#never seen something as bright as or felt a sound so deeply in my heart before

[sparingiscaring]

Suddenly reminded of that time the US Public School System nearly got me struck by lightning ✌️

[bleedichor]

lucifer morningstar x fem! reader

you help comfort him after his meet up with his lovely daughter ꓹ⠀ charlie. [ no warnings. fluff. silly nicks. ]

The moment he took a step back in his castle, he felt the overwhelming feeling of panic. His chest was heavy, he was filled with dread, and somewhat bitter joy. It had been over centuries since he’s spoken to his own kin, his daughter whom he adored. His steps sounded heavy, almost like he was trying to carry his own weight. which alerted y/n of his arrival. She left her study and saw him in the hall, gripping his staff and tears threatening to fall.

“Honey pie, what’s wrong?” she walked cautiously, studying his body language and the clear evidence of tears. “Charlie..” he hiccups and began to cry. “Oh.. honey..,” she strolled over to him and lifted his face in her hands. “Charlie wants to get into contact with heaven. I still have my doubts but..” he spoke carefully as she gently wiped his tears with her thumbs. He relaxed in her touch, letting himself breathe.

“But you know you owe her this? Charlie is a bright girl, much like her father” she chuckled and smiled up to him. he smiled a bit then nodded. “I do owe her at least this, I wish you could have seen her.. she was magnificent. Her dreams are beautiful and she cares deeply for all of her people. She’s a wonderful woman now. I’m so proud of her.” He leaned his forehead against her own as they both shared a smile as tears silently fell from his cheek.

“I wish I was there for her, but I was so stuck in my own failures that I didn’t even realize how much I missed out on. I tried so hard to show everyone that freedom is a beautiful thing and yet—” y/n gently placed a kiss on his forehead to stop himself from spiraling into despair.

“Don’t say that about yourself. Stop it. You tried all you could do for your people and even then you tried that’s something you should be proud of. You never gave up.. and even if you did, you still dreamed about it day ‘n night. You’re amazing honey pie.. truly. You should give the helping hand that no one gave to you to Charlie.. you’re the only demon who could help her and plus she only has one father.” She winked and smiled.

He gently gave her a kiss on the lips and stood up straight, almost like a routine. She dusted his shoulders and coat then straightened his collar. “I’m so grateful to have a daughter like Charlie..” she held his hands, feeling the cold feeling of his ring.

She didn’t acknowledge it facially but she knew he loved his ex-wife and daughter with all his heart. It’s something that a new woman couldn’t change, it’s something she had to understand but she knew she loved the man he is. He’s a loving man and she knew he was going to commit to that promise to his daughter. “And.. I know I don’t say it much but I love you so much y/n, my beautiful beautiful apple” he kissed her once more, their hands enveloping each other.

Once they pulled apart she let out a soft giggle and fixed his hat “now go do as you promised and make your daughter proud.”

[doe-eyed-fool]

Fear Of The Known

Lucifer x Fem!Angel!Reader

|Chapter Six|

In a near desperate attempt to forget about everything plaguing Y/n's mind, she took up learning portals from Michael. Which might not have been the best idea, considering he's still learning himself. While he could teleport himself anywhere with ease, creating a portal to another world was something entirely different.

And it took a lot of hard work and patience to perfect it. And Michael, well...He was trying his best.

But Y/n couldn't work up the nerve to ask Galim to teach her. She was always so tense around them, despite Galim being one of the kindest angels in Heaven. Michael just made her feel more at ease.

"I can't believe you've existed since the dawn of creation and yet you haven't learned how to make a portal." Y/n teases, trying to lighten the mood. Michael rolls his eyes. "Give me a break, I told you I'm better at fighting than magic. Trust me, you haven't been around as long as I have. My youth was full of many failed magic attempts."

"Aw, baby Michael." Y/n giggled at the thought of a child size Michael, causing him to blush slightly. "Anyway." Michael clears his throat. "Just repeat after me."

Michael stands straight and holds out his hands. Y/n did the same, she then inhaled and exhaled in a calm pattern. "Good. Now just clear your mind, and focus on where you want to be."

Y/n closed her eyes and tried to clearly picture what she saw last time. A wide open meadow, filled with flowers. The sound of the birds and running water. The warmth of the sun in the bright blue sky.

Nothing happened, so she inhaled deeply and tried to remember more of what she saw, what she heard, what she smelled. Earth truly was a beautiful place. It's nature was beyond all compare, simple and yet so vast and complex.

There was a small swirl of light forming just before Y/n's open palms. Michael's eyes lit up with excitement, but he refrained from speaking as not to throw her off.

Y/n wondered what night was like on earth. She's heard stories of the stars that littered across the dark blue sky. How they shined and sparkled, they along with the moon, casting just enough calming light in the darkness.

Y/n smiled at the thought, the thought of just how many wonderful things the Earth had to offer.

'Lucifer would have loved it.'

The light grew brighter and larger, and the portal finally opened. Michael's once previous excitement, quickly faded as he saw where this portal lead.

"Y/n..."

Y/n opened her eyes, her mouth fell slightly agape in surprise. Just before her, was the portal she had created. The color was the first thing that caught her eye. Then came the warm air, the uncomfortably warm air. Then there was the sounds of chaos ringing loud in her ears. Y/n swore she felt her heart drop as realization set in.

Y/n froze, unable to think clearly or utter a single word. Michael stepped in front of her and quickly closed the portal. The last thing she saw, was a large building atop of a hill. He turned to Y/n, a look of slight panic in his eyes.

"Y/n...What did you just do?" He asked, though it was obvious. He knew it, but he just couldn't believe it.

Y/n had created a portal to Hell.

"I...I don't..." Y/n muttered.

"How did you do that? You've never even been to Hell! How could you have pictured where to open the portal?" Michael asks, more to himself than to her.

Y/n looked down at her hands, they were shaking. He was right. She's never been to Hell, she's most certainly never pictured it with her own eyes. So how could she have...

"My visions." Y/n looks up at him. "I've seen Hell in my visions."

Michael was hit with the sudden realization. That was right. You had been tasked from God to keep up with Charlotte Morningstar's future, of course you've seen Hell.

"Ok." Michael exhales. "That makes sense I guess. But you...You weren't suppose to open a portal there! You suppose to open it on Earth. What happened?"

"I..." Y/n sighed. "I was thinking about Lucifer. Maybe that's why..."

Michael fell silent, so did she. Even after ten thousand years, mentioning Lucifer was still a sore subject for them both. As much as they like to think they've moved on, they never truly will. Or have...

"Well...No more of that." Michael tells her with a sigh. "Here I was worried something might happen to you on Earth. Then you go and open a portal to Hell of all places." He laughs weakly.

Y/n turns away from him. "It won't happen again. I'm sorry."

"It's fine Y/n. But yeah...I think it's best if you don't do that again." Said Michael. "I think that's enough portals for one day..."

Six months had passed, and it was finally time for Charlotte Morningstar's arrival. Y/n had informed Sera of this months in advance. She was still furious with Sera, but she could do nothing but do her duty and warn her of this very day.

Sera had little to say to Y/n, so the two parted with a brief exchange and barely spoke to each other since. Not that Y/n had anything to say to Sera, after learning about the exterminations.

Emily of course noticed, but Y/n simply told her that she and Sera were much too busy to really see each other. It did little to ease Emily's concerns, but thankfully she didn't push for a further explanation.

Y/n knew what would come from this meeting anyhow. Charlotte Morningstar would make a case that sinners could be redeemed. However, try as she may, Heaven would not be convinced. She would have not choice but to return to Hell, where she must prepare for Adam's attack.

During that meeting however, Emily found out about the exterminations. That certainly cleared things up about Y/n and Sera, but now she was left heartbroken and betrayed. She knew it was wrong, but what could she do? Despite being a Seraphim herself, she did not hold as much power as Sera.

Sera tried to put her at ease, insisting she handle things from here. But Emily could not ignore what was going on anymore...

She wasn't the only one who now knew of the exterminations. By now, everyone was aware of what she had been doing in secret. Everyone except for the civilians of Heaven, of course. And in due time, God would know as well.

Y/n was half expecting God to call for her, to see what the results of these exterminations had caused. However, there was nothing. Y/n even tried to reach out for Michael, but even he was unavailable.

It turns out, God and his angels were discussing the extermination along with Charlotte Morningstar's plans for redemption privately.

Y/n couldn't explain it, but she had a sinking feeling in her gut. So much has happened so quickly. And now God was involved. She could always look into the future for some closure.

And yet something held her back from doing so. Her nerves, her anxiety, or, it might have been fear. Fear, not of the unknown, but of what would become known.

A part of her didn't need to see the future to know that the results of this would be catastrophic. Y/n had seen it before, the possibility of Sera's punishment was becoming more set in reality now.

Y/n wanted to be more rational about this. Sera hid something this big from God for so long. Of course she would be punished for it. That is simply the consequence she must face. But Y/n did hate it for her. Sera might have had good intentions, but the way she went about it was wrong.

All of this was starting to become overwhelming. Y/n was unable to sleep because of her racing mind. The one relief she got from this, was that Adam and Lute could no longer threaten her now that everyone knew. But it did little to put her at ease.

Y/n sat up in her bed and stared down at her hands. She was avoiding the future for far too long now. She had to look. Really, she had no choice. One way or another, someone will ask her to see what comes next. And so, she closed her eyes and looked into the future.

This time, she was seeing through her own eyes. And all she could see was red. The same red, the same heat, the same sounds all that came from that portal she made months ago. And as she looked up, breaking the scarlet sky, was the gateway to Heaven opening up and down through came two angels.

A knocking caused Y/n to open her eyes, loosing the vision. She blinked a few times before the knocking was heard again. She got up from her bed, still in a state of confusion as she was making her way to the door.

She was in Hell. Why was she in Hell? What possible reason would there be for her to be down there? And who were the two angels coming down from Heaven?

Y/n reached the door and opened it. Standing before her was Michael, and he looked exhausted.

"Michael? What are you doing here so late?" She asks.

Michael tried to offer a smile as he spoke. "You got a minute to talk?"

Tags-

@bloody-delusion-expert

@simbalioness

@annybah

@alientee

[dairyminki]

Acquiescence || j.wy

PAIRING — jung wooyoung x fem!reader ... GENRE — fluff, angst, strangers to lovers ... WARNING/S — major character death, mentions and descriptions of hospital, pet names, reader has achromatopsia, mild profanities ... WC — 7.7k

AUTHOR'S NOTE — i had this fic idea hiding in my drafts with only the title finished bcos i felt like it wasn't the right time for me to write it just yet, so i let it sit. and just when i thought this story will never see the light, stormy august happened, i got all angsty, and i was able to pour all my emotions on this fic. and now, i'm posting it for sad september, yay! anyway, special thanks to @hotteoki and @jaehunnyy for beta-reading this one ^^

SYNOPSIS — a life painted in shades of black, white, and gray, sparks a certain yearning for something brand new deep inside of you. but what if that 'something brand new' comes in the form of a boy and his camera? will his presence be able to alter the monotonous world you live in into a world where the colors of the rainbow are freely dancing?

*reblogs and feedbacks are highly appreciated! ♡

— ☁️

ac·qui·es·cence

: the reluctant acceptance of something without protest.

achro·​ma·​top·​sia

: a visual defect that is marked by total color blindness in which the colors of the spectrum are seen as tones of white, gray, and black, by poor visual acuity, and by extreme sensitivity to bright light

☁️.... playlist!

To you, it was peaceful.

How the scratchy sound of the pencil's nib against your sketchbook was the only thing you could hear, how the hues of black, gray, and white were the only ones that filled your vision, and how it was only the smell of fresh grass that lingered in the cool morning air.

But at the same time, it was depressing.

How those were the only things that constantly stimulated your senses. Always the same every morning, unless it were to rain.

You don't think any word was fitting enough to describe what you currently feel. Deep inside you, there's a yearning for something brand new. To alter the monotonous life you have in exchange for a life filled with an endless spark of delirium or one where the world before your eyes appears bright-colored.

Sitting on one of the wooden benches found in the hospital's garden inevitably makes your thoughts and emotions fly around. Sometimes, it's the feeling of hope budding inside your chest, but most times it was the heavy weight of despair forming over your head like a gloomy gray cloud.

Gray.

Now that is a shade you know by heart. A shade you've grown to appreciate that if anyone asks you what your favorite color is, gray would be your automatic answer.

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, and many others, are colors you could only wish and dream to see. When people around you talk about how blue the sky is, or how an evergreen tree looks, it makes you wonder deeply how on earth they look like. Are they as pretty as your favorite color? Or are they something more? Something that'd get you marveling hard and for long.

"Y/N? Y/N~?" You hear the familiar voice calling your name in a sing-song. When you turn your head around, you catch sight of shoe-clad feet before you see the face of your lovely nurse from day one—Nurse Aliah.

"There you are!" She exclaims, walking towards you with a huge smile on her face which you mimic as you close your sketchbook.

"Time's up for me already?" You ask, a bit dejected.

As much as you've grown to treat your hospital room as your home, that doesn't mean you've grown to love staring at the mundane four walls and smelling the overpowering scent of antiseptic and cleaning agents clouding your senses.

"Why? Don't feel like going back yet?" Nurse Aliah asks, making you scoot over so she can sit beside you.

Replying with a mere nod of your head, she sighs, patting you gently on the back. Then, she takes a glance at her wristwatch, saying, "I suppose I could give you half an hour more. I mean no one has to know, right?" She sends you a playful wink.

"That's more than enough, thank you."

"No problem at all, darling. But before I go, can I have a little peek at your sketches?" Nurse Aliah asks, gesturing at the sketchbook on your lap which you immediately hide behind you.

"No!" You laugh. "No peeking until I finish it."

Your answer got her frowning, but she stood nonetheless, muttering a sulky 'fine.'

"The sun's about to reach its peak in a little while, so put your cap on, alright?" She reminds, prompting you to nod your head before she finally leaves the garden.

With Nurse Aliah gone, you grab your cap beside you, wearing it, before you find yourself admiring your surroundings once more, taking in deep breaths as if the earth's air supply was about to run out, and then you're opening your sketchbook and diving back inside the world of art.

Sketching different things brings you peace—if some feel anxious leaving their houses without their phones or watches on, for you it's the same when you leave your mechanical pencil or any of your sketchbooks and drawing pads behind.

Art enables you to cope with all the imperfections you were forced to carry with you ever since you were born to walk the earth with your tiny feet.

You might not be able to see and appreciate colors as much as everyone does, but you do love being able to weave lines, shapes, and patterns from the tip of your pencil.

Click!

Your grip on the pencil loosens when you hear the sound of a camera shutter and someone cursing. Looking to your left, you see a male who looks the same age as you, holding a camera in his hand—his hair is quite long, he has styled fringes framing the sides of his face, and he is smiling sheepishly at you.

"Did you…just take a picture of me?" You asked, squinting your eyes at him and tilting your head to the side. You see him swallow, his Adam's apple bobbing, all the while he lowers his camera.

"Shit, I'm sorry!" He exclaims—his voice, pitchy. Then he proceeds to ramble aloud, "I didn't mean to startle you, I was just taking a look around, trying to find anything pretty to capture, and then I saw you, and I…I'm sorry."

"Didn't anyone tell you it's rude to take someone's photo without asking their permission?" By now you were standing, approaching the male and his camera. When you stick out a hand, he instantly gives his camera to you and you find yourself staring at a picture of yourself on the screen.

What he did was rude, yes, but you can't help but be in awe at the way he was able to capture you looking so immersed in your drawing—your furrowed brows and your tongue darting out of your slightly opened mouth because you're concentrating hard.

"I should be mad but, it's actually a pretty photo," You say, slightly abashed.

The male in front of you chuckles. Then he asks, "So, does that mean I get to keep this pretty picture of you?"

At the mention of the word 'pretty,' you feel your cheeks heat up. Coughing out loud and not meeting him in the eyes, you reply, "Only if you're not some creepy stalker, then I suppose you can."

"I'm not! I actually did it for a school project."

Hearing him say that made your ears perk.

"Oh, really? What's it about?" You can't help but ask, not being able to hold back with your natural curiosity for things.

"Nothing much, really," He starts. "We were just told to visit someplace we hadn't been to before and then capture something that catches our eye. Once we can do that, we will be asked to share about it in class."

After he explains, you find yourself asking him more.

"What else did you take a picture of?"

"You…were the first really." He answers with his free hand rubbing at his nape. As for you, his answer got your cheeks even hotter.

"Oh." You end up saying, not really knowing how to respond further. Luckily, he opens up another topic, and later on you're back sitting on the bench you previously sat on, but with him beside you.

"So you're telling me you've never been to a hospital before?"

"Nu-uh. Never," He answers, fiddling with the buttons of his camera. "Uhm, how about you? Did you…"

You knew what he meant despite him not fully voicing it out. Thank goodness you didn't see that one thing you really hate, in his eyes, though—pity.

"Been here since I was five," You say as you stare up at the sky. The gray-looking sky that always accompanied you whenever you were out here in the garden.

"What are you here for?" You could gather a hint of hesitance in his voice, most probably not wanting to pry considering you've only just met. But he's just like you, curious.

"I'm color-blind," You begin. And just when you were about to tell him more, you heard someone calling you.

"Y/N!"

You turn your head and see Nurse Aliah approaching you. From a distance, you could already see the questioning in her gaze.

"I—ah, unfortunately, have to go now," You say, picking up your sketchbook and standing up.

"Oh."

"Yeah, um, I'm grateful I was able to cross paths with you today," You tell him with all honesty. And you think you see him bite back a smile.

"The way you say it, makes it sound like, us, meeting was something big."

"Well, maybe it is," You grinned at him. "I'm Y/N, by the way." You say, extending a hand for a handshake which he immediately accepts.

"Nice to meet you, Y/N. I'm Wooyoung," He responds before you wave at him goodbye and run towards Nurse Aliah with a smile still lingering on your face and her look of questioning not fading away in the slightest.

"Who was that?" She asks as the both of you start to walk back inside the hospital.

"Hmm, just someone who thinks I'm pretty."

—

The following day, you asked Nurse Aliah if you could go out again. When she asked you why, you simply told her that the fresh air and the calming surroundings got you more motivated to finish sketching, and not because you were kind of hoping for a certain long-haired male to find his way back to the garden, no, not at all.

Well, not that you were going to admit and let her know anyway.

You fell into the same routine as yesterday without any difficulty. By now, the subject you were trying to draw was getting more defined. Just a little more shadings here and-

"Smile!"

Instead of smiling as the chirpy voice told you to do so, you think your caught-off-guard face was what the camera was able to capture.

"You could've warned me!" You exclaim after a few moments of just blinking and nothing but your mind trying to register the sound of the shutter that went off earlier and the laughter of the newcomer.

The very reason why you wanted to escape the stuffy walls of the hospital again.

"I take pride in my candid shots, though." Wooyoung pouts.

"You only started taking pictures yesterday!" You point out.

"Okay, and?"

"Ugh, just let me see the picture," You say, though it sounds more like a demand. A demand that Wooyoung refuses to follow through.

"No, this one is for my eyes only." Wooyoung sticks his tongue out at you and then,, later on has this shit-eating grin on his face.

In the end, you give up trying to get the camera from him. The moment you decide to set your focus back on your drawing, silence envelops you two—not the awkward kind though. It was more like those silence that'll have you sighing in relief, and everything else around you sounding like calming waves.

And amidst the silence was Wooyoung near a flower bush with his camera out. You don't know what colors the flowers are in but you do remember Nurse Aliah telling you they are called Chrysanthemums and that they smell sweet.

"Wooyoung," You say after a minute of just staring at him snapping a couple of photos of the said flower. "What color are those flowers?" You ask.

Without taking his peering eyes off the viewfinder, he answers, "They're purple!"

Purple—you know they're the color of grapes, your favorite fruit. You've wondered since then if purple was anything like how the fruit tasted.

"How about your hair, Woo?"

Woo—that's new, and the way the nickname rolled off your tongue actually felt nice.

"It's black, probably just the way you see it!" He answers, and then you see him finally lowering his camera and smiling to himself while he walks back toward you on the bench.

"Were you able to capture something pretty?" You ask him as soon as he drops his weight on the bench, his shoulder touching yours.

"I did. It's quite a lot. But…" Wooyoung trails off, and then he's looking at you with a cheeky grin. "...they're not as pretty as you though."

At that remark, you feel heat rush towards your face, however, you don't look away from his gaze, just yet. Your thoughts begin to wander again, as you think of what the color of his eyes are and if they're the same as yours, or the color of the shirt he's wearing, and his camera too. You could've asked those questions aloud but you didn't.

Instead, you ask, "If I were a color, what color would I be, Woo?"

Wooyoung briefly seemed to appear as if he was in deep thought, with his head tilting to the side, his eyes roaming all over you, and his lips pursing.

"That's a question I can't answer after just a day of knowing you, Y/N." He answers truthfully. "How about I'll get back to you after a month?" He proposes.

A month could be awfully long for some, and short for others who are patient enough. You're not sure which one of the two are you, although you still nod your head at Wooyoung.

And a month? Sure, you could wait. Time flies fast these days, after all.

—

Days turned to weeks, and by now, you've grown accustomed and comfortable with Wooyoung's presence.

He was just the right amount of loud, funny, and kind, that even your Nurse Aliah has opened up to him already.

"You smile a lot nowadays," Nurse Aliah comments one time while you're resting inside your room and she's replacing your newly emptied bowl of grapes with a fresh set.

"Is it bad?" You ask as you stare at the ceiling, not really thinking of anything—just the little joke Wooyoung told you a day ago repeatedly tickling your head.

You hear the clinking of the fruit bowl for the last time before you hear the rustling of your bed sheet.

"It's not bad per se, but…"

Her unsaid words send the all too familiar sinking feeling creeping its way back into your chest. A feeling you've tried so hard to push to the back of your mind, only for it to resurface once again.

"Don't," You plead in a small voice, eyes closed. When you open them again, you're looking straight at her, hot tears lingering in the corner of your eyes. You tried hard to blink them back.

But when was the last time you let them fall? When was the last time you allowed yourself to feel sadness? When was the last time you willingly set hope free and embraced despair?

"Alright, I…I just want to let you know today will be the last time you'll be able to go out Y/N. Tomorrow, Dr. Lee will be here to check on you."

Not being able to stop the dam from breaking, you just nod your head to whatever Nurse Aliah is saying. You feel her caress your hair before the door to your room closes with a thud.

Tears spilled—rolling down the apples of your cheeks until they're gliding past your lips, enabling you to taste their saltiness. And then you're sitting up, pulling your leg close to your chest with your head resting on the wall as you stare at the window.

You sigh. Feeling all the energy you possess going down the drain.

You suddenly remember all the things the younger you had to suffer through just because you weren't normal just like how everyone was. You remember how you'd run into things and tripped over them because everything seemed dark and dull. You remember how other kids would play outside at the playground while their parents would sit there on the benches and talk about how the sun looked so bright.

You've never directly looked at the sunlight. It hurt your eyes, even until now. Hence, every time you go out, you always wear a cap on your head just to shield your eyes from the light radiated by the sun. Anyone else would've worn sunglasses to deal with that, and you've tried—once. After that, you came to Nurse Aliah, crying, because you felt suffocated while wearing them. And that continued until you were older—any type of glasses having the same effect on you.

Childhood for you was tough. Luckily, Nurse Aliah was there to somehow make it less hard for you to deal with the world and reality. Making you smile, laugh, and enjoy the little things—Nurse Aliah was your only family. She contributed to igniting the spark of hope inside you.

And now, there's Wooyoung—his smile, his raucous laughter, and the way he sweeps his fringes to the side out of habit. Just Wooyoung and the click of his camera, his camera roll that's probably full of your stolen shots now. Just Wooyoung trying to peek at whatever you're drawing while you're so adamant not to show him. Just Wooyoung discreetly picking out a random flower from the bush and putting it behind your ear.

It sends a rush of warmth all over you—something warmer than what you get when you're spending time with Nurse Aliah. No, Wooyoung's was something else.

You place your right hand on your chest, and there it is. The faint sound of your heart beating, increasing, as your mind gets filled more by the said male.

It feels foreign, but it's nice. Really nice.

And with that, you know you're ready to face another day with the open sky and Wooyoung's presence keeping you intact and aground.

—

After all the crying you've done, you felt light and at ease. As you walk out into the hallways and down to the ground floor, you find yourself greeting more people you encounter along the way. You can't help but notice the smile sticking to your lips, and surprisingly, it didn't hurt you with how wide it was.

Your smile only seems to get brighter when you spot Wooyoung's familiar figure outside. He's by the same bench you two sit on with his back facing you.

Giggling, you were eager to reach where he stood.

But then it happens.

Just when you were about to run and shout his name, it happened.

Instead of shouting his name, you find yourself gasping for air, feeling as if your throat was closing in on you. With your heart irregularly beating painfully against your chest you drop to the ground, feeling faint and cold with sweat.

You don't register much about what happened next but swore you heard screams around you and the last-minute turning and running Wooyoung made toward you.

Blurry grayness was the last thing you saw before everything turned black.

—

There were voices around you and the sound of a machine.

Fluttering your eyes open, you recognize you are in your room—lying on a bed with a few tubes connected to your body, and then gently shifting your eyes to the door where the sound came from, you see a familiar back and your Nurse Aliah, talking in low voices. Though, not low enough, seeing as they awoke you.

Nurse Aliah notices your awoken state first, you see her whisper something to Wooyoung before she attends to your side.

"Hey, darling," She began in a soft voice, almost lulling. When her fingers brushed through your hair, you swore sleep was tempting you to go back into its arms once again. But you stopped yourself.

"How are we feeling?" Nurse Aliah asks. You find yourself clearing your dry throat, unable to answer. You give her an okay sign, instead.

Immediately, she gets a glass of water from your bedside table. She gently guides you to a sitting position, before she hands the drink to you.

"I'm glad you're awake, Y/N. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go call Dr. Lee. Meanwhile, you can go ahead and talk with your lover boy over there. Sounds good?"

You could only roll your eyes at her, shooing her away.

Wooyoung instantly came to your side after the door closed. He pulls out a chair for him to sit on and then just stares at you. You find yourself looking down at the empty glass in your hand, with the silence the male was giving you.

You can't figure out if he's angry, sad, or disappointed. If he only sees you as a weak and undesirable thing he no longer wants anything to do with.

"What's my pretty girl thinking, hmm?" Wooyoung asks, gently taking the glass out of your hold, and replacing it with his hands.

Wooyoung's hands felt warm against your slightly cold ones and you liked it.

"I'm thinking that I'm sorry, I'm sorry for not telling you," You answer truthfully, now finding the courage to reciprocate his gaze on you. But then, a gasp leaves you when you see how puffy his eyes are.

"Have you been crying?" You ask, pulling your hands from him and cupping his face. Your thumbs trace the bags of his eyes while Wooyoung leans into your touch.

"If I did, what's my pretty girl going to do about it?" Wooyoung asks with a small chuckle, in an attempt to lighten up the mood inside the four walls.

"Am I really still pretty to you, Woo?" You asked in a weak voice, tone laced with disbelief.

"Y/N, y'know that's a stupid question, right? Love, you'll forever be pretty in my eyes, and I—y'know yourself I'm good at finding pretty things, right? That's how I found you."

"Woo…"

"If you think that me, seeing you like this will change anything, then you're so wrong for that."

"Woo-"

"Is it shitty of me if I say that I'm in love with you, right now?"

You're caught off guard when Wooyoung starts crying, his tears wetting your fingers. With him breaking down in front of you, you can't help but cry as well, pulling his head to your chest in hopes that your heartbeat was loud enough for him to hear that it was actually screaming his name.

"I don't want you wasting your tears on me, please…" Your voice was croaky after a while, tears having dried on your cheeks, while Wooyoung's sobs still hadn't subsided.

"I don't know about you but I'm not feeling funny enough to laugh right now," He answers with a chuckle and you laugh as well, still cradling his head against you.

If you could, and if you only knew how, you'd lessen the pain he's feeling.

Absorbing all the pain coursing through him until you become numb, you'll do so. And if you could control time you would love to rewind it to the time he took a photo of you without permission.

If you acted coldly towards him and sent him away, would you still find yourselves in this position?

Will Wooyoung still weave his way into your fragile heart and your colorless life?

Will you still find yourself falling in love at the last minute with him?

You don't know.

But you do know you feel the same way as him.

Who knew that that delicate heart of yours was still capable of welcoming a powerful force called love inside?

—

Most of your days were filled with your doctor and nurse checking up on you at every possible chance. The wheelchair has become your friend, and instead of getting out into the garden and finding Wooyoung, the tables turned. Wooyoung, being the one who found his way to your hospital room, started constantly visiting you with a different set of flowers every day to adorn the lonely vase sitting atop your bedside table.

Unlike the other days though, this time, he was kind of late. Even Nurse Aliah didn't get to peek inside after the early morning check-up she did on you today. It was strange, you think.

Starting to feel bored, you decided to take a quick look at your finished drawings and the letters you wrote slipped into one of the pages of your sketchbook

Then, you hear the door to your room opening. Instead of Nurse Aliah, though, Wooyoung's adorable peeking head was the one you saw.

"Woo!" You exclaim, putting a sweet smile on his face as he welcomes himself in.

Immediately, you open your arms for him, and he fits in perfectly when he engulfs you in a soft hug. You feel his lips against your temple, and if you could, you'd choose to stay in this position, just basking in all the warmth he could offer and all the kisses he'd get to spoil you with.

"I have a surprise for you."

"What is it?" You whisper back at him. Then, he's pulling away, a hesitant look on his face.

You looked at him, confused, asking, "Is there something wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong! It's just that, Nurse Aliah told me you're not really fond of these, but, I was hoping if…" Wooyoung trails off, and then he takes something out of the small bag that he brought with him. "...can you please, wear them for me, just this time?"

In his hand was a case, and when he opened it, you saw a pair of glasses.

Your breath hitches.

"Is this—h-how were you able to—Woo, I-"

Unbeknownst to you, you were panicking, and Wooyoung was doing all his best to calm you off the overwhelming feeling encapsulating you.

When you've calmed down, he proceeds to ask again, "Will you wear them for me, love?" in a much softer voice.

You nod your head, tears brushing your cheeks, while smiling hard and mumbling a few yeses.

"Thank you, my pretty girl," Wooyoung says, showering you with butterfly kisses, prompting giggles out of you.

"Are you ready?" Wooyoung asks before you take the glasses out of its case. Nodding eagerly as a reply, you put them on, unable to control the blinking of your eyes as they adjust.

An immense feeling grows in your chest, your words stuck in your throat when you finally get to look at Wooyoung and see what his gorgeous eyes are colored in. When you asked him what color they were, he told you they were brown, the same as yours.

Minutes later, as soon as Wooyoung sees you're all set, he pulls you up from your bed, helps you wear your shoes, and then guides you every step until you're sitting in your wheelchair.

Turns out it was blue—your wheelchair. And blue is such a pretty color, you think. Though, after seeing the color of Wooyoung's eyes, you think nothing could ever compare with it.

—

It was your first time being able to see the garden with the stars present, twinkling up above.

Wearing the special glasses that Wooyoung has gifted you, you can't help but cry at the overwhelming colors filling your vision.

Wooyoung and Nurse Aliah told you that it won't make you see all the colors the world is painted in, but at least it was no longer just black, white, and gray—the three same colors your world was revolving in.

Another surprise welcomes you hard when you notice the transformation the garden had to go through with all the fairy lights hanging from each tree.

Green—a color you know that dominates the earth. You are so delighted to be able to see such a refreshing and tranquil color. A color you wouldn't mind looking at forever.

"Did you do all of this for me?" You ask Wooyoung in between shivers, that the latter had to stop wheeling you from behind for a minute. He crouches down in front of you, tightening the jacket around you, and sensing that it isn't enough to shield you from the cold nightly breeze, he takes off his own and puts it on you.

"Hmm, though I did ask Nurse Aliah and a few others for help. Do I look like I could pull off this surprise by myself?"

"Of course not." You playfully scoff.

"I know I asked, but I can't help but feel offended."

Laughter filled the rest of the path you took toward the very bright evergreen tree in the far distance. The sound of the crickets and the luminous moonlight accompanied you two as well.

"Is that—are we having a picnic?" You gasped, spotting a blanket lying over the green grass, a basket, and a set of empty plates over it. You think you even see a bottle of your favorite drink peeking out of the basket.

"Yes, we are, pretty." Wooyoung responds, but then something else catches your attention that you almost want to abandon your wheelchair and just say, 'fuck it,' and run.

You realize that not only fairy lights hang from the evergreen tree, but also pictures.

When you get nearer, you feel your heartbeat becoming louder. And when the wheelchair halts—Wooyoung carrying you afterward towards the area he set for you two—you were able to see the pictures much closer.

At first, all you see were the different flowers Wooyoung captured in his camera—they were a myriad of colors; pink, blue, red, and purple.

You found purple to be the loveliest.

"Is that—?" You turn your head to Woooyoung as your finger points to a certain picture of two people.

Wooyoung only nods.

It was a picture of you and your Nurse Aliah. Bright smiles graced your lips. Your arms were around each other and you were wearing your cap which surprisingly is colored purple as well.

Maybe, Nurse Aliah knew that purple was bound to replace gray as your favorite color in the long run, and the color didn't disappoint you at the very least.

"Thank you," You tell Wooyoung as he puts you down on the blanket. Everything looks magical. Like a scene pulled out from a movie, a scene you didn't expect to live out.

And just when you thought Wooyoung's surprise had reached its end, you thought wrong when he handed you a photo album. Well, it looked more identical to a scrapbook, with your name on the cover formed using cutout magazine letters.

When you open it, you see a short letter written on the first page with what seems to be Wooyoung's penmanship. From his penmanship alone, you could identify what his personality is like. And you thought it was endearing.

However, when you flipped to the next page, your eyes widened, breath hitching as your gaze stayed fixed on the very first picture pasted on.

It was that picture Wooyoung took that got you so caught off guard. The one he so adamantly tried to hide from you.

One of the candid photos he took pride in—you with your eyes staring wide at the camera, your mouth ajar, the pencil you were holding slipping out of your grip mid-air.

You were quite shy to admit it but you now understand why Wooyoung said it was for his eyes only.

It was a pretty picture.

—

Deeper into the night, Wooyoung finds himself running his fingers through your hair while you're laying your head on his lap, watching the stars dance in the endless obsidian sky.

Having you close like this, he gets to realize how frail you appear to be, one touch and he fears you'll break. A second of looking away from you and he's afraid you'll slip away from the clutch he has on you.

But then, there was your smile, ever blinding, and it made him think there was nothing wrong. That this was simply a storm passing by and that tomorrow a rainbow shall greet him from the bluish sky.

"Ask me again, Y/N," He asks after a while of comfortable silence, you merely humming back, eyes questioning him with what he means by that.

"Ask me the same question you asked me a month ago."

And just like that, bliss danced in your irises, but then you sat up a little bit too fast that it worried Wooyoung for a bit. However, the joy in your face never seemed to fade, and that was enough to reassure him that you didn't experience any pain of some sort.

"What color am I to you, Woo?" You paraphrased the question you dropped on him a month ago, one he couldn't answer yet. But now, he thinks he got it all memorized.

"My dear Y/N, if you were a color," He starts, leaning in towards you, his hands cupping your face and then he's resting his forehead against yours. "You'd be every color in the rainbow."

To Wooyoung, you were purple—a color that's meant for uniqueness and the artistic side of life, which you surely have running in your blood. Purple was a color that could relax the overall senses, which is why it's no surprise to him that it was now your favorite color.

Although, he believes you're also blue—not the feeling, though. Blue was a perfect color to describe your calm demeanor to others. Just like the feeling one gets from looking at the sky—breathtaking, pure, serene, and easy to look at. Wooyoung thinks he gets all of that just from a single glance at you.

But then you're also green. Softness and growth. In the short amount of time, he got the privilege to spend with you, he knows you've become more open to everything. You've once told him about what your past looked like and to be honest? He thinks you've started to learn to let go of the painful parts that once scarred you—like a leaf falling from the tree and letting the air carry it to anywhere it'd take it.

Yellow and orange are colors that represent joy and energy—you exude both. Wooyoung sees a certain glow in you, and he thinks Nurse Aliah will agree with him if he claims that the energy you possess is one of a kind, something that needs to be shared with everyone else.

A glow that gravitates people towards you.

And maybe that was one of the reasons that made Wooyoung stumble his way to you that very day you two first met.

Will you end up believing him if he said that that project was something he was forced to do? Wooyoung had never even touched a single camera until that day. And looking at how bright his world looks right now in front of him, he's glad he decided to do it.

"And lastly, you're red. You radiate passion and warmth, Y/N," Wooyoung tells you, never breaking away his gaze from you, and not caring if he ends up cross-eyed.

"You are love itself, and every day I wake up beyond grateful that I'm one of those people whom you've decided to share a piece of yourself with."

"Woo…" You say, already sniffling, while he's now finding it hard to see through his tears.

"Can I…Can I kiss you?" He asks, his hands shaking.

"You'll probably be my first and last-"

Wooyoung cuts you off with the tender feeling of his lips capturing yours in a kiss that was messy and frantic at first, like time was chasing you away, and was salty with all the tears. But then, every brush of your lips against his' turns into something sweet, making his insides flutter and his heart beat like he just ran a mile. Wooyoung feels warm all over as one of his hands found your waist, the other delicately holding your chin, and if he could wish for one thing, he would love to wish for this moment right here to stop as it is.

But the thing is, he can't.

He knows any moment now, an endless slumber shall find you. And if he can, he would like not to waste any remaining second he's got with you left.

"Woo, I'm tired," Wooyoung hears you say in a small voice after a while, a yawn escaping your lips and your eyes getting droopy.

He gently lifts you, placing you on his lap while letting your head rest in the crook of his neck. And then he's wrapping his arms around your body layered with jackets, cradling you like a baby.

"Woo?" He hears you speak once again. He hums back in response.

"Look at me, please?" You plead in a soft voice which almost breaks his heart there and then. But he looks at you, and when he does, he thinks he saw your eyes shine with the littlest spark it could still muster to show.

"Your eyes are really pretty," You say. Wooyoung looks away, fearing you'll see him cry. And he doesn't want you to go after seeing him in that state. Instead, he hugs you a little tighter.

"The sky is a witness to how grateful I am to have crossed paths with you, I hope you know…just how lucky I am and how happy I feel right now," You say with a contented sigh, and based on the way your cheek moved against his skin, he knows you're smiling right now.

But it turns out you weren't finished.

"My life was dull and repetitively the same until you came along with all your colors. Thank you for letting me feel how love feels like, I love you…and I'd like to believe I'll still do until we meet again."

That was the last time he heard your voice drifting in the wind before the chirping of the crickets increased tenfold.

"I love you, too, always, my pretty girl." Wooyoung gets to say before his entire body stills, your last intake of breath reaching his ears and your last exhale fanning his neck.

And then he's shaking, another batch of tears washing over him as he cries silently, slowly rocking your body with his, back and forth, and dropping soft kisses on the top of your head.

I don't want you wasting your tears on me, please.

He hears at the back of his head, bringing him back to the moment he saw you so fragile-looking for the first time.

Wooyoung actually got to talk with your doctor, Dr. Lee, that day. Dr. Lee had told him that it was considered a miracle, how you lasted for a month when he thought you'd only have a week left after the both of you saw the latest condition of your heart—only seeming to get weaker as each day passed.

Now, Wooyoung wasn't one to assume things, but he would like to think that you held out for him, all because you wanted to ask what color you were to him.

"If I were a color, what color would I be, Woo?"

"That's a question I can't answer after just a day of knowing you, Y/N." He answers truthfully. "How about I'll get back to you after a month?"

And you did wait for a month. Wooyoung would like to say it was a stupid reason but, he's glad you asked him that. And he's even glad that you were able to hear his answer to your question before you closed your eyes.

Somehow, it brought him peace.

—

Entering your room, Wooyoung feels nothing but emptiness, the joyful energy you once radiated, is now nowhere to be found—but the memories he got to share with you linger on.

Earlier, he volunteered to tidy your room and your things when Nurse Aliah asked, and now as he's walking near your bedside table, he spots something peeking out of the sketchbook you always used to carry with you to the garden. The sketchbook you didn't let him take a peek even once.

Wooyoung grabs it, and he lets out a sound of surprise when something falls out of the pages, dropping onto the floor. Crouching down, he picks up the bunch of paper and sees there are two drawings and two handwritten letters.

He takes the drawing you made for him—a sketch of him while he's holding the camera to his face—and the letter addressed to him. Then, he puts the ones that are for Nurse Aliah back on the table.

Wooyoung takes his time admiring every stroke and shade you've made while sitting on your bed.

Now he understands why you wouldn't let him peek even just a tiny bit.

Wooyoung feels his heart soaring because you drew him.

And it was a pretty drawing.

Wooyoung sniffs, putting the drawing on the bed and picking up the letter you wrote for him this time.

Frankly, he isn't sure if he's ready to read it, especially since your passing is still fresh in his mind and his heart is still hurting.

But then again, when will he ever be brave enough to read it alone? Wooyoung thinks reading it inside the room you once resided in will ease him even just a little bit, although he can't promise that he won't cry again.

And so, after a deep exhale, he opens your letter.

One look at the first line and Wooyoung finds himself breaking down for the nth time.

My dearest Woo,

Hi! I'll be honest with you, I wasn't really sure how to start this letter, but then I thought, what if I told you a story first? You like stories right? I hope you do. Anyway, here it goes.

Once upon a time, there was a little fairy. Now, this fairy was unlike any other fairy—she didn't have wings. (I know what you're probably thinking; why is she a fairy if she doesn't have wings? But cut me some slack, will you? This is probably why I should stick to drawing, which I hope you saw first, by the way.) Since she didn't have wings, she couldn't fly. And because she couldn't fly, she felt like she was always left behind, always feeling like an outcast that she almost resented herself for being born. Why wasn't she like normal fairies? She always finds herself asking.

Right when she thought all hope was lost for her, she met this boy. A boy who had no wings but was still able to fly. Of course, the fairy was in awe and disbelief, and so, she asked the boy, "How are you able to fly without wings?"

The boy grins at her and says, "Wings? Who says they're the only thing that could make you fly when pixie dust exists?"

"Pixie dust? What is that?" The fairy asks, and then the boy shows him a bag filled with golden-colored dust, which he pours into her hands.

"Sprinkle it all over you and think happy thoughts, then you'll be able to fly just like me," The boy says, and without hesitation, the fairy follows his words.

And when she did, she found her tiny feet slowly lifting off the ground. "I'm flying!" She exclaimed with great joy. After that, she became friends with the boy and together they soared to greater heights. But nothing ever lasts, don't they? Soon, the boy had to leave her, but before he left, he gave her another bag of pixie dust and promised to come back looking for her as long as she continued to think happy thoughts.

However, the time came when the pixie dust ran out, and the fairy had lost her glow and was unable to think of happy thoughts. In the end, her life ended before she could even know if the boy didn't really plan on coming back, or if he simply wasn't able to find her. The end.

Whew, what a story!

I don't know if it made sense to you, Woo. But I think, what I'm trying to say is, I want to make things lighter by saying that, in that story, the fairy was me, and you were the boy who gave me hope. Although, I'd also like to believe that our ending will be slightly different from theirs. We both know that I don't have much time left, we do. And which is why, I'm hoping that before I rest, I'll still be with you long enough to let you feel how much I adore and appreciate you.

The thing is, being born with achromatopsia was already sufferable enough for my younger self. And then, imagine, my doctor comes in one day and tells me I also have problems with my heart and that my days are numbered.

Of course, I became miserable, who wouldn't? I felt like the world caved in on me. During that time, I only had Nurse Aliah and I even shut her out. I thought life was so unfair, because why did I have to go through something I didn't even wish to have while other people my age were living the life I could've lived?

But of course with Nurse Aliah not giving up on me and encouraging me to do the same, I outgrew that phase, or so I thought.

I was a work in progress when lo and behold, you jumpscared me with your camera and affinity for the word pretty. Have I told you how giddy it makes me feel and how blushy I get when you call me that? No? Well, now you know.

Wooyoung, despite all the loudness and wonderful chaos you entailed, you became my peace. Just like how the scratchy sound of the pencil's nib against my sketchbook brought me comfort, so did the sound of your camera shutter.

Did you know that right before the moment you decided to enter my life, I was deeply yearning for something brand new? Well, that yearning was fulfilled, because that something brand new, became you, Wooyoung. In case you haven't realized yet. (But of course, I know you do!)

By the time you read this, I'm probably, well, gone…but I'd like to think I'll be among the stars twinkling in the night sky, trying to get your attention by shining the brightest while you're staring out of your window. (Please, say hi back to me!)

Just like what I said, don't waste your tears again on me, okay? My dear Wooyoung, promise me you'll only smile when you think of me, please. I don't want to cause my favorite people any form of sadness or any kind of pain.

Truth is, I…I don't really wanna go. After meeting you, I suddenly wasn't sure if I was ready to leave everything, especially you, behind, just yet.

But then again, we can never always have what we want right? It's bittersweet, but that's life for you. I'm just so, so glad that this weak heart of mine was still able to beat for you.

I love you, more than you'll ever know.

Forever and always your pretty girl,

Y/N

P.S. When will you ever show me those pictures you've taken of me, huh?

— ☁️

[rainydaydream-gal18]

(The Bad Batch) Crosshair x Reader: In My Dreams

The Bad Batch is finally enjoying a time of peace and even some relaxation.  Things are going well, but then you catch a glimpse of someone unexpected.

Word count: 821

Warnings: Angst, Spoilers for the Bad Batch S2 episode “Pabu.”

Sequel can be found HERE: More Than a Dream

   A warm breeze blew in through the window, ruffling the long, sheer curtains.  You breathed out a sigh at the sound of a wind chime softly tinkling.  Shifting around on the mattress to get more comfortable, you let your tired mind wander.

   Pabu had turned out to be quite the place to relax and kick back.  You hadn’t seen your teammates look so happy in a long time, if ever.  It brought out a different side in each and every one of you.  There were so many smiles, sighs, and much laughter.

   The decision to stay and help rebuild lower Pabu wasn’t a hard one.  The people had been so kind and hospitable to you all, and after the sea surge, the Batch felt it was the right thing to do.

   Sleep finally claimed you.  With the sound of the ocean pushing and pulling against the shore, and insects chirping outside, your eyes fell shut.

   Cold.

   It was bitter cold.

   Teeth chattered.  Hands trembled.  Your body ached, and you could scarcely move.  Squinting through the harsh white landscape, there was nothing to be found.  No structures.  No people.  It was just ice and snow.

   Then you saw his face.  His eyes.  

   It was an expression that you’d never seen on him before.  His gaze was narrowed in the ferocious snowfall, in determination, but they widened every now and then with something akin to fear as he glanced down at his companion who had become a mere limp body that he ushered on.  His chest rose and fell deeply as if each breath absolutely pained him.

   You called his name.  Screamed it.  But your voice couldn’t be heard over the wailing winds.

   Drawing in a sharp breath, you jolted from the nightmare with a start.  Relief washed over you when the only sounds that could be heard were that little wind chime outside and the sea in the distance.  The air was mellow and soothing on your skin.

   Even so, a hollow feeling settled in your chest.  The dream was still too near.

   You rested your head back down on the pillow, feeling salty tears slip down your cheek.  No one was around to hear your cries, so for once you indulged in the release.  Your clutched the pillow closer 

   “Why are you crying?” a familiar, raspy, yet soothing voice sounded just behind you.

   “I had a bad dream,” you sobbed.  “I saw you.  You were cold, and it was dark, and…”

   An arm slipped around your waist.  He drew you closer so that your back was against his chest, and your eyes fell shut as his warmth enveloped you.  A shaky sigh filled the room as you pressed even closer.

   “It was just that,” he uttered quietly, his slender fingers brushing your arm, “a dream.”

   Your lashes fluttered as drowsiness crept its way back in.  “I’m glad you’re here.  I’ve been worried about you.”

  He didn’t respond to that.  Silence fell between the two of you, and you took the opportunity to simply focus on the deep, slow breaths he took that were no longer pained like they had been in your dream.

   “Go back to sleep,” he murmured.  But you were already halfway there.

  You awoke to golden sunlight pouring in, casting bright shapes along the floor leading up to your bedroll.  There was no desire to stay curled up under the covers for long as the temperature had already begun its late-morning climb.

   “Cross?  What time is it?”  You reached over to feel nothing but the crumpled sheet.  That’s when the memories started pouring in.  

   Oh.  Right.  Crosshair was still gone…

   Your heart sank, yet you found yourself almost chuckling.  It’s funny how a couple of dreams could erase all of that for a short time.  It’s funny just how far hope can go.  Rising from the bedroll, you stretched and folded the linens for later use.

   When you arrived on the balcony for breakfast, it appeared that the rest of your squad and their hosts were nearly done with the meal.

   “Hey!  Look who decided to join us!” Wrecker laughed.  “Mornin’, sleepyhead!”

   “That’s rather amusing coming from you,” Tech retorted, adjusting his goggles.  Omega held up her hands to hide a giggle.  It was true, Wrecker was almost always the last one up.

   “Rough night?” Hunter asked sympathetically as you took the empty seat beside him.  You smoothed out your clothes and fixed your hair quickly.

  “Just some weird dreams,” you replied, waving off his concern casually.  You turned your attention to the beautiful spread of fruits and pastries that adorned the table.  “Wow, this looks great.”

   “It tastes great!” Wrecker muttered through a mouthful of food.  “You’ve got to try some of those apples.”

   You brushed off the last of your uneasiness about the dreams and smiled, glad to start another lovely day on Pabu with your squad.

   But the hope that remained wasn't so easily discarded.

[finnarcher7]

Riley is worried that Jack has a death wish ever since Mac had quit a few months ago.

Jack woke to the sound of the steady beeping of his heart monitor and the muffled sniffling of someone nearby. His head throbbed in sync with his heartbeat, each pulse sending a fresh wave of agony through his skull. He cracked his eyes open carefully and groaned, the too-bright light in his room piercing his vision like twin daggers stabbing into his brain.

He heard someone moving around, the soft rustle of clothing and the quiet padding of feet. Then, a familiar female voice broke through the haze of his pain.

“Is that better?” Riley asked softly, her voice tender and full of concern.

Jack cracked his eyes open experimentally once more, finding the pain much more bearable as the harsh light dimmed slightly.

“Ri?” Jack questioned, his voice rough and scratchy, each word scraping against his throat.

“How are you feeling?” the hacker asked, her voice wavering with barely suppressed emotion.

“I’m alright,” Jack answered, though his voice lacked conviction.

As his vision cleared, Jack could see the telltale signs of tears on Riley’s face. Her eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, a stark contrast to her usual composed demeanor. It was clear she had been crying for some time.

“Ri, what’s wrong?” the older agent asked worriedly, his stomach dropping with fear. Had something happened to Mac? Nigeria wasn’t exactly the safest country, and the kid was like a magnet for trouble.

“Do you have a death wish or something?” Riley asked, her voice a mixture of anger and desperation.

“What?” Jack furrowed his brow, unsure of what she was saying.

“Ever since Mac left, you’ve been volunteering for every dangerous mission at the Phoenix. You almost died, Jack. If that bullet had been just a few millimeters over, you would have.” Riley wiped at her damp cheeks with both hands, her fingers trembling.

He had never seen Riley this emotional before. It was very uncharacteristic of her, and it tore at his heart to see the tears freely flowing down her beautiful face.

Riley had been in the War Room as tech support for the mission and had seen it all happen live in high-definition clarity. The drone captured the very moment her father figure took two rounds to his vest, one to the shoulder, and a deep graze above his left ear. She had watched in horror and screamed as he collapsed to the ground, blood pouring from the deep groove that had been carved out by the bullet on the side of his head. Her laptop clattered to the floor and she covered her face unable to look at the bloody form of Jack as he laid there lifeless.

She had thought she had just watched him die, and the scene kept replaying over and over in her mind. The hacker had broken down so much that Matty had to have Jill take over for Riley for the remainder of the mission.

This was the second time since Mac left that Jack had had a near miss and had woken up in Phoenix Medical. Jack hadn’t handled Mac’s absence and lack of communication very well. Each ignored call and unanswered message felt like a fresh wound, deepening his sense of abandonment.

Did Mac even care about Jack anymore? It certainly didn’t appear so. All his attempts at contact were met with silence, as if Mac wanted nothing to do with him, and that hurt the older agent deeply.

Maybe he had been playing a little fast and loose with his life since Mac left. The reckless behavior, the constant need to throw himself into danger—it was all a way to numb the pain, to fill the void Mac had left behind.

"I love you, Jack… I can’t lose you again, so I need you to be a lot more careful, okay?" Riley’s voice broke, and she swiped another tear off her face.

“I know how important Mac is to you, but you are important to me.”

Jack’s eyes teared up with his girls admission.

“I love you too, honey… I’ll do my best, okay?”

[the-masked-ram]

Apple Cinnamon Tea- Sero x Reader Love Letter Comm

A/N: This is a love letter comm for the wonderful @potionpeddlerpatchy who sent me a little bit of help in my time of need CW: first pov (from Sero's perspective), fem reader, reader prefers tea, otherwise just pure sweet fluff --- To the one who will always hold my heart,

When I first saw you, my gaze skipped right by. I thought nothing more than you were another beautiful girl who wouldn’t give me the time of day. That I would watch as you were wooed over by one of the others even as I tried to put myself out there.

It was easy to say I wouldn’t try. It wasn’t so easy controlling myself. Especially that first time you showed me a smile, so honest and easy and I had no ability to do anything but smile right back. It was like you pulled it from my very soul. Something I so naturally do anyway, but you made it brighter, made it bigger, and made it even more natural. I knew then I had no hope of keeping my distance.

I found myself seeking you out in every crowd. Searching for the brightness you brought to others around. Every time you laughed my ears would hone in on the sound, like I had a quirk specifically made just for you. It wasn’t until I saw you with Bakugou at the gala, though, that I realized I’d never be okay just giving up. I had to at least try.

I should never have been so nervous. I knew how to flirt, how to date, I’d done it before, both unsuccessfully and successfully. Yet, with you, I felt like a newborn fawn who couldn’t get their legs under them. It was frustrating because I couldn’t take that first step. All I could do was greet you, smile, and bask in that little giggle you’d give me as you turned back to the task at hand.

It was easy to find reasons to go to the hero company you worked with. It was harder to find a reason to stop by your desk. You weren’t anyone big, anyone ‘important’ in the eyes of the public. But that didn’t matter to me. So, the first day I managed to work up the nerve to stop by with two cups, one with coffee for me and the other with the apple cinnamon tea I’d seen you drink occasionally, in my hand; that surprised smile you gifted me with was enough to cause my heart to spasm. It was like having the breath punched out of me.

Damn, you were beautiful. You smiled and tilted your head in innocent curiosity. You didn’t want to assume, or perhaps it really was you didn’t realize how much I liked you. Your smile only brightened, to near blinding levels, when I placed the tea on your desk.

I asked you if you’d like to get a drink. You laughed, fully, deeply, from somewhere within your chest that flowed out from your body and into the surrounding room. The sound warmed my skin.

“Didn’t you just bring me some?” you asked, that laugh still making your words light and easy.

That softness you spoke with melted into the way you looked at me too. It burned away the nerves that were twisting my stomach, instead I just grinned widely, I went with it. I found my feet under me, and I wondered why I’d been so anxious all along.

“Yeah, I did,” I remembered saying, I recalled raising my cup to hide the flush burning across my cheeks. “But that’s just insurance. You can’t say no to stepping into the break room for a few minutes to share a cup, right?”

There was a flash of mischief in your eyes, something that fractured the sweetness you so often relied upon. It was a hint of something I would uncover later. Something I would learn about as I peeled back layers of your personality. I wanted to learn everything about you, I wanted to learn who you were, what made you like that, and what you loved. I wanted to learn every flaw and perfection you had. I thought maybe that was what love was. Did I love you?

I knew I cared about you, that I was interested in you, but did I love you? Seeing you take a sip of your tea, seeing you relish the warmth and spices, I decided it was the most likely outcome. That me… a clumsy man, a hero who didn’t even make the top ten, someone who had always been in the background, loved you, and hoped to catch your eye.

That smile never left your face but for a moment it seemed to deepen, something seemed to shine from within it. There was an expectation that waited beneath the surface.

Finally, you said, “Are you asking me on a date, Sero?”

My heart jumped, my blood rushed in my ears, and my breath caught in my chest. I tried so hard to be cool, to be relaxed and not let you see me flustered. It was a futile fight.

A laugh escaped my chest, one I couldn’t capture before it broke free. It slipped through my grasping fingers like sand through a strainer. It was airy, awkward, and hopeful. It matched my smile, the one that was often cocky and sneaky just as often as it was bright and confident, yet now it was nervous at the thought of being uncovered. Even though I knew this was what I came in for… that this was what I had planned to happen, I still wished I had the chance to back out without getting egg all over my face.

It wasn’t possible now, and though I was so often cool and confident in so many hard circumstances, you made me feel like a puddle of wobbling Jell-O. I rubbed an anxious hand across the back of my neck and nodded. “Yeah, yeah I am. What do you say?” I asked.

I remember that day like it was yesterday. Because that was the first time you said yes to me, that was the first time I got what I wanted selfishly and didn’t step aside like had so many times before. And now… now it has turned to today, when I’m holding that velvet box in my pocket as I ask you out to dinner later. So, I can ask you a much bigger question under the glitter of the stars.

-Always yours,

Sero

[sweetestofchaos]

TOTW Chapter 2

paring: ot7 x oc!hybrid rating/genre/au: Teen, Angst, Fluff, Parent AU, Hybrid AU, Non-Idol AU warnings: Panic Attacks, Crying, Strong Language, Implied Sexual Intercourse (m/m), Mentions of Nudity, Mentions of Child Abandonment, Mentions of Death,  Alpaca!Seokjin, Pied-Bellied Shield Tail Snake!Yoongi, Human!Namjoon, Human!Hoseok, Human!Jimin, Human!Taehyung, Kangaroo!Jungkook, Quoll!OC wc: 5K

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu

a/n: @quirkybtsarmy​ and @namjinsmoonchile​ are my wonderful betas for this chapter. Thanks for working with me!

taglist: @elliedearest​

series masterlist 🌻character profiles

previous II next

The moment Seokjin got back to South Korea; he knew something was wrong. His skin felt itchy, his heart was beating harder in his chest, and he had this yarning for his nest. Once he was safely inside his nest, Seokjin started to sink quickly. Something was wrong, very wrong. He started to sweat and the high-pitched hee-haw wail that came from his mouth alerted Jungkook that Seokjin was in trouble. Jungkook rushed to Yoongi’s room and explained that Seokjin was sounding the alarm and he didn’t know why. Yoongi’s alpha felt uneasy, did someone break in while they were away? He didn’t smell any unknown scents. Did he miss something?

“Did he say what was wrong?” Yoongi pressed and Jungkook shook his head.

“N-No! He was in the nest, doing his thing and the next minute he’s-”

Jungkook’s words are drowned out by Seokjin’s wails of distress as Yoongi runs down the steps. His eyes flash a bright yellow as his alpha pushes to the surface and upon seeing Yoongi, Seokjin starts to cry. Big fat tears roll down his face and his skin starts to get splotchy making Yoongi worry even more. Something is clearly, very wrong.

“Hey, hey…” Yoongi stands at the edge of the nest, pulling his shirt off, over his head while Jungkook does the same. “Omega, hey.” Yoongi calls out to Seokjin trying to get his attention but it’s no use. Seokjin is muttering to himself, his words hard to understand between his hee-hawing and shaky breaths.

“What’s going on?” Taehyung’s voice sounds from the lower level by the steps and soon footfall tracks up the steps. “Hyung?”

Seokjin is frantic, his movements rushed and panicked as he rearranges the main nest. His eyes dart back and forth as if he’s looking for something and can’t find it.

“Jinnie Hyung…” Yoongi takes a step down into the nest and Seokjin’s eyes are on him. His pupils are blown wide, making his eyes appear almost completely black. “Hyung, what's wrong? Tell Alpha what you need.” The scales on Yoongi’s chest and biceps catch in the lighting, reflecting a colorful iridescent rainbow across Seokjin’s face and Seokjin shakes his head. “Tell Alpha what’s wrong, okay? Alpha will fix it, promise.” Yoongi starts to push out his laundry scent, trying his best to not let the stale and brunt scent of Seokjin’s distress force his hand.

“It’s all w-wrong. All wrong, s-she won’t like i-it!” Seokjin stumbles over his words as he cries, and Yoongi knows right away who she is.

“We can remake the nest, Hyung.”

“No!” Seokjin screams and throws a pillow at Yoongi as he tries to move farther into the nest. “Out! Get out!” Seokjin’s whole body is shaking, he doesn’t understand. This is more than needing to fix the nest, this is something, so much, more. Seokjin runs a hand through his hair, his scent pouring out in harsh waves, burning Jungkook and Yoongi’s nose.

“Hyung…” Hoseok’s voice is soft as he speaks up, clutching onto Jungkook’s arm. “Can we come into the nest?” He’s never seen Seokjin like this, and he hates it.

A wave of pain wraps around Seokjin’s stomach and squeezes tightly making him gasp and whine as he clutches his stomach.

“Get in here, now!” Yoongi orders the two betas, and they are by Seokjin’s side. Jungkook pulls Seokjin’s face into the crook of his neck, forcing the older male to inhale his strong scent of smoky firewood while Hoseok smooths his hand up and down Seokjin’s back. The faint scent of milk, no. Maybe heavy cream catches Yoongi’s attention and all the blood drains from his face.

He stumbles backwards out of the nest and Taehyung is quick to catch him in his arms before Yoongi falls. “Hyung?” Taehyung helps Yoongi straighten up and everyone is looking at the pack alpha.

“He…fuck!” Yoongi rakes a hand down over his face. “He imprinted on the kid.”

“What?”

“Huh?”

“Oh, Hyung.” 

Jungkook hugs Seokjin tightly and pulls him down onto his side so that they are laying together. Hoseok molds himself to Seokjin’s back after he pulls his shirt off and lets his body heat soak into Seokjin’s shirt. 

“What does that mean?” Taehyung prompts. He knows a lot about hybrids, but he’s never read about imprinting.

Yoongi pinches the bridge of his nose, how the hell did this happen? Seokjin was only around Imani for an hour tops. “Hoba and Kookie, I need the two of you to stay with Seokjinie hyung, okay? Soothe him any way that you can, fuck him if need be…actually that’s the only way that will most likely work.”

“What is going on, Hyung?” Hoseok asks, his face twisted in confusion.

“I need to call Namjoon. I’ll explain everything when I’m done.” Yoongi rushes to his room with Taehyung hot on his heels while Yoongi calls Namjoon. Taehyung sits on Yoongi’s bed while Yoongi paces back and forth. He’s been around a handful of omega parents, and they all have that milky undertone to their scent. He knows that omegas are prone to imprinting on children that aren’t their own but it’s a very rare action. If Seokjin has imprinted on Imani, then Yoongi can only imagine how the little girl is suffering in Seokjin’s absence. 

“Are you all packed up?” Namjoon walks into Jimin’s hotel room and sees that the smaller man is pulling a hat onto his head. Jimin smiles at Namjoon and nods his head, the silver earring dangling from his ears swaying with his movement. “Come on, the car is waiting for us downstairs.” Namjoon walks ahead and opens the front door, holding it open so Jimin can exit first with his luggage. Closing the door behind himself, Namjoon throws his backpack over his shoulder and quickly grabs Jimin’s large suitcase before they reach the elevators.

Jimin licks his lips and leans into Namjoon’s side as they wait for the doors to open. “Do you think Imani will be okay?” Jimin wonders with a pout on his lips. He heard how badly Seokjin was handling not being with Imani and he was worried for the little girl. Namjoon shakes his head with a frown.

“Her symptoms weren’t that bad when I saw her. I think Imani will shift if she sees Seokjin, honestly. Though her caretaker explained to me that since Yoongi is the pack alpha, he can force a shift if need be.”

“What? No! Yoongi isn’t going to force anything,” Jimin glares up at Namjoon. “That little girl has been through enough. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be forced to shift if she doesn’t feel comfortable with us…”

The elevator doors open and Jimin steps in, holding the door as Namjoon wheels the suitcase on. The doors close and Namjoon steps closer to Jimin.

“Hey,” Namjoon grips Jimin’s chin between his fingers gently, forcing him to look up. “No one is going to hurt her anymore. The best we can do is show Imani that she’s safe and give her all the love we can, okay?”

Jimin sighs and steps into Namjoon’s space, wrapping his arms around Namjoon’s waist. “I just want her to be happy again.” Jimin’s confession pulls at Namjoon’s hearts, and he silently agrees as the elevator starts to sink down to the main floor.

“Don’t worry, Jimin. Give her time and she’ll come around…don’t forget we still have a lot of work to do before the adoption is finalized.”

The elevator doors open, and Namjoon lets Jimin out first before he trails behind with the bags. Jimin drops his key off at the front desk and together, the two mates head outside to the car waiting to take them to the airport. Jimin’s group of dancers came in second place at the competition and left yesterday. Jimin stayed with Namjoon to keep him company while he handled some of the paperwork for Imani’s adoption. As much as Jimin would love to take Imani home with them today, she has not been cleared to leave the orphanage just yet. Mister Fentin told Namjoon that since Imani and Seokjin have imprinted on each other there are a few tests that need to happen. Plus, he would also like to stop by Imani’s home to grab a few things to make sure her transition into their life goes smoothly.

Once they touch down in South Korea, Jimin knows that he will jump into whatever project hasn’t been completed at the house. Having just finished such a major dance competition, Jimin has a few days off, which he will take full advantage of. At the airport, Jimin thinks over the different things that Namjoon has told him about Imani. Her mother was a Broadway singer and Jimin took it upon himself to look into who Lisa Jackson was. Jimin was impressed, the woman was not only pretty but her voice was so strong and spoke to his heart. Her cover of ‘Gravity’ from Wicked made Jimin breakout in goosebumps and when he listened to ‘I’m Here’ from The Color Purple, Jimin cried so much that Namjoon thought something was wrong.

Namjoon is sound asleep beside Jimin on the plane while Jimin sits with headphones on. He listens to more of Lisa’s singing, this time it’s a seven-track ep of lullabies that has been dedicated to her daughter Imani. She covers ‘Golden Slumbers’ by The Beatles and Jimin commits it to his memory, this is a song that he can sing to Imani himself. Somewhere in the middle of a song, Jimin nods off and his head falls onto Namjoon’s shoulder. The flight is long, fifteen hours and when Jimin is woken up by Namjoon a thought crosses his mind. Will Imani be okay on this long of a flight? Has she ever flown in the air before? In the airport, Jimin waits beside Namjoon looking for their baggage through his black on black Gucci sunglasses. Namjoon’s phone goes off and he steps back away from all the noise to answer Taehyung’s call.

Jimin spots their baggage and quickly grabs everything before he has to chase after it. Namjoon comes back with a smile on his face, and he again takes Jimin’s suitcase, giving him the carryon bags instead. Jimin leads the way towards the front of the airport and Namjoon is quick to catch his attention, “Hobi hyung is waiting for us.”

Jimin nods his head and searches the crowd for Hoseok, and he spots him easily as the older male waves his hands from his spot sitting on the hood of his car, his hair now a striking red color.

“Found him!” Jimin points in Hoseok’s direction and Namjoon grins happy to see a familiar face. “Hyung! Hobi hyung!” Jimin calls out and Hoseok’s waves increase in speed making Namjoon and Jimin laugh together. “Come on!” Jimin rushes forward and Namjoon follows, pulling the suitcases along behind.

Jimin reaches Hoseok first and his hands shoot right into Hoseok’s hair. “It looks really good, hyung! Red is your color,” Jimin giggles as Hoseok wraps his arms around his waist.

“Yeah? You like it?” Hoseok nuzzles his nose against Jimin’s and grins. “How much do you like it?”

Jimin’s face heats up and he pushes away from Hoseok as Namjoon walks up. Namjoon kisses Hoseok’s cheek and goes towards the trunk with the suitcases. Hoseok easily pops the trunk and opens the back door for Jimin to get inside, leaving the passenger seat open for Namjoon since his legs are longer. Once everyone is inside the car, Hoseok pulls off and Namjoon yawns. His body feels heavy, and he just wants to sleep a little more.

“Did you bring something of Imani’s for Seokjinie hyung?” Hoseok questions and Jimin nods his head.

“The caseworker gave us a blanket that was in her carrier,” Namjoon explains, and Hoseok nods his head.

“How is Hyung doing?” Jimin worries and Hoseok sighs.

“I’m pretty sure I can no longer get a boner…he’s sucked down every possible baby maker in me,” Hoseok whines and Jimin laughs while Namjoon winces. “I think having Imani’s scent will help him a lot…at least that’s what Yoongi hyung explained to us. Apparently, it is extremely rare for non blood related hybrids to imprint on children and vice versa.”

“Do you think it’s because Seokjinie hyungie was there when she was scared?” Jimin muses and Namjoon shrugs his shoulders along with Hoseok.

“Well, whatever the reason, it’s expediting the whole adoption process. Mister Fentin said that keeping the two of them separated for a long period of time is detrimental to their health.” Namjoon rattles off with another yawn.

“It will work out, no worries.” Hoseok pulls onto the highway and glances in the rearview mirror at Jimin who is fighting to keep his eyes open. “Take a nap guys. They were doing road work on my way here, so we have to take a detour. Once we get home, Yoongi hyung should be done cooking lunch.”

Leading Mister Fentin up the steps, the landlord to Lisa Jackson’s apartment grumbles. He isn’t happy that the vacant apartment isn’t up for rent yet. The cops have taped it off as part of their investigation. Mister Fentin has Imani in a carrier with two officers behind him. He wants Imani to pick out her own comfort items while he packs a few essentials for Imani to take with her to South Korea. Imani will spend two to three days in a Korean hybrid orphanage while Mister Fentin works with the Min pack and a handful of other public service workers to ensure Imani will be safe and well cared for in the Min household. As much as he would love to bypass it all since Imani and the Min’s pack omega have imprinted on each other, he cannot.

The officers remove the tape off the front door of Lisa Jackson’s apartment and the landlord unlocks the door, stepping aside to hand the key to one of the officers. He announces his leave and heads back to his office on the first floor while Mister Fentin steps into the apartment and removes his shoes. Carefully, Mister Fentin sets the carrier on the floor, and he unlocks the latch, “Imani. Come out now dear.” Mister Fentin’s ears twitch as he listens to Imani sniffing the air, he smiles when she chirps loudly and darts out of the carrier. Imani wastes no time rushing from the living room to the hallway out of sight.

Mister Fentin chuckles and follows the little quoll, allowing for the child to move about the apartment freely. Imani stops in front of a closed white door and Mister Fentin opens it up fully, looking into the room slowly. Imani growls when Mister Fentin’s toe crosses the doorway and he pulls his foot back, noticing that the room is a soothing mix of lilac, cloud white and the softest pinks. The scent in the room is very faint, apple blossoms almost completely gone, and it dawns on Mister Fentin that this room must belong to Lisa. From the doorway, Mister Fentin watches as Imani scuddles towards the far end of the room where there is a fluffy white blanket tossed on top of an equally soft looking area rug. Imani curls into a little ball and chirps happily as she wiggles around getting comfortable.

“Are you going to stay here then?” Mister Fentin questions and Imani chirps in response. “Okay. I am going to grab some toys and clothes from your room. Call if you need me, dear.” Mister Fentin leaves the room and follows Imani’s faded scent of sunflowers to her room, and he smiles looking around the larger room. The walls are a light sand color that complement the sage green and blush pink accents in the room. A toddler sized bed rests against the wall, the bed frame raised one the sides while the head and footboard are curved inward to mimic a fancy sage green boat. Behind the bed hanging from the ceiling is a sage green canopy tent, the long drapes hanging around the headboard while fuzzy pink and white pillows litter the bed.

A huge fluffy cream-colored area rug in the shape of a star takes up most of the floor while toys of all shapes, sizes and colors take up even more space on the floor. The dresser is white with sage green handles and baby pink flower hand painted on the sides. Imani’s room is soft and adorned with the endless love of her mother. Mister Fentin sighs, he has no idea what he should take from this room. If it were up to him, he would send Imani’s whole home to South Korea. Looking at the artwork on the walls, Mister Fentin pulls his phone from his pocket and starts taking photos of different things. Maybe the Min pack will be willing to recreate Imani’s room or at least incorporate some of the things that she loves.

Taking his time, Mister Fentin goes to Imani’s dresser and starts pulling out a few outfits. Lisa made it easy for him, having the outfits already paired together. All Mister Fentin has to grab are socks and under garments. Setting everything on top of the dresser, Mister Fentin goes to the cubby hanging on the back of the door and he grabs four pairs of shoes for Imani to wear. Satisfied with his choices, Mister Fentin starts to pack everything away into a suitcase that he finds tucked away in Imani’s closet. He places a few of her toys in the suitcase, choosing the ones that have most of Lisa’s scent still lingering on them as well as the one that seems to be the most loved. Lifting the suitcase, Mister Fentin leaves the bedroom and walks out to the living room, placing the suitcase along the wall.

Walking around the apartment, Mister Fentin finds a stack of sticky notes and a few pens. He looks at the police officers and scratches his beard. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have some of these items sent to the Min pack once Imani is in South Korea. Having some of her mother’s things would comfort Imani in many ways. Grabbing the sticky notes, Mister Fentin starts slapping the pieces of paper onto different items with the word’s ‘sendoff’ written in black ink.

“Everything in this apartment will be put into storage, correct?” Mister Fentin double checks and the officers nod their heads. “Wonderful! I would like for someone to pack up what I’ve marked and ship it to the Min pack once the adoption is finalized.”

“What if they do not get approved?”

Mister Fentin’s ears flatten on top of his head, and he growls deep in his chest, “Irreverent. That child in the other room will go to no other pack-”

“But-”

Mister Fentin shakes his head at being interrupted. “She has imprinted on their pack omega.” The officer’s eyes widen at the news and they both smile knowing from the reports that the Min pack will take great care of Imani. “Now, back to what I was saying. Once Imani is placed into their care, I would like for everything with a note to be shipped to them. Also, a beta needs to come here and pick out a few items from the mother’s room.”

“Understood, sir.”

Mister Fentin continues to leave sticky notes throughout the apartment and once he’s done, he stands in the doorway of Lisa’s room and chirps loudly. Imani’s black ears twitch and stand pin straight at the sound and Mister Fentin chuckles.

“Come on dear, it’s time to go. Would you like to bring something back with you?” Imani yelps in distress at having to leave and Mister Fentin frowns. “I know it’s scary to leave but I promise I will be with you every step of the way.” Mister Fentin squats down and chirps twice more before Imani slowly leaves the nest made by her mother. In her mouth Imani holds onto a cream and peach knitted blanket that has her name stitched in the corner. The blanket looks well-loved and Mister Fentin wonders if Lisa made this herself while she was pregnant with Imani. “That’s it dear. Let’s get you all settled and head back, now.”

Mister Fentin lifts Imani into his arms, careful not to touch the blanket too much; even wearing scent blockers he doesn’t want to take the chance. Carefully, he sets Imani back into her carrier and makes sure she’s tucked away within the blanket before he closes the lid and nods towards the officers.

“Let’s head back, now.”

Yoongi grunts as he rolls off Seokjin, pulling the older man into his arms so that they are lying chest to chest. Seokjin hums deep in his throat and buries his nose into Yoongi’s scent gland. Yoongi sighs and inhales deeply through his nose, trying to get his heart to stop beating so fast. His hand goes to Seokjin’s head, and he starts carding his fingers through the mess of sweaty brown hair. Seokjin snuggles in closer to Yoongi, throwing one of his legs over Yoongi’s waist, pressing them even closer together. Yoongi chuckles and kisses the top of Seokjin’s head.

“Feel a little better omega?” Yoongi’s voice is rough and heavy with sleep. Five rounds with Seokjin has him ready to tap out. The lusty scent of sex and sweat is thick in the air, down below on the lower level of their home, Hoseok is thankful that he was smart enough to have Yoongi install ventilation throughout the nail salon because without it, their aroused scent would have some of his clients going crazy. Hoseok even has a few diffusers set about just to be safe.

Seokjin tucks himself into Yoongi’s body, the heat of his body making Yoongi sweat as Seokjin tries to crawl into his soul. Rolling his eyes, Yoongi smooths down Seokjin’s hair and hugs him tightly, “Get some rest, ‘mega.”

As Seokjin starts to drift to sleep, the sound of feet running on steps pulls him from his slumber along with Namjoon’s shouting. Seokjin’s eyes start to water, he is so, so tired and just wants to sleep. Yoongi hisses as Namjoon nears the nest, his blue hair wet and wild, dripping water onto his nude body that still has soap suds in some places.

“Hyung! Hyung!” Namjoon’s heart is pounding so loud, and Yoongi can smell the excitement on him.

“This better be good, Joon. Jinnie was just falling asleep.”

Namjoon grins so hard that his eyes turn into crescent moons, disappearing, and his dimples dig deep into his cheeks, “S-She shifted!”

Seokjin bolts up right at the new, smacking his head on Yoongi’s chin making the other groan in pain. Namjoon stares into Seokjin's large wet eyes and his own start to burn. Seokjin can’t form words, his throat feels like it’s clogged, and Yoongi quickly pulls Seokjin into his arms, trapping the older man between his legs.

“It’s okay…it’s okay.” Yoongi whispers in Seokjin’s ear knowing that the omega is internally freaking out at the news. Seokjin’s body starts to tremble in Yoongi’s arms and Yoongi tightens his hold the moment he feels a hot wetness splash against his skin. “Joonah…what’s going on? What made her shift?”

“Huh?” Namjoon pulls his eyes from Seokjin and when he looks at Yoongi everything comes rushing back to the forefront of his mind. “Oh!” Namjoon scrambles for the nest and plops down in front of Seokjin, grabbing hold of his hands. “The cardigan we left behind, the scent has faded.”

Seokjin whines at the news and Namjoon quickly continues, squeezing Seokjin’s hands lightly.

“They couldn’t figure out what she wanted, so Imani shifted and asked for you!” Namjoon smiles wide at Seokjin and brings his hand to his lips, kissing Seokjin’s knuckles. “Hyung…we can see Imani tomorrow.”

Seokjin’s body sags under the weight of Namjoon’s words and Yoongi’s eyes widen. Tomorrow? That’s so soon.

“The caseworker, Mister Fentin,  talked to the orphanage and they are going to send someone out the day after next to examine our house. Once the inspection is done, it’s just a matter of paperwork and formalities before Imani is placed in our care as a foster.” Namjoon continues and Seokjin starts to fuss, his fingers digging into Namjoon’s palms like he’s kneading dough, making Yoongi frown.

“Foster?” Yoongi’s brows pull together. This is the first time that he is hearing about fostering Imani and not adopting her.

Namjoon licks his lips as he tries to think of the best explanation. “Well, Imani’s case is sensitive. The imprinting holds a lot of weight to sway the court in our favor. However, because Imani is a rare hybrid that was sold to the black market, they are worried for her mental well-being.”

That makes sense to Yoongi. Imani is young, she lost both parents and the only other person that was supposed to love her, abandoned her. Yoongi can only imagine the trauma that Imani might have that she’s unable to understand or vocalize.

“Okay,” Yoongi shuffles Seokjin in his lap, so that the older man is sitting sideways. “Hyung, listen to Alpha right now. Can you do that?”

Seokjin’s watery eyes shine brightly as he stares at Yoongi, and he nods his head.

“Imani needs you, alright? So, can you scent something for her? Namjoon and I will take you to see Imani tomorrow.”

Seokjin blinks slowly, once, twice, three times before the fog hanging over his mind is lifted. His eyes aren’t as glossy, and his throat feels clearer. Seokjin nods his head showing Yoongi that he understands. “C-Can I pick what to scent?” Seokjin’s voice is coming back, slightly scratchy from all his moaning and whining.  

Yoongi smiles and pecks Seokjin’s nose before he nuzzles into Seokjin’s neck, “Have at it ‘mega.”

Seokjin giggles something high pitched and his ears darken before he’s out of Yoongi’s hold and scurrying out of the nest. His voice echoes on the walls as he mutters to himself about ‘finding the perfect, softest, thing for my cria.’ Namjoon grins and Yoongi sighs, flopping back into the nest.

“You okay, Hyung?”

Yoongi snorts and rolls over onto his stomach, “I’m taking a nap. If Seokjin needs help, get Jungkook or Hobi. Make sure he rests too and eats. The dinner from last night is in the fridge. He can eat that since he didn’t eat last night.”

Namjoon grabs one of the many blankets in the nest and places it over Yoongi’s naked body. “Do you want some clothes?” Yoongi peaks an eye open and Namjoon laughs. “I’ll set an outfit on the edge for whenever you wake up.”

Namjoon sits in the passenger seat of Jungkook’s car, staring out the front window at the alpaca glaring at him from the second story window. Namjoon laughs with a shake of his head and leans back into the seat to avoid Seokjin’s burning gaze. The poor omega shifted at some point in his sleep and woke up in his animal form. Seokjin is miserable. He can’t do anything for himself in his current form and the uneasiness of not having Imani near is worse. Thankfully, Mister Fentin was smart enough to send Namjoon back to South Korea with a scented blanket of Imani’s. It has helped some of Seokjin’s systems, but clearly it isn’t enough.

The front door opens, and Jungkook rushes out with Jimin hot on his heels. From the window Seokjin screams, and Yoongi is right beside him, patting his head and pushing out his scent to rein in the angry alpaca. Jungkook and Jimin giggle as they hurry to the car and jump in. Jungkook makes sure everyone has their seatbelt on before he starts the car and pulls out of his parking space. Beside him, Namjoon sighs and runs a hand through his blue hair.

“How mad is he?” Namjoon questions.

Jimin snorts and crosses his arms over his chest, “He tried to spit at me!” Jimin whines and Jungkook laughs openly. “Hey! It’s not funny, I really like this shirt.” Jimin glances at himself in the rearview mirror and fixes the collar of his shirt. “Yoongi hyung said that he will stay with Seokjin hyung while the others do some running around.”

“Do you think Hyung will kill us when we get back?” Jungkook wonders out loud and Namjoon winces thinking of Seokjin’s wreath.

Early this morning, Namjoon got another call from Mister Fentin. Imani had shifted back into her animal form as they were boarding the plane. Mister Fentin is sure it’s because Imani remembers taking a flight to Vegas and being left behind by Vincent. Namjoon wishes he could meet Imani’s godfather just once…but he knows that would solve nothing. Imani touches down in South Korea today and Mister Fentin set up arrangements with the orphanage for Seokjin, Yoongi and Jungkook to meet her, but with Seokjin’s sudden shift, Yoongi decides to send Namjoon and Jimin in their place. 

The plan is to give Imani another article of clothing that belongs to Seokjin and take something of hers back to Seokjin as well. Having Jungkook along is great because the beta has yet to meet Imani face to face and having his scent mixed with Seokjin should help Imani’s inner beast settle enough to prepare for a shift.

As much as Namjoon and Yoongi are against forcing a shift, Yoongi is starting to think that it might be necessary at this point. Namjoon sighs as he thinks of Imani and rests his elbow against the door before he places his cheek against his fist. Will any of this work for Imani? Would it have been better to just rent a truck and bring Seokjin along in his animal form? There are so many variables at play and Namjoon just hopes that their meeting with Imani does more good than harm.

previous II next

[krizaland]

Forever Yours Chapter 10

LMK Wukong x Bao Li

First Previous

Wukong turned his attention back to Bao Li.

“Are you ok?”

Bao Li felt her heart flutter in her chest.

She had no idea Wukong had such beautiful eyes!

She was utterly captivated by their Ruby red glow.

“Yeah I’m just fine…”

“You sure?” Wukong asked gently.

“Yes. It’s just…Your eyes…they’re like rubies.” Bao Li gushed.

“Like rubies? What are you- Oh.”

In that moment Wukong realized his glamours had dropped.

“I can explain! I-”

“Your eyes are so beautiful…” Bao Li purred, still starstruck.

Wukong’s face flushed a bit.

“Wait! So you’re not like freaked out or anything?”

“Goodness no! I’m just surprised is all. I’ve never seen eyes with such a beautiful red color.” Bao Li confessed excitedly.

“Phew! I’m glad you’re so cool about my eyes being red. I was worried you were gonna like freak out or something.” Wukong chuckled nervously as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Is that why you hide them away?” Bao Li asked as her face fell a bit.

“Kinda, yeah. It’s not exactly comforting to see someone with glowing red eyes.” Wukong admitted as he twirled his wrist.

“Well I still think they’re beautiful, sunbeam.” Bao Li reassured.

“Really? Thanks! Your eyes are beautiful too!” Wukong replied with a chuckle.

“Since we’re sharing secrets. I think it’s time I showed you something.”

Bao Li removed her choker, revealing a golden circlet wrapped around her neck.

“I was born with powerful magic. According to my parents, I nearly destroyed half the palace before I could even speak. Because of that, I wear this circlet-” -Bao Li gestured to the circlet- “-It neutralizes my powers so I can’t cause anymore trouble.”

Wukong’s eyes widened in shock.

“What?! They just locked your powers away?! Just like that?!!”

“Well like I said, my power was incredibly dangerous. If it hadn’t been for this circlet, they would’ve killed me. Or so I’ve been told,” Bao Li explained, “But the bright side is that my powers accidentally created The Gem of Immortality. So that’s a silver lining, right?”

“So lemme get this straight, you have magical powers, your parents couldn’t handle them so they sealed them away?” Wukong asked incredulously.

“Well, when you word it like that, you make it sound like a bad thing.” Bao Li giggled sheepishly.

“Because it is a bad thing! Peaches, they should’ve taught you how to control your powers not just take them away!” Wukong whined.

“Well, it was for everyone’s safety and-”

“No. If they truly cared about safety then they would’ve shown you how to control your powers. They just took them away from you because they didn’t like them.” Wukong interjected with his hands on his hips.

Bao Li looked down at her feet again.

Wukong sighed and put a hand on her shoulder.

“Look, I’m not mad at you. I’m mad for you. Your powers aren’t weapons of destruction. They’re a part of you. A part of you that was stolen by people who couldn’t bother to appreciate them.”

“I appreciate that but-”

“But nothing! You deserve to have your powers! In fact-” -Wukong looked down at the circlet.

“Wukong? What are you doing-”

Bao Li let out a terrified squeak as Wukong grabbed onto the circlet.

“Setting you free!”

“No! Stop! My powers are far too dangerous to be released!” Bao Li warned as she tried to peel his hands off the circlet.

“Not if you learn to control them! I can show you how to control your powers!” Wukong insisted, his grip tightening.

“But how can you be so sure about that?!” Bao Li whimpered, still fighting against Wukong’s grip.

“I learned to control my own powers. I can help you with yours! You just gotta trust me!” Wukong gazed deeply into Bao Li’s eyes.

Wukong’s Ruby eyes twinkled with determination, reminding Bao Li of the endless courage within Wukong’s heart.

He survived The Three Deadly Trials.

He survived The Lava Demon.

He even survived her father.

If Wukong could handle all of that, then maybe he could handle her powers.

“Wukong… I trust you.”

Bao Li let go of the circlet and gave Wukong a nod.

“Alright! Here goes!”

With a loud war cry, Wukong pulled the circlet clean off Bao Li’s neck.

FSSH!!

A bright flash of pink light engulfed Bao Li, lifting up her body for a moment.

Soon the light faded, dropping Bao Li.

Wukong quickly dove down and caught her before she hit the ground.

“Peaches! Are you ok?!” Wukong demanded as he held her close.

“Yes! I’m actually better than ok-” Bao Li stood up straighter and looked down at her hands.- “-I feel…free!“

“See I told you-”

Wukong was cut off by Bao Li pulling him into a hug.

“Thank you! Thank you so so so much!”

“Of course, you deserve to have your powers back!” Wukong cheered as he returned the hug.

“I’ll admit, while I’m excited, I’m still scared of my powers. I don’t want to cause any damage. Or worse, hurt you-”

“You can’t hurt me, peaches! I’ve got like tons of layers of immortality on me! I can handle anything!” Wukong reassured.

“Even incredibly dangerous powers?”

“Especially incredibly dangerous powers!”

Bao Li let out a sigh of relief,

“You have no idea how much that means to me. Seriously, thank you for setting me free. Oh! And thank you for sticking up for me too, Sunbeam.”

With a giggle, Bao Li pulled Wukong into a sweet kiss.

Wukong eagerly returned the kiss, savoring the moment.

When it came time for the couple to part, Wukong caressed Bao Li’s face.

“I’ll always be there for you, peaches. I promise.”

“And I’ll always be there for you too, Sunbeam!”

Wukong gleefully spun Bao Li a bit.

“This is gonna be great! Tomorrow I’m gonna show you how to control your powers then we can snuggle the day away!”

Bao Li laughed playfully and kissed his cheek.

“I can’t wait!”

“Now c’mon, let’s get back to the wedding before anyone notices were gone.” Wukong chuckled.

And with that, Wukong and Bao Li returned to the wedding hand in hand.

Next

[lyn-rambles]

To reach what once was there

To hold what once was there series: Part I

Pairing: Skyrose (Luke Skywalker x Primrose Lutto)

Summary: Initiates learn from their masters, and sometimes masters learn from initiates. After Grogu's parting, Luke has a moment of solititude and reflection, he might have messed up big time.

Word count: 2.7 K

Warnings: Angst but has a fluffy ending, mentions of break ups, Macondo wants Luke's head on a spike, Canon complainant, Mandalorian and Book of Boba Fett Spoilers, I haven't seen both but I know the enough Spoilers to write this, not proof read we die like men.

The weather seemed to laugh at his face. He sat under the tree he used to meditate, and sighed opening his blue sky eyes. He had grown used to be alone, building the new Jedi School was going smoothly as it could thanks to the droid's, but it had never felt so lonely.

He closed his eyes again and tried to empty his mind, inhaling deeply. Abandon all what surrounded him, to reach within and…

He chose the attachment.

He gasped, this was going to be harder,so much harder. He stretched and let his back hit the soft grass, the sunlight swept through the branches down to his face and golden hair.

"I can't blame him." Luke whispered to himself. He had done the same twice, none of them had come without a price but both had taught him a lesson. R2 had arrived back without many issues, even it had not pressed the issue. Luke had failed in keeping his very first student, and that made him sigh again. He closed his eyes again, letting the sun warm his body, so different to Tattoine's sun that scorched everything that it touched, but it was so much more similar to the soft caress of her calloused hand.

Luke shot his eyes open. He breathed heavily, he hadn't thought about Prim in a while or maybe he had forced him to look away from the thought of her.

"So you are breaking up with me?" The way like her voice sounded only worsened the ache of his heart but he had to stand firm.

Her workshop seemed less cluttered and more of her style of messy.

"Yes," he swallowed the knot on his throat. "It's not that-"

"It is a Jedi thing?" She interrupted him. She had braced her arms like she used to do on Hoth. He did not answer, for he feared he might break, even now she was being understanding, he wanted her to lash out at him, to tell him to fuck off, but she didn't. Luke could feel the fear the astonishment, pain, sadness, but not anger. Why wasn't she mad at him?

He frowned, and stood up to change places to meditate, maybe that would help him to change his set of mind.

He repeated all the steps and was met again with the block, what was worst, the same tingle when he wanted to say goodbye for the last time as he had hoped.

"I shouldn't," Her voice was beginning to break. She had turned her face instead of meeting his lips. "I don't want to make this harder."

He swallowed, there was the same tingle on the Force. He had heard the stifled sobs behind the door, he wanted to enter and take all what he said back, but he continued his way back to the X-wing, his chest to tight to breath, and even to keep watching the whole planet hurt; his eyes stung, maybe the bright light had caused it. At least he did not had a reason to go back to Tatooine, until Grogu had chosen.

He hunched over, confused, his own mind too clouded to part the ways on his own. The birds chirped around him, a couple flew around trying to peck each other like they where playing. He returned his gaze to the silky grass, if he couldn't find answers on his own then maybe he could figure them out with someone else.

"Father, I need counsel" Which was very weird. The only time he had spoke to him in life was just before he died.

"And in which way could I help you?" His voice was different from the one that came from his suit, it was… boyish in a surprisingly mature way.

"There is something that has been clouding my judgement." He met his gaze to a pair of eyes that looked just like his. "My first student left, following a bond he had with the Mandalorian, and it is giving me second thoughts about…" He trailed off, how hard could it be to tell your dead father about an ex-girlfriend? Surely a situation that he didn't thought he could get into, yet again, he had thought he would stay with Primrose, his stars.

"Why is it that your thoughts trail down to someone?" He wasn't teasing him, he was genuinely concerned as he sat in a more relaxed way, maybe to assure him that he could tell him anything. "Someone dear to you perhaps?"

"Yeah, she is." Luke whispered, his lips curving into a smile, as he looked down to the grass, not that he had a faint pink color on his cheeks.

"Well, well," now he was teasing him. "it's seem that she's more than dear to you." Now he chuckled. "You need ideas on how to propose?"

That made Luke's smile falter. "I don't think that would be possible." He said, sadness washed over his tone.

That made Anakin look at him perplexed. "I am sorry."

"Don't be," Luke moved his head side to side. "It's just that, " He couldn't look at him, for reasons. "I broke up with her a while ago, and Grogu's parting left me thinking."

"About..?"

"My decision," He gave a shaky breath. "I broke up with her because Jedis aren't allowed to have attachments, and I couldn't risk her to the consequences of it."

Anakin could visualize with a plethora of details what would the Council say and what would his Master would have told him to say, and even the scolding he would probably get if they were alive, and still decided to go with what he would have done.

"You are the only Jedi here, right?" His son looked at him puzzled, he had the same expression that Padmé would have done.

"Yes, but-"

"That makes this," he motioned the bamboo away and showed the construction site. "The new Jedi Order?"

"Yes."

"So you have the opportunity to make things right for all of us?" He finally asked. Then a new sense of embarrassment washed over him, it seemed like an obvious conclusion and he knew it, but still felt somehow wrong to betray the old teachings.

"Hey," His ghost had walked next to him and his hand was placed over his shoulder. It was comforting even if he did not touched him. "It might seem obvious, but you were trusted with a burden greater than than you," he took a pause. "Sharing our burdens, not only strengthen our bonds," he smiled at him. "It also connects us deeper to the Force… "

"Because it makes us empathic?"

"Attaboy, " Luke smiled at him. "Any idea of the next step? "

He nodded and jogged off to get R2. Anakin sighed, this was going to end up in trouble for him as Obi-Wan approached him.

"Master, please, my son-"

"Needed his father," Obi gave him a wrinkled smile. "and your advice was better than any other could have given." They heard the X-wing take flight before they faded again.

He landed in the outskirts of Mos Eisley, it was just a go and get the talk, maybe ask for forgiveness? And if everything went as he hoped then…

He sighed as he entered the shop the gentle tingle of the bell alerted the yellow twi'lek, he looked no older than 7, he sat on a tall stool, coloring a book over the counter.

"Welcome!" He greeted. "My dad will be here in a minute."

He nodded. Dad? Had Primrose went over him and married someone else? She could easily have, they haven't seen each other in two years and anyone would be lucky to have her. He feared for the in coming steps until he saw her brother… Macondo. He dropped the wrench on his hand, his eyes wide open and mouth gaping, and then his expression turned to anger, his knuckles turned white. He could sense the warning on the Force.

"Fes'kika," Luke knew that he wanted to speak gently. "Go to the back, and do not come out until I say so."

The kid felt the anger on his father's words, but it wasn't directed at him, but to the man clad in the black robes, and ran inside.

"With what right do you show your face here, Skywalker?" He growled, he stomped his way to him. "WITH WHAT RIGHT DO YOU COME HERE, HUH?" He yanked him from the collar of his shirt getting him down.

"I came here to apologize" His voice was sure and calm, that made Maco madder.

"APOLOGIZE!?" He shaked him. "APOLOGIZE AFTER TWO YEARS?!" He tried to push him to the ground but he only managed to make Luke stamer twice.

"Listen, Maco, I-"

"I DON'T CARE!" He balled his fists again. "I don't care, that you suddenly felt bad about it, or that in some weird Jedi shit you came you came to your senses," He was shaking. "or that you need help because some bounty hunter took Jabba's kriffing place." He swallowed, trying to calm himself, but Luke knew that he still wanted to bash his brains out.

"You have already caused enough damage with your little Jedi Code." Of course he knew. "She doesn't need to have your sorry ass here or anywhere around her."

Luke swallowed, after all he had hurt her, beyond anything that they had endured. Maco was right, how did he dared to even pull this stunt, when he had purposely shut everything that could remotely remind him of Primrose to stop the ache of his heart and mind; he still had to try and mend it.

"Maco, listen," he pleaded, and that took the other youngman off guard. "I-I know I messed up big time, and that 2 years of no contact do not say great things if me and-and… I-I have to atone for it."

Now Maco gaped again, too torned between hating every last hair of him and truly feeling sorry for him, he knew he wanted to punch him and he deserved it, but he also wanted to be spiteful and make him figure his shit on his own, but also for her sake… he took a breath.

"Why?" He asked. "Why now, Skywalker?"

"Because, someone less experienced than me, and much better reminded me of a lesson I learned a long time ago."

Maco turned his back to him and crossed his arms, his grease stained tank top facing him.

"I know you are there, small fry." He called onto the counter and he could see the yellow forehead peaking from there.

"How much did you hear?"

"All of it." Both men turned to see Primrose, she carried a Republic crate behind her and a full backpack.

Primrose wasn't used to have dinners that turned this disastrous, she barely touched her plate, Maco sometimes looked at her with compassion, like he felt sorry about the show he gave, and other's he looked at Luke like wanted him to choke on his fork.

Fes'kika wanted to know everything about Prim's latest mission, as she sometimes answered with monosyllables or just nodded at him. She couldn't help but to stare at Luke, she should be mad, she knew she should have kicked him out, but she couldn't her heart was pounding fast like she was the 20 year old that had just stolen his first kiss, but it also hurted like Bobba's blaster all over again, she felt her heart strings ripping out again as he walked out the door from the workshop. She knew she would heal eventually, but she would not be able to if she appeared from nowhere like today.

Luke did not even touch his food as he looked at her words tied on his throat,he had to think away to do this.

"I'm afraid you'll have to pardon me," She spoke. "I am not hungry anymore." No one said anything, as she saved her plate and walked to her room. The kid looked disappointed, but did not voiced it. The tension did not eased there.

Prim sat on her desk, and took out the box, she hadn't had the heart to let go of the trinkets that Luke had gifted her, they weren't many, but most held a significant value. She sighed tracing the edges of one of his rarest gifts, an uncolored kyber crystal, she remembered vividly that day. He had been trying to hoard all the information he could get about the crystals and Saber construction when he had jumped out of that X-wing, and ran to the other hangars just to show her his finding.

Maco knocked making her save her things fast. "Come in"

He swept through the door, and walked with a stool under his arm, he was still mad at Luke but he wasn't actually going to let him freeze to death.

"I can take them to him." She offered, if Luke was there, they had a long due talk to have.

"And I don't want you to rub salt over your wounds." retorted Maco.

"And I don't want you to get too worked up over them." She sighed. "I just want clearance."

Maco couldn't held her gaze, a long time has happened since she needed his actual protection. "If he dares to even do something…"

"Please don't punch him" that made them laugh. He placed the blankets over her arms and she walked to Luke's room.

"Good Luck, Prim." He thought before going to tuck Fes in.

Luke opened the door to be greeted by Prim, she stepped in the warm lit room. This used to be her brothers' shared room, but it had become the visit's room. It wasn't decorated, just plain white walls and a desk they hadn't been able to move, besides a bed.

They didn't talk much as she helped him to do the bed, but there were some stolen glances that Luke couldn't ignore, he had to make things right.

"How have you been doing?" He said sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Trying to get by, working for the New Republic and such." She forced a smile. "and you?"

"Trying to get by too," he sighed. "My first student left the academy."

She turned her head at him shocked, she looked concerned and that only made him even more embarrassed at himself.

"Why?" She asked she had scooted maybe half a centimeter closer and to him it meant the world.

"He had a better judgment than me about the attachment rule." He sighed defeated.

"That means..?" She was interested that was good, he might still have a chance.

"That I wanted to apologize," He turned to face her. "I messed up big time, I broke up with you thinking that…" He inhaled. "it would endanger you if I was ever put to test again, like…" He trailed of but he saw her gaze over his prosthetic hand. "And I was scared to find what length would I go to save anyone, specially you."

So he was scared of becoming like his father, Maco was right, he deserved the punching.

"I did wanted you to know that even after all this time," he swallowed. "I still love you, with my mind, soul and heart."

"Why are you telling me this?" that question was harsher than it should be. "Why do you come here and try to make me forgive you?" He stayed silent, because she immediately continued. "Why do you come here looking like you lost something, or like you have lost your way through life, and ask for forgiveness for something I was never angry to begin with?" OK her voice began to crack this was bad. "Why do you come an tell the same words you used after you came back?" She inhaled shaking. "Why?" and then she sobbed. Luke did not knew if it was his place to comfort her as he did, but he still held her gently to his chest.

"Because I wronged you," he sighed rubbing her back. "because I hurt you for the exact same reason the Old Order failed, I interpreted the scriptures so literally that I drove everyone away." He sighed. "Because I came back from the horrible path I was placing myself into." She hugged him back, she was still crying but she could still see his hurting.

"You are an idiot." He wanted to laugh. "An idiot I love against my better judgment."

[greeen-bean]

Friday

"Maybe it just takes seventy years to get the hang of being alive."

"'I'll never forget what dear old John Lennon said: We're more popular than Jesus now. They attacked him for it that, I'll tell you. But he was right. It was a religion.'"

"'They gave these girls something very safe to love. Something that would never bite them back. In the sixties, everything would bite you back if you were a girl.' I wonder whether that's why I love The Ark. Because they're safe. But they're not, are they? They still managed to bite me back when I got too close."

"'Were you part of beatlemania?' I ask her. She chuckles and looks down at the table. 'Well, that was a long time ago,' she says."

"When am I going to get to visit Granddad next? Who knows when I I'll have my next day off? What if he dies before then? What if I've already seen him for the last time?"

" Friends come and go. Right? I've been through this already so many times before. Friends are good for a while, but eventually, you have to move on. 'Best Friends Forever' is an imaginary concept. No one can be friends forever. Not with me anyway. Doesn't matter. It's all good. I've still got The Ark."

"He huffed a laugh. 'Are those the only two options? 'Fancy' or 'deeply in love'?'"

"'I get it.' 'What?' 'I get why you lied.' I smile weakly. 'I do stuff like that too. Back at home, with my school friends. I just say things to be liked and... stay silent about stuff I care about. Because I feel like no one cares about the "real me". But with Juliet I felt a bit more like myself.'"

"Sometimes I look at Rowan and can't remember what he used to look like. [...] He had rimless glasses and short tight curls. His jumper was way too big for him. As soon as we both learnt that we each wanted to be in a band we were best friends. The boy next to me isn't anything like that boy. Not bright-eyed and excited to tell me about the new guitar he got for his birthday. Not dragging me to the music block to show me he could play the baseline of a Vaccines song. No laughter. No wonder. We got what we wanted in the end, though. Didn't we? We wanted to be in a band."

"Lister starts tapping out a quiet jazz beat on the drums. [...] I start pressing the buttons on my lunch pad in time with Lister's beat. It isn't on, so it doesn't any sound apart from rhythmic clicks. [...] Rowan starts plucking a few notes in time with my button-pressing and Listers beat. [...] Lister starts singing under his breath. 'And when he gets to heaven,' he sings - words I don't know, and a tune that goes somehow perfectly with the chords Rowan is making up on the spot - 'to Saint Peter he will tell: one more soldier reporting, Sir. I've served my time in hell.'"

"Sometimes I think about taking drugs. Sometimes I think it might help. When I see Lister smoke and drink, I know it's bad, but I understand why he does it. So he doesn't have to think. I hate thinking."

"' You know I love you, right?' he says, his voice sounding different, low, right next to my ear. 'I know you and Rowan have always been a team, but... I love you too... okay?'"

"'Do you ever imagine what would happen if we just... ran away?' asks Lister, suddenly. [...] 'I think about it all the time,' I say. God I want to try. 'Do you?' 'Yeah?' God, I just want to go. 'I should try it,'"

"I could go and see Granddad. We could celebrate my birthday and he could make me hot chocolate and we could play Scrabble."

"I step backwards, away from him, away from the window. 'I think I'm gonna go,' I say. His grin drops. 'Jimmy... are you joking?' I step back a little more dropping down from the pavement. My heart is beating so fast.I feel so fucking good. 'No,' I say. [...] It's silent apart from the pattering of the rain. 'Where are you going?!' He shouts at me. Oh God, I could go anywhere."

"Juliet or Jimmy? It's an obvious choice, right? I need to talk to Juliet. Jimmy will have to wait. I can message him on Twitter later. He'll probably never see it anyway. Juliet is the priority today. I need to talk to her. I need to repair the mess I've made."

"'Whatever's troubling you, it'll go away.' I look back at him and say, 'What?' He he taps his finger on the steering wheel. 'I know it can't be easy being someone like you. D'you have friends around you? People to support you?' I mumble something about being fine and close the door. Enough of that."

"I want Angel to come with me. I don't know why, but I do. Is it because I know I won't be able to get through out of here alone? Maybe. Is it because I feel drawn to her? I don't know. I don't know why I feel anything anymore. Maybe it's just because she's the only fan in the world who knows who I really am. I don't want to just say goodbye and never see her again."

"'My Grandma's dead, I say. She stops talking. 'My mum and dad have always worked. They're divorced and they've both got big business careers that take them all over the world, which is why I've lived with my grandparents since I was little. But because of that I've never been close to them. They they don't really care about me that much so I don't speak to them very often.' She doesn't talk. Our shoes splash against the road. 'My older sister goes to university in America. We don't really talk. She doesn't like people knowing we're related.'"

"I go to the front of the pews and sit for the first time in weeks, months, I don't know how long, reach out to God. He's Waiting. He always is. No matter how long I go, no matter how shit it all gets, at least I have one or two things waiting for me. God doesn't care whether I have one pound or one hundred million. God doesn't care if I make a mistake, if I fuck up again and again and again. God asks me 'How are you?' and I just start crying. I try to be quiet but I can hear my sniffs echoing from the stone walls. God says, 'Say something,' and I tell Him that I don't know what to say, and He says, 'Anything you've got.' But I just cry some more. God tells me, 'Everything that happens is making you stronger,' and I want to believe Him but I can't. 'I love you anyway,' He tells me. At least someone does."

"'But the trouble is, while asking for help is always good, it's impossible to keep relying on others to solve your problems for you. There comes a point where you have to help yourself. Believe in yourself.'"

"There is one thing I'm sure of. One thing I know is the right decision now. Not stupid. Not sad. Not pitiful. I'm freeing myself. I'm leaving The Ark."

[officialraylynn]

In every life, in all times

(Original, oc / oc)

Written as a surprise for a friend to cheer her up <3 First-meet human AU of her God of Death and my Goddess of Chaos, who've been shipped together for gosh... 11 years now I think?

Also posted on AO3!

Warnings: References to depression, anxiety, mostly just a bunch of cute wholesome content

Summary: Even Death can be smitten by beauty.

They met on a train.

He had noticed her first. Animated and lively as she chatted to the person beside her, quiet and expressive with her tongue sticking out while she typed away at her phone. She was bubbly and bright, he was quiet and dull. He’d never felt confident enough to approach her even to say ‘hi’, so he admired her from afar and simply hoped she was happy.

Until she stopped smiling.

Not just smiling, but talking to others and animatedly typing on her phone. She became lifeless, her light darkened.

He didn’t have the confidence before to approach her, but now he found that he had the compassion.

“H-Hey.” He cleared his throat and nervously tightened his grip on the strap of his bag. “Is um, th-that seat taken?”

Even though they were dull, her eyes still made his heart skip a beat when they met his. “No.” Halfheartedly she moved her bag closer to herself and gestured to the empty seat. “Fill your boots.”

Hoping he didn’t appear too eager, he sat with his bag settled on his lap, drumming his fingers against it as he looked everywhere but her as he worked up his courage. He’d come this far, part of him wanted to say that it was enough progress for today, but another part of him said that he’d waited too long as it was.

“S-So.” He cleared his throat again and glanced in her direction before nervously staring straight ahead. From the corner of his eye he saw her tilt her head in this direction, and by gods had his face ever felt this warm before? “I um. My name is Dean, and I’ve um, seen you around before.”

“... Venus.” Was he imagining things or did she sound amused? “I’ve seen you around before too.”

“Y-You have?” He didn’t know what to think of that, aside from maybe wanting to flee now that he knew he’d been noticed. “That. That’s cool.” He coughed, then breathed in deeply to steady himself. ‘Come on Dean, you can do this! Just let her know that someone cares!’ “I uh, I’ve noticed that, you’ve seemed k-kind of…”

He trailed off, fingers drumming faster against his bag as if that could settle his nerves. Was this out of line? He just wanted to express concern, but maybe she wouldn’t want that? He’d already started though, would it be weirder if he just stopped now?

“I’ve seemed…?” He glanced over to her and gulped; she had her chin resting in one hand while with the other she gestured for him to ‘go on’. He couldn’t tell what kind of expression she had on her face, but he felt like she was either bored or unimpressed.

“K-Kind of… Sad?” He whispered the last word, and was glad he was still looking at her because otherwise he would have missed the way her eyes widened and the wry smile on her lips, as if to say ‘That obvious huh?’. “A-And I just um, w-wanted to say that…” Here he lost his nerve again and he glanced down at his lap, shoulders scrunching as he huddled in on himself. “I know we d-don’t know each other, b-but… If you w-want anyone to talk to, I wanted to o-offer.”

To his surprise, a hand settled over his and gently wrapped their fingers around his. He jumped and shot his gaze to hers, heart tripping over itself at the small smile on her face, the gentleness of her gaze. “You know…” Her voice was soft, and her hand felt so warm against his. “I think I’d like that.”

Something amazing happened then.

She laughed.

Just a small laugh, but it was a laugh and he felt like he was floating through the clouds with how happy it made him feel.

“I’ve been waiting forever for you to talk to me, by the way~” Wait, what? “I know I don’t look like much right now-” and how wrong she was, because she never stopped being beautiful, “-but I could go for a coffee right now, and I’d love if you came with me.”

Later, neither could remember if the coffee was any good or not, but they made sure to visit the cafe on the day of their first anniversary all the same.

[scarlet-star-witch]

Find my way back to you

Marc Spector/Steven Grant x Female Reader

Marc, Marc, please! Help me! Marc! No, no, no, stop- Marc!

Steven shot up, his chest heaving, his heart racing, his limbs tensed and rigid. His hands gripped onto the sheets pooled at his waist, holding tightly, trying to ground himself back to reality.

In the still night all he could hear was the woman’s voice screaming in terror, her cries lingering in his mind on a loop, haunting him, leaving the sick feeling in his stomach unable to dissipate.

He leaned forward, his shaking hands tugging through his untamed hair. 

He quickly tore the covers off himself, trembling fingers fumbling to unlock the restraint at his ankle. After much struggle, it finally came loose and Steven stumbled out of bed, making his way to the bathroom on unsteady legs.

He squinted against the bright light, markedly refusing to look up at the mirror in front of him. 

“Steven…” Marc’s hesitant voice sounded, finally breaking the silence. But Steven ignored him, turning the tap on and splashing his face with cool water, breathing deeply, wishing he could forget the sound of that woman’s voice.

The sheer pain he heard in her voice made him want to be sick.

“Steven-”

“Who is she?” Steven asked abruptly, looking up at the reflection of Marc staring back at him, the rigid furrow of his brow giving away how unnerved the usually stoic man was. 

“She’s not-”

“Did you hurt her?”

“What, no!” Marc denied immediately, his expression briefly morphing into anger at the accusation that hurt him more than he could fathom. 

The idea that he could hurt her, be the one that caused her such pain, made his chest ache. 

“Then why was she calling your name?” 

Marc hesitated, unsure of how much he needed to share with Steven. For his own safety, the less he knew the better. And for Marc’s own sanity, he didn’t want to think about that night again. 

“She needed my help.” He admitted quietly, trying to rein in the guilt in his voice, but it was unavoidable. 

Steven’s face dropped, a look of horror in his eyes. “Is… is she dead?” He asked quietly, as if the words themselves were cursed, doomed to bring him the same fate.

“No, she’s not dead.” 

“So what happened to her?” 

“Nothing you need to concern yourself with.” 

“But, Marc, if she’s in trouble, we should-”

“No! You’re not getting involved. Just leave it. Trust me it’s better for us and it’s better for her that way.” Marc told him sternly, the fire in his voice leaving no room for argument. 

But Steven couldn’t let it go. 

He’d never seen that other side of himself so shaken up and it, in turn, left him shaken too. And he couldn’t forget her voice, the way she screamed. 

It antagonized him.

He went searching through the apartment, looking for any clues Marc may have left about his double life. Steven knew Marc didn’t want him looking into his past, the hidden storage locker key was a pretty obvious sign. 

And it was clear this woman meant something to him, his reaction to any questioning of her a clear indicator. 

Steven searched high and wide, practically tearing his already messy apartment to shreds. He checked every corner, every obvious hidden spot, every creaking floorboard, every crooked tile. 

But there was no sign of her, no evidence that this mystery woman ever existed. 

But still, her screams echoed in his mind, making him wince reflexively. 

With a defeated sigh, he sat on the couch, looking at the cushions in disarray with regret. He felt like a madman, looking for a ghost of a woman he never even knew. 

He moved to prop his feet up on the coffee table, but stopped instantly, eyeing the one table he hadn’t overturned with scrutiny. After a brief pause, wondering if Marc could’ve really been that obvious with his hiding spot, he jumped off the couch and hauled the table on its side. 

Steven’s breath caught in his throat, his eyes going wide as he spotted a polaroid taped to the underside of the table. 

He swallowed thickly and reached out for the picture.

“Steven, don’t do this.” Marc’s stern voice called out. 

Ignoring the cold scowl that pierced him from the reflection of Gus’ tank, Steven looked at the polaroid, his heart beginning to race, his stomach sinking. 

There she was. 

She was beautiful. Her wide smile was radiant and her eyes captivated him. 

She was the one he’d heard screaming, she was the one haunting Marc, remnants of a horrid memory lingering in his unconscious mind. 

“Why did you hide this from me?” Steven asked, looking at Marc in confusion. 

“Because she’s better off without me and the last thing she needs is you meddling in this shit you know nothing about.”

Steven scoffed and sent a glare to his reflection. “You ever think the reason I know nothing about this shit is because you refuse to tell me anything about this shit. That’s some backwards logic there, Mate.”

“This doesn’t concern you, Steven. She doesn’t concern you, so drop it.” 

Steven stayed quiet, his eyes moving back to the picture in hand. His lips twitched upwards slightly at the sight of her smiling so beautifully.

As the days passed, he was unable to get her out of his mind. He thought he’d wanted to put a face to the voice, but now that he knew what she looked like, now that he could easily picture her in pain, picture her face contorted as she screamed for Marc, it made the memory of it a million times worse.

He was stepping into work deflated, this time only ten minutes late, waving to Donna who was bombarding him with sarcastic insults, when he stopped in his tracks. 

There she was, the woman from the polaroid, the woman haunting Marc’s dreams, standing in the Ancient Egyptian wing of the museum. 

His eyes widened and before he could comprehend just what was happening, Marc took over, at least just his limbs. He ducked behind a pillar against his will, his back slamming against the hard marble. 

“Wait, Marc that-that’s her! It’s her!” Steven whispered excitedly. He moved to peer around the corner but his body was yanked back harshly, keeping him hidden. 

“Steven, give me the body.” Marc demanded darkly, the urgency in his voice not registering to Steven, who continued to try to sneak a look at the mystery woman before him. 

“She’s so beautiful.” He mumbled in a daze, as if he didn’t even realize he’d spoken them outloud.

“Steven.” Marc warned. Sensing that Steven was about to ruin everything, he took over instantly, gaining control and pushing Steven to the back of his mind, ignoring his rambling protests. 

He peered around the pillar slowly, making sure he was still hidden from her keen eye. His eyes softened, a lump growing in his throat at the sight of her. 

Her flawless skin was a far cry from the bloodied version of her he’d remembered from that night, a night that continued to torture him even after all this time. 

He longed to go to her, to wrap her in a hug and never let go, to feel her familiar touch once again.

But the memory of her cries, of her pleas for his help, the image of her bloody and bruised body, flashed through his mind painfully, reminding him of why he needed to stay away. 

He wouldn’t let Harrow hurt her again. 

Despite feeling like an absolute creep, he stayed hidden in the shadows, watching as she made her way through the exhibit. He smiled to himself lightly, he should’ve known she’d take the initiative and try to solve this whole thing herself. 

He didn’t know why he ever doubted her tenacity. 

She stayed until closing, trying to put the pieces of Khonshu and Ammit together by herself, without his help. He could feel a pit of self hatred growing within him, hating himself for the lonely look that lingered in her eyes. 

He had done that to her. Even if he hadn’t physically put those injuries on her body, he had been the one to hurt her that night. 

The guilt was still choking him as if it had happened yesterday. 

As she left the museum, he followed behind her, making sure to keep a safe distance, but close enough that he could intervene if any of the dangers of the night came out to try their luck with her. 

He was so distracted by her that he didn’t notice the group of men converging out of the shadows, quickly surrounding him in a circle he couldn’t escape from. 

Marc let out a long breath, more annoyed than anything else. 

“Hey, Fellas. You need something?” He called out casually, eyeing them all carefully, calculating which one to knock out first. 

In unison, they all lifted their sleeves, revealing the scale tattoo, revealing who they were in an instant. Marc’s face hardened, if Harrow was close, that meant he was close to her. The thought of his hands on her made him murderous. 

In a second, he summoned the suit and began his rampage, knocking out the first goon easily. He threw a rapid succession of punches, fighting the group like it was a well trained dance, one he had practiced to master this very moment. 

He grunted, stumbling on his feet as a blow to the back of his head knocked him off balance. The fighter was bigger than him and the metal pipe he held was certainly doing its job. Each blow made Marc dizzier and he ended up on his knees, gritting his teeth as he tried to find an opening to fight back.

A shot sounded and the pipe clattered to the ground before it could land another fatal blow. Marc quickly got to his feet and turned on his heel, his posture posed for another attacker, but his body sagged the moment he saw her. 

Her eyes widened at the sight of his suit. She had never seen him in his full armor before. 

“What are you doing here?” Were the first words out of his mouth, the first thing he said to her after leaving her so callously. Her expression hardened and the scowl she sent him made him stiffen. 

“Really? I don’t even get a ‘thank you’ or a ‘hey, nice to see you again’?” 

“You shouldn’t be here?”

“Why, cause Harrow might find me?” She replied casually, as if it wasn’t Marc’s biggest fear, as if it wasn’t the thing plaguing him. 

“You need to go.” 

She raised her gun and he jerked back, instinctively holding his hands out, as if trying to plead with her. When the shot rang out, the bullet flying right past him, he turned abruptly and noticed one of the goons laying still on the ground. 

“You missed one.” She said emotionlessly and turned her back on him and continued on her way. 

Cursing under his breath, he raced forward to catch up to her and grabbed her arm, whispering her name. 

Her facade slipped, her scowl wavering. The vulnerability in his voice, the pure pleasure of hearing her name falling from his lips again forced a riptide of emotions through her that she wasn’t quite ready to face. 

“Are you ever gonna explain yourself?” She asked abruptly. 

“You know why I had to leave.”

“No I don’t!” She yelled angrily. “What, you felt guilty so you left like a coward?”

“You know it was my fault.” Marc said regretfully.

“Marc, what happened that night would’ve happened if I was with you or not. Harrow wanted to get to your weakness and there was nothing you could’ve done to stop him.”

“If we never got together you never would’ve been in danger. He never would’ve gone after you if it wasn’t for me.”

Her face fell, a look of sadness overtaking her, making his heart stutter within his chest, the sight of her breaking him even further. 

“So, what, you wished we were never together?” She asked softly, her voice betraying how hurt she felt. 

Marc bowed his head, his eyes falling closed as he cursed himself for his insensitivity. “You know I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Do I? Cause you leaving really doesn’t help your case.” 

He sighed and forced the suit away, leaving him in his regular clothes, his face now exposed for her to see the heartbreak etched on his face. She swallowed thickly, the gesture in itself an enormous step she had never expected.

Marc had always been terrible at expressing his emotions, choosing to ignore them completely more often than not. His gesture, showing her how truly broken he was, how much leaving had hurt him, was a gesture bigger than his words could ever give her.

“That night…” He started, but paused, trying to collect himself as he thought of the worst night of his entire life. “I almost lost you. They almost killed you and I… I can’t, losing you would-” He stammered, his voice cracking slightly.

“Then why did you leave?” She asked quietly, her own eyes stinging with tears, mirroring his own glassy gaze. 

“Because I’d rather you be alive and hate me than die for me.”

“Marc-”

“I can’t stand the thought of you getting hurt because of this. Khonshu is my problem, Harrow is my problem, you don’t need to get involved in this.”

“I’m already involved, Marc.” She told him softly and stepped forward, taking his hands in hers.

He swallowed hard, the feeling of her touch making his heart race. 

“I can’t lose you either. The thought of it…” She paused and shook her head, unable to voice the dark thought. “I’m in this with you, whether you like it or not.”

He looked at her carefully, realizing this was no coincidence.

“How did you know I was here?”

She smiled and he swore his heart stopped, the sight leaving him breathless. “You’re getting pretty predictable.”

He laughed softly and intertwined their fingers, bringing her knuckle up to his lips and the soft hitching of her breath he heard, made him want to melt. 

Their eyes met and, despite all the hurt they still had to work out, they were both just so happy to be back with each other. The conflict could wait, they missed each other and that was all that mattered in that moment.

They had the same thought at the same time and within a second, they were in each other's arms, holding tightly to each other. Marc’s hands roamed over her back and his eyes squeezed shut, a soft whine of despair escaping him when he felt the raised skin at her hip, where a bullet had ripped through her skin, when he thought he had lost her forever. 

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He whispered desperately. 

“It’s not your fault.” 

The feeling of her hands caressing through his hair made him have to repress a shudder. He lifted his head from where it rested on her shoulder and without wasting a second, he crashed his lips to hers eagerly. 

He whispered apologies and declarations of love between his kisses, frantic for her to know how much he loved her, how sorry he was for leaving. 

She sniffled, leaning her forehead against his as their lips parted.

“Don’t even think about leaving me again. You know I’ll just find you again.” 

Marc smiled and kissed her again, unable to resist her. 

“I know you would.” 

[awindylife-writes]

The Bar

Relationships: 10th Doctor x reader, Jack Harkness x reader (platonic)

Summary: Jack, the Doctor and you go to a bar. You are drugged and a man tries to take you but the Doctor luckily intervenes in time.

Warnings: attempted sexual assault, but nothing graphic

"C'm on guys, there's this really great bar on the far side of Kristella, the lnky Sky," Jack insisted. "They serve everything you could want to drink, they've got live music and there's a festival coming! It's like Halloween on Earth, but the whole planet does it. They've even got punch!"

You grinned, "Well, l'm in." Why not? You wanted to have the experience with the two best friends you had, and it wasn't just any day you could go to an alien bar.

The Doctor and Jack looked at you in surprise.

"What?" you glanced between them, eyebrows raised.

"I mean it's just..." Jack began, "l never thought you were a bar enthusiast."

"Oh, l'm not," you assured him. "I just don't see why we shouldn't go. I mean, we faced the Shadows of Onn just two days ago and then the whole icky Persistence Incorporated lot like, yesterday. A bar should be a nice change of pace, unless you really don't want to go, Doctor?" Both you and Jack turned to look at him and he rubbed the back of his neck under your gazes.

"Weeeell, if you insist," the Doctor shrugged his shoulders and Jack pumped the air, "Yes!"

"Aright then," you smiled. "Jack, what exactly do we want to wear?"

The TARDIS wardrobe awaited you.

~

So far, so good, you thought to yourself.

You had arrived at the bar and quickly claimed a stand-by table. You were lucky you had gotten it, there wasn't much space left. A band was playing, as Jack had promised, and there were enough people dancing to create a crowd. The music was alien and had some surprising metaphors, but there was a nice rhythm to it and you found yourself nodding along. You apprechiated the volume too, it was quiet enough to talk over it where you were standing.

The before-mentioned punch cost a laughable two Eeti and most took the generous opportunity, you included. Nevermind the Doctor and his "It smells funny" comments. Jack ordered something bright pink and alien at the bar while you scooped the punch into a glass. The Doctor stuck with apple juice.

It didn't take long for Jack to spot a cute guy at a table next to yours. You and the Doctor smiled knowingly when they started flirting across the way. Soon, Jack gave you a questioning look and you laughed. "Go on," you nodded your head towards the neighbouring table.

He smiled in grattitude and hugged you hurriedly. You patted his back.

"Go on, get outta here," the Doctor told Jack, voice warm.

"I want you back before noon, got it?" you levelled Jack's gaze in mock seriousness. He flipped you a salute before walking out, hand in hand with the guy.

The Doctor and you continued your conversation. As he rambled on about the rings of Ahknaten, you rubbed your eyes. Was it just you or was everything getting a little blurry? Maybe your alchohol tolerance was even lower than you had thought.

Then you noticed the Doctor was eyeing Jack's half finished drink, and you could tell he was curious.

"C'm on, Doctor," you grinned at him. "This is exactly the place and the time to try something like this."

He gave you a questioning look, and you nudged him with your elbow. "I dare you."

"Weeell, you see, now l just can't refuse. My honor absolutely cannot take a hit like this," he shook his head in mock offence, a smile playing at his lips. He carefully held the glass and took a tentative sip. His eyes widened in surprise.

"Ooh, is it any good?" You had to make an effort to sound chirpy. Maybe all the running was finally catching up to you, because you felt like you were about to nod off.

The Doctor cocked his head. "Actually, it's sweet. I didn't even consider alcohol could be sweet, didn't even think. Who made alcohol sweet? Brilliant invention I mean, if my taste buds have anything to say about it. It's not gonna have an effect on me, me being a Time Lord and all that, but l've never bothered with stuff like this, it didn't seem nearly as interesting as a new world behind the TARDIS door, but now that l consider it-"

"You're gonna go order another one?" You gently interjected his rambling.

"Mhm, yeah, l'll definitely order another one," he answered with a grin.

"Good for you. Oh, and you could go pay as well?" you suggested. You didn't think you would be ordering anything else, not with your head as fuzzy as it was.

He took the money out of his pocket (you had reminded him to get some before you'd arrived, it wasn't exactly like you, a human from Earth, had Kristellan currency on hand). "I'll be right back," he promised you and headed for the bar.

You didn't mind standing there at the table on your own, but it was a little akward. You felt like a sore thumb, standing out from the mixture of creatures around you. You watched the people at the edge of the dance floor, their shapes and colours blurring. Was that supposed to happen? You couldn't seem to take enough air in, though you tried to breathe deeply. The mist in your mind spread, and bit by bit it got harder to think. You stared vacantly at the moving shapes, trying to remember where the Doctor had gone. Why were your legs so weak?

Then there was someone at your side, holding your hand and asking you something. Something about dancing? You nodded, unsure what he wanted, and he grinned. Then he pulled you from the table, and that wasn't right. You were in the middle of the crowd now, and the green tinted man had his arms around you. What was happening?

~

The Doctor found himself staring at the punch bowl while he waited for his drink. There was something about it, something niggling at the back of his brain.

Then the air moved, and he could smell the scent of it again. But what was that, that tinge, something barely there, something like an acid? Something hydroxy... something with butan... hydroxybutan....

Y-hydroxibutanoic acid. The Doctor felt his blood run cold.

He whipped around and grabbed the unsuspecting barista by her wrist. "Listen to me, right now," he growled and her golden eyes widened. "That punch bowl is spiked, and everyone here could be in danger. Do something about it."

She nodded in horror so he knew she understood the urgency and turned to her colleague, her voice grave. He left all his money on the counter without a thought, he needed to find y/n.

~

When he arrived back at your table, you were gone. He looked around in panic. You had drunk the punch at least twenty minutes ago, which was definitely enough time for the drug to kick in. If anyone tried-

Then he finally found you. His hearts sped up. A man with his hand around you was pulling you through the crowd, towards the door. The Doctor saw your wobbling, unsteady steps, saw you still try to get the man's hands off of you.

White-hot fury exploded in his chest, it burned everything away. His hands tightened into fists at his sides and trembled with his rage. Blood rushed in his ears as he gritted his teeth into a snarl. This was it, this was what Daleks were afraid of. He ripped through the crowd withought a thought to anyone.

Upon reaching you, he pushed the two of you apart. The creep stumbled to the side but at once, the Doctor gently took you by the shoulders to hold you up. Yes, there was fury in him enough to scorch planets, but this was you.

Your eyes foggy, you tensed in his arms and shakily tried to break free, but he soothed you with a soft voice. "Hey, hey, it's me, it's the Doctor." You immediately stopped fighting.

"Doct'r," you slurred and fell into his chest, eyes half closed.

"What the hell, man?" the creep demanded.

The Doctor pressed you against his side and turned so he was holding you up the furthest you could be from the man who had tried to- No. He couldn't even think about it.

"Hey! Dont cockblo-" the turd came at the two of you but the Doctor grabbed his lapel and pulled him close. The creep's eyes went wide as he tried to break free.

It was easy, so incredibly easy to hold him in place. The Time Lord rarely used his full strength, always relayed on his mind, because he'd seen what war meant. But now the restraints were snapping like paper strings and the beast in him rattled its chains.

"You get one warning, just one. So listen closely," he growled in the turd's face. "Run. Run far and run fast, because if l see you, if l so much as smell you in the wind, l will find you, and l will teach you the meaning of hell." He suddenly released the creep who stubled from the force of it and scurried away, into the crowd.

The Doctor looked down at you and all rage evaporated. Your head was resting on his shoulder and you were leaning into him to stay upright. Your eyes were closed. He gripped you a little tighter and cooed, "Hey there. Let's get you home, aright?"

You hummed, only half-coherent at best, and nuzzled into him. Butterflies immediately filled his stomack, but this was not the time for that. He tried to take a step, but it soon became apparent that you couldn't walk.

The Doctor carefully lifted you into his arms and headed for the TARDIS.

~

When you two finally reached your room, he gently sat you on the bed where you wobbled a little but stayed upright. He kneeled down and unlaced your shoes. When they were off, he thought you would want him to leave, but then he felt your warm hand clumsily catch his.

"Stay," you mumbled and he looked up into your hazy eyes.

He felt his hearts beat faster at the soft look you gave him. He wanted to find that man and rip him apart, he wanted to give you the universe, wanted to wrap himself around you and never leave.

He could never refuse you.

"Alright," he whispered. He slowly stood up and pulled back the covers so you could get into the bed, then he took off his jacket and his shoes.

When he clambered in, he planned on staying away from you, but you found him and pressed yourself against him. You lay your head on his chest as your hands hugged his sides. When you nuzzled your cheek into his shirt and sighed in content, he felt something soft and warm spread through him. Of course he'd known you trusted him, but this- You were helpless, utterly helpless, and you trusted him to hold you. A thousand stars glowed in his chest as he put his arms around you.

A voice in his head told him he maybe shouldn't be enjoying this, considering the cause that had led you two here, but it was small and distant and not impossible to ignore. You were safe.

He nuzzled his cheek into your hair and fell asleep with you in his arms.

[loki--fics]

Hey !!! I love your writing !!! Could I possibly request a super fluffy like wedding day where both you and Loki are nervous but it all goes away when you see each other and a wee lil bit of smut at the end? Totally cool if not !!! ✨💜

sorry this took so long, this was by far my longest oneshot! i wanted to fit in as much detail as possible, though i was tempted to turn this into a series as well haha. thank you for the request though, and feel free to ask for more :)) i hope you enjoy!

~

Loki's Bride

Pairing: Loki x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 4,668

Content Warnings: fluff, lots of smut at the end

~

It was late afternoon, the warm sun guarding against the chill of the autumn breeze. You sat in front of the window, your eyes closed as a handmaiden worked on your makeup, another one standing behind you working on your hair. They had been doing this for what felt like ages, but you didn't mind; it took your mind off of how nervous you were. But then, you had reason to be nervous - today was your wedding day.

The crisp breeze wafted in from the open window, caressing your skin like a whisper, but you could barely feel it over the cold pricks of anxiety. You and Frigga had been planning this day for months now, and throughout the months you had been excited, but now that the day was here, you were nervous.

"It is time for the dress, Lady Y/N," Said the handmaiden who did your hair. You recalled her stating that her name was Ingrid, and the other maiden was named Eira.

Nodding, you stood and walked with Ingrid to the wardrobe, from which she grabbed a large garment bag.

"Her Majesty had this dress made for you," Eira said happily as Ingrid unzipped the bag. You were met by the most beautiful dress you had ever seen, a creamy off-white number with off the shoulder sleeves and intricate gold lacing, the skirt wide and puffy with a short train. Its beauty was almost unreal.

"It's gorgeous," You said, your fingers brushing the fabric.

Eira slipped your robe off of your shoulders, placing it on the bed as Ingrid helped you carefully step into the dress. As she zipped up the back, it hugged your waist and bosom snugly, but not uncomfortably tight. It was a perfect fit, as were the shoes and the waist belt for the dagger ceremony.

"This is amazing," You breathed, smoothing out the dress. It felt as though you had been transported into a faerie tale, with the dress, the handmaidens, the stunning view you had from your window, and the fact that you were marrying a prince.. You were afraid it was too good to be true.

A knock sounded at the door, and Eria walked over to answer it. "Your Majesty!" She said, bowing. "I was wondering when you would arrive, we've just finished getting Y/N into her dress."

Your eyes met Frigga's as she walked into the room, ever the epitome of grace. "Dearest Y/N, you look beautiful!" She said happily, her eyes trailing over you.

"Thank you," You replied, bowing slightly. "The dress.. I'm not sure how I could ever thank you for it, it's perfect."

Frigga waved you off. "I assure you no thanks are needed." It was then that you noticed the square, velvet box in her hands, and she followed your eyes downward. "Oh, yes. This is for you as well, dear." She opened it, and resting inside was a beautiful gold circlet with emeralds and diamonds inlaid, delicately woven to resemble leaves.

"Oh, Frigga, you shouldn't have," You said, feeling tears well up in your eyes. "I couldn't possibly accept this!"

"You can, and you will," She said gently, removing the circlet from the box. Gently clasping it at the back of your head, she turned you toward the mirror. "Go look."

Your eyes widened in shock as you looked at yourself in the mirror. Never in your life had you looked so beautiful, you were sure of it; your skin had a dewey glow, your hair was left down and curled simply, with intricate braids on either side of your head connecting in the back, the circlet pulling the whole look together. You truly looked like royalty.

The thought still nagged, however, that this was all too good to be true. Turning away from the mirror with a sigh, you took a seat in front of the window once more.

"Is there something troubling you?" Frigga asked, shooing the handmaidens out of the room and taking a seat on the wooden bench next to you, her eyes alight with worry.

"This seems too good to be true," You admitted. "What if Loki realises that he's making a mistake, or he realises he doesn't love me anymore? I'm only a mortal, and he's going to live on far longer after I've gone from this world."

Placing her hand over yours, she spoke. "I know my son, Y/N, and I can see from the way he looks at you how deeply he loves you. Please trust that all will be well."

"He's going to have to watch me grow old and sick and die, while he stays perfect," You voiced. You had realised this quite some time ago, but hadn't let yourself truly come to terms with it until now, and you felt yourself begin to panic. "I'm going to die centuries before him, and then he'll remarry, and-"

"Y/N!" Frigga said, snapping you out of your ramblings. "Do not think of such things. Focus your mind on the love you hold for him, and the love he holds for you; a love as true and pure as yours does not happen often, believe that Loki will not allow anything to happen to you."

"Your Majesty," Ingrid spoke from the doorway. "It's time."

As the two of you stood, Frigga wrapped her arms around you in a warm embrace. "Focus on your love for him," She repeated in your ear. "All will be well, I promise."

~time skip~

All too soon, you stood facing the doors that led out into the garden, where the wedding was taking place. Thor was at your side, your arm looped through his as the two of you waited for the music to start, your cue to walk down the aisle.

"What if I forget my vows?" You asked frantically. "What am I supposed to do then?"

Thor chuckled, patting your hand. "Lady Y/N, you have been studying your vows for weeks, I have good faith that you will not forget them. However, if you do, simply speak from your heart."

You heard the low sound of the music begin, and that meant there was only a moment before the doors would open and you would face the people of Asgard and the Allfather, and you felt your heart race. "Please don't let me fall," You whispered.

"Never," Thor whispered back, squeezing your hand. Taking a deep breath, you squared your shoulders as the doors opened.

It took only a moment for your eyes to adjust to the light, and almost immediately you spotted Loki. As you and Thor began walking slowly, you watched Loki's eyes widen as he looked at you, his lips parting slightly as a blush rose to his cheeks. You saw nothing but love in his eyes, and you smiled as your own eyes took him in, looking handsome as ever in the Asgardian leather suit he so prided himself on.

Looking down, you saw that the white carpet that stretched from the doors to the altar was sprinkled with beautiful red bougainvillea flowers, which you'd requested as soon as you'd discovered that they were Loki's favourite. He noticed this as well, looking down at the flowers and giving you a small smile.

There were hundreds of people in attendance, most of them being residents of Asgard, many of whom you had yet to meet, all standing with their eyes on you. You saw many happy smiles, but also caught a few jealous stares from some of the women, and flushed. Continuing your slow steps, you focused your gaze back on the handsome groom waiting for you.

As you neared the altar, you spotted your team - your family, standing in the front rows greeting you with wide smiles. When you had first told them about your relationship with Loki, a year and a half after he'd returned to New York to gain pardon from the people of Earth, and six months after your relationship had begun, they were understandably shocked. But through your time spent with him, he had shown you a softer, gentler side to him, one that they had not yet seen. An even bigger shock came when Loki had proposed to you in front of everyone at the New Year's Eve party that Tony had thrown, but now, they expressed nothing but happiness for the two of you.

You felt your heart swell as you looked at them, even more so as you looked back at Loki, and it took everything in you not to pick up your dress, run to your groom, and throw yourself into his arms. This was everything you had dreamt of and more since he proposed to you eight months ago, and you wanted to laugh at yourself for being so nervous. How could you have thought, even for a second, that he would just stop loving you?

Thor pulled his arm out of yours, placing his hand on your shoulder and smiling as he took his place with the rest of the team in the front row. You picked up your dress and walked up the steps of the beautiful stone gazebo, decorated with bright, beautiful flowers and leaves, taking your place across from him.

"You are stunning, my love," Loki said quietly, his blue eyes gazing into your e/c ones as he took your hands.

"As are you," You replied, squeezing his hands. "I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Nor can I."

The music quieted as Odin stepped in front of the two of you and raised his hands, cueing everyone to take their seats.

"Good evening, people of Asgard and guests." Lowering his hands, he continued. "Today, we have taken ourselves out of our usual routines of daily living to witness the union between Loki of Asgard, and Y/N of Midguard." He gestured to each of you respectively. "As Loki and Y/N prepared for the ceremony, they took time to reflect upon what it is they love in the other, and they will now state these vows, starting with the groom."

Loki smiled at you lovingly. "I, Loki of Asgard, by the life and seidr that flows through my blood and the love that resides for you within my heart, take you by my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. There is not a moment where you do not take my breath away, and I will never seek to change you in any way. I will trust and respect you as your own person and realise that your needs are no more important than my own.

"I hereby promise to love you wholly and completely, without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in this life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I will grow along with you and I am willing to face change with you. I will always respect you, your beliefs, your people and your ways as I respect myself, as I am your partner and we shall be equal in all things.

"I cannot begin to describe how happy I am to have won the joy of such a consort, and I will forever delight in the love of you. I will cherish each tear to fall from your eyes, both in sadness and in joy, and I will do my best to ensure you are safe and secure, and to honour the love you have for me. To find someone as special as you, out of all in the Nine Realms, is something I never imagined possible. Today, Y/N, I give myself to you and vow to love you eternally."

You couldn't stop the tears that welled up in your eyes as he finished, looking at you with such love and adoration you had to restrain yourself from kissing him then.

"And now, the bride will state her vows," Odin said.

Taking a deep breath, you squeezed Loki's hands. "I, Y/N of Midguard, by the life that flows through my blood and the love that resides for you in my heart, take you by my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. I promise to love you when you are confident in yourself, as well as when you cannot bear your own reflection. I will love you when all is perfect, and when it seems all is falling apart. I promise to never judge you, nor your feelings, and to listen to you always, even when it's hard.

"From the moment our paths crossed you have surprised me, distracted me, captivated me, and challenged me in a way that no one ever has. I have fallen in love with you countless times, again and again, without reservation, and I still cannot believe that I am allowed the honour of being your bride.

"Whilst I cannot promise that dark clouds will never hover over our lives, or that the future will bring us many rainbows, I can promise that regardless of what lies ahead I will be by your side through all of it. You have my everlasting devotion, my loyalty, my respect, and my unconditional love.

"You are what makes my life a joy to live, and I vow to cherish every moment that I get to spend in your company. I would, on no uncertain terms, do anything for you. I will always choose you, in this life and every one beyond, in any world, and in any version of reality, I will find and choose you. Today, Loki, I give myself to you and vow to love you eternally."

"Now," The Allfather said after a beat of silence, "The couple will now exchange their handmade daggers."

The two of you released each other's hands, and you turned behind you to receive the dagger that you had made for Loki from Frigga. At the same time, Loki had turned to Odin for the dagger he made for you. Turning back to each other, you each held up your daggers, then Loki leaned toward you and placed the dagger into your waist belt, and once he was finished you repeated his actions, placing your dagger into his waist belt.

"Present your rings," Odin said, and both of you complied.

"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love everlasting," Loki said as he slid the ring onto your finger.

"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love everlasting," You repeated, sliding the ring onto his finger.

Odin spoke once more. "Loki of Asgard, and Y/N of Midguard, today you celebrate one of life's greatest moments and give recognition to the worth and beauty of love. As you have stated your vows with your lips, so you shall seal them with your lips."

Throwing your arms around your now husband, you pressed your lips to his with such force it was as though you had been starved of his kiss for years. The thundering applause and shrill cheers seemed to fade away as you kissed Loki, your fingers tangling in his jet black hair as his hands wrapped around your waist and lifted you, spinning you in a circle.

Setting you back down, Loki broke the kiss, leaning his head against yours and looking at you longingly. "I love you so very much, Y/N," He whispered with a smile.

"I love you, too, Loki," You whispered back, feeling happier than you had ever thought possible.

~time skip~

After you had changed out of your wedding dress into your reception dress, you and Loki enjoyed the festivities and feast for a while, dancing in merriment with everyone until Loki had pulled you aside.

"I need to speak with you," He said lowly, leading you over to the balcony. The two of you stepped out into the crisp night air, and Loki shut the doors, presenting you with a black box.

"What is this?" You asked, confused.

"I have one last proposal to make," He said, getting down on one knee. "If you truly wish to spend forever with me," Opening the box, a single apple that appeared to be made of gold rested inside, "All you need do is eat this apple."

Your throat felt tight as you looked at the apple. "Loki…"

"This is an Apple of Idun, it is what originally granted the Gods and Goddesses immortality, and if you wish, it will grant it for you as well," He explained.

Your eyes welled up with tears as you touched the apple. It was cool, and felt like a normal apple. Frigga's words from earlier when you voiced your fear of dying before Loki poured into your mind and you gasped. "Frigga-?"

"It was her idea," He admitted. "She convinced Idun to spare an apple in the name of love. Do you accept?"

You sank to your knees, putting yourself at the same level as Loki. "Forever?" You asked, searching his eyes.

"Forever," Loki replied sincerely.

Slowly grasping the apple, you considered the weight of what you were about to do. Were you truly ready to give up mortal life, to live for thousands of years like the people of Asgard?

Looking into Loki's blue eyes, full of love and hope, you knew the only answer was yes. For him, you would do anything.

Bringing the apple to your lips, you sunk your teeth into the soft flesh, biting a chunk out and chewing it slowly. It was sweeter than any apple you'd ever eaten on Earth, perfectly ripe with juices trickling down your chin. Taking another bite, you almost moaned at how delicious it was, reveling in the taste. It seemed the apple had no core, no seeds, so it was unable to be replanted, and you were able to eat the entire thing.

You felt something akin to the feeling of your limbs falling asleep, the tingling sensation spreading over the whole of your body. Your vision blurred, and you would have fallen back if Loki had not caught you and laid you in his lap. A strange, out of body feeling overtook you, as though you were hovering over the two of you, the body laying in Loki's lap no longer yours. It was as if the universe had poured a bit of its everlasting essence into your veins, feeling like the purest magic had filled your body. Then, as soon as it started, it was over.

Vision cleared, you looked up at your husband, seeing him much more clearly than you had before. Every strand of hair caught your attention, every wrinkle in his suit, every line in his hands.

"You are breathtaking," You gasped, your eyes wide in awe. "What just happened?"

Loki smiled softly. "You became immortal."

Sitting up, you threw your arms around Loki, and he grunted, your new strength taking him by surprise. "I cannot wait to spend forever with you," You whispered. "I love you so much."

"Nor can I, my love," He whispered back.

~ time skip ~

The two of you had rejoined the festivities, dancing and grazing on the plethora of food, conversing with the people of Asgard and your team, but now it was time for your honeymoon to officially begin.

Grasping your hand, Loki put his lips to your ear. "I do believe it is time we consummate our marriage, my love," He said lowly.

You felt heat blossom in your core, and blushed. Bidding goodnight to your team, you followed Loki out of the room, followed by a chorus of cheers and wolf-whistles. Tonight was the first night you were to be intimate with Loki in such a manner - he had been being watched by Heimdall and the Allfather most of the time the two of you had been dating, so you had only been able to steal kisses here and there. Not the most romantic, but it was better than nothing.

Now, however, as Loki pulled you to his chambers, you felt almost as nervous, if not more so, than you had before the ceremony. No one was watching you now, the two of you were utterly alone.

Loki stopped outside the door to his chambers, turning to you. For a moment you were confused, but then he scooped you up, bridal style, and carried you over the threshold. The door closed with a solid thud behind you as he walked you to his bed, setting you down gently. After the ceremony you had changed into a shorter dress, the hem reaching your mid-thigh, with a white skirt and lace top that wrapped around your neck. Now, Loki eyed it hungrily, wanting it off.

Gently holding the back of your head in his hand, Loki kissed you, laying you down slowly as he hovered above you. His lips claimed yours completely, his tongue swiping along your lower lip. You gasped lightly, and he took the opportunity to slide his tongue into your mouth. Feeling a familiar tingling sensation, you realised Loki had used his magic to remove the clothing from both of you, leaving you in undergarments, and you blushed, instinctively moving your arms to cover yourself.

Pulling back, Loki met your eyes. "Hear this now. You need never cover yourself in front of me. You are a treasure to behold, my love, and in my eyes, you are nothing short of perfection." His hands gently pried yours away from your body, his eyes relishing the sight. "There is not a single soul in the Nine Realms that I would rather be with right now, and not a single thing in the Nine Realms that could take me away from you. I love you, not only for your body but for your soul, your mind, your heart and your spirit."

He said every word with such sincerity, his eyes showing nothing but love for you, that you could think of only one thing to say.

"Kiss me."

He did, with an intensity that rivaled every other kiss he'd ever given you, including your wedding kiss. It was so filled with passion that you were certain no being in the Nine Realms and beyond had shared such a kiss before, it felt as though the universe itself was bowing from the vehemence of the kiss.

Every inch of your skin that Loki caressed seemed to be set alight, and you were certain that, had you not been holding him, you would have floated away to Valhalla. You felt his hardened member brush the thin lace veil that covered your core, and were unable to quiet the moan that fell from your lips as your hips bucked, desperate for more.

Loki's lips left yours, venturing down your jaw, your neck, your collar, kissing every inch of exposed skin. You were hot and cold all at once, your body nearly vibrating from the force of your arousal as his lips travelled lower, between your breasts, down your stomach, to your thighs. He peppered delicate kisses along the inside of your thighs, looking up at you as his fingers hooked in the waistband of your panties.

"Is this okay?" He asked, pausing.

"Oh Gods yes, Loki," You breathed, your chest heaving with the force of your breaths as you met his eyes.

Slowly, deliberately, he pulled the thin lace fabric down your hips, tossing them to the side as he took in the sight of your glistening core before him. He pressed two long, dexterous digits against your opening, sliding them inside of you and pumping at an agonisingly slow pace. His head dipped down, lips just barely brushing your sensitive nub, inhaling your sweet, musky odour before pressing a kiss to your core.

"Please, Loki, stop teasing me," You whined, gripping the sheets.

He smirked. "As you wish." With force, he launched an assault with his lips, his tongue expertly swirling around your nub whilst his fingers curled perfectly against your g-spot. Your eyes rolled back in your head as you moaned loudly, fingers tangling in his soft raven locks.

Loki's free hand gripped your thigh so tightly as he devoured you, you were sure it would bruise. He moaned, sending delicious vibrations through your core and your orgasm ripping through you with a force you had never before felt, your body set aflame as his name fell repeatedly like a prayer from your lips.

Pulling his head back, your husband looked at you with dark, lust filled eyes as he brought his fingers, covered with your arousal, to his lips. Slowly, he put them in his mouth, sucking off every bit of your juices before pulling them out and climbing on top of you, pressing a kiss to your lips and allowing you to taste yourself.

"You are sweeter than the finest søt vin," Loki said lowly.

Butterflies were no match for the hurricane that erupted in your stomach. "I want you," You begged softly. "All of you. I'm yours."

With a flick of his wrist, the rest of the clothing was removed from both of you. Your eyes moved down, almost of their own accord, taking in the size of his member. You were no virgin, and you were sure Loki wasn't, either but you had never been with someone of such size and girth, and it would be dishonest to say you weren't intimidated.

"I'll be gentle, love," He said softly, his hand caressing your cheek.

"I trust you," You replied, leaning into his touch.

Kissing you softly, you felt the God position his manhood at your entrance, sinking himself into you slowly. He groaned at your tightness, his head falling into the crook of your neck as he waited for your hole to adjust to his large size. The sensation of being so wholly filled by him was a bit painful, your walls stretching to their limit as they tried to accommodate him, and after a moment you bucked your hips.

Pumping into you slowly, the pain morphed into pleasure as your legs wrapped around his waist, allowing him to sink deeper into you. He quickened the motions of his hips, the head of his manhood perfectly hitting your g-spot as he thrust into you. Both of you were moaning, your lips roaming each other, hands groping anywhere they could reach as Loki plunged into your opening again and again.

"Please, harder," You moaned, gripping his shoulders.

All too happy to oblige your request, Loki brought his hips to meet yours with such force that you saw stars. Moaning loudly, your nails dug into his skin as he thrust into you harder, his movements growing faster as you both neared your climax.

Wrapping his arms around you, Loki pulled you upright so that you were sitting on his lap, continuing to pound into you as he brought your nipple into his mouth, swirling his tongue around it before nibbling lightly. Delirious with pleasure, you gripped his hair and pulled, earning a loud moan as his nails raked down your back. He smashed his lips to yours, and you bit his lip so hard it drew blood as your orgasm hit you with even more force than the first, your primal screams of pleasure filling the room as he buried himself to the hilt inside of you, releasing his seed as he shouted obscenities.

After a final few pumps, he pulled out of you, the two of you falling back onto the mattress, limbs entangled and your head on his chest.

"I will never grow tired of that," You giggled, fingers drawing lazy swirls on his pale skin. "This has been the best day of my life."

Loki smiled. "It was mine as well." The two of you were covered in a sheen of sweat, and with a lazy wave of his hand, the window opened and a cool breeze wafted over the two of you.

"I love you," You said sleepily.

"I love you," He replied.

"Forever?"

"Forever."

[witch-hazels-musings]

It’s 🍪!

You have this ‘My Sunshine’ (?) fic where the reader is an absolute ball of sunshine and I LOVE it! Could you do a part two with Zhongli, Childe and Albedo please?

Mwah!

My Sunshine

( what an incredible choice of characters! Thank you for adding to one of my favorite fics!! ) 

Warning -> SFW, Fluff

Character X GN Reader | Anthology 

Includes: Albedo, Childe, Zhongli 

Albedo 

It was the way you greeted the world around you - with pleasant smiles, patient hands, caring and compassionate eyes. You saw the world for what it could be, the beauty of it and while Albedo searched for the answer in the universe, you already seemed to have found them 

He noticed you on his wanderings through the city. His hands were already moving to draw your expressions in a hope to capture everything that he possibly could - how could he capture the intensity of the sun itself, of a flower basking in the afternoon glow, or a firefly so vibrant that it burned orange and beautiful 

You were bouncing on your toes, smiling kindly at the people who walked by while you patiently waited for anyone to stop by. Not many people purchased flowers every single day, but you found it wasn’t hard to proposition people with your generous smile and pin-point compliments. 

“My! I have never seen something so beautiful in all my life.” You began, bending to rest your hands on your knees while catching the attention of a small young girl who had been glancing at the array of flowers at your side. She looked at you confused, a bit nervous but didn’t back away. 

Reaching for a small white flower, you trimmed the leaves and hummed a little tune before turning back to her. “A lovely flower like you must attract so much goodness. Even this daisy is impressed by your radiance!" She giggled and you continued, "Would you do me a favor?” You smiled at her, eyes showing only the purest of shine. The little girl nodded her head and you began again, “Could you carry this flower and help it grow? If it's you, I'm sure it'll turn just as beautiful?” 

The little girl wrapped her small fingers around the stem, her smile and giggle so powerful that Albedo was sure you cast a magic spell because as he watched her gallop away back to her parents, the flowers near you began to glisten and the sketch on his page came to life. 

He was unsure how to make a connection with you, so more often than not he would find himself purchasing flowers he didn’t really have the necessity for - but perhaps if he gathered enough up, he’d have a bouquet glorious enough to equal your soul 

“Mr. Albedo, pleasure seeing you again.” You brushed off your apron and turned to him. Your eyes closing and head tilting, a standard greeting of yours. “I have some rather rare flowers in stock today if you’d like to take a look.” 

“I am actually here to inquire if you had any Asters; the research institute has just run out.” 

“Hmm, let me check for you.” You bowed slightly before disappearing behind the many stalls and carriers of your wares. He scanned the flowers as he waited for your return. Gloved fingers inspecting the petals of flowers and, in his wandering thoughts, he began to investigate which one reminded him the most of you. “Mr. Albedo, I am sorry, it seems we are fresh out.” 

“I see …” 

“Ah! However, I needed to gather several other plants today. If you come back tomorrow I will set them aside for you.” You waved at the other worker as if to inform them of your intentions and quickly reached for the basket near the stall. 

“Actually, would it be too much of a bother if I were to travel with you?” 

You paused, staring at him with eyes wide and mouth slightly parted. What was this feeling in his chest, it hurt. “I would never pass up an opportunity to share in your company! What a splendid day this is turning out to be.” 

“Thank you, I will keep out of your way.” 

“Not too much I hope. So, Mr. Albedo, are you ready?” You turned to head toward the front gate and he followed after you. 

“Yes, and please, just Albedo is fine.” 

“Alrighty then, Albedo.” Ah, yes, that’s why his heart hurt. 

There you were, the wind wrapping around you as you stood in a field of flowers - the reflection of light difficult to pinpoint for as bright as the sun shined down onto the plane below, you were just as intense and, in fact, you may be the most luminous creature to ever exist -- how could he possibly reach something like you 

Childe

His world had never been bright -- from the snowy landscape that threatened every day to freeze the warm hearts that beat on its surface, to the dark void that he fought through as an adolescent, to the harsh and demanding ladder he climbed in service to his cause -- he’d never known the light … his had been seized so long ago 

So when he found a flicking candle, a small flame in his dark corridor, he walked to it - ran for it - and to see the glory reflected on the other side was something he fixated on until he could hold the candle safe in his arms 

He clenched his jaw and sighed. These boring briefings were never something he cared to participate in. He was more for action rather than words, so instead of listening to the updates from the short, purple-haired harbinger, he instead gazed out the open window at the city below. 

Liyue had shifted from a temporary destination into a permanent one as the tasks and duties continued to lengthen his stay. At least he didn’t mind the city, not like some of the other places he’d stay at. Just as he was about to drift back to the boring discussion, he heard a voice drift up to him. A lively, giddy voice that stole all of his attention and focus, but as soon as you entered into view his minimal interest piqued into desperation. 

“Wait up! You can’t tell me that this isn’t a beautiful day, just take it all in!” You spread your arms wide and spun with so much energy that the inertia made you stumble, luckily you caught yourself before running into some poor passerby. Childe smiled and rested his chin on his palm as he looked down at the loveliness that was your everything. 

You laughed, and the way your hands flew to your lips to cover the sound made him jealous of those fingers. You spoke, words falling off of your tongue like sugar and he grew antsy at the thought of not tasting it. You existed, and he needed a piece of it. 

Waving to his subordinate, he spoke in a hushed whisper, and while the meeting continued to drone on, he made his first step at capturing a star. 

The more information he gathered, the more interactions he had with you - the more he fell into your luster, the richer his feelings grew for you 

His actions were that of a child just looking for a comforting glow in their endless darkness, hands cupped to keep it alive, breathing held for fear of accidentally blowing it out - stay, please stay 

He called your name, the sound of his voice dissipating in the open space as he searched for any sign of you. 

“Hey there!” You called out to him, and when he looked up toward your voice, he smiled. Your legs dangled off the tree limb, your hands wrapping around the bark as you balanced there. 

“How is the view?” He asked, crossing his arms and staring at you from below. How did you get up there, he wondered. 

“Beautiful, I can see so much from up here. It’s like a whole different perspective.” You breathed in deeply and lifted your arms to reach for the sky above you. “How about you join me?” 

“I’m not sure I can, I don’t even know how you got up there.” 

“Sheer will and determination!” Giggling, he thought maybe you were actually a mythical creature in the fairytales he used to read as a kid. There was no way you could live in this world and be so positive, it had to be you were something beyond this world. “I’ll come down to you.” Twisting, you wiggled onto your stomach before letting yourself drop onto the ground below. It was further than you thought and as soon as your feet hit the earth, your body became off balance and tumbled backward. 

Childe easily caught you, his sturdy chest supporting you and arms extended so your hands could have something to grab onto. 

“Ooh, that was exhilarating.” Tilting your head, you turned to look at him and for a moment he felt his lips scream for yours. He wanted to let you go, but how could you when you fit so perfectly in his arms. “Childe?” 

“You’re something else.” This was dangerous, you were dangerous, and now that he knew what it was like to feel the brightness of the light, he would never let the dark creep back in. 

He needed you - it was apparent - and he hoped one day you’d realize you needed him too. A light like yours truly needed to shine in the darkness of places, so choose his, please choose his 

Zhongli 

There is no one in this world that would understand luster better than he - no one who could see the shine inside a being as clearly as one with eyes who’ve witnessed the birth and eventual death of the universe. The great Morax, the ruthless Rex Lapis, the gentle and patient Zhongli are one and the same, and the visions they’ve witnessed cannot be forgotten 

So, to see a person with purity so refined, that even the dullest observers could clearly recognize, he found it nearly impossible to look away 

He heard tell of a new performer joining the Pearl, someone who had shown great elegance and glorious promise at wowing the crowds. As a man who fancied the arts of all kinds, he was intrigued by the rumors and whispers. So, when the schedule showed the name of this new performer, he made his way to the boat drifting on the sea. 

His lips tasted the sweet flavor of tea but his eyes soaked in the delectable movements of your body. The graceful bow of your spin, the bending and twisting of your limbs as you moved just enough to tell your story on the swaying stage. He felt the history in your dance, the pride in your fluttering fan as you moved it across your face, the snap of truth as you forced it up toward the sky. He was transfixed, as he was sure all were. 

When you finished, you began to greet the many interested patrons eager to hear the sound of your voice. There was no way he could have known how transfixing you would be when he heard it. 

“What a stunning performance.” Zhongli mused, his head bowing, a mirror of your own gesture. 

“That is great praise from someone such as yourself.” You smiled and he was reminded of glaze lilies. 

“Pray tell, what was the inspiration for your dance?” 

“Ah, an insightful question, not unexpected I must say.” You laughed and moved your hands to your chest, elegant fingers resting over your heart as you answered his question. “The light of a soul has so much insight, don’t you think? If the soul is radiant, the vessel's beauty is so easily seen, and if there is beauty shining so brightly that it can communicate out to those who look, it may shift just the tides of the future.” You laughed again, a bit more unreserved than the last, and somehow more telling to your honesty. “I’m sorry, I hope that answered your question.” 

“Splendidly, and then some.” He found himself transfixed, captivated by a spirit shining before him. 

Spending time with you was as refreshing as standing in a mountain stream, as filling as a warm meal, as bright as the basking stars that littered the sky above and reflected in your eyes even in darkness 

“Zhongli, hello again.” He wandered into the garden, the gentle bubbling of the water as it fell along the rocks provided a lovely background to your visage. Carefully, you rested your fingers against the pages of your book as you looked up at him. The shadows of the shifting trees let highlights of the sun dance across your face and he couldn’t help but capture this image in his mind. 

“Good afternoon, you seem to be enjoying the day.” 

“As I always am. Nature has provided such elegant and lovely conditions that it would be a waste to not thank it, don’t you agree?” 

“Wholeheartedly.” He smiled, his hands gripping tighter around each other as they rested against the small of his back. It was incredible how nervous you made him; for a man who was a powerful as the mountains that looked down over the city, you made him feel like a tiny pebble in the stream begging to be touched by you. “May I join you?” 

“Absolutely, anything in this world can be improved by good company, and yours is always my favorite.”

“As yours is mine.” He sat on the stone bench next to you, his hands resting on his lap as he looked out across the scenery. You moved closer to him, your arms touching as you shared in the company of each other and, while his eyes drifted to your face, he watched how your smile and good nature made the flowers bloom. 

You were a compliment to his life. A perfect addition to the drift of time and as he looked at the future that stretched before him, he found your red wrapping perfectly around his amber 

--

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