#over two weeks I've been waiting for it to be repaired

[temperseraph]

HORRAY!! I finally got my computer back!!!

[rahuratna]

Nanami Kento: Relationship Headcanons (now a fic), Part 8

Contents: relationship, establishing feelings, angst, first arguments.

Warning: MDNI!! Content warnings will be given for the relevant chapters. But before that ... the angst.

Your assurances that you had enjoyed what had happened in your office sparked something new between the two of you. Every time Kento saw you, his fingers were seeking out yours. His hand was always on your waist or lower back, sometimes unconsciously. You were beginning to learn just how much he was a man of restraint, how he reigned in so many of his natural instincts on a daily basis. He seemed to be wearing the armour that the world demanded of him, but as time passed, that same emotional apparel was shed, bit by bit, when he was in your presence.

The concept was so foreign to him, that Kento seemed to be surprised by how he had no control over those aspects of his personality that you brought to the surface.

For instance, on the evening that you had your first argument with him.

He had returned from a mission, covered head to toe in the foulest combination of sludge and rancid water, his suit ruined beyond repair and various bruises already blooming on his skin.

It had been a solo mission and several higher grade spirits had been present. Although not badly injured, Kento was exhausted, sore and in a foul mood over the lack of detail in his prior briefing. Showered, dressed in a mismatched set of clothes borrowed from Gojo, purplish discoloration spreading up from his collar, he paced your office.

"Is it too much to ask that they simply confirm mission parameters? That they provide us with updated blueprints? That we get back-up in case of emergencies? Oh, don't get me wrong. I've always known how little our lives mean, how they spend us like cheap currency, but this... this is just shoddy and lax and poorly planned - "

You brewed him tea as he ranted, a certain heaviness, a razor edge that dug into some deep part of you, furrowing your brow as you glanced back at him. He was right, of course. The rarely seen higher-ups often used their sorcerers like pawns in chess games, sometimes losing sight of the value of human life from their rarefied strata.

You waited for the tea to reach just the right temperature, choosing your words carefully. In a pause in his speech, you asked the question you already knew the answer to.

"Do you really think it's a coincidence?"

He stopped, facing the far wall.

"Why do you mean?"

"Do you think I don't know what happened on Takuma's mission?"

Takuma Ino, a young sorcerer, going so far as to deny himself a grade one sorcerer class unless his recommendation came from Kento, had been the victim of similar incompetence just last week. Kento turned to you now, and his expression was carefully blank in a way that made you want to grab his shoulders and shake him.

"Ah. You know about that?"

"Of course I know. You called an intervention. You were angry, and you made them look incompetent. This is retaliation for that, Kento, however you look at it. They can't interfere to the extent where your life may be in danger, but look at what they did."

His body was now rigid, his mouth set in a tense, stubborn line.

"And what did you expect me to do? Sit back and let them get away with placing young sorcerers in danger?"

The teaspoon clattered into the saucer as you spun around to face him fully.

"What? Why would I ever question your need to do that?"

"Well, it certainly sounded like a criticism."

"That's because it was a criticism. But not of your intention, Kento. Are you being wilfully obtuse?"

"Then what did you expect me to do?"

"Handle it better. Are you telling me you don't know how their egos would have been affected? That's you didn't know how that could have backfired?"

"Am I now to be responsible for the failings of others? Am I suppose to pander to these ... these ..."

It was testament to his rage that he couldn't even come up with adequate words that would convey his disgust for these people. You closed your eyes and passed a hand over your brow.

"No. I don't expect you to do that. Never. But Kento, sometimes your temper does get the better of you. You do make rash decisions, especially if it's on matters that are ... very personal to you."

You knew, of course. Once he'd mentioned the name Haibara, you'd looked through the records. The crisp, clinical phrases on the yellowing pages of the autopsy report spoke volumes on what had been omitted.

The range of emotions that crossed his face surprised you, almost making you wish you could take the words back. But it had been the truth. He looked taken aback, the surprise chased shortly by anger, and then a flash of something deeply pained, a small twist of the knife.

"If that's how you feel, then - "

"Don't finish that sentence, Kento."

Your voice is quiet, firm, and he actually pauses.

"Because I haven't finished what I was going to say. Please listen. You took that decision, and I understand your anger. I understand it completely. But you did it with no sense of self-preservation whatsoever. Do you think I don't know how little you think of yourself when others are in danger?"

You took a steadying breath, willing your voice to remain even, to reign in the emotion that threatened to roughen the edges of what you had to say to him.

"You had every right to stand up for Takuma. But in future, if you want to do things like that, at your own expense, run it by me first. Because it seems like I'm the only one who has your best interests in mind. You certainly don't."

"My best interests? I - "

He seemed at a loss in terms of how to respond to this. His jaw worked in furious frustration, but then he stopped, strode to the door and flung it open, his heavy footsteps carrying him away from the office, away from you.

You released a breath you had been holding and clutched the edge of the table, a horrible vice closing around your throat. You had always hated confrontation, and this was no exception. But this time, you hadn't been able to help yourself. It was as if something tenacious, something steel-clad and oblivious to your fear had risen to the surface. You couldn't have let him go without hearing what you really thought, even if you wanted to.

And now, you were left to face the consequences. Sinking into your chair, you let your head drop wearily into your palms.

Is this what caring for someone meant? Was this the bereft ache that you were supposed to feel when he was angry, when he was hurt, when he was gone? How had you gone through your whole adult life and still found yourself so ill-equipped to deal with the feelings he left scattered around you? Feelings that you now gathered up and hoarded in a protective layer around yourself, clinging so desperately to the idea that what you said hadn't been wrong.

Had it?

Someone was approaching the office and you straightened hurriedly, taking a deep breath, attempting some form of composure before you had to face your professional demands.

Kento strode back in, as precipitously as he had left, this time closing the door behind him and locking it. You stared at him, dumbfounded, steeling yourself for what he had to say. He regarded you in silence, and you took him in, fully this time.

His eyes were slightly red-rimmed, raw looking. The ugly abrasions stood out more starkly against his skin. His hair was completely out of its usual style, falling softly around his cheeks. Those same cheeks that you had traced with such tenderness now seemed so shadowed, so gaunt. His plain grey work shirt, the spare he'd kept at the Tech, clashed with the black trackpants that Gojo had provided, lending his dignified bearing a distinct pathos. There was a tender, bruised quality to the set of his mouth, a vulnerability in his glance that you had never seen before.

You realised, then, that in his own way, he was letting you see it, all of it.

Wordlessly you held your arms out to him and he came forward, almost child-like in his direct approach. He got down on one knee and his head drooped slowly into your lap, a heavy sigh escaping him as your embrace enclosed his shoulders. You held him tightly against your chest, feeling the solidity and power in his frame, wondering how long it had been since anyone had leant him their strength.

Time passed, your time at work. You thought of your employers, sitting in comfort while this man fought with every silent breath for some semblance of justice, for something good in this world. You breathed in the warm scent of his scalp and held him tighter as shadows lengthened in the room. If your time and livelihood were also currency to them, then let it be spent like this.

He apologizes for his outburst, of course, and this time there is a wariness there, as if he is aware of just how much he has shown and cannot believe that you will actually accept it. He avoids coming to your office, stating that he distracted you from your work enough with the issues he brings and wanted to keep your meetings strictly outside of work, or in the break room, where your interaction would be one of forced professionalism.

If he had been any other kind of man, you might have found it frustrating. There was something else here, though, some subtle message (maybe one that even he was unaware of), an indication that something needed to be proven. You were determined to rise to the occasion.

And so, you made your plans.

You called him one evening, on a Thursday. You had not seen him at work. You decide to forgo messaging, because you missed his voice. He picked up almost immediately, speaking your name, his tone slightly surprised, but warm.

"Kento, I need to know something."

"Yes, dear?"

"Are you busy this Sunday?"

"No. I was going to ask you to spend the day with me."

"Well, I'm asking you now."

"To spend the day together?"

"Yes."

He pauses and a soft chuckle reaches your ear.

"Does it make a difference who asks?"

"Yes, it does. For this Sunday."

"And why is that?"

"Because I've made plans for us."

"You have?"

"Absolutely. You can't always be the one planning our dates."

"I see nothing wrong with that. But, pardon my curiosity, where are we going?"

"It's a surprise, Kento."

"Oh no."

"What do you mean 'oh no'?"

"Nothing at all."

"Explain."

"A slip of the tongue, my darling."

"A slip of the tongue, my foot."

"And a most delightful foot it is."

"Stop slithering your way out of things."

"I take offense to that word."

"Anyway, I'll give you a hint. Since I'm an exceptionally kind person."

"I'm eager to hear it."

You clear your throat.

"Dress for the outdoors."

"Are you sure about that?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, when you say that to me, I imagine tough trousers, hiking boots, a walking stick ... "

"Oh no. None of that."

"Ah. So you mean outdoors, but your kind of outdoors."

"My kind?"

"Lazing in the sunshine and eating grapes."

You let out an incredulous laugh.

"You're awfully cheeky today, aren't you?"

His voice immediately takes on a lower, smoky tone.

"Am I going to be punished for that?"

Oh no, you don't, sir.

"Yes. I'll punish you. With a large quantity of grapes."

There is a short silence.

"Hmm."

"Aren't you going to ask me what I'm going to do with those grapes?"

"Maybe I'll wait for Sunday, after all."

Sunday comes and you feel both excited and a sense of nervous anticipation. You've never planned a date to this extent before. You've hired a car from the Tech for the day, one of the company cars that are always available for employees. You're aware that you might just be abusing the privilege, but you've never used this particular perk before and you're feeling slightly rebellious.

You've picked the perfect spot for a picnic, in a private piece of land owned by an old family friend. You'd spent many childhood days there when times were better and your mother had still been with you. The land was now cared for by a third party, but you were one of the people who still had access, and you could imagine the place clearly in your mind's eye.

Food, of course, played an important role in this. You'd thought out the menu well in advance and purchased all the ingredients you'd needed the previous day. You were going to prepare his special sandwich, of course, along with a green salad with fresh corn and avocado, onigiri with various fillings, croquettes, marinaded artichokes with parmesan, some of those store-bought honey cakes, coffee jelly, along with a small tribute to your mother's simple favourite, sandwiches with mature cheddar, cucumber and the mint chutney she had taught you the recipe for. Champagne and bottled water would be carried carefully along in the hamper, along with glasses, cutlery and plates.

You'd made sure that you'd woken up early and prepared everything that needed to be made fresh. When it was time, you sent Kento a short message, telling him that you'd fetch him from outside his apartment, and headed there. It had been a while since you had driven, but the muscle memory was there, the steering fluid under your fingers, and you'd re-adjusted in no time. You felt somewhat proud, and confident that today would go off without a hitch.

Kento was waiting on the street corner, and the sight of him momentarily stole the breath from your lungs. The collar of his white shirt showed above a simple, plaid sweater, light colored jeans emphasizing his long legs, rugged brown shoes and his customary watch, glinting from beneath his sleeve, completing the ensemble. There was no sign of the dark glasses and his hair was not slicked back, lending him a relaxed and casual air. As you drew closer, you could see the remaining yellowish traces of bruising against the side of his neck.

His eyes travelled over to the car, and when he spotted you behind the wheel, they softened and creased at the corners, with a warmth that you still couldn't believe was directed at you. He climbed into the passenger seat and your fingers met his, naturally.

"Good morning, handsome."

He coughed and shifted in his seat, still not accustomed to your teasing, but heartfelt compliments.

"Good - well, hello."

His warm grasp was now trailing along your arm, belying the awkwardness of his words, and you laughed.

"Shall we?"

You shifted gear and set the car in motion. Soon, you were out of the city limits, the clear autumn air crisp and warm enough for you both to let down the windows at intervals, taking in the breeze. Kento's hair caught the morning sunlight, the shorter strands at the nape of his neck suddenly, tenderly visible. You want to run your fingers over them, but you knew you'd get a scolding for not paying attention to the road.

He spoke, not taking his eyes off the scenery.

"The other day. In your office."

"Kento. I told you that everything's fine between us."

"I know it is, but there's still something I want to say to you."

"Go ahead."

The effort with which he forms the next words tells you how difficult it is for him to express thoughts like this.

"When you ... held me, I felt ... different. Like something had changed in my life, so profoundly. I felt as if ... a heaviness I had been carrying for so long had lifted a little. When I went home that day, I ... I remembered my friend. I let myself think of him. Of happy times. I've never really been able to do that before."

You're smiling softly and his fingers are tracing the shape of your arm again.

"That's good, right?"

"I think so. For me, that is. But I need to know ... "

"You need to know if those same burdens are not being passed to me, correct?"

He looks at you, and from this angle, you can see something of the wonder in his gaze. You laugh.

"It's already pretty obvious when you're with Yuuji. All that darkness you want to keep away from him. From all the students. I know, Kento. I know the kind of world we live in. I know that you can't protect everyone forever. Those burdens are not yours to give, or take away. At some point, you have to trust that ... it is enough."

"That what is enough?"

Love. That's what you want to say to him. That love is enough to carry you through the worst of what the world has to offer. But you don't. This time and place isn't right. Instead, you turned your eyes briefly to the sun shining through the trees ahead.

"Today is a beautiful day, isn't it?"

"It is."

@tsukimefuku @g-kleran @actuallysaiyan @kentocalls

[moonydustx]

To belong to you

requests | mastelist Pairing: Trafalgar D. Law x F! Reader Summary: sequel of A not so funny story. In this one, we see Law dealing with a somewhat stubborn reader, while he can barely deal with his feelings. Warnings: fluffy, a little hotter at the end, violence, Law exposing his feelings (this will always be a warning for me). W/C: 3.5K a/c: tried not to take so long to produce, but I ended up getting carried away by the text. Regarding the smutty, I'm thinking about bringing it to a third part, I believe this one was too big. Hope you like.

requested by anon: ok ok now m waiting for a sequel with an overprotective-clingy-lover emo boy Law who keeps reader at his sight❣️ ~ maybe a smutty? idk just give me some more Law

Part 1 | Part 3 (NSFW)

A week, two days and a few hours.

For a week, two days and a few hours Law's sleep became scarcer - which seemed impossible - at the same time, he seemed to have found a new hobby. You.

Since the fateful day he discovered what he had done, even if unconsciously, Law had made it his duty to be your support point. At the same time, even though he dedicated himself to repairing this mistake, nightmares continued to haunt the little sleep he still had. Some days, it was as if he only revisited the afternoon he saw you hurt. In others, it was as if he was fully aware of what he had done.

You didn't complain about all that attention. Of course, the guilt was clear in his eyes and you wished you could lift such a burden from him, but Law's temperament was already known as irreducible, it was almost impossible for you to become the person who would change that.

Sleep had also left you aside that night. Maybe because you were anxious, the next morning you would be emerging on the next island and you would finally see the sunlight again. Maybe your mind kept playing tricks and unlike the nightmares that Law had, you kept having dreams that were closer and closer to him.

What you had left that night was to catch up on your studies. The small stack of books piled up next to your small green notebook while you had been sitting on one of the cafeteria benches for half an hour facing the same calculation.

"I didn't expect to find company at this hour." Law appeared at the cafeteria entrance. The same tired eyes, but the gentle tone in his voice pleased you. "Sleepless?"

"I've been in bed for a long time this week, Captain. What about you, sleepless?"

"I ended up distracted by reading. I just came to get something to eat." he walked past you, heading over to one of the counters. "Did you remember to drink your tea?"

"Perhaps." you just responded and you could hear him grumble in response. It only took a few minutes for the cup to appear in front of him. "Do I really need to take this? It's horrible!"

"It's a medicine, its function is to be horrible, but to end up curing you." surprising you, he sat next to you. Next to it, a plate with some onigiris. You just looked at Law and your horrible cup of tea. "What?"

"How can such a pretty drink, full of flowers, be so horrible?"

"Drink it." in a way, you knew that his impatient tone at that moment wasn't serious at all. "I promise to reward you."

"Saying it like that, I feel like a child." you grumbled, taking a sip of your drink and trying to avoid the disgusted look on your face. Law, unlike you, seemed to enjoy his late dinner. "Next time, please give me poison. I will die happy."

"Good girl, congratulations." he said, in a cynical tone. Even so, the words pointed to another place in your mind. "I bet it wasn't that horrible."

"Said the one who's gorging himself on onigiri." With your complaint, Law just stretched out the piece he had already taken a bite of.

Maybe your intrusive thoughts, maybe it was just the desire to get the horrible taste out of your mouth, but you accepted what he offered.

She's just taking a piece. Law's mind looped through the seconds you bit the food. The lack of sleep must be playing tricks on him, making him imagine things he shouldn't. Are your lips as soft as they seem?

"So. What are you studying?" Law's brain went blank, searching for the first random topic that crossed his mind.

"Blood. In fact, I took a calculation to do and ended up getting lost. In the book it seems so much simpler."

"Let me see." He set the plate aside and approached your notebook.

Gray eyes looked attentively at each written number and you were busy analyzing it. The smell that came from him was the same as the t-shirt you had worn that day, his eyes had clear dark circles beneath them and even though it wasn't perfectly done, the little beard he had seemed to outline his face and seemed to match the dark tone. of the small piece of his tattoo that showed.

"So…" he began, pointing to the notebook. "Here, you're taking the wrong route. To calculate this type of transfusion, first you have to base it on the patient's weight and then use this formula. See."

You were too distracted by him and he was too distracted by the silly calculation you were so lost in. When he turned to ask if you understood, the only thing he found were your eyes watching him. Just a few centimeters away, his eyes danced between yours and your lips, wondering if the action would be hasty. Maybe it wasn't ideal to take the risk.

"Nerd." You muttered, letting out a small laugh.

"Just smarter than you." he replied, pulling away a little. "Take one more."

"Thank you captain!"

The night passed faster than you expected. Accompanied by Law, you spent most of the night redoing some exercises while he helped you, or at least watched you. And even though sleep hit your body, it was hard to close your eyes and sleep after spending so much time with him.

The morning came quickly and as usual on the days you emerged, you and Bepo were standing just staring at the sun on your skin. Some other companions were already beginning to disembark.

"I found you." Law's voice brought them both out of their little sunbath. "You take care of buying food."

"Ay captain!" Bepo reached out his hand, picking up the berries.

"You." He turned around, looking at you seriously. "No running, no heavy lifting, no long walks."

"All right, boss." you saluted, just to annoy him and watched him leave, without giving much more explanation.

The afternoon passed quickly in the small village. At least in the commercial part of the village, everything seemed very busy and colorful, as well as having huge taverns that you would definitely go to.

In addition to you and Bepo, the two also dragged Clione along for the task, which wasn't enough. Despite the captain's clear warning, you managed to convince Bepo that it was just an idle worry, which ended with you carrying some bags under your back.

"Need help?" the bear climbed Polar Tang first, reaching out to you.

As soon as you appeared in the Heart Pirates captain's field of vision, you knew you were in trouble. The blue dome enveloped you and soon the weight lifted from your back. Instead, two small flowers appeared on the ground.

"It seems the two of them decided to ignore my warning." Law grumbled as you picked up the two colorful branches that were at your feet.

"My fault, there's no need to fight him." you took the lead, going to where Law was standing. Around him, in addition to the bags he had taken from you, were a few small bouquets of plants and flowers, all as colorful as the city they had just visited. "What are these?"

"Just a few missing ingredients can become medicine, tea, ointments." he bent down, plucking a small yellow flower and handing it to you. "Something tells me your favorite is this one."

"Oh, God no." the image of last night's horrible tea came to mind. you held the flower up to your nose. The sweet smell was delicious, but just remembering the taste made your stomach turn. "It's so beautiful, but so bad." you made to return it, seeing him raise his hand and deny it.

"It is not necessary."

"Thanks." you laughed, pinning the small flower to the zipper of your jumpsuit.

"Captain." two humming voices came towards you. "What do you think about going to a bar today?"

"You can go." he responded to Shachi and Penguim, who were not convinced and joined in a chorus of please. "I'm not in the mood."

"Please, Captain. The town seems nice, I bet the bars are too." you joined the other two, interceding.

You knew that Law wasn't the most sociable person in the world, but if there was something you could boast about, it was your power of persuasion - which you hadn't yet realized only worked on him.

"Okay, okay." he gave up, seeing the three of you cheer up and Bepo shouting happily in the background. "However, no alcohol for you."

"Yet?" you grumbled, but his expression already made the answer clear. Your power of persuasion wouldn't work this time.

You weren't the type to take alcohol seriously enough for it to bother you, just going to a new place would be good enough for you. As soon as night fell, you started getting ready. As much as you wanted to wear something lighter, you didn't know how comfortable you would feel showing the scar on your leg, even though it was already partially healed, it wasn't such a pretty sight. You put on pants and a simple, comfortable blouse and headed towards the bar with Ikkaku.

Law watched you from afar. Unlike most of the women there, you weren't balancing on thin heels or with a face so adorned with colors that made your real expression disappear. You were you.

He saw you sit at one of the tables with the other companions. Everyone with drinks in front of them, except you. He could use some alcohol on him to give him the courage he lacked, but he knew it would be unfair. Ignoring the judgmental looks, he ordered two glasses of juice and took them to the table, looking for a place to sit.

"No vodka?" Ikkaku looked at the cup in front of you and the cup in front of the captain. "This is new."

"I'm banned until further notice." you replied, raising your glass to toast your captain. "At least someone had compassion on me."

"So cute." Ikkaku cheered and you surreptitiously tried to elbow her. "So, I saw people playing in the background. She can play, right captain?"

"As long as she doesn't bet Polar Tang." he replied, a shy smile on his lips. As much as he didn't admit it out loud, something woke up in him when the two of you were in some way related. "I think betting a mink could make some good money." he turned to Bepo, who immediately complained.

"Never!" you stood up, placing yourself next to Ikkaku and picking up your glass. "I'll be right back, I'll take the money from some idiots." you smiled, turning your face towards your captain. A soundless thank you left your lips, as you pointed to the glass in your hands.

Law tried to disguise it, tried to ignore your presence. It was as if your body had some kind of magnet, which made it find you in the midst of so many people who crowded into that bar.

The first time he looked at you, you and Ikkaku were side by side singing something that he couldn't hear from where he was, around you some other people were singing and others were playing cards. He could see some looks that bothered him. Why did they look at you like that? Law could feel the repulsion of those men, even from a distance.

The second time, the two of you seemed to be dealing the cards. A man next to you, one of the same ones who was looking at you, seemed to whisper something in your ear that seemed to have offended you. The expression soon disappeared from your face, returning to a calm expression. At that moment, Law could feel his body tingle and had to suppress the urge to make the man's head roll off his body, even though he had no idea what he had said to you.

The third time, the only thing Law saw was your head being pushed against the table, after that he only saw red and pure hatred in front of him. The other crew members with whom he shared the table only noticed a small playing card slowly fall towards the upholstery.

This time you hadn't stolen in the game but apparently some bastard decided you were hiding some cards. You felt your head against the table and you could hear Ikkaku swear. You could easily get out of there and reach for your dagger hidden in your boot, you could also trip and see the guy hit his own head against the table. You knew you wouldn't need to do anything when you saw a blue dome appear in front of you.

Unlike the many times you had seen him fight, Law didn't use his sword or his devil fruit. His hands reached for the man, twisting his arm and slamming his head against the table, ten times harder than what had been done to yours. The other man, who was restraining Ikkaku, immediately released her.

"What happened?" he asked and you knew the question was directed at you, even though he kept pinning the man against the table.

"They thought we were stealing in the game."

"He said we would pay for what we stole from him with money or anything else we could offer." Ikkaku added, as you stood up and untied your clothes.

"The bastard likes to threaten others." Law muttered and within seconds, the man's head rolled on the table, as he screamed desperately, not understanding what had happened. Looking around, Law reached for a small knife and immediately stuck it to the side of the man's head. "Next time I see you, I won't need to use any power to rip your head off."

Law walked away, his eyes immediately searched for you. You had your back to him, checking to see if your friend had gotten hurt.

"Are you two okay?" he walked closer, searching for any signs of injury on the two of you. At that point in the fight, the entire crew was already gathered alongside.

"It's okay captain, it was just that asshole. The others tried to help us." Ikkaku explained.

"Understood." He tried to calm things down, still thinking about what that stupid guy could have done if, for some moment, you had left his sight.

"For today, that's enough." you sighed, trying to give your best smile, which with all the stress caused, seemed impossible. "I'm going back to Polar Tang. I think today's activities tired me out."

You lied, blatantly. You weren't tired, on the contrary. The whole fight, Law showing up to defend you, that had lit you up. The only question that was going through your head was where Law's anger had come from. It wasn't the first time you ended up fighting with someone in a bar and every time Law would just laugh a little or if things got out of hand, He gave a little fright to anyone who even touched his crew. Today the gray eyes that accompanied you so much appreciate you full of fury.

"I'll join you. You guys, enjoy." Law took out some berries and placed them in Ikkaku's hand. "The next rounds are on me."

Bepo made to accompany you two, but was stopped by his friends. They seemed to see the entire situation clearer than the two of you ever would.

The walk to the submarine was quiet, much quieter than you were used to. Despite the beat, your head didn't hurt besides the fact that you saw Law analyze every inch of you after the argument.

Even after entering Polar Tang, silence prevailed between the two of you, it bothered you a lot more than you tried to show. Taking much smaller steps than Law's, you tried to catch up to him before he locked himself in his room and then you'm will only see him the next morning.

"Hang on!" You tried to follow him and even though you couldn't see his face, you knew he had heard you. "Captain!"

"I don't want to talk about it right now." he replied, stopping in front of his room.

"I am sorry but no." you replied and understanding that perhaps you had a discussion too serious to have there in the middle of the corridor, you just indicated the door behind him. "Let's just talk, just five minutes of your attention, okay?"

He could feel the blood boil in his veins, the words burned in Law's throat. Damn that damn bar, damn all the things that still haunted his mind. He had fallen, and fallen hard.

"I understand." you leaned the door behind you, keeping your arms crossed. "I understand all your concern, I mean, you have been carrying a burden that is not yours."

"No?" he laughed, almost cynically. "I won't apologize for that."

"What about all that at the bar?" you asked, approaching him. "About almost killing a guy over a card game."

"He was hurting you." the words came out of his mouth, bluntly.

You stopped a few centimeters away from him, watching him. You wanted to sound intimidating, you wanted to impose yourself on him, but it was him. It was the serious eyes looking down on you, the posture, the smell that emanated from him. As much as your brain tried to deny it, something in you liked - almost needed - Law to protect you.

"You know I'm not that fragile, right?" You held his arms, looking for even the slightest reaction. "I don't break so easily, if that's what makes you worry about me so much."

Law wished he had more time to plan, he wished he hadn't been as close to you as he was last week. That cat and mouse hunt between the two of you worked for a long time. It worked when he watched someone talk for too long over you and he chose to leave his jealousy aside, it worked when he watched you fight so many times and chose not to intrude, it worked when he saw your curves marked by any other clothes you wore ,except the crew's overalls, and he had to try his best not to look. It worked, sentence passed, something left aside.

"I like you." he began, the words coming out like relief from his lips. "I like you and to be honest, I don't know how to deal with it."

"Why not?"

"We are pirates, I have enemies, people who can use this to target me." he pointed to the space between the two of you. "I don't know if I can handle this, damn, I could barely hold my own against a drunk at the bar. I like you too much to risk you."

Just like the day he had seen you injured, his hands found your face, holding it as if it were the most precious thing Law had ever laid his hands on.

"I have a proposal." your hands found his, caressing them. "Here, in this room, just here it will be Law and me. Without all the worries of a captain, without all the responsibilities of a crew member, without fears. Just you and me, one belonging to the other. No one needs to know."

You wanted to say that maybe it wouldn't work and that maybe the two of you would just come out of this story more broken. You could also say that you would understand if he hated the idea. Before any words found the sound of the room, your lips were stolen by his.

None of Law's thoughts matched what he was feeling. Your lips giving way so he could taste a little of you. Your hands left his and spread out over the small gap in the open shirt he wore. Every inch of your body still seemed small for him to explore, his hands went down to your waist, almost merging his body with yours. He could stay there, in that room trapped with you for days. Damn the life of a captain, damn all the rationality he valued so much, you were more than enough.

"So…" you moved a few millimeters away from him, looking for just enough space to catch your breath.

One of his hands went up to your chin, one of his fingers running over your swollen and red lips in an almost sinful caress. How long did he wait to be like that?

One of his hands tangled in your hair, gently squeezing it so you could give him space. Law's lips - now warmer than when they first touched you - ran down your neck. You wouldn't take Law for an avid lover, but the way he held your body to his said completely the opposite.

"I accept your proposal." His low voice whispered next to your ear. His mind took him to dark places, but a little rationality still kept him lucid. "But maybe, maybe we should stop for now."

"No, we shouldn't." Serene eyes looked at him, but the malice in your words was clear.

"Yeah, we shouldn't."

[pokedawriter]

Nymph!Reader x Sumeru!Men

Gn!reader, you're a nymph

How would the sumeru men react to finding you and your grotto

I still have no idea what I'm doing

I've never written for Cyno, Alhaitem or Scara so forgive me if something is out of character

Cyno

He's patrolling the desert. There have been lots of cave-ins in the area recently and he wants to figure out if there is a specific cause that he can solve or if he should just warn people about the area

As he walks, he feels the sand beneath his feet begin to fall and he tries to jump away but it's too sudden and he falls

He braces for impact but lands into a net of vines that gently lower him to the ground

Your standing next to him, arm extended with the sunlight on your back, looking gorgeous and radiant, then you speak

"I can't be-leaf someone fell into here. Water you doing here?"

Archons, he might have fallen in love with you at that moment

He asks you about the recent cave in and you tell him it the Wenut mating season, and they're all trying to make burrows for their young. An inexperienced male has been digging here but didn't dig deep enough, which is why there are so many cave-ins. You tell him to just wait a month or two for the season to end

The hole is fairly deep and so you build him a ladder out of vines and he promises to return

After reporting what happened with the cave-ins, he returns and finds you've been repairing your grotto in the mean time, removing the dirt and stones that fell

You're very excited to see him and take him deeper into your grotto, further underground

It's beautiful, with purple, white and yellow flowers illuminating the area. Glowing stones are scattered in the ceiling like stars

He makes a regular habit to visit you and introduces you to Tighnari pretty soon (but he doesn't visit much due to his incompatibility with the heat). You all like to have Genius Innovation TCG together (Cyno teaches you and gives you cards)

He finds himself falling asleep in your grotto, surrounded by the glowing flowers and flowing water

He has to stop visiting for a few months due to work, but tries to wrap it up as fast can to see you

When be returns, he finds your grotto has been severely damaged, much of the flora dying. He searches high and low for you, going to the deepest part of the grotto where rocks fall away and reveal a very weakened you

You tell him people found out about your grotto and stole as many of your rare plants as they could, weakening you greatly and you had to hide yourself and your remaining plants away

He's furious and immediately takes action

He works with Tighnari and Lesser Lord Kusanali to make you and your grotto a protected space

And though he can't punish the researchers for over-foraging (since you and your grotto weren't legally protected), he does let other researchers know of their actions, resulting in those researchers being shunned

He helps you and your grotto return to full health and always tries to visit once a week to 'keep away any trouble makers" (but he just wants to visit you)

You both often fall asleep together in the deepest part of the grotto, happy in each other's presence

Alhaithem

He was looking through the old archives. The scrolls and books here were no longer scientifically accurate, but were kept for record purposes

He's found an old book about mythical creatures of Sumeru: Aranara, Nymphs, Djinn, Rocs, and more. He decided to rent it out and give it a read

Reading it at his house wasn't an option as it would be too loud (Kaveh, whom he didnt feel like dealing with today), the Academia students and researchers were always bothering him if he was around (especially after the 'hero' title), so he decided to leave the city for a bit.

As he walked, he found a small cave and decided to read there

Inside was larger than he expected, with a small moss-covered shrine and little yellow flowers. He sat on one of the rocks to read

It was wonderfully calm and quiet. The right temperature, the trickle of water from a nearby stream, the rustle of the leaves... it was all perfect

So, he came back here again and again, reading his books late into the evenings

He was in the middle of his mythical creatures book, on Nymphs, when he felt a presence and immediately looked for it

You sat on the shrine, staring at him, head tilted in wonder

He looked between his book and its description of Nymphs and you... and it seems he found a mythical creature. Regardless, he continued to read and you continued to watch him

Eventually, he turned to you and asked why you were just staring at him, to which you shrugged and said "If a man were to walk in your yard everyday and read, doing nothing else at all, wouldn't you grow curious?"

He was mostly surprised by the fact you could respond. The book said that Nymph's were shy creatures who couldn't talk

But to you, this man had been a regular visitor to your grotto for months now. His scent was just part of your grotto, like the duskbirds and rishboland tigers. He wasn't a stranger at all

Alhaithem decided to ask you a few questions about Nymphs which you agreeably answered, even showing in the deeper parts of the grotto that he hadn't noticed were there

You both fell into a comfortable routine of him visiting you on his days off to read in comfortable silence while you worked on your grotto

Despite being able to talk in every language he could, he realized you couldn't read at all

He helped you learn how to read and you helped him relax and have the perfect reading spot

You became reading buddies, and even though you would ask him with question on words, it never bothered or annoyed him

He subtly made your grotto a legally protected area so if anyone messed with it, they would have to pay

You were his safe space, and in return, he would protect you too

Scara/Wanderer

Nahida asked him to go outside and touch grass more

Just kidding, she asked him to find a rare flower, only ever found underground in rare Nymph Gardens

She gave him a rough idea where he might be able to find it and off he went, grumbling the whole way

Finding the entrance to the cave wasn't hard. All he had to do then was follow the smell of fresh flowers. It was so simple for him (and most certainly didn't take him several days)

When he finally found your grotto, he couldn't find the flower Nahida had described for him and grumbled under his breath about it

This is where you come in: appearing next to his shoulder asking about what flower he was exactly talking about

You stare at him innocently even as he hold a swirl ball of anemo energy

You ask again and he asks who you are, cautious

"I'm the nymph of this grotto"

That can't be possible, Nymphs aren't real, surely you're pulling his leg

But you have flowers growing on you, the plants lean towards where you step and life seems to exude from you

He'll dispell his anemo attack and tell you about the flower. You nod and scoop it up a bit of dirt and grow the flower on it

He's wondering if there's a cost to it. You tell him it'll hurt you when he leaves with it. He asks what he owes you and you shrug and walk away to play with the springyness of a new fern

He brings the flower to Nahida then rushes back. Not because he's worried! He's just curious about the affects of removing the flower from your grotto (Nahida gives him a knowing smile as he leaves)

When he arrives, you're laying on the ground, looking unwell. He puts his hand to your forehead, and you're burning up

Why would you give the flower to him if it would hurt you so much?

"Because you needed it," you say with a smile

He'll take care of you for the next few days, your waking hours being filled with scolding and mild insults about how stupid it was to give all thay power to a stranger. What if they wanted to take advantage of you?

You laugh and smile. When he's not paying attention, you'll make little figurines out of flower of him

Then he'll notice and scold you for not resting properly, idiot (he does think it's very cute though)

He'll protest even when you insist you are perfectly healthy again

You'll take him to the deepest part of the grotto where you made a picture of the two of you in glowing flowers. He says it looks stupid, but you notice his little blush and giggle

He has to leave for a few days and during that time, treasure hoarders find your grotto

They have no respect for your plants, so you hide, slowly growing weaker and weaker as they pick and burn your plants

Needless to say, when Scara returns and sees you hanging on by a thread, he's pissed

He wipes them out and tends to you once again. It takes months this time until you are healthy, but he's by your side every step of the way

"Clearly, you can't take care of yourself, so I'll have to watch out for you! Hey! Don't giggle! What's so funny, idiot?"

[dvskf4llz]

Could I request a Xisuma x Reader(gender neutral if possible)?

I had a somewhat cute idea about how X doesn't take off his helmet and how it's kinda like a privacy thing (similar to how Etho doesn't take his mask off), so none of the hermits have seen his face, same with reader. So they've only recently started dating and, obviously, haven't kissed yet since X doesn't really like or want to take off his helmet (if there is a reason then you can think of something!) and the reader respects it. One day, though, X has to take off the helmet for whatever reason and the reader closes their eyes to make the admin feel comfortable and all that, but then he puts his hand over their eyes to keep them closed and finally kisses them, it being their "first kiss" (that isn't just the reader giving a peck onto his helmet)

Just overall fluffy and romantic with them being idiots in love :D

Oh my fricking god this idea is absolutely so adorable

A kiss?

𝑿𝒊𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒅 𝒙 𝑮𝑵! 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓

-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-

Warnings ⚠: None :)

Relationship/s: C!XisumaVoid/Reader

POV: Second POV

Category: Fluff, Romance

Summary: Where after a few weeks of dating, Xisuma decides to finally let his beloved have a kiss after they give him a gift he absolutely adored; only, with their eyes closed.

Proofread: nerp

Have fun reading this cute little oneshot! :D I deeply apologize if I'm there's a bit of mischaracterization- I haven't been keeping up with hermitcraft as of lately so I'm not sure if I missed something important that was probably necessary to add- anyways, enjoy!

-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-

-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-

(Let's start with a short backstory, shall we?)

Ever since you managed to get an invite to join Season ten of the infamous server, Hermitcraft, keeping up with the other players was a bit hard for you. You had joined in a bit late, so the others were much more ahead of you. Some of the Hermits would try to help you out and give you some stuff to help you get to where they were already, but you always politely declined saying that you had wanted to try and do stuff by yourself. They would be trying to convince you to accept, but they couldn't get through you no matter what.

However, there was one specific Hermit that was incredibly insistent on helping you. That Hermit was Xisuma, the server admin. He had noticed you struggling to keep up with the rest, he felt sympathetic and wanted to try and help you. He'd already heard from the other Hermits that you were a bit stubborn and would constantly deny help, but he was determined to help you. He'd try to sneak in something to help you in one of your chests, but you'd always end up catching him even if he used invisibility potions. You honestly began to adore how insistent he was on trying to help you, even if it was a tad bit annoying to deal with sometimes.

After probably a few weeks of Xisuma trying to help you, you finally cracked and gave in. Even if he had the helmet on, you could tell just how happy and relieved he was to see you finally accepting help. He'd help you out with gathering resources, getting better armour and tools and more. While he was helping you, the two of you got to talk to each other more and get to know each other more.

"Wait, so you've never taken off your helmet infront of anyone? Like, no one has ever seen your face?" You asked curiously, leaning against a workbench as you waited for the ores you had gathered a bit ago to smelt

"Nope! I sort of just never showed anyone, not even close friends. I've kept it that way ever since I joined the server." Xisuma answered giving a slight shrug, repairing a hole in the ground that was made by a creeper exploding

"Well, that's interesting to know." The two of you would continue to chat about different stuff aside from just Xisuma's mask, one of you would occasionally make a joke related to the topic and the other would either laugh or just let out a chuckle. Eventually, the whole gathering resources trip had been just completely abandoned as you and Xisuma were just bonding together at this point, not even realizing how long the conversation has been going for. You somehow never managed to get bored talking to Xisuma, that went the same for Xisuma aswell. The two of you were just enjoying each other's presence, chatting about life and fun little stories. At one point though, Xisuma would realize the time and would begin to apologize profusely for forgetting about helping you. You on the other hand was not too bothered by it, reassuring him that it was fine. You wanted to continue talking to him, but it was quite late in the evening so Xisuma had to go. It disappointed you just a tad bit, but you didn't complain or protest as you waved goodbye to the admin. Watching him turn and leave, a slight saddened expression forming on your face as you did

"Seems like someone's already missing a certain admin!~" A voice spoke from behind you, startling you extremely as you quickly turned around to see Skizz right there. It scared the living heck out of you to suddenly just seeing him behind you, you had to take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down

"Skizz?! When did you get there and how long have you been watching?!" You were glaring at him, blushing from embarrassment after finding out that Skizz was there all along

"Passed by here a few minutes ago and heard some chattering, I checked where it was coming from and saw you and X chatting! The two of you looked so cute together I just had to keep watching! And from what I saw after he left, you seemed to be so sad, I had to speak up!" Skizz spoke in his usual enthusiastic voice with a twinge of teasing, snickering to himself

"I am not sad- I am perfectly fine, I do not miss Xisuma one bit!" You denied what Skizz was saying despite knowing he was right, you turned towards the crafting table and craft something that you remembered you needed for later

"Sure, whatever you say." Skizz teased with a shrug, he'd continue to tease you for a bit before he'd eventually have to leave aswell since it was late and he still needed to do something. You were thankful that he didn't tease you for so long, you did not enjoy his playful bullying one bit. You'd go inside of your makeshift home to go sleep already, it was probably best if you slept already so that you could get up early tomorrow to start working on your base already. However, as soon as you laid in your bed, your thoughts began to get consumed by the memory of your bonding time with Xisuma. It kept you awake for a while until eventually, you managed to push it aside and fall asleep.

The next day, you found out that Skizz may or may not have told some of the hermits about what he saw with you and Xisuma. And now, the teasing increased even more now with Hermits other than Skizz teasing you. Some of them teasing you about the fact that out of everyone, Xisuma was the one that got you to crack, jokingly saying that you had a little crush on the admin. This went on for days and days, Xisuma was completely oblivious to it as he kept helping you out and hang out with you. Even if you tried to avoid him to get the Hermits to stop bullying you, you couldn't help but always accept Xisuma's offers to hang out/help you.

With Xisuma helping you, you managed to get your base done within just a few weeks. Having someone help you definitely made things easier, Xisuma even taught you a few building tricks he knew. Within that amount of time that Xisuma was helping, you found out more things about him while also growing a close bond with him. You'd find yourself messaging him yourself, asking him if he'd want to hang out since you were mostly fine already. You'd always get sad when you watched him leave to either do something or just going back to his base since it was late. Hell, you'd find yourself thinking about him late at night and how kind he was. Okay, maybe you were developing a tiny crush on him now.. Oddly enough, you would tell a bunch of this to Skizz since he was mostly the first one to actually see you and Xisuma bonding together. He'd help you figure out just how big of a crush you had on Xisuma, and boy was it big. Skizz would begin to try and encourage you to confess your feelings to the admin, but you were too scared to possibly ruin your guys' friendship.

And oh boy, when the other Hermits found out? The teasing did not decrease at ALL. You had to deal with it every. Single. Time. you went to visit one of the Hermits. Even with all your denying, they knew the truth and saw right through your lies.

Eventually, you began to notice Xisuma seemingly avoiding you now? He'd often only have short conversations with you before abruptly excusing himself saying that he had to go do something, or he'd avoid bumping into you. You really felt upset now, you'd always be seen more down since Xisuma sort of stopped hanging out with you. While you were blind to it, the Hermits weren't. They knew damn well what was going on, and they honestly found it amusing on how both of you seemed to be so oblivious to one another's feelings. Despite how funny it was to watch, they knew that they had to do something about this.

Long story short, the Hermits send each of you a letter pretending to be the other and you and Xisuma end up meeting up. Confusion gets to both of you, but one thing lead to another and you both confessed at the same time, unintentionally of course. And yeah! You and Xisuma became a couple :3

-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-

(Moving on to the actual thing now.)

Ever since you and Xisuma got together, you two decided to connect bases so you two won't be too far apart from each other. Xisuma had actually suggested it since he would often miss you a lot when he had to go, same for you aswell. So, now that you two are living with each other, you guys got more chances to show more affection to each other. While you didn't get to kiss Xisuma on the lips, you still got to kiss over his helmet which was fine with you since you knew why Xisuma didn't want to take his mask off, and you absolutely respected him.

You never asked to lift his helmet up, you completely understood his privacy and you let him not take his helmet off so he wouldn't feel any discomfort. You'd always cover your eyes or turn around when he needs to remove it for a quick second, you really didn't want to make Xisuma uncomfortable which is why you were turning around and all. Xisuma was really glad that you understood instead of forcing him to take it off, you were so understanding and kind, that's why he loved you so much.

Despite you having already accepted that you're probably not gonna see Xisuma's face for a while, you couldn't help but wonder what he looked like. He's described some of his features already, so you tried your best to imagine how he looked like from what he's described so far. You can see his eyes atleast, that makes imagining it a bit easier for you.

Moving on, one day, you decided to make a gift for your beloved since you realized you never actually re-payed him after he helped you. You chose to build a teddy-bear that was holding a heart with banners on it spelling out "I love you", you don't know why but you decided to make this build quite big but not bigger than yours and Xisuma's base. You spent days gathering materials, telling your lover that you were just gathering some stuff for one of the Hermits. He was suspicious, but didn't question it too much.

Once you finally gathered all the necessary resources, you got up early in the morning and you built a box to cover up your building area so that Xisuma wouldn't see what you were doing. After the box was built, you got to work on the teddy bear. It surprisingly took only a few hours, guess you were getting used to building already. Still inside the box, you took a step back and looked at your work proudly, you honestly couldn't believe you managed to get this done in a few hours only but you were proud of yourself. You'd then send a message to Xisuma, saying not to come out of the base or look outside the windows for a bit. Once he responded, you quickly got to work on getting rid of the box which took you about ten minutes.

And so, when there was no more box, you went inside the base and told Xisuma you had a surprise. He was confused but also excited to see his surprise, he asked why you decided to surprise him with something, to which you responded just saying that you wanted to repay him for helping you out back then.

You lead him out the door, covering his eyes- or well the part of his helmet that allows him to see with your hands so that he wouldn't see the surprise immediately. You brought him over right in front of the build you made, waiting for a few seconds before lifting your hands off the area on his helmet to let him see the surprise. Xisuma looked at the build for a few seconds, seeming to be absolutely in awe of the teddy bear you built. He took a few moments to admire it, also seeing the banners spelling out "I love you" made his heart warm. He'd eventually look back to you

"You made this for me?" Xisuma asked in slight disbelief, to which you nodded

"Yep! Like I said, I wanted to kind of repay you for helping me catch up to everyone else. You always help me even if I keep declining your help, and I really wanted to show you just how much I appreciated it by building this." You explained with a smile, you could already tell just how happy Xisuma was on how you made this for him. He'd stay silent for a few moments before suddenly putting your hands on your eyes, without having time to react, you felt a pair of lips against yours so suddenly. Was.. Was it Xisuma's lips? Of course it was. Once you realized it was him kissing you, you happily kissed him back. You couldn't see, but you didn't mind since you finally to feel your sweetheart's lips against yours. Sure, it wasn't the way you imagined how your guys' first kiss would go, but this was better to you either way. It was better than probably having to wait for years for this to happen anyways.

Eventually, Xisuma would pull away panting and trying to catch his breath. He saw the dumb smile you had on your face, which made him smile even more. He'd place his helmet back on and take his hands of your eyes, revealing your eyes being filled with love and adoration as you saw him again. You honestly could care less if you looked like an idiot, you just got kissed by your lover and that was all you wanted. Xisuma would hold you close to him, keeping you in an embrace as he leaned his head on yours

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Even if you couldn't see his face right now, you could figure he probably also has the same dumb smile you have on your face. You may not be able to see his face, but you will still always love him. Gods, you two were truly idiots in love. <3

-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-☾✶☽-

Yippee! You reached the end! This is probably one of the longest ones I did. I think I made the background a bit too long- but anyways

Hope you enjoyed reading that :D

My writing skills are a tad bit rusty so I hope you guys don't mind if the writing is a bit odd!

Have a lovely morning/afternoon/evening reader! See you again next time <3

[kometqh]

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭

Captain Rex x F!Jedi!Reader Pt.2 of Forget Me Not Rex has finally settled down on a faraway, isolated planet. Finally, he has found some semblance of peace from the ongoing war against the Empire. Finally, he can take the time to recover from losing you, but how long will that last? Word Count: 3007 Warnings: Swearing, making out, old injuries. A/N: This has been specifically requested, and can be thought of as either the continuation of the previous story or an alternative ending :) It was going to turn into a big fat smut but my brain couldn't handle posting that (I've never written or posted a full smut before!!)

Vast golden fields swayed gently in the warm, evening summer breeze. The golden sun illuminated the landscape, a warm glow settling over the hay and Rex's figure, who was relaxing on his porch, hands behind his head as he observed the sight before him.

How many times had he dreamt of such a sight? Of owning his own little farm, of owning a couple of banthas and chickens and goats? 

Too many times for his younger, prouder self to admit. 

Where his brothers used to loudly fantasise over their ideal futures, he was too busy playing the perfect soldier, sticking to his obligations, rules and limitations.

But now? Now he had that one small bundle of joy, held tightly within his iron-hard grasp. And he wasn't about to go exchanging it for anything else. Not in a million lifetimes.

The loud, content bellowing of a few banthas stripped him of his thoughts, his gaze looking for the one particular creature that always seemed to make the most noise. Far ahead, to his left, was one bantha, rolling its body in the hay, short tail wagging left to right, continuous hums and moos escaping its throat in ground-shaking vibrations.

A soft smile tugged at Rex's lips; that was his oldest, and his first ever Bantha.

He had spent the last four years nurturing and caring for the creature, leading it over stretches of land, until he was finally able to settle down in an abandoned farmhouse, far away from any civilization.

The farmhouse itself wasn't in such bad shape. Sure, it needed repairs here and there, but it wasn't anything a tough solider like Rex couldn't handle. He got to work pretty quick, with his handy tools and a shit ton of determination, he had refurnished and fixed the farmhouse within a year and a half, and now, all that was left was to renew the coat of paint that seemed to chip away any time it rained.

But Rex figured that could wait, after all, no one would be able to tell that the farmhouse was being used as long as it looked old and rusty, right?

With a soft sigh, he closed his eyes, basking in the warmth provided by the rays of the setting sun. He was tired. It was a long day of working on the farm, planting the appropriate crops for the upcoming, much colder, season, as well as milking the banthas to make different cheeses the next day.

He thought over his schedule, already feeling a headache rising in the back of his head. The following week he was supposed to be making his way over to the nearest town, to sell whatever he had managed to produce over the last two weeks. Going to the closest town over was his least favourite activity; he preferred to stay hidden away in his little farmhouse with his Banthas and Tooka.

He preferred to relax on his porch, to watch over his animals as they grazed happily across the long stretch of fields, to feel the warm sunrays kissing his skin, to watch the sun lazily disappear behind the horizon.

He let his tired eyes fall closed, the wrinkles on his skin seemingly fading away, a soft smile shining on his face at the soft hum of the summer breeze and grazing animals, an all too familiar weight lifting from his chest inch by inch. The gentle breeze passed his body, leaving a pleasant, cooling chill to run down his spine.

Darkness and warmth surrounded him like a weighted blanket, though his body felt light. He dreamt of nothing, his mind jumping to and from consciousness, his body twitching at a sudden shift in atmosphere. His ears almost twitched at the soft whir of a ship flying above, goose bumps rising over the expanse of his bare, muscular arms as a much stronger wind grazed past his body.

But his eyes snapped open to the sound of panicked tip-tapping of his banthas, their heaved breathing and confused whines reaching his ears. The warm honeyed glare of his eyes was gone, now replaced by a deep black as he looked around, the night sky pitch black.

He must have snoozed off or something, how many hours have passed?

The banthas continued to make noise, but this time the briefest whispers accompanied them. With a strong, heavy inhale, Rex slowly rose from his seat, eyes squinted as he tried to cover for his lack of vision.

Who were they? The Empire? 

Surely not.

Rex had made sure to cover all of his tracks, remaining classed as officially dead in the Empire's files. 

Did someone betray him? 

But who? 

And how? 

Only a very small number of people actually knew-

"Hey lady! Calm it!" A familiar voice said all too loudly, giving an affectionate pat to one of the banthas. The voice, it was so.. so like Rex's.

His eyes widened as the other figures shushed the man, and Rex couldn't help the relieved smile and sigh that escaped his chest. 

He knew those people. After all, they're the ones he rescued Echo with.

However, one by one, various emotions swirled around in his head. Happiness? Of course. He was happy to see his brothers after four gruelling, lonely years. Confusion? Hell yeah! What was so important that they had to break their no contact? Relief too, he could feel the way his heart rate had spiked just at the mere idea of danger, blood rushing into his head, loudly pounding against his eardrums.

Slowly, one foot moved, followed by the other, taking turns leading Rex down the porch, towards his brothers. Towards his family.

At the sight of Rex's moving figure, some men groaned, whereas Wrecker and Omega began running at full-speed towards the male, tackling him to the ground in a long awaited hug.

"Rex! We missed you!" Omega exclaimed, erupting into fits of laughter as Rex's strong arm wrapped around her and Wrecker.

"Alright alright! Now get off of me, I can feel my bones being crushed!" Rex exclaimed, though his hold on the two didn't ease, nor did his smile disappear.  Quickly scrambling off of him, the two couldn't contain their happy, yet seemingly mischievous smiles as Hunter extended a hand out to Rex.

"It's been a while, brother." Hunter nodded, pulling Rex in for a quick hug, patting his back. Hunter's body was stiff, his shoulders tense and breathing strained as he moved away, Rex noticed. That was unusual.

Though a smile remained on his face, Rex couldn't help but feel nervous at the strange tension surrounding the batch. As he looked around, one eyebrow quirked at the sight of Tech and Crosshair shielding Echo from view and.. someone else? Who were they?

"What's going on..?" He questioned, his eyes narrowing as he looked between the two.

Echo and the figure stood in the very far back, Echo's arm was wrapped tightly around their shoulders, holding them protectively close to his chest, his grip tight as if the figure would disappear into the darkness of the night if his hold let up even by an inch.

His eyes remained trained on Echo and the mysterious figure, though Rex's head tilted slightly to the right, in Hunter's direction.

"Hunter-" Rex started, but was quickly interrupted by the look on Echo's face. His ears strained, almost missing the soft, trembling whimper. The figure brought a hand up to their face, too late in stifling the sound.

As their hand lifted, Rex noticed that all-too familiar, cuffed sleeve hanging onto their hand. 

Time seemed to slow, his chest straining painfully at the sound. Rex could feel his heart drop, the air sucked from his body like a popped balloon.

His sight was stuck on that sleeve, visions plaguing his mind, replaying like a broken tape.

Memories, memories of her.

That voice.

His legs moved before his mind could even comprehend what was happening. Tech and Crosshair narrowly avoided being collided into, stepping to the side as Rex pushed through. 

His lips twisted into a pained frown, his teeth gritted together like metal bars.

That robe.. That Jedi robe.

How didn't he notice it right away?

The look on Echo's face told him everything he needed to know, his hold easing on her as Rex reached his arms out, gripping her shoulders tightly.

"Y/n.." Her name spilled from his lips so easily, so softly, as though he was cursed, spellbound to only repeat her name, only those few simple syllables for the rest of eternity. It lingered on his tongue like the sweetest of syrups, leaving a fiery, burning trail in his throat, scalding at his heart like a molten fist, twisting, turning and tearing.

"Rex," A shiver fell down his spine, his breath hitching in his throat. How long had it been since he last heard it? Tears brimmed at the corners of his eyes, his gut twisting into a familiar knot, adrenaline spreading like fire through his veins. His heart pumped blood so quickly, so fiercely through his body, it was like a thousand fireworks had gone off in that instant. Many people have said his name, of course, but only her voice had ever evoked such strong emotions in him.

From the way she'd command his attention during meetings, her gaze lingering a second longer than necessary, the way she'd whisper it when it was just the two of them, hiding in a faraway corner on one of the ships, or even the way it rolled off the tip of her tongue whilst-

It felt like the world around had been sucked into the background, leaving only the two of them, hearts beating wildly, minds melting over one another, even the cold night failing to gather their attention.

His hands, which had been previously on her shoulders, were now gently cradling her face, thumbs swishing back and forth in soft strokes. 

His whole focus was on her eyes- oh, those starry eyes.

How many times had he dreamed of them?

How many times had he cried at night, calling out for her in broken whispers and sobs?

Rex knew it was a few times too many, and yet at the same time, it wasn't enough.

A sob left his lips as he dropped the hood off her head, revealing the person behind the shadowy figure.

Something was different. Off.

Her face, although so familiar, was now so different. Bathed in aged lines, marks, grease and dirt, and worst of all.. A scar.

He hadn't noticed it under the shadow of her hood, but now, it was ever so prominent under the blaring moonlight.

A lone tear cascaded down his face, leaving a wet, salty trail from the midpoint of his eye, down the plush softness of his cheek, dripping off the edge of his jaw. Just like her scar. He let his thumb caress the rough, broken, damaged skin, his lips twisted in a pained frown, stunned to silence.

Her hand, one that used to be so soft and so gentle, was now gripping tightly at his wrist, a gentle shadow on her cheeks, on her scar, casted by her eyelashes. When did she get it? How did she get it?

Her head twisted to the side, making the most effort to hide that side of her face from his gaze.

"Don't.." Rex whispered, no, he warned, taking a hold of her chin, forcing her to turn his way, to face him. Lowering his face to hers, his voice was strained, rough, pleading. "I want to see you.. Let me see you, mesh'la." The word spilled from his lips with such ease, like a prayer, with so much delicacy, so much practice, as he brushed his nose against hers, his eyes fluttering shut. His lips hovered just an inch above hers, feeling the warmth of her breath against his skin.

He had dreamt of this day, every night, every day. For. So. Many. Years.

He had dreamt of lifting her into his arms, of kissing her, of crying with her, of pushing her against his bed, leaning on top of her, making love to her. 

For so many kriffing years.

She's alive.

"I missed you. So. Kriffing. Much." He muttered, his voice becoming more strained with each oncoming word, his eyes squeezed shut, his forehead flush against your own as he fought every fibre in his body against the awful, suffocating need to kiss you. Another pained whimper left your lips, unknowingly acting as a trigger for his next movements.

His lips crashed against your own, his hands keeping your face steady, making sure you wouldn't slip away like the hundreds, no, thousands of dreams he's had before.

Your lips were as soft as he remembered, your touch featherlight and rough. Your hands were shaking, he noted. You were afraid. Afraid of him? You wouldn't be kissing back if that was the case.

Your scent overwhelmed him, it was that faint smell of peach shampoo that he loved so much, it was making his knees weak. Where did you manage to get that from? From the state of you, he was sure you were dying for a hot, bubbly bath. Maybe it was just his imagination playing up. Kissing you, it was addicting. He was like a starved man, pushing his lips against your own, his tongue slipping past to dance with yours in a sweet Waltz, full of grief and hope and longing and all the years wasted away by your separation, by his fear of your light having been snuffed out, like a flickering flame.

You were his light in the dark, his oasis in a never-ending dessert, his midsummer night's dream. You had that spark in you - the one that attracted individuals to you like moths to light. Your laugh, so easily evoked, and your kind smiles, so easily graced upon anyone and everyone, shining down like sunshine on a dewy, autumn morning. You were a breath of fresh air, but also a crackling, comforting fire on a cold winters night.

But he had lost you just so quickly, on that day. Never knowing, for years, if you'd be back. If you were alive.

Your touch slowly grew from soft, dissipated like cotton-candy and falling snowflakes, to eager, pleading for more as your fingers found solace in his slightly outgrown blonde hair, encasing his head in your embrace, pulling him closer as you kissed feverishly, afraid he will disappear like dandelion seeds on a spring day.

You couldn't hear anything but his heartbeat, you couldn't smell anything but his scent, one that had creeped up on you and wrapped around you in an invisible embrace, the smell of freshly cut grass and smoky campfires entrapping you. You couldn't feel anything but him. His hands, always so much bigger than yours, had completely and utterly gotten control over your body, feeling and caressing your hair, gripping your chin and pulling you closer by your waist, his lips hot against your own, his breathing stuttering and yet so laboured as his teeth clashed against your own, his eyes scrunched shut - afraid you would disappear.

Being held in his arms was like a dream come true. You could spend an eternity with him, never losing your love and affection for the soldier standing before you. His warmth planted butterflies in your stomach, and his touch ignited them, making them burn wildly in your gut, scalding and yet patching over the old scars and wounds, gently embracing your heart in a healing bandage.

Only Rex could do such a thing. 

Only Rex could make your heart beat faster, only Rex could have adrenaline pumping through your veins just by a featherlight touch, or a sweet, candy-like, tooth-rotting whisper, or a longing, loving gaze of his golden irises and lush eyelashes.

So lost in each other, for so long, neither the two of you broke contact, until Hunter had to clear his throat awkwardly and speak up to make the two of you slowly, unwillingly, pull apart. 

Rex's forehead rested against yours, crows feet tugging at the outer corners of his eyes, his lips slightly agape as he tried to calm down the galloping of his heart. 

Slowly, eventually, his eyes opened again, the familiar warm colour of honey swirling around his pupils as he gazed into your eyes, a small, pained, and yet happy smile overtaking his features. His heart melted as that same smile reflected on your face, and tears brimmed in your eyes.

"Are you guys done yet?" Crosshair's voice called from a short distance, disgust and yet somehow a hint of endearment present in it.

"You lot go ahead, we'll catch up in a minute," Rex tossed the words over his shoulder with little to no care, rolling his eyes at the loud scoff that came from Crosshair. It was quickly followed by an audible smack, an 'Ouch', and the sound of retreating footsteps.

Your shoulders shook as a breathy laugh escaped you, and as you shut your eyes once more, tears began to escape one by one, sliding down the expanse of your cheek. Rex wasted no time in bringing a hand to gently wipe away at your tears, his own tears tickling at his waterline. 

He missed you so damn much.

And finally, you were here, with him, crying and smiling in his arms.

His throat felt tight, as if someone was strangling him, daring him to say anything. His chest felt heavy, and he was sure if he was stood up any longer, he would simply collapse. 

His thumb caressed the soft, and yet ragged, skin on your cheek, the corners of his lips twisted into a semi-frown, his heart hurting, blood pumping loudly in his ears.

His lips opened and closed, at a loss for words, but his voice found a way to come through.

"You have n-no idea," His voice was just above a mere whisper, afraid if he were to speak any louder, you'd crumble away under his touch, or he'd wake up. 

His thumb moved to trace the outline of your scar, a loving look present in the golden pool of his irises.

"You're as beautiful as the day I lost you.."

[readychilledwine]

Hi, could you write Tamlin absolutely ruining the reader. What I mean is.... reader and tam are in a relationship, he's been busy with work and reader thinks he doesn't like her anymore so tamlin shows her just how wrong she is...😏

A Hint of Corruption

Warnings - pet/own/master power play dynamics, brief rough oral, punishment play, mention of corruption, bratty behavior, reader really REALLY like fucking angry Tamlin.

"If you don't fucking have time for me anymore, just tell me." Tamlin looked at you in shock from his throne. You felt your chest tightening, eyes beginning to water as he just stared at you processing your anger.

He had not touched you in weeks. He hasn't kissed you in days. He spent hours holed up in his repaired office with other high Lords negotiating trade routes and imports. And when he wasn't there, he was in other courts doing the same thing.

"What, little dove, do you mean by that?" He stepped closer to you, setting that damned crown of antlers and thorns on the throne.

You didn't back down, staring up at him. "It's clear I've over stayed my welcome and you are tired of my presence," a dramatic statement fueled by your anger. "I have clearly served my purpose and you are done with me. So just tell me that instead of leaving me here alone constantly."

Tamlin's face fell into a further look of shock. He had told you what he was doing, that these next few months would be insane and likely lonely for both of you as he worked to reset the glory Spring once had.

Glory you were helping him bring back with your Mother blessed gifts to repair land and grow damn near anything. "Dove," he hand came to your cheek, stroking softly, "y/n, I warned you I would be busy and gone a lot this month. I have been trying to come home to you every night-"

"And yet I go to bed and wake up alone-"

He interrupted you, his pet peeve causing anger to hit him. "I was not done speaking, dove. Do we need a lesson on manners and the behavior of a Lady again?" He began backing you to the wall. "Do you need a reminder of who you belong to? Of who cares for you and this beautiful body?"

Your back hit the window, hands going flat against the glass as the throne room doors slammed shut and locked. "Tamlin-"

Green eyes flickered to yours, a mix of arousal and annoyance shining in them. "I believe you are fully aware we are past first names at this point, pet. Get on your knees."

Submission fueled your brain as he pushed down on your shoulders, gathering your hair before putting into the leather he had around his wrist. "Open your mouth," your hands were on his pant ties already focused on that task until a slap came.

You gasped loudly, eyes watering. It wasn't hard, but it still stung, and you looked up at him.

He had not had to slap you for disobedience in years. Not since he had met you, and this began. You were his good girl. His pretty little pet he constantly praised. Your lip trembled as tears fell. "Don't give me that look. Open your fucking mouth."

You sniffled, doing as you were told and waited. "There she is," two fingers gently brushed your tongue, pushing in and coating themselves in your spit. "You're going to suck my cock while I explain to you, again, what is currently happening in my court and why master is gone so much lately."

You didn't nod, eyes still watering. "You want to be my good girl. Don't you?" Tamlin pushed those two fingers into your mouth and down your throat. "Look at me." Your eyes fluttered up, breathing through your nose as he pushed further, causing you to gag. "I can't wait to fucking ruin you."

You whined around them, sucking greedily now. "No, pet, you have to listen first. You broke a rule, you have to be punished. You understand, don't you?"

Your eyes had glazed over, so focused on sucking his fingers that all you could do was nod. "That's my good girl." Tamlin untied his pants, pulling this cock out and smiled as you moaned at the sight. He had ruined you so beautifully already, but you had been so innocent, so untouched by anything when he found you that every chance to fuck you stupid was new and exciting.

He removed his fingers, using the saliva to pump his heavy cock while you watched. Your tongue was out, waiting for him to give you what you wanted, waiting for him to force you to listen. He placed the head on your tongue and nodded, giving you permission to pleasure him.

"As I was saying before you so rudely interrupted me," he held you down, nose flush against his pelvis, watching as you swallowed and sucked his length. "I have been working tirelessly every damn day to be home to you every night. That means there's going to be a lot of mornings alone since I am constantly winnowing the lands to keep you and your slutty little mouth and cunt happy."

He moaned as he pulled up, watching you take a deep breath, then he slammed back in, laughing as you gagged around him. "I am not tired of you. I am not done with you. I am not planning to just toss you aside, pet. I am busy. You like your pretty dresses and jewelry, don't you? Like having a staff to pamper and wait on you? How do you think your High Lord gets you those things? Do you think they're just here and free to you since you're so damn pretty?"

He began fucking your mouth, focusing on that for awhile before abruptly pulling you off of him and ripping you up by your hair.

You moaned, walking at his pace until he threw you over the arm of the throne and held you down with a growl that warned you not to move.

A loud rip filled the room, followed by a chilly spring breeze leaving goosebumps along your body. "Such a beautiful girl," you could hear his smile as you heard his clothing hit the floor and felt a hand go to your folds. Tsmlin groaned at the wetness he found there, the sweet essence coating his hand and practically pouring out of you. He patted your clit softly, watched as you wiggled and moaned his name.

Gods, he loved you. Every inch of you. Every dip and soft curve of your body. Every laugh. Every noise you made.

How could you ever think he'd grown tired of you?

Tamlin took his now coated hand, running it along the shaft of himself as he ran the head through your folds then sat. "Beg. Beg like the good little whore you are. Beg for my forgiveness and for my cock."

"Master please," a good start. "Gods, please I am so sorry. I'll be a good pet. I'll listen and wait at home. Please just fuck me. I need you inside me, please. It's been so long."

He hummed, hand running your spine and tangling into your hair. "It has been too long, my love. Much too long. I should rectify that." He entered you in one swift thrust. The throne began digging into your hips, brushing them as he wasted no time pounding into you.

He ripped you up by your hair again, forcing your back to arch like a bow for him as he pulled the cord that was your pleasure taunt. "I love you, you spoilt little pet. You fucking know this but come in here to yell at me?" His words matched the harshness of his cock working inside of you. You could help the wetness beginning to pool more and more at each word. "I got help to be worthy of you. Signed trade deals with courts I didn't want to be able to spoil and care for you. I get one full day home this week to get ready for a High Lords' meeting, and you want to come in here running your mouth?"

He changed the angle of his thrusts, hitting that spot deep inside of you. You felt your body going pliant, and his arms moved to hold you up by your elbows, pulling you back slightly. "Tell me you're sorry and let you cum. I can tell you are right there. I can stop right fucking now."

"No!" You felt yourself crying again. The pleasure becoming too much. "I'm sorry I was so ungrateful. I'll be good. Gods, please, my mate, my High Lord, please."

Tamlin didn't stop, speed increasing as each drag stretched your now tightening walls forcing them open and swallowing his cock whole. "Cum. Scream my name for his whole court to know who owns you."

You obeyed. Your mind, soul, heart, and body were his. You were his. He had ensured that the second he started bedding you, ruining you for anyone who may wish to touch you, and he'd continue to ruin you.

He came inside of you, holding you down by your neck again and forcing you into submission as you milked him. "Do not ever come into my throne room acting like that again. I was nice, y/n. I won't be nice next time."

You smiled, looking back at him, and risked it all. "You're so easy to manipulate, Tam. I got the sex I needed just by being a brat for 5 minutes. I can't wait until you see what else I've done."

His face fell, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "You won't be leaving our bedroom tomorrow, will you pet?"

You felt him pull out, smiling as he turned you and picked you up. "Nope," you popped the last syllable before kissing his cheek.

General Taglist:

@hnyclover @glitterypirateduck @slytherinindisguise @mischiefmanager @bloodicka @starsinyourseyes @the-sweet-psycho

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[sentientcave]

Retirement Party

Chapter 5 - Wouldn't It Be Nice?

<<First Chapter - < Prev Chapter - Next Chapter >

Contains: No Y/N, Kidnapping, Forcible relocation, Dubcon, Plus-sized Reader/OC, female Reader/OC, John introduces Doll to some normal people, Everyone learns new things about each other, Manipulation, PTSD, Doll has a tragic backstory, Doll is kinda sorta Catholic? Who knew (me I knew)

~3.8k - MDNI - Dark fic! Please mind the content warning above but honestly this chapter is pretty mild all considered.

Ghost, Soap and Gaz come back a few hours later with the blue sports car (a bit scratched up, but tail-light repaired) and a pick up truck that looks a lot like the one John had before, but a generation older, and green instead of gray. John speaks to them briefly before he coaxes you into the truck and drives off, promising that the others will be gone before you get back.

He drives a few miles down the road, and pulls up in front of a little farmhouse. It looks idyllic, children and a dog playing in the yard. Two people on the porch wave, and John hops out and circles around right quick to open your door and help you down.

The couple trots up to greet you both. "Who's this?" The woman asks, looking at you and beaming. "You finally introducing us to a girlfriend?"

"Doesn't feel like the right word, does it, doll?" John winks at you, like your circumstances are all just a funny little blip, nothing nefarious or terrifying about it.

"No, it doesn't," you agree, keeping your face carefully neutral. "I'm Dalisay. Nice to meet you, um, Melissa, right?" You stick your hand out and shake hers. There’s no sense in being rude to them, just because they know John. He’s probably smart enough to keep his old life, and his boys away from his new one as much as possible.

"The very same! We were a bit worried John was going to be an eternal bachelor. Nice to see he's found someone." She introduces her husband, Rob, and her kids, Hannah, Haley and Jackson, who are ten, seven and five, respectively.

"Do you want to see the puppies?" Haley asks, grabbing your hand. Jackson grabs the other one and they pull you along to the garage, not waiting for an answer. You very deliberately don’t look over your shoulder at John, because you’re fairly sure that he’ll be looking back at you with a sickeningly hopeful expression. His comments from last night still ring in your ears, and you’re not willing to indulge that foolish fantasy of his.

The puppies are in a play pen with high enough walls to contain them, but still allow their mother to hop in and out. She hops out to inspect you, sniffing your outstretched hands warily. Her tail starts to wag after a moment, and you give her a proper pat, smiling. The dog has soft ears and a silky, black and tan coat, but you're not sure what type of dog she is.

"What's her name?" you ask, kneeling down.

"Bonnie-bell," Hannah says. "And our other dog is Charaid."

"Proper Scottish names," you say. The kids all have a slight burr, and although Melissa sounds scouse, it's the first hint as to where you are.

"Da said we was gettin' too English, livin' in London," Haley says. "I like it better here anyway. Mum says maybe we can get some coos. "

"I grew up near Aberdeen," you say. "But I've lived in Manchester too long. Lost my accent."

"No' far off, then, aye? We're only about an hour and a bit south and west," Rob says, appearing at the open garage door to supervise. His stern face looks friendlier now that he knows you're not proper English. "Was worried John dragged some poor city girl out'f England to live out here."

You hum. "Well, I am something of a city girl now. Been in Manchester since I was seventeen."

"Weel, welcome home then," Rob says with a wink. "We'll get ye proper re-acclimated soon enough." He leans over and plucks a puppy out of the sleeping pile inside the pen, and hands it to you. The pup is at the age where its somewhere between looking like a potato and a proper dog, maybe six or seven weeks old. "Gordon setter, by the by," he says. "Good dogs."

"Cute too." You settle the puppy in your lap, petting its soft little head. Bonnie-bell licks your wrist and hops back into the pen to lay down next to the others.

"Ye want one? This girl's no' spoken for yet. John's been hemmin' and hawin' about it, but I figure he wouldna want ta leave ye home alone, neither."

"Oh, I'm not sure I'll be staying that long. I'm only here because there was an incident at my apartment and John wouldn't hear of me staying anywhere else." You're not certain why you're stretching the truth to fit around what he and his wife think is happening, but you have no idea what John would do if you did say something. Maybe he would laugh it off like you were making a joke, or maybe he would snap. You don't really think he would hurt these people, but there's a wide-eyed prey animal in the back of your mind that warns you to be cautious, to be careful.

"We'll talk about it," John says from behind you. You hadn't even noticed his approach, with the noise the kids had made when they dashed back outside. "I'm trying to convince her to stay."

"Ye've gotta buy her a ring, ye daft bastard," Rob says, laughing. "A good catholic girl isna goin' ta wait for you ta get yer head out'f yer arse."

"If you don't, I'll introduce her to some lads in town that will," Melissa threatens. "Pretty girl like her has better options than you, old man. Better make your move before she realizes it." She swats John on the arm playfully.

You laugh nervously, touching the little cross around your neck absently. The puppy in your lap seems to sense your discomfort, because she starts wiggling in your arms and trying to lick your chin, little tail wagging. John kneels down beside you so he can pet the puppy too, eyes creased with a smile. "Is that it, doll? You need me to buy you a ring?"

"John," you say warningly. "We don't need to talk about this right now."

"No, I suppose you've had a rough morning. I'll try again later."

"You're impossible."

"Think you might kind of like that about me," he says.

"Not remotely. I think you're an awful, stubborn man," you tell him. Your voice comes out softer and sweeter than you intend, like you don't really mean it, even though it's true. The smile around his eyes grows deeper.

"I am." He picks up the puppy and holds her up in front of his face. "What do you think, girl?" he asks. The little dog's tail wags furiously, and she answers with a high pitched yip. And then she endears herself to you by trying to bite John’s nose. He looks stunned for a moment, but he grins when you start laughing. “Guess we’re all in agreement then,” he says, setting her down in the pen and standing up.

You accept his hand up, and quickly put a little distance between the two of you, before he anchors you to his side with a solid arm, or tries to reel you in close for a kiss. Rob and Melissa invite you in for a cup of tea, and somehow you end up sitting at a dining room table that’s obviously mostly used for crafts, and handed a piece of blank printer paper by Haley, and told by Jackson that you should draw dragons with them. The walls of the dining room are filled with tacked up juvenile masterpieces— Dragons seem to be a particular fixation of Jackson’s, whereas Hannah and Haley have more varied portfolios.

John stands leaning in the door to the kitchen, talking to Rob and Melissa quietly enough that you can’t quite pick up his words over the children’s chatter. You hate him a little for this, dangling Rob and Melissa’s idyllic little life in front of you. The implication is obvious. We could have this, his blue eyes seem to say when you look his way. Wouldn’t that be nice?

It’s frustrating, and confusing. You want to keep him at arms length for your own safety, but he’s already doing his best to roll right past your doubts and better judgment, like they’re just silly barriers between now and the future he’s dreamed up for the two of you.

And worse, you do want it.

“Didn’t know you were an artist,” he says on the drive back. Jackson had been so excited about the dragon that you drew for him that he’d shown his parents and John.

“There’s a long list of things you don’t know about me,” you say.

"For now. We'll get there, sweetheart."

You hum, looking out the window. Spending time with the Stuarts has you wistful and homesick for something you can't get back. Days like this, you'd usually pour yourself a glass of wine, look through your family photo albums and have a good cry before going to bed early. It's been a while since it's caught up with you like this, but you'd always been reliant on your routine, burying grief in structure and familiarity. "Do we need to?"

"I'd like to."

"I'm not going to be what you want me to be."

John drums his fingers against the steering wheel. "What is it that you think I want?"

"Some little housewife. Someone soft and sweet to come home to."

"You seem plenty soft and sweet to me."

You sigh, pulling your arms around yourself. "I'm not consistent. I don't know what Johnny told you I was like, but he only knows me from work. I'm not like that all the time."

"I don't expect you to be."

"You say that now, but you'll change your mind."

"I'm not stupid enough to change my mind based on a bad day or two, doll. You're allowed to be upset. I wouldn't blame you if you spend the next week slamming doors and snapping at me. I'm still going to like you." He puts a hand on your knee and squeezes gently. Men like him shouldn't be allowed to have such attractive hands, and you shouldn't be attracted to hands like his, scarred knuckles, a few fingers broken and healed crooked. You know he's killed people, know it would be so easy for him to kill you. It turns your stomach that you feel any kind of desire for him at all.

Men like him are no different than the ones that killed your parents. Dealing death is not a noble trade, there's nothing honourable about exporting violence.

You push his hand away, and keep your eyes trained on the window.

He sighs, but he doesn't press the issue, just clicks on the radio to fill the silence.

When you get back to his house he sets you up in a cozy room down the hall from the more open main space where the kitchen is, an office of some kind with a couple of arm chairs and a desk with a clunky looking laptop set on top. The room smells kind of smoky, but you're just glad to have a door you can close while he "moves some things around". He opens the laptop up so you can watch something, but you just curl up in one of the armchairs and fall asleep.

When you wake, the door is open, one of your blankets is draped over you, and there's a mug of tea sitting on the desk, alongside a couple biscuits. You uncurl, your muscles stiff and joints cracking from not moving for too long, and pick up the tea. It's cold, like it had been left a while ago, but you drink it anyway, and eat the biscuits. There's a note underneath, explaining that John had run out to the shops, and that he'd be back by 18:00. You shake your head, and check the time on the laptop. 18:00 exactly.

Military habits must die hard. You imagine he’s usually prompt too, so you wander out into the main room, and put the clean dishes in the rack away. You realize that the living room side has been rearranged, condensed to a slightly smaller footprint, with some open space left by the far corner behind the bigger couch. The smaller leather sofa has been replaced with the little red love-seat from your apartment, and your T.V. is sitting on it’s familiar perch on the refinished credenza that you’d painted twining vines and little red flowers up the side of. You’d found it on by the curb on the Kinsey’s street a few years ago, and your friend Ripley had bused over and helped you carry it all the way back to your apartment.

You’re not sure you like seeing more of your things merging into John’s house, like any of it belongs there when you still want to insist that you’ll be leaving soon. You hate him for being presumptuous, but you can’t help but think it’s sweet, too, that he makes space for you so readily, that he’ll happily include your painted flowers and colourful blankets and bright red couch into space that was all his just twenty four hours ago. That he would leave you tea and biscuits for when you woke up, that he would tuck a blanket around you while you slept. You’re not used to someone wanting to take care of you, and it feels strange.

Strange, but nice too.

You glance at the clock on the wall, realizing that it’s twenty past six, and John still isn’t back. It’s getting darker out there, the sun nearly setting, and as much as you try to tell yourself that you’re not worried, it’s hard to deny the stab of relief when you finally see the truck's lights pull up the wooded drive.

You slip on your trainers and step outside as he parks. He grins at you around a lit cigar as he hops out. “Did you miss me, doll?” he asks, insufferably smug.

“Your note said you’d be back at six,” you say lamely. “I just wasn’t sure if you’re usually on time.”

“Usually am. Got caught talking to Wells, down on the corner. Seems someone drove right through his fence last night. Teenagers, like as not. I’m goin’ to help him fix it tomorrow.”

“Oh.” You grimace. He must know it was really you. “Sorry about that.”

“No harm. By the sounds of it, you’re quite the driver. Soap said you nearly ran him off the road. That what they teach these days?”

“Defensive driving is well and good, but offensive driving gets you the last good spot in the lot,” you say.

He laughs out loud at that, and leans over to pick up a big paper bag from the passenger side. “Here, can you take this in while I grab the groceries?”

You take the bag (which is slightly greasy and smells like curry), and shift it to one hip. “Can I take anything else?”

He nods and hands you a second paper bag, this one with two wine bottles inside. “Wasn’t sure if you liked red or white, so I got both.”

You settle the bags in your arms and turn to walk away. “Bad time to tell you I like rosé hm?” you tease, glancing over your shoulder.

“Terrible timing. But that’s alright. One more thing, doll.”

You turn back toward him, and he’s right there. One big hand cups your jaw and then his lips are on yours, pressing a kiss that tastes like smoke against you. You stand frozen, holding onto your cargo for dear life, too surprised to do anything. It’s just as well, because in that moment you’re not sure if you’d slap him or pull him closer.

He pulls away without trying to deepen the kiss, which is a relief. You’re certain that you’d drop dinner and the wine.

“John, that wasn’t fair.” Your feet are still frozen in place, and his hand is still on your cheek, his fingers threaded into your hair.

His eyes practically sparkle. He’s entirely too pleased with himself. “Not fair because I kissed you, or not fair because I stopped before we got to the best part?”

Your cheeks flame hot, and you pray that he can’t feel it. “You can’t just— You’re impossible.” It takes concentrated effort to take ordinary, measured steps to the door instead of running. The effect he has on you is apparently very obvious. He never would have tried it if he didn’t know you were teetering on the edge of giving in already.

Boundaries need to be set-- Set and followed-- before you can really even contemplate letting this get any further. Unchecked, you have no doubt that John will have you underneath him in a matter of days. Once that happens you know he'll never let you go, and you'll never have peace of mind if you don't really get to know him first. You know he's not as good as he makes himself out to be, but you suspect he's a better man than your deepest fears might whisper to you. He's genuine about his wants, but that's not enough. You need to know him before you can trust him.

You set your packages down on the table and turn to open the door wide for John as he carries a tote full of groceries into the house. “Thanks, doll.”

The paper bag rips when you open it to pull take-out containers out, setting them on the table neatly. "John, can we talk?" You ask, glancing at him as he stows things in the fridge.

"Course, doll. What's on your mind?"

Nerves threaten to choke you, so you take a steadying breath, in and out, trying to quiet the sea of dread that pitches back and forth in your stomach. “You can’t just take what you want from me. Not if you’re serious about wanting this to be something. I’m afraid of you, John, and I’m not going to fight you. If you push me, I’ll fold, and I’ll hate you for it.”

He pauses, holding a box halfway lifted to the cupboard. It takes a moment before he moves again, setting the box on the shelf slowly. The silence is palpable in the room, settling across both of you like a thick blanket of snow. You fold the ripped takeout bag flat, nervous, the crinkle of heavy paper hardly breaking through the rush of blood in your ears, the panic that grips you by the throat. It’s as though the admission has given your body the chance to catch up with everything that’s happened in the last two days.

You’d been drugged and taken from your home, you’d been handed off to someone you didn’t know, with no clear indication if you’re free to leave or not, you’ve been picked up and manhandled and shot at.

Darkness flickers in the corners of your vision. All you can hear is the pounding of your own heart, the sick, dizzying drums of war, and high pitched ringing like a flat-lining hospital monitor, and screaming, and the rapid burst of machine gun fire. No. The screaming you hear is just in your head, the gunshots aren’t real, they can’t be. It’s not happening, it’s over, it’s been over for a decade, you’re safe.

Except you’re not safe.

Hands land on your shoulders. You lash out, fists striking something solid, knocking the hands away. You have to get away, you have to hide until it goes quiet again. Arms wrap around you in a tight hug, stilling your thrashing limbs and bringing you down to the floor gently.

“Doll! Dalisay, sweetheart, you’re alright, come back.” The voice has authority. You know that voice. It rumbles, shaking loose memory. “Come on, love, breathe slow. You’re okay.” You breathe in, warm spice and tobacco smoke, not burning petrol, not scorched flesh. You’re kneeling on the floor, and John is holding you tight, thighs bracketing yours.

The fight melts out of your limbs.

You’re not safe, but you’re not in danger either. John loosens his hold on you and cups your face, his worried face eclipsing all else. “Doll, where’d you go?” he asks. “What happened?”

“Panic attack,” you lie, because that’s easier to say than My parents were killed in a terrorist attack while we were visiting London ten years ago and sometimes I get so stressed out that I forget it’s not still happening. “I’m fine, I’m sorry.”

“That wasn’t a panic attack, doll. Worked with Simon long enough to recognize PTSD. You were somewhere else.”

It’s hard to imagine that Ghost is as fallible, as human as you are, but you suppose there’s no shortage of opportunities for even the the biggest, toughest military men to to wade hip deep in trauma. The worst day of your life would be just another mission for them. The worst day of their lives would probably kill you outright.

"Yeah, I guess it was," you admit haltingly. "Everything just caught up with me. I won't let it happen again."

He shakes his head. "Did I set it off? I need to know— I don’t want to hurt you, sweetheart.”

"No, it's not like that. It’s just stress. It's been building since I got here."

"I guess that's what you meant in the truck, huh?"

You nod weakly. "I don't think I can explain it any better right now. But maybe tomorrow."

"Alright." John sighs, some of the tension in his shoulders releasing. " I don't want you to be afraid of me, doll."

"Then you're going to have to give me time, and space. I need to know what kind of man you are. And you should get to know who I am too.” There’s a wrinkle in his shirt, so you fixate on that rather than look right at him, smoothing it out with your fingers. “Let’s worry about becoming friends, for now. And then we can see if there’s something more.”

He doesn’t like that, you can tell by the way he pulls his hands back, reluctant to let go of you. But still, he nods, and smiles ruefully after a moment. “Guess I’m not as patient as I think I am. Too eager to get to the good part.”

You laugh lightly, the sound shaky from frayed nerves. “John, if we can be kind to each other, and come to an understanding, then it’s all the good part. You can’t build the things you want on foundations like this and hold it all together with sheer force of will.”

“You sure about that?" he jokes, trying to lighten the mood. "I’ve heard I’m pretty stubborn.”

Your eyes flick up to meet his. You still feel unsettled, your heart still pounding, your stomach still roiling with anxiety. The emotion in those blue eyes is something you can't identify, something fathomless that strikes you with a foreign kind of fear, the kind that's shot through with hope that you shouldn't feel.

“You don’t know me too well yet, John,” you say gently, “but so am I.”

Image Credits: Banner

Dividers: 1 - 2 - 3 by @/Cafekitsune

[penny-anna]

hi everyone guess what time it is THATS RIGHT its fic rec time

Slowly but Also Like All at Once by putaposyinyourhair

"Any sign of Knuckles?” He huffs out a soft breath of air, mentally cycling through the answers that are starting to feel almost programmed by this point. Kris, he ain’t coming back. Kris, he’s gone, man. Kris, stop asking me shit I don’t have the answers to, dude. Instead he goes with something a little more sensitive. “Negative.”

AU based on the ending of Rise of the Beasts. tragically not updated for over a year but MUCH to chew on here & i must share this excerpt:

“Look, man, I can explain—” “Noah,” Reek begins again, tentatively— like he’s about to ask something that even he can’t quite believe he’s going to ask. “Did you fuck that car?” Noah damn nearly chokes on his own tongue.

Personal Space by Neon_Honeycomb

“Are you okay?” Cool, smooth metal presses against his face before he can even register Mirage moving, shattering the memory that’s slowly engulfing him until it dissipates entirely. He’s left staring again at the metal beams above, the backdrop of yellow clouds far behind them, and the movement of a single tree branch swaying just within sight. “Only you would have a roof fall on you and then ask if I’m the one that’s okay.” Noah and Mirage get trapped under a pile of rubble together. While waiting for someone to come free them, they get... comfortable.

its ur classic premise <3

lose my mind by Donts

“Do I turn you on, Noah?” Mirage murmurs lowly. Noah sucks in a breath, dropping his hands and opening his eyes, gazing at Mirage’s optics with surprise. Mirage is looking at him with a smug grin, and oh fuck. or 5 times Noah masturbates because of Mirage, and 1 time Mirage helps him out.

ohhh thats the good filth!!

A flickering spark, his unwavering spirit by caelleth

“We were… friends, weren’t we?” The words left his vocals before he could quell them, and Noah considered them before he could regain his wits enough to take them back. “...Yeah. We were friends.” His head turned, and he tore his gaze away from the mech, leaving Mirage to stare at his dust-fettered curls, struggling to find any words in this planet’s limited language that could ever hope to describe the unbearable mix of guilt and yearning and grief and above all that, unyielding hope that bubbled through his chassis. But it seemed no amount of words ever could, Cybertronian or otherwise. “I can see why,” was all he said to the human. (Or, the trials and tribulations of repairing a Cybertronian.)

another AU based on the ending of the movie. ohh this was a great time. the first Mirage POV chapter is a particular highlight.

Manhandled by SadVibez

Mirage picks Noah up to grab something on a shelf. Things quickly turn not so PG-13.

manhandling :)

An Old Mech Worries For A Human by SadVibez

During the fight in Peru, Noah was hurt after being dropped by Scourge. He hasn't told anyone and with Mirage to not fret over him, no one has noticed. Well, almost no one. Optimus notices Noah in pain and the two have a small talk.

a rare non-shippy fic. ohh i love a 'this character should have been injured let's talk about that' fic

Tactile Intimacy by BunnyFair

When Mirage makes an expected engine noise, Noah has to investigate and give his friend a thorough check up. Popping his hood, he soon discovers the world of tactile interfacing.

tactile interfacing for u!!!

human junk by Secretkept (KaiNinjagoo)

After a few nights of Noah sleeping in the garage, Mirage notices something he hasn’t seen before (PENIS)

firstly can i just say, summary of all time, i've been thinking about (PENIS) for weeks. secondly: great series feat. sexless robot Mirage & Noah navigating their relationship. love the realism of this one. great time.

Exposure Therapy by Neon_Honeycomb

“You’re not made of metal. I— I don’t know the limits of what you’re made of. I don’t know how much is safe contact, and when it turns into— when you— when I—” This is the part where Noah is supposed to get it. The part where he’s supposed to understand the depth of what Mirage has just told him, where he realizes the danger he’s in if Mirage so much as simply moves wrong at the wrong moment, the moment where he lets go and never comes near him again. He waits; waits for it all to click into place in that biological processor of his, waits for the moment he pulls his hands back to himself, waits for his face to morph into entirely justified fear. “I could break you, Noah, I could…” He’s not prepared for Noah’s expression to go soft. There's only one way for someone to learn how much strength to use when handling something, and that's through experience.

screaming yelling throwing up wailing sobbing:

Noah doesn’t break. He doesn’t immediately start leaking red, his face doesn’t even pinch like Mirage has seen him do when he gets hurt. And somehow that makes it so much worse when Noah looks up at him, looking just as good as he had a moment ago, completely fine, only for him to say, “Right there. That’s how hard it takes to start hurting.” like it’s no big deal at all.

[tw1l1te]

Can I request NSFW with Four?

YES.

Warnings: NSFW, 18+, some fluff

~

Assisting in the Forge wasn't easy work, which you were expecting. Despite traveling with the Chain, you helped out in the shop whenever you were back in Four's Hyrule, as you could both repair any broken weapons faster and get some extra rupees for the Chain.

It was nearing the end of the day, the sun setting over Castle Town steadily. You were exhausted, you burnt your hands at least twice today and spent over three hours separating metals into boxes.

Washing your hands in the sink, you sigh for what felt like the umpteenth time today. You hear the creak of the door, signaling that Four came back from talking to a customer or the head Blacksmith.

Turning around, you smile at him as you dry you hands on the apron, hands still covered in soot, dirt, or whatever other dust that never seemed to leave your skin, no matter how much soap and water you used.

"All good?"

"Yeah. Somebody was just picking up an order they had placed a few weeks ago. All done with work?"

You sigh, "Yeah, uh, just let me put away a few tools and we can head back to the others. We leave tomorrow, so should we bring our supplies back to everyone tomorrow, or...?"

Four shrugs, "Eh, we can just stop by tomorrow morning before we leave, that way we won't have to drag like... fifteen swords and cleavers..."

You laugh, turning back to the table in front of you, taking the cloth hanging from your apron to wipe down the range of tools. It was therapeutic, in a way.

You hear Four's breathing behind you, piquing your interest at his sudden quiet demeanor. Not taking your eyes of your task, you ask, "What's up, baby?"

You feel his hands on your waist, slightly squeezing your plush hips. He's not quite tall enough to place his chin on your shoulder, so he leans his forehead against the top of your back.

"Mm, just miss you."

You chuckle, "I'm right here, I've been with you all day."

"You know that's not what I meant."

You frown in confusion, turning around to face him, "What do you-oh. Oh."

His hands were on either side of your hips, eyes unqavering from yours. They seemed hungry, yet soft, for you.

You bite your lip, averting his gaze, "Why don't we-uh, let me finish up real quick and we can head back to the inn... back to my room."

He just gives you a slow, sensual kiss on your lips.

Alright then.

~

"G-gah! Four wait-"

"I've been waiting all fuckin' day, Princess."

He pushes you onto the bed, your hair splaying out around you like a halo. Like a goddess, he thinks. He sits on you, kissing under the shell of your ear, nipping the lobe lightly. His hands never leave your form, tugging at your top.

"Even with soot and dirt on you, you look perfect. Like you were made for me, baby."

You keen at his praises. Something about the way he praised your very existence made you more in love with him.

"Four, I need-"

"What, baby? Use your words."

"Mm- more. Please!"

He chuckles darkly, hands coming under your top and slipping it off of you, tossing it behind the two of you. He takes both of your breasts in his hands, squeezing the soft mounds. He brushes his thumb pads over your nipples, the roughness from smithing leaving a delicious texture.

"F-fuck. That feels so good, Four."

"I can tell, Princess. Take of your pants for me, you know I love it when you're bare f'me."

Under his piercing gaze, you slip off your leggings, his hands immediately latching onto your flesh once the pesky fabric was gone. He kisses his way down your body, sucking lightly at your skin every so often.

He noses your clothed heat, eyes locked onto yours. He then licks your heat, eyes watching your face. You try to keep yourself composed, but a whimper escapes your throat.

A dark chuckle leaves his throat, "Aww, that was so cute. Let's see how many more of those you can do for me, Princess."

[p1a9u3]

PeepHole Ch.1: Moving Day

Masterpost Ch.1 - Ch.2 Pairing: Dylan Matthews x Fem Oc

Rating: 18+ (mdni)

Genre: Neighbors/Strangers to Lovers, Smut, Angst, Fluff, Slow-burn

Summary: Moving isn't as exciting as Amoya thought, plus she may have pissed off her new neighbor.

Words: 3.2k

Warnings: (This story takes place in 2024) Mental illness (anxiety, ocd), Violent intrusive thoughts, Language, Age gap (5years), Using phone while driving

Status: Unedited

Author note: This is the first fic that I've ever posted, I've written before but I've never finished anything and published it so don't tear me to shreds, please. I chose to make an oc instead of just writing as a reader mainly because I made a whole character in my head before I wrote this so I decided to just make her an oc, if you would like a post going more into this oc of mine feel free to ask (I might post it anyway because I like her), there is no smut in this chapter btw. Please give me feedback and suggestions, constructive criticism, etc. Don't be a bitch about it though...please. I'm thinking of making this a series POSSIBLY, but I procrastinate a lot so that may never happen. To my fellow troublemakers hopefully, I do Dylan justice and my writing is at least a little bit accurate to his personality. Still, to be fair I'm a fairly new troublemaker having only found out about this man a few weeks ago, so if something isn't accurate please correct me...politely. He's become my new hyper fixation so when I saw there aren't really any fics about him I decided I should make my own so here we are. Anyway with that being said Enjoy <3. Update: Dylan is barely in this chapter

Monday, February 26, 2024 Time: 8:30AM Moving out was less relieving than you thought it would be. Having been by your mother's side for almost all your life, you'd gotten comfortable always having someone around.

'You can't live with your parents forever'

People would remind you whenever the topic of anyone's living situation would be brought up. Being twenty-seven and still living with your mother wasn't something you wanted to keep telling people, no one would take you seriously. Though your mother never pushed for you to move out, never mentioned it actually. You think you know why. You never say anything though, so you deal with the slight embarrassment, and ignore the judgmental stares you get whenever someone brings it up.

'They don't know our relationship'

More excuses you make up to justify your obstinance; and to mask the anxiety you're feeling as finish up packing your U-Haul. You had finished packing your stuff from your shared apartment and were now finishing the few boxes you had in storage. Now in the elevator mustering up the strength to carry the last two boxes back down to the truck. Grabbing the lock you had left on the floor, you place it on top of one of the boxes and stack the box onto the second one, bending down and lifting with a soft grunt. Long strides carrying you to the elevator, you push the down button with your foot. The doors open soon after, you step inside setting the boxes down as you push the bottom floor and wait. Pushing off the wall as the doors open you pick up the boxes once again, you quickly load them up into the U-Haul before grabbing the padlock from on top of the box, and then heading to the front desk of the storage building.

"Here, the unit is clean and empty." You smile at the woman as she takes the lock and keys with a thank you.

Turning on your heels you walk back to your U-Haul giving everything a once-over before locking it all up, now turning your attention to the hitch attached to the back of the Truck where your precious car is hitched too. It was a black and cherry red 1993 Nissan 240SX with a red interior, you had seen it while driving with your mom past a repair shop when you were 25, back then it had no windshield or wheels. You won't lie and say you fixed it yourself but you did invest all the money you had at that time to fix it up and color it how you wanted; you still would say it was worth it. Checking the hitch and chains attached to the bottom of the car making sure everything was set and ready.

"Everything looks good?" Your mother said making you jump

"Yah! A warning ma, please! And yes everything looks good, I packed up the last two boxes and returned the keys and lock to the front desk while you were in the bathroom." You let out a breath calming your heart from the scare you just had, your mom snickering next to you. You turn to her rolling your eyes playfully as you walk to the front of the truck, your mom following behind you.

"Good, let's get on the road." Your mom hops into the passenger seat and rolls down the window. "I wanna get home by Wednesday."

You climb into the driver's seat, buckling your seatbelt then checking your mirrors. You two had agreed on driving to your new apartment, taking turns every 5 hours, once you got there she'd help you unload and unpack on Tuesday, and your mom would then fly back to New Orleans on Wednesday. The more you think about it the more you feel yourself panic a bit.

"Okay."

Time: 9:00AM Starting the car, you let out a breath putting the car in drive and pulling out of the parking lot of the storage building. You could tell your mom was trying to keep herself calm by the way she would rub her right thigh with her right hand, it was a nervous tick she passed down to you. Unfortunately, you were just as nervous, so you decided to turn on the playlist you and your mom made while eating the night before, mixes of all kinds of genres put into one playlist to keep you both entertained during the drive. Pulling off the main road and merging onto the freeway, you glance over to your mom to see her smiling wide looking back at you. She has that look in her eyes, you know it well.

"Its happening ma." You smile back at your mom then look back to the road

Your mother places her hand on your thigh, letting out a long sigh and a soft squeeze before returning it back to her own lap. You see her wipe a single tear from your peripheral; you don't acknowledge it. She'll start bawling the second you tell her not to cry. So you pretend not to see it and start singing along to Erykah Badu, your mom turns the music up a bit and starts singing along too. You smile to yourself as you glance out your side window, watching as familiar buildings pass by in a blur, You think you'll miss this place. No, you know you will, but a part of you is kinda excited, relieved almost. You've silently always longed to live on your own, but another part of you calls you selfish for even wanting that until now

'How could want to leave your mother'

You know it's normal to want to move out of your parent's home, every grown adult has to move out at some point, and twenty-seven is a perfectly normal age to do so, You wanted to move when you were twenty-four. Hell, some people live with their parents till they are far in their thirties.

'But you know your mother may need you right'

All your brothers have moved out, they are doing good on their own, and you're the only one left. It was only a matter of time; you tell yourself. Your mom will be fine, she's dating a new man who treats her great and takes care of her. Hell he tried to hire a moving crew to move all your stuff, but you wanted to do it yourself and your mom wasn't going to let you drive almost halfway across the country by yourself.

'you could've found a place closer to her you know'

Phoenix, Arizona. You chose Phenix simply because it was affordable for you and close to LA, your mom agreed it was a good choice. There is work in LA, California is just so expensive, so you chose the next best thing. The apartment is nice from what you saw as well, one bedroom, two baths with a study. It was perfect for you.

Time: 11:23AM The drive was going well so far, your mother eating a bag of chips she packed along with all the other snacks and drinks. You were eating a Honeybun, one of your favorite snacks, and drinking water. Your mom had turned off the music and started watching YouTube with mostly commentary so you could listen and drive, Right now a video was playing talking about some ice cream drama in North Dakota. Author note: if you watched this video featuring Dylan is in Trouble, I know it's technically in the future but I don't care, this is all fake anyway. You found it interesting and kinda funny, laughing every now and then when your mom would pause to add her opinion. About two-thirds of the way into the video you glance down at the screen, there are two guys now instead of one, and one of them is wearing glasses, you glance back down looking at the title of the video 'Insane Local Ice Cream Shop Drama (w/ Dylan Is In Trouble)' You made a mental note of the second guy's name for later, his voice was nice you told yourself, he was also fine as fuck. You leaned your seat back as far as it would go, which wasn't very far, getting comfortable. You still have two more hours left to drive.

Time: 12:35PM Your mom had fallen asleep about ten minutes ago, YouTube was still playing, The next video had been the same guy as before. You looked down for a second, looking at the title of the video that had been playing for about fifteen minutes. 'Guessing Finales After ONE Episode (ft. Dylan Is In Trouble)' You smile to yourself a bit recognizing the name at the end of the title, you let the video play just listening to the guy talk for ten more minutes. You caught yourself smiling again when you recognized the second guy's voice as he joined in for the rest of the video, you took a sip of your water glancing down at the video, seeing him pop on screen whenever he had something to say

"he's funny." You mutter to yourself quietly, thinking out loud.

The video had ended and your lips fell back into their original position, as an ad played before the next queued-up video, you looked down at your GPS. 1322 miles to go; you let out a sigh.

'200 miles closer to leaving you mom'

She was helping you unpack, so you technically wouldn't be leaving her really. If anything she was leaving you since she had to fly back home. You prop your left elbow on the open window, your left hand holding the steering wheel, and your right hand comes down to your thigh, rubbing small circles back and forth.

'What happens if Devon goes back home'

Your oldest brother Devon was working at a mental facility. He was on his medication and was doing good, he managed to get a job there and has been making decent money. He was doing fine, He is doing fine.

'What if he stops taking his medication again.'

They will keep tabs on him, they know his habits, his symptoms, He is fine.

'Has another episode and gets out'

That wouldn't happen. He's fine

'He'll be there when mom gets back'

No.

"Hes gonna ki-'

-beep! beep! beep!-

Time: 2:00PM Your mom's alarm goes off, making you jump a bit. Reaching over to turn it off, your mom moans a bit as she wakes up from her short nap, stretching her arms a bit as she yawns.

"Jeste li spremni za promjenu." she yawns out, going for a sip of her water ( translation: Are you ready to switch)

Your mother's Croatian tends to slip when she's just woken up, or delirious. You nod your head looking at the next exit sign to find a gas station, spotting a Love's off the side of the freeway. Slipping off the freeway you pull up to the gas station before parking next to a pump.

"Bathroom?" You look over at your mom, she nods, unbuckling her seatbelt and hopping out of the truck, you do the same.

You both enter opposing stalls to relieve yourselves of all the water you had been drinking, washing your hands after. Your mother heads back to the truck to pump the gas as you browse the aisles for any extra snacks, spotting a honeybun you instinctively grab one, then two, and head to the cashier. You place your honeybuns on the counter and then look up at the cashier who seems to be invested in something on her phone, she wasn't wearing headphones phone volume at maybe thirty percent, you could hear what she was watching. You recognize the voice, the cashier finally looks up from her phone quickly apologizing for not paying attention.

"Oh I'm so sorry, will this be all" She quickly rings up the two honeybuns.

"No you're fine, that'll be it actually." You dismissively wave your hand pulling out your wallet to pay.

Looking down you notice her phone, she had put it on the counter, and the video on it had been paused but on the screen was that guy again, though it seemed to be a video of his own this time. You pull out some cash and hand it to the young woman behind the counter, she takes the cash, counts it, and then goes to get your change.

"No, it's fine, keep the change" Flashing a smile then grabbing your honeybuns you take another glance at the women's screen before it turns off from being left alone for too long.

Opening the passenger seat door, you climb into the seat buckling yourself in. Pulling out of the gas station your mom pulls off back onto the freeway continuing your journey. You pull out the bag you had brought for little activities, pulling out your book of choice. You had splurged at a Barnes and Noble a few weeks before you began packing, picking up a bunch of books you had either heard good things about or had been wanting to read. Red Rising was one of the books, it was also the one you were currently holding.

"I'm gonna put my headphones on, so you can listen to whatever you want." You tell your mom as you put your headphones on and pull out your phone.

You had gotten the book on Audible a while back and wanted to read and listen at the same time. Pressing play you turn to the first chapter and begin reading as the narrator spoke. Your mom seemed to have put music on, you could feel the bass as she turned up the volume and began singing along.

Time: 10:56PM Hours had passed, it was your turn now with two hours left till your next switch. Your mother was knocked out, lightly snoring as you drove in silence, you had stopped reading once you had switched. You also decide to put off reading it until you were moved in, the book had grabbed your attention, so much so, that you wanted to be able to focus on it solely; so you chose to wait. You had a couple hundred miles left to go and things were sinking in more as you drove silently. Your mind doing its usual thing, making you worry about things that most likely won't happen, even if it did, you know it wouldn't be your fault. You couldn't help but think maybe it would be though, it was a dumb thought but you couldn't help it

'What was that guys name again'

Your brain blanked for a second, random but ok, your brain goes back to the YouTube video your mom had been watching, that cashier was watching him as well. Dylan is in Trouble, you wonder what kind of videos he makes, most likely commentary. You pull your phone out glancing down and go to YouTube, you use the voice to text and hold your phone up to your mouth.

"Dylan is in trouble"

You press search, going back and forth between looking at your phone and watching the road. You look down to find his channel, press his icon, and scroll through some of his videos. Movie commentary is what you mostly see, occasionally you'd spot something different, you decided you'd dive into his channel later when you weren't driving.

Time: 5:00AM You were in the driver's seat, you had let your mom sleep more after she had been driving for about three hours. She was up now though, you could tell things were starting to catch up to her again. She was fidgeting a lot more now, well so were you, she looked very tense. She helped you find this apartment, but you assume she wants to see the neighborhood for herself, in person, wants to see how good the security is and what the neighbors are like. It's only natural, she's a mother and her only daughter is moving twenty hours away from her. You look down at your phone, your GPS says you are pulling up now, you look around the area, it was very nice, wasn't too far from the city. You spot the complex to the left, it was pretty big with multiple sections with apartments, you were building three, kind of in the middle of everything. You pull into the complex parking in front of the leasing office to speak to your landlord and to get your keys, your mom comes with you of course, sizing everything up.

"Hi welcome to Arts District Apartments, it's Amaya correct, my name is George?" An old-looking man stands from his desk, his hand reaching out to shake yours

"Thank you, George, it's Amoya actually" You reach out and shake his hand with a smile.

You two talk a bit about the complex and its rules etc. Your mom chimed in every now and then to ask her questions. Before you know it you're unloading the truck into your new apartment, you're realizing now that you didn't have as much stuff as you thought. The last thing you had left was your bed, you and your mom had been doing well with just the two of you, but after you two had gotten the mattress inside your mother's back began to bother her. Now you had your bed frame, you told your mom to relax for now and that you could get the frame up yourself. Partial lie, you previously took apart the bed frame and so there were mainly long pieces that weren't too heavy except the backboard, that thing was heavy as fuck, luckily you had a dolly at the storage building to help you carry it out, but now you have to carry it to the elevator and down the hall. You managed to get it down from the truck, and from there you lifted it and sped walked to the elevator, almost dropping the bed frame on your foot as you set it down to push the button. The doors had closed on you twice as you tried to pick the frame back up and lift it into the elevator, but alas you made it, now on the third floor and outside the elevator. You took pride in your body, you considered yourself strong, regularly went to the gym, and you would say your legs were the strongest part of your body, with that being said, you tried to make as little noise as possible since it was still early in the morning, you lost your footing. You were almost there, your door being right in front of you; but you fell. Landing on the door behind you hitting your head with a very loud thud.

"Bumbo." You whisper yelled at yourself in Jamaican as you set the frame down and leaned off of the door. (translation: Fuck)

Holding the frame upright you walk around it reaching for your door, the frame slipping from your fingers and falling against your neighbor's door again. You prayed that your new neighbor was either a very deep sleeper or wasn't home right now, though maybe you didn't pray hard enough. You lift the bed frame from your neighbor's door, getting your phone to get your mom to hold the door open for you so you can slide it the rest of the way inside. Stopping, you hear the door behind you click open. Your bed frame blocked your view of whoever had stepped out, but you could hear him.

Ch.1 - Ch.2

Updated Author note: Hopefully this was an enjoyable first chapter or part. The apartment is just a random apartment complex I saw on Zillow, everything in this is all fictional besides the YouTube videos and things that are obviously real. Anyway, I have decided to make this a series, I've gone into too much detail on little things like Amoya's intrusive thoughts and all that, and it'd be a waste to shorten and delete half of what I put and speed through everything, Amoya's intrusive thoughts and anxiety is a trait I added from myself, so you'll notice a lot of internal thinking and scenarios she makes up in her head. Hopefully, the idea is as cool as what I thought of in my head. If this does well, I will upload the other chapters one after the other, If it does bad I'll just delete everything, but please be patient I procrastinate a lot and I want the writing to be good. Please be honest and let me know how you all feel about this, if you like the writing, the main character, the pacing, the storyline, length, anything, and everything, I need criticism but don't be a bitch about it.

[ablobwhowrites]

Thats not me

(feeling silly and I saw the game and wanted to make it a little more horror and sorry if my writing is shit, I just got on break after busting my ass on final 😭, I'm sorry my bestie's, I promise more yandere stuff, this is kinda practice to getting me back in the writing game after so long) flash back and dream dialogue= this

The clock ticked on the wall, m/n’s shift was almost over and he wanted to go back to his apartment and sleep but he had to wait for the night shift worker to come and that’s one of the parts of m/n’s job but even though everyone’s nice to him, he didn’t like the dopplers…he didn’t like how they looked at him, even after the first time he met one, he looked back at the clock and sat back “maybe I can rest my eyes for a little…the door is closed anyways” m/n said to himself as he closed his eyes for a little.

M/n was a kid, in high school with his friends, the clock ticked “man I can’t wait for summer. My mom is taking me to a doppelgänger free resort over sea’s” amber said “how about you m/n? You going anywhere?” She smiled at him “naw, I think I’ll stay home, I don’t really go out a lot” he looked at the door and then the intercom went off “please all teachers, keep you students in class, we are in shelter in place” the intercom turned off “eh it’s probably noth-“ then m/n jumped as he felt a tap on his shoulder, m/n was startled awake as he looked back and saw the night guard was here for their shift. M/n quickly got up and apologized for accidentally staying so long, but non of that matters now, he can now just go back to his apartment after a long shift especially with so many doppelgangers this week, maybe he should check in some vacation time but no he can't, especially with the rise of Dopplers getting so rampant the past week.

M/n's mind wandered as he then accidentally bumped into someone "oh I'm sorry! I should have watched where I was going" he quickly apologized as the person he accidentally bumped turns "oh no worries, Im just waiting for the elevator, it's been on the Fritz lately and has been slower than usual." mia stone said as the sound of the elevator coming down came louder and louder "yeah, I've talked to the manager and they said it would get fixed but apparently a Doppler nearly got it disguised as the repair man" m/n said waiting with mia, the elevator gate opened as the two stepped in, m/n pushed the button for the third floor as she stepped back "I just hope that this Doppler pandemic goes down, I heard that some are getting more hostile" mia said as she looked at m/n. "More hostile? What happened?" M/n said scared of the answer as mia looked at the carpeted elevator floor "it was on the news, four cases, one got in a supermarket and attacked several people but the D.D.D where able to get there fast, then the next was two that forced its way in a apartment complex, the door man was killed and the Dopplers where well killed on sight but the rest of the residents where okay, the two other cases the Dopplers where able to escape, but no one was hurt luckily..." Mia said as m/n gave a sigh, rubbing his eyes as he had a tired look on his face "I just hope the D.D.D will resolve this soon" mia looked at m/n "Im sure it will, I'm sure this will blow over soon" mia said putting a hand on m/n's shoulder and gave him a smile and m/n relaxed "yeah, I hope it does" m/n wishes he could have the same optimism as mia but he knew what those things could do, what they would do.

The elevator came to a stop, "well I'll see you tomorrow, and if you need anything, you can come to my apartment, I'm sure my husband would be glad to help you" mia said as m/n smiled "thanks mia, I'll see you tomorrow" the two parted ways to go to their apartments. M/n came, putting his hat on the hanger and his shoes away "Francis, you home?" M/n called out to his significant other as he closed and locked the door, "I'm in the bathroom! I got some takeout, I have a shift early tomorrow so I have to go to bed soon" francis yelled from the bathroom as m/n went to the kitchen to just get a bite to eat, he didn't need to eat fast but he was just tired, he didn't know why but the sooner he sleeps then hopefully he'll feel better in the morning. After M/n was done eating, he cleaned up after himself and got ready for bed, he saw Francis was already in bed so m/n tried to be as quiet as he could to put his PJs on and get in bed without trying to disturb Francis. M/n got in bed and Francis snuggled up next to m/n, "sorry I got back so late" m/n yawned as he held Francis close to him, "no, it's okay, just get some sleep, I'll cook breakfast tomorrow if I can" Francis said as he fell asleep and m/n followed suit.

M/n raised his head from his desk, he's in the same classroom, "please all teachers, keep your students in class, we are in a shelter in place." The intercom did the same thing, but why this dream? What it a dream? It feels so familiar yet these people in class, where they all re- "eh it's probably nothing, probably a Doppler spotted near the school" Amber said as m/n's other friends nodded "well how about you tom? Any summer plans?" But before he could answer, the power went out and there where people screaming and running in the hallways, something then screeched "what is t-" the door busted open as a Doppler, but it looked human yet monstrous, it's mouth unhinged like a snakes, it's arms turned into some kind of pray mantis limbs as the rest of the legs like a centipede, easily crawling and its mindless bloodthirsty hunger made it run towards anything that made sounds and anything that ran from it, smashing into desks as students got up and ran, some being able to dodge it as it smashed into walls, smearing blood that dripped from his jaw and the insect like arms, everything was a blur, screams, people running, bumping into each other as m/n hid under the teacher's desk after it was thrown to the side. He saw the half eaten people on the ground, the window could be a easy way to get out but smashing It would attract it to him, even chasing him outside. It stalked the room, like it knew m/n was in there, waiting for him to make a run for it until it weaseled it's was in, through the barricaded classroom that m/n tried hard to make sturdy. He didn't wanna be eaten, he wanted his mom, he wanted to go home then it stopped near the desk, m/n froze, it knows hes here it wasn't dum- "it's okay kid, come out" it's distorted voice called out as it slowly lifted the desk, "it's safe now" "it's safe now" it's safe now" it kept repeating. "It's safe" it stared straight at m/n, it's human disguised arms holding the desk up as it drooled, it's drooled mixed with blood as it hit the floor. "your safe now" its jaw split open as it smiled at him.

M/n woke up in a cold sweat as screamed as sat up, Francis who was getting dressed rushed over to m/n "m/n! What happened! Are you alright!" M/n sat up as he panted, looking wildly at the room, then looking at Francis "Im okay, I'm...I'm okay, just that fucking dream again" m/n said as it rubbed his eyes "it just keeps coming back" Francis looked at m/n worried and sat on the bed with him "how about you take today off, you need a day off" Francis said and m/n was about to protest but was cut off "no, no you need it, please" m/n sighed and looked at Francis "I'll call them and tomorrow I'll stay home" Francis smiled "okay, but I mean it, I just think this Doppler stuff is getting to you." M/n sighed "yeah, just the news and all, it's probably getting me paranoid but I promise I'll take tomorrow off" the two shared a small kiss as m/n got ready for work and Francis left to go to his. Maybe it'll be good to use some of those sick days, won't hurt to take a small break.....right?

(IM SO SORRY IVE BEEN NEGLECTING YOU GUYS, IM SO HAPPY I FINALLY GET A VREAK, ILL TRY MY BEST TO DO THE REQUEST IN MY DRAFTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, IM WRITING THIS AT 12 PM, IM SO SORRY BESTIES😭😭😭 also yes we doing yandere dopplgangers to and yandere neighbors and also, that dream may not be a dream. But anyways I love you guys so much, I'm sorry for being away so long😭😭)

[littlebluentebook]

Alastor x Sewing!Reader

Hi everyone! This is my first ever fic but I have read far more than anyone should in a lifetime! Please let me know if theres any criticism. Im open to other ideas and fandoms (that I will eventually make a list for.) I'm merging some chapters I have just because they're short or make better sense that way and tried tot keep things gender neutral. If I slipped let me know and I will go back and edit! This is probably super out of character but I did my best! Hope you all enjoy :)

Chapter 1 <3

You and your husband had always gotten along like a house on fire.

Every other week a client would come in asking for costumes and repairs for a speakeasy she sung and danced at.

"-just say Anne invited you love n' they'll be bound ta let you in!" she exclaimed while picking up her newest order for the night ahead.

"Well darling I'll just have to see if I've got any sort of plans." You said knowing full well you were going to come up with new patterns until eventually falling asleep.

"Come on Y/N, Ive been coming to you for months! Don't you want to see where all your heard work goes to?" Anne was definitely pulling your strings taking advantage of your curiosity. She had a point.

"I suppose you've gotta point Anne. What time are you starting tonight?"

"Nine!" She was bouncing up and down in excitement. " I've got to get going now doll! See you tonight!"

The jingle of the bells on the door signified she was gone. You started to realize what you agreed to and panicking.

"Oh my goodness gracious!" you stressed out loud, "what even am I going to wear! Im going to look ridiculous- I don't know a single soul there! What if I make a fool of myself?!"

Your thoughts battles for longer than you would like them to eventually grabbing a paper riddled with measurements no longer needed and started writing pros and cons of visiting Anne.

Pros: Cons:

Meeting new people! Showing up alone

Can make friends Looking like a buffoon!

New possible clients

Deducting that embarrassment is temporary, your cons list could easily be eradicated by breaking out of your shell and talking to others. Plus, Anne would be there and she was your friend... kinda? You considered her a friend but was unsure if she felt the same way. Well, she did invite you to visit her tonight, at the very least she will introduce you to her friends! There shouldn't be a worry.

With your mind finally set you heard the clock strikes four. Ashamed of how long you let your thoughts get the better of you, you got back to work. The task was to complete a keepsake blanket from a wedding. You created the dress for the newlywed, sitting for hours with her finding the perfect materials and creating patterns and designs for her. In the family, it was a tradition to create a quilt from the dress of the bride using the grooms suit as a border. All the pieces were cut and you could not wait to sew them together and create a stunning memento.

Chapter 2 <3

you knocked on a door two streets over from your shop. A short lady opened the door raising an eyebrow.

"And who might you be?"

"Im Annes... friend," you tried. "She comes to me for her outfits and graciously offered me the opportunity to come a view her performance tonight."

The lady's gaze hardened, staring at you intensely.

"It looks like I have got the wrong place then, I am so sorry to waste your time," you stammered taking a step back away from the door.

"Oh Mimzy! You mustn't be giving anyone trying to see me a hard time now!" Anne's bubbly voice spoke from behind the short lady who must be Mimzy. "Y/N is a good friend of mine! Works far too hard for me and deserves a break, plenty of time to relax!"

Mimzy bursted into a smile and reached for a hug. "of course! Welcome! Sorry for being all prude- just had to makee sure you weren't anyone coming tottery and ruin what I've got going for me here" she drawled.

"No ma'am of course not! Im just here to watch my friends performance then I'll be outta your hair, away from your 'do," you explained to Mimzy while she dragged you from the door to the bar.

"Nonsense my dear! Please have a drink and stay awhile!" you sat at the bar with Mimzy talking about how difficult it was to be a female business owner. No one takes you lot seriously!

The lights dimming and shinning on stage caught the room's attention effectively hushing all conversation. Anne sauntered to the center of the stage, dress shimmering. You recognized it as the most recent dress that you crafted for Anne. It was stunning on her.

"My oh my! Look at the handiwork that went into making that dress. Must of taken days!" a familiar voice chipped. You were unable to put a name to the voice but luckily Mimzy did it for you.

"Alastor," Goodness! The radio broadcaster! You had always loved his voice, you would have his station playing while sewing- waiting patiently for songs to end just to hear him speak. "Our dear friend Y/N made that specifically for our lovely Anne!" Mimzy exclaimed.

She admired your work while Anne sung and waltzed around the stage. You were incredibly proud of your work. Every detail of that dress took so much time and effort and turned out beautifully. The fringe was all hand cut, the lace took countless hours of stitching for the perfect design and finally the beads. Each bead had to be placed individually in the right spot on the dress to shimmer. It was a fine dress indeed.

"Y/N, how would you like to make dresses and suits for the rest of those who preform for me?" As soon as the song ended Mimzy had dropped the question, ensuring she wouldn't tale any attention away from Anne.

"Oh my! Why I would be honored and ecstatic to! Thank you so much for the opportunity Mimzy!" You were so excited! Sure the flapper dresses were hard work and time consuming, but now, seeing how they looked on a stage, in front of an audience, made you realize you didn't mind all the time and effort it took into making them.

Mimzy left her seat in an excited hurry to go get paperwork for you.

"You know," the broadcaster- Alastor leaned over Mimzy's now empty seat, "she goes on and on about how beautiful Annes dresses on stage are." The comment caused you to blush but he continued, grabbing your hand gently. "I must agree with her, although the lady behind the creation of this wonderful attire is much more beautiful than what she creates."

With that Alastor kissed the back of your hand with his lips. You were speechless.

Mimzy came back with paperwork and Alastor smiled at you. The three of you spent hours conversing, telling both jokes and stories.

"Oh my!" You glanced at the nearest clock- almost one in the morning. "I have got to get going! I have to open the shop in the morning."

"Do you ever take days off darling?" Alastor asked softly.

"Only Sundays. No one is out on Sundays!"

"Goodness! -at least let me walk you home. You know its not safe for a lovely person such as yourself to be out alone this late."

"Are you sure? I don't want to inconvenience you at all Alastor."

"Of course I'm sure dear, its not an inconvenience if its you." The words were rolling off his tongue and you blushed so hard it could have matched his vest.

"Your performance was amazing Anne! You are so talented, I have definitely been missing out, I am going to come back to watch you! " Enthusiasm and pride towards your friend took over. You wanted to let her know what you thought before you suddenly ran off.

"Thank you for coming out tonight for me. Sure was nice seeing a friend in the crowd!" A jittery wave of happiness washed through you at her last statement.

"Im so glad to hear you enjoyed yourself!" Mimzy gushed to you giving a farewell hug. "Blessed to know you'll be coming back doll."

"Of course! You have an amazing place Mimzy. This is a pleasant change of scenery compared to what I'm used to!"

With your goodbyes concluded you walked out the door arm in arm with Alastor.

[valerie-is-in-the-cupboard]

The Big Bad Wolf - Chapter Three: The Wolf and The Crow - Bigby Wolf x fem!human!reader

Table of Contents | TWAU Masterlist | Main Masterlist ⬴ Previous Chapter | Next Chapter ⤀ AO3 | Wattpad | Quotev

Security Office The Woodland Building 🕓Three days later...

"No answer..." Snow said as she placed the phone back on the desk, a frustrated look on her face. "Are you sure she never mentioned that she was going somewhere?" she asked, looking at Bigby.

"No..." he answered, as he put out the cigarette. "She didn't say anything."

"Great... Our only lead is missing."

Bigby was torn, the weight of silence pressing heavier with each passing day. He hadn’t told anyone about that night—not even Snow. The words lodged in his throat like barbs, a dangerous truth he wasn’t sure anyone could handle. He hoped that (Y/n) would give him a chance to explain. A chance for him to repair everything. But before he could, she was nowhere to be found.

The thought that she might share the truth was eating at him. He knew it would be a mess, both for him and her. He had to do it. He had to save her, despite what anyone would think. But even he knew that, if it came to it, he wouldn't be able to protect her if the Fables wouldn't agree with his decision.

"Maybe the others were right… Maybe she…" Snow's voice faltered, but her expression hardened. "Maybe she’s more involved than we realized."

"What?" Bigby cut her off, making her reconsider her words. "You think she did it?"

"I..." she paused, a part of her regretting letting the others' opinions get to her like that. "I don't know... I don't want to accuse her, but... She is the last one who saw them and now she just... disappeared?"

"If she’d been there recently, I’d have picked up her scent," Bigby said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Maybe the smell has worn off? You don't know how long-"

"About two weeks, based on the cat." Bigby clarified. "Also, the piece of clothing... It doesn't belong to any of them, but neither to (Y/n)."

"Then why did she run so suddenly?"

"Maybe she's visiting someone, I don't know!"

A knock on the door interrupted them, as the door slowly opened.

"(Y/n)?" Snow said, her tone shifting from relief to suspicion as her gaze swept over the dishevelled girl. "Where have you been?" (Y/n)’s eyes flickered to Bigby, a silent plea passing between them before she spoke.

"Sorry, miss White..." she said, closing the door behind her. "I... I've been visiting a friend but..." she looked at Bigby, her eyes pleading for just a moment of understanding. And he caught that. "I need to talk to Bigby… Alone, please?" Her voice wavered, but her eyes were steady—pleading, vulnerable.

"Alone?" Snow asked, a bit taken aback. "I don-"

Bigby’s chest tightened. "Alright," he said quietly, holding her gaze. "Snow, give us a minute."

"Fine," Snow snapped, her heels clicking sharply against the floor as she turned on her heel. "Bigby, I'm waiting for you to see me." The weight of her suspicion lingered in the room even after she was gone.

"(Y/n)... about what you saw..." he started, hesitating for a moment.

"I haven't seen anything," she answered, quickly, a bit startled.

"You did and... I'm not gonna hurt you if that's what you think." he said, his soft tone calming her down for a bit.

"I just..." she started, sighing. "I don't know what I've seen... What happened..." Bigby could tell she was desoriented. Confused. She looked tired, as if she hasn't slept ever since. "But that's not why I'm here, Bigby."

Bigby raised an eyebrow. "No?"

"No. I heard what happened to the Johnsons and I... I needed to see you."

He leaned against the desk, his eyes never leaving her. "And I'm glad you did... But I need to ask you..." she raised her face slightly, almost not daring to look at him. "Have you told anyone about that night?"

"No. I just... I slept at a friend's house... I told her I bumped into my ex and..." she paused, trying to recollect herself. "I'm not gonna tell anyone, Bigby... Have you...?"

"No. I did not tell either."

"Not even to miss Snow?"

"Not even her. (Y/n), we need to talk about-"

"And we will." she cut him off. "But the Johnsons are more important right now! I really need to talk to you because..." she took a deep breath, looking away. "I will sound fucking crazy... But whatever happened to them..."

Bigby got up, moving his chair closer to her. "What’s going on, (Y/n)?" he asked, his voice a low murmur, threading concern through his usual gruffness. His eyes scanned her face, searching for any clue she wasn’t yet ready to give. It broke him more than he liked to admit to see her like this. Torn apart. Betrayed.

(Y/n) hesitated, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her sleeve. She looked at the ground, her shoulders trembling as though the weight of her secrets might crush her. "I didn’t know where else to go," she whispered.

"Just tell me, (Y/n)... After everything, there's little that could still be considered crazy," he reassured her.

"They had their problems..." She glanced at the door, her voice quiet.

"Problems? With someone?"

"No. You know... Couple problems." she explained, Bigby furrowing a bit at the statement.

"Was Daniel..."

"No, not that kind. Daniel was ok. Both of them were." a tear appeared in the corner of her eye as she remembered them. "They wanted a child and Lena was very frustrated about it. They tried everything her doctors told her... Nothing worked."

"And?" Bigby asked, a part of him not sure where the situation was going.

"I suggested a surrogate or adoption but... she wanted to have the baby herself... And..." she sighed, looking away. "she started acting weird. Desperate. And I didn't blame her, I mean... I can't imagine the pain she felt but..." Rubbing her eyes, (Y/n) tried to find meaning in her own words. "Normally, I wouldn't have... " she stopped, trying to gather her thoughts. "What happened that night, Bigby, it made me think."

Bigby leaned back, his brows knitting together as a flicker of guilt crossed his face. He’d seen desperation before, and it never ended well.

"She started talking about seeing a witch... She was so sure that this would solve everything and I..." a tear fell down her cheek. "I didn't even try to stop her... Because..."

Bigby softly placed his hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "It's fine, (Y/n)... You're not to blame."

She gave him a small smile, making his heart skip a beat for a moment. "I just thought 'Hey, what's the worst that could happen? She's gonna lose some money but in the end, she's gonna accept it.' But weird things started happening after that day..."

"What weird things?"

(Y/n) hesitated for a moment. "She didn't give me details. She said everything was taken care of. But her cat... That cat was the sweetest cat and suddenly he was so skittish and... aggressive. The way he’d stare at me—like he saw something I couldn’t—it still gives me chills. " her voice was deranged, almost broken as she spoke. "I have a cat too, you know that Bigby. They do weird stuff, sure, but... That cat freaked the fuck out of me..." She quickly reached into her pockets, trying to find her pack of cigarettes, a disappointed look on her face appearing almost immediately. "Shit... I forgot them..."

Bigby quickly reached for his pack, offering her one. "Thanks." she said, lighting it up and taking a long drag, her hands shaking. "I always felt watched since that day..." she continued, her voice more stable. "One day… I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. It was eating at me, you know? So, I did what I swore I’d never do—I went through Lena’s stuff."

Bigby listened carefully, the possibility of a Fable hurting the Johnsons getting more plausible with every word. "She's always been interested in Paranormal stuff... hence I probably never questioned her decisions. But there was a book she received as a gift once. She joked around saying it had spells and rituals about everything and obviously I... thought it was just... well, a joke." she paused, for a moment. "I found the book, Bigby... it had weird markings and... drawings... that seemed to be drawn with blood."

"Blood? From the cat or...?"

"No... I don't think so, at least. You know, Lena and Daniel, they always had their fingers bandaged. When I asked, they always said it was just a kitchen accident, but I'm not sure it was the truth... Bigby," she continued, her tone more alert. "Do you think... something hurt them? Something that's not..."

"Human?" Bigby continued, as she slightly nodded. "Could be. I need to investigate further though..."

"I can help."

"No!" Bigby’s voice was firm, laced with an edge of fear. "You shouldn't know about this stuff, let alone get yourself into this shit!"

"I know them better than anyone in this building, Bigby!" she protested. "Look, we're gonna solve the issue with me knowing about your secret after we find them... whatever would that mean..."

"(Y/n)-"

"I deserve to know what happened!" she said, her tone leaving no room for disagreement. "I want to..."

Bigby's eyes softened at her words. He knew she felt betrayed by the only person who seemed to understand her. And a part of him knew how that felt. "Fine... But you're not gonna tell anyone what you told me!"

"Sure."

"I'll let you into the apartment so you can have a look too... But after that, you let me handle it, understood?" his tone wasn't intimidating. He was worried. Worried that this world might get to her eventually.

"Yes," she answered, a faint smile appearing on her face. Bigby stood up, getting ready to leave when her voice stopped him in his tracks. "Bigby?"

"Hm?" he said, turning slightly to face her.

"Thank you... for..." she hesitated a bit, looking down at the ground. "listening..."

He gave her a small smile, a part of him glad that her trust wasn't lost. Not entirely, at least. "Yeah... You're welcome..."

The door to the apartment opened slowly, allowing (Y/n) to enter, followed cautiously by Bigby. She took in her surroundings, the atmosphere in the room suffocating her.

"Just... don't go into the bedroom, ok?" Bigby said.

"Why?"

"Let's just say Mr. Whiskers didn't have the best ending..." Bigby said, making (Y/n) shake a little at the thought as she answered with a quiet "ok..." Her eyes fell onto the laptop that lay on the desk.

"Have you checked the laptop?" she asked, Bigby, giving her an awkward smile.

"I wanted to ask Flycatcher to do so... I'm not really... up to date with this stuff, you know? Besides, it has a password."

Her eyebrows furrowed slightly. "A password? Lena didn't really use passwords before..."

"No?" Bigby asked.

"No... she didn't really trust laptops and phones, so she avoided keeping important stuff on them anyway... so she said there's no point," she said as she opened the laptop. "Maybe something changed..."

(Y/n) thought for a moment, looking around the room. Bigby approached, a curious look on his face as he crouched down a bit, looking at the screen. She quickly typed in something - incorrect.

"Shit..." she muttered, thinking of something else. Bigby watched as her fingers moved across the keyboard when suddenly the access was granted.

"How'd you do that?" he asked a genuine hint of surprise in his voice.

"I tried Daniel's birthday at first," she explained. "... Then Whiskers'...."

"Hm." Bigby huffed, getting up. "I guess we know which one was the favourite..." Bigby muttered with a smirk. (Y/n) shot him a dry look, but a small chuckle escaped her lips. He walked towards the big bookshelf. "You look into it. How did the book look like?"

"Um, black... with white symbols on it..." she slightly turned, scanning the bookshelf. "It's on the first shelf - to your left." she pointed before returning to the laptop.

Bigby grabbed the book, shuffling through the bloody pages. "Yep... that's blood." he said as he sniffed a bit. His eyes fell on the writing, reading some of the spells that were marked. "I can't tell if these are genuine... I'll have to look into it." he said, placing the book on a table so he could take it to the office when they're done. "Bufkin will have a Hell of a time..."

"Bufkin?" (Y/n) asked, looking at him confused.

Bigby gave her a smile. "Yeah... You probably gonna meet him too at some point..." She shrugged it off, turning back. He slowly approached her, his eyes fixated on the screen. "So? Anything?"

(Y/n) sighed. "I'm looking through her messages but... I can't seem to find anything... Wait...." she said, a suspicious message getting her attention. "She archived this conversation..."

"Archived?" Bigby asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Hid it." she explained, her eyes running through the multiple messages. "It's apparently a witch called Sunday. They talked about some rituals for fertility."

Bigby looked at the woman's profile. "Tarot reading and rituals, huh?"

"You know her?" she asked.

"Doesn't seem familiar... Might be a mundy pretending to be a witch."

(Y/n) looked at him, a small smile playing on her lips at the term. "Is that what you call us? 'Mundies'?"

"Hey, you come with a better term." He replied, his eyes still stuck on the witch. "I don't think she would've exposed herself like that..."

"Well, fortune readers are quite common... Not many people believe they are genuine, though..." her eyes fell back on the messages, trying to find something more useful. "She asked for 3000 dollars? That's a lot." she said and turned to Bigby. "They had money but I doubt Daniel would want to spend such a fortune on some readings..."

"Yeah, not many would..." Bigby said, intrigued. "'Come to me anyway. We'll find a way and deal with the money later.'" he read the last message from the witch.

"Bigby, what if they were in debt? What if they couldn't pay?"

He thought for a moment. He knew witches. And he knew that whoever dared not to pay them was forced to endure severe consequences.

"If she’s the real deal, she’s not the kind to let go of grudges easily. This could get messy." His mind was full of possible scenarios. "Does she do at-home readings?" he asked.

"Um, it doesn't mention. Why?"

"There are no signs of forced entry... They let someone inside..." he looked around the room again, the actions seemingly playing in his head. "Someone who ended up attacking them."

A cold goosebump ran (Y/n)'s back at the idea. "Aren't witches and black cats also... related somehow?" she asked, trying to shake off the weird feeling.

"Yeah... They are. That'd explain why she killed the cat."

"Shit..." (Y/n) muttered, the room suffocating her. "Do you think they're still... alive?" she hesitantly asked, afraid of the answer.

"Might be... Depends on the witch's plan." he said and noticed the look on (Y/n)'s face. "Look, we might still have a chance. We have to see if this witch is a real one first. She might give us a lead." he said, trying to reassure her.

"And... how are we going to do that? Her page says only customers will get the address by making an appointment."

Bigby sighed, sitting down next to her. "Well, if the witch is real, even if I don't know her..." he hesitated for a bit. "She surely does know me. And she surely wouldn't just..."

"I can make an appointment." (Y/n) suggested.

"No. Thanks for helping, (Y/n), but i need you to stay away from now." he said, his tone firm.

"Bigby, you said it yourself. The witch, if she's real, she knows you. If I call her and go there, she won't have any idea who I am."

"No. It's too dangerous!" Bigby said, no hesitation in his voice.

"Bigby... I am just going to enter and talk to her," she explained, confidence obvious in her voice. "You’ll be right outside. I trust you’ll handle it if things go south."

He looked at her, a part of him sure it is not a good idea. A terrible one actually. But he knew she was right, even if every instinct screamed at him to keep her away. "I'll think about it..." he said eventually, her smile slightly growing at his words. "But don't make me regret even considering it, (Y/n)!"

Her eyes lit up, determination shining through the lingering fear. Bigby felt a knot tighten in his chest—partly admiration, partly dread. He just hoped they weren’t walking into something they couldn’t walk out of.

"Did I ever?"

[kangals]

ok now that i've had a day to get my panicky moping out of the way. here's whats going on with stellina (writing down for my own reference but also bc i am a chronic pet over-sharer):

yesterday morning when i got out of bed she came out of her crate and was walking on 3 legs, completely non weight bearing on her right rear. i thought maybe her foot had just fallen asleep but when it didn't improve after a few minutes i got very concerned. i did a quick check and she seemed resistant to me bending that knee but otherwise didn't show any discomfort.

and here's the thing about stellina - i love her so much, but she is kind of a pussy. she has a very low tolerance for stress or pain - at the first sign of discomfort, she will go tuck herself into her crate and stay there. she is NOT stoic. when she fucked up her tendon as a puppy, she yelped and went into her crate and didn't leave for a week. but knowing this... she was acting completely normal, even while on 3 legs. tail wagging, alert, calm, totally at ease. which told me that while clearly her leg was not right, she was also not in pain or distress.

after a few minutes she had progressed to toe-touching lame instead of fully holding it up, so i was able to coax her down the stairs and then into the yard. after another minute she was limping, but bearing weight. again, acting normal: sniffing around, went potty, even played with kep. i took them both for a short leash walk and by the end of it she had pottied, scent marked, sniffed, etc totally normal, and only had a very slight limp by this point. cool, crisis averted!

i let them back inside and she went and layed down for a few minutes while i got their food ready. but when i called them over to come eat, she was non-weight bearing again. and again, same pattern: it would gradually improve after a few minutes of exercise, but sitting/laying down for any period of time would make it stiffen right back up.

i ended up taking her to my work's urgent care office to get looked at. the vet did a manipulation test of her knee and said that she noticed two things. first, that her patella (knee) was very slightly loose (patella laxity is graded on a 0-4 scale, with 0 being normal not-moving knees, and 4 being "this dog's kneecap has left the building." vet said stellina's was like a 0.5 - very slightly loose). second, she was able to slightly move her leg sideways in a way that you shouldn't be able to if your CCL (ACL in ppl - the ligament that keeps your knee vertically aligned basically) is intact. so her suspicion was that stellina's right CCL has a partial tear, likely due to the slight movement in her patellas slowly increasing friction on the CCL.

she also tested her left leg and said while that patella is also very, very slightly loose, there's no sign of CCL damage on that leg yet. however about 60% of dogs who injure on CCL also injure the other within a few years.

she sent her home on some NSAIDs and requested a consult with the surgery department. the good news is that after a single dose of the meds, stellina is acting like 95% better - still has some resistance if i bend her knee, but is walking without lameness and still acting very normal.

so right now, we're waiting for a consult with the surgeon so she can do an exam and either confirm the first vet's findings, find something else, and talk about options for treatment.

unfortunately once a CCL has been damaged, it can't repair itself. so assuming the surgeon agrees that there's CCL damage, it leaves us with the following options:

use NSAIDs, physical therapy, and restricted exercise for several weeks. hopefully this will let the tissue around the knee scar up/thicken enough that it creates a bit more stability in the knee. it doesn't fix the tear, and the CCL is still at risk of tearing more/rupturing in the future, but it may buy some more time - just impossible to say if that will be a month or two, or years.

go in and surgically repair the CCL before it has a chance to worsen or rupture. this is done with a TPLO surgery where they cut part of the leg bones and add a metal implant to stabilize. it's a very common surgery with a very high success rate, but it is expensive (at least $4-5k per knee) and has a long recovery period (6-8 weeks restricted exercise + 2-4 months rehab and building up muscle).

i'm trying not to get too ahead of myself on either option until we talk to the surgeon for their opinion first. on one hand, i don't want to put my dog through surgery, especially one with such a long recovery period - we've already done that when she fucked up her achilles, and it sucked. i hate the idea of signing her up for months of crate confinement and discomfort for an elective procedure. but on the other hand - if the CCL is torn, it's not going to fix itself. it seems stupid to just sit around and wait for it to rupture and become an emergency, especially if there's a chance that the other leg might go as well. if we do the surgery within the next month, she'd already be halfway through recovery by christmas time.

so yeah, that's where we are currently. hopefully we can talk with the surgeon this week and get a better idea of the options, and make a plan. i want to do whatever is in stellina's best interest, whatever that ends up being.

[beeehiives]

Scars

Healing together, bandage changing, and boys kissing

Steve stays with Eddie in the hospital, after everything. He watches him breathe under the sterile, too-bright lights of the room, and reminds himself that he's alive.

His own wounds are light in comparison, his neck taking a few raspy days to heal up and his bat bites lightening to pinkish healing tissue in no time.

It takes Eddie two excruciating days to wake up, and when he does he's all groggy and confused.

He lays a hand over the extensive bandages covering his torso and croaks out a weary "made it, huh?"

Even with bleary eyes, messy hair, and furrowed brows, Steve still thinks Eddie looks beautiful. He holds his tongue.

It's only after Eddie's released from the hospital under strict guidelines not to bother his healing wounds that Steve realizes how deep his damage goes.

Steve volunteers to help Eddie around the house - his shifts at Family Video have been put on pause as the whole town repairs itself from the "earthquake" a few weeks ago - and Eddie still needs help with activities that require lifting his arms; getting dishes down from the cabinet, changing his shirt, even laundry.

Steve catches glimpses of it in Eddie's cagey behavior. He makes him close his eyes when he changes Eddie out of his shirt, only letting him look when he's cozy in his pajamas.

He'll refuse completely when Steve offers to help him wash his hair or face, changing the topic as quick as he can.

It comes to a head when the doctor starts letting Eddie change his own bandages at home if needed - his healing is coming along steadily and Eddie keeps complaining about making the trip out just to get poked and prodded at.

Still, he's supposed to have help. The bandages go all the way around his torso, and Eddie's still not supposed to be twisting around.

Eddie tells Steve that Wayne always helps him out with the bandages, so no need for him to worry. He tells Wayne that Steve's been doing it.

One night, Wayne's at work and Steve's at the new Munson Residence (thanks, government hush money), working on cleaning that night's dinner dishes.

Eddie darts by him, having grabbed fresh bandages from the hallway closet and making his way to the bathroom.

"Whoa, dude, you changing those?" Steve stops washing the bowl in his hand. "Shouldn't you wait for Wayne?"

"I'm not--It's fine, really." Eddie says quickly. Steve puts the bowl down and faces Eddie, drying his hands.

"I thought you weren't supposed to be doing that by yourself."

"It's not that big of a--"

"Eddie," Steve says, firm. "Let me help you. You could seriously hurt yourself."

Let me help you. Let me take care of you.

Eddie looks stuck between a rock and a hard place. He's gone too long without changing them, since the last time he did it he got lightheaded and had to sit on the floor of the bathroom, hunched over in pain with tears stinging his eyes.

"Fine," It's barely a whisper.

They awkwardly shuffle to the bathroom, Steve rolling up the sleeves of his sweater and Eddie fiddling with his rings.

"Okay," Steve says. "I don't mind looking away to help you change. I don't want to make you uncomfortable. But I've gotta look to do your bandages. How does Wayne usually do it?"

Eddie shifts uncomfortably. He's not sure what to do with his hands.

"I don't--He doesn't, really." Eddie says quietly. "I don't want him--anyone to see. What I look like."

Steve's heart sinks. He feels guilty for not realizing how this was affecting Eddie sooner. He wants to reach out, to take the feeling away. He tries for words.

"I've got some too." Steve reaches for the hem of his sweater. He lifts it enough to show the remains of his bat scars, still healing but well on their way to becoming scars.

"Oh, and--" Steve continues, parting his hair on the left side of his head to reveal a thin, white scar. "That one's from a plate to the head. Fun times."

Lastly, he moves the neck of his sweater over to reveal a circular, purple scar just below his collarbone. It's old, clearly. The wound looked like it had been deep.

"There was a thing that happened at the mall, before it, uh, burned down These guys were interrogating me, and I wasn't giving them anything, so, you know," Steve makes a vague gesture. "Knife time, I guess."

"Can I touch?" Eddie whispers. He's been silent this whole time, staring at Steve like he's seeing him for the first time.

Steve nods, moves to take off his shirt, and lets Eddie feel his way around his scars. He closes his eyes when Eddie gently runs his fingers through his hair to inspect the scar Billy had given him.

Eddie's hands drop to his stomach, gently tracing over the bat bites, moving their way up until Eddie closes his palm over the scar near Steve's collarbone, causing him to shudder.

"I just--nothing could make me think, could make me see you as anything other than--beautiful," Steve breathes. "I want you to know that."

Eddie nods. His gaze is unreadable. He holds his palm over Steve's chest for a few seconds before stepping back.

"Could you take this off?" Eddie gestures to his own shirt. Steve nods, grabbing it by the hem and closing his eyes before lifting it.

Once it's off, Steve puts it on the countertop, keeping his eyes shut. He feels a gentle hand on his face.

"You can look." Eddie says. Steve opens his eyes to see Eddie's eyes, lovely and wide, staring up at him with trust.

"May I?" Steve asks, reaching for Eddie's bandages. He nods. Gingerly, Steve removes the layers of wrapping from Eddie's torso. Eddie has moved to steady himself on Steve's shoulder.

Once they're off, Steve makes eye contact with Eddie again, checking in.

"Doing okay?" At Eddie's nod, Steve takes the new bandages and wraps them around, having to step closer to fasten them behind Eddie's back.

All finished, Steve starts to move back. He's stopped by Eddie's hands on his waist.

"Thank you," Eddie whispers. He's leaning closer. "Hurts much less with you doing it."

"I'm glad." Steve manages. His gaze is glued to Eddie's lips. His heart is pounding.

Eddie's the one that crosses the boundary, kissing Steve with gentle fervor, hands wrapping around Steve's waist.

Steve breathes out like he's been suffocating, bringing his hands up to cup Eddie's jaw.

Between tongues and panting breaths and beating hearts, Eddie breaks away for a few seconds to manage: "Do it for me every time?"

Eddie heals a little smoother after that.

-+-

Smooch smooch thank you for reading, as always feel free to submit a fic/ficlet request via my bio (•‿•)