#please prepare enough warm beds for their arrival

[kavaeric]

Twitter blocks linking to other social media sites

Hello all. Just a heads up that Twitter just launched a new policy prohibiting links and promotion to other social media platforms:

"Specifically, we will remove accounts created solely for the purpose of promoting other social platforms and content that contains links or usernames for the following platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, Truth Social, Tribel, Nostr and Post."

Tumblr isn't in the net, but the policy also prohibits mentioning 3rd party link aggregators like linktr.ee. Probably the most draconian policy yet; I know people for a while have already noticed that Twitter serves a warning when you click on a Mastodon link.

Expect another Twitter refugee wave soon. My Tumblr field guide is still up and running; Tumblr vets, do have a look yourself if there's anything you think should be updated.

[andreawritesit]

Hello! I hope I am not bothering you :) I was wondering if I could ask for a Cregan Stark x Reader where they have a busy day and cuddle under the furs for the night, sweet kisses and pillow talks and all this kinda stuff. Just a small drabble would be ok.

i adore fluffy so please make it as sweet as you can, thank you :(

Fandom: House of the Dragon

Pairing: Cregan Stark x Reader

Words: 952

The arrival of winter was always a busy time in the North. As the Lord and Lady of Winterfell, Cregan and you had spent the entire day overseeing the preparations for the upcoming winter. The castle buzzed with activity as you both coordinated food storage for the harsh winter to come. It was your duty to make sure that the people of the North would be well-protected against the biting cold. You had assisted Cregan throughout the day, your presence a constant source of support and encouragement. Whether it was reviewing the storeroom inventory or ensuring that the workers were well-fed and rested, you had worked tirelessly alongside him.

As the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the snow-covered landscape, the fatigue of the day began to weigh heavily on you. You glanced at Cregan, who was engaged in a final discussion with his advisors. His strong and commanding presence never ceased to inspire you, but even he looked tired at the moment. Finally, he sent them on their way and walked over to where you were standing, a soft smile playing on his lips. "You must be tired, my love. Come, let's retire for the night." He held your hand and led you out of the hall.

You made your way to your chambers, the warmth of the castle a stark contrast to the icy chill outside. Cregan held your hand the entire way. You felt a sense of relief as you entered the cozy room, the flickering fire casting a comforting glow. Cregan closed the door behind him, and the day's burdens seemed to melt away. You let out a long sigh which elicited a soft laugh from your husband.

"What's so funny, my lord?" you asked him.

He shook his head and hugged you from behind. "Nothing. You truly are very tired. Forgive me, in between all the preparations for the winter, I perhaps didn't pay much attention to you today."

You turned around still in his embrace and wrapped your arms around his torso. He rested his chin atop your head and hugged you closer to himself. "Not at all, dear husband. You were doing your duty and so was I. I'm indeed tired but I'm also quite proud of how much we accomplished in just a day."

He kissed the top of your head and released you from his hold. A chill ran over you in the absence of his warmth. Without another word, Cregan began to shed his heavy cloak and boots. You followed suit. You both moved in a comfortable silence, the kind that comes from deep understanding and mutual affection. Once you were both in your nightclothes, Cregan pulled back the thick furs on the bed, inviting you to join him.

You put your clothes on the chair and walked over to him. He had already climbed under the warm furs. You quickly slipped beneath the furs, the soft, warm fabric enveloping you in a cocoon of comfort. Cregan immediately wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close. Snuggling against his chest, you could feel the steady beat of his heart beneath your ear.

"You know what", his deep voice rang, sending shivers down your spine, "today was truly exhausting. It feels like there is a mountain on top of my head."

You tilted your head to look up at him, your eyes filled with care and love. "Does it ache a lot? I can call the maesters. There is no reason for you to suffer, my love."

Cregan shook his head slowly and he leaned down to press a gentle kiss to your forehead. "It's nothing I can't handle. Besides, you've tired yourself enough today. Now I want you to stay here and rest."

You reached up to cup his cheek, your thumb brushing lightly over his skin. Cregan leaned in, capturing your lips in a tender, lingering kiss. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of you in your own little bubble of warmth and love. When you finally pulled away, Cregan rested his forehead against yours, your breaths mingling in the cool air.

You lay there for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, enjoying the quiet intimacy of the moment. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a gentle light over the room. Cregan's hand stroked your hair, his touch soothing and tender. You were just starting to fall asleep when Cregan suddenly asked, "Do you remember the first time we met?" a smile playing on his lips.

A sound somewhat between a sigh and a laugh left your lips. "How could I forget? You were so serious and intimidating. I thought I'd never get through to you." Cregan smiled, looking at you with love and admiration in his eyes.  "We've come a long way since then," he said softly. He leaned in to kiss you again, his lips soft and tender against yours.

"I love you, Cregan," you whispered, your voice filled with sincerity.

"I love you too," he replied, kissing you once more. "More than words can say."

As the night wore on, the soft crackling of the fire and Cregan's steady breathing played on like a lullaby, summoning you into the land of dreams. Eventually, your eyes grew heavy, and you nestled closer to Cregan, your head resting on his chest. Cregan held you close, his arms a protective cocoon around you. "Sleep, my love," he murmured, pressing a final kiss to your forehead. "I'll be here when you wake." You sighed contentedly, your eyes fluttering shut. "Goodnight, Cregan", you breathed out before falling asleep.

"Goodnight," Cregan replied softly, his own eyes closing as he held you close.

[kazumist]

A BELOVED BIRTHDAY .ᐟ

✩ — in which alhaitham just wants to go home on his birthday.

✩ — alhaitham x gn!reader. fluff. no cws. wc: 602. reader and haitham are married in this. clingy alhaitham (he's just tired from work :(). reblogs and feedback are well appreciated !!

if there was one word to describe alhaitham at the moment, it would surely be tired. although, of course, he wouldn’t make it obvious that he is tired. but seriously? working on his own birthday? it pained him. it pained him to leave you so early into the day on the bed you two shared. instead of getting greeted by a warm birthday kiss from you, he got greeted with a cold kiss from the early morning air. 

five minutes.

just five more goddamn minutes—and he’s free.

everyone around him could sense that the acting grand scribe wasn't necessarily in a good mood today. the scowl on his face was good enough to compare it to another scholar in the vahumana department of the akademiya (though please don’t tell either of them that—it might just make their mood go even more sour).

alhaitham’s attention was completely focused on his wrist watch, his eyes following the movement of the hand that indicated the seconds. three minutes. he thought. is it just him or is time just moving faster today? 

alhaitham was always a man who kept his composure. although most of the time he’s just really blunt, it was a rare sight to see the acting grand scribe act so… impatient. 

two minutes.

two minutes and he’ll be out of here.

-

meanwhile, on your part, you were currently preparing a simple cake for your beloved husband. of course, the fact that he had to go to work on his own birthday bummed you out (you were originally planning to surprise him with breakfast in bed but alhaitham was the one who ended up making your breakfast before he left). 

mixing the icing that you’ll use to spell out the words, “happiest birthday, hayi!” you quickly checked the time. your eyes widened when you realized that you didn’t have that much time left before the clock reached alhaitham’s estimated time of arrival. 

swiftly finishing the icing, you poured it onto the icing bag and started spelling out the birthday greeting. surely you could make it in time to decorate, right?

-

finally.

alhaitham can finally go home. he was personally never the one who was that interested in spending birthdays. that is, until he met you, of course. the first time alhaitham spent his birthday with you by his side, he vowed to never spend his birthday without you.

he lets out a sigh. the exhaustion from all the agendas he had to work on today was taking a toll on him. however, he felt slightly better when your shared place came into his view. he’s finally home.

a knock was heard on your part and you knew it was him. luckily enough, you were already done with the cake. however, you were still a mess with flour and other baking ingredients all over your apron. with hurried steps, you went to the door and fixed your appearance a bit.

well, you certainly expected your husband to be the one on the other side of the door but you didn’t expect him to slump against you immediately. “hayi, i’m still covered in flour.” you laugh at him. he buries his face in the crook of your neck, basking in your warmth. he felt your hands play with the roots of his hair by his nape and refused to move.

“...ally home," you heard him mumble.

“hmm?”

“i’m finally home," he says, standing up properly now. a hand finds its way to his cheek, your thumb caressing his skin. “happy birthday.” you greeted him and pressed a soft kiss on his lips afterwards.

welcome home, alhaitham.

[guksfairy]

✧WC: 1.5k

✧Notes: Idol Jungkook, Kpop Choreographer OC, exes, kinda happy ending?, SLIGHTLY inspired by All Night by ASTRO (stream) but it’s not sad :)), most likely a one shot

✩✩✩✩✩✩✩

Koo💗: It’s laughable how you pretend you don’t care about me

The first message was sent at 11 PM.

Koo:💗: opn pls

You stare at the message illuminating your face in the darkness of your room. It was 3:18 in the morning when your phone pinged with a message from Jungkook who you had broken up with just a week prior to this. With a light scoff you decide to not even respond to it let alone let him know you read it. You lock your phone and place it on your nightstand and cover your body once more in an attempt to go back to sleep.

Just as you are about to slip back into your sweet dreams you’re interrupted by loud banging coming from the front door.

Oh god.

“Y/N!!” he’s going to wake up your neighbors. Quickly throwing on a hoodie over your silk loose night shirt you do a little run to the front door.

“Baby please let me in! The key isn’t working,” his words are slurred and his hair is a mess when you open the door. Your home is illuminated from the hallway lights and a grin from Jungkook who doesn’t hesitate to hug you the moment his eyes land on yours.

“The key won’t go in the keyhole,” he slurs tucking his head into your neck basically putting his entire weight on you.

You can’t turn him away. He’s clearly drunk in the middle of the night. Besides, it’s not like you ended on the most horrible terms. You had simply pointed out he was too busy with his work and no longer gave you the attention you desired in this relationship. He was clearly against it but he too decided it was better for the both of you. Since then you haven’t bothered to text him too busy with friends, family, and most importantly work.

You let out a grunt and push him away without fully letting him go. “Jungkook go sit on the couch,” you point to an area he’s well familiar with. Having dated for 2 years after all but he whines and shakes his head. “No no I want to be with you,” he attempts to go back into your embrace but you stop him and repeat your instructions.

“Jungkook go sit on the couch. I’m going to prepare you a tea,” He holds your gaze allowing you to notice the tears forming in the corners of his doe eyes. “You don’t love me anymore,” Shit. What do you say to that?

You do still love him but would it be confusing to say the truth and confuse drunk Jungkook. He’s already proving to be enough work so you try to avoid answering.

“Jungkook I care about you which is why I’m going to make you a warm tea so you feel better later,” you say.

“So you don’t love me?” his tone is childish with a whine. Something that always made you give in to whatever he wanted to do. Like when he wanted to go to the arcade with you but you had to focus on something works related happening very soon. He convinced you with his cute doe eyes and tone.

You avoid his question once more before pushing the front door shut and turning on your living room lights walking him to the couch he bought you. He helped you move into this apartment 1 year ago and had a good laugh when he realized you barely had any furniture so he settled on buying it for you. You wanted to resist but he was very persistent so in the end you just let him. He let you choose which one and the following week it had arrived.

Letting him fall slowly on the soft surface you grab the throw blanket beside him and throw it over his body. You walk to your kitchen and grab the pot, filling it with water, and placing it on the stove.

“Baby I’m really tired. Let’s go to bed?” his voice is loud from the living room but you ignore it. You can’t have this conversation right now. He’s drunk.

As your grubbing the mug you hear his phone go off and him answering.

“Jin hyungggg,” his cheery tone seems to confuse the older because Jungkook’s response was, “Nothing I’m fine,” with his slurred speech not helping his case.

“No hyung I’m with my girlfriend,” his eyes seem to slowly close giving into exhaustion before he’s handing the phone over to you.

“Hello?”

“Y/N?” his voice is shaky.

“Who else?” unless he was already with someone else who else would but you would he be with.

“Sorry I’m just out of it I think. Do you want Joon and I to go pick up the kid?” they seem to have already entered their car because the background goes quiet waiting for your response.

“I think you guys should just go home. It’s late and it’s not like I don’t know how to handle him,” you look at him noticing he’s only half conscious when your statement makes him smile.

“Are you sure? We don’t want to have him be a bother to you. You know with the whole…” you sigh before you tell them it’s fine and hang up placing the phone next to Jungkook realizing his screen has not changed. It’s still the picture he took of you on your trip to Japan for your first 100 days of dating. Your smile grows slightly before his phone turns off and you turn your heel back to the kitchen.

Resuming your act of serving his tea you grab his usual mug and pour his favorite tea into his favorite mug blowing on it and making your way back into the living room.

He’s snoring at this point but you don’t want his hangover to be too bad. He knows how to handle his liquor well but the hangovers were always present in the mornings. Never too bad but always there.

“Jungkook,” no response, “Jungkook,” earns you a minor hum from him, “Koo,” and that does it. His eyes open, not fully, and he moves a bit.

“Jungkook you should drink your tea,” you point to the mug previously set on your coffee table, also bought by him, in the hopes he grabs it and takes a sip but instead he looks at you nonchalantly and closes his eyes once more.

“Jungkook~” you shake him gently before he opens his eyes once more.

“Just drink this then you can sleep,” you say.

“I think we should just head to bed now, baby. I’m tired,” he says causing you to let out a deep sigh.

“Jungkook please,” he grunts but sits up as best as he can and takes ahold of the red and black mug and flinches when the liquid touches his tongue.

“Ow! It’s hot baby,” his eyes shut tight but you give no response. Instead you head back to your room and open your closet door picking the extra blankets and pillows before dragging them back to him.

“Do you want me to set this up for you?” You ask him. Watching him take another small sip, he looks up at you with his eyebrows furrowed when his sight lands on the bedding.

“Baby are you upset with me? Why can’t I sleep in your bed tonight?” You could be upfront but again are faced with the same dilema.

“I just-I’m not feeling too well. I don’t want you to catch anything,” your response seems to put his nerves at ease.

“I don’t mind it though you know that. Remember that time you had the flu and I came over and then I later got sick? I don’t mind it,” his argument only gets, “Jungkook that’s because we kissed while I was sick,” you place the items on the couch.

“I think we did more than kiss baby,” his teases cause you to softly hit his arm.

“You can set it up yourself,” making your way back into your bedroom his voice it heard again.

“Sweet dreams my love!”

“Goodnight!” You close your door not trusting yourself to deny him back in your bed. To sleep. Obviously. Nothing more.

With a heavy sigh you look at your clock reading 3:39 AM.

You still love and care for Jungkook but with his schedule and yours it just wasn’t right. He was busy with practice and performances while you were basically in the dance practice room constantly trying to perfect and teach dances for idols. Your work schedules constantly overlapped so when you got even the slightest amount of time with him you never took it for granted. Which is why the morning of when you turn and see Jungkook peacefully asleep in your bed you don’t care. You don’t push him off. You don’t get up. You forget about your breakup and allow yourself this. You let him hold you tightly like it’s the last because it very well may be.

[yuwuta]

MORE KNIGHT YUTA PLEASE I BEG OF YOU!!

yes ofc. he’s obedient, but still sly...... to me, knight yuuta will do as you say, but he will also act before you speak if he thinks that’s what’s right to protect you...... it’s like..... he thinks he’s the only person who can protect you, and you’re the only person who can protect him from himself........ anyway, enjoy this teehee cw mentions of murder (what else is new)

Yuuta sighs when he sees your silhouette in the moonlight, peering over the grand balcony. The heavy fabric of your dress resists rustles in the shallow winds of the evening; it tells Yuuta that you have not gone to bed, that he did not wake you, that you waited for him, that you anticipated him. 

From his position below, standing center in the courtyard, you appear something like a goddess, but he knows better than to compare to something so fickle. Gods are fable and you are truth, you are real. 

“Princess, you should be asleep. Might I help you to bed?” Yuuta offers, voice loud enough for you hear him one story higher, but quiet enough not to rouse the other knights on watch for the night. 

Yuuta watches intently as you shake you head, trails the smooth movement of your fingers grazing across the stone ribboning of the railing. You stop at the center, resting your clothed forearms against cold stone, wrists and hands hanging over the edge, and the lightest hum escaping from your lips, “If I were to fall, would you catch me, Yuuta?” 

Yuuta nods, without hesitation, “Yes, princess.” 

His eyes remained glued to you, carefully tracking your movements as you slowly sway to your left, delicate footsteps carrying you to the top of the stairway. Yuuta’s body turns with yours, standing at the base of the stairs, awaiting your arrival. 

Your careful to lift up the skirt of your dress with one hand, press your palm to the railing for support with the other, tilt your head down enough so that Yuuta can see your face in the moonlight, “And if I were to ask you to escort me to the kitchen, would you?” 

One, two, three steps, and you pause. Yuuta answers, “Yes, princess.” 

A hum, another step, then three, then four, then another question, “And if I said I craved fresh berries, and asked you to gather and wash and prepare them for me, would you?” 

“Yes, princess.” 

You continue at a slow pace, three steps, another question, three more, and Yuuta answers; always yes, always willing. You stop, three steps before the end of the stairs, and yet it only makes you a head taller than your knight. You drop your dress, take the smallest step forward, but not down, before you pose your next question. 

“And if I asked you to return to your quarters and not kill Lord Hajime tonight, would you?” 

This time, Yuuta cannot meet your eyes, head turning down, gaze set on the cold floor of the courtyard.

“Would you not do what is asked of you, Yuuta?”

He hears your voice first, then feels the warm touch of your fingers when you reach out to comb through his hair. Your fingernails scratch against his scalp, tugging with gentle vigor until you’ve forced his head up, until you’ve forced his gaze; and then, slowly, you bring your other hand to join its companion, and you have him between the palm of your hands. You always do. 

He holds his tongue, still; he wouldn’t dare say no to you, even if he thinks it. 

“Or do you only do as you please?” you tilt his head between your hands, “You would lie to me, wouldn’t you? You’ve done it before.” 

“Only for your protection,” Yuuta says, pleading, “I promise.” 

You hum, warm fingers brushing against his cold skin in the night. You look daunting, beautiful. 

“I might not be as conniving as my guards, nor as divisive as my cabinet, but I am still the princess, and you still serve me,” your words are calm, steady, eerie; Yuuta shudders into your touch when you trail you left hand down, pointer finger tracing along the frame of his face before hooking under his chin, forcing further accession between you and him, “Do you no longer wish to please me, Yuuta?” 

Yuuta sighs, raising his hand to wrap around your wrist, the cold metal of his armor whistling with his movement. With worried words and weary expression he asks: “Would Lord Hajime please you, princess?” 

He watches as your face falls, eyes sad and lips solemn, moving your hands down his face to swipe your thumbs against his temples. Yuuta lets go of your wrist, but he remains pliant in your hold, obedient under your touch, grateful when you shake your head.  

“Then why can’t I kill him?” Yuuta questions, earnest and upset. 

“Oh, Yuuta,” you muse, brushing away a fallen eyelash before bringing his head to your chest and cradling it between soft palms and soft cloth, “My Yuuta,” your words are spoken against the top of his head and the warmth radiates down the rest of his body.

“Lord Hajime will be dealt with accordingly. This is not how I wish to resolve things,” you assure him; Yuuta doesn’t like your solution, but you are his princess, so he will listen, he will stand and be warm against you, “And you are obvious. Another murder would only raise suspicion.” 

“They do not know it was me.” 

You chuckle, only lightly, and Yuuta can feel it against your chest, “But now I know.” 

Yuuta looks up, chin resting against your chest, his hands reaching up, resting greedily against your waist. Your palms find purchase against his cheeks again, and his eyes flutter closed for a moment, sinking into his dream. 

Slowly, he opens his eyes, blinks up at you. “I will accept whatever punishment you see fit.” 

This time, you tilt your head, allowing the moonlight to strike his face. Yuuta glows in anticipation, awaits your word. A moment, and then a hum. 

“I’m sure you will,” you tell him, before removing your hands from his face. Yuuta whimpers, pout growing deeper when you turn around in his hold, your back to him as you begin to ascend the stairs. 

Again, he waits, hands falling to your side as he eyes your silhouette. He counts ten steps before you turn your head over your shoulder, “Come. That’s an order.” 

Yuuta dips his head down, clasps his hand behind his back before he begins to follow you up the stairs, “Yes, of course, princess.” 

[landosjpg]

Hey Nellie, I hope you had a good weekend🥰 I’m the exhausted anon that requested the little exhaustion drabble. If you have the time, please could you write it with Lando instead? Thank you lovely 🥰 xxx

“noticing something is off whilst traveling to the next race and taking care of you throughout the weekend”

made this hcs cause i felt like it fits the concept way better, hope you don’t mind x

it had been a long, exhausting few weeks and all you wanted now that you had some days off was to lay in bed and forget about the rest of the world for as long as you could

however, you couldn’t miss your boyfriend’s home race, you knew how important it was for him

you had been awfully quiet on the way to the airport, and lando couldn’t help but notice something was off

“you alright, baby?” he asked as you let your body plop down in the jet’s seat with a long sigh

you simply nodded, brushing it off with a mumbled “i just need a little nap”

although he didn’t fully believe you, knowing that something was off, lando knew better than to push you

he leaned back on his seat and patted his chest for you to lay on him

the simple gesture earned a smile from you, and you quickly doze off as he played with your hair and whispered sweet nothings in your ear

an hour of sleep, however, wasn’t enough to lift up your mood. or to make the muscle pain you felt magically disappear

and lando noticed the second you opened your eyes, a soft groan escaping your lips

for the rest of the weekend, he made sure you wouldn’t have to lift a finger

he carried your luggage himself, despite your multiple protests against it

as you settled down when you arrived at the hotel, he made sure to prepare a warm, relaxing bath for you both to soak in

“let me take care of you, baby,” he whispered before washing your hair gently, giving you a little scalp massage while on it

he had also made sure to order room service for when you were done in the bathroom. a big tray with your favorite food waiting for you in bed

he was quite busy for the rest of the weekend, but he still made sure that you were okay every time he had two seconds to spare

he made sure you were hydrated at all times, sitting down to eat with you and taking little naps with you in his driver’s room in between sessions

that weekend he was also overly affectionate, prepping kisses over your cheeks every change he got

you had expected him to want to go out and celebrate after the race, specially after having gotten a podium

he, however, suggested a quiet night in, just the two of you and some cheesy movie in the background

another warm, relaxing bath and dinner in bed before he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you comfortably into his chest

cuddles and back rubs until you fall asleep on his arms, the exhaustion of the past few weeks getting to you

[thus-spoke-lo]

cw: gn!reader. yandere-ish sanji (isn't that sort of just always sanji?). obsessive behavior. physically blocking reader from moving. using prompt from here. // Yandere Minific Masterlist

Sanji’s arms cage you in on either side, hands pressed firmly against your upper arms, keeping you locked in place against the pantry door. You raise your hands to uselessly grasp at his steely forearms, but your fingers never quite gain purchase. Kicking at him would be futile at best and perilous at worst���you’d seen him in a fight and know full well what he is capable of using just his legs.

“You can’t go, my darling,” he says through uneven breaths, a noise that you could almost mistake for a laugh trailing after. “You—you just can’t.”

“Sanji, please,” you whisper, choking back a scream, “I want to go home.”

Nami had been confident that it would be no time at all before you’d be back on your island, embracing your friends, collapsing into your own bed, eating meals made by your own hands. Not that you minded your accommodations for the time being—getting saved by the Strawhats was more than enough, but they graciously offered to transport you home (it was on their way to their next destination), and you and sleeping in a warm bed and having meals lovingly (perhaps too lovingly) prepared by their chef was a welcome change of pace from the last time you’d gotten mixed up in the middle of a skirmish and the heroic Marines simply dropped you off at the nearest safe island, leaving you to figure out safe passage home.

But the few days you were promised turned into a week, then two. A stop at another island for supplies, a quick pause at yet another, Sanji always by your side when you’d debark. On today’s impromptu stop, he insisted on staying back on the Sunny with you, something about this place being too dangerous for someone so delicate, so ethereal. He made you tea, fed you snacks, sat beside you and swooned over you as you read a book. You’d learned how to politely ignore him by now, but it was becoming more and more difficult by the day the way he smothered you with misplaced affection.

You tried to sneak into the kitchen to get your own refill, but he’d found you almost instantly, as though he were always just steps behind you, following your scent like a bloodhound. You’d made the mistake of blurting out how long it was taking to get you home and suddenly the glass in your hand crashed to the floor and you were pressed against the pantry, Sanji’s face inches from yours, his desperation growing by the second.

“But—but you’ve only just arrived. Is it something I’ve done? Is it something I’m not doing?” The panic in his voice rises, his tone becoming almost shrill the more he rambles. “What can I do to change your mind, my love?”

There is no one else aboard this ship, just you and him. You have to remain calm. You have to remain in control of yourself. You inhale deeply, exhale slowly, trying to slow you racing heart. “Sanji—why aren’t I home just yet?”

“My sweet, your home was out of the way and I—well, everyone understands that when a man falls in love, he can’t let go just so easily.” His gaze drops to the floor, and he shudders, a soft sob leaving his lungs. “I've only begun to know what home means when I met you. Please, don't take it away from me again.”

“Sanji, what did you do?”

An unsettling smile creeps up the corners of Sanji’s lips, one that you will see in your mind’s eye every night when sleep evades you, as tears stream down his cheeks. “Luffy never turns down a new crew member. He didn’t need much convincing, my sweet—not for someone as incredible as you.”

A hundred different scenarios swirl in your mind, a protest creeping up your gullet but sticking there, helplessly. It’s you against them—against him. You’re weak. You have no devil fruit. You never learned to fight beyond simple self-defense. Escape seems far away, somewhere your fingers cannot grasp, and your body stiffens.

“Just give it time, ma petit chou. You’ll learn to love it here.” He strokes your face with the back of his hand, sucking in a breath through his teeth at the sensation of your flesh on his. He leans in and presses his cheek to yours, moaning as his lips ghost your prickled skin as he whispers, “You’ll learn to love me.”

[otomehoneyybearr]

The Beast's Love is Unstoppable

Kagari's Story MDNI please!

This is the script version of the story. The lovely @caffedrine posted amazing summaries of Kagari, Matias and Azel's story! Please check them out (≧◡≦) ♡! Thank you!

Today’s the day Kagari will be coming to Rhodolite.

There’s still a few hours until our meetup, so to calm my excited heart, I went out, but then—

Kagari: "Princess, I've finally found you."

Emma: "K-Kagari!?"

My eyes widen at the sight of him as I was dragged into an alley and pinned against a wall.

Our long-awaited reunion was unexpectedly sudden, and my surprise outweighed my joy.

Emma: "You came much earlier than the scheduled time."

Kagari: "I wanted to see your face, even if it was one second sooner."

(So Kagari felt the same way.)

Emma: "I've been restless wanting to see you too."

As he caressed my cheek, a warm feeling spread in the center of my chest.

(As much as I want to savor this reunion.)

(Right now, taking him home is my top priority.)

Kagari "...Princess."

(…!)

Suddenly, his perfectly handsome face came close enough that I could feel his breath...

Kagari: "Finally, I get to be with you. Hold me as tight as you can."

(I was too late… No, I think he was already like this.)

Before I knew it, there was a thick, syrupy heat in his emerald eyes, and alarms started going off in my head.

Dealing with this needy general outdoors is akin to fighting a losing battle.

Emma: "Of course, I'll give you plenty of hugs and kisses. Now, let's head home."

Kagari: "I've had enough of holding back. Now is fine."

Emma: "Please just hold off on... Ah..."

Ignoring my plea, Kagari entwines his legs with mine as he presses his body against me and starts to kiss my forehead, cheeks, and neck without reservation.

I struggled desperately to escape, but he didn't budge. Needless to say, my resistance only encouraged him more.

Kagari: "Your heart is pounding so hard and your body is so warm... It’s adorable how you're so conscious of me, Princess."

Emma: "It's not because I'm conscious, it’s just because you’re coming on so strong—ah, please don't bite too hard..."

Kagari: "I'm being a good boy, so I won't leave any marks.”

Emma: "Doing this outside makes you a bad boy...!"

(It seems like the disliking for doing this outside doesn’t apply to the current Kagari.)

While enduring frustrating stimulation, I desperately searched for words to break free from this situation.

Emma: "I want to be alone with you without anyone interrupting, so please wait until we get home!"

Kagari: "To be alone with me, huh…? I'd like that."

The sparkle of anticipation I saw in his emerald eyes wasn't just my imagination.

Kagari: "You won't go back on your words, will you?"

Emma: "..."

Kagari: "Princess."

Emma: “I… I won’t."

As if urging me for an answer, he nibbles on my neck, and I nod repeatedly...

Kagari swept me up in his arms and dashed towards my house at a terrifying speed.

.....

Kagari: "Ah, I love you... Without you, Princess, I'd be left with nothing but killing people."

(Well that’s alarming... But what's scarier is that it doesn't seem like a joke.)

Kagari: "Princess, you're loosening your grip."

Emma: "Oh, sorry."

As I readjusted my arms, I ran my fingers through his red hair, and he, much like an affectionate beast, nuzzled into my neck.

For the past few hours since we arrived home, I had been sitting on Kagari's lap on the bed.

As expected, our time apart seemed to have turned him into quite the needy general.

(No matter how many times I see it, this behavior is always such a stark contrast to his usual self that it baffles my mind.)

Emma: "Isn't it uncomfortable to have me on your lap for so long?"

Kagari: "Not at all. In fact, I've been wanting to do this."

Kagari: "Your warmth, heartbeat, weight, scent, texture, touch... It’s all of you. Having you here with me."

(He looks so happy.)

(But since I've invited him into my home, I should start offering some hospitality. And if possible, prepare dinner too...)

As I gently moved my hand from around his back, he held onto me tighter, as if unwilling to let go.

Looking up at me with his face buried in my chest, it was clear how much he yearned for this.

Kagari: "No, I still want to hold you. Please, don't leave me."

Emma: "I'm just going to get the tea and dorayaki I prepared."

Kagari: "As tempting as the tea and dorayaki sound, right now, I just want your attention, Princess."

Kagari: "Are you going to leave even when your kitty is purring so contentedly?"

Kagari: "Your kitty can be quite a handful when he’s sulky, you know."

(I... I'm well aware.)

I still vividly remember the time when I got so engrossed in reading that I ended up ignoring Kagari.

…Only to be kept in bed the next day, unable to get up due to his overwhelming affection.

(At least if I get the dorayaki—)

Kagari: "Please dote on me... I'm begging you, Princess."

(Welp, there goes that plan...)

Under the rain of pleading kisses, my lips naturally part, tickled only in the most vulnerable spots inside my mouth.

His eyes and voice were so sweet they almost made me feel dizzy, and my resolve wavered...

Emma: "...Just a little longer, okay?"

Kagari: "I love you, Princess."

Seeing his smile, overflowing with affection, made me realize I could never truly win against him.

Suddenly, the hand that had been around my waist moved to my head, gently stroking my hair as if combing it.

It was unexpectedly soothing, and I tilted my head in response.

Emma: "Um, what is this?"

Kagari: "Turning the tables. You could also say I’m returning the favor."

Kagari: “I must have made you feel lonely while we were apart.”

Kagari: "That’s why this time, I’ll be the one to dote on you, Princess."

Pulling me closer, he embraces me and resumes stroking my head.

Kagari’s hand moved downward, gently patting my back in a soothing rhythm.

(Being pampered like this feels a bit embarrassing.)

(But somehow, it’s also comforting. Maybe because it’s Kagari doing it.)

(…I was pretending to be fine, but I was actually feeling really lonely.)

Unable to resist the realization of my own feelings, I buried my face into Kagari's neck.

Kagari: "You're just as needy as I am, Princess."

Emma: "I don't think so."

Kagari: "Is that so? Maybe you’re also just as clueless as me."

Emma: "Ah, it tickles!"

Kagari: "...is that all it does?"

Emma: "Huh...?"

(Come to think of it... His touch feels different…)

His previously indulgent hand had somehow slipped off its gloves, boldly trailing up my thigh and slipping beneath my skirt.

The moment I felt the warmth through my underwear, alarms went off in my head once more.

Where did the gentleness from earlier go?

Emma: "Ah, Kagari...if you keep this up, it won’t be ‘just a little longer’."

Kagari: "I know."

Emma: "So you lied...!"

Kagari: "Can you really say that when you've been carried away the whole time?"

(Uh...)

As I stumbled over my words, his green eyes narrowed with what seemed like amusement.

No matter what I say now, they’ll just sound like excuses.

(If that's the case, maybe I should just throw away all restraint and let my true feelings flow.)

(Just as Kagari was doing in front of me.)

Emma: "...Then please don’t hate me if I become an insufferably selfish, needy brat."

Kagari: "I never planned to."

Before I knew it, I was lifted and gently pushed onto the bed.

His eyes, gazing down at me, were endlessly sweet, binding my body and soul so tightly to the point where I could hardly breathe...

Kagari: "I won't let you go for as long as I live. No, even in death, I'll always love you."

Kagari: "No matter what you do, I’ll fall in love with you over and over again, Princess."

▼・ᴥ・▼

[jakef3ver]

Nishimura Riki | NDA

︎ ☁︎︎ Idol!riki x fan!reader | fem!reader

↯ fluff, crack, maybe suggestive a little more into the fic, use of social media (instagram, twt), reader is just a regular girl going to school and stuff

⚠︎︎ will contain mentions of alcohol consume later

-what the actual fuck just happened?-

You sit up in your bed, after hearing your phone’s alarm. It was 8 AM and you got a total of 3 hours of sleep after staying up WAYYYY too long.

“fuck no” you whisper to yourself, agitated at the fact you only got to sleep 3 hours.

But honestly, it was your fault to stay up this late.

Accepting your fate, you get out of bed and look for your work clothes before making your way to the bathroom to get ready for work.

Your motivation to actually do all of this? Easy. The Enhypen concert in two days, you and Alija got VIP and front-row seats for.

After arriving at the cafe, you quickly greet your coworkers and put on an apron, before really starting your shift.

Taking orders and preparing coffee from customers.

Everything was as usual until you saw something.

Or rather someone, entering the cafe.

You had to make a double-take before actually realizing who this is.

“no fucking way, oh my god” you whisper to yourself while quickly turning your body around. “this can’t be real, what the fuck” you hiss, before taking a deep breath to calm yourself down.

You turn yourself to the front again, to greet the newly arrived customers with a warm smile.

“Hey, what can I get for you?” You say the sentence you say to EVERY customer you greet.

Your hand slightly trembling as you wait for them to tell you their order.

“What do you recommend?” Jake smiles and asks, before looking up to the menu and then to his left side to Riki standing beside him.

“I- I like the frozen flavored coffee” You say, your voice a little nervous. “with mocha sirup” You add, after taking another deep breath.

Jake nods. “I’ll take that one then”

Your hand is still shaking as you write down the order on the display in front of you.

“Large or medium?” You ask.

“Large please” he says with his typical Australian accent.

As you note the order, Jake says something like ‘your turn’ or ‘now you’ to Riki in Korean. You couldn’t really understand what exactly he said, but you can understand enough to make sense of it.

As you look up again, Riki looks at you with a small smile.

“I want the same one” He starts “Just in medium please” he adds in the same cute Korean accent, you always hear when he says something in English.

You nod “Noted”

After receiving both their orders, you tell them the price and Jake pays for both drinks.

You quickly turn yourself around, to directly prepare their Coffees.

Your eyes are blown wide open, your brain not realizing what just happened.

Skillfully, you prepare the coffee without spilling anything, even with your hands still shaking.

“Here, two frozen flavored coffees with mocha” you state while handing Jake and Riki their drinks over the counter.

Your heart stops for a second as you feel Riki's fingers slightly brush over yours, leaving goosebumps all over your body.

“Enjoy, have a good day” You quickly say and throw a kinda awkward smile in their direction, especially to Riki.

Then you practically RUN to the back of the cafe where the room for brakes is, while telling your coworker you'll be back soon.

Barely reaching the destined room, you dial Alijas number.

And she directly picks up.

“FUCK ALIJA”

“WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK JUST HAPPENED”

“Y/n are you okay, why are you screaming at me”

“NO”

“WHAT HAPPENED?”

“FUCKING RIKI AND JAKE WHERE HERE”

“I GAVE THEM THEIR DRINKS”

“AND FUCKING RIKIS HAND TOUCHED MINE ALIJA”

“WHAT IS GOING ON”

“WHAT NO FUCKING WAY Y/N”

“R U FOR REAL”

“YES”

“AND RIKI DEADASS SMILED AT ME”

“Oh my fucking god y/n”

“That's just crazy”

“Fuck oh my god” you let out a breath you didn't know you where holding.

“I gotta go again” you sigh, still full of adrenaline from the previous encounter.

“Dinner later? At mine?” Alija asks nearly out of breath as you.

“Shit yes please” you answer.

“See you later then” she says excitedly and hangs up.

After putting your phone away again, you take a deep breath and make your way to the front again, to finish your shift.

masterlist | previous | next

tags: @d-dilemma @microwvdstrawb3rri3s

[kavaeric]

Current news around twitter is dour, and current engineers do not seem to believe Twitter will last more than a week, if even past the weekend. You may see a sudden uptick in new arrivals in the coming days

Tumblr Field Guide is now available!

Hi! If you're from Twitter, welcome to the hellsite! I've managed to compile a fairly comprehensive guidebook on the in and outs of Tumblr and its etiquette written by myself and some long-time Tumblr veterans.

When I say "Tumblr veterans", I mean that we've been on this site in some capacity for around 10 years each now, if not more (I myself have been here on and off since around 2011). We're happy to see new people discover the unique nature of what is effectively our digital hometown.

That being said, this unique nature is chalked up to the way that Tumblr has been something of a haven from the corporate and influence-based culture that has seemingly enveloped the rest of the internet. While we're happy to welcome you here, we also wish you respect the fact that this has been a safe haven from corporatisation and influencer culture, and we ask that you help us keep it that way. You can find an explanation on the etiquette and taboos of Tumblr in the guide linked above.

For a summary guide, keep reading...

This place is great if you are an artist, or member of a fandom, or enjoy fanworks or fanart of all kinds, or all of the above. If you identify as any/all of the above, welcome! I do hope you enjoy your stay here.

We, however, are very protective of its "indie" feel and has strived to keep advertisers, "influencer culture", and capitalist interests away.

In a sense, Tumblr takes the well-worn advice of "be your authentic self" and turns it into a moral imperative that is expected of newcomers as well lest you'll be shunned; we don't want the relative safe haven nature of Tumblr, away from corporatisation and influencer culture, to be ruined. Hence, there are a lot of cultural mores, taboos, and expectations that are treated not as polite but as a moral responsibility to ensure the "sanctity" of Tumblr as a space away from said culture of advertisers and influencers.

In short:

Reblog stuff liberally. Don't just focus on posting your own stuff/freeloading, that's just being an arse. You'll also look like a bot. Don't look like a bot.

Don't try to be an influencer, and don't try to peddle. This isn't to say you can't promote your comms or store if you're an indie artist; just again don't be a freeloader or seek attention for its own sake. Help your fellow artists and community members out.

Seriously, reblog stuff, that's the crux of this site's interaction.

Understand the ways in which people comment including commenting in the tags, there's a whole section in the guide dedicated to this.

Don't engage in drama or dunking, leave that shit behind on Twitter, I don't want to see it here.

Absolutely do not engage with brand accounts, not even ironically or to dunk on them or whatever.

Tumblr is otherwise a very cosy and creative space that is at once expansive and rich but also nuanced, social, cooperative, friendly, and intimate. Follow the etiquette and help us protect this space from the onslaught of advertiser interests and infleuncer culture and I'm sure you will have a wonderful time on our happy little hellsite.

And, yes, please read the guide!

[lumosinlove]

On The Line

Part Four

ONE YEAR LATER

Logan went through his usual routine—well, his new usual routine as he was preparing for a tournament. The U.S. Open was quickly approaching, but he still had time. Weeks. Even after two years his life still felt new. What had once been yanking himself out of bed for a protein shake and a run was now pushing into Finn’s side while he fried a few eggs and burrowing into the warm crook of his neck.

“Mm,” Finn said around the piece of watermelon he was chewing. He wrapped an arm around Logan’s waist, hand giving his butt three hard taps. With the other, he flipped the sizzling eggs then turned to press his lips to Logan’s forehead. “Do we still have blueberries?”

“Ouais—smoothie?”

“Yeah. Wait, there was mint in the garden, that’ll be good in it. And I bought that yogurt you like.”

Logan tilted his head up and Finn smiled.

“Hi, gorgeous, hi,” he whispered, and then kissed him. “Go get me my mint.”

Logan stepped out into the morning. He nodded to Alice and Pete, whose team helped manage his courts and house while he was away. They hadn’t seemed very surprised when Logan first brought Finn home and Finn had just…never left. They’d seemed happily surprised when Finn consulted them about planting an herb garden.

It was barely eight in the morning and it already felt like it was nearing eighty degrees. It was going to be a hot practice. Logan found the patch labeled mint in Finn’s slanted handwriting and picked a few stems.

The kitchen window opened behind him and Finn shouted out, “chives!”

Logan smiled and reached for those, too. He took his phone out and snapped a photo, sending it off with a little swooping sound. A moment later, a reply arrived under the banner of Leo Knut’s name.

I’m very impressed!!!

:), Logan typed back. what are you up to where are you now

Logan waited for a reply, but none came. He must have been busy and Logan went back into the kitchen to Finn.

Logan wasn’t sure how it had happened, or even exactly when. Sometime after the Wimbledon ball—Finn called it the Wimbledon dance—Leo Knut had slowly but surely become their friend. He ate with them at most meals during tournaments. He came out to dinner with them sometimes, when he wasn’t eating with his team—who seemed nice enough, if not a little strict. Finn always rolled his eyes when Logan said that. We can’t all have a two-for-one boyfriend, Tremblay.

They texted when they were apart in a group chat that had somehow acquired the name Loginn & Leo that made Logan smile every time he saw it. Finn and him went back and forth constantly about books and TV shows. Logan mostly just listened and read through their conversations, but he liked talking to Leo about his cooking the most. He enjoyed hearting the pictures of delicious meals he made. Him and Finn tried to recreate some of them with Leo instructing them over FaceTime, but Logan had a feeling it would never taste the same unless it was made by Leo’s hand.

Tennis was carefully avoided. Maybe out of respect, or out of balance, Logan didn’t know. But he was almost glad. It kept Leo as a friend. It kept their minds off the court when they didn’t need to be there.

They ate their breakfast on the back porch that overlooked the pool and Logan had half a mind to forget training and lay here all day with Finn. The pool’s surface was still and gleaming in the morning light, the fan above them rotated slowly for a gentle breeze, and Logan had his feet in Finn’s lap. Finn was idly rubbing Logan’s ankle with one hand and eating with the other. Logan knew he’d be a mess of sweat and sore muscles later, so he pushed his toes into Finn’s thigh for more attention.

Finn pushed against a particularly sore spot in Logan’s arch and grinned at Logan’s noise. “Gonna run you so hard today, get ready.”

Logan popped his last bite of toast into his mouth. “Can you please not say it like that?”

“What?”

“It sounds like I’m going to do other things than run, and I know that I’m not.”

“Hm,” Finn took a sip of his iced coffee, obviously hiding a smile. “Maybe you better work really hard, then.”

Three hours later, Logan was flat on his back on the clay of his personal court. He closed his eyes, chest heaving, and enjoyed the dusty-scratch feeling of the clay on his skin.

A shadow fell over him. Finn had been inside the house, taking some calls while Logan did sprints. When Logan opened his eyes, Finn looked the picture of cool and unruffled. He held out a water bottle, and when Logan took a sip, he was pleased to find the water ice cold and slightly lemony.

“I think I found someone for you to hit with,” Finn said. “He’s hoping to get in some good time on the clay and, oh look,” Finn spread his hands. “Clay, right here in the USA.”

Logan opened his eyes again questioningly. “What?”

“I found someone for you to hit with.”

Logan propped himself up on an elbow, confused. “I hit with you.”

“I know, I know. What, you don’t even want to know who?”

Logan took another sip of water, swishing it around in his mouth. “Who?”

“Leo.”

Logan smiled, pushing himself up on his elbows. “Leo’s here?”

“Ooh-way.”

“He didn’t say.”

“You spoke to him?”

“I sent him garden pictures and asked but he didn’t respond.”

“Maybe because he was flying.”

“Leo doesn’t have to be flying not to answer my messages.”

“No, I’m saying I have his flight number, he was flying.”

Logan raised his eyebrows. “You tracked his flight?”

Finn shrugged. “I like to know where people are. I used to track your flights all the time. Before I was on all of them.”

Something about that made Finn’s words begin to set in. Playing Leo was one thing. Being his friend on tour, texting, FaceTiming, trying to learn to cook from him. But training with him…

“Well…Là.” Logan shook his head. “He’d get to know me too well. My game. He’s so good, it’s—”

“You’d get to know his, too,” Finn said. “And he’s gonna be around for a while. The rest of your career, certainly. He’s too good not to be.”

Logan hesitated. He picked up his hat from where it had been knocked to the ground and pressed it between his hands.

“We avoid tennis,” Logan said. “I don’t…I don’t want it to come between us.”

Finn sighed and knelt down on his good knee, right between where Logan’s were splayed. “Look, Lo. Bottom line, I can’t run you around like you need. My knee won’t have it. And I don’t need someone to just lob balls at you. I don’t need you to whip some half-ass hitter’s butt. We need someone who will push your every boundary. Who will put you to the test—especially on clay. It’s your home, it’s where you dominate. It’s where people are the most scared of you and I’m gonna keep it that way. Also, Leo’s a beast on hard court and you could learn a few things.” Logan narrowed his eyes and Finn smiled. “I’m telling you this as a kindness, boyfriend and coach.”

Before he knelt on his bad knee, he’d stretched his hands out on either side of Logan and slowly lay him down on the hot court. Logan smiled as he lay his head back. His entire back through his t-shirt was warm and Finn’s chest felt warmer.

“Is that a yes?” Finn bent to kiss Logan’s neck. He was soaked in sweat but Finn didn’t seem to care.

Finn pulled back to look at him. “He’s coming at noon tomorrow.” He pushed himself up on his hands, straightening his arms and blocking out the sun just enough so that Logan could open his eyes and see his red hair get turned to bronze by the halo of rays. They looked at each other for a moment, until Finn laughed, soft and closed-lips, and couldn’t help himself anymore. He let himself back down and kissed Logan in the sunshine.

“Yes?” Finn asked again, bumping their noses together. “Yes. Yes, yes?”

Logan hooked his arms under Finn’s and hauled him fully down. “What if we can’t turn it off again?”

Finn frowned, but allowed himself to rest against Logan. “What does that mean?”

Logan let his head rest fully in the clay. It would be all in his hair turn the shower tiles rusty later when he scrubbed it out—or when Finn did, hopefully.

“What if…” Logan sighed. “What if once we train together, we’re always competitors and we can’t be friends again?”

“Did you feel any less my friend when you played me?”

God, that was something he hadn’t thought of for a while. Finn, across the court from him. Trying to beat Finn. Well, usually beating Finn. And Finn sticking his tongue out at him when he thought the cameras weren’t looking—the cameras were always looking.

Finn read his mind like that.

“Cause for me, you know what happened to me when I played you?” Finn asked.

“You fell in love with me?”

Finn feigned a gasp. “How did you know?” He grinned as he kissed Logan again. “So, don’t worry about Leo. He’s not petty. He’s not stupid. He’s your friend. He knows what comes with your jobs. And he wants to train with you anyway.” Finn tilted his head. “Some would call that wanting to spend time with your friends, too.”

“It’s hard work.”

“Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Logan tightened his arms around Finn. “Ouais, well, I’ve been asking you to do that all day.”

“Oh-ho.” Finn’s laugh was delighted and he ducked his face down against Logan’s neck. “Shut up.”

Logan hooked his foot around Finn’s waist and rolled them over until he’d pinned him against the soft clay. His hands left reddish smudges of Finn’s cheeks when he took his face to kiss him again.

“Mm,” Finn mumbled contentedly. He pushed his hands up under Logan’s shirt.

“Allez,” Logan whispered, biting down gently on Finn’s lip. “I want to do what I love.”

“Leo,” Finn said, the name cutting off in a gasp as Logan pressed his hips against him. “Tomorrow. Noon.”

“Yes,” Logan said. He nosed against Finn’s jaw until he got Finn to tilt his head back so he could get at his pale neck. “Yes…”

~

Logan felt restless the next morning. He was out at dawn, running the familiar path near his property, Finn biking beside him. They stopped in a shady spot where a food truck served breakfast sandwiches and iced coffee.

“We should take Leo here,” Finn said around a mouthful. “He’d fucking love this sauce that is burning my mouth off right now.” Finn swallowed and stuck his tongue out, panting. “Ack. It’s delicious just man-oh-man.”

“It’s not that bad.”

“You just took out an entire potato because it was covered in it.”

“Fuck off,” Logan said, and slouched further with his back to Finn’s chest.

They rode back and showered. Finn laughed a bit at the fact that Logan never seemed to not have a bit of clay in his hair or behind his ears.

The restlessness didn’t ease up.

As they waited for Leo to text that he had landed, Logan walked laps around the living room couch where Finn was reading. One circle. Two. Three. Four. He paused and came back with a handful of popcorn. Five. Six. Finn looked good reading. Glasses resting on his nose, casting faint speckled shadows among his many freckles. Seven. Eight. Nine. Logan kissed the top of his head before coming back around to look at his face again. Ten. Eleven.

“Lo…” Finn said his name all drawn out without looking away from his pages.

“He really asked to come?” Logan asked. “You didn’t ask him?”

Finn turned a page. “He asked me.”

“You should be careful what strategies you use when he’s here. Who knows what he’ll say to his own—”

“Logan,” Finn laughed. He rubbed at his eyes beneath his lenses before taking his glasses off. “You think I don’t have a plan for that sort of thing?”

Logan paused. He worried a popcorn kernel in his teeth. “I don’t want to have to whisper in front of him.”

“We won’t. You know us. A lot of the time, we don’t need words.” Finn let his book rest against his chest. “Listen to me. Will he learn some things about us? Yes. Will we learn some things about him? Yes. But that’s not the point. The point is you’ll get even better than you are because you won’t be worried about hurting me, and it won’t be easy for you.”

“What if I have to use something new against him in a match?” Logan said. “Something I learn now. Here.” Logan sank into the cushions at Finn’s waist and Finn set his book and glasses on the table so he could grab Logan’s hips and haul him into his lap. Logan put his palm flat on Finn’s chest. “What if he hates me for it later? Even without meaning to.”

“Do you wish I’d told him he couldn’t come?”

“Non,” Logan said. “I just…”

“He’s not going to hate you. “This is the game. It’s the game. And you’re both part of it. He’s not going to hate you.” Finn shook his head, tapping playful fingers against Logan’s cheek. “Get out of your head, pretty little green eyes.”

Logan sighed. “Do you think we have food he likes?”

Finn tisked, but pulled Logan forward to kiss his forehead. “Yes, you sweetheart. God, do I tell you I love you enough?”

“Those chips,” Logan said, sitting up a bit. “Those spicy chips that he packs in his suitcase—”

“Ordered them,” Finn said. “But, Lo, he probably rented a house that he can fill up however he likes.”

“But he’ll be over here. On my courts.”

Logan got a little warm all over, picturing Leo out there. Walking past his pool. Maybe he’d even man the grill that didn’t get nearly enough use. He’d bring his long, lean limbs and sit on this sofa and…

Logan could still feel the touch of his hand on his lower back. We’re just dancing, Logan.

Finn’s phone began to ring from inside his pocket, making Logan jump from his place on his lap. He tried to think what Finn would say and it came easily. “Happy to see me, or something?”

Finn snorted and tapped his hip to tell him to move. “He’s landed.”

~

It was just as good as Logan imagined it would be. Leo had hugged him tightly the second he walked through their door. He’d hugged Finn tightly, too. Logan liked the way Leo had to stoop a little even to hug Finn. He liked the way Finn’s hand were firm on Leo’s back, just like they were on Logan’s after a win or loss. Finn sat Leo down outside on the patio by the pool and Logan trailed after, watching them. Finn offered food and drink, Leo chose a Cola, and Finn brought it to him on ice with a red and white paper straw because he was Finn and this was Leo and Logan didn’t know why it felt so very important that Leo was here but it did. It really did.

“The plane was fine,” Leo was saying. “And the city’s nice, but it’s gorgeous out here, though. You guys got a spot.”

“Yeah,” Finn said. “Lo picked well. Where did you rent?”

Logan perched on the edge of the chair Leo had chosen. He sort of wanted to look at him while he was distracted by Finn. He already looked sun-golden and relaxed. He had that blue shirt on and his hair was shorter just now. The gray tuft looked like it had gotten sun, too. Logan still hadn’t asked him about that.

“Hm? Oh, I didn’t rent. I got a room at the Lion Hotel.”

“Non, non, non,” Logan said at the same time as Finn made a protesting sound.

“You’ll stay with us, then,” Finn said. “Leo. C’mon.”

Leo hesitated, sipping his drink. “It’s a nice hotel.”

“Non,” Logan said again. “You’ll just have to drive here everyday anyway.”

“I wouldn’t want to intrude, or…” Leo’s eyes went between the two of them. “Really?”

“What are we supposed to do,” Finn said. “FaceTime you to help us cook dinner while you’re in the same city?” He smiled. “No, really, though. We’d…” He looked at Logan. “We would love to have you here with us.”

“Why didn’t you say you were coming? When I texted you the garden.” Logan realized he had almost started touching Leo’s hair—a habit with Finn—and pressed his palms to his thighs instead.

Leo tilted his head back to smile up at him. “Because you would have told me that we’d get to know each other’s games too well and that we shouldn’t.”

Finn let out a laugh from his chair across from them and crossed his socked feet on the table. “Oh, would he now, Leo? Do you hear that, Lo?”

Leo placed his straw between his teeth as he smiled. “Did I get it right or word for word?”

“Word, for, fucking, word,” Finn said pointedly. “Sprinkle in some worry that we won’t have any food you like.”

“Finn,” Logan hushed, and Leo laughed. He put a hand over Logan’s.

“You’re sweet.” Leo looked at Finn. “You’re both sweet. But yeah, I figured I’d go straight to Finn.”

Finn stuck his tongue out at Logan. “He knows I know I good idea when I see one.”

“Well, you took this one on, didn’t you?” Leo squeezed Logan’s hand before letting go. Logan wished he had turned his palm up into it.

Finn’s brown eyes darted between the two of them. He was biting his lip against a smile and messing with the condensation droplets around his soda. “I did.”

“I guess I’ll have to go get my things sometime tonight,” Leo said.

Finn waved a hand at the setting sun. “Do it tomorrow. We probably have everything you need here.”

“Ouais,” Logan said. “And you have, like, six rooms to choose from.”

“Oh yeah,” Finn said. “Do you want the tour?” He rolled his eyes at himself and put his glass down. “I say like it’s my house.”

“It is your house,” Logan said. “Like, this is your house, I am your house.”

Leo laughed as they went back inside. “Yeah, Finn, he’s your house.”

“You know what I meant.”

Leo swung an arm around Logan. “Do we?”

Logan gave him a shove, but not hard enough to dislodge his arm.

They took him through the house first and Leo put his phone down in the bedroom beside the master, so Logan figured that’s the room he wanted. It was the one Noelle chose whenever she visited. They went to the theater room, the basement that had a lower deck and a pool table. It was a lot of impressive stuff, but Leo seemed to appreciate the kitchen the most.

“Oh.”

Logan tucked his hand into Finn’s as Leo turned around in a slow circle, taking in the large kitchen. Finn squeezed.

“I bet y’all hardly use this beauty,” Leo said, brushing a hand against the stove.

“I’ll have you know I make eggs there every morning,” Finn said.

“Where’s your private chef at?” Leo arched a brow.

“She has the day off,” Logan said.

Finn scoffed. “I was about to tell a joke!”

Logan shrugged. “She does.” He looked at Leo. “But don’t worry she left a lot of prepped things in the fridge, so we’re good for dinner.”

Finn coughed jokingly over the words Leo’s risotto.

Leo smiled at him. “I’m happy to make you that, it’s one of my favorites.”

“Non, we wouldn’t invite you and then put you to work,” Logan said.

“Oh?” Leo walked back towards them, around the kitchen island. “I’m not here to work?”

There Logan went again, cheeks flaming. Finn squeezed his hand harder.

“Do you want to see the courts?” Logan asked hoarsely.

He squeezed Finn’s hand back.

~

A week went by in a flash. It felt like that first week with Finn, when he had grabbed Logan by both hands and yanked him out of the lonesome dark. It felt old as time, and brand new. Logan’s heart pounded, his laughs tumbled, and yet he’d never been calmer. Never more at ease. He’d never trained harder in his life, either. Finn on the sidelines, demanding more, more, more. Leo standing opposite him on clay, on hard court, in sun, in shade, in the night lights, demanding more, more, more. And Logan wanted to give. It filled Logan right up to give it to them.

He’d never felt stronger. He’d never played better. He’d never slept better, Finn cradling him, tightly pressed all along his back. He’d never eaten better, Leo’s delicious handiwork, Finn mixing him a drink, Logan helping him chop and prepare. Card games. Movies. And the laughter. Logan would live and swear by their laughter.

He was standing behind the outdoor bar by the pool and Finn and Leo were in the shallow end with a water set of paddle tennis. Watching them, listening to the tic tac of the light ball…Logan had never wanted to see two people play more. Really play. He’d give anything to match Finn’s grace with Leo’s lighthearted strides on a court in front of an audience. Anything at all.

“Did you just topspin this fucking ball?” Leo laughed. He was wearing sunglasses and his hair was darkened and slicked back by the water. “How the fuck did you do that?”

“I did use to play professionally!” Finn fired back.

“Honey, I had your poster on my wall—I know!”

Logan dropped the ice cubes he was holding and the clattered down to the floor in every direction.

“Oh did you now?”

Logan smiled to himself as he stooped to pick up the ice. He’d told Finn that and Finn knew it. They still smiled about it sometimes after spending a day with Leo in whatever city the three of them were lucky enough to be in.

And that one night. Staring up at a dark ceiling with Finn, just the two of them. Finn had asked what had felt, at the time, like a daring sort of question. Do you think he ever wished he could be with one of us? And, who do you think he liked better? Probably you. You always played better.

Logan had had so many words in his head that he could only get out a few. But he plays more like you.

~

Logan and Finn stared up at their dark bedroom ceiling on the tenth day. The next tournament was fast approaching. U.S. Open. Not far to travel. Hard court. Leo’s surface. But for now it was quiet. Leo in the next room.

This might’ve be Logan’s favorite part of life, actually. Though it was so hard to choose. But this. Finn’s head resting against his chest, nudging into Logan’s fingers through his hair while Finn said anything and everything that came into his mind…This had to be in his top three.

“You’re drop shots are stronger,” Finn mumbled. His fingers were, maybe without him fully realizing it, leaving goosebumps across Logan’s chest and stomach in the trail of his fingertips. “You have more control, it’s really good. It’s like Leo’s.”

“I think so, too,” Logan said.

“You’re the strongest you’ve been.” Finn pressed his palm over Logan’s core. “Here.”

“Leo’s hard to play over and over.”

“It’s beautiful to watch.”

Logan turned his head to run his lips along Finn’s forehead. “I like it when you watch.”

Finn smiled, turning his face into Logan’s chest. “Lo.”

“Yeah?”

“Do you get the sense…” Finn began. “That…Hm.”

“Hm?” Logan reached down and pulled Finn’s thigh further across his hips, smoothing a palm under the hem of his shorts.

“Do you get the sense that Leo…” He was whispering.

Leo, in the next room.

The sense. Logan’s fingers pressed into the muscle of Finn’s thigh, trailing down towards the bend of his knee.

Finn adjusted so he was looking down at Logan. He reached up and brushed a thumb against his eyelashes, then under his eye, then over his full bottom lip.

“You know that I’m yours,” Finn whispered.

Logan gave a small nod.

“And you’re mine.”

“Toujours.”

“If I were to say to you,” Finn whispered. “That I want to watch Leo kiss just…” He bent, aiming for his favorite soft part under Logan’s jaw, the part that spent more time pink from Finn’s teeth than not. “Here…As much as I want to kiss it myself…”

Logan drew in a slow breath, calming himself with the feeling of Finn’s hair slipping through his fingers. “Remember our Wimbledon dance? Leo and I.”

“God. Of course I do.”

“There’s this…feeling.” Logan cleared his throat a little, heat rising through his core. “With you. When you’re…” Logan squeezed his eyes closed and laughed. “Ugh, stop looking at me like that.”

Finn was grinning, eyebrows raised.

“Tell me,” Finn said, then dropped to a whisper again. “Tell me.”

Logan covered his eyes with a hand. “Non, c’est—embarrassed.”

“Hey, hey, c’mere…” Finn whispered, then took one of Logan’s wrists, then the other, and held them above his head. “When I’m what?”

“You know.” Logan’s hands flexed in Finn’s grip and—there it was. Light. The ball on his racket. Finn kissing him in velvet curtains. Finn gripping him in a hug so tight after a win that it took his breath away. Leo’s hand under his jacket. Finn’s gentle fingers massaging his sore ankles after a long day. Finn winning at cards. Leo winning at cards. Their faces when Logan won at cards, so so beautifully competitive, all of them. Finn’s head on his chest and dark ceilings. Leo pushing his head under the water in the pool, then pulling him back up again to breathe and laugh. Leo falling asleep against his shoulder half way through a movie.

“I do.” Finn had been watching him quietly. Brown eyes. Chocolate. Sugared espresso. Sweet. “I do know…”

You know what I’d choose? You. You. You.

“Leo, too,” Logan said. “Dancing…Laughing together these weeks. Leo, too.”

“Look at what this talk got you all like…” Finn whispered as he kissed Logan’s hot cheeks. “Look at you.”

Logan let out a short breath, hands tightening and loosening in air. He felt like he’d burn up if he didn’t get a grip on something, but Finn’s body pinned him.

“Settle down, I got you.” He captured Logan’s next sound in a kiss. “This? You want Leo doing this?”

“Shh,” Logan said, but his eyes slipped closed. He felt heavy. And light. “If he hears you he’ll think we’re—we’re weird or something.”

“Oh baby,” Finn whistled low, giving his head a slow shake. “I think weird will be the last word on his mind.”

“How do you know?” Logan worried.

“How many hours do you think I’ve spent watching the two of you play each other?” Finn kissed his jaw, his ear, his temple. “You think I don’t know how he looks at you?”

“How?” Logan swallowed a desperate sound. “How, how?”

“The way I look at you.” Finn’s mouth dragged along his cheek, back to his. “You think I don’t know how you look at him?”

Logan’s fists clenched in Finn’s hold and Finn let him go so they could tumble onto their sides with Logan’s arms around his waist.

Finn smiled. “It’s how you look at me.”

[keikikait]

ᴄᴀꜱᴜᴀʟ (ɢᴏᴊᴏ x ꜰ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ)

pairing: satoru gojo x f!reader (not au, reader is early to mid 20's)

word count: 2.3k

summary: you're gojo's safe space after long, hard battles.

warnings: angsty (ish), gojo plays with the reader's emotions, reader is naïve, suggestive but no outright smut, not proofread

a note: will i ever write gojo normally?

please reblog and like, it means a lot! let me know what you think!

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ*:･ﾟ✧

Everything is a routine with him.

From how he gets ready, to how he goes to work, he has a strict and set routine. He needs order, he needs to be in control because if he isn’t in control he fails. He becomes weak. Vulnerable.

You’re no exception to his need for control. He comes to you after every fight, unscathed but angry, stressed, and exhausted. And he expects you to be right where he left you, waiting for him.  You never know when he’ll show up, expecting your open arms and a warm bed. You sometimes stay up all night, waiting by the door, getting up to check out the peephole over and over again, because maybe in the last 5 seconds, he appeared outside your front door. You would sometimes sleep in the genkan, curled up in a ball leaning against your shoe closet, just in case.

Satoru would knock three times before barging into your apartment if you didn’t open the door fast enough. He didn’t have a key, he didn’t want one, and you had replaced your front door too many times now. He wouldn’t speak, just push himself into your apartment, and pin you to the wall. He would kiss you sometimes if you were good and if you begged enough. He didn’t like kissing, to him it was a form of attachment. He would never get attached to you, and you knew this. You weren’t Geto. You never had a chance to be with him. It was just casual, with no attachments. 

You always held him after a fight. He would bury his face in your neck, clinging to you, his legs trapping your body against his chest as he relaxed in your embrace. You were his safe space after dealing with work, fighting curses, anything. You were his in these gentle moments, sitting in silence, rubbing his back while a TV show played in the background, hoping that this time he would say something to you, anything. He never did. It drove you crazy, your thoughts of self-doubt eating you alive, wondering if you were good enough at all. You felt like a piece of meat he would cut chunks off of before shoving you back into the depths of the freezer. Gojo was using you; holding you close and breathing in the scent of the perfume he bought you before escalating the situation, melting you with soft kisses and little whispers, and before you knew it he was buried inside of you to the hilt. You would make love in your bedroom all night. It was euphoric in some strange way. He would cum inside before standing up and redressing, not even bothering to throw you a towel. He was so casual, smirking down at you before giving you a pat on the cheek and leaving your apartment, and then your routine would start all over again.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ*:･ﾟ✧

You had spent your evening preparing for his arrival. You knew he was fighting something, someone, but you didn’t know who. You decided to call him, phone pressed between your ear and your shoulder as you tidied up your bedroom, putting all of your clothes into your hamper. He didn’t answer. He never does. You started to wonder why you even had his number in the first place. You forget about it, setting your phone aside as you continue to clean. You almost went to bed this time. You wipe your hands on a dishtowel, walking past the genkan when you hear three, hard knocks on your front door. You quickly spin on your heel, unlocking the door and pulling it open right before Gojo decides to start kicking it in.

Your eyes land on him. You can tell he’s already furious the moment he crosses the threshold, his gaze sharp and intent. Gojo walks farther into your apartment while you slam the door shut, your eyes meeting for the briefest of moments. You can see him swallow hard, a tic appearing on his neck as the tension in his body is almost palpable. The two of you stand a safe distance away from each other, both unsure of what to say. “Why did you call,” he finally asks, his voice cold and formal.

“I wanted to know if you were coming over,” You say softly, almost a whisper.

Gojo looks away, his eyes traveling over the room and then back to you. When he speaks again, there’s a new edge to his tone. “Did you think it was a good idea to interrupt a fight with a hundred-year-old curse?” he asks, sounding amused. Your eyes widen as you realize the implications of that statement. “You distracted me. I lost focus. I almost got the kids killed. Do you know what you’ve done?”

You flinch, your eyes retreating downward. “I didn’t know--”

“You didn’t know?” Gojo says, a hint of irritation now creeping in. “Do you understand what would’ve happened if I lost focus for even a second?” You shake your head, trying to explain that you didn’t mean to call him but he cuts you off before you can get a word in. “You’re a distraction,” he says, the anger clear in his voice. “You’ve always been a distraction.”

“Gojo, I’m sorry,” You say softly, stepping closer to him. “I didn’t mean to.”

He steps away immediately, not letting you get any closer to him. “I know you didn’t mean to,” he says, but there’s no sympathy in his voice. “I never think you mean to when you do things like this, but the fact of the matter is, you always do.” His voice is cold, and you can feel the anger radiating off of him.

After a beat, you speak, “I’m sorry.”

Gojo doesn’t reply immediately. He just stares at you, the anger still burning inside of him. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, he speaks again. “I don’t want your apologies,” he says, his tone even colder now. “I don’t need your apologies.”

Your eyebrows furrow and you step closer, “Gojo-”

"Don't." The way Gojo says this one word is like a slap to the face, the way it stops you in your tracks. You freeze, your feet frozen in place as you look at him. A flicker of hurt flashes across his face, but it's gone just as soon as it came, replaced by the coldness and anger again. “Don’t come closer.” He takes a breath, trying to calm down and collect his thoughts. “I want you to understand something,” he says, his voice more even now. “Don’t call me. Ever again. Okay?”

You nod, stepping back.

"And don’t come to my place, either,” he continues, "unless I ask you to. Because every time you show up uninvited...I end up losing focus...and I can't let that happen. Not anymore." His voice is cold and formal like he's giving you instructions rather than making a request. But there's also something else behind that coldness, something that hurts just as much. Does he not want you around anymore? Is he sick of you?

He stares at you for a second before gathering you in his arms and holding you close to his chest. You freeze up. You can feel the beat of his heart against your body as he holds you to him, his arms wrapped tightly around you. You try to breathe normally, but the air feels strained and shaky, your heart pounding wildly in your chest. Gojo doesn't say anything else, just holds you in silence for a moment before placing his head against your neck. He relaxes his grip, but his arms are still around you as if he's afraid to let you go.

You hesitantly reach out and rub his back. Gojo exhales slowly, and you can feel his muscles slowly begin to loosen under your touch. When he speaks again, his voice is softer, more gentle, though there's still an edge to it. "I just need you to know," he says, sounding more vulnerable than you've ever heard him before, "that I care about you. I really do. But..." He trails off, seeming at a loss for words.

“But?” You urge him to finish his sentence.

Gojo sighs, running his fingers through your hair. "But I can't...I can't afford to care about you. Not in the way you want me to," he confesses, sounding pained as he says these words. "Not anymore. Not at the expense of my duty."

You gulp. “We’re just casual, Gojo. You know that.”

His arms tense around you for a moment, and he closes his eyes. "Yeah, I know," he says quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know."

"Care about me in your own way," You say, lightly dragging your fingernails down his back.

His breath catches in his throat, and the muscles in his neck tense as you run your nails down his back. He sucks in a deep breath, keeping his eyes closed. "That isn't the issue," he says quietly, his voice unsteady.

“Then what is?” You ask.

Gojo pauses, as if he's trying to collect himself. "The thing is...I care about you too much," he confesses, the words coming out in a rush. "I care about you too much, and I can't allow myself to do that."

“What do you mean?” You ask, although you have an idea as to why he’s feeling this way.

Gojo is quiet for a moment, as if he's choosing his words carefully. "You know that...being in a relationship isn't in the cards for me, right?"

You nod. You’ve heard the tales of Suguru Geto, and you know that he’s truly only ever been the person for Gojo. As hard as you try, and as perfect as you are, you’ll never be Geto. You’ll never mean as much to him as Geto did.

"So, then you know that I can't let myself care too much about you," he continues, his voice steady now. "I can't let myself feel too much. Because if I do, that's when I start to lose focus...when I start to lose myself...and I can't risk that."

You bite your tongue to keep the tears at bay. You always knew this was coming, the day when he started to doubt your relationship, doubt you. He was chewing you up and spitting you out like you were a piece of dried octopus. You had never considered yourself tough. Were you enough for him? Or were you just a stupid, naïve girl for expecting the strongest sorcerer of all to fall for you? 

You finally find your voice. "Then don't. It's casual. We're just...friends with benefits. No attachments."

Gojo gives a small laugh, even though there's no humor in it. "Is that right?" he says softly, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "Then why do you keep calling me? Why did you call me in the middle of a fight, hmm?"

There’s the Gojo you know; condescending. “You know that was an accident.” You whisper.

"Was it?" Gojo asks, his voice still soft but there's an underlying edge to it now. His grip tightens on you. "Or were you trying to get my attention? To distract me?"

“No, I wasn’t trying to distract you.” You say, desperation lacing your voice. “I swear.”

Gojo's eyes narrow, and you can feel his body tense around you as he stares at you. "Prove it," he says simply. "Prove to me that you don't want my attention."

You hesitate, knowing you can’t prove him wrong. You want his attention, you want him to come home to you every night. You try to speak, but nothing comes out.

“Exactly,” Gojo says, the quiet satisfaction in his voice making your blood run cold. “It's in your nature to want to distract me. To want to take my attention away from my duties.” You can feel his grip tighten around you. “You said we were just friends,” he says quietly, his tone almost taunting. “But you don’t act like a friend. You act like you want something more.”

“I just want you,” You admit. “In any way. I just want you, Gojo.”

Gojo stops breathing as you say this, and the silence around the two of you is almost unbearable. His grip on you tightens, and you can feel the heat of his breath on your neck. "Do you mean that?" he finally asks, his voice hoarse and low. 

You nod. “You’re all I want.”

Gojo slowly lets out a breath, and you can feel him relax his grip around you. His voice is softer now, the edge gone from it. "Then you need to promise me something," he says, his hand moving up to your chin and forcing you to look at him.

You nod again. “Anything.”

"You'll stop trying to distract me," he says, his voice cold again but with the barest hint of tenderness to it. "You'll stop calling me unless it's an actual emergency. And you'll stop trying to visit me at the school or my apartment. Because I can't afford to let myself care about you." A hint of a smile plays on his lips. "Can you do that for me?"

“Yes,” You say.

His smile widens, and he runs his fingers through your hair, gently pushing back a few strands that had fallen in front of your face. "Good," he says quietly, his tone softer now. "Good girl. Now…” He picks you up, causing you to squeak as he wraps your legs around his waist. “I’ve been waiting all week to taste you. Do you want me to eat you out? Do you want me to lick your little clit? Hmm?”

You nod desperately, letting him take control of you again as he carries you into your room. As he tosses you onto the bed and pulls your pyjama shorts down, you have to remind yourself; it’s just casual.

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lemme know what you think! xx

my other gojo fic is here

@whereflowerswenttodie

[emeritusemeritus]

Rough sex with reader with both Weasley twins? Just after a hard day at Weasley Wizard Wheezes, both men are pent up with the amount of problems that had in just literally one day. This could range from a customer to you possibly trying to tease the shit out of them before fleeing away. 🤭 I hope this isn’t too big of an idea and I’ll leave the rest up to by you. 🫶

Hi Anon! Please accept this offering as a token of my appreciation 🖤 I set it at Christmas time for reasons unknown to me, mostly because I thought it would be super busy?

Warnings: SMUT. Piv, blowjobs, oral (f&m receiving) use of Angel/baby/sweetheart/princess. Slightly Dom/sub behaviours. Rough sex. Cumplay. Polyamory, kind of?

Word count: 3k (of pure smut)

Yuletide stress relief.

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes was bursting with shoppers since the moment the doors had opened that morning, a sea of people already lined up right down the street stretching all the way down past Ollivanders. Since the moment the doors had opened, it had been non-stop work with customers who were packed in like sardines across all five floors of the shop, desperately searching for Christmas presents for their loved ones.

Although he was always thankful for the success of their business, Fred was completely exhausted and a little worn down by the relentlessness of the day.

He'd been up early, having to leave the two warm bodies in the comfy bed, and had dressed quickly, not even stopping to get a cup of tea or any breakfast and had gone straight to the office to sort out a cash discrepancy he'd noticed upon closing last night. After recounting all the gold from yesterday and revising all the paperwork, he had eventually found the accounting issue and then had to redo all the paperwork.

George turned up to help with opening the store and they'd quickly discovered that they were running low of the Peruvian instant darkness powder crystals which would be a devastating loss to their business this close to Christmas with it being one of their best sellers and the top money spinner.

Fred had once again climbed the multiple stairs to the office and had checked in the books, seeing that a shipment was actually due to arrive this week but when he looked at the number ordered, he realised the grave mistake he'd made. Instead of ordering it in individual batches like usual, he'd confused the numbers and had ordered 60 crates instead which would be a massive overbuy and therefore a massive overspend. It was imported from Peru and the cost of shipping was astronomical, so he had really made a grave mistake. Not only that but the darkness powder had a relatively short shelf life compared to some of their other products and so it could be a complete financial loss.

Running his hands over his face and through his hair, he made his way down the stairs to begrudgingly tell his twin of his error, only to realise that the store was already open and the shop was already packed with customers needing help left, right and center. He'd not taken a single break that day nor stopped for any lunch, working right through as the heavy flow of customers never dwindled. A kid had knocked over a display of wonderwitch products requiring a massive cleanup, even though the child's mother had cast a spell to prevent the rest from falling and it had fallen to Fred to clean up the mess, seeing that his twin was currently helping a large family, Verity was stuck with a line of customers at the till and their temporary Christmas staff were all dotted about busy with other tasks.

He'd thought multiple times during the day to send you an owl to ask you to help out, but he'd never actually got the chance to slip away for long enough. He knew you'd come if he asked but he also didn't want to bother you on your day off, knowing that you were spending it at the Burrow with his mum, busy making preparations for Christmas next week.

When the doors to the shop closed around 7pm and the last of the customers trailed out of the store around 10 minutes past, Fred let out a sigh of relief as he flicked his wand and cast the closing spells, locking the doors.

He couldn't even bring himself to make conversation with his twin, who in striking contact to himself was buzzing from the successful day. He trudged up the stairs, not trusting himself to apparate into the office in his exhaustion; the last thing he needed today was to get splinched because he wasn't paying enough attention.

He was nearly finished with the nightly paperwork when the door to the office creaked open and you walked through with a wide smile on your face, seeing him for the first time that day. Usually he loved to see your smile, even more so when he knew it was because of him, but after the day he'd had and the foul mood that had settled within him, the smile on your face only exasperated how he was feeling, resenting the fact that you'd had a much easier day than him.

"Hey Freddie," you said with a smile, walking over to him and hopping up on the desk. He looked dishevelled to say the least, his jacket thrown off, shirt sleeves rolled up his forearms and tie hanging loosely around his neck, clearly having been loosed hastily. He looked unbelievably hot, like his hand had been repeatedly running through his hair making that ultra sexy dishevelled look.

He hardly looked up, which you thought was strange, simply nodding his head as if to tell you that he'd heard you and acknowledging your presence.  Realising he was busy, you move to hop off the desk ready to walk away, immediately feeling like you were intruding and bothering him.

"Princess wait,” he says, stopping you from walking away, casting his arm out to grab at you. He pauses when he feels your bare skin under his hand, your dress having ridden up when you climbed onto the desk. For the first time, his eyes flick up to you, specifically your bare thigh that his hand is wrapped around.

The sudden change in atmosphere seems to affect you almost instantly. His eyes are piercing, dark as they look at your skin under his hand and you don’t need to be a skilled occlumens to know exactly what is going through his mind. When his hand squeezes down on your flesh, you know exactly what he’s thinking and you can’t help but feel a little flushed with the influx of arousal that spreads through your body.

For the first time, his gaze travels across your body and up towards your face until he’s looking in your eyes. It’s tense for a moment when nothing happens until he suddenly stands from the chair, right in front of you and nudging your legs apart until they’re pulled taught either side of his hips. His tongue pokes out and wets his lips as he gazes at you hungrily and you can almost see your chest rising and falling with the sudden need to take deep breaths to calm yourself.

“Wanna be my good girl?” He says, leaning down slightly, towering over you as his hands dance along the hemline of your dress, thumbs teasing the skin of your thighs as your legs part even wider automatically. He smirks to himself, not missing the way your body always submits to him so willingly as he takes a step back. You nod, staring up at him with wide, imploring eyes awaiting your instruction.

Your gaze follows his hands as they pull away from your thighs and go straight to his belt, unlooping it, opening up his belt buckle and pulling open the buttons until he can free himself. He reaches into his underwear and pulls out his hardening cock as you watch on desperately, mouth watering at the sight.

“Suck it baby,” he says with a slight coo, “want your beautiful lips around me.”

You do as your told almost immediately, maintaining eye contact with him as you slip down off the desk so that you’re eye level with his perfect clock. Ensuring that he’s watching your every move, you timidly stick out your tongue and lock all around the head of his cock, watching closely as his eyes close on their own accord, a heavy breath falling from his lips. You take his rapidly hardening cock into your mouth seconds later, as much as you can and give one long, drawn out suck that causes him to let out a low, breathy moan. You bob up and down on his cock, running your tongue against the prominent veins underneath and try to take more and more in your mouth just like you know he likes. His hand rests in your hair but he does it to feel, not to control as gorgeous intimate moans fall from his lips, his eyes flicking between watching you and closing in pleasure.

“Well this is a sight,” you hear from behind you, making you moan against Fred’s cock. You pull off Fred’s cock, a string of spit trailing between you and his swollen member as you turn your head towards George who looks at you with a lustful gaze. You’re buzzing with arousal, being caught with a mouth full of cock, feeling so dirty by the thought.

“Princess,” Fred says, pulling your attention back to him as you slowly lick all up the sensitive underside before taking him back into your mouth.

George appears by your side in moments and begins unbuckling his own suit trousers, freeing himself and reaching down for your hand as he moves to stand beside Fred. Your hand wraps around his length and you stroke it just how he likes, feeling him harden in your hand.

Both of them moan out at the same time when you switch sides, taking George in your mouth and wrapping your hand around Fred, feasting on them both. You alternate between the twins, your hands never leaving their cocks as you give them pleasure, enjoying the glorious sounds they are unashamedly making.

As soon as you take Fred into your mouth, George slips out of your grasp and reaches for your dress, tearing at it and pulling it open until your breasts spill out, having taken off your bra the moment you got in. You gasp, feeling your nipples harden under the cold air and the feeling of being exposed and it’s mere seconds before George’s hands greedily grab at them.

Fred pulls you off his cock, his hand gently cupping your jaw as he looks at you with lust blown eyes for a second before turning to his twin who seems to have the same idea.

In a manoeuvre so slick it surprised you, Fred picks you up and exits the office with a slight slam of the door, carrying you bridal style all the way through the apartment until he places you on the bed. You watch as George steps through the doors, looking at them both eyeing you hungrily with their cocks still out and you have to bite your lip, so overwhelmingly aroused and untouched that it’s near painful.

George steps forward first, crawling up your body on the bed until he leads you into a surprisingly passionate kiss. Whilst you’re kissing George, you feel Fred reach up your dress and pull down your underwear, the wet gusset feeling heavy, drenched in your arousal. Your hips flail trying to make contact as you spread your legs, hearing Fred curse at the sight in front of him.

George pulls away and gives you a little smirk before he begins to kiss down your body, stopping to feast on your heaving chest before he carries on further and further downwards until his lips ghost over your mound.

The second his tongue laps as your heated, wet flesh you cry out, back arching in pleasure. You look down and see his eyes watching you as he feasts on your cunt, lips and tongue already working you perfectly as he sucks and slurps at your clit.

Fred appears next to you and holds out his cock for you to take back into your mouth, the angle a little awkward but your make do. It’s so sinfully dirty having one twin feasting on your cunt whilst you suck off the other one and you can’t help but feel your climax building already, so worked up.

“I don’t think so Angel,” George says, pulling away from your weeping cunt, hips undulating desperately as your climax fades. “When you cum it’s going to be on our cocks.”

Both twins pull away from you as they quickly throw off the rest of their clothes and you sit up on the bed, tits exposed in your ripped dressed waiting for them.

George gets to you first, pulling you in for a scorching kiss as his hands wander, gathering the material of your dress in his fists. It’s quick and oh so arousing when he suddenly reaches out and manhandles you, flipping you over until you’re on your front, hips high in the air for him. He pushes up the material of your dress, completely exposing you to their gaze and you bite your lip once again when you hear their breathy moans, curses and playful banter, talking about your pretty little wet cunt.

George’s cock slips between your wet lips with ease, your gasps only fuelling his desire to get inside you. The second he slips inside you cry out in ecstasy, finally feeling full just like you needed. He’s rough and sets a brutal pace almost instantly, both of you keyed up enough to take it.

“You like that Angel? You like when I’m rough with you?” His deep voice says from behind you, making your clench around him. “Mmm yeah you do, dirty girl.”

Fred slips beside you on the bed and captures your lips into a blistering kiss, his big hands squeezing at your bouncing tits, thumbs stroking over your hard nipples. You cry out about into Fred’s mouth as George shifts and gets even deeper.

“Fuuuuck that’s it baby, use me just like that, fuck yourself on me,” he cries out when you begin to meet his hard thrusts, arching your back further.

It’s dirty and messy, the feel of their hands on you, Fred’s on your tits and George’s gripping your hips tight as he controls your movements. You can feel him start to lose his tempo, thrusts getting sloppy and harder until he’s fucking you with force, no doubt watching as your ass jiggles for him.

“Fuck gonna make me cum Angel, oh fuck!” He cries out as you clench him again, making your pussy even tighter around his sensitive cock.

You reach out for Fred’s spare hand as George starts to cum, hips slamming into yours as your moans mix with George’s and echo through the bedroom. You feel like you can feel every single shot of cum filling you as George roars, his load shooting deep inside you as he continues sloppily thrusting in and out of you.

Fred gives you almost no time to recover when George pulls away breathless. He pulls you up, pulls you into a dangerously arousing kiss as he peels the useless fabric away from your frame, leaving you completely nude for him. He turns you around and lays you on the bed before slipping inside your open legs, grabbing them and throwing them over his shoulders.

You’re already oversensitive pussy burns in the most delicious way as you feel the weight of his impossibly hard cock hitting your clit. You cry out, reaching for your breasts as he devilishly taps his cock on your clit, rubbing and giving you the most delicious friction just like you need. He slips his cock inside you and you scream out, feeling him deep inside you, deeper than George had been, your body so sensitive and needy for an orgasm. He leans forward and puts his hands either side of your head, contorting you exactly as he wants you, leans down to give you a single kiss and a smirk before he draws his hips back and slams back inside you. Your whole body rocks with the movement, his pace already fast and brutal as he fucks into you for all he’s worth. It’s nasty and dirty, the mix of his brutal thrusts and teasing smirk and you claw at his back as you cry out. He curses and groans with each thrust as your pussy grips him, climax building deep in your belly.

“Fred, fuck!” You cry out, his cock staying deep inside you as he gives you short, hard thrusts, your clit rubbing deliciously on his pubic bone.

“That’s it sweetheart, fuck you’re so tight, cum for me baby, cum on me.”

Your orgasm hits you out of nowhere, his voice so arousing, his words so demanding that your body submits to him instantly. You can’t stop moaning as he continues to fuck you through your orgasm, his own rapidly approaching. His arms bulge under his own weight, a delicious sight as you canter your hips to meet his thrusts, watching as his eyes close, his face scrunching up.

“Freddie cum for me, cum Freddie!”

It’s a shock when his blistering hot cum suddenly shoots out and hits your chest, your tits covered right across to your neck and your chin. He pants, slipping back into his knees as he looks at you, so perfectly defiled and covered in his cum.

“You’re bloody perfect,” he says breathlessly with a slight laugh, the sensations overwhelming him as he looks at you. When you take a single finger and trace it across your breast, scooping up a little bit of his cum before bringing it up to your lips to suck on he looks at you in amazement, mouth contorting into a little ‘o’ shape.

“Dirty girl,” George says, making you turn in his direction, so consumed by Fred that you’d not even considered where he’d gone. He runs a warm washcloth over you, cleaning up his and his twins mess as you smile at him tiredly. “You did so well for us.”

You laze in between completely naked and free between the two equally naked bodies for a little while, your legs feeling like jelly as George strokes your hair and Fred holds you tightly.

“So did you steal us any Christmas cookies?”

“On the counter,” you say tiredly with a knowing smile.

It takes less than three seconds before both twins race out of bed and run straight towards the kitchen as you laugh at them, their very naked arses jiggling in the gentle lamp light.

[huntinglove]

Imagine having your F/O pamper you!!

💜 If you're upset, they let you rant, vent and complain until you can get all the woes off your chest. If you'd like, they're more than happy to offer you advice and support, otherwise they're just as pleased to hold and comfort you for as long as you'd like

📱 Maybe you're not feeling well or are coming down with something, they'll prepare something tasty and warm for you to eat, as well as some medicine and water to help your body feel a bit more refreshed. Don't worry about work or chores, they'll get it all covered for you so you can have plenty of rest during the night

💜 If you're needy they're more than happy to show all the love, affection and attention you need. Their thumbs slowly caressing your cheeks while they kiss around your face. Their arms wrapped around you as you tell them about your day or anything else that crosses your mind. They just can't get enough of you

📱 Maybe they just feel like spoiling you, so they do! You always do so much to show them your love and appreciation, it's about time they do the same for you! They'll make sure to treat you like royalty, the most precious treasure they've ever held in their hands

💜 Having them help you relax, playing with your hair and rubbing your back while whispering sweet little nothings to you, just appreciating each other's presence. Listening to their soft breathing and heartbeat while holding each other, appreciating the closeness between you as the night quietly goes on

📱 Getting your favorite food made or ordered before you get home. Once you arrive, it's ready and warm and the smell almost makes you float into the kitchen, being greeted with the sight of your very pleased F/O and a table full of hearty dishes! While you're both having dinner, you chat about your day and unwind, flavors coating your tongue and warming up your tummy from the inside

💜 Having them dote on you while you're curled up together, watching your favorite movie or show. Their pupils dilate at the very sight of you, and they don't dare move an inch when you're able to get yourself comfortable while leaning against them or resting your head on their lap

📱 Swaying side to side gently as you dance to your favorite love song, eyes wandering over your figure and smiling to themselves at how lucky they are to have someone as perfect as you all to themselves! Once the song is over, they can't help but dip you into a loving kiss

💜 Soon enough they have a nice and warm bath prepared for you, with sweet treats in a tray and scented candles all around, maybe with nice and soapy water or plenty of bath bombs to go around too! Everything is exactly to your liking, and if you wish, they're more than happy to help you wash your hair or give you a nice massage

📱 And once bedtime comes around, the bed is freshly made, with your favorite blankets and pillows arranged just right. Having your F/O lay down beside you and open their arms so you can nestle yourself and drift to sleep safely in their grasp

[angxlofvenus]

A Shoulder To Cry On Pt. 2

Requested By: @saturnsapothecary Genre: Hurt/comfort Ship: Side Characters x reader TW: Mentions of crying, physical touch, Distressing situations (not specific), hugging, mentions of kissing, sad Solomon, Word count: 805 words AN: Hi! This is the second installment in this, This one is sad just like the last one and has some depressing topis, please heed the TW and happy reading!!

Find Pt. 1 Here! (Demon Brothers edition!)

Diavolo

You can hear this man's heart shatter into a million tiny pieces

He just wanted to surprise you at the HoL but he never expected to see this!

Runs up to you and kneels in front of you, “What’s wrong, my dear?” 

He doesn’t have much experience with consoling people but everything comes to him so naturally as he gently lifts you from the ground and brings you to your feet before asking you to accompany him to the castle

Once you all arrive, He’ll send Barbatos to start you a bath and will try to make your stay as comfortable and luxurious as you let him.

Unlike the others he actually can do something about your problem, He is the prince, One day king, of the Devildom- He has a lot on his plate but you will always be his top priority no matter what.

Barbatos

He had come over with Dia to attend a meeting with Lucifer, While the two conversed he decided to pay a quick visit to you, Not knowing what he would discover,

A soft gasp resounded throughout the room as light steps, almost like a ghost grew nearer and nearer.

His presence would almost dance around you as his eyes took in your being, Looking for signs of wounds or anything else that the naked eye could find.

Very slowly, a gloved hand would take your face, No words were spoken as he looked into your eyes, His hand would curve around your arm and gently rise your body up before creating a portal to lead you to the HoL, Sending a quick text to Lucifer and Diavolo of you whereabouts

He’d lead you to a couch in a private sitting room before disappearing for a couple of minutes, coming back with tea and a large box of things, He’d set the tea and other assortments down on the coffee table.

He would settle himself beside you at a comfortable distance, Just in case, Before pulling things out of the box, Tissues, A blanket, etc 

He’d bundle you up and would start preparing the tea as he’d let you talk about the situation/anything you’d want to talk about

He isn’t allowed to fix tiny things with his powers, But he will always be there for you- no matter the outcome.

Simeon

Oh this sweet angel

He could probably feel your distress through the door

One of the only people to actually know what to do, He is an angel who not only is raising another angel but is also a very naturally nurturing person

He is by your side before you can even register that he’s there, His presence washes over you like the sun as he immediately frets over you in a soft tone

You get to your feet with his help, He leads you to the bed before tucking you in with a soft hand running over your forehead (He would also kiss your forehead if you’d like)

Sleep takes over your tired state as he whispers reassurances and praise to you, He is a warm soul and will help you in any way he can

Solomon

He was just returning a book he had borrowed when he saw you.

His entire body stiffens up as your own racks with sobs

“Mc..?” he says in a whisper, just loud enough for you to hear

You meet his eyes, Swirls of grey remorse float through his eyes as he tries to understand what he’s seeing

He lingers near the door as he watches you try to get yourself together, Unsure of what to do.

“I-How can I help?” Your eyes will meet his again as he searches for an answer.

Whatever you want at that moment, He’ll do. If you want to talk, He’s all ears, If you want comfort, His body will slowly unwind- muscles untensing, as your bodies melted together

He is in a world up against demons and angels alike, fighting over your attention daily. But if he can be there for you in these moments, Minds so close together, Him helping you, That would be enough.

Luke

“Mc!-” The boy would say cheerfully as he entered, Once he saw you though, Whole demeanor change.

A little gasp leaves him before he runs towards you, Immediately looking you over, “What have those demons done to you!?” 

Please reassure him that everything is okay, This boy is jumping to conclusions as soon as he sees your face

He will hug you tightly as tears well up in his eyes, What can he do to make it better? He just wants you happy- You don’t deserve this!

Will invite you to come and de-stress at the Purgatory hall by baking with him.

Will definitely be over protective of you for a couple weeks after that

[cloudshuffle]

a new dawn. yan!childe

index / prev / next

You rise from a deep, dreamless slumber, tangled up in soft sheets and insistent hands. Ajax’s chest rises and falls gently, ginger lashes shut over his blue eyes, cradling you to him like his most precious treasure.

Asleep, he looks more like a boy in need of affection than a warrior.

The moon is still suspended in the sky, a silver balloon ready to burst. A glance at the clock tells you that you’ve only been asleep for about an hour. Enough time to sneak back into the cabin and pretend you've been there all night.

You begin to negotiate your way carefully out of his hold. With the alcohol no longer sparkling in your veins, you feel nothing but a vague sense of urgency to return to your cabin before anyone else sobers up and notices you’re gone.

It’s a declaration. It was exactly the sort of lovesick, foolish fairytale he’d fall for. And though you’d both enjoyed those once upon a time, one of you had to grow up. Had grown up.

A puff of air ruffles your hair, and you look up to meet his eyes, blinking slowly.

“Going somewhere?” he mutters sleepily, snuggling you closer.

You tense up so he doesn’t get too comfortable. “Yes, actually. I should be getting back before anyone notices I’m gone.”

His gaze roves around the room, as if he didn’t recognise where he was, followed by a lazy yawn. “I can sneak you off the ship. Stay here.”

You push against him and he releases you, more out of surprise than anything else. “Ajax. Be serious.”

“I am.” His puppy-dog eyes follow you as you get out of bed, collecting your discarded clothing and pulling it on. “Please?”

“No,” you reply, more sharply than you’d meant. Adjusting your outfit in the mirror, you just pray that no one can see the creases in the darkness. Or the torn stocking. Behind you, his expression is a little hurt, but it only fills you with a grim satisfaction. Good. Whatever it took to keep him at arm’s length. “Do you have a rag?”

He sighs, climbing out of bed to find one for you. You soak it with water, wiping down the parts he’d left more than just bruises on.

He accosts you on the way to the door, nuzzling a kiss right by your ear. “You’re so eager to get rid of me.” His sleep-warmed skin is littered with scars, you realise, slashes and stabs of all shapes and sizes, some pale with age and others fresher.

A pang of guilt. “Sorry,” you whisper, and then you’re gone.

────────────

Liyue Harbour dawns on the horizon, sprawling and golden in the morning sun. The roofs seem to glow, speaking of riches untold - but only if you knew where to look. Which was why the Tsaritsa was expanding her presence here, entrusting the task to her harbingers and soldiers.

High above, the Floating Palace looms like a sentry, guarding the city from celestial destruction. Your fellow soldiers gather at the side of the ship, watching in awe as Liyue draws closer in all its glory. Even your heart stirs at the sight.

Childe is nowhere to be seen, likely holed up in his cabin, doing last minute paperwork he hadn't had the chance to last night. 

Probably for the better. After… that, now there's a strange, ambiguous feeling in your relationship, one that had been carefully kept nonexistent during your time back in Snezhnaya. 

And like a wounded fox offered easy prey, you're not sure how he might strike out next.

There's a scramble of activity again as goods are unloaded, sailors prepare for docking, and you're all ushered off the ship like a flock of sheep rather than esteemed Fatui operatives. But finally you're on solid ground again, having arrived safely at the port of Liyue Harbour.

Nadia’s eyes are so wide you think they might roll out from her skull. You wonder what you all look like to the locals - foreign operatives here to butt into their business, dressed in heavy coats absolutely not suitable for the weather, looking around in awe like a group of schoolchildren. No wonder the Northland Bank was running into so many problems here.

Only once you’re sequestered safely within the walls of the Northland Bank do you begin to relax. Despite its golden walls and Liyue-esque decor, you’re relieved to see a Fatui mask at the front desk. She gives you all a tired once-over, then returns to her ledger.

You’ve been assigned to fieldwork - meaning tax collecting, outwardly, but also venturing out past the walls of Liyue Harbour and doing whatever Childe required of you. Knowing the Fatui, there was no such thing as simple tax collecting.

As you linger at the back of the group, following the Fatui senior on a brief tour of the bank, you think of what you’d seen in Childe’s cabin. Papers. Maps. Diagrams. Theories about… dragons in the water and adeptal magic? You couldn’t be very sure about what you’d seen.

You’re dismissed to your little offices to get settled in and start on some paperwork.

You shut the door, exhaling a sigh of relief. It’s a blessing to be alone with nothing but your thoughts. 

You head over to your window first, peering carefully outside. Your view overlooks a regular street, lined with other businesses, their employees stationed outside to entice customers in. You watch as a gentleman, his long brown hair tied back, strides meaningfully past. He glances up.

You duck back, holding your breath until he passes.

Enough excitement for today. You shake yourself and take a seat at your desk, thumbing through the various files and folders for you to handle. Most of them are about clients of the bank you need to keep an eye on, but they’re all normal, low profile civilians. You don’t think you’ll have a problem dealing with them.

At the bottom of the stack, substantially thicker than the rest, a folder waits for you. It’s bound in red string, full to bursting. You untie it gingerly and flip it open.

Papers spill out across your desk. Adepti, rituals, ancient ink on gold paper.

Talismans.

You feel like you’re holding your breath as you sift through the information. It seems as if the Fatui in Liyue had been doing extensive research on talismans infused with adepti magic - Sigils of Permission, more commonly known. Created by Rex Lapis and infused with adeptal power, these sigils were once used by mortals to channel divine power.

On the last page is a breathtaking hydra, rising from the waters of Liyue Harbour - no, created from the waters of Liyue itself, jaws fixed in a ferocious roar.

Oh, Ajax. What are you up to now?

────────────

“What’s that?”

You wiggle aside to make room for Ajax. There’s not much room on the windowsill, but it’s just perfect for two little children about to waste the afternoon away reading fairy tales.

“Mama and Papa got me a book of Liyue legends.”

He hooks an arm through yours so neither of you slide off your seat as you flip through the stories, reading them out loud so he can keep up.

Something thuds against your window, startling both of you from a particularly riveting passage where Rex Lapis, unable to defeat his primal foe, pins Osial to the ocean floor. 

“Ghost!” someone yells from outside. “Dead girl!”

A jarring chorus of laughs as the boys ready another round of snowballs.

“Go away!” Ajax yells back, making a rude gesture, to which he receives one in turn.

“Nikolai!” One of their mothers hurries past, gathering the children up in her skirts. “Come now. It’s time for dinner…”

Her fearful, fleeting glance isn’t lost on you, as have the looks from so many other adults. They say you’d been in the water for so long that even a grown man couldn’t have withstood it. That the cold had infected you, kept you alive to spread its clutches into your village. Some of the elders even make the symbol of warding off evil whenever you come by. 

It doesn’t hurt quite as much as it should have.

— word count: 1368. thank you for reading!