#outgoing paperwork {REPLIES}

[fairysongs]

౨ৎ pretty scary﹕spencer reid .ᐟ

summary: you're having an awful day and your boyfriend is kind of the best person ever.

pairing: spencer reid x fem!reader

includes: reader struggles with bpd, reader has slight mommy issues, reader is referred to with she/her pronouns, depictions of overstimulation (NOT the sexy kind), reader has slight mood swings, established relationship, silly fluff, spencer reid is the perfect boyfriend, hurt/comfort KINDA? (reader is upset, spencer soothes her), lowercase writing sorry it's a habit/my preference, Fiona Apple Mention <3

word count: 3.1k

a/n: omg.. hiiii! this is my first silly post on this silly blog and its a very self-indulgent one as someone who has bpd and is told OFTEN how irritable i can get -_- .. im so nervous.com right now bcos ive never posted my writing on here but also excited..? yes yes.. on a huge spencer reid kick so if u liked this and have any requests they are open!! likes/reblogs/any feedback much appreciated :3!

today was just not your day.

the morning started out fine. it was actually kind of perfect. you spent the night at your boyfriend’s place, waking up just in time to see him getting ready for work. there was a smile that crept over your lips as you watched him adjust the tie hanging around his neck. you propped yourself up against the pillows as he caught your eyes in the mirror adjacent to the bed. your heart swelled at the sight of a small blush spreading across his cheeks.

“why are you staring at me like that, weirdo?” there was a little morning gravel in his voice but his tone was lighthearted enough to make you giggle. you fell back against the pillows, tucking one under your arm as you kept your gaze on him.

“what? i’m not allowed to stare at my boyfriend anymore?” you replied, a yawn falling off your lips. he playfully rolled his eyes in response, walking over to your side of his bed. he sat at the edge, one of his hands brushing some of your hair from your face.

“actually, no. they just passed that law last night while you were sleeping through coraline again.” you bit your lip, vaguely remembering begging spencer to put that movie on only to fall asleep on his shoulder twenty minutes in. you can only assume at some point he carried you from the sofa to his bed. you blushed at the thought, as if he hadn’t done it at least twenty times by now. clearly you weren’t used to the ‘princess treatment’ he liked giving you.

“oh, my fault then. please don’t arrest me, mr. fbi agent.”

“it’s dr. fbi agent, actually.”

“right…” you giggled again, beaming as he smiled down at you. “do you know if you have a case?”

“paperwork day.” his fingers started tracing small shapes against the skin of your arm. “of course if that changes, i’ll let you know. but hopefully it won’t. you can come over again tonight if you want. maybe we’ll finally finish coraline.” his voice was soft, ringing harmonies in your ear as you let your eyes flutter shut in the comfort. “need me to take you to work today?”

you hummed, reaching out to your phone sitting on his bedside table. you quickly rechecked your schedule and shook your head. “no, it’s okay. i go in a little later. it’s close enough to walk.” you tilted your head as you felt him tangle his hand in your hair again. spencer scratched delicately at your scalp.

“okay, my love. i washed the clothes you left here the other day. they should be in the second drawer of my dresser.” you nodded in response as he leaned in to press his lips to your forehead. you caught his jaw in your hands and pulled him downwards, giving him a proper kiss on his lips. he laughed quietly as you both pulled away. “have a good day, angel.”

“you too, baby.”

well to put it simply you did not have a good day. you got ready for your job at a local cafe and made it to work fine. it was when you got there that it started going downhill. you genuinely loved being a barista. you definitely had the personality for it. friendly, outgoing, kind and patient. it’s actually how you met spencer in the first place. but sometimes it was hard. especially with certain needy customers. most of your regulars were chill. you were actually friends with many of them, always asking about the new things in their lives whenever they’d come in. of course, though, there were always a few bad apples.

like this one particular older man. he came in every now and then and ordered the same thing every single time. black decaf coffee with a blueberry scone. he was always in a rather grumpy mood, not even your tender words could help that. so this morning when you gave him a black regular coffee by an honest mistake he made sure to let you know just how stupid and idiotic you were. you stood there at the counter, expression apologetic as he continued to berate you. eventually your boss told you to go in the back for a bit while she took care of things.

you practically ran to the bathroom, locking yourself in the tiny space as you tried to control your breathing. you could already feel the hot tears spilling down your cheeks. you absolutely despised how sensitive you could get. through shaky breaths, you pulled your phone from your back pocket, unlocking it with a small sob. you had a few texts and one missed call from your mother. one of the texts was from spencer, letting you know it was just gonna be a paperwork day and inquiring what you wanted to order for dinner tonight. the other texts were from your mother, reminding you about a family party that was coming up soon. there was another text after her missed call.

- Guess you’re too busy to talk. Just let me know if you can make it.

you closed your eyes, feeling the passive aggressive tone through the message. the best way you could describe your relationship with your mother was that she was both your best friend and your worst critic. she tried to support everything you aspired to do, but also hated the way you did them. it was... complicated but her text was enough to leave you in a sour mood for the remainder of the day.

you felt like you couldn’t catch up. you couldn’t get over that bump setting you back from having a good shift. your head felt like it was elsewhere and no longer attached to your body, your movements becoming monotonous and your words dull. to make things worse, your eighteen year old coworker was coming in for their shift an hour before you were leaving.

and you loved them, you really really did. often times you would joke about them being your work child, taking them under your wing. but they talked. a lot. most days you could keep up no problem but with the way your mind was on a downward spiral today, all you could feel was immense overstimulation as they yapped in your ear about the latest tv show they were binge watching. soon it was all too much for you to handle and you end up snapping at the poor kid.

“dude i’m sorry but i don’t really care. can we just be quiet for, like, five minutes?” you interrupted them mid-sentence, tired eyes looking over with a slight glare. you immediately softened, eyes wide with guilt as they looked towards you like a kicked puppy. you tried your best to stammer out an apology but was met with silent treatment until you clocked out.

they would soon accept your apology in the next coming days and you’d go back to normal because that’s how you guys were, but the guilt would eat at you for quite a bit. when you were a kid, your parents often praised you on how self-sufficient and respectful you were. in your adolescent years, with the help of an untreated personality disorder and your regular teen hormones raging inside your cage of a body, your behaviour would suddenly change. you found yourself more irritable. more prone to overstimulation. you internalized a lot of what you were going through because every time you tried to bring up your feelings, your mother would shut you down and it’d turn into a fight.

you expressed yourself through slammed doors and screaming matches. you bottled things up until they overflowed. it was how you handled the thunderstorms behind your skull. you would eventually get better in time, finally attending therapy and finding solace in little things like journaling. and when you started dating spencer, he helped a lot too. your brain could sometimes make a lot of irrational judgements and spencer would help you see reasoning instead. he was also insanely patient with you. especially in the first two months of you guys dating where you broke up with him upwards of five times. each time because you didn’t believe you deserved him. (you still don’t believe it, but at least now you’ve stopped trying to fight the good coming into your life.)

you would never forget the first time spencer met your parents. the night was going well up until dinner time when your dad decided to pull out your old high school yearbook. at first it was just classic embarrassment as spencer looked at your school photos. but then your mother, after one too many glasses of wine, brought up your old struggles with anger.

“be careful getting on her bad side, spencer!” she had said, waving a finger in the air. “she’s got a scary temper for sure! remember when we had to replace her bathroom mirror because she threw her hairbrush at it?" she spoke like she was a comedian telling her greatest joke in the world as she turned towards your father. "i can’t even remember what made her so upset! but i remember how expensive that fix was…”

“oh i’m sure i’ve dealt with far worse at my job, ma’am. i think i can handle her just fine.” he was quick to reply and the hand pressing on your bouncing knee beneath the table calmed any nerves of him looking at you differently. later that night he’d hold you as you sobbed in his arms, retelling different memories of your past. he made you a promise that he’d never see you as a bad person as long as you promised him you’d talk to him whenever you started to feel like one.

you were finally walking home after this exhausting day and it wasn’t until you were changed into your comfy clothes and curled in bed that you realized you hadn't texted spencer back at all. with your knees pulled to your chest and a low hum of a fiona apple album playing from your record player you reached across your bed for your phone. you had four texts from him and one missed call.

- Hi angel. Haven’t heard from you all day, just checking in. - Hi, you should be clocked out by now. Just wanted to know if you still wanted to come over? We can order from your favorite italian place. - One missed call from spencer ♡. - Are you having a bad day, my love? Or did I do something wrong? - I’m gonna come over. See you soon, angel.

your brows furrowed together at the last text, sent just about ten minutes ago. you could feel your eyes well with frustrated tears. you felt like shit for unintentionally ignoring him. you couldn’t even think of what to say to him, but you had to think fast because soon you heard a gentle knock at your bedroom door. with a sniffle, you stood to your feet and slowly opened it.

you met spencer’s eyes, they were desperately searching your face. trying to figure you out, trying to see what was troubling your mind. you hated it sometimes when he profiled you, but most times you were grateful he could just know when you weren’t doing okay. saved you the shame of having to actually vocalize your feelings. you stepped back as he entered your room.

“your roommate let me in. she said you went straight to your room after work and have been listening to nothing but when the pawn… by fiona apple.” he was still in his work clothes, the same ones you watched him get dressed in just that morning. felt like an eternity ago at this point. before you could even let your face fall to the ground, his hands were holding your jaw, tilting it upwards and keeping it in place. he always held you like you were made of glass. “bad day?”

“you could say that.” you words were short and you didn’t mean for them to be. you were just so exhausted. “sorry i forgot to text you back. it’s just been…” you let your words fall off, waving your hands in the air with an annoyed huff. you pulled away from his touch, slumping back into your mattress. he just watched as you ran your fingers through your hair, eyes shut tight as if you were trying to talk yourself down. he bit his lip, taking a cautious step forward.

“you look like you’re trying to compute a million things at once right now inside that little head.” he shrugged off the sweater draping over his work shirt, tugged off his tie and kicked his shoes off besides your bed. you laughed sarcastically at his words but bit your tongue from replying with a snarky comment. “did you know that one of the brain’s primary functions is to collect and process sensory information? it’s kind of like there’s a little guy in there, sitting at his desk and filing through every bit of information that gets thrown at you throughout the day.” your eyes were still shut but you felt a dip in your bed as his voice grew closer to you.

“when there’s too much sensory input, it can make the brain think there’s danger, sending off signals to the body to escape. that’s when your fight-flight-freeze response gets triggered. aka that little guy’s desk is suddenly on fire and every file has been thrown all over the place and the little guy, well, the little guy is running around screaming for help.” you feel two arms wrap around your waist and maneuver your body until you felt your head resting against the warmness of his chest. soon enough you also felt slender digits running through the locks of your hair.

“you seem to resort to a fight response i’ve noticed. your body feels like you can overpower the danger your brain thinks you’re in. resulting in intense feelings of anger. which can lead to irritability.” you feel him tracing shapes, the same ones he made on your arms earlier that morning, deep into the small of your back. he always did the same movement pattern and you always wondered if that was intentional or just a coincidence. “do you wanna talk about what’s going on in here?” he poked an index finger to the side of your temple. you shook your head. “okay. we don’t have to. but i will ask about it later, is that okay?” you nodded this time.

you didn’t realize it when it was happening, but the combination of spencer pulling you into his arms and his soft voice spewing factual information at you was enough to make your head feel almost empty. your body was melted against his, curled up in his touch. you let out a shaky breath, slowly raising your head, resting your chin on his chest as your eyes opened. “how did you do that?” you whispered, soft hues scanning his face as he just smiled down at you.

“a magician never reveals his secrets, my love.” you rolled your eyes, laughing quietly as his hand lightly brushed your cheek. he tucked a piece of hair behind your ear. your lips twitched in thought, a tiny frown suddenly taking over your features. spencer tilted his head. “what is it, baby?”

your eyes fell to focus on his chest, your finger tracing over the fabric of his work shirt. “do you think i’m scary? like… when i get upset?”

“scary?” he repeated, voice in small disbelief that you’d even feel the need to ask. “no, i don’t think you’re scary. i think you’re beautiful. and i think your mind can be pretty mean to you sometimes. but that’s not your fault. hey, look at me please.” you let him guide your head back up, eyes meeting each other again. he smiled at you and it made you feel warm. “why do you think you’re scary?”

your shoulder shrugged with an exasperated sigh. “because it’s what i’ve been told my whole life. when i get too overwhelmed and i just feel nothing but anger i… i feel like i can get mean and i hate feeling that way. like, i always get too snappy and i always say something that’s gonna hurt someone i care about and i…” your breathing hitches. your lashes quickly blink, trying to fight any tears from spilling yet again. “i’m so scared i’m gonna get that way with you and you’re gonna leave me.”

he was shaking his head, thumb swiping underneath your eyes at the few tears that betrayed you and fell down your cheeks. he sighed out your name. “i don’t think you understand just how much i love you. if you think i’d leave you at something so silly like that. you know, i started reading up on borderline personality disorder after that night i met your parents. i wanted to understand it more. i wanted to understand you.” he continued wiping away your tears as they kept falling.

“i can’t even imagine what you go through inside your own head every single day, but i can acknowledge how hard you’re trying to cope with it. i see it all the time. i see it in the kindness you like to spread to strangers. i see it in the way you push yourself to learn new things and the way you stopped beating yourself up if it doesn’t turn out perfect. i see it in the way you love me, and more importantly in the way you’ve allowed yourself to let me love you back. you’re such a beautiful person, my love. it’s okay to have bad days and it’s okay to let yourself be a little mean sometimes.” he laughed quietly, noticing the way your lips were fighting a smile. he leaned in and pressed a sweet kiss to the corner of your mouth. “as long as you just communicate with me when you’re feeling bad. that’s all i ask.”

you sat there for a moment, admiring the way his big brown eyes stared at you. your eyes fell for a moment before picking back up with furrowed brows. “i snapped at my coworker today.”

“the teenager?” you nodded. “ah,” spencer’s hand resumed circling around your back as he hummed. “they’ll forgive you, i’m sure of it.” there was a pause and then a small hum coming from his throat. “are you hungry? hm? let’s order some food.”

he ordered you your favorite pasta dish from your favorite italian restaurant and you fell asleep in his arms in the middle of coraline again. he couldn’t help but admire you resting so peacefully in his arms and continued tracing the words ‘i love you’ over and over again into your back for the rest of the night.

[the-brothers]

.Adoption.

"You kids know how I've been wanting to expand the family," your father started as the four of you had gathered around the dinner table.

"But Pops," you interrupted, "isn't it a bit late to be adopting more kids? I mean you're already so busy and not as young as you used to be."

His golden eyes narrowed slightly, "I'd like to remind you lass, that even though you are mature beyond your years, you are in fact only sixteen." he sighed, "These boys really need a home and can only be adopted together. You yourselves know how hard it is being grade school age in an orphanage."

You and Marco frowned. It had been almost eight years since your adoption, but you could never forget the way potential parents lit up when they saw the nursery. Not to mention all of the people who wanted to separate you from your self-professed twin. The social workers would always tell couples you were actually two years apart and not blood-related. You'd cry and shout to make things difficult, Marco would roll up his little sleeves and challenge anyone who dared to take you away. You were his sister and your DNA had nothing to do with it.

The day Edward Newgate arrived the two of you were separated to meet the man before he could take you home. It was less likely for you to act out if you didn't have your brother. When you entered the office, you were greeted by the enormous blond and another kid who had to be in his late teens. You were terrified, and shy having left all of your confidence with Marco.

After introducing himself and Thatch he began to ask you about your interests, typical stuff favorite colors, animals, what you wanted to be when you grew up, to which you murmured quick one-word answers. You also kept your distance.

"They told us you're quite the entertainer lass." Newgate pressed trying to figure out how the outgoing singer that was described to him was this timid girl.

You shrugged looking down.

Before you could think of a response there was a scuffle outside and the door burst open revealing the seething ten-year-old.

"Marco!" a worker desperately called after him.

He stood protectively in front of you scrunching his face at the man, "You can't take my sister, yoi."

"Sister?" Newgate sat back surprised, they hadn't told him you had a sibling.

"He isn't actually her brother," the woman corrected, "they've just been here for the last three years and are fond of each other."

"No," Marco growled, "she is my sister and you can't just take her."

Newgate watched you cling to the little blond, tears streaming down your tiny face. He was impressed by the boy's will to protect you and the bond you shared despite not being related.

"If they feel this strongly why on earth would you split them up?"

Your eyes snapped toward the man.

"That's just how it works sir, sometimes even siblings have to be separated. Our goal is to get them into a loving home, sometimes it's by all means necessary." the woman replied taking a step toward Marco.

"Marco was it?" Newgate leaned forward, "How would you like to leave here with your sister?"

Marco remained guarded but gave the man a nod.

"Then there we have it." he boomed, "Do you kids have any special belongings you'd like to bring?"

"But sir, you've only done the paperwork for F/N." she gaped.

"Then make copies for the lad," he smiled at her, "I'm doubling in fees. One would think you'd be thrilled."

"Boys?" you asked, "as in more than one?"

"Three." Pops nodded.

"She's just upset she won't be the baby anymore, yoi." Marco teased.

You swatted the blond.

"Two seven-year-olds and a four-year-old," Thatch confirmed.

"Awe~" you sang, "They're just babies!"

Marco rolled his eyes while Pops smiled and shifted.

"We'll go shopping tomorrow they've given me the boys sizes and the youngest will need a booster seat for the dinner table and the car." your father rumbled.

_____________

"They're here, yoi!" Marco shouted up the stairs.

"I'm coming!" you covered the receiver of the phone to reply, "Shanks, I have to go my little brothers are here."

"Call me tomorrow, babe." your boyfriend cooed, "Good luck with the rug rats."

"Of course. Now I gotta go before Marco drags me down." you flushed and said your goodbyes before hanging up and excitedly rushing down the stairs.

Thatch entered the house first with the small raven haired toddler in his arms. The two older boys followed with wide eyes taking in their new surroundings. The youngest shifted against Thatch's chest and turned toward you with an adorable grin. Immediately your heart melted, every fiber of your being was beckoned to protect him for all time.

"This is your new brother, Marco and your sister, F/N." the brunette introduced pointing at each of you

"I'm Luffy!" he chirped, tiny voice full of confidence.

"This is Ace," Thatch pointed to one of the boys who looked up at you with large ruby eyes that only accentuated the smattering of freckles on his face, "And this is Sabo." he motioned toward the other boy with messy blond hair.

The older two crossed their arms remaining guarded though Ace gave you a curt nod Sabo's green eyes refused to acknowledge you or your siblings.

"They've been to a few rough foster homes so give them some time." your father piped closing the front door behind him.

"Well, welcome home." you murmured, "Would you like to see your room?"

Luffy reached for you wrapping his legs around your waist.

"You guys have to share for now, but we'll be moving soon, and you'll have your own spaces, yoi." Marco added.

"We're used to it." Ace muttered following you up the stairs with Sabo far behind.

"Can I stay wis you?" Luffy asked squeezing your neck.

You squealed internally that the cutie in your arms already seemed to be attached to you, "Of course you can! I'll even read you a story."

After giving the boys a tour of the house and backyard Thatch called everyone in for dinner, which was a bit of a mess to say the least. Luffy rocked back and forth and side to side in his booster seat after clearing his plate trying to snatch food away from your and Sabo's plates as you both were stationed on either side of him at the table.

"I've never seen a toddler eat so much." Thatch said quickly fixing Luffy a second helping.

"Please hurry I can't fend him off much longer." You muttered blocking the kid again.

"He's always like that." Ace commented handing Thatch his plate to fill next.

"Are you not hungry?" you asked Sabo watching the blond poke at his food.

His green eyes moved toward you before quickly glancing away. He had been like this all evening carefully listening and watching but refusing to speak or make eye contact. It bothered you that he seemed to distrust the family so much. He must have survived some trauma in foster care.

"He'll eat when he's hungry, lass." Your father rumbled, "No pressure lad, if you don't like it there are plenty of other things to eat."

"But this is real good," Ace added.

The blond scrunched his nose at the freckled boy as if he were betraying him somehow. You could only hope he'd warm up to the rest of you in time. As you reached to wipe Luffy's face clean there was a sudden clatter of dishes and cutlery. Ace seemed to have passed out in his food splattering mashed potatoes everywhere.

Marco panicked and stood yanking the boy from his seat as he groggily opened his ruby eyes and muttered, "I'm not done."

"He has narnolopsy." Luffy chirped.

"Narcolepsy." Sabo quietly corrected.

"Does this happen a lot?" you asked watching Marco help Ace wipe his face and clothes.

"Yus." Luffy replied.

"If I'm still for too long or bored I guess. It's not so bad." the freckled raven replied getting back to his food.

After dinner, you set the boys up for a bath. It seemed the three felt comfortable all going at once though you worried if two seven-year-olds could really keep an energetic toddler in the tub or from drowning for that matter. So, you waited outside the door listening for any distress until they were done.

Luffy rubbed his eyes and yawned wide as you tugged him into the living room to pick a kid-friendly chapter book off the shelf. Not knowing what he was looking at he just picked the one with the most colorful cover and handed it to you.

"Pirate Adventures? Good choice." you hoisted him up on your hip and took a seat in the old recliner in the corner of the room.

Leaning back and covering up with a throw you read until Luffy was sound asleep snuggled into your chest and your eyes were too heavy to keep open. You dog-eared the page and set the book aside before drifting off yourself.

Some hours later your slumber was interrupted abruptly by the blaring pinging of the home security system. Not feeling the weight on your torso anymore your eyes shot open in a panic. Luffy was gone. Covering your ears, you stumbled to your feet and bolted up the stairs as the house phone began to ring.

Marco had already burst into the boy's room and was holding Sabo by the back of his shirt. All three boys had full backpacks strapped to their backs and the window was half open. Finally, the alarm cut off as Thatch entered the room still speaking on the cordless phone.

"No worries, it was just our little brother's opening the window," he spoke politely as he frowned at the boys.

The coming days, weeks, months, years, were sure to be interesting.

[cavalierious-whim]

A Reward For a Very Good Boy (Neuvithesley)

Neuvillette gives Wriothesley a very non-sexual reward because intimacy is real. Read here on AO3. Also, you can find me here on twitter, as well as Patreon!

--

“Have you been a good boy for me today?”

Yes. He’s tried, at least. There are few people that Wriothesley would willingly bow to but the way he bends at Neuvillette’s general presence isn’t just natural, he seeks it out. It is soothing. Neuvillette is kind with his words and touches. He cares so much about others, so when it comes to his partner…

Well, Wriothesley is never lacking when it comes to Neuvillette’s affection. 

Neuvillette hums softly as he pulls him close, settling Wriothesley across his lap. He smiles, just a subtle upturn of his lips. The skin around his eyes crinkles and oh, Wriothesley’s entire being just melts at the sight. The little things, he thinks. It’s always the little things that tug at his heart, like seeing Neuvillette so stripped down.  

“I’ve been—”

“You did your work?”

“Yes.” Droves of it. Paperwork for incoming inmates, outgoing releases, those being loaned out on work. The words blurred together but he managed, slapping his stamp of approval over a variety of things. Wriothseley does not pity the stack of files on Neuvillette’s desk. 

“And you ate something?”

It was only after Sigewinne reminded him that Wriothesley shoved a sandwich in his face but Neuvillette doesn’t need to know that. “Mhm, yeah.” 

Neuvillette traces a thumb down his forearm, tracing scars and muscles. “And then you came to see me?”

It’s Wriothesley’s turn to crack a smile. “How could I not? I had some files to drop off and then Sedene told me you were on a break—”

“She did?” murmurs Neuvillette in a soft grumble.

“Hey, go easy on her.” Wriothesley boops the tip of Neuvillette’s nose. “And on yourself. You’re allowed to enjoy a moment of respite.”

“Which, no doubt, you wish for me to spend lavishing you with more praise,” replies Neuvillette dryly. He has loosened up in their time together. Wriothesley loves it, loves that he’s the one who gets to see this side of him, that he gets to crawl from the depths of Meropide just to witness this. What a treat. A treasure. Something so small but means the world. 

“You were the one who asked if I’ve been good—which, the answer is yes.”

Neuvillette snorts softly. They’re close enough to kiss, just barely knocking noses. He grasps Wriothesley by the chin and thumbs over his bottom lip before dipping close and pressing their mouths together in a brief, fluttering kiss. 

It isn’t about being good; it’s about taking time for themselves. Carving out moments to enjoy either alone or together. Self-care. Wriothesley is terrible at it, and Neuvillette is equally so. They’ve made a pact to do better in this regard. 

Wriothesley has never had luxuries but here he knows pleasure, placated by Neuvillette’s quiet praise and those short, sweeping kisses. Gentle intimacy. Neither too much nor too little; the sweet spot of just enough to keep those fires warm in his gut. 

“A reward, then,” says Neuvillette, cupping his cheek. 

Wriothesley leans into it. “For?”

“Being good, of course. Isn’t that our bargain?”

As a joke, perhaps. Wriothesley doesn’t actually expect gifts of praise. Still, his eyes flash at the prospect. “Consider my interest piqued. What sorts of rewards does the Chief Justice dole out?” Easy to imagine, though Wriothesley is certain that his more sordid sentimentalities are not on Neuvillette’s mind. Still, he’d take a kiss or two. Maybe a tiny grope against his ass. It’s the little things.

“I know that look.” Right. See? Neuvillette is amused but does nothing further. “And while I enjoy that look—”

“Thinking about the last time you bent me over your desk?”

Neuvillette clears his throat, a tinge of pink blotting his cheeks. “Oftentimes,” he admits, his voice tipped low and dangerous. An eye for an eye. He knows how this game goes. Wriothesley gives him a sly grin in return. But the moment breaks as Neuvillette pulls a parcel from his desk drawer, gesturing to it.

Wriothesley blinks. “Oh, you meant a literal reward.”

“It was meant as a gift but you know what they say about opportunities. Open it, please.”

Curiosity tugs at him. Neuvillette isn’t the type to give gifts, he barely understands how to romance another. And yet. Wriothesley tugs open the box to find a small bundle of loosely packed leaves. 

“I consulted an old friend,” says Neuvillette. “And I know that you prefer black tea but this oolong came as a suggestion. Silver Tips Imperial Tea. It is said that it’s harvested only during nights of a full moon.”

Pricey. Oh gods, this is the type of tea that costs more than a month’s pay. And no, Wriothesley doesn’t feel bad about accepting it. Neuvillette has the sort of wealth that most dream of. He just doesn’t think about it. Or consciously use it. It sits in a bank account accruing interest. But for him… He went out of his way to seek out something of value, and not because he wanted to impress him, but because Wriothesley is worth it. 

“This is—”

“Too much.” A soft clicking of Neuvillette’s tongue.

“No. Celestia, no. I just…” Wriothesley chuckles. “Just to what lengths did you go to source this?”

Neuvillette buries his face into Wriothesley’s nape to hide his embarrassment. His breath is hot against his skin. Neuvillette nuzzles his neck and kisses it. “Far enough to be a mild hassle,” he mutters. “As I said, I penned an old friend.”

Wriothesley didn’t know Neuvillette had old friends. He leans forward and inhales the rich scent of the leaves. Divine. Perfect. Something to be savored, preferably in very specific company. 

“How much time do you have before you have to be back to work? Want to share a cup?”

Neuvillette pulls back and regards him. Ancient eyes—but warm. So full of affection “The quality of the water used will make a difference.”

“Well, we’re in luck then, aren’t we? Help me put a kettle on.”

Neuvillette didn’t used to have a little hot plate in his office. Originally, it was just a ploy, an excuse for Wriothesley to pay him more visits in a less-than-business-like capacity. Neuvillette condenses the water in the air and dumps it into the kettle. And this time, as the water boils, they just lean into each other, soaking up the shared moments and all the intimacy that comes with it. 

[all-for-geek]

The Cal Who Kinda Like Musicals - Chapter 1: The Greatest Stories Ever Told...

Chapter 2

Fandom: The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals/Starkid/Hatchetfield

Summary: Cal Brady had moved to Hatchetfield not that long ago. They seemed to be doing well all things consider. Managed to find a steady job, made some friends. These were going nice. They should've known it wouldn't last. Granted, they didn't think it would take the form of musical zombies.

Word Count: 2,119

On the northwestern tip of Michigan, there is an island called Hatchetfield. It’s a rather big island, although you wouldn’t guess that if you stepped onto its shores and walked around. It’s one of those towns where everyone seems to know everyone. Where most families can trace their roots to the same plot of land for generations. It’s not often that newcomers go to the island, and many don’t stay for long. The island doesn’t take kindly to strangers.

On this island is a company called CCRP: a tech conglomerate that bought out the old gazette building about a decade ago. No one’s sure how the deal came about or who did it, but it brought steady jobs to the island and decent healthcare, so they didn’t care. There were more important things to worry about in Hatchetfield. The building was split into two sections: the labs where much of the tech was developed, and the administrative side who ran all the mundane day-to-days of office life. This is where our story begins.

Three employees sat at their desks. One, Charlotte, was filing various paperwork between outgoing phone calls. Another, Paul, was busy typing up some report that his boss asked for a week ago. The other one, Bill…well saying that he was working might have been a stretch. Half of his screen was filled with the numbers and calculations he was supposed to be running, but the other half was where his full attention was. Perhaps, that’s why when he looked down at the printer sitting next to him, there was nothing to find.

“Hey, Paul,” Bill called out, “I think I might have sent something to your printer.”

“Uh…,” Paul looked down. Sure enough, there were papers in the tray that certainly weren’t Paul’s. “Yep. Here.”

“Thanks,” Bill replied with a smile.

“I thought Cal fixed the printer problem?”

“I did.” A young individual, no older than 19, with blue hair stormed over as they heard their name, leaning on top of Paul’s computer. “But Davidson still won’t let me do the overhaul that the system needs. As long as the lazyass keeps dragging his feet, it’s gonna keep happening.”

Cal was one of the rare transplants to Hatchetfield. Having only graduated last spring, they had packed up and somehow gotten a job as CCRP’s head of IT department. Granted, they were the only member of the IT department, but the title still came with a fancy security badge.

“That’s not very polite, Cal,” Bill chided, “I’m sure Mr. Davidson has a lot on his plate.”

“Well, maybe he’d have less on it if he let me actually fix the fucking system. It’s not gonna last on duct tape and a prayer forever.”

“Who taught you to use such vulgar language?”

“From my proud Irish bloodline. If you think I’m bad, you’d faint if you had a conversation with my gran” Cal gave him a cocky grin.

“I swear, you spend too much time around Ted. He’s not a good influence on you.”

Cal rolled their eyes. Their snarky remark was cut off by Paul standing up and clapping his hands. “Well, I’m off to Beanie’s. Want anything Cal?”

“Not from there, no,” Cal chuckled. They walk away as Bill and Paul start talking about whatever show was at the Starlight. Cal spotted Charlotte sitting at her desk, clearly shaken about something. More importantly, they spotted the flask she was holding in her trembling hands.

“Hey Char,” Cal called as they walked over, “You doing alright?”

“Hm?” Charlotte’s gaze slowly pans over to Cal. It took her a moment to register that the teen was there. “Oh…yes. Everything is fine, Cal. Everything is just fine.”

Cal nodded slowly, assuming that Charlotte had been on the phone with her douchebag husband again. They weren’t touching that with a 10-foot pole, instead gesturing to the flask. “Mind if I have a drink?”

“Sure…” Charlotte hands the flask in Cal’s general direction. Right as they were about to grab it, someone yanked it out of Charlotte’s hand and downed whatever was left.

“Oh, you’re such a bastard, Ted,” Charlotte whines.

“You know it,” Ted smirks at Charlotte, giving her a wink before giving Cal a pointed look. “Don’t worry, I can make it up to you.”

Cal gagged, walking away before they had to hear anything more.

Later in the day, Cal spins around in an office chair, waiting for requests to come in. This is what most of their days looked like. Sitting around waiting for computers and servers to break, fixing them for a few minutes, and then going back to sitting and waiting. It’s no wonder that they ended back up where they always end up when they get bored: Ted’s office.

“Yo,” they greet, casually walking inside.

Ted quickly closes the tab that he had opened. “Cal, how many times do I have to tell you to fucking knock?”

“The same amount of times I’ve told you that looking at that shit on a work computer is a bad idea.”

He rolls his eyes. “What do you want, nerd?”

“I’m bored,” they announce, plopping down in the spare chair.

“So? Go bother Bill or something.” Ted waves them off, focusing back on his computer.

“Ugh. If I wanted to hear someone nag their kid and talk shit about their ex, I would just call my mom.”

“Well Paul, then. Or Charlotte. Buzz off. I’m busy.”

“I’m sure. With all that important ‘work’ you do in here.”

“If Davidson’s not gonna give me anything to do, who am I to stop him?”

“Lazyass.”

“Ouch, such an insult,” he deadpans, placing his hand on his chest in mock offense.

“I mean, I could be actually mean if you wanted.”

“Kid, you can’t say anything I haven’t heard before.”

“That sounds like a challenge.”

“It wasn’t. No. Stop that.”

Cal answers with a shit-eating grin. “Nah, annoying you is one of the best parts of my day. Ain’t planning on stopping.”

“You could consider being nice and polite and respecting your elders.” He responds jokingly through gritted teeth.

“You could consider not being a horny bastard. Don’t think I didn’t notice that move on Charlotte.”

“Right. And remind me, why were you over by Charlotte in the first place?” Ted gives them a knowing look. Was he deflecting? A little, sure, but they needed to talk about it either way.

Cal rolls their eyes. “It was one drink. It’s not the end of the world.”

“I’ve told you to stay away from that shit.”

“I’ve got my shit handled,” Cal responds defensively. 

“Sure.”

They roll their eyes again. “Whatever.”

“You’re too young to be getting messed up in that shit, Cal. You still got time to break out of it.”

“Fine, Dad.”

Ted can’t help but chuckle. Before he can respond, Cal gets a notification on their work phone. 

“Ew. Work. Later.” Cal stands up, giving him a two-fingered salute on their way out the door.

Ted returns it. “Yeah. Later, ya little shit.”

Once Cal finishes fixing the server (for the third fucking time this week), it’s finally time to clock out. They pack up their work bag, slinging over their shoulder as they head for the door. They wave goodbye to Melissa on the way out.

“Have a safe night, Cal!” she calls out.

“Will do, Mel!” they shout back as they walk out the door.

Ted stands at his car, fiddling with his keys. Technically speaking, he wasn’t off for another couple hours, but it wasn’t like he ever did work anyway. No one would notice that he was gone. Even fewer would notice that this happened to be around the time that Charlotte got off.

“Need a ride?” Ted asked on instinct. He silently cursed himself. He had other places he wanted to be tonight.

“Nah, I’m meeting Pete over at Beanies.”

Ted gives them a knowing smirk. “Ooooooooh. Pete, huh?”

Cal’s cheeks flush red. “Shut up, asshole.” 

Ted rolls his eyes. “Never. Enjoy your date, nerd.”

“It’s not a date!”

“Just keep telling yourself that.”

Cal walks away, flipping Ted off with their back turned. They don’t see Ted doing the same, his signature assholish grin smeared across his face.

Cal found Pete where he always was if he wasn’t at the library: Beanies Coffee. The coffee was shit and the prices were shittier, but it made the customers feel better than going to a corporate chain like the Starbucks down the street.

The boy stood outside the cafe in his signature suspenders and bowtie, grumbling with his coffee in hand. When he saw Cal waving as they approached, his whole face shifted into a bright smile, waving back.

“Hey!” Cal said as they approached.

“Hey,” Pete echoed with a sigh. They two started walking in the general direction of Cal’s apartment.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, the baristas there always take their sweet ass time.”

“I will never understand why you go there.”

“They have good hot chocolate!”

“Riiiiiiiiiight. The only other person who goes there as religiously as you do is Paul, and at least he has the excuse of having a crush on one of the workers.”

“I definitely don’t have a crush on one of the workers.” The words were true, but they came out a little too rushed and made his face a little too red to be believable.

Cal eyes him teasingly even as something tugs down on them. “Sure.”

“I don’t!”

“So you just wait too damn long after paying too much for the chocolate you need for your blood sugar for fun? Give me a break man.”

“I’ve been going to Beanies ever since Ted let me walk around town on my own. It’s a staple of Hatchetfield culture and life.”

“You’re such a nerd.” Cal chuckles, only affection in their voice.

“Well, so are you,” Pete responds teasingly, nudging them.

“Touche.”

The two walk in comfortable silence around town. Their hands dangle dangerously close to each other’s. They take turns looking down at them, each wondering if they would dare take that risk.

“Uh, you doing anything tonight?” Cal asked, shoving their hands into their pockets.

“Yeah, Ted gave me his season tickets for the Starlight tonight. He’s not exactly the biggest fan of Mamma Mia I guess. Ruth and I are gonna go see it.”

“You’re willingly subjecting yourself to Mamma Mia?” Cal practically spats out the name. 

Pete shrugs. “Ruth likes it. And who knows, it might be fun.”

They roll their eyes jokingly. “If you make it out of that show, you deserve an award.”

“Oh yeah, like what?”

“I don’t know. Free hot chocolate for life or something.”

“Well shit, if I had known that it would be that easy…”

“I think you are underestimating the kind of snooze fest you’re getting into.”

“I think you’re being a little too harsh.”

“It’s a shit show!”

“That’s your opinion.”

“It’s the correct one.”

Pete chuckled. Up ahead, at the edge of the road was an old brick and mortar apartment complex. It was functional, but not much else outside of that. The edges of the Witchwood just on the other side of it were shrouded in shadow as the sun began to set. The two stopped at the doorway to say their goodbyes.

“We still on for stargazing this weekend?” Pete asked, taking the last sip of his hot chocolate.

“Hell yeah, dude. I can’t wait.”

“Cool.” He threw his Beanies cup into the nearby trash can. Cal allowed a soft smile to appear while his back was turned. “I’ll see you then, then.”

“See ya.” The two fistbumped as Cal headed up the stairs, and Pete left for the show of his life.

Cal opened the door to their cramped apartment, laying their work bag on the couch. They quickly changed out of their fucking work clothes before eyeing the drumset in the corner of the bedroom.

…Nah. As fun as it would be, the neighbors were probably home by now. They didn’t need another noise complaint. They settled for the next best thing: throwing themself on the couch and booting up Trombone Champ.

They played well into the night. Far later than they should have been considering they had to go to work the next day, but they just shrugged off the tiredness. They weren’t going to be sleeping anyway. Might as well do something fun.

It’s probably for the best that they weren’t in their room anyway. If they had been, they might have looked out their window facing the Witchwood and noticed a blue streak hurdling dangerously close to the ground. Best to give them one last night of normalcy.

[heart-5th-ave]

Chapter 1

Chapter one Unexpected dinner reservation It's a morning of may, after 9 years of brutal war and NATO intervention in the Ukraine, it's finally over, Russia lost, at least one war is over. Sun rises above New York City, illuminating a mist laying on the Hudson river. People and furries prepare to go to work and school, garbage trucks roll out. Same goes for Fort Bush, a newly made army base 10 miles outside of NYC, soldiers stretch after their PT for the day and get to their work. 5th army logistics brigade, their job is to make sure the boys occupying Moscow are stocked, and that ukrainians get the aid they need. Among them Captain Sworowski who currently stands in front of the window, cup of coffee in hand. Still a bit winded from a 6 mile run, he tries to ignore the mountain of paperwork on his desk. Only 25 years old, Captain Mathew Sworowski is an immigrant from Poland, through his service he got US citizenship. He is a slim and tall man, wounded during fights for Sevastopol, his right side is covered with burn scars. On the first glance you would think he does not like you, but it's just his resting face. Scars covering the right side of his face tighten as the captain takes a sip. A bitter taste fills his mouth, black coffee was never on Matt's favorite list, but it's a 5 minutes of freedom before he needs to start filling in orders. A sigh escapes the young man's mouth as he sits down at the desk and starts his computer.

First file, an order from boys in Siberia, they need lighter uniforms as snow melts, also, of course, ammunition and food. Captain checks if they have those available, food and ammo are easy to find in the system, but there is a problem with uniforms. -N/A… of course- Matthew’s voice is still a bit raspy from the morning He picks up the phone, trying to remember the number for warehouses. There is a signal, then another, and another, someone picks up. -5th army logistics brigade’s warehouses, Gunnery sergeant Arthur Cornwall speaking- Captain hears a voice of his friend

-Hey Arthur, Captain Sworowski here. Listen, summer uniforms are not in the system.

Mathew knew Arthur since before their army days and the war, Arthur is 2 years older than Matt, a red fox furry he was always more outgoing and friendly.

-Oh hey Matt… sir, sorry sir- Fox laughs, on the other end of the line

-Har har, you bastard, where are those uniforms?- Captain smiles while looking at the status of the missing equipment

-They aint here, sir. Reports say… Louisiana, waiting to roll out.

Mathew massages his temples, it's gonna be a long day.

-Ok… ok, I'm gonna call them, where are they exactly? -Uuuugh, Fort Macmillan, you want the phone number of their quartermaster?

-No, I got this, thank you.

-Ok then sir, by the way… its friday… tommies’ today?

 His eyebrow rises as Matthew hears about the bar, it's been a long week, a beer would be nice after work.

-Tommies’ today- Captain replies tempted by the relaxing evening- See you at 6 Arthur Call ended, and phone picked right back up, this time to call Fort Macmillian Louisiana, if the uniforms ain't here, he will fly them from there. He hears a loud crash outside his window, as a crate falls from 7 tonne.

-God save us… company D is here.

In the evening he parks his Honda Accord in front of “Tommies’ bar and snack”, the place is already full so Matt hopes that Arthur saved him a seat. It's a usual place for 5th to gather after a week, as Matt enters he sees some of the privates, still in their field uniforms, they don't salute and Matt pretends like he does not see them. Usually they would stand at attention, but at tommies’ noone bothers, everyone just wants a break from the strict life in the army. Captain looks around, and between wolves, foxes, cats and minotaurs he spots that one fox that he wants to sit beside, Arthur has taken over a booth. A walk seems too long even if it is only a few feet, Matt is just so tired from duty. He sits down and only now sees that Arthur is not alone, on his lap sits his wife, a dark furred lioness.

-Hey gunny, hey Martha.- Matthew says trying to keep some air in so he does not deflate from fatigue

-Hey Matt- Martha looks at the defeated captain- you look like you are about to die. Beer?

-That or a bullet, please.

Martha signals the waitress and soon enough a large cold lager appears in front of the young officer. He takes a few sips, and relaxes, he is a long way from slips, and orders and requests. Arthur smiles. -There he is, Private Matthew Sworoski age 17, relaxed and full of hope, hahaha.

-Nah, I'm still Captain Sworowski, tense and full of spite to the bastards who make my life as difficult as it is.- He dips his mouth into his glass again- but yes I'm here and not on duty… let's savor that,

The three of them start talking about everything and nothing, Matthew and Arthur met each other shortly after Matthew immigrated with his family to the states, they were neighbors and got quickly close with each other. When Arthur finished high school he enlisted, and not wanting to lose a friend Matthew did the same when he turned 17. They were sent to different units but served in the same base… then the war broke out. Friends got deployed and didn't hear from each other for a few years, Arthur even thought that Matthew had died, when he heard about massive losses of his unit. Yet later both of them were reunited with each other under Sevastopol, Matthew got a battlefield commision and was a lieutenant. Then the new officer was hit with a thermobaric munition, the whole right of his body engulfed in flames. He was rushed to the hospital and lived but scars stayed, Matthew called it “people repellent”. After he got out of the hospital command moved him to logistics, where he spent the rest of the war making sure soldiers got what they needed to fight and survive. After the war he got another promotion, to a captain this time. Managed to get Arthur to his unit, and there he stayed, as a captain in 5th army logistics, Life slowed down finally. Matthew even bought an apartment to live out of during weekends so he didn't have to spend weekends on base by his lonesome with junior enlisted. A small home in Hell's kitchen district, enough to feel comfy in, he even has enough space to lend someone a couch when they come over, usually one of his twin siblings.

-So…-Martha's voice took Matthew out of his thoughts- Found anyone yet Matt?

-What?- The young man was a bit confused by the question for a second- No… no i didn't… not with this.

He pointed to his scared face.

-You know well that I ain't finding anyone when you can basically see my face muscles move through my skin.

-Oh it aint that fucking bad mate- Arthur chimes in- speaking of… I got an Idea.

The only thought that went through the captain's head was “Bastard”, and he knew what Arthur did.

-Nope, been there, done that, I'm done…. you already told her I'm coming didn't you? 

-Yes… yes I did, you need to come… It's gonna be fun.

-Why would I? I didn't say anything. I didn't agree.

-Because you are an officer and a gentleman? Plus you owe me.-Arthur smiled

-Cmon Matt, he is lonely and you are gonna like him- Martha added

Matt sighed, most women turned green when they looked at him. But he did owe Arthur after he helped with finding the apartment.

-Fine, fine, I will come- Matthew said while taking a sip of his beer- Wait… did you say he?

And so, Matt was tricked into a gay date, thankfully it's a double date, with Arthur and Martha so he will not feel so alone. He stood in front of his apartment, a handwritten note in hand, it listed his dates name, and address. Thomas Reach, 5th ave and 26th st 212 24C, near Maddison. Date was for the next day 18:00.

-Fuck…- Matthew opened the door

Apartment welcomed him with the smell of the street food from below, the fridge quietly humming in the kitchen. He grabbed some frozen burrito from it, and another beer. Setting them on the counter that doubled as a dining table and somewhat of a border between kitchen and living room. Matt liked the whole open space concept, he had basically three rooms, living conjoined with a kitchen, his bedroom and a bathroom, his own place. There was nothing much on the walls except two flags, polish and american, and his two medals, purple heart and a silver service medal. Matt grabbed his two companions for the night and plopped on the couch, silently hoping to find something between the cushions that one of the twins left behind while they slept here. It would give him an excuse to call them, but no lifeline was there. He was alone with his thoughts, he hated that, no distractions from his what ifs. A bite of the cold burrito, started the chain of thoughts, he stared at the ceiling, fan rotating slowly circulating air mesmerized him. He thought about horrible things… about all the soldiers that he lost, all the friendships and relations cut short by a bullet and mine. About all the times when he pulled the trigger, another bite, a swig of the bottle. He hoped that maybe today he would not wake up screaming. He hoped he would not dream of the trenches. Hoped that today's dreams will be dark and empty. He finished his so-called meal and did a crunch to sit on the couch. He slowly got his thin ass up and moved to the bedroom, neatly made covers called for him. Landing was smooth as he landed with his face in the pillow. As Matt's eyes closed, he heard a vibrating whistle, as artillery shells started to hit. 

He woke up in his bed drenched in sweat. Soon the kettle on the stove whistled, signaling that he could pour it on his tea. Waiting for the tea to cool down Matt opened a window, listening in to Saturday street life of New York. Shop owners opening their stores, a hotdog stand rolled in. Clock on the nearby building showed 11:23, he needed to pick up Thomas at 18:00, so he still had time. Tired eyes looked at white honda parked in front of the building, it was dirty, he should take care of that before… before the date. His mind still couldn't process that he was going on a date with a guy, he had few girlfriends, humans and furries… but never a boyfriend. He didn't know what to think about that. Cup of tea in hand he went to his car and got in it. The traffic was lighter, in a New York sense, but his thoughts were focused on panic that was creeping on him. He was not prepared for a date at all, not even talking about a seme-sex one. Car pulled to the car wash, Matt got out and paid the fee, grabbed a power washer.

-Hey, I'm Matt… no that's too informal- he talked quietly to himself- Good evening Im Capt…. nnnope, not that one.

Soapy water hit the old Honda, as Matthew stood there washing his car, every second brought him closer to a panic. He wasn't that scared for years now, yet this scared him. He even thought about calling off the whole thing.

-What am I doing? I'm straight.- he said looking at his phone

The lack of pressure took him back, time runned out, a mountain of foam formed at the car's hood.

-Shit…

He threw in another $5 and forced himself to focus on the task. Then he got in and drove off back to his apartment. Back home Matthew didn't do much, not wanting to think about what was coming.He cleaned up, watched tv, ate dinner and only then looked in his wardrobe and realized how little nice clothes he has, one dress shirt and a pair of dress trousers. He had 4 complets of dress uniforms but like hell he is gonna wear that on a first date. Ironing board, iron, check if his shirt and trousers are clean, iron them. For shoes he took his army issued oxfords from his Greens and Pinks. They did not match his black pants at all. He thought about going to the shop to buy a pair of black ones, but ultimately didn't. Mirror showed Matt what he did not want to see, the dress shirt only showed off his scar, but the date was in a nice restaurant, so he was kind of obligated. He looked at the clock, 17:15, he needed to move, a quick shower, dress up, a small cringe as he looked in the mirror, and he was off. He shaked his left foot as he drove, every street he passed meant he was closer to something he did not want to be a part of, yet he drove forward. He took a left near Madison park, he was only a few feet away, and then he saw him. Thomas Reach, gray-furred Wolf, stood there in jeans and a white shirt, in his hand he held a bouquet of flowers.

[crmvoipsoftwaresolutions]

Call Center Software Benefits and Working Models

Call center solutions are popular and there are several advantages of using this software in any industry. To help you understand the advantages of this software for call centers and other industries, I will share how a call center solution works and what are the major benefits of using a feature rich call center solution.

Benefits of call center software

The introduction of call center software became a major turning point for the call center industry. It heralded massive positive changes for all types and sizes of call centers by offering the following benefits:

1. Lower costs

Studies have shown that call center solutions help businesses save up to 90 percent of their international call costs and 40 percent of their domestic call costs. By leveraging sophisticated call center software, businesses can save on expensive hardware, installation costs, and several other costs associated with traditional phone systems.

2. Scalable

The contemporary call center solution is highly scalable and it allows businesses to scale up and down their operations as per their team strength and operational requirements. Using it, businesses can optimize their operations during peak time as well as lean periods at no additional cost.

3. Flexible

Traditional phone systems are tied down to one place and need a landline connection to handle calls. But call center solutions just need an internet connection and enable agents to work from anywhere without being tied to their office desks.

4. Robust security

Call center software comes with enhanced security protocols, which makes it extremely secure and tamperproof. While traditional phone systems can be easily tapped, call center software can’t be eavesdropped on or compromised with such ease.

5. Enhances productivity and customer satisfaction

Equipped with sophisticated features, a high-quality call center solution enhances the productivity of customer service representatives as well as provides fast and optimal customer service, which in turn enhances customer satisfaction.

6. Effective call handling and queuing

When it comes to handling and queueing the flow of incoming and outgoing calls, nothing can beat reliable call center solutions. Whether it is outbound calls or inbound ones, call center software is designed to handle all calls efficiently. The ‘First In, First Out’ approach of call center software streamlines queuing.

7. Easy installation and maintenance

Call center software is extremely easy to install and maintain. It just requires a web browser to run effectively and it eliminates the hassle of paperwork and time spent on installation.

Things to consider when choosing a call center solution

If you are still using outdated call center solutions, then you might be facing a lot of challenges. By upgrading your software, you will not only be able to tackle various challenges with ease but also be able to provide superior customer service.  Therefore, you must choose your call center software carefully, keeping in mind your key requirements and various essential factors.

How Does Call Center Software Work?

Call center solutions typically use Voice over Internet Protocol to make and receive phone calls over the Internet and not over phone lines. It works in the following ways:

The software identifies the caller by browsing the unique entry in the database. The software adds a new entry for future reference if the caller’s name is not in the database.

If the caller’s entry is in the database, the agent assesses the records and gets the customer’s relevant details and issue history before taking the call.

After the caller replies to the automated response, the call is queued as per the mapping in the database.

When the call is pushed further, agents that are mapped to the queue can take the call automatically or pick it up manually.

After picking up the call, the agent can speak with the caller and help them however possible.

In case the agent is not able to resolve the issue, the software keeps the status and interactions, which helps the agent follow up regularly and keep track of the progress.

Depending on the caller’s response, the agent can mark the status as resolved or open or needs follow-up. Once the status is ‘closed,’ the caller receives an automated survey for feedback.

Conclusion

As the call center industry evolves rapidly, the adoption of the right tools becomes more critical than ever before. One such tool is the right call center software, which can mean the difference between average customer service and exceptional experience and satisfaction. This article shares how a call center solution works and what are the major advantages of the software.

If you are looking for a reliable call center solution that can benefit your business and call centers then AC InfoSoft can be your pal. It is one of the leading call center software provider companies. The company offers the best call center solutions that can fit your business needs. Visit https://www.acinfosoft.com/call-center-solutions/ for more details.

[demonprosecution]

wrightsideofthelaw replied to your post: “The Edgeworth-Wright Anything Agency–” “EDNA.” ...

:(

“You know what you have done and no amount of sad looks is going to garner you sympathy when someone is now drinking bleach, Wright.”

[lastritesprosecution]

"Hey, Prosecutor Sahdmadhi! Have you considered that maybe Joe did it?!"

“… Joe? Ah, I read about this in my study of your culture. I am supposed to say ‘Who is Joe?’, correct? And then you will respond with ‘Joe mama’. What a delightful joke.”

[inmaesmoriam]

vengeful-inferno replied to your post: @vengeful-inferno​: “ NO! ” @defensatricis​: “From...

“ Et tu, Lieutenant? ”

“Looks like that’s just how the ass cracks, Roy.”

[eisigerverteidiger]

// your portrayal of kristoph is seriously SPOT ON???? Hes a manipulative little WEASEL and he infuriates me. I have endless respect for you for playing this garbage man, especially because you write him so WELL. I love the drama he generates and how he's trying sooooo hard to fool the AAs,,, He's a real piece of work, and you capture his messed up logic & motives really well!!!!! I do not like kristoph gavin but I am a huge fan of how u write him

Meme | 1-800-how’s my portrayal?

this means a lot to me aaaaaaa,,, i’m always nervous writing kristoph bc i quite frankly despise this man but hearing you think i’m doing okie dokie boosts my confidence fksdfh kristoph does make me a bit nervous as well bc of uhhh having to write blatant lies and being a manipulative fuck (it always makes me feel kinda “oh god he’s a terrible person” afterwards) but i have unfortunately, put my heart and soul into this nasty crime boy 

[millenialfanfictionaddiction]

Attack On Titan Please Me: Lavishing Levi

Sub Levi Ackerman x Dom fem reader

⚠️THIS FIC IS 18+⚠️

Warnings: swearing, public sex, male receiving, unprotected sex

Word Count: 2,000

A/N: This is part of the final Aot Please Me series Lusty Liaisons! Please check out @axoxtxhxh fic! I'll link it in my masterlist!

“Well if you aren’t going to give it to me at home, might as well get it here. Drop your pants Levi” you said to your husband as a look of shock crawled on his face.

“Excuse me?” He replied, not breaking his stone cold eye contact with you for one second.

You weren’t entirely sure how you got to this point, hell you weren’t even sure you had strategically thought your plan through. All you knew is that the lack of sex in recent weeks was weighing on you and you were done. Now here you were, standing in a tree with your husband, Levi Ackerman, and you were all alone.

The past few weeks had been rough on both you and Levi. Being a Captain in the scouts was nothing to sneeze at. It was a hard, emotionally exhausting job that required your husband to stay up late and wake up early, performing his many duties tending to headquarters as well as his squad.

It wasn’t only Levi that had been busy, you had been as well. As one of humanities strongest and a seasoned vet, you had your own tasks to accomplish. You helped out on training missions, tend to the stables, clean the compound and even helped occasionally with paperwork.

You had met your husband several years ago when he had been forced to join the scouts. You had already been a scout for a while, being one of the best. However, Levi’s skills on the battlefield vastly outrank yours and he soon surpassed you. Not that you really cared, you were fighting for all of humanity, not competing against your fellow soldiers.

At first, Levi didn’t really pay much attention to you. You were loud, outgoing, friendly and down right cheery all the time. It drove Levi insane. How could someone working in such a bleak and depressing profession be so jolly?

It was safe to say, Levi avoided you for almost all of the first few months of his time in the scouts. It wasn’t until one day, when you visited him asking if he needed help with anything, that he got to know the real you.

In actuality, you sort of forced your way onto Levi but he never complained. Soon you two were hanging out constantly. The “hanging out” consisted mostly of Levi listening to you and you blabbering your life away. Still, it drew you two closer.

It was after a particularly hard mission, where both you and Levi had lost many friends and comrades, that he realized there was no time like the present.

You relationship progressed quickly and soon you found yourself permanently tied to humanities strongest solider. Anyone who seen you two in public, never understood your relationship. You were the opposite of Levi but you loved him and he loved you.

Throughout your marriage, your sex life had always been steady and fantastic. Levi always made time for you and you for him. Whether it would be a quickie in the bath or laying over his desk as he pounded into you from behind, Levi never left you hanging.

However, in the past few weeks, your sex life had taken a drastic hit. Both you and Levi had been extra busy preparing for your return trip to Shiganshina. You hadn’t had sex in almost two full weeks and it was starting to really affect you.

So when you and your husband were sent out on a special training mission, just the two of you, you figured now was a better time than any to steal a few quick moments with your husband.

“Levi take your pants off now” you said to your husband again as he continues to stare in your direction, not moving and not removing his pants.

You were up deep in the trees in the forest, a few miles from headquarters. You and Levi had been sent to test new gear manufactured by Hange in preparation for your trip. There was nobody around for miles, not Titans in site. The ideal time for sex.

“Ok fine if you won’t do it, I’ll do it for you” you say, huffing as you marched your ass to your still stunned husband as he leaned back against the tree, you kneeling in front of him as you put your hands to his waist straps, loosening them as he jolted from his dazed look and watched as you removed his belts.

“Fuck YN, in a tree? Really?” Levi said, not trying to deter you from you task at hand as you undid his straps and moved to undo his pants. Yes absolutely in a tree you thought to yourself as you undid you husband’s pants as his gaze graced yours.

“Two weeks Levi. Two LONG weeks” you said with emphasis as you got your husband’s pants undone, jerking them down a bit to reveal his rapidly hardening cock. Your eyes sparkled as you slowly leaned in, taking a bit of his cock in your mouth as you lightly kissed the tip. Levi threw his head back against the tree as his hands grasped your hair tighter as he pulled your body closer.

“Fuck YN- slow down” he grunted as you continued to take more of his now hard cock down your throat, massaging his balls with your other hand as his fists continued to tighten.

Levi was in pure heaven. His cock down your throat felt just as amazing as it now as it did the first time you ever had sex. Levi loved how devoted you were to him and how much effort you out in to pleasing him.

Before he met you, he had always thought he loved being in control. He loved topping his partners and giving them pleasure that drove them to the brink. That was, until he met you. The first time you had ever had sex, you started it. You always made sure Levi felt good, and you even preferred to top him. He never complained because not only was the view spectacular, but it meant that he could leave control entirely up to you. Control Levi struggled to give up but not with you. With you, it almost felt like a much needed relief from his stressful life.

“YN, love is everything ok?” Levi asked, his hardened cock jammed down your throat as you sucked rapidly, working him up as you feel the wetness pool between your legs. You pull away and look up to him, moving your hand to casually continue working his cock as you stare at him. Now it’s your turn to be confused.

“Levi, we haven’t had sex in nearly 2 weeks. I’m dying here. I barely see you and I just really need my husband” you say as Levi looks down at you, jerking his cock in your hand as you look up to him with your bright, beautiful eyes.

“10 days” he said. You look at him with a puzzled look but before you can speak he continues.

“actually it’s been 10 days and roughly 4 hours since we last had sex”

You stopped your movements and your head cocks to the side as you try to comprehend your husband’s words.

“what?” You manage to squeak out before he pulls you in for a hot, wet kiss. His lips moving on yours as your tongues intermingle and tangle in a heated mess while his fingers lace in your hair and your hand returns to slowly pump his still rock hard cock. He breaks the kiss as he groans into the space between your mouths as he continues.

“The last time we had sex was at 4am in my office. I bent you over my desk and fucked you” he said in a breathy moan as you continued to pump him harder and faster. His hands moving to undo the straps on your waist, moving them down as well as unbuttoned your pants.

You breath hitched as his nimble fingers found themselves wandering down the front of your pants and into your heated, wet core as he fingers probe at your folds and a slow, low moan sounds from your mouth.

“Levi- please, I need you inside me” you say as you push him against the tree, trying to logistically think of how sex in a very tall tree is going to work.

“love, we are in a tree” Levi laughs out as your neck snaps to him and you snarl, needing to feel him inside of you.

“First off, we are not stopping just because we are in a tree. Second off, we are NOT stopping at all!” you say as you pull your pants down, just below your ass, revealing your soaking cunt to your husband whom you know is just as needy as you currently are.

“fuck YN- you’re serious?” He said as you questioningly look at him again, still unsure how the man can not fully understand your desires and need.

“Levi- I’m going to say this one final time. If you don’t stick your cock in me right now I’ll never sleep with you ever again” you growl as your husband snaps to attention, lining up behind you as you bend forward, balancing against the trunk of the tree as he prepares to enter you.

Usually you would prefer to top your husband or be in a position of control as you two fucked but circumstances didn’t allow for such things. So you did what you could.

Levi grabbed your hips as he guided his hard cock into your wet core, his hands gripping tight on your hips as he pushes in, trying to get as deep as he possibly can.

Levi wasn’t the biggest but he definitely wasn’t an amateur. He knew how to use what he had and he was great at taking care of you.

His body stilled for a minute, which was a minute too long for you as you started to propel yourself back onto his hard cock as he groaned deeply, pressing his fingers deeper into your lush hips as he groaned.

“Fuck YN can’t you wait Brat” he growled as you turned your head slowly behind you as you slammed your core deep onto his cock again and again, causing your husband’s groans to turn to whimpers of pleasure.

You choose to ignore him as you continued to move back and forth on his cock, his hand now snaking around to your front as he located your clit and rubbed, bringing you closer to your orgasm.

“Fuck Levi, right there. Keep going” you said as he groaned from behind you as you pushed yourself harder on to him, now stopping on his pelvis to ground your ass on his cock, causing his hand to grip tighter on your hips, making you moan.

“Yn you better fucking hurry because I’m going to come” he groaned as the words escaping his mouth caused you to tip over the edge as you felt the rush of your orgasm fill your body as you husband pushed his pelvis into your ass.

“fuck fuck FUCK” he yelled as he came undone inside you, just a second after you reached your own high. Levi pulled your ass closer to his as he came down his high and your body relaxed.

“Are you trying to kill us YN?” he growled as he pulled out, pulling a handkerchief out, cleaning himself and you up as you both pulled your pants up and redid your straps

“I most certainly am not!” You shout as your husband laughs from beside you “you didn’t really give me any other choice!”

“YN you realize we have the entire afternoon after this mission right? Erwin told us we could have the rest of the day off.”

“I knew that” you said moving your eyes from your husband’s gaze, actually having forgot that fact in the heat of the moment.

“Lier” he said as he launched himself from your current station on one tree to the next tree.

“Well that just means we can catch up on the last 2 weeks!” You yelled as you flew to your husband, leaping through the trees as your glide gracefully with your ODM gear

“YN we just had sex! The last 2 weeks without it is now broken. And it wasn’t 2 weeks, it was 10 days!”

“Levi you can’t expect me to think one round is enough to make up for two weeks!”

Levi signed again as he turned to face you, gliding thought the trees.

“it’s 10 days YN!” he shouted again as you scuffed and he smiled.

No way was a round of tree sex going to make up for that.

Taglist: @ravenina14 @dassah-ichi @sinnerofthewalls @chaotic-nick @dekcolrehsb122 @noxnoxopenup @ohphiuchus @flamingblinglove @unadulteratedtreecrusade @y2klove @ack3rlady @sparklekitteh @yep-seeyalaterbranflakes @wildspeciallavender

[goatchulu]

jealous! lucifer x gender neutral! reader

Genre: fluff, ig? slight smut in the end.

Fandom: obey me!

Prompt: you find yourself in a fake relationship, and now you're introducing your "boyfriend" to the demom brothers. they don't take it so well, especially lucifer.

Warnings: mentions of drinking, mentions of harassment and stalking, they make out in the end, reader's gender is unmentioned for your imagination (and inclusion).

lucifer takes another swig of his whisky, a slight burning sensation lingering on his throat. no matter the amount of alcohol he consumed that night, he couldn't escape the bitter feeling that was left inside his chest.

the two of you have been hitting it off pretty well for the past few weeks, if he could say so himself. the harmless complimenting and the subtle glancing had turned into ardent flirting and shows of affection overtime. you two were finally going somewhere with your mutual pinning, or so he thought.

lucifer didn't think his small (not so small) crush on you would lead anywhere, really. nor did he think you would reciprocate his infatuation. but with all the friendly interactions you had of late, anyone would assume you two were together in a romantic light.

now look, lucifer prides himself as a person. he was assertive, efficient, productive, level-headed and the voice of reason when stress is most prominent. but as a lover? lucifer wasn't so sure. he assumed you'd like someone more jolly and eccentric like mammon or someone more confident and charismatic like asmodeus. he didn't expect for you to even spare him a second glance when it came to the dating game. lucifer was a busy man after all, and he wasn't the most expressive when it came to emotions; not very ideal for a lover.

but what lucifer also did not expect was for you to bring home a common demon boy and introduce him as your significant other.

let's just say that all the built up tension and courting were all ruined by a single dinner party.

you had gathered all the demon brothers earlier that morning, claiming you had an important announcement to make. you went as far as inviting diavolo and his loyal butler, barbatos, to spend the evening over for dinner. they thanked you for the invitation, but they unfortunately, could not attend because of their hectic schedules.

lucifer, on the other hand, was more than happy to accept your invitation (though he was quick to cover up the smile he held when you came up to him). seeing as he already lives under the same roof as you, anways. his happiness would soon be diminished and grinded into dirty, pathetic, dust, though.

lucifer's eyes narrow as mammon's loud laughter bounces off the walls of the dining room. lucienne, your "boyfriend", had managed to crack the demon up with one of his silly stories about a strange elderly wizard that sold expensive medication made out of fairy wings that turned out to just be bedazzled dragon fly wings. he worked wonders with the avatar of greed, considering the fact that just a moment ago, mammon was cursing in jealousy and resentment as you sat with your newly introduced boyfriend.

luficer would've told mammon to shut up, but he feared saying something far more vulgar out of anger. the previous tension was already eased into a more domesticated athmosphere (credits to lucienne's charm and humor), lucifer didn't want to ruin dinner for his brothers, and especially not for you.

i mean, lucifer felt betrayed, he felt used and-- and played. how could you lead him on like this? but deep inside, he knew there was something else. he felt disappointed, he felt defeated, he felt crushed, he wished he'd done something sooner before this lucienne stole you away from him.

but anyways, back to the dinner party.

"you seem unusually quiet, lucy." asmo teases from across lucifer's seat. the phrase seems to capture everyone's attention, all eyes now on the grimacing and glaring lucifer.

"asmo's right, you haven't uttered a word since lucienne arrived, lucifer. is something wrong?" you chime in, causing lucifer to perk up. the thought of you worrying about his state sent sparks into his heart, but they were quick to disappear when lucienne asks him the same question.

"i'm fine." he replies to your concern, unable to hide the venom that strung on to his words. this only causes asmodeus to snicker, and leviathan to sink deeper into his seat. everyone else watches in concern as lucifer downs another glass of demom whiskey. you're about to ask him again, unsure about his reply, but he stops you before you could even form a word.

"i said i'm fine."

the air is tense, until eventually, mammon gasps out of nowhere. "don't tell me! lucifer is jealous!!~" he repeats in a sing song manner, only irking lucifer even further. no one else speaks up, the whole situation akward enough.

after a while, though, lucienne speaks up. he gestures at mammon, especially. hoping to stop the demon from escalating the situation. "hey mammon, wanna hear about that one time i accidentally professed my love for my eight grade math teacher?" mammon only settles back into his seat, ready for another laughing fit. the avatar of pride snaps at this, slamming his fists down the table before abruptly excusing himself with a "i have something to do."

he spares you one last glance. his heart aching with guilt from the way you had lowered your head in shame. lucifer didn't want to make you feel like he owned you, or that you weren't allowed to be with someone else... he just, he has enough reason to justify his anger right now and he really wants to dwell in it. he turns his head away from you, biting his lip to contain the guilt and pain that was threatening to seep out. he doesn't turn to look back as he walks away from the dining room in long and rushed strides.

lucifer walks down the dark hallways of lamentation, familiar with every nook and cranny the mansion had. he sighs in relief as his palm reaches out for a familiar door. it creaks as lucifer walks into his room, sounding just as glum as lucifer is.

he heads straight to his paperwork, silently hoping that they would provide him some sort of comfort. he tries to focus on anything but the thought of you or your unavailability, his mind barely processing any of the words that were printed out in front of him. he groans, his hands pulling on his jet black hair in frustration.

i mean, he should've expected this. lucienne was everything lucifer thought you would love. funny outgoing, caring, expressive, charismatic, a smooth talker and he looked at you with utmost respect and admiration. i mean, who in their right mind would choose old-schooled lucifer over the flawless lucienne?

you deserve lucienne and although lucifer thinks that no one in the three realms could ever deserve to call you theirs, he still thinks that lucienne is more deserving of you than lucifer could ever be. what were you doing to the poor demon? he was never one to admit defeat like this, and he especially wasn't the type of person that'd lower themself like this.

his rollercoaster of thoughts are interrupted by a gentle knock on the door. his ears already familiar with this particular knocking pattern. he can't help but straighten himself up, suddenly aware of the way his hair is all sprawled out. he slicks it down with saliva, muttering a small "enter" soon after he finshes checking on his appearance.

his mood lightens just a little bit at the sight of your face. as much as lucifer wants to hate you right now, he couldn't possibly feel that way towards you. never, not in a quadrillion light years.

you sit down in front of him, a genuine look of concern on your face. this makes lucifer visibly frown, catching you a bit off guard. "i wanted to talk to you about something, lucifer." his eyes grow curious and a bit hopeful, wishing it were about something that would distract him from the current situation or give him even the tiniest bit of closure.

"it's about lucienne." and once again, you manage to crush all his hope with only a few words. lucifer swears that if he hears that name one more time, he would personally shove your lovely boyfriend down the deepest depths of the underworld.

you watch his brows furrow and his fist tighten on his quill. lucifer looks far from happy to hear you talk about your significant other right now. "look, i know you'd rather not hear about lucienne again, but it's really really important and i want you to just hear me out. just this once, please?"

lucifer couldn't stand the pleading look you were giving him. your puppy eyes were a weapon that you used on him often, and they always managed to work. a tired sigh leaves his lips, if it meant getting it over with then he'd listen. "fine," he snaps, not before rubbing at his temple in obvious distress. he's said fine, but his body language told you otherwise.

"someone's kind of harassing lucienne at the moment. stalking him, giving him unwanted gifts and constantly professing their love for him when he's told them multiple times that it made him uncomfortable. they're an admirer of some sorts. i'm posing as lucienne's lover in hopes that they'd back off for a while, but i wanted to see if you and diavolo could do some actual help. it's worrisome, really. and it's been stressing lucienne out for the past couple of weeks. pretending to be his significant other is the most i can do for him, i hope you understand."

lucifer only freezes in shock, guilt washing over him all so suddenly. you call out for him, effectively snapping him out of his short daze. of course you'd offer to help lucienne out, you've always been a kind person. in lucifer's eyes, atleast. he coughs into his hand, avoiding eye contact with you as he degrades himself for his previous selfishness.

"of course, i'll do my best to make sure this harasser is punished. the school and i will ensure that lucienne won't be seeing this stalker anytime soon. just keep supporting him like this, i suppose. tell him he can sleep here for the night. thank you for informing me about this." you smile at lucifer's response, relief overwhelming your senses. if this meant that lucienne was finally going to be safe and unbothered, you were overjoyed.

you jump at lucifer, thanking him, all the while, squeezing the life out of him. his heart races impossibly fast at the gesture, and you can't help but smirk at the red that tainted his cheeks. "just so you know, i still like you. and only you, lucy."

his breath comes to a halt. he was no longer able to contain the butterflies that crowded his stomach; shock and well, pure bliss apparent on his face. "does this mean i can kiss you?"

"do anything as you please."

lucifer lunges at you. capturing your lips into a hungry and impatient kiss. his hands roam all over your torso, looking for anything he could hold onto. he settles for your waist and you drape your hands over his shoulders. heaven knows how long he's been waiting for this moment.

he manages to stumble through his room, leading you two to his bed. you part as he pushes you down to sit at the end of his king sized bed. he grins at the sight of you, disheveled and thirsty for more. the avatar of pride couldn't help but be excited for the faces you'll make in the unholy endeavors he's planning for you. he'll devour you, tear apart every innocent limb you have in your body. his imagination runs wild as he thinks of the many ways he'd mark you as his, exhibit you to the world and spread you wide open for his contenders to see. for them to know just how pathetic and needy lucifer could make you in an instant.

he bends down to kiss you again, pushing against your tounge with his own. he squeezes your thighs, digging his nails deep into the skin under the cloth still covering you. groans and grunts leave your lips as he countinues to caress your plush thighs.

as you two part, panting, a newfound possessiveness overtakes lucifer's eyes.

"you're mine."

[todosteakettle]

Bravery in Butterflies

Tamaki Amajiki x fem!Reader

Part 3

Part 2/?

Part 1

Synopsis: An outgoing girl meets a timid boy. As time goes on and she tries to get closer with him. She almost gives up on trying to befriend him, until she finally makes progress with the help of a certain winged creature.

Rating: Mostly SFW, Very Mild Smut

Word Count: 1303

TW//: Lepidopterophobia, Mentions of Anxiety, Some physical violence, General Awkward interacts

Key

H/N = Hero Name

Y/N = Your name

L/N = Last name

N/N = Nickname

E/C = Eye Color

H/C = Hair Color

F/C = Favorite Color

- x - = sound

*x* = text

“x” = dialogue

x = thoughts

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

You and the red haired boy arrived at the agency at last. It was a 20 minute train ride and a 10 minute walk away from the comfy bed back at Heights Alliance you couldn’t help but dream about.

You and Kirishima had made conversation the entire way there, but standing in front of the building, you were silent.

“H-hi” you heard in a voice that sounded like it belonged to a small boy behind you

Your hair stood up. You quickly straightened your posture, fixed your skirt and cleared your voice. You turned around to greet the familiar voice.

“Hi Amajiki-Senpai!” you and Kirishima accidentally said in unison, earning a giggle from Kiri

“So Bright…” Tamaki replied quietly in a sad tone before walking off into the building.

“I guess that’s all he had to say” Kirishima muttered awkwardly with a slight chuckle in his voice

“Guess so” you said in the same tone

You quickly hurried into into the building so you didn’t lose Amajiki. Neither you or Kirishima knew where to go, so it was important you followed him.

He walks like Bakugou, but much less confidently. His hands filled his pockets and he slouched over to a concerning angle.

You all made your way to an office. The door was pretty big

Who needs a door this wide?

The words “FatGum” Plastered themselves on the door

Tamaki walked in and you quickly followed suit

You saw a very large man sitting at his desk filling out paperwork. He looked up in excitement and waddled his way over to shake your’s and Kirishima’s hand.

That’s who.

“So these are the first years I’ve heard so much about! I gotta say, I was pretty surprised Suneater here recruited anybody. You guys must have really stood out!”

Amajiki-Senpai talks about you? What does he say? AH this was so much.

“Uhm Yes! I’m L/N Y/N, or just H/N! I’m really happy to be working with you, this opportunity is amazing” you said to the large man shaking his hand

“And I’m Eijiro Kirishima, AKA Red Riot! It was so manly of Amajiki-Senpai to recommend us! We promise we won’t let ya down!” said a nervous Kirishima

“Ah! You guys seem so outgoing no wonder Suneater here picked ya out. Well, I gotta finish this paperwork but Amajiki here can show you around! Then you should all get changed, we will all go out for patrol and I’ll show you what you will be doing here” Fatgum said before returning to his desk

“B-but sir I- I-“ Tamaki tried to respond

“No ‘buts’ Suneater, just show them around a bit, You will be workin with them after all.” He replied

You watched as a defeated Tamaki walked out the door, his eyes never leaving the floor.

“Here to the right is the bathrooms, and if you take another right it-it’s the locker room” He said nervously, trying his best to avert your gaze when talking about the locker room bit

“Locker room? As in one?” you thought outloud

ohmygodwereyougoingtobeabletoseehimnak-

“Well th-there is… there is only one since we have uhh we have never had a female hero at the agency before” he gulped, cutting off your improper thoughts

You knew it wasn’t his fault and you didn’t want to make this any harder for him.

“Ah that’s fine! I’m not shy, and if it makes anybody uncomfortable I can always change in the bathrooms” You said with a cheerful smile

“M-m-moving on.. to the left here is the kitchen. Both mine and F-fat’s quirk rely a lot on food so we order out a lot. Feel free to help y-yourselves” said a blushing Tamaki

What a cutiepie

Your mouth watered when you walked into the kitchen. Tamaki wasn’t kidding, the amount of food in that kitchen could feed a family of 5 for a month, and it all looked so good. It was early and you had both skipped breakfast this morning, so why not indulge a bit…

“Wow! This looks as good as Suki’s cooking” You said to Kirishima

Tamaki’s face contorted just a little bit at the nickname you used for Bakugou.

- TAMAKI’S POV -

When Tamaki first met you, you were with Bakugou.

Whenever Tamaki saw you in the halls, you were with Bakugou.

Whenever he saw you studying in the library, he saw Bakugou.

When he saw you training? You guessed it, you were with Bakugou.

In fact he realized today was the first time he saw you without your blonde counterpart.

Bakugou was your best friend, and nothing more, but Tamaki didn’t know that.

To you, Suki was just a funny nickname for your friend.

To Tamaki, it was a pet name for who he thought was your boyfriend.

Tamaki didn’t know why he hated seeing you with Bakugou so much, it just made him….

He decided just didn’t like it.

His thoughts were cut off with the sound of the loud boy’s voice.

-

“Hahaha! Bakubro would kill you if he heard you say that. I’ll admit it does look delicious, let’s see if this is as good as his spicy ramen” Kirishima said right before shoving his mouth with takoyaki

You on the other hand went for the fried rice. You grabbed a small bowl and some chopsticks and started to eat.

“thus ess so gud” you said with a mouthful of rice

“Where did you get this from?” you asked

“Well actually our Suneater here is a regular chef, he made that!” the voice of the large man who just entered the room suddenly replied

“Wow Amajiki-Senpai! You are just as good a cook as Suki” you said to him smiling

“It-It’s just rice” he said embarrassed from the sudden praise

“Didn’t I tell you all to get changed! We have patrol soon!” Fatgum said

“Y-yes sir” Tamaki said while scurrying off to the locker room

You and Kirishima both washed your dishes before walking into the locker room, with your costumes in hand.

You told Amajiki earlier that you weren’t shy. You were a liar, you WERE shy. Well you weren’t usually shy when it came to talking, but you were shy when it came to being undressed in front of others.

You kept your head down when you walked into the locker room and walked into a corner. You got changed in the locker room as quickly as humanly possibly, making sure not to let the boys see that you were nervous.

No matter how fast you changed your hero costume was still a bitch to get on. It was tight and revealing even when it was on completely.

No matter how modest you tried to be you knew that they were able to see at least some of your naked body.

This was humiliating.

Amajiki is probably so uncomfortable right now. He is probably so regretting inviting you here.

- Meanwhile -

Tamaki and Kirishima were on the other side of the locker room, trying to be as courteous as possible

“D-do you think B-b-bakugou would be okay with her ch-changing in front of us l-l-like this” Whispered a very very embarrassed Tamaki to Kirishima

“Huh?” Kirishima asked

“W-well I mean he is her boyfriend and sh-“

You look so pretty. He can’t think like that it’s wrong you have a boyfriend.

Kirishima laughed so loud that even you turned around to look at him

Tamaki just became more embarrassed and continued to change staring at the wall.

When you looked back at the wall Kiri whispered to Tamaki

“Boyfriend? Bakubro really is obvious huh. I love him but man she is way outta his league. She has accidentally friendzoned him like 10 times now man. Don’t let her hear you calling him her boyfriend she’ll probably kill you dude.”

He wasn’t your boyfriend.

Why was Tamaki so excited about this

[romioneficfest]

Little Unicorn Day Center

Title: Little Unicorns Daycare Center

Prompt: day 2 - meet cute

Rating: G

Author:

Brief Summary

Any Content warnings: 

Hermione had cared for many children in the three years since she had opened the Little Unicorns Daycare Center, and she had always been careful to be impartial and fair to every little boy and girl that walked through her doors.

But she couldn’t deny that Lily was one of her favorites.

The vivacious red-headed girl had been in her care for around six months, and it had been obvious from the start that she was different from the other kids. She was well ahead of the group on her reading comprehension, and she had a highly developed sense of humor for her age. She also loved to tell detailed, fantastical stories about magical creatures, and people flying around on broomsticks, and Hermione was amazed at the depth of her imagination.

Hermione had only ever met Lily’s mother, Ginny, who shared her daughter’s long red hair and quick wit. Ginny was always in and out of the cottage in a hurry when she came to drop Lily off or pick her up, but she was always friendly enough. She knew that Ginny was in publishing, and her husband in law enforcement, jobs that surely kept them both very busy, so Hermione didn’t think anything of the quick visits.

It never struck her as odd, either, that she had never met Lily’s father; it was common for her to deal with one parent more than the other. She finally met him on a cold, snowy day, when the front door opened and Lily burst in, shedding her hat and gloves before she had even made it past Hermione’s desk, and a tall, gorgeous red-headed man trailing behind her.

He smiled apologetically as he bent to pick up Lily’s things to hand to her. “Sorry about that. Is she always like this?”

Hermione’s fingers brushed against his as she took the gloves, and she was surely imagining the spark that ignited her skin at the contact. “Oh, it’s um…” Hermione unconsciously raised her hand to flatten her bushy hair before scolding herself. This man was married, and it surely did not matter how her hair looked. “It’s finger paint day. I’m sure she’s just excited.”

“Oh, that explains it, then. Can’t say I blame her.”

He gave her another brilliant smile, and she melted as she looked up into his vibrant blue eyes. Lily had bright eyes, too, but hers were an almost unnatural shade of green. Ginny’s, if Hermione remembered correctly, were brown, and for a fleeting moment, she hoped that maybe the man was a family friend or something. But then she saw the shiny gold detective's badge pinned to his trousers, and the hair color, of course, was unmistakable. Even so, Hermione couldn’t stop herself from asking, “Will you be picking Lily up this afternoon?”

“Nah, Gin just had an early meeting this morning. She’ll get her later, like normal.”

Hermione hoped that her disappointment wasn’t glaringly obvious. Her instant attraction to this man was undeniable, but it was also incredibly inappropriate. He was a parent of one of her charges, for goodness sake! Hermione put on the most neutral smile she could muster and then motioned to a pile of papers that she was certain were nothing more than coloring sheets. “Okay, I hope you have a lovely day. If you’ll excuse me, I really should get back to work.”

“Oh, yeah, me too.” He leaned to the side to look through the open doorway into the playroom beyond the lobby. “Bye, Lil! Be good!” Hermione heard no response from the adjacent room, but he turned without one and gave a slight wave of goodbye to Hermione before heading back out into the cold.

It was several weeks before she saw him again. Lily again raced through the door while her father ambled in behind her and smiled at Hermione. “Must be finger-paint day again,” he said teasingly as he approached the desk. “I realize I didn’t properly introduce myself before. I’m Ron.” He held out his hand for Hermione to shake and she took it, trying to ignore the warmth of his palm.

“Hermione.” Their hands remained linked for just an instant longer than was probably proper, and Hermione forced herself to break their gaze. “Lily’s a wonderful child,” she said, determined to focus on the little girl.

“Yeah, she’s a hoot. She—“ Ron cut himself off with a frown and fished a buzzing pager from his coat pocket. “Sorry, duty calls.” She caught another glimpse of his badge and nodded in understanding. “Nice to see you again.”

“You, too.” Hermione lifted her hand in farewell, and she was so distracted by the view of him from behind, that it completely slipped her mind that Ron was not the name of the other parent on Lily’s paperwork.

She saw Ron several more times over the following months, and he was always so charming with her. Hermione was horribly embarrassed by her attraction to another woman’s husband—though she had noticed that he didn’t wear a ring—and even worse, the fact that the feeling seemed to be mutual. She wanted to believe that it was just his personality, that he was the outgoing type, and not that he was a man who would shamelessly flirt with other women. He didn’t seem to be the sort who would do such a thing. Or maybe she just didn’t want to admit to herself how unseemly her behavior was. Either way, Lily would be moving on to kindergarten soon, and she could forget all about Ron.

Usually if she saw Ron, it was at Lily’s morning drop-off, so Hermione was surprised when he appeared one afternoon at pick-up time. He was quieter than usual, not his typical cheery self. “Lily!” Hermione called to the other room. “Time to go!”

“Coming!” the little girl hollered back as Ron approached her desk.

“Hi,” he said, his tone soft. She didn’t know him all that well, even now, but he actually sounded nervous. “So, I um...wanted to ask you something?”

Hermione’s heart started pounding, and she rubbed her palms against her jeans anxiously. “Sure,” she replied, and she hoped he couldn’t hear the tremor in her voice.

He hesitated, and then blurted out, “Are you free for dinner tonight?” He must have registered the look of shock on her face at his overt invitation, and he began to ramble. “I’ve got to take Lily home, but after that, or—or maybe this weekend we could—“

Hermione gave a vehement shake of her head and lowered her voice to hiss at him, “That is wildly inappropriate!” As much as she couldn’t deny that there was a chemistry between them, acting on it was a whole different matter.

“I—“ He seemed taken aback by the severity of her response. “I can take the rejection, but...inappropriate?”

She looked at him incredulously. “Yes. I don’t make it a habit to fraternize with—“

“Uncle Ron!” Lily’s exclamation and pounding footsteps cut her off and stopped her cold. The little girl threw her arms around one of Ron’s long legs, and he reached down to pat her head.

“Hey, kiddo. Have a good day today?”

Lily nodded. “Where’s mummy?”

“Waiting at home, and your dad is picking up your brothers.”

She then glanced at Hermione before gazing up at Ron with a knowing look beyond her years. “Did you come just to say hi to Miss Hermione?” Lily half-covered her mouth to whisper loudly to Hermione, “My mummy says he fancies you.”

Hermione couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief. Here she had been berating herself all these months for nothing. She wracked her brain, but she couldn’t recall Lily ever mentioning her father or Ron by name, and she had never addressed him directly until now. She had just been assuming that Ron was off-limits, and couldn’t remember ever being so pleased to be wrong.

Ron’s face was red with embarrassment, but he was still smiling shyly at her, and the look was incredibly endearing. “Did you really think I was her dad? Haven’t you ever met Harry?” Hermione shook her head.

“No, I haven’t, actually. I saw your badge and, well, your hair—I just assumed.”

“So...any chance that changes your mind about dinner?” he asked hopefully.

Hermione crouched down to the ground and motioned Lily over. “Maybe you could tell your Uncle Ron,” she said in a stage whisper, “that I fancy him, too?”

Lily nodded eagerly before scampering back over to Ron. “Uncle Ron! Miss Hermione said she fancies you.”

Hermione straightened and beamed at Ron. “Seven okay?”

“Tonight?” Hermione nodded; she didn’t want to wait any longer to get to know him better. “Brilliant. Seven it is.” He took Lily’s hand and led her toward the door, glancing back over his shoulder at Hermione with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.

[rayofsunas]

valentines | diluc [3]

A/n: good evening everyone!! I know this story is kinda a slow start to things, but dw reader is actually in this chapter lol. my plan is too write one more part, which would be the finale :) let me know how you guys are liking the series so far <33 I feel like Diluc is sooooo ooc, sawwy... AND I also can’t remember if the Dawn Winery is Diluc’s home, but pretend it is for this if it isn’t- anyways, enjoy and stay safe!!

Summary: the ever so stoic diluc thought he was being secretive when sending anonymous letters and gifts to you during the week of valentine’s day but turns out everyone in mondstadt knew it was him, though thankfully had tight enough lips to not spill the beans to you. kaeya is of no help, so you go seeking answers yourself.

Parings: Diluc/Fem! Reader (for my other mini-series, there will be some gn ones!)

Warnings: valentines (yes, I’m late, shoot me), fluff, Diluc and Kaeya have a mother (the only reason this is a warning, is cause she’s a mood and I love her), swearing

Word count: 4.5k (I’m so proud and happy with this chapter :))

The letters were vague at first and you usually received them early in the morning, at first there was one. But now there was more than one letter, sometimes Cecilia flowers and even little gifts in a delicately wrapped box along with them. You assumed the writer was a serious night owl to have prepared this all and had sent them when you were asleep, leaving them as a sort of gift for you to wake up to in the morning. 

Though, originally, when you received the first handful of letters, you were creeped out, nervous for obvious reasons.

Who was this stranger sending letters of unworthy praise and admiration? Was their identity that much in danger, to have to be anonymous? And without an address as well... 

The more you read his or her letters, you learned that over four days, they were no threat. They couldn’t have been. Whoever they were, most likely was a young teen, caught in the webs of affection for the very first time, nervous to dip their toes into confrontation out of fear of being rejected. 

But the more you scanned the letters at night, reading them over like a series of detective novels, searching for any kind of clue, you realized this person was far too intelligent, smooth, and straight to the point, to be any kind of lovesick teen. That scenario, that possibility wasn’t possible in your mind. 

The only thing that made them seem like a confused teen was the fact that they sounded lost within their feelings, although straight to the point it was hard to decipher exactly what they were saying. Their words were often hidden behind a thick wall of glass; you could see them, but it was hard to grasp exactly what they were, the true meaning of it all. 

Was his or her adoration for you, really, truly love?

Was praising your skill too small of a thing to feel completely doused in love over?

You were never too sure. 

-

letter one.

I know this may seem odd, coming from a stranger. But I can assure you I am not a creep of any kind. I can’t help but say, I admire your skills in battle; you’re a force to be reckoned with. Please accept these Cecilia’s, I hope they aren’t too much nor are you allergic.

Best wishes.

This was the very first letter you received. Something you solely took for another Knight who you unknowingly, until now, of course, caught the attention of. You assumed that they were just praising you because they wished to be like you, of course, you accepted it with open arms. Praise for such a low profiled Knight felt nice.

letter two.

Hello. I realized I never specified an address for you to possibly reply to my letters with. It completely slipped my mind, my apologies. If it isn’t too much of a hassle, you could leave your letters at Barbatos’ Statue and I could do so as well. I also realized that sending letters to your home may seem... very weird and unsettling. I am sincerely sorry, my intentions weren’t to scare you. I am no creep, I can assure you we are acquaintances. Though, I would prefer to keep my identity hidden for right now. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes. 

This letter was completely apologetic, its entire body and being were sincere you could tell. Yes, you would agree, the letters sent directly to your home were unsettling. But if they were an acquaintance and they had no ill intentions, you had no reason to panic. 

letter three.

I received your letter and I’m very glad to hear you’re no longer panicked or creeped out. Those were never my intentions... I appreciate your willingness to communicate with me. It’s very kind and understanding of you. Also, to answer your question, I am a man. I hope that does not disappoint you... Looking forward to your next letter. 

Best wishes.

You were happy to finally figure out more of who this anonymous person was, and knowing they were a man helped you learn more about who they could be. The list of suspects you were acquainted and or friends with, decreased significantly. You didn’t have many guy friends or acquaintances. You could only name a handful. Was he even amongst that handful? People had different meanings of friends and acquaintances after all...

letter four.

I know this may seem too early, we’ve only been properly conversing for a day or two. But, I would like to say you’re one of a kind and I found myself lost for words when writing to you. I hope you’re faring well. Please stay safe. I heard there was a pretty nasty bar fight last night that transitioned into a bloodbath in the streets. Lots of people are upset right now, politics I assume... Nonetheless, stay safe. 

Best wishes.

He was right. You weren’t cleared for such information, but you had heard talk from some of your fellow Knights that there was a pretty bad bar fight that carried out into the streets late last night. Multiple people had ended up in the dungeons, some still walked the streets whispering their opinions on an ancient conspiracy, though, you were unsure of what that exactly meant. 

Poison, sicknesses, and night terrors were a few of the most talked-about stressors for the fight. Who was to tell which ones were true though, if any. You assumed the truth was riddled in there somewhere though, it had to of been. Rumors often stemmed from an over extreme truth. 

What an unfortunate thing to hear, especially the week of Valentine's day. A week of love, already filled with a bitter hatred, not a good start. Thankfully, you had the letters, they kept you hopeful. The other person on the receiving end could also feel hopeful, so you hoped. You just hoped the situation wasn’t the start of something worse brewing.

Sadly, you weren’t cleared to investigate like you had heard Captain Kaeya was; despite how curious and nosy you were. Unfortunately, you were stuck with paperwork and training the younger Knights; you enjoyed the latter. But those were your duties this week, you couldn’t afford to stray from them. 

Hopefully, your anonymous admirer was alright and well. 

-

You hated to admit it. But over the last five days, you had become smitten. Some say, love at first sight, was impossible, a silly tale told to hopeless romantics who would believe anything. For someone who was not one of those people easy to fall in love with, truthfully, you were starting to believe the tales.

This anonymous man was so kind, well versed with words, so well versed that they moved mountains. You know for sure they had moved your heart. He wasn't willing to share a simple thing; his name. But he’d practically told you his life story, thrown it into your palms easily. Though vague, it was enough to help you understand him better and feel ultimately closer.

You’d learned he was a well-known guy, and as much as he accepted and loved the attention sometimes, it was tiring and draining the majority of the time. He’d said he was a protector of Mondstadt, someone who deeply cared for the townspeople and they're well beings. He’d make any deal, cross any sea, walk through hell with his head held high, just to protect them. He was also a brother, though never specified if he was older or younger, you assumed he was older when he said that he had a very annoying brother; only an older sibling could understand another's annoyance caused by a younger sibling. You could blame personal experience from your time around the younger Knights. You felt like an older sister to a lot of them without that older mentor figure. They weren’t all annoying, but they could share similar qualities at times when they didn't pay attention or learn paperwork completion formats.  

A name came to mind as he shared his vague life story. 

Kaeya Alberich. 

He was all of those things, except maybe for the last one. You knew Kaeya and Master Diluc were brothers, very close in age, but they weren’t blood-related, so twins were off the table; one was older than the other. Something was telling you it was the more flirtatious brother. He was the more outgoing of the two, spontaneous, he would surely be one behind the letters, right? But then wouldn’t he just approach you like normal? Hmmm. Maybe not. He did like to act mysterious, but maybe he was scared of rejection, who knows with Captain Kaeya. He was very hard to read. You couldn’t even tell half the time if he truly meant what he’d say when flirting with you or if he was just saying those things to tease you, maybe even make someone else jealous. 

You were curious, so you decided to approach him. Corner the Captain and demand an answer. He’d have to give you one, you wouldn’t leave his side. So that’s what you did, after your duties had finished around five in the afternoon, you waited outside the Knights headquarters. Hopefully, you’d catch him going in and out sometime soon, it was growing late. 

It was nearing six-thirty when you were getting ready to leave headquarters. Thinking, maybe this could wait tomorrow until you could catch the Captain at a reasonable time. But then he came strutting out of headquarters, his uncovered eye glistening with mischief, a smirk plastered on his handsome face. 

“Captain Kaeya, a word?” You interjected stepping in front of the man, stopping him from bounding down the steps deeper into the city. 

His face broke out in a grin, “Ah, Y/n! Nice to see you again, miss me did you?” 

“Not hardly, Captain.” You said, hoping you wouldn’t get in trouble for practically back-talking your superior. Your own Captain would never let you hear the end of it, the blonde man was a strict one. 

“You wound me,” The cryo user feigned pain. You could only chuckle nervously. “So, what is it you wanted to see me for?”

Your face heated up, burning like fire. “I have a question.”

“Shoot.” He said, hand going to rest sassily on his hip. 

“Are you the one writing me letters?” 

He laughed, sending waves of embarrassment through you. It shouldn’t have but now you felt stupid. Even if you held no romantic feelings for the Captain, he was way out of your league. He probably knew that. 

“Me? You flatter me!”

“No... I mean it,” You stated. “Is it you?”

His face turned serious. “Sadly, not.”

You huffed, heart, dropping to the floor. “Damn it,” You muttered, moving to sit on the stone steps of the Knights headquarters. Kaeya stayed standing, shadow blanketing over you, oddly silent. No flirtatious rebuttal, nothing, just silence. Odd. 

“You know something I don’t, I know you do.” You said, head hanging low. He laughed again. So, you were right.

“Of course, beautiful, I know a lot of things you don’t.” He taunted, eye dripping in mischief. 

“Very funny, Captain.” This wasn’t very funny, not at all. You weren’t laughing.

Suddenly, the Captain spoke up, “Speak to Diluc, I’m sure he knows, he has a very keen eye.”

Master Diluc? Wine tycoon Diluc? What did he have to do with this? He was always off doing his own thing, was it possible he knew anything at all?

“Master Diluc?”

“That’s what I said, yes.”

“You think he’d know who this person is?” You wondered. 

“Like I, he knows about lots of things, one being people.”

“Captain, I don’t like games, please just tell me.” You pleaded, eyes meeting his singular visible one. 

“When you beg, it’s cute,” He said catching you off guard. “See Diluc, he’ll know.” With that, he turned around and began walking off. 

“Wait!” You abruptly stood. “Do you know where I can find him?” 

“Dawn Winery.” You nearly froze on the spot. 

Dawn Winery? Wasn’t that Master Diluc’s residence? You possibly couldn’t, not at this hour either. Archons no...

“I’m sorry,” You hurriedly followed after the retreating figure. “I can’t possibly go there at this hour.”

“And why not?”

“Umm, Captain obvious, it seems inappropriate! People would think I’m going for other intentions!” Oh, if news got out that you went to Master Diluc’s residence late in the afternoon, and people assumed you had other intentions, this would surely be the end of you.

“But you’re not and you know that,” He said. “Are you always such a rule follower and strung up? Archons, you’re Diluc, but a girl version...” He commented.

He did have a point, but if someone saw a young woman entering the Dawn Winery of a bachelor late in the afternoon, suspicion would rise. It’s very conspicuous.

“Yes but-”

“Toodles, beautiful!” You stood still like a statue of ice, heart racing. 

“Bastard...”

-

Against better judgment, you ended up making the short walk to the Dawn Winery. You were hesitant to knock on the large doors though. Scared shitless, beyond nervous, only thinking what would others think? What would Master Diluc think? He’d probably shut the door on your face, leaving you like a frazzled idiot.

You probably stood pacing outside for fifteen minutes, before mustering up the courage to knock on the door. But you never got the chance, because you saw a woman with brown hair and a few gray strands peeking out of one of the first-floor windows. She had a small smile on her delicate face as she watched you. How long had she been there for...?

Your heart dropped the minute you’d been caught pacing, leaving you standing frozen. Eventually, the woman disappeared from the window, leaving you confused. But then the door whipped open with a gentle force and there she stood. 

She was a taller, slender woman with broad shoulders, wearing a simple dark green blouse black pants, black heeled boots with golden vine details were on her feet, making her even taller. If it weren’t for the gentle smile she gave you, she would’ve looked terrifying. 

“I saw you pacing outside for a while, I figured you’d muster up the courage to knock eventually.” She said without introduction.

Oh my... was this Master Diluc and Kaeya’s mother... She didn’t look like either of them, but who knows. You wanted to die, that’s for sure.

“I’m so sorry Miss,” You apologized. “I was just-”

“No worries!” She cheered, hands clasping tightly together. “Which one of my boys are you here for?”

So, she was their mother? Oh my... You shouldn’t have come like this, no not now. 

“Master Diluc...” You whispered nervously. Her smile only brightened, she was happy to hear that. 

“Ah I see, are his girlfriend?” Your chest wanted to explode.

“What?! No! I just, have a question for him...” You practically shrunk under her grey steel gaze and for that, began backing away from the intimidating, yet a kind woman. You were hoping to put some distance in between you two, but she moved along with you. “It’s not of importance to be here so late, I just- Kaeya sent me here and-”

“Ah I see, that one is trouble, I’m sorry you had to deal with him...” She seemed visibly distressed by the mention of the Cavalry Captain. You could relate. 

“It’s no problem, ma’am.” You reassured.

“Are you a Knight?” She suddenly asked, still no proper introduction. 

You nodded your head, her smile widened and brightened. 

“A respectable woman you are,” She praised. “And you’re beautiful? If one of my boys don’t marry you right now-” She carried on, you nearly choked on your saliva. “I’m sorry, I get carried away sometimes, I forgot to introduce myself!”

“My name is Victoria.” Finally, you thought. A name to fit her face. 

“Are you the boys' mother?” You suddenly asked. Manners, you reminded yourself. Remember to have manners and keep your curiosity to yourself. 

“Archons no!” She announced loudly, you jumped. “I’m a family friend of Diluc’s mother. You see, the boys were quite young when she passed, and they needed someone to help look after them, Master Crepus was quite a busy man. I stepped up and became a mother figure.”

“Ahh, I see,” You nodded. “I salute you for being able to help raise such gentlemen, must’ve been hard...” 

She laughed, “Not entirely, at first yes, but then it came naturally,”

“Where are my manners!” She suddenly exclaimed, grabbing your hand. “Come in! Diluc will be arriving soon, he’s out taking care of business.” With that, she dragged you into the mansion. 

The door slammed with a loud bang, and Victoria began walking through the downstairs level, almost excitedly. 

“Oh, um, thank you, ma’am.” You bowed your head in respect, watching confusedly as she disappeared into a hallway, before returning with a bottle of wine. 

“A drink?” She offered, showing off a bottle of wine, that just so happened to be the Ragnvindr’s specialty. 

“No, thank you, ma’am. I’m afraid I have an early morning tomorrow, a hangover would be a troubling start to my day.”

“Very good decision.” She praised, scrambling out of the room to look for what you assumed was a glass for her wine, leaving you once again alone. 

Glancing around the main entrance, you were left staring at very few portraits on the wall, framed maps, and personal memorabilia. One thing that stood out to you the most, a black insignia with a star and white skull, a Pirate insignia...

“A pirate insignia?” You whispered to yourself, confused. Captain Kaeya always told stories of pirates, his grandfather being one specifically. You always assumed he was lying... He wasn't. Maybe you should take back your disbelief in him. 

“That’s mine,” Victoria announced proudly, making herself known again. You jumped, startled, before turning to face the beautiful woman. She returned with a glass-like you thought she would and nearly emptied the entire wine bottle into it, cherry red contents filling to the brim.

You retract your statement about Captain Kaeya, he was still a fibber. 

“You were a pirate?” You asked, astonishment bubbling in your chest. You had so many questions for her, you secretly hoped Diluc would take even longer, just so you could listen to her stories. 

Victoria hummed, plopping onto a cherry red armchair, you still stood. 

”Badass...” You whispered to yourself, taking a seat on the nearby loveseat. 

”Thank you.” She beamed. 

“In my younger years of course. I haven’t been on a Pirate ship in a while. I haven’t seen my crew in years, either...” She reminisced. 

“You can’t be a day over thirty-five,” She smiled at your praise. “Why did you give it up? Being a Pirate, though uncertain at times, seems like loads of fun, filled with adventure.” She shrugged, taking a sip of her drink. 

“The boys lost their mother around the ages of eleven or twelve and I had just returned from months at sea,” She began. “They had run away from home to get into mischief when they met me at the gates; I think they’d been cooped at home for a while, they were grieving still....”

“Kaeya was excited to see my crew return home, infatuated with our stories. He clung to me for hours, with so many questions. Diluc on the other hand was just happy to finally not be bothered by his little brother,” 

Little brother? Kaeya? Wait did that mean-

“Master Crepus found them after he’d come searching, they’d been missing for hours and he was worried for obvious reasons. He attempted to take them home, Diluc was willing, Kaeya though clung to me. So, Master Crepus offered me a slower-paced life, looking after the boys and help keep them in check,” She continued, a smile on her face. “I agreed. They looked like they had gone through a lot and needed a mother figure. I was more than happy to look after them, I’d never had kids.” She ended her story there, swishing the red contents in her cup. 

“I guess that's the answer to your question,” 

“I was busy being a mother.” You smiled. Her story was inspiring, she was filled with pride despite leaving something she enjoyed behind, you could tell.

Leaning forward in your seat, you admitted, “You’re very admirable, I admire your drive to raise the boys. You’re an amazing woman and mother.”

“Thank you,” She blushed. “There is no perfect woman, no perfect mother, but your admiration for me is very telling, you share my qualities. If I’m as amazing as you say, you’d be an equally amazing mother to your own children.” Your face warmed at her compliment. 

“I’ve never thought about having children before... But, thank you.” She nodded, raising her glass in salute, before throwing the contents into the back of her throat. 

“A young girl such as yourself, curious, strong, loyal- You should accompany me one day if I ever find myself returning to swashbuckling adventures,”

“You’d be a great second mate.” The brunette admitted, sharp eyebrows wiggling with excitement. Was she hinting, no, offering for you to join her?

“I’m flattered. But I’m not so sure it would be right of a Knight to suddenly turn into a Pirate,” You giggled, she joined in. “No offense.”

“None was taken, sweetheart! I can understand. A Pirate would never think to become a Knight,” She explained. “Two different worlds, different rules, loyalties, and such.” 

The silence was deafening, but you had so many questions for the woman. Would she ever return to swashbuckling? Had she ever had any cool encounters? Did she feel like a badass? Archons, so many questions, very little time. 

“I believe I never caught your name, how rude and selfish of me.’ What’s your name beautiful?”

“Y/n Y/l/n, ma’am.” You said proudly. 

She smiled, “A pretty name for a pretty girl.” She praised, steel-gray eyes glistening like the stars. 

The door closing loudly caught your attention immediately, you stiffened on the spot. 

Master Diluc...

“Oh!” Victoria exclaimed, standing to her feet. “Diluc has arrived, my my, we talked for a long time,” Retreating towards the door, all you could hear were her heeled boots thumping against the wooden floorboards, matching the thumps of your beating heart surely. You watched uncomfortably as she helped the wine tycoon shrug his jacket off, poking fun at him every now and then. You could see by the way he tried to brush her off that he was flustered, he still hadn't seen you though, Victoria was persistent in her pestering; a mother's love, am I right?

“Diluc,” she started, voice echoing and bouncing off into the walls, traveling into the living room. “A beautiful, intelligent woman is here to see you. She says it’s not of importance, but with a woman of her beauty and admiration, you’ll make this the most important day in your life!” With that, her boots moving could be heard again and she was suddenly in the living room, a huge smile on her face, standing behind the loveseat you were sitting uncomfortably in. 

Another pair of boots could be heard, a heavier set this time, a jingling was heard as well, maybe keys? You weren’t sure... 

“Mother-” The tall man shut his mouth immediately as soon as he’d set his eyes on your figure. “Oh,” He approached, continuously looking between Victoria and you, probably wondering what the hell was going on.

“Miss Y/n,” He bowed his head respectively, though you were confused. You should be doing that instead, he was your superior in more ways than one. Standing to your feet, nearly tripping as well, you decided to greet him the same way, remembering your manners in your starstruck state. You couldn’t tell if it was from Victoria's story or the fact that Master Diluc was standing in front of you. Probably both. “W-what’re you doing here?” Master Diluc a stuttering mess? What an uncharacteristically shocking sight...

A slap sounded throughout the room, Victoria’s hand making contact with Diluc’s shoulder, ushering him forward, that’s what it was. “Diluc stop stuttering! Why are you suddenly flustered, huh?!” She exclaimed loudly, her son just stared at her embarrassed. Face turning shades of red. You giggled to yourself quietly.

“Mother!” 

“Sorry!” Her hands waved out in front of you, various gold dangling bracelets and chains on her wrists making a jingling sound. “I should be going now,” Te brunette then turned to you, taking your hands in her slender ones. “After talking to this eye-opening Knight, I think I should write to a few of my old comrades.” You smiled happily, hands squeezing hers gently. She was staring at you with pride as a mother would to their daughter. 

“Goodnight Y/n. I hope to see you again soon,” She waved you off, moving towards the stairs. “Come find me when you’re ready to leave behind those Knightly duties and join me for a voyage at sea, I’d love to show you my ship one day.” She beamed.

You nodded, seriously considering her offer. You hoped you as well would see her again, rather sooner than later. She was great company. You loved her deafening presence, an admirable woman she was. “Good night, ma’am.”  

As soon as she was gone up the stairs, Diluc awkwardly turned to face you. 

”She asked you to join her on her voyages I see.” He stated, trying to spark conversation. You nodded, fingers fiddling.

“Ya know, I’m considering that offer. It sounds fun.” You teased with a shrug, voice filled with sincerity. 

Master Diluc sent you a soft smile, “Yes. Life at sea does sound quite tiring, but I’m sure the adventures are worth it.”

“Agreed.”

Another deafening silence, Diluc looked like he wanted to say something.

“Can I get you anything? Wine, tea, juice...”

Not that though... You couldn’t help but giggle at the last part, he blushed. 

“Maybe next time, I’d love to be graced with your mother's presence again, maybe hear a few stories.”

“I’m sure she’d love that. Mother has many to tell.” He admitted with a proud smile,

You couldn’t wait to hear those stories truthfully, so entranced. You had never faced adventures quite like Victoria, never had even considered it, now you were though. Curse Victoria and her entrancement, though not literally, you held too much admiration for the woman to ever wish ill on her. 

”So, what can I do for you?” Diluc suddenly asked.

”Oh right!” You were left flustered. So wrapped up in your conversation, you had completely forgotten what you had come here for. Archons, what the hell.

“I had a question, but-”

You paused. 

Diluc’s eyebrows raised. “Yes?” He seemed to be hanging onto your every word. He was waiting for an answer for a long time. It seems he’d have to wait even longer...

“...I seemed to have forgotten.”

[🏷] TAGLIST (if you want to be removed from/added to this specific taglist let me know!)

@gladly-olus​ , @kyquu , @craptainlou , @mintydump , @chscklvr , @irisxiel , @minh0ree , @whatishappinesswhatislove , @rrintarou , @sorenthousand , @cvsmix , @nonniechan ,

3.7.21, rayofsunas

[demonprosecution]

"So, uh-- co-boss? I've noticed the other co-boss is a bit... out there." Mr. Edgeworth might wear a cravat and be adorned in ruffles, but at least he seems to have good sense apart from that. Mr. Wright, on the other hand, seems-- accident-prone, to put it mildly. "Anything I should, y'know, be on the lookout for with him?"

“Anything to be on the lookout for...?”

Hmm...Miles needs to think about that one. His husband is prone to eating paint, microwaving potatoes, filling a bathtub with Orbeez, getting harassed by the goose that is at their agency for some godforsaken reason, touting the pros of Comic Sans (despite the fact that there are none), doing a myriad of things which made Miles threaten to divorce him and then advertised for a divorce lawyer at their own agency and asked for a divorce cake, and consistently harassed his murderous ex-girlfriend.

“...There’s really not much. Just do be careful any time he’s near something inedible. He’s worse than our dog.”