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losers-clvb · 3 days ago

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woman of letters pt. 7 // dean winchester

pairing: dean winchester x man of letters!female!reader

summary: sam and dean discover the bunker of the men of letters. expecting it to be empty, they get quite the shock when they meet you.

content: dean is down bad, fluff, canon typical violence (i will just say this to avoid any spoilers), maybe angst (if it fits)

word count: 3.2k

note: read on wattpad here. read on ao3 here. if you would like to be added to the taglist, let me know!

taglist: @bettystonewell @kaz-2y5-spn @never-here1992 @thestoriesfold @mostlymarvelgirl @dyhsversion @deans-baby-momma @bitchykittenconnoisseur @ladykitana90

masterlist series masterlist previous part

----

You had been alone for hours now. At first, it was nice. You had work to get done, work that you had fallen behind on with Sam and Dean’s arrival. You sat happily in the library with multiple books spread around you, sipping on a cup of coffee. But as the hours passed, you were growing uncomfortable with the silence. Sure, when the boys first arrived, everyone was weary of disrupting the others. As the three of you became more comfortable with each other, the noise level in the bunker rose. Dean humming and singing to himself while cooking, Sam making noises of interest at things he would read. All the while you were, though you would never admit it, enjoying every small bump, every clatter of dishes.

Now, all of that was gone. It wasn’t forever, you told yourself, they would come back and everything would be back to normal. You tried to go back to the writing in front of you, but eventually the feeling that something was missing flooded back through you.

Screw Dean Winchester for turning you into an unfocused mess.

You pulled out your phone, scrolling through the contacts until you reached Dean’s. You could call him. You could tell him everything you were thinking about, all the ways he had ruined you. Instead, you continued down the list until you reached Sam. You would just call Sam, ask him a few questions to soothe your need for noise, then it would all be okay. You clicked on the call button, holding the device to your ear as it rang. Sam answered with your name, concern lacing his voice. Why were you calling him and not Dean?

“Hi Sam.” You replied. Neither of you spoke for a minute, you not wanting to admit why you had called, Sam waiting for you to continue. You sighed and spoke again. “How’s Dean?”

“You called me to ask about Dean?” Sam questioned, scoffing. He couldn’t believe the two of you. Even after all that had happened, you were still skirting around Dean like it all scared you. You squeezed your eyes shut at his words, waiting for his answer.

“Angel?” You heard over the line. Dean. You smiled at the sound of his voice. You should have just called him. You relaxed in your chair.

“How are you?” You asked. It was Dean’s turn to smile. There he was, sitting on the bed of some stained motel room, Sam’s phone up to his ear while he smiled like an idiot. Sam, who was sitting at the table looking at lore for the case, shook his head at the sight and sighed. You two were going to be the death of him, even if it was nice to see his brother so happy.

“Better than ever now that I’m hearing your pretty voice.” Dean’s response crackled through the phone. You absentmindedly played with the hem of your shirt, the butterflies in you, Dean’s butterflies as you had begun to refer to them as, fluttering around nervously.

“How’s the case?” You were hoping to keep him talking for a while longer, maybe help out with any information they needed.

“Gonna be a quick one. Simple salt ‘n burn.” Dean answered, talking about it like it was the easiest thing in the world. You knew for sure that you wouldn’t be able to get the task done, not alone and not quickly. Guess that was why Dean was the brawn while you were the brains.

“Then you come home.” You stated, knowing the timeline of events. Dean laughed at your words, nodding to himself.

“Then I come home.” He echoed. You nodded, letting out a breath. You looked back to your books but you weren’t reading the words. You just needed something to focus on, something to keep you from confessing anything to Dean. He didn’t need to know you loved him, didn’t need to have that weigh on him if he didn’t feel the same.

“I gotta go, sweetheart, I’ll see you tomorrow night.” Dean didn’t want to let you go. Even if there was nothing being said, it was still a comfort to know that you were just on the other side of the line. But, Sam was gathering up his thing, night was falling and they had to get this thing going.

“Okay. Goodbye, Dean.” You spoke, waiting for him to hang up the phone. When he did, you sat there with the phone still up to your ear for a while longer, wishing you could just focus.

----

The ringing of your phone brought you out of your trance. You had finally, after what had felt like an eternity, been able to read the books in front of you. You had flown through page after page, completely engrossed by the information. That was until Dean had decided to call you, breaking your focus.

You grabbed your phone, a mixture of joy at seeing Dean’s name and disappointment at the distraction flowing through you.

“Hello?” You asked into the phone, hearing the pattering of rain against glass.

“Angel.” Dean answered, using the same name he had called you earlier. You smiled warmly at the sound. Despite how you had treated him before, he still called you his angel, his sweetheart, his girl. You were glad for it, happy that despite him seeing the worst side of you, he still cared.

“You called?” You asked after a few beats of silence. It was late, far later than you usually stayed awake for, and you hadn't expected to hear from Dean until he had returned home.

“Jus’ wanted to hear your voice.” Dean slurred. He wasn't drunk -- he didn't even know if he could get drunk anymore. He was exhausted, the events of the day weighing on him. But he needed to hear his girl one last time before going to sleep. So, there he was, sitting on the bench seat of the Impala as the rain trinkled down outside, trying to hold his eyes open to talk to you.

You laughed at his words, the noise soft and quiet so as not to disturb the ambiance.

“You talked to me earlier, Dean.” You reminded him. Not that you were complaining. You should be in bed by now, should be sleeping in preparation for the next day. Plus, you wanted to hear his voice too.

“What're you doing?” Dean ignored your reminder, opting instead to keep you talking. He shifted in his spot, the back of his head resting on the window behind him. The motel’s VACANCY sign was the only light that shone in, casting shadows on his face.

“Reading.” You answered, eyes drifting over the pages again. You pulled the cardigan you had draped over your shoulders tighter around you. You would have to mess with the thermostat before going to bed.

“Read it to me.”

“I don't think you'll-”

“Try me.”

You sighed at the request, squinting your eyes at the small words. Your eyes were drying out just from you forcing yourself to be awake, causing the sentences to blur together. Still, you could make out what the text said enough to read it to Dean.

“ ‘In 18th century A.D.,-” You began before Dean promptly cut you off.

“You were right sweetheart. That stuff is gonna knock me out.”

You laughed again.

“You should be asleep.” You told him, knowing he had to be tired.

“So should you.” Dean argued back, knowing you were just as tired as him. That brain of yours ran at all hours of the day, and just thinking about all the things that were stuffed in there made Dean exhausted.

“Don't hang up until I'm in bed?” You requested, though it turned more into a question at the end. You closed the book, leaving the stack on the table. It was just you at the bunker, and you would have to continue this reading after you finished your errands in the morning.

“Anything for my girl.” Dean mumbled, feeling the yank of sleep as he spoke. He couldn't sleep yet. Not until he was sure you were snuggled into your bed, safe and warm.

You moved through the bunker, turning lights off as you moved. You made it to your room, pulling out your pajamas for the night. Dean heard the rustling of your clothing as you undressed and he couldn't help himself.

“Wanna send me a couple pictures, angel?” Dean slurred, a dopey smile on his face. You immediately knew what he meant, and even though he couldn't see your face, he knew you were blushing.

“Go to sleep, Dean.” You hissed at him, but he could hear the smile in your voice. You slipped under your blankets, letting the dark of the room settle around you.

“Dream about me?” Dean answered. You breathed out a laugh, nodding even if he couldn't see it.

“I'll try my best. Goodnight.” You spoke your final words, as you closed your eyes. Dean climbed out of his car, letting the rain fall down on him while he unlocked the motel room door.

“Goodnight, angel,” was the last thing you heard before drifting off to sleep.

----

It was raining again. This time, you were experiencing the pounding drops of water, while Dean drove through sunny hills. Just your luck that that weather was like this during one of your few weekly trips out of the bunker. You held an umbrella in your hand, trying to keep yourself as dry as possible.

The day was going to be a long one. You had met with your ally at the postal office, gone to the store for a few things, met with another ally from the bank, and now you had to go back to the bunker and finish the reading you had started the day before.

You sighed as you walked from the bank to your car, shaking your hand dry from the wet handle of the car door. You had your outside time already. When you had gone to the mall, it was the longest you had been out for one amount of time since you were younger. Still, the rest of your duties called to be done. Your people skills were still rusty and you knew you would have to apologize to your informant for the way you had talked to him during your meeting.

As you drove through the streets of town, you were thinking of it all, of everything that had happened. In the span of two weeks, Dean had managed to turn you completely inside out and, for the most part anyway, change your life. Sure, you were still the same in all the ways that mattered, but the way you did things, the reason you would take the long way to your study just to catch a glimpse of Dean in the kitchen or war room, that was changed. You were learning about techniques for killing monsters, learning the personalities of different beings. You were changing your opinion on friends and acquaintances, realizations hitting that you needed companionship.

You were sure, without a doubt, that this was all for the best. You had always known, from readings and data, that humans needed all of these things. They needed family and loved ones and pets and joy. You just assumed that you were different. I mean, it wasn’t like everyone was the member of a practically extinct branch of a society with the knowledge of almost everything at her fingertips. Your responsibilities were in keeping it all afloat, making sure the secrets of the world were protected, not in giving or receiving love. You were okay with that.

Until you met Dean. He was everything you were missing. And even though things he did pushed at your buttons, even though his snarky comments made you roll your eyes and scoff, you still loved it. You loved him. Or maybe you didn’t and this was some kind of poison slowly killing you while tricking your mind. Either way, you didn’t care. You wanted to feel this happy every day of the rest of your life.

The sudden appearance of a man in front of your car made you slam on your breaks. The car tugged to the side, rolling into the grass near the road with a rumbling pain in your collarbone. You groaned at the injury, knowing you would have a very visible bruise in the coming hours. The reminder of why this had happened, why your head was aching, sent a wave of rage to wash over you. What kind of idiot stood in the middle of the road?

You stumbled out of your car, your steps crunching on the gravel as you walked to where the man was still standing. Hands in his pockets, a smug smile on his face, he looked unfazed by his near death experience. You glared at him.

“What the hell!” You exclaimed, balling your hands into fists. You walked closer to him, initially deeming him as not a threat by the way he looked. This man, if you could even call him that as he barely looked to be in his early twenties, looked like he was going to win douche of the year at his frat. You didn’t know why he was here, how he was here. You were only a few feet from the entrance to the tunnel that led to the bunker’s garage. No one ever came out here.

The thought that maybe he was here because of the bunker made you stop in your tracks. Suddenly, you were wishing that you had just stayed home today. It was as if the man could read your mind, his smirk widening as he began to walk towards you. He cocked his head to the side, his face morphing into false concern.

“What’s wrong? No big, strong Winchester here to protect your pathetic little life?” The man asked, the cold condescension slicing through you. Winchester. He was here for you, or at least for some way to the boys, to Dean. You backed up as he grew closer. If you could get back to your car, you could get to your gun. You still didn’t know how to shoot, but maybe if you got close you could hurt him enough to get away.

When the man continued to follow you, you turned and ran faster than you knew possible to your car. You fumbled through the glove box for the gun, hearing him walk up behind you. He didn’t speed up his pace, didn’t look worried that you would get away. That only scared you more. He knew he had you in his trap.

You swung around, firing off shots into his chest. You waited for him to fall to the ground, or at least grunt in pain. Instead, he stopped his advances toward you, frowning while looking down at the wounds. Blood seeped into his shirt, but other than that, he was fine. You stifled a scared whimper at the sight. He looked back to you, an evil flash of amusement sparking through his eyes.

“That tickled, honey.” He spoke. His eyes flicked black and your heart fell. Demon. You tried to think for what to do. You didn’t have holy water, you couldn’t make a devil’s trap without him killing you. Exorcism, maybe?

“Exorcizamus-”

“Shut the hell up.” The demon growled, flicking a hand. A force shoved you to the ground, jaw jabbing into the grass with a crack. You cried out in pain at the feeling, the ache in your head intensifying by the tens. The demon walked to you, crouching down beside you and grabbing a fistful of your hair. He yanked your head up so you were looking at him. He shot you a wicked smile.

“Drop the warding.” He demanded. No. There was no way you were going to do that. You may have been scared to die, but your life was the bunker. Protecting it and all the information. You weren’t letting some demon scum break all that.

“No.” You spat out, wincing at the pain in your jaw. The demon scowled, dragging you by your hair to the gravel road. You kicked and punched but nothing seemed to break his hold on you. Finally, he threw you down in front of him. You fell on your back, groaning at the pain flooding your body.

“Here’s what's going to happen: you drop the warding on this piece of shit place and I won’t kill Thing One and Thing Two.” The demon growled out, making it seem like he was making a deal with you. Your mind searched for a way out. It was difficult to think, everything in you wanted to just pass out. You tried for your last ditch effort.

“You don’t even know where they are.” You accused. Demons couldn’t just find people by wishing for it. No, he had to be bluffing on their whereabouts.

“They’ve stopped off at a diner off the highway. The giant one ordered a coffee and breakfast sandwich, turkey bacon instead of the real stuff. Lover Boy ordered a giant stack of pancakes with extra bacon. He’s stuffing his insufferable face as we speak.” The demon growled. You breathed out in defeat, shaking.

“Now,” he continued, “drop the fucking warding or I go and make an example out of those boys.”

You knew he had you. He could smoke out of that body and find some poor waitress to use as a vessel. Sam and Dean might be able to kill him, but they also might be caught off guard and be killed. You couldn’t risk it, couldn’t risk losing everything just as it had appeared. You nodded, swallowing down the regret.

“Okay.” You whispered. The demon smiled proudly at you, clapping his hands together before picking you up. He placed you on your feet and helped, or more of dragged, you to the car. He drove through the tunnel, putting the car in park just before the warding started. You stumbled out, legs burning as you muttered the spell that would drop the first round of protection. As you moved in deeper, reaching the garage, a sinking feeling appeared in your stomach.

“What are you going to do to me?” You mumbled out. The demon chuckled while pulling you from the car. You let him. There wasn’t anything else you could do in that moment. Maybe you would be able to warn Dean in some way before he returned home. Unless the demon killed you, which would really suck for everyone involved.

“Nothing, just jump inside that pretty skin of yours. I’m sure it would really hurt Dean’s feelings when you kill him.”

“No.” You whimpered, pulling away from him. You stumbled back, falling to the floor. “You said you wouldn’t kill them.” You were scrambling back as he watched you like a wolf stalking his prey.

“Oops,” the demon feigned guilt, hand covering his mouth, “I guess I lied.” He snarled before a black smoke fell from his mouth. It shot to you, invading your airways. You wanted to choke, wanted to cough him out, but you couldn’t. Tears welled in your eyes while he took control over you. It was a strange feeling, like you were tied up in the back of your own car. You couldn’t move, couldn’t scream, couldn’t do anything other than watch it all through your own eyes.

#x reader #sam winchester #dean winchester #supernatural x reader #spn #supernatural #dean winchester fic #dean winchester x reader fluff #dean winchester x reader #dean winchester x reader angst #dean winchester x man of letters!reader #dean winchester x female!reader #dean winchester x you #woman of letters - losers-clvb

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thatssonanii · 1 day ago

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Chapter Seventeen

A/N: Finally I've come back *baldy voice* 😌😂 Soooooo...I realized I was putting tooooo much into this chapter so I moved some stuff to the next chapter but 17 is still that girl! Lol! ENJOY!! 🫖LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, REBLOG🫖

Warning: Cursing, Mentions of Death, slight violence/aggression, mentions of abortion EXCUSE ANY TYPOS, 18+ ONLY MINORS DNI

DO NOT POST MY WORK ANYWHERE ELSE AND/OR CLAIM IT AS YOUR OWN!

Masterlist

Chapter Sixteen

“Bereaved parent headed your way,” Toni whispered as she breezed by Moriah.

Quickly, Moriah took a deep breath to calm her nerves. When she looked up, she looked directly into Nia’s mother’s eyes and her heart lurched into her throat turning into an uncomfortable lump in her throat. Though only a few seconds it felt like an eternity before the two met on the side of the ED hallway.

“Hey, Mrs. Jones.” Moriah greeted, fidgeting with her badge reel. “Um, if you’re looking for Dr. Harris, I can take you upstairs to his office.”

“No,”she shook her head, “I came to talk to you. If that’s okay, Nurse DeBreaux.”

She badly wanted to say no, in fear that Mrs. Jones was trying to set her up on recording, cuss her out or jump her. All things she would understand but still didn’t want to happen. Mrs. Jones noticed her hesitation and tried to give her a reassuring smile.

“I promise I’m not here to hurt you or anything, I just wanna talk. Please.”

Moriah made eye contact with Toni, who gave her a slight nod. “Sure, follow me, Mrs. Jones.”

Moriah led her to the break room and offered for the two of them to sit at one of the tables. They sat across each other in silence. Moriah didn’t plan on saying anything until the other woman did.

“I um … I wanna start off by saying that I apologize for pushing you and screaming at you. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Mrs. Jones,” she stopped seeing the other woman put a hand up.

“Call me Amira, please.”

“Okay, um, Amira, You don’t have to apologize for that. It was a very intense and unexpected situation. That was a very valid reaction.”

“I do need to though,” she sighed, ‘You took such good care of Nia. She was so scared when we got to the emergency room the first time but when we got to the pediatrics floor from the moment you came into the room to introduce yourself, you made her feel so much better.”

“I’m glad I could do that for her. She deserved it.” Moriah took a chance, reaching across the table to gently hold one of Amira’s hands, a small smile on her face. “When I went home I would always tell my boyfriend about my favorite little patient. He was actually the one that found her little gopher game I gave her. I couldn’t find it and I felt so bad cause I promised to find it. Then him and his best friend drove two hours to pick it up. It was all worth it seeing the smile on her face.”

Amira wiped away her tears. “Yeah, she played that game all day and took it everywhere she went. She told everybody that Nurse Rye got it for her cause she was your favorite.”

Moriah laughed a little. “I can imagine it. I know you’re not doing alright so I won’t ask but if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.”

“Actually, there is something.” Moriah nodded for her to go ahead, hoping it wasn’t something she was going to have to say no to. “Her service is in two days, I know she would want you there and me and my husband would like for you to be there. Is there any way you can come?”

Biting her lip, Moriah thought for a moment. She knew Toni would be able to finagle it for her to be off for a few hours to do so but a part of her wasn’t sure if she could handle it. The dreams, or nightmares rather, had finally stopped and she didn’t want them to return. But .. it was the least she could do.

“Just let me check with my supervisor but I should be able to come. Here, take my number,” Moriah paused waiting for her to pull her phone out and rattled off her number, “Send me the information, please.”

Amira smiled, tears glistened in her eyes. “Thank you. I appreciate you and Dr. Harris.”

“I’ll be sure to pass along that message. If you need anything else, you have my number. Use it.”

After they talked for a little while longer, Moriah parted ways with the grieving mother and went back to join Toni at the wraparound desk. She rested a bit of her weight on her friend, waiting for her to finish up her phone call. From the way she was talking, she could tell that it was Bronco and absolutely not a patient or another hospital employee on the line which brought a small smile to her face. The couple had come a long way, she had to admit Bronco had much more patience with Toni’s constant declaration of them being friends and friends only than she would have thought.

“How was it?” Toni asked once she hung up.”You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m okay. She wanted to apologize and asked me to come to the service.” Moriah answered solemnly.

“When is it?”

“In a couple of days. She’s supposed to send me the rest of the information. Do you think I can get a few hours off to go? I’ll come as soon as it’s over.”

Toni laughed a little under her breath. “You don’t have to use those doe eyes on me. You know I’m not gonna say no. You need to go, I think it’ll be good for you.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Well, for one,” she started pausing to direct a few of the nurses, “It’ll bring you some closure to the whole situation. And for two, it’ll help you with your grieving over Angel. It won’t be his service obviously but a child nonetheless. I’m sure it’ll bring up some unresolved feelings and regrets and because of that I’m gonna give you the whole day.”

With a frown on her face, Moriah turned her body to stare at her friend. “I don’t need a whole day. Even if that does happen, work will help me feel better. I feel like you just tryna get rid of me.”

“Girl, please.” Toni laughed. “I couldn’t get rid of you if I tried. But work will not make you feel better, it’ll just help you push those feelings back down and we’re not doing that.”

“You think you just know everything,” Moriah sassed playfully.

“Don’t think, I know I know everything.” She laughed. “Zilla should be able to go with you, right?”

“I think so. If not, I’ll be okay to go alone.”

Toni squinted at her. “No, you won’t. So you need to ask him now if he can go. If he can’t then I will go or you call and have your mother in law or auntie come here to go.”

“No, no, all three of you have to work. I’m a big girl, I can handle it.”

“You heard what I said. Call that man and ask him,” Toni fussed passing her the receiver, “Matter of fact, call his number out and I’ll dial.”

Moriah sucked her teeth. “You act like you don’t trust me.”

“Cause I don’t. Number, please.”

After dialing the number, Toni turned the volume up on the phone so she would be able to hear the conversation without disturbing the ED by putting the call on speaker. Moriah hoped her boyfriend was busy with work so he wouldn’t answer the phone and just as she thought luck was on her side, he answered slightly out of breath.

“My bad, baby. What’s up? You good?” He asked all in one breath.

She rolled her eyes at her grinning friend before answering. “Yeah, I’m okay. Were you busy?”

“Not for you. What’s up?” He asked once more. He was trying to gauge the situation with her tone but she was giving him very little to work with. “Toni good?”

“Toni is fine, gettin on my nerves,” she complained with an eye roll, “But um Nia’s service is in a couple days. Do you think you’ll be able to come with me? If you can't, that's okay, I’ll find someone else to go with me.”

He spoke to Booker in the background for a few minutes before answering her. “Uuuuh, I really don’t know, Fat but ima try. I might have to travel for Smackdown.”

“Then no, go to that. That’s important, Zay, I don’t wanna take you from that.”

He sighed a bit. “It ain’t really set in stone yet. We just goin to do a backstage thing but I should know by the end of the day. If I can’t, can Toni go witchu? Ion want you goin by yaself.”

“Toni has to work but if you can’t go then I can go by,” she was cut off by Toni snatching the phone from her. When she tried to get the phone back, Toni popped her hands and told her to back up.

“Don’t listen to her. Her ass is not goin by herself,” Toni fussed, staring directly at her friend.

Zilla’s laughter carried through the phone. “I agree witchu. Ion like the thought of her goin by herself. That’s a lot. She ca’ hear me?”

She turned the phone down a bit. “Not anymore.”

“Heey!” Moriah pouted. “That’s rude! Me and Bronco don’t do that to yall.”

“Girl, go check on your patients. The grown folks is talking. Shoo.” Toni waited until she left from the desk and into one of the bays. “Alright, she’s gone. What’s up?”

“I know I ain’t gon be able to go. I told her I wasn’t sure and would let her know but I can’t.” He huffed. “If you can’t then I’ll get my mama to come go with her.”

“Sounds good to me and I agree. I think it would be better if your mom went with her, not that I mind going but she’ll have someone with her afterwards because I would have to come to work.”

“I trust your opinion, T. You think she should be goin to that?” He worried about the after effects it could have on her, if it would undo all the progress she had made.

Toni looked around making sure she didn’t see Moriah. “Yeah, I think it’ll be good for her. Give her some closure with the whole thing and help her progress a little further with her grief over Angel.”

Zilla hummed, agreeing with her. “Yeah, yeah, you right. Ima go head and get my mama a flight.”

“Alright, I won’t say anything. You get back to work.”

“Aight,” Zilla’s voice faded for a second, “Oh Bronco want me to tell you something.”

She chuckled. “I just talked to him. What does he want?”

Zilla asked his friend to repeat it one more time and laughed. “He said don’t forget that Javi gon be at a sleepover tonight so you know what that mean.”

Laughing loudly, Toni quickly apologized to the people standing near her. “Tell him to leave me alone. I’m going back to work. Goodbye.”

Once Moriah was done checking on her patients, she sulked back to the nurses station continuing to pout at her friend. Toni could feel her constant stare, a small smile formed on her face but she didn’t turn to face her or acknowledge her.

“Was everything okay with them?” She asked without looking away from her work.

“They were fine,” she sassed. “But I’m not.”

“Do you need to be checked out?”

Moriah stomped her feet playfully. “No, I need my friend to pay attention to me. Stop ignoring me.”

“Nobody’s ignoring you, crazy.” She laughed. “I just already know that you’re pouting and I don’t wanna see that.”

Moriah moved closer, poking her lip out even more and pushing her friend. “Toniiiiiiiiii. You can’t ignore me. You better ask Zay, I’m like a hemorrhoid. I always come back.”

“Girl,” she laughed loudly, “I’m about to send your lil ass home. What is it that you want?”

A triumphant smile spread across Moriah’s face as her friend finally turned to look at her. “I wanna know what you and that man was talking about.”

“You already know what we were talking about, Rye.”

“Nah uhn cause you shooed me away.”

“Because you would’ve kept tryna tell us that you can go by yourself and we don’t wanna hear that. I know that your mama made you feel like you couldn’t turn to anybody and that you have to deal with things on your own but you don’t. You’ve got a big ass support system, let us do something sometimes. Okay?”

Moriah nodded solemnly as she rubbed her temples. “I hate it when you make sense.”

“Mmm,” she answered, eyeing the younger girl, “What’s wrong with your head?”

“I’m fine, just a little headache. It’ll go away.”

“Uhuh. Did you eat today?”

“Yes, mother. I ate breakfast and I bought my lunch.”

Toni watched her a little longer, noting the rubbing never stopped. “And you’ve had water? I haven’t seen your cup up here all day.”

“I,” Moriah started then stopped, “Maybe I forgot it in my locker.”

“Girl, go get that water and drink it. Is this the first headache you’ve had all day?”

Moriah started to back away from her, headed for the break room. “No. It’s been on and off since we left Atlanta a few days ago.”

“You need to make sure you tell the doctor about that at your appointment. That could be important to note.” She yelled after her, making Moriah frown.

“What appointment, T?”

“With the specialist next week, Rye. Did you forget that quick?” She chuckled.

Racking her brain for a good fifteen seconds, Moriah tried to remember the appointment until it hit her. She had pushed it to the back of her mind after she and Zilla had made the appointment or at least that’s what she was going to tell anyone else who asked.

“No, I didn’t forget. I just wasn’t thinking about it.” She retorted smartly.

Again, Toni chuckled. “First you forgot the water, now you’re forgetting your appointment. Do you know where your car keys are?” Moriah flipped her friend off before turning to walk the rest of the way to the break room. “Not my fault your memory is bad.”

At the performance center, the talent had gone in and out of meetings with Shawn and both Pauls with the upcoming appearance of Dewayne. They wanted it to be clear how things were to go especially with the talent who would have run-ins with said man. Zilla was the last one they met with per Dewayne. He couldn’t count how many years it had been since he’d seen his older cousin, it might have been a little while after his father died but his memory was hazy on that. Getting into the office, Zilla took notice of Shawn and both Pauls and beside Heyman sat Dewayne and Ava. He greeted all of them before taking a seat.

“Sorry to have you wait so long. I’m sure you’re dying to know what we’ve got for you.” Paul started then gestured to his bigger cousin. “Dewayne thinks very highly of you as does the rest of your family which is why myself, Heyman, and Dewayne thought of this. As you know I asked you to travel to Smackdown but didn’t tell you why. Dewayne would you like to?”

Dewayne smiled that wide smile, extending a hand slap to his younger cousin. “So we're two months away from Wrestlemania and we wanna go big. We already have Bloodline taking over Raw and Smackdown but we need NXT as well right? We have Simone now she’ll be GM,” he explained gesturing to his daughter, “And we have you. We’re going to have you with her, sort of like an enforcer for her but not a mute like Sefa. When the time is right, we’re going to add a few more of the cousins but for right now just you and Simone. You following?”

He nodded quickly looking at all of them individually. “Yeah, I got you.”

“Good, so on Friday you’re gonna do a run in and tear the whole place down. You got me?”

“Yeah, then what?”

Dewayne chuckled. “Tuesday, Aldis is gonna come to NXT and him and her will have a thing then you attack him.”

The meeting went on for another two hours because as Zilla found out, Dewayne loved to talk especially about himself and his involvement with everything. By the end of the talk, he felt good, he felt excited and he couldn’t wait to share the news with his girlfriend. The only issue was the sporadic traveling he would have to do on those weeks they wanted him on Raw and Smackdown. It wouldn’t be too often but enough that he would be away.

Dewayne stopped him in the hallway and beckoned him over to where he stood with his daughter.

“What’s up?” He asked, looking between them.

“Just wanted to reintroduce you to my daughter, Simone. Not sure if you remember her. Yall were really little the last time you saw each other.” He placed a loving kiss on the crown of her head.

Zilla moved in to give her a tight, one armed hug. “I don’t but you still lil cuz no matter what. Preciate you for picking me for this, Dewayne. Ima do yall proud.”

“I remember you a little bit,” she admitted, her hands behind her back, her nails digging into the palms of her hands.

“I know you will. I have no doubt about that. Don’t wanna keep you from whatever you were doing. I’ve got your number now so I’ll let you know if anything comes up.” Dewayne waited until Zilla walked off to turn and face his daughter. “You remember what I told you, Simone?”

“Yeah but why do I have to do that? You’ve been handling it so far. I’m not getting anything out of it.” She complained.

Quickly, he snatched his glasses off and stared into her eyes. “Do you not have this easy job that you’re getting paid way more than you ought to, Simone? Your contract has many perks in it that some of these people would give their souls to have. That’s why you have to do it.”

“I was fine wrestling,” she shot back, arms now folded across her chest.

“Uhuh and they wanted to get rid of your ass cause you and wrestling was like oil and water. I saved your ass and now you’re gonna do what I asked you to do. Are we clear?”

Anger ran rampant through her body, if anybody looked too closely at her they might see steam coming from her ears. She stared back at her father. “Why are you helping this lady ruin their relationship?”

“It’s a long story that I’m not gonna bother telling you because you still wouldn’t understand.” He spat harshly. “Just do what I asked you to do. That girl is moving too slowly, I need you to light a fire under her ass starting now. I want this shit done by Summer Slam or you’ll be back to the unemployment line. I’m sure AEW will take you in.”

Pressing another kiss to her head, Dewayne put his glasses back on and strolled away the cockiness and swagger still very present. Nadine had a way of doing things that got messy because she was too emotionally involved so he did what needed to be done so the both of them could live in peace. There was just one more piece of the puzzle that needed to be taken care of to make sure everything stuck.

Getting to catering, Simone looked around until she spotted her target. She sucked her teeth when she saw her playing kissy face with Trick. Going over to the table, she tapped Gia harshly on the shoulder. She chuckled when she saw the irritation on the woman’s face. Same here, she thought to herself.

“Excuse us, Trick. I need to speak with her.” Simone said then turned on her heels knowing the other woman was behind her. She didn’t stop until she got to the office she would be using.

“You know why you’re here.”

“Listen, like I told you dad I don’t know what more to do. I’ve been trying and he’s not going for it.” She huffed. “He loves her and I’m not enough to change that.”

Simone walked close to her until she had the shorter woman backed into the wall. “Either you’re gonna do whatever it takes to get this done or you’re gonna wish you never brought your ass down here. He’s a man, it doesn’t take much to get him in a compromising position.”

“That’s your cousin. I get why your dad is doing it I guess but you. Why are you trying to come in between his happiness?” Gia’s voice quivered as she spoke. It was hard to speak with the frog in her throat.

Simone frowned at her words. “What do you know about why he’s doing this?”

Gia started to retell the conversation she had overheard between Dewayne and who she now knows as Nadine. It was the first day she had come down to Florida to start at the performance center. Dewayne ubered her from the airport to the penthouse he was staying in. He had her waiting in the living room while the two finished their conversation.

“Listen, listen, don’t worry about them. Calm down, you’re gonna hurt yourself.” Dewayne cooed, his voice muffled through the closed door. “I told you to just let it be.”

“How can I when she’s ruining everything?”

There was silence that led Gia to believe he was either kissing or hugging the mystery woman.

“She’s not ruining anything, she’s just blinded right now. Listen, those Fatu men always show their true colors. I know my family. Why do you think so many of them are divorced or have fathered multiple broken homes?”

There were some sniffles that made Gia extremely uncomfortable. She felt like she was impeding on something personal, the thought to make a hasty exit came to her until she heard his voice move closer to the closed door.

“This thing will take care of itself, Nadine and then you and I can be together like we’ve always wanted. Okay?”

Moments later the door swung open and his big body stepped out of it, making sure to close it up tightly behind him. She stood from her spot on the sofa to shake his hand, taking note of how her hand was swallowed by his. He gestured for her to sit as he did so, a big smile plastered on his face.

“Glad you made it here safely, Gia. I won’t keep you long but I wanted to go over a few things before I let you loose. Is that okay?” He asked, not really caring about her answer either way. Her meek nod made his smile widen even more like an animal finding its prey. “Zilla is who you need to get. He may be a tough cookie to crack but he will crack. You’ll do what you can to make that happen as we’ve discussed before. Right?”

She nodded once more. “Can I … Can I ask a question?”

“Sure. Fire away.”

“Well, I don’t mean for this to sound rude or judgy but,” she sighed softly, “Why are you doing this to your cousin? I mean is she a bad person or?”

Her body shook seeing the flash of anger in his eyes while his smile never faltered. It was creepy to say the least. He rubbed a hand over his bald head, exhaling through his nose harshly.

“Not that it’s your business but she’s not a bad person, this is just a bad relationship that neither of them should be in.” He explained gently, underlying anger in his tone.

She nodded but then her lips started to move faster than her brain could stop her. “It’s a bad relationship because you and that woman can only be together if they’re not?” The smile was gone, replaced with a deadly look in his eyes and a frown to match. The anger rolled off of him in waves, bringing heat and fear to Gia’s body. “I … I–I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I—I just wanted to know.”

“You just make sure you get this done or I’ll have to renege on our deal. Are we clear?” She nodded frightfully. “Words!’ He barked, scaring a shriek out of her.

“Ye–yes, we’re cl–clear.”

“Good. Leave.” He ordered watching her scramble to get onto her feet and walked to the door. He called out to her just as she turned the knob, stopping her in her tracks. “I’ll be checking up on you. The faster you work, the happier I’ll be. And as far as the deal goes … you want me happy, Gia Miller.”

Nadine … Nadine … Nadine

The name sounded so familiar to Simone but she couldn’t place it. It wasn’t anybody she was related to but she couldn’t place the name. The sudden shuffle of feet brought Simone out of her thoughts. She glared down, hot air from her nostrils heating up Gia’s forehead.

“Nadine. Who is Nadine?’ Simone asked with irritation in her voice. “I know you know.”

Gia stuttered until Simone slapped the wall next to her head and she screamed. “Na-nadine is um she’s the girlfriend’s mom. She’s her mom and I guess her and your dad are in some kind of relationship. That’s it, that’s all I know.”

“What? A relationship?” Simone repeated. Disbelief washing over until it hit her, she cursed under her breath. “Get out and go do what you’re here to do. Stay out of Trick’s face and I mean it.”

Without a second thought, Gia scurried out of the office thankful to get away while the latter went to collapse into her office chair. Her memories flooded back to her with all of the random play dates she’d had with this little girl that her dad said to keep a secret, the supposed daddy daughter dates that turned into daddy daughter and this other lady dates. This is why he wanted her to do this, so that he could be with this woman with no problems. He was using her like he always did. Simone always wanted love and attention from her father but as she got older she realized the only time she got it from him was when he wanted to use her.

Still trying to pull back old memories, her phone started to buzz on the desk in front of her. She answered without looking at it.

“What?”

“Damn, lil cuz. What I do to you?”

Simone exhaled harshly realizing it was only Josh. “Sorry, you caught me at a bad time. What’s going on though?”

“Oh my bad, I can call you later or something. I ain’t mean to bother you.” He told her quickly. “Or if you wanna talk about it, we can do that.”

“No, noo,” she answered quickly, “It’s okay. Go on.”

He paused for a few moments to give her space to change her mind, continuing on when she didn’t. “Heard you and Zilla traveling with us to Smackdown, we gon go out to eat and prolly party a lil bit. Yall coming.”

She laughed a little. “It sounds like you’re telling me and not asking me, Josh.”

“Glad you know it,” he exclaimed happily. “He can finally go somewhere without that damn girl on his hip and have a good time.”

“You talkin about his girlfriend?”

“Mmmhh. Her. You met her yet?”

Simone rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Can’t say that I have but it sounds like you don’t like her. Why don’t you?”

“I don’t. At all. Her mama wither but I can’t get into it right now cause my brothers finna be with me but we’ll talk when I see you.”

That brought a smile to her face, she knew that the men in her family liked to confide in each other so maybe he could tell her something about Zilla and Moriah thatGia could use to get the job done.

“Sounds good to me.”

“I think we all gon fly out together but if not, let me know when yall get to the hotel.”

When they hung up, Simone leaned back in her chair with a smile on her face. This could really work out in her favor but she wondered why he brought up Nadine. But knowing that he was one of her older cousins, she knew he was privy to a lot of family information that the younger generations weren’t. The more information she could pump out of her cousin, the better.

The day of the service came much quicker than Moriah anticipated. Since finding out all the details, she had been trying to prepare herself to face it but now that she stood on the mirror doing her makeup, she was stuck. Halfway done and she started to panic wondering what everything would be like, the atmosphere, the feel, how her parents would be. Her thoughts were crippling her but she willed her tears away for the time being.

“Manamea,” Leata called out, knocking on the frame of the bathroom door. “You okay? I usually hear you singing while you get dressed.”

As much as Moriah fought with her boyfriend and best friend about being able to go by herself, she was glad they knew better than she did and planned accordingly. When she was waiting for Zilla to check his bag, Leata approached her with a wide smile and a warm hug. She threw herself into Zilla’s arms once she was able to let go of Leata, thanking him profusely and kissing all over his face. And now seeing her stand in the doorway made her even more thankful.

“I think I’m okay. My mind is just racing,” she admitted softly.

Leata approached her, gently sliding the makeup brush from her hand and put her hands on her shoulders, “Look at me, Rye. Let’s take some slow, deep breaths together. In … out. Slowly.”

Following her instructions, her heart rate, thoughts and anxiety started to slow until it was back to normal. The exertion of her thoughts had tired her out and she hadn’t left the house yet. Feeling the tension still lingering in her body Leata hugged her tight, rubbing soothing circles on her back.

“See? You’re okay. It’s all just your mind trying to scare you with its what ifs,” she encouraged softly, “It's that part of the mind you really wanna tell to shut the hell up sometimes but we don’t because its voice is a little louder than we can be at the time. But then another part of our mind protects us and brings our thoughts back to important things. Like your favorite headache, if he’s getting on his cousins’ nerves yet.”

She laughed softly, pulling away from the hug. “I’m sure him and Jon are getting on Sefa’s nerves since they met up.”

“Yeah, i’m inclined to agree. But I feel sorry for the poor people who have to deal with them all while they're traveling,” she joked. “But better them than us, no?” Moriah agreed softly. “I’m pretty much done getting dressed so how I about I finish your makeup? It’ll be like when you were in high school. You remember I did your makeup for your first date with my big head son?”

“Thank you. I remember that,” she laughed. “You did my makeup and Auntie Kami did my hair. EJ volunteered to drive us.”

“And Arthur and Naio had to help him pick somewhere to take you. That boy thought you were getting pretty for him to take you to McDonalds or whatever.” Leata admitted through her laughter.

Moriah stared at her until she busted out laughing. Leate guided her to have a seat on the closed toilet lid. “I mean not that I would’ve minded but he was really gonna do that?”

“Yup,” she responded, finishing Moriah’s foundation, “There and to the arcade like you two did every other weekend.”

“I can believe all of it. That’s my Zay.”

Leata continued to tell little stories while she did Moriah’s makeup, trying and succeeding in keeping her mind occupied.

“Your first time traveling with us and your ass glued to that damn phone. Shit, maybe Rye was right,” Sefa joked. Zilla immediately looked up from his phone, a playful glare on his face and flipped him off. “Don’t be mad cause she was right. You finna cry, ain’t it?”

“Boy, fuck you. Ain’t nobody finna cry.” Zilla barked out through his laughter.

Jon smacked Zilla’s arm laughing. “That’s right, tell em ain’t nobody gon cry without Rye. She at the house cryin without you with her big head ass.”

The two slapped hands, agreeing with each other while Sefa looked between the two still laughing.

“Aight now, number six, don’t get beside yourself. Not too much on my homie, I’d hate to tell her that you need to move down the list some more.”

The laughter that filled the hotel room came to an abrupt stop when Josh rounded the corner with Simone in tow. They spoke to the younger woman but only her being that Zilla had filled the two of them in on what happened between Josh and Moriah at the performance center and were still very much upset with him.

“Did we interrupt or?” Simone asked, very aware of the tension.

Before anyone else could say anything, Zilla rushed from his seat on the sofa barrelling towards Josh like a bat out of hell. He grabbed him by the collar of the too small polo shirt rushing him backwards until he hit the wall. His older and younger brother rushing behind them attempting to to diffuse the situation, Simone stood back confused.

“I should beat yo ass! Fuck you think you was doin talkin to her like that? Then you lied in my fuckin face, bitch! I shoulda beat ya ass the first time you said some shit about her!” Zilla yelled pointing a finger in his cousin’s face. “Talk that shit you was talkin to me. Tell me that shit!”

Jon tried to pry Zilla’s hands off of the shirt, while Josh held his hands up trying to show his cousin that he didn’t want to fight with him although that decision was no longer and probably had never been in his hands. Zilla kept replaying the conversation he had with Moriah about not fighting his cousin, the purpose being it would keep him from doing so because she had asked him not to and it was up to her. However, replaying the conversation had the opposite effect. Instead of thinking about the promise she made him agree with, all he could think about was the look and the tears in her eyes when she was telling him what happened. That alone was enough to take his own cousin’s head off. He had had enough of people trying to hurt her.

“Aye, aye, I know it was fucked up, uce but this ain’t the way to do that shit,” Sefa tried to reason with him. “Let’s talk.”

“Nah,” he said. His voice was low and steady.

Josh grabbed his younger cousin’s wrist and pushed him away as far as he could but the grip was still on his shirt. “See how angry she gettin you at your own family? Look at this shit, uce!”

Jon groaned, still trying to separate them. “You need to shut the hell up before we let him beat sense into your dumbass. Damn! Zilla, we get it. He shouldn’t have done that shit but think about your job. He can’t show up to work with visible bruises that he didn’t get from Monday night. Let’s just take a minute to cool off.” Jon slowly eased the hands off of Josh’s collar and held his wrists gently as he stepped into Zilla’s line of sight. “Simone gon take Josh to get us some food and me and Sefa gon stay and talk about this shit then talk it out when they get back. Okay?”

Zilla’s nostrils flared as he stared at his cousin, giving a quick nod. “Thank you. Sefa reach in my pocket and get my card out, give it to Josh. Josh and Simone yall get outta here and go get food.”

Zilla’s eyes followed Josh and Simone until he could no longer see them. His anger came out as a roar as he snatched away from Jon. His cousins gave him space to feel all of his emotions hoping he would all of the volatile ones out. While they watched, Zilla paced back and forth, his arms swinging at his side as he mumbled here and there.

“Say sum,” Sefa whispered.

Jon did a double take, his eyes wide in disbelief talking just as softly. “What? I just separated them. It’s your turn. Yall closer anyway.”

Sefa shook his head, “Don’t matter. You got better deescalating skills, you got it, big bruh.”

“Just say sum, he not about to bite my head off and I’m too old to fight him if he get to swingin’. You a spring chicken, go head.”

“Get on my damn nerves,” Sefa mumbled stepping closer. “He not here no more, just take some deep breaths. Don’t work yaself up and get your mind off what you gotta do tonight.”

“Go head with that, I ain’t tryna hear that shit. Fat more important than all this shit. I don’t give a fuck about gettin in trouble.”

Sefa glared at his brother with an ‘I told you so’ look before stepping back allowing them both space. Like Jacob, Sefa knew how their cousin got down about Moriah. He regretted a lot of shit he’s done in his life and the only exceptions are anything he’s done for or about Moriah.

“Nobody is sayin that she ain’t important, we all know how you feel about Rye and anybody disrespecting her but Sefa is right.” Jon held his hands up when Zilla looked up at him with the meanest mug he’s seen in a long while. “Your job got everything to do with Rye. You wanna take care of her and support her but you can’t do that how you wanna do that without your job. And if you’re gonna say fuck it and beat his ass, it’s a pretty good chance you won’t have this job no more.”

Zilla popped his knuckles, he tried to calm himself down but he was still seething with anger. The words Jon said to him were true, he understood it all but the lines always blurred a little when it came to her. After being away from her for years, unable to protect her, he made a promise to her and to himself that he wouldn’t ever let her go without protection and avenging any wrong done to her.

“Listen,” Sefa called out softly, “We not sayin that he don’t deserve to have his ass beat or that you should let him get away with what he said to Rye. All we sayin is he not worth ya livelihood. Just calm down and at some point while we together this weekend let em know verbally what it is goin forward. Aight?”

Zilla rubbed his face out of irritation. “Yeah, yall right. Plus, I can’t beat his ass anyway.”

“I know you ain’t scared.” Jon joked.

“Fuck no,” Zilla responded quickly with laughter, “Fat made me promise to just give him boundaries and shit. Said since he hurt her feelings that she should get to decide what happens to him.”

Jon and Sefa both laughed.

“So you was pump fakin? Had us thinking you was bout to beat uce ass forreal.”

“Oh nah,” he chuckled, “I was gon beat his ass cause I wasn’t thinkin bout that promise until you pulled me off em, uce. Fat was just gon have to be pissed at me so I guess she got you to thank for that.”

Jon grinned cheerfully. “Aye, that mean I can move up from number six. Can’t wait to tell her.”

“You childish as hell.”

“Shit you ain’t taking me and Arthur spot so you better hope for 4 or 5,” Sefa added walking back towards the sofa and tossed his phone towards him. “Your phone ringing, Zay. Catch.”

He caught it and answered quickly, seeing Moriah’s picture on the screen. “What’s up, Fat? You good?”

“Not Fat. It’s your mama,” she laughed softly.

A wide smile stretched across his face. “Oh what’s up, mama? You good? Why you callin from Fat phone?”

“Left mine in the car. I’m alright, Rye just needs some kind words from you.”

“Where she at? Something else happened?” He asked, now concerned. His cousins wondered out loud if everything was okay but he put up a finger and walked away from them to give himself a little privacy. “I can come home.”

“No, no, you don’t need to come home. Just encourage her and give her some reassurance when I give her the phone.”

“Zilla can do that but what happened?”

Leata sighed a little. “When we got to the church, she talked to Nia's parents and they asked her to leave what she got Nia in her casket. I went with her but she still didn’t react very well. She’s been crying and now she’s throwing up. So, please uplift her. She wants to stay for the service and repass so she’s gonna need that from you, Isayah.”

“I got you, Mama. Just give her the phone.” He assured her. While he waited to hear her voice, he filled his cousin’s in quickly. The two of them gave him some quick, last minute things he could say to her and how to make her feel. He stepped back from them when he heard rustling on the other end of the phone. “Fat,” he cooed softly.

“I’m okay, I’m okay.” she hiccuped.

His heart ached at the sound of her voice. Having to be on the road instead of with her made him upset with himself. It was for the betterment of them and their future but he still didn’t like not being able to be there for her. The whole situation gave him a glimpse into what their relationship would have to endure during his career the higher he made it.

“You’re not and it’s okay to not be okay, Fat. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with feelin’ some shit. But when is it something wrong?” He asked, trying to coax the saying Dr. Barnes taught him out of her.

She hiccuped a few times trying to slow her breathing down. “It’s something wrong when I don't let myself feel something.”

“That’s right so just breathe and let yourself feel that shit, Fat. You got Mama right there with you, she got you. You know she not gon leave you.”

“Its harder than I thought it would be,” she whispered.

He nodded as if she could see him. “It is but it ain’t nothin’ you can’t do. You made it this far and I know how much it mean to you to go and how much it mean to Nia people. You strong as hell. You know that?”

“Not really.”

“Aye,” he called out a little louder, “What I say? Don’t downplay yaself, you are strong.”

She took in a big deep breath trying to ignore the returning wave of nausea that returned. “Okay.”

“Nah, say it.”

“Zay,” she laughed softly, bringing a smile to his face.

“Nah, that ain’t it. Try again.”

“I’m strong.”

Her voice came out softly, so much so he barely heard her.

“Can’t hear you. Say that shit again.” He demanded with a light chuckle. She repeated it a little louder and with more conviction. “Yeaah, that’s my girl. You just remember that, aight? I’m proud of you.”

Another giggle came through. “Thank you, Zay. I love you.”

“Luh you too, Fat. Call me when you need me. Aight?”

“Aight,” she mimicked playfully.

He spent a few more minutes talking to her before his mama called out to her for them to join the service. After ending the call, Zilla sent a few follow up encouragement texts and a few to make her smile for her to see afterwards. He joined his cousins, letting out a long breath as soon as he sat down.

“She good?” Sefa asked.

He nodded. “As good as she gon be right now. Ion know how she gon be afterwards though.”

“You think you needa go home?”

“Uhn uhn. I want to but if I did, she’d beat my ass for missing this to come home.” He joked. “She in good hands with my mama and I got her when I get home.”

Jon nodded, turning the television on. He searched through the channels. ‘So you know what you wanna say to Josh?”

“Shit, I know what I wanna say but I can’t say that. I got what me and Fat talked about to say to him.”

“How much different is your version from Rye’s?” Sefa asked, looking up briefly from his own phone.

Zilla raised his brows, tilting his head a bit. “A big ass difference. Mine wasn’t nice at all. But she tryna save our relationship so she just want me to give him boundaries and shit where we don’t discuss her at all together. If we’re in a group setting, if she’s brought up or she’s around he just doesn’t need to comment on her and he get ta keep his fuckin teeth.”

Jon sucked his teeth, “Rye ain’t say that last part. You adding shit.”

“And she ain’t gon know I added it either or you gon be toothless like ya twin.” Zilla threatened playfully.

Josh and Simone waited in his rented SUV for the restaurant to bring out their large order listening to music. Simone wrestled back and forth with how to ask about what she witnessed without sounding too excited. Her phone laid face down in her lap so he wouldn’t see that she had been recording the entire conversation so she didn’t miss a detail.

“I know you prolly wondering what that shit was back there and my bad that you had to see it in the first place.” Josh stated sincerely. “I really ain’t expect for him to do that or for her to tell him what I said but I should’ve known better.”

She breathed a sigh of relief that she didn’t have to brainstorm ways to get it out of him any longer. “You don’t gotta apologize, I’m good. I just .. what was that?”

“Basically me and him got into it a lil while back about Moriah. I told em point blank that he ain’t need to be with her and that I ain’t like her. And then me and him got into it a lil bit that day me and her had a conversation.” He scratched his face in thought for a moment, “Then somewhere between me and her having that conversation and today, she must have told him what I said to her.”

“Why don’t you like her? From what I’ve heard everybody likes her.” Simone was truly intrigued.

He huffed, shaking his head a bit. “They like her cause they don’t know about her damn Mama. Like they know how she mistreated Moriah and disrespect Zilla and the family but that’s it.”

“And you know something else?” She finished.

He nodded. “Yup. It’s a few people in our family that know the sheisty shit she did. My pops used to tell me shit that my uncles and him talked about cause he knew I wasn’t gon say shit. I let it go cause I figured with him gettin locked up that she would move on with her damn life but here we are.”

Simone had started to get confused. On the one hand, she was glad to have someone she could potentially be on her side and help her but on the other, she was confused as to what her mother had done had to do with Moriah.

“I can tell you but ion want you to be offended or hurt your feelings cause some of it gotta do with your dad.”

She waved him off. “You can tell me, I won’t. Me and him are not as close as y'all think.”

“Makes sense.” He nodded. “So the reason Nadine stopped fuckin with our family out the blue was cause she was fuckin our family. Literally. Her and your dad had an affair after she became your speech therapist.”

Simone frowned at that. “Wait, she was my speech therapist? I barely even remember taking speech.”

“You was little, like older than 3 or 4 but younger than 10 so that’s prolly why,” he explained. “But yeah so they had an affair goin on for years and then Dewayne brought her up to my pops and my uncles cause he wanted them to meet her. He was in love with her despite still being married to your mama at the time. He told them he was gonna divorce your mama so he could be with her.”

“Is that why they got divorced? What the fuck,” she mumbled under her breath.

Josh glanced at her to make sure that she was okay before he proceeded. “So they end up goin to dinner or whatever and obviously Zilla’s dad is there and immediately recognizes her. He don’t say shit until after the dinner but the two of them knew. He talked it over with my pops and the other uncles that was there, ultimately they told him to just stay out of it, that it would work itself out and it wasn’t their business.”

“I’m sure he didn’t listen,” she chuckled.

“Nah,” he laughed, “Unc and Moriah’s dad was real cool. Like best friend shit. He set up a meeting with Dewayne and Hassan and from what my pops said unc told him, Hassan was calm as shit about the whole thing. They talked and exchanged details on shit and that was that.”

“And then?”

“Unc talked to Nadine about it, he never told her about Hassan and your dad meeting up though. Nadine admitted to some shit before she cussed his ass out. And he still promised to keep her secret as long as she stayed away from your dad. And he kept his promise till the day he died.”

“What did she admit to?” Simone asked quickly.

He rolled his neck around until it popped then checked his phone for the time. “You sure you want me to tell you? Cause it might piss you off.”

“Yes, I want you to tell me. You’ve told me this much, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

He shrugged. “Aight then.”

Looking around the floor, Eddie searched until he found the door with Nadine’s name on it and knocked. Her receptionist had probably gone out for lunch as her desk sat idle with no one to stop him or alert her to his visit as they had done before. Not receiving an answer, he knocked again much harder, finally garnering a response.

The look on her face when he walked in made him chuckle. Despite her shock, he took a seat in the chair on the other side of Nadine’s desk.

“I’m glad I finally caught you. How’s your day going?” He asked politely.

“It was going well. How’s yours?”

“The same. I won’t keep you long but we do need to talk,” he relented, “And we’re not gonna keep putting it off.”

Nadine sat down her pen and braced her arms on her desk. “What do we need to talk about, Eddie? Is it the kids?”

“It’s not the kids and you know that it’s not them. It's about you and my cousin.”

She rolled her eyes to high heavens. “For fucks sake, I didn’t know he was your cousin okay? If I had, I wouldn’t have allowed him to pursue me.”

“Him being my cousin shouldn’t have been the reason you didn’t start a affair with him, DiDi.” He frowned, put off by her attitude. “You’re married to a good guy. Hassan would pull down the moon for you if you asked, yet here you are stepping out on him.”

“What are you? The morality police? It was a mistake, okay?”

“A mistake happens one time, it’s been quite some time, Didi.”

She groaned, now leaning back in her chair. “Okay so what are you gonna do? Tell him?”

Although, he and Hassan talked about it after meeting with Dewayne and Hassan asked him not to say anything about it to anybody else, that he would handle it, Eddie knew his best friend very well so he knew that Hassan wouldn’t do anything about it and just sit on the information. He knew how much Hassan loved Nadine, blindly he felt but love nonetheless. While he would support his best friend’s choices, he was going to make sure he protected him as much as he could.

“I’m not gonna tell him as long as you promise to stay away from my cousin. You don’t wanna ruin your marriage like this, Didi.” Eddie reasoned softly. “Hassan loves you and I know despite your transgressions, you love him just as much. You don’t want to tear your family apart. Hassan doesn’t deserve that and neither does Moriah.”

Nadine sat in thought, twisting her chair a bit from left to right. She never thought it would be possible to love two people at the same time but here she was. Their marriage wasn’t perfect by any means but Hassan had always made her feel loved, taken care of and protected but on the other hand Dewayne made her feel alive, he made her feel sexy, he made her feel needed. Was she really ready to give that up?

Eddie could see the wheels in her head turning and turning. “Do you love my cousin?”

“What?” She spat loudly. “No, I don’t.”

He raised a brow at her reaction. “Then it shouldn’t take you that long to agree to not see him again.”

“I’m just thinking about everything that’s happened and you’re probably right that I shouldn’t see him anymore.” She sighed. “If I continue on I’m gonna have to tell him.”

Eddie leaned forward at that. She seemed to be in a confessing mood, if so, he would listen intently. “Have to tell him what?”

She covered her face attempting to gather herself and her emotions. “I’m pregnant.”

He choked on his spit at that, patting his chest to help calm his reaction. “You’re pregnant. Didi? Are you sure? It could be Hassan’s though, right?”

Slowly, Nadine shook her head. “I mean there’s a possibility but I’m pretty sure it’s DJ’s baby.”

“Didi … you’re gonna have to tell Hassan. He’s gonna be able to tell that’s not his baby.” Again, she covered her face signaling to Eddie she was getting ready to drop another bomb. “What? What is it?”

“I’m not keeping this baby. I can’t keep this baby just like I couldn’t keep the others.” She responded with tears falling from her eyes.

Eddie had no idea how to react to that news. It hurt and angered him for both his cousin and his best friend. Neither of them deserved to have to deal with her, they both deserved so much better than her. He had no problems with women deciding to go down that specific route but what he did have an issue with was Nadine doing that to hide what she had been doing.

“Others? How many times have you,” his voice trailed off. He was unable to finish his sentence.

More tears fell in rapid succession before she could stop them. “Three times.”

“Nadine,” he admonished. “Three times and at no point between the first and the third did you think it was probably a good idea to stop or use a fucking condom?”

“How are we gonna get condoms and not get caught? We’re married!” She yelled jumping up from her seat.

“That’s exactly the point, Nadine! You’re both fucking married!” He yelled not moving from his seat. He took a few deep breaths. “Listen to me, you’re not doing this a fourth time. Just tell Hassan, we both know he’s very forgiving. Nobody else has to know and I know Rye would love to have a sibling. Plus I don’t think your body is gonna react well to a fourth one. What if you want to have another child with Hassan and you can’t? What then?”

At that moment, Nadine’s sadness and embarrassment became anger and all she could see was red. It was enough that she thought he was coming here as her friend to help and comfort her while she stood at this crossroad but here he was preaching to her and trying to tell her what to do.

“Who are you to tell me what the hell I’m gonna do with my body? If I wanna send this baby back along with its siblings, that’s MY business, MY choice! If I want to continue to fuck your cousin, I’m gonna do that too! And if you tell Hassan, I’ll just deny it! You think he’s gonna believe you over his wife?” She spat viciously.

Eddie was taken back by her tone, he finally saw what was really hidden inside her. “No one is telling you what to do. I am trying to help here because clearly you’re not great at making decisions.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me, Nadine. You choosing to abort this baby and continuing to see my cousin is selfish and you know it. What, what,” he stuttered, his anger overwhelming him, “What if the kids decide they want to be together when they’re older and have kids? You and my cousin still gonna be together then and ruin their happiness?”

She screwed her face up. “And what makes you think I care about that? Your son is not the only boy in the world, she can find somebody else. It won’t be the end of the world.”

“You can seriously not be this selfish, Nadine? Not when it comes to your child.”

She waved him off. “They're nine years old … they don’t even know what it means to like each other yet. By the time they do, they can find other people. Stop tryna use Moriah to guilt trip me.”

Eddie stared at her. “What kind of evil woman did Hassan marry?”

She smirked. “Apparently the same kind you want your son to be with. My baby is gonna be just like me. I secured everything I needed and wanted in this life and I’m still able to do what the hellI want. So good luck to your son if he ends up with my girl.”

“Moriah is nothing like you. She has never been and I thank God for that.”

“Maybe that’s what she wants you to think. Ever thought of that?” She asked with an evil chuckle.

Choosing not to engage in her tactics, Eddie stood from his chair and held her stare with a disgusted look on his face. “Unlike you, I don’t betray the people that trust me so I’m not gonna tell Hassan. I’m also not gonna tell him because I know how much it would hurt him and I don’t wanna do that. But I never told you I wouldn’t tell DJ. You and I both know how he feels about abortions.”

With that, Eddie walked out of her office leaving the door wide open leaving her calling out to him to come back. He gave her one last look before stepping onto the elevator.

Knocking on Josh’s window interrupted his recount, jarring them both with a startle. He let his window down to accept the food and politely posed for a picture with the excited woman. The ride to the hotel was quiet outside of Josh trying to make conversation here and there. It was obvious the information he divulged had her in deep thought and he hoped he hadn’t upset her too bad.

Simone walked back into the suite first, carrying a couple bags while Josh followed slowly behind her carrying the rest of the bags cautiously to the kitchenette. He spoke after she did, taking note that he’d heard three voices speak back. Jon approached Simone, helping her look through bags.

“Listen, I ain’t tryna kick you out but it’s prolly about to get heavy again so if it's too much for you, you prolly needa head to your room.” He whispered.

She shook her head. “No, it’s okay. I’m okay.”

“Aight but feel free to change your mind later.” He encouraged. “And you might wanna sit closer to me or Sefa just in case.”

With the food dispensed to the rightful people, they sat around the living room eating in silence. Jon and Sefa kept making eye contact and mouthing things back and forth to each other. They were getting a little worried that another altercation would break out.

Sefa cleared his throat. “We gotta work together in a few hours and people are gonna be able to tell if some shit is off. It gotta be seamless so the two of yall needa talk about this shit.”

Josh looked over at Zilla, who was slowly looking up from his food.

“Look, uce, I apologize for makin her cry and sayin that to her.”

Zilla nodded. “But you meant that shit though, right?”

“I did mean it but I shouldn’t have said it to her.” He repeated. “It should have stayed a conversation between you and me. But I … look, I was just tryna help.”

Zilla sat his food down which prompted Josh to sit his down as well. “Ion remember askin you or nobody for help, uce. If I wanted help, I woulda asked.”

“As a big uce, I felt like it was my place to tell you the truth regardless of if you wanted to hear it or not. I’m not tryna make you mad or hurt you or her, I just want the best for you.” Josh further explained. “You don’t know what the rest of us know.”

Jon dropped his fork looking between his brother and his cousin. “Wait, you better be specific with that ‘us’ shit, uce. Zilla, ion know what he know or who that us is. And neither do Sefa. Don’t put us in that shit, uce.”

Josh sucked his teeth. “I wasn’t includin yall in that. Shut up, man.”

Zilla felt himself starting to seethe again. “Since ion know what you and whoever else know, tell me.”

“Nah, you ain’t ready to hear that shit. Just trust me.” Josh warned.

“Nah, fuck that.” Zilla pushed. “Tell me. You tryna be a good big uce and shit, so tell me.”

Josh huffed. “I’m tellin you, you don’t wanna know.”

Simone looked between them and felt compelled to jump in. “Maybe he’s right, Zilla. Maybe you don’t wanna know. It could hurt you."

He looked over at her with the same mug. “Ion mean no disrespect but this don’t really got shit to do witchu and I really don’t know why you here. I like you and I wanna keep likin you but I ain’t if you keep tryna help his ass.”

Simone nodded and went back to eating her food. She wanted to help but she needed to not have any bad blood between them if she was going to go through with the plan.

“You ain’t gotta talk to her like that, she ain’t the one you mad at.” Josh chastised making Zilla suck his teeth.

“Either you gon start talkin or ima start swingin. You pick, uce.”

“Ain’t no need for that,” Jon butted in quickly, “You brought it up so now you gotta tell em, Josh.”

Josh stared at them for a minute, weighing the options in his head. “You remember how you said her mama made her have an abortion and made her get her tubes tied? How you really know, her mama made her do that shit?”

Sefa frowned. “No offense, Simone but why the fuck you say that shit in front of her? We wasn’t even supposed to know that shit.”

“No, hell nah. Don't get mad at me when yall wanted me to say it. Look, I said that to say that it’s real similar to some shit that happened with her mama. The only difference is her mama did the shit cause she wanted to.” He explained. “You don’t think that shit weird, Zay? It’s the exact same.”

Dropping his head into his hands, Zilla took a long, slow deep breath replaying what Josh said. The things Josh accused her of were crazy to him. Unbelievable even. And it all pissed him off. Whether or not he believed anything his cousin was saying was of no one in that room's business.

He brought his head up slowly shooting daggers at his cousin. “Ima say this shit one time and one time only, after this moment right here don’t comment on nothing about Moriah, about our relationship, nothing. I don’t care if the rest of us talkin’ bout her, you don’t say shit. If we at a family function, the most you better do is say what’s up unless she asks you something. That shit clear? Cause ion want no miscommunication.”

“I got you, Uce. I got you.”

Zilla nodded then thought for a second. “Oh I know one other thing than you can say to her.”

“What’s that?” Josh asked.

“Tell her fuckin thank you. She the only reason I ain’t beat yo ass this time.” He chuckled. “It’s fuckin crazy to me that even though you been mean and rude as shit to her that she still care enough about us havin a relationship. She care about our family and shit, yet here yo ass is bein a asshole. But be clear, if there’s a next time yo brothers, her or anybody ain’t gon be able to stop me. Feel me?”

Zilla grabbed his phone and slid his feet back into his shoes then left ignoring Jon calling his name. He needed to go back to his room to calm down before the show and before he talked to Moriah again. He had to put everything with Josh to the back of his mind, there were more important people and things he needed to be worried about.Dr. Barnes always told him that he didn’t have to wait until their appointments if he needed to talk or help, reminding him that was the reason he’s given the young man his number. This was the first time since starting with the doctor that he was taking up the offer.

“Zilla, this is a first.” Dr. Barnes chuckled into the receiver.

“Yeah, I uh …. You ain’t busy, is you?”

“Nope, not busy. Just in my recliner letting the television watch me.” He joked. “What’s going on, young blood? And don’t say nothing because you wouldn’t have called me if it was nothing.”

Zilla recounted his interaction with his cousins, adding his own frustrated gripes and almost empty threats towards his cousin. He also relayed how he was trying to get it off his mind of the whole thing so he could focus on work and being there for Moriah.

“That’s quite the encounter, huh? First and foremost, I’m proud of you for practicing restraint. It wasn’t your cousin Jon that did it, it was you. Because you and I both know they wouldn’t be able to stop if you really wanted to lay hands on him.”

“Yeah, I guess you right. I appreciate that.”

“You’re welcome. So what is it that you need my help with in this moment right now?”

He mumbled his thoughts to himself before responding to the doctor. “Just what Josh said kinda botherin me. It’s kinda stuck in my head.”

“We’re gonna take the kinda out and say that it is bothering you and that it is stuck in your head.” Dr. Barnes corrected. “Is it bothering you because you think it’s true? That she did it because she wanted to.”

Zilla laid back on his bed, throwing his arm across his face. ��No, Ion believe she did it cause she wanted to.”

“But?”

“But I think Nadine did that shit to her as like payback or some shit and it’s pissin’ me off.” He answered honestly.

Dr. Barnes let him sit with his feelings for a moment before responding. “Okay so your cousin said that Nadine had something similar to what she did to Moriah happen to her. What is it that he said she did?”

“Ion know, never got to ask him cause I was gettin pissed off again. You think I should go back and ask him?”

The older man chuckled heartily. “Since you’re asking me that, you already know the answer to that question. But before you do, figure out whether you're upset with Josh or Nadine in this situation.”

“It can’t be both?” He laughed, moving his arm from his face.

“It can be both another time but not right now,” he responded through his laugh, “Right now it sounds like your anger with Nadine is making your anger with Josh a little heavier than it ought to be.”

Zilla huffed loudly. He knew Dr. Barnes was right but he still wanted to be just as pissed off with Josh as he had been this entire time. “Aight, aight, aight. But I’m still mad at his ass.”

“I know you are and that’s okay. For now though, it would be good for you to go and talk to your cousin one on one and be as nice as you can.”

“Nice?” He spat. “Nice to who? Ima be as nice as his barber is to his hairline.”

Dr. Barnes laughed loudly, having a small coughing fit. “Now, Mr. Fatu, I don’t think that’s nice. But let’s try a better word … be as tolerant as you can. That better?”

“Yeah that’s better, I guess. But he still better be glad ion want Fat mad at me for hitting him.”

“Given the difficult situation you’re having in certain areas, wouldn’t it serve you for Moriah to be mad at you?” He asked jokingly.

“Mane,” Zilla laughed, “Doc, you gon make me beat his ass now.”

“Just joking, Zilla. Do what you need to do but sit on it until your next session.” He paused to cough. “And we can talk about it and your next steps. Sounds like a plan?”

“For now it do but if I hit em, I guess we’ll talk about that too.”

Moriah was in awe of Amira, the way she carried herself during the service and repass, how strong she had been consoling her husband and their parents when needed. She saw a few tears fall from Amira’s eyes but that was it. Here she was at the end of the repass still trying to keep herself from vomiting and ugly crying. Leata and her stayed to help the family clean up even though they told them they didn’t have to. Leata had Moriah running food out to Amira’s car as well as their parents and her own. On her way back from one of her trips, she heard sniffling coming from the side of the building and followed the sound.

“Hey,” she said softly, approaching Amira. “It’s just me. Only me.”

Amira wiped at her face, trying to be presentable. She plastered a smile on her face. “Hey, I’m sorry I was supposed to be helping. I’m coming.”

Moriah stepped in her way when she tried to pass. “Uhn uhn, we got it. Well they got it now. You obviously need some time to yourself. You’ve been there for everybody else, it’s your turn now.”

“No, I’m okay. I just needed to have a little cry, I’m all better now.”

“A little cry is not enough, Amira. Have you actually cried since the initial news?” She asked rubbing her shoulder. “And not a little cry, I mean an ugly one. Real ugly.”

Amira laughed a bit, tears forming in her eyes. “No. I can’t. I have to make sure Marcus is okay and our parents. And then I had to plan all of this. I have to keep going.”

“No ma’am you don’t. I’m sure your parents would be there for you and Marcus too, he’s your husband, girl. You can’t keep holding that in, trust me.”

“I’m the strong one, I can’t do that.” She argued softly.

“I am too but I had to realize that I can still be the strong one and let people help me, let them see me feel something.” Moriah smiled a little. “Just coming here today, I had my mama in law with me physically and my boyfriend couldn’t be here but he encouraged me over the phone. As much as I tried to fight it, I needed it.”

“I’m sorry if this was too much for you. If I made you feel obligated, I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think how being at a child's funeral would make you feel.”

“No, no.” She shook her head. “You do not have to apologize to me. I wanted to be here for you guys and for Nia.Just being here meant I had to confront the rest of my grief over my son.”

“Your son? Your son died?” She asked with sad eyes.

Moriah rubbed at her nose feeling herself about to start crying. “When I was a teenager I got pregnant and after I’d found out the gender, done all the shopping with my mama in law and everything, my mama made me have an abortion.”

Amira gasped, reaching for her hands. “That’s terrible, Moriah. I … I’m sorry that you had to deal with that. At least I got time with Nia but you … you never even got to hear his cry.”

“Yeah but I heard his heartbeat.” She wiped her tears away. “But the loss of a child at any point is sad enough. The amount of time or experiences either of us had with our babies doesn’t lessen the hurt. You had to say goodbye to your baby today, it hurts so please don’t act like it doesn’t.”

“I don’t want my husband to feel like he can’t grieve because I am.”

“From what I’ve seen he would never feel like that. Neither of you have to stop so the can grieve, Amira,” Moriah assured her, pulling her into a hug, “You can grieve together. I promise it’s so much better going through it together. But you have to say something to him. Be honest.”

She could feel Amira nod against her shoulder as well as more tears dropping. She rubbed her back soothingly, allowing her own tears to fall. “I’m gonna tell you what my boyfriend tells me. It’s okay to feel some shit but what’s not okay is to not let yourself feel some shit.”

Amira pulled back a little look at her through misty eyes. “Your boyfriend said that? That’s pretty good.”

“Yeah , he learned it in therapy but we’re gonna keep it between us that I taught you that. He’s gonna get the big head,” she joked, making them both laugh as they pulled away from the hug completely. “It’s gonna be hard but you have what looks like a great support system so lean on them. And you can always reach out to me.”

“Thank you truly for the way you took care of her and the way that you’re taking care of me.” Amira gave her another tight squeeze. “I had been wrestling with this. Whether I would tell you or not but I have to.”

“What’s up?”

“Dr. Harris has been calling me, he wants to know if I want to look more into Nia’s … death. I talked to him before the service and told him that I did.”

Moriah smiled. “Did you think it was gonna upset me? I promise you I am not upset at all, Amira. That is your right to do that for your baby. I know that I did everything I was supposed to and then some for your baby. If this is gonna help you and your family then you do it.”

“Oh thank God,” she breathed, “I thought I was gonna lose you.”

“No, you’re not but,” Moriah paused, “The hospital is probably gonna tell me that I can’t have contact with you.”

“But … I mean I guess I understand.”

Moriah rubbed her arm, giving her a soft smile. “It’s okay, you’ll still have me when it’s over. I promise.”

Leata called out both of their names standing at the door of the center, the women shared one more hug before going back. Leata and Moriah made sure the family had everything they needed before departing.

When Moriah got out of the bathroom from her shower, Leata was sitting up against the headboard on Zilla’s side of the bed, remote in hand and snacks waiting on the bed. She smiled and patted the bed.

“Come on. It’s not often we have alone time away from my big head sons.” Leata joked.

Moriah climbed onto her side of the bed, a bright smile on her face. “Was I in the shower that long for you to go get this?”

“You were but I didn’t leave. My son had it delivered.” She explained turning on a movie. “How’d the talk with Amira go?”

“It went good. She was holding her feelings in to take care of everybody else.”

Leata hummed playfully. “That sound familiar?”

“Nope,” she laughed, “But I hope what I said to her made her feel comfortable enough to talk about it with her husband.”

“I’m sure it did. How are you feeling after that?”

Moriah reached for her gummy bears, fiddling with the package as she attempted to answer. “I’m feeling a lot but I don’t think in a bad way. It was hard seeing her like that because of obvious reasons but also it just reminded me that I never got to see Angel. I never saw his face.” She paused, finally getting the bag open. “And then when I was talking to Amira and I told her the short version of it, she mentioned how bad she felt that she’d gotten time with her baby but I’d never gotten to hear Angel cry.”

“Did having that conversation with her help you feel a little better?”

“Yeah, it did.” She ate a few bears. “Talking her through her own feelings was like talking to myself about it.”

Leata nodded, flipping through the guide. “I was hoping going and talking to her mom would help you and not hurt you. Zilla told me about your appointment, I hope you don't mind.”

“You know the only thing I care about is that his ugly self told you before I could,” Moriah laughed. “I've been writing things down so I remember to tell them.”

She raised a brow. “Your memory has always been good, you're writing things down now. Why?”

“It's still good, I just don't wanna get there and I'm too nervous to remember things.”

“Oh okay,” she nodded, still not convinced, “What's on your list?”

After stuffing a few more bears in her mouth, Moriah scrolled through her apps for her notes then passed her phone over. Leata read them to herself.

“Headaches for hours?”

“Yeah, I think it's just stress but Toni told me that I should include it.”

“How many hours are we talking here, Rye?”

She shrugged. “No more than 3 so far.”

Leata eyed her a moment longer then went back to the list. “Forgetfulness? You told me your memory was fine.”

Moriah sucked her teeth, leaning over to look. “Toni put that on there. She get on my nerves, it was not that serious.”

“What wasn't that serious?”

“I forgot my cup a few times this week, misplaced my keys twice and forgot where I parked but … but in my defense we worked a double.”

“Mmhm. You make sure you tell them everything on here. Even that.”

“Yes ma'am,” she sighed. “I didn't tell Zay but I really hope this works.”

Leata smiled. “I do too but you know we'll all still love you the same. There are other options.”

“I know but I really wanna be able to carry my own baby again. Angel had me down bad at the beginning but I enjoyed carrying him.” Moriah's mind drifted, her hand creeping up to her stomach absent-mindedly.

“When I was pregnant with Zilla he was so easy going. I was barely sick or uncomfortable,” Leata recalled fondly, “Until the end. He would not bring his ass out. He was two weeks late, nothing worked. Waited until I laid down to take a nap.”

Moriah laughed, all of her attention on the woman before her.

“After he was born, Eddie took the other boys to get food and take them home, right? Soon as they were gone, I thumped the bottom of his foot. Not hard but enough and so you know what he did?”

��Screamed?”

“Nope. He just stared at me with that little mean face of his.” Leata laughed along with Moriah. “You and my son are gonna be good parents.”

“You think?”

“I know so. Especially seeing how you two are with Sienna, who by the way wants to come stay for a little while.”

“Whenever EJ wants to send her, I'll fly there to get her.”

Having calmed his nerves, Zilla pulled Josh into an empty area in the arena. Jon tried to get him to do it around other people but he had already let out enough of his and Moriah's business in front of Simone, he didn't want that to happen again in front of more of his family.

“Tell me.”

He didn't have time to beat around the bush with his cousin nor did he want to. Talking to Dr. Barnes had calmed him just enough to not want to tear Josh's head away from his body and he wanted to stay that way for now.

Josh scratched his beard, he thought to ask if he was sure but thought better of it. “I know you low on patience so I'll shorten it for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Nadine was having a affair with DJ. She had a few abortions and either that caused her to not be able to have kids or she made sure she couldn't.” Josh watched Zilla carefully but noticed the younger man didn't even flinch, he just stared at him. “Nadine been doing a buncha shiesty shit, that shit in her, uce.”

Zilla took a few deep breaths, his lips turned up into a small smirk. “You said that right. Nadine got that shit in her, not Fat.”

“Listen, all ima say is watch out for yourself.”

“I think you the one that needa take that advice. Is that all you know?”

He shrugged. “I know that your dad knew about it when yall was nine, but he ain't ever get to tell Moriah dad.”

Zilla nodded knowing why. “Preciate you. We good, aight? Just don't speak on my lady no more.”

“I got you. Ima do my best, uce.”

Eyeing him for a moment, Zilla almost got upset again then realized who he was talking to. Jon definitely got more of the sense than Josh did and it showed. The cousins walked back to the locker room their family was sharing, Jacob was the first to speak up.

“I see his ugly ass still got his teeth!”

“We going out to celebrate him keeping all 32! Simone, you coming, don't shake your head!” Jon yelled out.

Josh laughed, shooting a bird at both men while Zilla settled into one of the chairs focused on his phone.

Fat

5:15pm

Zaaaaaaaaay! Thank you for my snacks and for earlier. You're the best boyfriend…most of the time. 😂 I love you!!

Zilla

7:02pm

Most of the time? Yeah aight. U welcome love ya mean ass 2

Tamara

6:45pm

Hey! Next Wednesday from 10AM to 4PM. I found some really good ones! 4bed/5baths and 5beds/5 1/2baths, right?

Zilla

7:05pm

Yeah that's perfect cause Fat gon be at work. Thank u! I got your hotel

Tamara

7:08pm

No you don't, I got my hotel plus I have plus 3 coming with me 🙄

Zilla

7:09pm

😂😂 I got all yall. Forreal, lemme handle it.

Tamara

7:11pm

Rye was right, you are hard headed

Zilla

7:12pm

Got it from my fat!!!😌

#aao #zilla fatu #zilla & moriah #the bloodline #the samoan dynasty

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freakystrashdump · 2 days ago

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🔮The Oracle Bakery🔮

Emperor Belos|Phillip Wittebane/OC

Slow burn, enemies to lovers, Belos is a content warning by himself

Read on AO3

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Chapter 19: Unveiled

It was a weird feeling, taking this route again. It was jotted down precisely in her mind by now, with how many times she had been escorted by the emperor’s guards down this same path, over and over again, and yet, it left her stomach churning more than normal. It felt like a funeral march. It also felt like riding a roller coaster. Somehow both uncontrollably exciting and poignantly morose. The emotional whiplash made Selena feel lightheaded, nauseous, and the abundance of the muffins she had been eating instead of regular meals was starting to fill her with regrets.

Steve came, as she had asked, right after what would be the bakeries closing hours, and gentleman that he is, stood by her side as they traversed the streets towards the palace. Chattering away in a friendly fashion, even if Selena could only offer the forced hm’s and ah’s in return.

The brooch which was gifted to her felt like an eyesore on her blouse. Even if the blasted thing was barely noticeable against her style of dress, to her it felt like it was the centre of everyone’s attention. A beacon which drew every eye to her, knowing where and who it came from. It filled her with adrenalin and made her gut clench uncomfortably. Of course, no one really cared about an inconspicuous little trinket upon her blouse- the residents of Bonesborough were paying her no more mind than usual. Apart from maybe a familiar face here and there, a customer or an acquaintance, giving a small wave or nod of their head accompanied by a polite smile, before heading on their merry way.

There were no talks on the streets about the assassination attempt, about the heroic baker, none of it. It must have been kept under lock and key, barred from leaving the palace walls altogether.

Selena gulped, the saliva she tried to push down felt like rocks barely being able to move past her throat - Why, exactly, did she decide to do this? She had free reign over her time, granted by the Emperor, she had no clock ticking above her head. What in the Boiling Isles prompted her to personally seek out the Emperor’s attention in such a manner?

Was she unwell? She must be. Either that, or she was cursed. Maybe she accidentally added Bleeding Rose root into her last batch of pastries, which left her mind clouded and actions erratic. Something had to be making her act this out of character, Selena reasoned, this wasn’t like her at all!

In any case, the commute to the palace felt much shorter than it usually did, as Selena was far too busy disassociating to pay attention to the journey there, or to poor Steve happily chattering away. A big delivery box overfilled with the freshest of muffins and cupcakes (finally, her home was somewhat relieved from the overflow of the bakery produce) was held tightly in her hands, and she was nodding along at Steve’s smalltalk, smiling behind tightly pursed lips. The streets quickly turned into the halls of the palace, and as Steve led her through them, she was quick to realise that this wasn’t the usual route. No, no, Selena made sure to memorise these halls, she noticed the turns differ, noticed how the walls became more ornate as they went. This was the route to the Emperor’s private chambers, the same one where she had spent most of her time healing during her last visit.

In the Emperor’s bed, specifically. The memory made Selena flush almost immediately, embarrassed beyond imagination at the mere thought of spending time in his most private and intimate abode.

They reached his doors in no time at all, the double doors seemed to have felt their presence and started to open as soon as they were near. They creaked, heavy wood straining the hinges, opening as if they were expecting her arrival. Selena did not move as they did, and neither did Steve. Instead, the man's masked face just barely turned to her, followed by a clearing of his throat to catch her attention. Selena looked to him, and as soon as he caught her gaze, Steve motioned his head towards the door, urging her to go in.

“Traitor.” Selena huffed internally as the realisation that he was done escorting her hit fully. She was alone from this point forward.

Well. Not technically alone, as the Emperor was waiting for her inside. But emotionally? Spiritually? Completely alone.

But, she was a Fortuna. They never back down, and neither will she. So with her head held high, Selena marched inside, graceful feet carrying her as if she was gliding, not letting any insecurity show. As soon as she was safely inside, the doors behind her shut all by themselves.

“Selena, aren’t you a soothing sight for these old, tired eyes.”

Hearing his voice felt like a blessing and a curse. It was almost like the strung bow of anxious anticipation finally snapped, making it feel like the worst of it, the horrid wait which was coiling its way around her lungs, was over. But at the same time, it gave way to a new type of anxiety, a slower one, creeping its way from her stomach and up into her chest, the neverending stress of having to tiptoe in his presence like a tightrope performer.

Emperor Belos stood up from his seat at the sofa, and Selena noted the paper and books that were strewn across the tea table. It felt like she was somehow interrupting him, even though she was certain that he was definitely anticipating her arrival. Maybe he was keeping himself busy to help the time pass faster? Who knew, certainly not her, that’s for sure. But there he was, dressed to the nines in his empirical robes. It was a very different visage compared to how she last saw him, and it felt… almost alienating, in a way. After seeing him in such an intimate, dressed down state, the full mask being on (no pun intended) felt jarring to see again. It made her irritated that it bothered her as much as it was.

“Good afternoon, Emperor.” Selena greeted, offering a curtsy “I hope my arrival today wasn’t too short of a notice.”

Belos was quick to wave her supposed worries away “Nonsense, you are always welcome.” He reassured her “And I have missed you dearly during your… sabbatical, let’s call it.”

Selena nodded and held out the bakery box she brought out, presenting it to the Emperor “I have your delivery, Emperor Belos. Brand new recipe, I hope you will enjoy it.”

There was a slight pause in conversation as Selena felt Belos observe her. His mask was void of the glowing eyes, but she felt him watch her closely. It was a feeling she was intimately familiar with by now. Thankfully, it didn’t last too long, as Belos moved to look to the side, his arm extending towards the tall windows behind him “You can set it up over there, if you’d be so kind.” he coaxed her. Selena followed to where he was pointing and finally took notice of the little table set up in front of one of the windows, with two elegant chairs placed on each side.

“Yes, of course.” Selena replied, hoping she masked the confusion in her voice well. Set it up? Well, this was new, wasn’t it. Belos would always accept her deliveries and never pay them any mind until he let her leave. Something which happened so often that it was the main fuel behind her theory that he just doesn’t really eat, ever.

Then again, how could she see him eat, anyway. It’s not like you can eat with a mask on, now can you?

The table was a tad bigger than the ones you’d usually find in a cafe, Selena observed immediately as she walked up to it. And, while it was currently empty, there was a kitchen cart placed next to it, which carried all the necessary tableware one would need for a proper afternoon tea. This she could work it, Selena nodded decisively, and moved her hold on the delivery box to leave one hand free to work its magic - literally. One spell circle later, the plates and utensils levitated up from the cart, closely followed by a teacup and saucer, setting it up neatly on the table for one. She didn’t miss the layered dessert stand either - perfect to fit the muffins and cupcakes - so up on the table that went as well.

“I received your letter this morning, Emperor.” Selena started absentmindedly as she worked “Thank you. For keeping my wellbeing in your thoughts.”

Behind her, she heard Belos chuckle “But of course. Who else would I keep in my thoughts but my little hero.” there was a certain cadence to how he said that last bit, which made Selena’s face scrunch up in distaste. She was thankful her back was turned to him. “Set it up for two, please.” he continued and Selena could hear him moving around behind her.

The oracle paused at his request, the magic in her fingers stilling for just a moment as she took it in. For two? That was… also new. She continued on, doing exactly as she was told, but her mind couldn’t help but run rampant. Perhaps she did make a difference, she thought, despite the embarrassment she had to endure, and maybe his nephew would be joining him today. As she moved from setting the table onto filling the dessert stand with her creations, Selena felt in a much better mood, turning much chattier.

“I hope you’ll enjoy these, emperor Belos!” she chirped “I have been experimenting with flavours on these for the last couple of days and-” she turned on her heel, opting to face Belos as to not be rude - continuing to address him with her back turned was bad manners. But as soon as she had done so, she let out a yelp, shrinking back to turn away in a haste, one hand racing up to cover her eyes. The yelp quickly transformed into a blabbering of apologies “Goodness gracious and all that is unholy, I am so, so sorry, Emperor! I didn’t know you were- I- I wouldn’t have looked if-”

Whilst she scrambled for apologies, Belos in return was frozen in place, taken aback by her reaction. Yes, she had merely turned to look at him as she spoke, but what she saw wasn’t the golden mask she had grown accustomed to. Instead, there stood the Emperor, the heavy royal cloak and cowl held in his arms as he carefully folded the fabric, hair long and cascading freely down his back and, the thing which caused her most strife of all, was his face, bare of the gold she knew. Instead, she saw a face, a face that seemed so normal. Two eyes and a nose, and mouth, and bushy brows, and a well defined jaw. The haunting blue of his eyes seemed less intense out in the light than it ever was in the shadows of the mask, somehow.

Belos watched the girl shrink, one hand placed over her eyes and the other placed in front of her, a makeshift shield between them. The reaction took him by surprise, forcing his eyebrows high on his forehead and his mouth to fall open at the oracle who was practically groveling before him. He quickly discarded the robes he held onto the sofa and took one step closer to her, speaking “What… are you apologising for?”

“I- your face!” Selena squeaked “I saw your face!”

Another step “And why is that something worth apologising for?”

There was a brief moment of pause “Isn’t… the act of seeing under the Emperor’s mask an act punishable by law?”

Oh. Right.

Belos remembered, he did make that decree a long time ago. It was done in annoyance, really. An annoying aristocrat, trying to put themselves into his good graces, had tried to remove his mask many years ago in a failed, and frankly embarrassing, attempt at flirting. If he were being completely honest, he fully forgot he had done that since no one dared before nor since to ever try and get under his mask. That aristocrat must have been rotting inside the conformatorium for decades at this point. He shrugged mentally at that, oh well, not like it was a big loss. They deserved it, anyway, filthy witch.

In any case, he had other matters to attend to. “It is.” Belos answered coolly, masking that he himself completely forgot about making that a law “However, I fail to see how that is something that concerns you.”

Selena didn’t put her hand down, but the shock did make her open her eyes. She focused on the carpeted floor “It doesn’t… what do you mean?” She listened as Belos’ steps got closer to her. She saw his boots enter her field of view, and the idea of him standing so close to her, face bare, made her anxiety spike. She almost jumped when she felt a hand cover her outstretched one, very gently pushing it down so it no longer served as a shield between them.

“Look at me, Selena.”

And she did. She didn’t know why she didn’t hesitate, it was as if he had compelled her somehow to instantly obey.

Almost like she trusted him.

And she saw him. And it took all the decorum instilled into her to hold back the gasp which she felt fill her chest.

A face that was old, but somehow it looked younger than it should. Lines of wrinkles gathered in the corners of his mouth, tracing his lips, and under his eyes where the skin was tainted purple with fatigue. Skin that showed age, but was still full of life, still uncannily firm. Clear eyes, and so blue, so very incredibly blue, it felt hard to breathe for a moment. A strong jawline and a prominent nose, with a bent bridge, which would probably be a very defining feature of his face, if it weren’t for the curse mark which marred his face and took all attention from it.

It rose from the left side of his neck, the dark green moving over his jaw, crossing his entire face from his cheek, up over his nose, and going over his right eye and into his hairline.

For a very brief second, the word handsome crossed Selena’s mind. But it was very brief. And if you were to ask her about it, she wouldn’t even dignify you with a response.

Her own face must have been telling a story of its own, because Belos actually seemed nervous, eyes fleeting to the side briefly, his free hand going up to scratch at his cheek in a timid fashion. “It’s a bit jarring, I know. I hope it doesn’t frighten you.”

“Oh, I, uh-” Selena’s mouth opened and closed, like a fish bobbing for air out in the dry, struggling to form words “-I don’t - what is?” grand job. Truly, an artisan of words.

“The curse mark.” Belos remarked, pointing to it “It’s not quite easy on the eyes.”

Right. The mark. That should be unnerving, shouldn't it? It probably would be, to most people, or even on any other person. But the mark being on this particular face, it was the least jarring part of it all.

“It’s not- jarring, that is.” Selena was quick to correct herself.

Belos exhaled a small laugh through his nose “Your face says otherwise.”

“No, really!” she reassured “I am sure I look shocked, but it isn’t at the mark. I starstruck over being able to see your face at all, that’s the reason why. Honest it is.”

The man before her smiled. And it took her aback, to see actual emotion on his face, not just try to read every tilt of his head and over analyse the inflections of his voice. And it felt… unnatural to her, but she couldn’t put her finger as to why. Perhaps it was just because she was so used to his mask. It couldn’t be that his wrinkles weren’t anywhere as deep as they should have been when he smiled, or how his skin was not at all dull nor thin as her grandparents were. Even with the curse mark, he bore no odd pigmentation she was so used to seeing in older faces.

But none of that crossed her mind, at least not consciously. She just knew that she felt unnerved, and couldn’t explain why.

“Good.” Belos said, pleased “I’d hate to have scared you with such an unsightly blemish.” his tone switched up fast, going from soft and reassuring to cheerful, closing the gap between him and the table “Now! Since we have that out of the way, my dear, please take a seat.” he offered, pulling out one chair for her.

Oh. Oh dear titan, she connected the dots now. The table for two, it wasn’t for Hunter. It was for her. He expected her to share a meal with him, and it’s not like she could deny his request. At this point, the words ‘this is new’ felt incredibly worn out in her head.

“Pardon?” Selena let out, dumbfounded. She needed to make sure she heard him right.

“Unless you’d prefer to stand while we eat.” Belos raised an eyebrow “It would be quite rude manners, though.”

“No! I mean, not at all, I just-” Selena was stuttering again, completely disarmed with how he kept taking her by surprise every step of the way. If they were engaged in a battle of wits, she was definitely on a losing streak today. “Never mind.” accepting defeat, Selena took the seat offered to her, making sure to let Belos push the chair in for her like the perfect gentleman he was (pretending to be).

On the other hand, Belos seemed beyond pleased. Selena watched as he rounded the table to take the seat across from her, a self-satisfied smirk on his face, his eyes glinting. It was disarming seeing his emotions out in the open, she wasn’t sure if she preferred the mask or not anymore. Once seated, he held up a single finger, the red glow of his magic moving the teapot and pouring tea for both Selena and himself. With his other hand, he picked out a cupcake from the dessert stand “What treat have you brought me today, Selena?”

“Human cupcakes and muffins, my lord.” Selena felt relieved that this was how he decided to start the conversation. It was a safe topic, one she could talk about without thinking much about.

“Cup cakes?”

“Yes, like scream cakes, but without the screaming.” she explained, “After what happened, I don’t think I will be making cakes for a while, so these will have to do. I prefer the muffins myself, the frosting on cupcakes tends to be too sweet for me.” she joked and picked a muffin out, removing the wrapping from it “Also easier to share.”

Belos examined his cupcake, turning it in his hands with all the care and attention of a scientist on the verge of a breakthrough, before bringing it to his lips for a bite. Selena watched, fully engrossed, as his teeth broke through, taking a sizable chunk out. Some of the frosting managed to make a mess of his upper lip, almost reaching his nose, but Belos was quick to wipe it away with a thumb. Selena gulped when he absentmindedly licked the frosting off the digit, feeling the pit in her stomach deepen.

“If this is how I made you feel all this time by watching you so closely, I think I may owe you an apology.” Belos spoke cheekily, eyes flying up from the sweet in his grasp up to her, mischief sparkling in the blue. “Being observed with such intensity would make anyone squirm.”

It took a moment for Selena to realise what exactly he was accusing her of. But as soon as her brain processed the information, she squeaked in embarrassment and dropped her muffin “Oh goodness, I am so sorry! I’m staring and- oh lord I am being so rude!” she covered her face when she felt it heat up “I am an absolute mess today, I am so sorry, Emperor! Seeing your face, I just- I don’t know, I just can’t seem to compose myself!”

She heard Belos laugh across from her and spread the fingers that covered her face so that she could peep at him. “Is it really that much of a shock that I would show my face to you?”

“No? Y-yes, I don’t know!” Selena groaned. Belos tilted his head, smiling all the same, and in one smooth movement enveloped his fingers around one of her wrists, forcing that hand away from her face. The woman pursed her lips as he rested both of their hands on the table.

“I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving to show this side of me to.” He spoke as he looked at their hands. His thumb moved, tracing patterns into her wrist, making Selena feel lightheaded “Not only because you saved the lives of both Hunter and I.” his thumb stilled, pressing into her vein and moved his attention from their hands to her face “But because you are someone I feel comfortable calling my friend.”

Goosebumps went up like a wave from the tip of her tippy-toes all the way up to the top of her head.

“So I can’t think of anyone else more worthy of seeing my face like this, other than you, Selena.”

With one last squeeze of his hand, he pulled it back and continued eating the cupcake from earlier, leaving Selena fully flushed and flabbergasted whilst she struggled to make sense of, well, everything that has happened since this morning. “These are delicious, by the way.” he hummed “As expected from you.”

“Th- thank you, Emperor Belos.” she managed to get out through the hand covering the lower half of her face in a pathetic attempt to hide how flushed her skin was.

Titan damn it, the time apart really made her forget that this accursed royal was a true wordsmith, sentences so expertly crafted they could move the earth itself, so the act of completely rattling her apart both inside and out was mere child's play. And whilst Selena wallowed over how easily he tore down every single defence she put up over her extended sick stay, leaving her just a mess of stuttering words and flushed skin, Belos spent that time indulging into the treats she prepared with utmost care.

Selena forced herself to drink some of the tea. She needed it, as her mouth was so dry that swallowing made her throat feel like sandpaper instead. She took her time doing so, holding the rim of the cup to her lips and barely sipping as she tried to school her thoughts back into some semblance of organised. She could come back from this. Ursula did not raise a meek child, no sir.

“I was wondering, and I- well, I hope this question does not come off as impolite. But, is the reason…” she started slowly, carefully “...you moved deliveries from morning to after work hours…” she lowered the teacup away from her lips and looked straight at Belos.

“...so you can keep me at the palace longer?”

Belos blinked, the raise of his eyebrows indicating that she did manage to take him by surprise. Without breaking eye contact, he reached for a muffin “Perhaps it is.” he answered, putting the pastry on his plate. “You seem to be in such a hurry to go back to your bakery, it always tends to cut our meetings short.”

With a hum, Selena put the cup down and laced the fingers of her hands together, resting her chin on top. “Why, Emperor Belos, I’m surprised.” Selena felt her confidence seep back in “Going about it in such a roundabout way, you could have just asked me to spend more time with you.”

It took him a second or two, but Belos did manage to gather his wits and erase the bewildered expression from his face. He leaned on the table with one elbow, resting his chin in the palm of his hand, mirroring her in a way. “I suppose I could have. But, where is the fun in that?”

Selena let out a vexed laugh “The fun in forcing someone to lose their mind attempting to read inbetween the very vague lines?”

“But you read it, didn’t you?” that answer perplexed her, but Belos just continued “If you were someone who could not comprehend the meaning of my words in this manner, I do not think I’d find any interest in you as I do now.” he picked up his own teacup and observed it “In fact, I think I’d find such a person to be, quite bluntly, dull and tiresome to be around. And you are none of those.”

Selena bit the inside of her cheek “Well I’m glad you do not find me dull and tiresome.”

Taking his time to take a sip of tea, Belos lowered his head and looked at her from under his lashes “And you are the same, aren’t you?”

“The same?”

He chuckled “Yes, the same.” Belos leaned over slightly in his seat “If I were someone to speak plainly, like any man could do, you would not be nearly as excited to come back and see me.”

“That is quite an assumption.” Selena tried to deflect.

“If I am wrong-” Belos quipped “-and I rarely am, then tell me, Selena - why is it every time you try to challenge me, you can’t stop smiling and shaking in excitement?”

Selena froze, and suddenly she felt very aware of the way her muscles were tense and making her body quiver. Of the way her cheeks were aching as her lips stretched to reveal her teeth in a grin, almost manic in its appearance. Excited. Horror washed over her when it hit her that she didn’t even realise how her body betrayed her, the sheer thrill of engaging with Belos shattering the composed act she spent so much time putting into place without her even knowing.

Had she… been doing this every time?

“Don’t be ashamed.” Belos raised his eyebrows in a pitying expression “It’s actually rather cute. How eager you are.”

“Well.” Selena huffed, openly displeased, “That was… painfully condescending.”

“Oh, not at all.” Belos interrupted “I remember when you first came to me, terrified out of your mind. And yet, despite that, you couldn’t help but engage - you picked and prodded at me and my words. That drive of yours, being so strong to overpower the instinctual urge to cover before me, it vexed me. It kept me interested in you, forcing me to keep inviting you back over and over again just to see more of it.”

He chuckled darkly before continuing “And that drive is what kept you coming back to me as well.”

Selena sat in silence and opted to glare at the dessert stand, as looking at Belos’ smug expression was proving to be too much right now. She should have known better than to try and outfox Belos - it was a hard manoeuvre to pull when she was at her best, attempting it when he completely threw her off of her game by offering her the touchingly intimate knowledge of his true face was a suicide mission.

Curse her and her manipulation tactics, and how fast they have turned against her.

“So.” Belos began again “Was I wrong in my assumptions?”

The oracle pressed her lips together at the question. The two still sat the same; each resting their chins up on their hands - Selena on top of her laced fingers, and Belos on his palm - elbows resting at the table. “No.” she finally spoke up “I suppose you weren’t.” she clicked her tongue as her lip curled upward “Interesting that you’d keep someone so daring to provoke you around.”

“I do enjoy a good challenge.” he smiled through closed eyes “And the joy of receiving human food to indulge in is an added bonus.”

“Afterall.” he leaned in closer, and whilst he wasn’t fully in her space yet, Selena could now feel his breath just reach her face “I always had a soft spot for Fortuna’s. And so far-”

“-I think you may be my favourite one.”

#the owl house #the oracle bakery #philip wittebane #philip wittebane x oc #emperor belos #emperor belos x oc #fanfiction #reader insert #self insert

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arlathen · 3 months ago

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i haven't had time to write lately but i have been aggressively thinking about ariel/ashur.

#pov you are the fantasy pope and youre already fairly uncomfortable with slavery #you have a few sweet interactions with the most beautiful woman in the world who. as it turns out.#is the slave of the guy painting your New Pope Portrait. he is horrible to her. you make your discomfort and disgust with him evident #somehow he always ends up directing it back at her violently. you make small efforts to be kind to her to make up for it.#a few days later you snap at him and he snaps at her. you find her that night near the top of the argent spire ready to jump #and she is soaked in blood and shaking like a crusty white dog. you think its hers. it is not. she tells you plainly that she killed him #and that she would rather die by her own hand than face what comes next. you talk her down. you wash the blood off.#a dozen clerics saw him offend you earlier. it would be the easiest thing in the world to suggest that you ordered his death.#it is easy. you felt suffocated by the structure around you. how can you change it from within exactly? like this. easily.#youre a man with many strings at hand and the lightest tug of one means life and freedom for another.#the microwave is spinning so quickly #carly.txt #carly's ocs #oc: ariel

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thebestandworstdayofjune · 6 months ago

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desperate people find faith

summary: your first mission ends with you in Jean's lab and a very worried Logan who's had trouble leaving your side wc: 2.0k a/n: thank you thank you so much for all of your very positive feedback on the previous fics with these two!!! I am really looking forward to writing more for them, so please feel free to send any requests for them my way, or Logan requests in general! And yes, the title is from a Taylor Swift song again. Lots of hurt/comfort in this one, talks of mushy gushy feelings, very worried Logan find the previous part here! all empath!reader fics here!

You took the cold table underneath you as a sign that something had gone wrong. You peaked one eye open before quickly squeezing it closed, the bright florescent lights too much to handle. You took a beat, trying to make sense of your surroundings.

You remembered the jet landing in what seemed like the middle of nowhere, you and Jean searching an abandoned building looking for the young mutant that Charles had promised would be there and coming up empty. The two of you had made your way back to the jet and.. shit. The kid had freaked, and you distinctly remember taking enough damage to warrant a swift retreat back to the school. You must be downstairs, in Jean’s lab. It’s probably a bad sign that the first thing you worry about how much shit Logan is going to give you for this.

You reached out with your power, too cautious of the lights (and the judgment of the rest of the team) to look with your eyes. A few people were mildly worried just across the room, but it was hard not to be distracted by the huge amounts of anger and exhaustion on your left. You debated facing him head on, being a grown up about it and fessing up to the fact that you were wrong. Thankfully, you could be immature when the situation called for it. You attempted to even out your breathing and smooth out the crease between your eyebrows, anything that could give you away.

“Sweetheart?” Logan’s voice is so much softer than you were expecting, based on the waves of pure fury currently radiating off of him.

You shush him, blinking one eye open. “I’m sleeping.” You whisper, letting your eye fall shut again.

You felt his hand gently brush over the top of your head. His voice is closer, air tickling your ear as he leans down beside you. “Been sleeping for three days, bub. Need you to wake up now.”

You turn your head to the side and are treated to Logan dropping a small kiss on your forehead. You can’t help but smile at the affection, eyes half open against the bright lights. After a few moments, they dim. Jean takes her place on the other side of the table, lab coat on and stethoscope in hand. You expected her to shoo Logan away in the name of a more thorough analysis but she doesn’t even attempt it.

Logan’s hand finds your own, gripping tight enough to be just short of uncomfortable. Jean makes quick work of taking your diagnostics, and gently informs you that besides feeling fatigued, you are just fine.

That can’t be right.

You know that you caught the brunt of the impact, it was beginning to come back to you. The young mutant had lashed out, and before you’d had the chance to get close, he’d sent a car flying towards you and Jean. She’d managed to counteract it with her own mutation, firmly shoving you out of the way. But she hadn’t been fast enough to catch the small metal spikes he’d also thrown. There was no way you should be ‘just fine’ by now.

Either Jean was in your head or the confusion was showing clearly on your face. She gave you a tight smile, eyes darting between you and the door. She took a few steps back, clearly intent of making her exit. “Jean, wait, there’s no way-”

She gave you her please stop talking smile. “I think it’s best if this comes from him,” she nodded at Logan, placing her stethoscope and clipboard on the side table. “I’ll be back in a bit to do one final check before we clear you.” She gives you another smile that didn’t meet her eyes, and then she was gone.

You began to sit up slowly, still in shock that there was little to no pain, only stiffness from being immobile for too long. “What is she talking about?” Logan huffed, supporting you with a hand on your back. “What’s going on?”

One hand made long, slow strokes up and down your spine, while the other had not loosened it’s grip on your own since you’d woken up. His eyebrows were scrunched together, the tell tale sign of his thinking face. You tried your best not to rush him, but everything about the situation was so confusing and your mind was racing. You were far too healed, and he was being far too calm for the anger that was rolling off go him, still.

“Didn’t expect me to just sit around when you came back one foot in the grave, did ya?”

“I’m sorry if me coming back banged up gave you extra work, I just don’t understand why you’re so upset with me.”

His eyes went wide, the hand on your back stilling. “I’m not mad at you, sweetheart.” The tremble in his voice almost had you convinced.

“Don’t lie to me about it,” you help up your hand, still firmly entwined with his. “I can tell.”

“I’m notmad at you, bub.” He brought the back of your hand to his lips, peppering it with kisses. “I’m mad at the little fuck who did this to you, I’m mad that they let this happen, and I’m furious with myself that I wasn’t there.”

“He’s just a kid, Logan.”

His shoulders shook with silent laughter, a stark white dancing at the edge of his emotions now. Shock. “You almost died, and your first instinct is to defend the little asshole responsible.”

You leaned forward, bumping your shoulder against his chest in warning. “I feel fine.” He nodded, taking a deep breath in through his nose while his hand not currently locked with yours resumed it’s path up and down your back. You let it go on for a few moments, appreciating the silence and the grounding effect of his touch. “Do you… wanna fill me in on why exactly that is?”

He sucked in a breath, shoulders visibly tense. “We were lucky that Hank was stopping by for a visit.” He played with your fingers, distracting himself. You tilted your head to the side, wondering why that information was important at a time like this. “When they brought you in, god there was so much blood. Jean managed to take care of a lot of it, but she didn’t know when, or uh, if you were going to wake up.” He blew out a breath, steadying himself. “You know that Hank has been asking for a long time-”

Both of your hands gripped his tightly. “Tell me you didn’t.”

Hank had been asking for ages to use some of Logan’s blood to synthesize a more advanced healing serum for the X-Men. It was rare they came back with more than bumps and bruises, but he was a worrier and felt that Logan was the key to making something truly effective. The only problem? Logan hated needles. You’d only gotten bits and pieces from him about why, but you had a hunch that when you were alive for as long as he had been, people were willing to poke and prod for some answers. He’d never admit it, but you had felt how terrified he was the last time he’d been down hard after a mission, and Jean had tried to give him an IV of fluids to speed up the regeneration. It hadn’t ended well, to say the least.

“I should’ve done it sooner. Seeing you like this, knowing I could have done something about it.” He shook his head, clearing his thoughts.

Cautiously, you fit yourself against him, arms tight around his neck and your chest flush with his own. You half expected him to reprimand you, to remind you that you should be careful, not to move too much. Instead, he held you tightly, the side of his face pressed against the top of your head. The two of you stayed like that for a good long while, reveling in the comfort of the other.

“I know you think that you only did it because,” you paused, steeling yourself. “Because it was me.” You can feel him trying to pull away, but you mold yourself to him even more tightly, knowing that if he really wanted to he could break away from you like it was nothing. “You’re wrong. You would have done this for anyone.”

“Except for-”

“Even for Scott.” You were quick to cut him off, unwilling to hear him being so harsh on himself.

You pulled back, just enough so that you were able to meet his eyes. You needed him to know that you are being earnest. “You are a good man, Logan. And before you even try to deny it or say I’m lying I know you can hear my heart beat. And I know you can tell when people are lying. And besides, I’ve never ever lied to you, have I?” He shakes his head slowly, one tear falling, and a few more after that. You reached up, brushing them away. He grabbed your hand, gently placing a kiss on your wrist, and then your palm.

“Y’scared me, sweetheart.” He murmured, voice muffled by your palm still against his lips. “Don’t ever do that again.”

You slide your hand to cup the side of his face, prompting him to meet your gaze. “You know I can’t guarantee that.” His eyes closed for a moment, and you knew he was doing his best not to shout. “I will always be careful, but I can’t stay back and leave the work to everyone else. If I can help, I’m gonna help.”

His eyes narrowed, the tiniest hint of a smirk playing at his lips. “Fine. But we’re getting you trained up and you aren’t going out there without me again for a good long while.”

You rolled your eyes, the both of you well aware there was no ill will behind it. “If you insist.”

“I absolutely do.” He pulled you back into his chest, keeping you there until Jean peaked her head in through the door.

“If you two are done being mushy, there are a few people who have been dying to see you.”

Ororo rushed into the room, playfully shoving Logan away to scoop you into her arms. She gently checked you over, ignoring the fact that you’d already had several medical professionals on the case. Scott clasped you on the shoulder, reassuring you that for a first mission, this was a success. You laughed before shooting Logan a look that begged him to let it pass. He huffed, but nodded all the same.

“Shocked we didn't have to keep him from trying to tear the kid apart, but he refused to leave the lab.” Scott nodded his head at Logan, who was continuing to shuffle closer to the table where you sat.

Well, you would be dutifully ignoring the latter half of Scott's quip, instead choosing to focus on the young mutant. “You mean he's?”

Scott smiled, nodding. “He’s settling in upstairs.”

You grinned, glad to know that it hadn’t all been for nothing. You fixed your gaze on Logan, narrowing your eyes at him. “Don’t even think about failing him out of history as some kind of weird revenge, I’ll know and I will find a way to get back at you for it.”

Your friends laughed around you, let you know that Charles has ordered in your favorite take out for dinner and started to filter out of the room. Eventually, you and Logan are left alone again, sitting side by side on the metal table.

“You still owe me an important conversation, ya know.” You bump your shoulder against his. You stay there, pressed against his side with your head leaning on his shoulders. His hand rests on your shoulder, holding you close.

“Maybe wait until you aren’t in a hospital gown, sweetheart.” You rolled your eyes, clearly aware that he was deflecting, but still content to take in his warmth and quiet support. You were safe, and you were home. Not just at school, but with him.

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gf2bellamy · 1 month ago

Text

explanation — spencer reid

pairing: spencer reid x reader ( no use of y/n ) summary: an officer won't stop talking to you content warnings: annoyed spencer, light flirting between reader and spencer a/n: had to write something for glasses reid also he looks so good in this gif ohymgod also this is short sorry

You forced a polite smile, though your patience was wearing thin as the police officer in front of you continued his overly enthusiastic explanation.

His words blended together, a relentless drone that made it increasingly difficult to concentrate.

Still, you nodded along, trying not to seem rude despite the growing urge to check your watch or glance elsewhere.

What you didn’t notice was Spencer standing just a few feet away. He had been watching the exchange, his hazel eyes flickering between the officer and you.

From his position near the evidence board, he clutched a file in one hand, the papers inside creased slightly from the pressure of his grip.

His other hand, balled into a tight fist, remained at his side.

It wasn’t like him to eavesdrop—at least not intentionally—but something about the way the officer leaned just a little too close to you made it impossible for Spencer to look away.

His jaw tightened as he struggled to focus on the task at hand, attempting to study the crime scene photos tacked to the board in front of him.

But his mind wasn’t on the case.

It was on you.

On the way you shifted uncomfortably, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear as you nodded at the officer, and the way your lips curved into that soft, practiced smile that Spencer had seen you use before when you were trying to be polite but had no real interest in the conversation.

He knew you well enough to read the subtle signs.

He didn’t want to interrupt—he wasn’t sure if he had the right to.

Finally, Spencer cleared his throat, the sound sharp and deliberate as he took a step closer.

“I’ve already explained it to her,” he said flatly.

The monotone delivery caught you off guard, and you turned around quickly to face him, your eyes meeting his behind the familiar frames of his black glasses.

Spencer wasn’t typically one to interrupt, especially not in such a dry way.

The officer, clearly thrown off by Spencer’s blunt interjection, shifted his weight uncomfortably and gave a half-hearted nod. “Oh, uh… right. Well, if you’ve got it covered, then…” His voice trailed off as he stepped back, offering an awkward smile before retreating.

You raised an eyebrow at Spencer as the officer walked away, leaving the two of you alone near the evidence board. “What was that about?” you asked, tilting your head slightly.

Spencer shrugged, the file still clutched tightly in his hand. “Nothing,” he replied, his gaze darting to the board as if suddenly engrossed in the timeline pinned there.

But you weren’t convinced. Spencer Reid was many things, but subtle wasn’t one of them—not when it came to how he felt.

You noticed the way his jaw tightened, the faint crease in his brow, and the tension in his posture.

“Spencer,” you pressed, stepping closer.

He hesitated, his fingers flexing around the edges of the file before letting out a small sigh. Finally, he glanced at you, his expression softening just slightly. “I just didn’t think it was necessary for him to keep… explaining things to you,” he said, his words measured. "I already told you everything."

You frowned, trying to piece together the odd behavior. “I mean, he was being—”

“He was wasting your time,” Spencer interrupted, his tone firmer now. His eyes flicked to yours, the frustration evident behind his glasses. “You already know what you’re doing. You don’t need someone like him hovering over you like that.”

The realization hit you like a slow-moving train, the pieces falling into place.

Spencer wasn’t just irritated—he was jealous.

A small smile tugged at the corners of your lips as you watched him try to keep his expression neutral, though the faint pink tinge creeping up his neck betrayed him.

“Spence,” you said softly, a teasing lilt in your voice, “were you jealous?”

His eyes widened briefly, and he immediately shook his head. “Jealous? No, I… I wasn’t—” He faltered, his ears turning red as he fumbled for a convincing denial.

“Sure you weren’t,” you teased, crossing your arms as you leaned slightly toward him. “It’s okay, though. It’s kind of… sweet.”

Spencer opened his mouth to respond, then closed it again, realizing there was no way to argue without making it worse.

Instead, he sighed and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

Your smile softened, and you reached out to gently touch his arm. “I’m glad you’re looking out for me. But you don’t have to worry—I’m not interested in anyone hovering over me. Unless, of course, it’s you.”

That earned you a shy smile from Spencer, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

“Okay,” he said quietly, his voice tinged with relief.

And just like that, the two of you returned to the case—but not before you caught the subtle glimmer of satisfaction in Spencer’s eyes.

#criminal minds #criminal minds fanfic #criminal minds x reader #criminal minds fanfiction #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x you #spencer reid #spencer reid angst #spencer reid fanfiction #criminal minds x you #criminal minds fic

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gold-onthe-inside · 2 months ago

Note

Request (slightly nsfw): Spencer comes into work and doesn’t info dump in the briefing. The team questions him and turns out he cut his tongue on his gf’s piercing.

tongue-tied

who? spencer reid x bau!reader (no use of y/n, called cupcake by morgan) content warnings: a little making out and a little foreplay, doesn't really get past that word count: 1.6k songs: say when by the fray a/n: i really struggled balacing the line between banter and bullying for derek and spencer, but consider it early seasons where derek doesn't know where to draw the line <3

They weren't even supposed to be working today, but it's not like crises come scheduled, and who was to blame Spencer for starting his Saturday morning with a little enthusiasm?

He liked taking his time with his girlfriend (a fact that still felt unreal to him, the word itself felt so strange in his mouth), kissing every inch of her. She was like poetry. Everything about her drew Spencer to her. He took her all in - every breath, every movement, the way she arched up into him. His girlfriend. He still wasn’t entirely used to the concept, but that was what he enjoyed about this slow Saturday morning. He had time to memorise every inch, his fingers gently tracing over her skin.

His mouth trailed up to her ear, feeling her shiver, and then a jolt of pain stabbed through his tongue, catching on the back of her piercing. He let out a slight hiss, drawing back. “Ah…” Spencer��s hand lifted, gently dabbing at his tongue, the pain spreading across his mouth.

"What happened?" you asked, looking at him, concerned, tucking strands of hair behind your ear.

“Your earrings…” Spencer ran his tongue over the roof of his mouth, his face twisting at the lingering sting.

You tutted, sitting up. "Show me."

Spencer obeyed, opening his mouth and sticking out his tongue to show her. A small bead of blood pooled in the centre, a testament to the tiny yet rather painful wound.

"Hold on, I probably have some glycerin somewhere," you said, shifting off his lap and towards her wardrobe, rummaging through a drawer.

Spencer raised a quizzical eyebrow at her, slightly amused despite his uncomfortable injury. “What kind of person just has glycerin laying around?”

"The kind who eats pizza too quickly when it's hot," you replied, returning with a small bottle and a cotton bud. "Open up."

Spencer’s mouth curled up in a smile, which was quickly interrupted by a brief wince as she used the soaked cotton bud to apply the glycerin. “Well, at least it’ll taste good this way…” he teased, poking his tongue back out.

You chuckled as you dabbed at the cut, and their phones rang simultaneously, making your shoulders sag. "With that kind of unity, it must be Hotch."

Spencer grumbled slightly, reluctantly leaving the bed to reach for his phone on the nightstand. “I was hoping for a quiet Saturday…” he mumbled, lifting his phone. Sure enough, Hotch’s name was on the caller ID.

"Ha, no such thing," you scoffed, grabbing your own phone and answering JJ as you grabbed an outfit from your closet.

Talking hurts. In fact, everything that hits his tongue sends a sliver of sharp pain, and so he's uncharacteristically short with everyone, which raises more than a few eyebrows in the briefing.

"No statistic on that to bring up?" Emily asked, her smile teasing and even Derek's got a laugh that he's masking.

"Didn't seem relevant," he said quickly, withholding a wince, and it was like you could sense the danger of getting caught when you brought up a question to Rossi to bring attention back to the case. If only that had gotten the them off his back.

Derek cornered him in the kitchenette, smirking as he sauntered over. "What was that in there? Cat got your tongue?"

On another day, he would have launched into a story of how the phrase originated from the cat o' nine tails, and so saying it meant that you had been flogged into submission, or from the Middle Ages where it was believed that witches would allegedly steal tongues and it transferred onto the black cats that accompanied them as familiars, or that ancient Egyptians who worshipped cats would punish liars and blasphemers by feeding their tongues to cats. Instead, all he said was, "Just didn't feel like it," and continued stirring his coffee.

Derek immediately noticed the lack of a long-winded, completely off-topic, but fascinating rant. And that caught his attention. It was even more suspicious when he couldn’t even look him in the eye, instead keeping his gaze firmly on the coffee maker.

“What aren’t you telling me?” Derek pressed, moving so that he was standing just behind Reid. Derek knew from experience that, if you wanted to prevent him from making a run for it, you had to block his path before he thought to try and escape.

"This kind of behaviour is exactly what gets you in trouble with HR," Spencer pointed out, then winced, his tongue flaring with pain.

Derek’s eyes narrowed as he observed Reid’s face, noting the subtle wince. Something was definitely up. “What’s wrong with your mouth?” he asked bluntly, his eyes now drifting over his face as if they would somehow be able to glean some sort of answer from his expression.

"Nothing," he replied, his voice hitting a higher pitch, a flush colouring his cheeks.

He’s lying. “Bullshit,” Derek said bluntly, his arms folded. “Every time you open your mouth, you wince. So just tell me. What happened?”

"I just burnt my tongue, that's all," he mumbled, hoping Derek would leave it.

Derek’s eyebrows lifted in disbelief. It seemed like a flimsy explanation, and he wasn’t going to let this go. Spencer was hiding something. “You burnt your tongue? How?”

"O-On coffee, I forgot it was hot," he said. God, he should be better at lying than this.

Derek’s frown deepened at his answer. “And you’re sure that’s it? No other reason why your tongue would hurt when you talk?”

"What other reason would there be?" Spencer asked, sipping stale coffee.

Now they were getting somewhere. Derek couldn’t help but notice that his cheeks had turned a light shade of pink. “That’s what I’m asking you, pretty boy,” Derek said, folding his arms across his chest.

"What's it matter to you anyway?" Spencer asked, trying to make his escape.

Derek moved to block his path once again, his eyes watching his friend closely. Something wasn’t right here. “It matters because you’re hurt,” Derek pointed out. “So, just be honest and tell me the truth. What really happened to your tongue?”

Spencer groaned. "I... cut it this morning..." he said, halting and hesitating.

Derek’s eyes narrowed once again at his words, instantly sceptical of his answer. “You cut your tongue?” he repeated, his tone clearly indicating that he didn’t believe him. “And how exactly did you do that?”

"Morgan," he pleaded, protesting.

Derek’s eyes remained locked, searching Spencer’s face for any hint of dishonesty or a lie. “I want the truth, Reid. How did you cut your tongue?”

Spencer's entire neck had become flushed now. "On a piercing," he muttered quietly.

Ah. Derek’s eyes grew a fraction wider, his arms now dropping to his sides as everything clicked into place. That’s why he’d been trying to avoid talking this whole time. “A piercing…” he repeated, a smirk beginning to edge onto his face. “Specifically, whose piercing?”

"Does it matter?" Spencer asked, trying to escape him again and Derek blocked him too easily.

Derek’s smirk widened as he watched Reid begin to squirm under his gaze, and it was clear that he had hit the target.

“Yeah, it does. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be so reluctant to tell me, pretty boy.” A thought suddenly occurred to him, and Derek’s smirk curled into a grin as he studied Spencer for a long, calculated moment. “Wait a goddamn minute. Is this Cupcake's doing?”

"No!" he squeaked.

Derek’s grin widened at his reaction, which immediately told him that he was correct. Bingo. “Oh god, it is…” he said, his tone a mixture of delight and disbelief. “It was her piercing, wasn’t it?”

"What! I never said that!" Spencer cried and his obvious fluster told Derek all he needed to know - he’d hit the mark.

“You didn’t have to say it. You just confirmed it,” Derek drawled. “You can’t hide anything from me, pretty boy. And that means you were with her this morning -” He leaned in, his grin widening a fraction more. “- weren’t you?”

"I- You can't prove anything!"

“Oh, this is priceless…” Derek was clearly enjoying this, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he watched Spencer begin to panic. “So, let me get this right: you were with your girlfriend this morning - on your day off - and, somewhere along the line, you cut your tongue on her earrings.”

"You don't know it's her," Spencer tried to bluff.

“Dude, you’re blushing like a schoolboy,” Derek pointed. “And you’re being so damn defensive. Put two and two together, genius. I’m not judging, Reid, just wondering - how exactly did you slice your tongue on her earring, anyway?”

"How do you think?" Spencer muttered.

Derek smirked, his eyebrows lifting. “You’re telling me that you were making out with your new girlfriend, and you accidentally cut your tongue on her piercings?”

"I'm not telling you anything!"

Derek’s smirk just grew wider, as he could practically see the thoughts swirling through Spencer’s mind. He absolutely loved getting to him like this. “You could have just told me that it was from making out with your girlfriend, pretty boy. I’m not gonna make fun of you for that. Although, I’m impressed that you somehow managed to cut your tongue in the process…”

Spencer groaned, lowering his head in shame.

Derek chuckled in delight, thoroughly enjoying watching Spencer getting all worked up.

“Hey, don’t worry about it, man,” he said, a wide grin on his face. “As long as it was a good time, a few marks here and there are worth it.”

"Can I go now?" Spencer asked, mortified.

“Yeah yeah, alright,” Derek said, still chuckling to himself as he backed off, allowing Spencer to leave. “Have fun with your girlfriend,” he teased, his tone laced with playful innuendo, watching Spencer scurry off back to his desk.

#criminal minds #spencer reid #derek morgan #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid criminal minds #spencer reid x you #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid x bau!reader #spencer reid fanfic

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cheapshrimpysheep · 3 months ago

Text

Under the Mistletoe 1

SUMMARY: You told your classmates about Christmas and the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe. But what if it's someone else helping you get a kiss from your crush? Or your crush trying to get a kiss from you? Or even prevent you from kissing someone else?

CHARACTERS: Heartslabyul (Riddle, Ace; Deuce; Cater; Trey); Savanaclaw (Leona; Jack; Ruggie) & Octavinelle (Azul; Jade; Floyd)

TAGS: Fluff; GN Reader; Kissing

WORD COUNT: An average of 340 words per character.

COMMENTS: As I believe some characters would be more direct and others would try to beat around the bush some have more words than others for this reason.

I hope you all enjoy and have a Merry Christmas. 🎁

Under the Mistletoe 2 - Scarabia (Kalim; Jamil); Pomefiore (Vil; Epel; Rook); Ignihyde (Idia + Ortho) & Diasomnia (Malleus; Silver; Sebek; Lilia)

CONTEXT: As the end of the year approaches and the snow begins to fall, you comment to your schoolmates that it is reminding you of a holiday that exists in your world called Christmas. They get curious and ask you more about it, you talk about the gifts, the tree, getting the family together, etc.

Until Cater asks if there wouldn't be any romantic traditions on such a cute holiday, and the first thing that comes to your mind is the tradition of two people having to kiss if they both happen to be under a mistletoe or holly.

You even say that there are people who purposely place mistletoe in a strategic spot to attract the person they want to kiss and pretend it was an accident. A very popular Christmas romance troupe.

Riddle heard about what you said about Christmas from the other Heartslabyul students. Ace and Deuce were the ones who came up with the idea of one last Unbirthday party for you before they go home for winter break as a way of trying to help with your homesickness. He went to Ramshackle Dorm to invite you and Grim personally.

“Good morning, [Y/N].” Riddle greets you when you open the door and tells you about the party they're having for you that afternoon. “Don't worry, it wasn't inconvenient at all. The preparations were the same as for a regular Unbirthday party, the only difference is that it was made especially for you this time. And speaking of things for you.” He takes a small red box with a bow out of his pocket. “Ace and Deuce told us that one of your traditions was exchanging gifts. I hope you like it.” He hands you the present with a smile.

You thank him but say you don't have a gift for him because you didn't know he was going to give you one.

“Do not worry, I understand. If the rules of your tradition are that you must give me a gift in return, I will gladly accept it. If not, it is your holiday, you will know better than I what to do. I just hope that following your holiday rules can cheer you up a little.”

You open the present, it's a crown-shaped lapel pin, just like the one he always wears.

“May I?” He asks, taking the pin out of the little box and deftly placing it on the lapel of your uniform blazer. “It looks good on you.” He smiles.

You two hear something above you, look up, and see a ghost's hand holding a sprig of mistletoe.

“Mistletoe?” He wonders and looks at you. “Do you have any idea what they might be doing?”

You tell him about the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe and he blushes, but you quickly say that it is not mandatory, if either person feels uncomfortable they can refuse.

“So you are saying that the rule is that if two people meet under a mistletoe, they must both kiss if neither of them objects?” He recaps and you confirm. “W-well... It turns out that I meet all the requirements of such a rule. Do you object?”

You say that you do not.

“In that case, we have a rule to follow. And you know how I dislike rule breakers.” He smiles smugly, holds your chin with his fingers and kisses you gently.

Ace was one of the people you told about Christmas and the mistletoe tradition. The day before he left to spend the winter break at home, he came to see you at Ramshackle Dorm. When you open the door you see Ace with his forearm resting on the door frame.

“Hey, [Y/N]. Tell me, wasn't it to you that I lent my notes on the history of magic?” He asks with that cat-like smile.

You immediately suspect because it is always YOU who lends HIM your notes.

“So it must have been someone else.” He looks up. “By the way, you should take care of that mistletoe growing outside your dorm.” You look up at the top of the door frame and see a sprig of mistletoe taped to it. “Hey, didn't you talk about some tradition with it?” He smiles.

You laugh amusedly.

“Oh, come on, don't tell me you don't have the guts?” He smirks. “I'm up for the challenge!”

You take a step forward and lean in slightly showing that you are also up for the challenge. This makes him blush.

“Hey, just to be clear, you know I'm not trying to force you, right? You don't have to do it if you don't want to.” He smiles awkwardly.

You ask if after all the one who doesn't have courage is him.

“Ah, now I know we’re on the same page here.” He takes your hand to pull you towards him a little and kisses you without further hesitation.

Deuce was one of the people you talked to about Christmas and he went to talk to Riddle to ask if they could have a little Unbirthday party before they left to ease your homesickness a little. Riddle agrees and Deuce went to Ramshackle Dorm to invite you and Grim and take you two to the party.

This is what he tells you with a smile when you open the door for him. He starts to blush when you thank him for being so sweet to you.

“I-It's nothing, really.” He says with an awkward smile. “I just wanted to cheer you up. Oh! By the way, you talked about exchanging gifts, right?” He hands you a present he was hiding behind his back. “You don't need to worry about giving me one back. It's just because you said it was one of your traditions. I hope you like it.”

You open the present, it's a scarf and a matching pair of gloves, blue with black spades. You thank him and that's when you hear laughter above you. You both look up and see a ghost's hand holding a sprig of mistletoe.

“You mentioned mistletoe as another tradition, didn't you?” He asks confused. “What was it again?”

You recap what you said about the kiss under the mistletoe, he blushes like crazy and stutters.

“W-well, I... I d-don't mind... I mean I would like to- I mean, ugh, what about you?”

You say you would like it too and take a step forward. He leans in so his lips are level with yours, but you'll have to be the one to initiate the kiss because he won't be able to do more than close his eyes and wait for you to do it. But once you do, you'll feel his lips form a smile.

Not only was Cater one of the people you told about Christmas, he was the one who asked if there were any romantic traditions. And since you mentioned the mistletoe thing he decided to do what he was about to do when he came to visit you.

“Hey, [Y/N]-chan~.” Cater greets you with a cute smile. “How are you feeling? Are you still homesick? I've been thinking about what you told us and...” He takes a present from behind his back and hands it to you. “Here! I wanted to give you a little gift.”

You thank him but say you don't have any gifts for him.

“Aww, don't worry about it. You don't need to give me one. Your smile is more than enough.” He winks.

You open the present, it's a teddy bear the same color as his hair.

“On top of things, you'll be here alone during the winter break. If you miss me, hug the teddy bear and feel hugged by me, mkay~? Oh, by the way, I was really curious about that mistletoe tradition you talked about. Would you mind showing me what it is like?” He says, fiddling with his lock of hair.

You're flattered and say you wouldn't mind, but there's no mistletoe above the two of you. He takes his magic pen and makes a sprig of mistletoe he had in his pocket float over your heads.

“Now there is~. You said there were people who do it on purpose, so this counts too, right?” He smiles as you nod.

He leans in, touching his nose to yours and with a seductive look, inviting you to be the one to initiate the kiss.

Trey heard about what you said about Christmas from his Heartslabyul dorm mates. The day before he left to spend the winter break at home, he came to see you at Ramshackle Dorm.

“Hello, [Y/N]. How are you?”

You say you're fine but wonder why he's asking.

“It's just that Ace and Deuce told me about that holiday you have in your world around this time of the year and that it was making you a little homesick.” He takes his hand from behind his back revealing a gift bag. “They said that one of your traditions was exchanging gifts, so I thought I'd make you something to cheer you up a little. Don't worry, you don't have to give me anything in return.”

You accept it and thank him for the gift. When you open it, it's a bag of your favorite type of cookies, homemade by him.

“Be careful with Grim around, okay? I made the cookies for you, or at least most of them.” He smiles. “Oh, by the way, Cater said something about a tradition with mistletoe and to ask you about it.”

You tell him about the kiss under the mistletoe

“Oh, I see.” He straightens his glasses and smiles awkwardly. “That's why he told me about it then.”

With curiosity you ask why.

“Because he's convinced we have a crush on each other.” He sees you getting flustered and keeps smiling. “Maybe he wanted that to happen to us?”

You two hear something above you, look up, and see a ghost's hand holding a sprig of mistletoe.

“Ha ha ha. And it seems he's not the only one. Well, rules are rules. Unless you don't want to do it of course.” He keeps his reassuring smile on.

Once you say you do want to do it he will smirk, tilt your head with his fingers on your chin and kiss you sweetly.

Leona found out about this Christmas thing because he ended up overhearing a conversation between Jack and Ruggie, and Jack ended up talking about the mistletoe tradition. The day before he left to spend the winter break at home, he knocks on the door of Ramshackle Dorm.

“Oi, herbivore, do you have any mistletoe?” He asks you. You ask why. “It has to do with a tradition of mine," He smirks. "Do you have it or not?” He crosses his arms.

You say you don't have any. And why would you have it? They're poisonous, you can't even use them in the kitchen.

“Okay then, have a good winter break.” He says with another smirk and turns to leave.

You grab him by the sleeve so he stops and looks at you and you ask him what that was all about. What kind of tradition was he talking about? He says it's no big deal, that it's just a tradition from his country. And you say something like: “As if you weren't the most tradition-hating person I know.”

“Ha ha, you know me well. I don't follow stupid traditions but I don't know about you, so I needed to do something just in case.”

“Something about what?” You ask.

“Something about your stupid tradition with mistletoe.” He reveals, frowning his eyebrows and lowering his ears as if he was annoyed. “I heard what you told Jack about this, so I decided to take precautions.”

“How would you take precautions about that?”

“Simple, destroying all the mistletoe into sand with my signature spell.” He smiles smugly. “But don't worry, if you still want to carry out this tradition of yours I saved one for you.” With his magic pen he makes a sprig of mistletoe float over both of your heads. “Take it or leave it, herbivore.”

You will have to be the one to take the first step forward and reveal your intentions to kiss him. If you do, he will grab you by the waist and kiss you.

Jack was one of the people you talked to about Christmas and consequently who also ended up hearing about the mistletoe tradition. But that wasn't what he was thinking about the time he went to visit you at Ramshackle Dorm the day before he went home for winter break.

“Hey, [Y/N].” He greets you with a smile and a little wagging of his tail, but then he got slightly shy. “I've been thinking about what you said about this Christmas thing and... um...” He took his hands from behind his back and handed you a present. “You talked about exchanging gifts. I... thought maybe following one of your traditions would cheer you up a little.”

You accept the gift and thank him but say you don't have one for him.

“Don't worry about it. It's your tradition anyway, not mine. You don't need to get me anything.”

You open the present, it's a knitted light brown cardigan with a snowflake pattern. You tell him how cute/pretty it is as you try it on.

“I'm glad you liked it. It's also very warm for these days. Ah? Sorry, I got you a size bigger than yours. I can exchange it if you want.” He rubs the back of his neck with his ears down.

You say it's not necessary, it even covers more that way, making it even warmer.

“It's actually cute seeing you like that.” After realizing what he just said, he blushes a little and looks away, embarrassed.

You two hear something above you, look up, and see a ghost's hand holding a sprig of mistletoe. Jack starts by looking at it confused until he remembers what you had said about it. He was too flustered to say anything, and that was a tradition of yours, not his. You say you don't object to kissing and ask about him.

“Y-you don't?” He tries not to express too much with his face, but he can't do the same with his tail. “Well, me neither.”

You take a step forward and close your eyes, it takes him a moment to gather the courage to lean in and kiss you.

Ruggie heard about this Christmas thing from Jack and he ended up telling him about the mistletoe tradition as well.

“Wait!” Reggie says sullenly. “You mean anyone who's with [Y/N] under a mistletoe have to be kissed by them?”

“That's what they said. If both of them agree, of course.”

The day before he goes home for winter break you see him in the backyard of Ramshackle Dorm. You call out to him who had his back to you, he turns around suddenly and smiles awkwardly.

“H-hey, [Y/N]! What am I doing? I... came to see how you were. Jack told me about that holiday you have in your world this time of year and that you were a little bit down because of it.”

You appreciate his concern but ask what that has to do with him being in your yard instead of knocking on your door.

“I, um...” He sighs and with a sullen face and his ears down he gives up. “Fine! Jack also told me about your tradition of kissing someone under the mistletoe and I was trying to get rid of them all. Happy?”

You ask if he was doing that so you wouldn't kiss anyone.

“What else could it be?” He sighs and calms down. “Sorry, I don't know what came over me. I didn't want to ruin your tradition... or yard. Just... Never mind, forget it! Have a nice winter break.”

He turns to leave, but you grab his sleeve to stop him and make him look at you again. You ask him if he would feel better if you fulfilled that tradition with him and he blushes.

“With me?... Well, if you don't come and charge me for it later.” He shows you that wide smile of his.

But you say you need a mistletoe for that and if he's been getting rid of them all...

“And where did you think I was going to put them when I found them?” He takes a sprig of mistletoe from his coat pocket. “This was the only thing I found around that wasn't the tree in the botanical garden. It probably even came from there.”

He stretches out his arm and places the sprig over your heads.

“Come on, I want everything I'm entitled to. Shye hee hee.”

He wants you to be the one to give him the kiss. After all, he's the type to receive, not to give. But as soon as you do he won't hold back.

Jade told Azul after hearing from other sources. Azul asked him why he was telling him that, suspicious. Jade replied with a smile: “I just thought it was information of extreme value to you of all people.”

Azul could tell Jade was messing with him, but he still asked who knew about that mistletoe tradition and Jade said those kinds of things spread quickly through the school. On the same day he knocks on the door of Ramshackle Dorm.

“Good afternoon, [Y/N].” Azul greets you with his charismatic smile. “I heard that you were felling a little homesick because of a holiday in your world that took place at this time of year. I also heard about a tradition of exchanging gifts. Is this true?”

You confirm.

“What a wonderful thing. That's why I took the liberty of getting you one.” He takes his hands from behind his back and reveals a beautifully wrapped small present with elegant wrapping paper. “I hope it can cheer you up.”

You don't take the gift and look at him with extreme suspicion.

“You don't want to accept a gift that I am offering you with so much thoughtfulness. *sniff* Your distrust breaks my heart.”

You continue to look at him suspiciously and say that you know him well enough to know that he never gives or even receives something without there being an exchange of some sort. His fake crying turns into a sly smile.

“I see you learn quickly. I'm even proud. How about we do this: if you don't like my gift, you can return it to me and we won't make a deal. But if you like it, I'll just ask you for a small favor in return.” You ask what favor. “I'm not asking much, just a token really, a trifle. What I want from you is that you get rid of all the mistletoes you may come across. Do you think this is an unreasonable thing to do?”

“Well no, but-”

“So I don't see why you can't accept my proposal. Go on, open the present and see what it is.”

You open the small, delicate package revealing a beautiful necklace whose pendant is the famous golden shell of the Sea Witch. You couldn't stop yourself from smiling in time.

“So you like it that much?” He smiles triumphantly. “Have we got a deal?”

You ask why that specific agreement and he tries to give excuses that you know are not true until he reveals that he knows about the mistletoe tradition. You ask him if he doesn't want you to kiss someone.

“If it's not me, no!” He replied in the heat of the moment and blushed.

You two hear a sound above you, look up, and see a ghost's hand holding a sprig of mistletoe. What if the deal is that you just follow that tradition with him? You propose this, showing that you are interested in him, which renews his confidence.

“You mean like an exclusivity contract?” He smiles seductively. "Those are my favorites.” He tilts your head with his fingers on your chin and kisses you sweetly.

Jade knows what you said about Christmas through a friendly conversation with Deuce whom he approached for reasons completely unrelated. Later on the same day he knocks on the door of Ramshackle Dorm.

“Good afternoon [Y/N].” He greets you with a polite smile. “I hope I'm not interrupting anything important, but I heard about what you said regarding a holiday you have in your world this time of year and I got quite curious to know more. May I invite you to talk about it over a cup of tea?” He brought with him a little bag with different tea bags.

You let him in and supervise him as he prepares tea for the two of you in your kitchen. He took the opportunity to talk to you while he prepared tea and some tuna snacks so Grim wouldn't interrupt your conversation. You ended up talking so much that you even talked about Santa Claus.

You were already sitting on the lounge sofa with your teas (Grim in the kitchen with his snacks) when Jade says: “I wanted to ask you: I heard of a mistletoe tradition that involves two people kissing. Is this true?”

You confirm and explain better how the tradition goes.

“I see. What a romantic tradition. May I be so bold as to ask if you could demonstrate with me what this tradition is like?” He sees that you're flustered. “Fu fu. Can I take this as you not minding doing it for me?”

You confirm and he says he's glad he brought mistletoe with him. As it is a poisonous plant, he had some interest in studying it in the botanical garden. With his magic pen he makes the sprig of mistletoe floating above your heads. He gently tilts your head with his fingers on your chin. “May I?” He asks before kissing you.

Floyd heard about what you said about Christmas from Ace during a rest break at basketball practice. Even though he found this holiday boring from the description, he was interested in that mistletoe thing. That's why he was knocking on the door of Ramshackle Dorm.

“Hiiii Koebi-chaaan~!” Floyd greets you with a well-disposed smile. “I heard about your holiday and I wanted to try the mistletoe thing with you.” He says with the utmost naturalness.

You ask if he is talking about two people kissing under the mistletoe.

“Yeah, that's it. You don't mind showing me what it is like, right?” He knows you like him, that's why he's so confident about this. “Do you have any mistletoe?”

You say that unfortunately you don't have any and he pouts. But then he has an idea and smiles again.

“Does that mean we have to find one? Okay~, that’s more fun. Come on Koebi-chan!” He takes your hand and takes you with him.

If you couldn't close the door before he pulled you, he'll close it for you with magic. Even when you are already walking at the same pace as him, he doesn't let go of your hand. He doesn't feel like doing it. Floyd takes you to the botanical garden.

“Jade and some other guys have been studying mistletoe for its poisonousness, so there's at least one of those trees around here. Now we just have to find it.” He tells you excitedly, he seems to find this treasure hunt fun, at least for the moment.

You managed to find the tree before he loses his patience. He says he feels tired and makes you sit at the foot of the tree trunk with him. If you let him, the two of you will end up having a make-out session. A kiss for every sprig of mistletoe.

If you would like to read more from me, you can find it in my pinned post: INDEX

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nemisuki · 3 months ago

Text

Sunshine

Jealous AU | It wasn't often you spoke to those outside your class. So imagine his shock when he saw you speaking to a random extra in the hallway. A short oneshot of jealous bakugo and an oblivious girl who is unaware of a lot of things… including their romance.

᧔o᧓ || Katsuki Bakugo x f!reader, no manga spoilers, no nsfw, pure fluff, minor jealous bkg but not toxic, aged up to third years, dense reader, mutual feelings, bkg pov, implied short reader, oneshot, bkg is mature and a softie, open ending, 1.1k word count

He had to do a double take to make sure he wasn't mistaking something.

His red eyes are practically boring into the student's back – who had the guts to approach you.

A random extra from another course, a guy he's never seen before. So why the hell are you talking to him?

As much as he tried, he couldn't look away from the sight. Who knows what they might pull on you. Bakugo can tell by the way the idiot looks at her, that the guy is clearly interested.

That pissed him off.

And what pissed him off even more is that she's completely oblivious of it.

The girl didn't know how beautiful she was. How blinding her smile was when she saw something she liked.

How blinding her smile was when she looked at him.

If only she recognized the significance of her own feelings.

Bakugo could tell she liked him more than a friend should. Yet the dense idiot didn't know how she felt herself.

He knew she unknowingly developed feelings for him as they started their third year. For someone as perceptive as him, it was easy to notice the clues.

She clings to him despite his rough demeanor. And easily laughs whenever he grumbles a snarky comment under his breath. Always following him around both in and out of class.

At first he didn't know what to do. He wasn't one to even think about romance. But her constant proximity threw the blonde off.

Slowly as time went on, he found himself expecting to see her by his side. Feeling a bit uneasy on those rare days they didn't spend much time together. By the time they were halfway into their last year at UA, that's when he knew.

He liked her too. As more than a friend.

For the first time in his life, Katsuki Bakugo yearned for romance. Yet only with her.

The realization only made him more agitated. Him growing soft for a girl? How ridiculous.

✦ ⎯⎯ㅤִㅤ୭ ୨♡୧ ৎㅤִ ⎯⎯ ✦

He was pulled out of his thoughts a few seconds later. The reason?

The sight of the other guy lifting his hand and picking a piece of lint out of her hair. Not a second later, taking the opportunity to ruffle her hair playfully.

That's what had him speed walking over there with purpose, “Oi Y/N!”

Her head quickly turns around at the familiar sound of his voice, “Ah Bakugo! Good Morning!” she says with a bright smile, completely forgetting about the other presence behind her.

That response alone, almost made his stoic expression morph into a cocky grin. Almost.

He grumbles in acknowledgment as he stands by her side, looking back and forth between her and the extra close by. A silent question directed towards Y/N. To which she seems to figure out immediately.

“Oh this is Kai from the support course. He had some ideas for potential support gadgets I could use to regulate my quirk!”

Support course huh.

Bakugo simply stares at the other guy, a calm yet serious expression displayed across his face. He makes no move to greet this supposed ‘kai’ or even initiate small talk.

A moment of silence passes between the three of them.

Kai smiles awkwardly in Bakugos direction, a visible indication of how uncomfortable he is. “Erm- well I should be heading to class now. See you around Y/N” he says but then quickly leaves as he makes eye contact with Bakugo.

Meanwhile the blonde's ego skyrocketed from his success of driving the coward away. His shoulders slightly relax from the defensive stance he wasn't even aware he was doing.

“Huh? What was that about?” she says looking back at Bakugo with a curious expression. Tilting her head to show her confusion.

“Tch how the hell should I know. Now hurry up. We gotta head to class” he says, turning around and starting to walk in the direction of their classroom. He doesn't need to look back to know she's already shutting her locker.

“Or do you want to be late?” he says, loud enough for her to hear.

“Ah, I'm going. Wait up!” she says while proceeding to run to catch up. Slowing down when she reaches his side and adjusting her bag that's draped over her shoulder.

He occasionally glances at her as she starts babbling about random topics. Though he's not really paying attention to her words. He’s eyeing the side of her head, the specific spot where the other extra touched her.

Bakugo doesn't know how to feel.

He's confident in her feelings for him. Confident in his own abilities.

Yet being a boyfriend… is something he can't comprehend. What exactly makes a good partner? Empathy? Kindness? Vulnerability?

None of those reside with him.

He ponders for a moment and takes a look at her cheerful expression. Full of bright joy that could rival the sun.

His feelings only seem to grow more by the second.

Without much thought he lifts his hand and gently pats her head. She pauses her endless chatter and hums in acknowledgement, “hm?”

“Your hair is all messed up from before” he grumbles while fixing the random strands of hair by patting them down in place.

They both halt in the middle of the hallway as she lets him finish. Giggling at the soft sensation of his hand. He raises a brow at her sudden outburst.

“What's so funny, idiot?” he huffs out and pinches her puffy cheek, unable to resist.

“It tickles! Plus your hand is really warm. Agh- hey!” she whines slightly at his sudden actions. Trying to pry his hands away and retaliate. Only causing his body to tingle at the contact.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

He likes her. A lot.

“When are you gonna realize huh” he mumbles to himself. Showing pity and letting go of her face.

“Huh sorry what was that?” she says smiling while rubbing her sore cheek.

“Nothing nerd. Cmon pick up the pace, you're slow as hell” he rolls his eyes and continues walking to class, not waiting for her yet again.

“Not my fault I have small legs!” she yells out and jogs after him, already falling behind.

She can't see it but his lips slightly curve up at her words. What an idiot.

A few minutes before the bell, they make it to their classroom. Bakugo ignores his classmates as usual and makes a beeline to his seat. Sitting down and taking out his notebook.

He can already hear Y/N chattering away in the background with some of their friends. Yet a few seconds later she's already at his desk to blab on about something else.

Some of their friends come over as well to join in on the conversation.

But his eyes never leave her.

He may not know all the aspects of how to be a good boyfriend but for her, he’ll try. When the time is right.

For now he could only wait for Y/N to figure out her own feelings. Which frankly might take awhile.

But Bakugo isn't worried.

Because he knows she'll follow him anywhere.

And so would he.

✦ ⎯⎯⋆ ˚｡⋆ ୨ masterlist || taglist || intro || socials ୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⎯⎯ ✦

a/n ||| idk why this specific fic got so popular?! it's my most viewed work but I prefer my other ones ermmm hi bakugo fans... check out my longer fics? if u want? um i love u all byeeee! plus ultra!

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chleem · 3 months ago

Text

Work from home

Oneshot: bf drew x gf yn

Summary: staying focused is impossible with drew’s ‘subtle’ distractions, especially when he’s determined to get your attention.

Genre: established relationship, smut, fluff, light read

Warnings: cursing, sex (pussy eating), lowkey needy drew,

⋆.˚ don't copy or translate my work

⋆.˚ this is entirely fictional, if uncomfortable then don't read

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

“Will you-“

You turn around, slapping the pen out of Drew’s hand. “Cut it out?”

Drew looks at you with his signature blank stare, as if his own annoyance is justified.

The two of you haven’t seen each other in weeks, due to you and Drew’s busy schedules. His new movie’s coming out, and you have a very urgent report to write for your boss.

Now that you’re finally under the same roof as him, you can’t help but get annoyed at every distraction he causes.

He came into the home office not even ten minutes, and he’s occupied himself by playing with the things on your desk. Flipping through your binders, messing with the AC, etc. You just deprived him of his last fidget toy.

“Sorry,” he murmurs, unapologetically.

You roll your eyes, turning back to your laptop. You continue typing, ignoring the gloomy presence behind you. If he wasn’t so distracting, this report can be done in...an hour.

Not even thirty seconds later; “hey, um, I need your help,” you hear him talking behind you, a weight put on the armrest to your right.

You ignore it; knowing Drew just wanted to distract you.

“Y/n?” His fingers drum against your armrest now, tapping impatiently, trying to get your attention.

Once again, you stay focused, typing away at your report.

“Babe.”

You don’t miss the firm, almost commanding tone hinted in his nickname for you.

“Yes?” You bat your eyelashes up at him, with your fingers still typing away. You watch as his eyes glance over at your fingers, his eyes narrowing in disapproval.

“Stop that-“ his hand hover over yours before gently pressing them flat against the keyboard, halting your typing. Your raise an eyebrow at Drew, waiting for him to explain. “Stop with this whole- work thing.”

You pull your fingers out, crossing your arms as you laid back on your chair. He ignited a flare inside of you that you didn’t know, “what’s that supposed to mean?”

Drew gently bites down on his lips, scratching the back of his head. His eyes plead to you, the blue in them sparkling, for some reason. “Spend time with me. I’m bored, and we’re home together.”

The softness in his tone catches you off guard, but you quickly mask it, staring back at your laptop screen. “I’m working, Drew,” you say, trying to keep your voice steady.

“You’re always working…” you hear him murmur, as your hands go back to the keyboard again. You brush his hands away, straightening your posture.

The typing of your keyboard is the only thing filling the silence of the room, Drew’s presence close beside you.

Drew’s a big guy, so subtle movements by him was all noticeable in the corner of your eye. He kneels beside you, his hand pulling your chair back. “Hey-“

You begin to protest, but he does the most unexpected thing.

He brings himself between your legs, and he hugs your lower stomach.

Woah. The warmth of him floods through you, making it hard to think straight. His arms fully wrap around your waist, nuzzling his face between your thighs.

He doesn’t move; just hugging your waist, kneeling on the ground.

You clear your throat, flustered at the close proximity of him. “Drew?”

His blue eyes peek up at you, a sly glint in them. “Yeah?” His voice is soft, but you hear the teasing edge in it. What sends you over is the closeness of his face near your core; the damn thin material of your shorts.

“What are you doing?” Was your voice always this hitched?

“Just hugging you,” Drew mumbles, his fingers rubbing soft circles around the bare skin that your crop-top showed. He sees the skepticism lingering on your features, and sends a small smirk along the way. “Can’t I?”

…This motherfucker. He’s trying to distract you!

Fine. Two could play this game.

With a deliberate shift, you ease back into your chair. “Of course you can,” you reply, “But if you’re done with the hugging, I’ve got work to do.”

Drew watches you for a beat, eyes flicking over your face. You feel him nuzzle his face back between your thighs, but you stay focused—typing, clicking, pretending to give him no more attention than his little distractions deserve.

His hand slips under your top, fingers coming in contact with your breasts.

At the same time, he starts to plant kisses on your inner thigh, dangerously close to the hem of your underwear.

Fuck. You needed to stop him, because if he goes any further, no work will be done. Except for the lustful one that’s building in your stomach.

Two could play this game? No; you yield in seconds because of how Drew plays.

You run your hands through his scalp, feeling the soft strands of hair beneath your touch. A knowing smirk growing on his lips as he glances up at you. “This isn’t a hug,” you manage to say, thumb rubbing the corner of his eye.

He leans into your touch, “I’know.”

“Then stop it,” you say, the words feeling hollow, because you don’t want him to stop. Not really.

“When you’re focused, nothing else really matters, right?”

Drew fucking Starkey.

He delivers a quick kiss to your wrist, before nuzzling his face back to where it was. You watch as his hands spreads your thighs further apart, fingers tugging on the waistband of your shorts.

Shit. It’s working already.

“No-“

“C’mon,” he teases, staring up at you with the familiar look of mischief. “Won’t even know I’m down here.”

You give him a knowing grin, “really need to get this done, Drew.”

“Hmm,” he pats your back, “ignore me like before, babe.”

“Y’know that’s impossible,” you mumble, hips rising just like he told you to.

His eyes stare into yours lustfully, fingers pulling down your shorts and underwear until they’re to your knees. “Just a taste…then I’ll leave you alone.”

He’s never going to leave you alone.

He averts his attention to the now throbbing pussy of yours, fingers digging into the skin of your thighs. “Hey, look,” a grin appears on his lips, “you don’t want me to leave.”

You throw your head back against the chair, partly embarrassed at his mention of the wetness that has pooled since he ‘hugged’ you. Teasing prick.

His soft chuckle echos through the room, before you feel the warmth of his tongue against your folds.

You gasp out of pleasure and surprise; he wastes no time in eating you, fully making out with your folds. “Fuck,” you curse, running your hands through his scalp.

He grunts against you, one hand raising your leg over his shoulder, to get him deeper between you. His other hand reaches under your top, and he starts kneading your breasts.

“Drew…” you shamelessly moan out his name, melting under his touch; he knew how to pleasure you, to make you feel good. Hearing your moans, Drew picks up the pace, his licks getting sloppier, losing any sense of rhythm.

A slow curve of your spine, you let the sensation roll through you. His hand around your breasts play with your hardened nipples, rubbing and tugging on them. The grip your thigh silently demands you stay still as he eats you out.

The sounds of his wet tongue against you fills the room, along with moans and grunts of pleasure.

You feel your orgasm building, begging to released. “Shit,” you manage to say, the air being knocked out of you. “I’m, close.”

“Mhm,” he hums, hot breath hitting your clit. “Cum in my mouth, baby.”

His words along with the playing of your nipples do it; the knot in your stomach undone. He slows down on his tongue, licking it up and swallowing. Fuck.

For a moment, the two of you take seconds just stare into each other’s eyes, heavy breaths mixing together.

Then, the moment is over, because Drew lets go of your leg, breasts, the whole warmth of him disappearing.

You stare at him confused as he stands up again, wondering if something shifted.

You also don’t miss the evident boner in his pants.

He cocks his head to the side, “back to work, huh?” The mocking in his voice stings in your head, as he walks off, out your office.

Motherfucker. You sit there, still reeling from the orgasm. You don’t even want - can’t to do work anymore. Now? You just want Drew. Specifically what’s growing in his pants.

Maybe this report can wait a bit longer? …you hate how badly you want him right now, how he got you right where he wants you to be.

“Drew!” You yell after him, getting up and tugging your underwear and shorts to the floor.

You walk out your home office, to the shared bedroom, and see Drew getting ready to hop in bed.

He looks you up and down, eyes lingering longer at your naked lower half. Your eyes find them glued to his boner too, “maybe I can have a five minute break.”

He chuckles, the sound low and warm, and before you can even think, you’re jumping into his arms. His strong hands catches you effortlessly, pulling you closer as you wrap your legs around his waist. You can feel his heartbeat against your chest, the heat of his body enveloping you.

His arms tighten around you, holding you steady as you lean in, lips finding his. You kiss him, with eagerness, lust, everything. He kisses you back with the same energy, lying you down on the bed.

He hovers over you, his weight just enough to make your heart race, your hands already reaching for the buttons of his shirt.

But Drew pulls away, his blue eyes locking with yours, a playful edge in them. “This could take longer than five,” he says, his voice low, teasing, and full of promise.

“Hmm,” you mindlessly hum, the idea of work slipping away.

He was right; it ended up being not one, but three rounds tangled up in sheets, and the report long forgotten.

It was also a lesson to yourself; to stop procrastinating, and never work with Drew around.

-------------------------------

word count: 1.7k

ִ ࣪𖤐 a/n: hoped you enjoyed this! got this idea from watching that scene from Through my Window (iykyk). and ik, its a very sloppy writing so ignore any mistakes T_T also, isnt this pic of him just delicious? ugh, to be his gf...anyways, hope you liked this!

elevator | other

#drew starkey #drew starkey x you #drew starkey imagine #drew starkey x reader #x reader #fiction #fluff #smut #oneshot #drabble #relationship #established relationship

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misctf · 2 months ago

Text

The Wrong Number

Kyle grins as he snaps a post-workout selfie, quickly sending it to the chick he met at the bar the night prior. His grin widens as he sits naked on his bed, thinking about her. He could still feel her lips against his, the way her hands roamed his body. He could still hear her moans. And as his thoughts continue, he absentmindedly strokes his hardening dick.

“Fuck...” He mumbles.

Probably one of the best hook-ups he had in a long-time. And he couldn’t wait for part two.

“Hey babe, you around tonight? Ready for round 2?”

He stares at his phone, awaiting Stacy’s... no Brittany’s... no... He chuckles as he realizes he doesn’t even remember her name. But did it matter? He’d make an effort to learn it tonight- he wasn’t the least bit concerned she would turn him down. Especially with that selfie he sent. His muscles bulging, dusted perfectly with manly hairs. Yeah- totally irresistible.

“Come on.” He whispers as he sees she’s writing a response.

His heart sinks when he receives her response- a selfie. And it is not a selfie of the blond, double-D, bombshell he bagged last night. No, this was a dude. A buff, cocky dude. Kyle feels his dick soften as his own cocky grin shifts to a frown.

“Hey there cutie.” The message underneath the selfie reads.

“Sorry, wrong number.” Kyle replies quickly.

A fake number? Really? Kyle felt pissed. Did she really give him a fake number? And who the fuck was this guy? And why did he call him ‘cutie’? Kyle groans as he realizes he wouldn’t be seeing her again. Her loss, he figured. The young man started to stand up, but his phone buzzed again. It was that guy.

“Come on, don’t be like that.”

“Lol, sorry bro. Chick gave me the wrong number.” Kyle replies, “Women, right? Lol.”

Based on the selfie, Kyle figured the guy frequented the gym. Maybe they’d have some stuff in common. And part of Kyle felt maybe he could commiserate with a fellow bro. But his thoughts slow as he stares at the pic. Drinking in each detail and contour of the man’s body. The guy’s massive, juicy pecs taking up most of the selfie. And Kyle absentmindedly wonders what they feel like. And as he scratches his chest, he does not register his chest hairs falling away, leaving him cleanshaven and smooth.

“Wouldn’t know, cutie.” The man replies, “Thought you’d know that after last night lol.”

Kyle raises an eyebrow- his thoughts speeding back up. What did this guy... ohhhhhh... Now he knew. Kyle feels rage build up at the realization. Was this guy flirting with him? First he gets a wrong number, now some gay guy is trying to make a move? Just his luck...

“Don’t swing that way, bro.” Kyle replies.

Kyle went to block the number, but something causes him to stop. What did the guy mean ‘after last night?’ Kyle knew he hooked up with a chick. And two, Kyle wasn’t gay. He’d never... Kyle shifts uncomfortably as his his wide frame and proud muscles begin to decay. The increasingly slender young man barely registering his shifting frame.

“You sure? Could’ve fooled me.”

Kyle bit his lip, “What’re you talking about?” He types with his increasingly more dainty and feminine hands. His thick callouses from his workouts smoothing over and becoming soft.

“Did I fuck your brains out or something, cutie?”

Kyle shifts uncomfortably as his ass swells, filling with squeezable fat. An ass no gay man would be able to resist.

“OMG please stop.” Kyle texts back, “Like, I don’t even know who you are.” He stares at the messages he just sent, part of him registering that something was off with his word choices.

“What about now?”

Kyle gasped at the selfie the man set. His perfectly chiseled muscles and exposed pits causing him to blush. A thought crosses his mind- he would want nothing more than to be laying on that man’s chest. To thrust his nose into those dark, musky forests. And as he thinks of more things he’d want this man to do to him, he strokes his dick. Up and down, up and down. Not even registering that his prided manhood was getting smaller. And smaller. And smaller yet. Settling on a measly three inches hard.

“Like, no... something’s like totes...”

Kyle moans as the pleasure from stroking his dick suddenly intensifies tenfold. And then begins to dwindle, only to return. But he realizes it’s no longer his dick that brings him pleasure. No, it’s his ass. His hole clenching desperately for something to fill it. His mind racing with the new realization that he desperately needs his prostate stimulated.

“Need another reminder?”

Kyle can barely contain the feminine moan that escapes him as he gazes upon a dick pic from the stranger. And as he stares at it, licking his increasingly puffier lips, he realizes he needs it. And he needs it now. In his mouth, in his ass- anywhere. As long as it was inside him.

“Please daddy, I need it.” Kyle quickly texts back, sending a selfie of his own.

“Good boy. See ya soon slut.”

Kyle moans again, as his ass pulses with pleasure. The anticipation clouding his mind, his thoughts slowing. But as he stares at his new selfie, he can’t help but feel that this is wrong. That he wasn’t some smooth, bubble-butt, horny twink desperate for a quick fuck. No... he was... he was... A giggle escapes his increasingly puffy lips and he stands up. His ass sticks out as he saunters over to the mirror. Drinking in his new look. Loving his thicc ass, his small cock, and lean figure. His mind filling with all the knowledge he would need to please any man and a desire to do just that.

“Mmmmm daddy...” He moans, as he squeezes his own ass. His voice sultry and high-pitched.

It’s only a few minutes later until there’s a knock on his door. And the young twink saunters over, opening to reveal the man he had been texting with. Only a few minutes later, his nose is buried in the man’s musky pits. His memories of the girl yesterday vanishing from his mind. And as he deep throats the man’s dick, any interest he may have had in growing his muscles vanishes. It’s only when he’s thrown onto the bed, his ass up in the air, does Kyle panic. A sense of dread filling his psyche. Images of the man he was- his memories- filling his mind. But it all comes to a screeching halt as he feels his partner’s dick enter him. And with each thrust and feminine moan that leaves Kyle’s lips, more of these memories vanish.

Its only a few minutes later that the man leaves. Kyle is still lying in bed, cum leaking from his needy hole. His mind in shambles. But as the post-orgasm bliss fades, Kyle can feel the desire for round two start to grow. And with an ass like that, Kyle wouldn’t be waiting for long.

#male tf #male transformation #mental change #personality tf #straight to gay #twink tf

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brokenmenswhore · 5 months ago

Note

can we get a part 2 to proposition? 🥺😩

i have NEVER gotten so many comments or inbox requests for something IN MY LIFE. here you go you horny fuckers i love you lots

a proposition: accepted | poly!marauders

pairing: poly!marauders x fem!reader (james, remus, and sirius, featuring alecto, dorcas, evan, lily, and mary)

warnings: exhibitionism/voyeurism (MDNI 18+), smut, virginity loss

a/n: there will be a part 3 IF y’all want it :)

a proposition: masterlist

────── ☾ ──────

“How exactly does this work?” you asked, looking around the table in search of an answer from anyone present. You were excited, and you accepted the offer immediately, but now craved more detail.

“The only people we have sex with are the people at this table,” James began to explain, “so it’s relationship-y in that sense, but none of us are coupled off or anything.”

“You guys don’t get worried about favorites?”

Dorcas and Lily smiled and let out a small ‘aweh’ at your innocence.

“Everyone brings something different to the table,” Dorcas began to explain, “for instance, I’m not getting the same head from Mary that I’m getting from James.”

Your cheeks reddened and your eyes widened at her crude statement. If you were going to do this, sex had to be something you were comfortable talking about, so you pushed your nerves down with a swallow, but the whole table could already sense your innocence.

“Do we, like, all do it, like, at the same time? Or-“

Sirius smiled. You were fucking perfect for this if that’s the idea you had in your head.

“We can,” Sirius took over, “or sometimes it’s just two of us, three of us, or whatever. As long as you’re only sexually active with the people at this table.”

“Are you sexually active with anyone else?” Alecto asked.

You swallowed hard. “N-no.”

“Ok, and what are your limits?”

You looked at Remus in confusion.

“We gotta ask a couple questions to know what you’re comfortable with,” he explained, but your confusion maintained.

“My limits?”

“Well, when you’ve had sex before, was there anything you didn’t like? Anything you would want any of us doing with you?”

You stared at Remus, hoping someone would ask another question and change the subject. Your silence was more telling than a verbal answer would have been.

“You have had sex, yeah?”

You dropped your head, your eyesight on your thighs where Sirius’s hand rested. You began to fidget with your fingers in nervousness.

Sirius shifted in his chair to adjust the uncomfortability of his growing hardness. He knew you were innocent, but he didn’t know you were that innocent.

“Is it really a good idea for us to bring a virgin into this?” Lily asked, immediately turning to you, “not that we don’t want you, love, but are you okay with this? Like really okay with it?”

“Yeah,” you responded, “but if you guys aren’t okay with-“

A chorus of “no no no we are!” and “it’s okay!” erupted from nearly everyone trying to assure you they were not having doubts of their own, but concerns for you.

“We’ll take it easy at first, and you just tell whoever you’re with if you aren’t comfortable with something, how about that?” James proposed, “we’ll work our way up to other things. No rush.”

You nodded your head, smiling at his understanding. “Yeah, yeah I like that.”

“Good,” Sirius said, “so you just stop me if you want to.”

You furrowed your brows in confusion as you looked at Sirius, who looked back at you as if he was doing nothing, but the hand on your thigh began to move.

You gasped lightly as Sirius moved higher and higher up your thigh, the only thing between his hand and your core being your underwear. He ran a finger over the cloth, a wet spot forming quickly as he rubbed between your folds.

Your cheeks were on fire as you looked around the table, and everyone was looking at you.

You suddenly became very self conscious, and leaned into the crook of Sirius’s neck, whispering, “they’re all just gonna watch?”

“Mhm,” Sirius hummed in your hair, tracing the band of your underwear, “that okay?”

He then dipped a finger beneath your underwear, finding your clit and slowly circling around the bud. No one but you had ever done this before, and it was exhilarating and embarrassing all at once.

“Can’t people see?” you whispered.

Sirius chuckled. He was so amused and having so much fun with you, as was everyone. “We gotcha covered, doll.”

The pet name drove you crazy, and you could feel yourself getting wetter and wetter as Sirius began to feel you.

You hid your face in the crook of his neck, but he advised you against it. “Let ‘em see your pretty face,” he said, “you’re here because we all wanna see this.”

Your heart was pounding, and barely anything had started, but you could feel everyone’s eyes on you.

You adjusted so that you were resting your head against Sirius’s shoulder, but could still see everyone, and they could still see you.

Sirius took the opportunity of your movement to move his fingers lower and insert one into you, causing your hips to jolt and you to moan in surprise.

“Sh,” Sirius warned, placing a kiss on top of your head, “we’re still in a restaurant, remember?”

You did not remember. Your thoughts were clouded by the pleasure and embarrassment you were experiencing.

Remus looked around the vicinity of the table to ensure no one else was in earshot, and he leaned over the wood, lowly saying, “you wanna show us all how you come?”

You had never experienced dirty talk, and didn’t comprehend that it was rhetorical.

Your voice was strained and low as you did your best to say, “sure.”

Both Evan and Lily giggled to each other. “You didn’t have to answer, honey, just relax. Sirius is a master at this stuff.”

Sirius pumped his finger in and out of you, your spongy walls convulsing around the digit as his thumb rubbed your clit, intensifying the pleasure.

You felt a drop in the pit of your stomach, and you knew what it meant. You tapped Mary’s shoulder next to you. It was the nearest thing, and you hoped she would catch on.

“What’s up?” she asked, playing dumb.

You only tapped her more fervently.

“Gotta use your words, angel,” James chimes in, “we all wanna hear you say it.”

You took a deep breath, nearly whispering, “I think I’m gonna come, Sirius, I-“

Sirius moved his hand faster and faster, and he was nearly growling as you leaned your body against his, finding comfort in him as you came around his fingers, your legs shaking from the intensity.

Everyone at the table began to cheer as a tease. Sirius removed his hand from you, looking you directly in the eyes as he licked your juices off of his fingers.

You gazed up at him through hooded eyes, attempting to catch your breath as your body adjusted to the absence of pleasure again.

“Is it okay if I stay here for a while?” you asked, referring to your head resting on Sirius’s shoulder.

“Of course,” he answered, looking to everyone else, “good pick on my part, I’d say.”

────── ☾ ──────

“What’s up?” you asked James the next day as he sat across from you at your usual table in the library.

“They sent me to ask you because they think I’m the nicest,” James said.

“Ask me what?” you asked.

“Well,” James started, “you know, you’re a part of this thing now, and they just- we just- oh my god. Do you have a preference on who you lose your virginity to?”

Your eyes widened. “Do I have a preference?”

“This is all consent based, we aren’t just gonna decide something like that for you.”

“Are you asking me to pick one of you to give it up to?”

“Pretty much, yeah.”

“Doesn’t it make me an asshole if I don’t say you?”

“Why would it?” James questioned.

“Because you’re the one asking me.”

“I have Lily and Dorcas’s, I’m set,” James said, “taking Lily’s was a win.”

“You’re such a guy,” you joked.

“You’re avoiding the question,” James retorted. “Sirius is the one who wanted to bring you into this in the first place, you know.”

You began to blush. “I’m scared of Sirius.”

“Scared? What do you mean?”

“Yesterday was fun, but for my first time, I’m scared he’d be too rough.”

“Sirius is a big ol’ softie,” James said, leaning back in his chair, “but fair enough. No pressure, angel, just let me know whenever you’re ready.”

You assumed that meant you had time, but James didn’t move.

“You really want an answer now, huh?”

“I kinda really do,” James smiled.

You contemplated your options, sifting through all the members of the group that you could choose from. You would be okay with a few of them, but one felt especially right.

“Remus,” you said.

James nodded. “Remus it is.”

“This feels weird.”

“You could just tell him yourself,” James said, standing up, leaving you with the idea to do so.

After classes has ended, you stood outside the Gryffindor common room, waiting for anyone you knew to walk by and let you in.

“Fuckin’ hell, you guys take forever,” you said as Lily approached, “can you let me in? I need to talk to Remus.”

Lily smiled. “Yeah you do,” she giggled.

She let you into the common room and directed you to the boys dormitories. You crept up the staircase, unsure of who would be there and not wanting to intrude or see something you shouldn’t.

Up the stairs, you found Remus, James, and Evan.

“Hey,” you said.

“Hey,” Evan responded, “you need something?”

“Would you guys mind if I spoke to Remus real quick?”

James and Evan didn’t answer, but instead just stood up and began to leave. When James was next to you, he leaned in and whispered, “hope it’s not real quick,” before departing.

You blushed and turned to Remus, who was kind enough to act like he didn’t know why you were there.

“What’s up?” Remus asked, sitting on the edge of his bed.

“I know James told everyone about our conversation, you don’t have to play dumb, though I do appreciate it.”

“Not playin’ dumb, baby, just wanna hear you ask for what you came here for.”

You took a deep breath and sat down next to Remus, the mattress sinking beneath you. “As you know, I’m a virgin.”

Remus chuckled. “I know.”

“I’d kinda like to not be.”

Remus smiled. “So ask me.”

“What?”

“Ask me,” he repeated, “can’t give you what you want if you don’t explicitly ask for it.”

You sighed. “I want you to please take my virginity, Remus.”

“Atta girl,” Remus said, leaning over and placing a soft kiss on your lips.

You reciprocated instantly, shifting your body closer to his as you deepened the kiss. You were not entirely confident in what you were doing, but you listened to your body, which had never been needier.

Remus guided your body down against the mattress, and pulled away when you were laying down.

“You can move back,” he said, and you used your arms to push yourself backward, allowing your entire body to rest against the bed.

“I’m gonna take it easy on you, just tell me if anything is too much, okay?”

“Okay.”

Remus kissed you again, and simultaneously pulled your skirt and underwear off of your legs in one action.

“You want this off?” he said, tugging at the bottom of your top.

“Can we maybe just leave it on? Baby steps, right?”

Remus gave you a sweet smile. “Whatever you’re comfortable with, baby.”

“Are you allowed to call me that?”

Remus was slightly taken aback. “What, baby? Yeah, why not?”

“It sounds relationship-y.”

“Sex is relationship-y.”

“But I thought we weren’t supposed to be relationship-y.”

“You’re about to lose your virginity, and you’re worried about if it’s ethically alright for me to call you baby?”

You blushed.

“I can call you whatever I want, and right now, you’re my baby, okay?”

“Okay,” you responded.

“Unless you don’t like it.”

“No, no, I do.”

Remus laughed. “Okay then, baby.”

You smiled as you pulled his lips back to yours. You were already soaking wet, but Remus still took the time for foreplay to ensure you were wet enough for it to be comfortable.

He softly rubbed circles on your clit, and you instinctively threw your head back against the mattress, sighing in pleasure.

He only stayed for a few moments before moving his hand lower and inserting one, then two, fingers into you. You didn’t really need the foreplay, but he felt bad fucking you without it. He needed to make sure you were ready, especially if you didn’t know how to tell yourself.

He pumped his fingers in and out a few times before removing them completely and unbuttoning his trousers, pushing them down, and crawling back on top of you.

“Are you ready?” he checked in.

“Yes,” you said, deciding explicit verbal consent was important.

Remus pumped his cock a few times before lining it up with your entrance. He pushed the very tip of his head in, getting his bearings before he drifted his gaze to your face, desperate to watch your reaction to feeling him for the first time.

He pushed in slowly, pausing for brief moments anytime your face contorted a little more than usual, and he took his time. He was in no rush, and he was focused on your comfort, which you appreciated.

When he finally bottomed out inside of you, he stilled, waiting for you to adjust to his size.

“You alright?” he checked in when you hadn’t opened your eyes or made a noise for a solid 30 seconds.

“I’m alright,” you assured him, “you can move.”

“You sure?”

“Mhm.”

Remus slowly pulled partially out of you before pushing back in. He was moving excruciatingly slow, and was fighting with all his strength not to ruthlessly fuck you into oblivion.

He began to pull out a little more with each thrust, studying your face to gage your comfort levels. By the time he was pulling almost all the way out he could physically see your muscles relax.

“How ya doin’?”

“I’m okay,” you whined, “hurts a little, but it’s going away now.”

“You wanna stop?”

“No, please keep moving,” you moaned.

Remus growled lowly and began to fuck into you again, moving slightly faster, but it wasn’t enough for you.

The burning pain had dissipated, and now all you wanted was more.

“Remus, please, faster,” you whimpered, and Remus’s body instantly responded.

He began to move faster and faster, setting a steady, relatively fast pace as he fucked in and out of you.

You ran your fingers through the hair on the back of his head and pulled him into a kiss as he fucked you, allowing him to swallow your moans and whines.

“Shit, you feel so good,” Remus praised, “I forgot how tight virgins are.”

His words added to your arousal, and you began to squeeze Remus’s cock, adding to his pleasure.

“Fuck,” he moaned, “I won’t last if you do that.”

“Can’t help it,” you moaned out.

Remus began to fuck you even faster, and your back arched up off of the bed at the new intensity. Remus took the opportunity to wrap an arm around your waist and hold you closer to him.

You were squirmy and whiny. “Relax, baby,” Remus cooed, “just let it feel good.”

You took a deep breath and tried to relax, relishing in the feeling of Remus’s cock pumping in and out of you.

“Feel good?” he asked.

“Mhm,” you hummed in response, “can’t- gonna-“

“You wanna come?” Remus taunted, “you wanna come on my cock?”

You nodded your head frantically, grabbing at the arms propped up directly next to your head for any support you could find.

“Wanna feel you, baby,” Remus whispered in your ear, and his words did you in.

You squeezed Remus tight as you came. Your back would have arched more if Remus wasn’t holding it in place. Your thighs were shaking violently as you continued to squeeze around him.

He forced himself to slow down as you came down from your high. When your breathing had reset, he pulled out of you, giving his cock a few pumps with his hand before he released onto the sheets next to your waist.

You wiped sweat-soaked hair from your forehead. “You could have done that on me.”

Remus grinned, “I could have, huh?” He leaned in and kissed you before standing up to retrieve you a towel.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, thank you, Rem.”

Remus’s heart swelled at the small nickname. “Fuckin wait until I tell everyone about this.”

────── ☾ ──────

taglist: @alixmarauders @riddlemenottsluttyslytherin @twilightlover2007 @hcqwxrtss123 @queerndepressed @prongs-wolfstar-marauders @flowersarcute

#poly!marauders #marauders #marauders era #poly!marauders smut #poly!marauders fanfic #poly!marauders imagine #poly!marauders x reader #remus lupin #remus lupin x reader #remus lupin smut #sirius black #sirius black x reader #sirius black smut #james potter #james potter x reader #james potter smut #harry potter

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