#obviously the commonality between now and then being 'having a good time and laughing about flan'

[knnichs]

my eternity

young love, loyalty, and admiration. a gentle reminder from your dear friend that he will stick with you, even after you've gotten sick of him.

c. kingdom messenger sethos x royalty gn!reader

t. character(s) are friends with reader but have romantic feelings, mutual pining (ish??), royalty au obviously, friends to something more but less than lovers LOL, reader is the princeps/princess/prince of the vehero kingdom, dehya obviously knows about readers crush on sethos & sethos' crush on reader, fluff, not proofread we die like bamoun, POSSIBLY OOC SETHOS ??? wc: 4.1k WOOHOO

taglist. @thestarswhisper @honeyney @pneumosia @tragedy-of-commons @gl4di0lus @ariadnehelx @azuresaqua @mikashisus @yuomizuu-> join the taglist here!

author notes at the end !

The sun had already begun to set, but your day was far from finished.

Being the future ruler of the Vehero Kingdom, you had quite the list of responsibilities. It wasn’t as simple as attending your classes on time and doing homework once you got back anymore–despite being homeschooled your whole life. No, you now had to help with managing the events, attending meetings, and political discussions. You have to watch your every step as even the smallest mistake may lead to war.

Now is a time where you truly had to be aware of everything you say. The annual banquet was just around the corner and you had prepared a hefty bit of it. So, safe to say that you have put in a ton of effort just to make this event possible this year. It’s not that your parents didn’t trust anyone to do it for them, or they didn’t have the time to manage it–you were of age now. Maybe it’s time you take part in these events, they said to you.

You’re tired of it, though. Incredibly tired.

In between your duties–you caught glimpses of a familiar dark brown haired fellow come and go in the palace; talking with the maids, laughing while playing cards with the guards, and leaving once more with his bag filled to the brim. Sethos, your kingdom's beloved messenger. 

You remember telling him to deliver the invitation letters in the port's post office after the last group of messengers failed to bring it as they ‘lost’ them (they really just went to the tavern and completely forgot about it.) He’s quite efficient with his work–usually a quick trip to the port would be around 30 minutes by foot, yet he manages to come back 15 minutes earlier. 

Ah, yes. His “secret power,” as he loved to say. Especially when the king, your father, compliments him for his diligent work and asks for his route–he simply shrugged and said “I just move fast.” 

There he is, in the flesh, several doors away from you; your best friend of many years now. He’s come to teach you many things about the palace. Secret doors that lead to underground tunnels, hidden doors in the library… You wonder why he knows all of this. 

You lean on the wall, shoulders shrugged as you crossed your arms and sighed. You couldn’t wait until night came around–changing into your silk robes and lying on the soft mattress while reading a book you liked, or falling asleep immediately.

“Your highness,” Dehya coughed, seeing your prolonged stare at the window. You hadn’t noticed you zoned out already–no wonder your eyes felt heavy. “Is something wrong?”

You shook your head as you faced the girl, greeting her with a small smile. “Nothing in particular, Dehya.” 

She glanced over your shoulder, catching sight of Sethos immediately. And she grins. “Boy problems? Why don’t you go talk to him?” 

For some odd reason, the idea makes you a little excited. After a really long day, a good talk with your… friend, would be pretty rewarding. Sethos is quite an entertaining person–you thought to yourself many times, questioning if he could possibly feel the same way to you.

But again, it probably wouldn’t happen at all. 

“Ah, yes! Let’s go bother someone who is clearly busy. Great idea.” You roll your eyes.

“Come on, your highness. I don’t think he’ll mind,” Dehya takes a few steps closer to you, hand pointed at the window as she looks at you encouragingly. “See? He’s wavin’ at you right now.”

You went to look at the window–watching what was going on. “No, he isn’t.”

“Oh my god–just go approach him!”

“And I’m telling you, I’m doing something.”

“I don’t get paid enough for this,” Dehya puts her arms up in defeat, eyes closed as she looks down at the floor and grinned. “I’ll see you later, your highness.”

She walks away, leaving you alone in the hallway filled with tiles and marbles and old paintings that look almost alive. You stare as she opens the doors and goes to the many living rooms in the palace. A part of you thought that she was right–maybe you should. But you somehow couldn’t get the courage to.

“He’s busy.” You repeat–mostly for yourself.

 “We both don’t have the time.”

It’s been a hectic day. You’ve walked maybe ten thousand steps today from preparations alone, you wonder how it would be like on the event itself. You’ve talked with the maids, told the band what to play during the dinner, you cleared the menu your parents created as they weren’t appropriate at all for a banquet, so you ended up creating another menu and checked with the chefs if they were possible. There were just so many more that it’s hard to list them all in your head. 

Now, you were fresh out of a hot bath, some chamomile tea on the side of your nightstand. You were laying in your bed, wrapped in the softest blanket, dressed in loose clothing, and you had just finished reading your book. The night was cold, so your balcony was halfway opened to bring some air into your bedroom. The moon is shining on the carpet, it’s comfortable, it’s nice. 

But you can’t sleep. Not at all.

Some thoughts are rushing in your head–and there are no thoughts at all. The blanket is soft, but you feel too hot, and when you take it off you feel cold. Your head sinks into the pillows but it makes you dizzy, your tea was too sweet and now you wonder if you somehow added too much sugar and ended up getting the energy to do things. You’re tired, but not at the same time.

Does that make sense?

On nights where you find yourself restless, your first thought is to go to the gardens. There, you’re alone, only with the moon's gaze and the flowers you tend to when you have the time. Tonight is no different. Once again, you’re looking up at the sea of stars above you to find comfort.

If being an heir to the throne was this stressful, you wonder how much worse it’ll be when you do eventually become their leader.

“In deep thought, your highness?” A familiar voice calls just behind the bushes, to where the swing is. Usually you’re all alone on these nights, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a certain someone joins you from time to time.

“Sethos,” you push a few stray vines from the tree, ducking down from the branches and looking at the white swing. “Apologies… for the silence. I didn’t notice you were here.”

“It’s fine, I didn’t say anything anyway.” He pats down the space beside him, moving a little to make more room. You smile, taking a seat and nodding a thanks to the boy.

Silence wasn’t uncommon when it came to the two of you. He understood your duties drained you socially and physically—which is why he usually fills the silence with his voice. Talking about his day, what he did, or reminiscing a little on memories from the past.

“You’ve been out and about, what brings you here at this hour? I’d be too tired to even make the trip.” His voice had a raspier edge than usual—proof of his exhaustion from the day as well.

You look at the sky again, “I don’t know, actually. I felt too tired to sleep. Quite odd, isn’t it?” 

He laughs, the sound bringing a certain warmth burst in your stomach. 

“I’ve got just the idea then.” The boy stands from the swing and it sways the slightest bit from the sudden movement. He reaches a hand to you, offering to help you up. “Wanna join me, your highness?”

“Sethos, my friend—I trust you, but… is this okay?” You held the ends of its saddle. With a huff, Sethos successfully brings the two horses you got for your 16th birthday out of the stables. Without alerting anyone at that. 

He blows the flame in the lamp, leaving the room dark as you two head out to the streets. “Yes, yes. It’s fine, completely fine.” 

Although, you're not the least bit assured. If your parents catch you sneaking out late at night–without a small group of guards with you–the scolding would last weeks. All Sethos is doing is taking your hand in his, nodding as a promise. We won't get caught, and you won’t have to suffer through their endless yelling.

The sounds of their hooves tapping against the stone floor echoes throughout the streets. It’s a sound you pay no mind to in the morning–especially during events, where there are more horses to count. But at night, everything just seems to be louder. But you push forward, seeing as your little friend is exceptionally confident that nothing would go wrong. Oh, to see the look on his face when he does get caught sneaking out with the heir of the royal family this late at night–it makes you curious. Would he feel guilty, or would he feel playful and try again another time?

“This way,” He whispers, redirecting the two of you into an alleyway. You know this place, you often head through here when you need to reach the gatehouse quickly. 

Which has you wondering, where is he even taking you?

There are not many places in the kingdom that would require you to pass by this specific alleyway to the gates. Well, there are none at all. The gates have only one use, and it’s to exit and enter the walls of your kingdom with ease–so why is he bringing you there with not one–but two horses?

Is he planning an escape? There is that possibility, the only problem being that he never told you in advance–how were you to get clothes and daily necessities without any mora on hand? You didn’t even fill a single pouch with the coins, like what they do in drama plays when the main character elopes with the love interest!

If that’s the case, then is this some kind of proposal? It’s true that you find Sethos attractive–you liked the way he carried himself in conversations… his smile, the way he urges you to do the most random things. Like, five years ago when he asked you to play in the mud with him after a storm. Who even offers to do that as a pastime? Your clothes would’ve gotten stained with the dirt, but he insisted otherwise. 

So he’s seriously asking you to elope with him, this is just insanity!

“Sethos–wait!” You stop in your tracks, holding your palm up to his face when he turns around. “Is there… something you want to say?” 

He pauses for a moment, blinking in surprise. What, had you finally caught on? Did you figure him out, with the way he’s acting right now? Holding your hand, guiding you through the kingdom–gods, he hoped not.

He laughs, “What are you even talking about? Read too many fantasy books?”

“I just–” 

“No, I’m not trying to kidnap you–or anything of the sort. We’re going out to a spot I know that could help you relax.” Sethos takes a few deep breaths, no doubt trying to calm his heart from exploding at that very moment. He puts your hand to his chest, looking at you with those bright eyes of his. “Trust me. I won’t do anything to harm you, your parents would kill me if I did.” 

That, they would. But you don’t say it outloud. Instead, you gently nod your head and he smiles.

“Aren’t there any guards around?” You ask, hiding behind a crate–you can’t say the same about your companion, on the other hand, and the horse you’re with right now. (Her head is peeking over the tall crates stacked on top of another, but she looks adorable doing it.)

Sethos has his arm raised in front of you. “Well, yes. But look closely.” 

You squint as you do, but you see Cyno–the highest ranking knight–lead the other guards stationed by the gates to a game of TCG. It was just a sight to see, truly, you knew Cyno loved playing the card game–but not this much.

You try to hold back a chuckle but Sethos catches on, nudging you with his elbow, his lips curving. 

“Let’s go, before they come back.” The boy says, holding the lead rope and leading the three of you to the gates. 

“Did you pay Cyno to do this?”

“Maybe.”

The first thing that greets you outside of the kingdom walls is the familiar blow of the cold night wind, the earth's somewhat comforting dirt smell, and the deafening sounds of crickets around you. Sethos helps you up as you hop on your horse, gesturing for you to follow him into the forest. 

The air only gets colder as you move, racing through the trees as Sethos speeds up. If anyone would pass through the woods now, the first thing they would hear is the laughter you two are letting out. One moment Sethos is in front of you, the second you turn he’s already behind you, preparing to scare you.

You slow down when you realize you were all alone. The trotting of Sethos’ horse can’t be heard, and no matter how loud you shout for him, he wouldn’t pop out of nowhere. You thought this might just be an elaborate set up for another scare he was going to give you, but you’re shocked to see that even after a few moments pass by, he still cannot be found.

Great. It’s the middle of the night, you’re stranded in a forest and you have no clue how to get back to the kingdom, and you have no knight with you. You don’t even know how to use a dagger. This is exactly a plot for an assassination, based on the books you’ve read. 

After some seconds of struggling to get off your horse, you pat her back as a thank you. You’re not sure why you did that, exactly, the gesture just seemed nice. 

Then, the sound of rustling reaches your ears.

It was from behind you–as you turned, you saw nothing but bushes. It was quite dark–so except for the moonlight shining on the field right now, you could barely see anything past the trees. Maybe it was just a rabbit, it always is. So you turn,  paying no mind to the potential danger that could lie beyond it.

Suddenly you’re tackled on the ground, rolling over the patch of grass as someone has their arms around you. You’re tense, trying to break free from their hold–but once you had opened your eyes, you found out it was just Sethos who had, once again, scared the soul out of you.

“What is wrong with you?!” You yell, though playfully–you try to get him off, but he wouldn’t budge. Not at all. In fact, he impossibly hugs you tighter.

The boy doesn’t respond, instead letting go and helping you sit. You try to brush off the grass on your clothes, and once you look up, a yellow-orange glow surrounds the both of you. Fireflies. There are about a handful of them around the field, they look like stars from afar, it’s a mesmerizing sight, really. 

“How do you like it?” Sethos whispered, sitting beside you. 

You smile, “It’s beautiful.”

“I’d hope so. I found out about this place when I was out delivering the letters,” He plucks something from the ground, then reaches for your chin. He gently makes you turn to face him, and you notice the orange glow reflected in his eyes as he does. He tucks a piece of your hair behind your ear, placing a flower right on top. “Is it to your satisfaction, your highness?”

The action makes your heart skip a beat–you almost think that the two of you were having a moment until he ruffled your hair playfully and looked away. You don’t answer the question.

“Dehya told me you saw me this afternoon lazing around near the guardhouse,” He muttered, his voice softly muffled since he kept his hand on his mouth. “I was actually chatting with them. A lot of the guards seem to like you now that you’re running around the castle more often.”

“Really?” 

“They kinda look forward to seeing you now,” He hummed, “I guess the same could be said for me… Except–I was first, of course.”

“Oh, so you only liked me now, is that it?” You reached over and poked his sides teasingly, the boy laughed in response, trying to get your hand out.

“No–no! Of course not! I mean… I’ve always liked you, you know? But in like–not in a weird way.” Sethos looks away once again, but you catch a glimpse of the red dusting his cheeks. The boy was a liar, and you knew that. 

He cleared his throat before speaking up once again, trying to clear up the awkward tension in the air.“A-anyway, how’s the banquet preparation going?”

The banquet was the last thing you wanted to talk about, if you were being honest. You came here to relax–not to talk about this again. You groan when you let yourself fall into the grass, Sethos turns his head from the sudden movement. He laughs,  “Well, not a fan of the topic?”

“Talk about something else. I beg.” 

“Okay then,” He reaches for something in his leather bag, he doesn’t take his hand out yet.  “My friend, Tighnari. Oh, not to talk about it again but, you guys should totally invite him–well, his kingdom, to the banquet.”

You roll your eyes when he mentions the event once more, “I don’t think that’s talking about something else.”

“Anyway,” The boy grinned, trying to continue the topic anyway. “He’s a botanist, so he’s great with flowers. One day, he told me that if you pressed flowers, you could get a pretty good bookmark.”

He gives you said bookmark, smiling. “So, here. White roses in resin, since you like to read.”

Your lips curved as you received the box, sitting back up and muttering a thank you.  A singular flower could be seen in the middle, its petals made to look as if it was still blooming. There were a few scattered branches around, and some leaves on the side for decorative purposes. The translucent resin only added to its beauty, it wasn’t too thick–nor too thin, definitely a bookmark you could use for your reading. You struggled finding random objects to mark the page you were on anyway.

“Thank you, Sethos.” You muttered shyly, “You just know everything, don’t you?”

You still held the bookmark in your hands, admiring the details of the flowers–the placement alone is already something to be amazed about. Everything fits perfectly, right to your preferences. You wondered if the flowers itself represent some sort of meaning–Sethos may not look like it, but he says things with hidden hints most of the time. 

“How did you meet Tighnari?” You asked, glancing over the bookmark once more. “You mentioned he was from another kingdom, I’m wondering how you got to know him.”

He leans back, hands supporting his weight from behind his back. “Pure coincidence,”

“Is that so?” 

“Yeah. Cyno and I got assigned to a mission, we were just going to accompany the King and the Queen for their afternoon tea time.” He continued, “Asked Cyno to come with me and walk around, we were bored to death. He refused and just stayed put. I walked around and saw the guy in their garden fiddling with the plants.”

“He was complaining about the placement. ‘The flowers won’t get any sunlight from here, and it’s way too unaligned!’ ” He imitated, you chuckle at his horrible impersonation. 

You smile, “I’d like to get to know him someday.”

“Oh, you should! His skill is just impressive. Once you’re done chatting, you’re bound to know a thing or two about plants.” He grins.

“You know, you always seem to bring people like that into your life.” You say, “People who are really good at what they do. Tighnari with his plants, Cyno with–whatever he’s doing, and you with your… well, everything.”

Sethos turns to look at you, a look of disbelief and playfulness. “What? My charm? Come on, your highness. I’m honored but–”

“No, I meant more with your ability to just… click,  with anyone. You’re not charming, not one bit.” You reply softly, seeing the way he looks almost sad with what you said–even if you knew he was just acting. 

“Okay, maybe add the charm, too. You do have a way of making people comfortable.” 

The boy chuckles, clearly flattered–but deflects the compliment with a shrug. “It comes natural to me, nothing impressive.”

“If you say so. I think otherwise,” You lay back down, looking at the stars. “But you are lovely to be around.”

Sethos is quiet for a moment, looking down at his hands–pondering your words. He had known you for many years now, but still, moments like this are… uncommon. Very rarely does Sethos open up to you, and the reverse. He thinks it may just be the exhaustion letting you speak freely. At the end of the day, you have a reputation to keep up as royalty.

He tilts his head, giving you that easygoing smile of his–a slight red still visible on his cheeks. “Someone’s gotta look out for you, your highness. I know Cyno or the other guards may just be more capable than I am, but–” 

The boy finds a place beside you, laying on his side and turning to face you. “I have certain things that they don’t have. I’ve certainly known you for longer, I think that’s a plus.”

You can’t help but laugh softly, “I’ll hold you to that. Now you must follow me when I go to the market early in the morning.”

“Don’t I already do that?” 

You hum, “Oh, I guess you do. You’re even more fitting, then.” 

A silence, once again fills the air.

“I have much to do tomorrow,” You mumbled, eyes slowly closing with your fatigue. “Will you have some free time during the afternoon? Let’s eat lunch together,” 

“I doubt it’s appropriate for a messenger to be dining with royalty alone.” He says. 

You yawn, subtly stretching your back before rolling over to lay on your back, where you wouldn’t face him. “Don’t worry. It’ll just be like… friends eating together.”

Friends. The word is unfamiliar in your throat–It’s something more than friends, what you two have. Definitely not lovers, despite the feeling you get in your stomach when you see him look at you in a way anyone else couldn’t. You weren’t just friends either–assuming that the softness in his tone whenever he speaks to you was only reserved for you. 

He nods, saying why not?  You smile in response, falling asleep in the bed of flowers. It’s oddly comforting, actually, and quite cozy. You’ve never slept on the ground before. 

“Your highness,” Sethos whispers, checking if you were awake. The sun had already started to rise, and the kingdom was starting to get lively once more as he heard the chatter of the guards just a little beyond the forest. He smiles, realizing you indeed have fallen asleep. He’s glad that you somehow found comfort, even if you weren’t at home. 

He reaches to carry you in his arms, gently raising you up–careful not to wake you when you’re sleeping soundly. “Come on, highness. Hold tight.”

When he reaches to call for the horses, he wonders if you’ve ever stopped to think about what he truly feels towards you. It’s the saddest thing ever, that you don’t know his heart is full of you. He adores you more than words could express–yet you don’t have a clue, only because he never had the guts to tell you, not once. 

Sethos walks towards the kingdom, you in his arms, and the lead ropes wrapped around his wrist. The sun shines on your face, and he wonders if you’re bothered by the sudden brightness, especially after spending the night in the woods. 

As much as you hate it–he’s proud that you’re now the person organizing the yearly banquet. He knows how much you dread the event the day it comes, you hate socializing with people you barely knew. But he wishes that maybe you’ll change your mind this time around now that his friends would be coming along. People from the Akademiya, even if you don’t know them, he’ll be the one to introduce you to the people he also treasures.

Being the future ruler of Vehero, you certainly do have a longer list of responsibilities than he does. Although… he hopes that one day, his name wouldn’t be something on an endless list of chores.

@ knnichs 2023 ﹑ do not repost, republish, translate, feed to ai or modify any of my works. doing so can and will result into me blocking you.

reblogs with comments are INCREDIBLY appreciated! go scream go feral idc i will eat all of them up and run away with a familiarly shaped reblog in my mouth, thank you.

wow this was an eyesore to write. dawg i AM NERVOUS ABOUT THE DIALOGUE THERE ARE SO MANY IM SO SCARED ITS REDUNDANT i hate dialogue i say i hate it. this was so hard to write but i lowkey enjoyed it too (no1 party anthem on loop I WAS SO LOCKED IN) this took so long too .... ong i am GLAD its finally over hell yeah :pray: i MIGHT do a part two (keyword MIGHT) where they finally get together . .. But probably not im too lazy thank you goodnight

[invisibleoctopus]

thinking about when i got my wisdom teeth out and the first thing i said after i woke up from the anesthesia was "we were talking about flan" which caused the nurses to erupt in laughter because i was out for like an hour which was JUST long enough for them to forget about the convo and then find it funny when i talked about it again

[eloves-writes]

careful who you’re talking to

[coriolanus snow x reader]

desc: snow hears a conversation with the academy boys about the girl he is secretly seeing and wants them to know who you belong to warnings: snow being snow like fr (toxic, controlling, insane, blah blah blah), smut, exhibitionism, public sex, unwarranted sexual comments about reader behind her back, she/her pronouns used, reader is wearing a dress, if i need to add any other warnings please lmk a/n: hiiiii! i'm back again. this is slightly unhinged and i didn't mean for it to be this unhinged but anyway hope u enjoy, send any and all coriolanus requests my way! mwah mwah mwah ily this work contains mature themes, minors dni

it was a cold night in the capitol, and you were steadily sipping a glass of posca to keep warm in your blood-red dress. the silky material was slit up your leg and cut down to reveal just the right amount of cleavage; you might feel a chill but you looked damn good and everybody knew it.

especially coriolanus snow. the two of you had been spending a lot of time together recently- behind bookshelves in the library, in dark corners of the academy halls, bend over desks in empty classrooms. it had begun as purely physical. stress relief. but after a month or so, you had each caught feelings for the other and were struggling with whether or not to admit it. and in that moment, he was also struggling tremendously to take his eyes off of you.

you stood talking across the room with arachne and livia, unable to concentrate on whatever meaningless gossip they were discussing with the feeling of coriolanus’ ice blue eyes on you; there was an electric thrill passing between you like you were connected with a live wire. to say your relationship so far had been hot and heavy would be an extremely severe understatement, and you found your mind constantly occupied with the thought of him touching you and the need to have him touch you again.

-

“i think y/n is checking me out,” festus creed smirked to the group of boys around him.

coriolanus almost snorted in amusement. you were obviously looking at him, and only him.

“something funny, snow?” gaius asked sharply. “jealous, perhaps?”

snow reserved his irritation. “not at all, breen.”

“whoever she is looking at,” felix stated earnestly, “i’m certainly jealous of them. i mean, just look at her. she looks fucking hot.”

festus nodded in agreement. “i’d love to rip that dress off of her. she acts so innocent, but you just know she likes it rough.”

coriolanus felt his blood boil. you were his. how dare they talk about you like you were a common whore? perhaps you did like it rough. he would know, he was the one fucking you. not these basic capitol losers. none of them could make you scream the way he did. none of them had scratches down their backs beneath their shirts from your nails. only he did. only he ever would, and he would make sure it stayed that way.

the other boys laughed, agreeing with festus. adding on their own ideas. detailing the ways they’d make you fuck them. describing the times you had supposedly sent them signals. assuming that you did not already belong to snow, that you would even think about going near them. that you would get on your knees for them like you always did for coriolanus.

he couldn’t listen to them any longer. “she’s seeing somebody,” he jeered, fixing the cuffs of his jacket and making definitive, unquestionable eye contact with you and subtly tilting his head towards the exit.

festus laughed incredulously. “is she now? i think we’d have heard.”

oh you’ll hear it alright.

“yes,” coriolanus replied with a chilling calm, watching you make your way to the door. “if you’ll excuse me.”

-

on the steps outside the ridiculously grand building, you waited patiently for snow to follow you out. it was only a few minutes before you heard the door open again, turning to face corio and immediately sensing anger. you worried, sometimes, about his anger. you knew he wouldn’t seriously harm you, but the same could most certainly not be said for any others who dared cross his path. the future president of panem could only afford so much blood on his hands.

“what’s wrong, coriolanus?” you asked gently.

he inhaled deeply and stared into your eyes in a way that strongly suggested you would be unable to walk the next morning. you waited for him to answer.

“you shouldn’t have worn that dress," he warned.

“what?”

“you heard me.”

either the cold or a fucked up part of you sent shivers down your spine, hairs standing up on your neck. your underwear dampened at his fury.

“i thought you would like it, corio,” you flirted, stepping closer to him. he placed a large, firm hand on your waist.

“i do like it, y/n,” he said before speaking in a low voice. “i would like it better if you took it off.”

you smiled and leaned up to kiss him, but he turned his head. you pulled a face in protest.

“behave,” he spat. “so desperate. do you not want to know why you shouldn’t have worn this?”

“yes, corio,” you replied, doing your best impression of somebody who wasn’t about to throw yourself on top of him. he liked when you were patient.

“because every man in that room wants to see it on their bedroom floor," he attested lowly.

“and you’re jealous,” you smirked.

coriolanus suddenly grabbed a fistful of your hair and roughly pulled your head backwards so that your face was tilted towards his. “and nobody else should be looking at you like that.”

a jolt of excitement ran through you. “corio-”

he gave your hair another tug. “say you’re mine.”

“am i yours?”

he realised instantly the meaning of your question. he didn’t have to think about his reply; he had thought about it every waking moment since the day you met. “you’re mine. say it.”

“i’m yours.”

“good girl,” snow spoke deeply before kissing you like he’d never kissed you before. without breaking apart from your lips, coriolanus guided you around to the side of the building. he counted the windows you passed until finally stopping by one that was cracked open and pushing you against the cold wall. as he removed his jacket and unfastened his belt, he looked inside the hall and you assumed he was checking no one was looking. he wasn’t. he was making sure that festus creed and the other boys were still stood in the same spot; directly in front of this particular window, and far enough from the rest of the partygoers that only the boys would hear you.

you gathered the skirt of your dress at your waist and wrapped your legs around corio’s sturdy form as he reached to move your underwear to the side. he circled your clit until you were practically whimpering, then slid two fingers inside of you.

“corio, feels so good,” you moaned softly.

he kept his same pace with his fingers, fucking you into a state of bliss where he knew you would be uninhibited and so drunk with his stimulation that people would think you’d finished every glass of posca in this stupid party. coriolanus was too good at what he was doing, you were on the edge of release within minutes and still desperately trying to quiet yourself in the name of dignity.

“corio, please, corio, i’m so close,” you whimpered into his neck.

he pulled away his hand, making you whine in displeasure. he liked to do that. liked to know he was in complete control of you, you would only cum when he willed it.

corio looked through the window again, but the boys had yet to hear anything out of the ordinary. they were still laughing amongst themselves. he unzipped his pants and pulled out his cock, using the slick on from your pussy to stroke himself before he pushed inside of you.

you tried again to stay quiet, but coriolanus began to coax you. “look at you, taking me so well. you wouldn’t let anybody else fuck you like this, would you? who makes you feel this good, huh?”

you couldn’t hold back anymore, his beautiful face spewing such foul things whilst fucking you raw and digging his fingertips into your flushed skin. “you do, corio. fuck,” you moaned, loudly enough that festus turned to look outside.

coriolanus smirked as they made eye contact. the initial confusion about the sounds coming from outside, the look of shock as he realised his classmate was balls deep in a girl he had pushed against the exterior of a building in the damn capitol, his face finally dropping as he realised who corio was fucking by the colour of your messed up hair and the visible strap of your dress, his eyes widening as he heard the things snow was saying to you.

your moans were getting louder too as you got even closer to your orgasm, whimpering corio’s name and repeating “i’m yours,” like a mantra.

snow took his gaze from the boys to you, feeling satisfied that he’d proved his point and starting to performatively enjoy himself, knowing yours weren't the only eyes on him. his pace quickened, driving you over the edge and making you clench around him as you came. he moaned aloud himself as continued to fuck you through your high and the overstimulation that came after until he finished inside of you.

you were completely fucked out, relishing the feeling of snow’s cum beginning to drip down your thighs after he swiftly removed your underwear to fold into his back pocket. he picked his discarded jacket up from the floor and placed it over your shoulders, kissing your head and leading you to the front of the building and helping you into a car which would take you both home. before you walked away from the window though, coriolanus smoothly pulled your lace panties from his pocket and waved them nonchalantly in the night air, catching the attention of the rest of the group. you would never have to know why he fucked you, only that the boys would stop bothering you now they knew who you belonged to.

[z3rinn]

# #. DOING THEIR MAKEUP !!

featuring: nrc 1st years !! You're usually bored in Ramshackle, even while having sleepovers with the other first year boys. But then, you suddenly have an epiphany!! To do their makeup!! But how do they react?

srry I haven't posted in a while >.< I've been working on some projects that I hope you guys will enjoy! Plus winter break is always so hectic for me lol. I hope all of ur holidays went well and i hope you have a happy new year!

# #. ACE TRAPPOLA

Ace is initially sceptical at first. Why would you offer to do his makeup? It was such a random request, he couldn't help but be nervous. Were you about to prank him? Or draw a dick on his face??? Was this payback for all the times he's drawn them on you and Deuce?

It doesnt take much convincing to let you though- drawing that heart day after day gets annoying. Especially because Riddle makes sure it's perfect every morning. It'd be nice to have someone do it for him.

Ace sits in front of you, legs spread for you to sit in between. He's leaning against the couch, slouching and complaining about how long this would take. Yet, the sudden feeling of your hands on his face shuts him up. Huh. When did the two of you get so close?

Your hands brush against his face, a sort of tension in the air as you do so. The soft sensation of the makeup brush, the powder on his face, the chill of the air. It was all calming and cold. Yet he couldn't help but feel warm.

You were too close to him. That had to be it! So close he could feel your breath on his lips. Once he felt your fingertips press against the plush of lips, he flushed brightly. He hoped you didn’t notice his stare.

Once you finish he smirks. That stupid, snarky, voice leaving his lips. He teases you for being so close to him, saying you must've done it on purpose. Luckily, you couldn't notice his pink cheeks under the blush you placed on him. He hums lightly, a cheeky grin forming on his face. He’d have to let you do this again.

# #. DEUCE SPADE

Deuce had makeup on his face before, seeing things like foundation and concealer were common to find on him. His mom would put them on him, it was due to their matching complexions, she would say, giggling.

He stopped during his delinquent era, using it occasionally to draw scars and bruises to seem “cool.” Makeup reminded him of his mom. Of his time as a delinquent. Of both his bad and good decisions. Perhaps that’s why he was afraid to agree.

Nonetheless, he accepts, albeit a bit nervously. Deuce sits on his knees, body tense as he glances around the room. You sit before him, laughing at his flushed face. You probably wouldnt even need to blush him with how red he was. Deuce was panicking, you were way too close to his face.

He's nervous and tense when your hands come to caress his cheeks. At first not even registering your touch. The feeling of his skin on yours is too much at first. It’s like he’s about to explode with how fast his heart.

However, he soon relaxes, face still flushed and heart still pounding. But he had a dazed look in is in his eyes, so close to falling asleep. The feeling of your hands on his face, gently putting product on him. He could fall asleep to this. It was comforting.

He flushes bright red when you wake him up, stuttering apologies like he had accidentally pushed you or something. You laughed at him, ruffling his hair (that you did while he was asleep) before pressing a teasing kiss to his cheek. Now he was burning.

# #. JACK HOWL

Jack's also confused, why would you want to put makeup on him of all people? Wouldn't you prefer someone prettier? But then you comment on how pretty he looked during the fairy gala, leaving him with a wagging tail and twitching ears.

Jack still looms over you, even while sitting. So it's better to have his head in your lap, or have him sit in a chair while you do it. You chose the former option (obviously). So he lays his head in your lap, albeit awkwardly.

Your hands travel to the back of his head, slightly massaging the hair behind his ears. His eyes are closed, body tense, like any sudden movements would disrupt you. You just giggle, petting him more and telling him to loosen up.

Soon, he relaxes, melting into your touch. His heightened senses usually make things uncomfortable, especially with things on his face. Yet your touch was calming and nice. Plus the scratches did help.

It reminded him of his siblings, and how they would make him play dress up and put makeup on him for fun. All those tea parties he had to attend, and those scrutinizing hours of just sitting there seemed to be useful once in a while. His eyes open to meet your own, golden eyes gazing up at you.

You were concentrating, biting your lips slightly as you blush his cheeks. He can't help but smile at your face. Once noticing Jack's stare you smile, complementing how still he was, compared to everyone else. Would he let you do this again? Yeah. If you asked.

# #. EPEL FELMIER

Epel sighs, dramatically falling to the floor. Of course you'd want to do his makeup. Ever since coming to NRC he's had to deal with people (Vil) wanting to put products on him like he was some sorta mannequin.

But you're not Vil, and you weren't forcing it onto him. And Epel could admit the teeny tiny crush he had on you. ( Having your hands on him was like a fever dream- ) Plus you were one of his closest friends! So with the sweetest smile ever, he agrees.

He sits crossed legged, with you on your knees above him. You look down at him, lifting his head up slightly. You cup his cheek, gently running your finger down the soft flesh, they were so smooth that not even a single blackhead was there. Vil's products really worked!

Meanwhile Epel was trying so hard to not scream at the top of his lungs. He could feel your warm, minty, breath, your skin softly caressing his own. He wanted to shove his face into one of the couch pillows and scream for an eternity.

Luckily, he's able to keep his composure, and soon gets lost in the familiar feeling of makeup on his face. It was oddly comforting, or satisfying at least. But he just can't seem to let go of the butterflies in his stomach.

Seven forbid he opens his eyes again ( they've been closed this whole time ) cause as soon as he sees your focused stare he's gonna retire to the countryside. The smile you give when finishing melts his heart. When he gets back to pomefiore he's gonna scream into that pillow like there's no tomorrow.

# #. SEBEK ZIGVOLT

Sebek is yapping and refusing, saying how it's unbecoming to wear makeup as a knight. He would get messy and dirtied during his training anyway, so what was the point? You remind him that Lilia's a knight, and that he wears makeup. He shuts up...Before yelling once more.

You sigh, groaning into a couch pillow at his annoying voice. Looks like you'll have to bring out the ultimate weapon for this. You stand up, batting your lashes as you place an arm on his shoulder. "But Sebek, don't you want to look your best for Malleus?"

That gets him to shut up. He sits on the sofa, posture still perfect as he grumbles to himself, arms crossed. Yet you can see the nervous excitement on his face. It was both cute yet annoying how dedicated he was.

You stand above him, a cheeky grin on your lips as you hold the brushes to his face. He's rolling his eyes at you, telling you to hurry it up. And that you do. He doesn't care much for the feeling, finding it somewhat pleasant- in a weird way.

He's far more focused on the way your standing above him. Your eyes gaze at him, and it feels like your staring deeply into his soul. He notices how your lips pucker slightly, carefully placing lipstick on his own. Your lips look oddly nice....

GAH- you're just a dumb human!! Why was he thinking about you like this?? He's suddenly flushing a bright red. Sputtering curses and nonsense- something about you bewitching him?? You just roll your eyes, quickly finishing the job before kicking him out. At least he looks good for Waka-Sama.

[luveline]

Miguel and Spider-girl not being official yet, but spending a lot of time at his place. He notices another Spider-man being very friendly and flirty with you, but you’re so sweet, you don’t even notice. He gets grumpy and one of the girls points it out, but it makes your heart swell, assuring him later that you’re his, even if he isn’t ready to make that official step yet.

hope this is OK!!

You tend to wake up before Miguel, and you slink out of his bed and his room without saying goodbye for the day if you have things to do. You have a training course hosted by Lady Spider at lunch time, so the chances of Miguel seeing you for hours on either side are slim.

Slim, but not zero. 

It's just after lunch when Miguel's taking the elevator down to Spider-Woman's laboratory when he sees you out on the floor. There are variants of you around, you're nowhere near as common as Peter Parkers or Gwen Staceys, but sometimes he'll see different versions of you hanging about the cafeteria. There are a few who, like you, adore him from the very first moment they see him. There's one who clearly wants to twist him up like a pretzel. But he knows it's you, and it would be shameful if he didn't, having spent so much time around you, having kissed you, felt your naked shoulders under his hands.

He doesn't think, he just clicks the stop button on the elevator and waits for the doors to open. 

You're not great at making friends. Pretty much every Spider person is a little weirdo, but you perturb the imperturbable with your flirting and your niceness, he assumes. You come off rather suspiciously at moments. He himself didn't trust you as far as he could throw you at first (though admittedly he could throw you quite far). 

Which is why he's pleased to see you in company. You and a couple of other rookies are milling around one of the training gymnasiums. The keychain of your phone hangs out of your pocket, purple translucent beads against your black thigh. You've been having a great time making jewellery lately, and he should know —no matter how well you clean, he finds beads and metal eyelets on the floor and occasionally in the sheets. 

"I can make you one," you're saying, clearly delighted at being asked. 

"You would?" asks a Spider-Man. Miguel doesn't know who he is, only that his suit looks vaguely similar to Peter B.'s, and… he's standing quite close to you, actually. 

Miguel stops walking. 

"Who is that?" Lyla asks. 

"Shouldn't you know?" he asks her. 

"What, like I'm some sort of intelligence model that knows everything about everyone?" 

Miguel doesn't have the cheer to laugh. His presence is like a rippling wave, a mixture of proud smiles and scared glances shot his way. He barely notices, his attention on you and your admirer. 

You and Miguel are sleeping together, but it's more than that. You spend hours together every day. He all but admitted he's infatuated with you, and you've been obviously embroiled in his disastrous personality since the moment you met him. You don't care that he's made pages upon pages of terrible decisions, you still deign to sit in his lap every evening, stroking hair behind his ears while you talk about everything but whatever it is between you.

He's never been scared about the exclusivity of your situation until right now. 

"It's not so hard, it just takes time," you say. 

"Don't put yourself down! You have talented hands, I can tell." 

You preen very sweetly in Miguel's opinion. It's not often he sees you shy. It's a shame the compliment you've perceived and the one Spider-Man is laying down aren't totally equivalent. 

"Thank you so much. You know, my– Miguel, we have matching charms," you say, beaming. 

"Miguel," Spider-Man says worriedly, "as in, Miguel O'Hara." 

"Yes!" you say happily. 

"Yep," Miguel says, with altogether too much satisfaction. 

Spider-Man looks at him with wide eyes. Miguel isn't proud, but he glares, as if to say, If you know what's good for you. 

"I'll see you later," Spider-Man says, shoulders slouched forward as he walks away. 

You give a cheerful goodbye and lean into Miguel as you do, your hand touching his hip. "Did you hear? He said my keychains are awesome." 

"I heard. Are you coming up with me?" he asks. 

Your smile turns playful. "Do you want me to?" 

"I think Miguel definitely wants you where he can see you," Lyla says.

Miguel bats her like a moth, to her annoyance. She whizzes around his head, her white coat fluttering from the simulated force of her movement, before pretending to kick him in the jaw as she disappears. 

"What does that mean?" you ask. 

"It doesn't mean anything. I want you wherever you want to be."  

"Oh. Well, I like being with you," you say, "so we all win. Are we going to the lab?" 

Miguel nods and can't summon any words to say that won't give him away. He leads you to the elevator, and together you stand in the centre of the glass box looking down at the inner workings of the Society scraper. It looks more like an ant hive than a spider's nest, wriggling bodies moving in waves from one place to the other. 

He tries not to be sullen with you. Punishing you for decisions he has or hadn't made isn't his style, but he can't help falling silent. You deserve to be complimented, fawned at, praised for your keychains. They're great. You're great. 

There's no reason for you to choose him over any other person who might want your affections. 

"Is something wrong?" you ask. 

"No." 

"Yes," Lyla says. 

"Nothing is wrong," Miguel says. 

"Well, if I did something–" 

"You didn't do anything," Miguel and Lyla say at the same time, their voices varying in level of joy. "Miguel's just jealous," Lyla finishes.

Miguel would prefer that the elevator crash down a thousand floors than have this conversation. Luckily, the elevator opens, and he spears ahead toward his laboratory and away from your prying questions. 

"Why are you jealous, handsome?" you ask, taking doubly quick footsteps to keep up with his large strides. 

"I'm not jealous." 

"What's wrong, then?" 

"Nothing." 

"That blows. Don't be a coward," you tease. 

"I'm not being a coward," he says, laughing. He loves and hates how you lift his mood. 

"I didn't think so. You're going to tell me what's wrong, I can feel it," you say, grabbing his wrist in your hand. 

He's thankful Lyla read the room and disappeared, but he knows she's listening. He sticks his tongue in his cheek for a moment. 

"We aren't… you have no obligation to me," he says. 

"I don't think that's true." 

"Well, you don't." 

"What, because we aren't on paper?" Ah. Lackadaisical you may be, but you're just as smart as anyone. You wrap your arms around your stomach. "So you have no obligation to me?"

"That's not what I'm saying." 

Your sudden spike of insecurity fades. "That's sort of how it works, Miguel." 

"You don't have to be stuck with me," Miguel says. "That's all." 

"Good thing I'm not stuck." You begin walking again and Miguel takes your cue, following behind you in a daze he isn't proud of. "I quite like being with you, unstuck. We don't have to call it anything or anything, but you don't have to feel grumpy about my lack of obligation." 

"Qué maravilla. You have it all figured out, huh?" he asks, though inside he's more than relieved. 

"No!" you say through laughter. "Of course I don't. I know you, though. And you have me." 

Your hand clamps onto his shoulder and you go on toes to kiss his cheek. You need a little help; Miguel dips his face toward his shoulder to give you better access. You kiss his cheek.

"I might tell Peter I can't make him a keychain, after all," you say. "I– I think he might have been flirting with me." 

Miguel nods, his smile painfully tight. "You think so?" 

Your laughter fans out across his cheek as you give him a second kiss. 

[cassiopeia-longbottom98]

Nott's Big Question

Relationship: Theodore Nott x Reader

Summary: Theo takes you to dinner. It's just a normal dinner at Blaise's, right?

Warning: Use of Y/N

_______________________________________

"Theo, thank you so much for dinner. You know how much I love Blaise's lasagna." I said happily. I tilt my head to the side and smile.

Theo stares back at me in awe. He admires us from across the table. "My goddess, you are absolutely stunning tonight. You always are, but tonight even the stars are envy your beauty."

I blush at the compliment. Theo has always been very good with his words, but they always seemed to leave me flustered.

"T-thanks Theo.", I say blushing, "You look dashing as ever. Blaise should offer you as dessert." I wink at him.

Theo grins, "Only for you, my darling."

You both talk about your day. Theo rants about how Draco keeps coming in late and how he has to pick up Draco's slack.

Ever since Draco and Hermione had gotten back from their honeymoon 3 months ago, Draco has been coming in late. I have my theory that she's pregnant. She wasn't looking too well after she had to use the floo when we had dinner last week. Theo thinks they are just shagging all the time.

"Hey Y/n!" Ginny calls. I look up to see Mr. and Mrs. Potter. Ginny and Harry have been married for a few years now. Their wedding was on the cover of the Daily Prophet for at least two weeks.

I smile and greet them. "Are you guys here on date night as well?" Theo asked. Harry nodded.

"Yeah. Ginny has been talking about wanting to come back here, since Y/n's birthday dinner." Ginny elbows Harry in the side. Harry grunts and glares at his wife.

"Anyways, I see you guys are here on date night." Ginny smiles and gives Theo a weird look.

'I wonder what that was about.' I think to myself but eventually brush it off.

Harry and Ginny go and sit at their table and we continue with our date.

Theo and I continue to eat your food in comfortable silence. It was never uncomfortable between you guys. He looks up at me and smiles.

When I first met Theo back in second year, he never smiled. I remember the first time I saw it.

It was fourth year and everyone was coming back at the Yule Ball. Draco seemed to be in a mood. Pansy stormed off to the dorm room, and everyone else was starting to get tired. Blaise wanted to lighten the mood and to make his best friend smile, so he asked Blaise to dance. Both being purebloods, they obviously knew to dance properly. The two of them started doing the tango. I watch from afar. Being a muggleborn sorted into Slytherin was rare and that meant I was an easy target.

I laughed at the boys being silly. I turned to see Draco smirking. I looked back at the dancing duo and was taken back. Theo had the most beautiful smile and his laugh could cure all things evil. The Slytherin common room never felt warmer.

"Well, hello lovers. I took time out of my very busy schedule to bring you this exclusive dessert." Blaise greeted. I giggle at his antics. Blaise has always been dramatic. Blaise shows us his very new cheesecake, carrot cake cheesecake. Theo grunts, trying to convince Blaise to leave.

Blaise chuckles and looks down at me, "You know Y/n, if you ever get tired of him, my bed is always available." I chuckle at him as he walks away. Theo mutters about how he is going to kill him.

"Theodore darling, we both know you won't kill him. Who else would you dance with?" He glares at me as he tries a bit out of the cheesecake.

I take a bite and moan. Theo looks up at me hungrily.

"Y/n, would you care for a stroll after dinner?" Theo asks. "I am going to have to work off this cheesecake to keep this sexy body." He grins at my laugh.

"I would love it. Got to keep that figure or else I may have to take up Blaise's offer." I wink at him.

He glares at me as he finishes and goes to pay.

As we walk down Diagon Alley, I lean into him to try and warm myself. "Cold, my love?" Theo asks softly.

I nod. I feel as the warming charms that Theo placed work its magic. Theo has always been a sweetheart. He doesn't act like it around others, but he's such a softie with me. As we walk, I feel Theo pull my closer and wrap his arm around my shoulders. I lean into smelling smoke, wine, and cinnamon. His scent comforts me.

Abruptly we stop, and I look up at Theo. I see him grinning, his cheeks dusted with red.

"Remember this spot?" He asks cheekily. I look up and see we are outside of Fortescue's Ice cream Parlor.

I blush. "Oh Merlin. How could I forget?" It's the day I embarrassed myself in front of you."

"By embarrassed, you mean ruin one of my favorite shirts." I smack his arm. "You know it was an accident." He chuckles. Theo grabs my hands and smiles at me.

"You know that is one of my favorite memories of you. I don't understand how I never noticed you before then. I love your dark green eyes and sandy brown hair. You make my life so much better. I never knew happiness or love until I met you. You know how my father was. I would go through again every time if that meant I would get to be with you. Y/n Smith, I will love you until the day my magic gives out. I will love you until Draco and Blaise stop getting annoying.", Theo says as he gets down on one knee with a ring in his hand, "Will you please do me the honor of marrying me and making me the happiest man in this galaxy?"

I stand there stunned. I never imagine Theo would be on one knee in front of me. I stare at him until I could see the nerves starting to hit. I squeal and wrap myself around him. "Yes, Yes, Yes!!!" I yell. I hear Theo curse under his breath.

"Salazar woman, you about gave me a heart attack. I thought you were going to say no." Theo chuckled.

I look at him and place my hand on his cheek.

"Merlin Theo, I never thought you would have proposed to me. I would always say yes to you. I love you so much."

I pull Theo closer and kiss him softly. Theo leans in and deepens the kiss.

We finally pull away as we heard people around us start whispering. I stand up and pull Theo up.

We apparate back to our house. As we snuggle on our couch, I look at my ring. "How does Y/n Nott sound?" I look at Theo smiling big.

"It sounds perfect love." Theo whispers and he leans down to kiss me.

[once-in-a-blood-moon]

It's All About Intention

Solomon x GN! reader

Summary: You ask Solomon's opinion on what color you should paint your nails, and learn something new along the way.

AN: This is dedicated to @nnnneeev for being such sweet friend to me. Love you!! 💜 Anyways, hope everyone enjoys! Mwah!

Warnings: None

The soft pads of socked feet march through Cocytus Hall in search of something – or someone. The ever perceptive sorcerer who lounges in the common room grins to himself, lazily licking the tip of his finger to help turn the page of the tome he’s reading. He knows you too well, and by the sound of your footsteps, you’ve got something on your mind.

“Hey, Solomon,” you say as you pass through the threshold, “I need your opinion on something.”

Just as he thought.

He marks his page before closing the book, focusing his attention on you as approach with a little box in your hands. He recognizes it as he’s seen that box in your room, yet the contents within are eluding him.

“I’d be happy to assist you in any way I can,” he says with a genuine smile. “What’s on your mind, my dear?”

You sit next to him on the couch with the box in your lap. With a soft sigh, you begin to explain your dilemma. “I can’t decide on what color to paint my nails...”

You peel the flap of the box back, opening it, as Solomon leans over and peeks inside to see many different bottles of nail polish in the ultimate ROYGBIV categorization. A soft whistle blows past his lips; he’s impressed by how pleasing it is to look at. He knew you painted your nails often, but it dawns on him just how many bottles you own. You’re like him with books, except for you, it’s nail polish.

“I’ve never realized you had quite the collection. I think you might give Asmo a run for his money.” he says with a chuckle.

Your eyebrows raise, obviously not believing that statement. With a quick shake of your head and a chuckle, you reply. “Oh, no. I don’t think anyone could beat him with his many shelves of high-end nail polish.”

Solomon hums. “You’re right,” he strokes his chin in thought, “you’re about two hundred bottles off.”

That earns him a light smack on the arm as you both laugh.

“Shut up.”

“If I shut up then I can’t give you my opinion, sweet apprentice of mine.” He’s got that shit-eating grin again, never missing an opportunity to tease you. It’s his favorite past-time.

You huff out in faux annoyance, even going so far as to roll your eyes. You’re lucky he finds you so cute when you do that, he thinks. Otherwise, he might’ve been offended.

“Fine, fine. Just tell me what you think.” You scoot the box further down, now resting it on your knee so he’s drawn to its focus once more.

Solomon’s eyes flick over each color with intensity. He’s really giving this some thought. “Well, is there anything you want to come out of this?”

Silence settles between you, and for a second he thinks you didn’t hear him. That is, until he glances up to see you with the most dumbfounded expression as you stare right back at him.

“Uh, yeah? My nails to be painted?”

It seems he wasn’t clear with his wording. Though he does get a hearty laugh out of your response. “No, no. That’s not what I meant. I mean...do you have something you want to manifest?”

Your expression stays the same, the only change is a few hard and confused blinks. “What does this have to do with painting my nails?”

“Well, everything really. Painting your nails using a certain color can attract that which you seek. I’ve taught you that using different colored candles in spells can aid in what you bring in, right? So, the same thing applies here.”

Solomon can see the wheels turning in your head now. He thinks this is a good lesson to be taught – that magic requires innovation and that magic is in everything.

“Really?” you ask.

“Really. So, if you wanted to strengthen your intuition, you might use a shade of blue. If you wanted to boost your creativity, you could use yellow,” he pauses before a grin curls on his lips again, “and you could use pink to attract love.” His eyebrows wiggle in a suggestive way, making you laugh a little.

“Okay, okay. I think I get it. Though I didn’t realize that I could incorporate magic into painting my nails.” He watches you look over your precious box with a certain glint in your eyes. He loves that look, that giddy sparkle when you learn something new. You’re too precious for your own good.

“My adorable apprentice, magic is in everything. All you have to do is show up with intention.”

“Intention,” you nod as you remember him saying that during one of your first lessons. “It’s all about intention, yes, I remember.”

Solomon chuckles. “Good.” He digs into the box, pulling out a little bottle filled with a deep indigo. “How about painting them indigo...to remind yourself you are capable of anything you put your mind to, especially within the realm of magic. You are more than capable of becoming a wonderful sorcerer someday.”

To your surprise, he leans over and places a soft kiss on your cheek before adding, “I am so proud of you.”

His eyes soften as he watches your cheeks heat up with one word coming to mind; precious.

“So, is there any chance I could get you to paint my nails while you’re at it?”

You clear your throat as you try to choke the fluster down. “Sure, but it’ll cost you.” you grin as you tease him back.

“You’ve been spending way too much time with Mammon, he’s rubbing off on you in the worst way.” Solomon rolls his eyes, chuckling again.

“I’m kidding!” you snicker. “Anyways, what color were you thinking for yourself?”

He pretends to think as he eyes a certain color in the box. “Hm, how about pink? I have something I want more of…” he wiggles his brows again, smirking widely, “your love.”

[imtryingbuck]

Oh, He Cheated

~ gif not mine credit goes to owner ~

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader

Summary: Reader walks in on her boyfriend cheating then confessions are made

Word count: 919

Warnings: angst? fluff? ima say both, idk. stds are mentioned, swearing, somebody gets punched, and I think that’s it – oh a protective bucky

Masterlist

Walking into your apartment, you come to a halt. You hear noises of pleasure. Looking into your bedroom you see your boyfriend of 3 years having sex with your best friend. You should be devastated of the betrayal, but you simply can’t however you do have to stifle that booming laughter from clawing its way out. You just walk back out the door quietly shutting the door and head back to the tower. 

You work for Tony as an “assistant” more like you get paid a ridiculous amount of money just to make sure Tony eats and drinks and not sleep in his lab. Curtsy of Pepper. Both look at you as their daughter which is great as you don’t have a good relationship with your parents. You absolutely adore them and the team. They are your family. 

Speaking of family, they’re all sat in the common room talking about something you can’t quite hear. Sam’s the first one to see you, smiling wildly he then looks confused. “What you doing here sugar mama”.

“Yeah thought you headed home”. Comes the voice of your red headed friend Natasha.

“Oh yeah um I walked in on Joe fucking Stacey in my bed so thought I’d come back here, didn’t want to disturb their romp”. You say it like it’s nothing, and if you’re completely honest it’s true. It doesn’t bother you that your boyfriend is sleeping with your best friend.

It’s not the first time he cheated, it happened once and he told you afterwards apparently the guilt got to him. That was a lie, the other woman found out about you so she blackmailed him to tell you. Ever the fool you forgave him he promised not to do it again. You found out about him and Stacey two months ago when Stacey gave you her phone to look through a photo of you two and that’s when you found the videos of them going at it. Then that night whilst he was passed out next to you, you went through his phone to look at his messages between them, they’d been sleeping together for 3 months, he needed his needs to be met and ever the desperate mess she is she let herself be the other woman. You had been busy everyday with the team rebuilding the tower after the latest attack so naturally sex was the last thing on your mind. At first it hurt because she’s been your friend since you were little and you were very much in love with him but now you find it funny. Funny because she told you three months ago she had STDs. He obviously doesn’t know. And that’s why it’s hilarious.

You tell your family this, they’re angry. But you told them you didn’t care anymore the only reason why you was still with him was because of the lease of your apartment. You told them that every time you saw him you wanted to laugh. And that it didn’t matter anyway as you was in love with someone else.

Tony being Tony had already got in touch with your apartment manager to get you off the lease then an hour later you’re back at your apartment with your family behind you. Walking in you see Stacey still there, she smiles at you but you don’t give the gesture back. “Hey boo I just got here wanted to see if you wanted to g-“ her sentence is cut off by Natasha slamming her into the wall. Nats never been a fan. Joe stands frozen looking confused as everyone starts packing your stuff for you, he pathetically attempts to talk to you but gets cut off by Buckys metal fist to his mouth. The team don’t even bat an eye to it but you’re slightly taken back by the punch.

“You ever go near her again or even look at her I will kill you. Try and talk to her I will kill you. Do you understand?” Bucky growls “do you understand”. He shakes Joe by his shirt.

“Yes yes I understand!” He then looks at you “baby what’s this about” he spits the blood out of his mouth.

You look around checking your stuff is gone before you step over to him and Bucky. “If I was you I’d get yourself checked, she’s riddled with stds” Nudging you head in the direction of your now ex best friend. “Oh also the moans she was letting out an hour ago was fake. Your little pecker isn’t great. Ok bye bye” You laugh as you hook your arm with Bucks left one and all of you take your leave. 

Later that night you’re on the rooftop admiring the view when you hear someone clearing their throat behind you. 

“Hey I didn’t mean to startle you” 

“You didn’t Buck” 

“So I um who’s the person you’re in love with?” 

“You” Why did you just admit that god damn it now he’s goin-

He kisses you. The kind of kiss that’s full of love and passion the kind that takes the wind out of you. “I’m in love with you too”. His voice is raspy before you can speak he’s talking again “will you go on a date with me?” You can’t vocalise your reply so you nod enthusiastically.

Tony finds you both the next morning curled up asleep on the couch, covering the two of you with a blanket he had in his hand he can’t help the smile on his face. 

~ banners credit goes to @sweetpeapod ~

[misc-obeyme]

Dearest CC, I have fallen victim to the Mammon x Barb agenda and now I crave a Greed sandwich. Might I submit an ask for a bottom!reader who asks Barbatos to teach them how to dom with Mammon?(I'm picturing established poly relationship if that helps?)

Thank you, and no rush!

- 🥧 anon P.S.: This is all your fault.

Well hello there, 🥧 anon~

I must apologize for the length of time it took me to get to this, but I'm finally here with the Greed sandwich!

I have to say, I'm pleased to know that someone else has been enjoying macaron because I still have so many ideas for it hee hee! I take full responsibility for it~

Anyway, halfway through writing this I realized I've never actually written a threesome before, so I was kinda like what am I doing?? But hopefully it still turned out okay!

Barbatos x MC x Mammon

NSFW MDNI

Warnings: threesome, dom!Barb, sub!Mammon, collar, restraints, the tail's involved obviously, demon forms, praise, fingering and penetration (reader receiving), uh um I think that's it?

There was a tension in the air. It sizzled between the three of you like the desert on a summer's day. Oppressive, all encompassing, making you sweat. The stare that Barbatos was giving Mammon made your stomach flip. It was a mixture of exasperation, fondness, and mischief.

The table was set for tea, everything laid out perfectly as it always was. Plates of perfectly made pastries and steaming cups of a subtly flavored floral brew were spread out before you. There was even a lovely centerpiece in the middle of the table.

Barbatos had just set down his D.D.D.

Mammon looked like he was about to spontaneously combust.

This was a fairly common occurrence, which meant that you knew exactly what was happening. Barbatos had just been informed about some scheme Mammon had pulled at RAD to make money and now Mammon was sweating bullets.

"I hear the cookies Luke made in home economics were being sold for exorbitant amounts of Grimm at RAD this morning," Barbatos said casually.

Mammon folded his arms. "I gave half of it to the Chihuahua!"

"Hmm." Barbatos tilted his head. "How benevolent of you. However, as you well know, it is against the rules to sell the baked goods from any home economics class."

Because you knew that rule only existed to prevent Mammon from gouging the students, you had to cover a laugh with a cough.

"All right, all right," Mammon said. "Whaddaya want me to do? Give all the money back?"

"That would be a good place to begin," Barbatos said. "Be sure to pay for the amount you gave to Luke from your own pocket."

Mammon groaned. "Man, why do ya gotta be such a stickler, huh?"

"It is simply because you never learn your lesson," Barbatos said. He smiled and it was slightly ominous. The tension ramped up a bit. "What do you think, MC? Is there perhaps something different we could do to enable Mammon to change his ways?"

You had been waiting for this cue. You grinned. "Oh, I can think of something."

Barbatos met your eyes and the normally peaceful teal was lit with the flame of a desire that made your stomach flutter. "What do you suggest?"

You blushed, almost having to look away, but you managed to hold his gaze. "Actually, do you think you could teach me?"

You couldn't bring yourself to say exactly what you meant, but you knew you didn't need to. Barbatos understood you without further context.

"H-hang on, MC," Mammon protested.

"Certainly," Barbatos said, as though Mammon hadn't said anything. "It would be my pleasure."

And that was how you had ended up in Barbatos's room with Mammon in front of you and Barbatos behind you, your heart racing and your stomach tumbling.

Mammon was on his knees, a black leather collar around his neck, a silky black ribbon tying his wrists behind his back, and nothing else. He was looking up at you with desperate eyes, his mouth open, his body straining. He was panting a little and occasional soft whimpers escaped him.

Barbatos was standing behind you, a hand on your waist, his lips by your ear. He was fully clothed, as were you, but his presence so close to you was distracting. You tried to listen to the instructions he whispered in your ear, to focus on what he was telling you rather than how he was making you shiver.

You ran your fingertips down Mammon’s cheek, letting them trace the edges of his lips and the line of his jaw. He leaned into your touch, eyes fluttering closed, shaking with need. You pulled your hand away to tuck your fingers into the collar, yanking it forward suddenly and tipping him off balance. He didn't fall, instead sucking in a breath as his knees shifted on the stone floor.

There was a slight shift behind you and suddenly you felt Barbatos's tail wrapping around one of your thighs. You had been following his directions, of course, but seeing you do it seemed to make him lose control of himself just a little.

You lifted your other hand and pressed your fingers against Mammon's lips. He opened his mouth readily, letting you push them inside. He moaned around them, leaning forward.

Barbatos's hand twitched against your waist.

"You're doing so well, MC," he whispered in your ear.

You nearly fell to your knees with Mammon. But instead you pulled in a deep breath and tugged up on Mammon's collar, causing him to stand before you. You took your fingers out of his mouth, making him whine.

"Oh?" you asked softly. "Do you miss my fingers in your mouth?"

"Please, MC," Mammon whimpered.

You tugged him closer to you using the collar. "Isn't this supposed to be a punishment?" you asked. "I can't just let you have whatever you want so easily."

Barbatos actually chuckled in amusement behind you. His tail left your leg and ran its tips down Mammon's bare chest. He whined again.

"Don't ya think I've been through enough?" he asked hoarsely. You had indeed already been edging him for quite some time.

"I suppose you feel we've been teasing you for too long," Barbatos said. "But you see, MC. You mustn't give in too soon. No matter how much he begs, you are the one in control."

Mammon closed his eyes. His face was flushed and his erection was prominently leaking. "C'mon, MC," he said. "Ya want it, too, don't ya? You wanna give in."

"Hold your ground, MC," Barbatos said quietly in your ear.

You were feeling a little dizzy. With Mammon flushed and begging before you and Barbatos speaking slowly and steadily behind you, his slight movements giving away his own desire, you thought you were the one who couldn't last much longer.

Barbatos seemed to understand this, though. You weren't really suited to this role, after all. It was fun, for him to direct you like this. But in the end, he knew what you wanted.

While you held onto Mammon's collar, Barbatos began to undress you. For the brief moment you had to let go of the collar so he could remove your shirt, Barbatos held it himself with his tail. Mammon looked dazed as he watched, his hands twitching where they were tied behind him. His eyes kept flicking between you and Barbatos's tail.

Once you had been freed of all your clothing, you felt Barbatos's lips on your neck, gently leaving a soft trail of kisses along it and down your shoulder. You gasped, reaching out to pull Mammon even closer, feeling his body pressed against yours, your hands flat against his chest. Mammon moaned as your hands moved across him.

Barbatos's tail had moved from Mammon's collar to his cock, where it stroked him oh so slowly, pulling desperate whimpers from him. You reached around to untie his hands so he could steady himself. They went straight to your hips, holding on for dear life, his body leaning into you even more as he needed your support to keep standing.

While this was happening, Barbatos's hands were moving across your skin before his fingers entered your waiting hole. It was already spasming, but now it contracted around him.

You were finding it difficult to remain standing, too, but somehow you and Mammon managed to hold each other up. You couldn't see Barbatos, but you were sure he was completely composed as he always was.

You moaned deeply as he replaced his fingers with his cock. He must have removed just enough of his own clothing to do it. You felt Mammon's cock jump where it was pressed against you, his reaction to hearing your own pleasure. His mouth found your nipples and Barbatos continued to kiss along your neck and jaw.

You could feel Barbatos's tail still moving sluggishly between you and Mammon, likely still wrapped around the latter's cock. The way it moved so precisely caught your attention just before one of the tips began to stroke your already pulsing arousal. You cried out in response to this stimulation as Barbatos moved behind you, his cock picking up speed along with his tail, stroking both you and Mammon at the same time.

Mammon burst into demon form, as though the feelings were so intense he couldn't help himself. His wings wrapped around both you and Barbatos, his lips and tongue still focused on your nipples, though he was whining and panting around them.

Barbatos seemed to have everything under control, but you could still hear his ragged breathing in your ear, even the soft moans that escaped him.

Mammon came first, his cum exploding between your bodies and dripping down Barbatos's tail. His hands gripped your hips hard, nearly causing you to fall over, but somehow Barbatos kept you steady.

You were next as Barbatos's tail sped up significantly and his cock hit deep inside you over and over. The orgasm washed over you, your fingernails scratching down Mammon's back above and then between his wings.

And then you felt the warmth of Barbatos's cum inside you as he came last, his tail finally slowly down.

The three of you stood there for a long moment, covered in each other's cum and gasping for air.

Mammon moaned and leaned his head on your shoulder to look behind you at Barbatos.

"You're ruthless, ya know that?" he said, his voice low with the edges of sleepiness to it.

You heard the smirk in Barbatos's voice. "I fear this is only the beginning," he said.

Mammon shuddered against you. "Ya think I can't take more?"

You snorted. "Don't try to bluster like that, you'll only get yourself into more trouble."

"Aww, c'mon, MC," Mammon said, his arms wrapping around your waist as he pulled you into him. He seemed to have gained some of his strength back. "Don't ya know I can handle anythin' this guy dishes out?"

"Anything, you say?" Barbatos asked from behind you, his own arms wrapped around your stomach above Mammon's.

"Mammon," you said, a warning in your tone. You knew he was pushing it.

"I ain't ever backin' down," Mammon said.

"It seems you have yet to learn the lesson we were trying to teach you," Barbatos said with mock disappointment in his voice.

You giggled. "I mean, I wouldn't be opposed to trying again. You still have so much to teach me, Barbatos."

You caught Mammon's eyes, which were glittering with anticipation. Barbatos moved so he was standing beside you, one arm around your back and the other now around Mammon. His own expression was surprisingly open, full of a flirtatious desire that made your heart flip.

"Shall I continue the lesson, then?" he asked.

masterlist | Thank you for reading!

[thewayuarent]

Boston and Ray deserve each other

In a very positive way

I have a theory that if we’ll think about this friend group in a long-term perspective, Boston and Ray have the best chances to keep their relationship and grow up to an actual friendship. Let me explain.

Boston and Ray, while being very different, have a lot of common traits. And what differ them from the other two in this friend group, is that both Ton and Ray are people who constantly judged by their surroundings (and society) for their behavior - Boston is a slut, which is bad for some reason, and Ray is a suicidal alcoholic, which makes him a burden in everyone’s eyes.

And that makes them outcasts from their perfect, level-headed, proper friends Mew and Cheum (seriously fuck them both I’m so sorry I tried my best). So I believe they have at least some level of mutual understanding. It’s not coincidence that Boston was the one who was responsible for taking drunk Ray home. It’s not coincidence that Ray was the one who listened about all Boston’s who’s and how’s. They may not be very much supportive of each other, but they know they don’t have a right to judge the other also.

The thing with these two, in my opinion, is that while they don’t necessarily judge other’s behavior, they know very well what’s other weak spots are. And they know how and when bring it to the table. Boston outed Ray in frond of Sand? Ray does the same shit with Boston in frond of Nick! Do I believe that Ray actually judges Boston for his sex adventures? No. But I know, and Ray knows, how it will look like in other’s eyes.

And don’t get me wrong, those two love seeing each other miserable. Boston fucked up Ray’s attempt to get a new start with Sand just because he was feeling like this. Because Ray in his eyes is, well, pathetic with his whole being in love with Mew situation. And did my boy enjoyed it.

Same way Ray is very much enjoys the view of Boston being screamed at by Cheum. He’s absolutely having fun.

But. But they still have a level they won’t step over. The bar is very low, but it’s here.

Because when Ray is on his lowest point, crushed by cops while Cheum screams at him (about the same thing Boston previously laughed at), Boston doesn’t have fun anymore.

Because when Cheum (why is it always her) tells Boston he’s cut off his friends and the project that will cost him his future, Ray doesn’t have fun anymore.

They don’t do anything to help or support each other, obviously, but they are worried. Cheum is angry, Mew is either black out or having the best time of his life, but those two are actually concerned. And I know it’s not much, and it’s absolutely not what you expect from friends, but this is Boston and Ray we’re talking about.

Both of them, very differently, have no idea how to love properly. Because both of them have no idea how to be loved either. They both know their roles - a slut or a burden - they know how people see them and they are used to it. This is why we get constant parallels between BostonNick and SandRay dynamics.

Because when was the last time someone - including themselves - saw them as something more than a number of dirty toxic unhealthy traits?

When was the last time anyone appreciated how talented of a photographer Boston is?

When was the last time anyone told Ray he has good taste in music?

Was anyone there before to not just love them, cause sometimes it’s the easiest part, but to see them, forgive them, be there for them again, and again, and again?

I honestly don’t think so.

And yes, for now they are absolutely not there, but I do believe that they will grow - they’re doing it already. They will learn how to care about others the same way they will learn to accept someone’s love and care.

And for now it’s Nick and Sand, but - baby steps - while they’ll continue their journeys, they will learn to give it for other people. And I would bet on them finding each other again. In a way more healthier place.

[real-jaune-isms]

Opposites Attract?

Nami: You know, we never have any girl talk? Like, real girl talk about clothes and guys and stuff.

Robin: Well considering how tight lipped you get if anyone ever mentions the level of physical affection between you and the captain, I assumed you had no interest in that kind of activity~

Nami: Not… that’s diff… shut up! Just, sit on your bed and I’ll paint your nails, how about that?

Robin: A lovely activity, but not including that talking you’re so eager for. If you won’t discuss about the contents of your heart, why do you want to have girl talk so badly?

Nami: So I have an excuse to pester you about YOUR crushes and stuff, obviously! ;P

Robin: Naturally… I see now why the boys call you a witch.

Nami: Keep talking like that and I won’t do your nails.

Robin: Fine, fine.

*the two sit, and Nami starts cleaning Robin’s nails in preparation*

Nami: So, first of all, did you fall for anyone during those two years we were all apart?

Robin: *chuckling* No, no I didn’t find anyone there who struck my fancy. I was more focused on the work we did and my training to become as strong as Luffy needs us all to be.

Nami: *nodding* Alright, makes sense. Now, I’ve seen you two talking and laughing a lot, and you probably had plenty of time you could be alone together in Wano… so spill!

Robin: *looking away sheepishly* I have no idea what you mean… Spill about what?

Nami: You and Franky!

*Robin’s head snapped back to look at her friend, confusion twisting her expression*

Robin: Franky?? Nothing at all. We’re as much of friends as anyone else in this crew, and I’ll admit we’ve had some moments of bonding or closeness, but that’s purely formed of our shared experience at Enies Lobby. He is NOT my type.

Nami: *frowning, putting away the cyan nail polish she was going to put on Robin to help encourage the romance* Really? I thought it would be an opposites attract kind of thing.

Robin: That can be the case, but I think we’re just too much of opposites for it to ever work. Even if I do want to break out of my isolated shell and be an expressive part of this crew, I am still a quiet contemplative woman, and he’s just too boisterous for me to handle. And we don’t share the right interests to make up for ones we don’t. I love the past, history and what we don’t remember coming before is my greatest passion. He’s all about the future, innovating and finding the next dazzling step forward. The only thing we have in common aside from being nakama is a connection to Pluton. And I don’t think either of us want to explore that any further.

Nami: Those are some good points. So then, what kind of guy are you looking for? If not a total opposite, then someone who compliments your traits?

Robin: *playfully brushes a lock of Nami’s hair away from her face* Who said I was looking for a guy?~

Nami: Eeeep!~ R-Really? I had no idea!

Robin: Fuhuhuhu~ No, I’m sorry, I’m just teasing~ You’re right, I like a man whose personality pairs well with mine. Now, since you haven’t decided on a color for me, let me help…

*she hands Nami a bottle of dark green nail polish*

Nami: Huh? Wait, this color… HUH???? Him???

Robin: He’s just so fascinating~ And he makes for lovely company if I’m reading while he meditates. Or I can enjoy a little show if I take a book up to the gym…

Nami: *painting Robin’s nails as quickly as she can so she doesn’t have to hear her swoon over Zoro for much longer* Jeez, you think you know a girl…

[lying-on-floors]

I've seen people say that Loser Baby is comparing gambling addiction to abuse but it actually isn't. It's a song about solidarity between two broken people. It's a song that says, "hey, I know life is shit but you don't have to go through it alone." It's a song that says, "I'm here for you, anytime you need." It's a song that says, "I care about you."

Despite Charlie coming from a good place, she accidently made things worse, which does happen in real life when people try to help the abused, so, he was probably embarrased and terrified. Husk didn't mention much about the absue Angel is facing, he knows it's not his place, and that's what Angel needed, the reminder that he is a person, no matter how fucked up, outside of his abuser.

A common pattern in cases of abuse is that the victim doesn't stand up for themselves or fight back against their abuser because of immense fear. As someone who has been experincing abuse by the hands of a caregiver for almost NINE years now, I know this fear very well.

(TRIGGER WARNING FOR ABUSE) The other day, my abuser and I were arguing, not an uncommon occurence, but I said "says you" as a response to them calling me a bitch and they were silent for a few seconds, staring at me with hatered and while I was walking away, they grabbed me by the chin and pushed me into the couch, on top of our dogs by the way, and they held me down with their weight, calling me direspectful and just being overall threatning. I was struggling to get up because no one likes being held down against their will, but I couldn't because they were able to easily overpower me, so I told them to get off of me or I will slap them, they laughed and didn't move, so, I slapped them and when I relaized what I just did, my heart stopped and I could feel terror take over my body. They were so shocked that they moved off of me and stared at me like I did that unprompted. They were pissed and told me to get up, and I didn't, because I knew they wanted to beat me across the face, and I didn't want that, so I froze and said "no." Afterwards, they began twisiting the whole thing, making it seem like I started it because "I don't know when to shut up."

After it was done, I didn't cry or show any feelings other than indifference, not because it didn't affect me, it obviously did, but because my mind and body were in survival mode, and it couldn't let me dwell on anything or process my feelings or what happened to me until after I was safe. And it didn't suprise me that they did what they did, as it's happened so many times before, but I was still scared and if it was anyone other than my abuser, I would've immediately fought back, no hesitation. They still haven't apologized, they never do, and when they do, it feels so ingenuine. They also say "I love you" but it feels so empty because you don't love someone and treat them that way.

Fighting your abuser is a lot harder when you love them, and sometimes it's better, and safer, to help the victims feel less alone than it is to take action against their abuser for them.

[221castiel]

If This Was A Movie

Modern AU // Parent Dean // Fluff

Cas works a part time job at the movie theatre and Dean is the young dad who regularly takes it daughter to the movies.

You can also read it on AO3 Here!

-

“She was too pretty to die,” Charlie complained, leaning her back against the front counter as Cas restocked the candy display.

He gave a small nod in agreement, carefully placing down a box of Mike and Ikes to ensure it didn't knock down any other box. “And she has yet to have her own movie,” he stated, repeating one of Charlie’s complaints from the start of their shift.

“Exactly,” Charlie cried, tugging a smile across Cas’ lips. “Then they added a bullshit girl power scene as if that would fix everything.”

“And it did not.”

“It didn’t do anything!”

He squinted at Charlie as she grabbed the pack of candy he’d just placed down, though she only gave her shoulders a shrug and opened the box. Their manager Zacharia would be furious if he found out they were eating candy without paying and though Charlie knew that, Cas was certain it was the exact reason she did. “I thought you enjoyed the movie?” Cas said as he grabbed another pack to replace the one Charlie had taken.

“I did like it,” Charlie argued, pushing a red candy past her lips. “I just think Steve shouldn’t have gone to the past, professor hulk was stupid, Stucky was done dirty, and tony deserved better.”

“But you enjoyed it?”

“Obviously!”

Cas tilted his head and Charlie smiled back, before popping another candy into her mouth and offering the box to Cas. “Common,” she insisted, giving it a small shake, “you need the brain energy for tomorrow.”

She gave it another shake and this time Cas reached his hand into the box and grabbed two of the candies. “It’s your last final tomorrow?” Charlie asked as she leant back against the counter, shaking the candies into the palm of her hand.

“Yes,” Cas replied looking down to the two candies in his own hand. “Zacharia has been kind enough to let me go home early, so I will have a few more hours to study.”

“How’d you manage that?” Charlie asked, “did you have to suck him off?”

“Pardon?”

“You know,” Charlie continued, her smile only widening as Cas’ cheeks grew warmer. He should have been used to Charlie’s inappropriate jokes by now, but even after working together for over a year he still felt flustered. At least they were alone this time. “Did you do your little head tilt give him your big eyes, and drop to your knees to-“

A bell rang as the front doors were pushed open and their heads turned. “Speaking of dropping to your knees,” Charlie teased, a grin spreading across her face as Cas’s cheeks grew warmer.

Dean Winchester walked into the theater with the same ease that he always did. A smile across his face as he looked down to his young daughter and nodded along to whatever she was saying. He and his daughter were regulars at the theater, coming every second Sunday for the 7 o’clock without failure. It was the highlight of Castiel's job. There was something about being around Dean that Castiel could never get enough of; whether it was the way his eyes crinkled as he laughed at one of his own jokes or how he lent against the front counter shrinking the space between the two of them. Dean brought the kind of comfort that could only come from the streets of your hometown, and Castiel could spend the rest of his life getting lost in it.

Charlie nudged him and he stumbled forward to the cash register, making it only seconds before Dean and Emma.

“Hey,” Dean greeted, an easy smile spreading across his face, showing off his teeth. He wore a blue and white superhero suit, the fabric a tight material that defined his figure, leaving little to the imagination. Not that Castiel minded. Dean was good looking, even Charlie could admit that.

“Hello Dean,” Castiel greeted, hoping his voice was less shaky than he felt. He looked to Emma, giving the young girl a small. Her gaze was easier to hold then Dean’s, which he often found himself staring at for a few seconds too long. “Hello Emma,” Cas greeted, “I like your suit.”

A wide smile spread across her face as she looked down to the blue and red suit she wore. “I’m Captain Marvel,” She declared, blonde hair falling into her face as she looked back up. “She’s a really super cool superhero,” Emma explained, “She shoots lasers from her hands.”

“Photon beams,” Dean corrected and Emma crossed her arms, glaring up at her dad.

“They’re lasers.”

“Alright boss women whatever you say,” Dean looked back at Cas, a grin across his face, ‘she’s wrong,’ he mouthed, causing Cas’s neck to warm. Dean lent his elbow against the counter top, and glanced at the menu on the back wall before looking back to Cas, his eyes wide and lips pressed together. He was close enough to see the freckles that dusted his cheeks. He was young looking to have a daughter who must have been at least seven. Dean himself couldn’t have been out of his early twenties, only a couple of years older than Cas. He could have been her brother just as easily as he could have been her dad.

“What’re you thinking, monster?” Dean glanced back at Emma who stood on her tiptoes to see over the counter. “A large popcorn and coke?”

“I want chocolate!” Emma cried.

Dean nodded, in a serious manner. “You make a good argument,” he hummed, “M&Ms or KitKat?”

“You could get both.” Cas offered a smile immediately spreading across Emma's face as she cheered.

“Alright, a large popcorn, a coke, and the chocolate,” Dean said as he pulled his wallet from his pocket, and pulled out his debit card, “Who needs a savings, when there’s overpriced candy to buy.”

“You could buy candy before you arrived,” Cas offered, “It would be cheaper.”

Dean raised his eyebrows before that smile returned, “when would I get to talk to you then?” he asked.

Cas’s lips parted, the statement so genuine he could only stare as the warmth spread from his cheeks to his body; his heart thudding helplessly in his chest. Dean always managed to do that, take the words out of his mouth, take the air out of his lungs, and Castiel couldn’t care. He would give Dean anything if it meant getting to spend one more moment with the other man.

He swallowed his heart still pounding in his ears as Charlie’s hand rested on his back. “A KitKat and M&Ms for the young lady,” she declared, placing the two bars onto the counter, “I’ll help you pay for those while Cas grabs your popcorn.”

Cas dumbly nodded, stumbling to the popcorn machines and away from Dean’s piercing gaze. He hoped Charlie knew how grateful he was. He was certain the only reason Dean continued to talk to him was because of her and her ability to make sure Cas didn’t make a complete fool out of himself. She’d spent hours explaining how flittering worked, the difference between longing stares and just staring, what questions were too invasive, what compliments weren’t compliments and simply were statements. Though she often ended with ‘at least girls like that, I don’t know about dudes,’ Castiel still found it helpful.

He slowly filled a large popcorn bag, giving himself a moment to collect his thoughts before he carried the bag back to the front counter.

“I was just telling Dean about our trip to comic con last year,” Charlie said a teasing smile across her face, “and how you should’ve worn your Bucky costume tonight. It would’ve been perfect since Dean’s Steve”

“It would have been uncomfortable,” Cas responded. Charlie rolled her eyes while he gave Dean the bag of popcorn and wished him a good night.

“He looked really hot,” Charlie called as Dean and Emma began walking towards the small arcade.

Dean laughed, “yah, i’m sure he did.”

Charlie turned to Cas, her eyes wide and mouth a gap. “Oh my god,” she mouthed, before repeating it louder once Dean was no longer in sight. “You have to ask him out,” she squealed.

“Why?”

“Because he’s totally, 100%, completely into you.”

“How are you sure?”

Charlie dramatically sighed, throwing her hands into the air. “He called you hot,” she cried, “I couldn’t make it more clear.”

“You called me attractive and he agreed.”

“Cas, he’s the total package. Hot, funny, good person, hot.”

“He may not be a good person.”

“He’s a good dad so of course he’s a good person.”

Cas pressed his lips together and Charlie raised an eyebrow. It was true, even in their short exchanges it was undeniable that Emma was the center of Dean’s world. They arrived at every movie dressed for the occasion, Emma in a fancy dress while Dean wore a suit, as if they had arrived to see the Opera rather than Disney’s latest remake. If she asked for a pack of smarties he’d buy her two. If she insisted that the floor was too sticky he’d carry her. If she asked for the moon, Dean would give her the galaxy.

She was his everything, and unlike how the sky bleeds from blue to pink, Cas was certain that would never change.

He dug his nail into the wood of the front counter, picking at a small piece that had begun to splinter. “Then he likely has a wife.”

“He doesn’t wear a ring,” Charlie replied, “I’ve been checking.”

“Even if he is single, he is not gay.”

“He came wearing a Captain America suit,” Charlie cried, “that man is a fag.”

“It’s because he is a good father.”

“A good dad lets their daughter dress up, a gay dad dresses up with their daughter.”

Cas rolled his eyes, turning away from his friend. Dean and Emma were still in the arcade, a smile across Dean’s face as he watched his daughter play one of the machines, cheering her on. It was fun to imagine that they could be something more. Wonder what Dean’s lips felt like against his own or how their hands would fit together. But that’s all they were, fantasies that he made up to pass the time, Castiel didn’t get movie endings.

The rest of his shift seemed to drag on as few customers arrived, leaving him to aimlessly clean counters and floors that didn’t need it. Anything to seem busy. When the clock finally struck ten Cas was quick to leave, bidding Charlie a goodbye before he left only half way through pulling his coat on. It wasn’t until he’d stepped onto the streets when he stopped in his tracks.

“Emma?”

The young girl sat alone on one of the city benches, slowly swinging her legs. She still wore her superhero suit though a winter coat had been pulled over top along with a toque and scarf.

“Emma,” Cas repeated and she turned her head. Cas didn’t think he’d ever seen the young girl frown and he never wanted to see it again. It was heartbreaking to see her with her bottom lip puckered out and eyes glazed over. The tears had yet to fall and somehow that made it worse. “Are you okay?”

She shrugged and Cas frowned.

“Where’s your dad?”

“With mommy,” Emma said as pointing across the street to where Dean was leant against a car, arms crossed over his chest as he talked to a blonde woman, a scowl across his face. He shook his head at something the woman said, then ran a hand through his hair before responding. He’d never seen Dean angry before. Even when Emma was sprawled across the floor of the theater's lobby screaming and crying, he’d been calm, gently talking to her until she could talk. It didn’t suit him.

“Would you mind if I sat with you?” Cas asked.

When she didn’t respond, Cas took a seat on the bench. She looked up at him and Cas smiled, though she only stared back. “Did you like the movie?” He asked and she shrugged, “did you have a favourite part?”

She shrugged again and looked at her shoes, going back to slowly swinging her legs.

Cas sighed. The streets had been cast in shadows, the few street lamps doing little to fight off the night. His bus would be coming soon, though Cas couldn't bring himself to leave Emma alone.

“Was Captain Marvel in the movie?” He asked and a small smile tugged at Emma’s lips

“Yah,” she whispered.

“Was she cool?”

“So cool,” Emma explained.

Her smile widened as she continued to talk, describing her favorite parts and characters. Her hands flew around and Cas nodded along politely, adding small comments occasionally. When he asked what Dean had thought Emma had to pause, her nose scrunching slightly before she declared that he had loved it just as much as her.

“Does your dad have a favourite superhero?”

“He likes Batman,” Emma said, “but Batman doesn't come in this movie so he likes Captain America.”

“Captain America is also very cool.”

“But not as cool as Captain Marvel.”

“But not as cool as Captain Marvel,” Cas agreed.

She played with the end of her scarf as she looked back to Dean and her mom. The woman had pulled a paper out of her purse and offered it to Dean though he shook his head. She said something else and he took it to read.

The bus's headlights lit the street, though Cas didn’t move, letting the bus pull up to the stop to let some out before leaving without him. He couldn’t bring himself to leave Emma alone and instead leant closer to her.

“Would you like to hear a secret?” He whispered and Emma looked back at him. “You have to promise not to tell anyone”

“I pinky promise.”

“I like your toque,” Cas whispered and Emma giggled, the corners of her eyes crinkling.

“Can I tell you a secret?” She whispered back

“Of course.”

Emma glanced at her parents before leaning closer, “daddy likes you.”

“He told you?” Emma nodded, though before Cas could ask more questions Emma’s mom was calling for her and the young girl was waving goodbye. She ran across the street and into Dean’s arms giving him a long hug before she got into the back seat. Dean then said something to the woman as she got into the driver's seat.

She said something back before closing the car door and driving away, leaving Dean standing alone.

Cas doesn’t get the chance to respond as the woman calls Emma over. After giving her a hug Dean comes over to Cas.

He still wore his superhero suit though a large leather jacket had been pulled over top. Despite the jacket, his cheeks and nose had grown pink from the cold, evident against his pale skin.

“You didn’t have to wait for her,” Dean said as a cold breeze blew past. He stuffed his hands into his coat pockets and Cas pulled his own coat closer as if that alone would stop the chill.

“It wasn’t an inconvenience,” Cas replied, “either way I have to wait for the bus.”

“The one that just drove past?”

Cas squinted, “maybe.”

“Okay, get your ass up,” Dean said, “I’m driving you home.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Come on man, it’s the least I can do.”

Cas wanted to make another argument, it would only be another ten minutes until the next bus came, but he knew Charlie would be furious at him if she found out that he’d turned Dean down. Besides that, he wanted the opportunity to talk to Dean. They’re conversations had rarely been longer than a few minutes, and often revolved around whatever movie Dean was about to see that Cas definitely hadn’t seen. This may have been Cas’s only chance.

Without another argument, Cas let Dean lead him to a slick black car parked on the other side of the road. It held an old smell, from years of being driven, though the interior itself was well cared for and didn’t show its age. Cas told Dean the address to his dorm room, and after Dean put it into his phone he pulled away from the curve, the soft sound of rock music filling the car.

Dean lips stayed pressed in a tight line as he drove, his eyes stuck on the road. Despite that the rest of his posture was relaxed, one hand on the steering wheel as he leant back into the seat.

They took a left turn and Cas adjusted his seatbelt. “Your girlfriend is pretty,” he said as Dean then took a right turn. Even without Charlie there to clarify Cas was certain that didn’t count as flirting, but the silence had dragged on for too long and he wasn’t sure what else to ask.

“Ex girlfriend” Dean said, eyes still on the road. “Sorry you had to deal with that shit. She wants to take Emma on some road trip to Canada with her new boyfriend, but it overlaps with my week so I’m being a dick about it.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” Cas replied, “relationships are complicated.”

A smile tugged at Dean’s lips. “Yah, the last three years of ourswas a shit show,” Dean explained, “we should’ve broken up a lot earlier then we did but we had Emma when we were young and I guess we wanted to prove that we weren’t teenage fuck ups.” He tapped his fingers against the steering wheel, inhaling slowly before he spoke again.c“There’s just too much bad blood now for either of us to be civil.”

“Like Taylor Swift.”

Dean laughed, “yah, like Taylor Swift.”

“I think you were successful in not being a ‘teenage fuck up’,” Cas said, making air quotes as he said ‘teenage fuck up.’ “Emma is very nice.”

“Isn't she?” Dean said, a smile spreading across his face. He seemed to glow as he talked about the ballet classes she was starting and the nights they’d spent practicing together. Cas wasn’t sure what an élevés and coupes was, but he could imagine Dean stood in his living room helping Emma perfect the careful movements. The same smile would spread across his face as he cheered her on, proud of her whether she could do it or not.

“You don’t want to hear about this,” Dean apologized. “You’ve gotta start talking.”

“I like to hear about it,” Cas said, and it wasn’t a lie. He’d listen to the other talk about anything if it meant Cas got to see his smile.

Dean shook his head, “nah man- it’s your turn,” he said, “what’re you studying at school?”

“It really isn’t interesting.”

“Hey, I wasn’t interesting either.”

Cas sighed, “I’m doing a major in history with a minor in religious studies.”

“What do you do with that?”

“Not much, but I would like to become a professor.”

“Shit,” Dean said as he pulled up to the entrance of Cas’s dorms, “smart and good looking.”

Cas turned away, hoping the warmth in his cheeks wasn’t visible. “Thank you for the ride,he s said as he pushed open the passenger door. He didn’t want the night to end. He wanted to spend hours driving around listening to Dean talk about Emma, and his job, and the movie, as if the rest of the world didn’t exist. At minimum he wanted to see that smile one last time.

“Anytime,” Dean said, “have a good night.”

Cas got out of the car though hesitated when he went to close the door, Dean’s gaze still on him. He looked beautiful under the moonlight, shadows casted across his face, though he always looked beautiful.

A breeze came and Cas pulled his coat closer to his body. He hoped Emma was right.

“I have my last final tomorrow morning,” Cas stated holding Dean’s gaze, “would you like to get coffee afterwards.”

Drawn smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling, “hell yah. I’ll pick you up at 1:00?”

“That will work,” Cas replied. “Goodbye Dean.”

“See yah Cas.”

His heart continued to hammer in his chest as he closed the car door and turned away, the sound of the car’s engine slowly growing more distant. Tomorrow it will be back, parked in the same spot with Dean in the driver's seat. Maybe Cas did get movie endings.

[domoz]

Hmmm okay prompt: premise: people can, once in their lifetime, basically will the universe into granting whatever is their soulmate's greatest wish at the time they do this. Shinobi will usually save this to use as a get out of death free card (which USUALLY works, because "survive" is a pretty strong impulse when you're about to die, but not always), riches are common, as are the deaths of abusive bosses/parents/etc.

...we all know what Tobirama's greatest wish has nothing to do with being alive himself. So now they're about to die AND have to deal with Kawarama and Itama (plus or minus Hashirama depending on when you set it) who have no idea what's going on.

Oh Youve Done It Now

It's been years since Tobirama has felt this chakra. Longer still since it's been turned towards healing him.

Even with it, his whole body aches. Exhaustion piled upon exhaustion, and he'd lost track of his injuries very early into the fight. He knows only that it hurts to breathe, yet his body stubbornly continues to do it despite each inhale rattling inside of him.

He must be dying, he thinks. His mind has conjured up some fantasy to comfort him as his life fades.

"I know you're awake, otouto." Hashirama's voice, in the same tone he'd use when one of his experiments was particularly troublesome -- exasperated, but ultimately unable to hide his worry. "I'd really like an explanation."

"I think I might have one." That voice would be Hikaku's, who should not be anywhere near here, and so the one whose presence only cements this as a strange dream. "Your brother, even on the verge of death, has only ever wished for one thing."

Silence stretches, the whole world is silent and muffled except for the sense-memory of sunlight through trees as Hashirama's chakra knits together bones.

A sigh. "He did warn me. Though I suppose this did work, in its own way."

"Wait, Hikaku-san, you--"

"But you're an Uchiha!" A voice Tobirama hasn't heard in many, many years shouts. It's enough to have him forcing his heavy eyelids open -- even if it's not real, he needs to see--

Hashirama is leaning over him, curtain of hair blocking out most everything else as he heals the crater that Tobirama's chest has become. He looks younger than he did when he died, though not overly so; a snapshot from those few years when he'd gained laugh lines but not yet stress wrinkles around his eyes.

"Don't sit up." He warns, his voice is stern, but there's something fragile in his eyes, "And don't infuse chakra, or I'll knock you out again."

He wouldn't even have to make good on the threat; Tobirama would probably lose consciousness for even trying.

"'nija." He says. Is all he can make himself say between the pain and the tightness of his throat. Hashirama smiles tightly and leans back -- enough for the two figures taking refuge behind him to lean around and look at him with wide eyes.

"Wow, aniki. You got old. What happened to your face?" Kawarama.

Whether he's referring to the red slashes that Tobirama had only made after his death or one of his other injuries, he doesn't know. It doesn't matter, really.

Tobirama's eyes burn. His instinct is to look away, to hide his face, but he doesn't dare.

"That's mean, nii-san. He's hurt." Itama is grabbing onto Hashirama's robe with one white knuckled fist and Kawarama's wrist with the other. The two of them are the same age that they were when they died, the same way that they've been frozen in Tobirama's memories. Kawarama was born first, but brought back like this, Itama has a year and a few centimeters of height on him.

Kawarama makes a disapproving noise -- his eyebrows are furrowed like they did when he was worried and trying not to let it show. He glances obviously to the side, scowls at what he sees, then puffs out his cheeks and steps out of Hashirama's shadow. He doesn't go far -- only to get close enough to sit by Tobirama's head and tug at his hair -- but Itama lets himself be dragged behind and releases his grip on Hashirama to pick up his hand instead.

I missed you. He wants to say. I missed you, I'm sorry, I missed you. He knows better than to leave things unsaid, sucks in a breath to try, and it's agony. Blood stains his teeth; his vision greys and Hashirama is saying something that runs through his ears without registering. His chakra swells until Tobirama can taste it on the back of his tongue,  until it drowns out the pain behind its own presence.

He loses time. Kawarama is petting at his hair now, and Itama is mapping the scars on his hands, but both of them refuse to settle, eyes flicking up to watch some threat. Tobirama is in no state to defend them if they should need it, but he forces himself to move despite the pounding weight of his head and look.

They are, he belatedly realizes, in a dome of mokuton vines, and sitting against the far wall, hands visible on his knees, is Hikaku. And he knows why his brothers would be wary of him, but after all these years Tobirama can't see him in that light any longer.

The Uchiha smiles wryly.

"I followed as soon as I heard where you were headed." He says. "No point in having a wish that never gets used."

"So you really are soulmates." Kawarama grumbles. And Tobirama wants -- he wants to promise Kawarama that Hikaku won't hurt him. That no harm will ever come to him again. But with a slow, choking panic, he realizes that he does not even have the strength to turn his head and see him again. He squeezes Itama's hand instead, fingers trembling.

"We're at peace now!" Hashirama says, leaning back from where he was holding his hands over Tobirama's chest to wipe at his brow. Tobirama can see a sunny smile in the corner of his eye. "Just like we used to talk about."

"...Uhm." Itama says after a beat. "If we're at peace, then who were those guys you were fighting?"

"Aah, that's, well--" Hashirama glances at Tobirama first, and then remembering that he's in no state to speak turns to Hikaku instead.

The Uchiha sighs, with that slight twist of a smile that means he thinks something is ridiculous but he won't say it.

"That was supposedly one of Kumo's best squads. Your death was enough of a perceived weakness that Suna started making aggressive action to claim more land. Kumo and Iwa started targeting our shinobi shortly afterwards…"

It's a basic summary of the political situation that Tobirama has been living with for years now, and he tunes it out without quite meaning to.

All of his most important people are here, are with him. It's a nice enough sentiment to die to.

--

It's dark.

Tobirama feels like he's withered dry and might crack apart into dust if he so much as moves a muscle. The pain of breathing isn't agony, anymore, at least. More an aching pulse that rises and ebbs with each breath.

He's horribly disoriented for a long moment --truly dead, now? -- he's lying down, something soft placed over a hard uneven surface, there are two tiny motes of warmth curled up on either side of him, and there's a conversation going on above his head.  That's probably what woke him.

"I should have known he wasn't over his prejudice against your clan." Hashirama sighs, "I'm sorry--"

"I'm not going to pretend he's our greatest ally, but I don't think you would have been able to do much better." Hikaku cuts him off sharply. Having lived past the age that Hashirama was when he died, he has apparently decided to abandon the deferential respect that he used to have. "I'm certain he would love to let us fight -- keeping them back is my choice. The countries we are at war with have no laws against eye theft. They have bounties for each bloodline they can take, and ours is the highest."

Tobirama blinks, but there is no moonlight for him to see by. They'd tried to make it work. Barbaric as the Hyuga seal is, it is useful; but no matter the modifications Tobirama makes to it, Hikaku cannot get his clan to agree to use it, and without it his clan members are all targets too tempting for their enemies to leave alone. But why is he telling Hashirama this…?

"We have as much sway as any other clan in the council. You are the one who named your own brother as a successor, and got half of my clan convinced they needed more power or risk being destroyed."

Hence the military police plan, and Tobirama isn't certain it will help much. If the Uchiha can't fight on behalf of the village, fighting within it is about the only thing left for them to do -- he figured he might as well at least make it productive.

"You know," Hikaku continues, voice flat, "There was a faction of my clan that wanted to follow in Madara's footsteps. We're all trying our best, Shodai-sama."

There was a plan to assassinate him, which Hikaku dealt with before it could become public. Tobirama is thankful for that, but it has left his soulmate deeply unpopular within his clan.

This feels like a very strange way to have one's life flash before their eyes.

"I… see. I apologize. I'll speak with Tobirama before making any more assumptions." Hashirama says, clearly cowed. There is a long moment of silence, then, "…Do you truly call him by his title? When the two of you are soulmates?"

"He refuses to ruin what little authority I have over my clan by acknowledging it publicly." Hikaku's tone is harsh, now, though if he has an issue with that he's never brought it to Tobirama's attention.

A moot effort now, Tobirama thinks muzzily. Hikaku might be thinking that too, from the way he sighs.

"Tend to your brother, Shodai-sama. I'll keep watch."

The wave of chakra his brother sends over him sends Tobirama into a darkness of a different kind.

--

When he awakens again he's horribly nauseous. The weightlessness of open air alternates with a dull shock that sends a jolting ache through his body every time it happens. It's manageable; Tobirama could fight through this, if he had to.

But he won't have to. Hashirama has him, one arm secure under his knees, the other his neck, holding him tight to his chest to try and mitigate the impact of each jump.

He's moving much slower than he should be, if his goal is to get an injured person to safety.

Tobirama peels his eyes open, squinting in the wind as the treetops whip past overhead. He has enough strength in him now that he can reach up and grab at the front of his robe, though he grunts from the effort.

"Anija." He rasps. There was still so much left unsaid between them at the end. Enough that Tobirama doesn't even know where to start, aside from the obvious, "I'm--"

"Oh Tobi, good! Hashirama doesn't even seem aware that he's cut anything off. "He's awake!" He announces over this shoulder, and drops from the trees to the ground, landing with a thump. Hashirama is obviously trying to muffle the impact, but it makes him twitch and hiss in pain regardless.

He's healed enough now that when Hashirama  goes to set him down against a tree trunk he can keep himself upright, but not without his arms shaking from the effort.

"We still really shouldn't be moving you." His brother comments idly as he sends a light pulse of diagnostic chakra through his system, "I really wish we'd been able to use a stretcher. And you're going to take forever to recover your chakra after how much I had to dump into you. But if you actually rest when we get home, you should end up alright."

His hands flutter around until he finds a water skin -- Uchiha mon stamped on, so it must actually be Hikaku's -- and shoves it in Tobirama's face. He's able to get a grip on it enough to hold it himself -- the water is stale but the he relief of it sharp, settling over him like a blanket.

"Hikaku-san went ahead to alert everyone as soon as we got into safe territory." Hashirama chatters on, "There should be a patrol coming to meet us. You really had us worried there for a minute!"

As he talks, Tobirama's eyes don't move from the two figures that have landed behind Hashirama and are peering over his shoulders.

"Seriously." Kawarama says, "I don't think you've ever slept that long."

"I--" Tobirama chokes out, "I haven't died, have I?" 

"No." Itama says, eyebrows knitted together.

"You'd better not have." Kawarama echoes with a scowl

"You're the only one here who hasn't!" Hashirama smiles, like he's made a joke, but it slips right back off his face at whatever he sees when he meets Tobirama's eyes.

"Oh, Tobi…" He says sorrowfully, but Itama beats him to whatever he's planning on doing, darting around Hashirama and carefully but forcefully wrapping his arms around Tobirama's neck. Not to be outdone, Kawarama squawks and secures a hold around one of his shoulders.

Tobirama's eyes burn, and he buries his face into a bony shoulder, so he's not able to see when Hashirama moves to pull all of them into his arms. He's lived long enough that the grief of their deaths had scarred over, but this has ripped the wound gaping open wide.

"It must have been lonely." Itama says, voice muffled in Tobirama's fur.

"We're here now though." Kawarama insists. His voice wavers so he buries his face in fur, too.

“Yeah.” Hashirama agrees, chin resting on top of Tobirama’s head. “We’re all here, now.”

[zosonils]

🫵PHOTON TRIVIA

o7 YOU GOT IT BOSS!!

as much as i love making robots who Think Like Robots there's none of that here! photon is the ghost of someone real shoved into a metal body and just as unpredictable and irrational as any meat brain is. too obviously mechanical to be a person, too painfully human [mobian. whatever] to be a robot. [and don't you worry, i've definitely thought about how this in-between existence would collide with other robots in the series. give me a minute to stop crying every time i think about mecha sonic mkii and then i'm sending his ass to scrapnik island]

he derisively calls sonic 'meat sonic'. at first it was in response to being called 'metal sonic,' but now that he has his own name it's just this bizarre orphaned punchline kept alive by some mix of complacency and spite. for what it's worth meat sonic thinks it's funny as fuck that photon calls him that

photon can't cry, at least not at first. just doesn't have the physical functionality built into him. he tells himself that it's no loss, he/sonic hated crying anyway, but it's definitely not good for him that such a deeply psychologically necessary function is gone!

of course my autistic ass has thought about the jules and photon dynamic. it's weird, and awkward, and steeped in a thousand layers of feelings that neither of them know how to articulate, but i reckon they do like each other and they are good for each other. jury's still out on whether they can claim to be family, but it's hard not to at least be SOMETHING with the probable only other person on the entire planet who understands at least a little bit of what you're going through, y'know

out of all the things he can't do anymore, photon REALLY misses eating. leftovers from his organic-by-design brain keep telling him that it's been way too long since he ate and he'd feel better if he slammed back a chili dog. he can usually laugh off being asked a fundamentally robot-proof question like when he last slept or if he needs a shower and genuinely not be hurt [much] by it, but he gets real quiet if someone accidentally asks him if he wants anything to eat

because he struggles to conceptualise his body as His Body, he's really bad at treating the possibility of hurting himself with the appropriate gravity. as a result, he's prone to letting himself get injured if it means he gets more done in a fight, or ignoring minor damage until it compounds enough that he's falling apart, or pushing himself until his systems short out. thanks to this reckless approach to personal safety, he's been fully ship of theseus'd at least once since his original neo metal sonic body, which i'm sure is great for that aforementioned difficulty connecting himself with the body he's in

most of photon's interaction with sonic canon post-heroes is vague and messy and not something i've come up with an answer i like to, but i'm pretty confident in how he fits into the idw chunk of the timeline! he never 'officially' joins the restoration, and he's still just as prone to fucking off halfway across the planet as meat sonic, but he starts to be a pretty common sight around their hq. fighting eggman isn't really fun for photon anymore the way it is for sonic, having your entire identity irreversibly ripped away from you by someone makes any future victory against them feel hollow, but he's still got that burning drive to help others - the restoration gives him ways to fight indirectly enough that he can actually feel good about it again. he's one of the few who can meaningfully defend the metal virus survivors, and you BET he's so pissed at sonic for letting it happen he can hardly think straight. lanolin and tangle probably try to get him in the neo diamond cutters, but i don't think he'd take them up on the offer, given that he doesn't respond well to being told what to do. like i mentioned, i want to send his ass to scrapnik island and see how he plays off of another robot sonic turned terrifyingly real and separate person. then of course there's the dynamic between him and belle, which honestly could be a whole post by itself. after a couple years with only a tiny handful of non-grief-inducing friends and some unsustainably destructive coping mechanisms to his name, the point that idw picks up from is where photon finally goes from just enduring the horrors to genuinely feeling happier again :]

[m-musings]

Winging It: Buggy the Clown X Winged! Fem! Reader Pt. 2

A/n: ehhhh this part is definitely not as good as the first but i still like it and that's all that matters! also, i forgot to say this on part 1 but lmk if you want to be added to the one piece fic taglist or any other taglist!

(part 1 here! :] )

Word Count: 2k Summary: Being sick of the duo dodging their problems, the other pirates take the matter of Buggy and (Y/n)'s relationship into their own hands. Warnings: a bit of angst but mainly fluff.

It had been about 3 weeks since the incident on the island, and tensions between Buggy and (Y/n) were at an all time high.

What was once friendly camaraderie was now an awkward mess of a thing. Any contact they had before had been limited to only seeing each other when absolutely necessary. Avoiding each other in meetings with the crew or eating alone during mealtime had become a common practice for the two.

If Buggy needed something of (Y/n), he would make one of the others tell her in his place, just so he wouldn't have to face her. (Y/n) even began skipping show rehearsals to spare the both of them from anymore embarrassment or heartache.

No matter how hard she had tried, Buggy had pretty much stopped acknowledging her existence all together and vice versa.

It did hurt (Y/n) to not be around him as often, but she still didn't have the courage to face Buggy again, no matter how much she just wanted to run up and throw her arms around him in an affectionate embrace.

"Thinking about the clown again?" A voice called from across the table, pulling (Y/n) from her thoughts.

(Y/n) lifted her gaze to look back at Alvida, who was waiting for a response with one eyebrow lifted in question.

With a saddened nod, (Y/n) tentatively picked at the food on her plate.

"Am I that easy to read?..." Half-heartedly laughed (Y/n) as she pushed a piece of potato from one side of her platter to the other.

"Kinda, yeah. You've been like this ever since the day I had that meeting with you guys.."

"Well, that's pretty much when this whole thing started. It sucks, but I can't change what happened back there."

"Why don't you two just make up already, then? It's obvious that you both like each other. A little too much if you ask me..." Alvida grumbled as she took a sip of the drink in her hand.

"You dont get it, 'Vida. His face after he said was just... utter disappointment. Almost like he hated himself for having feelings for me. And then, he just- just walks away without another word! I never want to experience that feeling ever again!" (Y/n) groaned, burying her head in her arms now crossed on the table.

"But have you even thought about asking him why he walked off?"

"Of course I have! I tried to a few days afterwards but every time I got close, he said he was busy and left me standing there like a fool! So, obviously there's no point in making the effort anymore."

"Maybe not, but if there's one thing I know about all this sappy shit, it's that you'll never find out the truth unless you talk it out."

"Sure, I'll do that when that Luffy guy finds the One Piece! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a meal to eat." (Y/n) snarked before angrily stabbing into a piece of meat on her plate as the female captain stood up from the table.

Alvida simply sighed, shaking her head in response before turning around to go order around some of the Big Top crew to do some work around the ship.

The next day, (Y/n) was flying above the boat, watching out for a town that laid on the northern part of the Polestar Islands while thinking about her conversation with Alvida.

As she scanned the skyline, her attention was captured by Cabaji shouting for her.

"Hey, (Y/n) could you come with me for a while? I need some help with something below deck! Mohji said he'd take over as lookout for you for a bit."

"Uh, yeah, be down there in a second!" Called (Y/n) before closed her wings and soared down to land directly next to the unicyclist.

Following him as he lead her down a hallway in the sleeping quarters of the ship, Cabaji looked behind to give (Y/n) an almost apologetic smile before turning to face forwards again.

With a confused look on her face, she started to survey her surroundings warily as the two continued to strut through the ships underbelly.

As (Y/n) and Cabaji reached the door, she saw Buggy and Alvida approaching not far behind.

(Y/n)'s posture instantly become more rigid as she looked straight ahead to avoid eye contact with the man she had been dreading to be around.

"Captain."

"(Y/n)."

The air was thick with apprehension as the two pirates silently stood side by side, trying not to bump into each other in the restrictive space.

"Ok, so the problem we're having is right in this room. Both of you can come and take a look." Said the raven-haired acrobat as he motioned to the dwelling before him.

The winged girl and red-nosed man leaned forward to be met with a little room full of buckets, brooms and mops.

Taken aback, both chanced a glance at one another before spinning their heads around to see an anxious looking Cabaji wringing his hands together.

"Cabaji, what are we doing at the supply closet?" Buggy sighed as he irritatedly placed a hand over his eyes.

"Yeah, there's nothing here but cleaning stuff and old wine barrels."

"Well you see, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what I'm about to do to you two because it's for your own good!" Cabaji winced with regret, suddenly reeling back before shoving (Y/n) and Buggy into the room.

(Y/n) hissed in pain, barely managing to recover when she peered up and saw Alvida smirk at her before slamming the wooden door shut.

"Hey wait! What the hell is going on?!" (Y/n) asked as she got up from the floor and began to pound on the door, which was refusing to open.

Buggy pushed himself back up and tried to turn the handle, only to find it had been locked from the outside.

"Cabaji! You better unlock this door now or I'm shooting you out of a canon!" Growled Buggy as he started banging on the door too.

"No way! We're not letting you two out until you idiots finally talk it out! I'm sick of you guys avoiding each other all the time!" Alvida yelled from somewhere outside the door.

"You can't do this!" (Y/n) exclaimed as she used all her force to push against the panels.

"I can if it's what gets you both to have a normal conversation for once! Now talk or I'll come in there and make you talk!" Alvida stated with a barking kind of chortle.

As Buggy tried to use his devil fruit abilities to knock the door down, (Y/n) tried to search for any other way out of this predicament while the pair heard Alvida and Cabaji's footsteps recede back down the hall.

After scanning every nook and cranny and seeing that there was no escape from the small space, (Y/n) heaved out a morose sigh and flew to a small chair in the corner of the room opposite to the door.

"She's right, y'know... we have to talk about it at some point so why not now?"

Buggy's rampant banging on the wood slats stopped abruptly at her words as he almost growled with a scowl carved on his usually jovial face.

"There's nothing to talk about..."

"Oh really? You really don't think deserting me on a random street after calling me yours warrants a conversation? Or don't think ignoring me every time I even take a single step in your direction deserves an explanation?!"

"I don't owe you an explanation, I'm your captain and what I say or do goes. End of story!"

"Well then stop acting like my captain and act like my friend, Buggy! Just fucking talk to me!" Hollers (Y/n), angrily standing and stomping on the ground.

"See, that right there, that's the problem! I don't just want to be your friend or your stupid captain anymore! I want to be your everything!" Asserts Buggy, pointing a gloved finger in her direction.

Oh...

"Because... well because, I love you, (Y/n), and I want to spend every moment of every day with you..." Buggy admits almost inaudibly, his shoulders slumping in surrender.

...

Oh.

"You... love me?" (Y/n) quietly repeated, the fury in her eyes slowly subsiding.

Realizing he couldn't change the subject anymore, he threw his hat on the ground before leaning on the door and sliding down to sit against the scratchy wood floor.

"Of course I do. Everything you do drives me crazy. From the way you actually laugh at my dumb jokes to way you smile when you're flying above the crowd when we perform, I can't take it anymore! I want to spend every second I can with you and it kills me inside that I can't."

"Who said you can't?" Inquires (Y/n), who tiptoes over and sits down across from the clown pirate.

"You've made it pretty clear that you're not interested. For god's sake, i flirt with you all the time and you never seem to reciprocate any of my attempts."

"I never even knew that's what you were doing!" Scoffs (Y/n) as she throws her hands up in exasperation.

"Really? I thought I was being so obvious!"

"In my defense, you flirt with a lot of people."

"I do?!" Buggy questions incredulously.

(Y/n) laughs in reply, shrugging her shoulders as she nods in confirmation.

"Aw, shit.... I screwed myself over, huh?" Whined Buggy as he squinted with a sheepish look on his face.

(Y/n) then shakes her head and draws Buggy in by his shoulders into a tight hug. For a brief moment, Buggy hesitates but promptly holds her in return, though ever so slightly tighter.

"No, you didn't. I still love you, Bugs."

Buggy's worried face drops and he pulls away from (Y/n) before red begins to bloom all across his painted face.

(Y/n) slaps a hand over her mouth at the shock of what she had just confessed to the man she cared so deeply about.

"What did you just say?..."

"Don't make me repeat it..." (Y/n) implores with her face growing darker as well.

"No, say it again.... Please."

As Buggy's desperate eyes bore into her own, she took a deep breath before grabbing the green-eyed pirate's hands into her own.

She then lifts the both of them from the ground and leads him to stand in the middle of the closet, the only noise being the muffled sound of their hearts beating fast in their chests.

"I love you, Buggy. I have for a long time now. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before..."

"No, I'm sorry, pretty thing... I should have just heard you out back then. Apparently, even the lady I adore more than anything can't save me from being dumb. Can you ever forgive an old sea dog like me?"

"Hmm... sure I can. Under one condition."

"Anything. Just name your price."

"Kiss me?" Requested (Y/n), looking up at him through her lashes.

Buggy chuckled deeply before tugging (Y/n) closer to him and placing a gentle, gloved hand on either side of her face.

"I think that can easily be arranged." He whispered before placing his lips upon hers, careful to not let his nose get in the way.

All the weeks of strain and struggle began to melt away as the kiss grew longer and their passion grew stronger.

As they continued reveling in the time in each others touch, (Y/n)'s wings unfurled themselves from her back and wrapped the two of them in a sort protective blanket, shielding them from any prying eyes and warming both their bodies and hearts.

"Ahem!" A voice calls from the doorway.

Buggy and (Y/n) separate and peek behind her feathers to see Alvida and a whole crowd of pirates standing behind her with amused looks on their faces.

"It's about time!" She grins before the whole crew behind her begins to cheer raucously.

(Y/n) looks up to face Buggy with an ecstatic smile before she leaps into his arms and nuzzles her face into the crook of his neck.

With a grumbling laugh echoing in his chest, Buggy wraps his arms around her and places a soft but sweet kiss upon her forehead.

"I love you, Buggy." Murmurs (Y/n) as her smile grows wider.

"I love you too, angel." Buggy mutters in (Y/n)'s ear, still holding her as they go to celebrate with the crew.