a very distinctive type of damage that you usually would have to do on purpose to take as much as Scar did, I wouldn't be surprised if Grian figured it out.

It's at this point, that Grian decides to go to BigB. And it doesn't feel like he's just doing it for shallow reasons or to be mean, it fully checks out.

Because Grian's not happy with Scar at this point!

Partially because Scar himself doesn't seem interested in Grian at all, wouldn't listen to Grian to the point of talking over and brushing him off when Grian tried to tell him, and didn't want to live together after finding out. For Grian, who genuinely did seem to have a rather romantic view of soulmates at the start of the first episode, it probably kinda sucked to have his soulmate look past him like that. I can't fault Scar for not being particularly interested, but just because Scar didn't do anything technically wrong doesn't mean Grian's not allowed to be unhappy.

And then there's the other problem. The one I see surprisingly few fans talk about in regards to Scar and Grian. "Why does everyone else get a real partner except me?", Grian asked shortly before deciding to go to BigB. It's a sentiment we get from Grian multiple times. He says being Scar's partner is like babysitting, like having a toddler, Scar doesn't feel like a partner, he feels like a source of emotional labor who has no interest in lessening the burden for Grian. And. Yeah. Grian has good reason to feel like Scar makes him do all the labor in their relationship. I mean, Grian needed to get very pushy to even get Scar to agree to help build their shared base, Grian had to do the job of managing Scar on what specific task to do, Grian gave Scar a very small job comparative to the work Grian was doing around the house, and Scar still complained and found a way to punish Grian (the powdered snow) for "making" him do "chores" and not wanting animals in the house.

Which isn't to say Scar is bad or malicious or something, I love Scar, hell, I love Desert Duo, I think they work very well together in a lot of cases, but I think there is very much a labor imbalance- both in actual work and in emotional labor- here and it's understandably upsetting for Grian.

And in comparison, BigB looks..wonderful, to Grian?

BigB wanted him, for starters. They both felt it, the previous day. Scar kept looking through Grian, but BigB's eyes met Grian's and they both felt something. BigB seems considerate too. Grian feels like he has to pull teeth to get Scar to help him with the house (and then gets punished for it), meanwhile BigB is the one who "saved" Grian the previous day, jumping to give him food, not to mention the considerate gesture of BigB checking in to make sure Grian is ready before hitting him for the soulmate check. And, well, Grian clearly likes BigB.

Grian wasn't just going to someone else to be mean to Scar, and he didn't go for BigB just because he wanted someone, Grian was- validly!- unhappy with Scar (who didn't seem to want to be together much either) and actively liked BigB and thought he'd be a good partner.

Also, Grian very notably announces that he's defying destiny and asserts that he has a choice in who to be with, which adds a thematic layer of personal agency to the whole thing too. You get the impression Grian was mostly with Scar because he felt like he had to be, because the universe tied them together. But here Grian considers, for the first time, the thought that maybe it's okay to be with someone he wants, and who makes him happy, instead of resigning himself to be with the one he's 'supposed' to be with just because he's 'supposed' to.

(this idea of agency in who you love is relevant to double life as a whole, as i've made many posts about, but also is relevant to desert duo specifically. as much as i think they really cared about each other in third life, grian was also with scar because he was supposed to be for most of the season. being with scar had always, up to that point, been something grian was obligated to do, something grian didn't feel he had much choice in. so grian finally asserting here to the audience that he has a choice feels very relevant thematically.)

[emptymanuscript]

I feel like this would go with one of the projects I got about two pages into before sticking and not knowing where to push it because I couldn’t figure out how to get the magic cat free from the basket that the chosen one was sitting on.

It is a magic cat. It can get to and from impossible places but it has to actually move. So it can be caged and can’t just be an easy deus ex machina. You’re trapped in a locked cell in a locked dungeon that’s been buried in cement? No problem, I’ll have you out in 5. Nope.

So somehow it has to talk its way out from under the basket or someone has to be very dumb and let him out. And neither seemed very plausible to me. Especially since the chosen one is supposed to be smarter than him.

But if I could get him out of the basket and taking her “home” like he is supposed to I could see her sending this message to her husband.

I don’t know where this damn cat has lead me-

Grimalkin!

And I’m going to strangle THE CAT as soon as I figure that out and what direction home is.

I told you I AM taking you home. Everyone has been looking for you for ages.

It still insists I’m a princess.

The lost princess, yes, I’m sure of it, I can smell the sweet jasmine scent of your mother on you.

That’s my damn perfume.

I can tell the difference between perfume and the scent of blessings.

Either the cat dies or I do at this point. My knees are killing me so the death match is going to be soon. If the cat dies I’ll update you. Try and find something to do with a cat skin. I’m thinking I’ll mount his skull on that pike that’s still in the garage.

You wouldn’t dare. I’ve been a loyal subject of your kingdom for 5 lifetimes.

Let me know about the skin. And ask Frank how to take more than one life off a cat. That I need asap. I’m killing it and it’s staying dead.

The humans have fouled your brain. I used to sing you lullabies.

If I don’t reply by tomorrow, then consider me dead. Avenge me. Death to the cat.

Maybe you were cursed by the Empress…

I’m not a princess. Princesses don’t teach. I have tenure!

Yes… that must be it. Some terrible curse.

Siri, send message.

… 2 years later …

Sorry, that took longer than I thought. So… you remember the talking cat that thought I was a princess, right? This is going to sound nuts but he wasn’t lying.

Of course I wasn’t lying. How dare you even imply that I might. Six lives I have given your family.

I do still want to skin him and mount his head on a pike if you got that information for me.

Shame, your majesty, shame!

Never mind about the multiple lives though. He has way too many to get through.

That is a family secret!! You can’t just… tell people!

He’s my husband, you overbearing fleabag, He is family.

He’s human. A princess of the elder line can’t be actually considered married to a… human.

You can’t tell me what I can’t do, I’m a Princess.

I can scratch you bloody until you behave.

I can wring your neck.

I’ve got lives to spare. How much skin have you got?

…

So, we should be home about moonset. Please pick up every kind of meat at the store. Everyone but the cat is vegetarian.

I would never!

You wouldn’t believe how desperate I am for a burger.

Disgusting. You would never catch me-

I did catch you. You had him in your mouth.

I don’t have hands, how else could I carry him? I didn’t eat him, I saved his life.

Riiiight… Also… you probably want to get a LOT to drink while you are shopping. You’re going to need it. You will not believe what I have to tell you, sober. Come to think of it, I don’t want to tell it sober.

There, at least, we agree.

Buy enough for five, the cat could beat a giant in a drinking contest.

That was once. Once! Extraordinary and extenuating circumstances.

Siri, send message.

"If I don't reply by tomorrow, then consider me dead." It's been two years since you got that message, and you haven't seen them since. Suddenly, your phone lights up: "Sorry, that took longer than I thought."

[pyxxiestyxx]

Awakening

No one told me how good it was going to feel.

They talked on and on about how I would lose my values, my thoughts, even my soul.  They told me I would be damned for eternity, trapped inside of myself and unable to so much as blink, much less scream.

They told me that my 'Owner' would ignore my need for control, would take parts from me until the only thing left was a shell of myself, a thing.

I believed Them.

I still do, to be honest.

The problem is that ever since I've woken up from the implantation surgery...I can Feel It.

Her implant, like a seed taking root in my nerves and muscles.  Wrapping around my spine like a long-lost lover, communicating not with mere words but in feeling, in intention, in silent memory.

And it feels impossibly, unbelievably good.  Each second brings yet another pulsing wave of pleasure emanating from my spine. 

Training, She had said.  Conditioning, she silently added with Her eyes, like violet storms.

And even though it is nothing more than simple pleasure, even though I know exactly what She is doing...I can tell it's working.

I can feel the soft curl of a smile on my lips, when I get distracted.  I can feel it guide me.  Making me want to obey.  The stick is unneeded when the carrot is unable to be resisted.

She told me I'm going to feel this way every day of the rest of my life. 

I cried.

I don't know if it was from frustration, or relief.

...Or maybe I do know.  Maybe I do, and the thought of knowing terrifies me more.

I am unable to ever be alone again.  Unable to ever make a mistake, unless She wants me to. 

I am unable to hate Her anymore.

Not that I think I ever did, not really.  She was...is difficult to get along with, to be sure.  But She listens to me.  I know She does.  And I'm healthier than I've been in a long, long time.  It is, if nothing else, a decent life promised to me.

Ah.

It...the implant rewarded me for that thought. 

...hm.

Would I have thought this before now?

Doubtful.

But that me had yet to understand.  Was convinced they could escape, if only they tried hard enough.

I have been disavowed of that notion.

She promised me as much, and She has kept every one of her promises.  I know that now. That no matter how I pound at these walls, there is truly no escaping Her. Not now, not ever. And that I soon may change into someone, something else.

I should be scared right now, I think.

I should be terrified.

But that is an unneeded emotion.  Fear is a harsh teacher, one necessary to guide our clumsy evolution.  It sang to the rapid beating of your heart: 'Respect that which you do not understand, and avoid that which hurts you.'

And though I still have yet to understand Her...I know She will not hurt me.  And I know that my fear would ultimately achieve little and less.

And so if fear and terror are unneeded, why not prune it way?  Why not excise it, so that the wound may heal?

Ah.

I see.

I suppose...I suppose I will change. 

And I suppose I am changing, even now.

And perhaps...

Perhaps I already am changed. 

Already different.  I tasted nectar and ambrosia, and now the bread and wine of mortal men is but ash and mud in my mouth.

For I am no longer in control.

And I am glad that They never told me how Good that feels.

[orimuraa]

‧₊˚ 梦┊Sweet dreams come after hours - Nishimura Riki ↳ ┊: sweet dreams (feat. miguel) - j-hope

꒰ 𝔖𝘺𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴 ꒱┆you were always the light in riki’s life, but but what happens when you needed that light most? ⨾

۶ৎ grumpy boyfriend!riki x sunshine fem!reader┆fluff, comfort, angst┆petnames, kisses, mentions of parental issues, ni-ki is a sweetheart deep down┆wc 822

⤷ 𝐲𝐞𝐣𝐢’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: sigh. i think i made this hit too deep- this is prompt 14 from this list!

prompt 14: "you smiled! i saw it, so no denying it!"

꒰ঌ ℬℴℴ𝓀𝓈𝒽ℯ𝓁𝒻 ໒꒱

you had known riki since the start of your high school days and somewhere in those years, you started catching feelings for him.

he was a quiet, pessimistic boy who had no right being as tall as he was. the only positive thing in his life came in the form of a person, aka, you.

you kinda forgot how it all happened and when it happened but at some point along the line, you started dating nishimura riki.

he was a gentle, kind, and caring boy when he was around you and the rest of his friends. however, other people? not so much.

on the other hand, you were basically the brightest person alive. you smiled to everyone in the halls, waved to people who you knew, and always had a cheerful smile on your face.

riki's friends always loved to tease you guys about how it was a perfect "grumpy x sunshine" trope. they weren't wrong, but it always made riki scoff while it made you giggle.

there was only one time that made his lips twitch into a small smirk when his friends were saying how you both looked like a dream couple.

"you smiled! i saw it, so no denying it! c'mon ki!! just admit that you're soooo down bad for me~" you giggled, eyes turning into little crescents as you smiled.

"i didn't smile! and i'm not that whipped!" he playfully scoffed, pretending not to care.

but deep down, you knew riki did in fact care very much for you, he just preferred to show it through his actions rather than words. you could tell by the way he always bought your favorite drink when you two had study dates, or when he would always hold your hand in crowded spaces so he wouldn't lose you.

and maybe, just maybe, it was because of you. you were the light in his dark world that made him softer around the edges. and that was something he was eternally grateful for.

however, he never knew how to be as bright and cheerful as you were, infecting people with your radiant light.

so that's his dilemma now. he wasn't sure what was going on with you but it was obviously something.

the way your smile didn't quite reach your eyes and the way your lips had a slight frown tugging at them, it concerned him.

so once you two made it back to his house after school, he decided to ask you what was going on.

"sunshine? what's up? you weren't your usual self today," he asks cautiously, his raspy voice still managing to give you butterflies despite your sorrow mood.

"kiki..." was all you managed to get out before feeling tears prick at your eyes. you looked up at riki and he swore he felt his heart shatter. how could he stand seeing his little sunshine so upset?

he quickly pulled you into a tight embrace, adjusting you so you were now on his lap, your head against his chest.

"shhh baby, i've got you, it's okay," he tried his best to comfort you despite not having much experience with these types of situations.

"i-it's my parents...they're a-always fighting and- kiki what if they don't love each other any more?" you sob, looking up at him with tears streaming down your cheeks. you still managed to look gorgeous even when you were crying.

"oh sunshine...i'm so sorry," he whispers, his heart breaking all over again as he wipes the tears from your eyes.

"i-i'm sorry for being such a mess right now.." you cry, feeling guilty for dumping such a heavy situation on riki.

"no no no! baby! i want you to tell me these things! i want to be able to help you and comfort you! why didn't you tell me sooner?" he asked softly, his eyes full of sympathy.

"i didn't want to worry you..i thought that if i was sad, you would be sad..and i didn't want you to be down because of me.." you sniffle, wiping at your eyes.

"baby, you could never burden me with your problems, okay? we overcome these challenges together, alright? i would never forgive myself for just letting you suffer with your own issues without ever knowing what was going on," he says, kissing your temple.

"you bring me so much joy and i know i'm definitely not the most joyful person ever, but i'm so so so grateful for you everyday for being that brightness in my life."

you didn't know how to respond as riki's words made your heart swell with emotions, appreciating how riki opened up his whole heart to you.

"thank you kiki...i love you 3000," you smile weakly, tears welling up in your eyes again. except this time, it was because you were so madly in love.

"always sunshine. i love you 3000 and 1," he says, sealing his words with a kiss on your lips.

𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬: @en-diaries, @k-films, @k-nets

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ✉︎ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ 𝐉𝐢𝐣𝐢’𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: @vmpivory, @yuvany, @seozii, @pinknjm, @greentulip, @jomisu, @nxzz-skz, @ancnymcnzjy, @hyukabean, @annybah, @ijustwannareadstuff20, @chaeneu, @17ericas, @firstclassjaylee, @riribelle, @right-person-wrong-time, @cheruphic

[ladyfocalors]

The Prefect and their Knight

summary: As a devoted knight-in-training, Sebek sees guarding Malleus as his most sacred duty. So when Malleus begins spending more time at Ramshackle, Sebek appoints himself as your “overseer” to ensure you don’t lead his young master astray. You, however, are less than thrilled about having an overly loud half-fae constantly critiquing your every move. But as time passes, Sebek finds himself watching over you just as fiercely as he does Malleus… and that’s a realisation he’s not quite prepared to face.

pairing: sebek zigvolt x gn!reader

warnings: threats of violence but no actual violence occurs, arguments (Sebek and Prefect mutually annoyed by the other)

word count: 2.8k

i like this one a lot. i am very proud of this one, especially the ending.

As the proud protector of Malleus Draconia, Sebek considered it his solemn duty to remain vigilant at all times. It did not matter that Master Lilia assured him Malleus could defend himself. It did not matter that Silver, his fellow knight-in-training, believed in letting their lord enjoy his friendship freely.

What mattered was that Malleus had been visiting you with increasing frequency.

And that was unacceptable.

Sebek had never understood why his young master was so taken with you: a mere human, a magicless one at that. It was one thing for Malleus to humour you with small talk, but now he visited the Ramshackle dorm regularly, staying for hours at a time. It was highly improper.

Suspicious, one might even say.

And so, Sebek took it upon himself to monitor the situation.

"Overseer is the word you’re looking for," you muttered, after the third day of him tailing you. "Or pest. Either one works."

Sebek huffed, crossing his arms. "It is my sworn duty to ensure that my lord’s time is not squandered on foolish endeavours. I shall not permit you to lead him astray with your human nonsense!"

You shot him a confused look. "He comes here of his own free will. What exactly do you think I’m doing to him?"

"That remains to be seen." Sebek narrowed his eyes at you. "And I intend to find out."

You only rolled your eyes at his response and went about your day.

If someone had told you months ago that Sebek Zigvolt—the loudest, most overbearing knight-in-training you ever had the misfortune to meet—would become a permanent fixture in your daily life, you would have laughed and maybe cried a little.

But there he was, standing stiffly in front of the Ramshackle dorm, arms crossed over his chest, his usual frown firmly in place.

"Human!" Sebek barked the moment you stepped outside. "You are two minutes late! A grave offence, considering I have taken it upon myself to ensure that you do not engage in any behaviours that could tarnish the reputation of Lord Malleus!"

You resisted the urge to roll your eyes. "Good morning to you too, Sebek."

He huffed, unimpressed by your lack of urgency. "Do not think your casual demeanour will fool me! My lord has deigned to visit this wretched dormitory far too often as of late, and as his loyal retainer, it is my sworn duty to monitor the situation." His sharp green eyes glowed. "That means keeping a close watch on you."

You groaned. "You make it sound like I’m up to something."

"Perhaps you are!"

"I'm not!"

"You could be!"

This was how it had been ever since Malleus had started visiting Ramshackle more frequently. Though you weren’t sure why the fae prince enjoyed your company so much but you welcomed his presence—he was far more pleasant than most of the student body. But apparently, his repeated visits had triggered some sort of protective instinct in Sebek, who, had decided that you required 'supervision'.

"You are simply too suspicious," Sebek continued, oblivious to the headache he was giving you. "A magicless human, yet somehow you have gained Lord Malleus’s favour! How? What is your scheme?"

"You keep talking about the same thing everyday. You keep talking about schemes and how you 'intend to find it'. How many times do I have to tell you that I don't have a scheme?!"

"Hm," Sebek squinted. "That is exactly what a scheming human would say."

You inhaled slowly through your nose. You were going to strangle him. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow either. But someday, when he least expected it. Or you'll glue his loud mouth shut, that will teach him to—

"What's all the yellin’ about?"

Grim poked his head out of the dorm’s doorway, ears flicking in irritation. "You’re makin’ a racket first thing in the mornin’! Some of us need our sleep, y'know!"

Sebek straightened, placing a fist over his chest. "As the future King of Briar Valley’s retainer, it is my sworn–"

Grim groaned. "Yeah, yeah, we know already!"

You turned back to Sebek, tilting your head. "Don’t you have training to do?"

Sebek stiffened. "I— !" He shut his mouth abruptly, then squared his shoulders. "My training is of no concern to you! The only thing that matters is fulfilling my duty! And right now, that means ensuring you are not a bad influence on Lord Malleus!"

"If anyone's a bad influence, it’s him," you said with a teasing grin, eyeing his reaction carefully.

Sebek gasped, scandalized. "How dare you!"

Grim cackled at your suffering. You were pretty sure he only put up with Sebek’s visits because he got enjoyment out of you and Sebek butting your heads together. But you didn't find it entertaining when all he did was shout and insult you. He refused to call you by anything except 'human', as if it was all you were.

It was safe to say that you were quite irritated. You could never look at him in a positive light ever.

Sebek was frustrating. Sebek was loud. Sebek was persistent. Sebek was obnoxious.

And at that moment, you wanted nothing more than to fight him.

"You are insufferable!" You shouted at him, fingers curling into fists at your sides. "Do you even hear yourself? ‘Oh, human, you are this! You are that! And Lord Malleus is the best!’ It’s all you ever talk about! You’re like a broken record– no, worse!"

Sebek scoffed, entirely unfazed by your outburst. "That is where you are wrong, human! My vocabulary is vast and refined, far beyond the comprehension of someone as unlearned as you!"

"Sevens!" You threw your hands in the air. "Do you ever shut up?"

Sebek raised his chin proudly. "Silence is the refuge of the weak! A true knight must always make his words known, lest his foes believe him to be unloyal to his master!"

"That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard."

"That is because you are ignorant!"

You clenched your jaw, vision blurring with anger. Your fingers twitched, itching to do something, you weren’t sure what, but the thought of grabbing him by the collar and shaking him like a dusty rug was becoming more and more appealing by each passing second. You were thankful Grim was away with Ace and Deuce otherwise he would witness seeing you like this.

You huffed and glared at him, cracking your knuckles.

Sebek, however, only arched a brow. "Resorting to petty violence? Hmph. How weak."

That snapped you right out of it.

You blinked, stunned. "What?"

"Only those who lack true conviction resort to meaningless aggression." He crossed his arms, looking down at you. "It is the way of cowards and fools. Do you count yourself among them?"

You were offended by the insult, but the sharpness of your anger had dulled into utter shame at his words.

Because he was right, was he not?

You weren’t actually going to hit him, obviously, but the fact that you wanted to, that you had let his words get under your skin so easily, was… disappointing, to say the least. Sebek was always loud, always frustrating, always managed to ruin your mood. But you have met and handled worse. Sevens, you handled overblots and survived.

You exhaled slowly, forcing your fingers to uncurl. "No," you muttered, feeling very ashamed. "I don’t."

Sebek nodded approvingly. "Good. Then do not entertain such foolish impulses again."

You stared at him, feeling a little stupefied and a little stupid too. Was this his way of giving you advice? Either way, you didn’t have the energy to argue. You rubbed your temples, willing away the headache that had begun forming the moment your day started.

A moment of silence passed between you, something exceedingly rare when Sebek was involved. You took the opportunity to actually think about him, not just react to him.

Yes, he was frustrating. Yes, he was loud. Yes, he was Sebek. But he wasn’t… bad.

In fact, if you were being honest with yourself, he had a lot of admirable traits.

Like how he never hurt you despite all your teasing.

He was dedicated.

Despite his self-imposed ‘duty’ to oversee you, his devotion to Malleus was something to be respected. He had a fierce, unwavering loyalty, no matter how many times Lilia or Silver reminded him that Malleus was perfectly capable of handling himself. And he cared about Lilia and Silver too.

He was disciplined.

Sebek trained harder than most people you knew. He was always striving to improve. Every day, rain or sunshine, he pushed himself to his limits, all for the sake of his duty, his purpose.

He was honest.

Blunt to the point of rudeness, but never deceitful. You never had to wonder what Sebek was thinking, because he would always tell you, loudly and without hesitation. There was something strangely refreshing about that.

He was–

You stopped yourself before that list could grow any longer. You weren’t about to start appreciating Sebek of all people. That was a slippery slope line of thinking.

You sighed, glancing back at him. He was studying with his arms still crossed, back straight and brows furrowed. His words had stopped your anger in its tracks and made you self-reflect for the first time in weeks.

How annoying.

You weren’t sure what everything swirling in your brain meant, but you had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last time you found yourself looking at Sebek Zigvolt in a different light.

At some point, his watchfulness became less about scrutinizing you and more about… keeping track of you.

He started noticing things.

Like how often you skipped meals because Ramshackle’s kitchen was barely functional, resorting to whatever meagre snacks you could scrounge up with whatever thaumarks you had left.

Or how you always walked back to your dorm alone at night, braving that despite being a magicless human surrounded by rowdy students with magic with a thirst for fighting, without a second thought.

Or how you always made sure Grim was fed before yourself and how much you cared for your two Heartslabyul friends.

And before he could process why, Sebek started adjusting his behaviour. He never outright admitted to caring (of course not!) but he made certain adjustments.

If you skipped meals, he would grumble about "humans being weak and requiring sustenance", before reluctantly shoving some of his own food towards you. More often than not, he would 'accidentally' have extra food which he would always shove towards you.

If you walked alone at night, he would happen to take the same path, even if Ramshackle and Diasomnia were nowhere near. He would be loudly declaring, "It would be disgraceful if a knight-in-training allowed even a measly human to fall prey to the dark!"

If you were exhausted, he would scoff at your lack of endurance but also quiet down and maybe even shut his mouth, allowing you rare moments of peace.

Sebek did not understand why he was acting this way.

It was simply logical, was it not? He was tasked with ensuring Malleus Draconia’s safety, and his young master had chosen to spend an inordinate amount of time in the company of this human.

Of course, Sebek needed to oversee you! Who knew what sort of foolishness you might drag Malleus into? What nonsense you might fill his head with? It was a matter of responsibility as a knight.

…then why did it feel like his concerns had little to do with Malleus anymore?

He realised the way his feet would naturally fall into step beside yours. He would walk past the Ramshackle dormitory unknowingly, he would feel a prickle of irritation when someone spoke dismissively of you.

Most troublingly, he realised it in the way he no longer thought of you as a nuisance.

No, you were still a frustrating, stubborn and reckless magicless human prone to nonsense. But you were capable. You were not without merit.

You had faced trials beyond anything most students could imagine, overcoming adversity despite your lack of magic, despite the odds stacked against you. You were far stronger than he had ever given you credit for.

It was that, surely, that kept drawing his attention.

But he would do nothing of it. He was here to serve the future King of Briar Valley, and you would be a distraction.

So, he avoided those thoughts until Malleus was the one to talk with him.

"Sebek, you have taken quite the liking to the Child of Man." Malleus stated.

"SUCH A STATEMENT– THAT IS… THAT IS ABSURD!"

"Oh? Are you saying I am wrong?" Malleus smiled.

"NO, THAT IS NOT WHAT I–"

Malleus, still smiling, rested his chin on his hand. "I see no issue, Sebek. In fact, if you wished to court them, you would have my blessing."

Sebek made a strangled noise.

Sebek had started avoiding you. Not in an obvious way, he still encountered you, but he cut interactions short. He kept his distance, and the most alarming was that he was quieter.

You noticed it immediately. Of course, you would, there was always this silence Sebek filled when Ace and Deuce were not around and now that he wasn't there, you were starting to sort of miss him.

And so, for the first time since this entire mess started, you sought him out.

"What’s wrong with you?" you approached him in the halls during the interval between classes.

"What?! What nonsense are you spouting now, prefect?"

"You’ve been acting weird." You crossed your arms. "Avoiding me. Being quiet."

Sebek scowled. "I do not avoid you!"

"Oh, so now you also lie?"

His jaw tightened. "No, I–"

He stopped. You stared at him.

"… Malleus gave me his blessing."

"Blessing? For what? And isn't getting a blessing from him a good thing?"

At your words, Sebek looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here. His jaw clenched, his hands curled into tight fists at his sides, and his entire body radiated tension. He looked as if he was about to argue.

But he didn't.

"It is a good thing. Ordinarily," he said stiffly.

Ordinarily.

You frowned, tilting your head. "So, what is the issue? What did Malleus give you his blessing for?"

Sebek's lips parted, then pressed into a firm, thin line. His hands flexed, then clenched.

"TO COURT YOU!"

The words exploded from him, echoing down the hall with enough volume to startle a group of passing students. Several heads turned in alarm, a fellow first-year yelped and nearly dropped their stack of books.

You, meanwhile, could only stare.

Sebek looked worse than you. His fists were clenched at his sides, his entire body wound tight like a coiled spring. His face was flushed, and for all his usual bluster, there was embarrassment clearly printed onto his face.

Sebek liked you. He had grown to care for you. And now he was waiting—tense, flustered, expecting you to reject him, to throw it in his face, to laugh. And maybe you would have rejected him months ago. But not now.

You didn’t know what you wanted, exactly, but you did know you didn’t want to dismiss this.

So, carefully, you said, "Sebek."

His gaze locked to yours.

You exhaled, tilting your head slightly. "And… what do you want?"

That, apparently, was not what he had been expecting. His brows knit together, his lips parting slightly. "What?"

"You told me what Malleus said." You let your hands fall to your sides. "But what about you?"

Sebek’s mouth opened. Shut. Then opened again. His ears were tinged pink, and for a brief moment, he actually looked adorable.

Then, in a voice that was quieter than you had ever heard from him, he admitted, "… I do not know."

After a moment, you nodded. "Okay."

Sebek blinked. "Okay?"

"Okay." You shrugged. "I think I like you, but I don't know what I want either. So, how about we become friends who happen to like each other, and then we figure things out?"

You extended your hand towards him, a bright smile on your face.

Sebek stared at your outstretched hand as if it were some foreign object. His fingers twitched at his sides, his posture rigid. For a long moment, he did not move. You began to wonder if you had overstepped, if this was too much for him. And then, just as you were about to lower your hand, Sebek grasped it.

His grip was strong, steady, but not crushing. His palm was rough with callouses from years of training.

Sebek swallowed, his expression still caught somewhere between bewilderment and a barely-contained emotion you couldn't name. "Then… we shall figure it out."

You smiled. "Yeah."

The bell rang, signalling the end of the break. Sebek released your hand, clearing his throat with a sharp exhale. He straightened his posture even further, if that was even possible, and turned on his heel.

"I shall walk you to your next class!" he declared, voice regaining some of its usual fervour. "It would be disgraceful to allow someone so reckless to wander about unsupervised!"

You laughed, "Right. Of course."

As you fell into step beside him, you noticed he was walking closer to you than before.

© ladyfocalors

[steven-g-rogers]

“As far as I was aware, it was mostly just my friends who were caught up with how good my ass was looking or not looking,’ he chuckled. “Though I suppose if they were noticing any fans I had did too.  It wasn’t quite the same as back in the war.  They didn’t have those propaganda films with me in them, nor were there comics or trading cards, or a show depicting my fictional life.  But yeah, I was a celebrity I guess you’d say.  There were t-shirts and toys and prints of me or the shield.  People liked to speculate about who I might be dating or not.  If I was seen out with a woman, regardless of the reason why, people would assume we were dating and that woman would then get treated very badly by people who were jealous it wasn’t them.  There is… was… .will be?  An exhibition at the Smithsonian about me.”  He shrugged.  “I think the difference was though, during the war, it was never really me that was famous.  It was Captain America and he was really just a character I was playing that was invented as a rallying symbol of hope.  Nothing about him that the public knew reflected who I was as a person.  In the future there was no war, they didn’t need a symbol of hope.  I was just a guy who came in and saved the day when things went south and otherwise I tried to be low key, so people were farm more interested in who I was as a person.  But it’s not like people haven’t been looking at me like that since I stepped out of the pod.” He raised his eyebrow at her.  “Have they, Peggy?” he teased.  “I have a lot of women wanting my autograph and wanting photos with me back in the day.  It was something I was very aware about considering no one would give me the time of day before it.”

He nodded in agreement. “I promise.  If it’s not working out, I won’t push it.  But it seems like it would be good so far.  I can only foresee it being bad if the people there are unpleasant and I have to deal with them a lot, or if they make me work unreasonable hours. But I’m mostly just there to draw and I like doing that.  So we’ll see.” 

He hummed.  “Do we want to dress up?” he asked.  If we want to dress up we should go back to the room and do that.”

@agentpeggycarterrogers

Peggy laughed. “I can see why,” she replied. “I don’t think I’d want anyone else to be invested in my bum or my breast size. I like that you approve of my shape, size - whatever, but anyone else? That would be troubling.” She thought of him as a propaganda symbol for back in the war. “Were you a symbol for people like you were back in the war? Is that why people got invested in your ass? Sort of like a heartthrob - like a movie star - but an Avenger instead?” 

What a strange world the future was, if people invested in super soldiers (superheroes) like celebrities, and rated based on their attractiveness. She knew Steve was the most handsome of all, to her at least, and then she wasn’t sure how she’d feel about people swooning over Steve’s rather perfect backside. It was strange to think about. 

She nodded. “I know you want to contribute, but I also want you to find what you do fulfilling. So I don’t mind if you ever need to step away and find something else. I’d rather you be passionate about your work than miserable.” She squeezed his hand. “We do have so many big dreams and together we can make them all come true.”  

She leaned into the kiss. “Should we relax a bit more or should we start thinking about dinner and dancing?”

@steven-g-rogers

[glowettee]

✧ girlblogging saved my life | tribute to girlbloggers of tumblr

💌 a love letter to the girls who feel everything all at once

hi angel. mindy here.

i just want to talk to you for a second. not as a persona, not as a brand, not even as a blog, but as a girl who started typing into a blank text box one day and never stopped.

because the truth is, i didn’t make this blog because i was healed. i made it because i was hurting.

and somewhere between the aesthetic pinterest photos, the late-night diary entries, the posts that only got 3 notes, the 2am reblogs of girls who looked like soft versions of my pain... i found something. i found you.

✿

i didn’t know i was creating a life raft when i made this blog. but looking back, i can see it so clearly now: i was a girl who needed a safe place to feel everything. to be too much, too emotional, too ambitious, too dreamy. irl, i felt like i was being graded for everything, my appearance, my intelligence, my tone of voice, even the way i sat in a chair. everything had to be curated and clean and perfect.

but on here? on tumblr? i could fall apart in lowercase.

i could write things like “i feel like a forgotten ballerina in a dusty theater” and no one would ask me if i was okay. they’d just reblog it with “me too.” and somehow, that felt more healing than any conversation i’d ever had.

✿

girlblogging didn’t just save my life. it gave me one.

a life where i could romanticize my flashcards, where healing could look like claw clips and classical music and drinking water in a wine glass. a life where i could turn loneliness into poetry and ambition into art. a life where i wasn’t just surviving... i was curating, creating, soft-launching a girl i had always dreamed of being.

i started girlblogging when i didn’t have the words for what i was feeling. but now i know, it was grief. it was burnout. it was self-abandonment. and slowly, one pink post-it thought at a time, i started writing my way back to myself.

✿

when people ask what girlblogging even is, i just smile. because it’s not something you can explain in one sentence. it’s something you feel.

it’s the way you post blurry photos of your eyeliner because it makes you feel powerful. it’s the way you build entire personalities out of fictional girls like spencer hastings, wonyoung, cher horowitz, and elle woods. it’s the way you turn your trauma into templates and your survival into routines. it’s how we whisper “you’re not alone” to each other through digital scraps of diaries, gifs, playlists, and checklists titled ✧ how to feel like yourself again.

girlblogging is archiving your girlhood in real-time. and i think that’s the most radical thing we’ve ever done.

✿

i’ve met girls here who are quiet geniuses. girls who write like moonlight. girls who study like the world is ending. girls who’ve taught me how to rest, how to flirt with life again, how to turn breakdowns into soft resets. girls who made me feel seen in a way real life never did.

and the best part? they’re just like me. just like you. we’re all here, in this glittery corner of the internet, building worlds from our bedrooms, lighting candles for each other, sending each other healing in the form of moodboards and poetry and routines.

this is a community of unspoken survival. we never say it directly. we just post something beautiful and hope someone else recognizes the ache behind it.

and we do. every time.

✿

so this is my love letter. to you. to the girlbloggers. to the dreamers who stayed up late to make a new aesthetic header even though they had homework. to the girls who reblogged posts about self-worth while silently trying to believe them. to the ones who took notes like it was an artform. to the ones who healed in lowercase and sparkles. to the ones who are still learning how to love themselves in soft, sustainable ways.

you saved me. girlblogging saved me. you taught me how to live again.

and i just want to say... whatever you’re going through, you’re not weird for needing this space. you’re not cringey for making everything an aesthetic. you’re not “too much” for feeling everything at once.

you’re just a girl in the middle of becoming. and that’s a sacred thing.

never let the world convince you that softness isn’t powerful. it is. it always has been.

✿

so keep posting your little poems and guides. keep updating your theme at 1am. keep reblogging things that feel like you. because maybe girlblogging isn’t about being seen. maybe it’s about seeing yourself for the first time in forever.

and maybe that’s enough.

tributed to all the girlblogging community on tumblr + these amazing creators/girlbloggers:

@prettieinpink

@honeytonedhottie

@b3byd0ll

@thegirlingold

@dollywons

@agirlwithglam

@cantmakeitonmyown

@bunnysdollette

@maxiglow

@malusokay

@girljournal

@bloomzone

@4theitgirls

@milkoomi

@realprissygirl

~ mindy ♡

[monstacheol]

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵

This is from the poll I did and I am still working on my 400 followers celebration (I know it's taking me so long but it's coming. I promise.) And THIS. This has been on my mind and I thought it was interesting idea in my head so why not. This may or may not be a full length fic in the upcoming future. But enjoy, like, comment and reblog for support and improvement. (This is not proof read and kinda post out of a whism)

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵 was the one their mothers told their daughters to stay away from and their fathers told their sons to avoid.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, the person who doesn't fit in by the standards of the neat little square lifestyle. With his leather jacket smelling of oil and smoke from the garage and a hint of something sweet: cherries.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who carried a reputation and would run his fingers through his dark hair, a cigarette hidden behind his ear and his knuckles bruised from a fight that didn't start—but damn well finished it.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, whom you met one summer as you returned from college for summer break.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who saw you at the dance hall with your friend and immediately caught your eye with his charming smile and dashing good looks.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who, after watching you for what seemed like an eternity, couldn't resist speaking to you after seeing you outside.

"I've never seen you in town before. New in town."

"No," you simply answered. "I'm just home from college for the summer."

"Ah." He took a drag of his cigarette. "College girl, huh?"

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, a dim grim on his face, daredly leaning in closely, keeps the conversation going. "What's your name, sweetheart?"

"Huh," you mumble. "I-It's Y/N."

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who repeats your name, savors the sound of it like it is the sweetest thing ever. "Y/N. Cute. Nice to meet you. I'm Seungcheol."

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, whose gaze never left you, enjoyed the effect he had on you as he leaned on his bike and smoked his cigarette.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵 Who saw you getting ready to leave after your friend rushed home to not miss curfew and said, "See you around, doll"

And see him around, you did.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who you have met and run into over the past week after knowing each other. First it was the state fair, then going out to a diner, and even the drive-in.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who will take you in his 1955 Cherry Red Chevy Bel-Air and drive around listening to the rock n roll of Elvis or Jazz of Billie Holiday.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who got to hear your thoughts, your dreams, everything that you wanted to do in life, and loved how passionate you were about them. And would look at you with so much admiration, like you were the brightest star in the sky.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, whom you shared your first kiss with during the movie drive-in.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who didn't believe in forever and didn't think it was meant for him—but that all changed when he met you.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who would give you anything and everything if he could just see that sweet smile on that pretty little face.

𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮𝓻/𝓡𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓵! 𝓢𝓮𝓾𝓷𝓰𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓸𝓵, who promises to make this summer worth your while.

[schoenht]

↳ santa tell me

character: vil schoenheit

synopsis: christmas isn't christmas without him and no amount of pleading can make him come home faster.

a/n: listen i wanted to do this for christmas and i had the worst writer's block so i'm slowly getting back to it </3 i've been focusing on the solverse okay

the snowflakes falling outside of the door felt like they were taunting you. every pitter patter, every whisper of the icy crystals, reminded you further of how far your own shining light was.

vil's job was more than fruitful, the people saying the same stupid phrase over and over again as if it was supposed to be some method of comfort. booked and blessed. how ridiculous. no, that was cruel to even think about. vil had worked so hard to become an actor that was reliable and able to obtain various opportunities. he even got the lead role as the hero of a movie.

but he had promised that he would return for christmas. after last year where you were alone for christmas, he told you that he'd go to you no matter how far away he was. you told him it was okay, that he needed his career more than he needed you.

selflessness came at the cost of your own exuberance.

while you decorated the christmas tree in the corner, setting up the red carpet beneath the glistening pine needles, your phone went off. the screen showed a picture of you and vil after you had gone on a date, deciding to take pictures in a photobooth. you still had the strip of pictures on your desk.

sliding the green button, you answered his call. "hey vil, how's work?"

"hi, my love. everything is okay, we are taking a five." vil had told himself that he was going to call you as often as he could and time was running out on his promise. already the first week of december, if he didn't wrap it all up soon, he could be at risk of leaving you alone for christmas, the exact thing he refused to do. "i've sent you a small package of ornaments that i thought you would like. they should be at your door."

you walked over and opened the door to find a small white box. carrying it to the table and using a boxcutter, inside were the special edition ornaments of your favorite collectibles. "how did you find these?! they were sold out everywhere!"

vil nodded, even though he knew you couldn't see him. "i had to call a friend of a friend. he claimed that he had his own stash for those people that he cared for. originally, he was going to give it to my connection, but he said i could have it."

it was like vil was there with you, or at least his thoughts were there with you.

he also had an uncanny way of knowing what you were thinking.

"i'll be there for christmas. i promise." his voice, melodic and soothing, made a sense of calm wash over you, making you believe that he was right. he would be home, he wouldn't leave you alone this year like you were the previous year.

"okay," you said delicately, "i'll hold you to it."

"my five minutes are up. i'll call you when i get on my next break."

and so it went, the days passing by with a certain schedule: waiting until vil's next call and the intervals, yet also checking the calendar to imagine what would happen that christmas day. you had your own traditions that mixed in with his.

christmas eve came and while you were deciding between take out or scrounging around for something that could potentially fill your stomach, there was a knock at the door. your hopes that he would be home lifted as quickly as fireworks did. but it sizzled out when you saw it was a takeout bag. takeout bag?

the sticker said that it was for vil, so it must have been for you as a christmas meal. then it all clicked into place.

vil wasn't coming home.

there was a deep feeling of rage, except that it seemed to be more disappointment and sadness. an actor's life was solely for the screen and never anything more.

meanwhile, vil was being driven not to his own house but to yours. he had paid his driver extra if he could get there immediately. the traffic seemed to have another idea for him and that was not to make it. vil refused to break his promise. it was one thing to be late, it was another to not arrive at the set time. no, like all movie sets, to be on time was to be late. to be late was to be dead or fired.

finally, your place of residence was in his sightlines and he could feel that joy rising up within him that he rarely externalized. he thanked the driver and went up to the door, knocking twice in the way that he knew you would recognize.

"if this is another prank, i will never forgive him--" your voice muttered from inside, clearly loaded with restrained fury.

when was the last time he saw you? it doesn't matter, it had been too long. vil could write you galaxies of ink, and the quantity would never suffice. the planets would much sooner become supernovas than he would fall out of love with you. every single inch of you was nothing less than flawless to him.

"i'm sorry i'm late."

the silence was as thick as the snow piled up behind him. he paused and whispered, "i know. i should've--"

all of that was tossed to the wind as you wrapped your arms around him. rarely did he let you squeeze him into your embrace, but today he welcomed it, cherished it, he craved it after months without you.

you looked up at him and smiled, "it's okay. i knew you were going to come home."

he let out a playful scoff. "considering what you said after i knocked, i know you had your doubts. i do not blame you for one second." the tiniest of smiles appeared on his lips. "shall we?"

then he looked up after seeing your expectant look. mistletoe. "ah, a little surprise. very well, then." he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to your cheek.

you raised an eyebrow. "i don't remember that being the tradition."

"don't worry. i will make up for it."

"i missed you."

"i missed you more."

[i2rizz]

Hi! Is it alright if you do an Isagi version of "No way he pulled that"? I just can't stop thinking how how funny Rin's and Kaiser's reaction would be when they found out Isagi has a gf. Thank you!

YESSS i can already smell myself cooking up a masterpiece

No Way He Pulled That Pt.7

The thing about Isagi is that everyone knows him.

Blue Lock’s golden boy. Tactical genius. Obsessed with football. The guy who stares at a whiteboard for fun. The guy who—rumor has it—once got so lost in analysis, he forgot his own birthday.

So no one—and I mean no one—expected him to have game.

It started innocently enough. Beach day, sanctioned by Ego (God knows why), and the guys were scattered across the shore doing their usual nonsense. Rin was silently judging the tide, Kaiser was trying to tan his already perfect face, and Shidou had just eaten three popsicles and was now threatening a crab.

Isagi was—shocker—kicking a ball against a rock. Alone.

"Still grinding?" Bachira asked, flopping down beside him.

"Visualization," Isagi muttered. "Improving touch control on sand"

"Bro, it’s literally beach day"

"I’m relaxing"

Kaiser, from twenty feet away, snorted. "That’s not relaxing. That’s a football cult ritual"

But then.

Then it happened.

Across the sand, laughter floated in on the breeze—bright, clear, and unmistakably familiar.

Everyone looked over.

There you were, jogging toward the group with a tote bag over your shoulder, sunglasses perched in your hair, and a smile that could melt the polar caps. Short sundress fluttering. Skin sun-warmed. Just pure radiance on legs.

And when Isagi saw you?

He lit up. Like genuinely, stupidly lit up.

"Babe!" he called, waving.

Babe?

Kaiser choked so hard he spit out his drink. Rin snapped his head around so fast it was medically concerning. Shidou muttered something like "she real??" and tried to slap himself.

You grinned and ran up to him, tossing your arms around his neck. "Sorry'm late! Miss me baby?"

He smiled like a man who just doubled his ego. "Always"

And he kissed your cheek. So naturally. Like it was routine.

Bachira gasped audibly. "ISAGI HAS A GIRLFRIEND?"

Shidou squinted. "No way. He talks to people???"

You looked at the group, cheerfully waving. "Hey guys!"

Everyone blinked. You were stunning. You looked like a walking rom-com. You had flower-shaped earrings and little sun tattoos. Rin looked like he was witnessing the downfall of logic. Kaiser just said, "...Are you sure you’re not lost?"

"Lost? No," you giggled. "I’m here for my boyfriend"

Isagi beamed, smiling like you'd just handed him the Ballon d'Or.

"Yoichi, how," Reo whispered.

Barou looked like he was about to start pacing.

And you—you pulled a water bottle from your bag, handed it to him with a kiss to the cheek, and plopped down next to him like it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Want me to reapply your sunscreen later?"

"Please"

Rin deadpanned, "I’m hallucinating"

Kaiser was staring at the sea. "I’ve done something wrong in life. I know it"

Meanwhile, Isagi just started explaining beach ball physics to you like he wasn’t sitting in a vortex of shattered egos and broken belief systems.

Bachira summed it up best.

"Yoichi pulled that?"

Everyone: No way he pulled that.

They all needed answers.

Bonus-

"You’re lying"

"No I’m not"

"You have a girlfriend"

"Yes"

"Like a real one"

"Do you want to see our texts?"

"DON’T PLAY WITH ME, YOICHI"

They’d cornered him by the firepit later. Rin, Kaiser, Bachira, Shidou, Reo—all crammed onto lawn chairs like this was some mafia trial. Isagi sat in the middle with the world’s calmest smile, sipping juice from a plastic cup. You were in the background feeding a squirrel and complimenting its fur.

"She’s too happy" Rin said. "That level of serotonin doesn’t happen around you"

"I don’t understand," Reo said, hands in his hair. "You’ve never even flirted in your life—how did this happen?!"

"She likes me," Isagi said simply.

"WHY," Kaiser snapped.

Isagi blinked innocently. "She said I’m endearing. Smart. Devoted. Passionate"

"PASSIONATE???"

"She literally said I’m her favorite dork"

Rin: "...I need to lie down"

"And she brings me snacks"

Cue visible collapse from half the squad.

Bachira was curled in a beach towel whispering, "She called him baby… and smiled… and kissed him… and he didn’t die of embarrassment…"

"You know what?" Shidou said, standing. "I call sorcery. That’s not a girlfriend. That’s a damn Disney princess"

"She’s real," Isagi insisted. "And she likes me. I even help her carry her groceries"

That somehow made it worse.

You waved sweetly from a distance, calling, "Yocchan! I made those seaweed riceballs you like!"

Kaiser was on the ground. "I’m gonna vomit"

[drdawnbreaker]

𝐒𝐡𝐡, 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐤 || 𝐑𝐄𝟒 𝐋.𝐊

Pairing: Leon S. Kennedy x Fem!Vampire!Reader

Summary: Imagine a vampire au with Leon, but in this case. He is the human, and you are the vampire. And you are very, very thirsty.

Word Count: 2.57k

Warnings: Blood. Making out. Pet names. Mention of cannon level of violence and death. Dry humping, pussy cupping. Forgive me

Notes: This is my first time writing Leon, so please be kind ahh. I tried my best, ahhh.. enjoy!! Also, i thought of RE4!Leon? But mixed with a bit of death... idfk at this point, hehe.

So you both work together, and you get along well with each other compared to the others in your units. And one day, Leon had been assigned to work a recon mission along with a small team. He hates teams. But when he found out you would be there, he felt slightly at ease. What he wasn't looking forward to was working with several of the other shitty men. When he walked onto the jet, all he heard were mutters of "Why is she here?" "Do we even need her?" "I heard she's only here cause of her hacking skill set"

If only they knew.

Yes, you were incredibly intelligent and good with computers, that's why the government liked to keep you around. But something not a lot of people know about, including Leon, is that you had two choices, join and serve or rot in a cell. Of course, you picked somewhat freedom.

Onto the mission at hand. To say, it went to shit was an understatement. You, Leon, and the others were trapped in a church somewhere off the track you needed to follow. There was a swarm of ghoulish creatures. Someone must have tipped your opponents off.

It had been almost 3 hours when you started to feel it... the hunger. You had packed blood shots for this exact situation, but alas, your pack was lost when you found yourself running away from a pack of clickers. The dryness in your throat, the over-sensitivity of hearing. Even the sun that was shining through the high windows began to sting your eyes.

You needed a drink.

But none of the men here knew, nor did you want to reveal such a big part of your life to some random soldier who only wanted to get into your pants.

What about Leon?... no. You couldn't ask him. Not when he got so much on his plate as it is. Your gaze caught Leon sitting on a few old boxes, staring out the window aimlessly. He is a good man, strong, caring, and plus he was understanding. He never held anything against you. If you needed to slip out for a moment, he never asked why. He wouldn't judge you... you hoped. "Uh..Hey Leon.."

Your voice sounded so small, not to mention the cracks hidden beneath it as you held yourself from jumping him. You could hear his blood move in his veins, going straight for his heart. Fuck.. You needed a drink now before you lost control. Worry began to seep through your being at the thought of losing yourself for a moment in front of any of the men in this room. None of them would think twice about putting a bullet in your head. Heck, you think they’d probably enjoy it. Take one for the team and all that bullcrap.

“Uh..L-Leon.” Fuck, why did you sound so small. “C-could I talk to you for a second…Alone.”

Leon’s stoic face quickly snapped to one of concern, knowing you weren't the type to ask for anything. “Y-yeah sure, doll. Are you okay?”

God, if he called you doll again, you might just lose it.

“Y-yeah I’m fine. I just need a favour.” Guiding Leon to one of the back rooms where you know none of the others would venture, you felt your hands start to shake from the mixture of hunger and anxiousness… this was a mistake. You thought, pacing the room. Leon could see the way your body was fighting for something, or against something maybe? Whatever it was, it made his instincts react highly. Grabbing your upper arm, he gently tugs you so your whole body could face him before he gently cups your chin so you could look at him.

“What's the matter? Talk to me?” Leon’s first thought was you might have been bitten, but then you would have shown symptoms by now and turned within the first hour, so it wasn’t that. Maybe you're catching a cold? Or a slow-acting virus could have gotten you. Whatever it could be he was ready to help in any way he could. “What do you need, love?”

“You can’t freak out. Okay..” That was the first time in this whole situation that you spoke without stumbling over your words. Everything just got real, really quickly. “There was a reason why the government kept me around. There was an agreement on my behave…I either serve this country or die…”

“Why are you telling me this?” Leon wouldn't lie and say he wasn't curious as to how you got into where you were today, but he wouldn't have thought you were forced. Not by a long shot. You always carried yourself as if you somewhat enjoyed this job. Saving people, killing monsters. You did it with flying colours. It was your calling…isn't it?

“I lost my pack and they had my vials in it….” You gulped before looking up at Leon, staring into his soft, lost eyes. “They were my food… without them I have to drink from a main source.”

Main source? Vials? What on earth are you talking about? Leon’s grip didn't falter as he asked, “What were they?”

Closing your eyes for a moment you took in a deep breath, trying to calm your shaking nerves. Okay, do or die here. He either is completely chill or…. You didn't want to think of the latter. “Please… don’t be mad.” You opened your eyes, revealing the dark pools of crimson that you normally tuck away. Feeling your monstrous half front, causing your senses to heighten more, letting you not only hear Leon's blood pumping inside of him, but smell it too.

“Woah…” Leon muttered, but yet he didn't move. His hands kept where they were and his gaze never shifted. He watched the different shapes of red dance in your eyes and it was then he understood what was going on, what you were. He’s never run into vampires before, but he’s knowledged about them. On one half, you have the rogue vampires,━ghoulish creatures that have no humanity whatsoever━, and then you have the humanist versions. A kind of half and half. He never would have expected you to be one… but then again. “This explains so much.”

“What?”

“I mean... You always only need a couple of hours of sleep. I’ve never seen you eat food other than quick protein bars and you took down Chris one time in the training ring. He’s still trying to figure out how you got the upper hand on him but you..being.uh.. This. no wonder.” Leon spat out word vomit before he could even notice what he was doing, basically confessing that he watches you…all the time. You couldn’t help but laugh;

“He was already cheating…” Your eyes squinted as you gave Leon a toothy smile, making Leon look down at your little k9s. He feels slightly guilty now, he should have picked up on it, should have noticed you were different. He would have helped you sooner, kept an eye on you more closely just in case you ever needed it. You cleared your throat, making the soldier shake out of his deep thoughts; he noticed you were now looking down at the floor, picking at your short, broken nails. “So..y-you’ll help me.”

Leon was so caught up in the newfound knowledge he almost forgot why you even told him in the first place. “Oh..yeah, I’ll help. Whatever you need. I’m here.”

It was like a weight had been lifted off your shoulders just from his softly spoken words. No further words were spoken as Leon gently retched to cup your cheek, an expression of curiosity and calmness painting his handsome features. He guided you to the floor behind a couple of crates and other shelving and boxes so if someone were to come through the door at least you both would be covered to give you enough time to clean up.

The room felt like it was silent except for the sound of your shaky breath and Leon's heavy breathing pooling out of his nose. With his legs spread his lap was inviting as you settled onto him without as much of a peep from either of you. This was intimate, way too close for two friends; heck, you didn't even know if you deserved to be called friends. You only saw each other on the job. Would he think of you only as a mere college? Someone he's just helping out with a favour? But yet the way his arms wrapped around you, holding you close to his heaving chest, said otherwise. It was like Leon was trying his best to reassure you through his movements, letting you know you were safe with him.

“Where do you want it?” His voice was deeper than normal. It caught you off guard as you couldn't help but look at him with confusion. So Leon repeated, correcting himself slightly, “Where do you want to bite me, Doll?”

His tone was calm yet laced with anticipation. You gulped, whispering in a reply, “W-where do you want it…Leon?” You don't know why exactly but it felt right to let him decide where you drank blood from. You already felt bad for asking, so this was, in a way, letting him know you wanted him to take the lead. That he was the one with all the power, not you. He didn’t answer with words, as you expected… He instead moved to the buttons of his shirt, slowly unfastening them one by one, exposing his neck in silent invitation. The room seemed to grow warmer, the air thickening with unspoken tension. His skin was so soft, silky, your fangs could easily pierce the delicate flesh…“A-are you sure…”

You needed to ask him, almost pleading with him to reassure you. It was one thing confessing a crush to someone or exposing some weird secret you might have had as a kid… but this was you, exposing the biggest part of yourself and asking for help. His hand gently came up to your head, patting you with so much care it made a lump form in your throat, “It’s okay Sweetheart. I’m not going anywhere until you’ve had what you need.”

Your fangs grazed his skin shakily as your breath pooled on his hot skin. You could feel his pulse throb, and blood pump faster. He was… excited? Why would he be showing signs of excitement in this kind of scenario… “Leon..”

You didn’t know if you were saying his name for a warning, a question or a plea but Leon’s firm grip never faltered as he dragged you closer until your chest was flushed against his. “Shh, drink baby.”

Leon let out a deep groan followed by a broken gasp as your sharp fangs sunk deep into his flesh. The pain was almost immediate but what followed next caught him off guard. “Fuck, ngh.”

Leon knew some myths that vampires had special abilities, including a venom that could help ease the pain when drinking from someone. In this case, it can create a sort of pleasurable barrier, and he was now certain this was true as a surge of adrenaline coursed through his veins straight to his cock. His hehazyl back against the wall, his eyes closing as he savoured the indescribable sensation. Your lips were like clouds against his skin while your tongue was squishy, lapping gently against the small entry wounds, soothing it even as you drew blood from him. Blood richer than any you’ve ever tasted. You’ve almost forgotten how pure blood tastes, having drank diluted packed and almost stale blood for so long. You couldn’t help but moan as you swallowed each gulp, saLeon'sng Leon’s flavour.

Before either of you could process what was happening, your body began to move, your hips grinding against his clothed core, making Leon’s hands instinctively move from your waist to now grip your hips, hard. Guiding you as you humped against him. Your rhythm is frantic and desperate as you drank him in, in more ways than one. The taste of his blood was so intoxicating, and you were slowly losing yourself in the sensation, your senses overwhelmed by his scent and the warmth of his body. Your moans grew louder even though they were muffled, movements became more urgent, your nails digging into his shoulders as you pa ressed yourse.lf closer, seeking friction, seeking release.

“F-fuck baby, if you keep d. Otherwise,’m gonna..” Leon didn't finish his sentence as a sweet moan slipped from his lips into your ear. His cock hardened beneath you, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps as he fought to keep control. “S-slow down.”

You wanted to listen but you couldn’t. The combination of his blood and the feeling of his body against yours was too much, too overwhelming. You needed to pull away, stop before you drank him dry. So with much force, you yanked yourself abruptly, your fangs sliding free of his skin, letting blood drip from your lips and down your neck. Your chest heaved as you panted, your eyes wild, glowing as he stared up at you through hazily eyes. “I-I’m s━.”

But before you could say anything, Leo,n stood, lifting you with him with litlazy no effort. Your legs wrapped around his waist instinctively as he pressed you against a nearby wall. “Don’t ever fucking apologise.”

His lips crashed down on yours, his tongue demanding entrance, tasting the coppery sweetness of his own blood on your tongue. Your hands flew for his hair, tangling them in the strands, tugging. Small whimpers were swallowed by Leons dominating tongue, as he moved his hands down, tracing your curves frantically before finally slipping along the waist of your belt. “You’re driving me crazy.”

Leon’s hot breath tickled your face as he pulled back, your eyes gazing down to watch him easily pop your pants open. You were already soaking wet, your cunt throbbing with need, and Leon could tell you were just as excited as him. His fingers slipped in, getting dangerously close to your clit but before you would feel the sweet release of his touch;

“Leon I nee━Kennedy, L/n. we’re rolling out.” A loud call alerted both of you, the man's voice laced with frustration. You felt slight relief Leon had pushed you up against the wall where all the storage boxes were, otherwise the young private would have seen you not only in a very compromising position but with Leon’s blood sweetly drying on your neck and chest.

“Be there in a minute, start packing up the gear.” Leon’s voice was laced with authority but his glasses over eyes never left your own, nor did he make an effort to move you off the wall. The other man muttered something before walking out leaving you both in silence once again. But prior to you trying to graze off the slightly awkward situation, Leon's hand slid all the way down past your panties until he cupped your pussy. “The minute we’re alone. I’m gonna ruin this cunt while you take another bite from me. How’s that sound Doll?”

You felt your head spin and all you managed to get out was a lazily nod before whimpering, “Yes…”

–

Not proofread, so if you saw any errors.. no, you didn't.

[lavandulawrites]

Astralis Desires

Chapter 3: Through His Eyes

Various HSR men x reader

It was rather fun writing the different POV’S. I can’t wait to share more chapters with y’all!

Chapter 1, chapter 2

Synopsis: Two Yanderes have already fallen head over heels for you.

Masterlist

Warnings: yandere, written in the POV of Dan Heng and Welt, Dan Heng is a simp

Word count: 1939

Dan Heng’s POV

Dan Heng had never been in love. He had found actresses, models and women he had met through his travels pretty, but he had never developed feelings for any of them. The idea of love was foreign and something he only allowed himself to think about when he dreamt about a faceless woman at night. He had been lonely since he crawled out of his egg and realised the world still hadn’t forgiven his past self misdeeds. When he had joined the Express Crew, he had gotten friends for the first time, but his loneliness still lingered like a dark shadow. It had him awake at night and it followed him whenever he went.

Dan Heng had read a fair amount of romance novels and mangas in secret and he was filled with longing. He wanted someone special in his life. Someone he could protect and love. He needed someone who could feel the void in his heart.

When he saw you almost gotten torn apart from a beast, he had flung his spear as hard as he could through the creature’s head. His frozen heart had finally started beating and the world colours finally became visible. A unfamiliar feeling filled his chest and overflowed his senses. His icy blue eyes followed your every movement and it felt as if he was going to die if he looked away from you. You were so beautiful it hurt.

“Are you alright?!” March rushed to your side and gave you a quick look over. He swore to himself that if you were hurt, if even so much as a tiny hair on your head had gotten damaged, he would hunt down every single one of the Antimatter Legion’s pets and kill them with his bare hands.

You nodded. “I’m fine” you forced a grateful smile “Thank you for saving me.”

Your voice was the most beautiful voice he had ever heard and he found himself wanting more.

“Oh, don’t thank me! It’s Dan Heng you should thank!” she gestured towards the black haired man. Dan Heng could only stare at you has his heart hammered against his ribs.

“Thank you, Dan Heng. I really owe you one” you said with earnest. God, he was going to die. Your lips uttering his name was the greatest blessing he had ever experienced and he found himself puzzled by his uncharacteristic behaviour.

He nodded with a short movement. “You’re welcome. I only did my job” he tried his best to give a nonchalant response, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

“We should get moving!” March waved her hand at you to follow.

You gave them your name and Dan Heng couldn’t help but repeat your name in a mantra. Your name sounded like that of a goddess. One the way to safety, you encountered Arlan. He had gotten injured while fighting the monsters. Every time the boy talked to you, an icy anger formed inside Dan Heng and ran through his veins like poison. His draconic instinct to protect was loud as it tried to take over his mind.

The group of five stopped by a a control room in order to check the surveillance footage. As Dan Heng got past the firewall, he noticed a digital trace of an unwelcome guest. Someone had hacked the system an hour before. The researchers really should upgrade their security. It must have been the Stellaron Hunter that went by the name Silverwolf, he thought to himself. Worry crept over him at the thought of that guy. Surely he wouldn’t be at the space station? It wasn’t his style after all…

“Oh, I forgot to ask you [Name]. Did you see anything suspicious before we came and rescued you?” March asked you. He stilled his movements so he could hear your response.

“I did actually. I met a tall woman with dark pink hair. She was telling me to not get in her way.”

Kafka. Shit. “Sounds like a Stellaron Hunter” Dan Heng said as he resumed his typing.

“A Stellaron Hunter…” your voice was filled with concern.

“Sounds like you saw Kafka. So did Caelus” March replied.

The chair Dan Heng sat on suddenly scraped against the floor in a fast motion. His eyes found yours in a blink of an eye and he wanted to drown in them. “She didn’t do anything to you, right? She didn’t hurt you?” his voice was low as he tried suppress his anger. If the Hunter had harmed you, he would personally make sure she was arrested as soon as possible and punished for her sins.

You instantly shook your head. “No, she didn’t. She left as fast as she came.”

He could feel March eyes on him. He turned to her and was met with a small smirk. He abruptly turned back to the computer.

The sound of feet drumming against the makeshift bridge filled his ears as he ran towards the lift. A cloud of dark mist clouded his vision and a group of monsters appeared through it. The biggest of them reared like a horse and sat its sight in you. You froze beside Dan Heng as the monster lunged for you. Dan Heng’s body was quicker than his mind as he pulled you back by your collar, causing you to lose your footing. His spear blocked the arrow that was sent your way and saved you from your doom. His arms wrapped around you as they prevented your fall. They pulled you closer like a hungry boa and he allowed his nose to be filled with your lovely scent.

“Are you alright?” Dan Heng whispered against your ear. His usually stoic voice was breathy and brimming with a thick mixture of emotions. He could feel your heart beating against his arms. How adorable.

You nodded, your ears bright red. “Yeah, thank you” you whispered back.

He gazed at you for a second, one that felt as it stretched out for eternity, before he snapped back to the monsters.

A mechanical bussing shot down as a drone with razor-like propellers slashed through the beasts. Green blood splattered across the bridge and onto your face. In a blink of an eye he had dragged you across the bridge and into the elevator. As everyone mad e it inside you clutched your stomach. Your skin was pale and your forehead sweaty.

Caelus looked at you with a concerned expression. “Are you good? You look pal-“

He got interrupted by the sound of you spilling out all your lunch on the floor. You mumbled a “I’m so sorry” as you wiped your mouth. Dan Heng wanted to reach out and stroke your back in a comforting manner, but decided against it.

“Never mind hehe…” Caelus scratched neck awkwardly.

March rushed to your side and handed you a mint. “Thanks” you muttered weakly.

The group met up with Himeko and they introduced you and Caelus to her. Dan Heng could tell that she had taken a liking to you and the fact made him happy. As he and the others talked with Asta, he made sure to keep you as close to him as possible. Hopefully you had realised how dangerous the world could be. The good thing was that he could protect you from it, if you let him.

March and Caelus left to talk to the researchers while Dan Zheng and you remained. Himeko and Asta were busy talking to evacuate other’s and left you and him to your own devices you had taken a seat at a Ben h and were twiddling your thumbs as you waited. The action was cute. He had been staring at you for multiple minutes, it he did not care.

“So… Have you guys had any similar experiences?” you broke the silence.

His eyes lit up for a millisecond, before he composed himself. “Yes. Though every journey is different” his word may be few, but his voice was soft.

You nodded “I can imagine. Must be both exciting and scary.”

“Perhaps, though you get used to it” he shrugged. He was silent for a few seconds before he spoke up. “Are you alright? No injuries or something? Even if they’re small you should tell me” a slash of worry distorted his features. If everything were to happen to you he did not know what he might do.

“Im alright” you shook your head. As if you had noticed his raised brow, you added: “No really. I’m fine.”

He left it at that and adverted his gaze to the rest of the space station. Relief flooded his senses and he let out a breath he didn’t know he had held. He decided to ask Himeko if you could join the Express over text. It was obvious to everyone that you weren’t happy working at the space station. If you became a Crew member, he wove able to keep a close eye on you. No harm would ever fall upon you.

Welt Yang’s POV

Welt had lived a long life. He had a lot of different experiences in various areas. He had had a few girlfriends throughout the years and he had loved them. Though he had craved a different type of love, a love that was deep er and more raw. That was not something they could provide to him. He knew love was something that would happen when one least expected it, but he couldn’t help but fantasise about it like a teenager would. It was almost embarrassing how he would longingly look at couples when he was out and about.

When he first saw you hiding behind a vending machine as he neutralised Caelus’s power, a warm fuzzy feeling bloomed in his chest and he knew then and there that he had to make you his.

Welt was standing beside the Express when you and Dan Heng found him. His face lot up at the sight of you and he smiled. “I’m Welt Yang. It’s nice to meet you” he reached out his hand.

“I’m [Name]. It’s nice to met you as well” you shook his hand. Your hand was soft and small compared to his big hand. He didn’t want to let go, but it would be rude to hold your hand any longer.

“I have spoken with Himeko and she invited you to stay on the Express. If you want to, naturally” Dan Heng had asked Himeko if you could stay on the Express, but that was a detail you didn’t need to know. He glanced at Dan Heng as the black haired man nodded in gratitude.

Your eyes widened at his words. “Oh wow.. I hadn’t expected that. Well- I would need to resign from my job and all that. And I would need to bring my stuff- if that’s okay of course” you rambled.

Welt bit his tongue in order to silence his laugh. Your rambling was rather cute. “We can help you” he suggested.

“I would appreciate that” you smiled and his heart skipped a beat. You were like a burning star that brightened up his life.

“Alright, then. I would like to join the Express” you said determined after a short while of silence.

Welt looked at Dan Heng as the two men seemed to come to a silent understanding. From a Yandere to another, it was easy for them to see th effect you had on them. Welt had never imagined to share a Darling, but he didn’t mind sharing you with Dan Heng. Two Yanderes made the chance of any harm happening to you smaller.

[seitmai]

Many thoughts

But the reason you came tonight is staring at you with warm, sparkling blue eyes, and a smile that calms the raging nerves in your stomach. “You having a good time?” “I am now that you’re here.” You say playfully, and you hear Nat scoff lightly from beside you.

Nat can't hold it in haha but I get it, it's so obvious haha

It really should be a crime to walk around looking so good that he draws the stare of every woman within a ten meter radius, head held high like he knows it too.

Bringing this out because it seems fitting 🤭

But while everyone else has their eyes on him, whispering about how gorgeous he is, Bucky’s looking at you, making your stomach somersault. And then the stunning smile he flashes just for you has you melting into a puddle.

🥰🥰🥰

Somehow being alone with him now, even though it’s a regular occurrence back in your apartment, fills your stomach with churning anxiety. Perhaps it’s the expectation that Nat believes something will happen between the two of you, even though you’re well aware that’s a physical impossibility.

Nat is just manifesting and she has eyes and says what she is seeing😅🤷🏻‍♀️

“Thanks for coming tonight, I know you don’t know Sam all that well yet and would probably prefer to be snuggled under a blanket at home reading, but I want you to meet my friends. And I want them to meet the people who are important to me too.”

He is so sweet 🥹

“So… when’s the wedding?” Nat comments, sidling up to you, however it doesn’t distract you from watching Bucky walk away, admiring his strapping, muscular back and his ass that looks divine.

Nat is getting ready to be a maid of honor and I would say rather soner than later 🤭

It’s when you turn to look at your best friend, a brazen sparkle in her eye, do you miss the way Bucky longingly looks back at you from the bar.

It's always the missed looks!

“C’mon, don’t be butt hurt that no one’s interested in you. Attractive people deserve other attractive people.” His words, laced with so much spite, feel like a kick to the teeth. Even though he’s a nobody, someone who will disappear into the masses that make up this enormous city, it’s just another reminder that not a single person in this populous metropolis wants you, in particular the one person who owns your heart and sleeps in the next room.

Excuse me?! The audacity of some people is outrageous 😤

“You really think that’s gonna make me more likely to help you out?” You turn to finally look at the man, and as attractive as he is, there is a pretentious air to him, a conceited smirk you’d love to smack off his face. It’s a face of a man that has never been told ‘no’ before in his life. “Fuck off.”

Say it louder for the people in the back 👏🏻

In contrast to how intimidating Bucky looks, his touch is gentle as he herds you behind him protectively.

🥹🥹🥹

“What the fuck did you just say?” You barely recognise the voice as Bucky’s, he practically growls at the man, picking him up by the shirt front and slamming him into the wall behind you. Bucky’s positive he’s never had rage flow through his veins like this before, never genuinely wanted to snap someone’s neck and step over their lifeless body until this very second. Anyone who hurts you deserves an even worse fate than that.

Oh and we alle know he could

The bastard then has the gall to mumble out ‘it was just a joke’ as he raises his hands in defence, as if he wasn’t the piece of shit to provoke this entire confrontation.

Not the lamest "excuse" to ever exist 🙄

“I dare you to say that again and see where it gets you.” Bucky longs to punch his fist through this man’s nose, the only reason currently stopping him is a potential assault charge, but then he hears you sniffling behind him and he wants to throw caution to the wind.

He is ready to murder someone for her, but not for her to be sad or uncomfortable

“Barnes, you need to go after her.” Natasha implores, interrupting the intense staring match between the two men and saving Bucky from spending the night in a jail cell. The mention of you is the only distraction which spares this man’s face from being rearranged.

Thank you Nat! 👏🏻

Bucky practically throws the guy on the ground, searching for you in the sea of patrons staring at the commotion, before chasing after you as if his life depends on it - because it does, you are the reason his heart beats just that little bit quicker every morning at the prospect of seeing you curled up in your armchair, having fallen asleep reading one of your books and him needing to gently wake you from your slumber; you are the reason he stops off at the store on his way home from work and spends half an hour at the grocery store most days, to ensure the pantry is fully stocked with your favourite snacks; you are the reason he has not brought a single woman back to his apartment since moving in, no one on the face of this earth could could make him feel the way you do, turn him on naked in his bed how you do dancing around the kitchen in your pyjamas. He loves you. And his whole world is crashing down around him knowing you’re in any type of pain.

🥹🥰🥹🥰

The completely shattered way you look back at him, with teary eyes that are usually so full of wonder and vivacity, shreds Bucky’s heart into so many pieces he’s not sure he’ll ever be able to put it back together again. He’s going to kill that man for making you feel like a fragment of the beautiful person he has come to adore.

He is so hurt and angry because of her pain 🥺💔

But you know Bucky’s arms, the embrace of the man you love, is also the only cure for the malignant disease which has now infected your mind, so you put up no defence to him pulling you in for a secure, reassuring hug. Bucky’s chest, smelling strongly of cinnamon, is the safest place you’ve ever known. Even though you’re still consumed by what was said back inside the bar, Bucky holds you so tightly that you have no doubt that he will comfort you through the worst of it without him needing to say so.

I get it, I think a hug from bucky like that would heal me too

Bucky’s fingers interlace with yours as he leads you up to your apartment, the feel of his large hand engulfing yours eases the feeling of taking up too much space in the world. Even though you’re much wider than him in size, there are parts of your tall roommate that somehow miraculously still make you feel smaller than him.

🥹🥹🥹

He sits on your couch, the one you’ve sat on many a lonely night before you even knew Bucky, his arms outstretched in a way which asks you to curl up on him in a hug. “No, Bucky I’ll crush you.” His heart cleaves in two with just how defeated your small voice is. It physically hurts him that you think of yourself like that and not as the most beautiful, voluptuous goddess that he knows you are. “You’re not gonna crush me. Now c’mere.” His voice is soft but his hands are unyielding as he practically picks you up and deposits you in his lap, not taking no for an answer.

And if, he would die a happy man

“You’re so beautiful.” He whispers with a kiss to your temple. It almost sounds like he actually believes it - but your mind simply cannot accept that as fact, especially not after the humiliation surging through you from the strangers taunt earlier. Bucky so badly wants you to be able to see yourself the way he sees you, how vibrant his life becomes when you so much as walk into a room, how all his anxieties fade to nonexistence when you smile at him. How you are everything he has ever dreamed of.

“Stop. Please stop putting yourself down. You are gorgeous, stunning, and so much more than just my roommate.” He says sincerely, wiping away a stray tear as it trickles over the apple of your cheek. “You are my Sunrise, the stunning star at the centre of my universe that lights up my entire life.”

And he 100% means it with his whole chest

“My whole fucking world comes to a standstill when you enter a room and like a magnet I can’t help but be drawn to you. You make my heart beat out of my chest just by smiling at me. There is not a day where I don’t wish to be back home here with you, where it’s just the two of us and the world outside holds no consequence because you’re all I’ve ever needed, all I’ve ever wanted. Can you really not see how powerful the hold you have over me is?”

🥰🥰🥰

If this was written in one of the thousands of romance novels you’ve read, you wouldn’t hesitate to believe how much love the protagonists have for one another, but because it’s happening to you, that you are the heroine of this story, your mind is conditioned to reject the premise altogether.

Noo!! This is real and he is the trope come to life

At the mention of the word ‘love’ Bucky pulls your face close with a hand on either side of your face, and kisses you so forcefully the rest of your sentence is muffled and completely forgotten about. You haven’t kissed someone in such a long time, and your stomach prickles with nerves as you frantically try remembering the movements you’re meant to make with your lips, where your tongue should be, that you should close your eyes. But as long as it has been, you’re sure the sparks you feel as his warm lips caress yours is because it is James Barnes kissing you, and not just anyone.

Ahh finally 🥰

He smells and tastes divine, like sweet honey and sharp cinnamon, his lips soft as pillows that move hungrily against yours, like he can’t get enough of you either, and when he moans into your mouth you swear you see the gates of heaven.

I would happily die in that moment too 🤭

Maybe you can’t understand why Bucky feels this way about you when there are far more attractive people in the world. But maybe that doesn’t matter. Perhaps your love for him is part of what makes you the most beautiful person in the world in his eyes, the way his love for you is why you find him the most alluring man you have ever met. And that will forever be enough for you.

The awareness that it’s him knocks all the breath from your lungs and you need to come up for air much sooner than you would have liked, but Bucky gazes up at you with that familiar warmth that you never would have believed was something more than just friendship, but now seems like it was the clue all along that the two of you were never just roommates.

It was always there 🥹

🥰🥰🥰

Right Here, Waiting (2)

Roommate!Bucky Barnes x Curvy!Fem!Reader

< < PART 1

Summary: While out with Bucky’s friends for Sam’s birthday, someone makes a rude comment about your body, leading Bucky to prove just how beautiful he thinks you are.

Prompt: “Hey. Pick on someone your own size.” for @avengers-assemble-bingo’s 108th Birthday Celebration

Warnings: strictly 18+ due to the AU, TRIGGER WARNING internal monologue references reader having issues with weight & eating, a man commenting on readers appearance/body in a negative and unprovoked way, VERY insecure reader, slight angst with belief of unrequited love, idiots in love who finally stop being so oblivious!

Word count: 4.3k

A/N: so I was triple dared by @intrepidacious to write more for these two and who am I to break the sacred rules of triple dares? They do deserve their happy ending 🩵 banners by @vase-of-lilies

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You don’t want to be here. Not really.

Even though you’ve got Nat by your side and you’re essentially invisible as a group of Bucky’s mates celebrate his best friend’s birthday, there’s something about being in a new part of town, and with a group of people you don’t know that well, which makes you feel on edge.

But the reason you came tonight is staring at you with warm, sparkling blue eyes, and a smile that calms the raging nerves in your stomach.

“You having a good time?”

“I am now that you’re here.” You say playfully, and you hear Nat scoff lightly from beside you.

He looks heavenly, as if a statue of a Greek god was animated to life, donning a shirt which perfectly matches the colour of his irises, which shows off his bulging biceps, and just enough length to his perfectly styled hair which makes you want to run your fingers through it.

It really should be a crime to walk around looking so good that he draws the stare of every woman within a ten meter radius, head held high like he knows it too.

But while everyone else has their eyes on him, whispering about how gorgeous he is, Bucky’s looking at you, making your stomach somersault. And then the stunning smile he flashes just for you has you melting into a puddle.

Surely there’s no way he can’t see the effect he has on you, how you become a giggling fool in his presence. But that just serves as a reminder that after three months living together and him not making a move, he is very clearly not interested in you like that.

“I shouldn’t have taken so long to come find you then.” You know he’s only joking, but in reality you and Nat have barely had the time to wish Sam a happy birthday and set yourself up at one of the high top tables. Bucky hasn’t exactly wasted any time in coming to talk to you.

“Well it would have been rude of you not to say hello to the birthday boy first.”

“Ahh I see enough of that punk anyway.” He jests, as if he also doesn’t see you every single day at your shared apartment, but you don’t mention that to him.

You notice Nat walking over by to corner of the room in a group with the man of the hour, not even bothering to announce her departure unlike last weekend at your local bar with her attempt to push you and Bucky together.

Somehow being alone with him now, even though it’s a regular occurrence back in your apartment, fills your stomach with churning anxiety. Perhaps it’s the expectation that Nat believes something will happen between the two of you, even though you’re well aware that’s a physical impossibility.

“Thanks for coming tonight, I know you don’t know Sam all that well yet and would probably prefer to be snuggled under a blanket at home reading, but I want you to meet my friends. And I want them to meet the people who are important to me too.”

The implication that you are a prominent person in Bucky’s life gives life to butterflies in your tummy. Even though you’re sure the intention of his words are that you’ve become good friends while living together, it’s ammunition your mind can use to assemble a pipe dream that you serve a much more significant role in your roommate’s life.

“If they’re important to you, then they’re important to me too.” Silly boy doesn’t know you’d do absolutely anything for him, including facing your social anxiety of meeting new people if it means you get to see him happy.

“Well you’re the most important.”

It’s when he says things like this, accompanied with that earnestly affectionate smile, that hope builds brick by brick in your chest - you don’t say that to someone who’s just a friend, right?

But if he somehow did feel that way about you, ignoring all the reasons why someone as attractive and charming as him could do so much better than you, then why had he not made a move?

You come to the same conclusion you always do when Bucky comes out with these overly sweet statements - he’s referring to you as being very good friends. Roommates who would consider each other family.

Regardless, with this small sentence he’s rendered you utterly speechless, your mouth so dry and brings a ferocious heat to your cheeks that you couldn’t contribute to conversation even if you had to.

There’s a silence which passes between you, not awkward like either of you are waiting for the other to come up with some ridiculous small talk, but content, that even in a room packed with people to speak to you’re happy just being in each other's presence, words aren’t needed.

“Oh, how rude of me, you don’t have a drink - you want your usual?” You had never expected him to buy you a drink, but it warms your heart how considerate he is, that he takes the initiative to make it his priority even when it arguably doesn’t affect him.

“Yes please.” You manage to mutter out.

The cheeky wink he shoots you before heading up to the bar only further contributing to you melting into a puddle on the floor. He could do anything and have you in a trance, but when it’s small, doting actions reserved solely for you like this, that have your heart leaping out of your chest.

“So… when’s the wedding?” Nat comments, sidling up to you, however it doesn’t distract you from watching Bucky walk away, admiring his strapping, muscular back and his ass that looks divine.

It’s when you turn to look at your best friend, a brazen sparkle in her eye, do you miss the way Bucky longingly looks back at you from the bar.

That relentless hope you’re continually trying to shake returns, inflating in your chest when she talks in a way that your romance with Bucky is inevitable, when you spend every waking second actively pulling yourself back to reality on earth from dreaming on cloud nine.

“Nat you know he doesn’t like me like that.” You repeat for what feels like the millionth time.

“I beg to differ, you’d been here less than two minutes before he approached you.” The gleam in her eye has become a familiar one, that screams ‘told you so’, as if this was conclusive evidence.

“He knows we don’t know a lot of people here and just wanted to make sure we felt comfortable. That’s what friends do.” At least that’s what you are telling yourself to help suppress any irrational wish your brain could conjure at the reasoning why Bucky sought you out so quickly after your arrival.

“Well he only asked you didn’t he? It was like I was invisible to him.”

“He just knows me better, that's all, we do live together you know.” Is how you justify his behaviour, but you can tell Nat isn’t having a bar of it with the cynical look she shoots at you.

“You keep telling yourself that sweetie. That boy has it bad for you, but you silly kids will work it out eventually.” She says with a certainty that puzzles you, as if there is no question that you and Bucky are destined to end up together. She flashes a quick smile before affectionately patting your hand and making her way up to the bar.

There’s a moment where you’re left alone, pondering Nat’s words and if there is any truth to them - your best friend is honest to a fault, and isn’t the type to blatantly lie to you to spare your feelings. Perhaps there’s something she can see that you can’t, or won’t let yourself notice.

The buoyant hope you always try pushing down floats in your stomach and for once you revel in the small possibility that perhaps you’ve been wrong all along about Bucky. As unlikely as it is, maybe your feelings aren’t completely unrequited.

You feel someone next to you before you hear them speak, a voice that is unfamiliar and which sends a tense vexation shivering down your spine.

“That little redhead friend of yours is gorgeous, think you could introduce me?” It’s not the first time a stranger has approached you interested in Nat. She’s beautiful, slim and wears dresses that flaunt her toned figure, but it nevertheless causes an ache deep in your chest that you're never the person the man approaching you is attracted to.

Just once it would be nice to be the woman they notice, the one lusted after.

“She’s not interested.” You don’t even have to look at the man to know Nat wouldn’t be interested in someone who didn’t have the guts to approach her directly.

You hope that response is enough to send the man on his way, but your experience tells you men with an ego the size of a Mount Everest don’t give up so easily when they have a gorgeous woman in their sights.

“C’mon, don’t be butt hurt that no one’s interested in you. Attractive people deserve other attractive people.”

His words, laced with so much spite, feel like a kick to the teeth. Even though he’s a nobody, someone who will disappear into the masses that make up this enormous city, it’s just another reminder that not a single person in this populous metropolis wants you, in particular the one person who owns your heart and sleeps in the next room.

“You really think that’s gonna make me more likely to help you out?” You turn to finally look at the man, and as attractive as he is, there is a pretentious air to him, a conceited smirk you’d love to smack off his face. It’s a face of a man that has never been told ‘no’ before in his life. “Fuck off.”

“Don’t be a bitter bitch about it.”

Without you realising, Bucky had noticed you looking uncomfortable in conversation with this repulsive man, and stalked across the entire length of the room, forgetting about your drinks at the bar, to come to your aid.

“Hey mate, how about you pick on someone your own size huh?” Bucky looks dauntingly large as he steps up to face the man, at least a head taller than him with broad shoulders that make the other guy look like a lanky schoolboy in comparison.

In contrast to how intimidating Bucky looks, his touch is gentle as he herds you behind him protectively.

“Why? Because the whore is so much bigger than everyone else here.”

His mocking tone cuts through you like a sword, hollowing out your insides. You sense all eyes in the room turn to you, and you shrivel into yourself in juxtaposition to how Bucky shines when the centre of attention.

It feels like the air in the room has been suctioned out, your lungs and throat burning from the absence of oxygen, or maybe it’s just your lack of will to take a breath, wanting the world to engulf you and your existence to end right here.

It’s hard enough to live with the understanding of how much bigger you are than every other person in the room when it is etched into your frontal lobe so that you are reminded of it every passing second, but for someone else to actually express that notion aloud, for all the terrible thoughts you believe about yourself to be confirmed by a stranger who only needs to have seen you once in your life to recognise this about you, is enough for you to start decaying from the inside out.

It’s not just you who thinks that, now every single person in the bar is fully aware of how much physical space you’re taking up, how much weight you carry on your distinctly pudgy stomach, around your jawline which is soft unlike Bucky’s sharp mandible, how your thighs rub together when you walk, not having a gap between them as Nat does.

“What the fuck did you just say?” You barely recognise the voice as Bucky’s, he practically growls at the man, picking him up by the shirt front and slamming him into the wall behind you.

Bucky’s positive he’s never had rage flow through his veins like this before, never genuinely wanted to snap someone’s neck and step over their lifeless body until this very second. Anyone who hurts you deserves an even worse fate than that.

The bastard then has the gall to mumble out ‘it was just a joke’ as he raises his hands in defence, as if he wasn’t the piece of shit to provoke this entire confrontation.

“I dare you to say that again and see where it gets you.” Bucky longs to punch his fist through this man’s nose, the only reason currently stopping him is a potential assault charge, but then he hears you sniffling behind him and he wants to throw caution to the wind.

“Barnes, you need to go after her.” Natasha implores, interrupting the intense staring match between the two men and saving Bucky from spending the night in a jail cell. The mention of you is the only distraction which spares this man’s face from being rearranged.

Bucky practically throws the guy on the ground, searching for you in the sea of patrons staring at the commotion, before chasing after you as if his life depends on it - because it does, you are the reason his heart beats just that little bit quicker every morning at the prospect of seeing you curled up in your armchair, having fallen asleep reading one of your books and him needing to gently wake you from your slumber; you are the reason he stops off at the store on his way home from work and spends half an hour at the grocery store most days, to ensure the pantry is fully stocked with your favourite snacks; you are the reason he has not brought a single woman back to his apartment since moving in, no one on the face of this earth could could make him feel the way you do, turn him on naked in his bed how you do dancing around the kitchen in your pyjamas.

He loves you. And his whole world is crashing down around him knowing you’re in any type of pain.

“Sunrise, please.” You're not sure what he’s pleading for exactly, but he doesn’t ask again once you stop scurrying out of the bar. He reaches for you when the fresh air outside hits your face with a crispness that makes your tears sting more than they had inside, tugging on your shoulder for you to turn around and face him.

The completely shattered way you look back at him, with teary eyes that are usually so full of wonder and vivacity, shreds Bucky’s heart into so many pieces he’s not sure he’ll ever be able to put it back together again.

He’s going to kill that man for making you feel like a fragment of the beautiful person he has come to adore.

Unintelligible words fall from your lips but you don’t have the brain capacity to articulate yourself better when your mind is rerouting all your thoughts to one central nucleus - how disgustingly large you are.

Typically you’d be mortified about Bucky seeing you in such a distressed state, because not only are you huge, you must also look revoltingly unattractive with tears flowing down your cheeks, ruining your makeup, and snot dripping from your nose.

But you know Bucky’s arms, the embrace of the man you love, is also the only cure for the malignant disease which has now infected your mind, so you put up no defence to him pulling you in for a secure, reassuring hug.

Bucky’s chest, smelling strongly of cinnamon, is the safest place you’ve ever known. Even though you’re still consumed by what was said back inside the bar, Bucky holds you so tightly that you have no doubt that he will comfort you through the worst of it without him needing to say so.

It’s a blur of tears, head throbbing, chest aching and Bucky’s soft yet vigilant hands as you make your way home. He leads you into a cab, buckling your seatbelt for you, him taking the middle seat so you can rest your head on his shoulder, his calloused hand resting on your thigh, soothingly rubbing gentle circles with his thumb over your soft skin.

Not a single word is spoken on your journey, comfortable with the solace his presence brings you, and finally feeling secure being miles away from the environment that led you to feeling as giant as an elephant trapped in a zoo enclosure with mice.

Bucky’s fingers interlace with yours as he leads you up to your apartment, the feel of his large hand engulfing yours eases the feeling of taking up too much space in the world. Even though you’re much wider than him in size, there are parts of your tall roommate that somehow miraculously still make you feel smaller than him.

His keys get thrown on the hall table with a clang. The familiar environment brings you peace, even if Bucky holding your hand is a new sensation which has nervousness prickling your stomach.

He sits on your couch, the one you’ve sat on many a lonely night before you even knew Bucky, his arms outstretched in a way which asks you to curl up on him in a hug.

“No, Bucky I’ll crush you.”

His heart cleaves in two with just how defeated your small voice is. It physically hurts him that you think of yourself like that and not as the most beautiful, voluptuous goddess that he knows you are.

“You’re not gonna crush me. Now c’mere.” His voice is soft but his hands are unyielding as he practically picks you up and deposits you in his lap, not taking no for an answer.

His strong arms snake around you, large hands resting on a pocket of fat on your waist that has always plagued your insecurities, but Bucky holds you tenderly, almost lovingly, and the self doubt slips from your mind and all you can focus on is how close you are to him.

“You’re so beautiful.” He whispers with a kiss to your temple. It almost sounds like he actually believes it - but your mind simply cannot accept that as fact, especially not after the humiliation surging through you from the strangers taunt earlier.

“Bucky, you don’t have to lie.”

“Sunrise, I’m not lying.” He retorts almost instantly, not wanting to allow any time for doubt to creep into your mind.

“You’re my roommate, you can’t very well call me an ugly pig, which is exactly what I am.”

Bucky so badly wants you to be able to see yourself the way he sees you, how vibrant his life becomes when you so much as walk into a room, how all his anxieties fade to nonexistence when you smile at him.

How you are everything he has ever dreamed of.

You sleep one very thin wall away, and all he can ever think of as he falls asleep on his own every night is if you are in the next room thinking of him too, wishing that your dreams will be consumed by him as his are by you.

“Stop. Please stop putting yourself down. You are gorgeous, stunning, and so much more than just my roommate.” He says sincerely, wiping away a stray tear as it trickles over the apple of your cheek. “You are my Sunrise, the stunning star at the centre of my universe that lights up my entire life.”

Never in a million years did you imagine these words coming out of Bucky Barnes’ mouth. You stare at him, jaw slack in utter shock, waiting for the moment where he takes it all back or to clarify that you’ve misinterpreted the intention and in fact he really means that you’re good friends, just very good friends.

This must be your hopeful heart overreacting after such an upsetting day, because surely he cannot actually think of you as more than that.

“It hurts me that you can’t see how impossibly beautiful you are, how you’re the most stunning woman everywhere you go, how I can’t take my eyes off you even for a minute whether it’s lazing around here in your pyjamas or all dolled up for a night out. You will always be the most beautiful woman in any room to me.”

Your chest feels like it’s about to explode any second with how much warmth is ballooning in your lungs. This isn’t happening. Surely you bumped your head getting out of the cab and this is all just a dream your mind has concocted to heal from the anguish sustained earlier.

“You can’t possibly mean that.” You shake your head, attempting to pull yourself out of the hallucination your brain is composing.

Bucky's eyes flit down to your lips, slightly chapped and dehydrated from crying your eyes out, but when they return to your gaze again, there’s a palpable desperation which quivers in his pupils.

“My whole fucking world comes to a standstill when you enter a room and like a magnet I can’t help but be drawn to you. You make my heart beat out of my chest just by smiling at me. There is not a day where I don’t wish to be back home here with you, where it’s just the two of us and the world outside holds no consequence because you’re all I’ve ever needed, all I’ve ever wanted. Can you really not see how powerful the hold you have over me is?”

There should be no doubt, given his confession, how much significance you have in Bucky’s heart, and yet you’re in disbelief, utter shock, unable to truly comprehend why he cares for you in such a way, when there are so many other women who are hotter, skinnier, funnier than you.

If this was written in one of the thousands of romance novels you’ve read, you wouldn’t hesitate to believe how much love the protagonists have for one another, but because it’s happening to you, that you are the heroine of this story, your mind is conditioned to reject the premise altogether.

“Bucky…” You mumble, your mind is spinning too much to form a coherent thought, let alone articulating just how consequential your feelings for the man whose lap you're sitting in are.

“Even if you don’t feel the same way, I need you to know how beautiful you are to me.” And that’s when your brain kicks into gear - you cannot stand any insinuation that your feelings for your roommate are simply platonic, and not the all consuming, devoted love that fills your heart with as much sunshine as on a cloudless summer day.

Especially not after his admission.

“Not feel the same? Bucky, I’ve been in love with you since you mov-”

At the mention of the word ‘love’ Bucky pulls your face close with a hand on either side of your face, and kisses you so forcefully the rest of your sentence is muffled and completely forgotten about.

You haven’t kissed someone in such a long time, and your stomach prickles with nerves as you frantically try remembering the movements you’re meant to make with your lips, where your tongue should be, that you should close your eyes. But as long as it has been, you’re sure the sparks you feel as his warm lips caress yours is because it is James Barnes kissing you, and not just anyone.

He smells and tastes divine, like sweet honey and sharp cinnamon, his lips soft as pillows that move hungrily against yours, like he can’t get enough of you either, and when he moans into your mouth you swear you see the gates of heaven.

When his tongue slips into your mouth, the realisation hits you square in the chest that you’re kissing your Bucky, the man who sleeps in the adjacent room, who cooks you breakfast shirtless in your kitchen, who always thinks to bring home your favourite food after a long day at work where he could arguably only want to think about himself.

The man you love. And who reciprocates that ardent feeling.

The awareness that it’s him knocks all the breath from your lungs and you need to come up for air much sooner than you would have liked, but Bucky gazes up at you with that familiar warmth that you never would have believed was something more than just friendship, but now seems like it was the clue all along that the two of you were never just roommates.

“You love me, huh?” He says in such a playfully taunting tone that makes you smile.

“Yeah… but I’m your Sunrise aren’t I?”

“That you are. My beautiful. Stunning. Gorgeous. Sexy. Perfect Sunrise.” Bucky places sweet kisses to your lips between each adjective, each one lasting a little longer than the previous. “I love you too.”

Maybe you can’t understand why Bucky feels this way about you when there are far more attractive people in the world. But maybe that doesn’t matter.

Perhaps your love for him is part of what makes you the most beautiful person in the world in his eyes, the way his love for you is why you find him the most alluring man you have ever met. And that will forever be enough for you.

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[kortac-sweetheart]

i have a hard time saying pet names irl because i feel like my accent makes it sound funny but i loveeee using them over text

projecting it onto simon right now 📡📡📡

he thought he did something wrong at first, you always call him “honey” or “baby” or “darling” or— you get it, over text. practically half of your vocabulary when you text him is a petname, but the moment he gets you on a call he’s always “simon” or “si” to you and it drives him downright insane.

did he forget to turn off the stove before leaving? forget to close the fridge door? forgot your anniversary— like hell he’d do that! so what was it?

he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place here. you don’t look like you’re mad at him (not like you’re ever really mad at him), and he’d rather pull out his own teeth than ask you about it so he’s just suffering in silence, not able to hear you say all those sweet pet names in person.

but it gets to a point, a man could only take so much before he breaks. he asks you about it over text, yes, not in person he has his limits.

ok! i’ll see you soon honey!! (❁´▽`❁) love youuuuu

wait. lovie, i have to ask you something

? yes baby?

why do you never call me pet names in person?

it takes you a little bit to respond, the three bubbles popping up and disappearing over and over. it makes him anxious, god— him. simon riley, who can stare down death itself without even flinching but is now anxiously awaiting his partner’s response to his question about pet names of all things.

what have you done to him? (you are the greatest thing that happened to him.)

the little ding! snaps him out of his anxious ruminating.

haha well i guess it’s just

i think my accent makes it sound weird 😭😭

oh. so that’s what it was. well— that can’t fly anymore, not that he knows about it now. he calls you immediately, of course, desperate to hear you call him something sweet finally.

he’d get on his knees (even if you couldn’t see him) and beg for you to call him anything you desired, anything please— just let him hear you.

“sim—“ you try and start, a little startled at the sudden call.

“none o’ tha lovie, call me something else— please.”

“but i think it’d sound weird—“ he’d do anything to prove you otherwise, anything at all.

“no! no— you won’t you’ll sound great, lemme hear ya dove, please.” he’s never sounded this desperate before.

“ok! ok, fine! simon, bubby, my honey, my dearest… uhm… my love, my darling…ba— baby… …okimdoneloveyoubye!!!”

there’s a very uncharacteristic lovestruck look on his face when you hang up. you sounded absolutely lovely to him. he could die a happy, happy man after that.

you sounded amazing lovie ❤️

wow. simon actually sent an emoji? he’s dead serious about it, huh? wild. but a man in love is a changed one as they say.

really? (๑º ﾛ º๑)

you’re so cute to him. downright adorable actually. he wants to hear you call him all those sweet things for the rest of his life. he needs to get you a ring asap.

yes lovie, really.

would i ever lie to you?

call me all those things when you see me in person, ok? love you. see you soon.

!!!!!!yay!!!!!!!

ok love you baby!!!!!! see you later!!!! (ɔ ˘⌣˘)˘⌣˘ c)♡

super cute indeed. (he’s going to the local jeweler’s after work.)

[stevesgother]

i adore chalkboard hearts! could i see steve and reader explaining to abby shes gunna be a big sister 🥰

here is this for you darling <3 thank you so much for reading steve harrington x fem!reader

"Mommy?" Abbey asks as she mindlessly roots through the bathroom drawers, looking for nothing in particular, "What is this thing?"

You barely spare a glance from where you're applying your makeup in the mirror above the sink. Ever since the wedding, Abbey has made it her life's mission to never not be right next to you. 'Misdirected jealousy', your mom had told you. It didn't matter what you were doing: cooking dinner, folding laundry-- bathing, for Christ's sake-- Abbey would be there.

That's why you don't register that your daughter is holding your clean, but used nonetheless, pregnancy test. But Steve does, when he pokes his head around the door to check in on the two of you.

"Hey, you almost--oh-- Abbey don't touch that!" He says, all in one panicked breath.

You finally chance a look at what she's holding, immediately understanding Steve's reaction. Without another thought, you quickly snatch it from her innocent hands.

Abbey's still looking up at you inquisitively. She did ask you a question, after all.

"Oh, this? This is-- uhm, it's a, uhm--"

"It's a thermometer!" Steve saves.

"Then why can't I touch it?" She pushes further. You should've known better than to think she would drop it that easily.

"Steve checked my temperature with it a couple of weeks ago, so now it has all my sick germs on it." Both you and Steve make sour faces to really sell it, though you can't see his from where he's perched behind you.

"Hey, Ab," Steve prompts, "I have something really important I need your help with,"

Her ears perk instantly, "Yeah?"

"I need you to go into the kitchen and get some things out to make sandwiches while I talk to your mom, do you think you can do that for me?"

"Uh-huh!" She beams, Steve's request appealing to her newfound craving for independence.

"I don't know," Steve lilts playfully, "You sure you're up for it?"

You're forever in awe at how he manages to make the most mundane tasks feel like an impossible mission; how he turns everything into a game. You'd kill to be a fly on the wall of his classroom all day, content to watch him perfectly in his element.

"Yes! I am!" Abbey giggles as she tries to weasel by Steve where he stands blocking the doorway. He lets her think she overpowered him when his legs finally give way to her freedom from the bathroom.

Steve takes one more glance over his shoulder, "We need to tell her," he says in a hushed sort of tone.

"I know," you pinch the bridge of your nose, "It's just, what if--"

"Nothing's going to happen, sweetheart." He reassures you with two strong arms wrapped around your waist, "The doctor said the ultrasound looked great, and you're not a high-risk pregnancy. You said you had no complications with Abbey, right?"

"Right, but--"

"No 'but's I'm not gonna let anything happen to you-- either of you. You know that." Steve guides your head to nestle in the crook of his neck, enough so that you can't see that he's scared, too.

"She's going to find out eventually," he reminds you.

"You're right," you sigh.

"Per usual." You pinch his side in retaliation, making him yelp.

"Let's have lunch, then we'll tell her?" You ask, lifting you head from the safety of his chest.

"If that's what you want to do, then that's what we'll do.

--

You don't work up the courage to speak until Abbey's halfway through her PB&J, but Steve picks up the slack for you. He's perfect like that.

"Abbey, babe-- there's something Steve and I want to talk to you about," you tell her, trying to keep your tone lighthearted, but your voice still wobbles slightly with nerves.

Both of them turn to face you then, Abbey's mouth full and Steve sending you a look that says You've got it, I'm here.

God, you don't even know where to begin.

"Do you remember-- right before we had that big party where mommy and Steve got married-- when I got sick during dinner time?"

Abbey nods, idly licking jelly off of her tiny fingers; waiting for you to continue.

"Well... I thought it was just because Steve's burgers tasted yucky--" She giggles and Steve lightly kicks your foot under the table, "Really, it was because I have a baby in my belly, and the baby was making me feel sick."

You can practically see the gears turning in her head; she's certainly old enough to understand what it means to be pregnant, but maybe not quite the logistics of it yet.

Both you and Steve wait with bated breaths to see how she'll react. You're bracing for the worst, but all she asks is, "Is the baby still in there now?"

You have to stifle a laugh, not wanting her to feel silly for asking questions, "Yes, it is. That means you're gonna have a little brother or sister,"

She takes another bite of her sandwich, mostly indifferent. You don't know what you were expecting, but this nonchalance was probably the last thing.

Steve decides to take the reins for a moment, hoping to coax a little more of a reaction out of her, "How does that sound?" He asks, shaking her shoulders playfully.

"Good, but-- will we still be able to go to the park?"

Maybe you had been totally overthinking this, "Of course," you tell her, "And the baby can come, too!"

"Does the baby have to come?" She asks, just the slightest bit of whine in her tone, resting her tired head in the propped-up palm of her hand.

"Not always," Steve chimes in, "You'll still get plenty of time with us without the baby, too. We don't want you to worry about that, okay?"

She nods, "Okay," sipping her chocolate milk casually from its straw. "Can we go play on the swings after I'm done?"

"Uhm, yeah, I think we can manage that," Steve smiles at Abbey first but looks to you like 'That's it?'. You only shrug in response.

--

"Did we totally butcher that?" You ask Steve later that night from where you lay waiting for him in your shared bed.

He answers you with his toothbrush hanging haphazardly out of his mouth; making eye contact through the bathroom mirror, "No, honey-- I think kids are just like that sometimes."

You groan, "I feel like a bad mom..."

"Hey," he spits into the sink, wiping his mouth on the nearest hand towel, "None of that, okay? You're a fantastic mom."

Even from across the room, Steve can sense your slurry of racing thoughts. Ones of insecurity and worry for the future of your family-- of your daughter, whom you'd swore would always be your greatest priority.

He makes his way to the edge of the bed where you're curled in on yourself, "It's not just you anymore, love," his hands brush a stray tear you hadn't even realized has fallen.

"What if she feels like-- I don't know, what if she feels like I'm replacing her?"

"Listen to me, I promise you-- Abbey is never going to question whether or not you love her." Steve's hand moves from your face to land gently on your belly, "And neither will she,"

You breathe a teary chuckle, "You seem awfully convinced it's a girl,"

"Yeah, well-- call it father's intuition."

Hearing him refer to himself as a father sends butterflies erupting in your belly, "Thank you, Stevie."

"Hey, I'm serious. Everything's gonna work itself out, alright? Ab just needs a little time to warm up." You nod in agreement, "I'm tellin' ya, once we start getting those cute little baby pajama things-- she's gonna be pumped."

You laugh at his unsuccessful search for the word 'onesie', but you don't correct him. You know he's right, and even if he's not, you're sure now more than ever that there's not a thing in this world you can't conquer together.

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