#perhaps too ooc for him to not be hateful

[reidscherrygirl]

೯⁺ 𖥻 𝓢𝗢 , 𝗞𝗜𝗦𝗦 𝗠𝗘 ! ᰋ

ꨄ︎ 𝒫airing : : 𝒮pencer reid x female!bau!reader

ꨄ︎ 𝓢ynopsis: things change after a slip, & what was once a secret is now impossible to ignore.

ꨄ︎ 𝒞ontents : : fluff. teasing. established ( private ) relationship. eavesdropping ( but not on purpose ). sexual content ( fade to black ). inappropriate team teasing. spencer reid x female!bau!reader. fire ( the case ). too many cuts but that's just because viana has no idea how sex works. grammatical errors. ooc. viana's first language isn't english so bare w her !! reader wears cherry lip gloss.

ꨄ︎ 𝓦ord count : : 1k+

ꨄ︎ 𝒲hispers of viana : :

001. some sent me anonymous asks about party4u,,,, i fear i won't be posting it anytime soon, so take this

002. also,, p5 of hhhl later,,, ish

003. i have no idea how sex works i have no idea how sex works i have no idea how sex works i have no idea how sex works fade to black fade to black fade to black fade to black fade to black fade to black fade to black don't sue me don't sue me don't sue me don't sue me don't sue me don't sue me

004. this is kore's rival,, according to her.

005. the case is similar to that one ep from s1 but let's ignore that,,,,

006. stupid filter. STODPD DAMMIT

𝓣he case was exhausting. four fires, three states, two weeks, & one unsub with a god complex. it began in churches. empty ones, burned out, symbols carved into the floors. initially, local PD believed it was a series of arsons, perhaps hate crimes. but when the fourth was a home with people in it━━a baby━━the bau was called.

you were already exhausted when hotch debriefed the team. but the pictures? they destroyed what little energy was left in you. fire does something intimate to people. it consumes & devours & leaves only ash.

"circles within triangles," reid said, standing next to the projection. "it's an alchemical symbol. historically linked with purification rituals."

you looked at him. of course he did know that. & of course he was handsome when he did tell it━━intense, lips slightly parted, voice gentle but assertive. it was frustrating how much you loved him.

but no one else knew it yet.

finally, after a long, cold night staked outside a barn posing as a place of worship, you caught him. you all worked around the clock locating him. each hour you weren't able to find him was another hour he could've burned something else to the ground.

& that should’ve been it.

but it doesn't just stop for the bau. there's always the aftermath. the paperwork. the quiet ride back to the motel. the way people cope with the burn of what they witnessed. or in your case, how you sit looking at him across the parking lot as someone positions folding tables with food from town. ( such a once in a blue moon experience. )

there were fairy lights hung up. someone was playing guitar off-key. spencer was a ways away, drinking warm lemonade, his shirt rumpled, his hair blown about. you approached him from behind wearing his cardigan ( that the team wasn't aware he owns because it was newly bought ) you'd borrowed ( stole ) it earlier because it was chilly & didn't intend to return it.

"hey," you said quietly.

"hey," he replied, still not looking at you. "did you know that fireflies utilize bioluminescence not only for mating, but also as a defense against predators?"

you smiled. "are you flirting or trying to educate me?"

he turned, smiling slightly. "can't it be both?"

you kissed him before you had time to think about it. it was nothing, really, soft, lips brushing together softly like a vow. he came in as if surprised, but in the best possible way.

& then.

you heard someone cough behind you.

you turned. saw hotch turning away.

oh.

"do you think he noticed?" you asked softly.

"statistically? yes."

you elbowed him. "kiss me again before i change my mind."

he came in, half-lidded eyes. "kiss me again."

but you took a step back. "no."

"what━━hey," he pouted. literally pouted. you bit your lip to keep from laughing.

"later," you said, smug & sweet.

you didn't mean that later.

your motel room smelled of soap & coffee. one lamp on the bedside table glowed, casting gold shadows on the wallpaper. spencer loomed over you, shoes removed, tie off, fingers jerking with the need to touch.

you hardly got the door shut before you were kissing.

this time it wasn't gentle.

this was weeks of dead ends & hotel beds & whispered goodnight over walkie talkies. this was the way his mouth smashed into yours like he needed it, hands framing your jaw, firm but shaking.

you tasted of cherry lip gloss. he moaned low against your lips, as if the sweetness made his knees go weak.

"you taste like━━" he breathed.

"cherries," you replied between kisses. “i bought two more before the case started."

"god, it's not fair how good you taste."

he kissed you again before you could taunt. this kiss was sloppy, hungry. his fingers closed around your waist, drew you in. your hands slipped beneath his shirt, palms against warm skin, & he groaned into your mouth.

you gasped for air & whispered, "can i take this off?"

he nodded at once, voice rough. "yes. please."

you slid his shirt off slowly, your fingers tracing every contour of him. he was lean, warm, gorgeous in the dim light. you kissed his chest, & he let out a soft sound, half-whimper, half-moan. & god, that did something to you.

"my turn," he whispered, lips against your ear. "can i?"

you nodded, heart pounding.

he undid your blouse slowly, delicately. like unwrapping a sacred thing. he looked at you for a moment, then kissed your shoulder.

"you're…" he shook his head as if he couldn't come up with the words. "you're everything."

you smiled, heat rushing up to your neck, & he kissed you again.

the bed creaked as you collapsed into it together.

your lip gloss on his cheek. his hand on your thigh. his kisses slowed & desperate until it was like he was sipping sunlight from your lips.

he stopped. "are you sure?"

"yes," you panted.

"say it again."

"spencer. yes."

he breathed shakily, forehead against yours. "i love you."

"i know," you whispered, drawing him closer. "i love you too."

his hands went with respect as he took off the rest of your clothes━━always asking, always checking. you assisted him in undressing, & after that, there was only skin & kisses & panting you & his voice alone as he kissed every part of you he could reach.

spencer awoke first.

which was funny, since normally you did. normally, he woke up to the hum of you humming something or shuffling through the packets of motel coffee, your hair a halo of sleep & your eyes all soft with dreams.

but this time? this time you were draped over him, still half-naked beneath the motel blanket, your cherry gloss smeared thinly on his jaw. the sun hadn't even risen yet, but the sky outside was colored pale lavender, & your breathing was gentle against his chest.

he was the most content he'd ever been.

& then your phone buzzed.

he groaned softly, stretching just enough to grab it without waking you. he peeked at the screen,

hotch: team breakfast. lobby. 7:30.

spencer blinked. the clock read 7:42.

"shit," he breathed.

you rolled over & opened your eyes. blinked at him.

"hi," you mumbled.

"we're late," he whispered, pushing hair out of your face.

"worth it," you said, smiling into his chest.

he kissed your forehead. but neither of you budged for a few more minutes. the bed was too comfortable. his arms were too perfect wrapped around you.

until another message was sent. or well, messeges.

jj: if you guys are dead in there, please respond.

emily: or alive. & just disgusting.

morgan: if y'all busted the headboard, someone's covering it.

penelope: ????‍????

spencer looked at the screen stunned.

"we didn't turn off our comms," he whispered.

"...oh,"

you both sat bolt upright. you glared at the nightstand.

his radio was still on. yours? blinking faint red.

you fell face-first into the pillow. "we're never living this down."

spencer groaned, hiding under the sheets. "do you think they heard all of it?"

“if they didn't, i would worship every greek god there is.”

"all of it," emily said, holding her laughter.

the team ( besides you & spencer ) took their time to talk about the “noise” they were hearing last night.

"i wasn't even trying to eavesdrop," jj said, pouring coffee. "but at some point it just became impossible not to."

"i want to bleach my brain," morgan grumbled.

penelope was waving a breakfast menu in front of her face. "cherry lip gloss. cherry lip gloss, guys."

hotch appeared in the doorway, took in the destruction, & didn't even bother to ask.

"they're not down yet?"

"oh, they were very up last night," emily replied.

hotch blinked. "…i don't want to know." ( he already knows ).

when you & spencer finally entered the lobby, it was like the trojan war.

emily gave you a standing ovation. jj pushed a cup of coffee down the table with the tag "walk of shame juice" on it. morgan stared at spencer with the most dramatic raised eyebrow man had to offer.

& penelope? oh, penelope gasped & hurled glitter. you assumed she brought it everywhere. which shouldn't be a surprise.

"congratulations on the consummation of your cute, geeky love!"

you rolled your eyes & ducked behind spencer's arm.

"you guys," he said plaintively, "please━━"

"no please," morgan replied, clearly amused. "just why. why did you leave your comms on?"

"it was an accident!"

"mmhmm," jj replied, taking a sip of her drink. "you accidentally told her to say it again, spence?"

emily coughed on her coffee.

you slapped a hand over your face. "can we not?"

hotch gave you a long, deadpan stare. "if you're going to start sleeping together, fine. but double-check your gear next time."

spencer nodded furiously. "yes. definitely. of course."

penelope leaned over the table. "okay but, like. was it good?"

"penelope!"

she held up her hands. "sorry, sorry! i mean. i know it was good. the way you were moaning━━"

"oh my god," you yelped.

spencer turned bright red. "i'm gonna go sit in traffic for five hours."

"aw, don't be shy, reid," morgan teased. "that was passion. real romance novel stuff. do you write sonnets in the dark?"

"shut up," you grumbled, tossing a napkin at him.

"do you whisper sweet nothings while breaking down kiss frequency data?" emily chimed in.

"guys," jj said, "leave them alone. they're adorable. just…next time? muffle yourselves. or give us warning. or reserve a different hotel."

hotch massaged his temples. "i don't get paid enough for this."

later that evening, on the jet ride home, you snuggled up beside spencer on the couch.

"they're not gonna let us forget, are they?"

he smiled at you. faintly. "maybe in a few years. maybe."

you smiled softly.

he leaned forward. "but…for the record?"

"yeah?"

he kissed you softly. slow. warm.

"it was worth it."

© reidscherrygirl

[mr-zestypants]

✩ First post!

Anaxa x m!reader (cis or trans), SFW, hurt/comfort

Squeezing a dead-man's heart with a duncey looking plushie.

“I thought you would like this, sorry- It’s a little ugly..” You sheepishly laughed, nervously looking to the floor.

Now that the time to actually present the gift was here, the effort you put into making and wrapping up this Anaxa-looking droma looked like you had instead paid a 5-year-old to create his gift.

Anaxa held the drooping plushie gently, he had no idea how to react.

You both stood still, scarily still. Your mind was running with those classic self deprecating thoughts: “Does he hate it? He loves dromas, he can’t! But, maybe he’s offended by the shitty eyepatch? Damn it, I should’ve just commissioned this!”

Meanwhile Anaxa still observed the plushie.

“I’m going to snuggle with this every single night.”

After an agonizing second he spoke at last, “Thank you, I will take good care of it.” He truly didn’t know what else to say. Although he had lots of thoughts about this silly little plush was he going to admit to any of them? Absolutely not.

His simple appraisal was enough to ease you in an instant. “I’m glad you like it!” You heaved, heart rate just beginning to slow.

Anaxa nodded in acknowledgment then quickly departed. He rushed himself to the bathroom to quietly cry about this small gift.

It was so simple, just a normal looking droma with an eyepatch horribly sewed and colored to look like his. He could tell the droma plush was bought and the eyepatch was done by his beloved, perhaps that made it all the more special.

He couldn’t help it when a stray tear just so happened to slip by his grasp, he felt weak. Memories of his sister and happy moments of his destroyed hometown hit him like the tide.

“Tch, this is pathetic.” Anaxa laughed to himself, staring at his disheveled stature in the mirror. Rarely did he cry, he would prefer to change it to never.

His abrupt departure had you confused. It was normal for him to leave in a rush but this was too rushed. Obviously you had to go after him, you would pass away waiting for him!

“Anaxagorous?” You called. Thankfully this was his house so you knew where to look.

Bedroom empty, office empty- there weren't exactly many places for a grown man to hide in; so you checked the bathroom.

You tried to open the door but of course it was locked. "Anaxagorous?" You pried softly, leaning into the door to hear if anything was amiss. If he was actually using the bathroom that would be really awkward. Then again, you didn't see the plushie placed anywhere- why the hell would he use the bathroom with a droma plush? You concluded something was wrong and if he was using the bathroom with a droma plush that would be especially awkward to witness.

Anaxa cursed under his breath, but what could he expect? He couldn't just weep in the bathroom like a sad child, hesitantly he opened the door.

“Apologies, I just-“

“You don’t have to talk about it, do you want a hug?”

He sighed, not initiating but nodding in approval. You walked forward- both of you just behind the bathroom’s door frame.

He was stiff, arms squeezing you gently but you could tell he wanted to squeeze just a bit more. A ragged sigh left his lips and he muttered, “Thank you..” right next to your ear.

Anaxa could feel his eye swell up again and a tear streak his face. Perhaps it was closest he felt to having his family back since the last time he laid eyes on her.

—

AN: AGHH FIRST POST!! Sorry if it’s OOC.. very much not proofread, lmk thoughts!!

[tenthmusing]

just thinking about this lgbtq suicide prevention video by the house cast

[trelawnyyy]

thing that is eternally hilarious to me is rdr2 enjoyers rarely mention trelawny but when they do it's always about how hot he looks when he's beaten half to death

i mean. i guess they aren't wrong. but- JKNFGKMJLF

[sonolynn]

Forbidden Fruit

summary | Jace didn't want her, but Aemond did.

pairing | Aemond Targaryen x Fem!Reader

tags | 18+ MDNI, Jealously, Aemond yearning, explicit sexual content, mentions of bastards, loss of virginity, unprotected sex, size kink (?), oral f!receiving, Angst if you squint. "Technical" infidelity but is it really if Jace started it? (yes). ooc!Aemond (probably). NOT PROOF READ (its one am, leave me alone).

w.c | 3.8k

note(s) | My first smut fic!! Ah I'm scared...I also think I have a problem with making Aemond want fem!reader when he rightfully can't have her. Also I swear I'm not a Jace hater!! I love Jace, but in this fic specifically I made him long and wish for Baela.

____________________________________________

“Why don’t you marry her then?” 

Aegon’s voice was taunting, as if pushing Aemond to say something. Aemond stared down at the cup in front of him; even with a stoic expression, his mannerisms betrayed him. He tapped his finger against the edge of the cup, he picked at the skin around his nails on the opposite hand-all the tell tale signs of thinking, a mind that cannot be stopped. 

“Because she is betrothed to Rhaenyra’s bastard.” His voice dripped with malice as he spoke. Aemond hated that Jacerys would inherit the throne enough; What his bastard nephew didn’t need was the girl Aemond had wished for his entire life. Ever since the two of them were children Aemond had a…weird infatuation with her. When he was a boy, he would pick flowers from the garden and he would purposely do good deeds for her, just to have her hug him or smile graciously at him. 

But now, everything was different. She was a woman grown, and him a man grown. She was to be engaged to his bastard nephew, and he would have to sit and watch as they shared a kiss, held hands, smiled and danced as newlyweds. He’d have to hold a straight face as the two of them left to Jacerys’ bed chamber, only knowing the connotations that came with what would happen on their wedding night. 

Ignoring his brother's tedious rants about hells knows what, Aemond stood from his chair, opting for a walk in the gardens.

____________________________________________

Aemond walked, hands clasped behind his back, and his gaze drifted into nothingness as he walked with just his thoughts, and the cool breeze that accompanied the summer evenings. He tried to distract himself from the thoughts of her, for they were all almost too painful to ever truly think about. 

But he couldn’t help himself. He thought of her as a sickness, one that lingered and grew stronger by the day until it fully consumed your every waking moment. He thought of her laugh just as contagious as the plague, her eyes as intoxicating as the finest of wines. He thought her to be a type of sickness, and he so desperately wanted to be affected. 

Aemond was never one to smile-one to truly-smile, his half smirks or half smiles were only ever in a sarcastic sense, but for some reason his smiles were real with her. With her he laughed a little more, with her he walked a little faster. He knew it was stupid, perhaps perpetually idiotic-to ever think, let alone long for such a pure and innocent creature. 

As Aemond walked, he noticed her sitting by one of the fountains in the garden. She looked breathtaking, he thought to himself. Her hair was down and cascaded down her shoulders, her face was just the perfect amount of shaded with the moon's light. And above all, she held that intoxicating smile that she always held. He never knew why she was always smiling, nor did he wish to find out. 

She turned her head, her smile widening at the sight of Aemond. 

“Aemond!” Her voice was cheerful, slowly standing as he walked towards her. 

“Princess,” Aemond smiled-a half smile-at her as he looked around, then slowly back at her. “It’s quite late. Should you not be in your chambers?” 

She always thought the way he cared for her, even if he didn’t show it outright, was extremely enticing. She knew how he was with others, but she knew the differences he had with almost everyone in court-so what made her so different? Why her, the object of the second son's affection. 

“Perhaps I do not wish to sleep. Perhaps…I quite like the quietness of the garden.” She smiled innocently, looking back towards the fountain as she started to walk. Aemond knew her well enough to see that this was a quiet plea for him to join her; Because no matter how much she enjoyed the quietness of the garden, she enjoyed it much more when he was with her. 

Aemond stared at her, as he often did, but this time, it was different. The stare he held was nothing short of primal. He watched the light in her eyes as she smiled up at him and for some reason, now, he wished to watch as the innocent light in her eyes slowly dwindled as he claimed her. 

“Aemond? Is something wrong?” Her voice snapped his thoughts back, if only for a moment. She stopped walking to look up at him and she crossed her arms underneath her chest. His eye trailed down slowly, fixating on the way that her cleavage just slightly out of her dress. He was like a man starved; Clinging to the littlest of details that would make his imagination run wild. 

She seemed to notice the way that his eye raked over her chest like a starving man, and her face flushed with embarrassment. She-though subconsciously-reached up to place her arm over her chest, but to her surprise, Aemond gently took her hand, and when she looked up, his one sapphire eye was locked with hers. 

“You needn’t cover up. Not around me.” He spoke calmly, though his heart was racing and his head spinning. He let out a shaky breath as he lowered her hand and looked into her eyes. 

She watched him carefully, searching his gaze for anything that would betray him. In truth she didn’t know what she was searching for, but she felt as if she should be searching for something. 

Aemond lifted a hand, placing the back of his knuckles against her hot cheek. The gesture was gentle, and slow, something he was not known for. His eye slowly trailed down her face, and his eye caught on her lips, his breath heavy as he reached his hand up and gently placed his thumb over her plush bottom lip. 

Her eyes followed his, big, and full of longing. She stared at him as his thumb pushed against her lip. She didn’t know exactly what to do; She knew that this moment was intimate, far too intimate to be happening between a betrothed woman and a bachelor. But, the way he gazed at her made her feel hot, and the way he trailed his hand over her face and body made her want to see where this could lead. 

His free hand shakily went up to her waist, cupping it firmly as he brought her closer. He leaned forward, just slightly, till his nose was pressed against hers. Her breath hitched, and her eyes instinctively closed. She waited for him to press his lips against hers, to feel his mouth on hers like she had (shamefully) always wished for. But, it never came. 

When she opened her eyes again, she saw Aemond breathing heavily, desperately trying to restrain himself. He pulled away slightly, and he shook his head,

“I shouldn’t take advantage of you…not like this.” Though his words held conviction, it seemed his body betrayed him. His hand stayed on her waist, slowly trailing up and cupping her breast in his hand. She gasped softly at the feeling, and his thumb went to her lip again before he connected his lips to hers. She responded immediately, putting her hands on his arms. 

He kissed her like he was dying, his body subconsciously reacting more to the kiss then he’d wish it to. He pulled her flush against him, his strong hands coming to cup her face, his shoulders shrugging in a futile attempt to have her closer. He opened his mouth, causing her to gasp at the feeling of his tongue against hers. Her mouth moved with his as if it was known to her; As if this was a dance she had practiced for years to perfect, as if the dance of her lips was a song that Aemond had mastered just for her. 

She practically melted in his arms. She had been kissed before; Jace was a good kisser but he was soft, and the kisses were never not chaste. But, kissing Aemond was like walking through fire. Her entire body reacted to the way he clung to her body, how he pulled her impossibly closer. It was like a fire had escaped through his lips and was now coursing through her veins and settling in her abdomen. 

Even though she didn’t know exactly what to do, it seemed her body did. Her hands slid down his arms and slowly made their way to his chest as she moaned softly. 

The moan grounded him, like he had been falling from the heavens and down to earth. He suddenly pulled away, breathless as he stared down at her. Her eyes opened steadily, and she looked up at him with confusion while a frown graced her kiss swollen lips. 

“We shouldn’t have done that.” He spoke breathlessly, his hand still gently stroking her side. 

“Maybe not..but it felt good.” Gods, the way she spoke held him in a chokehold. He wished desperately to dive back into her; To drown in her lips and never come up for air, but.. 

“Not again. You are to be married.” He suddenly pulled away and at the feeling of his hands leaving her body, she frowned deeper. 

“Aemond-” “Goodnight, Princess.” 

And with that, the prince turned and rushed back into the keep. 

____________________________________________

Aemond couldn’t sleep. He tossed and turned in bed, picking at his nails, biting his lip-genuinely anything to help stop the incessant thoughts of her lips. 

The thoughts started off sweet and innocent. The way she looked up at him as he trailed his thumb over her lip, the way her lips pursed just slightly when he leaned forward. 

But then the thoughts got venereal fast. He thought about how he felt to finally kiss her. The way his lips practically burned when they pulled away. He knew that as he gazed at her kiss swollen lips his night would be harbored with thoughts of what they’d look like doing gods knows what else. 

His hand slid down underneath the sheets, firmly grasping at his length as he let out a shuddering breath. He hated doing this; Feeling so pent up and so desperate that he had to resort to using himself. But as of right now he couldn’t care less. 

He imagined her lips around his cock, her innocent eyes gazing up into his. He’d imagine the way she’d gag around him, how her lips would look kissing the head of his cock. 

He groaned at the thought, his head tipping back as he closed his eye and let his thoughts wander more. He’d think about how she’d look with his seed covering her lips and her chin, how she’d moan his name as he devoured her between her legs-

He peaked with a gasp, and a low moan of her name. The minute his orgasm washed over him, and he started to slowly come down, he felt an intense feeling of guilt, shame, but most of all pain. 

Guilt and shame because he hated himself for touching himself to someone who couldn’t be his. 

Pain because she’d never be his. Pain because he knew that no matter what he did, she’d still be betrothed to Jacerys. 

____________________________________________

The next morning, she sat alone at breakfast, supposedly liking it more that way. With her fiance practically ignoring her, and her father too entranced with kissing the king's ass, she learned to enjoy the solitude of just…nothing. 

Plus, she always had her thoughts. Even if they were only occupied with Aemond. 

She played around with the food on her plate as her mind trailed. She remembered the way he kissed her, how he held her. She felt happy, something she so rarely felt with Jacerys. 

She knew how he felt, how he longed for and wished for Baela. She did not blame him, she was beautiful, but she also didn’t feel sad, which, at a point did bother her but, not so much. 

At least, not after last night. 

She smiled to herself as she thought about the kiss, wishing that he would do it again, longing for the way the heat escalated through her body. 

She didn’t register the voice next to her until it spoke her name. 

She looked up, surprised. But, when her eyes met with Aemond’s, her heartbeat quickened, and she smiled. 

“Aemond.”

“You’re not hungry?”

“What?” “You’re not eating.” “Oh,” Her cheeks flushed red for a reason unbeknownst to her, and with a soft huff, she pushed the plate away, “It seems as though I have lost my appetite.” 

Aemond looked concerned at that, and he looked down at her. Despite himself, he found himself worrying yet again for her comfort, her needs. 

“Is something the matter?” She shakes her head, but for some reason, Aemond was persistent. “If this is about what happened last night, then I should apologize-” 

“Apologize?” She interrupted, sitting up straighter at the mention of the word. “Why?” 

“Yes…apologize. Because we should not have done that-”

“But I wanted it to happen.” 

Aemomd stopped and he slowly looked towards her. His eye pierced into hers as if to read every thought and emotion that crossed her brain. He just simply couldn’t believe her. 

“You shouldn’t say things you do not mean, Princess.”

“You don’t know that I don’t mean it.”

“Princess-”

“Aemond.” She said his name as if to challenge him, and he knew that he truly could never challenge her. He saw it in her eyes, he saw by the way she looked at him and smiled that she wished for him just as he wished for her. But these feelings-these blockages-would only cause unnecessary trouble. 

“Please, do not give me a hope that cannot be upheld.” Her heart broke a little at that, and, as he stood to leave, she instinctively stood with him, taking his wrist in her hand as she pulled on his arm. As if the small gesture would stop him from walking, (it did). 

“Aemond please..You do not know what I wish for.” 

His lip curled down into a small frown as he looked at her. He knew what she felt-at least he thought he did-but even if his suspicions were right, even if she did wish for him like how he longed for her, he couldn’t. He may dislike, perhaps even hate his nephew, but he was better than stealing his fiance. 

Right?

“We cannot. To be with you would disgrace your family and the alliance-” 

“Fuck the alliance!” She swore, her eyes boring into his as she studied his face. “Fuck the alliances Aemond, I wish for you. Desperately, I wish for you. Jace does not see me like how you do. Jace does not make me feel the way that you do-”

“It does not matter if Jace makes you happy or if he makes you feel desired-” “He does not wish for me as you do!”

“Princess-” “You do not understand! We are speaking of breaking it off. Neither of us wish for this.” Aemond went quiet at this and he sighed heavily, turning his full body towards her. He pried his arm away from her, staring at her incredulously, his body language giving no open window to how he was truly feeling. With no words coming from him, she continued. 

“I love you.” At those words Aemond showed his shock. He took a step back from her and he raised an eyebrow. 

“You do not mean-”

“Oh for the love of-Yes! I mean it! I love you, Aemond! I love you as if it is breathing! Instinctively, not thinking about it….I love you.” 

Aemond couldn’t hold it anymore, he walked to her and gripped her face tightly, her cheeks squishing slightly in his grasp as he smashed his lips against hers. She initially was shocked at the sudden kiss, but she kissed him back fiercely, holding his wrists as she leaned up to kiss him deeper. 

He led her back until he pressed her back against the table, holding her thighs as he pushed her onto the table. His body fit perfectly in between her thighs, just like he imagined it would. His hands gripped her thighs, one of his hands traveling up, feeling and savoring the soft skin as he groaned. 

She pulled away from the kiss to leave small kisses along his jaw. He bit his lip at the feeling, the action presumably so innocent and so sweet it almost made him chuckle. 

He pulled back slightly, his gaze intense and lust filled as his hand trailed underneath her breasts. 

“Tell me to stop.” He demanded. His head was spinning with the lust that clouded it. He waited for her to push him away, or to whimper a soft “I do not think myself ready”- But she shook her head, bringing his head back to hers swiftly to connect their lips in another passionate kiss. 

He pulled away from the kiss, groaning to himself as he left hot, open mouthed kisses against her jaw and neck. He looked down, his breath heavy as he stared down into her cleavage. He wished for nothing more than to rip her dress open and kiss every inch of her body, but being in the dining room came with its disadvantages. So, he settled for kissing her cleavage, before trailing his lips down the fabric of her dress till he came to her thighs.

Aemond pushed her dress up as far as he could, staring at her the whole time. He slowly pushed her thighs about, giving her time to stop him but she never did. Gently kissing the inner side of her thigh, he tried to reassure her. He could see the uncertainty in her eyes; The way she looked at him with both anxiety and lust. He stared up at her searching for any sign or signal that would make him stop. 

“Is this okay?” Once he saw the light nod of her head, he disappeared underneath her dress. 

She had never been intimate with a man-courtesy of her father, enforcing the “Women should be pure” melodramatic speech into her head ever since she could stand. She always thought it to be a chore, only having heard stories from unhappy married women who hated their husbands, and much less disliked their children a little less, but this? This was exciting, this felt good. 

She placed a hand on his head, moaning his name under her breath as he ate her like a beast. His hands gripped her thighs as if to ground himself-He had tasted women before but for some reason she was so much sweeter, so much more divine. His eyes practically rolled back just from pushing his tongue into her heat, sucking gently on her flit before he pulled away slightly, focusing his attention on her clit as he dipped a finger inside of her. 

The sudden stretch made her jump, and gasp loudly. She may have pleasured herself before but it really never felt like what Aemond was doing to her. He eased his finger in slowly, dragging it back out, and then slowly pushing it back in. Hearing the moans that graced her lips, he continued the slow thrust of his finger for a moment before he added another one. 

She let out a loud moan, a hand on the back of his head as she pushed his head closer to her heat. She felt him chuckle against her, the vibrations only adding to the pleasure. She moaned loudly, perhaps too loudly for comfort, but Aemond only seemed to want more of those noises to come from her. 

He slowly curled his fingers, his mouth praising her clit. The added pressure with the curl of his fingers, and the sucking of her clit made her eyes squeeze shut. 

“Oh gods Aemond, I’m going to-” Just as her orgasm was going to consume her, it stopped. With her heavy breathing, and slightly shaky legs, she slowly sat up. Aemond smirked up at her, holding her gaze as he nipped at her inner thighs. “You stopped..” 

“Yes. Because if you are going to peak it should be on my cock.” 

Her face flushed at the words, and she stared at him with wide eyes as he pulled his trousers down slightly to free his throbbing cock. As their eyes met, he seemed to notice the slight anxiety in her eyes, because he pressed his forehead against hers and lined himself up with her entrance. 

“Tell me to stop if it hurts too much.” She nodded in response, and she wrapped her arms tightly around his shoulders as he pushed into her. She let out a gasp; The feeling was new, discomfiting but..new. Her face scrunched up at the stretch, and Aemond shushed her quietly as he started to move. After a few thrusts, her body relaxed, and she started to moan his name. 

Hearing his name fall from her lips was like a prayer answered, like a lifelong dream he had been waiting for. He grunted as he started to rock his hips back and forth into her slowly. It took everything inside of him to not pound into her, to fuck her like he had fantized about. He wished that her father could see her now, her maidenhood gone and her body fully submitting to the pleasure he so gracefully gave her. 

“Aemond..Aemond oh gods-” Her voice broke as he went faster, her moans only getting louder. She tried to wrap her mind around the pleasure he was giving her, the way his hips moved slowly yet deeply, the way the tip of his thick cock rubbed against the spot so deliciously. Her eyebrows furrowed, and she held him close to her. 

One of his hands was on her thigh, the other on the table as he thrusted into her, as if holding the edge of the table would stop the creaking sounds, or the way she moaned his name, or how his groans got louder as his climax approached. 

White splattered her vision as her orgasm washed over. She cried out his name in pleasure, holding him close as his legs trapped him inside of her. The feeling of her core pulsating and tightening made Aemond’s head spin, and he grunted out a moan of her name as he came himself, spilling his seed inside of her. 

As the two sat there, basking in the afterglow of being intimate, neither of them would move for what felt like hours. Even though the position that they were in was compromising, they smiled, and laughed softly at the situation itself. 

Once they both got cleaned up-the best they could get cleaned up for just having sex on the dining room table-Aemond took her hand. She smiled softly at Aemond, her heart racing in a new, and exciting way. The two stared at each other for a while, trying to wrap their minds around the fact that now, they could truly be together, or at least, now, they had a hope that they could be together.

____________________________________________

[valwrote]

PICK YOUR DOMESTIC HUSBAND 🛒

WHICH HUSBAND IS ON THE DOMESTICITY MENU TODAY?

featuring: diluc, alhaitham, zhongli, wriothesley, neuvillette.

synopsis: glimpses into married life with the genshin men.

warnings: implied fem!reader, occasional pet names, ooc (I have a sparse idea how diluc works, mention of "activities" (just mention I can't write smut pls), silly goofy ah loser coded men, mild swearing (damn, heck)

a/n: *stretching my back and crunching my neck.* I'm back from the dead. apologies for the choppy writing. thanks for the support on the other posts, if only I could write 50-page essays thanking everyone. <33 :')) not proofread.

DILUC 🍷

PRODUCT NAME: BREAKFAST AND KISSES IN BED. Diluc always hated the Knights of Favonius… 

He hated how most of them just stand around like buffoons and do not partake in any actual work that involves saving Mondstadt. He wouldn’t admit that he enjoys playing Batman. He hated them all except for one.

One he was willing to forgive all flaws of. "Knight of Favonius…always so inefficient,”  He scoffed at the pathetic sight of the hilichurls trying to dry roast a few knights roped to a wooden stick for their dinner. “Seriously, You’re so right Master Diluc.” Diluc’s head turned so fast at the sound of a new voice. When did you get here? Were you always there and how did he not sense you around?

That’s simply how you always were. A hard worker amidst slackers – he always termed despite Jean trying to explain that others work hard too. Perhaps that’s what caught his attention, honestly, he would never know what did. “G’morning…” He murmured against your skin, head buried in the crook of your neck, your flushed bare back pressed against him. “5 more minutes…” he heard your soft and groggy voice evoking a chuckle from the usually passive man. “Have I ever told you…how beautiful you are?” Diluc muttered against your skin. You smiled and turned around, “You always do. I remember my Dark-Knight Hero crying at the altar.” You pressed a finger against his chest, while he scoffed at the memory. “Don’t remind me about that, Kaeya doesn’t let me live that down…” He sighed, his brother consistently brought up the matter of him crying whenever he was losing an argument. Foul play if you ask anyone. “So…breakfast downstairs or in the bed?” He planted a kiss on your cheek while you hummed out a response, “Bed, you didn’t exactly go easy on me the previous night.” You recalled the events of the passionate night the day before. The honeymoon phase never seemed to end. “I am so sorry–” He panicked,” You're not in pain are you? I promise I’ll be gentle– I knew I should’ve been more considerat–” You stopped him by pressing a kiss against his lips. He groaned at the feeling of your soft lips touching his hands tangling themselves in your hair.

“I’m kidding silly… you should stop taking things so seriously unless you want me to start searching for grey hairs amidst those red locks of yours.” You snickered out seeing him release a breath of relief.

If the Darknight Hero really does exist, he's probably just someone in disguise. When he gets up in the morning to brush his teeth, it's the real him. He was his real him in front of you. People may call him a loser for such vulnerability…he was a loser for you.

ALHAITHAM 🌱

PRODUCT NAME: READING BOOKS OUT LOUD. One would say married to someone like Alhaitham was nothing short of a nightmare. They weren't 100% right. Shrouded beneath the aloof and meticulous personality resided someone who was in complete denial towards being loved. He loves it.

Who was he kidding? Nobody in a million years thought someone could put up with his insufferable personality — said Kaveh, his unpaying tenant. That was until he ran into you during his time as the newly appointed Scribe. You were like a painter, splashing heaps of paint in his 90s black-and-white life. Was eating ice cream always this enjoyable or was it because it was with you? Was the gossip between co-workers always this interesting or was it because it included you?

Why was his heart having an entire Queen’s rock and roll concert talking to you? Was it cardiac arrest or– He almost shuddered at the thought of it being what they called love.

“You’ve got flour on your face, sweetheart.” His teal eyes blinked amusingly into yours, a faint smile curling up his lips. You must have saved a nation in your previous life to land this man as your husband. Beige shirt perfectly sculpting around his abs – contrary to him calling himself “feeble,” hair slightly tousled and slight sleepiness in his eyes. He might not act like it but he was a little child whose needs had to be tended to like the coffee mug in his hands which you made, like usual. You wouldn’t want a cranky Alhaitham now, would you? “Hmpf, not my fault, this cooking book is completely bogus!” You rubbed your cheeks with the back of your hand, wiping away any remaining flour. “This is so boring…if only someone could provide their poor wife with some entertainment.” You always resorted to theatrics to get him to do things for you, albeit begrudgingly. “No, the same tactic is not going to work again.” “Please…” “No…” He groaned, tone almost pleading not to put him through the torture again. “During better or worse!” You resorted to the ace up to your sleeve. WEDDING VOWS! “Stop quoting the wedding vows.” He sighed in defeat. The most intellectually gifted man in the nation couldn't win against his own wife. Ironical. He got up and grabbed a book out of the bookshelf; a small fraction of his much larger library.

“Miss Elizabeth,” Alhaitham lazily flipped through the pages earning a rebuke. “More emotion! You are ruining the scene.” Alhaitham sighed and cleared his throat, “I love you most ardently…” His tone was feathery soft, emotion surging in it. A smile crept up as he stared at you endearingly.

“That’s much better. Though I seriously think Mr Darcy should’ve said– Miss Elizabeth, allow me to kiseth thy lovely lips.” You mimicked the deep voice of the character with the failing British accent. “Please have mercy on Jane Austen’s ghost and let her enjoy the afterlife.” Alhaitham chuckled and continued reading as you continued baking.  It was a shame that a man of such talent only paid attention to the truth itself and not to the people around him. If only the searching eyes of the ordinary say the exception to his indifference, you.

This was your biosphere, just you, him, novels and food encapsulated inside your small home.

ZHONGLI 🪨

PRODUCT NAME: ALWAYS ON HIS MIND. What is the best but the most useless flex you have? Being married to the Geo Archon. The inability to just tell the whole world that you are married to the frigging god was painful. You yourself were surprised by your ability to control yourself. Zhongli was a man of carefully curated words. Instead of words, straight-up poetry flew out of his mouth. Everyone knew how much he adored his wife, every vendor, every acquaintance, heck even Venti. Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's mysterious consultant. Handsome, elegant, and surpassingly learned. Excellent memory. A master of courtesy and rules. The amount of poor women who have tried to grab his attention. "Mr.Zhongli, how does this look?" the woman, who he remembered meeting over a history discussion 17 days ago. "Hm?" his amber eyes shifted to gaze at the hairpiece the lady was holding. "Most exquisite.." He remarked, seemingly going into deep thought. Instead of a compliment, he said something that made the woman back away, "Such beautiful craftsmanship...may I ask you to tell me where you found this? I wish to buy one for my wife–" he paused, seeing the lady vanished after pointing at the shop where she got it from. "Zhongli, you should be able to tell why people approach you..." Hutao sighed, standing beside the rather oblivious gentleman. "Let's just continue...we've got customers to find!" Hutao started walking alongside the railing, hoping to find people in need of funeral services. "Maybe we should go and ask peopl– Zhongli??" Hutao looked around for the Consultant, who was caught up chatting with a shopkeeper over some earrings. "Zhongli!" Hutao called out to him, causing his head to turn towards the director. "Oh, apologies...It seems I got too carried away. These earrings caught my eye...I'm sure [Name} would love them.." he mumbled, staring at the jewellery. "I'll take them." "Mister Zhongli? What about the payment..." The shopkeeper meekly asked, causing Zhongli to turn his head fully at Hutao; gazing expectantly. Hutao should've expected this... "Zhongli, we are out here to find customers! Not buying gifts for [Name], her birthday is months away!" "They say the best things should be done first. After all, why must I wait for one specific day to express my love for my beloved?" Zhongli asked curiously and Hutao shaked her head; love was clearly out of her expertise. Zhongli, he is particular about everything. He only attended the best operas and focused on the perfect ratio for the creation of an authentic dish.  On a typical day, all you will glean from him is a few pieces of useless trivia, because he particularly enjoys sharing these fun tidbits with you. He was particular about you and your likings. A smile on your face was what he wanted by the end of the day. For being someone alive for 6000 years, he could proudly say that he loved and cherished something– someone.

"Wait here, Director Hu...Perhaps I should get those flowers over there to accompany the hairpin and earrings..."

WRIOTHESLEY 🐺

PRODUCT NAME: BATTLE TO BUY A DOG OR NOT.

"Wriothesley, I want a dog!" You crossed your arms, staring down at the Duke who was glued to the chair in his office. “But why? That’s just unnecessary responsibility…” Wriothesley sighed, rubbing his temples. This was the 3rd time this month you’ve brought up this topic. Was he that incompetent in terms of filling his role as your significant other? Perhaps not with the never-ending paperwork. Oh, how he wished people would just stop committing crimes. “I get lonely in the Fortress…I want a child.” You put forth your point by using the term ’ child’. Child, dog same thing. You hoped to finally convince him this time.

“We have Sigewinne.” Wriothesley pointed at the head nurse prepping tea in the room with the back of his pen. “I am sorry, Your Grace but playing the role of the child is out of my job description.” The Melusine replied indifferently, pouring freshly seeped tea into the three cups. “Fine, we will go get one…I’ll schedule a meeting with the owner of the pet shelter. Happy?” He asked you, chin resting on his palm. Perhaps getting a dog was a good idea as he was guilty of being unable to spend quality time with you… “No way…” “Isn’t that..?” “The Duke of the Meropide–” “He rarely appears in public..” Wriothesley held out the door to the shelter for you, hoping you would go in and it would finally save him from the gaze of curious onlookers. The two of you walked in, only to be pounced upon by a big dog. “Kal! You sly dog! I knew I shouldn’t have let you out!” The caretaker yelled at the big ball of black fur who had tackled Wriothesley to the floor and was aggressively licking his face, tail wagging in delight. “Are you okay?” You asked your fallen husband, who just chuckled in response. “I am good just– Okay stop! I understand your gesture of love.” Wriothesley got up as the dog encircled him. “This one is so adorable…” you gasped at the cuteness radiating from the dog and its big brown eyes. “You’ve got a keen eye! This is Kal, Shiloh Shepard, one of the finest dogs out there.” The caretaker combed her fingers through the thick and groomed black coat of the canine. “He seems to have taken a liking to the Duke.” The caretaker continued as the dog ran back to Wriothesley, peppering his face with licks. “He even looks like you.” You teased as Wriothesley stared at you in disbelief. You did not just compare him to a dog…he even did a double take at the dog to confirm. “We will take this one then…” He chuckled in amusement. Never had he imagined marrying you and on top of that getting a four-legged beast. Needless to say, Wriothesley proudly walked out of the shelter, holding the big dog in his hands like a child. It felt complete ever since getting Kal; like your own little family. Wriothesley wouldn’t admit it but he loved the dog, despite it hogging all of your love and attention. He didn’t expect to be fighting over cuddling rights with a dog!? 

He watched you and Kal sleep peacefully on the couch, keeping him company while he finished up his work. He felt a sense of gratitude…people of the Fortress knew little of the crime he once committed. The only one who still remembers it like yesterday is Wriothesley himself. And no matter how much glory or repute he has earned, he still considers himself to be the same old Wriothesley he's always known.Neither a good person nor a complete villain. He's just another soul, still living on in this world. However, your eyes always reassured him in ways he couldn’t describe. Everything was perfect…

[Name]!! YOURDAMN DOG PISSED ON MY COAT!! Maybe not that perfect…whoops.

NEUVILLETTE 🌊

PRODUCT NAME: HELPING THE OTHER DRESS.

Monsieur Neuvillette, The Iudex of Fontaine, always wondered how his life had come to this. 500 years of serving his position as the Beacon of Justice, a lovely, beaming baker somehow broke the monotony. Well, calling you just a baker was now an insult. With your ring finger bejewelled, with one of the rarest gems– an ode to his undying loyalty and representation of his eternal love. “It’s astounding how a covert mission conducted by melusines could’ve landed someone such as myself a lady like her…” He muttered to himself, seeing his full form in the mirror. “Talking to yourself, again?” You leaned against the door frame, lopsidedly smiling at the peculiar antics of Fontaine’s most distinguished man. “Ah, apologies…I didn’t think you would notice me conversing with myself. Now I find myself in a rather awkward predicament.” He chuckled. Dear god, this man was so beautiful that his beauty was almost blinding with the morning sun perfectly hitting his face.

“Say ah,” You requested and he complied. Who better to take constructive criticism from other than your husband? “New filling?” He covered his mouth while chewing on the croissant. “Yup, how is it? I was experimenting with some Rainbow Roses and these Inazuman berries I bought.” You blinked curiously, waiting for some input. “Hmm it is very pleasant, it is fascinating how you manage to maintain the freshness of the fruit…” You smiled at his compliment, before noticing him struggling with the jabot around his neck. “Need help?” You offered and he nodded his head. “This is absurd..it usually isn’t this difficult.” He frustrated replied, it was amusing to see the cool and collected man all worked up about clothing. “I suggest simplifying your outfit.” You attached the jabot and secured it in with the teardrop brooch, fixing the ruffles. 

“Thank you. I do prefer my outfit as it conveys the message I wish for it to convey.” He explained before staring at you. You knew that look, he looked at you with his eyebrows slightly creased when he was hesitating from saying something. “What is it?” “Do I get a goodbye kiss before I leave?” “Pfft! I didn’t think you would take that seriously!” Conclusion: this man was wayyy to cute.

Neuvillette is a solitary person. Neuvillette is not known for his personal desires.

He was deemed as someone with unassailable impartiality. If only they knew that perhaps the Iudex was just a wee bit biased.

a/n 2.0: the crust will come off...hopefully. i wonder if it's possible to guess which one of them is my favourite??

don't steal, copy, plagiarise, or translate.

©definitelysel

[kiss-me-muchoo]

𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 || 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐧

summary_ A triumvirate is a group of three people who share power, you hated the island your father brought you to. Your summer vacations turned you witness of some bloody games, what surprised you was how you ended up being the rag doll of the salesman and frontman of the organization that held the games.

warnings_age gap (reader is in her early 20s), reader is implied to be American (not specified again), sexual tension, very mild sex, oral (f!receiving), PLOT HOLES AND NO PROOFREADING YET, ooc salesman and frontman, violence, manipulation, marriage, questionable morals, do not romanticize this irl pls

notes_ i wanted to do something more interesting but I’m busy and about to start spring semester YET, MORE FICS COMING!!!!!!!!

♫ ♪ the worst playlist 4 gong yoo

✰ Index (+ fics here)

ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

The would’ve could’ve should’ve constantly popped up in your head. Wonder how different your life could have been if you had grown up with a normal family.

As a child you experienced fear whenever your parents held parties, usually there was the dead body of a man drowning in blood. Enemies of your father were brought to said parties and faced a violent ending.

With the odds against your favor, it was your mother who suffered the same destiny because of your progenitor’s bullshit.

He gave you too much independence, but what he had done to you over the years, made you a lonely, selfish, disobedient woman.

You could’ve stolen some money and lived a life away from everything you knew. But the least he could do was to pay for everything your heart desired. One day you would be better off without him but for now, you endured.

The mysterious island he brought you to seemed nice. A luxurious private complex was all for you. The weird thing was that it had no windows, no balconies, and no way to communicate with the exterior.

Midday, you were supposed to watch some entertainment the island offered; a game they said.

“Why do we have to wear this crap?” You ask as your father hands you a golden mask. “We’ve talked about this. Don’t be a bitch and comply”

It seemed like a bird, maybe a hummingbird. But it was disturbing for some reason. He wore a robe and you thought it was just a normal game. Hence why your dress seemed like a little bit too much for the occasion.

You peeked your head through the door and you saw how many people sat and watched a big screen while a crowd of people in green tracksuits ran in opposite directions, soon many died and it was a bloodbath.

You nearly vomited.

“I won’t go in there”

“You’re expected to, now put that mask on be a good daughter,” he said grabbing your forearm you tried to move away but he placed more pressure.

“Disturbs among VIPs are not allowed” a pink guard came into vision.

He had to be a man, tall and imposing.

“My apologies, I was just telling my father I won’t watch the games tonight” you firmly say.

“Don’t be stupid, y/n. Not when I’ve spent millions on this” You shrug and he was about to slap you when the pink guard pulled you backward to avoid the slap and another figure stepped in.

“What is going on in here?” A much deeper voice spoke, the man wore a dark suit and black mask. He must’ve been the frontman.

“This stupid child won’t go inside and watch the games” You can feel both the guard and frontman eyeing you. Suddenly you felt naked in the strapless black dress.

The frontman pats your father’s back and calls him by his name, making you realize he knows him, perhaps they’re friends.

“Let your child be. If she doesn’t want to watch, she doesn’t have to. 004, escort her back to her complex” The guard nods and indicates you to follow him.

With one last look, you see and hear your father cursing, entering the room. And that imposing frontman, standing there, watching you behind his mask.

…

For the rest of the day, you are left alone. At night, you decide to make good use of the pool your complex included. Overall the place was dark, it had a lot of yellow and orange bulbs that illuminated enough, giving a futuristic but slightly contemporary dark space.

The pool was perfectly warm and it was the only place with blue lights.

The memory of your asshole father hadn’t come into the picture ever since the morning. On the other hand, the masks of that pink guard and the frontman haunted you.

And then you heard something. Someone opening the principal door.

You stayed there, trying to remain completely quiet, hoping that the sound of the water would disguise the way you nervously breathed.

You closed your eyes for a second, and when you opened them again. You had him there; the frontman.

“You didn’t want to watch my games. Why is that?” He asks through the dark mask as if he hadn’t intruded. You remain silent, unsure of what to do. “Answer me”

“I didn’t sign up for that kind of entertainment when my fucking asshole father brought me here” you reveal, trying to sound cool. But the truth was that you wanted to run.

“He truly hates you,” he says, making you smir, nodding. “Yes, and I hate him as well”

“I can tell it had to do with the death of your mother…” his words make you react fast.

“Take that ridiculous mask off if you are going to put the name of my mother in your mouth”

In the mere silence, the only sound disturbing it, was his mask dropping to the floor, revealing an intimidating man.

Slick hair, deep eyes, sharp jawline. Handsome overall…

Still, you remain.

“I would like to describe what makes you so intriguing…”

“You’re just an old man with an old dick and set your naughty eyes on a young ass like me” you swear you see a tiny smirk on his face, which quickly evaporates.

“Smart girl…” you roll your eyes, your hands floating around the warm pool. And you shouldn’t be turned on by that nasty old man staring there, intruding and invading your privacy like nothing. But there was something dark and twisted that was making you feel naughty.

So you pushed yourself up by your shoulders and offered a full view of your naked body to the frontman.

What was happening? Certainly unsure…

He watched deliberately, almost as if he was testing the waters and proving you were unhinged like him.

“I won’t be the one pleasing you tonight” Your confusion only grows after the door opens up again and you see a pink guard entering. By the height and greeting he offered to his boss, you knew it was the one who saved you from your father’s slap.

“What the actual fuck?…” the frontman only gives him a nod and you lay there, waiting until the guard is beside you.

You look up, confused, still holding yourself back with your elbows. His black boots push your feet to the side, inviting you to move around, aside from the pool.

“What? You’re gonna eat me up?” The guard remains silent.

“He will teach you manners” the frontman speaks, making you turn to look at him once again.

“I like being a brat, darling. It has always been this way…” Your cocky smile soon disappears after the guard takes his mask off and you encounter a younger handsome man.

He kneels and your eyes almost pop open because at that moment you realize what was actually happening.

The gloved hands of the guard lay on your open legs, making sure you lifted them, the heels of your feet almost touching your ass.

The guard eyes you and you almost shiver. He was almost asking permission to touch you. His touch was nice, even his gaze seemed welcoming.

You watch his head disappear between your legs and it’s over.

“F-fuck” you moan, arching your back while the man between your legs works his tongue in and out of your weeping hole.

“Ah- ah, I’ve never been this wet before” you admit shamelessly, groping your breasts while you end up making eye contact with the guard.

He is slightly older than you, but he’s disturbingly handsome.

“Make her cum, 004” the frontman speaks, seated straight in one of the couches across the pool, where he watches with ease.

You want to know the name of the source of your pleasure so bad.

His tongue flicked around your clit and it made you roll your eyes, throwing your head back and losing yourself in the pleasure and the water reflection on the black ceiling.

The moment his nose nudged your clit and his tongue lapped at your cunt harder than before, you came so hard your legs opened impossibly wider than ever.

You wanted to stay there forever.

…

Your heels clacked with each step through the city. A lot of people turned to look at you. In a tight tube skirt, a top with a squared neck and the most classy coat the city could see. At the subway station, you eyed a man looking at you. He was hot and you smiled at him, turning to leave the station.

He was following you. You could feel his steps behind you. You should’ve been afraid, but it only fueled your stomach with anticipation.

Making a turn in a filthy alley, you felt his big hand on your nape and pushed you against the wall.

You didn’t even object, you only pulled him closer to make a wet mess on his lips.

“You look too damn hot tonight,” he said in your lips.

“Take me to dinner and I might believe you” both of you chuckled.

You didn’t leave the island, neither did your father.

The first time you returned to Seoul was to get married. That pink guard who ate your cunt three years ago was now the recruiter of those deadly games, or how you preferred to call him; your salesman. And he was your husband.

“That time of the year is coming…” you say as he grabs your hand guiding you to a sandwich place. “I don’t want to go…”

“You don’t have to, I’ll go and say you are sick” Your husband ever the loyal, tried to soothe your worries, but it was in vain.

“I don’t want him to take it out on you, baby” Your salesman nods at your words, the uncomfortable tilt of his face making you aware of how uneasy the subject made him.

Whenever the Squid Game was about to begin, it was your task and your husband’s to recruit people.

Both in classy attires and with attractive features made it harder for the victims to deny the offer. Young people constantly whispered how much of a hot couple you two were while riding the subway or walking random streets.

“There’s three weeks left, darling. Let’s not let it get in our way yet” he says, opening the door of the sandwich place.

The smell of vinegar, freshly baked bread, and spices make your stomach growl and your husband notices it.

“As it seems you are very hungry…The usual?” You nod at him, urging him to lean and make it easy for you to leave a kiss on his cheek.

His cute smile makes you get hearty eyes.

You eye your husband as he orders the food and you wait by an empty table.

He’s loyal, devoted, hot as fuck, insane, sadistic and a sociopath. But in your eyes he’s perfect.

Nothing compared to him.

In the beginning, it was all pure carnal lust. He liked to watch how your husband, at that time 004 ravished you. Then he opted to make said guard look while he took you.

In-ho was cold and rough but gentle and a good listener.

He understood you, got rid of your father so that you could acquire all of his money and leave.

But you didn’t want to because you had him and 004. For months it all fell into a toxic routine. Your delusions of having two men infatuated by you grew to the point you felt love towards both.

But at the same time, it wasn’t the same love.

In-ho ascended 004 as a recruiter and you weren’t ready to see him go away. He would only visit the island whenever the games were about to begin.

Call it a fluke or bad news, but during those days you learned you actually meant nothing for the frontman. And before you could’ve experienced heartbreak, 004 asked you to leave with him as a recruiter.

It was at that exact moment when you comprehended nobody would care for you like him.

You were his since he pulled you away from your father’s slap.

Heavens smiled at you as the old man who was the remaining superior of In-ho at the time approved your petition of becoming a recruiter as well.

You felt no remorse as you left the island, without saying goodbye to In-ho. But over the years you would learn you would never escape completely from him.

It would always go back to being your salesman, your frontman, and you.

…

You stare at the album in your hands. A picture of you and your salesman on your wedding day. Nobody attended, Who would’ve? None of you had friends, family, or people who mattered.

A stranger took the picture. A stranger was witness to two insane humans celebrating their marriage.

And ever since, you believe it was the best decision of your life.

Your husband and you were… intense. From 52 weeks of the year, three were for recruiting people and one to notify the island. The rest, it was you and your man playing cat and mouse games with dauntless people who dared to try to uncover the roots of the Squid Game and everything behind.

48 weeks to cherish your husband, let him fuck you with his favorite gun, and then shove it in your mouth until you were sobbing from pleasure and committing crimes under the excuse of protecting your people.

Any morals you carried were washed away as soon as you married.

But you wouldn’t change it. With your father gone and in the arms of the man you loved, nothing could possibly hurt you.

Not even that man leading the island you hated so much.

…

At some point, you thought your daily life was actually the bubble you lived in, while the short annual visit to that island was actually your reality. Walking on the same grounds where your father’s corpse was rotting wasn’t a pleasant reminder. Even less when you were forced to separate from your husband.

Both of you exchanged looks when a familiar pink guard stepped between you and him.

“Our frontman has requested to only receive you” the modulated voice was directed towards you.

“It’s gonna be okay, dear,” you say to your salesman, whose discontent was more than evident.

Normally, he had the right to feel superior because he was able to taste power over ordinary people. But when it came to being just a messenger for his boss, having to allow his wife to go where of course he didn’t want, was torture.

“You’re smart, don’t let him get under your skin,” your husband said in your ear, before standing straight, hands behind his back while he offered one of his signature feigned smiles towards the guard.

Under that confident stance, you could see a worried man.

But he was right, you were smart.

The smell of the whole place was indescribable, but intoxicating, in the best possible way. You remember that as the only good thing, as stupid as it sounded.

The dark halls are long, slightly illuminated by the warm yellow lights you remember very well. Time seems to pass slower than it appeared because the walk towards an office you knew so well felt eternal.

But finally, the guard stopped and opened the door for you.

Let the games begin…

It was just the same as the last time you were in there.

In-ho was seated, drinking of course.

“How’s marriage life?” His voice seemed to sound even deeper, he sounded more evil.

“Long time no see, darling. My marriage life has been perfect as usual”

“Good, it would be a shame if you had told me our recruiter can’t make you happy or fuck you properly” You roll your eyes, pacing towards him with ease. You offered a brief massage on his tense shoulders, feeling how he relaxed after your touch. It was then that you decided to lean and whisper in his ear.

“Relax, In-ho. You were the one who wanted me gone. You set the spark between my husband and me, remember?” He closed his eyes, sipping the remaining of his drink.

“Stop talking and use that pretty mouth for something useful instead” he grabbed one of your hands and pushed you to the floor, making you sink into your knees.

His big hand trailed your jawline and harshly made you look at him in the eye.

He looked tired, but he still got something.

“I won’t complain, In-ho. You can use me…” of course you would not say no, the first time he pointed a gun to your forehead and promised to torture your husband, so you wouldn’t commit the same error twice.

“Atta girl…”

And with that, you tried to focus on the sounds instead of the view, because you wished it was your husband seating on that chair with his leaking cock fucking your mouth. But it was the frontman and you weren’t totally displeased by him.

…

The salesman opened the door, encountering his boss standing up and you on the floor with glossy eyes and a mess on your face.

“Ah, good you’re here. Hand me the statics…” he walks away, leaving you on your knees and tits out, feeling completely used. Your husband only eyes you briefly and you can tell he’s not pleased with the sight. Your cheeks burn in embarrassment and you rush to grab a cloth and clean any trace of cum. “Oh, and clean your wife, we got a little messy…”

The frontman puts his mask on and leaves the room after grabbing the folder your salesman handed him, making the room feel heavy.

You stand up, pulling up the straps of your dress.

“Are you alright?” Your salesman asks quickly. You sigh, nodding. “Yes, it’s the same every year”

“I fucking hate this. Next time, I’ll be witnessing…”

“What?” you question him shocked, dropping the cloth with cum stains.

“If I can’t do anything to stop this from happening, then I’ll be present” he thought it was a low blow, but he couldn’t bear leaving his wife and letting his boss manhandle her like a little rag doll.

Although that was what you’ve always been.

“He knows you hate this. He’ll try to take advantage and I don’t want you to get in trouble” You could handle In-ho and his little whim, but if you lost your husband, it all be over.

All because that old man didn’t want you anymore but couldn’t let you go.

“Believe me, I’ll control myself just because I want to prove to him that I’m your husband” You hated to see the facade of confidence fall from your salesman. He was always so cocky, arrogant and in control.

“He can fuck you once a year, but I am the one who has carved into your skin and will always claim you as mine”

And there he was. That was your man. You literally jump into his arms and he greets you with a desperate kiss.

“Once we collect all the money we need, we’re leaving, baby. Wherever you want, and you will always have the chance to show me off as your wife” you say placing his tie in place and after that, you kiss him dearly.

…

Hand in hand, you and your husband walk through the cloudy streets of Seoul. You have a brown skirt with wine-red flowers, a black top, and a coat along with some elegant heels. Your man wearing a dark grey suit and a strong hand holding yours.

“Do you like burgers?” You ask him as you wait for a cab. He only shrugs and smiles at you.

“I like anything that has meat and vegetables”

“True. It’s just that I really liked having burgers back at home. That’s what I want to have as my first meal with you” you admit shyly, feeling like a little girl giving immature declarations.

“Anything will be fine, sweetheart” you pout, accommodating his tie.

“I’m gonna miss watching you in suits every day” your husband smirks.

“Your loss is my luck. I’ll get to see you in sundresses and leggings whenever” you laugh.

“You’re so naughty, dear” For some seconds, you forget you are in the middle of the street, with two hours left in Seoul and billions of money traveling in a clandestine plane.

“One more task keeping up appearances, doll. Just one more…” he says returning to his serious self, opening the door of the cab for you.

“Just one more…” you mumble.

Soon you two are waiting a couple of blocks away from the airport. Where an ex-cop parks his car and hops off.

“Nice to meet you in person…” you say taking his hand and then your husband doing the same.

His name is Hwang Jun-ho and he is the brother of the frontman.

One thing led to another and after one call, you and your salesman offered to give details of where the island you so much hated was.

“We’re gonna need a little favor, though…” the young man eyes you and your husband. He finds the two of you odd, deserving of each other but there was something behind the aura you two held that made him thoughtful. “What kind of favor?…”

“We need you to erase any documents that could identify me and my husband.” your salesman speaks as you softly take his hand and caress his long fingers.

“I can erase any license, passport, identification card, and bank cards. However… your birth certificate will always be available in the system” Jun-ho says, meaning the last part to be meant for your husband. He only tilts his head.

“That won’t be an issue”

“Then we have a deal,” the ex-cop says, extending his hand.

You gladly shake it, feeling an immense wave of serenity flowing through your entire being.

“You’ll have our call as soon as we get out of Korea” With that, destiny is sealed.

You and your husband burn your business attires and enter the airport under the names of a diseased couple who lived in the 1960s in Seoul. You catch his smile as you two wait to board the plane that will lead you to a new life.

Away from the games, the island, and that man. You never much of him, In-ho was the cause of your aches every year. But as you leave with your husband you realize that frontman was also your savior. Who handed you your freedom, the love of your life, good sex and was whom you had just sentenced to death.

_______________________________________________

Taglist: @stargirl-mayaa @hannawigdahl @angela075905 @dynaloy @crispybaguettes @dorayakissu @greensunflowerjuna @mackythoughts @nightdark-dreamdark @ilovethe141 @rafecamsgirlll @space-girl-16 @laurenbenoit70

[no1blacksapphirefan]

For the self aware au- Have you ever written something about the sort of 'discovery' stage of the cookies being self aware? Like, if the cookies did accidentally 'break character' but instead of reader freaking out and deleting the game they become fascinated by it and start trying to get them to do it again? Curious and trying to figure out if it was a bug or glitch or some hacker, but not really bothered by it?

If you haven't written something like this and chose to use this as a prompt I'd love if you'd involve Capsaicin or Burning Spice if you feel like it! love the spicey boys,,,

I like your words weather boy. I hope I understood your request

Capsaicin (May be OOC) Oopsie!! He didn't mean too, he just got really excited seeing you. Perhaps you were wearing a new outfit, how could he not compliment you about the colour? Prune Juice had quickly jabbed him in the chest because of his slip up. And seeing you take notice...oh no, this isn't good right?...

But you didn't seem to be scared, your eyes sparkle with curiosity, he couldn't tell what you were doing at first, but when he realised you wanted to see him talk to you directly again? Oh he's more than happy too, he's quick to compliment you again, perhaps it's your eyes this time, your smile. He gets so giddy when he sees you not mind at all. And cookies said you'd be freaked out.

Burning Spice The words just left him, he didn't think about when he said it. He just didn't expect you to cry out in joy when he did the finishing blow on the other team in Arena...I mean, sure he was the only one with a bit of HP left, but god did that praise boost his ego, he couldn't help but thank you directly...with your name.

Look, look. He can't always just sit around and listen to you speak without talking to you, especially when you seem to talk to him casually as if you already knew...you won't delete the game right? Witches is he happy to see you become a giggling mess as you try and get him to speak again...hey stop poking him, he'll talk to you but-- you're still poking him??

Black Sapphire Like Shadow Milk, he doesn't think too much about his words and if they break the "4th wall" because to you, it was probably just in character, besides. One of his lines already did that anyways. What he didn't expect was, for you to actually believe it...like it wasn't just some code.

Is this a bad thing? He feels like this is a bad thing, maybe he shouldn't have talked his mind as often as he did in the kingdom and-- OH! You like it?? Heh, well if you enjoy it so much, he'll continue as he has done before. He'll just...ignore the stares Pure Vanilla is giving him. Hey! You like it, even if you seem to think it's real...he'll just argue that you found out through one of his already made voicelines.

Shadow Milk He's so happy when you notice, he always wanted you too y'know. He hated not being able to talk to you and besides, once he comes out of your device, he doesn't want to freak you out!! It's better if you knew, that's what he told other cookies but he always got shunned as the others worried it would freak you out too much.

He can't wait to rub it into other cookies faces. See!! You didn't care, you love it! Now he can talk your ear off, c'mon. Join him for dinner. Bring your food and he'll bring his. You might not be able to share a table but hey, you're eating together. He's quick to "confirm" your suspicion.

Pure Vanilla He didn't mean to let it slip! You were coming back with food to continue playing, and he couldn't help but call out in alarm to you, wanting to see if you were okay. Your pain (if you had any) disappeared and you just looked in amazement at him. Uh oh...

Unlike the others who were quick to just accept the fact you knew. Didn't even try to hide it or cover it up with a lie like, it was merely a bug. He's quick to try and continue the charade. It's not that he doesn't want to speak with you more personally, but he wonders if you'll still play when you do find out they all know. Even if it seems like you love it so. He might give in to speak again to you if he sees you desperately wanting to hear him again, he wants to see you happy

[losers-clvb]

meeting the family soldier boy x female!reader

summary: you take ben to meet your crazy family. you're a bundle of nerves, but ben assures you everything will be fine. he just has to keep his mouth shut -- a nearly impossible task for the supe.

content: swearing, mentions of sex, ben may be slight ooc (he's just not craycray right now), mentions of ben and reader's respective pasts, fluff, surprisingly respectful ben (but he's still makes his own comments.

word count: 4.6k

note: i went a little off-the-rails with this one. i envisioned it as yapper reader from it will come back and talk too much, but there is no outright connection with her. i'm in love with what i've created here, so expect more of this family.

m.list

“Ben.” You groaned out his name, again, when you felt his hands on your hips, again.

Seems like fifth time was the charm, because he backed off.

“You’re no fuckin’ fun.” He muttered with his usual I-need-to-get-what-I-want attitude, rolling his eyes. You swore he was worse than a teenage girl with his small temper tantrums.

“We’re already running late.” You flicked your eyes to the alarm clock on the bedside table. “Which, I’ll remind you, is your fault.”

“Didn’t seem like it was my fault when I woke up with your hand around my fuckin’ cock.”

Maybe part of this, a very small and insignificant part, was your fault.

“Yeah, well, I woke up to it poking me in the back.”

Tousling your hair to try to get it to go the right way -- whatever direction that was --, you felt his eyes rake up your body.

“Not my fault my girl is so damn sexy.” He took a step forward, prompting you to spin around and stick a hand out to stop him.

Ben pouted -- actually pouted -- at your rejection.

If it were any other day, a day that didn’t include you practically biting your nails to the bone in anticipation, you would have been happy to get back into bed, maybe move to the couch or, Ben’s favorite, the bathroom sink so you could watch yourself fall apart in the mirror.

Unfortunately for you both, home was hours away, but your family was just a quick drive across town.

Lucky you!

“I told you to watch that mouth, mister.” You waggled a finger at him, narrowing your eyes to show you meant business.

“ ‘Damn’ is hardly offensive, doll.”

“I’ll show you how offensive I can be if you keep it up.”

“Oh, I’m counting on it.” He reached for you again. The swat to the back of his hand was instantaneous.

“Behave.” Your voice was stern, but the swallow after betrayed it. “Please.”

It wasn’t as if you were embarrassed of Ben. No, you didn’t give a shit if the old lady at the grocery store thought he was too touchy, or if your boss thought he swore too much.

But this was your family.

The people who raised you, who had to deal with your awkward phase of only wearing green for an entire year, the ones who teased you when you had your first crush. Their opinions mattered, even if you knew some of your aunts were far too judgy.

In theory, the fact that Ben was a supe worked to your advantage. America’s Son as your boyfriend, what girl wouldn’t love to bring that home to mom and dad?

Then the drinking and drugs and stubborn fucking attitude reminded you of all the reasons why they wouldn’t like him. Not to mention the fact that he was older than your grandfather.

Oh God, your grandfather. The eighty year old was going to hate Ben. He had hated your first boyfriend, who was top of his class at the nearby university. Though, perhaps the old man had a point, seeing how you had found the dickhead in bed with his professor.

“You ready, doll?”

Ben’s gravel woke you from your thoughts. He knew you had been thinking too much. He always knew when you were thinking too much. You inspected yourself one last time before nodding.

“I guess.” You sighed, swiping up your purse. You allowed him to sling an arm over your shoulders, but sent him a warning glare when his fingers fiddled with the strap of your dress.

“No need to worry, sweetheart,” he held the car door open for you, kissing the side of your head, “parents love me.”

You climbed into the car and frowned up at him.

There was no way parents loved him. He was the kind of guy they warned against, the one you brought home to spite your mother when she mentioned settling down.

“Don’t look so fuckin’ skeptical.” Ben scoffed when you just looked at him with your I don’t believe you face. Ignoring the amused smile on your face, he sauntered to the driver’s side of the car, slipping in.

“You’re telling me that you, Mr. Fuckin’ Weed and Whiskey,” you imitated his voice on “fuckin’”, he rolled his eyes, “have gotten a girl’s parents to like you.” The last part of your sentence came out with a laugh of disbelief.

“I’ve got it in me.” Ben defended, making another point pop into your head.

“You’ve never had to do this before.” You scoffed, the realization that you had no idea what to expect from this making your anxiety grow.

“Doll, I wasn’t worried about meetin’ mom when I had ‘em bent over the counter.” Ben tried to dismiss while pulling onto the road.

“Yeah, that makes me feel so much better.” You muttered, chewing on your lower lip. He did a double take, eyes flitting from the road to your nervous expression.

Clicking his tongue to get your attention, he brought his hand up to cradle your chin. He wiggled his thumb into your mouth, forcing you to release your skin to allow space for the intrusion.

“You may be my first, but I promise, you’re gonna be my last.”

The words washed over you, coating you in a peace you hadn’t known until you met Ben. He liked to do this, remind you of his love without actually saying it. You’d heard the words a total of two times in your relationship. It never felt like they were missing, not when he held doors open and spoon-fed you soup when you were sick.

His thumb retracted once he was sure you were calmed. Tangling his fingers in yours, the drive was filled with a comfortable silence, something Ben had taught you to be okay with.

Part of the reason why you were so hesitant to introduce him to your family stemmed from your childhood.

Where Ben had been raised as a nuisance, you had been cherished since day one.

Birthdays were filled with off-key singing and cheek-kisses from relatives. Talent shows were another thing in themselves, three rows of chairs taken up by cheering. Siblings grouped together to fight when school bullies dared to mess with you. Your aunts worked around the clock to knit a blanket when you went away to college.

You didn’t want him to see what he had missed out on.

“Christ, doll, you didn’t tell me you were loaded.” Ben chuckled when the looming farmhouse came into view. You made a face, knowing damn well his father had been far wealthier than your family.

Still, you couldn’t deny the fact that your parents weren’t exactly living paycheck to paycheck.

The family farm had been in business since… well, you weren’t all too aware of the specific year, just that the creaky floorboards on the porch had been placed by your great grandfather.

Summers were spent playing in the cherry trees, plucking the sweet fruit from the branches whenever you pleased. No one lived on these acres of land full-time, opting to share the space. Cousins and friends-of-the-family drifted in and out of the farmhouse throughout the months, ensuring there was always fresh lemonade in the fridge.

All of your firsts had happened in the barn off to the side of the property; first steps, first kiss, first time having sex -- though you would take that last piece of information to your grave.

“Don’t touch the good china,” you warned teasingly, a warm smile blossoming on your face when your cousin, Lina, sprinted for the car.

She was younger than you by about ten years, you taking on more of an older sister role in her life. She was a good kid, you told about everyone you came into contact with.

Ben hadn’t even shifted the car into park before you were jumping out to wrap your arms around her. She squealed your name into your hair.

“I missed you!” She pulled away, bouncing on her toes while you looked over her.

“Is that my dress?” You asked. It was something you hadn’t worn in years, but you would have recognized the light blue material anywhere.

“No.”

You narrowed your eyes at her.

“Yes.” She admitted sheepishly, looking to the ground.

“I knew it!”

“You left it in the upstairs closet! What else was I supposed to do?” She was on the defensive, a hand on her hip. You laughed and ruffled her hair, causing her to grumble out a complaint, but her own giggle cut through it.

“Who’s this gorgeous girl?”

Ben stepped up next to you, a basket of cookies in one hand while the other rested on the small of your back. Lina immediately blushed, and you didn’t blame her.

Anyone who was attracted to the male species would blush if Ben called them gorgeous.

“Lina-bug.” You answered, making her scrunch her nose up at the nickname.

“I’m not five.” She complained, sticking her tongue out at you despite the words.

“You’ll always be five to me.” You promised, curling into Ben out of pure instinct.

It was at that moment you noticed something dark, almost bruise-like peeking out at you from the collar of Lina’s -- your -- dress.

“What the hell is that?” You demanded, poking at the spot.

Lina paled, pulling away from your grasp. Her eyes flicked from you to Ben, blushing when she realized you both knew exactly what the hell it was.

She wasn’t a child, having turned seventeen just the month before. It was still far too young to be doing anything of this nature, anything that left a hickey on her collarbone for the entire family to see.

Ignoring the larger quantity of much darker marks littering your inner thighs, you opened your mouth to lecture her on why boys were stupid and not worth her time.

The call of your first and middle name made the breath choke in your throat.

“For your sake, I hope my ears just need a good cleanin’ and I didn’t just hear those words come from your mouth!”

Aunt Mavis was bounding her way across the yard, wearing her signature yellow sunhat. You cringed, a memory of the woman flushing soap into your mouth as a child for calling your brother a beach -- you hadn’t heard the word correctly -- flashing through your mind.

“Watch your mouth, doll.” Ben mumbled to you, teasing you with your earlier words. You grumbled out a warning to him.

Lina took the distraction as a chance to get the hell out of there.

“Look at you!” Mavis beamed, throwing her arms out like she hadn’t been ready to lock you in the potato cellar just a moment earlier. “My great-niece, the most beautiful girl in the world!”

Nevermind the fact that she called everyone the most beautiful. It was one of the things you loved about her. Sure, she may be old-fashioned in her childhood punishments, but she loved her family wholly.

You inched toward her, biting down on your tongue to keep from gasping at the subtle slide of Ben’s hand to your ass.

Mavis engulfed you in her rose-scented perfume, squeezing you tight enough to juice you like a lemon. Her eyes must have caught onto the tall frame of the man behind you, because, in an instant, she was standing toe-to-toe with him. You blinked.

C’mon, Mav, you thought, silently urging the woman to say something, anything.

On the spectrum of intensity, she was quite tame. If she didn’t like Ben, there was no hope.

“You’re trouble.” Mavis waggled a finger at him, a teasing smirk tilting onto her face.

It wasn’t a hardcore stamp of approval, but it wasn’t a dismissal, either. You took it as a win, letting out the breath you had sucked in the moment you laid eyes on your aunt.

“Only if you’re askin’ for it.” Ben responded, winking.

Oh my God.

You dropped your jaw, heart stuttering as you thought of all the ways Mavis would berate him.

Only, Mavis didn’t look offended.

She let out a hearty laugh, wrapping her arms around Ben’s torso.

“I like you.” She announced, pulling him in tight.

Ben drifted his eyes to you, smirking.

I told you so, they said.

Not my mom, yours responded.

He had won over one aunt, albeit a very influential aunt, but the real work would begin with the others.

With the intent to officially introduce him to her, you opened your mouth. A pang of sweet drifted to your nose, making your eyes flutter shut.

“Cherry rolls?” You breathed out, sighing slightly. It was an unconscious thing, something you had to thank her for Pavloving you into stopping at the first scent of the baked good.

“This one is practically a bloodhound when it comes to dessert.” Mavis tutted, jabbing her thumb at you.

“You made cherry rolls?” You were getting impatient with her teasing.

“Well, yes.” Mavis answered, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “They’re your favorite.”

It had been years since you had one of Mavis’ cherry rolls. She’d come up with the recipe herself, quickly using it as a tool to get the kids’ energy out on long days. She would send you and your siblings out with baskets, tasking you all with plucking cherries from the trees. It was long work, especially when the three of you could only reach the bottom branches.

The end result?

Heaven.

You would gorge yourself on the sweet if it didn't mean being bloated for the rest of the week.

Once you moved to the city, your opportunities for eating it were, well, zero. You didn’t have the skill to make it, and every family event was missing either you or her. It broke your heart some days, not just because you missed the taste; you missed the memories it brought back.

The fact that Mavis had so obviously made them with you in mind -- though you were sure the other nieces and nephews had begged for them as well -- had tears pricking the corners of your eyes.

“Aurora sprung up like a weed, you’ll never believe it’s her.” Mavis babbled, grabbing your hand to guide you to the house. You, not wanting to leave behind the reason this get-together was happening, looped your pinkie around Ben’s, dragging him along.

“And Betsy is on this health-kick, but I swear on dear Rufus’ grave,” Rufus the dog, “that she’s swiping cookies from the jar.”

The worn-wood steps of the wrap-around porch creaked a complaint when you three ascended, as they had for as long as you could walk. Every year, Uncle Jerry promised he would find a way to fix them. And every year, he would be passed out on the porch swing, a beer in one hand, a hammer in the other, the steps remaining untouched.

Deep down you hoped they would always make a noise. It was the soundtrack to your dreams; creaking porches, leaves fluttering in the wind, the creek water’s constant flow.

“Oh. My. God.”

You knew the voice without even looking. Your cousin, Evie, who had nudged her way into the aunts’ circle after turning thirty.

Her words triggered the mob, pulling them from their juices and shit talking to swarm your man. They crowded around him like a flock of chickens -- clucked about just like them as well.

“Look at his hair-”

“Nice facial structure-”

“Thought he’d be taller-”

The poking at his arms and chest was when you stepped in, shooing them off. If you were less kind, or if Ben had made another smart-ass remark, you would have left him to the rolls.

He should feel honored, really, that you were choosing to save him instead of diving into the still-steaming plate of rolls on the counter.

“Back off, ladies. He’s mine.” The words were teasing, knowing that these women loved a good piece of eye candy around.

Ben made a show of throwing his arms over two of your aunts, hugging them in close.

“Aww, c’mon, doll,” you swore they all swooned at the pet name, “there’s enough of me to go around.”

“There certainly is.” A voice in the group murmured suggestively, making the others giggle.

You cut a glare over them, trying your best to be intimidating. Everyone in the room knew it didn’t work. Where your siblings were compared to wolves, growing up everyone called you a bunny. Not even a fully-grown rabbit. A bunny, you know, cute and fluffy and unable to scare even a fly away. Yeah, that was you.

Ben watched over your attempts, an amused smile and raised eyebrow making you frown. He chuckled and stepped over to you, pulling you into his arms.

“Aww…” The chorus cooed from behind him.

He bent his neck down to kiss you, lips moving against yours with a stifled passion.

“Aww!” This was practically a squeal. In your mind, you saw your Aunt Hilly pull out her phone, snapping pictures of the scene. She was a self-proclaimed photographer, though her equipment consisted of a beat down iPhone and the occasional flashlight.

“I know my girl doesn’t share,” Ben mumbled to you when he pulled away, resting his forehead on yours. You smiled up at him.

“That is disgusting.”

You spun on your heel to face your little brother, Peter. Not that he was little anymore. The boy -- he’s a year younger than you -- stood taller than you, the same height he had sprung to in middle school seemingly overnight. You scowled at the stupid bunch of hair on his upper lip.

“You’re the one with a caterpillar on your face.” You poked a finger in his face. A noise of surprise came out when he moved to bite at it. There had been a time when he really did bite your finger, leading to an early morning trip to the emergency room for stitches. You still had a little scar running across the knuckle.

“Ladies love this caterpillar, Buggy.”

You frowned at the nickname. Buggy. It made you feel like a little kid again, but you also couldn’t ignore the spark of warmth that came with the familiarity of it all.

“I promise you, they do not. And don’t call me that!”

“They do-,”

“Can you two stop bickering and set the dang table?” Your mother’s voice cut your brother off before he could dig himself deeper into your irritation. It was all in good fun, you would go from yelling in each other’s faces to laughter-filled bike rides in a matter of minutes while growing up.

“Momma!” You ran to her, nearly knocking the older woman over with your hug. You ignored the new wrinkles at her eyes and the peek-through of grey hairs. She wasn’t allowed to get older.

“No makeouts in the kitchen, honey.” It wasn’t the first time she had said it, and you doubted it would be the last -- whoever Lina was spending her time with would learn soon enough.

“We weren’t making out.” You defended, sounding all too much like that teenager that your mother had to drive to college.

A smile crinkled the edges of her eyes again and she smoothed down your hair.

“I love you.” She mumbled. Her eyes flicked behind you, where Ben was being examined by Peter. It was a wordless thing, simply eyes scanning your boyfriend like he was an alien that had been beamed down.

“This is Ben.” You explained, lacing your fingers into his. With all the chaos, you hadn’t noticed his silence.

While he had made his occasional comments, he was more watching it all go down. You bouncing around the place, so happy and free. Your family teasing you with warmth and love in their words.

It was the kind of place he had dreamed of being in as a child -- not that he’d ever admit it out loud.

“Mmm, right…,” Your mother hummed, looking him up and down. She knew Soldier Boy -- everyone did -- but she was more interested in knowing how Ben acted, how he treated you.

You could tell her a million times he’s perfect, so nice and she would never believe you. You were too kind -- maybe her fault for raising you to be as such -- and you would let love cloud your judgements.

When you called to say that her favorite supe from her childhood was your new boyfriend, she felt that ache come on. Vought tried their best to cover the scandal Soldier Boy would get into, but as she grew, your mother reflected on both his words and actions, finding them to be less respectful than she had once thought.

“Momma, stop starin’ him down.” You almost whined, stepping further in front of Ben to shield him from her gaze. It didn’t do much -- Ben towered over you.

To make you feel more important, he rested his hands on your shoulder, the one holding your hand never letting go.

“Benjamin-,” your mother started, but you cut her off.

“Ben.”

“You hurt her and you’ll figure out what we hide under those cherry trees.” Your mother hissed lowly, a contradiction to the sweet smile she gave the two of you after them.

You paled.

“I’m keepin�� our girl safe ‘til the end of time, ma’am.” Ben responded. You could hear him holding back a chuckle. You watched her give him a simple nod, like they had come to an agreement, and turn back to whatever task she had pulled herself from.

“She’s joking.” You laughed nervously up at him. I hope, you refrained from adding.

“She’s a spitfire like you, doll.” Ben gave you a chaste kiss. You melted into him.

The onlookers you called family were back to their own stories, chittering coming from all directions. You caught on to a few names and places, noting the tone in which all of them were said.

“Do you like them? Or do I need to redownload Tinder?” You added that last part as a way to mask your anxiety. Ben saw right through it, as he did with most things you did. There wasn’t anything you could get past him, though it worked vice versa.

Ben didn’t know about all the times you sensed his aggression before he even opened his mouth. He didn’t know about the way you would walk an extra block on the way home just to pick up his favorite biscuits because you knew he was having a bad day. He didn’t know because you liked knowing something he didn’t.

“You keep that damned thing gone.” He grumbled, pulling at your hips. You snorted out a laugh, remembering the look on his face when he had stumbled upon a dick pic -- a very unasked for dick pic -- from some guy. It was before you were officially dating, and you hadn’t actually opened the app in months, but that did nothing to stop Ben from reminding you exactly how much of you was his. Spoiler alert, it was all of you, and his actions left the two of you panting and spent.

“They love you. They must be good people.” Ben shrugged.

“Yeah, well, I love them, and I love you, I just want you all to get along.” You sputtered out, playing with the fabric of his shirt under your fingers.

You’d said I love you many times to him, yet it never stopped the bloom of warmth in his stomach.

God, you were turning him into a soft-ass man, pussywhipped beyond belief.

He’d hated it at first, trying to turn you away for who knows how many weeks in the beginning. You’d never stopped coming back, crawling into his lap, and saying the words again and again until you were whimpering them into his ear while he thrust into you. He’d learned to let you care for him, ignore the bubbling hatred for anything lovely in his life.

“I know.” He breathed, soothing you with the familiar gruff of his voice. You curled into him, letting him hold you until your brother yanked at your arm, complaining that he had to do everything and you always get away with not helping.

Dinner skimmed by without much of a problem, aside from Ben’s immediate reaction to your father’s barbecued meats.

“Holy shit.” He had moaned. You were grateful it was somewhat quiet, only catching the attention of the youngest of the cousins at the adult table. The thirteen year old looked at you with wide eyes, a bashful giggle bursting out. You had shushed her and, after some very skillful manipulation -- you had no idea where she had learned how to do it --, you were signed up to bring her dress shopping for her middle school’s fall dance.

Now, you were stuck on dish duty with your sister-in-law, something that was only bearable because you found common ground in complaining about your sister’s odd habits. You were listening to her complain about how your sibling left a full dishwasher without starting it when the boisterous laugh of Ben’s caught your ear.

“She brought home this… guy.” This was your father, who immediately got along with Ben upon meeting him. You tried not to think of things they had in common. You didn’t want to be dating your father.

“He wouldn’t look at us, he kept sticking his hand up her shirt at dinner, and, the worst part, he ate everything with soy sauce. Even Marcie’s,” Marcie was your mom, “mac and cheese.”

Oh God.

He was telling Ben about that horrid boyfriend you had when you were twenty. You, thinking he was the love of your life despite every conversation being about him, brought him home for a family dinner. It was smaller than this whole thing, but still held your immediate family, including your grandfather, who, now, was sitting out on the porch with Ben and your father.

“Sounds like a real asshole.”

You choked on your breath, sending you into a coughing fit. Of course he couldn’t keep his goddamn mouth shut. It was the end of the night, you were so close to freedom from your fairly conservative family, yet Ben had to silence the entire house, children and all, with that fucking word.

Everyone stilled, even if they weren’t on the porch, even if they had only caught the ass part.

All eyes pointed in your grandfather’s direction. The old man didn’t take well to swearing, not with the way his parents had raised him. Your father slipped up sometimes, but never so obvious as Ben had. You cringed in preparation for the lecture on why Ben was the worst person alive and why you needed to find a new boyfriend.

You tilted your head to get a better view out of the window just as a smile wrinkled the skin around your grandfather’s eyes. He let out a gravelly laugh, eyes twinkling like Ben was simply an old friend he had lost touch with.

“The biggest.” Your grandfather agreed, raising his glass of whiskey in Ben’s direction before taking a sip.

That was the last blow to your nervous energy, turning that anxiety into mush. You let out a relieved breath. The family went back to their gossiping or bickering or whatever else they had gotten up to.

You rinsed the last dish, leaving it to dry on the towel near the sink before joining the three men on the porch. You silently settled into your favorite seat -- Ben’s lap --, cuddling into his chest while he held you.

It was a good day, all of your family finally becoming familiar with each other.

Ben had thought it before the dinner, but now he knew. This was his family as much as it was yours. He couldn’t imagine a better place to belong to, a better place to raise up a couple of kids, with you by his side.

jensen ackles taglist: @arcannaa @plasticflowersinahistorycemetery

soldier boy taglist: @sl33pylilbunny

[weneeya]

soft kissing m.list | rules

pairing. blue lock x reader

characters. sae, shidou, kaiser

note. kind of putting my stuff together with the bllk fandom, hope it's not too ooc and if it is, i hope that you at least like it lmao

Sae or a kiss for reassurance

Saying that Sae was popular with the girls was almost an euphemism. They were always swooning over him, trying to get his attention. And even if he obviously didn’t care at all, you could help but to get worried because of this. 

It wasn’t really a lack of self confidence, you knew you were pretty and that he loved you but looking at those girls being REALLY pretty and having perhaps a lot more than anything you had, it kept on making you wonder if he wouldn’t leave you for any of them. 

You were both sitting on the couch in the living room, his eyes focused on the book between his fingers. You were sitting next to him, fidgeting with your fingers as you were obviously stressed over something. Too bad for you, your boyfriend knew you all too well to not notice it. 

“What’s wrong?” He asked without even looking up from his book, but when he heard no answer from you, he slowly moved his eyes to your figure. You were avoiding his gaze, trying to find the right words and clearly struggling. He frowned just a little, putting his book to the side. It seemed more important than what he thought. 

“Do you think about leaving me, sometimes?” Your words hit a chord deep inside of him. Leaving you? Why would he be leaving you? The thought never even crossed his mind. He gently grabbed your hand, his lips meeting your knuckles to leave soft kisses against your skin. “Never.” 

When he looked up at you and you finally met his eyes, you knew he wasn’t lying. But he could still see a flash of worry in your eyes, and he didn’t like it. His free hand moved up to your face so he could hold your chin, tilting your head down to make you lean closer to him. The way he softly kissed your lips made your heart beat faster in your chest, because you knew you were the only one being able to have this treatment from him. 

“Don’t ever think I’d leave you,” he whispered in such a gentle tone after he pulled away, his lips almost brushing against yours as he spoke. How could you not trust him when he was acting like this. Nothing should make you doubt his feelings for you, ever.

Shidou or a kiss as an apology

He never really cared about making people angry, at least most of the time. It was more like entertainment to him. But if it was you? He hated it. He always had some trouble expressing himself in any other way than teasing or violence, but he tried his best so he could do things right with you. So making you angry was the last thing he wanted. 

He couldn’t even remember what he did, but apparently it was really bad because you had been giving him the silent treatment for days now. No matter what he tried to do, you kept on ignoring him, not even looking in his direction. He could cry to be honest. 

You were sitting on a chair, in front of your desk, when Shidou walked into the room. You knew it was him, because he was the only one walking in without even knocking at the door. You didn’t glance at him ; well you tried until you felt his hands on your legs, making you turn slowly in his direction. 

He was down on his knees, his fingers slowly stroking your legs as he began to leave soft kisses up to your knees. Between his soft touches on your skin, he was muttering sweet nothings about being sorry and promising to be more careful. 

“Please baby, don’t ignore me,” he pleaded silently, looking up at you to finally meet your eyes. Your fingers slowly reached for his cheek, brushing the skin which made him slowly move up so he could face you. He moved closer, his hands sliding up your thighs. 

His lips left a quick peck against yours, pressing just a little to be sure it was real. When he moved away, a grin suddenly appeared on his face. You looked away, hating how easily he could go back at you. He grabbed you out of nowhere, making you fall from your chair so you would join him on the ground. 

‘I’ll be good, I promise,” he told you as he nuzzled his nose against the skin of your neck, the smile never leaving his lips. You let your fingers run through his hair, sighing slowly. You couldn’t stay angry at him for too long, especially not when he was acting like this.

Kaiser or a kiss out of jealousy

He had never hidden the fact that he was a jealous man, even if he didn’t like the idea that he was this close to someone. Well, at first he didn’t like it, but now it was the least of his preoccupations. You were in the center of his mind and thoughts, and he always made sure that you were focusing solely on him. 

So when he saw you talking with that random dude, he felt his blood boiling in his veins. Yes, you had the right to talk to other men, he wasn’t that possessive (perhaps he was, but he wouldn’t say it out loud). But you were laughing a little too much and he was a bit too touchy with you ; there was no way he would let this happen. 

He walked back to you slowly, maybe too slowly ; he looked like a predator about to jump on his prey. He wrapped an arm around your waist when he arrived next to you, bringing you closer to him so the other guy’s hand would leave your arm. A light gasp left your lips and you looked at Kaiser with a little smile. 

Before you could say anything, he leaned closer to you so he could capture your lips in a second. His free hand cupped your cheek and your own found its way to his arm, pulling away not so far after he kissed you. You turned your head to glance at the other guy, just standing there in disbelief. 

Kaiser looked at him, slowly raising an eyebrow. “Don’t you see you’re not welcome now? Just leave already.” And the poor guy didn’t hesitate before he almost ran away from here. You looked back at your boyfriend, crossing your arms on your chest with a judging look as he simply shrugged his shoulders. At least, he had you all for himself now.

thank you for reading <3

[mariasont]

indirect sunlight

you hate being in the sun for too long, spencer is more than happy to keep you company indoors

pairing: spencer reid r x shy!reader warnings: fem!reader, reader avoids sun exposure and uses a lot of sunscreen, fluff, shy!reader being a little ooc here prompt: here wc: 0.7k

“Dr. Reid,” you murmur, raising an eyebrow at him, “I think you’re bluffing.”

Spencer almost laughs aloud. He’s pretty sure the only one bluffing here is you — quiet, polite you suddenly channeling a card shark’s confidence. Maybe it’s the sea air messing with your serotonin levels, or perhaps the relentless layers of coconut-scented SPF have finally infiltrated your frontal lobe.

Either way, Spencer thinks he’s enjoying this new side of you entirely too much.

He really needs to keep that thought off his face.

“Bluffing?” Spencer repeats. “Me?”

“Yes, you,” you giggle, biting your lip. “You’re doing that —” you wave at him, cards still clutched protectively in your other hand, “thing with your eyebrow again.”

Spencer hesitates, fingers brushing his forehead. He’s pretty sure eyebrows don’t just spontaneously do things, except, maybe yours — yours do lots of things, furrowing when you’re confused, arching when you’re intrigued, scrunching together when you’re nervous.

He’s accumulated enough mental notes about your facial expressions to publish a paper, probably. Your unexpected giggle from behind your cards interrupts his theoretical musings.

He can’t deny how good it feels to be the reason you’re laughing, even if it's at his expense.

“What thing?” He feigns innocence, though his own lips twitch into a helpless smile.

“You know, that thing you do when you pretend you don’t know what you’re doing just to throw me off.”

Spencer chuckles softly, leaning forward. “Trust me, if you're thrown off, it's not on purpose. You make it pretty easy.”

You duck your head a little. Spencer immediately regrets it — he was joking, but maybe it came out wrong.

He quickly searches for a way to smooth things over, mentally cursing himself for his inability to keep things casual, but then you glance back up through lowered lashes.

“We’ll see who’s thrown off in a minute.”

Spencer leans back, grinning as he gestures toward your cards. "Okay, go ahead. Impress me."

You reveal your hand, a promising straight.

He places down four-of-a-kind.

“You knew,” you accuse, looking at him through slightly narrowed eyes.

“Maybe,” Spencer shrugs innocently. Internally, he wonders if his obsession with details of your behavior should count as cheating. “Or maybe your poker face isn’t as flawless as you think it is.”

You cross your arms, your voice sweetly sullen as you look away dramatically. “I’m bored now.”

Spencer’s heart twists pleasantly, and he contemplates whether that pout should be categorized as emotional warfare. He mentally notes to research whether excessive exposure to endearing facial expressions can measurably shorten lifespans. Judging by his heart rate alone, he’s already lost a couple of years.

“Of course you are. Losing tends to do that.” He chuckles softly, savoring your exaggerated sigh. He notices the way you look about two seconds from politely excusing yourself. "You know, I've been meaning to show you that board game Rossi brought. He claims it's life changing."

Your curiosity visibly piques, exactly as he had hoped. Rossi’s ego will undoubtably inflate beyond its already excessive limits, but Spencer figures it’s worth the sacrifice. 

But then your eyes drift briefly to the patio doors, the sounds of splashing and laughter filtering inside. 

Turning back, your smile returns, shy and softly apologetic. “You don’t have to stay in here with me, you know. I’m perfectly capable of occupying myself.”

Spencer notes the gentle self-consciousness in your voice, already familiar with the careful measures you take to avoid the sun’s harshness.

"Sun exposure is highly overrated, anyway. People forget UVA rays penetrate glass and clouds, causing cellular damage year-round. There's really no escape. It's safer — and smarter — to just avoid it altogether."

Okay, he might be overstating the whole anti-sun argument. Sure, UV rays cause damage — sunburn, melanoma, premature aging — but it’s not like he genuinely fears sunlight. He doesn’t melt on contact, and he’s certainly spent enough afternoons outside without serious consequence. 

But being inside means you’re comfortable, smiling, teasing him between shy glances, and that’s definitely preferable. Or maybe it’s problematic. Or both, simultaneously. Rationally, he could handle sunlight, emotionally, though, he’s rapidly reaching the conclusion that he’s inclined toward you.

You laugh quietly, visibly relaxing at his reassurances. “Well, good. At least I'm not the only one hiding.”

Spencer smiles, feeling a tug of affection pull somewhere inside him. He could easily correct you — clarify that he’s not hiding, he’s simply here because you are — but that would mean admitting things he’s not fully prepared to process, let alone voice aloud. 

For now, it’s simpler this way, pretending sunburn is his main concern.

join me at the beach for my 1 year/4k event!

day 3 extras

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maria's spring break getaway masterlist

[sylussys]

KINGS GAMBIT.

AVENTURINE x fem reader. nsfw, mdni. porn with plot(?). putting a slight ooc warning in case those aventurine fans come at me. wc: 3.3k

SUMMARY. perhaps life is a gamble in itself—choices must be made in order to survive this world rife with opportunity and its pitfalls. but how far will you go? what will you put on the line? in his words, it’s all or nothing.

You find him at the casino. 

Your casino, if you could still call it that. Or what it had been, with its endless rewards to sow from patrons that poured their wealth into machines that lined your own pockets day by day. You were the one who had built this establishment from the ground up, pulled together an existence amongst this bleak world. 

So how had it all fallen into his hands? 

Your fingers twitch, threatening to crumple the document in your hands. A debt settlement—you had wanted to scoff at the incredulity of it all, as you scan the brightly lit room for the man who had penned such a statement. 

It’s not hard to locate him, sitting in the middle of it all, engrossed within a game of poker, chips piled high by his side. He sticks out like a peacock, extravagant and bold even amongst the finest luxury this world offers. 

“Aventurine.” You utter, quietly at first, trying to hide the slight tremor in your voice—you’re still unsure of this whole affair, as you approach him. Your pride didn’t want to allow it. 

Even his name feels embellished. But rolling off your tongue it’s heavy, leaving a bitter taste in your mouth. 

“Aventurine.” You repeat again, louder. 

The game pauses.

Aventurine lifts his head, glancing up at you. His lips pull up into a smile a moment later, eyes gleaming behind those rose tinted glasses. In this light, he looks smug almost. 

“Ah Miss Y/N, we meet again.” He starts, as if greeting an old friend. 

Your first meeting had not been so amicable, if you could call it that. His appearance had brought enough trouble to this world—you are not so blind to not notice the market shrinking, businesses run to the ground. Soon enough, it too had arrived upon your doorstep, to run up on old debts long forgotten by time. 

For that was the price for existing, to flourish. You had only shone bright enough to draw their hungry gaze. These visitors from beyond the sky, they’ll soon drain this world dry and move on to things with greater promise. Everything would disappear, just as how quickly golden coins are exchanged between hands and cash is pocketed.

Thirteen days, he had given you. To either sign off your entire fortune and its shares to the IPC—or to convince him otherwise.

“I‘ve made my choice.” You say stiffly. 

“Leave us.” You snap at the rest of the patrons around the table, who scatter immediately, scooping up their chips and disappearing out the door. 

He watches as the last of them disappears from view, fingers drumming on the tabletop, before he turns to you, amusement written across his features. “And what will that be?” 

“I will have you know, I do consider myself rather merciful, compared to my other colleagues.” He drawls, leaning back in his chair.  

“I don’t need your pity.” You hiss. 

You had spent twelve of the days grappling between what was your pride and bare necessity. To throw it all away, could you even do that? Or would you be so pathetic enough to plead for mercy? If such a concept existed to those who looked down from the head of their high tables. 

Even from here, the gold of his watch glistens brighter than any gold you’ve ever seen, the rhinestones on his jacket cut from a gem whose properties are beyond you. Your luxuries are lost on him, your world but a speck of dust in the vast universe the IPC encompassed.

It’s easy to hate him. You can think of a hundred different names to call him—an asshole, a loan shark, just to name a few. You wonder if he has ever known struggle, or has life always just been a game to him? One where he holds all the winning cards. 

You weren’t going to give him the satisfaction. “I’ll get the money. All of it.” 

It falls silent. 

He stares at you, perhaps almost incredulously. 

Then he tips his head back and laughs.

“You’re aware that is half a billion credits right?” 

You both know it would be easier to sign off your business, get the IPC off your back—him included. But you refuse to give up so easily, not after all you had done to bring this from the ground up. You weren’t going to become a pawn in their game. 

“I’ll find a way. Just give me some more time.” 

“How bold of you.” He muses. “You know Y/N, I must admire your tenacity.” 

You’re not like the other women who have sought him out in desperation, ones with no true grasp on any business, this the first time in their lives where they’ve struggled, despaired even, at the uncertainties of the future which had once been promised to them. They plead for mercy, for themselves and their families. 

You on the other hand have known struggle. Nothing in this world had been handed to you upon a silver platter. You’ve fought tooth and nail, clawing your way up to the top by any means possible—to survive. This business of yours had been nothing, but you had made it something. And you would not let go of something so precious in a world of beggars and thieves. 

Aventurine clicks his tongue. “But time is money. None of which you have right now at your disposal, and the IPC does not take empty promises for one.” 

“You’re setting yourself an impossible task. Why not take the easy way out?” He waves your discarded document in front of your face almost tauntingly, watching as your eyes narrow. 

He knows you won’t. An animal caught in a trap will gnaw off its own leg to escape. Others unlike you would balk at the idea, accepting their fate. 

“You and I both know that is not the case.” You hiss through gritted teeth, turning away, eyes flickering over to the unfinished game of poker on the table. Your fingers rest atop a particularly high pile of chips, watching as it topples beneath your touch. All this wealth, you think, brought crashing down so easily. 

“Everything has a price. It won’t end here.” 

A drowning person will grab onto anything, forgoing the consequences for a shot at survival. 

You are no stranger to that nature of desperation, it forever having existed in the underbellies of this city and its helpless souls. Risking arm and limb for a bag of gold to feed their hunger, or to tarnish their own hands at a price—you’ve seen it all. You too had been amongst them once, staking your survival to dig yourself out from the dirt. 

But you’ve learnt to be better, being the only way you have risen to the top. You would not subject yourself to the IPC’s whims so easily, to be forever indebted to them, with your last bargaining chip gone. 

Behind you, you hear the scrape of a chair against the floor, footsteps stopping behind you. A gloved hand reaches out, restacking the chips you had knocked over. “I suppose I underestimated you, Y/N.” 

You scoff. 

“Perhaps we are kindred spirits, in that we will do anything to survive on our own terms in this world.” He huffs a laugh, warm breath tickling the back of your neck. “Let me make you an offer, one from myself and not the IPC. One you can’t possibly refuse.” 

You pause, hesitating. “And what is your price?” 

You don’t trust him. No one in their right mind should. But oddly enough, he sounds sincere. It could be a chance to escape the IPC’s grasp. Yet could you allow yourself to be indebted to him instead? The devil takes on many forms, with its most beautiful ones the most treacherous. 

Aventurine hums appreciably. “Humour me, how much are you willing to put on the line? Could you wager your life—”

“—or something else perhaps?” His voice drops to a whisper. 

Too late, you think. He’s already gotten you backed into a corner. 

He has everything to gain. You have everything to lose, and already you’ve been left with nothing but your wits and the meagre sum left to your name. There’s nothing but a false plea for more time that you cling to now, hoping he would take your bluff. And perhaps he could see through that act of yours too. 

Your breath hitches as you feel his hand grasp your chin. The leather of his gloves are bitingly cold, like pinpricks of ice against your skin, digging into you. 

He turns your head to meet his eyes, hues of cyan and pink gleaming in the light—maddened almost. He’s suddenly way too close you realise, hot breath fanning against your face as he chuckles. 

“Beg me.” He whispers. “Beg for my help.” 

Your nails dig further into the table at his words. You don’t even notice the angry tears that have begun to prick at the corner of your eyes until he wipes them away. He’s practically pressed against you now—you have nowhere to run, wedged between him and the table. 

You swallow back the lump in your throat, chest heaving. It’s suddenly stiflingly hot—between his closeness and the part of you that is seething internally, heart thumping loudly in the silence. 

“You are infuriating.” You get out a moment later, scooting back on the table to swipe your foot at him. 

He catches your leg halfway, amused. “So I’ve been told.” 

“It must be difficult.” He steps in between your legs, leaning down as he continues. “Alone with the world crashing down around you… I suppose I could understand how you feel. That the mighty should be humbled.” 

“Truly it would be a shame for it to end like this.” He murmurs, fingers moving to curl around the back of your neck, pulling you ever so slightly closer to him so that his breath fans across your cheeks as his eyes fall to your lips. “Take my offer. Let me help you.” 

You could almost believe him, the way he grazes your cheekbone with his fingertips before tracing the outline of your jaw with an uncanny gentleness. That he pities you—your desperation. It is a desperation that burns like no other, hollowing and empty, yet ravaging to consume, lying beneath the last extant shreds of what remains a tether to this world that has not yet blurred beyond reason. 

“I only wonder…” The hunger in his eyes is unmistakable as the corner of his mouth twitches up into a half smirk. “How much more can you take until you crack?” 

The shallow breath you draw into your lungs is like music to his ears, and you feel his hand stiffen against the nape of your neck as he awaits your response. 

Your skin is as smooth as porcelain and just as devastatingly fragile, beneath his digits encrusted with the weight of gold—as if made to crumble by his touch, the gravity of it all, that delicate figure that has teetered precariously on the lines of control. 

And he cracks that shell, leaves all there is to break, to consume. Your response is airy, hardly more than a whisper, but a bite to the last of your challenge, rekindled fire burning to meet his hungry gaze. “How much will you give to find out?” 

“Everything.” 

Those few words come out roughly, but you hardly get the chance to dwell on it. His lips are on your neck in the next second, stealing your breath and igniting a fire in your veins that threatens to burn you from the inside out.

His fingers trail down the length of your figure, bunching the fabric of your dress in his hands as he pushes you further over the table. A stack of chips topple over at the force, scattering all over the tabletop, splayed around your frame. 

You shiver as his free hand pulls down the zipper of your dress—revealing the full flush of your figure, his mouth trailing past your collarbone, down to your exposed breasts, his tongue flicking out as if to savour the feeling of your bare skin, a low moan of satisfaction escaping him. You smell sweet, like the scent of freshly blossoming flowers. 

Perhaps you could grant his starving soul satiation, two sides of the same coin, halves to a whole. 

It’s no secret he has been captivated by you. He’s heard acclaim of your name in the first moments of stepping onto this world, a woman who had come from no background having risen so high, forged your own path. And perhaps he had gotten more than what he had gambled for. 

Truly he does think you’re pretty, from your first meeting where you had stood as an elegant figure of ethereal grace—an unattainable treasure, cutting a flawless figure in the sweep of your dress. But you’ve shed some of that light, revealing all that lay beneath. And now, he sees you laid out before him, face flushed, lipstick stained in a hot mess. 

Slowly, his kisses move further down. Before you could even make out his motions, he’s licking a hot stripe down your cunt, pulling a choked gasp from your throat, eyes fluttering shut as you try not to lose all control. His tongue prods at the entrance of your hole, and you can feel his groan reverberate against you, drinking up your arousal. 

Good gods. You think you’re beginning to see stars already. 

A shudder escapes you when Aventurine cuts you off with another hot moan against your dripping cunt, pressing his lips against your clit. You have to clap your hand over your mouth to muffle the sounds that push past your own lips. 

“Embarrassed?” He purrs, lifting his head, fingers pulling away your hand. 

You forget how infuriating he can be when his mouth isn’t occupied. You grit your teeth, shoving him back, rolling your hips against his tongue just to shut him up. You earn a quiet huff from him before he’s dipping back into your cunt with renewed vigour, lapping up the arousal. 

He doesn’t let up, enraptured with the taste of you, the sounds of him sloppily sucking on your clit and your soft moans filling the room. You’re momentarily glad that you had emptied the room and the rest of the casino earlier. 

Soon you can’t take it anymore, chest heaving as he coaxes another moan from you. Tears begin to prick at your eyes again as his tongue drags another languid lick up against your folds, eating you out like a man starved. It’s awfully vulgar and lewd, so perfectly mind numbing—you’re practically keening, fingers entangling themselves in his blonde locks as your back arches against the table. 

Your orgasm builds quickly, much to your further embarrassment, his name coming out in broken gasps. It crashes through your veins in a wave of white-hot pleasure that has your eyes rolling back, your body trembling as you cum on his lips. 

“Oh my god.” You choke out, chest heaving loudly, your heart thrumming in your ears. 

You’re spread out the table with an utterly fucked out expression across your face, cunt dripping as Aventurine slowly pulls away, eyes roving over you. His finger flicks out to wipe away a stray tear that falls down your cheek. 

He’s then climbing on top of you, shedding the outer layers of his coat—and it’s not long until he’s pulling you into a heated kiss, chasing your lips. You can taste the remnants of your sweet release on his tongue, forcing its way between your teeth and licking at your mouth. 

It’s hot, too hot. 

“… fuck, don’t look at me like that.” He mutters between breaths as he takes a moment to truly take you in. “Please, gods, let me fuck you.” 

It’s inviting. He thinks maybe you look prettier when you cry, his name pushing past your lips. You wanted more—you were too far gone to act as though you weren't eager to experience everything he had to offer, your own desires having overcome you. 

He unbuckles his belt, letting it slip to the floor with a clink. He would’ve made you beg for it, but how could he deny himself when you were right here in front of him like that? 

His hands move over your body, smoothing up the skin of your thighs, pulling them farther apart. Your eyes flutter shut as you swallow back a gulp, your breaths shaky and haggard as he pushes himself into you. You bury your face in the crook of your neck as if to stifle your cry, a groan rumbling in his own chest. 

“Look at me baby.” He gasps, pulling you from his chest, fingers tangling themselves in your hair, violet irises dancing, as he rolls his hips against yours and you moan. He didn’t think you could make such a beautiful noise, lips crashing against yours as if poised to devour the essence of your being completely. 

He could think himself truly enamoured by you in the height of his pleasures. You’re dancing in the palm of his hands, tits bouncing up and down as he thrusts into you, letting that sweet, sweet melody of your pleasure fill his ears, pushing any coherent thoughts from Aventurine’s mind. 

Your own mind is equally blank, you’re numb, shaking all over as he continues to slam his cock into you, gasping as his fingers dig into your thighs. A cry escapes you, your legs trembling, as the knot in your stomach seems to tighten with each movement of his. He’s grown rougher, faster. 

“Mm you’re beautiful.” He kisses along your neck, as you wrap your arms around him, nails digging into his back amid a muffled sob as he continues, settling into a steady pace. 

At this point you’ve begun to lose count of the times he’s abused your cunt, your vision blurring as a sudden orgasm crashes through you, the knot in your stomach growing taut—then snapping, without so much of a warning, as his cock hits that sweet spot of yours, one that has you seeing stars. 

It’s so much all at once. Pleasure rips through you like a tidal wave, painting your mind in a foggy haze. It’s shamefully fulfilling as you ride out your high.

He fucks you through your release, your first, and then every other one that follows, in chase of his own, your walls growing tighter and more desperate. Your cries become higher and higher in pitch—you’re practically keening with your head thrown back, eyes rolling to the back into your head. 

His pace grows sloppy, his words coming out between gasps against your ear. His eyes are equally unfocused, strands of blonde hair sticking to the thin sheen of sweat on his forehead, as he loses himself in the pleasure of your soft cunt. His breathing is ragged, chest heaving as his hips stutter. 

With one final thrust, he spills into you with a sigh. You feel him twitch inside, warm liquid painting your walls and dripping down the inside of your thighs. His head drops down, slumping over. 

You have little to no idea how long you two lie there for, catching your breath as the rush of the moment dissipates, both of you equally spent. Your mind is in no better state, a good deal of time passing before you can even think clearly enough to be stirred to action. 

Eventually, he lifts a hand to guide your legs off him, settling your trembling limbs back down on the table, almost like dead weights. 

He gets up quickly, pulling up his pants, the clink of a belt being refastened as he fixes up his clothes. He pats his pockets, looking for something, as you watch bleary eyed from your position. 

“Here.” Aventurine slides a black card across the tabletop a moment later. 

You blink dazedly, confused. 

He smirks. 

“I don’t make deals that don’t pay off.” 

[cr4yolaas]

for lovers who hesitate — tsukishima kei

synopsis: you find your old academic rival at your new job. every bone in your body says it’s fate, but everything else seems to be stopping you.

notes: puking cuz idk how i feel abt this one. i worked on this all thru out my trip and there was a lot of scrapping and rewriting and deleting the entire thing and rewriting it again, but i think this version is the best i could get it to. i <3 tsukishima kei

tags: fluff → angst → fluff, self-indulgent long fic, reader smokes, reader has trauma w/ their parents, mainly fem reader oriented but gn pronouns used, reader has self-destructive habits, themes of self-doubt from both, tsukishima is probably ooc, slow burn but not really, the most awkward love confession ever, mitski rdr x radiohead tsukishima (sorry), proofread but not really

tsukishima kei, for once, was at a loss for words.

there you stood beneath the bright green foliage, your face marred by the heatwaves of the sun and still all too familiar. he thought, for a moment, that he had the wrong person — you had taken on a rougher appearance, but his body, heart, and soul still recognized you. and yet, he couldn’t bring himself to speak to you.

where had the last decade gone?

he coughed into his fist and walked past you, feigning ignorance to your arrival. when you followed after him with a keycard of your own, he found himself flustered.

no words were exchanged. he was playing the silent game with you, although he quietly hoped you would say something first.

and thus, he continued his shift as usual, with the added oddity of you shadowing him alongside his boss. he just couldn’t find the proper words to place on his tongue, nor the right gestures to show that he did want to talk, he just didn’t know how to.

but truthfully, what was one supposed to say in such a situation?

𝜗𝜚 ｡ ˚.

you believed that tsukishima hated you. and you wouldn’t blame him.

when you applied for this job, you had no expectations going into it, save for the hope of a higher salary and a lighter load than your previous job. what you had not anticipated was to stand face to face with the man you swore to hate in your youth.

a sliver of hope embedded itself within you; an overwhelming desire to perhaps refurbish a long lost relationship had taken root. but when he looked away so persistently and spoke not a word to you, that sliver dissipated into meaningless sand.

you continued your work as best as possible. it was a routine job — set up the displays for the day, guide whatever visitors came around, and leave in the afternoon. but when a certain blonde was sneaking glances at you and somehow always in your vicinity, it proved to be easier said than done.

you were too afraid to admit that his presence was refreshing. that, in the midst of the mundane and borderline unhealthy cycle you had formulated within the past handful of years following graduation, he had proven to be an odd factor; he stood as a disruptor to the routine. it was unwelcome. and even still, you craved it and more.

tsukishima kei had always been a constant in your life. you just didn’t expect him to reappear so soon, so suddenly.

𝜗𝜚 ｡ ˚.

it was a wednesday. an uneventful shift had come to an end. and just as you rid yourself of your work attire, a verbal invitation to a work party was sent your way.

the prospect of it was almost laughable. you were under the impression that the body of employees in a museum would be too reserved to host parties such as this, and you were quickly proven otherwise. thus, you accepted instantly.

as soon as you sat down, you regretted it just as quickly.

the moon had just barely begun to hang bright in the sky, and yet the table was already full of drunken coworkers that you hadn’t seen before. loud chatter filled the room, as if this table was the only one in the establishment. it was overbearing.

before you could take even a sip of your drink, you excused yourself under the pretense of needing to use the restroom. instead, you escaped outside, the gentle breeze reestablishing your senses and reeling you back in.

he was also there.

“oh,” he exclaimed softly. his eyes drifted away from yours, the warmth of his cheeks illuminated by the dim lamp above. oh was the first word he had ever spoken to you since graduation. you nearly laughed.

“hello,” you offered quietly, still testing the waters of conversation. your gaze fell to his fingers, slim and cherry-kissed and blemished, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. “um… i didn’t expect to see you here…?”

tsukishima laughed lightly at your tone, as if to conceal his own anxieties. “likewise.” he watched as you pulled out a cigarette, the stick meeting your lips like it were more than natural. “did you come all this way to stalk me? or to follow me? after all those years of silence?” he teased, although a tinge of bitterness dripped from his words.

you shook your head aggressively. “no, no, i just…” you bit at your lip for a moment before continuing. “i’m taking a break from my actual job. i needed to wind down before i return.”

tsukishima hummed at your response, evidently oblivious to your lie. he looked at you for a moment too long, his eyes grazing over each alteration and unfamiliar feature. he could not help but admire you in this light — the soft strings of moonlight in contrast with the neon signs glaring against your complexion painted an image he hadn’t seen in ages.

for the first time in a long time, tsukishima kei thought you were unbearably pretty.

what he didn’t catch wind of was your nervous shuffles and your incessant skin-picking as you stood beside him. he didn’t realize that the cigarette was a distractor, a tool to pull you back in. and he failed to acknowledge the stutter in your voice as you spoke to him, for it hadn’t crossed his mind once that you thought he disliked you. not that it would matter to him, anyways.

it’s too soon, he thought to himself. this is stupid, he argued. i’d mess it up if i did anything reckless, he reasoned. all of which were excuses to fight against the overwhelming reality of his vulnerability.

you turned your head away, the extended silence whittling away at whatever confidence you once bore. tsukishima watched with framed eyes and a calculative stare, as if scrutinizing each and every action you took. unbeknownst to you, it was the exact opposite of that.

the soft call of your name from inside the bar pulled your attention away, much to his dismay. he witnessed your frame disappear through the doors, your eyes flitting towards his so quickly he might’ve imagined it.

this was foolish. tsukishima decided that much. but despite his claims of how stupid it was, he was getting reeled in faster than he could pull out.

𝜗𝜚 ｡ ˚.

despite how hard he tried to display his ignorance, tsukishima was caring at his core.

silent glances exchanged between shifts morphed into small conversations shared whenever possible, as if the tension that previously barred you from interaction had dissipated into nothingness.

at some point, he dropped off a neatly wrapped bento box to your desk, the fabric littered with small dinosaur doodles.

“what is this?” you questioned, an amused lilt to your voice. you failed to notice the way pink rose to his ears, too enamored by the intricate arrangement of veggies and rice.

“don’t think anything of it. i just had leftover food and didn’t want to waste it.” the excuse slipped through his lips as if it were truth, earning him a soft smile from you.

there were butterflies whipping their wings against his ribcage so aggressively they might have bulged out from his skin.

eventually, you invited him out for a walk to the convenience store nearby during your break. and after that, it became routine. with an umbrella in one hand and his wallet in another, tsukishima walked with you down the street to buy onigiri and sandwiches and sometimes a sweet treat nearly every day, and that shared hour became his favorite part of work.

it was silly.

you sat beside him in the booth, your blistered hands carefully unwrapping the plastic from your meal. to your left sat a can of soda. and to your right, he was there.

“i need to stop living off of these,” you complained while motioning towards the onigiri in your grasp.

tsukishima shook his head. “what else would you eat?”

“your bento boxes,” you commented absentmindedly, your bites becoming larger as you neared the center of the rice. “i liked it, when you gave it to me that one time. you should make it again.”

he looked away, his chin resting atop the sweat of his palm. slowly, he turned towards you. “it’s just a bento box. surely you can handle making one.”

“oh, shut up!” you laughed while shoving him lightly. “the fact that you can even make one is shocking. all you have in that head is volleyball and shit.”

“our old test scores say otherwise,” he quipped. the shift in your eyes left a bitter taste on his tongue.

“whatever,” you muttered before leaving to throw out your trash. a pit grew in tsukishima’s stomach.

the blonde mustered the last of his resolve and made an offer. “i’ll teach you how to make one.”

𝜗𝜚 ｡ ˚.

of all the things tsukishima was bracing himself to see, a thinly-walled apartment that was less than well-maintained was the last thing he was prepared for.

you came out from your bedroom in clothes that were far more casual than his, your hair disheveled and your steps uneven. “sorry for the mess,” you uttered while bending down to pick up a hoodie sprawled across the floor, alongside a plastic bag that looked empty. he could only watch in awe.

he placed his bag down on your counter before arranging the ingredients, each brought from his own home. the clatter of your rushed cleaning echoed behind him. and when you finally stood beside the man, he could not contain his grin.

tsukishima decided to hold his tongue. instead, he opted to gently guide your hands through each step, the perspiration collecting on his skin a stark contrast from the rough texture of yours. he realized how little you knew, despite your insistence that you were more than knowledgeable in what you were doing — it showed in your unstable cutting and your hesitance when preparing the pot for boiling — but he refrained from commenting, in fear of disrupting the peace he’d constructed.

on the other hand, you were horrified.

to admit that you were inferior to him in yet another aspect uprooted the envy you had burrowed deep within yourself, and you were terrified of letting it overspill. he was so calm — at least, that was what it looked like — and you’d be damned to ruin it.

mitski’s soft hums reverberated in the background, your shaky chopping filling in the rest of the noise. it was almost satirical — the solemn melodies coated your bare bones and rendered you silent, a strong juxtaposition to the warmth exuded from the closeness of your skin to his. neither of you did anything to interfere, save for an earlier comment from the man questioning your music taste.

(“then what do you listen to?”

“… radiohead.”

“wow. as if that’s any better than mitski.”)

tsukishima found himself smiling at your pride in your creation. messy, yes. but within each ingredient lay a remnant of him, and that was enough.

a stream of small talk emerged into you sitting on the couch together. the music dimmed down to white noise and an old romcom that had only two star ratings played on your TV, the poor quality adding to the humor. your legs leaned against his beneath the blanket. and there was peace.

tsukishima knew what it was. he knew what this would blossom into, and he could only hope and pray he didn’t mess it up in some way. your quiet yet crude commentary disappeared into the tender air, and he remained silent, as if absorbing each syllable that fell from your lips.

it was so quiet, and so vulnerable, and so delicate that he felt like he was going to explode.

he didn’t question it when your head fell onto his shoulder. he didn’t make fun of you when your colorful reviews on each scene turned into sleepy ramblings. and he didn’t say a word when you dozed off against him, your whole body against his.

instead, he looked around. he took note of the dust collecting on the cabinets, the water marks on the windows, the clothes and food and plastic scattered all over your living room, the dead plant on the shelf, and the half-empty pack of cigarettes sitting on the arm of the couch. it was all a far, far cry from the cleanliness and stability of his own home, and yet, he thought to himself, this is so like them. and he thought, i could live in here, if it were with them. and again, he thought, this could be a home.

tsukishima kei was of the belief that he did not have a type. but as he observed your house and reflected on its singular (?) inhabitant, he figured that this was his type. his type was your quiet laughs and your sharp remarks and your wrinkled clothes and the scent of cigarettes that always seemed to cling to you. his type was you.

he exchanged one last glance to your sleeping figure before getting up and leaving you to rest. not without wrapping up your lunch for tomorrow, and not without a small smile on his lips.

𝜗𝜚 ｡ ˚.

hell came to you on a thursday morning — the day following whatever had happened between you and tsukishima. you hadn’t put on your uniform just yet, and your belongings sat outside of your locker.

your boss scrambled into the office, his brows furrowed and his larger hands closing the door as quickly as he could without slamming it. the sweat that collected between his wrinkles shined beneath the dim lights. his breaths were haggard and rushed and shallow.

for the first time in a long time, you felt fear.

“there’s people who want to talk to you outside,” he whispered. “they want to talk to you now.”

there was no one else in the building. no one other than you, your boss, and the people who were so adamant on speaking to you.

so why was it so loud as soon as you stepped out?

the eyes of your mother came into your vision first. then, the stare of your father. and finally, their faces blended into one large picture that made sense.

“what the fuck are you doing here?”

withered hands slammed against the table. you watched the papers and the dinosaur trinkets rattle. “that’s no way to speak to your parents.��� you could feel it — the air seeping out of your lungs, depriving you of breath; the trembling in your palms; the cloudiness in your peripherals. you could hear them, but you couldn’t hear them. at some point, their vocabulary was solely financial, and at another point, it grew cruel and violent, akin to wild dogs gnawing away at your skin. you didn’t know where it was going. the hastened footsteps of an unidentifiable coworker neared, and the shaky breaths of your boss behind the door grew louder and louder.

you needed to leave.

your feet led you away before your mind could. the yelling softened, until finally, the only sound was the chirp of birds and the whirring of cars.

𝜗𝜚 ｡ ˚.

tsukishima didn’t see you for a week. he didn’t hear any mention of your name, didn’t find your face in a crowd, didn’t feel the vibrations of your voice against his chest. you had disappeared, and no one told him why. it wasn’t until your name didn’t show up on the schedule that something clicked.

it was cruel. you were cruel, he decided.

tadashi sat on the couch while his roommate leaned against the counter. the hum of the air conditioning blinded the blonde’s senses.

“i don’t fucking know what i did,” tsukishima groaned into his palms for the twentieth time that night. “they just left. they quit and i can’t even contact them because i was stupid enough to not ask for their number or email or anything. i don’t- i don’t fucking know, ‘dashi, i don’t.”

“i’m sure they had some good reason,” his friend attempted. “i don’t think they’d do that if it weren’t within some sensible limit. it was fucked, yeah, but… i don’t know. i think they’ll come back when the time is right.”

it was tiring. it was tiring to be left alone not just once, but twice. and it was tiring to have it hurt so much more the second time.

tsukishima ran a hand through his hair. “it’s so stupid.” another groan spilled from his tongue. “i’m so fucking tired of this.”

𝜗𝜚 ｡ ˚.

this was just about the fourth job you had applied for.

the museum could no longer be a part of your routine — instead, it morphed into loud nights and bustling men and the clinking of glass; it emerged from quiet and gentle tours around dinosaur exhibits to noisy cheers and yelling and the more-than-occasional bottle thrown at your head; it turned into pure, devastating loneliness.

it was compact. it was suffocating. it was overwhelming. it was everything the museum was not. but you could not return there, no matter how much you ached for it.

you were avoiding him. avoiding everyone.

a gentle nudge from a blurred face reminded you that your shift was over for the night, coupled with an apology for the gash that formed on your head from another drunken man who had no outlet for his anger other than you. with heavy steps, you trudged back home, thankful for the week’s pay and the free food and drinks.

it was quiet.

the lights were off, and the LED numbers on the microwave read way past midnight. a dull pounding resided in your chest.

just the other day, it was so vibrant. you were alive, and so was he, and it was going well. but it was wrong. you realized that much when your parents came to remind you, and you realized it again as you quit the same day.

the thumping in your chest spread to your head, and your back met the wall with a force that was sure to upset your neighbors. carefully, daintily, you slid down, your body reaching the floor gently.

you missed him. but it was wrong.

that night, for the first time in a long while, you cried.

𝜗𝜚 ｡ ˚.

tucked away in a small alley in sendai resided an establishment with only three tables and a bar that was worn down from years of use. and behind it, tsukishima found you.

he was only out for a walk. at least, that was what it was until his feet brought him elsewhere and he stood face-to-face with the most suspicious of buildings. and when he saw you, it felt as if all the anger and guilt and distress that riddled his bones and flesh and blood withered away, as if it hadn’t coalesced within his veins over the past month.

before you could hide, his hand snaked around your wrist, his touch light yet desperate. “can we talk?”

talking entailed bringing him back to your apartment. and by extension, it included him witnessing your house somehow being worse than before.

tsukishima found himself sitting on the floor with his back to the couch, and you found yourself sprawled across said couch. he picked at the blisters on his fingers before quietly asking, “why did you do that?”

he could hear your nervous habits — the shifting, the fidgeting, the harsh lip biting. “i don’t know.”

“bullshit,” he muttered under his breath.

you turned over onto your side to face his back. “my parents found me,” you explained meekly. improper guidance leads to destructive tendencies. tsukishima kei, in his high school years, was deemed your only obstacle to complete succession — always a few points ahead, a few questions ahead, a few steps ahead — and your poor influence from youth only fueled such a fire. and so, you felt that it was reasonable to loathe him. your judgement was clouded beyond repair.

tsukishima listened. he listened to every detail, every portion of your retelling of each segment of your childhood, and your teen years, and your silly hatred for him. he listened to you talk about what you did after graduation — how you got into a good university but dropped out and hopped between a multitude of jobs (thus proving your claim at the work party to be a lie), and how you were constantly escaping from both the stress and your parents.

he listened so intently that it was overbearing. you didn’t tell him that. instead, you talked and talked and talked until you sculpted him into someone who knew your entire life, as if he were there from the beginning.

“i’m sorry,” you whispered through stubborn tears. you hated it — how exposing it was, how you had practically dumped everything onto him in one go, how you couldn’t help but beg for forgiveness in the end. most of all, you hated how easily he gave you his forgiveness.

𝜗𝜚 ｡ ˚.

tsukishima didn’t leave your house at all that week. you found no energy to complain.

in the morning, you’d find him cleaning whatever disaster you left behind, whether it was the pile of laundry on your bed or the collection of full trash bags next to the front door or the food (or rather, the lack thereof) in your fridge. he was silent all the while, and that hurt more than any berating he could have done.

“why are you still here?” you asked him one night. you had finally moved from the couch to the bed, and tsukishima couldn’t be any prouder. (any movement at all was enough to be proud of, he felt). “you shouldn’t want to be here.”

you watched him heave a heavy breath as his shoulders drooped. “because i want you,” he admitted, his voice unmistakably tender and soft and ridden with a youthfulness that he unearthed from deep within himself. “i want to be with you and i want you to be happy and i just want us to be happy together, for once.”

he spoke of his affections so fluently, as if he were born to share them with you. and still, every bone in your body was whispering otherwise.

even so, tsukishima promised that he would be willing to wait. even if it meant watching you down an unreasonable amount of beer at an unreasonable hour.

he promised to sit through it all with you, even if it meant listening to you call his name out in long, drawn-out tones. even if it meant hearing you confess your long-harbored affection for him. even if it meant hearing you say that you never told him, not even in high school, because you felt like you didn’t deserve to tell him.

tsukishima didn’t understand.

he failed to comprehend how you didn’t feel deserving, when his whole body, mind, and soul was bound to you; when, in the depths of the night, he’d burn pink in the night at the mere thought of you; when he was so uncharacteristically smitten for you. he didn’t get it. he didn’t think he ever would.

not that he said anything about it — at least, not in that moment. not when you were inexplicably drunk, to the point where you couldn’t move a limb without tumbling over.

but, without a doubt, he went to bed with a stupid grin and a berry-kissed face.

𝜗𝜚 ｡ ˚.

it took another couple of weeks before tsukishima would see you at work again. you entered through the doors as if you never left, and he wasn’t sure if he was supposed to be excited or neutral or anything else, because his guts only knew tenderness with you at that point — all the fake ignorance and stubbornness and denial had been cast aside.

you basked in a shared silence in the locker room, until you finally admitted that you were, in fact, healing. to some degree, at least. you asked him to come over again under the pretense of seeing how clean your house was. you detailed every segment of your life, from when he last saw you to your entrance into the museum, including how you made yourself breakfast for the first time in forever and how you drank a cup of water almost every day. and he was so overwhelmingly proud, so much so that it spilled over and he couldn’t contain himself.

“i love you,” he blurted out, his rushed admission cutting off your rambling. you whipped your head towards him, but he was looking everywhere except for you.

“what?” you exclaimed.

“i said i love you. i’m in love with you. what don’t you get?”

your jaw hung open, just like that of a fish. “wait- what the fuck?” much to his amusement, you jumped up and began pacing around the room. “i like- well, i guess, love,” you paused, the vocabulary uncomfortable on your teeth. “you too, but like- what the fuck? who told you that?”

“you did.”

“what?”

tsukishima kei was laughing. he was laughing at you, and yet, you weren’t as angry as you expected to be. he was laughing, and all you could do was relish in the noise.

“so,” he hummed delightfully, an amused smirk on his lips. “am i still coming over?”

you (begrudgingly) agreed. again, he laughed — this time, at the heat rising to your face.

𝜗𝜚 ｡ ˚.

through the cracks between your blinds, silk strands of sunlight crawled through, a soft reminder of the morning. beside you, a mountain of warmth lay, with his glasses still on his face and his hoodie misshapen on his body.

tsukishima was always the first to rise. he would wait for your eyes to flit open gently before getting up and making breakfast, despite your protests that your food was probably better than his. he never listened.

the splatter of coffee into your cup served as the only noise in the room, save for the dull noise of the morning news on the TV and the cars passing by outside the window. you watched intently as the blonde set up the table, his lip drawn in a tight line but his eyes shimmering with contentment. “eat up,” he spoke quietly as he took a seat in front of you.

tsukishima kei was, by no means, a cruel person. he was just a little rough on the edges and occasionally didn’t quite know how to say things without being mean. but as he sat with you, eating breakfast made by him in your shared apartment; as he pressed a fleeting kiss to your forehead before leaving to change, ignoring your groans about the remnants of syrup on his lips; as he drove you to work as the sun settled in the sky; you realized he was simply a man in love.

[backgroundcharactera]

His unique magic

cw: ooc characters, angst no comfort, reader is human, reader dies

Riddle Rosehearts

For the first time in his life, he hates it. He loathes his unique magic with all his heart. Why did they, his first, and supposedly last love, commit a crime? Why did they have to be sentenced to death? Why did the executioner have to say, “Off with your head!” as the blade sliced down?

Leona Kingscholar

Why did he forget? They were just standing there. So near, his rage made the area of effect too large. He watched, in wide-eyed horror as that person disintegrated to dust.

Jade Leech

The rest of the nurse’s empty condolences went in one ear and out the other. It was too late. No amount of electricity, shocking their heart would save them now. Perhaps 5 minutes ago, if his unique magic had matched its name then the monitor would not have a straight line on it.

Lilia Vanrouge

The house he shared with them looks exactly the same as the day they passed. He refused. Refused to move even a single thing. It was his comfort. Using his magic on their clothes would show him them once again. Their controller would show the time when they sat side by side racing in that game. The couch would show them napping with a tablet placed on their face. And he’d watch. Watch and cry in the silent house, frozen in time.

[honeyed-nothings]

To Have a Crush: Savanaclaw

Warning(s): Gender-neutral reader, not proof-read, OOC

Notes: Procrastination hit me hard…also I did not expect to spend an hour finding decent enough emoticons for them. May just switch to regular bullet point style someday since I’m still trying to figure out what format I like(╥_╥). Never realized how hard it was to make a pretty format on tumblr until now. Also I’ve gotten pretty rusty too but my schedule has finally cleared up a bit so I’ll be able to be a little more active now!

Heartslabyul | Savanaclaw | Octavinelle | Scarabia | Pomefiore | Ignihyde | Diasomnia | Special

Leona Kingscholar

𓄂 A crown of love that the king wears. A herbivore was all you were to him. Another nameless face in the faceless crowd of people who he couldn’t care less about in the grand scheme of things. That’s how it was supposed to stay…until it didn’t. The proud lion will never admit this (or at least not anytime soon) but that day where you, a weak and stupidly stubborn human, stood your ground among all the dust and debris was both one of the most frustrating experiences in his life and also the first time he ever thought of you as ‘strong’. Every so often he thinks back to that moment and sighs before pulling you towards him to lay on the grass.

𓄂 A king should always be accompanied by his retainers. However, he’s not king and you’re definitely not his retainer. Just a stubborn herbivore who happened to catch his eye, that’s all. You’re not that great as an errand runner either but it’s better than just one. A help that Ruggie greatly appreciates but occasionally complains about how you always take the lighter load. Don’t think much about it, he just doesn’t want you messin’ up or anythin’. Strangely, whenever you do run errands for him, there’s conviently always an extra that he gives to you. Reasoning to you that the King of Beasts would’ve done the same thing to those under his care. The proud lion knows this is a lie he can’t keep using to play off what he feels inside. Not when his own ears and tail betray him.

𓄂 Tch, well this is embarrassing.

𓄂 Maybe it was a good thing that Leona already knew. From the moment his tail unconsciously wrapped around you, he knew what his heart was telling him as it beat in his chest. There, with you and him napping underneath the shade of a tree, he realized he had fallen in love. He didn’t know whether he should’ve laughed or cursed the world so he chose to do neither instead. Gently brushing a stray leaf off that had fallen on your face, he chuckled. Guess something like love ain’t all that bad.

𓄂 A crownless lion who’s more hated than loved and a visitor from a place far from here. An interesting duo you two make as he pulls you yet again away from class to nap in the shade with him. His attempts at catching your heart aren’t too noticeable, only noticed by the keenest of eyes. He’ll never be the ideal partner, that he acknowledges despite his pride. But being sappy and overly romantic isn’t his style. That’s why, he’ll win your heart in his own way. A path perhaps not that of a king, but of a man in-love. The prideful lion may not bow his head to no one, but for you he’ll take a knee.

“Huh, well aren’t you gettin’ bolder? I didn’t think you’d beat me to it.”

Ruggie Bucchi

シ Hidden amidst the dirt and grime was love. It’s ingrained into Ruggie to look after people but he’s learnt to not let it be given without a price. Outside of his family and Leona, the latter of whom was more so to help his own skin, he didn’t exactly feel any desire or need to look after you. Sure he felt pity, after all you’re in a tighter spot than him in the world, but aside from that you were just an after thought. Nobody of note that could be beneficial to him in any way. That was until Leona overbloted and well…he’s somewhat grateful that you don’t have much of a survival instinct. You’re a real goody two-shoes aren’t you? Still, he’s thankful that you’re the way that you are. Hyenas never forget a debt and this one he owes to you alone.

シ It really just started off with it being to repay his debt to you. Sure it’s not much but he can’t really do anything fancy like paying you millions of madols or giving you land. That’s why, the hyena has chosen to pay it back his own way. Simple as it may be, it’s all he really has to offer. It’s not like watching your back is gonna cause him anymore work than he’s already got. Soon enough, he found himself doing more than what he intended to. Giving parts of his lunch to you, claiming he didn’t feel like it or there was extra. Stopping during his errands whenever he spotted you to have a quick chat before going off again with slightly more enthusiasm than before. Or heck, sparing you a few madols so you can get what you need. It’s kinda a loss but he just can’t seem to make himself stop. Not when you smile at him so brightly.

シ Wait a minute.

シ Nah…nahh he can’t seriously be in love with you or somethin’, right? Being close to you is just to pay off his debt, not cause he actually likes your company or anything, right?? But as his eyes catch his reflection on the window panes of the college, he can no longer deny the blush on his face or the rapid beating of his heart as the thought of you runs rampant in his mind once again. Well, guess there’s no point in fidgeting around anymore.

シ He’s not much, really he ain’t. Ruggie knows he won’t hold a candle to anyone else in the school in terms of magic or madol but what he does have is his smarts. In his own way, he’ll try and appeal to you. Sometimes he’s confident, other times he feels like he wants to die from how embarrassing it must’ve looked. Still, he tries and tries and tries. Hoping that maybe, just maybe, you’ll choose him buried underneath piles of trash.

“You-…you’re really choosing me?”

Jack Howl

ᴥ︎ Love that resounds throughout the night. A team up was all Jack figured it’d be. An agreement to right the wrongs and set things straight so that one day, once more, Savanaclaw would be able to say from the bottom of their hearts that they won. Nothing big enough to lead into the friendship that came to be between you and him. Well then things took a turn for the worse and then the better and well…he’s sure you get it. An accident, a friendship, a bond, whatever it is, the stubborn wolf has decided that he’ll have your back. No matter what and no matter where, he’ll help you out.

ᴥ︎ Respect was all it was. A respect towards a magicless human who proved their own strength by courageously standing in the face of death. Not everyone has a spirit like that and the wolf beastman couldn’t help but look at that and think ‘Ah, now that’s strength’. In doing so, he wanted to be respected by you too. That’s why, when he could, he’d wait outside Ramshackle and walk with you to your classes, carrying your books and providing an umbrella if it’s a rainy day. Need help on the homework? He won’t tell you the answers but he’ll help you figure it out at least. Like working out? Great! He’s more than willing to provide some tips and tricks to achieving the goal you want. Well it wasn’t until Ruggie teased him about how much more happy he seemed doing all that stuff for you that it finally clicked for him. This…isn’t good.

ᴥ︎ D-don’t misunderstand him!

ᴥ︎ Actually no, maybe you should— wait no you shouldn’t! Jack doesn’t know how to feel about…this now that he fully recognizes it. Well- he does, in a way, it’s just…complicated. To be honest, he did have a suspicion that his feelings of respect towards you had turned into something deeper. How fast his tail wagged whenever you were nearby, how he wanted to put even more effort into whatever he was doing when you were watching, how red his face turned whenever he took a ‘secret’ glance in your direction, it really was way too obvious looking back on it.

ᴥ︎ Wolf-type beastmen only have one partner for the rest of their lives. Dedicating themselves entirely to whoever their partner may be. Jack always dreamed of finding his one true partner, he just never expected it to happen so soon. Yes, a crush to him counts as his one true love as childish as it may be. With exactly zero romantic experience under his belt and only equipped with the knowledge of the multiple times his parents told him their love story, he attempts to appeal to you. Surprisingly, for a first timer in love, they’re all thought out and not embarrassing. Jack isn’t good at hiding how feels about you in front of you or anyone else, but it has a certain charm to it. The charm of an adolescent boy in love who cares for you quietly, unable to hide how he feels, as his heart and tail follow the same beat.

“..Phew, you’re here. Prefect, I—uh need to tell you something.”

[vampiremerlot]

˚₊‧꒰ა APHRODITE EYES — finnick odair

𝓈𝓊𝓂𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓎. the first time you meet finnick odair, it is as the victor of the 68th hunger games, a child who no longer knows her place in the world.

𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈. first meetings, district 2 victor!reader, canon-typical behavior, sfw, can be read as simply platonic, f!reader, victory tour post 68th hunger games, canon compliant but potentially ooc characters, — 4.0k words

𝓃𝑜𝓉𝑒𝓈. hi! i'm new to writing for anything for thg so please be kind <3 finnick is my long time loverboy, but i've never properly written anything for him. btw this is part of a little series of one-shots that are all connected, feel free to check out the masterlist below!

𝐍𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 .˚⟡ ࣪ ˖ 𝐀𝐎𝟑 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊

The worst part of the Victory Tour — save for the ghosts of dead children looming over your shoulder, nesting in your mind at night — was how much time you had to spend with your mentors, Enobaria and Brutus.

The latter, though cold, mostly kept himself at a distance, all too eager to let Enobaria be in charge of your behavior.

Every word you spoke, she was breathing down your neck, a critique to match every small twitch of your muscles, even it was from nothing but the cool winter air creeping up your spine. If your smiles were anything less than genuine, she made a snide remark, pushing her pointed nails, sharp as her teeth, into your cheeks, fixing that right up. 

If there wasn’t such a sour taste in your mouth when you looked at her, one that burned as you swallowed, then, maybe, you could’ve convinced yourself that Enobaria really was looking out for you. After all, she’d helped you out plenty during the 68th Hunger Games, made sure that you’d gotten enough sponsors, that you’d put on a good show at the interviews. 

Her methods may have been less than kind, but so far, they’d kept you safe. 

Even if you’d let her down, let your District down, for not sharing the same sort of need to bring glory to the Capitol that your former victors had, she’d protected you. Enobaria had made sure you’d pretended, enough to convince the Capitol that you were thrilled with your victory.

But you weren’t. 

You weren’t naive, and you weren’t stupid enough to think Enobaria and Brutus actually liked you. But District pride ran deep, especially in Two. You may have been a less than adequate victor, an embarrassment of a Career, but you were their victor, nevertheless.

The train skidded to a stop, pulling into one of your last stops on the Victory Tour. District Four. 

Despite the small talk that had persisted, endless prattle from your escort, you’d spent the past few days with your eyes glued out the window, soaking up what little time you had to observe the scenery outside. Perhaps, this was the real victory — getting to see the wonders of a country you’d come to hate. 

It was a horrific realization, that Panem truly was beautiful, that every District had its charm. Even the ones with the flattest plains, with the people who had coal smudged across their faces, the ones with looming factories and child labor; they all had a spark of tenacity. 

Nature in the Districts was beautiful, and the spirit of the people in them, even more.

Quickly, you brushed those ideas away, feeling the sharp stab of Enobaria’s voice in your head. Even a thought like that was treasonous, and when paired with your deep hatred for President Snow, dangerous.

What could you get away with, now that every pair of eyes in Panem were on you? What games would you have to play now?

That line of questioning was quickly dissipated by your mentor, who pushed you forward, nudging you to the door of the train. 

“Stand up straighter,” Enobaria snapped, before your escort, with hair dyed a horrendous shade of purple, could say a word. 

For that, at least, you were grateful. You could handle being bossed around by Enobaria, but being told what to do by someone from the Capitol felt like just another stamp on your forehead, another reminder that they owned you. 

“We need to make a good impression in District Four,” your escort said, humming excitedly to herself. “Don’t disappoint us, dear.” 

Your face turned further into a scowl, hating that she lumped herself in with the rest of you. What had she done, but convince elite assholes to place bets on you murdering children? She may not have spilled a drop of blood, but more was on her hands than she realized.

As always, your other mentor, Brutus, said nothing — he’d hardly uttered a word to you since the end of the Games. The two of you may have been from the same district, but from the minute you’d volunteered, Brutus had held something against you. Like he’d seen right through you, garnered your true intentions. 

Enobaria might have been willing to overlook your short remarks about the Capitol, but Brutus couldn’t stand having a victor who hadn’t truly wanted to be a part of the Hunger Games. 

And while you hadn’t been the one to kill your district partner — it had been the other Careers, filthy backstabbers — you might as well have, with the way he glowered at you. Like you were a traitor.

Enobaria, as if sensing the turmoil, stepped between you, as the four of you got off the train in District Four. “You’ve done well so far,” she said, patting your shoulder. Though it was meant to be a reassuring gesture, it still came off as threatening. As if what she was really saying was, you’ve done well so far, don’t fuck it up now.

You didn’t need to be told. There had been enough riding on your shoulders to make you volunteer, and though you’d been certain you’d come out a martyr, murdered for all the hush-hush activities you’d been involved in back home, you’d, somehow, come out a victor. 

That was, likely, another reason for the coldness from your mentors. You’d played the part of a Career, completed the interviews flawlessly, earned the adoration from the Capitol in a way so few had before. Yet, the moment you’d stepped into the arena, you’d been just another child from the Districts, uncertain, disgusted, and unwilling to kill. 

You’d stood by your morals, but fear had a nasty way of controlling you in ways you didn’t expect. It was the crippling dread, the knowledge that death was permanent, that had kept you alive, in the end.

Not exactly the kind of proud victor they normally raised in District Two. 

Although you’d thought you’d done a good enough job at playing the Capitol’s game, the rest of your team already seemed to be suspicious of where your loyalties lied. You were certain that that was what had sent them even more into a frenzy when you’d been on the train to District Four — your escort fussing over your appearance, even when your dress didn’t have a wrinkle; Brutus’s eyes becoming even more narrow; Enobaria nitpicking every slight move you made. 

It could’ve been that. 

Or it could’ve been the fact that the last Career that had won had been from District Four, and it would be an embarrassment to look a mess next to Finnick Odair. 

He’d won three years ago — an expected victory, despite him only being fourteen. Finnick had gone into the Games, looking like the child he was, and left the arena, sprung into early adulthood, blood on his cheeks and a smile on his lips.

That had been the year you started to doubt the Games. Finnick was the same age as you, barely a teenager, and when he’d been triumphant, you’d looked around at your friends, wondering why anyone would want to kill one another.

If Finnick had felt the same way you did after winning, he gave no indication of it. Maybe he’d learned, as you had, to keep those thoughts locked up, only for yourself. 

But, unlike you, already scorned by President Snow himself, Finnick was adored in the Capitol. So much so that if you were a fool, you might have thought they accepted him as one of their own.

You sighed as Enobaria straightened your collar, adjusting how the top sat on your shoulders. 

It seemed to all lead back to Finnick, didn’t it? The way your life had spiraled. The Capitol’s increasing hunger for another Career win.

And here you were now, in his home, fussed over as your team grew desperate to show District Four that they had a victor just as charming, as lovable as their darling boy. 

“Remember what I said about the interviews?” Enobaria said, guiding you along the station. “That’s how I expect you to act here.”

Be charming, but with indifference. Make them think they can have you, but don’t give them too much. Keep an air of mystery. 

You refrained from rolling your eyes and swatting Enobaria’s hand away as she pulled your shoulders back roughly, getting rid of your slouch. As if your perfect posture could hold a candle to whatever performance — genuine or not — Finnick put on. 

It was a short walk from the train to the Justice Building, but it was plenty of time for your nerves to gather. 

You’d expected it would’ve been an easy feat, to slip on the mask that you’d gotten comfortable in, one that had now molded to your features. But the minute Finnick Odair turned and caught your eye, you’d already forgotten everything Enobaria had requested of you.

The District Four escort tittered about, greeting your own escort like they were old friends. They might have been — it wasn’t like you really paid attention to any of her endless chatter.

“Hello, Finnick,” your escort said, and you blinked away from the boy, back at her. The way she looked at him, like she could eat him alive, made your stomach turn. But Finnick soaked it up anyway, kissed the back of her hand, and she batted her lashes at him without shame. The corner of his eyes only creased when she giggled, fawning over him like she wasn’t a decade older than him.

“It’s nice to see you again,” Finnick said, winking. “I think you get prettier every year.” 

“Why, you flatter me.” She hid her sly smile behind a gloved hand, and gestured you forward. “I’d like you to meet my victor.” 

Your eyebrows pinched together, hating that she emphasized her possession of you. You were District Two’s victor. If you had any pride in your win — which you didn’t — it would’ve belonged to your home. 

Finnick’s eyes flashed, his gaze skimming over you quickly. “I’ve been dying to meet you. Congratulations on your victory,” he said, taking your hand in his own, pressing a kiss to the back of your palm, as he’d done your escort. His fingertips were callused from fishing, but the rest of his hand was smooth from the salty water and the sandy beaches. “I didn’t know people from District Two could be so beautiful.” 

For a moment, stupidly, you faltered. No one had ever said something like that to you and looked like they’d meant it. 

Sure, it was a lapse in judgment, but briefly, every word left your mind, for possibly the first and hopefully the last time in your life. Where a smart quip was usually at the edge of your tongue, your head was empty and muddled, as you stared at the boy from the District Four, whose smile was brighter than the sun, eyes the color of the wild sea. 

The winters were long in District Two, the summer mild, and no one there had the kind of complexion Finnick did — a bronze glow to his wild hair, almost the color of his sun-kissed skin. There was a radiance about him, electrified by a halo of beauty, and you did feel dreadfully plain next to him. 

So much so that you were certain the compliment only came as a jab to Enobaria, and not a comment about your appearance at all. 

Enobaria coughed, and quickly, you recovered, snapping your hand back down to your side as you looked over Finnick’s shoulder, past his widening smile. 

“We are,” you said, stiffly, feeling ridiculous for letting yourself fall so deeply into his charming eyes. “But unlike other Districts, we tend to rely on more than just our looks to get by.” 

You hadn’t meant for it to come out so bitterly, but your words were the only layer of protection you had.

Briefly, Finnick’s smile flickered, and, as quickly as your frustration came, you began to feel bad for saying anything at all. 

But his gloominess evaporated quickly, and he waved a hand, dismissive, as he slung an arm over your shoulder good-naturedly, catching the eyes of a few people around you. 

Let them stare. You needed an endorsement from their golden boy, after all. 

“Ah, well,” Finnick said, pulling you into his side, talking like you were old friends. The two of you took a few steps forward, as he dragged you along. “Mags always did tell me to utilize my strengths. But, beauty can be a burden, as they say.”

You licked your lips, darting your eyes to the side, uncertain if you were supposed to read into that comment. Ever since the Games, you’d started to feel a bit paranoid, wondering if everyone was out to get you, make you say something you weren’t supposed to. “I’m not sure I’m familiar with that saying.”

“No?” Finnick asked, grinning brighter. It was blinding to look at, and he was far too close, the smell of the salty sea a constant presence on his skin. “Well, I only mean it’s hard to have women throwing themselves at you left and right.” 

You blinked, and whatever amicability had been between you quickly evaporated. Finnick seemed kind enough, but, as you’d said, you’d never been a fan of victors who cared more about their looks than anything else. 

Never once had you considered yourself ugly, but you’d known, the moment you’d raised your hand to volunteer, that you couldn’t rely on your appearance in the Capitol. It was so unlike the boy before you, whose confidence and beauty had carried him through, to the very end.

Feeling sour, a characteristic frown back on your face, you shook Finnick off. “I’m sure.” 

You wouldn’t know. No one had ever thrown themselves at you in your life. 

Finnick, despite the cold air growing between you, caught your gaze again. He squinted, searching for something in your features, but you only stared back, blankly. 

It must have been a shock to meet you — to find out you were a mere shadow of the girl from the television, the one that had scored so highly by the judges, who had bantered with the crowd at your interview, made a show of yourself for all of Panem.

You’d stopped believing everything you saw on your screens, but after a life spent in District Two, where Capitol loyalty ran deep, you weren’t fool enough to think that every victor shared your sentiments about rebellion. Brutus and Enobaria certainly didn’t. Perhaps Finnick was just the same as them.

The mood of your escort shifted, a nervous energy growing as she noted the eyes of citizens on you and the bubbling tension between you and Finnick. Quickly, she stepped between the two of you, a hand on Finnick’s lower back, one between your shoulder blades. 

“Well,” she said, sharply, scolding you. As if anything but a few words had left your mouth. She’d always thought you had a horrible disposition, even for a District Two girl. “We’ve got a schedule to stick we, don’t we Finnick?” 

The smile was back on his face, and you couldn’t be sure that it’d ever left at all. He nodded, and led you to the Justice Building, pointing out notable places in District Four.

Like that, your visit turned into just another stop on the Victory Tour. Another forced alliance between the host District and your own, as the people that lived there pretended they were thrilled to see you, instead of heartbroken that it hadn’t been their own child coming home. 

Despite their distance, their unwelcomeness, a part of you was excited to be in District Four, and you tried not to let it show on your face. You’d always been curious about the shorelines, ones you’d only ever caught glimpses of on television. The Capitol had never been too interested in revealing what the rest of you were missing, outside of your own Districts.

But, of course, you hadn’t had time to take a true detour down to the beach. Instead, you were ushered back into the Justice Building, your prep team needed to clean you up for your speeches and dinner. 

The spell, casted by Finnick’s charm, shared with his escort and your own, broke.

You were guided into a separate room by Finnick, the rest of your team sticking behind to talk with the mayor, discussing details of the feast that would take place in just a few hours. 

“They’ll wait out there for you,” Finnick explained, nodding towards the stage, just outside the window, one that was barely big enough to be considered that. The room, without any light overhead, was cloaked in shadows, dark and dreary from the lack of sun coming in. “I have to go soon, but I’ll be at the dinner, in case you need anything. I am the host victor, after all.”

You were certain there was more than just two victors in District Four, but you didn’t say anything. Maybe they’d sent only Finnick because he was the same age as you. Maybe they really did love their darling boy that much.

It wasn’t worth dwelling on.

“Okay,” you hummed in return. You’d carry on with or without him. 

Glumly, you stared out the window, feeling, vaguely, like you were trapped in a prison cell of your own making. 

How much easier everything would’ve been if they’d just let you die.

Finnick had opened his mouth, then shut it, debating if there was anything more to say before he made his departure. Then, he turned, footsteps fading. Before he could reach the door, they stopped. 

A pause suspended between you, one you refused to break. 

“You look too sad to be a victor,” Finnick suddenly said.

Although his words held a hint of amusement, when your eyes snapped back over to him, he wasn’t smiling at all. 

“What do you mean?” you asked, piecing together an expression that you thought would appease the knowingness in his eyes. Your lips pulled at the corners, eyes growing small as you squinted through a grin. The apples of your cheeks pushed your skin up, making your face look even wider. 

“You get to go back home. Your family is alive. You won. Don’t look so sad.” 

His accusation lit a fire in your chest, and you scowled, looking back out the window. “You don’t know anything.” 

“Don’t I?” Finnick’s words were hushed as he came to stand in front of you, pulling your attention away from the crowd of people that had begun to gather outside. Not a single one of them looked pleased — their faces illustrating exactly how you felt. “Look, I saw your games. You played the part well. I think—”

Then, panicked, you met his eyes once more, and clamped your hand over his mouth. Your heart thundered as you gazed around the room, wondering if there was anything in there they could use to listen in. Even if the room was mostly empty, you had no doubt that they’d find a way, that President Snow wouldn’t be afraid to warp Finnick’s words into you engaging in more rebellious conversation.

“I think you’re mistaken,” you said, sharply, before releasing your hand, slowly bringing it back down to your side. “I appreciate your concern, Finnick, but I don’t need your help.” 

He studied you, momentarily, reading the words you didn’t offer. 

“I see,” Finnick said, licking his lips, where the feeling of your hand still lingered. “Well, I’d offer it all the same. I’ve been in your shoes before. I’ve been doing this for three years.” He leaned forward, tucking a piece of hair behind your ears, his touch warm. “If you don’t want help, maybe I can be a friend in the Capitol next year. I assume you’ll be mentoring?”

You pinched your eyebrows, studying him. You’d gotten far too used to everyone having ulterior motives — how could you be sure that Finnick had none? 

Instead of saying anything, arguing with him at all, you nodded, ignoring the strand of hair he’d wrapped around his finger. Perhaps for the first time since the tour had started, you exhaled, releasing a pit of nausea from your gut.

“Friends?” you said, but your smile was stiff. “Does that mean next year, you’ll hold up your alliance with my District?”

The Careers in District Four had been the first to turn on the rest of you. What had been a steady alliance through the first half of the games quickly soured, in a second bloodbath that left only you and the District Four girl alive. 

How lucky the rest of the Districts must’ve felt, to see the Careers tear themselves apart from the inside out. 

Finnick cringed, but it was just a small moment, the muscles of his face twitching. Then, he shrugged, not even bothering to look sheepish. “I didn’t tell them to betray their allies. I them to do what it takes to stay alive,” he said grimly. “Looks like they didn’t take my advice.”

You licked your lips. An apology rested on your tongue, but for what? Those kids had almost killed you. Were you sorry for not lying down like a dog, letting one of them stick a trident through your throat?

“No,” you said, instead. “They didn’t.” Words that felt hollow to your own ears. 

Finnick noticed the shift in your demeanor, and reached back out to you again, letting his hand hover between the two of you. “Don’t take it personally.” 

“I’m not.” You scowled, stepping away. His hand fell back between you. “You’re not responsible for their choices. I just find you irritating.”

He laughed, loudly. A sound that seemed half-forced, to your own ears. “Well, you’re not too charming yourself. I certainly have trouble seeing how you got so many sponsors.”

“I’m a good actress,” you said, thinly. 

Finnick’s smile held, but it was tight, a little sad. “Well, you’ll need to get even better.” The words were flat, almost as if he felt sorry for you. Like he knew you had no idea what you’d gotten yourself into. “The Tour’s almost over, but that doesn’t mean anything. You won the Hunger Games. This is your life now.” 

“A life I should be proud of, should I not?” you said, sharply, narrowing your eyes. Suddenly, you felt as if you’d been stripped bare in front of him, your true opinions on the Games worn on your sleeves. Your treasonous ideals, held only in the back of your mind, yet seemingly written out on a manuscript that Snow would surely find. “I’ve brought glory to my District and the Capitol.”

What was it about you that made it so obvious, that had lured the Peacekeepers to you in the first place.

 What made you seem like you were a rebel?

Then, Finnick’s face did something it hadn’t before — he smiled, a real, genuine smile. His eyes held a brightness, like the sun reflecting off the endless ocean, crinkling at the corners.

 “Of course,” he grinned, knowingly. “I apologize for assuming anything. You must be exhausted from the Victory Tour.” And, as if noting your worry, he added. “I remember how I felt when I won. Probably very similar to you.” 

You held his gaze for a moment, watching the swirl of secrets swimming in his eyes. Then, you relented. 

“You’re right. I’m tired.” You crossed your arms over your chest. “Forgive my rudeness earlier. It’s been quite the week.” 

“I bet.” Finnick nodded. “Well, you should get some rest, before you get to District Three. The people there are a lot smarter than I am. They might notice your exhaustion more quickly.” His eyes scanned you one last time, now more curious than appraising. “You are quite the Career, aren’t you?” Finnick laughed, mostly to himself, as he walked away. 

Quite the Career, you thought, even though you weren’t exactly sure you knew what he meant.