#one i've had on the back burner and been working on here and there

[bandedbulbussnarfblat]

I have a question about Ramadan, and I've gotten different answers on different sites. Does it start this year on March 10th or March 11th? Bc some sites say March 11th, and some say sunset March 10th. And like, I'm using Ramadan in a fic and I don't want to portray it wrong.

[outtathisworld-imagines]

Daylight

——☀️——☀️ ——☀️——☀️——

Pairing: Bob Reynolds x F!witch Reader

Warning: Jam packed with fluff, some angst, Bob is too pure for this world. Like one swear of that and some suggestive language, pregnancy mention. Not proofread 🥲

A.N: Well would you look at the time *looks at blank wrist* it’s loving Bob o’clock.

I recommend listening to Daylight by David Kushner while reading, it inspired be to write this!

Lyrics are in bold italic!

Please let me know what else you guys would like! I do have a few other fics on the back-burner (for now!) that I'll start to post soon and just let me know if you'd liked to be tagged in further works too! Enjoy ✨

——☀️——☀️ ——☀️——☀️——

Telling myself I won't go there

Oh, but I know that I won't care

Tryna wash away all the blood I've spilt

Bob sat in the darkness of his room. He felt like he was peddling backwards recently and the team could feel a dark cloud looming over him. He tried hard to fight it but he could feel it seeping in more, the less he tried to atone with his past.

He knew how much pain, how much suffering he caused others- never mind himself. The second he closed his eyes and let the dark embrace him, visions came back to him. He felt like a haunted house, rooms locked with darkness that was seeping from the cracks in the doors.

“I’ll make a call,” Bucky announced one day, the team eager to intervene to try and help him in any way they could. “I have an old friend that might be able to help him. Help him with his powers and help him fight the void.”

Bucky waited with bated breath, he weren’t even sure if the person on the other side of the line would even pick up for him.

“Hi, Bucky.” He let out a sigh of relief hearing your voice. “What’s the matter?”

Bucky tried to break the ice with a laugh “Why do you always think I call when there’s a problem?” The silence on the other side confirmed that you didn’t find it funny, and that you knew him better than that. “Okay, I do have a problem.” You let him ramble on as you made your way through the house before making your way out to the back porch and sitting in the garden.

“So you see, he doesn’t know how to fully control his powers.” Bucky was finally wrapping up after almost an hour. “Please can you help?”

You sighed, it was carried with the wind that danced through your hair. “What makes you so sure I can?”

“Because you’re the best.” You let out a snort of laughter, warning him that flattery wouldn’t get him anywhere with you. “I’m serious Y/N. You can control your own, teach him to control his too.” He was beyond the point of acting brave with you, now he was begging.

“I’ll try.”

With that, Bucky had packed a bag for Bob and practically forced him to the car.

“W-where are we going?” He asked in a small voice, practically curled up in the passenger seat.

“Old friend of mine. She’ll help you. I know you haven’t been feeling your best recently.” The city soon disappeared behind them and was replaced with white sands and blue sea, pops of bright blooms every now and then. Bob stepped out of the car and looked at the fairytale-esque cottage that was before him. White shutters and sage green slats, pots and window-beds bursting with flowers as far as he could see with the sea in the distance. With someone waiting for him on the porch. He felt his shoulders lightening already.

“Hi Buck,” you walked towards them and greeted your ally with a smile and a hug. “You must be Robert. I’m Y/N, Y/N Maximoff.” You shook his hand, feeling a tingling up your arm before pulling away. “You should come in, I made tea.”

The two men sat as you poured “Why am I here?” You sent Bucky a glance before sitting across from Bob who looked petrified of his own shadow.

“You’re here because she can help you with your…void.” Bucky tried to choose his words carefully, they were still painful enough for a tear to slip from his eye and down his cheek.

Bob turned to you. “What makes you think you can help? How can you help me?”

You sighed, looking at your fingertips and feeling shame. “Because I’ve felt the same. I’ve been in your shoes.”

This lust is a burden that we both share

Two sinners can't atone from a lone prayer

Souls tied, intertwined by our pride and guilt

Bob was settling, not quite settled. He spent most of the last 48 hours in your house with your cat on the back porch, he hadn’t ventured further into the garden, happily hiding in the shade. You walked past him struggling with your wash basket. He quickly stood up and took it from you. “Thank you, Robert.” You smiled and walked forward, Bob saw his tiptoes reach the line between the light and the dark. “The sunshine will do you the world of good.” You assured from the lawn that was framed with flower, fruit, and vegetable patches. “Won’t hurt you, and if it does I’ll fly up and punch the sun.”

Bob laughed. Really belted out a loud carefree chuckle. You felt the sun burn brighter when he did. “What you gonna use that broomstick on your porch?” He asked, stepping out into the light for the first time in what felt like years.

But around you, he felt like he had never left it.

You playfully shrugged, a smirk on your face. “Never know, I just might.” Bob handed you clothing and you hung it on the line, creating a rhythm. A smile never left his face the entire time. “Why don’t you pick something from the beds over there and I’ll work my magic and make something for dinner from it.” Bob looked elated and as soon as the washing was done he ran over to the beds. You smiled to yourself as you grabbed him a basket.

Bob picked a mixture of fruit and vegetables from your garden, placing them in the kitchen and you got to work. “What can I do to help?” He asked. You motioned him over to the sink to help you wash the produce. Your hands brushed against another, catching each other’s eyes every so often. “It’s really pretty,” Bob said, looking directly at you before he realised he was staring, quickly adding “Your house! Of course…” and looked of the window in front that had views of the garden and the beach. “I feel better already. Hard to believe anyone would be unhappy here.”

“I was.” You quietly admitted, sending him a tight smile. “Let’s finish dinner, I have some dough in the fridge for us to make pizza. We can use the raspberries for dessert.” You grabbed what you needed and he stood on one side of the counter while you stood at the other.

Bob remained quiet. Unsure whether to further question your admission. “How do you know Bucky?” He asked instead.

“Bucky and I had a group of friends…uh, my sister actually was good friends with his best friend, Steve.” The names of your past almost made your voice crack. “We’ve always supported and been there for each other. When he told me about you, how you once felt and how you’re recently feeling, I wanted to help you, Robert.”

“Bob,” he quickly interjected “You can call me Bob, please.” He finished off topping his pizza. “And thank you for trying to help me.”

You insisted it wasn’t a problem. He internally insisted that he was.

You placed them in the oven, the gentle meowing from your cat caught Bob’s attention and he crouched to scratch behind its ears. With a swift movement of your hand, the table was set. “Shouldn’t be too long.” Bob stood back up.

“Wow! How did you do that so quickly?” He asked in amazement.

You blinked. “Did he not tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“I’m gonna kill him.” You groaned out and sat Bob down. “I’m not going to beat around the bush here. Bucky should have told you, the reason I can help you is because…well, I’m a witch.” Bob laughed in disbelief, thinking you were all trying to cheer him up by playing an elaborate prank, the broomstick, the cat. You raised a brow and in a glow that manifested out of no where, the same basket from earlier that was left outside was suddenly on his lap. Bob laughed again, laughed, and laughed, and laughed, fizzing out as he fainted and fell off his chair. “Oh god!”

Hours later, Bob came to. Water and his pizza that was still warm by a table next to him. He sat up and took a bite, almost floored again by your work. “Boy, I guess she really is magic.”

It was the next morning you saw Bob, somewhere in between making breakfast and screaming at Bucky over the phone. “How are you feeling? The raspberry tea will help you.” You sighed “Sorry you had to find out like that.” Bob nodded, tentatively moving forward with tears welling in his eyes from just how much you cared about him.

“Whatever it is you need to do,” he said, suddenly speaking up. “Whatever you need to do to help me control my darkness. Do it. I can’t let it take hold of me. It will kill me. I can’t live like this any longer. Please, just do it. Y/N.”

There's darkness in the distance

From the way that I've been livin'

But I know I can't resist it

You sat with him out on the porch that same night, the two of you wanting the sun set. “You know it won’t be easy.” You said, trying to manage his expectations.

“I know, I’ll do my best.” You saw him shivering, from nerves and the chill starting to linger in the air. You flicked your finger and a blanket suddenly shroud you both. He sent you a silent smile in thanks. That was before he delved deeper. “What did you mean when you said you were unhappy here?”

You looking at him through your eyelashes and wondered if hearing stories of your own struggles, he’d be more likely to embrace your help. “I isolated myself here. It was pretty selfish of me but I just had to be alone, fight my demons. I had a brother too, he died, that further darkened my spirt along with everything else I had endured. Then with my sister, one thing after another before she too…” Bob’s hand found yours between your bodies and the blanket. You choked on a sob “I failed her. When she needed me most.”

Bob was meeting your darkness for the first time, his own heart shattering at the sight of you breaking apart on the back porch. You wiped away your tears, sniffling as tried to comfort you by gently rubbing his hand on your back and soothing you with his words. “It’s okay. You cared. You loved her. I can feel that you love and care, so much. Even now. You did the right thing caring and loving yourself first, if you hadn’t, how could you give that to her?”

He didn’t think twice before resting his forehead to yours. Your eyes were shut at the time to stop your tears, suddenly opening at the contact of his head to yours. Bobs eyes did the opposite and shut, suddenly finding a glimmer of light in his darkened world. “Thank you for listening to me.” You pulled back and looked at the moon that was rising above the water.

“Thank you for taking care of yourself. Thank you for taking care of me.” Bob remained close to you and spoke lowly, almost as if he didn’t want the void to hear. “Memory is punishment. It knows that.”

Your stomach sank at his words knowing what you’d have to do. What he would have to do. Confront his fears and his darkness head on. You’d held his navigate that world and help him control it. With one swift blow of a comment, you told him what needed to happen.

“I’ll have to meet your void.”

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

You and I drink the poison from the same vine

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

Hidin' all of our sins from the daylight

Bob was reluctant to say the very least. You gave him some time to mull it over. He tossed and turned that night in bed over the ‘what ifs’.

He was up early the next morning with the rising sun, his broken sleep allowing him to see it. Bob made his way quietly downstairs, trying his best not to wake you from the sound his feet made on the creaky stairs. He noticed you sitting on the back porch, the sun heating the air around you as it started shining on the earth again. He was convinced that when you rose, it did too.

You were in your own head that you didn’t hear him. Focusing only on the sounds of the sea crashing and birds tweeting. And talking to the cat as you often did, it responded like it understood you. It made him smile. It made him feel like he was Bob again. It made him feel like he could blissfully live the rest of his life here with you, every morning he’d be making you pancakes and you’d be outside on the porch waiting for him like what was happening now.

He almost burnt the pancakes he was making you as a ‘thanks’ at the thought of it. At the thought of you. How close he was starting to feel with you. How much you felt like home.

“Something smells good,” you appeared out of nowhere and handed him a cup of coffee that magically appeared out of nowhere before he remembered that it likely did magically appear. “Looks amazing,” you said approaching him and resting right beside his arm, Bob suddenly feeling more heat from that contact than the skillet. “You didn’t have to do this.”

“I wanted to,” he turned his head, his nose practically bumping against your forehead. “I wanted to because I think we should start tonight.” Your hand gripped his forearm, as if to ask if he was sure and protect him from his messy world at the same time. “It’s time. I feel ready.”

You decided to make the day fun for him. Because what he would experience tonight and the next attempts would be as close as he would get to hell.

You went to the beach which was just a step away from the bottom of your garden. The two of you dipping your toes in the cold sea and playfully splashing one another before you made him lunch and sat on a blanket in the garden together. You chased each other between the linen scented washing on the line and crashed into one another, falling to the grass with a laugh.

If only your powers kept the sun in the sky a little longer, it would mean you wouldn’t have to cause him any suffering. But you knew that wouldn’t be fair in fighting his void.

Your smile faltered a little, finally realising how close you were to him. His laughter caught in his throat feeling your breath fan across his face as he remained in the same spot with your limbs intertwined and his arms around your frame.

That was a chill became present in the air, you looked up and saw the sun starting to set. The golden glow that kissed his face dimmed and vanished. It was time.

You pressed your forehead to his “I’m sorry it has to be this way.”

From the daylight, runnin' from the daylight

From the daylight, runnin' from the daylight

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

The smell of jasmine and lilac filled the air as twilight settled into the cracks of your home.

You had made him dinner, laughed at some stories of your childhood between the candlelight before you told him you were going upstairs. Upon reaching your room, you grabbed what you needed. Your cat on your bed “He’s going to need us more than ever,” you rubbed behind its ears, softly sighing as it meowed a response. “We’ll take care of him.” Meowing again your features quirked. “It’s not like that between us. Shut up.”

You made your way to the bathroom and filled the tub, lighting candles and scattering protective elements around the room before a flick of your hand turned off the lights.

“This looks more romantic than terrifying,” Bob chuckled from the door frame making you jump and your cheeks flush at his comment.

“It does give that impression, huh,” You nervously laughed. “This helps my powers too, but it’ll also protect you.” Bob looked at the bath and raised a brow at you. “It’s the best way, you can keep your clothes on.” You clarified with wide eyes just before he started to take off his t-shirt. “You’ll be fully submerged for seconds but I’ll be able to have a lot longer on the other side.”

Bob blinked, staggering back a little “We-we’re going to die?!” His voice tight and quiet.

“No! No! No!” You assured. “I’m going to meet your void, that other side! It will be a plane between this world and another.” You explained and held onto his forearms “I know it’s scary, confusing and pretty much incomprehensible but please, trust me, Bob.”

“I trust you.”

He got into the bath, you rested on your knees beside the tub. “The second I sense trouble I’ll pull us out.” You assured and then with a gentle dunk, Bob was under the water with your hands on his chest and forehead. You chanted softly with shut eyes as you felt your power being pulled in all directions, eyes fluttering shut and opening in a different room. It was four grey walls, a floor that matched, a ceiling you couldn’t see the end of and a seat in front of you.

“So he’s imprisoned you too. Like he did with me- or rather trying to. The walls have been expanding.”

“I’m not a prisoner here. I came here. I came here to help him.” You kneeled up, your hands dripping wet with a familiar scorched look at the fingertips again, one that you took years to ensure it was gone. “Are you not even going to give me the decency to stand in front of me? Show me who you are?” You asked to the never ending void above you. You saw floating feet first as a shadowy figure hovered down, looking over you and not anywhere near the floor.

“You already know me. I’m him.” You sensed that was true, his form perfectly symmetrical to Bob. “Why aren’t you vanishing…?” It asked, sounding confused.

“I don’t know. Maybe you want me here.” It laughed, holding out its hand and then its smile faltering and arm shaking from some unknown force. You remained standing in place. “Is this you trying…?” You deadpanned.

“What makes you different?” It pondered loudly before making a noise that sounded pleased with itself for figuring it out. “Your past.” It came closer to you “I need to know. I want to know.” You glanced behind your shoulder, eyes widening in surprise when you saw the bath there with Bob still under the water. Its hand remained outreached, fingers tense and twitching as it came closer. You stumbled back, hitting against the bath, your hand trying to save you from falling but you instead fell into the water.

Bob let out a loud gasp as he came up for air, you were still kneeling by the bath with your hands against him. They quickly moved to hug him tightly. “Shhh, you’re okay. It’s okay.” His soaking wet body was draped over yours, it reached a point where you wondered would he ever pull back from the hug. “Let’s get you out before you catch a cold.” You told Bob between the echoing drips falling from his arms and also from his eyes. You helped him out, his legs wobbling a little as you brought a towel around his shoulders, gently drying him and his tears before leaving him to finish off and setting up his bed with his pyjamas waiting for him at the bottom of the covers.

You went and changed into your pyjamas your own room, your top soaked through. Your fingers were still tingling, you were eager to go back and try and find out more but you knew this was something Bob had to take at his own pace.

Tellin' myself it's the last time

Can you spare any mercy that you might find

If I'm down on my knees again?

You padded across the carpet before peaking into what was now his room, Bob was there tucked up under the covers and looking at the ceiling. “Hey,” you slowly opened the door with a mug in your hand, his eyes moved to look over at you coming in. “I made you some hot cocoa with lavender, it will help you sleep.” Bob was thankful it was dark, his eyes welling at just how much you cared about him. He had never had someone like you in his life, he never felt truly cared for until he walked through your door. You placed it down on the sideboard and sat beside them on the bed. “How are you feeling?”

“I was worried it would hurt you.” He lowly confessed.

You softly smiled at his concern “I would have been okay. We had a brief talk, we can try again when you’re ready.” You watched as he drank the cocoa, a little extra magic added to help him sleep in peace. “I should let you get to sleep.” You tired to stand by his hand on top of yours pulled you back to the bed. You looked at the two tangled together and then to Bob.

“Can you stay? It gets so lonely in the dark.” He asked in such a small voice that it almost sounded like he was asking out of shame and guilt.

You don’t know what compelled you to do it but you cupped his face with a reassuring smile, the contact giving you a spark in your heart. “I know it does. I’ll stay.” With a large grin he pulled back the covers, silently inviting you in.

“The cat usually comes and sleeps at the end of the bed, not that I mind.” He explained as you both now settled in a very confined shared space.

You sent him a side-eyed glance. “Uh…I may have asked it to.” A moment of silence passed before Bob burst into a fit of giggles, you joined in. His tears turning into ones of joy. “What?! I just wanted to make sure you had company.”

The two of you were lying on your backs after your laughter subsided. “I thought witches were supposed to have black cats?”

“That’s a myth. Like most things regarding witches.” You replied. “Some thing’s though I am a walking cliché- I’m afraid you’ve noticed already.” Bob chuckled again.

“When did you realise you were one?” He asked.

You let out a deep sigh. “Lots of soul searching. Lots of coming to terms. Lots of trying to love myself. Lots of practice.” You explained, turning your face to look at his and suddenly realising how small your guest room bed was.

“So can you fly?”

“I can.”

“Cool. So can I.”

“Wait…what?”

Bob chortled “Bucky didn’t tell you about Sentry?”

“No, he did. He didn’t tell me you could fly though. We’ll have a lesson in that too.” You said “Right after I kick his ass,” you grumbled under your breath.

“Good because back at the watchtower I went through the ceiling after I sneezed too strongly.” He sleepily giggled and you bit down your lip to contain your laughter. He was dipping in and out of consciousness, the magic taking hold. “Oh,” he yawned “You could have kept me company if you wanted to…I would…woulda said y-y…yeah.”

You blinked at his tired comment and watch as he fell into a deep sleep. You watched as his face twitched every so often throughout the hour or so you lay in the bed beside him. His lips twitching into a smile that put one on your own. That’s when you realised that you had been staring at them for the longest time. You closed your eyes, trying to get some sleep, but the only thing you could think of was him.

Deep down, way down, Lord, I try

Try to follow your light, but it's night time

Please, don't leave me in the end

The next morning the streams of sunlight kissed your face, your eyes opened and you found Bob’s face inches away from your own with your limbs tanged together. He was already awake “Morning,” his cracking, sleep laced words filling the room.

“Good morning”, you hazily replied, none of you moving from the spots you were in.

Bob softly smiled, his hand now coming up to brush away some hair that was sprayed over your face. “Sorry for staring, I just can’t look away.” His admission made you swallow hard and you knew he saw your eyes darting back and forth from his eyes to his lips. “You’re so beautiful, every part of you.” He slowly shifted closer and you moved to meet him in the middle, your lips meeting first.

He pressed a soft kiss to your lips before pulling back. You both battled for the largest grin, Bob’s much larger when you rolled on top of him and passionately kissed him back. He softly moaned against your lips, his hand roaming up your sides and slipping under your top, sparks with each touch followed. You breathed out his name, he responded by murmuring yours against your skin. He flipped you onto your back, his mouth crashing against yours. “Bob…” you smiled against his lips.

His hands toyed with the hem of your pyjama bottoms. “Can I?” He asked between kisses. You didn’t know how many times you said yes, but by the time you stopped you were both laying on each other in a naked panting mess. Bob pressed a long, lazy, blissful kiss to your temple, hugging you to keep you close. “When I’m with you I forget I have my void.”

The mention of his other self made you subconsciously hold him closer, if that minuscule move would protect him. “I’m glad you feel that way. Let me make you breakfast, Bob.” You pecked his lips before moving from the bed and hearing a whistle as he checked out your body in the sunlight. “Oh hush you!” With a flick of your flustered hand you had a robe wrapped around you in a flash.

He met you downstairs when he changed, watching you from as you made him eggs, music playing from the corner of the room. Bob watched as you swayed from side to side. “Didn’t realise I was staying with a dancing witch…” he teased before hugging you from behind and peppering kisses up the side of your neck.

You laughed from his comment and the gentle tickling sensation. “Oh I don’t dance much! Never had anyone to dance with.” You flippantly admitted.

Bob stepped back and you turned around, his hand reaching out. “You have me now.” You turned down the stove and let him take lead. Waltzing together in the kitchen, your bodies close against each other as he hummed the song into your ear. It was the closest Bob felt to being completely and utterly happy. Suddenly you felt the two of you floating- and not just metaphorically.

You looked down and gasped seeing both of you levitating off the floor. Bob let out a low droned ‘Oh’ as you both lowered each other. “I think I know how we can control your powers…” you whispered out. “If we control them, we can control your void.” The look of relief that washed over his face made your heart practically burst with happiness at the sight.

After that morning, you both quickly fell into a very domesticated life. Bob watched as you got up each morning after spending your waking moments with him, then onto feeding the birds, in his eyes, looking like a goddamn Disney princess or something along those lines. He picked you flowers every other day, just because. You practiced various techniques to hone his skills. He kissed you goodnight.

It was almost a week since you had met his void.

You were at dinner, a cozy date night at home again with him amongst the candles. “I think you should go back again.” He said out of the blue, almost making you drop your glass. He noticed your panicked expression, even when you were trying your best to hide it.

“Is that what you want?”

“Yes.”

You nodded with a tight smile.

“I’ll visit tonight.”

There's darkness in the distance

I'm beggin' for forgiveness (ooh)

But I know I might resist it, oh

Your setup was virtually complete when Bob reached the bathroom, he listened as you spoke out to nothing in a language he couldn’t decipher. “Ready?” He asked and you nodded, you found it funny in a terrifying way that he was more ready than you.

He got into the bath, giving you a long kiss before plunging himself under the water, your hands on his chest and forehead again. Your eyes opened in a room that was becoming more familiar to you. The same four grey walls, the floor that matched, and the ceiling you couldn’t see the end of. The seat in front of you still wasn’t occupied.

“Back again?” It asked and you walked forward, hands scorched and dripping wet.

You looked up, the void slowly drifting down. “Couldn’t resist,” you sarcastically snapped back at it, ready to end Bob’s suffering once and for all. The void finally saw your scorched fingertips. A haunted memory of your past. It didn’t quite let out a noise that sounded like a chuckle at the sight. You weren’t entirely sure of the sound at all.

“You’re far too powerful for me to fight, you know this already.” It admitted.

You smirked. “I am a Maximoff after all.” A chair manifested for you and the void bobbed its head in shocked curiosity. “So sit.”

It quickly compiled, you sat facing it, leaning forward as if you were scolding a petulant child. “All this anger and sadness was once love.” You told it and its head slowly fell to the floor.

“I can’t remember it ever feeling like that…”

Its voice was echoed, you turned around and saw Bob standing there out of the bathtub, dry as a desert. You smiled and a seat appeared next to you. “Sit with us,” you encouraged. Bob and his void glared at each other and you sharply sighed. “You can’t leave each other, but you can’t fight each other. You must learn to live in harmony.”

“I’ve tried.” Bob admitted, twiddling with this thumbs.

“Not hard enough. You could have done so much better,” his void replied.

“Enough,” you warned, your golden glow turning a shade of red.

The void was just as intrigued as Bob. “You’ve met me, what about your own void?” It asked, Bob remained quiet.

“My void is my past.” You simply stated. “I’ve done things I’m not proud of, and I did things that I am proud of.” The void would have latched onto something like this, slowly manipulate you into oblivion but instead it didn’t feel the compelling need to do that to you. It felt a compelling need to comfort you.

“Do you understand the violence it took to become this gentle?”

You looked up, blinking at its words.

“It’s right, I don’t think how realise how strong and how wonderful you are.” Bob’s hand held one of your own while the void held the other. The two then eventually looking at each other.

“I think you and I can come to some sort of arrangement.” The void said and Bob nodded in agreement.

“I agree, if not for ourselves, for you, Y/N.” Bob leaned forward and kissed your cheek. “I’ll see you on the other side,” he spoke to you before then looking to his void with a small smile. Bob got back into the bathtub and you prepared to be pulled out from whatever existence you were in.

Just as you were about to go, the void pulled you back towards it.

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

You and I drink the poison from the same vine

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

Hidin' all of our sins from the daylight

“How can you love the worst part of yourself..?” It asked itself a rhetorical, self-reflective question. You cupped its cheek, forcing it to look at you as it rambled on. “How can you endure the worst part of me?” You saw the glimmer of Bob in there, a part of him bounded to his void for eternity. Just like the void was bound to the Bob you knew outside this realm.

“I love all of you. Good and the bad.”

The void released a noise that was between a sniffle and a bubble of laughter. “He gets less lonely every day…I feel the same. I looked forward to the hope of you visiting again.” Its admission made you smile. “Since I’ll be here, I’d like it if you continued to visit.”

You nodded. “I’d like to as well. You’re just another part of Bob I’ve come to love. I’ll visit you when he sleeps, keep you company.” You pecked its cheek before turning away.

“Thank you.” It called out.

“You’re welcome, Bob.”

It did laugh that tone. “Feels strange being called that. I’ve always been known as a void, a darkness, a burden…”

“You’re none of those things, you’re my Bob,” you looked at your sweet boy in the bathtub “Well a part of him at least.”

“Wait…you said love. You said it twice.” Its voice now almost as bright as the sun.

You smirked, hands ready to be placed back into the water.

“I know what I said.”

From the daylight, runnin' from the daylight

From the daylight, runnin' from the daylight

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

“Don’t give me that attitude, Alpine. I’ll make you live with Bucky- again!” You yelled at the cat, emotions running high as Bucky and the team were coming to see him after his six month stay- that has evolved into a permanent one- with you.

“Hey, everything’s going to be great. Better than great,” he kissed your forehead, your nose and then lips. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” you sweetly smiled before hearing a car pull up. “That’s them.”

You and Bob walked out to your front porch, your garden even in late August still blooming thanks to your ‘green fingers’. “Hey guys!” Bob smiled from ear to ear as he made his way down the path to hug each of his teammates. Bucky approached you and wrapped his arms around you.

“Hey, Y/N,” he said as you hugged him back. “You’ve really worked your magic with him- pun intended.” You chuckled “But seriously, he’s like a different person!”

“We both are,” you affectionately smiled at Bob as he caught up with the team. “C’mon we made you guys lunch, it’s out in the garden.”

You greeted and briefly met everyone through the halls of the home you shared with Bob. Bucky looked at the photos on the wall, smiling seeing you and your older twin siblings in one, you and Wanda in another, you with Steve and Sam laughing in a dive bar. He then saw a photo of you with Bob, then another, then another two, then one with you Bob and Alpine. He let out a ‘huh’ under his breath before stopping and walking back a few steps to see the photo of you and Bob kissing out on the beach at the back of your house. “Oh.”

Everyone watched in amazement as you and Bob magically moved things through the air to finish off setting the table. “Help yourselves guys!” They were almost too stunned at the sight of effortless magic and the bending of elements to speak.

“Do you feel better, Bob?” Yelena asked as the team slowly sat down, Bucky joining them moments later.

“Much better, and only better days to come.” Bob smiled at you as he took your hand and gently squeezed it in a patch of shade enveloping your hands. Like the void was also giving your hand a loving squeeze too.

Bucky cleared his throat “Are you two…together?” He asked as food was being passed about. Suddenly it stopped and everyone turned to you both.

You were stood while Bob was sat, your fingers wrapped over his shoulder. This was Bucky, your longest friend- you knew you couldn’t get away with not telling him the truth. You also knew how much Bob respected the team, how much he held them in his heart. It wouldn’t have been fair to any of them to withhold.

“Well, we are a little more than that now…”

Bucky’s eyes went wide as yours and Bobs fingers brushed against your stomach. Alexei and Yelena rose to their feet gasping before cheering.

After the celebrations, Bucky had a moment with the both of you. “Congratulations you two, you’ll be great parents. I can already tell how much you guys devote each other.” You and Bob giddily smiled, he pressed a kiss to your temple. “But Y/N, don’t twins run in the family?”

Bob laughed, and laughed, and laughed , and then it fizzled out before he collapsed to the ground.

“Oh god not again!”

You and I drink the poison from the same vine

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

Hidin' all of our sins from the daylight

“Hey! Don’t you throw her too high! I’ll hex you.” Soft, bubbly giggles filled the air.

“C’mon! This is why I’m the fun one,” you sent Bob a playful glare and he softly rolled his eyes with a smile in his face. “Alright…mom wins this time doesn’t she.” He peppered kisses on the cheeks of his daughter before you passed him his son and he ensured he wasn’t left out, the sunshine’s of his life. The one that shone on him first now in the kitchen preparing dinner and swaying to the music playing in the corner.

He smiled at the sight and then at his children. “Let’s get you guys inside, help mom. Although she’s always so great,” he confessed to the three month year olds who didn’t understand a word he was saying. “She’s pretty magic.”

Later that evening the two of you were in bed, the smell of the lavender hot cocoa which became part of his bedtime routine lingered in the air. Bob fell into a deep sleep and you reached out, latching onto his fingertip and squeezing your eyes shut.

“Hi, my love,” you smiled at the void Bob. That once cold, concrete coloured room now bright and bursting with parts of both you Bob and your children. “How was your day?”

“Always better for being with you, Bob.”

From the daylight, runnin' from the daylight

From the daylight, runnin' from the daylight

Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time

[catboymoonknight]

Ramen

Carmy x College Student Reader

Gender Not Specified

Words: 1,200+

Notes: This is something I've had in my head for a while. I have a bit more free time now, so hopefully I can do some more writing! I PROMISE I'M GETTING TO REQUESTS, I'VE STARTED WRITING THEM.

You groan softly as the palms of your hands press into your eyes. Taking a deep breath, you wait until the burning in your eyes subsides before pushing yourself away from your desk. You sigh as you walk into the kitchen, sluggishly pulling a pot out to make some half assed dinner before relaxing on the couch.

You fill the pot, setting it on the stove and turning on the burner. Your head buzzes with information, your fingers rubbing your temples. You glance at the clock, knowing Carmy should be getting to his apartment soon. You make a mental note to message him soon, ask about how the restaurant is doing.

Opening up a cabinet, the box of ramen stares down at you as you pull a packet out of it. The wrapping almost hurts your eyes due to the light reflecting off of it, your eyes still hurting from staring at your computer screen for so long today.

You set the packet down on the counter, leaning back against it as you wait to hear the sound of the water boiling. You pull your phone out of your pocket, unlocking it. There are a few messages from Sugar, one from Fak. You know how Carmy is when he works, so you're not surprised to see none from him. You quickly type out a message and hit send, knowing he won't answer until he gets into his apartment.

You're brought out of your thoughts soon after, hearing the bubbling of the water next to you. You turn down the heat a bit, adding everything from the ramen packet into the water. You place the lid on the pot, keeping an eye on it so it doesn't boil over. After a while, you turn off the burner, pouring everything from the pot into a bowl.

You drag yourself over to the small table in the kitchen, grabbing a fork on the way. You sigh as you take the first bite, your shoulders sagging a bit as you start to get food into you. Carmy would end you right now if he saw the sorry excuse for dinner you're eating.

A soft laugh bubbles out of you as you continue to eat, thinking about the scolding you'd get. You stop mid-bite, noodles hanging from your mouth as you hear the jingle of keys. Your eyebrows furrow, not moving from your spot. The door to your apartment opens, closing with a decent click.

Carmy walks into the kitchen, pausing as he sees you at the table. You slowly slurp the noodles into your mouth, the two of you staring at each other.

"What is that?" He asks, trying to hold back from making a face at the noodles.

You swallow the food in your mouth, slowly pulling the bowl closer to you. "... Nothing." You say hesitantly.

Carmen glares, but you don't flinch. "That crap is barely food, babe." He says, walking over to the table.

You pull your bowl away from him, immediately knowing he's going to toss it out. "I didn't know you were coming over."

He glares again as you pull the bowl away. "I wanted to see my partner. Is that a crime? Give it here."

"Carm, you just got off of work, and I'm starving." You pout at him, knowing he has to be tired.

He brushes you off, reaching for your bowl of ramen. He pulls it from your grasp, immediately walking into the kitchen and tossing the bowl into the sink. He pulls open the cabinet where you have the box of them, pulling it out. He looks over at you, and you immediately smile bashfully. "They're good for quick dinners."

"This is not dinner. I barely call it food." He says, setting them aside. You sigh and get up from the table as he begins pulling out pans and ingredients from your fridge.

"Babe, you barely have anything in this fridge." He sighs, closing the door and standing up straight as you walk over. You lean against him, your head resting against his.

"I haven't had time to go shopping. I've been swamped with assignments this week." You mumble to him, your lips brushing over his cheek. He sighs, immediately relaxing a little at your proximity. His arms wrap around you, holding you close. One of his hands comes up, cupping the back of your head, and pulls you in for a forehead kiss.

"We're going shopping tomorrow so I can get you some real food." He says to you, holding eye contact.

You let a sigh out of your nose, nodding. "Fine.."

He presses another kiss to your forehead, pulling away from you to open the fridge again. He grabs a bunch of random ingredients from the fridge, putting them on the counter before searching the kitchen. Knowing better than to get in the way of his flow, you hop up on the counter, close enough to feel his presence but far enough not to get in his way.

He looks over at you, staring for a bit before smiling and looking away. You smile, looking at the back of his head. "What?"

"What?" He looks over at you again.

"You're smiling."

"I can't smile?"

You glare at him, your smile tugging at your lips. "You know what I mean, Carmen."

He chuckles, setting a knife down before walking over to you. He stands between your legs, his hands on your thighs. ".. I just like looking at you." He says softly, rubbing over your thighs.

You break out into a smile, your wraps loosely wrapping around his neck. You lean in, rubbing your nose against his. He visibly relaxes, his hands coming up to rest on your hips. He leans in to kiss you, but is cut off by the rumbling of your stomach.

You let out an embarrassed giggle, pulling away from him a bit. "I did say I was starving."

He chuckles again, nodding as he walks back over to the stove. "Yeah, yeah you did." He starts cutting up a mix of things, feeling your eyes on his back as he moves. A nice silence flows over the two of you as Carmen moves around the kitchen, making you some real food.

"You don't have to make me food, Carm." You mumble softly, hopping off the counter. He glances over at you again, hearing you move closer.

"Yeah... I don't mind." He mumbles back, blinking a few times as he feels your arms around his waist from behind. He enjoys the feeling, the warmth of you against his back. After a while, he pulls you in front of him and rests his hands over yours.

"Here, hold the knife and help me cut this up." He guides your hand into proper position, pressing against your back.

"Careful with your other hand. Don't wanna cut your fingers." His hands stay over yours, slowly guiding you through cutting some ingredients. You half pay attention, eventually just end up leaning back against him.

He smiles, pressing a kiss to the crook of your neck. "I love you." He whispers against your skin, watching you cut up the rest of what's needed.

You smile, turning to look at him. "I love you too, bear."

He leans in, pressing a soft kiss against your lips. You hum against his lips, enjoying the feeling of him behind you as he throws a few things on the pan. The sizzling of ingredients fades quietly into the background as you focus on Carmen's warmth behind you.

[lolita-lollipop]

Iron

YANDERE BARBARIAN BAKUGO X READER

The king of the most violent and powerful tribe in the eastern world is captured during battle by a small farmers village. What does a violent man like katsuki bakugo do upon meeting a kind servant girl like you?

WARNINGS: reader gets hurt by villagers (bakugo saves her)

He couldn't remember how long he had been here, he just knew it was cold, dark, unsanitary, and painful. He remembered the battle that put him here, getting shot with a poison-laced arrow, feinting on the field. Heh. imagine it, the great barbarian Bakugo, the children's slayer, the village burner, the soldier slaughterer falling because of one puny arrow from one puny kingdom. When he first had woken up he could feel the slick of his blood under him mixed with the dirt and grime of the cell, he had giant iron cuffs wrapping his wrists and legs, binding him to the floor. He couldn't blame these people, truly, they knew that once he woke up if he were to get out they were all as good as slaughtered.

It was a small stone dungeon, with only a couple of stalls, he occupying one of them. There was a small barred window, along with a wall of iron bars serving as protection from him and the rest of the world. Iron, he hated the stuff, and banned it from his country, it burned him, burned his people. There was a thick, damp smell of blood and rust, a musty smell he could easily recognize as death. He would carve every person in this building up, then burn every building in the village, and he would let the fire spread to their fields and watch as their lives work shrivels up into ash. But for now, He would wait for the perfect time to strike, all he could do was wait really, watch the guard rotation, see which ones were talkative, and which ones were cruel.

Many of the guards would beat him, carve his skin, and watch him bleed, they know of all the gruesome things he has done to so very many people, and supposedly the bastards feel some kind of idiotic vengeance or justice for those people. They would pay in the long run, who exactly do they think they are? he is a king, royalty, the highest of the highest, the strongest too. If he doesn't kill them his people will, they'll see. All the king could do was watch, wait, and plot the splattering of this village.

That was, until you came along.

Little you, in your flowy little skirt that was all torn up, with no shoes and a dirt-covered face. Little you with your oh-so-innocent smile, and your callused hands. Little you with your malnourished body, frail and sickly. Little you, who had no idea who he was. Little you who snuck in when no guard was on duty, a small bowl of soup in your hands, and a cup of water.

“I-im sorry that this is all I have, I know you haven't eaten in a long time I just- I’ll have more tomorrow” you whispered, and he swore he fell in love right then and there, you were too frail, too weak to be giving out food that you surely needed. Yet here you were, shakily handing him the bowl and the cup. He stared at you for a solid second, not even his own mother was this selfless, and you don't even know him. Who were you? You did not seem like aristocracy, too kind, maybe a farmer? Maybe a maid, a servant even.

He hadn't realized how hungry he was, not until the entire bowl and cup were gone, and he was left to stare at you. You were ethereal, dirt-covered and all, your eyes, your hair, your hands, everything, absolutely stunning. You had a look in your eyes. Something hungry and fearful told him that you were not happy, not safe and sound, not as you should be.

“I don't have anything to treat your wound, but- I'm sorry. Nobody should be treated this way, not even prisoners. I'll be back tomorrow, please don't tell the guards that I've done this. They will kill me.” you whispered, cautiously reaching to grab the glassware from his grip, waiting to see if he would snap at you. He didn't, only stared, grunting in response to your plea. You stared back with those sympathetic globes of yours, as if you could see the anger in his soul. Before turning on your heel, and quietly sneaking out of the dungeon room, you gave him one last glance before disappearing.

He was left in the quiet, in the cold, falling head over heels in love with you, a mere human. A peasant at that. Strange. You were too sweet, too kind, you clearly needed the food, clearly were starving and malnourished, yet you still stood here and offered your only food to him, a prisoner of war, you were so sweet. So kind. His people were not like you, they were not soft or sweet, he loved them for it, but you, oh you. You were soft and supple and sweet andso sickeningly kind. He would protect you, he has too.

The next couple of nights went similarly, you sneaking in during the dead hours following midnight with varying foods, sometimes a stale loaf of bread with milk, sometimes some leafy soup and water. He was grateful every time, thankful that he wasn't starving, still burning with absolute rage towards the mere peasants who believed that they could contain him. But you, in the very few days that he had known you, had wormed your way into his heart with your soft hands and pretty smile.

He can just imagine you adorned in stolen jewels and furs, dressed in the finest silk, or better, the clothes of his people. something soft like you, something pretty and supple and shiny and light. Something that reflects you, he would take you out of those rags, clean you up, teach you what luxury truly is. and you wouldnt have to lift a finger. he dreamed about your future everyday that you would visit, asking your favorite color or season or jewel.

That was, until you stopped showing up. No more quiet hours gazing at each other, no more shared food and drink, no more listening to you quietly talk about your life, no more sympathetic glances, no more questions about him from you, no more answers from him. It was like you had disappeared entirely, and back to his old routine of watching and observing the guards had begun once more. He had to admit it kind of hurt, having the only good thing here disappear entirely, he resented this place more, resented you.

He hated you, how could you leave him? You, a servant girl abandoning a king. Funny, hilarious, he sat in a pool of blood and hatred thinking about you, about this town, about the people who put him here, who chained him to the floor and watched him bleed out, this city will burn. And burn and burn and burn and burn and burn, his people would tear it apart until it was nothing but ash and blood-

What tore him out of his internal monologue was a pained scream, but not just anybody, he didn't know anybody in the town, it was yours. With that whispery rasp that you had from overexertion, and that neverending fear that dripped from your tone. He stood up to stare through the small window, only to see you on the ground, surrounded by many people, all bigger and stronger than you, yelling and screaming.

“It's her, the traitor!”

“She has been feeding the enemy, treason, treason I say!”

“She should be beheaded, the traitor.”

You let another scream ring out through the town center as one of the men brought their boot down on your bare foot, he could hear the crunch followed by another scream. The first kick sparked more from other men as they brought their feet down on frail little ou, you slowly reverted into a fetal position, lying in the dirt as they beat you relentlessly. He saw red, crimson blinding him and overflowing all of his senses. How could they? You did nothing, you knew nothing. You were just a sweet, innocent little human who knew no better, who were they to punish you, to beat you so cruelly? You were thin and frail and he could hear each one of your bones cracking and breaking into pieces.

He saw bright ruby red, anger wasn’t the word, absolute rage is a better way to put it.

Red red red red red red red red red

He didn't even realize he had broken from his chains till his legs were moving,

Red

He didn’t even feel the burn of the iron till the bars holding him were bent out of shape and twisted

Red

He didn’t realize they were all dead till his hands were stained with that bright crimson color he loved so much- you guessed it, red

He killed them all, so painfully, knuckles crunching skulls and tearing off limbs, pulling people apart faster than any wolf or bear could even try to. The thrill of freedom mixed with rage and pure anger let him revert to the ways of his homeland, back to the thrilling violence and electrifying feeling of tearing another apart. He enjoyed it, enjoyed tearing them limb from limb and watching them bleed as they had done to him. He cackled as they screamed in terror, relishing in their fear.

You watched deliriously, you had lost too much blood in too short of a time, and you were positive that you had many many broken bones, pain overcame you as you watched the bloodshed in front of you, your vision was blurry and shaking but you could tell that somebody was strong, and enjoying violence. Fear budded in the back of your brain, he was enjoying this, enjoying their pain, he would hurt you just the same, kill you, and relish in it.

You hadn’t known who he was, you swore to the village leaders, swore that you just felt bad for the poor starving man in the dungeons who seemed to gentle and sweet, they hadn’t cared. You were to be burned or drowned or noosed they said. But a death like this, at the hand of a man you had been fooled to be sweet? That was worse. Oh god, oh god oh god oh god oh god oh god you were going to die

Your breath became shallow, both because of what was surely a punctured lung, but also because of the slowly approaching footsteps crunching on the dirt. A small whimper escaped you as the figure towered over you, and your hands came up to shield your face from the blow that was surely to come.

But Instead of a painful ending blow, arms wrapped under you and hoisted you up, you never realized how tall this man was. Naturally, you curled into his warmth and tried not to think about how sticky his hands were with blood. your breath hitched as he squeezed you closer with calloused rough hands. Tears washed down your face, you were quivering, shaking in fear.

“P-please-“ you quivered out. Hand moving up to push him away, your statement had many meanings, to beg for your life, to beg him to put you down, to beg him to leave you and your village alone, to beg him to forgive you. He stared down at you with crimson eyes, a sudden softness overcoming them, more than he thought he could have.

“Don’t you worry baby,

I’ll take good care of ya”

———————————————————————

Cute

Anyway enjoy, I noticed a lack of barbarian bakugo content on here so I figured I would add some fuel to the fire.

Love you all, make sure to have a great day!

[filthyf1]

A Long Short Time

pairing: Daniel Ricciardo x Reader

content warning: MINORS DNI (18+); Porn WITH Plot, cunnilingus, blowjob, unprotected sex, slightly tipsy sex?... Not entirely healthy relationship dynamics….

summary: Daniel and you broke up two months ago. He comes back to get the last of his things…. And the rest is history.

word count: 5k

author's notes: AHHHHHH this was so nerve wracking.... it's been so long since I've written anything so please let me know your thoughts!!!

____

Two months. A short time that felt like a millenia to you. The apartment felt emptier than usual. He wasn’t there often before, but it was more than never. Life felt slow and tedious, and you weren’t exactly adapting well. 

It had been two months since you and Daniel broke up. That felt like such a silly and simple way to explain it, but that’s exactly what happened. It was and then it wasn’t. Four years and it was over just like that. 

Daniel was let go from VCARB after the Singapore GP. The fans could tell something was wrong from his interviews, and their guesses were spot on. He’d known it was the end and given it his all, understanding that it wouldn’t be enough. His whole life came to an abrupt halt, just like that. What was the point of contracts in the first place? It felt like a crime to let him go before COTA, and yet… 

Just as his career came to a screeching halt, your relationship did as well. The comfort you thought you could give was simply not enough. Nothing you could say or do could make it right. It made sense even if it hurt. What do you do when the thing you’ve worked for your whole life gets pulled out from under you? Some people cope and move on, collect the pieces and figure out how to go forward. Some people burn the rest of the world around them and crash. 

What began as trying to comfort him turned into an all-out shouting match and ended in the door slamming behind him. 

“I can’t do this! What the fuck would you do?”

“I don’t know! Lean on my friends? Family? My fucking girlfriend, maybe?”

“Well, nothing like this has happened to you. You just get to sit around and be pretty. Life is so fucking easy for you.”

That last one stung - his sharp words certainly hit their mark. You played the conversation over and over again in your head for the past 60 days, trying to think of an alternative ending.

The movers eventually came and took his things, leaving both the space and your heart wide and empty. And that was how the past two months went. Your apartment was small, but when a whole other person’s things were removed, it felt much too large.You got to see him unwind and find himself by his own posts and his friends’ on social media. The news outlets were fucking annoying. Apparently, one of the most interesting things to report on was an F1 driver’s relationship status. And the paparazzi had exactly as much sympathy as you expected. You were sure there were at least a dozen photos of you crying floating around on Twitter, Facebook, etc. 

It was your turn to feel stuck. You felt like the last four years were a waste. What were you working towards? It was upended so swiftly and easily. You saw Daniel regaining the light back in his eyes while he attended sporting events and went dirt biking with his friends. You sat in your flat drinking wine and looking at the city lights contemplating what could have been. 

There were things you wanted to accomplish that you put on the back burner and now regretted never pursuing. Maybe once you got your spirit back, you’d go after the fashion degree or write that book that always sat in the back of your mind. Just a little bit more groveling…

What really hurt was finding things the movers missed. Little things here and there that you knew he would miss, a helmet here, a jersey there. So instead of burning them like a lot of people might, you gathered them and put them in a box. You put your big girl pants on and sent him a text, hoping it would still go through, and let him know he could pick it up whenever he was back in the city. And to your surprise, not only did the message go through, but he answered. It was the only thing you’d heard from him since he left and unfortunately, you clung to it. 

It was another Friday night that wine was your companion. Your friend had visited for a few days for some gossip and retail therapy, but unfortunately she had left earlier that day and you let the loneliness seep back in. The riesling helped dull it a little bit. You were halfway through the bottle, feeling the pleasant buzz settle into your muscles. 

Music swept through your apartment while you danced and cleaned things here and there when your phone dinged on the counter, interrupting the melody you were currently feeling. Thinking it was your friend who forgot her lipstick on your counter, you swiped the message open without a second thought. Once you read it, however, the blood drained from your face and you looked on in horror.

Be there in 20 if you’re still awake.

Okay…. Okay. Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

You were very much not sober enough for this. The bottle of wine looked on in amusement and you glared at it, as if it wasn’t your choice to partake in the first place. That still didn’t stop you from chugging the rest of the glass in front of you. Maybe it would help you to be more relaxed or cool in his presence. You glanced at the clock on your oven.

11:20PM.

Late, but not ridiculously so. You wondered what exactly he was doing in the country. But that wasn’t really any of your business anymore. 

It was fully in your right to deny him, let him know it was not a good time to stop by. Your sober self needed 3 to 5 business days to prepare for this, but your tipsy self wanted him to stop by now. Your chest ached at the thought of seeing his face again in person. You craved it desperately. Against your better judgement, your fingers sent out a quick, “Ok.”

Oh, God, what were you doing? 

Simply put, you fucking missed him. There was no denying or getting around it.

“Fuck, this is happening,” you breathed to yourself. You ran a hand through your hair, a nervous mess. You ran to the bathroom to do a once over; you looked as much a mess as you expected. Hair everywhere and eyes slightly glassy from alcohol. You swallowed hard, trying to fix things, but gave up after a minute or two.

Sitting back in your kitchen, you nursed another glass of wine. There was no going back now, so you might as well commit. A knock came a few minutes later, causing you to jump in your seat. 

“Fuck,” one more for the road. 

You approached the door slowly like a victim in a horror movie. One last hesitation, and the door swung open and there he was.

He stood tall, not at all bowed under the pressure he had experienced so recently. His hair was longer than you remembered, the curls so perfect and tangled it hurt. They weren’t yours to run your hands through anymore. You were sure you looked sad and pathetic, and he stood in front of you looking healthy and radiant, something you hadn’t seen in a long time. He looked damn good.

A breathy, “Hi,” was all you could muster. You immediately kicked yourself internally. So much for keeping your cool. Daniel gave you a once over that made you feel hot inside and self-conscious at the same time.

“Hi,” he gave a soft smile and you nearly melted. It was such a stark difference from how your last conversation ended. You stood in silence for another few seconds, taking him in. This was how you wanted to remember him. 

“Fuck, uh, sorry, I don’t have your stuff here,” you shook yourself out of the trance. “Do you… want to come in for a minute?” You weren’t sure if this was a good idea or not. You didn’t have a great track record with exes and them visiting your place of residence. 

“I’ve got the time,” he said. 

You’d be lying if a plethora of less than innocent thoughts were running through your head. He looked better than you remembered, and the feelings were still there, ready to be unearthed at a moment's notice.

He took everything in. The air felt heavy with unspoken tension and you wondered what he was thinking. His eyes settled on the empty wine glass and less than full bottle.

“Been drinking?” He asked and a smirk settled onto his lips. His facial hair was growing in, and you’d be lying if your mind didn’t wander. Beard burn was a hell of a drug.

“Yea,” you said sheepishly, a hand running through your hair to dispel your nerves. “There’s whiskey if you want a drink. I still have your favorite… I don’t really drink it…” You trailed off, not really expecting him to accept. You thought he would be itching to leave as soon as possible, the weight of the last conversation heavy on your mind. To your surprise, he opened the cabinet that he knew very well and grabbed the whiskey. He grabbed a glass (that cabinet never changed either) and poured himself a double. 

“Cheers,” he held the cup out. You poured the rest of the wine into your stemmed glass and clinked your glass against his. You paused, watching him down the glass, his Adam's apple bobbing and a single droplet of whiskey dripping from his lips and trailing down his neck. Sinful thoughts flashed across your eyes, but long gone now were the days where you could lick it away. You averted your eyes quickly and drank your wine in one swift gulp. Anything to distract you from the images circling through your head. 

“You’ve been doing well - at least from what I’ve seen,” you placed the wine glass down in the kitchen sink and Daniel followed suit. The heat of his body was heavy behind you, his arm right next to yours. You fought everything in you to fight freezing. Surely, he wasn’t doing this on purpose? You didn’t have much time to contemplate as his body was gone in the next moment. 

He leaned against the kitchen counter - his arms propped his body up and you chose to avert your eyes from his toned form. Two months was clearly not enough time to stop those thoughts from clouding your mind. Was it you or did he just look you up and down?

“I’ve been… okay,” he didn’t elaborate, but the silence explained enough. Maybe it was easier to put on a smile for the camera.

“You still miss it,” it wasn’t a question.

“Every day,” he nearly whispered. His warm brown eyes held yours for a second too long and you wondered if you were still talking about racing. You cleared your throat, not totally sure how to address that. 

“Things ended pretty poorly, huh,” you averted your eyes. Now was not the time to let your tears get the best of you. Your last argument was the elephant in the room and you’d explode if you avoided it for another second. There was a tightly wound bundle of resentment, pain, and anger in your stomach. You were mad at him for walking away. Mad that he seemed to get over things pretty damn quick while you were still fumbling for a grasp on things. Mad that he walked right back in like nothing happened.

“You could say that again,” he said simply. You went to speak again but he cut you off. “I’m sorry for the things I said.”

Your eyes shot to his. He wasn’t really one to open up and talk about things like that. He tended to take things out on the track and work through them that way. He didn’t have that anymore though, so maybe he found talking was easier these days. 

“Thank you,” you said roughly. Blinking rapidly to stop tears from coming forward. What were you supposed to do now? You never stopped loving him, but you were feeling so many other conflicting feelings at the same time. Daniel made a move as if to come forward and comfort you, then thought twice about it. He was obviously feeling a lot of things too. He cleared his throat.

“So, you said you put everything in a box?” He looked around. If things were heavy before, they weighed a ton now. 

“Um, yes, your stuff is in the hall closet. I put it in a box for you - I’m not sure it'll fit in whatever car you drove, but you can always send someone to pick it up for you,” you over-explained as you walked towards said storage. Were you delirious or was that his body heat on your back? This time it did not disappear. 

You slowed, turning to face him. He was as close as you suspected, his strong frame standing over you. His pupils were blown, his breathing slightly accelerated. You’d be a fool to deny that his scent was intoxicating. The same cologne and musk you remembered that was distinctly Daniel made your head spin. You swallowed hard and Daniel’s eyes flickered down to your eyes then your throat.

“Daniel?”

“I’ve missed you,” he breathed out, his voice deep and husky. Your heart pounded hard in your chest. You wanted this more than anything. You wished he’d just kiss you already. Your body ached to feel his against yours again. It had been so long. You were both suspended in time, your eyes locked with each others’.

“I missed you, too,” you replied. He looked relieved at that, like he thought you had moved on. As if you’d ever be able to do that.

“Yea?” He was even quieter that time.

“So fucking much.”

“Can I kiss you?”

“I wish you would.”

Whatever dam was once there broke in an instant. Daniel surged forward and his lips enveloped yours. You couldn’t help the groan that leaked from your throat. You missed this so much it hurt. One of his hands wrapped around your waist, pulling you into him. His other hand found the back of your neck and his fingers wrapped into your hair. His body was hot against yours, your skin searing wherever it touched his. He backed you into the wall without his lips leaving yours once. You eagerly reached your hands to his hair and pulled on the curls you missed so much which earned you a groan in return. You fit together like two puzzle pieces. 

You gulped in air as he moved his attention to your neck, his facial hair scratching you in the way you remembered. Words couldn’t describe how much you missed this. His leg parted yours to push against your clothed cunt and pin you to the wall. God, if he thought you were moaning like a whore now… He suckled hard on the soft skin of your collar bone and your fingers tightened in his hair.

Things were complicated, sure, but this was here and now. Right now you were feeling pretty damn good for many reasons and your present self didn’t care much about the potential consequences. Daniel was a man starved and you were an oasis in the desert. 

“Take me to the fucking bedroom before I strip you here,” you barely got out.

“Can do,” he replied between pressing kisses up your neck. “Not that I would entirely mind…” His strong arms moved to loop under your thighs and lift you up easily. He took a moment to hold you against the wall and kiss you again. His need was as evident as yours; you could feel him straining against his jeans. His tongue was hot and furious against yours and you feared being fully consumed by him. 

Your body temperature was running at one-thousand degrees and you felt like you were about to burst. Daniel’s tongue was wet and insistent against yours and you drank him in. Soft groans echoed from him and you could barely handle it. He carried you to your room, placing you softly onto your plush bed. His body was heavy upon yours, barely holding himself above you. You took the opportunity to roll your hips against his, eliciting a moan from both of you. You wondered if he was with anyone in your absence and then quickly pushed that thought away. It was none of your business, and you chose to believe the answer was no based on the way he was acting. 

Your hands trailed around each other; you missed the feel of each others’ bodies. Something told you that neither of you would last long. Already you feel yourself soaking through your panties.

Barely able to tear himself from you, Daniel managed to rip his shirt off. He looked just as good as ever and your mouth watered at the happy trail disappearing into his pants. 

“See something you like?” He grins evilly.

“Shut the fuck up and take my pants off,” you sigh. He did not need to be told twice. Your pants were removed in a flash leaving you in your underwear and shirt. The shirt was quickly removed after. Lucky for you, it was nearing laundry day which meant you had only your skimpiest and laciest underwear leftover. 

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Daniel sighed. 

“I’d apologize but I’m not sorry…”

“You’re going to be the death of me,” he leaned back in and placed soft kisses down your torso. His hands pawed your chest roughly, pinching your nipples between his fingers and causing you to keen into him. He came back to place one more kiss on your lips and captured your bottom lip between his teeth to nip at the soft, swollen skin. You rolled your hips into his again but this time he caught them and pushed his own into you to fight back. Everything with him was a delicious push and pull.

He edged back down, but not without placing wet kisses along your torso on his way there. He grabbed the band of your underwear between his teeth and pulled them off. His eyes held yours as he did so and you felt the blood rush to your cheeks. The man knew how to make you blush, that was for sure. They peeled back from your dripping pussy in a way that was almost embarrassing. You didn’t miss when he took the panties and shoved them into his back pocket. 

His lips ghosted over the inside of your thighs and drank you in in a way that made you light headed. You wanted nothing more than him to put his fucking mouth to work. He could sense your urgency and gave a cheeky chuckle.

“Don’t pretend you don’t want this as much as me. I’ll suck your dick if you hurry up and eat me out,” you threatened.

“You don’t have to tell me twice.”

His mouth was warm and the pleasure shot deep through your core as soon as he ran his tongue over you. 

“Fuck,” you barely managed. Your head hit the mattress - Daniel held you tight and didn’t allow an inch for you to squirm. Your legs draped over his shoulders and your toes curled as he worked on you. The wet sounds that came from your cunt were sinful; when Daniel paused for air and to smile at you, you could see his chin glistening. He was relentless, moaning into your folds and your head started swirling. “Daniel,” you gasped and one hand clawed at his shoulder while the other held tightly to his hair. “I’m not gonna last - if you keep doing that I’m gonna come.”

“Good,” he barely pulled back. Now that he had that information, he didn’t hold back and within a minute you were writhing and moaning underneath him as white hot pleasure coursed through you. He alternated between sucking and swirling his tongue around your clit. His strong arms barely flexed to hold you down as your hips rolled against his tongue. He only relented when your hips stuttered as you became overstimulated. You were gasping and swearing. It was way too long since you’d felt like this. He pulled back, but only far enough to place more open-mouthed, sloppy kisses along your thighs. He let you recover and kissed his way back up your body on your hips, your stomach, your breasts, and finally your collarbones and neck. 

“Sooooo, you said something about getting my dick sucked?” He asked and completely evaporated the heavy mood. You couldn’t help the laugh that exploded from you and you hit his shoulder weakly. He fell back dramatically on the bed, holding his shoulder in mock pain. “You wound me, woman!”

The light humor was nice, but it made your heart ache. You missed this so much and you realized that this ended with Daniel walking out the door. This was all a moment of passion after time apart. He’d take the rest of his things and go back to his life and you’d go back to yours. Instead of wallowing, you chose to shove it to the back of your mind and enjoy the moment that was happening in front of you. You put the smile back on your face and turned your attention back to Daniel. You kissed him deeply and softly once and ignored the slightly confused look on his face.

You pushed him back into the bed and he propped his head up by putting his hands behind his head, and you swallowed hard at his flexing biceps. He still wore his jeans so you palmed him roughly through the thick fabric which earned you a look that could kill. You licked a stripe over the coarse hair that sprouted up his stomach. He was hot and salty with sweat and you craved to take him into your mouth. 

Removing his belt slowly, you teased him; how much could he take? To your surprise, he was exceedingly patient and looked down at you with a disgusting smirk.  You pulled down his jeans and wiped said smirk off his face by placing a feather light kiss over his clothed cock. He smelled hot and musky, and you couldn’t wait to strip him completely. The pants and boxer briefs came off together and got tossed somewhere along the rest of the clothes on the floor.

He was just as you remembered. You suppressed the whine that built in your throat. He was already cocky enough; he didn’t need to know you missed sucking him off. You took as much of him in your mouth as you could, the rest taken care of by your hands. Another thing he didn’t need to add to his ego was his size. He was heavy and warm on your tongue with the sting of bitter saltiness from the precum that leaked from his swollen, red tip. A deep groan came from him and you looked up to see his head thrown back and his bottom lips caught between his teeth. A small ego boost for you too. 

You dragged your tongue from his base to his tip. Following the thick vein that ran up his length, you took him in again and hollowed your cheeks. He couldn’t control the groans and moans that spilled from him and one of his hands came down to wind through your hair and hold it up.

“Look at me,” he commanded. Bold of him, but you had to admit you missed this possessive side of him. You obliged him and looked him dead in the eyes but did not pause your ministrations. You let him push his hips into your mouth to fuck your throat. You were out of practice and gagged once before holding it back. Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes and you loved it. You swallowed around his length and his hand tightened painfully in your hair. His hips thrusted against his own will and his eyes squeezed shut. “Okay… okay, stop, or I’m not gonna make it to the main event,” he breathed heavily. Still got it, you thought smugly. You released him but not before placing one last kiss on the crevice between his crotch and his thigh which earned you a satisfying twitch.

You climbed up, settling yourself on his lower stomach. This was one of both of your favorite positions. Daniel loved seeing you above him, riding his cock and finding the exact right spot that got you off. It was a position that allowed you both some control and he liked being able to see your face. You scooted back and grabbed his length, ready to position him and sink down when he halted you by catching your hips in both of his hands.

“Fuck, I didn't bring a condom,” he sighed and paused. You almost lost your mind. 

“I don't fucking care,” you moaned and pushed against him. “And I'm still on the pill.”

“You didn't stop it?”

“Just be glad I didn't and fuck me already, Daniel,” you whined. You knew adding his name would be the cherry on top of a cake he couldn't deny. He took the head of his leaking cock, swiping it through your folds to collect the excessive wetness there, and pressed himself into you slowly. The stretch ached deliciously. It had definitely been awhile. Daniel hissed between his teeth as you sunk down on his length inch by agonizing inch. 

When he was fully inside of you, you took a moment to adjust. You steadied yourself with your hands on Daniel’s chest, and he grabbed your wrists to pull you back down to him. Your lips met his in a surprisingly tender kiss that stirred things in your chest that you were having trouble keeping buried. You blinked away tears for the second time that night, but this time a warm hand came to cup your cheek and stroke the skin there. 

Whatever happened tonight, you hoped you and Daniel talked after this. He brought you so much joy and comfort. His warm brown eyes held yours as if to say everything would be okay.

“Okay, I’m fine. You can start moving,” you breathed out and began rocking your hips. He listened and held your hips to guide you up and down on his cock. He felt just as good as you remembered. Maybe better. The room was filled with the harmony of your moans and the wet, rhythmic slaps of your hips meeting each other. There was no sweeter sound.

“Fuck, you feel so good, baby,” he moaned. “So fucking good for me. So tight and fucking soaking. All for me,” his hips snapped to meet your movements. Him calling you baby lit a spark in your belly and spurred you on.

“Faster. Fuck me faster, Daniel,” you whined, desperately chasing your high. He complied and moved faster and harder. He stuck his two forefingers in your mouth and you sucked on them, your tongue swirling around the digits. You looked at him through your lashes and he groaned deeply. You felt deeply in your soul that only you two could have this effect on each other. His thrusts became more erratic, his breathing deeper and faster, and you knew he was nearing the edge. You decided to spur him on, wanting to hear his sweet sounds and see the beautiful face he made when he reached it. You beared down on him, squeezing him and matching his rhythm.

“You’re so good, Danny. You make me feel so good,” you could barely get the words out.

His eyes squeezed shut as he tried to maintain his composure. Sweat beaded on his brow and shined on his chest. One hand left your hip to rub quick circles on your clit to give it right back to you. You were so sensitive from earlier that the effect was immediate. One hand flew to muffle the sounds coming out of you, but Daniel ripped it away. He wanted to hear every sound uninhibited. 

He held on until your orgasm crashed over you. You hoped you wouldn’t be receiving a noise complaint from your neighbors the next day, but would understand why if you did. Your thighs shook and you couldn’t control how you rutted against Daniel like a crazed person. That was all he could take and his hands tightened painfully into your soft skin. He bit his lips hard and his eyes screwed shut. His hips hit once, twice more before slowing. Was that a whine coming from him? God, that sound alone could make you cum again. You reveled in the bliss, slowly moving your hips to ride it out. 

The room was quiet for a few minutes after, save the heaving breathing coming from both of you. Finally, you pulled yourself from Daniel, a soft sigh coming from him. You were battling yourself on what to do next. Now that it was over… What came next? Maybe you would take a hot shower and then he’d be gone with his things when you emerged. That was usually how this kind of story went, right? At least he wouldn’t be around to see you fall apart.

You made a start to get off the bed, but a warm hand wrapped around your wrist. You were pulled back down. Warm arms wrapped around you and then you were laying against his overheated body, your legs draped over his like nothing had ever changed.

“Don’t go,” he said into the top of your head.

[pixie-felix]

word count: 1.7k genre: fluff and (hopefully) comfort. content warning: big hugs. everywhere. (you said Chan's big hugs calm you, so I decided to make gifs... I may have gone a tad overboard...) request: Hi. I've never actually made a request before, do I feel a bit anxious, sorry. I had an idea, nothing crazy, but... how would each of the members comfort you and make you forget all the bad stuff that gets stuck in your mind? What would they do to get you out of your head and lost to the world instead? Sorry again, it's been a really difficult day, and I had a comforting dream where Felix gave me a hug and said it would all be okay, and I got the idea? It okay if you don't feel like writing it. You are fabulous and appreciated! Have a good day! <3

a/n: This is for the lovely @kittenchaos2024, who is an absolute delight of a human. Or perhaps three very sweet raccoonsin a long coat and fancy hat. Either way, I love them lots and I hope the world brings them something good soon.  I tried to write these on the blurry line* between platonic and romantic so you can interpret them as you wish… let me know how I did? *Except Felix. Felix is supposed to be romace-y-ish.

S L O W D O W N, J E L L Y B E A N

Chan The first thing Chan is going to do, is give you a Big Hug™.

He’s going to notice before anyone else, not just because he’s a single father of seven kids, but because he cares about you so much. Maybe you’ve been more withdrawn than usual, spacing out when usually you’d be giggling at Han’s jokes and Changbin’s aegyo.

He'll quietly keep an eye on you, subtly trying to comfort you without directly saying anything. Things like bringing you a glass of water (he was getting one for himself anyway, and he has two hands) or resting his hand on your arm for a moment longer than usual.

If it's clear you're really not okay, if you look at him with eyes that say anything close to "help", everything else is going on the back burner until you're okay again.

He won't make a scene. He knows you don't want the stress of everyone's attention. He’ll probably wait until you’re alone, before looking at you with his worried half smile and tentatively holding his arms out. “Big hug?”

He’ll hug you for as long as you’d like, and if you have a breakdown and cry he will just hug you tighter (if you’re cool with that. Making sure he’s not pushing your boundaries is important to him.) Oh, and if you apologise for ruining his shirt he's going to give you his best Dad Eyes™, before pulling you closer and resting his chin on the top of your head.

If you’re really struggling, he’ll let you sleep in his bed, or he’ll  come and sit next to yours and sing you lullabies until you go to sleep. And he'll still be there in the morning, working on his laptop with his headphones on and a gentle smile for you when you wake up.  

Lino. Obviously Lino could make you soup. 

But you know what’s better than soup, especially when you’re all stuck in your head? Kittens. 

He is absolutely sneaking at least one of Soonie, Doongie, and/or Dori into your apartment. In one of those cute little backpacks that look like a spaceship. 

If you’re allergic to cats, instead of bringing into contact with a real feline he will prepare a slide show of his cats, making sure to include their silliest antics. He’ll even put silly music over the top, and add in a couple of ridiculously cute/stupid selfies to cheer you up.

If you can’t have animals in your apartment, or you just need to go outside for a bit… He’ll take you to a cat cafe (yes there is a theme here and the theme is cats). 

He’ll make it into the most thoughtful date you’ve ever been on (platonic or otherwise, depending on your feelings). You’re not paying for anything, you don’t even have to talk to anyone you don’t want. You can just sit there and let Lino coax some kitties over, while you munch on the cat-shaped cookies he got Felix to bake for you.

(He will also make you soup.)

Changbin. I hope you’re prepared for aegyo. Like, an egregious amount of aegyo.

He’ll even skip the gym for you, claiming he’s too sore to work out today. (You’ve literally seen him go to the gym with a sprained elbow, he just did legs for a whole week.)

Then he’s going to barge into your room with snacks and chick flicks, making you close your eyes while he builds you a pillow fort (complete with fairy lights). He’s not taking no for an answer, the two of you are going to have a girly day even if he has to put you in a headlock for it.

He will also throw pillows at anyone who dares interrupt. Spare ones he brought specifically for this purpose, he’s not damaging the integrity of your pillow fort. This is your Binnie time, and the others can wait their turn.

He will be re-enacting the confession scenes from all your favourite rom coms. With added aegyo, of course.

Hyunjin. It’s a good thing Hyunjin’s not dramatic. Because then he’d probably do something completely over the top. 

Oh, wait.

He knows you’re probably too stressed to go outside, so instead he plies you with snacks and loads up your comfort show on his laptop (he’s not even mad that it’s not SKZ code), and then makes you pinky promise not to leave your room until he comes back.

He is gone for a suspiciously long time.

When he finally comes to get you, he’s all glowy and excited. But as he leads you into the living room, he almost looks… nervous? 

What you see when you get there takes your breath away.

He’s made you a whole art gallery. It’s a mix of your favourite pictures and sculptures, including some you’ve never seen before that remind him of you, complete with a little hand drawn map and guidebook. He gets really shy about it as you look around, feeling a bit self conscious when you get to the paintings he painted just for you.

He lights up like the adorable idiot he is when he sees you like it.

Han. More than anyone else, Han understands what it’s like to get stuck in your head.

Are you overthinking again? He’s here to talk you through it. He’ll be gentle with it, and he’ll never press you on anything. He’ll just sit there, cuddling you if you want it, and wait/

You need to cry? Great, Han needs to cry too.

You’re panicking? He’s right there, talking you through how to breathe again, as he rubs your back and holds your hand. 

And while he’s doing these thoughtful things, he’s going to say dumb, sweet nonsense to try and make you laugh. Like “slow down, jellybean.” That one makes you laugh, and from that day forward Han always has a stash of emergency jellybeans for times when you’re feeling sad. 

He won’t say anything, he’ll just slip them into your hand when no one else is looking, or leave them on your pillow while you’re out at work.

Felix. We all know Felix loves physical affection. Really, he’s basically a koala.

Even when you’re not feeling down, Felix jumps at any chance to cuddle you. You’re making breakfast? He’s hugging you from behind. Watching TV? He’s pulling you into his arms, or resting his head on your lap. You try to go to bed without giving him his fifteen minute goodnight cuddle? I hope you’re prepared to be pouted at in the morning. 

And that’s just normal, every day Felix. If you look even the slightest bit sad? Man’s turning it up to eleven. 

The thing that worries him the most is that he can’t always be physically there for you when you get sad. Sometimes his schedule is so busy he barely gets to see you, leaving so early in the morning the sun hasn’t even risen yet, and not coming home until the clock is almost in single digits again.

In times like those, best he’s sneaking into your bed every night. Not even in a sexual way, he just needs to be close to you. (Though there are definitely some sneaky kisses pressed to your shoulders while he thinks you’re still asleep.

What’s been worrying him is, how he’s going to cheer you up when you’re alone? Tour starts soon, and you can’t exactly come with him.

And then it hits him. Epiphany. His best idea yet (even better than flashing his abs at Lolla). The most brilliant solutions in the history of solutions: 

Emotional Support Koala. For you to cuddle when times get tough.

He has the biggest sunshine smile when he gives you the plushie, excitedly telling you how Emergence Support Koala is microwave safe, so you can warm him up and have cozy cuddles! And Emergency Support Koala came in a pair, so Felix has his gf to take on tour with him. Who doesn’t love matching plushies? (Yeah, If Felix hasn’t confessed to you yet, he’s going to do it soon. Probably with some kind of Koala plushie puppet show.)

However, his brilliant plan is going to backfire slightly. Felix didn’t realise it was possible to be jealous of a plushie. But when he’s on tour and you guys video call, and you’re in your pajamas cuddling Emergency Support Koala, he can’t help but pout a little.

Guess you’ll just have to give him extra attention when he comes home. Oh, how awful.

Seungmin. Seungmin is in the building, and he’s determined to get you outside.

You don’t have to go far, and he’ll hold your hand the whole time, but he’s taking you outside whether you like it or not. You’re getting that sunlight serotonin boost.

You might be nervous at first, but the warm pressure of Seungmin’s hand in yours and the way he wraps you up in his jacket (he brought a spare with him, knowing you’d forget) help calm you down.

You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to, you can just walk. He’s got an idea of where you’re going anyway. The bag of birdseed should be a hint.

You can’t be sad while you’re feeding the ducks, right?

I.N. Innie might not say much, but he’ll come and cuddle you. 

Despite his recent slightly slutty, ab flashing behaviour on stage (the side effects of living with Christopher), he’s still a little shy around you. He is still a baby bread, after all.

But you haven’t come out of your room all day, and he’s worried about you. He wants to come and check in on you, but he doesn’t want to invade your personal space. He’ll probably have to psych himself up a few times, sitting on the living room couch, planning what he’s going to say to you.

Of course his carefully prepared words promptly evaporate when you come out and sit next to him on the couch. But that’s okay, because now he doesn’t have to say anything when you lean against him

The hyungs always want to hug him, so it must cheer you up too right? He’ll even let you squish his cheeks if you want.

Okay, so that's my best attempt at fluffy silly stuff. Just in case it sucked, here is a cute video of Felix:

You can get your own Emergency Support Koala here. I know that sounds like an ad, but it's not. I just found them while I was looking for inspiration and I thought they were super cute.

taglist (sorry it's not smut, lemme know if you just want the smuts): @ghostof2024 @sthaay @bluesungology @chrizzztopherbang @avnche @kemkem33 @mikaelless @lvrgrl-xo @eevenus @furioussheepluminary @sheerfreesia007 @aasthamoon @amazinglystay @delulustardust @galaxy4489 @lil-bear08 @abby-loves-aphrodite taglist is open, but I mostly write smut so don't follow if you just want cute sfw things 🫶

m.list

[carolmunson]

the boy is mine (carol's edition)

you know i had to do it to 'em. if you'd like to take a crack at the 'the boy is mine' writing challenge, you can check it out here. you can also see the masterlist of everyone's works here. a/n: for me, how eddie was fleshed out in FOI has always been how i see him. hurting, but goofy, but snarky, but sweet, but loving, but scared, but all that. eddie 'has taken care of himself since third grade' munson just makes sense to me. in this ficlet, our romantic night in gets muddled when eddie doesn't know how to just let someone love him right. i've also always have written eddie as older than he actually is, so here -- he's 25. argue with the wall. tw: 18+, angst, hurt/comfort, some smutty references but no smut, references to smoking and drinking. some arguing but nothing crazy.

The day was hard on his shoulders and back, no one should be hunched over the hood of a car for this long -- and even being young isn't saving him from the grimace he makes every time he gets out of his bed with a decades old mattresss. Eddie cracks his neck each way while he chugs down the road leading to Forest Hills, slick and shiny with rain from the afternoon. The orangey yellow headlights on his beat up '71 Chevrolet bounce cheerily off the darkened asphalt, but the scrape, clatter, and growl of his engine and whatever else was a stark reminder that this van was on it's last leg. As bright as the headlights were, the gloomy purpled evening sky was a perfect match to his mood.

Today is Eddie Munson's birthday.

For the past few years, Eddie has spent his birthday working double shifts at the auto shop and then meeting the guys at the Hideout to get so drunk he can't see. Can't be sad about your birthday if you're too drunk to think about how your mama's dead and your dad won't call. Can't be sad about how you won't ever get to hear her sing you happy birthday, or put on a record, or dance with you in the living room. Or have your dad make dinner and put the six pack away if only for that night. To not run out on 'a job' or 'work a late shift' where he won't come back for days afterward.

He'd drink and drink until you had to hold him up to get him out of the bar, piling him into the back seat and having the guys follow you home to help load him into bed. He always looked forward to the greasy diner hangover breakfast in the morning where it could be just the two of you, and not his birthday, and not all the awful things he thinks he is.

The gravel groans and crunches when he pulls in at the side of the trailer he used to share with Wayne. With another roll of his head and shoulders he kills the ignition, hopping out of the van and leaning over to grab his bag. It's only when he slings it over his shoulder that he notices the warm glow of the kitchen light on, passing muted through the small curtains. He hip checks the door shut and makes his way up the steps that need repairing -- another thing to add to the list for 'Spring Cleaning' in a couple weeks that he knows he'll forget to do until you remind him or one of the boards rots out. Eddie's ring tap against the metal handle and he braces for the screech of the door, only to be met with the cozy blend of garlic, onion, and rosemary hitting his nose first. He swallows while he kicks off his work boots, turning the corner to see you in the kitchenette, putting the lid back onto the one large pasta pot he has and turning the burner off. "Oh!" you jump when you see him, shock turning into a smile, "You're earlier than I thought you'd be. Hold on!"

"What're y--" He's interrupted by you hurrying into the fridge, glass clinking when you pull out a Mionetto bottle that was already opened to reveal the cork.

"Surprise!" you ring out, popping the bottle with a little flourish, "Happy birthday!" He stands there, unsure at first what he's looking at, trying to take it all in. You in the kitchen with an apron on, the table set nice, a cake set on the counter to cool with a covered bowl of what looks like home made vanilla frosting next to it. To the side, a familiar small notebook lays opened to a buttercream recipe -- his mom's buttercream recipe, still scrawled in her loopy handwriting on yellowing pages with fading blue ink.

"Melvald's didn't have any like, nice cups," you say with a scrunch of your nose as you pour two glasses of prosecco into flimsy plastic flutes, "Is that okay?" "Uh..." he snaps back to reality when you hand him the cup, "Y-yeah that's okay." "Happy birthday, handsome," you smile, raising your drink before you take a sip, he follows suit.

"What is all this?" he asks, voice sounding like it's coming from someone else. Objectively, he should be falling to his knees right now, crying with adoration for you. Sobbing over the clear effort you've put in for a romantic night together at the trailer. "Um," you suck in your lips quickly, and release them, eyes lowering to the scuffed linoleum, "I uh, I made braised short rib and mashed potatoes, some broccoli. Wayne told me that um, that your dad used to smoke them for your birthday but we don't have a smoker so..."

"Why?" The swell in his heart builds from genuine affection to suspicious bitterness, this was way too much.

"Did you not check the calendar today or something? It's kind of a big day," you try to lighten the mood with a laugh, taking the apron off and hanging it on the hook by the hallway, "Sit, sit." He follows your direction, sitting at the table where the place setting is the best it can be with what you have. You even folded up the paper towels nicely. He silently sips on the bubbles, uncomfortable on the makeshift throw pillow cushion on the chair, while you take the plate in front of him and begin serving.

"I should um," he starts, voice gravelly, "I should wash my hands and uh, and change or..." "Yeah," you nod, voice higher pitched than expected, "Go, go ahead. It'll all be ready when you're done washing up." He leaves the glass behind, thudding into the bedroom where he notices a Frederick's of Hollywood bag sitting at the end of the bed. A small pile of gifts in shiny blue paper lay stacked up pretty on his dresser -- a card front in center 'Eddie My Love' - you write it in the same way you sing it to him absentmindedly every now and again. Flipping the lyrics every time. He swallows again, pulling in his cheeks and biting down while he peels off his coveralls and slips into what he was planning to wear to drinks later -- a band tee and some worn jeans. It feels cheap to wear this now, now that you've put in all this effort. Now that you're looking all sweet and put together in the kitchen for him. He rolls his shoulders again, trying to stretch the frustration out. He doesn't wanna be mad at you, you didn't do anything wrong. He doesn't wanan feel so sick in his chest over it -- but he does. All this work for what? Eddie takes his rings off to wash his hands, using the same Dove bar soap to wash the remaining grime off his face from work. Big inhale, big exhale into the towel on the door before making it back to the kitchen where the dinette table was ready for dinner, two tapered candles lit in old holders on the side. He sits across from you, your eyes glittering in the light of the flame.

"You didn't have to do this," he says quietly. Your lips twitch into a half smile, head cocking slightly to the side. "I know, but it's your day...it's a big one, too. The big two-five," your voice doing its best to soothe, "Can't just, I dunno -- get plastered at The Hideout every year..."

"Sure I can," he shrugs with a quirk of his brows, pushing the mashed potatoes around with his fork. He watches the melty pat of butter ooze off one of the edges like a volcano, pooling in next to the broccoli. "And you like that? That's fun for you?" you chuckle before noticing he's just playing with his food, "You gonna eat?"

"Getting plastered at The Hideout is like, tradition," he mutters, looking at the clock over the cabinets, "And we're gonna be late meeting the guys."

"Ed..." you say, a vapor of disappointment floating through his name when you say it. He winces.

"Like I said, babe," he says, "You didn't have to do all this -- y'know, spend all this extra cash on dinner and --"

"I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to -- I wanted to do something nice so that your birthday could be sp -- " "Okay, well I don't need my birthday to be special, it never is," he snaps, he doesn't mean to, "I didn't ask you to do this for me." You hold your soft gaze at him, shoulders round down while you rest a cheek on your palm. If Eddie's mama was still alive, she'd tell you to get your elbows off the table.

In the flame, your glittering eyes turn glassy. You let a soft breath out through your nose, a sulk clear in your posture. "You're right," you mumble, a soft squeak of a sound while you slowly stand, shaking your head, "You're right, you didn't ask. I shouldn't have assumed that you..."

You trail off while you flick the lights on in the kitchen, leaning forward to gently blow out the taper candles. Your hand swishes away the smoke and soot, pushing out out of the cracked kitchen window before the smoke detector catches it. The cabinets creak while you take out some Tupperware from the top shelves, the good stuff that the ladies in the park sold Wayne back in the 70s. They click and clack as the bowls and trays and their tops hit the formica counter top.

"Well--well, wait -- you don't have to pack it up, babe," he says, sitting up a little taller in the chair. When he hears the shudder in your breath he stands, "You don't have to put it away."

"No, it's fine," you assure, a small strain coming through from your chest, "It'll be like -- you'll be so excited when you get home and there's all this food. I just gotta call the guys and tell them to just go to the bar instead of coming here."

"Whaddayou mean, coming here?"

You turn around, eyes wet now but not crying, a tug on your brow and taughtness in your jaw from where you try to hold it back.

"It was supposed to be a surprise," you shrug, "But like, it's not important. Lemme just pack this up and I'll get it figured out." "What's the surprise?" he asks, tilting his head to get a better look at you. "Well I..." you let out another breath, lower lip wobbling; an action your stop with a sharp inhale through the nose. "Well I thought it would be fun if the guys came over and did a birthday oneshot campaign with you. I helped Gare and Jeff write it and Jeff was gonna DM," you let out in one breath, "And it was gonna be like, a silly drinking game version." "You were gonna play?" he asks meekly. You nod. You rarely play, always watch. Always make snacks or help him clean up the trailer, always order the pizza because Eddie forgets to. Always add extra mushrooms on one because Richie likes extra mushrooms. Always make sure to get one with white sauce cause red cause doesn't sit great with Dustin.

"Did a, um, did a character sheet and whatever," you say, defeated, while you open the utensil drawer to pull out an extra pair of tongs and a serving spoon, "Drew her -- it's in your card."

You start to pack up the food and the tears start up again, welling in your eyes but still not spilling over. Eddie steps forward, getting between you and the pots and pans on the stove.

"Hey, wait," his voice bare audible, "Babe, don't."

"It's okay," you sniffle, "I just have to call them."

"No -- baby, stop," there's an edge now, ring hand falling on your wrist, "Stop packing it up."

"It's fine--"

A waltz between you, him, and the tupperware on the counter.

"Don't make me..." he huffs, trying to maneuver the tongs out of your hand, "If you don't stop, we're gonna have a pr--"

"Ed, enough! We will go to the bar, it's fine," you urge, anxiety heightening in your chest where it bursts, you start to cry, "Please, let me put it away. It's fine. I just -- fuck --"

"I feel like such an asshole," you sigh, breaking. You relent, letting go of the tongs where he takes them and leaves them between the burners on the yellowed stove.

"Don't be like that, you're not," he soothes, closing in on you against the counters edge, "You're not, I'm sorry."

"I really just wanted your birthday to be special," you weakly murmur, wiping at your eyes.

"You know how I get," he says, rough hands coming up to cup your face where he leaves a soft kiss to your cheek, "M'just not great at bein' fussed over."

"You deserve to be fussed over, doofus," you garble out, his thumbs replacing your fingers to catch the tears as they fall.

"It's hard, babe," he nods, "You knows it's hard for me. Y'know with my mom's stuff gone and my dad being...who fuckin' -- who fuckin' knows. The Hideout just makes sense. That's y'know -- that's what I deserve."

"That's not even true," you shake your head, "Don't be stupid."

"Well, I barely graduated so," he offers you a peck to each salty, wet cheek, "Stupid's my middle name." "Don't cry, sweetheart," he breathes, leaning in with a slow kiss. A kiss drenched in apologies and thank yous, breaks away just to kiss again. And again, and again, and again until you're both breathless under the sickly yellow green glow of the overhead kitchen light. "How about I change into something nicer than this, and we'll pop these plates in the microwave and start over," he asks, a smile toying on his full lips, "'Kay?"

You nod back, getting another peck stolen from you, and following him down the hall. "Oh, yes, yes, allow me to slip into something more..." he announces with flourish, posing half sexily half awkwardly in the doorway to his bedroom, "Uncomfortable." You snort, giggling while you follow in after him, settling on the end of his bed, "You don't have to dress up fancy." "'Course I do," he tsks, brows furrowing, "M'going to a five star restaurant doll, I can't look like a slob." He pulls out a pair of slacks from a funeral he went to two years ago, discarding his jeans and sliding them up over his pale legs. To your dismay, he plucks the t-shirt with a screen print of a tux out of his closet, and exchanges the worn Dio tee with that. You'll always prefer the Dio tee. "Classy," you tease. He winks, and that's enough to make you okay with the tux shirt. His fingers trail over the stack of presents and land on the envelope.

"Can I open the card?"

"Sure."

"Am I gonna cry over it?" he asks, looking at you over the dull paper when he flicks open the top.

You shake your head, "Nah, it's not sappy. You're the sappy card writer."

"I'm so sappy," he agrees, pulling out the card, "I gotta work on that, huh?"

"No, I like when you're sappy, ya sap." You watch him read the card, blush evident in the warm wash of gold from his bedside lamp. You're not a sappy card writer, but you always know how to make him feel like a kid with a crush. When he opens up your character sheet his bottom lip tucks between his teeth. "Shit," he grins, "Rogue tiefling, huh? You tryna kill me?"

"I thought it could be fun," you titter, standing up to look at the pages next to him, "Chaotic evil. Look at me."

"Ugh, baby's first villain," he gushes, "I love it."

"Look at the picture," you bounce on the balls of your feet while he goes to the next page. A much quieter 'shit' falls from his mouth. It was not a drawing that was for the rest of the guys to see, a sketch of a tiefling version of you in an outfit meant for his eyes only. "So you are trying to kill me," he asks, fingers tracing the curve of 'your' hip on the page where the outfit digs into the fat of 'your' hips.

"No, that'll be later," you smirk.

"Hm?' his brows raise.

"What do you think is in the Frederick's bag?" you ask, faux innocence smattering into your tone.

"Ah, you put a little costume together for me?" Eddie's mouth waters at the thought, brain fuzzy as he looks at the picture and then at you.

"Something like that," you tease, making your way back out into the hallway. "Something like that?!" he repeats back, hurrying back out to pull you into a searing kiss before you can make it back into the kitchen. The kind from the movies where he dips you down toward the faded carpet. As he pulls away, he nuzzles your nose against his, staring at you through lowered lids, "Thank you."

"You're very welcome," you nod, both of you making it back to full height, "Happy birthday."

You relight the candles on the table and nuke the plates of food, topping off each others plastic flutes with the left over Prosecco. There's three cases of beer in the fridge and you know Gareth is bringing Absinthe and it's something you pray doesn't mess your boyfriend up too much.

Dinner is the best meal Eddie's had in years, unable to keep his eyes off of you in between bites while you rehash your day and him, his. You're picking up the dishes off the table when the boys show up and they deliver. Taking the heat off you, they provide the snacks and even more extra booze. Jeff passes out party hats that make you all look ridiculous -- Eddie can remember laughing this much on his birthday, not even when he was a kid. Not even when his mama was alive.

After the oneshot completes and everyone is ankles deep in a tipsy haze and the smoke from a few joints lingers in the air, you walk in with the cake that is finally frosted -- the 2 and 5 confetti colored candles dancing in front of him while the rest sparkle in the middle of the coffee table. He makes one thousand wishes that he knows will come true because his friends are all still there with him and so are you. You're one room right over, cutting the cake and plating it up, and you'll be there when the boys leave in your skimpy nerdy costume that you bought just for him. And you'll be there while he sleeps and you'll be there when he wakes up. You'll be there across from him the next morning when he feeds you fries dipped in chocolate shake at the diner.

Today is Eddie Munson's birthday. And his mother's buttercream frosting is the sweetest it's ever tasted.

[mxtantrights]

estoy rendido del amor de una mujer

a/n: he got me y'all don't look, I'm down bad. so basically this is just a one-parter. I don't know. If you ask for a part two or if I see y'all like it maybe I can whip something up. lets just see how it goes.

and for the sake of this story: Armando didn't kill the captain, and he's out on some 'good behavior' deal and helping Mike and Marcus with cases linked to the cartel.

Armando Aretas x fem!reader

SUMMER 2023, MIAMI FLORIDA

You almost got burned tonight. A rookie cop saw you, and the heat you were packing and tried to arrest you. After hastily explaining to him that you weren't packing for no reason, he let you go. But you had missed an important meeting.

It had taken you two years to get into German's inner circle. German is a big player in the Miami scene. He's not known for being a trusting person. But he does have a thing for high ranking positions of power and women. Deadly combination, which was what you used.

Although he's putting you on the back burner after tonight.

You sigh and slot your key into the lock. The lock doesn't turn. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up. You take out your knife, not wanting to make too much noise for your neighbors.

Slowly you ease into your apartment. You look around quickly. The four corners of the living room are clear. Then again they would be, anyone who was lurking inside could be seen from the window.

You had your knife up as you tip toe into the kitchen. And there you find them.

Mike and Marcus. And they brought company. Three other people you don't know in your house. Your undercover house. They are all looking above something on the table, too occupied with it to notice your arrival.

"Oh what fresh hell is this." you say.

They all turn around.

Mike smiles, "I was just telling the crew about you."

You hold up you hand, "Whatever the hell this is, is gonna fuck with my shit so you need to go. Now."

"Langauge! I thought I told you that last time." Marcus shouts.

You put down your knife with a sigh.

"I've been working this guy for two years, and if he sees two cops coming out of my apartment I'm done. I'll curse if I want to curse." you explain.

The tall blonde man raises his hand, like he's in school. Your eyebrows raise in surprise as you look at Mike and Marcus.

"Dorn, you don't have to-just say what you want say man." Mike says.

The man, Dorn, nods his head and then looks at you.

"We know you're after German. And we're not here to cause any trouble but we just needed to ask for any information you have on his right hand man." Dorn says.

He picks up a tablet and shows you a picture. You look at the screen and then back at Dorn.

"Do you know him?" the woman asks you.

"That's Nico, they call him Nissan. Well, called. German found out he was skimming some off the top and lets just say he's not on vacation right now." You answer.

Mike groans, "He was our only way in."

"Into what? What have the two of you old-timers got yourself into this time?" you ask.

Mike and Marcus start arguing loudly when you call them old. You snicker as you reach into your fridge and look for the last Corona you had. When you find the bottle is not inside, you close the fridge door.

Your eyes scan the counter top, to see if you maybe left it out. But you don't find it. So you look over at the table. You find it there, opened and empty. Next to the unknown male in your kitchen.

You meet his eyes.

"You drank my beer?" you ask, though it's not a question.

He smirks and tilts his head at you. "Problem?"

You roll your eyes. Then you walk over to Marcus and Mike.

"I've told you that he's dead, so he can't help you. Neither can I. Yo've gotta go now." you say.

"No no no, hold on. If Nico is burned then the only one who can help us is you. We just need some files-" he speaks but you cut him off.

Burned. Nico is burned. He was an informant? German definitely didn't know that. Or if he did, he is keeping it close to his chest. Christ.

"Do you want me dead?! German either killed Nico knowing or not knowing that he was an informant, but either way he's dead. If I go snooping around I can just drive myself over to the morgue." you argue.

"She's got a point." Dorn says.

You turn to him, "Thank you, tall International man."

"Dorn is not international, but that's not the point. The point is, you have an in. And we need you." Marcus says.

You sigh. They need an in when you're not exactly in German's good graces. Great. Not only would you have to work your way back but you'd have to work under pressure.

"He'll smell her from a mile away." the unknown man says.

Mike looks over at him, "She's very good at what she does."

"Cops tend to have a tell." The man shrugs.

"She's not a cop. She's a freelancer." Marcus answers.

"And the best one I know." Mike tags on.

No doubt buttering you up. You groan. Yes, you liked being called the best at what you do. And it wouldn't take much to get info. You have the access. You'll be under a close eye but you can pull it off.

"Tell me what you need and when you need it by." you say.

-

2 DAYS LATER, MIAMI

You pulled the straps of your dress tighter. No wonder needed them to be 'loose' for an accidental cleavage slip.

The compute chimed and altered you that the information was done copying. You ejected the thumb drive and stuffed it into the fake juul packaging. You closed all the windows on the computer and pressed restart.

Now came the hard part. You smoothed out your dress and walked over to the door. You checked between the blinds and made sure no one was coming this way.

It's not like you couldn't be in the office. If someone a bit lower than you saw you coming out you wouldn't be questioned. But if someone higher than you in ranking saw, they might be curious.

You exit the office and turn down the hallway. Taking the way with the most witnesses as possible, more people to account for you later on.

Into the blue room, where you pass the exotic dancers. Then though the 'greenery' room, where some workers are watering the plants. Finally through the purple room where the weapons are stored.

You make it all the way outside with no one stopping you.

With a sigh of relief you quick walk to your motorbike. You take out your helmet and put your bag into the storage underneath the seat. Without another thought you get on your bike and ride out of the compound.

You ride from South Miami to your apartment near Hollywood.

When you get there, you go around the back. Better to let everyone think you weren't here than you were. Who knows who could be watching you.

You come in from the window in your bedroom. And somehow it feels like you're intruding because here he is. In your room.

Mike told you about him, a little. Armando is his son. His son with the cartel woman he was seeing way back when that he didn't know he had. He's done things, bad things. But he's making up for it.

Making up for it by sitting at your computer in your room.

"Oje, get the hell out of here!" you shout.

He turns to you slowly. You hate his cocky attitude. You hate his smirk and how he keeps eye contact with you. You step fully into your room and slide the window closed behind you.

Armando gets up from the seat with his hands up, "Lo siento,"

"You're not sorry, otherwise you wouldn't have found your way in here in the first place." you speak.

He looks you up and down. Yeah it was probably the dress. It's summer time in Miami and you weren't about to put on a sweater. You'd have to blend in and a sundress was about as normal as ablue sky here.

"You know spanish?" he asks.

You start walking away from him, "This is Miami."

You take out the thumb drive and open the door to your room. When you stop walking, you hear him laugh to himself. You watch him walk through it first and then you after him.

"Mike, I got it." you say as you walk into the living room.

The shades have been drawn and the black out curtains too.

"I ever tell you you're the best?" he jokes.

"Yeah every time you need something." you reply.

You hand the drive to Dorn. He takes it and plus it into his computer. You watch as the flies pop up on his screen. He seems to be reading them a mile per minute.

"What'd you want with all that anyways?" you ask.

You watch as Marcus and Mike share a look between themselves. It unnerves you. You know they have a way of talking without sharing words. It's what happens when you work with someone for so long.

Marcus smiles and claps his hands together, "Mike thinks I should be the one to tell you. Because he has a more salp-able face."

You squint your eyes.

"Are you about to screw me?" you ask.

"Not per say, but you might not like what we have to say." Marcus ushers you to the kitchen.

The two of you walk all about two steps in before he's unloading on you. He starts off pretty strong, that you''re more than capable of handling German. And that you put in the time for it too.

But then he's telling you a different story.

German is in connection with a guy they're looking to take down. Something about a syndicate. Something about getting both of them at once. And Mike and Marcus have the backing of the PD.

You can feel the steam coming from your ears.

"Marcus you can't be trying to poach my guy right now!" you yell.

"The yelling, keep it down, you're undercover after all." He holds his hands up in defense.

You cross your arms over your chest, "You don't even know who I'm working for."

"Well, it's not someone who's paying you that's for sure." He divulges.

All at once he realizes he probably shouldn't have said that. Because if he knows you're not getting paid for this job then he's went though your bank statements. And probably a lot more.

Your eyes widen and your turn around and run into the living room. There you find Dorn, hiding behind Mike, with his computer in hand.

"You got beanstalk here to go through my stuff?!" you yell.

Mike pushes Dorn back even further.

"Look, we needed to know if we were stepping on government agency toes. And now we know we're not." Mike answers.

You leap to pounce on him but Marcus is faster and grabs you by the waist. You fight against him a little, knowing the he's probably gonna feel it tomorrow morning.

"That's an invasion of privacy. But I guess like father like son, since this one was in my room when I got here." you shout.

Mike looks at Armando, "Now, I told you to get out of there."

Armando shrugs.

"I'm sorry. But listen you can still be part of it." Mike says.

"How nice of you Mike. I'll be sure to thank you when we're done." you spit sarcastically.

Marcus lets you go and you decide to take a seat on the couch. Dorn frees himself from the corner of the room and takes a seat in the arm char that is farthest from you.

"You never take a job for free. What gives?" Mike asks.

You roll your eyes. It's not like you were money hungry. Yes you needed money to survive but you weren't broke. You could afford to not work for the next ten years if you wanted to. But you'd miss it too much.

This isn't that though. This isn't fun.

This is revenge.

"I thought you read through my stuff. You didn't put it together?"

"It's revenge." Armando answers.

You turn around from your seat on the couch and look at him. He's looking right back at you. He probably didn't read your file, probably was too boring for him. But how'd he figure it out?

It's not like you left the reason on your computer. You wouldn't make such a rookie mistake.

"How'd you figure that out? Did you find her moodboard?" Marcus jokes.

You pass him a look. He takes a step back.

"Alright, alright, no more jokes about the mood board. Got it." Marcus says to himself.

"What other reason could she be doing this for?" Armando asks.

"It's been twelve years. I spent ten years tracking him down and two years infiltrating his circle. He has no clue who I am. None." you start to explain.

"I'm sorry, it wasn't in your file. Who are you?" Dorn asks.

"Well she was leader of the dirty dozen in New York. Highly effective tactile group, skin ranging from murder, assassinations, weapon making, and a whole lot more." Mike says.

"And when the group cut ties, she ran the underground for a bit. Nothing happened without her knowing it." Marcus adds on.

"Not a cop." Armando says.

"I'm the daughter of German's former right hand man." you answer.

Which is why it stung a lot that Mike and Marcus wanted to take this case from you. Knowing who you are and knowing what it means. You worked for this. And you're gonna see it through come hell or high water.

-

THE NEXT NIGHT, MIAMI

Mike and Marcus were all set with their crew. German would never allow them to step foot into his compound but lucky for them they don't have to.

You snuck in last night and triggered the sprinkler system. Everything got flooded. So while German is getting everything cleaned up and possibly looking for a new base of operations, he's hanging out with a buddy.

Zio. Money hungry drug mover. Only thing he loves more than money and drugs is his expensive shoe collection. Which he's putting on display tonight.

A rich man's party is the best place to re-con. You told Mike and Marcus how many men German has on him at all times, but that doesn't give them much for when the time comes to take him down.

What's their tactical response like? What weapons do they bring on the move? How many cars? Things like that. Which was smart thinking and not at all on your mind when you first started this.

Armando leans back in the van's chair, man spreading. You roll your eyes but you say nothing. You weren't really trying to talk to him. Lest he find out more about you.

He seems to be tapped in to you. Which is weird. You've never had someone checking for you before.

"I can hear you rolling your eyes from here. What's up? he asks.

He spins around in his chair and faces you. Smug look on his face as he leans back.

"Nothing. Just want to get this over with." you say.

He nods once, then he creeps closer to you with his chair. He's about a foot away from you.

"You wanted to be the one to kill him." he muses.

You look at him, "Well yes. It was my mission. I found him. I infiltrated. I lost someone to him."

"It won't make the pain go away." he says.

"Oh please don't give me the 'revenge will just turn into guilt' talk. I got it from Mike and Marcus." you sigh.

Before you can blink or think of anything else to say, you feel your chair being pulled to the left. You grab onto the only thing in view and that happens to be Armando's leg.

"If I get him in my crosshairs, I'll hand the shot to you." he says.

You look him in the eyes, "Do you want a thank you or something?"

He smiles, "No te preocopes, no quiero nada."

"It doesn't seem like you don't want anything." you reply.

The back door of the van opens and he lets go of your chair. You slide back a bit to put some space between you two. He turns back to the screen in front of him.

-

THE NEXT MORNING, MIAMI

The steam from the shower wafts out the bathroom. You wrap your towel around your body a little tighter as you walk into the kitchen. The tea you were making is beyond ready, the kettle at this point screaming at a frequency only dogs can hear.

You turn it off and set it aside.

As your reaching for your favorite mug, you hear faint noises from the front door. You run over to the dinning room table and reach underneath the wooden chair. Your fingers wrap around the gun and you pull it close.

One swift check and the safety is off. You crab walk to the other side of the kitchen counter, away from the door. The noise becomes louder until you hear the door open.

"Shit, where'd she go." a voice says.

A voice, you know it. You get up from your position on the floor and look around the wall. Armando.

"What the hell are you-" you're about to ask.

"We need to go. now. No time to pack. Put some clothes on." He directs you.

He almost gives you no say when he grabs you by the elbow and maneuvers you into your room. He closes the door behind him and takes out his gun.

"Am I just supposed to undress in front of you?" you question, with your eyebrow raised.

He lets his arms fall to his sides. Then he walks over to the window, allowing you to walk over to the closet. You pull the door open and grab the first pair of jeans and shirt you can find.

Making sure he's actually turned first, you then put on your underwear and bra. Then you pull the shirt over your body, lastly your pants.

You walk to your dresser and reach into the cabinet. The noise must alert him that you're dressed because he turns around.

"We don't have time. You got made." Armando says.

"What the fuck do you mean I got made?" you ask.

"What I said. You're not safe here." he answers.

You grab your go-bag and move over to the window. Chest to Chest with Armando you look up at him.

"Where the hell am I gonna be safe then?"

He doesn't answer you. Maybe because he didn't have an answer. Or because the bullets started raining into your apartment right on time. Then he was nudging you out of the window and down the fire escape.

-

A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER, UNAMED MOTEL, ORLANDO

You put your bag down on the floor. The bed looked horrible. But horrible would have to do for now. You can't really make requests on the run.

Armando shuts the door behind him.

"Since you paid you can take the bed." you say.

He scoffs, "I'm not that kind of man."

You look over your shoulder, "Just one that snoops through my personal stuff and ignores personal space."

He says nothing. He walks silently into the bathroom and closes that door behind him too. You sigh and plop down onto the bed. You didn't understand.

Before Mike and Marcus showed up you were on track to get revenge within the next two weeks. Everything was set. There were backup plans. They were contingencies.

Now it was all shot to hell.

You hear the shower start up and lean back into the bed. And without meaning to you end up falling asleep. Right there on your back.

Armando comes out of the shower about five minutes after that. The soap sucked and the water had no pressure but at least he didn't feel like the sweat was clinging to him anymore.

He walks out of the bathroom and finds you laying on the corner of the bed. He looks you over once and crosses the room to cut off the lamps.

When the room is dark, he takes one of the pillows from the bed and sets himself up by the door. His gun tucked to his hip. This way he can keep an eye on the door and you.

You were interesting to say the least.

Usually people don't affect him this much. He can get on with his day and do what he has to do. Nothing comes in between him and a mission.

Especially now when his only mission was his freedom.

But there was something about you. Or, that's not really true. There were multiple things about you. He could see the lust for revenge in your eyes, he recognizes it well. He could tell you weren't being forthcoming either.

And he liked how you spoke your mind.

Liked? Why is he saying liked?

He doesn't really know you. He knows a little bit. He knows you only like tea, there is no coffee in your apartment. And you live in sweatpants when you don't have to be undercover. You also seem to have an aversion to the color blue.

He doesn't really know you. He can't like you.

He looks over at your sleeping form. How your lips part just a little bit and you snore. And your head leans to the right, your dominant side. He doesn't want to make you uncomfortable and move you. But he knows you'll wake up sore from sleeping this way.

So he gets up. He gets up because he needs to stretch his legs. Not because of any other reason.

He walks to the bathroom and turns on the light and the vent. Hoping the sound will rouse you and you'll move on your own. He steps into the bathroom and closes the door with a bit more force than needed.

He looks into the mirror. He looks himself in the eyes.

This is bad. This is bad because you're the type of girl he would take a bullet for.

-

THE NEXT MORNING, ORLANDO

"Mike-"

"I fucked up. I know you wanted this, and I took it from you when I should have let you handle it."

"Mike-"

"And now you're on the run. You've never been burned before, and it's because of me."

"Mike!"

"What?"

"Shut up for a second and let me think."

You sigh.

German caught on to the eyes on him when he was at the shoe party. While anyone else would have packed up and fled to a non extradition country, he's staying here.

A sign.

Whoever it is that wanted to get him, should come see him face to face. No way in hell were you going to do that. Not only did you have the smarts to wait him out, you didn't want Mike and Marcus to put themselves on the line. They would no doubt follow you into the fire.

"I think I should make my peace with this before anyone gets hurt." you say.

There's silence on the other end of the line. With Mike not talking , you turn around to find Armando. He's standing there, two feet away from you on the hood of the stolen pick-up truck from the motel parking lot.

"That's big of you." Mike jokes.

"Very. But I mean if I see him about to get ran over, I'm not goin to save his ass." you quip.

Mike laughs, "He doesn't deserve it. Your forgiveness."

"I know," you say and Armando looks at you then. "I should probably return him to you, since he's on parole."

"Yeah well he did some things that might kick that back a few years." Mike answers.

You shake your head, "You can say it was all me. Make sure Dorn gets rid of any incriminating footage."

"I didn't tell him to go get you, you know that?"

You don't know why but hearing that makes your heart kind of thump weird. Not thump weird. Your heart is already thumping, but it feels different.

Different as you look him in the eyes.

The first time you interacted with him you hoped it would be the last. And now here he is sticking his neck out for you when you haven't been all that kind.

"I didn't know that. I'll get him back to you in one piece." you speak.

"Thanks. And keep me updated wherever you land."

"Will do. Thanks Mike."

You hang up the phone. Armando takes a step closer and you hold out the phone for him. When he does you feel the quickest static brush against your fingertips.

"You good from here?" he asks.

You nod your head, "I'm a big girl, first time for everything."

He nods once with a small smirk on his lips. He looks away, somewhere off behind your shoulder. It's not like you didn't notice he's good looking. But you just never thought about it for too long.

"Let me drop you off at the station." he says.

You don't want to smile. You shouldn't smile. "Okay."

Armando waits for you to start walking. Once your in front of him he walks over to the driver's side. You climb into the truck and shut the door.

You could've walked. The station is only ten minutes from here. You smile a bit to yourself when he puts the car in drive.

[melodyreads]

Once you fix your face, I’m going in

hamzah x reader

description: a few months after breaking up, the reader is determined to get hamzah back. stubbornly she can’t help but find herself drawn back to him. despite acting as though she could care less about the situation; little does he know she’s been plotting their inevitable reconciliation.

took inspiration from this song (i love this album so much it does not deserve the hate)

enjoy <3

—

Y/n didn't know exactly how she got here, but she knew she sure as hell wasn't leaving.

At least not until he got there.

As she leaned against the bar, she felt wandering eyes on her but not the ones she wanted. She had just come back from the office dressed in her usual fitted slacks and button-up. She could see her colleagues socializing a few tables away. It was a special day for them, a birthday or something, but that didn't concern you. What concerned you was the boy in the navy-blue hat who had just walked in.

Y/n and Hamzah had dated for almost a year before their relationship wafted out like a flame in the dead of winter. This being said, the Christmas lights did not add any holiday cheer to the situation. It made sense, both were too stubborn for each other they fought like children over who was right and wrong. Was their relationship destined to end this way?

Y/n had always considered herself a low-maintenance girlfriend. In her past relationship, her boyfriends would even go as far as to say that she put them on the back burner. She always just claimed to not need a lot of attention. She was very self-efficient and liked spending time alone.

That was until she met Hamzah.

This was the first time a man had completely captivated her attention. She loved everything about him. The way he carried himself. The way he laughed. The way the top of his shirts fit his chest and arms. The way his curls peaked out whenever he wore a hat. She couldn't get enough.

She thought he felt the same way, but after she got a new promotion at work and found herself tied back to the office, she noticed Hamzah starting to get weary. This led to Hamzah starting to be distant with you, which for the first time, caused you to side with all of your exes.

"I just don't understand why you're being so dry." Y/n started in a huff; she ran her hands through her hair. As he stood in front of her in a gray hoodie and his hands in his pockets, she wished it wouldn't be out of social standards to just jump his bones right then and there.

He shrugged, "I don't know, that's how I've always been. Why do you care anyway? It's not like you're here half the time."

This constant back and forth grew tiresome by the minute. Both of you decided to call it quits in the most rushed and blunt manner possible. After going months without any communication from the two of you, the truth hung in front of you like a thread waiting to be pulled.

You missed him.

Y/n was too proud to call him and definitely too proud to ask for forgiveness to take her back. So, she resulted in the only resolution she saw as reasonable. Ask Mandy to set up a party with some old friends and secretly invite her.

She swore she was low maintenance. Mandy laughed.

Her face became hot as she saw him enter the bar. She turned away so fast she swore she got whiplash. Fixing her eyes on her half-finished drink she thought of all the names he could call her after seeing her for the first time in months. Although she could do the same, she would much rather skip that part and throw him onto the couch of her apartment.

She needed to get out of her head. She turned back to see where her target had moved to but turns out he had gotten lost in the sea of head crowding the bar. It really was a busy night.

"Maybe Mandy should have picked a weekday to plan this scheduled pursuit." As she thought this she turned to her right and saw him.

He was leaning against the bar with his arms as he was ordering from the already busy bartender.

He was wearing baggy camo pants with a shirt that had a reference on it she probably didn't understand. He always had to explain his references to her. But he always took the time to make sure she understood every single one of them.

God, she missed him.

She must have been staring too hard because suddenly his deep brown eyes had made their way over to hers. They faltered for a moment almost unable to believe what they were seeing. His face hadn't changed from when she had last seen him the night they had left things. She was met with the words exchanged that night and all too fast came to her senses.

This was a mistake.

She turned around and hastily made her way through the crowd of people. Attempting to the door would be much harder now that she had started this war. Her wrist was suddenly caught by a much larger hand and an even greater grip.

She turned meekly to meet the eyes of the boy she once knew so well, the one whose voice still echoed in the quiet corners of her mind. His grip wasn’t forceful, but it was firm—unwilling to let her slip away as easily as she had intended.

“Wait,” he said, his voice rough with something she couldn’t quite place—anger, hurt, desperation? Maybe all three.

She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest like a war drum. “I was just leaving” she said unable to meet his eyes, turning her head back to the door up front suddenly wishing teleportation wasn't a futuristic idea.

His eyes searched hers, and for a moment, the noise around them seemed to fade.

"I've been waiting for you" he finally said. This got her attention. She turned back to see his eyes soft and yearning. "It's been months, but I figured you would have called if you wanted to see me"

"Who says I want to see you now?" She said as she finally pulled her hand out of his grip.

Hamzah rolled his eyes, "I know you better than that Y/N, you set this up, didn't you?"

Y/n looked away crossing her arms "I don't know what you're talking about," she waited for a beat before saying anything more, "but if there was something you wanted to say to me, I would expect you to say it now."

He smiled down at her with a boyish grin, "You still haven't changed" he chuckled to himself.

Before y/n could come up with a response to this, Hamzah had reached out to cup her face in his hands. Her eyes grew wide as his mouth met hers once more.

It was familiar yet different, carrying the weight of all the words left unsaid and the time they had lost. Y/n’s breath hitched as a rush of emotions flooded through her. She had sworn she wouldn’t let this happen again, that she wouldn’t fall into the same cycle, but the warmth of his hands against her skin and the way he kissed her like she was something he had been without for too long made it impossible to say no.

After what felt like both a second and an eternity, she pulled away, her lips tingling, her mind spinning. Hamzah’s forehead rested lightly against hers, his breath fanning across her face.

Y/n looked into his dark eyes, unable to tell if this was a dream or not under all the strobe lights. It sure felt like one.

She looked up at him and grinned ear to ear, "I knew you would come to your senses".

He stared at her for a beat before pushing her away, "What is that supposed to mean?"

She closed the gap one more time pressing her body against his as she draped her arms around his neck, and she kissed his mouth with fever. "Don't ruin it".

He scoffed but didn't break the kiss, "What happened to where we left things before?"

She smirked against his mouth at this before pulling back just enough to whisper in his ear, "You were never not mine."

She pulled him back in.

[midnight-mourning]

*Taps mic* Heard y'all like Moon around here, you're in luck, this one's for you

massive, MASSIVE thank you to @lunarmoves for beta-reading this chapter!!

She put a lot of time and effort into making my BS readable for y'all and it's greatly appreciated <3 <3 <3

Shay also makes really good dca stuff (also sebastian solace but I know very little about the fish tbh) and you should check her out!

Also, happy 200k+!!! We're only 297k from truly becoming the 500k enemies to lovers slowburn of our dreams lmaoooo

But for real I apologize for such a delay with this one. If you'd like to hear my excuses/reasoning they're below the cut, or you can just go read the chapter whatever suits ya ^-^

Tag list (if you would like added please see this post for more info):

@scarletcowboy @beemyhuneybee @fishm0ther @deviouscrackers @elsajoyagent8

@luckyyyduckyyy @zenkaiankoku @jogimote @local-shrub @amarynthian-chronicles

@robinette-green @everlightreader @sinister-sincerely @starredeclipse @dangerva

CW: medical stuff & additionally a bit of unreality mentions

Okay going to try and keep this simple bc I've said parts of it before

So as most of you know, I've been sick for 3 months now

I've now been on two rounds of steroids, and currently on my third round of antibiotics, which are basically keep me fucntional, not improving

besides general discomfort and pain, my memory has been pretty shot at times, I will go through the day and barely remember what I did/what I'm doing/what I need to do

as someone who had brain fog caused by covid a few years ago, this was genuinely a scary experience because ultimately, this has been worse

i've felt out of control of my body, having times where I'm mid thought and then instantly lose it

this is not my normal, I usually pride myself on my memory, so losing it has been incredibly devastating and scary

this was not helped by the fact that the quick care I went to (THREE TIMES for this) basically kind of sort of tried to gaslight me into believing nothing could be done and that it's not an infection

so not only has this entire thing has gotten dragged out so much more, which makes me sad tbh, but I've also felt like I've been going crazy bc it felt like no one was believing me when i said I was sick and not getting any better (including friends, family, coworkers etc, though unintentional on their parts to be fair)

I feel like I've lost three months of my life and coming to terms with that has been, yeah

on top of all that, I'm still in school AND doing grad stuff, and while the school side of things has been okay (thank god), grad's had it's moments, won't get into it but have had multiple issues with my advisor that have been at times just really tough to deal with

Confused spirit got pushed to the back burner, because i quite literally at times could not think, and when it comes to this fic, where there's multiple ongoing plot threads, characterizations, lore, and so on to keep track of, it was just, impossible to me to even consider writing for it

having shorter stuff like promptober, the oneshots and such was great to keep me writing, and also still interact with everyone in the community, plus i had a lot of fun with them so that helped too

this is all to say that I do sincerly apologize for the delay, and at the very least I should've clearly communicated about there being a hiatus, when this all started I thought i'd be down for two weeks max, then as that time kept increasing I just kept putting it off and putting it off because i thought i was going to get better, and then I didn't

I do this for fun and for nothing else, fic writing isn't content (it's engaging with fandom) and i have to remind myself of that sometimes but given that I've been around in some capacity on and off I feel I should've said something in some regard

Having said all that, I'm doing okay now! Still sick, but as long as I'm on meds I'm functional, stuff is getting managable with grad, and hopefully have some fun things coming up irl! Point is, the last three months haven't been the best, but they've been alright, due in part to all the support you all have given me, so thank you for that, can't say it enough :)

Okay, I think that just about covers it, thank you for taking the time to read all of this if you did <3

[deepperplexity]

Prompt 6: Wrapped Tightly [OS]

Pairing: Young Severus Snape x Young Female Hufflepuff You

Set in: Year Seven of Yours and Severus’s Hogwarts time

POV: Second, Reader

A/N: I wanted to write something sweet, something cute, something fun and warming in a one-shot to take a little break from the serials of Brandon, Gruber, and Turpin that I have going on so far this Rickmas so here we are with a young Snape 🥰 Now, it was supposed to be short but… umh, yeah… 👀 P.S the potion in this story is completely made up.

Also, side note, we had a family Christmas crafts day at work (the library) today and there was so much happening I feel like I've been in a whirlwind and I need to finish tomorrow's prompt but I'm all drained after the super-energy at work 😅

Tags/TW’s: Mutual Secret Pining, Young Love, First Kiss, Hand Holding, Knight In Shining Armour Vibes, Illegal Potion Making, Rule Breaking, Sneaking Around After Curfew, Disastrous Potion, Slight Banter/Teasing (fun kind!), Nervousness, Low Self-esteem

Abbr.: Y/N - Your Name | Y/L/N - Your Last Name

Word Count: 4.6k

LINKTREE // AO3 // MASTERLIST

Wrapped Tightly

Your hands ached, your mind solely focused on counting the stirs of the cauldron. …forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty, fifty-one… On and on it went, you would count until you hit eighty-three and then stir the potion counter-clockwise sixteen times before setting it to simmer for the upcoming eleven hours — perfectly timed for when you’d return from breakfast the day after. You’d have to get an early breakfast to make it in time but curfew was coming closer for this Friday evening so you had no choice but to make it at this time.

What you were doing wasn’t exactly allowed, but then again, no great things are discovered or created by strictly following rules and regulations, right? There, switch to counter-clockwise and one, two, three, four, five… It was a relief to move your arms in the opposite direction while you focused on counting — trying not to let the potentially disastrous outcome of brewing an illegal potion in a restricted tower of your school could yield; especially if the potion didn’t go as planned.

You pulled the wooden spoon of honey-waxed oak out of the potion at the exact right time, staring into the still-swirling potion for any signs of it changing colour for a long minute. It did not, and you let out a sigh of relief. The icy blue liquid was thick and white fumes with what looked like minuscule crystals wafted up from the cauldron as you adjusted the burner beneath it. Nothing happened, the potion remained the same and you clapped your hands giddily.

Before leaving the cold room with a slight shimmer to their walls as the fumes filled the space, you cast another three secrecy charms and a trespass hex for good measure. Rather someone gets a bit of a headache than discovering what you were up to, honestly.

The clock struck nine, the giant clock tower not far from the tower you occupied boomed it out and you closed the door to get yourself back to Hufflepuff quarters. You were on the wrong end of the school, and at the top of it which also happened to be opposite to where your dormitory was. Hufflepuff wasn’t as deep down as Slytherin in the dungeons but still, like the badger representing your house, you were down below.

You sneaked down the swirling staircase of stone, staying close to the inner wall, and made sure to keep your steps light and quiet. The curfew was in effect and now, with the halls lit with more candles and dressed in sparkly globes of magical ice, your reflection could be spotted as well if a teacher on patrol happened to pass nearby.

“Miss Y/l/n,” came a quiet voice and you halted while stiffening. “Perhaps you should take a left, lest you run into old Filch in a minute,” it continued as you turned your head only to find Sir Nicholas peaking his head out from the wall, literally just the head and the tiny flap of skin holding it attached to his shoulders which were hidden within the wall or perhaps behind it — you weren’t sure how thick the walls actually were. “Sir Nicholas,” you whispered. “Aren’t you supposed to be on the teachers’ side?” He smirked, his moustache twitching. “Oh, I like a good joke as much as anyone and what you’re brewing will be a fantastic one.”

You scrunched your brows. What you were brewing wasn’t intended for any joke. “What do you mean?” “Come now, he’s nearly here.” You looked around. “I can’t walk through walls,” you whisper-hissed. “No, but you can open the door,” he chuckled and disappeared. Door, what door? “In here,” came a voice you knew all too well. Your heart quickened at the dark drone and you looked slightly behind you. “Severus?” “Come on,” he said and a hand shot out through the wall— no, through a crack in the wall that suddenly opened wider. A hidden passage? I thought I’d found all— woah! You got yanked through the second your hand landed in his and darkness wrapped tightly around you along with stale air and an eerie quietness.

He pulled you closer, you stumbled on the uneven stone floor and planted your face against his harsh chest in the process of nearly falling face-first. He smelled too good. Sage, peppermint, and a scent all his own. Your heart leapt anew and your pulse quickened rapidly. “Sch,” he hissed as you were about to apologise for stumbling into him.

Footsteps moved past the other side of the wall— erh, door. You both stood absolutely still and you could not help but inhale his scent deeply, feeling that ever-growing warmth in your gut once more — as you did each time you lay eyes on the young man who a year ago had fully caught your attention when he saved you from a potion about to explode in class. It hadn’t been your potion, but the benchmate you sat next to. Had Severus not pulled you away and down from the bench next to you on the other side you would have ended up in the Hospital Wing for weeks, like Mr Biscy (the boy who was brewing) had.

You’d liked Severus before that, mostly by his appearance and this strange allure he had. You’d chalked it up to the bad-boy-vibes and the utter lack of interest he seemed to hold in anyone — even the world — and that was something you were fascinated by. Fine, alright, given your badger status, you were also quite happy to make friends and drag those friends along for the crazy ride that was life. To see people realise how not docile Hufflepuff people were was like the icing on the cake, to be honest.

“He’s gone,” Severus said, the dark drone even deeper with your head so close to his chest. You almost whined a complaint as he let your hand go and stepped back. Your eyes had adjusted to the darker space but it was still hard to see much of anything. “Thanks,” you said with a wide smile. “Why are you out beyond curfew?” he asked, and you could have sworn his brow arched and his face hardened a smidge. He was so pale and his hair and clothes so dark that the features were actually visible even in the gloomy space. “Wouldn’t you like to know."” “I would not have asked otherwise.”

You rolled your eyes, the saying going over his head apparently. “It’s my business. I could ask you the same question, you know.” “True.” He turned and began walking, you followed quickly. "But I am not the one nearly caught. Good for you Nicholas told me.” “Wait, he told you? What did he tell you?” Please, nothing about the potion for Merlin's sake. “That you were about to get caught by Filch. I can come out of that unscathed, you, however, could not.” The drawl of his voice nearly sounded smug.

You knew the squib and Severus had some strange form of friendship, or even a bond perhaps, but there was never a chance for you to ask anything about it. Hell, you barely got a chance to ever speak to or even be this close to Severus — he was a bloody expert at keeping distances… Annoying. You couldn’t quite bring yourself to admit that you truly fancied him, because there was no happiness to come from that given Severus barely acknowledged anyone's existence — yours included.

“There should be rules about teacher pets,” you said quietly. “True. It would not have any effect on the caretaker of Hogwarts, though. Would it?” he said, again, a hint of smugness to his voice you could not quite remember ever having heard before. “You’re awfully smug, bit of a git behaviour that,” you said in a we’re-talking-about-the-weather kind of voice. “Smug? No.” “Then, what?” He stopped, you nearly crashed into his back before he looked over his shoulder at you. “Happy…” he murmured before speeding off in long strides while your brain misfired and your legs had to start sprinting on instinct to follow the leader - so to speak - as you had no idea where you were or where the small hallway was taking you.

Happy? Why happy? Have I never heard him happy before? I don’t think I have. Why is he happy though? Is it me— pfth, don’t be daft. But why? You caught up to him as your brain fired thoughts at you in rapid form. “Happy?” you asked. “Why? What makes you happy? I love it, but why?” you rambled while walking as fast as your shorter legs would carry you. Severus took such long strides you had to fight to keep up as the hallway twisted and turned, sometimes going down a few steps, and sometimes going up.

“I could help you,” he said quietly, his words barely audible. “Help me? Well, yeah, Filch would have caught me so I’m very thankful for the help.” It looked as if he nodded at your words but you weren’t quite sure in the gloom. Come on, get him talking, this is your chance! But Severus beat you to it. “Why are you… sparkling?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder.

You held out your hands and arms, well, shit, you hadn’t thought about the fumes sticking to you as well as the surrounding area. “Erh, glitter bomb?” Severus snorted. “Sure, glitter bomb. Engineer a better excuse.” “Unicorn farted on me?” you said with a whitheld laugh. “Better. Try again.” What, no laugh out of that? “Fine, a Christmas elf sprayed me.” He sighed. “Try again. Careful, steep drop here,” he said right after and slowed his steps.

Severus stepped down, turning him a few inches shorter than you which looked so odd. “Here,” he said, holding out his hand. You hesitated for a moment while your fingers tingled with the prospect of getting to hold his hand. You grabbed on, he took a sturdy grip with those long fingers, and you stepped down the high step with a bit of manoeuvring. “Where are we?” you asked and he released you. “Almost by Hufflepuff.” “What?” “Yes.” “But we were over on—” “Hogwarts has many passages and secrets.” Severus glanced back at you. “Now, another, better, excuse.” How about the truth? “Alright, I was brewing the Dragon Ice potion and the fumes got all over the place.”

Severus halted, you crashed into his back with an oomph! and a thud. “You what?” he asked, turning to face you. “Brewing the Dragon Ice potion—” He grabbed your upper arms. “Are you completely out of your mind?!” he hissed. “Where’s the potion? Where are you doing it?” “Southwest tower, the restricted one with the—” “Idiot. Come on,” he said with exasperation and annoyance mixed with urgency. “What? No, it’s not done until eight in the morning, it’s simmering for—” “For eleven hours as per the recipe in the restricted section, yes, but that’s the incorrect recipe!” he snarled, grabbing your hand and pulling you back the way you came.

You dug your heels in. “What? But it says the same thing in all three books,” you said, halting all movement. “Yes, and they are all incorrect to keep people from brewing it!” “What?” you asked, worry beginning to gnaw in your gut despite the warmth and absolute joy it was to have Severus so close. “What will happ—” “It will explode, turn everything in close vicinity to ice.” “You say that as if you’ve done it before.” “I have, and I learned,” he said. “You’re about to learn that you don’t brew dangerous, illegal potions at school where, if things go wrong, the evidence is in everyone’s faces. Y/n, what were you thinking?” he asked, anger and frustration seeped through his voice but he was not quite mean to you. “I need the money.” “So brew less dangerous potions!” “No, I need a lot of money.” “Don’t we all…” he muttered

“Come on, we need to break the potion cycle before it turns half the castle into an ice cube.” “Wait, what?” He jerked on your arm and you both began moving again. “Yes. The fumes are already turning your clothes hard, aren’t they?” When you thought about it, yes, your cloak felt stiffer than usual and your skirt wasn’t moving as swiftly around your thighs. “I’m becoming ice?” There had been no bloody warning about that in the books. Severus snorted. “No, of course not. It’s more like your clothes being covered in frost, not ice. It stops after a few minutes. The potion, however, is another matter.”

You both walked at a brisk pace all the way back to where you came from. Sir Nicholas appeared just in time when you reached the wall that was really a door. “Back so soon?” “Dragon Ice,” Severus said, and Sir Nicholas smiled and chuckled so his head nearly toppled to one side. “Yes, quite the jester our Miss Y/l/n.” He glanced at me with weird eyes of mischief one usually didn’t see in them. “It will be so much fun when—” “No, Sir, it’s the wrong recipe, half the castle will turn to ice if it explodes. And it will.” Sir Nicholas stiffened. “Oh dear, Miss. Quite the pickle we’re in now.” But there was definitely mischief in his eyes, it looked wrong on this specific ghost but not in a necessarily bad way.

He floated backwards, out of the wall, and then reappeared again. “All safe, onward mighty students, to stop the botched potion!” he said with fanfare as if you two were knights in shiny armour. It was endearing but the bravado was a bit too much at the moment. “Let’s go, Severus said and pushed open the wall— door, before grabbing your hand anew and pulling you close behind him toward the entrance to the tower.

You started up the swirling stairs, rushing up them. Truth be told, it was hard to be fast when Severus held your hand, but you had no incline to let go. Who knew, perhaps you’d never get to feel his fingers squeeze around yours ever again after tonight? It felt as if you were in a whirlwind — there was so much happening that you barely had time to reflect on the fact that you were with Severus, holding his hand, nearly running with him and that he’d spoken more to you in the past fifteen minutes in one go than ever before. And he said he was happy… But you had no time to think any more of it as you reached the door.

“Good hex,” he said, grabbing at his forehead with his free hand while you drew out your wand and undid it. “Thanks, it was in—” “Uncomfortable Spells For Protection, restricted section.” You chuckled. “Yeah.” “And here I was, thinking you badgers were sweet, none rebellious creatures,” he said, that smug sound in his voice once more but now you knew better. “Aren’t you serpents supposed to be greedy, evil people? Not ones to help those in need with diffusing disaster potions and keeping people out of harm?” “Touché.”

You chuckled before pushing the door open with the back of your wand-holding hand and arm. “Shit,” Severus said, seeing the room filled with a blue-tinted fog that wasn’t at all the type of fumes you’d left it filled with not too long ago. “It didn’t look like—” But Severus let go of you and rushed toward the cauldron, looking into it and interrupting you. “Shit. Shit. Shit,” he muttered before starting to search through the pockets of his robe. “Where is it, where is it?” he muttered further as you moved closer in the freezing room with walls, ceiling and floor covered in a thin sheet of ice and small icicles were forming across the ceiling, too.

“Well, this is bad,” you said, not sure if you were panicking or having a laugh at the whole thing. “Yes, bad, very bad,” Severus muttered distractedly, still searching his robes. “Maybe we should get a teacher?” “No, this will not end well for us.” “Us? You haven’t done—” “I’m here, aren’t I?” True… “But you haven’t done anything, you can go to the dungeons while I get a teacher.” “No time for— Shit! It’s going!” Severus snarled, nearly tearing his clothes apart when ripping at the pockets.

Panic surged through you as the cauldron began trembling and creaking while the potion swirled like a whirlpool. A very beautiful whirlpool of glitter, silver, and blue. But ominous. “Get out, Y/n!” “No way!” you shouted back. “This is my fault!” “We’ll be pop-sickles in a minute!” Had the situation not been so grave you would have burst out laughing. But Severus looked far too serious. “We’ll melt eventually!” you shouted over the sudden storm-like winds spinning around the room, coming from the cauldron. Small flecks of ice scratched at your skin and forced you to squint.

Severus grabbed his wand, shouted something, and a small cluster of purple twigs with white leaves flew from a pocket and into his hand. “Get down!” he ordered and you ducked as he threw the material into the cauldron before covering you with his own body. Your heart hammered, your pulse raced and in the midst of whatever was going on with the potion and dire situation you were in some bizarre form of heaven with Severus holding you tight while half laying over you to protect your head and back was there too, wrapping itself tightly around your heart.

The cauldron exploded. You gasped and whimpered from the shattering sound before the noise of splattering liquid came a second later. Another second passed and quietness took over. No more storming winds, no creaking cauldron. Only the odd dripping noise now and then along with the drumming of your own pulse in your ears and the feel of Severus’s heart against your back with his harsh breathing fanning over the top of your head.

After another moment you both straightened. The room was an absolute mess of darkly blue goo. A dense liquid closer to slime than anything else covered everything, including the wide-eyed Severus standing before you. He had protected you from most of it. “Are you alright?” he asked, his voice gruff and low. You nodded. “Yeah, yeah I’m fine,” you replied while looking around the room before landing back on him again. “You’re not though, your hair, it’s turning blue…” “Blue?!” He reached up and grabbed at the long black strands turning blue from root to tip like the black lake freezing over.

“It’s not so bad—” He gusted out a harsh breath through his nose while glaring at you. “Not, so, bad?” he snarled. “I’m blue, Y/n. Blue.” You couldn’t stop the giggle as all that had been black on him turned blue. A vibrant blue to boot. “It’s pretty, very, umh, Christmasy,” you said, endeavouring to hold back the laughing. But, in your defence, he looked like a blue gnome with porcelain skin. “Christmas is red and green, if you’ve not noticed.” “No, it can be any colour you—” “By Merlin, if you say one more word about it I will hex you, Y/n.” “Well—” you stepped closer, loosening the tightly gripping fingers out of his own hair “—hex away if it makes you feel better, I owe you big time for this… I mean, I could have been blue. Can you imagine a vibrantly blue badger? Nope, nope, nope. Blue snakes exist, so, no worries there.” “Pacifying me with facts, are we?” he asked, but he seemed less angered and softer as you brushed away some blue hair from his face and adjusted the now blue coat that had been askew.

Looking up at him, you found his onyx eyes mesmerising. He looked slightly alarmed, but there was something to say for being the focus of his attention. Your heart certainly had a say about it, it galloped along like reindeer across the Christmas night sky rushing to bring the sleigh of Santa all around the globe.

“Purple,” you said. “Purple?” “Plum purple, now that would suit you splendidly. Perfectly matchable with black, too, mind you.” He arched a brow. “Plum purple?” You nodded. “Make plum juice next time then, badger.” “Next time?” you asked, your knees turning slightly wobbly. His eyes hardened and widened a bit at the same time. “Or not, not like I care either way.”

His voice trembled ever so slightly, a lightness to it — as if he was suddenly embarrassed or something along those lines. You were too occupied with wondering what he meant to think much of it.

“You know, it’s not nice to say you’ll stick around if you have no plan to do it. I keep my friends, forever. Unless they do something shitty I can’t forgive,” you said. He glanced away for a second and then looked back at you. “Well, I wasn’t suggesting friendship.” You tilted your head, trying with all your might to understand if he was rejecting you despite having helped you immensely or if this was his way of saying he felt something for you as you certainly did for him. You had hinted at it, you had tried to get closer to him — but Severus, well, he wasn’t one to allow distances to shrink.

“Severus, are you saying I should keep my distance or are you asking me out on a Christmas date?” you asked, throwing caution to the wind and diving in head first. The blue hair shimmered as he glanced all around the room except at you. “Maybe…” he muttered, redness creeping up along his neck and covering the tips of his ears peaking through the still-moist hair.

You sighed, trying to find his gaze with your own. “Maybe what? Maybe a date? At Madam Puddifoots next weekend with some sweet treats and hot drinks in the corner booth?” “Something like that, perhaps…” His voice was so deep, so low, you barely heard him. “Will you still be blue? Should I match?” you asked, unable to hide the warmth and giddiness in your voice despite trying to lighten the mood as the poor bloke seemed absolutely stressed about the potential of going on a date. Pfth, it's probably more just talking and being with someone and admitting to feelings and all that stuff but bloody hell I am right now damn thankful for potions going wrong.

Severus still hadn’t said anything, he just looked at you. “Well? Will you still be blue?” “Are you— Are you making fun of me now?” he asked and the depth of his voice turned uncertain. “Absolutely not.” “You will go on a date, in public, with me?” he asked, his features tight but his eyes soft. Better be clear here… “Yes.” “I didn’t think you actually liked me.” “I’ve been trying to show that for a year now, you're very difficult, you know.” “Too difficult?” “HA! There is no such thing as someone too difficult to love, Severus.” “Love?” he asked, alarmed. “Well, I’ve had a crush on you since Biscy nearly landed me in the Hospital Wing with his potion exploding.” Severus snorted. “How he messed up so grandly I’ll never understand.” “Perhaps not, but you noticed before anyone else did. I’ve always found you interesting, you know.” “Have you?”

You smirked, wiggling your eyebrows at him while the atmosphere softened and eased. “Well, yeah, I’m a friend collector and I always want to rope in as many kinds of friends as possible — you certainly are one of a kind, helpful, too.” “Why does that sound incredibly ominous, badger?” “’cus it is. And if you’re my boyfriend, well, all the more fun things I can rope you into doing. Do you think failing a Dragon Ice potion is the only mischief I’ve ever been up to?” you asked, laughter and mirth in your voice as Severus’s eyes widened in alarm. “I believe I am about to find out…” “We badgers are on a whole other level. Like the time the cups turned into mice in the great hall, that was us. The singing trees in the dungeons, also us. The ice rink in the hallway on the fourth floor, also us. Remember that time everyone started floating about as if gravity went haywire?” Severus nodded. “Well, that was me. Who knew messing with gravitational spells to create a new one could make such a bloody mess of everything?” “Anyone with two brain cells to combine,” he snarked and you smirked at him, he wasn’t serious or harsh about it — it sounded as if he were joking with you, to be honest.

“Think you can handle it?” you asked, stepping closer. “Obviously. I may be blue, but we’re alive and the castle is whole, no thanks to you.” Severus looked down at you as you inched even closer, feeling all tingly as his eyes warmed a bit. “So, knight in shiny armour it is,” you said, grabbing his hand and squeezing. He arched a brow, not impressed apparently. “Shiny armour?” “Ugh, fine, black knight,” you conceded and reached up on your toes.

Before he could react, or step back, you planted your wanting lips atop his and kissed him with everything you believed he could handle. It wasn’t your first kiss, but it certainly appeared to be his as he stiffened and did not so much as soften his lips — it was sweet, endearing even. When you leaned back he looked paler than a ghost but he didn’t appear to particularly dislike what you’d done.

He stared at you for a long moment while your hands warmed each other. “You kissed me,” he said, eventually. You smiled widely. “Supplying me with facts?”  “I wasn’t prepared.” “Oh, shall I do it again on the count of three?” you asked, joking and smirking at him. His eyes flickered from yours to your lips and then up again. “If— If you want to…” His ears turned scarlet red at that and your heart absolutely melted. “Three, two, one,” you said quietly as you leaned closer and then you kissed him again. This time, he softened and tentatively kissed you back while his hand turned utterly warm around your own.

When the kiss broke, Severus seemed as shocked as before. “You did it.” “Well, yes, I wanted to,” you said brightly. “Now, will you still be blue for our date and the breakfast tomorrow?” “No. It will pass in about six hours with a good shower and new clothes.” “So no matching then,” you said with a smile. “And no plum purple,” he replied. You laughed as he smiled carefully. “You’re quite the hoot, you know that?” “Perhaps you hit your head when you ducked?” You laughed again. “Perhaps, perhaps, but at least my head isn’t blue.” “Touché,” he replied before turning to look at the mess of the room. “This will take time to undo,” he continued. “Nah, a few spells and we’re good. On toward the next mischief.”

You never did tell him why you brewed the potion, or why you needed the money only illegal and dangerous potions to sell could bring in. That was a future discussion; if the relationship led to something more serious. For now, you’d enjoy a Christmas with the Slytherin you’d wanted for over a year — even if he were currently very blue you had no qualms about kissing him for a third time when he undid his cloak and rolled up his sleeves to help with the cleaning. The fact he stiffened and his ears reddened this time, too, only made you feel as if he was the sweetest thing that you’d eventually corrupt with shenanigans, of course.

LINKTREE // AO3 // MASTERLIST

A/N: Well, this was fun 🥰👏 It really was supposed to be a short thing, just like a small tidbit of fun teenage shenanigans and then boom - inspiration hits and you gotta type type type 😂👌

I hope you’re enjoying this first week of Rickmas - which character is your favourite to read about when it comes to Alan? 😍❤

TAGLIST: @lizlil @snapefiction @darkthought15 @monstreviolet @flowerdementia @marvelschriss @once-upon-an-imagine @ravennight41 @caseydoodles98 @slytherinprincess03 @theconsultingdetectiveswife @grimmyhild @monster-energies @myobscureimaginarium @snowblossomreads @eternal-silvertongued-prince @cherryglossie @setsuna-meiou31 @helena211 @a-queen-and-her-throne @justsaturn0 @turvi @dontwanttobeanamercanidiot @sunnylikesfrogs @dianilaws @snapesno1thighrider @sassanoe @snapesrn @bernadette-peters12 @sammy-13 @smartowl999 @castleofthorns @serenanight87 @leah1243 @cherihan @poetry-and-tea @evans23 @mamawolfsmith87 @snapesrn @severussimp @slyckman @liv2post @clawsthecactus @goldenglowwoman @morphineisouthoney @meteoritewolf69 @bionic-otp @elizabeth-baelish @romanceandsarcasm @severuslovebot @glowstar826 @rickmandowneyjr @yellowbadgermole @snapesangel @a-queen-and-her-throne @impulse-anchor @commodoreseverus @writewithmarites @alisongurl13 @yan-senna @writewithmarites @reinekefoxart @nixislight @lokisbjchnl @lght-n-drk @ladykardasi @lyrixsnape @sunset90 @meliasnape @B3lls @canihelpyou201 @ankhmutes @lessdepressy @theheartwants-what-itwants @sanji-simp @snapesrn @thatlittlefangirl @goldenglowwoman @ankhmutes @lessdepressy @snapesrn @theheartwants-what-itwants @slyckman @daddythanatos @sanji-simp

Want to be tagged? You can tag yourself HERE! Or tell me and I’ll gladly tag you!

[wisteria--thegirlinpurple]

Being Threatening Is How He Makes Friends - Part 2 | Bucky Barnes x Reader

It's Part 2 of 5 of a series I've written, but can be read independently.

‘The Avengers are a bunch of dicks.’ Y thought as she ducked behind a broken piece of wall. 

“It’s nothing scary, they said,” She tuckered her legs closer to her chest as the sound of explosions continued to ring around her. “ Just need you to help track down a few stray HYDRA agents, they said.”

She traced the team from a burner phone they dumped to a secluded forest. Before she could dip out of the mission, her job accomplished, Thor slammed his hammer into a tree, sending the poor plant straight into a tank and exploding into smithereens. The team enveloped around him easily enough, combat ready. The poor non-combatant had to cover her head as she dodged debris and stray bullets. 

The fact that she hadn’t been hit by one was nothing short of a miracle. 

A few minutes later, when the combat sounded far enough, she leaped into movement and ran for the quinjet. Just her luck, she made a few wrong turns and narrowly avoided being spotted by a few HYDRA agents that was no doubt searching for the same thing. Once she spotted the aircraft, she let out a sigh of relief and jogged over. 

The platform was lowered, which was odd. She peeked around carefully, but didn’t see anything but a few dead HYDRA agents. She stepped onto the quinjet and found Bucky Barnes, her former target, laid down on the floor with his arm over his eyes. 

Bucky Barnes— since his discovery a few months ago, she’s been roped into helping the Avengers with various missions. Tony Stark paid well, and it was nice to work with people that weren’t dubious assassins or power-hungry mob leaders, but the work was not really worth the pay. The man responsible for all of her misery himself was as anti-social as he was on the day that they first met. Aside from a few more jokes here and there with Steve, he mostly kept to himself. 

Very aware of Barnes’ history as the Winter Soldier, Y did not make any attempts to befriend the man. Despite her poignant efforts to avoid fraternise or antagonise him, his incessant staring remained a constant part of her life. She kept a small apartment in New York, drawing the line at living with the supposed superheroes in their massive compound. (She was a tracker for hire most days, being associated with the Avengers was not exactly good for business) Nevertheless, both Nat and Tony was adamant in bringing her around whenever she could help with something (which was far too often). 

Nat, the manipulative psycho, threatened to contact some old friends (read: enemy) if she didn’t comply. Naturally, also being very aware of Natasha’s past as the Black Widow—  Y complied. She may be fighting on the side of justice now, but the Black Widow doesn’t make empty threats.

Which brings her back to this mission. 

“Oi.” She shouted, “It’s Y, don’t kill me.”

Bucky grunted.

Stepping carefully around him, she assessed her surroundings. Clearly the HYDRA agents managed to track down the jet, given the scatter of dead bodies around the man. What did Steve say when he showed up with Bucky?

“It’d be good for him to get some fresh air.”

Y stared down at the three dead agents, they were well built man and woman. They were also inconveniently dead right at the gap between the platform and the jet. She wouldn’t be able to close the door like this. 

She spared a glance at the grumpy man, but he seemed devoted to his yoga pose of sprawled on the floor in all of his black tactical gear glory.

With a sigh, the young woman dragged the agents by the feet off the jet one-by-one. With nothing but the bare-minimum training that Natasha had pounded into her the past few months, it took her a few trips and several breaks, but she managed to finally drag the last one off and under a bush.

Puffing, she dusted her hands on her pants and returned to the jet. Bucky did not move from where he was. Unfortunately, he lied right where the ledge of the platform would fold up to close. It would probably be hilarious to watch him get caught in the mechanism, but Y would like to live a long and fruitful life, so she refrained.

“I know you might be doing some important combat training in your head,” Y stood in front of him, hands crossed on her waist, “but I don’t have have a metal arm and I can’t fight. Can you get off so I can close the jet gate?”

Bucky grunted, but made no motion to move.

“Seriously, please.” Y looked quickly outside, the sound of explosions were still very far, but she’d been to enough of these missions to know that the tide could change any minute. 

“Bucky, for god’s sake.” 

“Bucky!” Y gave him a light kick, ready to jump back if he made any move to strangle her.

He remained motionless.

“Bucky, seriously!” She ran a hand through her hair, exasperated, “Why are you on the floor anyway?”

“I’m depressed.” He finally responded, running his hand down his face.

“I know that,” Y tapped her foot, maybe his face needed a bit of decorating with a boot print, “we all know that. Can you please move.”

He sighed.

“Oh for god’s sake!”

“—Also I’ve been stabbed, could you get Steve. My comms broke.”

“HOLY SH-“ Y moved in a flurry of motions to the first-aid kit “WHY DIDN’T YOU START WITH THAT?!”

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 |

[appleblueberry-pie]

Yandere Miguel asks? Alright

Miguel who's already lost his daughter Gabriella and his wife when he messed up the Canon and the universe got destroyed. He's doing his little thing in the spider society when he finds a universe nearly identical to the one that got destroyed, the one where he replaced himself.

Only, in this universe, (Y/n) and Gabriella are meant to die instead of that universe's Miguel.

I imagine Miguel would tell himself a lot of excuses and rationalizations before bringing those two back to his universe (probably with a permanent form of a day pass). A little white lie to them won't also hurt.

Its a plot I've been wanting to write for awhile (as a fellow Yan author) but I've put writing on the back burner so I wanted to share this idea and see how'd you approach it :)

I'll be honest, I didn't feel like writing the entire backstory for what you want(which I usually would), but I went to straight action.

BLOOD MOON

He thought things would get easier from here. He thought he could finally come home, relax, see his beautiful and amazing wife, along with his precious baby girl. Because he's worked too hard in this lifetime. Too many short days and long nights, too many sacrifices made to keep himself and others safe. Too many deaths. Too many losses. Too many remembrances and forgotten memories. He just wanted it all to end. And he thought it did. Because he finally found you guys. Here you were standing before him with those gorgeous eyes he always got lost in. Telling him about his daughter and your day. So why were your words so venomous?

"I can't do this anymore." He kissed you on the forehead and closed the front door behind him. He walked past you and placed his work items on the table. "What was that, dear?" You stared at him as if he grew two heads. "We can't stay here forever, Miguel." He shuffles to get one shoe off before he finally comprehends your words. His face falls and he looks over at you. He had told you it was all in the past. Why are you bringing up old news? "Can't stay here?" He quotes you as if you said a joke. Your face twists into one of anger and you walk over to him.

"You know what I mean. Holding us here with no real motive besides keeping us for your own sick fucking pleasures. We're not pets, Miguel-" "Wait, wait, wait, wait. Where is this coming from? Pets?? Y/n, what are you talking about? I've never treated you like any kind of animals, you're my wife-"

"I don't know you!!" The growing silence allows you both hear the creak of a door opening from afar and Miguel begins to stare at you as if you mentioned something taboo. As if you're stupid. "Let's talk about this later." Miguel turns his back to you to go your shared bedroom. "No, I'm not going to talk about this later, Miguel, we're not from here! Look, I don't know what you want, or even who you are. But...you can't just-" Miguel feels his irritation that build up all day begin to rise again. His shoulders tense the more you talk, and your daughter peeking out her bedroom to witness this wasn't helping.

He turns to face you again, almost seeming to crowd over you. "I am your husband. I am your husband! I've given you everything you needed. I gave you a place to call home, a better home. You don't have to live off of minimum wage anymore. And finally, your daughter has a father figure to watch after her, aren't you happy?? Because I sure am! Gaby's been so happy now and so have you. Why can't you just.....appreciate the things I've sacrificed for the both of you???"

You scrunch your face and take a step back. This stranger suddenly spouting bullshit to you about your killed husband and saying that the two of you being in a random different universe is a blessing?? You're confused and scared and would rather live where you used to than wherever this foreign place is. He was beginning to piss you off. ".....How dare you?" Miguel raises his eyebrows when he notices your tone. "How dare you? My husband is fucking dead......You stole us away from home and now you're saying that whatever this shitshow is, is a blessing?" "Mommy?"

You shake your head and jab your finger into his chest. "You don't know the first thing about me." "I know you love teaching Gaby piano, I know you love going out on walks when the sun is setting, I know you love letting me drive you to places, I know you love when I cook you dinner, I know where you used to work, where you want to work, I know when you first told me you were pregnant with our babygirl, I have your vows memorized and I know that you love me. I know that you love me, so why don't you just let me love you, hermosa?" Miguel had backed you into a door and gently cradled your face into his hands. He softly whispers to you as if trying to snap you back into reality, as if it wasn't setting in the moment you realized this psycho was obsessed with you two.

"I would never, ever hurt you. I do everything for our family, nothing else. My two girls are the only things on my mind all day when I'm at work. And to come back home to you is everything I could ask for. And if there was anything else I could ask for, is for you to love me back. Please." He had gestured your daughter out of her bedroom and she ran into his arms. He smiled down at her, making her worried face shift into one of relief. Miguel laughs and kisses her forehead lovingly. You want to kill this man for ever putting his hands on you and your daughter. You failed to keep your girl safe and now she was in the hands of a monster she believed to be her dead daddy. Your worst fucking nightmare come true. Calling out to her and making her come to your side wouldn't save her. Attempting to kill him wouldn't save her because then the both of you would be stuck wherever you were. All you wanted was for her to live a normal life, and not even the universe could give you that. What were you gonna do?

Miguel noticed your blank face and sent Gaby away, grabbing your hand gently. You let him. He hugs you and whispers into your ear. "I'm done talking about this. You clearly need sleep." You look up at him, glaring, yet he continues to stare down at you with adoration. He leaves no room for argument as he opens the bedroom door to lead you in.

[quinton-reviews]

Hi Quinton!! I have been a HUGE fan of your stuff since a friend sent me the Tobuscus Fallen Titans (I used to watch him back in high school and was like "huh, wonder what happened to him after those allegations") and I gotta say, it is REALLY FUNNY every time my fiancé and I watch the iCarly videos again, because when you cover Gibby's stunt double breaking his ribs, you cut to a clip of The Official Podcast. I used to play D&D with one of the main dudes from the podcast, so when he talks during that clip I do a goddamn double take literally every time.

Anyways, I remember an original Patreon stretch goal being a Fallen Titans on Homestuck! I was really big into Homestuck in my early 20s, and was wondering if that's still on the table at some point? If not that's fine, I understand plans change! I just love Fallen Titans lol, the Fred episode and the Neil Cicierega unFallen Titans are some of my favorite videos of yours!

That's a real funny story!

So here's the rundown on the Homestuck video. When I first started making long videos, they were actually inspired by the relationship I had with other YouTubers at the time. I used to watch, like, H3H3 and Filthy Frank, etc; and I'd always see people obsessed with the versions of creators from the past. Like, "Oh 2015 H3 was the best" and "Oh 2012 Frank was peak." So I had this idea that it would be crazy if H3 posted, like, a video he spent a decade on and you got a new video with 2015 H3 10 years on. (I don't watch H3 anymore ironically)

So the original idea for the "long video" format was that it would be cool if, throughout a long, analysis/review/recap video, you kept noticing someone get older. Maybe my months, maybe by years. That's why I always like to get a haircut when I start one of these videos. If you scrub through and you see my hair get longer and messier as it goes on I think that adds something magical you can't fake.

So... My pitch to the Homestuck video was that it would be funny to work on it just once per year. To record one segment, say "That's it for 12 months", and then come back around to it. And when I was making the iCarly and Victorious videos I actually recorded a few minutes of the video! I think it was two segments in total. But then I had a bunch of personal stuff happen and my work drive has been much lower, so any "back burner" video hasn't gotten much attention since then.

Now that the iCarly mini-series is done with, I want to focus on some short one-off videos I can make before April. But once that's done with, I would REALLY love to start work on a few more long-term projects which will take months or years to finish. I think returning to work on the Homestuck video, to at least get the first 20-30 minutes done, would be a great idea this summer.

Now, if you want to know my pitch for that video, here it is. The video is not a recap of the creative history of the franchise. I do not get into drama, community hell, lawsuits, or other YouTubers. My idea is this: you always hear about Homestuck as an outsider but you never hear about the actual content. Most franchises on Earth I know something about, even and especially if I've never been interested in them. I can tell you a bunch of facts about wrestling and MLP and the Fast and the Furious simply through cultural osmosis and having friends who are into those things.

I can't tell you the plot of Homestuck, who the characters are, what the themes are, nothing. I've known a lot of people who were into Homestuck but nothing about the series!

So I thought it would thus be funny to make a video about a bunch of people who know nothing about the series starting from the beginning and giving their reactions, even if it's been years since it all started. I call this part of the video the "Homestuck Book Club." So the next step is me picking out the members (who all have to have no history with it) and making sort of a podcast setup. We'd then read and record every six months or so, IDK.

This is why the video has been stuck in production hell! Everyone who wants to work on it and messages me about it already knows the franchise. I don't want spoilers, I don't want people writing for the video who get it already. I want to capture the "what the fuck is this" energy of three dudes just getting in the middle of it.

Also, I think that I really like the theme of the video capturing our lives as they go by, capturing us aging and changing. If you came back from the future and told me this video comes out in five years, I'd say great. If you told me it comes out in ten years, I'd say awesome. Until then, the latest edit will always be on Patreon, even if you have to dig a little.

[ak319]

Yan G!P Princess x fem reader

(Warnings: Stalking, Possessive themes) PART II ➺ Prev ⤷ Series m.list

(Kade's Pov):

Fuck everything.

"Kade, what is up with you mate? Huh? It was just a match. You didn't have to storm off like that!. What would they think of us, the seniors? That we are some sensitive babies who can't handle a single loss of a friendly match of rugger?" God, the urge to cut off her tongue right now. My temper has been everywhere since you hung up on me two days ago. And today due to less focus, we lost a rugby football match to a bunch of undergraduate freshmen. We lost. I lost. Now in the locker room, my friend Leah and others were disappointed at my behaviour. It made me more agitated since I had been playing Rugger since I was a high schooler and now I am doing my Master's degree back at Harvard. Leah and I go back to when we arrived here to do a Bachelor's in Economics. And now we are back after a year.

"At least say something, Princess." Oh so this is how it's going to be. That was the last straw. I threw away my shoulder pad and shoved Leah against the lockers immediately causing other teammates to come to pry me off her. We both held each other in a feral stare.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?! YOU DARE MOCK ME?! HUH?! DON'T FUCKING TELL ME WHAT TO DO! YOU HEAR ME! I LOST TO A BUNCH OF FUCKING NEWBIES AND I NEVER LOOSE! I ALWAYS WIN! I ALWAYS GET WHAT I WANT!" The outburst drew in a brief silence which I could tell was because of shock and confusion. This was the first time my self-control strayed.

"What the fuck is wrong with you Kade?! YOU HAVE OFFICIALLY LOST YOUR MARBLES!." She snapped back.

Before I could land a hit on her, I was pulled off from Leah by Ruth and this time I let go of Leah, both of us still in the guarded stance ready to break each other's jaw if the other one makes a move.

"STOP THIS! BOTH OF YOU! God, It was just a game! Forget about it! Don't make the matter worse by making it reach the dean's office. Get it? You fucktards?!" I let out a huff trying to get my temper in check.

"Never call me a Princess, Leah. You know better than that." Without sparing another glance to others, I just stormed out and went to my dorm slamming the door shut.

I let out a huff and some curses as I threw my duffle bag on the ground and flopped on my bed. I went towards my drawer and took out the burner phone I had brought few days ago and finally decided to use it.

I wanted to check if your number is still off. Which it is. 'God, this woman.' The rage that I feel right now is unreal and the fact that I am unintentionally angry at you makes me more angry. I don't want to be mad at you but the things you do just make me furious.

I took out my own phone and dialed the only person who can assist me at the moment.

Liam. He works in the intelligence. All the information I get about Deniz, is through him.

"Greetings, Kade. How may I be of service?" As formal as always.

"Mhm , yes, Liam. Sup. Um, kindly tell me about her. Any news?"

"Actually, I was just about to call you today but something came up early in the morning."

"It's alright, just spit it out already."

He cleared his throat before continuing. " I got a call from CAA at 10 a.m. today and got told that she had a flight to (your country/city), yesterday in the morning."

What the fuck could have made you--wait, did you go there because of me?

"A-and for how long is she gone for? Come on , tell me the details!"

"It was a one-way ticket and that's it. That's what I've got so far, your grace."

Lord have mercy.

I cut the call and gripped the edge of my bed as I sat and looked down at my feet contemplating. So she ran huh? Quiet cute to be honest.

I let out a tired chuckle and took my shirt off as I leaned against the headboard. Do you want to play like this? You think you can just sit on a plane and never come back.

My eyes wandered to the envelope on my study desk. It was from the palace, informing me about the field matter as if I didn’t already know. I couldn’t help but let another wave of laughter escape my lips. The forest isn’t, well, mine. Sure, I hunted there from time to time, but it’s not in my name. It was just a little game I played with Deniz, with Richard’s help, of course. He did a great job playing my advocate. And so did the Mayor.

Father was not delighted about all of this when he got the whiff of the matter. He along with my family are by now aware of my infatuation for you.

When the first time I saw you playing, I was mesmerized and couldn't get you out of my head. Then I finally asked Reece to introduce me to you. That night, your performance was staggering as always. The way you carried yourself on the field, the sheer determination, your body's agility, everything, just absolutely sublime.

I understand that my method of pursuing you at that time was rather unconventional and serpentine, to say the least, but I had my reasons. Before I could muster the courage to make a proper confession, Reece had already conveyed my feelings to you. Even so, my heart clung to a fragile hope that perhaps you might still say yes. But… no. You rejected me with a coldness that pierced deeper than I ever imagined.

I chose Reece to subtly court you on my behalf, having observed the muted affection you showed her—so evident in the way your eyes softened when you were near her. The smile you gave her, and the shyness that surfaced in her presence, all spoke volumes. I couldn’t resist using this to my advantage, to teach you the lesson that Reece didn’t see you in the same light. Reece herself concurred with my approach.

Nevertheless, how dare you?. How. Fucking. Dare, Reece gets to have you get all fuzzy and not me? I am and will always be better than her. Better than every fucking creature on this land. Is being a Princess a joke to you? It was kind of soothing to at least get to know from Reece that you had broken off contact with her.

The reason that I was so bad at coming forward like a normal person who's interested in you was that at that time, I wasn't aware of the depth of my feelings. My thoughts were clouded by a fleeting desire to simply have you for a night but after getting to know you....I couldn't just use you like that. Even under that tough exterior of yours, I spotted innocence, and a sense of normalcy and the way you were so nonchalant around me, drew me in further. After the rejection though my heart wavered between resentment and affection for you. How could you reject me? Reject Kade Alexander Emsworth? In the end--love prevailed, and here I am.

I tried my best to kick you out of my mind but couldn't even after I dated potential suitors that were getting chosen for me, like Juniper Smith who I even got engaged to at some point, a daughter of some businessman. My heart was not in it though. Because I couldn't stop myself from thinking about you or keeping tabs on you. I couldn't do injustice to her or anyone for that matter, so I broke it off and told my family about it. About this....this sickness that I have. The fucking love I have for you. Oh, what a lethal meld it is of these confusing sentiments inside me. Love, annoyance, the constant craving, excitement...God. Then at the beginning of this year, I tried to reconnect with you but you pushed me away every time and I had to resort to these cheap measures to grab your attention even though it only ended up with me getting cursed back to seven generations, but I am used to it by now. When you go low, I will go lower Deniz.

I got up and took a cold shower. During that, I thought over the current situation and came up with an idea. A splendid one.

Ruth barged into my room as I finished packing and her expression morphed into a puzzled one. "Off to where?"

"England."

"What?! But what about our final project?! We have only worked half of it dude." She gave me a light shove on the shoulder. "For God's sake Ruth , I am not dying. I will work with you all online. Look, it's important for me to leave, princess duties. I just got a call so.."

She heaved a sigh. "Is it because of Leah-

"Of course not, you know we scuffle all the time. You know what? For your sake, I'll apologize to her? Kay?" She nodded with a tight-lipped smile. Everybody knows that Leah and I were like sisters.

════∘◦❁◦∘════

(Your POV)

After arriving at my family's home on the first day, I first relaxed and savoured the comfort of being with my loved ones. Later, I went to my bedroom to call my service provider and get a new number—it’s a routine I’ve grown accustomed to. It was only then that I realized I was crying while doing it.

Why is she doing this? Why can't I be left alone? There is a limit to how many times I can change my number. The thought that she can easily access my new numbers leaves no space for the doubt that I am being spied on heavily. Of course, it's so easy for her to do that. After calming myself down and reminding myself that I am stronger than this, I sat in silence as I took deep breaths.

The events of back in Southampton played back in my head. My job, the forest, Richard's words, 'She takes her duties very seriously.'

It's that damned city where I first met the piece of shit for God's sake.

I went to the police numerous times, even to the London Metropolitan, but they never took me seriously. Why would they? Who would believe someone accusing a princess? They looked at me as if I were delusional, schizophrenic, just another obsessed girl. Why can’t they see that it’s the other way around?

Only my family can provide me the warmth. And talking about family, I really thought about all of this. So I told them everything. From the start. And they did their best to first comfort and support me and then my father just straight up told me to resign and stay here with them. To be honest, I had thought about it after I got to know about her intervention in the field matter. But I really loved my job. It broke my heart to realize that I would have to give up so much just to have peace of mind. But I had to do it.

It was the morning after, and here I was playing cricket with two of my cousins and some neighbourhood kids in our backyard, feeling much better. In the back of my mind, I was still waiting for Clara's response to my resignation e-mail that I sent her this morning.

Your mum called you from inside saying that Clara was calling making you dash inside to answer the phone.

"What's all this? Are you for real?" Despite her firm tone I could make out the pain in her voice. What else did I expect?

"Clara-" I paused and went to the privacy of my room first. "It's--it was really hard for me to do this but I have to. I have to for myself and for our organization, your organization, Clara."

"What the fuck are you on about?! Can you elaborate here?"

Okay, guess this is time to inform everything her too. Wait--what if my calls are being listened to?. Damn it. What the hell should I do?!

"Hello? Deniz??" I stopped chewing my nails and took a breath. Honestly, I don't give a damn. Hence I spilled everything to her just like I did to my family.

She took in the information and I could just picture her posture and face as she sat on her desk chair , her leg bouncing in frustration.

"God, Deniz. I am going bonkers. This whole situation is bonkers. Why didn't you tell me this face to face!? You should have told me this sooner! Instead, you ran away! We could have confronted that Richard piece of shit in front of the Mayor there and then!"

"I didn't run away! I needed peace! A break! And I --look Clara, please. Try to understand, that could have made matters worse. The field was more important to us at the moment. Try to understand."

"I do understand, Deniz. And don't you, for a second, think that I am not on your side. I am here for you, got it?. I just--could've helped you better here. Could've gotten you hooked with some contacts. Look, I can still help you."

My pace slowed down as I stood in front of my mirror. "How?"

"Media, Deniz. There's so much you could do with the power of it. You just need the support of the people-

I cut her call, turned on my VPN and called her again. "Sorry for that, yeah so, listen --the thing is, if I were to make some video on her what proof would I show Clara?."

"Those teammates of yours in highschool--surely they must have some photos or something-"

"Yes, photos. What do photos prove, Clara? Interference in my job? Constant calling? My phone being hacked or something? No. It just proves that we were 'friends' once. I have nothing against her! She only calls me so I don't even have texts. I would get roasted the shit out of if I post on Tiktok or anywhere. And even those teammates don't know about this current situation of mine and they also will have nothing solid on her except... words." I started pacing again and we both went silent, listening to each other breathe for a minute. As I sat down on my bed, she spoke up again.

"I still can't believe a princess is doing that. Like, she isn't getting enough attention from her mummy and daddy? She was even engaged. I heard once from Alfie but she broke it off. Weirdo." Her comment made me let out a dry chuckle. I couldn't care less about her personal life. But I wished that she had just gotten married to her ex-fiance or anyone by now.

"No, Boss. I think she gets plenty of attention from everywhere, this is the first time she isn't getting any and she is going mad...Clara. I can't help but be afraid. Why can't she just get it that I am not interested in her like that? If I ever decide to be with someone, I want them to be just a normal civilian. I don't want to be with a royal!"

"I get you. Some people have air inside instead of brains. But don't you dare be scared or paranoid! It's not your fault! It's fucking harassment at this point. Deniz, didn't I tell you that the forest was no one's property, it was government-owned, not by some royalty. It was true."

"So--the Mayor would've known about this too, right?" My chest tightened as I gripped my bedsheet in anger.

Clara sighed in frustration. "Of course. God, this is enough to sue them all. ALL OF THEM!!" Of course, she would say that. I couldn't agree more with her though. "At the end of the day--they are all rich sons and daughters of bitches. Always remember these words." She hesitated before continuing. "You know you won't believe that I am going to say this and for the record, I am not saying this to support whatever she's doing but to point it out. People sometimes do batshit crazy things when in love, Deniz."

"So!? That doesn't make it right. I don't even know why she is after me of all people."

"I know , I know. You are absolutely right. It is crazy. Hey you know what? Imma go call the Mayor's office and see if-

"Clara the matter is already settled! You cannot just call and ask 'Hey, I was wondering that did a certain Princess order you to do this cuz of my assistant?' As if they would tell you shit. They must have been paid and they wouldn't disclose anything. I am telling you this now, it's stupid." I heard a bang which indicated that she fisted her desk.

"Look! Let me handle this okay? I have my ways. A call ain't gonna hurt anyone. And I am definitely not gonna mention all of THIS! It remains between us. Imma just talk about the forest ownership, okay? Now, I'll call you later. Take a breather for now, okay? Go enjoy your time. I'll...get you on with you about your... resignation."

"Okay, thank you Clara. Goodbye. Also use VPN while calling me."

"Kay, of course, relax now. Don't beat yourself for these crazy assholes. She won't harm you. Got it?. Goodbye, love." I subconsciously nodded and cut the call. Her words soothed me to a good extent. 'Okay. Relax, Deniz. It's not that serious. Don't think of it as so serious. You are home, back with everyone. One day or another she will find someone else, after all, she is a princess, and she will get tired.'

You went back to the yard and grabbed the ball from your cousin, just praying every second to not receive a call from an unknown number any time soon.

════∘◦❁◦∘════

(Kade's Pov):

"It's getting out of hand now, Kade!. Have some self fucking respect. You seriously cannot be asking for this right now!" My gaze remained hardened as Dad and I stood facing each other.

“Language, husband,” Mummy reprimanded, but we were both too absorbed to pay her any attention.

I was now standing in the living room of the palace, my dad scolding me due to the forest matter and arriving back early.

"Father, I assure you, I am here to solve all of it—once and for all." He kneaded the side of his head, letting his hoary hair spill through the gaps between his fingers.

"Really? How? I just don't get you. Why are you so desperate over her?! You are my daughter! A fucking Princess! Have some dignity. No other girl will reject you--do you even know how many good families have their eyes on you for their daughters?!"

"THAT'S THE THING! I DON'T WANT THEM, I WANT HER!" I backed away and took a few steps to calm myself, their disturbed expressions reminded me of the same look my teammates had on their faces in the locker room.

"You all are aware of this! Why can't you just let me be?. I tried 'courting' those girls who you are so fond of! Even got engaged! It didn't work, okay?!. Look, Dad, I will have her here. As your daughter-in-law. Trust me. Very soon. Just do what I requested, please." He turned his back on me as he went to gaze out the window.

"Why can't you accept that she doesn't like you that way. How will the marriage even work, my dear?." Mummy's words made my head snap, and my eyes wandered to the fireplace. The fire mimicked the burning passion inside my heart and I raised my chin proudly.

“It will, Mummy. Are you forgetting how royals used to marry? The worst matches endured because they had to—because they were royal matches and I’m not just some random woman on the street, as Dad said. She’s just…” I paused, offering a gentle smile. “A little shy, scared thing. A bit overwhelmed. I know her. She doesn’t hate me—she’ll come around. Believe me.” I looked at Dad and stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulders.

"I won't disappoint you."

"Oh, but your future wife already has, daughter." His words made me swallow a sudden surge of irritation. Yet, his resentment is valid, I can't deny that. Damn Deniz, you already have started family drama without even being here. Such a mischief-maker you are, darling.

"You will love her, Dad. And you too...Mummy. She is lovely, everything I can ever want. Anyway...there is something else I have to discuss with you Dad, but later. For now, I have to go prepare for the event."

"Fine, I will have the arrangements made. But Kade, end all of this as soon as you can, you hear me? This is your last chance, after this, I won't allow any more of this pathetic lovelorn scheming of yours." As if I need his support. I offered a slight bow to both of them and chuckled in excitement.

"I will be forever grateful, your Highness. I promise this is the last time." And made my exit, not missing to wink at Julian who was sitting nonchalantly in a corner, the middle brother who is 2 years older than me. He was silently observing this whole ordeal. I didn't even notice him till now. He always has been a quiet one.

Being the youngest of three children certainly had its perks and did I forget to mention, being a princess too? Haha!

I gave Richard a nod as I spotted him in the hallway and couldn’t help but smirk as I climbed the staircase. Oh, there’s no finer intoxication quite like power, and when you mix it with love and passion, the exuberance that follows is simply unparalleled...

My steps were deliberately relaxed as I walked in the familiar corridors, taking in the sumptuous and grand interior. I will never get bored of this. Damn, I sound so sybaritic right now. It's just--it's like something is changing from within me...because of you. I wonder if there has been a Princess like me before, wandering these halls due to the agonizing yearning for her lover. I think I did read once in the palace's library that there was one by the name of Keira Emsworth, my great, great something. Guess I inherited her genes.

I’m the same Kade who used to feel a twinge of jealousy over my older sister Romana being the heir. But now, the throne means nothing to me. After all, who needs a useless throne in this day and age?

You, however, matter to me more than anything now, you are not my obsession at this point...you are my persistence. A goal, that I will achieve. A challenge I won't fail, and won't give up.

I reached the door of a room, the room that I always somehow return alone to. Every single fucking time. My breath quickened and my fists clenched. Why can't I open it? I straightened up and with a determined sigh, I put my hand on the knob.

"I made sure to keep it spotless while you were away, your Grace." Richard's soft voice spoke from behind me but I just nodded curtly without turning back.

"Good job." He knew that this praise was not only for doing the former chore but his contribution to my plan. Without wasting another second I stepped inside and turned on the lights, but for some reason kept my eyes closed until I locked the door.

Walking a few steps in I finally opened my eyes and surveyed the amenities. This wasn't my personal room. This room, I had specifically asked for to be arranged and decorated for the day I bring you here in this palace as my bride. It's our room. It is to be remained unused and untouched by me till then, just another little game that I made. I chose every single thing for this room. I just hope it's to your liking. I inhaled deeply, savouring the fragrance that filled the air. God, it was the perfume you used to wear. I stalked to the foot of the large downy canopy bed and stood with my arms behind my back.

"Why are you doing this to me, Deniz? You are so cruel. Yet," I was about to sit on the bed but refrained myself. 'No, it's a challenge, don't forget it. Your motivation, Kade. Bring her here first , then touch the stuff.'

"yet, I burn for you. For your love." I pulled out my phone and looked at a picture of you from high school. Although I had newer photos, I was drawn to the old ones for some reason. They evoked a poignant nostalgia for my own youth and the faint moments we shared. I gazed at the image of you in a cricket shirt, leaning on a bat with that charming, adorable smile. The urge to pull you into my arms and never let go, to hear your giggles, was as vehement as ever. I reflected your smile back, imagining you were looking at me.

"I am sorry for what I am about to do Deniz. But I have to, love."

Next

[lkblackham]

'Sup.

It's

🫥 WIP Wednesday ✨

Varric was sitting in that hard-ass chair in total darkness for *hours*. Totally worth it.

This page, btw, is actually from that webtoon/insightful anti-capitalist article I keep mentioning but have not published. Yet. I have a LOT of fan service I still need to refine.

I will say I am *particularly* excited about this panel, though:

*conspiratorial smoulder*

But that's for tomorrow. Here, today, I have like a bajillion things I've been working on that I want to share.

Should I space these out in different posts and not dump them all in one go because they just overwhelm readers and this is not how you do a WIP post?

Sure, I could do that.

.....

Anyway, here's Bel and (?) Emmrich in this sappy comic that's been on the back burner for a while but I really wanna finish:

.... what? That's just how his skull helmet looks. I KNOW HOW TO DRAW SKULLS. I just need like twelve reference images and an Ativan.

This is going to be really cute, though, if I do say so myself. Drawing these lil Volkarin Family Headcanon comics has actually been really, genuinely therapeutic for me. With every chubby baby face and proud papa Emmrich I draw, I regain one brain cell.

And then I promptly lose that brain cell with *this* nonsense:

The story here is that, in my DA:TV headcanon, the team do little sparring matches in the courtyard at the Lighthouse. Emmrich asks to spar Atash (my Qunari Mage Rook) and things get... weirdly steamy.

Whether or not I ever finish this depends on how many cute baby comics I draw to balance out the shameless soft-core smut. And also my thesis, I guess. I keep forgetting about that thing. I wonder how it's doing.

Speaking of how one is doing, I'm going to end this with a really EXCITING announcement:

THAT'S RIGHT, I was diagnosed this past week! FINALLY, at the age of 32 and barely able to leave the house, doctors gave a darn and sent me off for tests for which I have been BEGGING throughout the last decade.

I am not joking, though, this is actually an IMMENSE relief and cause for celebration. I've known I have some kind of weird horrible gut thing going on since I started getting really sick all the time at the age of 20. Since then, doctors have put me off by:

Suggesting I "eat healthier"

Suggesting it might just be period cramps

Suggesting it might just be mild allergies

Suggesting it might just be anxiety

Suggesting it might just be hormones

Suggesting that I was too fat to have celiac disease when I brought it up (I gained a LOT of weight during the 2020 lockdown in the UK)

Suggesting that I'm just old (at age 30) and this is 'normal for that age'.

You might notice that ALL of these were suggestions and not, you know, actual declarative diagnoses or even an attempt to reach one. I've had good doctors, don't get me wrong, but holy crap it really sucks to be a woman in any healthcare system.

I consider this part of my WIP Wednesday because this diagnosis was the result of a years-long effort to figure out what was really wrong with me and dammit it deserves recognition SOMEWHERE (besides my medical records).

To anyone struggling with a mystery chronic illness: I love you so much. You have my deepest, sincerest empathy. I know it doesn't help, but it can't hurt to know there's one stranger on the internet rooting for you.

Thanks for taking the time to read. I really appreciate it. Kisses, *mwah*.