#or standing on top of our various small tables and chairs

[nexus-nebulae]

of fucking course when we introject the climbing rat we start impulsively climbing shit 😭😭😭

[aspiring-writer-hidden-voice]

Omegaverse MHA/BNHA Poll Result: Katuski Bakugo

Implied female reader (specifically female Omega). Mentions of abuse, language, blood, rape, assault, cannibalism and mating.

With the uprising of villains, the Heroes of the world have congregated in a secure and highly secretive location with several country heads and Top Hero Ranking Holders of the World in the room; Japan, US, Persia, China, there are heroes from everywhere within this one room under the same roof. The room is large, considering square footage, but the sheer volume of bodies within those four walls quickly made it feel too small. Males of various body shapes were stuffed within this conference styled gathering space with various tables, chairs, and a podium; large, small, lithe, muscular, thin lean, mutant characteristics, nearly every type was represented within this room from the different countries of the world. Wolves, hyenas, lions, goats, boars…at least one member of every genus group was present. Nowadays those were rare since bloods had mixed or migrated so pure bloods were difficult to come by. However that didn’t dismiss that the power of Alphas was evolving with the times. Deep, guttural instinct lived deep within each male in existence. It was now a choice of just how much those traits were awakened and used. Having so many Alphas within such a small space was a ticking bomb though but the reason they had been summoned was one of great importance.

“The answer is simple: we need more heroes!” The statures Alpha from China barks loudly, his fist impacting the table in front of him; the scent of raw meat coming off of him that made those nearby wrinkle their noses slightly since it wasn’t the freshest. “We cannot keep losing our strongest to the villains without proper replacements or support!”

Another Alpha, a heavier set man wearing Presidential Medals and Honors from the US, snarls beneath his breath with growing anger than manifests within his rising volume as the air around him becomes tainted with fryer grease. “And what do you suggest we do about it, hm? Only Omegas can birth Supers and your country spread the green light to hunt them down to extinction level! Now there are no Omegas for anyone! Way to go, you morons!”

“Enough!”

Silence falls as a single figure moves to stand at the room, looking out across the Alphas who ranged in age and genus pool.

The man is ordinary looking, none were capable to distinguishing of which niche he belonged to, however there was an air about him that exhumed seriousness and a demand for cooperation. He rubs his forehead as silence slowly falls when silence slowly falls. “The reason we have issued a global meeting of this caliber is because there is still hope for a solution.”

In the very back of the room an Alpha hero from Egypt smelling of water lily incense leans over to speak in a whisper to the young blond Alpha from Japan who looked to be bored out of his mind. “How much you want to bet they want to do splicing or DNA transference, friend?” He rumbles with a roll of his eyes, not expecting an answer as he rights himself within his seat.

An unamused expression crosses the blond’s face, features settling into a resting scowl as he glares at the man leading the assembly meeting with narrowed red eyes. ‘Why was he even here?’ he couldn’t help but question internally. All Might had made it seem like a high honor of some sort, a challenge even, but ever since he got here there’s been only yada-yada while sitting around like a bunch of slugs! The tapping of his finger against his thigh conveyed his slow ascent into the upper range of his temper which was beginning to grow with each passing second. The hero known as “Dynamight” is an Alpha of a high temperament, lean yet powerful body, battle IQ on par with some of the older ones present, red eyes blazing from beyond the black mask covering his upper face, blond hair sticking upright in various directions.

Clasping his hands behind his back, the assembly head begins to walk from one side of the room to the other. “I’ve called you specific Alpha Heroes here today because of your genetics and genes would be most valuable in the future. As you may have noticed, all of you are also unpaired or undated up to this point, which was a requirement for what we wish to accomplish.”

The Explosive Hero scoffs beneath his breath. No wonder none of his other acquaintances were here; Midoriya was just beginning a relationship with the Beta Ochaco Uraraka, Todoroki has been offered several marriage interview proposals, don’t even get him started on Kaminari or Sero, then Kirishima recently started seeing a little foreign exchange female hero who was training beneath one of the elder Japanese heroes. Just him had been selected for this…fan-fucking-tastic.

“As the Alpha President from America has reminded us all today, only Omegas can bring Supers into the world with quirks and abilities that could be revolutionary. He has also brought up the subject of how those same Omegas were hunted to extinction.” The assembly head takes a deep inhale before continuing, a screen popping up behind him that has shaky footage of Omega hunts that used to take place all across the globe. Screams filled the air courtesy of the speakers, cries for help and various distress calls intermixing as the Omegas within the footage beg and plead for their lives. And yet not one was spared as each fell by weapon or fang or claw. “From the United States all the way to Russia to the South Pole to Canada, not a single Omega has been seen in well over ten years. They were tortured, beaten, raped then eventually devoured or killed in hunts…we know the horrors though we don’t let the public see the true extent of the truth. They simply think that these attacks were done by outbreaks of villains alone when, in fact, they were conducted then carried out by Alphas and the other niches who joined in the hunts. Alphas of this day and age carry this burden of knowledge most.” A wave of his hand turns off the screen as he fixes the assembly with a stare. “In ten years, I myself have never thought another Omega would ever be seen...but I was wrong.”

Pupils of every person present suddenly shrink as a unified conclusion was drawn before the man finished. And an uproar instantly takes the room, spreading chaos and exclamations from animalistic to manmade noises. Some were positive, a clear want and need to make amends for the crimes of the past, others were enraged or excited as if they were looking forward to partaking in similar events.

He remains calm though, raising his hands and asking for silence. “She was rescued from a villain bunker where they had been hiding her for the last ten years. None of us can fathom what they did to the poor girl and that’s where you all come in.” His spine straightens as the Alphas before him slowly return to their seats. “Omegas respond to their packs or fated mates no matter what state of mental or physical condition they are. And that’s why we have called you all here. She has been unable to speak a word or eaten a single thing since entering my team’s care. Her health is compromised at this point and the world cannot afford to lose the possible last Omega it has. The world needs Supers if the heroes are to have any chance against the villain uprisings.”

An Alpha hero from Madagascar smelling of spiced vanilla and dressed in various leaves stands with a growl, eyes narrowed. “This is an outrage! You’re expecting us to just throw ourselves at this Omega and hope for the best that we are some miraculous cure for her trauma while saving the world at the same time?! This is nothing short of Forced Breeding!”

“Think of the Omega! She deserves more than being thrown into a hole then forced to procreate just for the sake of birthing Supers!” Another Alpha bellows, this one from Argentina who gives off the scent of citrus.

Finally done with sitting back, the blond Alpha hero from Japan raises his hand to unleash an explosion that causes the entire room to shake then fall silent, his red eyes glaring at the man. “Everyone, shut the hell up and let the damn man finish. They would’ve done that by now but look around…she’s not here. Meaning there’s something else. So sit down…shut up…and listen.”

Grateful for the intervention, the man bows his head respectfully then addresses everyone in the room. “We would never suggest such a thing as Forced Breeding.” The man hurries to assure as other Alphas begin to voice their anger. “No mating will be pressured upon anyone and no one will get hurt in the process. If this were to fail, they we would resort to artificial insemination with those who are willing to offer their samples. And the young Alpha from Japan proves a valid point: she is not here. We have to take her fragile health into consideration right now. You and the young female all have a say in this matter. However we cannot simply just introduce her to you all with her current health status. So, we have a way to gauge on how you chosen Alphas will react by using this.”

Murmurs rise when he holds up a vial of clear liquid, the lights within the room catching upon the small container.

“This here is a collection of her pheromones turned into a liquid state. Those who are compatible will react positively and can be allowed to continue to the next step towards meeting her with supervision. Those who react negatively will be excused and required to leave, sworn to secrecy so that none may know of her existence.” He sighs softly when several voice questions and raises his hands. “The most we can ask for is an acceptance or gravitational pull. Simply allow your instincts to guide you; doesn’t matter how. Honesty is what we are looking for.”

Red eyes narrow further when someone asks what would be considered a negative response. He just wanted to get this over with so he could go back home to Japan. Arms crossed, he leans back in his chair so the front legs are in the air as he huffs beneath his breath.

“Any hostile action that can be considered an attack whether of the hunting or feeding kind will not be tolerated or considered for this.” The man grows serious as he stares at each Alpha in turn while raising the vial. “Those who wish to leave, do so now. I’m about to open it.”

Call it curiosity, or boredom, the blond from Japan remains seated. Might as well stick around since he’d gotten a free trip all the way out here. A small smirk raises his lips. Plus, the entertainment he’d get from watching these others would give him an insight to the competition from other nations. So far, he’s been unamused since there had been no fighting or altercations, but this could still be interesting to say the least. He remains sitting as one third of the room empties, his red eyes remaining locked upon the vial that is being showcased.

The man glances around once more as his fingers prepare to remove the stopper. “Ready?”

Everyone present nods or makes a sound of approval.

A faint hiss sounds when the airtight seal is released…and the effect is instantaneous as the pheromones within the vial quickly fill the room. Sweet yet not…spicy yet tame…filling the minds of those who were within the room with images of shifting colors like a kaleidoscope.

The man holding the vial slowly starts to walk around the assembly room, carefully watching each Alpha he passes. First starting the farthest side of the room then gradually getting closer to where a certain blond explosionist hero sat as the chair he was seated within shifts so all four of its legs were upon the floor.

He’s never smelled something like this before. No one he knew of back home had a scent even comparable to this. The tapping finger upon his thigh slows to a stop as every thought process within his mind becomes silent. In then out his breathing remained steady, a few times his red eyes closed for a few seconds then opened once more. Oddly enough the high temperament Alpha from Japan was feeling…calm. Even when the vial went past, he remained passive and dare he say peaceful. No one would recognize him in this state he’d been rendered to as his red gaze closely watched the vial’s liquid that shifted within the light.

Already most of those gathered have been removed when the vial had come close enough for them to exhibit “negative” behavior as the air fills with subtle growls or rumbles from those who remained. There was only a dozen left by the time the man placed the stopper back on the vial, his brows raised as he carefully looks to see who is left. “Alright, Alphas who are left, tell me how you are feeling. I see a handful of you are still here and reacting favorably. Don’t be shy.”

One by one each spoke of how the pheromones had caused them to feel possessive or want to claim the owner of those pheromones; natural responses as well as honest. That’s what the man had asked for. His gaze shifts over to the last who had yet to speak, the blond hero from Japan who wore a near confused expression on his face, waiting patiently for the young Alpha to speak.

“I…I felt calm. Peaceful, even, which is saying a lot for me. I’m not exactly known for being docile or easy to soothe yet smelling that was…I just…it was as if something I’ve been missing had suddenly presented itself to me and I wanted it to come closer if it chose. I wouldn’t have forced it, mind you, I wanted it to come to me… I’ve pursued a lot of things in my life but this was the first time I felt capable of leaving the choice up to…”

The man nods approvingly at this answer, faint surprise within his gaze when the blond suddenly shakes himself then snaps his head to the side. Interesting indeed. None had given an answer quite like that. Taking note of the young Alpha’s reactions, the assembly head speaks once more while addressing who was left. “We have one last test for those of you remaining.” He holds up a small recording device. “I’m about to play you the sound she made when our teams discovered her within the villain bunker. I warn you now, the second you exhibit negative or hostile behavior as we mentioned in the pheromone test…you will be removed immediately.”

A collective nod comes from those remaining, including the blond who huffs softly while closing his eyes.

The air clicks with the sound of the device’s playback button.

Heavy footfalls and familiar military conversation begins to fill the air until silence reigns once more…then…

A sound that could only be considered a ringing call of distress pierces the air that makes the pupils of everyone within the room to become slits. This cry is heartbroken, agony filled, shrill, bird-like in song interwoven with high pitched whines and chirps that are dripping with desperation and fear.

“Don’t fight it!” The man calls over the recording as the sound replays thanks to his fingers pressing the repeat button. “If you have that drive to protect her, show it! The more you fight and hide that instinct the less we understand if you’re a possible candidate!”

It was clear that nearly every man within the room was responding to the cry of distress. A call like this could earn one of two things: a predatory response that would earn ruthless attacks that would surely end the creature’s life…or a protective response to use one’s self to protect said crier.

That’s when the blond Alpha suddenly snaps when he hears those present suddenly give hunting cries in response to the recording. His temper was nowhere near becoming involved, he was deathly calm as he rises to stand and bares his sharp teeth at those present as a call of his own erupts from between his jaws. Red eyes ablaze, the young Japanese hero marches to stand before each of those who had begun to express a want to feed, his cayenne and gunpowder saturated pheromones filling the air as he meets the gaze of every single Alpha. Growls, snarls, rumbles, his voice comes out in a combination of noises between dominating demands of their submission and comforting sounds directed towards the recording whenever his gaze shifts back to the device.

A giant Alpha, a man from Germany decorated with Nordic tattoos and long beard braided with various bones as his being is dressed in furs, steps up to the younger and smaller blond, his bared teeth several sizes bigger that drip with saliva. Large, intimidating, smelling of mountains and the salty ocean along with the tang of leather, this man was not to be trifled with. He was a hunter, a ravager, and once he caught the scent of a prey worth his fangs he would not relinquish easily.

Not to be outdone, the Japanese Hero didn’t waver nor did he even flinch at the challenge. “Back. The fuck. Off. Before I make you.” He snarls lowly, growling deep within his throat enough to make his chest rumble with the vibrations as he squares off against the other Alpha with his own teeth bared. They and his muscles may not be as big however that didn’t mean he didn’t make up for it in other ways. Explosions crackles then popped across the blond Alpha’s being, filling the air with the scents of gunpowder and spicy peppers as his pheromones begin to fill the air when the German lowered his fangs so they were inches from his. “That supposed to scare me, you old sack of shit? You may be bigger but you know what they say: the bigger they are the harder they fall. It’s time for the dusty ass bones like yourself to sit back so the newer age Alphas can show you how the world should be running.”

“You better watch that smart mouth on yours, pup, before I shut it up by stuffing my fist down your throat.” The older Alpha snarls lowly.

“If your arthritis will let you by all means, let’s see you try.” A smirk raises the blond Hero’s mouth.

“Why you insolent, little—” The German breaks off when the recording repeats, obvious that his hunting drive was triggered when more saliva drips down his chin.

However even the elder Alpha suddenly found himself taking a staggering step back when an explosion of energy forced his own to recede, his head slowly bowing to the side as the Japanese Alpha released a warning that promised pain if ignored. “I’ve told you once and I’m not going to repeat myself. Stand. Down.” The blonde rumbles deeply as he steps closer to the other Alpha.

The recording stops with a press of the man’s finger as the other Alphas are escorted out of the room once they concede and bow their head slightly to the younger Alpha from Japan in submission. “I think we have our man…” the assembly leader whispers to himself as he slowly approaches the blond. “Your name is Katuski “Dynamight” Bakugo from Japan, right?”

A nod is all that can be managed as he settles back within his chair with a huff.

“Tell me the truth: did you have any inkling or drive to feed upon flesh or drink blood when you heard her cry?”

Katuski instantly growls, his expression one of anger and offense as explosions crackle along his hands. “What the fuck—No! Of course I didn’t! I’m nothing like that flea-bitten German Alpha! That’s an archaic practice that I would rather eat my own damn leg than participate.”

“Let me be straight with you since you’re the sole Alpha left.” The man’s tone becomes grave. “I asked because the Omega, this poor girl, was used not just for her female body or heats…those villains took turns feasting upon her living flesh and blood. That’s why we had to ask to make sure you don’t share in their tastes so please don’t take offense. When she became of age, they started pairing her off with some of their strongest in hopes she would birth Supers for them to raise into the next SuperVillains. However, they didn’t take into account how their lacking care of her would affect the capability of bearing the offspring they demanded. Her wounds were so severe that her body’s natural functions were sorely upon survival during her captivity that even those with hyperactive sperm couldn’t have been capable of impregnating her. The Omega’s poor heart, body, and mind were far too focused upon living than allowing any sort of opportunity for it to support another. And yet she has miraculously remained Unmarked. Those villains were either smart or stupid to not mark her as theirs but that also means that she is far more vulnerable and fragile. Omega’s are natural homemakers, they are central points of any pack or family. If they don’t establish or find their own by the time they reach a certain age…well, the last Omega who was incapable of doing so lost herself to depression and is currently within a coma at a Persian hospital.”

“Holy— You’re serious?!” Katsuki rises to stand, red eyes wide and a growl in his voice as explosions spark across his being like fireworks. He’s never known anger to this degree. This poor, innocent girl has been through hell for the past decade as a breeding machine for the villains who only treated her worse with every failed attempt to produce an offspring when she was merely trying to survive! Bloodlust unlike he’s ever known rises in the back of his throat but he swallows it down with a growl.

“Calm down, now, she is in good hands currently.” He closely watches the Japanese Alpha as he says the next part. “She’s in a secure location not too far from here. Only I know where it is and I’m prepared to take you to her.”

“Then why the hell are we wasting time here for? Take me to her. Now!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He was through the residence door the second the helicopter had come to a stop.

The scenery was like that of a postcard or calendar. Towering mountain peaks capped with snow, towering trees whose canopy branches disappear into the overcast sky above, the air thin but misty from the clouds drifting past. Gorgeous, beautiful of any art form yet none would do justice to the picture before him.

And yet Katsuki paid it no mind as his nostrils flared as he searched for the scent that had been within the vial from the test.

“You won’t be capable of sniffing her out.” The assembly head commends his efforts as he enters the perfectly camouflaged building that blended in with the surrounding landscape; not even aviary types would be capable of spotting this place if they were perched right on top of it. “Relax and take some deep breaths, young Alpha. Listen instead of sniffing.”

With a growl, Katsuki huffs then closes his red eyes as he levels his breathing. Damn altitude and its interference with picking up scent trails. Though that was a smart move on this guy’s part. It would ensure that she couldn’t be discovered. Meaning that for now this could be the safest place for her—

His thoughts freeze when he suddenly hears a soft breath from deep within the residence. Was that her? It had to be. Every cell in his body was starting to vibrate as his chest rumbles softly.

Without wasting another second, keeping his eyes closed so as to focus upon his hearing, the blond Alpha carefully and swiftly makes his way through the multilevel residence while paying no mind to those he passes until he comes to a stop before a door. The sounds had gotten louder, the breaths now faster, were coming from the other side. His hand quickly pressed the panel beside the door and with a soft hiss it unlocks and allows him entry.

And that’s when he saw you…laying curled up within a mountain of pillows and blankets that must have been a hastily put together Nest, your being curled within a fetal position.

You looked so fragile laying there covered in bandages that revealed just how skeletal your frame was. Brittle hair that looked as if it could just snap if the slightest pressure was applied, arms and legs so thin that they might as well be twigs, the simple dress covering your being sorely to preserve your dignity and allow ease of dressing changes or sponge baths for healing purposes revealed the full extent of the trauma you’d suffered at the hands of the villains. It was heartbreaking, seeing you staring listlessly off into space that was the nearby dome of windows that allowed you to gaze out across the scenery outside he’d paid no mind to. Your eyes were so dull, no spark of life to be seen within them as you lay upon the fabric formed Nest that had been put together by others in hope you would find comfort.

The sound of footsteps vaguely registers within your mind as a presence approaches. You’ve never felt something like this before but it was obvious that it belonged to an Alpha, that was obvious, and yet you remained unmoved from your position. Nothing interested you anymore.

Ever so faintly, almost too faint to hear, your ears pick up the faintest of rumbles coming from the figure who slowly moved within your line of sight.

Your oval pupils, which had been unfocused, slowly adjust to bring his being forward from the sea of blurs that claimed your vision. Nothing awoke within you when he lowered himself to one knee, his expression unreadable but body language relaxed as he remains at a respectable distance. But it was as your gaze met his red, finding ruby gemstone irises that shift and dance within the light as he slowly removes the black mask from his face, that your breath hitches when the motion of his hand causes you to become wafted by a small breeze that carried his scent; summertime sunshine, festival firework gunpowder, the faint taste of spicy pepper tantalizes your sinuses as you breathe in the pheromones he gave off.

Slowly, your head rises from the Nest, eyes searching his own as you use both elbows to remain somewhat upright.

His pupils dilate slightly when he sees how much your arms are shaking from supporting your weight and with quick reflexes moves forward with a gentle grasp to catch you before they can give out, a concerned and calming rumble sounding from within his throat as he helps you to sit comfortably by leaning you against the Nest’s barrier. Katuski could feel the barrier of the Nest; natural law ordained and demanded that none could enter an Omega’s private space such as this without facing consequences but you hadn’t made this particular structure so he wouldn’t suffer any major repercussions…and yet he gradually backed off once he was sure you were stable. He wanted you to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

The slight tilt of your head to the left makes his breath catch not because you had moved but the fact that you had tilted it in his direction was cause of him to suddenly feel a spike of adrenaline. Or was the anticipation? He didn’t know and frankly didn’t care.

Without using a single word, the gloves upon his hands were removed then tossed off to the side with his gauntlets and mask, then he offered them to you with palms facing upwards.

The choice was yours.

Would you stay…or would you go to the Alpha?

There was no indication that he wanted to hurt you. Not a single growl, nor did he bare his fangs, and this one smelled much different than any you’ve encountered. The features of his face suggested he was slightly older than you, not by much but enough that spoke of many overcome obstacles in battle and personal growth, his ruby red eyes revealing a hungry drive to prove himself but also a deeply rooted loneliness amongst the shifting gemstone shards of fierce protective and loyal flames that spark with golden flakes within his red irises.

A wave of his energy washes over you like a summer breeze, a warm shower upon the thirsty desert longing for rain, as before you realized it…

…your being had moved from the Nest and into his arms that slowly enclose around you.

Katsuki gasps when your form lightly presses against his, a soft whine sounding from him when he feels that you’re more fragile than you look, as if you’d snap if he squeezed too tightly. His cheek rests upon the top of your head as his eyes close, one hand resting upon the nape of your neck where its fingers gently massage as the other hand brings you closer until your seated comfortably within his lap, his legs crossed neatly beneath you so your own legs were draped across one of his toned thighs.

The heart in his chest threatens to break when you nuzzle your face into his neck, feeling your breathing hitching as if you were fighting back sobs. Never in his entire life had he felt this way. As if every fiber of his being was demanding he protect that which lay within his arms. Echoes of what the assembly head had said along with the footage he’d seen replaying within his mind. Your body may be weak but your soul was that of a warrior. It was strong enough to withstand the captivity within the hands of the villain Alphas. That made you admirable, within his eyes, someone more than worthy of his respect and maybe…more.

“You were very brave to survive what you went through. The fact you’re alive today shows that you have a strong will, a fighter’s spirit.” he finally manages to whisper, nuzzling your temple gently with the tip of his nose as his hand that had been at the nape of your neck carefully combs through your tresses. “…you shouldn’t have had to go through any of that and I’m sorry you did…but I want you to listen to what I say to you right here…right now…” The bend of his finger meets the underside of your chin, raising it with gentle pressure so that you were looking up at him instead of hiding within his neck. His gaze is soft, voice tender and warm, expression one of sincerity as he ever so carefully brushes the tip of his tongue along your cheekbone. “…You’ve fought your war. I promise you never have to go through that hell again. Those villains will never lay another hand on you and if one of those bastards ever even try to come near you I will tear them to shreds and pieces so small that no forensic team will find traces of them. You’re safe now…no more pain, no more suffering…not so long as I’m alive.”

Your eyes widen. Why would an Alpha of his caliber make such a promise? Surely he was demanding something in return. They all did. No act of kindness came without a price or ultimatum, that was a painful lesson you’d learned.

That thought must have shown on your face if his soft growl was anything to go by, but it wasn’t a threatening one; more of one of the frustrated nature. “No, I don’t want anything from you. I just… If anyone on this damn earth deserves to live a life of happiness, that person should be you, little one.”

Pressure suddenly takes hold of his heart when he sees a tear slip down your cheek, your eyes so wide they might just pop out of their sockets.

“O-oh, crap, I didn’t mean to make you cry! Damnit, I can’t even comfort someone right?!” One of his hands leaves your being so it can rake through his hair as he grumbles beneath a breath before bringing you even closer so that your ear is pressed against his chest. “Sorry, I’m not the greatest with stuff like this. I’m not Izuku or Kirishima who can just—” His sentence screeches to a halt when feeling you start to tremble and words give way to gentle rumbles as he tightens his hold on you. Now he could smell it…how you were trying not to fall apart, attempting not to shatter into a million pieces. Once again his warm, wet tongue gently brushes against your skin as he begins to rock you back and forth. “It takes as much strength to remain in one piece as it does to cry when the soul needs it. It’s okay…I’ve got you…go ahead…let it out…”

A quiver rises within your lips as your hands rise to cling to the costume fabric covering his chest and back.

One of his hands moves to the back of your head where it keeps you close while the other begins to rub along your spine. “I won’t let go, I swear. Nothing can touch or hurt you so long as you’re within my hold. Forget the damn world and its bullshit, just focus on this right here…you and me…no one else…just us…”

Something within you clicked, as if a bond was trying to form as you take a shuddering breath that fills your lungs with his pheromones and his energy washes over you once more. His words wrapped around you like his body did, surrounding you within warmth and serenity, shielding you from the world’s eye. Within your throat rises a choked sound. It’s been so long since you’ve used your voice that for a moment part of you wondered if you’d forgotten how to use it.

As if sensing your hesitation and sudden fear his tongue gently begins to lap at your throat in encouragement. The touches gentle, tender, sweet even as if he were attempting to help you find your voice once more…

And its when his lips meet your skin that the first of many hoarse, broken cries erupt from your throat as crystalline tears spill down your cheeks.

Unbeknownst to either of you that the assembly head and his team were closely watching the two of you, a pair of medical personnel ready and waiting for the opportune time for them to move forward with their hidden agenda. The trials had successfully found a compatible Alpha for the sole Omega left in the world. Now it was time for them to wait.

~~🪽~~|~~🪽~~|~~🪽~~| ~~🪽~~|~~🪽~~|~~🪽~~|

I do have a secondary part but that is as far as I got for this story. Another is in the works and if you guys like this one enough, I’ll post the second part of this! Take care, loves!

[clarisse0o]

Camp Wiegman-Part 63

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe : Military School

Words : 5k

Masterlist

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Saturday, February 27th; 11:00 AM - Ingrid’s Apartment.

Our vacation is coming to an end, and you can feel it. A last-minute brunch was organized at Ingrid's before Mapi and Joan's departure in the early afternoon. Jenni and Alexia were, of course, invited along with us. It was an opportunity to spend the last few hours before wrapping up the holiday. I wished it would never end. I was already happy with my previous vacations, but this one far surpasses all the others I've had. The atmosphere was calm, with various topics of discussion on the table. It was a different mood compared to what we experienced just the night before. Lucy, sitting next to me, has had her hand on my thigh since we arrived. Since I told her about my late-night call, she hasn’t let go of me, in every sense of the word. We were both shaken. However, unlike me, Lucy is seriously considering the proposal I was offered. That’s not the case for me. Not at all. I couldn’t see myself moving away from her, from my loved ones, from this city. It caused tension between us, though we understand each other's arguments. I think our situation was noticed because our friends kept glancing at us, as if to ensure we weren’t about to explode in the middle of the gathering.

“Alright. Are we going to keep pretending everything’s fine, or are you finally going to talk?”

It’s Mapi who spoke. Of course, she’s the one who never holds back. I focus on my plate while Lucy tightens her grip on my thigh. A small sigh escapes her.

“Do you want to tell them?” 

I can feel her eyes on me. She’s leaving it up to me whether or not to share the news with them. I shrug and lean back against the chair. I have everyone’s attention, except for Joan, who’s still focused on his plate, undisturbed by the tension.

“The gallery called me back.”

“Really?” Mapi exclaims with excitement, then loses her enthusiasm. “Wait. They don’t want you, is that it? Is that why you look so upset? What a bunch of idiots! They have no idea what they’re missing out on if they refuse you!”

I smile despite myself at her mood swings. Honestly, she’ll always have my back, no matter the situation, even if she doesn’t know all the details.

“No, it’s not exactly that...”

“The manager offered her a job in Cardiff,” my girlfriend announces bluntly.

“What!?” Alexia reacts. “What’s going on? Why not here?”

“He’s opening a new gallery and putting together a team, and he sees me as a good fit for it.”

“And what’s next?” Mapi scoffs. “It’s a great way to trap you there! It’ll start with an apprenticeship, then a contract you won’t be able to refuse. We all know how this stor—Ouch!” she yells after being elbowed by Ingrid. “What’s your problem?”

“Stop talking so much. You’re not even letting them speak! And besides, this decision isn’t yours to make. If Ona wants to go, it’s her choice.”

“She doesn’t want to,” Lucy replies. “But I think she should. I mean, this is an incredible opportunity. This gallery is very prestigious, even here in Manchester. To be honest, she won’t find a better stepping stone at her current stage.”

“Oh, are you kidding me?” Mapi snaps. “Now that you two are together, are you trying to get rid of her or something? She trusts you! You have no right to say that!”

“Mapi!” Ingrid interrupts with a disapproving tone. “Lucy is supporting Ona. She’s right—it’s a unique opportunity if a top gallery wants to recruit her. It’s not something everyone gets.”

“You’re kidding, right? Ona freaks out when she’s far from her, and I’m not going to let this slide! She’s supposed to support you and your choices, Ona!” she says, looking me directly in the eyes.

That was the last straw for my girlfriend. She slams the table as she stands up.

“Just because I’m telling her to go to Cardiff doesn’t change anything for us,” Lucy says, surprising us all with her outburst. “There’s life beyond personal relationships, and that’s called a career. Sure, she’s happy with me, but she’d be even happier with a job that fulfills her.”

“Well, there are other solutions than moving miles away,” Mapi counters. “I don’t know, she could apply to other galleries in Manchester,” she adds, gesturing wildly. “Who cares about their influence!”

“Cardiff is just next door, you know,” Jenni chimes in for the first time. “Lucy isn’t wrong. A relationship like this is perfectly doable.”

“Next door?” Alexia scoffs. “It’s a three-hour drive! Sure, it could be worse, but that’s still a long trip to make every weekend. Plus, it’s a gallery. If they have exhibitions, some weekends are going to be off-limits. Ona, knowing you, I understand why you don’t want to go, and I support you.”

A heavy silence fills the room. Three against three, then. I thought their input would help us, but clearly not. We’re back to square one. I glance at Lucy, who sighs as she sits back down, running her hand over her face. This issue is far from over, and we all know it. The tension slowly fades, even as Mapi asks another question.

“When do you have to give them an answer?”

“In two weeks,” I reply. “The manager wants to meet me again. I’ll have to ask Wiegman for permission to leave.”

“She’ll grant it,” Lucy assures me, having already told me this information yesterday.

She even added that she’ll make sure to accompany me. I hope that’ll be the case. Since she’ll remain my supervisor until the end, there’s a good chance.

“Two weeks to think it over, huh... Ugh. No way are you leaving again when I plan to come here.”

“Well, you could just come back home,” Joan, who had been silent until now, suggests.

No one responds before we all laugh. He still seems hopeful for my return... Even though I talked to him this morning before coming here. He wasn’t too open, probably afraid to confide in me. With all this chaos, I haven’t had time to call my mom, but it’s still on my mind.

“Well, I’ve still got to finish packing,” Mapi finally says. “You girls coming to help?”

Having finished eating, Alexia and I get up to follow her to the bedroom. Lucy stops Joan, who wants to come with us, and encourages him to keep eating. He’s the only one who hadn’t finished yet, as he tends to take his time. I thank my girlfriend, who must have understood we needed some time alone to talk. It’s the first time I’ve set foot in Ingrid’s place. Her apartment is smaller than Lucy’s. For starters, it only has one bedroom, compared to Lucy’s three. However, I had the chance to see the bathroom, and for an apartment, it’s quite spacious. Of course, everything is quite modern. From the outside, the building doesn’t look old. She lives right in the center of Manchester. That was surprising. I imagined her living outside the city, like Lucy, but I guess I was wrong. Contrary to what you might think, you can’t hear anything from the outside world. It must be well insulated. When we arrive in the only bedroom, I notice it faces the back, overlooking a small courtyard. The place looks more peaceful here. I felt compelled to linger by the window, for whatever reason. Probably to delay the conversation. Mapi didn’t share that sentiment.

“No way! I can’t believe this!” she fumes.

I turn around to see her pacing back and forth while Alexia has flopped onto the bed like a rock. I don’t hesitate long before joining her. The conversation is going to be long, especially with Mapi in this state. She’s aggressively pulling clothes from the wardrobe, which I note is Ingrid’s. It seems we’re not the only ones moving forward in this new life. Yet, it’s quite contradictory to what she told me earlier.

“She seriously thinks this is what’s best for you!? Are you sure she knows you well, because that’s not the impression I’m getting!”

“Stop getting worked up like this.”

“I’ll get worked up if I want,” she says, throwing clothes into her suitcase one by one. “Honestly, I had a lot more respect for her before today.”

I sigh, casting a glance at Alexia. She doesn’t seem inclined to come to my rescue, judging by the way she shrugs. Clearly, those two are on the same page.

“She didn’t say anything wrong.”

“She wants you to go to Cardiff!”

“She’s only thinking about my professional well-being! She wants me to be fulfilled.”

- "And then what? Do you think you'll be away from everyone? Now that I've found something to build my life on here, you're leaving again! It's out of the question, I'm warning you!"

I laugh softly as I fall onto the bed. I stare at the white-painted ceiling. She's right. I can't just drop everything here when I've barely started forging a future. There are other galleries. I just need to apply. Anyway, I wasn't planning on accepting his offer impulsively. I already know a couple that broke up because of a career decision. I'm not going to make the same mistake.

- "What do you plan to do?" Ale. asks.

- "Negotiate at first. Then probably write some resumes. We need to talk about it more seriously with Lucy. She's not entirely wrong."

- "Did you two argue?" she continues.

- "No, not really. We didn’t raise our voices, even though we weren’t on the same page."

- "That's good. Anyway, the decision is yours to make."

I nod, though not very convincingly. I don't know where this is headed, but it doesn't feel good. I didn’t need any last-minute tensions to ruin the end of our vacation.

- "I think I would have preferred if he’d said no instead of making such an offer. To be honest, I expected this answer considering the kind of gallery it is."

I've had time to do some research since the interview. I didn’t know who I was dealing with before. If Lucy says it’s a golden opportunity, it’s because it's one of the most renowned galleries in Wales. they've established themselves in the big cities, and now they’re targeting smaller ones, according to him. Working there would be a great boost for my resume...

- "Oooh, I know that look," Mapi says, cutting through my thoughts. "Don’t even think about it. Have you forgotten what it was like being away from Lucy? Right now, you’re not thinking about it because you’re in your bubble, but wait until classes start again. You’ll remember what it feels like to have distance between you."

I bite my lip, thinking about her words. I hate to admit it, but she’s right. It’s unthinkable. Just look at my nightmares. Since I've been back in her arms, they've disappeared completely. I’d be curious to see if they come back when I return to school. If they do, I'd better keep it to myself. Wiegman might send me to see a therapist like she threatened before the holidays, and that's definitely not happening. But we’re not there yet. It’s not time to think about that. There’s more to it. I feel safe by her side, and being alone in an unknown city is definitely not a good plan. The idea of Lucy following me is simply impossible. She’ll be too busy with the renovation and opening of her gym. It’s truly a headache that I need to deal with.

- "Well," Mapi sighs, seeming to have finished packing. "I’m going to check the bathroom one more time to make sure I’ve got everything, and then we can head out."

The time is indeed approaching. Their flight is scheduled for early afternoon so they can arrive in Barcelona tonight. If it were up to Mapi, she probably would have flown tomorrow, but she agreed to change the date to accompany my little brother. It’s his first trip, and I have no doubt the time difference will affect him. I stand up, intending to head to the living room, but Alexia, who’s now sitting, stops me.

- "You know, I don't completely agree with Mapi's words, but she's got a point. I don’t know everything you’ve been through like she or probably Lucy does."

I part my lips to defend myself, but she continues before I can say anything.

- "But I’ve seen who you were before Lucy came into your life and who you are now. I’m not sure what to make of it, to be honest. Just don’t make any hasty decisions. You’re the only stable friend I’ve had lately, and I don’t want to lose you."

I smile at her heartfelt confession. I had always wondered if Alexia had any friends because she never talks about the people around her outside of school. I think I have my answer now. She probably never had the chance to get close to anyone because of her chaotic life, which is a real shame. She’s a fantastic person, and I don't regret meeting her at all.

- "How could you think I’d abandon you after school? You’ve managed to reach the same level as Mapi in my life, so even if I had to leave, we’d stay close. Now come here, you silly girl."

I open my arms, and she doesn't hesitate to accept my embrace. It’s actually the first time I’ve initiated it. She squeezes me so tightly I almost can’t breathe, but I say nothing. She must need this. She probably thought I didn’t care about her as much, but she’s wrong. She’s been a huge support to me this year, and I’m not going to forget that.

- "Thank you," she whispers.

After exchanging a smile, we head back to the living room. Our friends were deep in conversation, thankfully not about my job offer. As soon as I sit down, Lucy pulls me close and kisses my temple. I smile, leaning into her. No matter if we disagree, as long as love remains, I'm fine.

- "Are you okay?" she whispers.

I nod to reassure her. I’m not in the best shape, but she doesn’t need to know that right now. Knowing her, she probably suspects something anyway. Nothing is resolved, but now isn’t the time to discuss it. Time flies, and before long, we're cleaning up and preparing to leave. Everyone pitches in, and just before 12:30, we head out. Jenni and Alexia have already said goodbye to the apartment, preferring to go home rather than come with us. With just five of us left, Lucy took the initiative to drive us to the airport. The journey is long and silent, leaving me deep in thought. Why does something always have to spoil my happiness? It’s really unfortunate. I snap out of my reverie when Lucy places her hand on my thigh. Normally, I love that, but right now, it doesn’t lift my spirits. Instead, I look into the rearview mirror, where everything is just as quiet. Even my brother isn't saying a word. He must sense the tension; otherwise, I have no doubt she’d be chatting away the whole trip. Finally, we arrive at the airport. We accompany Joan and Mapi through all the necessary steps before boarding. It’s strange not to be the one traveling this time. I help my brother with each step; it’s definitely not something she can do alone.

- « Ona?" she calls out to me.

We’re alone at the baggage check-in, and it’s the first time he’s spoken. Mapi is at another counter while the others wait on the other side.

- "Hmm?"

- "You’re not going to break up with Lucy, are you?"

- "Why would you think that, huh?" I ask with a small smile.

- "Well, you both seem sad. I don’t want you two to break up. Even though she takes you away from me, she’s brought your smile back."

I blush slightly as the attendant chuckles, clearly having overheard. I try to ignore him to respond to my brother.

- "We’re not breaking up, Joan. We just have a disagreement. It’ll be sorted out soon."

- "I hope so. Because even though I pretended otherwise, I actually like her. As long as you both make your decisions with your hearts, everything will be fine."

His words make me smile. I ruffle his hair before we rejoin the others. Kids can be so perceptive when they want to be. He gave me the answer to my questions in a single sentence. We finally reach the boarding gate. The flight leaves in a few minutes. We’ve found seats, and Joan has taken advantage of the moment to sit on my lap. He snuggles against me, kicking his legs gently.

- "I don’t want to go," Mapi sighs.

- "It’s just three little months."

- "It’s going to be so long without you," she groans. "Next time, you guys are coming to me."

- "Mom wants us to come anyway, so we’ll visit one weekend."

- "You’ll come with them, right?" she asks her girlfriend.

- "Of course," she confirms, giving her a small kiss.

I smile sadly. It must be just as hard for Ingrid. You quickly get used to the good things. I’m glad Lucy and I weren’t already together when I used to go back home. It was hard enough then; I can’t imagine how I’d have felt if we’d been dating. It must not be easy for the girls either.

- "Are you okay, love?"

I look back at Lucy and nod. She smiles gently, running her hand through my hair, and I close my eyes for a moment, savoring the gesture. I definitely couldn’t part from her. I lean in to kiss her, and Joan, still sitting on me, groans in disgust, forcing me to pull away gently. Lucy laughs, looking at him.

- "Did you enjoy the vacation?"

- "Yes!" he replies, nodding enthusiastically. "Can I come back?"

- "Of course. We just need your mom’s approval," she answers.

- "And when are you guys coming back?"

- "Soon. One of the upcoming weekends," I tell him.

Lucy nods in agreement. We haven’t talked about it yet, but with my mom insisting and what’s going on with Joan, it would be a good idea to go as soon as possible. The intercom announces that the boarding gate is now open. The way Joan burrows into me tells me he’s been dreading this moment. I hug him tight before we stand to accompany them to the gate, ready to say our goodbyes. Mapi bids farewell to her girlfriend while I crouch down to remind my brother of a few final instructions.

- "You’ll behave, okay? And make sure you listen to Mapi during the flight."

- « Yes, Ona," he answers indifferently. "I’m going to miss you."

He catches me by surprise, wrapping one arm around my neck and the other around Lucy’s waist, who was standing next to me.

- "I’ll miss you too, sweetheart. We’ll see each other soon, I promise."

I kiss him cheek, giving him one last hug. Then he turns to Lucy to do the same. Meanwhile, I take the opportunity to hug Mapi.

- "Everything will be fine," I tell her.

- "Shouldn’t I be the one telling you that?" she giggles. "We’ll keep in touch, right?"

- "I promise. We’ll see each other soon anyway. And then you’ll come here, so there won’t be any more problems."

She gives me one last hug and then hugs my girlfriend before taking Joan’s hand.

- "Don’t worry, I’ll bring him back in one piece," she teases me.

- "I sure hope so," I chuckle.

- "Text us when you land," adds Ingrid.

- "I won’t forget."

She comes back to give her one last kiss before finally leaving. We stay in our spots until they pass the first flight attendants and the corridor. They turn around one last time, and we exchange a final wave before they disappear around the corner. That’s when we turn to leave.

- "Well, there you have it," Lucy comments. "Things will be calm again."

- "Oh yeah," Ingrid sighs. "It’s going to feel almost boring now."

- "No kidding," I giggle.

- "Do you have any plans for next weekend?" Lucy asks.

- "I don’t think so. Why?"

- "Well, I was thinking we could go visit. You want to go as soon as possible, right?" Lucy asks in return.

I nod. She wraps her arm around my shoulders. I smile softly, snuggling against her.

- "Well, I suppose we can do that, but I won’t be able to go every weekend," Ingrid warns us.

- "That’s not our plan, don’t worry," Lucy reassures her. "Alright, let’s go buy our tickets, and then we can head home."

Said and done. We head toward the ticket counters, taking our time. Then we make our way back, with a stop to drop Ingrid off. I let her sit in the front so they could chat. Once I’m alone again, silence returns. I avoid looking at Lucy, preferring to watch the world outside. Manchester is a very vibrant city if you pay attention.

- "Are you going to stay quiet for much longer?" she asks me.

- "Can’t I?"

- "No. Not when you’re thinking so much."

I look down at her hand, palm up, resting on my thigh. I get the message and take her hand in mine. She brings it to her lips and kisses it.

- "Talk to me. You know I don’t like it when you shut yourself off."

- "Was the answer you gave me last night from your heart?"

The question hangs in the air. I don’t dare look at her, afraid I’ll regret it. My sister managed to plant doubts in my mind. What if she was speaking from the heart? What if, as Mapi suggested earlier, she really wanted me far away from her? It’s hard to believe that of Lucy, but nothing is impossible. She sighs softly, squeezing my hand.

- "Cariño-"

- "Answer my question, Lucy," I interrupt. "It’s not a complicated one."

- "If this is about trust or-"

- "That’s not an answer," I groan, finally managing to look at her.

I don’t know why, but her evasion irritates me. As long as she doesn’t give me a clear answer, the doubts will remain. She’s not looking at me. Usually, she’d at least glance at me, but not this time.

- "No. Of course not," she finally answers. "If it was a choice made with my heart, I’d make sure to keep you by my side all the time."

- "Then why tell me to accept?"

- "It’s the reasonable answer, Ona. That will always be my first response. I thought you knew that by now."

- "So what? If we both have a problem talking openly from the heart, then we have a problem."

- "I just want what’s best for you."

- "I know, but that’s not what I expect from you. Well, it is, but not when it means pushing me away at the same time. Do you want to know how I’d feel if I accepted this offer? Imagine how I felt when you rejected me; it would feel just like that. Why do you think Mapi flipped out when she found out?! She knew exactly how I was feeling!"

My voice resonates in the car. I raised it on purpose. I want to provoke a reaction from her. I want her to hold me back. If she doesn’t, I honestly won’t know what to think anymore.

- "I—... Wait, let me park."

I realize we’ve arrived at her building from what she just said. She lets the silence linger as she parks the car, just as she said. As soon as the keys are out of the ignition, she turns toward me and grabs both of my hands again, holding them tightly and pulling them close. I force myself to look at her. She looks shaken.

- "That’s not my intention, baby. I’m really sorry if you took it that way. It’s just that, I was raised this way, you know? Making the reasonable choices, it’s what I do… I don’t want us to fight about this."

After everything she’s told me about her childhood, I can only understand. I don’t know much, but from what I’ve gathered, she was very focused on school. She probably didn’t have many friends, which is why she’s so close to Jenni. It always surprises me because, at my old high school, she would have been one of the popular girls. She probably would’ve been at hers too, but she turned down that role. After all, if she was bullied as a kid, I can understand her. Rejecting labels allowed her to make the best choices for her future, without having to worry about anyone. She never had to follow her heart because she wasn’t close to anyone but Jenni. She always seemed to follow her everywhere, so naturally, the reasonable always triumphed for her without question.

- "I love you, baby. If you want to stay here, I’m not going to push you away. It’s just that, I’m about to reach my goals soon. If I wanted you to accept this offer, it was so you could achieve yours with the best chances possible."

- "But there are other options, even if they’ll take more work. I’m ready to make sacrifices, Lucy."

- "I know, and we’ll talk about it. There’s no need to get so worked up. I’m not pushing you away, far from it," she teases gently, wiping away the tears I hadn’t even realized were falling.

- "We should never have involved others in this..."

- "No, we shouldn’t have," she smiles. "But it’s okay. What’s done is done. Besides, no matter what anyone else says, or even me, the final decision is yours, no matter what. I won’t be mad if you turn down the offer. Quite the opposite. Just don’t make any hasty decisions. Don’t focus only on me. As much as I don’t want it, we don’t know what tomorrow holds for us and many other things. You need to think it over carefully."

I nod, letting her gentle caresses on my cheeks soothe me. My doubts have finally eased. She’s not rejecting me. She just wants me to make the right decisions without regrets. I need to make this choice for myself, just as she has always made hers... Her words managed to plant some doubts.

- "Will you always put your goals before your relationship?" I ask curiously, opening my eyes.

- "No. It’s hard to explain, but I feel like you’re the person I’ve always been waiting for in my life... Since the day you agreed to be with me, you’ve become my priority. And anyway, as I said, my goals are being met right now, so I don’t think I’ll have any more for a long time, if everything works out."

- "Thank you," I reply, blushing. "Can I have some cuddles now?"

- "Of course," she laughs. "As many as you want, once we’re back in our apartment."

- "Our apartment?" I catch her slip.

- "Ours, yes..." she confirms with a hint of anxiety before continuing. "I’d like you to move into my apartment. For now, just on the weekends, but once school’s over, I want it to be permanent. I want you to stay here and live with me, my love."

My heart skips a beat. We had talked about me staying here after Camp Wiegman, but I didn’t expect her to make it an official request. I blink back the tears filling my eyes before throwing my arms around her neck, shouting "yes" over and over, making my girlfriend laugh as she catches me effortlessly.

[the-fiction-witch]

Baby Mama P2

Media The Queens Gambit

Character Benny Watts

Couple Benny X Watts

Rating Sweet Af

Concept Pregnancy

I stood holding the small of my back as I desperately tried to quell the pain. Everything hurt my feet. My ankles. My legs. My hips. My stomach. My back. My shoulders. My neck. Every single part of me was tired and aching and generally unhappy as the baby kicked almost per minute.

"Uhh stop just stop. For five minutes" I complained

"Baby really beating you up today" Benny chuckled from his chair

"I don't know why baby won't settle and sit damn still for five minutes" I sighed

"Would you like some tea?"

"No thank you, Benny"

"Would you like me to run you a bath or a hot shower?"

"No thank you, Benny"

"How about I give you a nice massage?'

"This better not be another excuse"

"No, no excuse A proper massage, Will that make you feel better?"

"Maybe?"

"Come on then," he says getting up and offering his chair I smiled and took a seat on the chair and he moved to the ottoman over so I could put up my feet and recline "One second," he said, going to our bedroom and he returned kneeling beside the ottoman, with a clean fluffy towel sitting it under my feet on top of the ottoman and a small bottle I was confused at first but he clicked and stretched his fingers a moment before pouring some of the bottles onto his hands and immediately the scent of lemon hit my nose reminding me of the massage oil from the box under our bed he rubbed some on his hands and then poured a little on my feet before he began to rub my swollen feet

"Uhhhhh ummmmm" I smiled as he worked

"That's nice?"

"Ummm" I nodded relaxing as he worked "ummm this is the most pleasurable feeling ever" I smiled

"...you're pregnant" he glared

"Yeah?"

"So I've had sex with you" he complained

"I stand by my statement"

"Thanks, well I have to keep my baby mama happy somehow"

I sat at the table going through the various items that had arrived, Of course, ordering things from catalogues as shopping wasn't really an option as I'm in no mood or ability to walk around a department store. Of course, family and friends had heard the news about the imminent arrival of the baby and sent over boxes of gifts so I was sorting baby clothes and various items that had accumulated Benny was supposed to be helping me but I think he was just kind playing with things currently he sat with a small wooden xylophone attempting to play himself a tune

"Benny"

"What?"

"Stop playing with the baby toys"

"I'm testing them," he says "I have to check they are adequately mentally stimulating. We want our baby to be a grandmaster by twelve they need smart baby toys" he explained

"I never said I wanted that"

"You didn't. I did"

"Benny, the baby will be smart You don't have to test all the toys"

"I don't know they are only half chess genius," he says and I glared "I'm just testing them If I can use them without hurting myself then they are safe for the baby"

"I don't know babies are pretty dumb"

"True, y/n watch" he laughed before he began to play a tune

"You just wanna play with it"

"Kinda,"

"Do something else"

"Fine" he sighed moving into another box "Okay I am very confused..."

"That's a nursing bra"

"It's a bra... but buttons to expose the boobs?"

"Yes Benny, for nursing."

"I feel like we had one of these when we first got married that I ripped off you sometime after our honeymoon"

"Different thing Benny"

"I don't know make this in black lace and I'm pretty sure it's the same. That's a point you're planning on breastfeeding right?"

"That's the plan"

"Yes! Boobs!"

"Not boobs for you. Boobs for baby"

"But I'll still get to see boobs which is really what I'm excited about"

"Your my husband you can see boobs whenever you want"

"Yeah but it's not as fun"

I sat bouncing myself on the small inflatable ball I picked up it's supposed to help me strengthen and Widen my cervix or something. By the side of my Bump, I'd kinda wished I'd been doing way more cause I am a planet I've almost convicted the head of this baby is gonna be a literal watermelon luckily it wouldn't be long until this would be over and the baby would be here I mean I'm excited for this to be over but also worried because then I have a human to take care of which I mean I should be fine with I already take care of benny, the longer this goes on the more I question women who say they like being pregnant? I definitely do not. And I was pretty panicked I mean I want it out of me of course so we can have our baby and so I can be done being pregnant but... it has to come out of me which is gonna hurt! It's a complex feeling to have as I bounce.

"Comfy?" Benny asks as he brings me some juice

"Somewhat" I answered taking the juice and having a sip as he sat in his chair "Why?' I glared

"Just a position I should think you're used to" he smirked

For a moment I was puzzled and then I realised oh yeah I'm sitting with my thighs wife bouncing up and down

"Stop thinking with your penis Benjamin"

"Maybe I would if it got some attention" he sighed sipping his own juice

"I'm pregnant" I argued

"Yeah? Not like I can make you double pregnant. It's literally the only time it's a one hundred per cent chance I cum inside you and can't get you pregnant"

"No Benny, it's dangerous"

"Not in any of the parenting magazines I've read"

"Yes but you've been reading husband magazines and they are not helpful"

"Yeah the one at the doctor's office really isn't helpful and they really didn't appreciate me telling them that"

"Their doctor's benny they don't like being told they're wrong"

"But they are"

"Yes dear" I laughed

"Besides that pregnant booklet in the waiting room was printed in 1948, how is it possible that still there best recommendations?"

"I know" I giggled counting to bounce

"How'd baby?"

"Kicking. Stretching legs."

"Not long now and we'll finally get to hold our little one in our arms" he smiled coming to cuddle my stomach and give it kisses "umm Daddy can't wait to see you little one"

"Awww mummy can't either, just maybe... calm the kicking down a little"

"You want some help?"

"Not like you can stop it, Benny"

"I can help" he smiled moving behind me and gently holding my hips "Lay back"

"Are you sure?'

"Trust me"

"Alright" I sighed leaning my body back against him and he gently moved my hips on the ball which admittedly was very relaxing

"Don't hold back lean your whole weight on me"

"Are you sure? I'm very heavy Benny"

"I'm sure to come on"

So I leant my full weight on him my head on his shoulder and it was really nice not having to hold myself up for a little while and it even clicked my back

"Hey, that better?' He laughed as it clicked

"Much better" I smiled

"Good, I have to make sure baby mama is happy"

"It's getting harder and harder to be happy when I'm in this much pain'

"I know, but not long soon then we have the baby"

"I hope it won't be too long" I smiled but I felt a violent kick again"oh fuck-"

"What? Ohh oh. That's okay baby didn't mean to give your bladder a kick It's fine let's get you cleaned up" he reassured

I laid on the bed using Benny to pop my leg up given the size of My stomach made it basically impossible to lay certain ways, he was fast asleep but I couldn't sleep I'd been feeling this gnawing pain like period cramps but I guess it's just more pregnancy pain, but I'd been feeling it for hours now. I kept semi-falling asleep often waking from pain or strange nightmares of My stomach swelling to the point it explodes. I woke up from asleep and sat up having to use the bedpost to get myself up I wondered thought to the apartment and clicked on the light grabbing my book from the table and flicking through the pages in pain to see if I could fix this somehow

'Pain similar to period cramps - contractions usually a sign of active labour'

What! Wait wait wait what! I read on and began to panic I thought my water was meant to break or something or I'd start screaming I didn't know it would just kinda... begin hurting but I read on and found fake contractions or Braxton-Hicks also feel like this but they go away after eating so I made myself a big pile of toast eating a few pieces but it didn't go away

"What's going on?" Benny yawns as clearly something woke him up and he wondered out of the bedroom in his kimono rubbing his eyes

"I think I'm in labour"

He stopped short as I said that completely freezing mid-eye rub "What?'

"I think I'm in labour"

".... right. Okay. Just calm down!" He says beginning to panic

"I am calm Benny. I'm actually freakishly calm"

"I was talking to myself! Okay uhhh what makes you think so?"

"I've been having pains for like the last six hours. The book says there are contractions."

"They could just be Braxton-Hicks, right? Right you've had those before"

"They could, but they go away when you eat something"

"Did they go away after toast?" He asks

"Nope."

"Okay, what does the pain feel like?" He asks looking around the table for the paperwork

"Like a period cramp. Hurts like fuck then slowly goes away then hurts then slowly goes away"

"Holy shit. Yeah, that's a contraction. And ...your fine?"

"I feel fine. It hurts but I feel calm"

"Hu ... okay you think you can get dressed?"

"I think so"

"Good you get dressed I'll call the midwife at the hospital and see what she says," he says

I nodded and went to our room getting into my little maternity dress even if it was barely for me and a pair of my flats the pain only got more and more intense as Benny waited on hold so I grabbed my bag and packed it with a nightie, some slippers, perfume, lotion, body wash, baby's blankets, hats, socks, all the little things they said we would need to bring just in case. And as I came through he Finally thought having got himself dressed in the meantime with clothes from the clean laundry "Hi! Hi yes hello, okay, Watts. Yeah, it's Benny. She thinks she might be in labour. Well this is our first so... yes she's describing period cramp-like pain that comes then goes away again and it's been like that for several hours now" he explained

"Six hours" I added

"Yeah, six hours now maybe more. Uhh just a sec- does it completely stop when it dies down?"

"It did now not so much"

"Yes but now not so much, okay... no, no, no she had about six bits of toast. Uhhh remarkably calm actually. Okay yep no problem" he says before he hangs up

"So?"

"Uhhh she says you need to get in the car. Like now"

"Ohh okay, I packed the bag"

"Everything on the list?"

"Everything and some additional items"

"Okay, let's get going" he smiled giving me a soft kiss before taking the bag and helping me up to the car and stairs They were hard by the time I reached the car the pain was becoming almost unbearable but Benny did his best holding my hand to drive us through the busy New York streets to the hospital and by this point, I was pretty panicked and in a lot of pain 

[romeactivelycries]

Note: First post 😳😳😳 Sorry if this is bad yall i literally havent written for like 3 years and its proofread by me myself and I but inspired by Angel ep 2x9 angel goes undercover and you walking in on a meeting with demons

Pairing: Angel x Reader

Request: Nopee

Gender: Hopefully neutral 🤞 (lemme know if i fucked up)

Warnings: 18+, some biting and blood but nothing crazy just like vampires u know 🥴

———————————

A yawn broke your daze as you glance over at Wesley turning the page to some demon grimore, hand covering his mouth as he glances at Cordy filing her nails instead of the papers in front of her. This awful torture had lasted all morning and well into the afternoon, research and books and files and guess what? Even more research!!

Groaning you slam your book closed, folding your arms on top of it and laying your head down on them as you mumble out a string of profanities and grievances to no one in particular.

“Got anything?” Wesley grumbles closing his own book and pushing it aside in favor of his now cold cup of tea.

“Just a headache,” you whine. You guys were trying to find out what powers were being held inside an amulet the demon of the week was wearing. It had given him enough strength to take out you, Gunn, and Wesley, he probably would have killed you all if Cordy didn’t have a vision leading Angel to drive by and pick you up. So now he was out scouting for the demons while the research led to dead end after dead end.

“I think I might go for a walk, maybe get us coffee,” you headed towards the doors grabbing your pager off the charging dock and shrugging on your jacket.

“Oo yes! Coffee sounds perfect!” Cordelia perked up, looking at Wesley who nodded in agreement. “Two mochas please!”

You move to open the front door when everyone’s pagers go off, glancing down you all read the message from Angel. It’s a location and the name of the amulet you’ve been searching for information on.

“We can finally focus our research! This is great, Cordelia can you-“ Wesley glances over at you looking at the pager and then meeting your eyes, he instantly knew. “Y/n don’t-“

You smile, running out the front door before he got the chance to tell you not to rush in head first. You were tired of the research, it was time to meet up with Angel.

By the time you reached the location it was nightfall. There was a hidden door in the alley between a nightclub and a liquor store, a brick wall amongst the cobblestone one, and when you knocked three times it slid open. Almost too easy.

As you walked through the door slide closed behind you and various half-burned candles were illuminating the staircase you descended. Looking around the small room you see 5 demons sitting around a table, one by one looking up at you.

Perhaps you had made a slight mistake.

“Look what we have here boys,” One of them begins to say, you glance over at them and see the amulet hanging around their neck. At least you were at the right place?

The demons all move to lunge at you, but before they get the chance the one sitting closest to you stands, chair shrieking as it scraps across the floor.

“This one’s mine,” He’s at your side before you can even blink. Angel. You open your mouth to say something but his eyes warn you not to as his face contorts into its vampiric appearance and he smiles, making a big show for the audience behind you. “Scream for us now.”

You feel his teeth before you even register them pricking into your neck, body paralyzed in fear as Angel moans at the taste of your blood on his tongue. Your eyes fill with tears as your body goes cold, the demons behind you grinning as they cheer him on, yet you can’t hear a sound. It’s almost pleasant to feel it all slip away, as Angel holds you in his arms, withdrawing his teeth as he gently guides you to the floor.

“Stay here, pretend to be dead please.” His voice is a stark contrast to the one he was putting on before as he turns back the demons.

Everything after is a haze, you remember seeing him tear the amulet from the first guy and putting it on himself, before turning to slay the rest of the demons. You can feel his arms wrap around you as he pulls you against his chest, whispering apologies and sweet words as he carries you through the night back to the motel.

You wake up to a train passing by, the horn blaring you from the warm comfort of sleep into the cold of night. Your hand finds its way to your neck, gently gliding over the mark left by Angel’s teeth as your memories flood back to you. Sitting up, you quickly slid out of bed and down the hall, your hands gliding along the walls and wooden doors. You had to see him, see Angel.

213, 215, 217.

You twist the knob, finding the door unlocked as you open it. Angel is sitting in his chair in the corner, turning from looking at the window to you as you close the door behind you. You both go to speak at the same time, saying each other’s name, and he motions for you to go first.

“Angel, I-“ you don’t even know what to say. Thank you? It’s okay? I’m sorry?

“I know,” he moves from his spot by the window over to you, reaching for your hand and gently pulling you to sit with him on the foot of the bed.

His hand trails up to your neck, brushing his fingers along the marks, closing his eyes and leaning his head against yours.

“Do you wanna do it again,” your voice is soft and it snaps him out of his trance as he just looks at you mouth agape, eyes flitting between back and forth between yours. “I want you to, if you want to, but if you don’t I understand-“

His fangs cut you off as they sink into your neck again. That pleasurable pinch of teeth against skin as he laps at the blood that pools there. It’s more gentle this time, more angelic, he rubs soothing circles on your shoulder and pulls back after such a short taste.

“I’m sorry,” he begins, just the faintest whisper as his lips hover near yours. Cradling his face with your hand, your bring your thumb up to his lips swiping away the remains of your blood that stained the corners of his mouth.

It’s as if your on autopilot as he opens his mouth slightly to capture your thumb, his eyes never leaving yours as he sucks and swirls his tongue around it. When you pull your thumb free, there’s just a brief moment where the world stops turning. The air is still and you can both hear your heartbeat. Once. Twice.

His lips are on yours as it skips the next beat, hands tugging at your sides as he pulls you to straddle him. You gasp at the sudden movement letting him take control of the kiss, sliding his tongue into your mouth and moaning as you entangle with one another. You wrap your arms around his neck, holding onto him as his kisses trail down your cheek and neck, bruising a path leading to his bite.

You both know it can’t go further, that it’s already gone too far, but neither can let go as he pulls you in to another intoxicating kiss. You rock your hips against him, feeling his hard on pressing against your sweet spot as you continue to roll your hips and moan into his mouth. He responds with the same urgency, hands tugging at your waist as he grinds up into you, soft moans escaping from his lips.

“Angel,” your voice is a broken whimper as you continue to press into him, trying to get as close as you possibly can. You feel his body shake and writhe the way yours does as you desperately grind against one another. “Please.”

Your not even sure what you’re asking for, but he takes it as an invitation to bite down on your neck once more and he pulls you down against him, rutting up into you as he openly moans and whines against your neck, desperately sucking and biting at whatever he can find. Your hands find their way to the nape of his neck and tangle in his hair pulling his head back as you both see stars, lazily falling back onto the bed and panting against one another.

“You’re not gonna go all crazy town on me now right?” Although you’re mostly joking there’s a hint of concern lacing your words as you pull back gently to look Angel in the eyes.

“I guess since my dick stayed in my pants we’re good,” he pants out, smiling down at you before his face contorts into one of concern.

You sit up, hand pressed against his chest as he continues to stare at you, “What is it you’re scaring me.”

“I fear Cordy and Wesley might think the opposite.” He gestures to the small mirror on the desk across from his bed and you rush over to it, catching your reflection your eyes go wide at the state of your neck. It almost looks like a rabid dog attacked you the way it’s covered in bite marks and bruises, no amount of make up would be able to cover this up.

Turning back around to him you offer a small smile and bite at your lower lip trying to think of a solution before an idea pops into your head and your smile turns into a grin. “I hear turtle necks are in right now!”

[stormynightstorytime]

"Refugee."

The head of the household called, not even sparing her a glance as his eyes were still trained on today's newspaper.

"Yes Reiji?"

She responded softly, obviously fatugied. He clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"That's sir Sakamaki to you."He hissed, quickly sighing after. Calmly returning to his newspaper.

"No matter, I have another task for you."He says, gently tapping the end of his paper on the table then neatly folding it and positioning it exactly, on the vorner of his coffee table.

"The demon's fair is happening tonight and due to some horrid and troublesome law my father had to pass, I have to dismiss our maids and butlers early."

He says rubbing his temples in clear annoyance.

"Luckily they don't get out until dinner is served this however, leaves the issue of clean up. After dinner I trust that you will have finished cleaning all the pots, pans, plates, and cutlery before bed."He states, taking a sip of his tea to better quell his annoyance at the situation. His eyes close and his nose takes in the smell of freshly brewed tea.

A calm takes over him before it was rudely interrupted by a mocking grumble."What was that? You seemed to have something to tell me as of this moment."

He says as his eyes shoot open, brows furrowed and hands interlocked with each other as he rested his head on them.

Perhaps to stop himself from slapping her for her insolence, a restraint he later found useless.

"My name is Victoria."

She said, anger seething out her teeth."

You seem to have forgotten that, and you may have also forgotten that not only have I cleaned the manor, top to bottom, I have also iron all of you and your brothers' clothes, all while I have yet to be given blood and was continually attacked with your rothers various advances. After all that you'd think a little rest is vhelmly under compensation!"

She screamed, Reiji took a deeep breath and stood from his chair. He slowly walked towards her. Standing a small distance away before taking a fist to the collar of her neck and a hand to her bandaged chest.

Victoria yelps in suprise and pain. Reiji grabs her by the chin and forces her to meet his gaze, his eyes glistening with red and anger.

"Perhaps **you** forget."He starts."You only reside here due to my mercy. Should I ever find any fault in your work I would have no qualms parting with a random vampire who suddenly appeared bleeding at the chest from another dimension."

He growls applying more pressure to her chest and causing her more and more pain. Her eyes filled with tears and her mouth filled with whimpers. Then he suddenly lets go. Causing her to fall harshly on yhe ground.

"Now, can I count on you to cleanup before dinner?"

He asks, fixing his cuffs and ridding his attire of any dust. Victoria stays on the ground groaning in pain. Her wound re-opened and the blood spilling all over ghe floor.

"Yes Sir Sakamaki."

She manages to whisper out, Reiji lets out a satisfied hum and turns to the door to leave.

"I shall be off to see that dinner preparations are in order. Who knows if one of those idiotic triplets got in and threatened the staff to change tonight's course."

He says stopping at the door.

"You shall recieve dinner, **after** you finish **all** your tasks for tonight."

And with that Reiji leaves the room with Victoria bleeding on the floor.

(Asks are now open for Victoria, either direct[talking to her] or indirect[asking for a scenario to be done] are now open. Once again no NSFW. Thank you and good night.)

[fanartandfanfiction]

PLEASE READ: idk if I was just half asleep or if I hit some sort of character limit, a chunk of the story is missing and it won’t let me add it. Please read the version I reblogged with the rest of the story. Sorry 😩

So @hogwartslegacyreactions had a hilarious idea about various characters seeing their future with MC in a crystal ball. I loved the idea and (with permission) wrote a oneshot about Leander Prewett (he’s the least likeable to me)

It’s late, I’m tired, I didn’t proof read, I’m gonna hope it’s fine

—————————————————————————-

Leander Prewett sat in a worn, yet comfortable arm chair. He was holding a small red haired girl, and another ran up and crawled into his lap, shoving a storybook into his hands.

Two hands rested on his shoulders, then someone kissed the top of his head. He looked up and saw…

“ELLE?!”

“You don’t have to shout, I’m sitting across from you!” The grumpy slytherin girl glared.

Leander stared at her in shock. With white blonde hair and cold blue eyes, she had the look (and disposition) of an ice Queen.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer. Are you done yet?”

“Uh. I don’t think that was right, let me try again.” He focused on the crystal ball once more.

He saw himself standing at an altar, a tear running down his cheek as he looked at his bride approaching. And that bride was Elle.

“I think it’s broken.” Leander shoved the ball towards her.

“It can’t be broken, dumbass! Let me try.” He watched her as she focused on the crystal ball, curious to see if she got a similar vision. Based on the way her eyebrows shot up and her jaw dropped open, he was guessing she did.

Elle shoved the ball back towards him. “Perhaps you’re right, this one isn’t working properly.”

“You saw it too, didn’t you?” He asked.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” She barked.

“I think you do.”

“No! Just write something down so we can turn our assignment in.”

“Elle-“

“Divination is stupid anyway.” She snatched the paper from his hands and gave it to Professor Onai before storming out of the classroom.

Leander looked up and saw Professor Onai giving him a knowing smile. His cheeks turned pink and he quickly gathered his belongings and headed out the door.

“You’re shitting me!” Garreth gasped.

“No, I’m not. I’m guessing she saw the same thing the way she reacted.”

“Is that why she’s looking at you now?”

Leander looked towards the Slytherin table. “Yes, but I don’t think it’s an expression of love, more like hatred and violence.”

“Maybe you should try to get to know her! Imelda and I are very happy. Opposites attract, and all that.”

“I don’t think she’d agree to that, I’m pretty sure she hates my guts.”

“Then perhaps you should pick on Sallow and Gaunt less.”

“I don’t know. I don’t see us ever tolerating each other.”

“I guess we‘ll find out eventually!”

“No fucking way!” Sebastian gasped.

“And I know that smug bastard saw it too. He was trying to get me to admit it.”

“Personally, I don’t hold much stock in divination and crystal balls.” Ominis said, eating a sandwich.

“Maybe if you could see one you’d feel differently.” Sebastian smirked.

“Asshole.” Ominis grumbled.

“So what are you going to do about it?”

“What do you mean?” Elle frowned.

“I mean are you going to try to get to know him, or spend time with him?”

“Ew.” Elle wrinkled her nose.

“Come on, it could be worse! You could’ve married Ominis!”

“I don’t know why I put up with your abuse.” He glared.

“Because you loooove me.” Sebastian snickered.

“I’d rather marry Ominis. You know what? Ominis, will you marry me? Change the course of the future?” Elle clasped his hand and batted her eyelashes.

“As flattered as I am to be your plan B, I’ll have to pass.”

“What?! You’d be lucky to marry me.” Elle playfully shoved him.

“I mean no offense, I just don’t intend to marry anyone and drag them into the fuckery that is the Gaunt family.”

“You know what? I’ll take the bullet. I’ll marry you, Elle.” Sebastian grinned.

“I think I’d rather marry Prewett.”

“Hey!”

Elle was studying in the library when a shadow covered her book.

“Mind if I join you?” Leander asked.

“Yes.”

Prewett sat down and she huffed. “That wasn’t an invitation to sit down!”

“I think we need to talk about what we saw.”

“And I think you should fuck off.”

“Could you try being less aggressive for once?”

Elle loudly shut her book, causing nearby students to jump. “What do you want from me?”

“I told you, I want to talk about it.”

“About what, exactly?” She crossed her arms and glared.

“About our marriage and our children!” Prewett said a bit too loudly, making everyone turn and look at him.

“Would you shut up about that?! Divination Is stupid.”

“But we both saw the same thing! That has to mean something!”

“You want to talk about it? Fine, we’ll talk about it. We’ll talk about our adorable red-headed children and our cottage by the ocean and our dog!”

“Oh, I’d like a cottage by the ocean, that sounds lovely.”

“Prewett!”

“Look, I’m just saying we both saw it, and it wouldn’t hurt us to try to be friendly to one another. Well, perhaps friendly is pushing it. I’d take anything besides hatred at this point.”

“Oh my god can we just drop it?! Because sitting here with you having this conversation is not winning you any points with me.”

“Fine, be difficult. At least I’ve made an effort!” Prewett got up and left in a huff. Thirty seconds passed before Garreth took his place,

“Don’t waste your time, Garreth.” She said without looking up.

“Hello to you too! You have no idea why I sat down. Maybe I have questions about our homework for muggle studies, or I need ideas for a date with Imelda, or perhaps I just enjoy your sunshiney company!”

“Is it any of those things?” Elle smirked at him.

“No, but I wanted to seem mysterious.”

“I have no desire to spend time with Prewett.”

“He’s not a bad guy!”

“Then why did he threaten to shove Ominis’ head in a toilet?!”

“To be fair, Ominis started it.”

“He hates Slytherins. I am one, in case you haven’t noticed.”

“Look, Elle, Prewett’s really rattled about what he saw. He’s trying to understand it and wants to at least get to know you a bit.”

“Yes, but I don’t!” Elle said, full of frustration.

“Don’t make me do it.” Garreth said with a sly smile.

“Do what?”

“Oh you know EXACTLY what I’m referring to.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Fine, allow me to remind you. I took the fall for you in potions class when you nearly blew up half the classroom. I’m officially cashing in my favor.”

“Come on, anything else! I’ll let you copy my homework!”

“Nope. One date with Prewett.”

“Absolutely not! You didn’t say anything about a date!”

“May I remind you that I got detention for a month?”

“Ugh!” Elle put her head down on the desk.

“He’ll pick you up at seven! Wear something nice!” Garreth grinned at her as he left.

“She agreed?!” Prewett was dumbfounded.

“Sort of.”

“What does that mean, sort of?”

“She owed me a big favor and I cashed in.”

“I don’t know, Garreth. It’s pointless if she doesn’t really want to be there.”

“Mate, if you’re waiting for a day where she’s going to willingly agree, it’s not happening. Go on the date.”

“Fine.”

“Um, you’re welcome, by the way! I told her you’ll pick her up at 7, wear something nice!”

“There!” Imelda put the last pin in her hair.

“Thank you, Imelda.”

“Just so you know, I’m on your side with this. Prewett can be an ass.”

“Yes, well your boyfriend cashed in on the favor I owed him for this so I’m going to try to get through it with an open mind.”

“Alright, here are the shoes. Try not to break your neck.”

She took the nude colored spikey heeled shoes from Imelda with a raised eyebrow.”Are these shoes, or a weapon?”

“Garreth is a lot taller than me. Prewett is tall too, so they’ll give you a boost.”

“Are you sure about this dress?” Elle looked at herself in the mirror self-consciously. The dress was royal blue with a flared skater skirt, much shorter than anything she owned.

“Yes, you look stunning!”

“Thanks for your help, Mel.”

“Of course! Let me text Garreth and see if Prewett is here yet.”

“Holy shit.” Sebastian whispered to Ominis as they approached the Slytherin common room.

“What?”

“It’s Prewett! He’s here with a bouquet of roses! Poor sod.”

“Oh dear. I don’t see this ending well. Perhaps we should just go to the undercroft.”

“And miss this, are you kidding?!” Sebastian gaped. “I just wish I had popcorn.”

“He’s here. Are you ready?” Imelda asked Elle.

“I suppose.” She and Imelda went downstairs and she opened the common room door. She was surprised to find Prewett standing there with a bouquet of roses. “Oh fuck.”

“I’m sorry?” Prewett raised his eyebrows.

“Sorry, I just…wasn’t expecting…thank you, they’re lovely.” She blushed a deep shade of crimson and took the flowers.

“I’ll put them in some water in our room.” Imelda said with a grin.

“Thanks, Mel.”

“Are you ready?” Prewett asked, looking as nervous as she felt.

“Sure, I guess.”

“Have her back by midnight!” Imelda said gleefully before slamming the door.

“Um, you look lovely, Elle.” Leander said quietly.

“You don’t have to say that.” She blushed.

“Why? I meant it. You look very nice.”

“Oh! Um, thanks.” She felt even more nervous.

“Shall we?” He extended his elbow and she looked at him like he was crazy. She hesitantly took it, surprised at the firm muscles in his arms.

“So where are we going?” Elle asked as they began walking.

“I thought maybe we could grab some dinner, there are a couple of nice restaurants in Hogsmeade.”

“Alright.” Why was she so nervous?

Prewett froze and exhaled before turning to face her. “Look, I’m just going to come out and say it, I’m super nervous since we’ve never really spent any time together and you hate me and Garreth sort of made you come.”

“I don’t hate you.” She replied.

“Really?”

“I dislike you, but I wouldn’t call it hate.” She grinned at him.

“I suppose that’s better than hatred.” He smiled in return.

“And technically I could’ve told Garreth no. He couldn’t force me to do it. Also, there are much worse things for him to have cashed his favor in on.”

“What exactly did he do to collect such a big favor from you?”

“Oh, I nearly blew up the potions classroom. I wasn’t paying attention and grabbed the wrong ingredient. He took the fall for me.”

“Wow, he was already in enough trouble with professor Sharp.”

“I know, but he leaned over and whispered ‘I’ve got this, I won’t get in nearly as much trouble as you.”

“I’m pretty sure Garreth could blow up the school and get away with it.”

They stopped as they saw Ominis and Sebastian. “Oh, hi guys.” Elle said nervously.

“Elle. Don’t tell me you’re seriously going out with this jackass.” Sebastian said, looking at her like she was crazy.

“Don’t start, Sallow.” Prewett glared.

“Can’t you just go out with one of the girls from your fan group?”

“Hello, Ominis.” Elle said, quietly squeezing his hand while the other two boys bickered.

“Hello, Elle. You smell lovely.”

“Thanks, it’s something that Imelda sprayed in my hair.”

“-oh SCREW YOU, Prewett!”

“I’d better intervene.”

“Do try to have a good time.” Ominis smiled.

“HEY! JACKASSES!” They both stopped and looked at her. “Sebastian, stop acting like an asshole. Prewett, stop letting him rile you up. Let’s go before my feet begin bleeding from these death traps masquerading as shoes!”

“Fine. But I’ll be waiting up for you.” Sebastian glared.

“You really don’t have to, I don’t think Prewett intends to murder me, and also we both know I could take him down in a heartbeat.”

“Hey!” Prewett protested.

“Let’s goooo.” Elle practically dragged him along.

“You couldn’t take me down in a heartbeat, I think-AUGH!” Prewett’s legs were swept out from under him.

Elle extended her hand to him. “What were you saying?”

“That was a cheap shot!”

“Ok, fine, you’re prepared now. Go on, attack me.”

“I don’t want to attack you, we’re supposed to be going on a bloody date!”

“Ugh, fine.”

They walked in silence until they got out of the castle. They began walking the path to Hogsmeade since it wasnt too far, and a nice evening. There was a group of Gryffindor girls who giggled and whispered as they passed. Elle stuck her middle finger up at them.

“You just make friends wherever you go, don’t you?” Prewett said sarcastically.

“I stand up for myself. Unlike you, I don’t have a legion of fans. Quite the opposite. I can’t blame them, knowing my family, but still, I won’t let them push me around.”

“Why does that matter, your family?”

“Don’t pretend like you don’t know.”

“I don’t, actually. To be honest, I’m not sure I even know your last name.”

Elle gaped at him. “We’ve been in school together for seven years! How self-absorbed are you?!”

“Well I don’t know EVERYONE’S last names!”

“Selwyn. Elle Selwyn.”

“Oh. OH!” Prewett’s eyes widened. “Um, yes, I’m familiar with your family.”

“Wonderful.” She said sarcastically as she stomped ahead of him.

“My family would kill me if they knew I was going out with a Selwyn girl.”

She whipped around to face him. “That! That is the exact reason I’m treated differently! And why Ominis is treated differently! Because people like you hear our last names and assume the worst! You know what, forget it.” Other people on the path to Hogsmeade were giving them strange looks and making a wider path.

She pushed past him and headed back towards the castle. “Elle, wait!”

“No. I have no interest in getting to know someone who has already made a thousand assumptions about me.”

“Don’t act so self-righteous! You’ve made assumptions about me too!”

She turned around with a venomous glare. “Have I been incorrect? Did you not immediately feel differently towards me? Perhaps a bit nervous for people to see you with me? Leander Prewett, the golden boy and Elle Selwyn, the venomous snake!” She turned around and began leaving again.

“My god, would you stop yelling and being angry with me for five minutes?!”

“Excuse me, did I hear you say you were Elle Selwyn?” An older woman asked.

“What’s it to you?!” She snapped.

The old woman gave her a wicked smile. “A Selwyn girl would fetch me a pretty penny.”

Elle’s eyes widened and just as Prewett shouted at her to look out, he was struck over the head and knocked out.

Prewett bolted upright with a gasp. “Elle!” He began frantically looking around and realized his arms were bound at the wrist. “ELLE!”

“Quit your screaming, she’s fine.” The old woman glared at him. “So you’re a Prewett boy? Not worth quite as much, but I imagine your family would like to keep you alive.”

He finally saw Elle’s small form in the corner of the cell they were in. It was fairly dark but he could see the rise and fall of her chest. “Fuck! Elle!” He tried his best to make his way over to her, but with arms and feet bound, it was difficult.

“What did you do to her? What the fuck did you do?!” He was trying not to panic, but they were both bound and wandless.

“She’s fine, but you won’t be if you don’t shut your mouth!” The woman stormed out and he heard a door slam, leaving them in almost total darkness.

“Oh my god. Oh my god! FUCK!”

“I thought Gryffindors were supposed to be brave?” Elle mumbled.

“ELLE!” He crawled over by her as she slowly sat up.

“God, Prewett, my head is pounding, would you stop screaming?!” It was then that he noticed she had a head injury too.

“Are you alright?”

“Bloody fantastic!”

“THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR SARCASM!”

“Can you get my shoe?”

“What?” He blinked at her.

“My shoe! Can you get it?”

“You’re worried about the shoes? I’ll buy Imelda new ones.”

“FOR GOD’S SAKE GIVE ME THE SHOE!”

He scrambled over to her and used his hands to the best of his ability to get her shoe off. “This isn’t easy, you know!” He got her shoe and awkwardly handed it to her as best he could.

“Come here, as close as possible.”

“I don’t think now is the time to-” He looked at her furious expression and silently scooted over.

“Luckily Imelda seems to like shoes that double as weaponry. Pull your wrists apart the best you can, it’ll cause the rope to stretch.” She attempted to use the heel of the shoe to cut through the rope to no avail. “Fuck. Ok, I have another plan, but you won’t like it.”

“What is it?”

“I’m fairly certain I can cast a wandless severing charm, but you might get cut.”

“Since our other option is to be stuck here, I suppose it’s worth a shot. Just…try not to cut me.”

“Right. Ok. Hold still.” She took a deep breath. “Diffindo.”

Prewett let out a small yelp, but his hands were free. “I think you cut my arm.”

“Sorry, now undo the ropes on my hands.”

He scooted behind her and undid the ropes as best he could with his trembling hands. Once her hands were free, she started on the ropes at her feet.

“Hey Elle?”

“What?” She looked up and he was staring at her. “What?” She repeated herself.

Leander pulled her face to his and kissed her, which was a lovely moment until she slapped him upside the head. “Not now!”

“So later, maybe?” He smiled.

“We’ll see how it goes. Untie your feet.”

He got the ropes off his feet and looked to her for direction. “Now what?”

“Try to locate our wands.”

Prewett got up and walked to the bars of the cell. “I think they’re on that table. Any chance you know a wandless summoning charm?”

“I can try.” She walked up beside him. “Accio!” Nothing happened at first and she swore. She took a deep breath and tried again. “Accio!” This time her wand rolled off the edge of the table to the floor. “Ugh!”

“Where did you learn wandless magic?” Prewett asked.

“There’s a book in the restricted section. Accio!” It rolled closer.

“You’ve been in the restricted section?!”

“You haven’t?” She asked.

“No, it’s restricted! It’s in the name!”

“So is the forbidden forest, but I go there all the time. ACCIO!” Her wand rolled forward enough for her to pick it up. “YES!” She let out an excited giggle before summoning Leander’s wand.

“Alright, I don’t know how many people are out there or what to expect, so stay behind me.”

“Shouldn’t I be in front of you?” Prewett asked.

“Why?”

“Well, I’m a gentleman, and a gentleman always protects his lady.”

She wrinkled her nose in disgust. “Just stay behind me.” She blasted the lock off the door. She removed her other shoe and held onto it. Prewett followed close behind.

The door flew open. “What the hell-”

“STUPEFY!” Elle sent the woman stumbling backwards. “Incarcerous!” Magic chains wrapped around her. “Do you see my purse?”

“What’s it look like?”

“A purse! It looks like a bloody purse! I don’t imagine there’s an abundance of them in here!”

“No need to take my head off! Here it is, and my phone.”

“Text someone and tell them we’re in danger, quickly!”

Leander sent a quick text and put his phone in his pocket. “Alright.”

She began moving forward. “Hey, don’t you want your bag?”

“A gentleman carries a ladies bag!” She shouted back to him as she pushed the door open. He sighed and followed along.

They found themselves in a large, dusty looking room. “Where are we?” Prewett asked.

“I’m not certain, but I think it’s some sort of ruin. There’s a lot of dirt and crumbled bits around.”

“You’re not supposed to be in here!” A voice shouted. They were quickly swarmed and began firing spells.

Prewett thought he was making pretty good progress until he looked and saw Elle had taken down twice as many enemies as him. He saw one coming up behind her that she didn’t notice. “ELLE! BEHIND YOU!’

Elle turned around and slammed the high heeled shoe she’d been holding into the man’s face. It gouged him in the eye and he was screaming. She depulsoed him out of the way and acted like it was nothing.

Prewett, on the other hand, promptly turned around and threw up. Luckily it was on a dark wizard who’d been sneaking up on him, so it was a good defense. The man swore loudly and Prewett swung the purse and knocked the man out cold. “My god, what do you keep in this purse?!”

Leander looked around and realized it was quiet. He turned around and watched Elle pull the shoe out of the man’s face. The eye was still attached and she gave an annoyed sigh and plucked it off. Prewett turned around and vomited again.

“Jesus, I didn’t know you were so squeamish!”

“You ripped that man’s eye out of his head!”

“He’s dead, what does he need it for?!”

Prewett let out a small chuckle. Then a louder laugh, which turned into a full on knee-slapping laugh.

“Fuck, you’ve lost your marbles.” Elle swore.

“I’m sorry, it’s just- we were going on a DATE and somehow we ended up here and you just ripped a man’s eyeball out! I keep waiting to wake up but it hasn’t happened yet!”

He was still laughing when Elle slapped him across the face. “HEY! Laugh when we’re safe! We need to keep moving.”

Little bursts of laughter were still spilling out of him as they went onward. Elle tripped and fell, letting out a string of curse words.

“Elle!” He helped her to her feet and she had tears streaming down her cheeks.

“FUCK, I think it’s broken!” She was holding her left foot up and her ankle was at an angle it definitely shouldn’t be. Prewett gagged and she shouted “DON’T YOU DARE THROW UP ON ME!”

“I’m ok, it’s alright. Do you have any potions?”

“No, I didn’t think I’d be needing them!”

“Right. Ok, I’ve got an idea. Climb onto my back.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Would you rather walk on a broken ankle?!”

-PLEASE GO FIND THE OTHER HALF THAT I REBLOGGED BECAUSE I’M A DUMBASS-

[thoughtsandbones]

The same place, but different plans

Simon 'Ghost' Riley x F!MedicDoc OC (codename: Blue) 💀💙

WARNINGS: Mention of alcohol, fights, smut (but not what you think...), profanity, fluff, injury, blood, medical inaccuracies, p in the v (use a rubber folks) and just getting the POV of our friendly neighbourhood masked menace.

Plot: Doctor Ruhari Hari Kaur (OC is South Asian ☺️) joins the 141 again, but this time as their doctor. After the betrayal of Shepherd and Graves, Task Force 141 begins their hunt on his whereabouts and locating Makarov.

A/N: This is slightly related to the other parts, but is more of a one-shot, I haven't yet finished Part 8, so this most likely happens after... :D But had this idea and had to scribble it out of my brain.

PLEASE reblog and like!

Song inspo: Under Pressure - Queen & David Bowie and Keep this Between Us - Krtas Nssa and Little Lies - Fleetwood Mac

I grew up with the OG MW2 game, so there are some references to the old one, so kind of a mix of both the OG and the new timeline... (Also I'm ignoring the OG Shepherd betrayal and keeping in line the one with the new timeline..)

All rights reserved to the rightful owners of Call of Duty Modern Warfare.

spelling and some grammar mistakes as I am bad at times... :/

(FYI: bold sentences... that are like this... are supposed to describe redacted data/info to the plot... ;] .. )

Please do let me know how you all are finding this fanfic! :D

One Shot

As Ghost walked down the road from base to the local pub, he took a final drag of his cigarette and then tossed the butt on the ground, stopping momentarily, standing on it. He enjoyed the quasi seclusion before the chaos of the pub that loomed ahead. It was Saturday night, it was going to be busy as people were out on the lash. After a long week he craved the good bourbon the pub had. No Soap, no Price and no Gaz. He was savouring the loneliness tonight.

Opening the door, he was met with the hustle and bustle of the pub. He looked around, scanning the abundance of faces. A few heads turned his direction, he noted the cautioned eyes as he walked towards the bar after eyeing an empty spot.

"What can I get you mate?" the bartender asked as he approached

"Noah's Mill double, on the rocks please" Ghost said

The bartender nods and taps in the order on the till

"That'll be £5.80 please" He says

Ghost takes out his wallet, pulling out his card, and tapping it on the card reader before putting his card back in his wallet and then returning it to the inside jacket pocket.

"Cheers" he grumbled

He watched as the bartender poured his drink, he noted the small amount of bourbon left in the bottle. Noah's Mill was rare and he doubted the owner would order more considering it was only him and sometimes Price who had this drink and that it cost way too much to get.

Once the bartender gave him his drink, he lifted the neck of his balaclava up and took a sip from the glass. The cold bourbon moistening his mouth. Ghost savoured the vanilla notes as the bourbon ran down his throat. Tapping his tongue on the roof of his mouth, he could detect a bit cinnamon. His favourite scent and taste.

Ghost swirled the ice in his drink, tuning into the various conversations around him whilst he stared at the ice floating within the dark amber liquid.

Of all the conversations and laughter around him, it was your laughter that pricked his ears and seemed louder than the others.

Ghost turned slowly behind him, drink in hand, trying to locate where your laugh was coming from. It took him only a few seconds to locate you, right at the back of the pub, you were sitting at one of the tables, relaxed back in the chair, arms on the resting on its back. You wore a pink floral top, your naked toned arms on show, he noted the black humerus bone tattoo again. Ghost's eyes continued to scan your body, you wore the same skinny black jeans, and the same black leather jacket was now hanging on the edge back of the chair where your arms were resting. The long wavy brown hair flowed down your back. He also noted the black combat boots that you wore on your first day.

You were not alone. Sat opposite you was a black woman wearing a green dress, her braids cascading down her shoulders, she laughed as you spoke to her, her hands holding a glass of wine, silver bangles sliding down her wrist as she took a sip. He saw you lift your arms up, running your hands through your hair, before collecting it all and bringing them over your left shoulder revealing your back.

Ghost felt a ping across his chest again.

The pink floral top had a deep back that showed off your chiseled muscles. Peaking just on your left back were the edges of another tattoo. Ghost squinted his eyes, they seemed to be flowers.

How many tattoos do you have? He thought

You said something else, which led the woman in front of you to throw her head back as she laughed again. She responded and you then laughed, he saw a glimpse of your smile. He watched as you leaned forward, taking a sip of the drink you had, he noted a few shot glasses littering the table, you seem to be enjoying yourself. You returned your right arm back on the chair, leaning slightly back, giving a partial view of your front.

Ghost saw how the tight fitting of your top accentuated your breasts. He stomach lurched. He knew you were pretty, he knew you had a good body. But with all the baggy shirts, sweaters and loose scrubs you wore, he didn't realise you had a damn good body.

He swiftly turned back around facing the bar. A slight shame ran through him as he remembered your disapproving remarks when you found out the marines were calling you Dr "Peachy" because of your toned bum.

Ghost took another sip of his drink. The melted ice and bourbon was the perfect combination, he tried to focus on savouring the flavour of his drink, but his legs, more like his dick, kept trying to turn his stool, and body, back to you.

He relented, and turned half-way. In his peripherals he could still see you, making conversation with the other woman, whatever you were saying, clearly made her laugh, her head rocking back as she covered her mouth, trying to contain said laughter. Before he knew it, he was facing you again.

Ghost felt a tinge of jealousy. He wished he was there. He wished he was the one that you were telling all those jokes too.

The woman you were talking to looked up from you and stared right at him, eyes widened and then darted back to you, worry and caution flooding her face. He saw her say something to you, he couldn't make out what, and you turned your head quickly, eyebrows frowned, face full of contempt, but when you locked eyes with him, you relaxed and smiled at him, giving him a slight wave with your right hand. You returned your gaze back to the woman, before he could wave back, and said something that made her relax.

Clearly she thought he was a creep staring at them... And you didn't get up to come see him... A sick feeling settled in his stomach again.

You were out with a friend... Or on a date? Ghost thought to himself.

There was a heavy tap on his right shoulder, he jolted, nearly letting go of his drink, most of his beloved bourbon spilling on his jeans. He turned around narrowing his eyes at whoever disturbed him.

A short woman stood before him, dolled up, her blonde hair curled and tousled, framing her slight rounded face. Ghost looked at her, red lips matching a red satin-like dress that hugged every curve of her body.

"Get you another drink darling?" She said, red lips turning into a grin as she surveyed Ghost, admiring the darkness that shrouded him. Especially that mask.

"Still got this one" Ghost replied bluntly, tapping on the half spilt bourbon with his right hand whilst trying to dry off his wet jeans with his left hand.

"Looks like it spilt, c'mon darling I don't mind" She said as she took the empty seat next to Ghost.

Ghost sighed, he turned his head back to you, hoping you'd come up and say hello. Yet you were still sat there, conversing with the woman, he saw you reach over the table and with both hands cupping her face, she laughed and brought her hand enveloping yours.

Yeah, you were on a date Ghost concluded.

"Go on then love, Noah's Mill on the rocks" Ghost sighed, turning his gaze back to the woman beside him.

She kept her gaze on him as he drank the remaining bourbon in his current glass.

"Love the mask" She said.

Of course you do Ghost thought. Most women do, they just wanted to get fucked by the mask, not the person behind the mask, either out of horniness or drunkenness.

He nodded, turned his head down to the glass, swirling the remaining droplets.

He listened as the woman gave the bartender both their orders. He reached for his jacket packet, grabbing his wallet.

"Darling, it's my treat!" She protested as she saw him bring out his card. He nodded and returned the wallet back in his jacket.

I'll be payin' one way or the other he thought.

"What's your name?" Ghost asked

"Amy" Amy replied, "And yours darling?" She asked

"Ghost" He said.

Amy laughed, placing a hand on her chest and than slapping it on his thigh. Ghost's leg jolted at the sudden touch.

As the bartender placed the drinks in front of them, Ghost turned around to try and see if you had noticed the woman beside him, his eyes met an empty table where you once sat with your date... He scanned the rest of the pub. You'd gone. He felt his heart sink.

"Ghost?" Amy said, patting him lightly on the shoulder. He turned his attention back to the woman who now had her drink in her hand.

"You alright?" She asked

"Yeah, just thought I saw someone..." He trailed off. He grabbed his new bourbon, and clinked the wine glass.

"Cheers Amy" He said, giving her a wink.

Amy blushed, her cheeks turning the same shade of red as her lips. She nodded and took a sip of her wine as he drank half of his bourbon, not savouring the taste this time. Hoping the sudden rush of alcohol would at least make him tipsy enough to finish off this transaction.

After fifteen minutes, the pub started to die down. Ghost engaged in casual conversation with Amy, listening and not listening.

"Want another drink... Or do you want to come back to mine?" Amy said suggestively, fluttering her false lashes at Ghost, hoping he knew what she meant.

Of course he knew. Ghost drained the last of his bourbon into his mouth and then pushed the glass away from him.

"Let's go" He said, clearing his throat, Amy got off the stool, she stumbled next to him, weaving her arms through his elbow as he stuck his hands in his jacket pockets.

They both got a taxi to hers. He followed a clearly drunk Amy up the steps of her flat, holding the door open for her. She fumbled with her keys. The door opened and she walked in, he followed behind her.

"You sure you wanna do this?" Ghost asked one last time

"Of course darling, had my eyes on you since you walked in" Amy slurred turning around facing him, trying to grab his mask. Ghost took a step back.

"The mask stays on love" He gruffed.

"Not even one kiss?" She asks, pouting her smudged lips and widening her eyes.

Ghost sighed, lifting the mask up to his nose, revealing his lower jaw. Before he knew it, she jumped on him, latching her lips against his. He could taste the white wine on her tongue as it engulfed his mouth.

"Bedroom?" He said, breaking away from the kiss, taking his jacket and jeans off.

"Follow me" Amy said, unzipping her dress as she guided him to her bedroom. She let the dress pool around her ankles as she got on the bed watching Ghost take off his shirt, revealing his scarred torso.

"Oooh I love a man with -" Amy started

"Shhhh" Ghost said, climbing on top of her, kissing mouth, then moving down her neck to her breasts.

Amy moaned under him, her hands dragging over his back and then down his front over this boxers. He wasn't hard.

Ghost worked his way down, removing her underwear.

"Got a condom?" Ghost asked fingering her clit, she let out a small moan.

"I'm on the pill" Amy said, smiling mischievously

Ghost stopped moving his fingers and looked back down at her, eyes narrowed.

"Don't trust those things, got a condom?" He asked again.

Amy's eyes widened, smile dropping, almost like she was disappointed, and she reached over to the drawers next to her bed, after rummaging through, she found a condom.

"Good" Ghost said, and then returned to kissing her. He placed his hands on her hips, aligning his hips with hers and began grinding against her.

He opened his eyes, he saw Amy beneath him, eyes closed, soft moans coming out of her red stained lips. He wasn't feeling it with her.

He closed his eyes, his mind brought back the image of you. That pink floral top, those toned arms. Your smile. Your laugh. He felt himself get hard.

He took off his boxers, and rubbed his dick in his calloused hands. Amy looked up at him, greed and glee took over her face as she saw his thick and long dick.

"God I want you to fuck me hard" She moaned

"Yeah?" Ghost huffed, placing the condom on.

He saw her nod her head, he sighed. Grabbing her legs and pulling her closer to him, he thrusted himself into her.

Amy moaned. Ghost thrusted harder. She moaned louder. Ghost closed his eyes, trying to escape the emptiness that seeped through him as he plowed himself into her.

This was not how his night was supposed to go. He didn't want this, but he was so pent up. Pent up over you. He had to release the frustration that was building up in him from the past few weeks.

The image of you flickered across his eyelids, your smile. The way your hips swung as you walked. Your long hair making you even more beautiful. Oh how he longed for you to be under him.

Ghost opened his eyes staring blankly at the walls of the bedroom as he panted, he then moved his fingers grazing her clit again, she moaned softly. He closed his eyes.

He kept thrusting into Amy, her moans getting louder, he envisioned you. How would you sound? What would you do to him? He longed for you. He wanted you.

Just like that he finished. He grunted and then pulled out. The transaction was done.

He got up, grabbing his boxers and moved to the bathroom. Cleaned himself up and returned to the bedroom where Amy laid on the bed, still catching her breathe.

"Want to stay the night darling?" She said, perking up at the sight of Ghost's half naked body whilst patting the bed with her left hand.

"Can't, gotta get back to mine" He said, putting his shirt back on, he wanted nothing more to be back in his room at base.

"Hey, give me your number darling?" Amy said, sitting up.

"This was a one time thin' love" Ghost said bluntly, locking his eyes with her blue eyes. She scoffed at him, rolling her eyes, she got up and then headed to the bathroom, slamming the door shut.

What was she thinkin'? Thought she wanted a one time thing? Ghost thought as he stumbled into the living room, retrieving his jacket and jeans. Putting them on he left the apartment, without looking back.

Ghost never felt more empty than when he first stepped out tonight. This night did not go as planned, he just wanted a nice evening on his own, drinking his favourite bourbon, half of which was soaked into his jeans.

He took his phone out and booked a taxi back to base. It was 1:30am, and he had to be up in a couple of hours. But he knew he couldn't sleep, not now.

As the taxi drove up the hill towards base, he gazed out the window, he spotted the wooded area that you took him too on your first night out with the 141.

"Mind stopping here mate?" He asked the taxi driver

"Sure" The driver responded.

The taxi stopped, Ghost tapped his card on the card reader and then got out the car. The taxi turned around and went back down the hill. The street lights were turned off. Ghost gazed up into the clear night sky above, looking at the stars the shone above him. He tried to spot the Orion constellation you showed him, but he couldn't find it.

Ghost sighed and trekked back up to base. It was quiet. It was the weekend, and most people were on leave or asleep.

He walked up the stairs and made his way down the corridor where his room was at the end. Ghost walked to the door of your room, looking at the red cross embossed into the gold plaque. You were probably sound asleep. Or not there at all...

He walked on when he noticed the light was on in the infirmary, the door slightly open. A slight moan came from within.

Ghost walked up to the door, he heard a sniffle as he peered through the gap. He saw you facing away from the door, your hair up in a clip, still wearing the same pink floral top from early. Your body crouched onto the counter with your hands doing something to your face.

He knocked on the door.

"Doc?" Ghost said opening the door.

You turned around, with the one eye that wasn't swollen you were able to distinguish the person at the door was Ghost.

Ghost looked at your face, your right eye was swollen and there was a cut on your lip and right cheek, a cold shock ran through him, his eyes widened. He rushed towards you.

"What happened?" He snapped

"Ah, got punched in the face by a creep" You said nonchalantly returning to the counter where you laid out your tools and mirror to stitch the cuts on your face.

Ghost grabbed the back of your chair and swung it back to face him. You were shocked by the sudden action of his, your eyes met his, worry glazing over.

"When did this happen?" He said sternly, trying to recall the exact time you left the pub, but he was too damn distracted.

"Erm, like an hour ago" You say, trying to recall when this all happened "Lieutenant, I'm good" You add, trying to return to you set-up but the firm grip Ghost had on the chair prevented you from doing so.

"No you are not" He said and then walked off to the med bed where he grabbed the stool and brought it over to you.

"Hey I'm the one with the medical degree" You say slyly

Ghost stared at you, narrowing his eyes as he sat down and bringing his hands to your face. You jolt back.

"Mind washing your hands first?" You say

Ghost sighed, got up and then went to the bathroom to wash his hands.

To be honest, it was a good idea considering where his hands had previously been Ghost thought

He came back up to you and waved his hands, you smiled but winced due to the cuts on your lip and cheek.

"Where did this happen?" Ghost asked, keeping his eyes on you.

You look at him, already bracing yourself for the disapproval of your CO... You swallow some saliva to combat the sudden dryness in your throat.

"The wooded area... by base" You croaked

Ghost's eyes narrow further.

"Alone?"

"Yeah..."

"Why?"

"Looking at the stars" You say quietly "Didn't realise some guy followed me from the pub that far" You add.

"You were followed?" Ghost prodded as he reached over to your tools, grabbing a swab and then doused it with antiseptic and began cleaning the wounds on your face. You winced and hiss as the antiseptic stung your wound.

"I can do it" You say trying to grab the swab off him. "Just was struggling to stitch it up" You say lifting your bandaged hand that Ghost completely ignored.

"How did that happen?" Ghost said now looking at your right hand, a hint of anger in his voice.

"Punched the creep" You say

"Must've punch him wrong" Ghost snapped

"Punched him several times actually" You retort "He's probably gonna need his jaw reset"

Ghost shook his head, trying to suppress a chuckle.

"You were followed then?" Ghost asked again.

"Yeah, thought I lost him when I walked through the shortcut by Apple Tree Crescent" You murmur.

"You can't be out late by yourself" Ghost scolded "Where was your... friend I saw with in the pub?" Ghost said, swallowing the lump forming.

"She lives off base, and she drove home" You say "Base wasn't that far from the Anchor, so I said I was okay to walk"

Ghost shook his head as he cleaned the dried blood around the cut on your cheek, your left eye meeting both of his.

"Will you need stitches?" He asked

"Yeah" You said, examining the cuts on your face in the mirror on the counter. "I can't do it, my hand is fucked, tried twice already" You say looking at the broken pieces of sutures.

"Want me to try?" Ghost offered

You look him, as much as you needed the help, you couldn't trust someone to stitch up your face without at least a few years of experience...

"I've got Steri-Strips" You say back to him, moving over to the drawers and grabbing a pack. Ghost watched as you slid over on the chair to the drawers and grabbed a pack and slid back to him, handing him the pack.

"I know how to use these" He said reassuringly "Got any gloves?" He asked

You get up and move to the cupboard and grab a box of large and XL gloves.

"Take your pick"

Ghost picked a pair from the XL glove box and put them on. He pulled you closer to him as he began to close your cuts. You winced at the pressure he applied to your face.

"How was your date?" You ask him

"What date?" Ghost asked, eyes narrowed and focused on your left eye.

"The lady in red? At the bar?" You say

Oh you saw that Ghost thought

Ghost shrugged his shoulders

"Wasn't a date" He said finally

"Ah" You sigh

"Were you on a date?" Ghost asked, the question leapt from his throat without thinking

"Nah, just a night out with a friend" You reply

A sense of relief flooded Ghost, he moved closer to you. You could feel his warm breathe beating down on your skin. Closing your eyes as he worked the last steri-strip onto your cheek. Inhaling through your nose, you could smell a mixture of cigarettes and cinnamon

"You smell like cinnamon" You say drowsily, feeling wavy all of a sudden.

"Bastard must've punched you hard" Ghost said examining the swollen eye and cut on your cheek, he cut the last strip and placed it on the edge of the cut on your lip. His hands trailed down to your chin, turning your face to face his.

"Had a lot worse" You reply, eyes still closed

"You need an ice pack" Ghost says still looking at your right eye.

"Freezer in the fridge" You mumble, eyes closed.

Ghost smiles under his mask. You were tired and clearly disorientated.

He walked over the fridge, taking the gloves off and discarding them in the yellow BIOHAZARD bin. He grabbed a ice pack, heading back to you.

"Hey.." He said nudging your arm. You open your eyes, eyes now red and tired, and filling with tears as you recall the encounter in the woods in your head.

"Thank you Ghost" You say, looking up at him with one eye swollen and one normal eye, grabbing the ice pack and placing it on your right hand.

Ghost's heart skipped. He placed a hand on your right shoulder, the smooth material of your top catching on his rough hand.

"Anytime" He said softly "You listen to me" He said now, sitting back on the stool and placing his other hand on your other shoulder.

"You do not walk alone at night" He says. You nod at him

"If you want to look at the stars you tell me." He added. You nod again, a lump forming in your throat.

"Yes you're well trained, but there are fucked up people out there" He says

He watches as your reach down to your left leg and lift the hem up a bit, revealing a hidden knife holster

"Should've used this" You say, lifting out a knife, you try and laugh, but the cuts and swollen eye won't allow you to. You returned the knife back in the holster.

Ghost shook his head.

"Silly girl" He says and you shrug your shoulders.

"Give me your number, if you are out on your own, call me, I will walk you home or collect you." He says taking his phone out. "And I don't min' lookin' at the stars again with you"

"Yes sir" You say. Maybe he doesn't hate me after all...

You gave Ghost your number, and then tried to clean up, but Ghost told you to stay. He cleaned up and then locked the infirmary and helped you to your room, taking the keys out of your struggling hands, he guides you into your room.

Ghost looked around, it was so much more different now that you moved in. Books were now arranged on the desk and a plant on the windowsill.

You collapsed on the bed, taking the hair clip out, long hair flowed down your shoulders, the ice pack sliding off your hand and onto the floor. Ghost grabbed it and placed it on your right eye, where it was supposed to be in the first place.

"Can you help me take my boots off please" You mumble motioning towards your feet.

Ghost smirked under his mask, he got on one knee and untied the laces of your boots, and then removed your knife holster.

"Thank you" You say, wriggling your toes. You sit up and greet Ghost who was still on one knee by your legs.

Getting up and moving to your cupboard, you grab one of your t-shirts you wear to bed.

Ghost got up and turned around, he heard you open the door to the bathroom and walk in.

"Ah fuck!" You yell

Ghost turned around

"You okay?"

The bathroom door opened and you walked out, still wearing the pink floral top.

"Can you help with my top?" You ask, lifting the edge of your top, revealing a bruise on your left rib. "Didn't know I had this" You whispered, eyes becoming glassy

Ghost's eyes widen, he moved closer to you

"Sure" He whispered.

You turn around, your back now facing him, he grabbed the ends of your top and lifted it slowly to your shoulders.

Ghost blushed at the pink bra you wore and trying to avert his gaze down to the ground.

But his eyes were drawn in to the skull tattoo in the middle left of your back. A greyscale skull, with four different flowers behind it, underneath the skull, a phrase written in latin:

mortuorum vigilate dorsum

He traced the tattoo with his eyes, trying to memorise the artwork, he looked up, there was another bruise on your left shoulder.

Fuckin' hell Ghost thought

You wince again as you lifted your left arm up, Ghost brought his hand up to pull your arm down gently.

"You have another bruise on your shoulder" He said

"Great" You moan

You place your baggy t-shirt over your head, pulling your arms through.

"Thank you Ghost" You say turning back to him.

"Anytime. Will have to let Price know" He said

You shake your head, and hanging it. You felt tears run down your face, bringing your left hand up to wipe them away

"Hari, it's not your fault" Ghost said

You turn around facing him. Your left eye fully red and tired.

"You need sleep" Ghost said, checking his phone, it was nearly 4am.

You nod back at him, blinking your left eye.

"I'm goin' to sleep, but call or text me if you need anythin'" Ghost said

"Unless you need help with your jeans?" He added pointing at the skinny jeans you were still wearing.

You scoffed and slightly pushed him away with your left hand.

"Thank you lieutenant" You say

"Goo' Night" Ghost said

"Good night Ghost" You reply

Ghost left your room and then headed to his. He couldn't help feel guilty about what you went through tonight. If he just had the courage to go up to when he first saw you maybe none of this would've happened to you.

As he finally let himself back into his room, he collapsed on the bed.

He got out his phone, texted you "It's Ghost". He then typed in the phrase he saw on your back into the latin to english Google translate section, Ghost chuckled at the result:

mortuorum vigilate dorsum = The Dead watch my back

[hellhound5925]

One shot - Sargent Hunter

Warnings: Violence, mention of blood, Unwanted flirting? Smut?

“Let her go”

Summary: Cid send you all on a mission that had Hunter in a mood from the beginning, Omega wasn’t allowed to come per his request and the details were….well the whole idea was to get into the bar and mix ourselves among the crowd to get information out of our target. He was a smuggler that was taking profits away from Cid and naturally that didn’t sit well with her. This time I was supposed to get the smuggler’s attention because I’m apparently his ‘type’. Being a bounty hunter I’ve done this kind of work before…just not in the presence of Hunter…

The other members of the Bad Batch had already entered the bar at various times and were waiting for me. Cursing to myself in Mando'a, I stood outside the bar and adjusted my very form fitting black dress. My hair was pinned to one side to hide the com tucked away in my ear. "Ugh...this di'kutla (stupid) dress I can hardly move in this thing..." I say forgetting the group can hear me. There's a chuckle in my ear "Mandalorian's" Echo says. "I am not sure what exactly that has to do with anything" chimes in Tech. "Focus" Hunter barks. Feeling like I've adjusted myself enough for the time being, I enter the bar.

Immediately I head into the bar and get myself a shot to mentally prepare myself for what's coming next. Turning around so my back is to the bar, I rest my elbows on it and paint a bored look on my face. Glancing around I catch each of the boys staring, "Stay on task boys." Our target comes through a curtain at the other end of the bar. Turning back to the bar, I order myself a drink and slowly stir it, playing up the boredom.

"Is this seat taken?" A deep voice comes from over my shoulder. Raising a brow I glance over my shoulder to see the target "I guess it is now..." The man sneaks a glance at my chest before sliding into the chair next to me. "I've never seen you here before." I scoff "Let's just say I was supposed to meet a business partner but it looks like I was blown off." "Ahh what a shame. Pretty thing like you shouldn't be left alone around here...things tend to get dangerous. There's quite a few smuggling parties around here that don't always get along."

I take the opportunity to get a good look at our guy. He's actually somewhat handsome…Hunter is probably stewing. As if on cue his voice is in my ear, "You need to get information out of him." I smile at the guy "well I guess it's a good thing you joined me then." I engage in small talk with the man, letting him know I was here to make a deal and trade spice - that seems to peek his interest. There is even the occasional banter or teasing in my ear from the boys.

A hand spreads across the small of my back "my table is over in the corner if you would like to join me. Maybe I can even make your boss happy. You can deliver a successful deal." "That sounds great" I smile and stand. The target leads me over to his table and on the way I catch a glimpse of Hunter white knuckling a glass. "Udesii (easy) Sarge, you break that glass it'll draw attention" I say under my breath. I don't catch the response I get because the target turns to me "everything okay?" "Oh yeah, everything is great! I just remembered I left my glass at the bar. Guess we'll have to order more drinks" I wink at him, pouring it on. "Great idea" he lets me slide into the booth first before sliding in next to me.

A waiter comes over and he orders us something from the top shelf. He then turns his attention to me. He flirts with me for some time, hands roaming, before talking business. "You know so much about me why don't you tell me a little more about you? What kind of operation do you run?" I ask placing a hand over his arm resting on the table. "I pride myself on running a clean operation. We run just about anything you can imagine. Which makes me quite a wealthy man" his arrogance is enough to make me want to gag. Instead, I put on another devilish smile, "I guess that makes me one lucky girl then huh? I'd love to make a deal. Maybe even check out the competition...if you will."

He smirks and leans in "I think we can arrange something." I lean in a little further teasing the man "How about right now?" I then hear glass breaking and glance over to see Hunter is gone but there's a broken glass with blood on it where he sat. I start to worry when my com is radio silent - hopefully they just switched channels? I look at the target and bat my eyelashes "Time to go?"

Our target gets up front he table and offers me his hand. Taking it, he leads me out of the bar and to a speeder on the street. He opens the door for me and I get in with him following suit. "Take us to the office" he tells the driver. "Right away sir." I act like I'm fiddling with my hair but in reality I'm using a series of taps to see if my com channel is working. "I read you y/n" - thank Maker, it's Tech. "Apologies Hunter had to step out but both he and Echo should be tailing you." I relax a little at his statement - of course it's not that I couldn't get myself out of this...but just in case. "The city is beautiful isn't it?" The target breaks the silence. "Some would say the same about Coruscant." He chuckles "Beautiful on the surface but ugly down below."

Before I know it we are pulling into some back alley of what looks like a factory of some kind. We get out and I hesitate to go inside. “The factory is just a front to what we really do here. No one suspects smugglers when there’s large cargo speeders day in, day out.” “Fair enough” I say before following him inside. He leans me into a room at the back of the factory which appears to be manufacturing droid parts of some kind. He flips the light on to the office and holding the door so I enter first. “Nice office” I say taking a look around.

Suddenly I’m being spun around and our target is placing his lips on mine. I push him off me “A little forward are we? I thought we came to make a business deal.” “I thought we could do a little something else first….” He goes to lean in but I get out of his grip. He grabs my wrist hard, pulling me back towards him. Kicking him between the legs, he hits the floor and I head out the door. Just then someone comes up behind me, grabs me and drags me back into the office. “I don’t think so…” I can feel the targets hot breath on the back of my neck. He gets me back into his office and sits me on his desk running a hand up my tight while the other is holding me in place with my hair. I struggle against his grip. “What do we have here?” He notices the comm in my ear and pulls it out. “Spying on me are we?” He puts a hand to my throat and squeezes. “Do you know what I do to people who cross me?” My vision starts to blur and I try to reach for my vibroblade under my dress.

The door flys open and I hear a familiar voice “Let her go.” The target does as he’s asked and lets go of me. I hit the floor gasping for air. Thinking quickly I grab my blade and stick it in the back of our targets thigh. He yelps in pain and falls to his knees. I stand up and approach him “better luck next time” I hiss. He grabs the blade from his thigh and before he can make another move theres a blaster shot through his chest.

Spinning around I see Hunter standing there with a look on his face I’ve never seen before. Anger? That doesn’t even begin to describe it. His steady hand pointing his smoking blaster at the target. He slowly lowers it to his side and I notice his hand dripping blood. “Your hand” I point out. “Mmm fine” he snaps. Before turning and heading out the door. Echo catches up with us shorty after “Everything alright?” He asks glancing between me and Hunter. “The target is dead. He attacked me and Hunter shot him.” Once again he glances between me and Hunter. “Tech, Wrecker. We are on our way back to the ship” Hunter coms the others. I shrug at Echo who looks concerned. The three of us make our way back to the Marauder in complete silence.

“What’s up with him?” Echo asks gesturing to Hunter. “I have no idea” I shrug. “He won’t let Tech or I look at his hand. You need to get him to let someone clean it.” Sighing I get up and head towards the cockpit. “Hey Tech, Echo needs your help with something really quick. He wanted me to come get you.” “Oh, alright. Thanks y/n.” Tech heads towards the back of the ship and I take his spot. “Alright what’s going on with you?” I ask playing with my dress. He doesn’t take his eyes off hyperspace and grunts.

“Hunter talk to me. You need to get your hand cleaned up. You’re leaving blood everywhere.” He still ignores me. Huffing out a sigh, I stand and spin his chair so he has no choice but to look at me. “Hunter” I say more sternly. His eyes meet mine and what I see in his eyes scares me a little. “What’s going on with you? Please talk to me.” He’s gaze doesn’t change, eyes fixed on mine. Crouching down, I take his injured hand in mine and turn it over. He’s got a deep cut in it, likely from the glass he broke at the bar. “You need stitches Cyare (beloved).” I slowly look up from his hand and meet his eyes. This time they are a little softer but I notice he’s breathing heavily. “Let me get the kit. I’ll be right back.” I leave him and go to grab the first aid kit we keep on the Marauder.

When I get back Hunter is exactly where I left him staring at his hand. I quietly get to work cleaning it, knowing he’s pissed about something. “I’m going to stitch it up. It’s probably going to hurt.” He doesn’t respond so I get to work. He hisses at the first few but grows quiet again. When I’m done I start to wrap his hand and he finally speaks, “Didn’t like how he was all over you.” His statement shocks me at first. “Hunter it was just a mission. It’s over now.” “Look at what he almost did to you.” “Yeah but you got there just in time—“ “But what if we hadn’t? What was I supposed to do if he hurt you?”

Suddenly I feel like a di’kut (fool). I finish wrapping his hand in silence, packing up the kit, and push it off to the side. He spins back around to face the window in his chair. I walk over and sit myself in his lap. Naturally one hand wraps around my waist, “Cyare (beloved)….” His eyes are glued to space again. Sliding my hand up his chest onto his tattooed cheek I turn his head to he’s looking at me. “Cyare (beloved), I know you would never let anything happen to me. You also need to trust that I’m a capable fighter.” His brown eyes look deep into mine and I can see right through him - his need to protect the ones who are closest to him, so painfully strong, he blames himself if anything happens.

“Don’t tell me you were jealous” I tease. His facial expression changes to an annoyed one, telling me he was. “Hunter I never would have done anything with him even for a mission. I reserve that for you and you only.” Running my thumb over his cheek bone he leans into my touch, eyes locked on mine. I place a gently kiss on his forehead “When we get back to Ord Mantell, I’ll show you just how much I mean that.” There’s a fire in his eyes and I can practically see the lust dripping from them.

A smirk makes it’s way across his face and he tips his forehead to mine, closing his eyes. “Ni kar’tayli gar darasuum (I love you or I will know you forever. Heartfelt and deep.)” I whisper. His eyes open and a hand finds it way to me cheek, “Ni kar’tayli gar darasuum” he repeats back to me. I lean in and kiss him, to which he deepens. We break, both panting heavily. “Too bad the others are here….” I tease. “Yeah too bad” he chuckles. I glance back to see the others engaged in conversation. Turning my attention back to Hunter I slowly slide a hand down his chest making my way down to his lap “I promise I’ll make it up to you” I whisper in his ear before kissing his neck. He grunts softly and I chuckle “Easy there Sarge, save some for later” I tease before getting up to change out of my dress, leaving Hunter in complete distress.

[sl-newsie]

Behind Masks (Dr. Jonathon Crane x OC) Ch. 22: Interpreting

Masterlist: https://www.tumblr.com/sl-newsie/744620213809594368/behind-masks-dr-jonathon-crane-x-oc-masterlist?source=share

(Warning: small mention of nudity)

The cold cement against my skin does little to comfort me as I lean against the wall. How long has it been? How long does he expect me to wait? If I stay back here any longer then someone might get suspicious. And what am I supposed to think?

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued by Dr. Crane’s new position. In a way he’s trapped passing judgment just like I am. Was. It’s a game of survival now.

“Good. You’re here.”

The man in question strides around the corner carrying a briefcase. His judge’s robe is gone and now he looks like the same egoistic man I first met. Yet in this environment of survival his cockiness has been watered down.

I get straight to the point. “What do you want?” 

“It’s not what I want, it's what we both want,” he says. “Protection. If you stay with me I can make sure you never sit in that chair. In return you can keep me from getting beat to a pulp in the street.”

Another transaction. I guess Bane’s protection for him only goes so far. As in around the block. The minute Jonathon leaves the courthouse there are hundreds of people that can snap him in two. I should walk away… But the idea of being safe from exile is awfully tempting.

“Very well.” I hold out a hand and we shake. “Where is your hideout?”

In the shadows I barely make out a small sheepish look on his face. “Actually my quarters have been updated to allow me to be closer to my job.”

“Enough stalling, Dr. Crane. Spit it out.”

“It’s up there.”

My gaze follows to where he’s pointing and I look up to see a massive apartment complex. To the very top floor.

“You’re serious? A penthouse? And you thought I was insensitive to live in luxury.”

He grumbles something under his breath and starts walking through the dark street. “Are you coming?”

Do I dare to trust him again? Surely whatever sights his fear toxin brings must be close to comparison with my current situation. Maybe having someone else to live out this nightmare will be entertaining.

“Coming!” I jog to catch up. “I’m guessing your new boss sent you there?”

“Yes,” he replies, looking straight ahead. “Do you have any possessions you need to retrieve from Ms. Kyle’s apartment?”

I gesture to myself. “You’re looking at them. There’s some supplies I left behind but it’s small stuff I don’t mind losing. I don’t trust Gotham to leave anything unguarded. You’d be surprised how many burglars I’ve had to take care of.”

Jonathan hums with interest. “Take care of?”

“Only the occasional lost finger or cut on the cheek. I’m leaving the killing to your court now.”

We get to the giant building and begin the hike up the staircase. Every few floors there are squatters and various citizens standing around, watching our every move. They leave us alone but that might be because they see my knives. We finally get to the top and Crane pulls out a key to unlock a door marked ‘Judge Crane.’

“Ooh. The name that puts fear in people’s eyes!” I taunt. “Does your job really get you this much authority?”

“In an insane world, it is the madmen who call the shots,” he answers and allows me inside. “They thought I was a perfect candidate.”

They’re not wrong. I survey the surprisingly tidy living room with curiosity. Half the wall is a window overlooking the streets. This is probably one of the last places in Gotham that’s not trashed. This deal doesn’t seem so bad now. If I die at least it will be in a fraction of luxury.

“Please remove your boots. I don’t want dirt in here.” Crane sits down at the kitchen table. “Feel free to shower. I’m going to review some paperwork.”

“Do you have any food?”

He lifts his eyes with an expression that screams dry sarcasm. “Are you joking?”

I shrug. “I mean, it wouldn’t hurt. If you want I can try to dig up some scraps somewhere.”

“I would rather wait for the few provisions I receive than die of food poisoning from whatever excuse for food is lying in a waste bin.”

“Suit yourself.”

I walk over to an open door and discover the bathroom. It’s tiny and cramped but the sight of the bathtub makes my heart sing. Only a single bar of soap and a man’s razor sits on the counter. I lock the door and turn the knob on. Am I imagining the hot water? I haven’t had a proper bath in months!

As I strip away my filthy clothes I grimace at seeing all the grime and dirt accumulated on my skin. We are all living like animals. What exactly is the upside to this anarchy? Earlier today I saw people cheering for this ‘revolution’ but it’s completely, well, stupid!

The tub starts filling up and I step into the steamy water, sinking into bliss. Oh God. All the aches in my muscles melt away and my head feels fuzzy. I slip deeper under the water, feeling my body come back to life. Over the roar of the facet and blurred vision from the water I nearly scream underwater when I see something move above the surface.

I choke down a gulp of water and thrash upwards, gripping the side of the tub in an attempt to cover myself. Dr. Crane, my new roommate, is kneeling right next to me!

“Does the water clear your head?” he asks simply, his eyes subtly darting up and down across my skin. “Such beauty.”

“What the Hell?!” I screech. “Get out!”

“The lock doesn’t work on this door.” He nonchalantly points to it. Then he looks at me again with cold-hearted eyes. “I could have killed you just now. Nice and easy. All I have to do is hold you under for four to six minutes, maybe even not that much.”

I want to move away but then he’d see me. Or at least more of what he’s already seen. I knew it! I knew he’s too much of a bastard to not leave me alone! But did I listen to the red flags? No!

“Why not, then?” I hiss. “Are you waiting to see me shot against a wall like all the others?”

He shakes his head slowly. “Would be a shame to waste a gorgeous specimen such as yourself.”

I eye one of the knives hidden under my pants and I swipe it. Crane doesn’t seem concerned. So he would rather risk getting massacred to see me naked? 

“Watch your tongue, Crane. With the stunt you just pulled I might cut it out.”

He stands up and reaches for something in the closet. Instead of looking unamused or creepy, Crane’s still looking at me as one examines a piece of art. What the Hell does he plan to do now-?

“I don’t kid about something like that, Calico,” Jonathan says in a serious tone and hands me a gray towel.

Without another word he exits the bathroom and closes the door, leaving me alone again. What the Hell just happened? 

General POV

He was right. But then of course, anyone could guess. Dr. Prentiss is as gorgeous as she is deadly. That’s all he wanted to see. If Dr. Crane is going to die then at least he will have gotten to know the woman who’s captured his mind. And by know, he means see her. All of her.

One’s first thought might be that his stunt was very inappropriate and downright creepy. But that’s what happens when you combine an insane man with potential death. The second Dr. Crane leaves the flabbergasted woman he retreats to the table and grips it with white knuckles. 

What now? He might only have weeks to live until someone screws up and the whole city is blown sky high. How is a man who’s supposed to only praise fear possibly tell a woman he loves her? Perhaps this fear has been hiding in his subconscious all along. Besides, why would she ever accept him after all he’s put her through?

Calico’s POV

What the actual Hell? Did he just pop in and leave? I’m still huddled against the tub, staring at where the doctor of fear just left. He could have killed me. His voice said yes but his eyes said no. Has Jonathon really cracked? 

And those blue eyes still haunt me. Never in my whole life has anyone looked at me with such… fascination. Not through sexual desire or possession, no. Like I was important. A goddess. Or maybe I’m just as delusional as Dr. Crane. As confident of myself as I seem, I am also confident in the fact that love is not in the cards for me. If my hallucinated feelings for Jonathon were spoken then I’d be his next victim of ridicule. God, how am I supposed to face him after that? 

I use the towel to dry off and reach for my leggings- Oh. He left me some of his clothes. A dark shirt and a pair of pants. Since when did Dr. Crane start acting so- So… humane? The pants are too long but I put them on anyway and roll them up. As much as I want to go out unnoticed there’s no way to. The second I open the door he’ll be watching from the desk. But I can’t stay camped in this bathroom. I have to face him again. I shouldn’t let myself be embarrassed.

The door creaks open and sure enough Dr. Crane is sitting across the room. He makes no move to acknowledge me as I tiptoe to the couch. Maybe we can all forget about it and try to have a somewhat normal evening in anarchy-

“You do have a nice figure, by the way.”

Or not. God, this is a conundrum. Do I slap him? Do I kiss him? Make the best of both worlds and say thank you?

I sink into the cushions and tilt my head back, eyes shut. “Shut it, Crane. Not now.”

Floorboards creak behind me. “Tired?”

That’s a question with many answers. “My feet are basically dead. Yes, I’m tired. Now unless you’re going to apologize for earlier then please- What are you doing?”

My eyes snap open when I feel cold hands touch my feet. Jonathan’s moved from the desk and is sitting on the chair across from me. What is this whacko’s plan? And why does he have to look so charming while doing it?

“I think it’s obvious,” he answers smoothly. “I’m curing the pain in your feet.”

I huff. “Ugh. If I weren’t so tired I’d kick you-” He twists my foot and it feels like my muscles are melting. “Oh my God.”

My eyes shut again and I hear Crane chuckle. “If you like this you should see what else I can do with my hands.”

I half-heartedly kick his shoulder. “Don’t ruin the moment. I’m just starting to like you.”

“Oh really?”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself. It’s on standards of professional intentions. If you want a better explanation then read your goodbye letter.”

“The-? Oh. That one.”

Yes, that one. Whatever happened to ‘do not mistake my words as intentions of romantic interest?’ Now all of a sudden he’s treating me like an actual friend. 

General POV

Damn. She still remembers the note. Crane mentally slaps himself for letting his emotions get too deep. Why did he have to write that? Because it was proof he didn’t care. But in reality it was a lie to himself. 

What does he do now? What was he thinking? This is Gotham. What did he expect? That they’d have a normal life in a cozy home away from the prying cops? No. As desperate as Dr. Crane is, the only thing he can always rely on is fear. Constant, possessive fear. And the fear clinging to him now is the fear of losing Calico.

Calico’s POV

Okay, I’m starting to worry. Jonathan’s been staring at the floor for a solid five minutes. 

“Has the stress of your job gone to your head?”

Crane finally blinks out of his trance and stands up to look out the window; a response like he’s avoiding the plague. Is he really this psychotic? Maybe it’s all the death surrounding the city. People express thoughts of death through crying, sudden rage, and blank confusion. Personality changes can also occur and sometimes permanent changes can affect a person’s life and the people around them. Of course, that makes perfect sense. Crane was already insane and I was on my way to join him.  Now we’re both damaged.

“If you’re going to spy on me while I’m bathing and then completely ignore me then I’m leaving. There’s enough chaos in Gotham already.”

I start to move but suddenly Dr. Crane strides back over and towers over me; almost like he’s trapping me.

“You still remember being a doctor, right? To have a normal routine?” His blue eyes stare straight at me and he gets a devious smirk. “Humor me, Dr. Prentiss.”

I purse my lips and try to think of a sincere answer for his unsuspected question, never taking my eyes off him. Normal? Can normal even exist for me anymore? I’m not the same person now. When I think of my old job all I can think about is how corrupt people can be. How empty I felt after my parent’s death. A feeling I kept putting off. A feeling as if… I’ll always be alone.

“A normal routine is out of the question,” I respond. “I’m not a doctor anymore. All I want is- It doesn’t matter now.”

Jonathan crosses his arms and tilts his head in consideration, fingering his glasses. “Fascinating. You’ve progressed through fears of failure and love. You didn’t want to fail, and then you were afraid of accepting love. Now you’re afraid of being alone.”

I scoff. “How is that possible? I’ve always been alone. Unless..."

Crane notices my hesitation. “Unless what?”

Now I don’t want to be without you. 

“Ah, I see.” I hear him take a breath and look up to see him with a certain look. Like a professor who knows all the answers.

I try hard to conceal my panic. “You do?”

“Your body language says it all. Unsteady breathing, dilated pupils, avoiding direct eye contact. Caught some feelings for me, Dr. Prentiss? A case of lovesickness?”

Really? I didn’t notice those symptoms. I’ve never loved before so how would I know? Or perhaps victims of love aren’t supposed to notice. Either way I’m done for. 

I sink deeper into the cushions and hang my head to hide my pink blush. 

“Just leave me alone.” My voice is so small.

“No, no. This experiment has proven to be quite entertaining.” Experiment?! “How has your mind twisted itself into thinking you’re in love with me?”

An experiment. I should have known all of this was just a damn charade! I want to scream at him but my body betrays me by making me shake with stress. Instead of boiling with rage the emotion that tugs me most is disappointment in myself. In the end I’m still the same pathetic child trying to please everyone. 

“I didn’t want love,” I whisper, staring at my lap. “But now I’m afraid of being alone for the rest of my life. That’s the problem. And if you think that’s childish then go laugh elsewhere. I’m not in the mood for anymore jokes.”

“You… You fear being alone?”

Strange. Dr. Crane’s tone almost sounds empathetic. Soft and vulnerable. I don’t look up to face him but do not object when he sits down in the chair across from me.

I nod. “Many women my age are already dating, married, or having kids. Soon I’ll hit 30 and watch my life slip away.” I grunt a half-hearted chuckle. “Go ahead, laugh. I’m only waiting for the day I die so God can deal with me. The gruesome Reaper.”

A few seconds tick by before I hear: “Don’t assume so quickly.”

My eyes flicker up to see Jonathon staring at me with the same vulnerable expression. “Come again?”

General POV

Luck does exist! Crane cannot believe the words he’s just heard. Not only does Dr. Prentiss love him but also of her own free will! It was close. He almost slipped and told her he loves her. The rage in her eyes when he mentioned this was all an experiment did hurt. Deeply. However, the stubborn doctor would rather have her confess first rather than him. The question now is how does he expect her to stay with him?

Calico’s POV

Crane doesn’t answer. Instead he stands up and walks to another door. One I assume is the bedroom door. He turns the knob and doesn’t turn around to look at me.

“You can have my bed if you wish. Or if you’d rather have the couch-”

“Jonathon.” That shuts him up. “Why are you doing this?”

He stiffens up. Almost like I just slapped him. 

“Maybe tomorrow one of us will know,” he mutters and shuts the door.

A heavy feeling of recognition and sadness drains through me. Maybe my clinical skills are a tad dusty but I know that look on his face. He’s confused as well. Each of us have never gone through… whatever this is. I guess we both have different ways of interpreting it.

My mind is torn between overthinking and craving deep sleep. For the first time in weeks I’m on a clean mattress with a roof over my head that does not leak. This is probably the most ‘normal’ I can experience. As I toss and turn in the unfamiliar dark room I can’t help but wonder if Jonathon is thinking the same thing.

[herenya-writes]

Day 10: Fortune

The sound of footsteps on his stairs snapped Arlaros out of his paperwork-induced trance. He looked up from his work to see Dorian hesitating on the top step. Did he have an appointment with Dorian that he had forgotten? He thought he had found an empty day to work on everything that had been piling up.

“Leliana said I could find you here,” Dorian explained. “I would have knocked, but I doubt you would have heard.”

Arlaros shook his head with a smile. “I still don’t understand why I need the entire tower to myself,” he admitted. That had been Josephine’s call, and while he thought the space below his room (and his room) could be better utilized if given to the Inquisition at large, Josephine insisted that he keep the entire tower.

Dorian was still lingering on the top step. Ah, right. “Come in and have a seat.” He often forgot most people preferred invitations into his quarters. It was all so different to the communal way he had been raised.

If Dorian was offended by his slow invitation, he didn’t say. He walked over to the chairs across from the fireplace and sat, his eyes sweeping across the room as he did. He settled into the plush chair like he had sat there a hundred times before, and Arlaros had the fleeting thought that he’d like to see him there a hundred more times.

“I see our dear ambassador has spared no expense with your quarters,” Dorian commented. From someone else, the words might have sounded like an insult or accusation, but Dorian just seemed amused.

Arlaros stood from his desk and made his way over to the fireplace, lighting it with a flick of his wrist as he did. When had it gotten so late? “I’m sure the furnishings cost a small fortune. I’ve told Josephine a hundred times that I don’t need anything this fancy, but she insists. I can stand against demons all day, but if Josephine insists on something I’ve learned it’s best to stay out of her way.”

That earned him a chuckle. “There is something to be said about status. The Inquisition has put you at the very peak of its hierarchy; your living quarters should reflect that.”

“No one sees my quarters. I’ve never entertained dignitaries here, and I don’t plan to,” Arlaros argued as he sat in the chair across from Dorian. He still wasn’t used to the way he sank into the plush cushions. “I’m sure any money that goes into maintaining all of this could be better used elsewhere.”

Dorian hummed. “You hold meetings with various Inquisition members here, do you not?”

“Only when I’m too busy to leave, and only the inner circle really, plus any of the runners Cullen and the others send.”

“Status is important inside the Inquisition as well.”

Arlaros slumped back in his chair. “People cannot seriously place that much importance on what my bedroom looks like. That’s ridiculous.”

Dorian held up his hands in surrender. “I didn’t make the rules. I’m afraid you have become a symbol, and the ambassador knows it. I can think of worse fates than an Orlesian bed.”

A blush began to creep over his face. Here he was complaining about his comfortable accommodations when Dorian had left behind a home even more opulent to be here. “What did you need to see me about?” It wasn’t a graceful change of topic, but Dorian didn’t mention it.

“I believe I have found a way to trace Corypheus’s Tevinter heritage. He claimed to be one of the magisters who stormed the Golden City, and there is some record of who those people were. However, I will need access to several books found only in Tevinter. I was hoping you might be able to arrange for the Inquisition to obtain them.”

“Of course. Our relationship with Tevinter is a little strained, but I’m sure if Josephine can’t work something out Leliana can.” Arlaros frowned. “You didn’t have to come all the way up here to ask. A request sent to the war table would have been fine.”

It could have been a trick of the firelight, but Arlaros swore he saw Dorian flush slightly. “Ah, well if you must know I had a bit of an ulterior motive. You had locked yourself in your tower all day, which hardly seems healthy.”

Something warm spread through Arlaros. “You came to check on me?”

“Yes, I suppose. Can’t have our noble leader keeling over because he forgot to eat dinner.”

A smile pulled at Arlaros’s lips. He still hadn’t gotten through all of the reports he needed to review tonight, but if Dorian was offering… “Are you asking me to eat dinner with you, Dorian?”

“Well if I am, I ought to do it properly.” Dorian stood from his chair and gave a flourishing bow. He looked up from the bow and held out a hand. “Inquisitor Lavellan, would you do the honor of dining with me this evening?”

Arlaros laughed and took his hand. “The honor is mine, Lord Pavus.”

[saph-writes]

Summer Blooming - Chapter 2

ao3 link

Summary: Isagi works at a coffee shop (Bachira's POV)

Words: 1031

Chapter 1

The town was bustling with activity, as streets were filled with the chatter and footsteps of people among each other. They were bumping and swerving around one another, and occasionally a shove would ripple through the crowd. No matter where one turned or looked, they were guaranteed a conversation accidentally overheard, a yell that ripped through too loudly.

That's why Bachira always wore headphones. Thick ones too, those that cupped his ears and went over his head. Never wired though. He couldn't stand the feeling of a wire hanging down and grazing his arms and hands.

Yuu had suggested getting him earbuds, small little ones that went into his ears easily. That way, when he would walk around town, they wouldn't be too clunky or hard to carry around. But Bachira declined the offer. He's grown attached to these clunky, hard to move around, headphones. It pressed against his ears, and made it warm in the cool wisps of winter.

Bachira bopped his head a bit, swinging to the beginning of each beat. Before he knew it, it utterly engulfed him. Washing over with different pitches and notes that seemed to blend so seamlessly. And two voices would take over. Their words were lost in the noise, making them just more beats and melodies, one high-pitched, the other low. And yet, it was like the two were made for each other, forming into a singular, distinct, rhythm. Any feeling of envy was lost, as were any other thoughts. For a brief few minutes, Bachira alone lived in this world.

The next time Bachira blinked, he was no longer in a street full of people. The street had a few walking alone, but for the most part, it was barren. That only gave him more room to move freely.

No destination was planned. That was how it normally went. He would start walking, and see where it takes him. And today, his eyes were caught by the windows of a cafe. They showed the inside of the empty shop, and a lone employee on the counter.

Coffee would be nice, he thought briefly. With a click of a button on the underside of one ear, the music stopped, and a chime came through with the push of the door. He stepped inside.

Warmth surrounded the wooden tiled shop, embracing his cold nose and ears. It looked much smaller coming inside, like a small private-owned cafe. Paintings covered the walls, which were covered with various designs. None were overly complicated. Simple shapes and patterns with earthy tones that complemented the wooden floors and tables. It was cozy and friendly. In a tour of the place, Bachira remembered the employee standing at the counter. He had black hair with strands that framed his blue eyes. Blue eyes that were fixed on him. The employee cleared his throat. Isagi. His outfit had a name tag. Isagi Yoichi.

"How may I help you?" Isagi asked.

Bachira walked a bit closer. He looked down at the menu. There were so many items. Too many to choose from. His mind was still buzzing. "What do you recommend?"

Isagi looked over. His blue eyes scanned over the menu, rapid, until they landed on a number. 5, he picked. A picture was right next to it. It had a golden-brown color, pieces of white painted on its surface. Whipping cream topped it off. Isagi was still talking, but Bachira knew already what his answer was.

"I want that one." His blue eyes trailed up, until they found Bachira's. Up this close, they almost looked like they were reflecting the sky. A blue, cloud-free sky during noon. His hair wasn't black, Bachira thought, but rather a deep, navy blue.

Isagi tapped on the register. The total rang up and he gave the amount.

"Here's your change. It should be ready in 10 minutes." Bachira nodded happily, and found a wooden table and chair. The ear cups went over his head once again, and it blasted as much as it could in an empty, silent area. Isagi was working on the drink. His hands moved fast and comfortably. Maybe he's had this job for a while, Bachira thought. He seemed good at it.

On his phone, Bachira swiped through songs, biting his cheek until one felt right, and melted in his ears. Not a fast beat, or one that screamed loudly. The song he picked was low and slow, gliding through the harmony like it was ice-skating. No voice was needed. It washed over like water in a still river. A crystal-clear, blue river. Reflecting a clear sky.

Isagi was still making the drink. His eyes shifted quickly around, and his eyebrows were creased, turning in the middle. The tip of his tongue stuck out from his mouth. His hands reached for a lid.

Bachira settled the headphones down beneath his neck, tucked his phone away, and got near the counter. "Excuse me, your drink is finished," Isagi said. The cup laid hot and steamy in front of him. Bachira grabbed it, immediately letting the warmth slide into his fingers, and looked at the top. Just like the picture, it was golden-brown, with white clouds all over.

"Isagi, right?" Bachira looked back up. Staring back, Isagi nodded. His blue eyes were slightly wider, and his pupils were big and glossy. His mouth seemed stuck in place and even his hair, navy blue, had more strands covering his face. So much blue, Bachira thought.

He held the hot cup closer to him. "I like you, I hope we see each other again." Bachira caught the pink flush run over the edge of Isagi's cheeks, right below his sky-colored eyes, before exiting the store, the cold air hitting his unusually warm face. He brought the cup to his lips, and let the hot drink go down his throat. Isagi was right. It did taste good.

The street was still quiet, and in the cloudy sky, sun rays were just beginning to peek out. Putting the headphones back over, Bachira continued with before, sipping the drink. The low, slow song that washed over him like a sky-blue river played on repeat the entire time.

[princess-of-purple-prose]

[ID copied from alt: A black and white toned, manga-style comic of one of the scenes from The Locked Tomb series, specifically the Gideon the Ninth book. The first panel is open, with two speech bubbles. "I challenge the sixth for their keys. I name the time and the time is now," someone says, raising the blade of a weapon. In the below panel, Palamedes Sextus and Camilla Hect look up, glowering, at the figure, bracketed by his legs since he is looking down on them from the table.

The middle panel shows Naberius Tern, who is standing at full height, pointing his rapier down at the two he challenged. From the sides of his panel are four smaller ones - the Fourth, Second, Ninth and Eight house look on in various flavors of shock. While the Fourth and Second don't bother to hide their indignation, the Ninth and Eighth are quietly observing. The next panel shows Coronabeth, looking a bit stupefied. “No, you don’t,” she begins to say. “Yes, he does,” replies Ianthe, who is mirrored in the opposite panel. “You need a facility key, don’t you? Here’s our chance. I suspect we won’t be given a better.” Judith Deuteros begins to turn to Ianthe, looking grimly alarmed. "You have no cause."

The top panel focuses on Ianthe, still lounging on the chair. “Neither did you, if we’re all being honest with ourselves," she says to Judith. "Sextus was perfectly right.” The next two panels show Judith and Ianthe, their profiles facing each other as they argue. “If you want to cast me as the villain, do it,” says the captain of the Second. “I’m trying to save our lives. You’re giving in to chaos. There are rules, Third.” “On the contrary,” Ianthe replies, “you’ve amply demonstrated that there are no rules whatsoever. There’s only the challenge … and how it’s answered.” A small panel shows Gideon glancing over to the twins. Ianthe looks away and glances up at Coronabeth, who has been standing beside her chair, not looking at anyone else. She reaches out a hand to her sister and says, more softly: “This is for you, dear, don’t be picky. This may be the only chance we have. Don’t feel bad, sweetheart—what can you do?” Corona continues to stare ahead, a bit blankly. A shadow falls over her face. “I can do nothing,” she replies. Ianthe pulls her in, and they nearly tough foreheads, their hands tangled tightly. “Then let’s do this together. I need you," says Ianthe. “I need you,” echoes her twin.

Another small panel shows Gideon looking back to the Sixths House. Camilla tightens a bandage on her arm, which is already bloodied. "Right," she says. "Second round." Behind her, Palamedes looks panicked and angry all at once. Gideon grits her teeth, suppressing a growl. A series of quick panels shows her gripping her sword and sliding her off hand into the knuckle knives. She looks as though she's about to surge forward when Harrow's speech bubble cuts through the panel: "The Ninth House will represent the Sixth House," she announces. Beside her, Gideon looks a bit startled. Naberius also starts, looking completely confused by the turn of events. Ianthe looks on, not surprised but annoyed. "The plot congeals," she says. "Since when has the Ninth been bosom with the sixth?" she asks. Harrow replies: "We aren't." Gideon's mouth begins to stretch into a grin. "Then--" continues Ianthe, but she is cut off.

The page is dominated by a single vertical panel, showing both Harrowhark and Gideon, with Gideon standing firmly behind her necromancer, her rapier casually balanced on her shoulder. Her grin is wide, and her eyes shine through, even from behind her shades. In front, Harrow is pulling off her hood, her eyes narrowed. "Death first to the vultures and scavengers," she says. The background has grown dark, and both of the Ninth are lit from underneath, throwing them into rather appropriate spooky shadows.

Bonus: A very quick and messy sketch of Gideon and Harrow. Gideon is lifting Harrow up with both arms and hugging her, a big smile on her face. "Thanks for backing me up, my midnight hagette!" she says. Harrow looks like a stick insect heading to a funeral. Her legs are awkwardly kicked up a bit, but she is otherwise stock-straight, and her eyes are wide and staring into the middle distance, though she is also visibly blushing. End ID]

Harrow's necromantic power includes the ability to create underlighting whenever it's necessary.

Bonus:

[centraleventrentals]

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[justatumblinweed]

[Image ID: A two-page, eight-panel comic titled Welcome to the Disabled Future, by Rachel Litchman. Narration is given in all caps encased in white rectangles, at the top of the panel unless otherwise specified.

Page one...

- First panel: The title of the comic and the name of the author is shown as a poster taped to a window, just above a pink ad for "ENERGIZE ALL DAY ENERGY PILL," which depicts a jogger in in a red shirt and blue pants. To the right of the window, a person approaches from down the sidewalk, wearing a grey jacket with a blue and green scarf. Swirls and squiggles surround their head. Bare trees indicate that it is likely winter.

(Narration, lower right corner: "As a person with a disability, I am aware of the way my body serves as a warning.)

- Second panel: The person, our narrator, comes closer into frame, revealing more detail. They wear their brown hair in pigtails, a pair of rectangular glasses, a standard blue face mask, and walk with their hands in their pockets. Arrows point to various places on her body, indicating symptoms: "foggy brain," "dizzy," "pain," "crushing fatigue," and "weak." The ad for "ENERGIZE" is still plainly visible.

(Narration: "My daily symptoms are the stuff that abled people imagine in nightmare versions of their futures.")

- Third panel: A close-up of a text conversation between the narrator and a friend. The narrator's first text is a heart emoji, tow which her friend responds "My heart is racing all the time. I've never been so fatigued before. I can't even stand to cook a meal." The narrator responds with "I have POTS too. I understand."

(Narration: "Since COVID, my previously abled friends have come down with some of the same disabling conditions I have, like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).")

- Fourth panel: The narrator, hair down, sits in her kitchen (oven is to the left), talking to someone who leans against the wall to the right, their arms crossed, facing away from the reader. This person wears a red and white striped t-shirt and a red flower in their short blonde hair. "Cardiology called," says the narrator. "They said it would be a six month wait for my routine ultrasound..."

(Narration: "The influx of newly disabled people from COVID has left me with delayed access to care."

Page two...

- Fifth panel: A news report covering a disastrous storm, with a "LIVE" notation in the upper left, a "BREAKING NEWS" notation below the shot, and a news ticker below that reading "Record-breaking storm winds destroy Madison Apartment Complex," all in red. "The roof got ripped off this apartment complex and landed on these cars," says the reporter (maybe the narrator?) from in front of the destruction. She holds a news mic, and wears a blue baseball hat, grey sweater, and her hair in pigtails.

(Narration: "In the future, climate change will only accelerate the rate of disability. Where does that leave already disabled people like me?")

- Sixth panel: A view from outside a hospital room looking in from the hallway. There is a single bed visible, containing a person hooked to an IV. The light falls on their meal table, and there is an empty chair in the right hand corner of the room. The window, which spans the whole room, looks out onto the city at night.

(Narration, centered in the small window above the door: "What does the neglect of disabled people mean for our collective futures?")

- Seventh panel: The front line of a protest, whose red banner reads "ME/CFS and Long COVID are disabling millions, this is an emergency." The protesters are all wearing masks and red shirts, some holding signs, others stating demands out loud. "The pandemic isn't over!" says one, while another says "FDA treatment now!"

(Narration: "The one thing I know for sure is that if disabled people continue to be seen as 'collateral damage' and 'acceptable losses,' the future will be sorely missing critical sources of wisdom.")

- Eighth panel: The narrator kneels to place flowers on a grave (Carrie Ann Lucas, 1971-2019). Other gravestones list Stacey Park Milbern (1987-2020), Erin Gilmer (1982-2021), Lois Curtis (1967-20XX, date is cut off by another gravestone), and and Engraoa Figueroa (No birthdate-2022 or 2023). The lawn of the graveyard is green, but the trees in the background appear to be on fire.

(Narration: "I remember and honor my disabled ancestors, but also, we don't need more ancestors. We need them here. Alive.")

/End ID.]

Rachel Litchman in our FUTURE issue.

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