#pleasing eyebrow curvature indeed

[strawberryvanillablast]

Into the Eyes of Fear is Oblivion (Giorno Giovanna X Reader)

.

It was an antique store nestled in the northeastern corner of Naples. Nothing more than a little brick store with a thatched roof and small, squarely tinted windows. You and Giorno walked into the store with a little more discretion than usually, which was saying something. Your attention was caught by a unique mirror with such a nice curvature.

"Oh," You pipe up. "How much does this cost?"

"That, my dear customer," The elderly store owner replies. "Is only for 5 euros. And that's including tax!"

"So little for a pretty mirror like this?" You raise an eyebrow.

"Oh, that mirror is the worst," The elderly store owner complains. "It's been returned for goodness knows how many times! I have half mind to melt the glass, you know! But if you want it, I'm more than happy!"

You give the exact money and head towards Giorno with your lovely, beautiful purchase in hand. Of course, little did both of you know the reason of why it was returned so much and that you two were gonna find out soon. Later, it was just Giorno alone with the mirror. He just gave it a glance over at first. It was definitely a pretty mirror with the angels on the front and all of the gold and bronze.

"It does seem like an ordinary mirror..." Giorno mused.

He then looked directly into his reflection. He frowned for he felt the slightest bit of pressure enter his head as he continued to stare. The world flashed red and black for a minute...

.

"Wh...What happened?"

He blinked, holding his head in agony. Giorno looked around himself, feeling odd. He was in a dark space with little light, which was odd. It was mid-afternoon and the office was semi-lit, so why this change of scenery? He looked around warily as there didn't seem to be anything that would give him any context clues before walking a little. Then his foot hit something soft. He looked down. He wished he hadn't.

Lying down right in front of him was Mista, his eyes lifeless and filled with fear.

Sinking down to his knees, Giorno tried to use Gold Experience but it didn't work, for some reason. He tried again but to no avail. Mista was actually, honest-to-god... He looked up and a row of bodies lying here on the ground were strewn about. Bruno's, Narancia's, Trish's, Fugo's, Abbacchio's... They had the same expression and lifeless eyes staring at him.

"No...No," He whispered, shaking his head. "No! Who could have done this?!"

"Who could have done this, indeed."

No.

It couldn't be him, of all people.

Giorno turned around and readied Golden Experience as he saw that horrible man walk over to him with a sickening grin. His scowl further deepened when he saw you being held hostage. Clenching his fists, a battle was about to take place.

"I've won, Giorno Giovanna," Diavolo sneered. "All your allies lie dead... right at my feet. Right to where they belong. You can never fight fate."

"Release (Y/N) at once, Diavolo."

"Even after everything, you still think yourself worthy of commanding me. As if you have any command in this. Say goodbye to (Y/N)!"

"NO!"

But it was too late. A timeskip and suddenly (Y/N) was on the floor as a fresh puddle of blood emerged from under them. Giorno catapulted forward and cradled their body gently, trying to use Gold Experience. But it was too late. They were gone, and it was all his fault...

"No! (Y/N)! (Y/N)! Please wake up! No! No! NO!"

He screamed-

.

A loud scream made you, Narancia, Mista, and Fugo run for the office in record time. Mista had his gun ready, Narancia called out his Stand and you and Fugo were in the back, trying to scope out the scene. As it were, your worry and anger turned into confusion when there didn't seem to be any danger.

"Giorno," You moved forward, worried. "Giorno, are you okay?" There was no reply except for the soft mumbles coming from the blonde.

"Yo, Gio," Narancia stepped forward before reeling back. "Yo! Look at his eyes!"

The three of you stepped forward and crouched down. His eyes were not the usual turquoise-blue pupils and white sclera. Instead, his eyes were that of red pupils and sickly green sclera. He was nearly close to hyperventilating and tears were slowly streaming down his face. And, strangest of all, he wouldn't stop looking at the mirror.

The mirror you bought.

"Giorno," You gently cup his face in your hands and make him look at you. "Giorno, shhh. It's okay. It's not real. Look at me, Giorno. Listen, listen, listen to my voice."

He blinked once, twice, three times. And each time, his eyes returned slowly to their normal color. After the third time, his eyes regained the normal color and he gasped as he frantically looked around him.

"Wha...Where," He swallowed. "Diavolo. I...I saw him..."

"Diavolo," Fugo frowned. "Diavolo isn't here, Giorno."

"Not here," Giorno repeated. "Not here?"

"Yeah, he's six feet under now," Mista frowned. "Looks like that mirror gave you a bad daydream."

"A nightmare," Giorno responded, burying his face in your neck. "It's a nightmare, Mista."

While Fugo and Mista proceeded to throw the mirror away, you gave a frown as Giorno hugged you. Narancia rubbed his back while giving you two a sad smile. You gently untangle his braid and pet through his locks.

"I'm so sorry, Gio," You whisper. "If I'd known, I never would have got that thing."

"You didn't know, tesoro, you didn't know," Giorno snuggled further. "And besides, I'm just glad it's over."

"You said it, Gio," Narancia laughed. "But it's okay. Diavolo's never gonna hurt you again."

"Indeed," You smile as you continue to pet his hair. "I promise."

[zuffer-weird-girl]

I love your Overhaul writings! Are you open for requests? If you do, similar scenario where Overhaul's s/o found out about Eri and they start to take care of the sweet angel like their own child- but Overhaul's not having all of it? He did something that clearly upsets s/o and however it is its up to you! I just want want w a n t some more Overhaul angst for some reason

It almost shattered your heart to just had discovered what Kai was doing to this poor little girl... you remember the first time yoh aproached her she had flinched in fear away from you... evicting to get hurt...

For some reason, you haven't gave up on him... despite his horrible and selfish reasons... that and Eri were now your only motivation to stay in this hell.

Despite the experiments you were tired of seing such a innocent girl getting so hurt and having no gentle hands to comfort her... so you threw your first move carefully to not get caught...

"You... you want to be her caretaker?" Chisaki almost let go of his papers in surprise as he repeated your words in extremely shook and confused.

"Yeah..." you averted your eyes for a second before looking at him again "This way is less money wasted Kai, and besides, a... different companion for her wouldn't make her calm down? She is always so nervous, maybe this could influence on the experiments as well?"

"It doesn't." He sighed in annoyance "Her mental state doesn't influence on her blood for the bullets, but if you insist. Just take extra careful around her... she destroys everthing, and I would be rather... irritaded if something happened with my angel." He returned his attentiom to the papers in front of him and waved at the door "Chrono will stay be by your side nonetheless, so if anything happens he will take care of it."

"Will he be inside the room as well?" You asked worriedly but relaxed when your... boyfriend had shook his head.

"Eri has sorta fright of him. So its better if he just stays at the door." He looked up at you with soft and dare you say worried eyes.

"Please take care around her... her disease is dangerous."

How...? Honestly... how?

How can such a man be the exact definition of gentkeman with you and yet be sych a monster with those around hjs presence wheneverhe wanted... you don't even want to know what Eri thought of him...

You walked alongside Chrono on the subsolo of the house, mentally questioning when did Chisaki had planned all of this...

"Overhaul already say it miss (Y/N). Be careful, she still doesn't have full control of her quirk, and if she tries to run yell for us. Got it?" Chrono said coldly before opening the door for you before you nodded your head.

"Eri-chan?" The girl flinched and turned her back to see you with frighten eyes...

"Sorry! I-I'm not here to do anything, I swear!" Chrono closed the door slowly, and you saw how the young girl had relaxed a bit.

"(Y/N) sama? S-Sorry! I didn't recognize you! I-I'm so sorry-! Please-!"

"Hey, hey!" You whisper yelled softly, aproaching her bed carefully to not make her uncomfortable "It's okay, really... everthing is fine." You sitted besides her while she vurled in her own legs...

The state she was in... dear god...

"What a beautiful hair you have Eri..." you mused impressed, to see if you gained some of her trust for a while "Really! I'm jealous! Look at you, such a beautiful hair really has to belong to a princess like you right?" You smiled down at her, noticing how her cheeks had reddened for a bit before she mumbled how she was not.

"That's a lie you know. You're really beautiful compared to others childs I know..." you smiled even more when she uncurled and looked at you with wide eyes.

"Is that true? You think I-I'm pretty?"

"The prettiest." You looked around the room and saw a tiara... probably one of the many things ordered to get her to see if her get quiet...

You slowly got up and picked, showing it to her and gerting close and slowly placing in her head.

"A princess indeed! Just look at you!" You picked your cellphone and showed it to her.

She looked surprised as she adjust the thing on her head before getting teary eyes..

"Ah sh-! I mean damn! Sorry Eri! Sorry did I make you uncomfortable-?!"

"N-No... its okay." For the first time ever you saw that girl smiling up at you at little.

"Thank you (Y/N) sama!"

Your heart clenched at the sign... and the thought of your most loved one hurting this child for maiing bullets didn't help at all...

~

Eri had grow close to you... and he didn't like that ONE bit...

It wasn't never on his plans for you to discover about Eri, and Chisaki was livid on the day a precept had to let the girl escape and bumped straight into you, when you and him were getting back from a date.

At the moment he felt three things, relief that the girl hadn't gotten so far away for him to chase her after; terror at seing you looking at her with compassion and he had to explain himself; and wish to kill countless times the good for nothing lackey that had Eri run away.

He was rather surprised that you didn't have much of a reaction... just asked for take care of her, which was suspicious enough for him to send Chrono always in your company...

Time passed and Eri just wouldn't talk to anyone despite you or even follow orders correctly, she wouldn't answer them of course due to her fear but now she just seemed like a scary cat looking a safe place on her mother... which he had disgust to see that you were that figurine now to her.

Not only that, but many times one precept just called you out of no where, asking for your help with her... taking you away from him.

What exactly Eri was planning with this? Did she wanted to get pittied so you could be used to her escape?

He didn't know. But honestly this was going to end. Now.

~

"So you just take the points and... here!" You placed the fresh made paper hat in your head and grabbed one of Eri's many fairy wands and waved around.

"I'm here to take all your treasure princess Eri! Surrender!" You closed one eye of yours and growled jokingly, a warm feeling on your chest when you heard the little girl laugh as she jumped in your nech to 'prevent' you to take lne step closer to her bed.

"Never! (Y/N) sama you can't do that!"

"Who is this (y/n) you talk about? Never heard of them." You mocked grabbing her by the waist and spinning delicately her around making her giggle.

"Is you! Come on don't lie to me!"

"Nor lying."

She giggled before taking your paper hat off and told you to open one eye of yours.

"Woah! Hello Eri! How nice of seing you here!"

"You were already here!" She giggled while you placed her dowm and kneeled on the floor.

"I was? Geez I must have blacked out for a minute." You brought her close to whisper in her ear while pouting at the paper hat in the floor "That thing is cursed." She giggled whiel squirming her way out of your embrace.

"No it's not! Here!" She went to pick the thing and place on her own head before she froze at seing the door creaking open and saw both Chrono and Overhaul on the door.

She started to tremble but immediately went to hide behind your back.

"(Y/N)." Chisaki called while you tried to sooth Eri's worries by gently carresing from behing her arm which was holding onto your shirt. "Apologies for barging in but we have to... get her to the experiment." Chrono went to take a step on the room to grab Eri but you felt her gasping and clinging to you even tighter.

"W-Wait!" You mentioned while Chisaki lifted an eyebrow of his up at you "I-I can carry her Chrono... you don't need to..." you circled your arms around Eri and got up, shushing and carresing her hair gently while you stayed at least eight foots away from both men leading you to another room.

This girl had completely brainwashed you... surely. He was only more irritaded by seing how you gave her such attention and care ever since you met her... didn't you know she was sick? How she could destroy you or simply erased you out of his life in one quick movement?

"That's it. We're here."

You widened your eyes in horror at seing the dark room as you hesitantly put the child down, whose immediately cling to your leggings.

"Eri. Let go of my partner." Chisaki said threateningly, glaring down with hate in his eyes at the girl who flinched and slowly took a few step away from you.

"Kai you don't need to-"

"Angel please. I know how she is." You furrow your eyebrows together as you clenched your jaw.

The moment Chisaki took his gloves off and went to ssay for you to leave Eri gasped in horror and clinged to you, crying silently.

"What did I just said? Eri." Chisaki growled which caused her to tremble even more.

Chrono went to yank her out of you but you mentioned for him to stop with your palm lifted up in a plea for you to talk with her, as you kneeled to be in a decent eye level woth Eri.

"Please..." she whispered "D-Don't leave me alons in here..." she trembledy circle your arms around your neck, making you cry a few tears as well.

That was the last straw for Chisaki though.

"Eri get your hands off of-"

"K-Kai please, this is madnees!" You circled Eri in one of your arms "She is just a child please!" You cried out looking up at him with teary eyes as you got up.

"... You're infected. I should've know this was a bad idea." He spoke through teeth as he aimed to touch Eri but you got in the way, providing him to use his quirk.

"Please Kai I beg you!" You cried as you took one step away from him "There must have another way to make those bullets please! Don't hurt her!"

"There is no other way (y/n), you got attached to something that doesn't deserve it your worry neither your care... she killed her own biological father with her illness, what makes you think that she couldn't do the same with you?" He said darkly caging you and Eri between the door and his body.

"Kai... please." You cried silently beforee he sighed.

"Apologies angel."

Before you knew it Chrono yanked Eri out of your arms and used his quirk on you before Chisaki applied a injection on the curvature of your neck... making you black out.

He scooped you up in his arms carefully before sending a death glare at the silenty crying child.

"(Y/n)-!"

" 'Sorry' is just a word Eri. Nothing more nothing less... I hope you enjoyed your time with my partner, because you're surely never seing them again." He walked towards the exit of the room mumbling a order to Chrono.

He stopped in the door frame to look coldly at Eri.

"Shouldn't have done this in the first place. You were corrupting them with your illness and also both were getting too attached. You deserve this for making me do such a thing to my angel."

He shutted the door abruptly with his feet before carrying you out of that place.

"I'm sorry for such a bother angel, I promise neither of this will be your problem neither of your concern anymore." He brought you closer to his chest while staring coldly at his front.

"I'm not letting a sick brat take the only thing that brings me happiness neither to ruin my plans..."

💔 man this hurts T-T

[imaginexmeintheuniverse]

Try Again

(just to be sure)

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Reader

Word Count: 2, 413

A/N: since im officially adding HP to the fandoms im now writing for, here's my first draco drabble!

The astronomy tower was a good place for you to be alone with your thoughts, although today wasn't a great time to be alone with such thoughts. You don't know if it's just 'one of those days', or if it's the accumulation of awful things that have been getting to you, or simply your self-loathing and bad self-esteem catching up to you, but you sit by one of the wide windows looking out as terrible thoughts cloud your mind.

"What's the matter, Y/L/N? Are you thinking about how your mere existence is a scar on this world?" Turning around to see the face that matches with the dreadfully familiar voice, sure enough, Draco Malfoy is there, invading your alone time— today of all days. You shift your focus back to the window so that your back is to him once more— you don't want him to see how terrible you look. Definitely not because you'd ever want to impress him, but you don't need another thing to add to the list of things you hate about yourself.

"Seems that way," you answer quietly, head hanging low instead of firing back with your chin up like you normally would. Swiping furiously at your cheeks, you try to get rid of the evidence that you had been crying before his steps reach you.

"Or are you- wait, what?"

"I'm utterly useless; a talentless fool, and a worthless idiot," you ramble on, allowing your feelings of self-loathing to take the wheel as you wallow in your self-pity. "You're right okay, now you can skip away happily knowing every insult you've ever told me is true."

"No, no, no," he sounds like a broken machine. "No! This isn't how our dynamic works!" He looks at you with wide eyes, examining you to see if you've been hexed or jinxed, but all he sees is are your red, puffy eyes that have had the life drained from them. "N-No- this is the part where you call me a twat- o-or a foul git—"

"Listen, Malfoy, I'm really not in the mood for this now, so will you please just tell me how much I sicken you, and continue on your way?" Your voice cracks and the way the sound resonates in his chest makes Draco unbelievably uncomfortable.

The boy is already uncomfortable with his own emotions, the mere thought of dealing with someone else's makes him want to run in the opposite direction.

But he doesn't. Instead, he angles his body as an attempt to initiate eye contact as he speaks, "Mind if I sit?" You shrug in response without looking at him.

Things are worse than he thought if he's taking a seat next to you and you haven't Stupified him to the other end of the room yet.

There's a silence that settles over the two of you as you sit side-by-side. Your attention is on the landscape before you, but at some point Draco's eyes are drawn to you. He finds himself taking in details he he's always overlooked during your regularly scheduled bickering. Not minding the bloodshot eyes and the dark circles that frame them, your irises are still bright, your eyelashes seemed to curl with the perfect curvature, and your lips look so soft— he's trying to imagine if they feel that way too. His focus then shifts downwards to where his hand could very well touch yours if he moved it just a little.

"Hey, can I ask you a favour?" You say, breaking the silence, and snapping him out of his trance. He tries to control the blush that appears as he feels like he's been caught. It takes him a moment to remember where he is and to get back into character.

"Are you sure that you're in a position to be asking me any favours?" He tries to maintain his usual snarky tone, but his voice has already gone softer than he would normally allow.

"Please, I'll owe you one in return," He reluctantly nods his head, wondering what you could possibly ask of him. "Would you tell me something about myself- what y-you think- something true- please?"

You know that you shouldn't be looking for any kind of validation or confirmation from anyone— especially not the likes of Draco Malfoy, but you're head has been spinning with every horrible thing that's ever been said to you, as well as all the awful things you already think about yourself. You've lost a certain level of perspective and you need something concrete to hold onto— whether it's good, or bad.

He's grown so quiet, if he weren't sitting right next you, you might've thought that he left. But he's there, looking at you hesitantly. Judging by how much time he's taking to speak, you know you probably won't like what he tells you, but you did ask him and should expect anything.

What he actually says surprises you.

"You're genuine," he says simply. You blink a few times, slightly shocked by his answer. "You're fully, and consistently yourself—"

"Draco..." He perks up at the sound of you calling him by his first name.

"It's something I wish I could be, and I admire you for that—"

"Careful there, Malfoy, you wouldn't want me to think you might actually care about me, do you?"

"O-Of course not!" he scoffs, though he's stumbling through his words. "Don't flatter yourself, Y/L/N. Like I could ever care about an underling like you—"

"Oh, sod off, you insufferable git," you retort, and you both let out a chuckle as you get back into the groove of what your interactions normally consist of.

"This favour you owe me now..." You quirk up an eyebrow, waiting to see where he's going with this. "I can use it at any time I please, correct?"

"Sure, Malfoy," An uneasiness hits your stomach at the sight of a smirk that starts to form on his features.

"I want to use it now." You roll your eyes, so not in the mood for whatever labour or humiliating task he'll tell you to do.

"Does it have to be now?"

"Absolutely. No take-backs."

"Oh, all right! What is it?" His smirk suddenly disappears as he hesitates. He was playing it so cool just now, but his eyes leave yours in favour of his lap. Despite not being prepared for whatever it was just seconds ago, now you want to get it over with. "Come on then, what is it?"

"O-On second thought, never mind—"

"No, just tell me now. Let's get it over with!"

"I-It's okay- le-let's just pretend that everything here never happened- you won't owe me anything—" There's no way you were going to let yourself carry the burden of being indebted to Draco Malfoy, so you grab his shoulder and turn him to face you.

Seeing that he might actually be a little freaked out, you let go of him and ease up, "Tell me what it is you want me to do, I'll do it, and then we can part ways and everything will go back to normal."

His widened silver eyes lock with your Y/E/C ones as he swallows down his nerves. He takes it upon himself to edge his hands forward so that his fingers brush against yours, and he finally discloses what he's been thinking, "Kiss me."

"W-What?" Now it's your turn to be taken aback as you replay the last five seconds in your head to made sure you heard correctly.

"N-Not if you absolutely don't want to- I wouldn't make you do that- tha-that would be messed up, but—"

"Draco," He stops rambling after you use his first name for the second time. Taking it upon yourself, you slide your hand under his and squeeze his palm. "Stop talking."

Following your instruction, he doesn't say another word, and he worries that his request might be so outrageous that you'll hex him, but then you lean forward until your lips have barely brushed his. The combination of your Y/E/C hues and the sweet breath that fans over his lips is enough to put him under a spell— not literally, although it feels that way.

He's shocked by the action. That much is an obvious tell, judging by his expression, but he lets his eyelids flutter closed anyways as you press your lips to his. The first thing he registers is how your lips are indeed softer than they look, and the second is that they are a perfect fit for his. He doesn't kiss you back, instead sitting in the feeling of your lips, as well as wanting to make sure that it's truly what you would want before he made any moves.

His eyes remain closed for a moment after you pull away while he processes the sensation, as well as trying to control the fireworks exploding in his heart. When he finally opens his eyes, he feels at peace for the first time all year. There's something about your firey gaze that calms him, like a home fire. There's also something about it that makes him nervous, but not the same type of fear that he's used to— it's as though you can see right through him.

"Well..." is all you can say, hoping that your voice can mask the sound of your erratically-beating heart.

"Well...?"

"Did you... by any chance... feel anything?" The rational part of your brain deduces that he wouldn't have asked to you to kiss him if he didn't want you to, but the irrational part of your brain is already racing and overanalyzing the sparks you felt when your lips touched his. Now you want to know of he felt it too.

"I-I, uh, I'm not sure," he lies, knowing exactly how it made him feel. He's simply uncomfortable with his own emotions, as we've established.

"You're not sure?" You ask incredulously. Seriously, what kind of response was that? "What, should we try again for you to be sure? Geez, maybe this time, you could actually kiss me back—"

Draco lurches forward to capture your lips to make you shut up. But mostly because he does want to kiss you again. It's an intense, albeit short kiss that ends before you can respond, but comes with a certain rush of adrenaline that causes your heart rate to spike. He doesn't pull away far— his lips would still touch yours again if he leaned forward even the slightest bit.

You're momentarily stunned by the sudden action and freeze, letting the storms that reside in his irises to bore through you as his uneven breaths fan over your lips. His hand moves from where it held yours, trailing up your arm, over your shoulder, and passing over your neck, his fingertips leaving shivers in their wake until he reaches your jaw. He grasps the side of your face, lacing his fingers into your hair, and holds you in place as he brings his lips back to yours again. This time, you push back against him instantly as though on instinct.

Your lips fall in synch with his and he holds you tighter, deepening the kiss. Your hand moves to grab onto just about any part of him so you can steady yourself, and you end up latching onto the crisp fabric of his perfectly ironed shirt. His hand that had been planted on the ground then moves to push your body closer to his as his palm lays flat on your back.

There's a powerful sort of feeling that surges through you like electricity, and the traces of whatever disheartening feelings ruled over you earlier are wiped clean off as Draco kisses the remains of salty tears away.

You and him break apart naturally, slowing the pace and placing soft pecks onto each other's lips that gradually become shorter in length. Leaning against the other's forehead, you both stay like that with your eyes closed. Eventually, your grip on his shirt loosens, leaving the once neatly pressed fabric all wrinkled, but he couldn't care less.

Finally opening you eyes, you begin to speak, without actually knowing what you're going to say, "Well this is..."

"...unusual?" he finishes, awkwardly sliding his hands through his scalp to slick back any stray hairs before placing them firmly on the ground.

There is yet another moment of silence where you look anywhere but at each other. Swallowing your nerves, you decide to look at him, scanning his features for any kind of indication as to what might be going through his mind. He appears to be somewhere between deep in thought and trying to process everything that has just happened.

You take it upon yourself to break the building tension, "So did you, uh..."

"...feel anything?" He finishes your sentence yet again, letting out a light chuckle. You're pretty sure that's the first time you hear him laugh for real. No matter how small it is, it's still a genuine, non-ill-mannered laugh, and it sounds wonderful.

You don't know what he feels at the moment, but you'd be lying to yourself if you said you didn't feel a certain warmth spreading from your chest through to the tips of your fingers.

"I don't know exactly what I feel yet," you tell him honestly. "A-And I don't know what we're supposed to do now—"

"Me either- I mean, I-I don't know what to feel," he admits as his hand slides over to yours. What he really means is that he's conflicted by what he feels, and what he thinks he ought to feel— a constant struggle of his. "So, what now?"

His eyes meet yours, his grey orbs locking you in place. You take notice of one strand of hair he missed. It hangs over his forehead and it takes all of your remaining will power not to reach forward and put back in its place.

"I could push you off the Astronomy Tower," you chuckle in a lighthearted tone, returning to the type of thing you would normally say to each other. His lips pinch into a small fake scowl before he graces you with another genuine laugh that makes your heart flutter.

"Or... we could give it another try..." he suggests, raising an eyebrow playfully. "Just to be sure..."

"Yeah, just to be sure," you repeat, and the words have barely just left your mouth before Draco crashes his lips onto yours again.

[juliussneezerfics]

His Past, His Present, His Future - Chapter 16: Sunset

Wowee, not super satisfied with this ending. Also, sorry for the lack of content! Last week was CRAZY busy for me. Coming soon is a sneak peak of my upcoming fic! 

Italy is determined to take Germany to see the world's most beautiful sunset.

Ao3

****

They bounced among the different stalls, coming away with food until they were stuffed far too much. Germany bought Italy gelato at a gelato cart, Italy predictably taking ages to select a flavor out of the five available options. As Germany stood there, he spotted a flower stall. He scanned all the flowers, hardly noticing their vibrancy as he looked for... a lily! Perfect! Italy finally selected vanilla, Germany quickly paying the gelato salesmen before beckoning Italy over. 

“Where are we going?” Italy asked, licking his gelato.

Germany stopped in front of the stand, sure that he looked extremely lost as he stumbled along in clumsy Italian. "Please...” That was please, right? He pointed to the lily, looking apologetically at the woman. "I don't speak Italian. Do you know English or German?"  Germany had memorized that phrase for so many different languages it was hard to count. 

The florist laughed kindly. “Yes, I know English.” She adjusted her glasses. “It is alright. You want the lily?” 

Germany was relieved that she took it with grace. “Yes please.”

She handed him the flower, smiling as he paid her for it. “Would you like it wrapped?” 

“No, thank you.” 

“Okay. Have a good day!” 

Germany nodded to her, walking away. 

Italy followed him. “You did well, Germany! And what a pretty flower! Did you know it’s-” 

“The national flower of Italy.” He thrust the flower out to Italy, staring unblinkingly ahead. He couldn’t bring himself to make eye contact. “It’s for you.” 

Italy gasped, his smile somehow widening even further. “Really?” 

Germany risked a glance at his friend. “Ja. South Italy said you liked them.” 

Italy took the flower, tucking it behind his ear. “Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, Germany! It’s so pretty!” 

Germany smiled, slightly distracted by how the white of Italy’s smile seemed to dull the white of the petals. “You’re welcome.” 

The afternoon passed in a relaxed way. They wandered around the town, stopping at old ruins as they passed them. Germany would stay far too long, reading the plaques that accompanied the historical site, Italy hovering nearby and taking too many pictures. They wandered across various coffee shops, Italy wanting to stop occasionally. They would talk as their coffees slowly got cold, Telling each other amusing stories about the other countries, about fan encounters when they were just trying to grab groceries, and memories. Memories that Germany was a part of. Memories that Germany had made. It was a refreshing change. He laughed that afternoon in a relaxed way that was rather uncommon.

 And all this time, there would be casual touches on the shoulders and arms. The brushing of hands while they walked. The grabbing of Germany’s wrist whenever Italy saw something new and interesting. And there were gazes that lasted too long. And staring at Italy whenever he wasn’t looking, wondering how someone could look so perfect without even trying. And tracking the sun’s progress as it sunk lower in the sky, almost as if Italy were counting down how long it would be until he could take Germany to see the world’s most beautiful sunset. And there was Germany’s heart beating far too quickly to have been healthy.

 “Oh, it’s already almost dinner time!” Italy realized, looking at Germany’s watch.  Germany hummed. “I’m not hungry. You?” 

“No.” Germany raised his eyebrows, surprised. 

“We ate so much at lunch that I can’t be hungry! Besides, we’re already so close to the gardens!” 

“The gardens?” 

They turned the corner, Italy spreading his arms out to display what looked like a castle. 

“Italy, I will admit I’m not a gardener. But this is a building.” Germany said. He read the sign on the front of the castle. “Villa Cimbrone? You brought us to a hotel?” 

“Not just any hotel, Germany.” Italy seized Germany’s hand, pulling him toward the castle and through the front door. 

A receptionist looked up from his computer with a smile. “Welcome to - Italy?” His smile fell in shock.  

"Hello! My friend Germany and I would like to see your lovely gardens! Is that okay?" 

"Yes, of course! Follow me, sirs." The man got up from his desk, speaking into his dispatcher as he led them through the lobby. 

“What was that about?” Germany muttered to Italy. 

“I basically said that my friend Germany and I wanted to see the garden, and he said ‘yes’.” Italy’s tone told Germany that he had been expecting this. But of course, who will turn down their country’s icon? “Usually you would have to pay, but.. I don’t think that will be a problem for us.” 

“Probably not.” Germany took a moment to appreciate Italy’s ingenuity. 

The receptionist opened a door in the lobby, facing them. He said something in Italian, Italy raising his hand and shaking his head as he responded. The receptionist bowed his head quickly before he returned to his desk. “Follow me.” Italy said, leading Germany out the door. 

Germany followed Italy out in a square, the edges held up by stone pillars. Strands of ivy climbed up the pillars, framing the grey stone in threads of green. The sky was visible out of the top of the square, the blue fading into a slight yellow. In the middle of the square was a fountain, the sound of trickling water echoing off the stone. Italy, however, was quick to pull him through this before Germany had time to fully appreciate it. They wandered on a cobblestone sidewalk that twisted this way and that, through flowerbeds and topiaries and beautiful trees. It was indeed a sight to behold. It was the epitome of order and beauty, trimmed to perfection. The ocean was visible through some trees, though Germany was content to just enjoy what was around him. The sounds of birds singing, of the waves in the distance... there was a faint smell of something sweet in the air. But most of all, Germany enjoyed his time with Italy. 

Italy was looking this way and that, his curl fluttering with the leaves in the trees as a soft breeze played through them. He was alight with curiosity, drawing Germany’s attention to the things around them with what seemed to be increasing excitement. By the time Italy led them back toward the main area of the garden, it was almost sundown. They found themselves on a paved stretch of sidewalk leading to a statue, four pillars on each side holding up a domed roof. They meandered down the path, Germany keeping his eyes on the statue. 

By the time they were beside the statue, though, Germany’s attention was captured by the view beyond. He stepped forward. They were on a balcony, the edges rimmed by an iron railing. Every few feet, the railing was interrupted by a stone pillar, on which rested a carved bust of stone. In the middle of this balcony was an outward semicircle of iron railing. A place where someone could see the unobscured view. Side by side, the two walked toward the circle. They stood there, the breeze playing with Italy’s loose hair. The sun was a fiery orange, setting the surrounding clouds on fire and casting the sky with a light pink that faded into a deep fuchsia. Yellow surrounded this myriad of color, the entire flare framed with whatever little powder blue sky remained. Beneath the sun, the red sky was interrupted by the waving ocean. The water reflected the fiery colors above, setting it to motion as the water trembled with the tide. The trees and houses of the island were bathed in the golden orange light, almost as if it were accepting the sun’s warm embrace. It seemed as though Italy were right. Here was where the sun kissed the world goodnight. 

Germany looked over at Italy, taken aback at what he saw. Though the sun may have looked beautiful reflecting off the waves of the ocean, it was truly stunning on Italy’s hair as it waved in the wind. Though it was lovely as it set the sky on fire, it was gorgeous as it cast its rays on Italy’s face, showing the curvatures and shadows on his face. Italy’s skin accepted the sun better than the faces of the houses there ever could. And as Italy turned to him, Germany realized that the sun burning bright in the sky was pure darkness when compared to the light that was in Italy’s eyes. 

“I...” Germany cleared his throat. Italy had said it was the most beautiful sunset in the world. Germany was inclined to agree. But it wasn’t because of the sunset on his surroundings that he agreed with him, but because of how the sunset reflected off Italy. The man that he loved. “Italy I...” 

Italy smiled up at him. The world around him faded. It faded into blurred smears of color, like watercolor paints on wet paper. All that remained in complete clarity was him and Italy. 

“Italy, I...” Germany cleared his throat. God, what was he even supposed to say? He looked over, unable to string a competent sentence together as he looked at Italy. “Er... what I mean to say is-”

Italy leaned forward, his lips crashing against Germany’s. 

Germany’s eyes flared open, his mind almost completely stopped. A mental Windows Error noise. He was then finally aware of what was happening, his arms resting on Italy’s waist as his eyes shut.

Italy’s arms wrapped reached over Germany’s broad shoulders, coming up around his neck. He broke the kiss, looking up in Germany’s eyes as his face split into a grin. 

Germany was stunned, him staring down at the smaller man and blinking stupidly.

“I love you too! So, so much!” Italy dissolved into laughter. Germany finally broke into a smile, mostly unaware of anything else except how happy he was. He leaned down, Italy’s arms coming back up around his neck as Italy rested their foreheads together.

Germany didn’t know his past. He didn’t know if he was Holy Rome. He was unaware of what had passed, who he was, who he was going to be someday. But as Germany finally, finally pressed his lips against Italy’s, he was unafraid of this. Because he knew who he was now. In the present. And more than anything else, he knew that Italy was his future.

Y’ever just read your writing and cringe? XD

I already thanked them on Ao3, but @badwolfhufflepuff deserves a million ‘thank you’s. They commented more than anyone else, giving me far more grace than my first fic deserved. You’re a star, broski! Thanks for inspiring me through this process! They already have a profile on Ao3. Their stuff is really good so far! Make sure to check them out! 

[thorne93]

Helping Hand (Part 4)

Prompt: You’ve got a crush on Bucky, and Loki can’t help but notice you’re striking out - so he offers a helping hand.

Word Count: 1502

Warnings: language, adult content? (not smut)

Notes: I loved writing it, it was a blast. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks to my two amazing beta’s @carryonmyswansong @fanaticfanfiction

Forever Tags: @cocosierra94 @essie1876 @magpiegirl80 @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked @iamwarrenspeace @marvel-imagines-yes-please  @superwholocked527  @missinstantgratification @thejemersoninferno @rda1989 @munlis  @thefridgeismybestie@bubblyanarocks3 @random-fluffy-pink-unicorn @igiveupicantthinkofausername  @kaliforniacoastalteens @feelmyroarrrr @kaeling  @friendlyneighbourhoodweirdo @damalseer @heyitscam99

Bucky Barnes: @nedthegay @lostinspace33 @alwayshave-faith@elleatrixlestrange @ultrarebelheart @lenawiinchester @its-not-a-tulpa @esoltis280

Loki Tags:  @lostinspace33 @ultrarebelheart @lenawiinchester @esoltis280

HH tag list: @sorryimacrapwriter  @yehummno @mackievanstan-384 @imarockstar45 @hellkat2 @naniky @thebadassbitchqueen@learisa @anamcg317 @lost-moon-child96 @christy-winchester

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

Arriving at a very expensive and upscale shop, Loki eyed you for a moment.

“What’s wrong with what I have on?” you asked.

“Nothing but you still seem...inaccessible. Too comfortable,” he explained.

“You're the one who dressed me in this,” you reminded, crossing your arms.

“I had very little to work with. You have the closet of a grandmother.”

You balked, turning red yet again from anger and embarrassment. “I do not--”

“What can we help you find today?” a sales clerk asked as she walked up.

“Ah, yes, hello. We need something to...sex her up. She's trying to get a man’s attention, you see,” Loki explained and the clerk nodded with a wistful smirk.

“I see. We should be able to find a few things. What did you have in mind?”

“We’re going to need some nice tight cocktail dresses, tight jeans, and a few nice bras.”

“Follow me,” she instructed before turning on her shiny heels.

Grumbling quietly to yourself, the two of you followed her to a few racks with dresses. Loki picked a few and you picked a couple yourself. Loki held different ones up to you, shaking his head or nodding all the while.

“So tell me, oh great one, how are you deciding the relevance of these ensembles?” you inquired as you stood there while he continued to assess dresses against you.

“Length, mainly, but pattern also matters,” he mused, his eyes not touching yours. “It needs to be short enough to flirt at showing the thigh, but not so short to show your genitals.”

“Wow,” you said, your eyes going wide. “Subtle, Lok,” you mocked.

“It’s the truth. Many women forget that. There is a fine line between mystery and prudishness. A turtleneck and pants don’t exactly scream ‘Take me on the kitchen counter’ but when a woman showcases everything she has to offer, the appeal drops tremendously.”

You scoffed, rolling your eyes.

Loki straightened as he tossed one of the dresses to the side. “You don’t believe me?”

“I think all men like when women put it all out there, otherwise strip clubs wouldn’t be in business,” you remarked, a touch of bite in your voice.

“Love,” he cooed, “people love mystery, always. As I said, don’t bundle the entire package so much that they don’t want a taste, but what is the allure of presents? Gifts? Nearly anything. People always love to wonder what’s just beneath the surface. It’s tantalizing to not know what’s there. That’s why dark tinted cars instill curiosity.”

After he spoke, you realized he was right, and part of you hated that. It wasn’t that you were a know-it-all and didn’t like admitting defeat, it’s the fact that he was indeed right. Maybe his plan wasn’t so far-fetched.

“Go try these on for me, please,” he requested kindly, and you did as he asked. Out of the eight dresses the two of you picked, you ended up with only half of them.

“Onto the jeans, for your functional and casual dates,” Loki announced.

The clerk showed you the top jeans that were fitting Loki’s strict criteria of sexy. You picked up a pair and said, “I like these.” However, the God of Mischief had another idea and practically knocked those out of your hands.

“For goodness sakes, no. Jeans are all about the curvature of the ass,” he reminded as if he were teaching monks, his voice soothing and calm. “You got the ass--”

“Did you just say I have a nice ass?” you asked with a smirk.

“Focus,” he lightly chided, but you continued to hold the smile on your face.

After that, the shopping spree continued for another hour and you bought a good amount of seductive clothing, or at least according to Loki it was seductive. The two of you set out on the streets of Manhattan, bound and determined to turn you into a perfect woman.

“All of this stuff is so expensive,” you half-muttered to which Loki smirked.

“Ah,” he sighed with content. “Rule number four, men don’t want to hear about your problems.”

“Yes, they do,” you remarked, slightly appalled at his shallow remark.

“No, they don’t. It’s simply a means to an end,” he informed with a confident, coy smile.

Realizing what he was talking about you playfully slapped him on the arm.

“Oh, you are such a pig. You know what? No, that’s an insult to pigs. You’re...you’re…”

With cool confidence, he finished the sentence for you, “Right.”

Glaring at him you shook your head. “So you’re telling me no man wants to listen or talk to me, ever? I’m just there to be a hole for him to use?”

“Not quite that callous, dear. Once you get more serious, sure, he’ll care about your problems but when the romance is budding, no man wants to see signs of a rambling, nagging woman.”

All you could do was shake your head. “All of this is so disheartening,” you said.

“Welcome to the real world, darling. Now, speaking of seeing signs of a woman…” he mused as he eyed your hair. “Your hair needs to be longer.”

“What? Why?” you asked, your hand automatically going to your locks.

“Too short, and it needs some highlights,” he noted as his slender, long fingers made their way up to strands of your hair before slipping them deeper, touching your scalp. “Men like something to grab onto,” he said as his fingers grasped around your hair and he slightly pulled, just to the edge of hurting, but in all actuality...it felt good, surprisingly. “Not to mention that fashion you typically wear your hair isn’t the best option.”

Frowning, you tried to think. “What, you mean a ponytail? It’s practical--Oh, ugh, fine, I get it.” Rolling your eyes you gestured him forward. “After you, your highness,” you said, bowing dramatically.

Another smirk graced the Prince’s face as he swept out in front of you before you stood and caught up to him, the two of you talking casually about things other than the inner workings of men’s brains. Mainly discussing books you were in the middle of reading. Every now and again he brought up movies he’d just seen, giving you a thorough review, mostly critical, but amusing nonetheless.

Finally, you two arrived at a salon where Loki insisted on a highlights, extensions, and a blow out. You had to admit, you were halfway on your way to looking like a Hollywood starlet. Loki’s taste was impeccable, but then again, he did grow up as royalty. It was probably heavily ingrained in him on how to pick out the best outfits and most stunning accessories.

The fun didn’t end there though. Once he was through praising his own work, he steered you to an upscale makeup store where he let you pick out a small handful of items. He reminded you that quality spoke volumes, and you couldn’t very well paint your face with cheap knock offs or you would display yourself as a cheap knock off.

That you couldn't argue with. The better the makeup, the prettier the makeup job, typically. No cracking foundation or bleeding lipstick or smudging eyeshadow. Once he approved your choices, you checked out and went on your way to grab a late lunch together.

“Thank you,” you suddenly said after the two of you had seated and ordered.

“For what?” he inquired with a curious look.

“For helping me, with all of this,” you said. “You don’t have to do this and as you said, listening to a woman’s problems bothers men, so I’m sure running around all day with me to do girly things is rather boring.”

“On the contrary,” he started, correcting you. “It’s quite enjoyable. I’m not exactly a fan favorite back at that tower, and you seem to be the only one who can stomach me, so the company is nice.”

“I’m glad you see it that way,” you remarked teasingly. “How did you get so good at this, by the way?” you wondered.

“I’m a man. I know what men what,” he responded simply with a shrug of his shoulders.

“Okay, so you believe everything you’re telling me. That as a man, you want a woman with long hair, who fakes everything to please you, and doesn’t share any of her personal problems with you?” you wondered, daring him to look at his statements.

“I believe in it to an extent. I believe in a woman presenting herself well, I believe in keeping whining to a very low minimum, and I believe in granting white lies to make someone feel better.”

You sat there, mulling over his words. Now that he put it that way, they weren’t quite as...heinous as they had sounded before.

“What?” he asked, bemused, an eyebrow arched up. “Surprised that I’m not comprised of evil, sin, and shallowness?”

“I--I--I just never….I didn’t think of it that way, is all,” you confessed, and he slowly nodded.

[bleedingmagitek]

FFVI - Perfect

Characters: Kefka Palazzo and Cid del Norte Marquez

HC Category: First Headcanon

If Cid del Norte Marquez had dictated that Kefka Palazzo was adequate for the project, he being the one to carry it out, endowing the chosen one with an unattainable privilege in another way, there was nothing more to be said than following the instructions of the eminent scientist. step to transport the young soldier to the facilities where the main research and scientific work of the entire Empire were concentrated.

His hands trembled anxiously near the knob at the same time that each breath of air originated with intensity requiring greater effort on his part to achieve the necessary serenity to exhibit before the soldier chosen as a prototype, waiting for him in the right place. Boy who agreed to one of the various points required for acceptance and passing by avoided problems had an age if close to twenty or at least more than sixteen. Young man whose photograph the mature scientist had brought with him in one of the inside pockets of his uniform since his data was presented to him in a thin folder on his desk, excusing himself from needing a justification in his courage to verify that the boy brought to the laboratory would be the same. With the knob of the metal door that separated them turned, the emboldened redhead could not repress the air containment just as their eyes coincided. The clarity of his irises more penetrating than imagined but quickly recomposing, closing behind him the door crossed the room without delay.

"Kefka Palazzo, right?" It was Cid himself who broke the silence, eyebrows of an orange tone raised at the end with an interrogative tone. The curvature of his lips occurring unconsciously planted in front of him and bending his right arm to offer a hand.

"So is." The soldier said sitting on a flat metal surface while nodding his head shaking the other hand, curled golden strands descended out of the group held under a stripe thanks to a bow. His soft and calm voice hardly varied in elevation. "And you must be ... Dr.Cid?"

The man's smile grew. Of course, it was not difficult to assume that some information had been given to Kefka, however limited.

"Indeed, principal in charge of the process for which you have been selected yes." He let him know slightly slyly, his hand being pushed away at the end of the introduction. "Now ... If you are so kind, remove your clothes, I would like to confirm weight and measurements."

"Sure."

Kefka nodded again and proceeded to undress, beginning to unbutton the gold buttons that had his greenish jacket, completely opened it came off leaving it aside, with equal tranquility he took off the dark shirt that was underneath.

"Please, also the bottom part." He indicated, clearing his throat a little. In vain attempt that his voice was not lost completely.

The descriptions in documentation were generally brief, insufficient at the time of offering an exact visualization of the bodies and their mentioned characteristics, so perhaps the scientist was gloating a bit more in each discovered part. The fist on his lips, covering much of these unfortunately barely managed to cover also the blush that colored his pale cheeks stopping his eyes on the naked torso of the blond. In spite of its thinness it looked exquisitely sculpted, its flat stomach with abdominals that were marked slightly when bowing. All products of years of intense effort and perseverance.

Left in the same corner as his clothes the boots of dark leather under the metal table that had been his seat, Kefka waited in silence for the next indication of the redhead who kept his hand closed from his mouth, although aware of the cause of his absorption he acted according to the situation, leaving quickly to guide the boy towards the devices created for the sole purpose of calibrating measurements. One of his clear hands with prominent veins positioned on the broad back of the young man, detail taken into account even without mentioning it in words, only directing his blue irises noticing the contact before returning to fix them to the front in the middle of the displacement.

Confide a lot or not in the man if he was there that morning was because Cid himself had decided so, also terminating the selection as if other documents presented did not exist. Obeying as he did with his superiors was all he had to do if he did not want to fill his clean record of problems repeated in his erect head located on the small square metal base while Cid was responsible for calibrating the top, his plump fingers moving its small and rounded pieces carefully in the flat line full of numbers giving a result below average. The same happened with the height for a male, reaffirming the already existing in his basic documentation.

Definitely the soldier Palazzo was an exceptional case to work as he had intuited that would arouse more interest... Well, what would be able to provide magic in such a body? Resolving the issue motivated the scientist. 

Mary (Maryxula)

[sally-mun]

Humble Origins

Part 2: Helping Hand

It was a bad idea. It was a reeeaaally bad idea, and Sally was an idiot for not listening to her instinct sooner.

The princess increased the energy output of her ring blades to their maximum level, hoping to create enough light to reach the top of the pit. It was a little counter-productive, since a brighter light source near her face all but blinded her from anything that might've been visible at a distance, but with some tweaking she managed to make out the thin outline of that accursed trap door. Her eyebrows scrunched toward the center of her forehead; the opening definitely looked higher to scale than it'd felt like when she'd fallen from it.

"DAMN IT!!" Sally snarled, slicing bitterly at the curved wall. It wasn't typically in her nature to curse, but what difference did it make now? No one could hear her, and it would be hours before a search team tracked her down. The pits resembled fishbowls specifically to prevent their prisoners from scaling back out, and no amount of gymnastic prowess would be enough to get the height she'd need to escape.

Stupid, STUPID! she mentally grumbled, her grunts bouncing along the walls of her enclosure. I can't believe I actually got myself stuck in one of these things. I KNEW that if I ran at full speed I wouldn't see the traps in time, I just knew it! The princess growled and ruffled her auburn hair with both hands. This is just GREAT. Not only is that thief going to get away, but Sonic will NEVER stop howling about how I need to 'leave the speed to the pros' again. UGH!  A sigh of resignation slithered past her teeth. "Well... If I'm lucky, maybe the perp got stuck in one, too."

"Actually, it's lucky for you that I didn't."

Sally's head snapped upward, her eyes wide and teeth gritted. It was hard to make out, but there was definitely a face peering down at her -- a face that'd already given her a lot of grief up to this point. "Y-- You-- What are YOU doing here?!"

"I heard you shouting and thought you could use a hand. I'm a little offended, though; do you really just think of me as a 'perp'?"

"Do I... What??" The princess gaped at the sheer wave of gall careening out of this guy's mouth. "Are you serious right now?! What ELSE would I call someone that's trespassing on government property, not to mention hacking past our security systems and pillaging our vaults!"

The young man's dimly lit face contorted with a mixture of surprise and amusement. "How about 'a really nice guy that came to help you out of a big hole in the ground'?"

"A 'really nice guy' my foot! You're the REASON I'm stuck in this hole in the ground!!"

"Actually, you're stuck in there because you didn't dodge or avoid it." His eyes all but disappeared in the wake of his enormous grin. "Look, do you want my help or not? I'm perfectly fine with negotiating this place by myself if you'd rather wait for your buddies to fish you out."

Sally's face remained rigid, but her hands balled up into fists at her sides. This would definitely be a ding to her pride. "... Yes," she finally admitted past her clenched jaw. "Yes, I do want your help." And then I'll arrest you so fast Sonic's head will spin.

Overhead, the boy's smirking face disappeared into the blackness... and for a while, it failed to turn up again. Sally briefly wondered if his offer to assist had all been a ruse, but a few stray mutterings trickled down the opening to her ears. "Hey," she called, her voice resonating against the curvature of the chamber, "what're you doing up there?"

"Just a second, I'm still figuring this thing out."

"Figuring out wh--"

"AUGH!!"

The mouth of the pit suddenly exploded with a flash of orange light, immediately followed by a short clatter. Sally winced and rubbed her eyes, but kept her focus locked upward. "Hey, what happened?! Are you alright??"

"I... I got it." At last the young man's face filled the gap again, this time squinting as he adjusted to the increased illumination. "I'm tossing down a rope, and then I'll pull you up, okay?"

A rope, he called it. Perhaps it was indeed something akin to a rope, depending on one's definition, but it certainly wasn't the first image that came to mind. A startled shout blared against the pit's walls when Sally's seemingly helpful suspect poured a stream of liquid fire straight down at her head. "ARE YOU CRAZY?!”

However, the burning rivulet never pooled at the floor as expected. Indeed, the flames dangled in the air much like a rope.

"It's safe, I promise!" the boy called down encouragingly. "I know it looks awful, but it's just an illusion. I handled it myself to send it down there. Just grab on, you'll see!"

The princess stared up at her would-be companion, then shifted her attention to the "rope." Honestly, did he really think she was THAT stupid? Regardless of whatever this "rope" happened to actually be, it didn't change the fact that it was still clearly on fire. Was he honestly expecting her to reach out and burn herself simply because he told her to? "If this is the way you're going to 'help' me, then please, don't help me," Sally replied, excessively articulating each word.

The trespasser sighed from deep within his lungs. "Would you just trust me already? Look, I'll show you." And to Sally's great surprise, he snagged it with no hesitation -- and furthermore, no burns. The boy ran his bare palm up and down the length of the flaming rope as far as his reach would allow. "See? I think it's just there to scare people or something. Now hurry up and grab it!"

...This probably isn't a great idea, Sally advised herself while taking a step forward, but I guess it can't be much worse than any other mistake I've made today. Erring on the side of caution, the princess gingerly poked the "rope" with the tip of one finger. He was correct: The material was completely cool to the touch at its core -- but curiously, it still gave off great amounts of heat, as though it really were on fire.

"Come on!!" he shouted, his voice becoming increasingly terse. "Just because I'm generous doesn't mean I'm infinitely patient! Grab it already!!"

"I am!!" the princess snapped more defensively than she'd intended. Having to rely on someone she was supposed to be chasing down got under her skin more than she preferred to admit. Despite her lingering reservations, Sally retracted her ring blades and wrapped her fists around the curious cord, then braced the bottom with her feet. A grunt floated down from overhead as her body ascended several feet off the floor.

"There we go..." the boy huffed, tugging her nearer to the top. "Almost there... Can you reach my hand??"

She certainly hoped so; this wasn't a fall she wanted to experience twice. Sally did her best to shimmy higher without jerking the line too much, then stretched her arm as far as her muscles would allow. To their mutual relief, each managed to grasp the other's wrist, and with their combined efforts the princess finally returned to the corridor.

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[nowitsdarkfic]

chapter two (sonia’s wonderland)

January 6, 1989. Syracuse, New York.

It's another hour before we reach Snarky's and at that point, I am indeed growing hungry. It's been a long day there in the studio, a long day of me shrieking my voice out only to have karma catch up on me. The whole way there I had to clear my throat every other few minutes because I worked so hard back there. I also have my hands resting upon my stomach, not just out of hunger but from the fact I worked those sore muscles once again. At least this time I didn't go over the edge like last time.

Kim pulls into the parking spot before the front door and there's a few people inside of there. As I climb out, a chill runs down my spine. I take a look up at the inky black sky: there's something about looking at all of those stars overhead that's bothering me. I don't know if it's the fact all the neon Lars and I have been seeing as of late, but I'm sure something is moving about up there. All the neon from across the lake and up in Seattle is starting to burn into my memory.

I think we're safe, though, as we're heading inside of the little warm lit restaurant.

Four spots at the counter are open for the four of us.

My stomach is still sore from singing so hard all day, or perhaps it's from hunger. Or both.

I'm sitting next to Sonia as she peels off her coat and drapes it over the top of her chair. She turns her head to show me a small little smile.

“I just realized I never got the chance to actually get to know you, Joey,” she starts off. “I got to know your friends, but not you, though.”

I shrug at her as I lean over the surface of the counter.

“I'm just a guy, whaddya want,” I tell her, and she giggles at me.

She, Kim, and I ask for cups of coffee to start things off, while Lars is the odd man out with his love of black tea. We're silent for a moment before she speaks up to me again.

“So do you miss being in a band?”

I take a good long look at her as she folds her arms over the counter top and huddles a little bit closer to me.

“Do I miss being in a band? All the time. It's a weird feeling being in a band and then finding yourself all alone.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Lars nodding his head as he's sipping his cup of tea.

“It's part of why I'm doing this solo album,” I continue, “I've got to do something with myself. I'm a singer and a musician. Even with very little money, I feel that if I do nothing, what I do and what I feel I can do goes down the tubes. You know, I can't just twiddle my thumbs and play hockey whenever I feel like it, especially with my goalie in the hospital.”

“I'm not the best stand in, either,” Lars adds, bringing his mug to his mouth.

“Hey, you did good that time, man,” I assure him, lifting my head so he can better hear me. “I mean that, too. Not too shabby for doing it on an injured knee, either.” I return my attention to Sonia as she's tilting her head to the side, like she's checking out my face and my neck. She takes a sip of her blond coffee while never taking her eyes off of me.

I think back to after she took Brick to the hospital not too far from here and she and I had that encounter together. I wonder if she even remembers doing that.

She tucks a lock of wavy hair behind her ear and then rotates her body towards me. Her slender knees are right up against my right thigh.

“If you boys excuse me,” she informs us, “I have to use the ladies' room.”

I watch the tip of her tongue slither out from in between her lips at me. Her lips meanwhile, look smooth and buttery, as if they're ready to kiss me. She climbs off of the chair and ambles around me and the side of the counter towards the corridor leading her back to the bathrooms. I watch her until she ducks out of sight. That slim figure of hers is beckoning me.

I take another sip of coffee before I slither out of my seat without excusing myself: Kim and Lars, meanwhile, are focused upon each other in a conversation about something. I follow her path back to the ladies' room: I find she's still standing there in the hallway. She didn't even go inside, like she's waiting for me. I raise my eyebrows at her.

“Well?” I ask her. “Aren't you going in?”

“Not before I give you what you're coming for,” she replies in a velvety whisper. She clutches at my chest and pushes me back towards the janitor's closet there at the end of the hallway. The door swings open and I almost lose my balance stumbling in there. But I catch myself against the wall opposite the doorway, just in time to catch her closing the door behind her with her hip.

It's dark in here, except for the faint sliver of light from underneath the door. I feel her hands fondling me down my chest and my sore hungry stomach, and lifting up the hem of my shirt. I feel her caressing me around the waist. I relax at the sensation.

“God, it's like you know where to touch me,” I whisper to her, running my hand up her back.

“Hush,” she hisses into my face, and then she plants a kiss on my lips. Her fingers glide down my hips and over the curvature of my ass. I feel her fingers squeeze me, which coaxes a bite of the lip from me. I reach up her back to feel around for the hooks on her bra but I can't feel it. Either she's not wearing one or they're right in front of me.

Time to improvise.

I take my other hand and plant it on the crotch of her jeans. She's warm. Now if I can just reach down for a little fingering we can get this party started more.

“Take off my pants,” I command to her in a hushed voice.

“Of course—” She presses her chest against mine and I feel her nipples hardening on the inside of her shirt. Yeah, she's definitely not wearing a bra.

I feel her fingers on the button of my jeans, and then she unzips me. Even though it's dark, I know she can tell what's between the legs and what's right in front of her face. She lets out a quiet gasp.

“Yes?” I ask her, pressing my back against the wall.

“You're so—”

“Yes?”

“You're so—” I feel her fingers on my bare skin and the little sprigs of hair there, from my belly button downward. She's gentle and delicate, but then she brings her lips onto me, right under my belly button, and my knees almost buckle from her touch.

“You're so—” she repeats in between kisses. “You're so—oh, dear.”

“Wha?”

“You're already dribbling a little bit. Come on now.”

I've got my teeth on my bottom lip. I can't be trickling already. Amazing she can even see it from the darkness in here!

She runs her fingers down my shaft, a feeling that sends waves of shivers down my spine.

“Come on now,” she encourages me, keeping her voice a light whisper, “control yourself, Joey. Oh, my God—you bad boy.”

“Don't—tell—your sister—please,” I whisper to her as I brace my hips against the wall. It's difficult but I have to hold still for her.

“Gladly.” She touches me there again. It's quite the daunting task, trying to hold still with my back up against the wall and deny it from myself, but she wants me to do it so what do I have to lose?

She touches me again, and again, a dainty little touch on my skin.

“Come on—come on—” she encourages me again, like a little coach inflicting even more agony onto me. I hate this, and yet she's stroking me down. And then she holds onto me. I guess I'm getting big.

“Let me stop you right there,” she whispers into my face. “Don't even think about it—”

“But—”

“No.” I feel her finger on my lips, stopping me right there in my place. “You're in Sonia's wonderland now. I'm gonna make you suffer if you come right here while I'm trying to figure you out some more. I'm gonna make you die screaming if you don't let me get inside of you, Joey. Now—hold your petit mort for Mama, baby boy.”

I purse my lips as she lowers her finger from there. I clear my throat from the clash of the whisper and my broken voice.

And then I feel her lips on my lower belly again. Oh. Oh, good God damn. She's kissing me all the way down my happy trail. I've got my back against the wall and my hips rigid as her soft smooth lips caress over my skin.

“God—” she whispers. “I love a good happy trail on a boy.” It's driving me insane. The tips of her fingers again stroke my skin. I'm trying to hold still, but I feel my hips wanting to buck forth. But I have to keep it together.

I feel like I'm about ready to explode as she reaches my shaft again. I clinch my fists as her lips press there. I wonder how deep she'll go as she lifts her head again.

I feel her fingers slither into the roots of my hair at the back of my head. She gives me a tug.

“Don't even think about it,” she hums into my face: her voice is velvety and smooth like a cup of Mexican hot chocolate. I'm trying so hard not to think about it as she tugs my hair again. She kisses all the way down the side of my neck. I want to touch her but I don't think I can have a chance at the moment when she's got a hold on my hair. When she does let go of my hair, she returns to my waist again.

This is turning into torture! I want to let loose but she's got a hold on me with those soft lips and those gentle fingers. She reaches my shaft again, and again with her lips. She reaches the end and I feel her lips pursing down on me. She's doing it.

I feel her tongue on the side. I want to let go. I want to do... that thing that she said, but I have to keep it together. She wants me to keep it together.

It feels as though my chest is about to explode. And then I realize I've been holding my breath this whole time.

I let out a long low whistle in order to better breathe. I breathe in through my parted lips and let it in, all the way into my lungs and down my body. I start to relax as she goes even deeper. I want to groan out but I can only imagine someone walking down the hall outside and hearing me.

Then I hear something unzip.

I feel something rough rubbing onto me.

What—

Oh. Oh, okay.

I'm holding still here with my back up against a hard wall as she's doing that. I see how she is now.

The denim falls over my thighs. I feel her rubbing up against me. I would imagine someone like Lupe or Gwendolyn doing this to me, but I guess I was wrong about Sonia, probably more than how wrong I was about her sister.

I whimper inside of my throat as she lowers herself over me.

“Shhhh,” she coos into my face. “Good boy. You're good. You're so good.”

“Can I—” I whisper to her. “Can I—”

“You're a good boy,” she breathes back into my face, probably from over her shoulder. She then grips onto me. I don't know where her legs are, and I don't really care either way. She lets me go right there. I let out a pained, stuttered sigh as I feel every inch of my body relax.

“Feel better?” she asks me.

“Oh—Oh, my God. That was—that—” I can hardly speak.

“Let me run across the hall for some paper towels. And then we can go get some dinner.”