#ran still misses me but her aim is getting better <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[asatroende]

Yearly reminder to take care of the spirits near and in your home and be careful of the dangerous ones

Avoid beautiful strangers that you have a bad feeling about

Consider leaving a snack for the nisse in your home and an offering to the most influential tree in your area (I’ve recently learned that some cacti have wood inside and thus also kinda count as trees)

Leave a snack out for the rå that have moved to the city due to settlements popping up in their areas (leave a sandwich on a park table, leave a granola bar on a subway station bench)

Don’t enter running water on your own (this is just generally water safety advice as well, always have a buddy)

[missvelvetsstuff]

The Situation Room

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: After a mission almost gone wrong, Tony brings back Bucky's former assistant, who is also Bucky's ex. Can they work together without hurting each other? Will the whole truth about their break up finally come out?

Avengers AU where Thanos never happened.

Notes: Angel is the team's nickname for their assistants, not just Bucky and Radar.

As always I've tried to keep reader generic but she is female and above average height.

Chapter 3

Warnings: swearing, marijuana use, angst

When they landed Radar stalked off the jet, with a slight hitch on her left side, to find Steve. Friday directed her to the common room, Bucky was not far behind her.

When she saw Steve, watching some war movie, Radar stood in his way.

"I need a moment of your time, Rogers."

Steve looked up at her in surprise "Oh hey Radar, I didn't know you guys were back."

She glared at him "Yeah, we're back. Your little friend threw one of his fucking knives at me today and cut me. Would you please tell him to stop trying to kill me."

Bucky scoffed "Kill you? Seriously? Don't be so melodramatic. I nicked you, it barely bled."

She got up in Bucky's face, at just under 6 feet and with boots on she was almost eye level, and poked him in the chest

"I know you have good enough aim that you could have gotten him without hitting me at all. Don't pull that shit again Barnes."

Radar tried to pivot and walk away but her back was still angry from that asshole in the quinjet jerking her around and decided it was the perfect time to seize up. She cried out in pain as she almost hit the floor but was caught by a pair of strong arms. Once the pain passed, she realized whose arms were holding her up and tried to push him away from her.

"Get off of me!"

Bucky chuckled dryly "Jesus doll, I'm trying to help and you're gonna make your back even worse. Just calm down."

Radar was even more mad that he was right, he had seen her go through it too many times while they were together. But his skin felt like it burned her. His warmth, his scent, she couldn't stand it. "I'm not your fucking doll, Barnes. Now let me go. I'd rather crawl over broken glass than accept help from you."

Steve chuckled nervously "Here, I'll help you to medical, Radar."

She shook her head "I don't need to go to medical. I have ice, heating pad, a tens unit, mineral ice and pain meds. Everything I could need. All in my room." She carefully straightened up and took a couple of tentative steps "I'll be fine on my own. I'll have Friday help with my report." She walked away very slowly and carefully with her left hand on the wall, while favoring her left side more heavily than when she came in.

Bucky looked at Steve and shook his head "She's just as stubborn as ever."

Steve looked at him with his dad face

"We both know she's right. You didn't have to cut her."

"Seriously punk? He had her head right in front of his and his trigger finger was twitchy. Couldn't wait for a better shot."

Steve rolled his eyes "No one here is gonna buy your bullshit, jerk. Try not to antagonize her too much."

Bucky shrugged with a 'who me?' look on his face and headed towards his room to shower before going back to the common room to meet his date.

Radar was in the kitchen in shorts and a tank top, making herself a smoothie when a gorgeous blonde woman, dressed for clubbing walked in "Excuse me miss, can you tell me where to find Sargent Barnes?"

Radar looked at her and shrugged "Sorry, no."

Bucky hurried up and kissed the blonde on the cheek "Hey there sweets. Hope you weren't waiting long."

The blonde smiled "No, I just got here and was asking, I'm sorry I didn't get her name."

Bucky laughed "Don't worry, she's just support staff. No one important." And led the blonde away.

Radar refused to watch them leave, refused to let her face show anything as she forgot about her smoothie and went back to her room. She ran a hot shower so the running water would cover the sound of her sobs.

Over the next 2 months life settled into a regular pattern...missions, reports, scheduling, interviews and Bucky's women of the week.

Bucky's life was much more organized with Radar handling all of his work needs. His gear was always clean and ready to go, his reports were complete, legible and on time, his schedule was organized so that he wasn't missing appointments or interviews. Best of all his public approval was through the roof, almost equal to Sam.

Radar only went along with a couple more missions but handled most from her laptop in the compound situation room. She spent her spare time in the common room or her own room. Plus 3 days a week she had 2 hours in the gym with physical therapy and exercises to strengthen her back.

Bucky used the free time that Radars assistance cleared up for him to add more women to his roster. There was almost always some scantily clad woman waiting for him at the end of each work day and when he returned from missions.

Bucky would never admit it but he was still trying to get a rise out of Radar and her refusal to cooperate frustrated him.

When one of his dates tried to talk to her, she always shrugged and said she didn't know where he was. If she said anything at all.

Radar had already started looking for her replacement and one of the candidates came in at the same time as Bucky's date for that nite.

Radar shrugged at the woman and walked past her to greet the man before leading him towards her office.

Bucky kissed his date on the cheek as he watched Radar walk away with a strange man in a suit. He looked at Sam with a raised eyebrow, to which Sam only shrugged and chuckled.

While on his date, Bucky couldn't get Radar and that guy out of his mind. He wondered what they were doing and why all of a sudden she had men coming to see her. He was jolted from his thoughts when his date tapped his shoulder and he focused on her.

"Are you ok Bucky? You seem a million miles away and I didn't come out to watch you daydream. It was about that bitch at your compound, wasn't it? I saw how you stared at her when she walked away with that guy in the suit. Why ask me out if you want to be with her?"

Bucky snapped, raising his voice "Don't call her a bitch"

She pulled back "Why are you yelling at me?" She whined "Maybe you should take me home and go be with her."

Bucky shook his head "What? No, no sweets, she's just my assistant, no one important."

It made his heart hurt to say that but he didn't know what else to say to salvage the date.

"I'm right here with you. So tell me about that photo shoot."

He worked very hard to push any thoughts of Radar out but hearing Ashley drone on about some beach shoot was boring him to sleep.

After the interview Radar went to meet with Nat and Wanda for a girls movie night. Once they settled into Wandas bed, they started arguing over what movie to watch.

Radar sighed "I hate some of these romcoms you guys watch. Why not some good sci-fi?"

Wanda gasped "Sci-fi? On girls night? No, I want romance."

Radar rolled her eyes "Fine, I'll just get high first so it'll be entertaining."

Nat nodded "Now a good idea is a good idea." Her phone dinged "Pizza dude's here!"

As they started eating Nat spoke with a full mouth "So how was the interview? Is he the one?"

Radar laughed "Ohmigawd, Nat. He was so, ugh, full of himself. His and Barnes heads wouldn't both fit in one room together. Kept calling me 'little lady' like he thought it was charming." She shrugged

"He was the first and it might take a bit to find a good one, then-"

Wanda shook her head "Bucky has the perfect Angel right now and you're getting along with each other. Why can't you stay?"

Radar looked at her hands sadly "And watch Barnes fuck his way thru the Northeast? I don't think I'm up for that. We're getting along because we don't speak to each other unless it's work related. That won't last if I stay."

"Radar, you know he still loves you." Wanda insisted.

Radar looked at her "I don't know any such thing. Have you seen the women he's been meeting with? They are all beautiful, slim, sexy and look like they stepped off of a runway. I don't look anything like that so obviously I'm not his type. Plus he's parading them around in front of me, made sure to tell a couple of them in hearing range, that I'm no one important. Making sure I know what I mean to him. Nothing. I'll find the right person for the job." She sighed

"Just put the movie on, I don't want to talk about this."

She hit her vape and passed it to Nat.

Nat took her hit and passed it to Wanda before speaking "We should go shopping tomorrow. The 4th is coming up and Tony will always love embarrassing Steve with over the top celebrations. He has something planned for sure."

They agreed on shopping plans, then sat back to watch the movie Wanda picked, chatting about how unrealistic the plot was and how the leads had no chemistry.

The next morning Radar and Wanda made french toast for the team and while everyone was eating Tony wandered in to get some coffee, still in yesterdays clothes.

"What smells so good?" Tony sniffed the air.

"French toast, bacon. You want some?" Radar answered.

Tony nodded and she put 2 pieces of toast on a plate with some bacon and handed it to him.

Tony sat at the table and after he had eaten a few bites of food, cleared his throat and when everyone was looking his way spoke up

"I was just thinking that it's been so nice the past couple of months, no lost or dirty gear, reports all in and on time. No flubbed missions. Interviews and meetings all handled. It's almost like we have an Angel keeping her eyes on us."

He smirked at Bucky who rolled his eyes "Besides all that, Rogers birthday is coming up so I actually already planned a party. On the 4th. We'll have a picnic with bbq, fireworks, pony rides, water slides, stupid carnival rides and games. The whole shebang."

He finished eating, nodded and stood up to wander back to his lab, mumbling.

When she woke up on the 4th, Radar drank coffee while watching the activity from her balcony. Workers setting up all of the activities and a row of carnival games, some rides, a covered, netted area with picnic tables. The glass walls for the pool room opened up to the lawn and a bandstand was built for the live band Tony hired. Red, white and blue streamers & bunting hung from every thing that didn't move.

The Guardians were there, the Marvels showed and even a few X-Men.

Thor and Loki came from New Asgard to join in the celebration, arriving after sunset, shortly before the fireworks were scheduled to start.

When they saw her, Radar was swept up in a hug from Thor while Loki waited to plant a kiss on the back of her hand before dragging her off to a wooded area.

"Loki! Where are we going? We're gonna miss the fireworks!"

Loki grinned "Trust me, love. I have something I thought you might like and it will make the little light show Stark has planned even better. I recalled you mentioned your fondness for the Cannabis plant when I saw that our ambrosia plants were being harvested."

He pulled a small bag out of the air and grinned at her

"Like our mead, this is stronger than what you're accustomed to so be careful."

Radar laughed and Bucky could hear it from where he was standing after watching her walk into the woods with Loki. He was ready to break something, thinking of her and Loki alone in the woods, when he smelled something sweet but musky and realized what they were doing. She always told him that real stoners share so he wandered to where they were and cleared his throat.

Radar was blowing out her first hit and jumped when she heard Bucky, choked and coughed then held the joint out to him, giggling.

Bucky smirked and took a deep hit, believing he would be fine because he tried reefer with her a couple of times and it never affected him. He passed the joint to Loki and it went around a couple more times before Loki put it away.

Radar was laughing at some magic trick Loki was trying to do but he kept laughing himself and forgetting the next step for his trick before giving up and sitting heavily onto a lounge chair next to her. "I'm sorry, love, but your laughter is distracting." He leaned into her like he was going to-.

Bucky pushed him aside and laughed when Loki fell over, making Loki and Radar laugh too. They calmed down and walked over to the seating area to watch the show when an alarm started blaring and all the lights turned red.

Bucky grabbed Radar "Go get my kit and meet me by the pool. Hurry!"

Radar went around the carnival area to a hidden entrance into the main building, watching as the wave of Hydra agents went through fighting Avengers and destroying everything in their path. She zoned out watching the fighting like a great action movie before remembering what she was supposed to be doing and shook it off.

She hurried to the armory, grabbed his kit and almost ran into Bucky by the pool where he had set up a sort of foxhole, with furniture and sandbags, and was barking orders to the Avengers he had been able to round up. Wanda, Vision, Bruce, Scott, Hope and Cassie.

They started picking up the kids and family members of the Avengers agents to take them to a bunker that Howard Stark had built during the cold war.

Radar and Bucky stayed in the foxhole. Bucky was shooting Hydra agents while Radar had his kit open and handed ammo and/or new guns as he depleted what he had.

It took a couple of hours but the Avengers finally prevailed with the help of the rest of the X-Men and the Fantastic Four. All the Hydra agents were loaded up into prison busses and taken to a SHIELD/SWORD holding area while the govt figured out what made them decide to mount a full attack on the Avengers compound.

Once they were cleared, the bunker was opened so the families could come back out and be escorted home to ensure everyone was safe.

Radar was helping Bucky pack his weapons up when he grinned at her, still feeling pretty lit. "Good job, Doll. We make a good team."

Radar was also still buzzed from Loki's weed so instead of bitching at him she just smiled and gave him a thumbs up.

Nat and Wanda came over to make sure Radar was ok, thanked Bucky for keeping her safe and all three ladies walked back towards the building, ready to crash.

Bucky stood and watched Radar walk away with a goofy grin on his face. Once she was out of sight he remembered something important that he should have told her, so picked up his phone and dialed her number. It rang 4 times and went to voicemail

"Hey Doll, it's your Bucky. I'm not just saying this because I'm high but you were perfect tonight. Having you by my side feels like coming home. You know I never stopped loving you."

Bucky heard a beep and dropped his phone back into his pocket.

In a communications room in a building in Manhatten, listening to his message the agent smiled, looking at their partner

"Did you hear that? He still loves her. The Winter Soldier has a weak spot. We need to get this news to the boss."

"What about the message?"

"Just delete it."

@unaxv @calwitch @buckitostan @cjand10

Chapter 4

[deeptrashwitch]

Memories bring back memories

Taglist (just to show :3): @alypink @stuffireadandenjoy @snootlestheangel @islandtarochips @spookyrares

@piouswolf @midnight193 @mutantthedark @justasmolbard @welldonekhushi

@tapioca-milktea1978 @imagoddamnonionmason @stargazing-sapphire2

The Ghosts were finishing an exhausting mission, and everyone was trying to get some rest while they arrived back to the carriers. Some of them were mindlessly resting their eyes, while other were taking a real nap. Although, J.J was really sleeping, dreaming, more like remembering.

About what? Well...

It was a warm afternoon with only the mosquitoes buzzing in the environment, even the humid weather was somehow relaxing. Juliana was walking through Leticia with her father, reling on that last thread of normality even if it was away from the city she was born in. She only drank her cold juice while they walked in silence.

Mario, on the other hand, simply had a bottle of water in his hand. The city was not only beautiful, but safe for them as well. It was the only thing he could grant Juliana as a father.

Suddenly, the city went silent. Too silent.

Nothing was making sounds other than the rainforest ones, and it was odd even for this little city. Mario frowned slightly as his instinct told him to run away.

"J.J, do you see anyone?" He asked, slowly tensing his muscles.

She shook her head, now looking warily at the city. "No. This is...weird."

As they heard some steps, Mario looked at Juliana with an unsettling calm. "If something happens, go north. Leave Colombia, leave Latin America and go to whatever remains of the US, and look for someone called Elias Walker, okay? He'll give you somewhere to stay."

"What-?"

Then a shot echoed and the bullet passed between them, missing their heads by chance. Mario pushed Juliana to run and he also started to run away, escaping. J.J felt terrified as they ran through the city, moving around the buildings.

Her heart was pounding on her chest in pure fear as they ran. She couldn't even ask her dad about who was chasing them, she didn't have any time to do anything else than run. They keep running, with the sounds of bullets being shot around them.

"Goddamnit." Mario snarled to himself while they ran. "He's still alive? Damnit, damnit, damnit! Why is he shooting?!"

"Dad-?!"

"Keep running, Juliana! Don't stop, no matter what!"

She obeyed until they were near the main square of the city. That was the moment when one of the shots hit the wall of one building, making some little debris fly. One of those cut her lip, which made her stumble and forced her to stop in the square. Mario also stopped, worried for her and he looked at the street from where they arrived.

"How are you alive?!" He shouted furious, covering J.J with his body. "Why are you here?!"

A cold laugh pierced the silence along with the steps getting near by the second. "What a cold welcome, Mario. You didn't even introduce me with your daughter."

"Stay away from my daughter!" Mario snarled, reaching for his knife.

"Hands down." The man said, shooting at him, aiming at his hand.

"Dad!" J.J screamed worried when the bullet hit his hand.

Mario pushed her to make her go away, forcing His knife to her hand. "No, J.J run!"

Before she could do anything, the man pointed the gun at her head. She stayed frozen by fear. She didn't move and just stared at the man like a deer against the lights, only able to have his face burnt in her brain. Especially the scar he had that looked like some kind of hook.

She barely could process what was happening, not even understanding what her father tried to tell at the man. In the middle of the fear and turmoil, J.J had to see the wicked smile of that man. Just to hear a shot and the thud of a body...her father's.

"D-dad?" She mumbled in shock, grabbing his body. "Dad!"

"Oh well, I expected him to be better...maybe even fight." The man said, chuckling coldly, before looking at the young woman.

He smiled wickedly, making a mocking bow before walking away. J.J looked at her dad's body, trembling while she cried and her hands were covered in blood. Then, she screamed-

J.J jolted back up, panting and trembling while she felt the ghost of blood over her hands. Everyone was still asleep, except Merrick, who looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Kid, are you okay?" Merrick asked her seriously.

She looked up, surprised. "Uh, I-I...yeah, I'm okay." J.J mumbled still trembling.

"Nightmares, huh?"

"Yes sir."

"Wanna talk about it?"

J.J shook her head softly, looking away. She sighed softly and looked again at Merrick. "Uh, Merrick, do...you ever feel guilty for something you witnessed but couldn't do anything about it?"

Merrick put down the documents in his hands, then sighed. "I have, long ago. Is that what it was about?"

"Yes..."

"I see. Well, I only can tell you that whatever happened wasn't your fault, okay? It will hurt forever, there's nothing to deny there. But you're still here, the past can't be changed, but you can live for the people that isn't here."

"Live for the people, huh? I see, thanks for the advice." J.J murmured, tired as she stared down at the metal floor

[auxiliarydetective]

Drunken Sailors - Miela/Red Hair Pirates

So... This may be the filthiest thing I've ever written. And it's also the way I introduce my newest One Piece OC to you! Fantastic, right?

Huge thanks to the members of the Discord server for enabling me <3 @skullfacedlady @indydonuts @armiliadawn @queenmimi2817 and the rest of the gang, this is for you <3

And now, I shall let the AO3 tags speak...

Rating: Explicit Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Category: Multi Relationships: Red-Hair Pirates/Original Female Character(s), Red-Haired Shanks/Original Female Character(s), Benn Beckman/Original Female Character(s), Yasopp/Original Female Character(s), Lucky Roux/Original Female Character(s), Limejuice/Original Female Character(s), Building Snake/Original Female Character(s), Hongo/Original Female Character(s) Additional Tags (aka warnings): Other relationships mentioned, Prostitution, Alcohol, Catcalling, Exhibitionism, Voyeurism, Original Devil Fruit, Inappropriate Use of Devil Fruit Powers, Aphrodisiacs, Drink Spiking (more spiking than drink, actually), Dom/sub, Daddy Kink, Tentacle Sex, Dirty Talk, Lactation (in like one sentence), Free Use, Pet play mentioned, Anal Sex, Hand & Finger Kink, Dubious Morality, Consentacles

You can find the fic on AO3 here

With that being said... Let's get into it <3

(I am ready to be shamed)

Miela adjusted the bandana holding back her hair, giving herself a quick check in the mirror, retouching her lipstick. Then, she pulled the straps of her bodice back up, took a deep breath and headed back out.

As soon as she stepped back into the main room of the bar, she could tell that it had gotten louder. Really, a group of maybe half a dozen men, most likely a pirate crew, was settling down around a set of tables, already checking out the buffet of pretty waitresses in the room. Just like that, the bar had gone from halfway empty to busy.

But that was alright, because pirate crews always meant easy money – that was if they paid. And these guys looked like somewhere between morally upstanding and dirt-poor, a weird sort of mix between the members. Still, nothing that Miela couldn’t handle.

While her fellow waitresses might have been pretty, it was clear that Miela was the prettiest, the perkiest, the hottest, she told herself, even if business hadn’t been going great lately. Truth be told, she was famished. But if Madam Rosie would…

“Desirée. You’re fifteen minutes late. Take care of tables six and eight.”

Yes! Now things would get better. With these instructions transmitted over her earpiece, Miela picked up a few menus and headed towards her goal.

Meanwhile, across the room, Shanks ran a hand through his hair, leaning back in his seat. It had been a few weeks since leaving Windmill Village, and he still hadn’t gotten over it. His crewmates must have realized too. The way he kept tugging at the coat obscuring his missing arm wasn’t exactly subtle and they hadn’t been partying as much as they had used to. It was almost embarrassing how they’d had to nearly drag him into this bar, his trusted officers, and how they’d had to convince him at that.

But now, all the eye candy in the room was making him feel at least a little better. Maybe even a good portion. There was something for everyone here and he could tell Beckman was already searching for his first catch of the night.

Almost all of the waitresses were young, lots tall and slender, some a little more well-endowed, but none of them truly eye-catching. They were beautiful, sure, but with the amount of women the Red Hair Pirates had seen…

That was until Shanks heard a low whistle, followed by chattering from the crew. He turned around in his seat and a smile spread across his face.

One of the waitresses was aiming right for their table, her hips swaying as she walked and the menus she kept clutched to her chest doing very little to hide her generous cleavage. Noticeably shorter than her colleagues, she made up for it in confidence, and her wavy, golden hair and pink eyes weren’t exactly downsides either. Looking at Yasopp and Lucky Roux, if Beckman didn’t take the girl home tonight, one of them would clearly try. That was if Shanks didn’t one-up them first.

“Good evening,” the woman greeted them, a wide smile on her lips. “Here are your menus.”

Instead of handing them to the men straight away, she bent over and put them in the middle of the tables instead, graciously showing off her tits. The entire group was grinning wildly, throwing little whistles and comments, and Shanks found himself pulled along as well, his thoughts wandering from what had happened a week ago. No time like the present after all.

“Or can I already get you something?”

“Yeah, you,” Yasopp said, gaining him a smack from Limejuice.

“We don’t do that here,” the waitress responded in a sweet tone.

But she looked at Yasopp as she spoke, giving him a cheeky wink. Then, she let her eyes fall for a moment, directing his gaze at the menu. Shanks smirked, exchanging a telling gaze with Snake.

What a liar.

Lightly, Shanks tapped the waitress on the thigh, gaining her attention.

“Two bottles of rum, please, and seven glasses.”

“Don’t be stingy, Captain,” Hongo chuckled.

“You gotta start off slow, right? You should know that, Doc.”

“Two bottles of rum, seven glasses,” the waitress echoed, scribbling their order on a little notepad. “Right away, Captain,” she purred, brushing past his arm as she left.

Immediately, the group broke out into laughter and bickered over who got the menus in the middle of the patchworked table.

“Chaser missed his shot,” Limejuice teased, reeling in one of the leather-bound booklets.

“Don’t get used to it,” Yasopp threw back, “‘cause it’ll never happen again.”

Ignoring their antics, Beckman leaned over to Shanks. “What do you think she’s got under that skirt?” he muttered.

“Clothes-wise?” Shanks chuckled, snatching up a menu. “I’d say very little. But I’ll be damned if she doesn’t have a nice ass.”

“Shame that Gab and Punch stayed behind with Monster,” Roux commented, too busy invading Yasopp’s personal space to read along. “They would’ve loved her.”

“Oh, they will,” Snake predicted. “Look at the Captain. We’re gonna come back again.”

Shanks shook his head in feigned offense. “Only if they have good liquor. Besides, Snake… Didn’t you say sex work was illegal on this island?”

“It is,” Snake confirmed, “but that doesn’t mean that it’s not happening.”

“Aha,” Yasopp grinned, “so these special services are really what I think they are, huh?”

Shank’s eyes wandered to the back of the menu, after all the drinks, where a list of special services was noted on a little card - one that he promptly snatched out of the brochure to keep.

“Well, if a nightcap costs over 10,000 Berry…” Hongo murmured.

Shanks studied the card, the writing so small that it was almost difficult to read.

Madam Rosie’s Specials: Dressrosa Roja - 2,500 Berry Round of Blackjack - 4,000 Berry Round of Pool - 6,000 Berry Nightcap, light - 10,000 Berry Nightcap, strong - 14,000 Berry City Guide - 20,000+ Berry* * to be negotiated with the Madam, prices vary

“Now if only we knew what all of this means,” Limejuice grumbled.

“We could just order whatever and see where it takes us,” Yasopp joked.

“Not us, these are solo deals,” Shanks said. “But if you behave, I might be willing to share.”

“So, the little lady caught your eye?” Beckman asked.

“If she plays nice.”

“I’m sure she does,” Yasopp declared, eyes pinned beyond the group.

“Does what?” the waitress’s voice came from behind Shanks as she slid past him, placing a tray with two bottles and seven glasses on the table. “I do a lot of things, so you’ll have to be more specific.”

“I think,” Shanks started, snaking his arm around her legs and squeezing her thigh, “that you’ve got an idea what all of these specials mean and that you’ll kindly explain – in detail.”

“Well, you wouldn’t be wrong,” she hummed, removing his hand from her thigh and turning to face him. Graciously, she bent over until her chest was at his eye level and he made no efforts at looking away. “But if you want me to stay,” she said, lifting his chin, “you’ll have to pay for a round of Blackjack. We’re very busy today and the Madam is very strict with her bookkeeping.”

Shanks glanced over at Beckman, only to see him already holding a stack of cash, a 5,000 Berry note up top.

And that’s why you’re my first mate.

“Then tell your Madam,” Shanks muttered, “that we want as many rounds as this money can buy.”

The waitress raised her hand to take the cash but before she could, Shanks slid it between her tits, never once breaking eye contact. He was rewarded by the delicious sight of her face turning a hot pink, blushing wildly.

“As you please,” she whispered, her voice seeming to fail her for a moment.

Then, she backed away, her steps a little faster as she beelined straight for the staff room behind the bar.

“So, does she play nice?” Lucky Roux asked, a wide grin on his face.

Shanks didn’t reply but his expression said it all, the way he smirked and followed the girl’s every move… He wasn’t the only one either. Every single person at their table couldn’t help but stare at her in the long run, whether that be subtly or very obviously. Mostly, it was the latter.

“Wanna bet on her devil fruit?” Hongo asked, nudging Limejuice with an elbow.

“Devil fruit?” Yasopp and Lucky Roux echoed.

“Thought you had good vision,” Limejuice teased. “Her mouth and tongue were golden just a minute ago.”

“And they turned pink when the Captain paid her,” Hongo added, placing a couple of Berry on the table. “I say it’s emotion-based.”

“Paint-Paint Fruit,” Yasopp declared, wagering a slightly larger sum.

“Paint in your mouth?” Lucky Roux scoffed. “Sounds disgusting. I say it’s the Rainbow Fruit or something.”

“And now for the winning pick,” Snake mumbled, eyeing Limejuice as he took it upon himself to pour the drinks.

“No, no,” Limejuice quickly stammered. “I’ve gotten fruits wrong before.”

“You’re usually right though.”

“Well, if you’re so sure, why don’t you join in?” Yasopp teased, gesturing to the pile of Berry in the middle.

“You’re not getting half my winnings,” Limejuice stated, just before Snake could start betting.

“C’mon, don’t be so stingy.”

“You won the last five bets,” Lucky Roux reminded him, who himself hadn’t been as lucky in these little gambling games.

“And then lost a simple drinking contest,” Hongo muttered with a smirk.

“You spiked my drink!” Limejuice complained.

While those five were still bickering, Shanks’s eyes were trained on the bar, or rather on the staff room door behind it. The pretty waitress was standing in the doorway, talking to someone inside – most likely Madam Rosie. She was backing away now and the door opened fully. Out stepped a large and muscular woman, her name nothing like her appearance. She commanded respect, the way she looked so graceful in her well-tailored, corseted dress, but also seemed perfectly capable of smashing an unruly customer’s skull within a second.

“Doesn’t she kinda remind you of Big Mom in her younger days?” Shanks muttered, glancing over at Beckman.

“If you put her in polka dots and a tricorn.”

“A pink wig?”

“Mhm.”

Madam Rosie was looking straight at Shanks and Beckman now, then inspected the rest of the officers. But that was less important than how the waitress looked at them, with her cheeks still visibly flushed even from a distance and an excited sparkle in her eyes.

The drinks were poured now but Shanks could hardly be bothered to pay attention to them. He made a quick toast with the crew, then turned back towards the bar, just in time to see Madam Rosie whispering something in the waitress’s ear. Her excitement seemed to have dimmed a little, but that wasn’t a problem. The Red Hair Pirates were always good company, they’d have her back in no time.

Finally, the waitress came back towards them, a purse and a rectangular pouch dangling from her waist - presumably for blackjack. But that wasn’t all there was to it and they all knew it.

She sauntered towards Shanks, ready to say something, but before she could, he had his arm wrapped around her and pulled her in. As if reading his mind, she stepped past him and let herself be pulled into his lap, giggling lightly as he squeezed her ass. She draped one of her arms over his shoulder, causing the bangles around her wrists to jingle. A light spark of surprise travelled through her eyes – one lighter than the other, both a pretty pink – as if she had noticed his lack of a left arm. But if she really had, she didn’t let it on, gently tracing her fingers across the sliver of skin revealed by his open collar.

“Now that I’ve got your attention,” Shanks mumbled in a suggestive tone, “might I have your name?”

“Business or private?” the waitress echoed, gaining her many whistles and comments.

“Does there have to be a difference?”

The waitress let out something between a sigh and a chuckle, directing her eyes around the room.

“Anyone who starts working here and takes to engaging in certain services is bound to get a new name,” she explained. “It’s how we recognize each other. Like a secret language or code. I’m sure there’s something similar in the world of pirates, right?”

Various “eh”’s and shrugs travelled around the table, the waitress clearly more interesting than thinking.

“If you count the Jolly Rogers,” Yasopp commented.

“We have our epithets,” Hongo recalled. “But we don’t pick them ourselves, the Marines pick them for us.”

“Well, I didn’t pick my professional name either,” the waitress hummed. She turned her attention fully towards Shanks again, carding her fingers through his salty hair. “I guess I don’t need to ask how you got yours… Red-Haired Shanks.”

“So your Madam told you about us,” Beckman guessed.

“Not a lot. But she does give us a heads up whenever certain special guests are involved.” The waitress shifted in her position, making sure to move across Shanks’s lap in just such a way that she knew he'd  like. She turned towards the rest of the crew, tucking her head beneath Shanks’s chin. “Though I’m still a little shaky on the who’s who. I don’t get a lot of time to read the news.”

Thus started a little round of introductions, which soon turned into each of the crewmates trying to one-up each other, sharing the stories behind their epithets and their greatest feats…

----------

A lot of time went by though none of them noticed, its passage only measurable by the rum in the bottles getting fewer and fewer. All the while, Shanks was sitting pretty with the waitress in his arms, casually exploring the softness of her thighs or the curve of her waist. Being the captain, he had little to prove. That was until he heard a little static noise near his chest and the waitress stirred.

“Time’s up, gentlemen,” she quipped, running a hand along Shanks’s stubbled chin as she addressed the rest of the group. “It was lovely talking to all of you.”

But just as she tried to get up, Shanks’s grip around her tightened and she stumbled back down, surprised by how much strength he had in just one arm.

“We can buy more time, right?” he just commented.

Within the blink of an eye, a stack of Berry was gathered by contributions from everyone, and Beckman was dutifully counting the bills. The money passed from one hand to another, eventually offered to the waitress with a cool yet enticing look from Beckman. The gaze she threw back was suggestive yet content, maybe bordering on cocky. He would put her in her place later, he noted to himself. But for now, he let her brush her hand against his as she took the money and handed it to one of her colleagues passing by. It was a practiced gesture, fluid and discreet, if not for the fact that the waitress stuck her tongue out to the other girl, who made a face at her in return. Using this little distraction, Shanks grabbed the waitress by the chin and turned her back towards him.

“You still haven’t told us your name,” he reminded her.

“And we’re back where we started,” she replied, “safe for a few glasses of rum, give or take. More?”

“Always.”

The waitress gave a little wave to the bar, then turned back towards the table, only to notice…

“Hey, you haven’t been drinking at all. Have I been ruining your appetite?”

“Quite the opposite,” Shanks replied, “I’ve just been busy with more important things,” he declared, pulling her snugly against him for emphasis.

“Well, this is a bar,” she commented, picking up Shanks’s glass and lifting it to the height of his chest like a bit of bait. “What fun is it being here if you won’t drink? I’ll gladly be of assistance…”

“Only if you’ll finally tell me your name.”

“Private?”

“Private.”

The waitress hummed, a dark pink blush spreading across her cheeks. “It’s Miela,” she finally revealed, holding the glass to Shanks’s lips so he could drink. “But if you want a service, you’ll ask for Desirée.”

The night continued with stories and drinks, with snacks and laughter, and yet no one had mentioned the devil fruit bet again. It wasn’t important now anyways, with how Miela ended up dividing her attention amongst the crew, sliding right along with their tales and humor, gifting them the kindest smiles and the sweetest laughter. Time went on, until there was another buzz of static and Miela went rigid in Shanks’s arms.

“If you’ll excuse me,” she said slowly, her tone having gone cold. “We’re about to get a visit from the Marines.”

“Marines?” Lucky Roux echoed. “What do they want here?”

“Believe it or not, this is an open bar, so they can come and go as they please. Even if they’re just as unwelcome as the police.”

Around them, tables started clearing as groups of presumably pirates hurried for the back door and girls in girded-up skirts and bandanas removed themselves from chairs across the room, some retreating up a spiral staircase behind the bar, others faux-naively washing glasses or cleaning the surfaces…

“You have a separate police force?” Limejuice questioned. “Isn’t that a bit overboard?”

“It’s not when you’re trying to ban anything fun,” Miela shrugged. “Now, if you’ll let me go—”

“Why do you care about what they’ll say?” Shanks asked, a mischievous grin on his lips. “Just a second ago, you were lying on the table, letting us pour liquor into your mouth, and you didn’t care one bit.”

“Because back then it didn’t mean I could lose my job,” she replied a little shakily. “Please, you can’t be that cruel.” Another sound of static interrupted her and she held her hand to her ear, gazing over to the bar – where Madam Rosie was standing and staring at her. “And I have a responsibility to the other girls,” Miela added. “As a captain, you have to understand, right?”

Shanks let out a defeated little sigh, but he finally took his hand off her, letting her climb off his lap. As she did, she had one of her hands on his shoulder, and he could hear a quiet click coming from one of the bangles around her wrists.

“But once the Marines are gone, you’ll come back, alright?”

“As long as you can pay,” she hummed, giving him a wink.

That was when the door opened and a Marine Captain came in, tall and built like a brick, with a squad of his men in pursuit.

The momentary distraction was all that Miela needed, as the Madam’s eyes were pulled from her. Quickly, she put one hand on Shanks’s shoulder, the other on his cheek, and pulled him into a kiss, pressing her plush lips onto his. It was brief, and though Shanks tried to keep her there, she slipped out of his reach before he could react, straightening out her skirt as she hurried for the entrance.

The Red Hair Pirates watched as she made her way through the room, her demeanor calm and collected. As she brushed past one of her fellow waitresses, an exchange took place, barely even visible to the naked eye. The waitress passed a shot glass to Miela – barely even a shot glass, maybe half the size of one. Neither of them stopped or even slowed down. It was a practiced maneuver, one they must’ve played through a dozen times. As she walked on, Miela held the little glass behind her back, when something odd happened. One of her fingers, the one hovering directly above the shot glass, turned a glossy hot pink, a slimy liquid dropping down from its tip into the glass.

That was as far as the men’s eyes could follow her, then she disappeared into the crowd, only to reappear a moment later in front of the Marine Captain.

Peeking through the group of waitresses and soldiers and past the commanding presence of Madam Rosie, Yasopp made a discovery that made him furrow his brows, then laugh. Something that no one else seemed to catch. 

Only a blink of an eye later, the group at the entrance dispersed, and the lower-rank soldiers were ushered to a now-empty table, led very generously by the waitresses. But Miela was nowhere among them. Instead, the Red Hair Pirates only caught a glimpse of her golden hair as she snuck up the stairs, the Marine Captain in tow.

“And there she goes,” Roux murmured sadly, reaching for the bowl of chips to cheer him up.

“I have a feeling she’ll be back,” Yasopp assured him, grinning wildly.

“What did you see?” Snake immediately asked, knowing that expression far too well.

“Our little baby isn’t playing it fair,” Yasopp quipped, leaning back in his chair and downing the rest of his glass, only to pour himself another. “And I’m feeling pretty good about my bet.”

“Alright, spit it out,” Hongo grumbled.

“Relax, Doc, alright? Once she gets back, we’ll have to ask her to work you over, damn.”

“Can’t say I’d be mad about that.”

“Alright, Chaser, what is it?” Beckman asked.

“Well, that other waitress gave her the shot glass, right?” Yasopp recalled. “And while she carried it, her finger turned into a pink liquid that she dripped into the glass.”

“Could still be the rainbow fruit,” Roux muttered, gaining him an annoyed little stare from Yasopp.

“Rainbows aren’t liquid. Anyway, she gave that little shot glass to the Marine, with only the pink stuff in it - and he drank it. And only a second later, he was sending his men away, and she could pull him with her like a little puppy.”

“What does that have to do with your bet?” Limejuice scoffed. “That doesn’t sound like paint.”

“It sounds like poison,” Shanks commented. “Or… something else.”

“Drugs?” Snake guessed.

“Well, you’re not supposed to drink paint, are you now?” Yasopp defended himself. “So, it’s basically poison. And– and poisons  small doses are basically drugs, right, Doc?”

Hongo let out an exasperated sigh. “I suppose you’re right, yeah,” he lied. Then he picked up his glass and downed it in one go.

“Good idea,” Shanks groaned, refilling his own and Hongo’s right afterwards. “While she’s gone, I say we play a drinking game. I’m far too sober for this time of night.”

----------

They played games for quite a while, taking turns at staring longingly at the stairs and getting distracted, causing them to lose their game.

Finally, Snake let out a triumphant little noise as he spotted Miela tip-toeing down into the main room again, picking and pulling at her bodice and skirt. Her hair looked slightly disheveled, though that only made her all the more attractive. She passed by Madam Rosie’s door on her way down, peeking her head in for only a moment. Then, she glanced over at the table where the rest of the Marines were gathered, by now blackout drunk, each with a waitress at their side. The Red Hair Pirates had been wondering when one of the soldiers would recognize them, but they were clearly too busy to notice them, let alone to care.

Finally, Miela returned to the Red Hair Pirates’ table, being greeted with the warmest welcome. As if it was her long-since designated seat, she let herself fall into Shanks’s lap, basking in his attention and his touch.

“What did you give to him?” Hongo asked, cutting straight to the chase.

He had a sly smirk on his face, and by the way Miela was looking at him, his gaze was piercing right through her chest, straight into her soul.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she squeaked in feigned innocence, pouting at Hongo as she snuggled further into Shanks’s chest.

“The Marine, kitten,” Beckman said lowly, turning Miela’s face towards him. “Yasopp saw that you gave him a shot glass filled with a pink liquid and now our doctor wants to know what it was that  you gave him. You won’t let him down, right?”

The longer he had spoken, the pinker Miela’s face had become, until she was blushing furiously. “O-oh, that, I—”

“Talk to him, not me.”

Obediently, Miela turned back towards Hongo. “It was nothing, really, just an extra strong nightcap.”

“Extra strong?” Snake echoed. “That’s not even on the menu.”

“I— Well— That’s because—”

“How come he gets it for free?” Shanks pouted, letting his hand wander up and down her stomach teasingly. “Weren’t we considered something like ‘special guests’ earlier?”

“Well—”

“Do it again.”

“What?”

“The liquid came from your finger, right?” Yasopp remarked, leaning on the table. “Do that again.”

“I can’t show you, it’s confidential,” Miela blurted out, though she didn’t really look panicked. In fact, it almost looked like she was enjoying this.

“But we wanna see,” Roux insisted.

“I can’t.”

“I thought you liked us.”

“I do, I really do, but—”

“They’re seastone,” Snake concluded, prompting Beckman to pick up one of the bangles around Miela’s wrist, pulling her hand up alongside it. “You can’t show us unless your Madam unlocks those for you, right?”

“Yeah,” Miela huffed, looking around the table with puppy eyes. “I wish I could show you… And there’s so much more I could do…”

“But ten thousand Berry…” Shanks sighed exaggeratedly, acting like he hadn’t paid at least double to get to hold her like this. “Can you imagine how much a round of that would cost?”

“We don’t sell them in rounds,” Miela whispered, only to squeal quietly as she felt Shanks’s fingers dip beneath her neckline.

All the while, the Red Hair Pirates watched with grins and smirks on their faces, not caring one bit about the inappropriate direction that these negotiations were headed in. And looking at Miela, she didn’t mind either, unconsciously – or consciously? – arching her back and pushing her chest into Shanks’s hand.

“Are you sure?” he asked, placing a hint of a kiss on her cheek.

“I think… we could make an exception.”

“That’s my girl.”

Miela pressed her lips together as Shanks latched on to her neck, sucking harshly, marking his prize as she tried her hardest to keep from losing her mind.

“So, what devil fruit is it?” Yasopp asked with a dirty grin, knowing that she was in no state to answer.

“Slime Slime Fruit,” Limejuice declared smugly. “Isn’t that right, princess?”

Miela just nodded, managing only a small noise of confirmation.

“And the walking devil fruit encyclopedia strikes again,” Snake chuckled. “Payout time, Beck.”

Beckman, having been tasked with guarding the betting money, dutifully split up the winnings between Limejuice and Snake, leaving Hongo, Yasopp and not-so-Lucky Roux pouting.

“Slime, huh?” Hongo muttered. “Is it an aphrodisiac?”

“Aphrodisiac?” Shanks cooed, finally, moving away from Miela’s neck and running his finger across the dark love bite he had left. “What is it, a Paramecia?”

Limejuice nodded. “Mhm, but it works like a Logia, making the user capable of fully transforming into slime. But it also has some passive effects on the user, even when they’re kept down by sea stone.”

He reached his hand out for Miela’s face but couldn’t get to her, sitting just a little too far away. But one silent exchange of words with Shanks and one moving of glasses later, Miela was pressed down with her chest against the table, looking up at Limejuice with needy eyes. He pinched her cheeks and she dutifully opened her mouth, sticking out her tongue for him. It was a hot pink, coated in a thin layer of slime that was nearly dripping onto the table. 

The Red Hair Pirates marvelled at her like a rare animal, allowing Shanks to take his time admiring her ass and legs and running his hand along her spine. Hongo, meanwhile, took two of his fingers and placed them in her mouth, watching with an expression somewhere between studious and horny as she sucked on them.

“Is it just her saliva?” he asked, not once taking his eyes off her.

“No, it’s any bodily fluid, really,” Limejuice shrugged. “It’s just that some are stronger than others. Her saliva is the second strongest, and I can only imagine that her cum would be the best, but the encyclopedia wasn’t exactly detailed on that.”

“Wow, you really memorized that page, huh?” Yasopp teased him.

“Let’s just say I’ve dreamed about it.”

Hongo pulled his fingers out of Miela’s mouth and she released them with a wet pop, licking her lips and looking up at him in search of praise.

“That doesn’t look very pink,” he commented, holding his fingers up to the light and licking them clean. “Is that all you can do?”

Immediately, Miela’s pleading gaze increased tenfold and she wildly shook her head. A quiet yelp escaped her as Shanks pulled her back into a sitting position, holding her in place just beneath her bust.

“It’s the sea stone, right?” he hummed. “You can do better, I know you can, baby.”

Miela nodded frantically, her breathing shallow, her heart thumping in her chest. Limejuice, meanwhile, was smirking suggestively to himself, just waiting to get out his trump card. Finally, Beckman prompted him to spit it out.

“The Slime Slime Fruit feeds off pleasure, mainly the pleasure its user pulls out of others, but also their own. The aphrodisiac gets stronger as pleasure builds up and the slime’s color changes to match.”

Lucky Roux grinned. “Well, the way that Marine ran after you, you’re really enjoying yourself, aren’t you, sweetie?”

“Yeah,” Miela breathed. “Couldn’t have done it without you. All of you, that is,” she added, letting her eyes wander once around the group.

“Greedy, aren’t we?” Shanks teased, letting his finger dance along the top of her bodice, grazing her skin. “Sounds like one man just wasn’t enough for you, huh? Don’t look so surprised; it’s very clear what you two did,” he muttered, lightly pressing down on a hickey just below the hem of her bodice. “Just say it: Was he enough?”

“... No,” Miela whispered. “I want more. Need more.”

“That’s a good girl. Then what do you say we get out of here, give you a tour of our ship?”

Immediately, Miela went stiff again, though just a little, her words barely a hint of resistance as she said: “I don’t do out-calls.”

“Who said that?” Roux scoffed.

“Don’t want to or don’t get to?” Yasopp asked.

“I’m very important to the business,” Miela explained, trying to keep her voice steady as Shanks kneaded her breast and Beckman was trailing his large hand up her thigh beneath the table. “Madam Rosie would hate to see me go, so— Ah— She doesn’t let me go with pirates or seafarers.”

“Do you want to?” Hongo asked, eyes pinned on the way her flesh gave in beneath his captain’s touch, molding right into his hand.

“Yeah,” she whispered. “Yeah, I want to. Please take me with you.”

“Then I’ll talk to your Madam and see what I can do,” Shanks declared with a smile, pressing a sneaky kiss to her collarbone. “Don’t worry, I can be very convincing. – Hey, Beck, be a good first mate and take over for me, will you?”

“With pleasure, Captain,” Beckman hummed, picking Miela up with ease and moving her over to his lap.

As Shanks left for the door behind the bar, Beckman pulled her snug against him with her back against his chest and her legs spread over his thighs.

One of his hands made its way under her skirt, holding her thigh just inches away from her core as Roux held her other knee in place, just for good measure. Beckman’s other hand continued where Shanks had left off, diving into her cleavage, tugging ever so slightly at the strings holding her bodice together.

“Alright, kitten, you’re gonna listen and be good for me, alright?” he muttered, letting his eyes wander across his crewmen as if he was instructing them on how these things were done. Truth be told, he was the most experienced at the table. “We came to this place because the Captain hasn’t been himself lately. He lost his arm, I’m sure you’ve noticed by now. So we took him here to take his mind off things and it seems like it worked. Sounds to me like he’s really into you, so you’re gonna be good to him and work the stress out of him, alright?”

Miela nodded, unconsciously grinding against Beckman’s lap. But he held her in place only a second later, letting his finger graze over the fabric of her thong.

“No, no, not yet. The Captain comes first. He needs someone to help him relax, take the reins for him, just let him let go and forget about the world for a while. Can you do that?”

“Yes, yes,” Miela chanted, her voice nearly failing her. “Just get those shackles off of me and I’ll do all that and more, I promise.”

“As soon as we’re on the ship, don’t worry, baby. And if you’re good, you’re gonna get a reward. Will you be good?”

“Yes, I will, daddy.”

----------

Only a few minutes later, the Red Hair Pirates were on their way back to the ship, alcohol and excitement coursing through their veins. Miela was sitting happily in Roux’s arms, feeding him the rest of the snacks they had stolen from the table.

Her eyes went wide the moment she spotted the ship, taking in every single detail and listening to everything the men told her about the vessel, even if her mind was in a very different place.

Finally, she was taken under deck, into a small hallway lined with doors. Roux placed her down, letting his hand trace up from her ass to her shoulders as he did.

“Easy, Roux, go wait your turn,” Shanks teased, a bright grin on his face.

He offered his hand to Miela, more of a formality than anything since they both knew what was to come. Still, she took it, and let out a quiet yelp as he pulled her closer.

“Alright, baby, remember,” he whispered, “if you want out, you just have to say it. Got that?”

“Got it. But I don’t want out, I want in.”

Shanks huffed as the rest of the crew chuckled. Within only a second, Miela found herself pushed towards the end of the hallway, towards a door with a weathered, gilded sign.

She opened the door without even being asked to, knowing that Shanks was behind her and leading her on. Giving in fully to her new situation, she stepped into a cabin, simple yet somewhat elegant.

But she didn’t have a lot of time to admire it as she felt Shanks come up behind her, pulling her in by her breast. She hadn’t really noticed it while they were sitting down for the most part, but all of the pirates were so much bigger than she was. Her head rested against Shanks’s chest as she came undone under his touch and she could feel his arousal pressing against her back.

“Eager, are we?” she breathed, whining as he brushed a finger over her nipple, further straining the strings on her bodice. “And you haven’t even tasted me yet.”

“I think it’s time to change that,” Shanks growled.

He pulled his hand out from underneath her clothes, then spun her around and pushed her towards the bed. Eagerly, she followed his lead until her legs hit the edge of the bed and she fell backwards, letting out a yelp.

Before she could gather herself again, Shanks was hovering over her, propped up on one arm as he kissed his way up from her cleavage to her face, drawing the sweetest moans out of her.

That was when he paused, his eyes glancing over to where his left arm had to be, as if he had forgotten for a moment. Well, Miela was determined to make him forget. All of his worries, she would erase them.

Swiftly, she pulled her arms out from underneath his chest and threw them around his neck, pulling him down into a kiss. Within merely a second, her tongue slipped past his lips, softly meeting his. The kiss turned deeper, wilder, and Shanks groaned as he could feel a familiar heat build up throughout him. When Miela pulled away, he keened at getting her back.

Instead, she placed a hand over his lips, tracing his jawline with the other before tugging at her bangles.

“I promise, it’ll be worth it,” she whispered, but she really didn’t have to.

Quickly, Shanks let himself fall on the bed next to her, then crawled up further on the mattress, posing himself like a picture from an erotic magazine. He beckoned her over and she followed as if he had her on a leash, pulling her in by the collar. The thought alone had her whimpering, fantasizing to a point where she slipped out of reality. Though it was only for a blink of an eye, when she returned to the present, she was nearly sitting on top of Shanks and he had his finger hooked into one of her bangles.

“Is it this one?” he asked, his voice hoarse with arousal.

Miela nodded frantically, looking up at him frantically. Suddenly, a surge of red lightning cracked within Shanks’s hand and the bangle sprung apart, shattered into pieces. A shriek left Miela at the sight, distracting her just long enough for her to miss the way he did it on her other wrist. But what she clearly didn’t miss was the way the tension flooded out of her body, a moan spilling over her lips.

Immediately, Shanks pulled her into a ferocious kiss, his tongue picking up as much of the sweet aphrodisiac in her mouth as he could, clinging to her as if he were a starving predator and she his prey. He let out a little noise of desperation and his hand twitched along her spine, clearly conflicted on whether to keep holding her or to tear her clothes off. One hand just wasn’t enough.

That was when Miela remembered Beckman’s words. Why would she have him choose?

She pulled away from him, her torso turning fully into slime as she phased right through his arm. An expression of worry and betrayal made its way onto Shanks’s face but it wouldn’t last for long.

As he still struggled to get his words out, Miela’s body went back to normal and, with one precise pull, she opened the bow holding together her bodice, her breasts quickly spilling into the space she had given them. Swift, practiced movements took her bodice apart fully, revealing all of her chest to him.

Shanks practically surged forwards, no longer able to hold himself back. A characteristic blush started tinting all of his body and his aching cock tented his pants, the aphrodisiac clearly taking full effect. He pulled her in by the small of her back, placing sloppy kisses all over her breasts before taking one nipple into his mouth and sucking hard.

Miela whined, digging her fingers into his hair and holding him close, her cunt clutching around nothing beneath her skirt. But not yet, she thought, not yet. The Captain came first, she told herself.

So, she gathered all of her leftover focus, as hard as it was as droplets of slime were leaking from her nipples, brought on by her pleasure. But she forced herself to concentrate, tugging at Shanks’s hair to get his attention. He looked up at her, eyes almost black as his pupils were blown wide by desire.

“Lie down for me,” she breathed, and he listened without another word, his cock twitching in anticipation.

As he laid back, she crawled over him, her body always just an inch from his. Then, before he could react, four pink tendrils spawned from her back, latching on to his shoulders and legs and holding him down. He moaned at the sensation, feeling the slime soak through his clothes and wetting his skin, sending shivers down his spine.

“Relax, daddy,” Miela purred, undoing his shirt buttons ever so slowly. “Let your baby take care of you.”

Shanks writhed beneath her, though not enough to break free.

“You’ve already done so much for me,” she whispered. “Let me make it up to you.”

Her hands wandered up and down his stomach and he moaned, all sense of logic and worry escaping him.

“Please, baby, please,” he breathed, his words getting lost in little whimpers as she placed little kisses across his chest, travelling lower and lower, but turning right around before she got to where he needed her.

Finally, she moved back, looking unbearably pretty as she sat between his legs. Keeping her eyes locked with his, she pressed a hand against his clothed erection and he came, his entire body going rigid as he shuddered, pleasure washing over him.

Miela’s eyes were filled with adoration and desire as she watched him go limp, knowing that it would only last for a moment. Just a few seconds later, he was getting hard again, and she ran her fingers up and down his happy trail, finally hooking them into his waistband. She pulled his pants and his underwear down in one go, her mouth watering at the sight of his cock.

Looking up at him for permission, she licked a long stripe from the base up to the tip, then wrapped her lips around his dick, bathing in his deliciously sinful sounds. She gave him a few seconds to calm down, then she started bobbing up and down, taking more of him into her mouth each time. It didn’t take long for her to take him all the way to the base, his cock forming a bulge in her throat. How the hell she could do that Shanks didn’t know, but he frankly didn’t care either, the sight just far too hot to him as his hips kept bucking off the mattress – and the way it felt, all hot and slick… He could feel his orgasm building up quickly, his mind turning to mush as he felt himself slip in and out of reality.

“‘M close,” he gasped, his voice barely serving him anymore. “I’m close, baby, so close—”

The tendrils barely had to hold him down anymore; he didn’t even think about resisting. This was bliss, pure bliss, even if he couldn’t hold her. Miela hummed against his cock in approval, sending vibrations through his entire body. When she started gently massaging his balls, it was all over for him and he came again, white hot pleasure taking away his vision and almost knocking him out.

Miela was clearly very pleased with herself, making a show of swallowing and sticking out her tongue, even if he couldn’t see it. She pressed a kiss to the tip of his cock, then crawled upwards to lay beside him, her slimy tentacles gently massaging his chest and limbs. Slowly, Shanks’s eyes fluttered open, being met with Miela looking at him in adoration.

“How do you feel?” she asked, softly tracing his jaw.

Shanks’s heart was pounding in his chest, his answer mindless as he said: “More. Please, just one more, I wanna see you come for me baby.”

Miela let out an excited giggle and she gave him a quick kiss before sitting up again and stripping out taking off the rest of her clothes.

“I knew you had it in you,” she cooed, moving over to straddle him.

Shanks used what little strength he had left to push himself up and put his hand on her hip, breathing shallowly as one of her tentacles eagerly pumped his dick, Miela fingering herself at the same rhythm. Droplets of slick dripped down her thighs and onto his hips, making him shiver with anticipation.

As soon as he was hard, Miela licked her fingers clean and lowered herself onto his dick, whining at just how full she felt. Shanks fell back onto the mattress, the way her walls clenched around him taking him to the brink of overstimulation. He was sure that he could’ve come from the feeling of being inside her alone if he hadn’t been so spent from his two orgasms before. 

But he wanted her, he needed her, and so he bucked his hips up into her, making her gasp. He reached out for her and she understood, leaning over him and steadying herself on either side of his chest as she started moving her hips against his at an increasingly fast pace. Quickly, he pulled her bandana off her head and ran his fingers through her hair, delighted to find a small pair of mouse ears underneath. This woman was full of surprises, he thought at the back of his brain, but yet another surprise made his mind go fully void.

One of Miela’s tentacles had made its way down to his ass, stretching him out gradually with every movement of his and Miela’s hips. He groaned in pleasure, tangling his fingers into her golden locks as he held her close. It didn’t take long for the tentacle to slip inside fully, mirroring the way his cock was pushing into Miela’s cunt. He was sure that he could feel the contour of his own dick against his stomach as Miela moved against him, and just the thought of him being just as full sent him spiralling, pushing him over the edge as he came harder than he had ever come before.

The tsunami of pleasure inside of him just didn’t want to stop, but he could faintly tell that Miela had reached  her climax too, impaling herself on his dick like a creature in heat and pushing her head into his hand. Her cum dripping down his shaft and over his hips was the last thing he felt, completely exhausted and in utter bliss.

Meanwhile, Miela panted as she came down from her high, placing her head on his chest to rest for a moment. His heartbeat was fast for quite a while, then became slower as his breathing calmed down, his body falling into a sound sleep. A tiny part of her was just a little disappointed that their time together was over, but most of all she was proud, proud that she had made a man like him feel this good.

Carefully, she climbed off of him, whimpering quietly at the loss of his dick inside of her. After all of that, she felt so empty. She tiptoed around the room and cleaned Shanks up to the best of her conscience and ability. Then, she did the same to herself and put her clothes back on – admittedly a little haphazardly, not really caring how she looked in the dead of night. Finally, she opened the door and slipped out as quietly as possible, careful not to wake him, her scarlet lover, forever her captain in her heart.

But as soon as the door was closed, she almost shrieked when she saw a figure in the hallway, leaning against the wall right next to the door and smoking a cigarillo. He brought his hand down over her mouth before she could scream, soothingly running his fingers through her hair. There was an air of intimidation about him, the way he blended into the darkness with his dark clothes and his raven-black hair with the few gray streaks. But most of all, he looked proud.

“Beckman,” Miela gasped, looking up at him with large eyes.

“By the sound of it, you really made him feel good,” he hummed, blowing a cloud of smoke into the air. It was an expensive tobacco, not like the stuff that most patrons at the bar smoked. The kind where you could smell the pleasant addiction even without tasting it. “Is he asleep?”

Miela nodded, her muscles tensing up in the most delicious way.

“Good girl… But you didn’t forget about your reward through all that, did you?”

“No, of course not,” she whispered, that coil in her stomach already winding up again.

“Are you ready for me?”

“Anytime, daddy.”

“That’s what I thought.”

And just like that, she felt his hand between her shoulder blades, pushing her into the next door over.

The rest of the night became a frantic blur, with Miela passing from one arm to another, exiting one room just to enter the next… It was wild, it was frantic, and the exhaustion was tugging at her limbs, but she had never felt better, never felt so alive. Those words from Limejuice travelled through her mind at some point, about how her devil fruit was keeping itself fed through pleasure. With the way she felt that night, up until now, she must have been starving.

By the time that the sun came up, Miela was lying on one of the beds in the infirmary, panting with pleasure as she passed out from the exhaustion, her clothes long since discarded in some corner of the ship that she couldn’t care to remember. Hongo was hovering over her, dutifully tying his hair back as he grabbed a syringe from the side table. His work for the night was far from over.

----------

When Miela woke up the next morning – or what was presumably the next morning to her – her body felt like mush. At the same time, she had never been as well-rested and relaxed. A slight sway of her world told her that she was still on the Red Hair Pirates’ ship and her cheeks went pink as she remembered the events from the night.

She pushed herself up from her bed, a thin blanket falling off her torso. Half of her had expected herself to be naked, but she wasn’t – in fact, she was wearing a shirt that was most definitely not hers. It was large and made of cotton, smelling heavily of sea salt.

“Morning, princess,” she heard a familiar voice say from across the room.

A smile spread across her face as she blinked her eyes open and found Hongo watching her from his desk in what could only be the infirmary. He was holding a large cup of coffee, observing as she let her eyes wander around the room.

“I was wondering when you’d be waking up. You were enjoying yourself, clearly. Kept me up all night.”

“Sorry,” Miela muttered, her mouse ears drooping down ever so slightly.

“Eh,” Hongo shrugged, “at least I got something out of it. Do you want breakfast?”

“No, no, I don’t wanna be a bother, I—”

“You’d be more of a bother by saying no since Lucky Roux said I’d only get me my breakfast once you get yours. Lazy Roux more like it, he just doesn’t wanna walk here twice.”

“That’s… Alright then. Maybe just a little bit.”

“A little bit – you need a proper meal, not just something to nibble. With the amount of exercise you got last night, you can’t tell me you’re not hungry.”

“I— Well—”

“See? You’re getting a proper meal. Alright?”

“Yes, Doctor.”

“Good.”

As Hongo swiftly walked over to the exit and stuck his head out into the hallway, Miela looked around the room some more, finally getting caught on a window.

Suddenly, she paused. She rubbed her eyes and crawled forwards to get a better angle, not wanting to believe what she was seeing. Her weird headache wasn’t really making it easier. But when reality finally settled in, she shrieked, hopping off the bed and sprinting across the room to cling on to Hongo’s arm.

“Hey, hey,” he called, “you’re not supposed to get all riled up after surgery!”

“Surgery?!” Miela echoed, but she was promptly ignored, picked up by the waist and put back down on her bed.

“What’s wrong? What are you so upset about?”

“What’s wrong?! Hongo, there’s no land! We’re on the open sea!”

“So? That’s where pirates are supposed to be.”

“You kidnapped me!”

“Kidnapped? No, we gave you a free vacation.”

Steps came trampling down the hallway and, one by one, the other men that had swept Miela off of her feet last night came piling into the room.

“Ah, so she noticed!” Shanks concluded with a grin. “How are you doing, princess?”

“I— Panicked?! I’m not supposed to be here!”

“Now who said that?” Snake questioned.

“My Madam!”

Beckman, meanwhile, pushed his way past the other officers and sat down next to Miela on the bed, pulling her into his lap and soothingly rubbing her back.

“Well, we could just put you back,” Yasopp lied, picking at his sash in feigned disinterest, which would have been comical if Miela hadn’t been so worried.

“But you’d be missing out on a lot,” Roux added. “Living off of tips and a lousy salary, is that really how you wanna live?”

“No, but—”

“Well, what more do you want?” Limejuice smirked. “Chances are we could give it to you.”

Miela’s eyes sparkled at those words and her heart was beating heavily in her chest, a change in pace from the light yet frantic rhythm of her worry. Still, there was  a persistent seed of doubt in her mind, something that everyone else just had to know. By the way they were looking at her, they must have had this planned out for a while. Had they perhaps been watching her from afar for days? Had they decided they would keep her from the moment Shanks had had her in his grasp for the first time?

“Besides,” Hongo muttered, taking a casual sip from his coffee, “now that you don’t have that tracker in you anymore, you’re free to go wherever you want.”

A sound somewhere between a gasp and a shriek jumped out of Miela’s throat and she reached up for her ear, only to feel the bumpy profile of sutures right behind it.

“How did you even know?” she breathed.

“The Captain could hear it while you were in his lap,” Beckman explained, calmly rubbing her arms. “The little noise of static from the earpiece that was connected to it. Fancy bit of technology but once it’s out, it’s out.”

“It wasn’t even that deep below the skin,” Hongo muttered. “Sloppy work if you ask me.”

“Well yeah,” Miela breathed, “anything else would be expensive.” She was still trying to process everything, her heart and body working hard to overrule her mind. With every second, the last bits of logic became quieter and quieter. “So, what are you saying?” she stammered. “You kidnapped me and did surgery on me so I would join your crew?”

“Not join our crew, no,” Shanks chuckled. “As far as I know, you can’t fight, and you don’t look like you’re fit for any hard labor that has to be done on a ship.”

“Oh.”

“But then again…” He mumbled, a wide grin spreading on his face. “We could probably keep you as a pet.”

Immediately, Miela went beet-red, her heart damn near jumping out of her chest with a gasp of surprise. She stared at the Captain as his officers cheered and whistled, Beckman just silently holding her close. That was when her last bit of resistance snapped.

“Do I get a collar?” she breathed.

The men broke out into laughter, Beckman rewarding her with a kiss to the temple, just inches away from her surgery wound.

“The prettiest one we can find,” Shanks promised.

What followed now was a little discussion between the men of what color would most suit her, if they should go for sturdy leather or something more decorative, if they should add a leash… Miela basked in their attention, until her mind returned with full force and a lightning strike of fear made her body go rigid.

“W-wait!” she blurted out.

“What, you don’t like ruffles?” Roux teased.

“No, it’s— That’s not what I meant, I give you full freedom to pick on that but— There are some people out there who won’t be very happy that I’m with you now.”

“Like who?” Shanks chuckled.

“Don’t tell me you fucked a Celestial Dragon,” Yasopp scoffed.

“Ew, no!” Miela gasped. “Just… high-ranking Marines, for example.”

“Ah,” Snake smirked. “Madam Rosie’s special guests, huh?”

“Well, I was in for the money on those but… Well…”

“Just say it, baby,” Beckman encouraged her. “They’re just Marines, nothing we can’t handle.”

“Vice Admiral Borsalino will most likely be coming after me.”

That was when the men broke out into laughter, Shanks getting out a simple “Oh, just him.”

“He can be reasoned with, don’t worry, kitty,” he declared. “Get settled in, we’ll keep an eye out for him.”

With those words, he gave her a friendly wink, then pushed his way out of the room.

“You got anyone higher?” Limejuice giggled.

“Well, he’s in line to become Admiral I hear, so… Actually, there’s— Um—”

“Yeah?”

“Well… monkeydgarp.”

Beckman nearly choked on his own spit, losing his composure for a moment before he broke out laughing.

“WHO?!” the rest of the crew demanded to know almost in unison.

“The Hero of the Marines, Monkey D. Garp,” Beckman muttered, shaking his head with a chuckle. “I can’t say I’m surprised. How many nightcaps did it take?”

“Fewer than for Borsalino,” Miela mumbled. “But it was only one time!” she then added more loudly. “I wanna be very clear that it was only one time. So, no, he will not be throwing cannonballs at you, and he will not be giving a damn about whether I left or not. Neither will I be giving a damn if he does get upset about me leaving – though he does have incredible stamina for a man of his age, it needs to be said— Ow!” she gasped as Beckman lightly smacked her over the head, making her chuckle.

Meanwhile, the other people in the room were going through various stages of grief, with Yasopp covering his face and moaning about he’d never be able to look at Garp the same way again and Limejuice regretting that he had ever asked.

One by one, they started slinking out of the room and Miela was left behind with Hongo and Beckman, the former sighing under his breath that he’d have to check her for mental illnesses.

“You can be glad you still have everyone wrapped around your finger from last night,” Beckman murmured. “But next time you pull something like that, I might have to think of a punishment for you,” he said, pulling her off his lap and setting her back down on the bed.

“I’ll be looking forward to it, daddy,” Miela replied in a sugary sweet tone, only for him to lightly smack her in the shoulder.

“Go to sleep for a few more hours. You’re clearly not in your right mind yet.”

He kissed her on the forehead, then left the infirmary to go back to work. This left Hongo as the only one still in the room with her. Hongo, who was currently pouring a generous amount of rum into his coffee.

“I’m starting to think that you’ll be stealing more than just my sleep. You’re also taking my sanity.”

“Well, as long as I can give you something in return,” Miela purred.

“Yeah, you better.”

General Taglist: @starcrossedjedis @oneirataxia-girl @daughter-of-melpomene @bravelittleflower @box-of-bats

One Piece Taglist: @supermarine-silvally

Let me know if you’d like to be added or removed!

[ghostlyloversworld]

He loves me he loves me not

Chad Meeks x Fem Reader, Ethan Landry x fem reader

Tags-@dizscreams , @rangorangsblog @rainsoakedphoenix @anthemabby

She Stood in The room filled with horny, drunk, durged up college kids she was drinking her feelings away. Not that she planed to but she originally planned to finally tell Chad Meeks that she liked him but now she backed out of it.

She Notices the look he gives Tara, no she wasn't jealous of her she loves Tara for crying out loud but she just backed off so Tara could have him by this time she went to refill her cup she lost count of how many she had to drink maybe 3 or 6

Dancing with the cup in the girl's hand which that hand was raised up a little. Her face lighting up with the biggest smile on her Face. Laughing like crazy the alcohol running through her body,

Making her more drunker than anything the girl notices a dude walking past people shoving some out of his way, he finally got to her with a smirk on his face "hey, I'm Josh, wanna go up stairs? "

The girl to drunk to think just Shakes her head up and down with the same smile still on her face from before. With her approval he grabbed her shoulders and start to push them through people telling the to kindly get of the way

When they pass Tara and Anika both got up to go protect The girl Anika grabs her hand "hey Uh... I think you should stay down here" she told the girl while Tara ran to go get Either Ethan or Chad but the girl shakes her head side to side "I'm going up stairs with my new friend Josh tho.. " she says in a sad tone "yeah she's going with me " the boy says clearly unhappy about this so he focused her to turn around with a yank of her shoulders being turned to the front. Before they make it up the stairs to the top Josh got yanked back by Ethan who was there.

When Tara told him that Josh was probably going to take advantage of the girl, he pushed Josh into the crowd of people who are screaming "FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT" could be heard by the drunk, durged up, horny young adults Chad was nowhere to be found that was until he finally shows up to see Josh throws a punch at Ethan missing since his aim was far off. To which

Gives Ethan a better chance of winning the fight this time when Josh Throws a punch Ethan grabs his hand and started to twist his arm waiting until he heard a pop. Which made Josh stubble back into the crowd a little until he regained again. The girl was watching the fight amazed that Ethan was Fighting someone over her the shy dork was fight a frat boy. The frat boy was losing big time

She rubs her eyes to make sure that she isn't here . But to her surprised they actually where fighting by the End of the Fight Ethan walks up to stairs to the girl "you okay? " she smiles and shakes her head "I'm fine, you good tho?" Ethan shakes his head to show his fine "thank you" the girl face light up red with heathens quick to rise. Then she finally released that her lover was Ethan this hole time no more He loves me, he loves me not .

[deadendsave]

Delilah Hodges’ Journal (1)

1: Today is my 15th birthday. My mom gave me this journal, she said it’s important to document our lives. A few people at the camp gave me some books, and Quinn gave me a pet rock because I’ve been talking to her nonstop about how much I want a dog. Not the same, but at least rocks can’t get sick. I named him Pebbles and I’m gonna cherish him forever.

2: Ooo Lilahhh I’m snooping through your journal! It’s not like I’m sitting beside you and you gave me permission to write this or anything. I’m glad you love pebbles! I spent a long time sorting through rocks to find him, and he was the best one. We should start taking him on walks so everyone at camp thinks we’re even more annoying than they already do. Happy birthday! I love you so much. - Quinn

3: One of the books I got for my birthday was about aquatic life. The ocean is so cool I wish I was a marine biologist. People from the old times only explored about 10% of the ocean. You’d think they would’ve explored way more than that, but I guess this ocean is pretty big. P.S. whales are my new biggest fear. They’re HUGE.

4: Fact from my book: Tho giant pacific octopus has 3 hearts and 9 brains. It can also change color to blend in with its surroundings because of special pigment cells called chromatophores. Weird.

5: Dad said I’m almost old enough to go out on supply runs, but I need to learn how to hunt first so I can protect myself against the sick. Yeah, right. He’s tried to teach me how to shoot before, I SUCKED. Like that time he lined up cans for me to practice my aim, and I missed every shot. I don’t even like guns. The sound hurts my ears. He’s taking me out to the woods tomorrow to hunt, but I don’t think I have it in me to hurt an animal. The thought of it makes me queasy.

6: Dad took me hunting, we walked around the woods for a while before we found anything. But then we saw a deer in the distance. He handed me his rifle, and i aimed and shot. I missed, and it ran off. I felt so bad for failing, I tried my best and it still wasn’t good enough. I felt even worse for scaring the deer. My dad looked so disappointed. I hate hunting.

7: Nothing I do is EVER good enough for my dad. Sorry I’m not some killing machine survivalist expert like you and mom are. Our camp is secure, I’ve never been in that much real danger. They got to experience the world before the sick, I didn’t. They get to go far away from camp, I’m just stuck here.

8: I love my mom. She’s actually nice to me. I feel comfortable around her. When I’m around my dad I’m always on edge. But it’s upsetting that she never defends me or tells my dad to stop when he’s screaming at me for not being able to do something. She just acts like it’s nothing and tells me he just wants me to do better so I’ll be safe. Yeah, right. He just likes to use me as a way to let all of his anger out.

9: Quinn told me she had to show me something in the woods. She’s always sneaking off. I was kinda scared without an adult, but it wasn’t that far. She told me I need to not be such a wimp and be more adventurous. I’m glad I went because we got to see little baby robins, they had just hatched. Quinn’s been monitoring them for a few weeks waiting to surprise me. On our way back, she tripped over something and cut her knee up really bad. She’s very clumsy.

10: Here’s another fact from my book: Stingrays have a protective layer of mucus that shields them from diseases. If only humans had that. Maybe the world would still be in tact.

11: Took Pebbles on a walk like Quinn suggested. We do a lot of dumb things to keep ourselves entertained. Everyone else is worrying about supplies and food and killing the sick. My mom said she wants me to have a somewhat normal life before I have to start worrying about those things too. I guess considering how shitty the world is, I’ve got it pretty good.

12: The camp’s doctor said Quinn has an infection from the cuts on her knee, and there’s no antibiotics left. The doctor looked worried. Everyone’s been out on runs looking for some medicine for her, no luck so far.

13: Just realized one of the books I got for my birthday was a steamy romance novel. Ew. I don’t think Judy realized that when she gave it to me. Yikes. I have no interest in “finding love” romantically. It’s just not something I really care about. I don’t think I’ve even had a crush on anyone before. Maybe there’s something wrong with me.

14: Quinn’s getting worse. She’s been resting a lot, which is super unusual for her. Usually she’s got so much energy she can’t stay still. It’s upsetting to see her like this. She said her whole body hurts and she keeps feeling like something bad is gonna happen. I’ve never heard her say she was scared of anything until now.

15: My parents took me swimming in the lake today. I guess they could tell I’ve been sad. It wasn’t the same without Quinn. I wish there was something I could do for her. I miss when we were little and we would pretend to be mermaids. She needs to get better soon.

16: Today Quinn was reading me one of my books, but when she talked it just sounded like gibberish. It freaked me out a little. I thought she was just trying to be funny at first. She’s also got a really foggy memory right now. She couldn’t even remember the birds for a minute. Guess it’s the fever. I read to her instead.

17: My mom went on a supply run with some other people from camp. Still, no antibiotics. But they did find some things from the old times. Mom gave me a puzzle. I’m gonna show it to Quinn tomorrow, hopefully she feels well enough to work on it with me. Mom said some some pieces might be missing but we could use our imagination to fill in the gaps.

18: Quinn didn’t feel good today. She’s still getting worse. She fell asleep beside me while we were working on the puzzle so I ended up doing it alone. She was breathing weird. When she woke up she didn’t even talk, just held my hand. It felt clammy. I waited until her parents came back to their tent to head back to mine. I told her I loved her and I’d see her tomorrow. She just slightly smiled. It broke my heart a little.

19: This morning I woke up to go see Quinn, but my mom stopped me before I could leave. She had been crying, I knew something was off. I had a pit in my stomach. She hugged me and told me to sit down. She said Quinn’s body had been ravaged by the infection, and without any medicine to fight it off, she went into septic shock. I didn’t fully understand what that meant, so I tried to leave and go see her. My mom stopped me once again. “Baby she’s gone. She’s not in pain anymore.��

20: I couldn’t process what she just told me. I felt frozen. It was like every bad feeling I could possibly experience hit me all at once. I broke down and my mom held me tight. My body wouldn’t stop shaking. All of these emotions were physically hurting me. I’ve never lost anybody this close to me. Quinn and I were best friends before we could even talk. I don’t know what life is like without her, I don’t wanna know. We were always supposed to be together.

21: Today is the day of her burial, but I don’t know if I have the strength to go. I don’t want my last memory of her to be her lifeless body being put in the dirt. Everything hurts right now. I’ve heard plenty of people talking about losing someone they loved. I knew what grief was, but I never fully understood just how fucking awful it felt. My chest burns. I’m sad and I’m confused and I’m angry. Quinn was a good person. She didn’t deserve this. She deserved to live. We’re only 15, why would something so bad happen to someone as good as her?

22: Everyone else gets to move on and I’m just stuck here, consumed by the grief. I finally worked up the courage to go to Quinn’s tent. I talked to her mom and she let me keep some of her things. I could see the pain in her eyes. I know her parents are hurting just as bad as I am. The guilt I’m feeling is unbearable. It was my fault that Quinn’s died. If she wouldn’t never taken me to see the baby birds she would still be alive. The only person that could make me feel better right now is gone.

23: It’s only been a few days since Quinn’s burial, but people are already asking me if I’m okay. Clearly, I’m not. How could they expect me to be? My best friend is dead and her death was preventable. I miss her so much. The thought of forgetting her face or the sound of her voice terrifies me. I don’t want to forget her, and I don’t want to move on.

24: She’s been gone for 11 days now. I decided to make a memorial for Quinn myself. I went into the woods and dug a shallow hole just deep enough to fit some of the things her mom had given me. I keep talking to her out loud like she can hear me. I don’t care if it makes me look crazy. I sat at her makeshift grave and told her she shouldn’t have been so clumsy. Jokes don’t feel the same anymore though.

25: As I sat on the ground staring at the grave, everything started to feel more real. She’s never coming back. She’s gone. Forever. I cried and i cried and I cried until my body couldn’t make tears anymore. My face felt hot and my head started to hurt. I eventually stood up and decided to go check on the baby birds. They were still there, chirping and flapping their tiny wings, preparing to leave the nest. I felt a bittersweet sense of comfort watching them. It kinda felt like she was there, watching them with me.

[jbuffyangel]

3/9/24 Sorry guys. I accidentally deleted this review while trying to clean up broken links. Luckily, 2015 Jen wasn't an idiot and I still have the review. I just need to re-gif it, which I'll do later when I have more time. So for now, it'll just be the text.

THANK YOU JESUS!!!!

Prayer circle worked.

Oh Colton. How you will be missed. I was so nervous for this episode I was sick to my stomach. A swarm of butterflies. There was no way Colton wasn't leaving the show. The tweets, the Instagram, the spoilers...it wouldn't have made any sense otherwise. In the world of Arrow an actor departure typically means death. Needless to say I am beyond THRILLED with the way they handled Colton's exit.

Let's dig in...

Roy Harper

What does it mean to save a man's soul? When there's red in your ledger can you ever wipe it clean? Is that even possible? And if it is... what penance must be paid? Those are the questions that haunt Oliver Queen. Those are the questions that stop Oliver from living his life. He doesn't deserve a life; there's too much red. Too much blood. Too many lives lost. It's a question that haunted Roy Harper this year too, but tonight Roy found the answers he was searching for.

Roy Harper started out as an angry, impulsive, stubborn kid. A high school dropout, with a record and a history of violence. The entire world abandoned him. He was left to fend for himself and to fight for those who couldn't. Then, one day, he stole a purse. And everything changed. His entire universe...changed.

That's how life works. It's not always the big moments that change your life forever, but the little ones. The times where you simply go left when you could have easily gone right. The winds of change come along like a whisper and you find yourself in a place you never conceived of.

Thea Queen changed Roy Harper's life. She was the first person to reach out to Roy. To see more than what the rest of the world saw. To see more than what Roy saw. Thea was the connective thread from Roy to The Arrow.

"You really don't care if you live or die?"

"No one is going to miss me. I'm just a waste."

Thea cared. She cared so much than when her friend was kidnapped, to be punished on live television for his crimes, she ran to the only person she could think of for help. Her big brother Ollie. Thea didn't know she was running directly into The Arrow's arms. Oliver would have tried to save Roy regardless, but somehow because it was Thea made it...more. Oliver would give his life to protect Thea from even an ounce of pain.

"If you kill this kid, he'll never get an opportunity to change. You can give him a second chance."

Joseph Falk refused to give Roy that chance. The Arrow killed Falk to save Roy. Oliver put more blood in his ledger...for Roy. So, he could have a second chance. A life for a life.

It put Roy on a collision course with Oliver. Up until tonight, my favorite Roy & Oliver scene was from 2x01. Oliver saw himself in Harper. It's why Oliver asked Roy to join Team Arrow.

The world doesn't work anymore. It broke a long time ago, but it was like you were the only one who noticed. That makes you angry. And you're afraid that anger is going to burn you up inside if you have to live in the world one second longer knowing that you could do something to fix it.

What fuels Oliver, what kept him alive all those years, is a deep rage. An anger. A ferocity. A will. Roy Harper has the same fuel. The same anger. The same will. Oliver Queen, The Arrow, just taught Roy where to aim. He gave Roy a target...Arsenal.

I loved Roy's fight scene in the prison because it was the culmination of all Oliver's training. Remember the beginning? Slapping the water, crushing the table, his awful aim. Roy was so much like Oliver and Oliver so much like Yao Fei. That's the point you know of surviving, of living. You survive so you can pass on what you learned to the next generation and they become better for it.  Later in the episode, Oliver tells Ray Palmer not to depend on the tech.  Oliver doesn't depend on the bow. He is the weapon.

Oliver wanted to break Roy out of prison, or at the very least, fight by his side, but what Oliver failed to recognize was he was already there. It was Oliver's voice in Roy's head. The anger, the will, Oliver saw in Roy two years ago was there, but now it was controlled. His head was on a swivel. Roy Harper was the weapon. 

"Just remember; that was without arrows."

Roy did a lot bad stuff back in his days in The Glades, but he never killed anyone. He never had blood on his hands, not like this. There's a reason why the Roy centric episode this season was entitled "Guilt", because that is the singular emotion Roy Harper has been struggling with. The season theme is identity and tonight Roy came to terms with his. Roy Harper was a murderer and Arsenal was the penance. Arsenal was suppose to wipe the ledger clean, but somehow it wasn't enough. No matter how many lives Roy saved, it never alleviated his guilt. Saving lives wasn't the penance Roy needed to pay. Giving his life was.  More than anything, Roy wants to trade places with that cop; to give his life for the officer. It's the same desire Oliver carries with him. If Oliver could trade places with his father, mother, Shado, Yao Fei, Tommy...he would do it in a heartbeat.

"It should have been me."

But that's impossible...or is it?

Before Roy could serve his penance he needed to make a confession. Confession is always the first step to absolution. He needed Lance to know it wasn't his life that needed saving. He was a murderer and he absolutely belonged in prison. He wasn't worthy of the mask he wore. He wasn't a hero. The minute someone says they aren't a hero is the minute you know they are.  Maybe Lance tried to save Roy from the collision course The Arrow set him upon, but it's The Arrow that would lead to Roy's absolution...his salvation, not Lance. In fact, the episode Oliver saves Roy was entitled Salvation. From the moment Roy Harper met The Arrow salvation was the destination. It's why Roy made the choice to join Team Arrow, to become Arsenal and to do what comes next.

Tonight, Roy put blood in his ledger. Just as The Arrow did for him two years ago.

A life for a life.

Roy sacrificed his life, so Oliver could have a second chance at his.

Roy did for Oliver what he couldn't do for the police officer. He traded places with him. And for the first time in a long time...he was okay. Roy may not know where he's going or who he's going to become, but  he can look himself in mirror again. His identity as Roy Harper and Arsenal are gone, but somehow that doesn't matter. He is absolved. He is free.

Team Arrow

Malcolm Merlyn and Tatsu once said to Oliver, "Only the student has hopes of defeating the master." Nothing Roy Harper or Team Arrow did tonight was anything Oliver Queen hasn't done a thousand times before. Time and time again Oliver sacrifices himself to protect those he loves. In fact, protecting those he loves is the only way Oliver Queen knows how to love. However, Oliver's "protection" often comes at the cost of a person's free will. Oliver makes the decision without discussion. Yes, Oliver protects but he also controls.

He's done it to Diggle.

He's done it to Roy.

He's done it to Thea.

He's done it to Laurel.

He's done it to Felicity.

And tonight...the students  defeated the master. After all, they learned from the best.

For the first time, Oliver couldn't control everything. He couldn't be The Arrow, he couldn't break Roy out of prison, he couldn't turn himself in, he couldn't stop Lance, he couldn't stop the meta human and he couldn't save Felicity. He was completely powerless. This was a different kind of powerless from what Olivet felt after surviving the duel with Ra's. He wasn't stuck on a mountain top healing from a stab wound, drinking magic penncilin tea. He was healthy and strong; forced to sit on the sidelines and watch.

To be honest, it was a little strange that Diggle & Felicity wiped The Foundry leaving only Roy's fingerprints. Even stranger? They weren't rallying the troops. Roy is Team Arrow, through and through. No different than any of them. If Felicity & Diggle were willing to go to the mat to save Oliver, they would do the same for Roy. Yet, at every turn Oliver is met with resistance. Diggle & Felicity had logic on their side, and without their help, it made breaking Roy out of prison infinitely more difficult. The reality was, in order for their plan to work, Team Arrow needed Oliver to sit on the sidelines. They needed Oliver to throttle back. Roy definitely drew the short straw on the plan, but Diggle & Felicity weren't too far behind. Get Oliver to throttle back?

After Roy is attacked, Thea comes running into Ollie's arms, just as she did two years ago, asking him once again to save Roy. Apparently, Lance failed to mention Roy fought off the attack like a bad ass, but I digress. Oliver breaks. He absolutely cannot stand to sit on the sidelines anymore. Not when Roy is in danger. Not when Thea is in pain.

Diggle tries to logic with Oliver. This isn't anything new. Diggle is Oliver's voice of reason, his counsel. But Diggle put his body in Oliver's way, to physically block him. That was new. Oliver was like a caged animal and Diggle held out a wary hand to keep him at bay. Immediately the tension rose. The two of them haven't had a confrontation like this since Season 1. The last time Diggle put his hands on Oliver, it was to prove a point. This time it was to stop him. The minute Diggle's hand touchef Oliver's shoulder to restrain him, Oliver reacts violently. THIS is why The Arrow is so vital to Oliver Queen's psyche. Without an outlet, that anger, that powerlessness, burns Oliver Queen up inside. But Diggle doesn't back down. Instead, with tears shining in his eyes, Diggle begs Oliver to. Diggle knew it would come to this and so help him God, Oliver was staying put. Ultimately, it's thanks to Felicity that Oliver does back down (more on that later). When Oliver returns to the loft, Lance informs him Roy died. The grief is overwhelming and absolute.

This is why Oliver Queen loves through control. If he can just protect the people he loves, no matter the personal cost, then he won't lose them. But time and time again, Oliver fails. No matter how much he sacrifices, no matter how hard he tries to protect them, the people Oliver Queen loves are always the ones to pay the price.

An arrow is symbolic for defense & protection from harm. An arrow's very nature is forward motion, direction & certainty. It is straight, sturdy and steady. Apollo, the god of light, healing and truth, was known as The Archer. The god that brought sunlight to the world, used a bow & arrow to defeat his enemies & protect those who worshipped him. Underneath the darkness of the Island is a light, an innate goodness, in Oliver Queen that he is destined to shine on the world. Stephen Amell even looks like a modern day Apollo. However, an arrow's purpose is only fulfilled when it takes flight and finds its target. An arrow's purpose is only fulfilled when it protects and defends. Left stagnate, or worse broken, an arrow is without purpose.

Oliver kneels in the trashed Foundry, in the dark, holding a single broken arrow. Everything he's built and everything he's sacrificed, was all for nothing. He is without purpose, without direction. The very weapon he uses to defend his city, The Arrow, is no more. The man he trained in his image is dead. Oliver tried to do everything his father asked him - right his wrongs and be the hero Robert Queen lacked the courage to be. But what does he have to show for it? So many dead, so much loss. And Oliver, the sun, sits in total darkness, as broken as the arrow he holds in his hand.

Oliver hears Diggle & Felicity enter the Foundry, but he doesn't turn around. Instead, with a shaking hand, he covers his eyes, the grief welling up again, intermixed with a hefty dose of anger.

"I shouldn't have listed to either of you. I might not have been able to break Roy out of prison, but I'd feel a lot better right now if I tried."

"We know that Oliver. We also know that you may never forgive us."

"I make my own choices John. I made this one."

Oliver has been desperate for control the entire episode. He seizes control over the only thing left - who to blame. At every turn, Diggle & Felicity stood in Oliver's way and yet his anger is targeted at himself. This is the wonder that is Oliver Queen. He's not angry at Diggle & Felicity's advice, he's angry he listened to it. Oliver absolves Diggle & Felicity of any wrong doing while simultaneously blaming himself. It goes to the essence of who Oliver Queen is - forgiving and selfless but also self-condemning.

"He doesn't mean forgiveness for that. He means forgiveness for this."

My reaction? YES!!! Praise Jesus.

When the camera first opened on the scene, it panned past an overturned dummy, like a fallen solider.  But the fallen solider returns. The moment Roy steps into the Foundry, Oliver rises from his knees, stands and faces the group. Immediately the total darkness is replaced with stray beams of light from knocked over equipment, illuminating behind Oliver. And just like that...all is not lost.

Flashback storytelling can be a bit lazy, but in "Broken Arrow" it really works. Turns out Diggle & Felicity didn't do a bunch a drugs. They are still Diggle & Felicity - refusing to let Roy take the blame. But Roy's plan was genius and so Diggle & Felicity agree to put it into action and more importantly, not tell Oliver.

"You could have gotten yourself killed for real."

See, that attitude is the exact reason why they can't tell you stuff Laur- I mean Oliver. Roy knew the risks, but he also believed in himself. Roy knew he had the talent & skill to fight off any attack.

Your goddamn right.

Thatta boy. I am like a proud mama. Roy has gone from the boy who believes he's a waste to a man with total faith in himself. He was able to buy enough time for Lyla to get her ARGUS contact in place. Yahoo!!!! Mrs. Diggle was even in on the action. Please tell me that Laurel knew too and her little stunt in the precinct was all part of the plan. That means the ONLY person who didn't know was Oliver and that's just too freaking delicious for words. Apparently knowing how to knife someone in exactly the right place to give the illusion of death is a marketable skill. He probably lists it under Special Skills on his resume. I digress.

"Everyone thinks the Arrow is dead, which means Oliver Queen is innocent."

BOOM BITCHES. That's how it's done. In one foul swoop, Team Arrow gives Oliver back his life. Maybe they couldn't save The Arrow, but they were damn well going to save Oliver Queen.

"You did all of this without asking?"

Please tell me Oliver didn't say that. Please. Oh Lord boy. Anyone have a frying pan? I need to smack Oliver upside the head. THAT'S ALL HE DOES. I have to admit, I love Stephen's delivery of the line. Oliver spits out the words like it physically pains him that not only did his team orchestrate a genius plan to save his ass; they did it without any help from him.

And Roy tells Oliver where to stick it. Boy, the writers are giving Roy quite the send off. Genius plan? Check. Heroic sacrifice? Check. Kick ass fight scene? Check. Telling Oliver to shove it? Check. Oliver Queen usurps control from those he loves ALL THE TIME. So right back at ya fella. How's that other shoe feeling? Not so comfy? Maybe think about that the next time Felicity wants some autonomy. Get a cup of coffee with her Oliver. Go see a movie. Make some babies. Jeez.

Roy Harper leaves Team Arrow the same way he joined it. With a handshake and a thank you.  He may be gone, but he will not be forgotten. Roy Harper will always be part of Team Arrow.  His final lesson was one Roy was meant to teach, not learn. Through his selfless & heroic act, Roy taught Oliver Queen how to accept help from those that love him. That a single arrow can be broken, but a bundle of arrows is nearly indestructible.

Olicity (Raylicity)

You know what's going to be super fun? When I can write Olicity without writing Raylicity in parenthesis next to it. Patience friends...patience. Our time will come. Apparently the writers felt they weren't hitting the Ray/Sara parallel on the nose enough, so they are holding off on a Raylicity breakup until 3x20, just like Oliver & Sara broke up in 2x20. So, for the three people left in the audience who were unclear on the comparison...ya good now? Cause the rest of us want to move on.

One thing I particularly liked about this Raylicity scene, other than the embarrassing train wreck Palmer was about to ride, was how Ray addressed why Felicity is always at Palmer Technologies at times of Team Arrow crisis. It's something I theorized awhile ago. It's not because Felicity doesn't care. Quite the contrary. Work, staying busy, is a coping mechanism for Felicity. Like Oliver, it gives Felicity a sense of control. Okay, enough of that. On to the train wreck. Choo! Choo!

Oh Ray. You poor fruit fly bastard. I'm sorry - I feel bad for the guy. Anytime you say "I love you", whether it's a capital or lower case L, and it's not reciprocated, it hurts. It's also the proverbial nail in most relationship coffins. Watching Ray try to walk it back, so he can continue to live in the land of denial, was about forty different kinds of awkward. What's worse is Felicity didn't do much to help the guy out, other than sit quietly. Look man, when the girl walks out after you say it - that's pretty bad. When she doesn't throw you a life raft when you try to walk it back...that's worse. So over.

"You're okay with this?"

Of course not.  Your metal mitts all over his soul mate, the future Mrs. Queen and mother to the Olicity Triplets. Oliver would much rather kick you in the balls again Palmer, but he has limited options.

And the high five. Ray Palmer is Mister Magoo in Superman's body. It's documented fact.

Ray Palmer babbling.

THIS is what has been missing from the Ray Palmer character. An entire season of Oliver interacting with Palmer? Ratings gold. Palmer interacting with just Felicity for 90% of the season? Yeah, not so much. For a character like Palmer to work, you need a straight man like Oliver Queen for him to bounce off of. Otherwise, the jokes fall flat and Ray is just...weird. Get Sara & Palmer in a room together STAT writers if you want that spin off to get picked up.

"Oh I could kiss you right now..oh! Boundaries. Working on it."

Look, I can tolerate Felicity bringing Palmer as her plus one. Knowingly kissing Palmer in front of Oliver? No no boo boo kitty. Based on Oliver's reaction, we reached his patience threshold as well. Before people become irate with Felicity this scene served two VERY important purposes. First, I think Felicity is over compensating. She shot down Ray's "I love you" not once but TWICE. Ray also had his ass handed to him by Oliver last week. Is there a little ego fluffing happening in this scene? Yes. Is it fatal? No. In fact, this scene serves as a triggers for the Olicity scene of the night.

"Stop calling it a team up Ray." Oliver just cannot with this guy. Is it possible to love this man more? I didn't think it was, but I do.

"nervous in the field."

Jealous Oliver is the best kind of Oliver. Honestly, this was pretty fascinating to watch. Oliver is always out in the field. He never sees it from Felicity's end. He doesn't know if her anxiousness is specific to Ray or if she reacts that way with him. Oliver Queen is a competitive guy. If Felicity is worrying she better worry about him the most. It's a rare moment of insecurity and Felicity's answer is diplomatically perfect. But nothing beats that raised eyebrow from Diggle that said, "You hesisted!" You keep on captaining that ship Diggle.

"There's a decent chance you and Palmer are related."

I spit out my drink. Sassy Oliver throwing shade? Who knew such a glorious combination even existed. Why didn't we get 15 episodes of THIS? Trying not to let my bitterness at missed opportunities ruin the moment.

Diggle. Barry. Oliver. All the boys are 100% done with Palmer. I know guys, we all thought it was 3x19 too. Hang in there men. It's almost over.

Oliver's inheritance from Moira's life insurance might be running low. Why doesn't he start a superhero training program? He'd make a killing. He can give Barry a discount and fleece Palmer.

"I've already lost everything"

There's a difference between feeling like you've lost everything and actually losing everything. It's a distinction Ra's Al Ghul knows well. Right now, Oliver feels like he lost everything. Ra's Al Ghul is going to teach him the difference.

It's not necessarily that Oliver has lost everything, it's more that he cannot lose one more thing. His parents, his company, a life as Oliver Queen, life as The Arrow...Felicity. Roy was just another person to add to an ever growing list of things Oliver loves and lost.

When Felicity absentmindedly says she could kiss Ray in front of Oliver, it served to confirm Oliver's belief that he's lost her. He sees the way she is with Palmer. She's happy. If that was true, Felicity would have stayed by Palmer's side and let Diggle go after Oliver. But she didn't. There was only one man Felicity was chasing after.

And here we are. The Olicity scene of the night.

"Oliver!"

"You know I can't believe that you and Diggle are okay just sitting on your hands while Roy fights off all of Iron Heights."

Oliver is furious with her. He doesn't understand what's going on. He doesn't understand why Diggle & Felicity are refusing to back him up and help Roy. This isn't the woman he knows and loves.

"It is not that simple!"

"No Felicity is anything was ever simple it's this!"

"This what? You going to jail too?"

Felicity isn't backing down though. She has logic on her side, and a ingenious plan in the works, but she needs Oliver to calm down and listen. I know that it's been a long and difficult season for Oliver and Felicity. They've spent the majority of the season apart and for a good portion of that time apart they've been fighting. It wasn't for nothing though. Over the course of the year, Oliver & Felicity have learned how to fight, which is crucial to a lasting relationship. This fight is proof of that. They've learned how to yell without going too far. How to express their anger without hurting the other person. Most importantly, they've learned how to listen to one another. Oliver hears Felicity's logic and that she's simply trying to protect him, to help him. He softens.

"I can't just do nothing."

And Felicity hears Oliver's pain & sense of powerlessness. She softens.

"I think John's right. I think you're struggling with doing nothing; with Roy, with Ray. But right now? You need people to help you. You need to let them. Maybe there is something more going on with you than just what's happening with Roy and this meta human. You have sacrificed everything to be The Arrow, even you and me, but whether or not you break Roy out of Iron Heights there is no more Arrow. Ra's took that from you."

No matter how hurt Felicity is that Oliver chose The Arrow over her, she understands why he did it. Felicity understands that sacrificing their relationship was just that...a sacrifice for Oliver. It caused him an immeasurable amount of pain. Pain that only Felicity truly understands because she feels it too. Oliver could live with that pain if it was serving some greater purpose. The Arrow was that greater purpose and Ra's took that from him. Oliver cannot be The Arrow. It was all for nothing. He lost her...for nothing.

Oliver cannot be with Felicity. He cannot be Oliver Queen. He cannot be The Arrow. Oliver doesn't know who he is anymore. He no longer knows his way ahead and that's why he feels like he's lost everything.

But he hasn't lost everything. It's why Felicity chased after him. It's why Felicity walked out of the hospital room. It's why Felicity didn't offer Ray anything but silence. Oliver hasn't lost Felicity. To be honest, I don't think he ever really can.

Oliver Queen or The Arrow? The never ending internal battle. Who is he? Roy Harper struggled with the same crisis. Was he Roy Harper? Was he Arsenal? Was he The Arrow? Or none of the above? Ultimately, Roy learned what Oliver is struggling to learn. The name doesn't matter. It's the man that counts.

It's a lesson Oliver cannot learn without Felicity. Suit or hood. Rich or poor. In sickness or in health. None of that matters, not to Felicity. From the moment she met him, underneath all the ridiculous lies and phony charm, she saw a good man. A trust worthy man. A honorable man. Felicity sees Oliver for who he truly is, even when he cannot. It why she's the person who can harness Oliver's light. She sees his light...she always has.

Felicity stopped the "I love you" from tumbling out of her mouth and you can literally pinpoint the second Oliver's heart stops. Loving Oliver Queen is as natural as breathing to Felicity. She doesn't think about it. She doesn't run from it. It just is. She's in. All in.

In a beautiful call back to the clock tower scene in 2x22, Felicity stops the "I love you" and offers up a "I believe in you" instead. There are millions ways to say "I love you." For Felicity Smoak "I believe in you" is just one in a million. Felicity told Oliver she believed in him in that clock tower because it was the only way she could say "I love you" that Oliver was ready to hear. It's why that moment is Oliver falling in love with Felicity all at once. Oliver could feel Felicity's love in her belief.  And Oliver knew he loved her. It was a moment of certainty, a blinding clarity, in the darkness. 

It's almost a year later and Felicity still can't say "I love you. Because of Ray, because she & Oliver are not together, because Oliver has yet to make a different choice. So she offers him an "I love you" the only way she can. And once again, Oliver feels Felicity's love in her belief. Once again, Felicity gives Oliver certainty in a moment of confusion. A blinding clarity in the darkness. Oliver still has Felicity's love, which means he has everything.

Of course Felicity goes to the power grid where the meta human is because that's her life. But you aren't going to fool me writers! My little cupcake has a Season 4 contract and Trollenheim gossiped like a 13 year old girl about her big season four storyline. I'm good. Cool as a cucumber.

DO NOT TOUCH MY BABY.

If Oliver was ready to throw down with Diggle over Roy, just wait until Felicity's in trouble. If Diggle stood in Oliver's way a second longer he would have ended up in the hospital. Best friend or not...this is Felicity. His Felicity. The only reason Oliver let Palmer go was because he could get there faster.

Essentially this scene was a mash up between Reel Steel and Rocky. Air punching. Stephen made air punching look cool. Is there anything he can't make look cool? Food for thought. Felicity used her God given brains to escape from the meta human. Unfortunately, she didn't make it very far. Luckily Oliver (in Roy's body...it sounds sexual but don't go there people) showed up just in time, but it lasted all of two seconds before Ray's tech was damaged. You could hear Oliver internally screaming "I told you so!"

Oliver doesn't like Ray Palmer. He's sleeping with his dream girl and he's annoying. But Ray put his body between danger and Felicity. He took an arrow for Felicity. An arrow meant to take what was most precious from Oliver, to force his hand. The only reason it's not Felicity's body going into the Lazarus Pit is because Ray Palmer protected her. For as long as Oliver lives, he won't forget that.  Nor will he allow Ray to. Oliver reminds Ray that it wasn't the suit that protected Felicity...it was him. He doesn't need the suit to be a hero. He just needs the will to fight back. It's the same will Oliver, Roy and Diggle have. Oliver's will formed on the Island, Diggle's in the war, Roy's on the streets. Ray's willed formed the night Anna died. Oliver simply reminded him of that fact. 

For as much as Oliver detested Ray's "team up" reference, it truly was. Felicity, Ray and Oliver each played an equal role in saving Felicity and stopping the meta. Put down the pom poms people. No need to get overly excited. Palmer still sleeping with Oliver's lobster.

But not for long!!!!!

Sorry not sorry.

"So on a scale of 1 -10".

Obviously, Felicity was concerned Oliver would be angry with them for letting him believe Roy was dead. However, I think her concern was more than that. Diggle, Felicity & Roy knew the plan would work because they know Oliver. They know him better than anyone. Death and loss are all Oliver knows. They knew he'd believe it.  They played upon some of his deepest fears & psychological scars.

I don't know Oliver...3.8?

Luckily, Oliver sees the forest through the trees.  Thy name is character growth! Don't you love the back half of the season?

In a subtle "my OTP needs alone time" move, Diggle heads to the car. Felicity and Oliver stand side by side, their arms only micro inches apart, grazing just a little bit against each other. So achingly close and yet...a distance still remains.

Suddenly Felicity turns and she threads her arms through Oliver's, pressing her body against his, in her signature "arm cuddle" that up until this point has been reserved for Mr. Palmer and Mr. Palmer alone. Damn boy...you don't even get to keep arm cuddle. This day sucks Ray. FYI.

The moment Felicity's arm touches Oliver's, the moment he feels the weight of her body shift into his, her chin against his shoulder, and her voice reminding him once again there are people who love him...that she loves him, Oliver struggles to fight back tears. He's missed her so much. He's so tired of missing her.

There's always one moment in Arrow when a character realizes Oliver & Felicity belong together. Tonight was Ray Palmer's moment.

Thea & Roy

The only piece of Roy Harper that truly mattered to Roy was...Thea Queen. Like Felicity is to Oliver, Thea is all that is good and pure and wonderful in the world to Roy. Thea set Roy on his path to salvation and there is no person he loves more. Roy can't tell Thea the truth, but he swore he would never lie to her again.

He tells her he's going to be fine. Thea asks if that's the lie and Roy doesn't answer. How can he? If he's not with Thea, he'll never really be fine. A piece will always be missing. But that's why they call it a sacrifice. No one said salvation was easy.

Thea Queen

He buried her heart still

He buried her on her own

By the cool ferns

In the rained on river bed

He took her in his arms

He carried her ghost

Through grey stone fields

He could feel her float

She said, “I would die for you

“I would die for you”

And it all came true

It all came true

He lay her down In the gentle earth And kissed her eyes closed Like it didn’t hurt

And whispered

I would die for you

I would die for you

I would die for you

And it all came true

It all came true

There's a reason this section came last. I dreaded writing it. From the moment we saw the cast images filming in Nanda Parbat and Willa was there; from the moment Marc said a character was dying; from the moment Ra's showed up at Thea's loft in the promo; from the moment Thea got into that limo with Merlyn...we knew this was where the story was headed. We knew the only way Oliver Queen would ever join the League of Assassins, the only reason he would sacrifice himself, would be to save someone he loves. Malcolm Merlyn's plan, for Thea to kill Sara so Oliver would be forced to fight Ra's, was always leading here. To the moment the Demon Head took Thea's life.

Thea knew she was dead, but she fought back. I was so proud of her.

"How many people can Oliver Queen lose before he's no longer Oliver Queen?"

Ra's Al Ghul will make sure Oliver knows the difference between feeling like he lost everything and actually losing everything. For five minutes, Team Arrow won Oliver his life back. Only for Ra's to take it.

At least he made it quick.

Ra's took Oliver's city, The Arrow and his sister.  Now, to save his sister, Oliver will lose Felicity...seemingly forever. Oliver may not know who he is, but he does know two things. He will do anything to save Thea and he is in love with Felicity Smoak. Thea & Felicity are Oliver's only two certainties. Thea is the first piece to the Oliver Queen puzzle and Felicity is the last. Without either of these women...Oliver Queen ceases to exist. And that's how he becomes Al Saheem. That's how the darkness overtakes him. Thus answering Slade's haunting question.

Stray Thoughts...

Captain Lance continues his impressive Ahab routine. His axe to grind with Oliver is so apparent, his boss gives him a word of warning. Maybe a bump down to beat cop will knock some sense into Quentin. Worked the last time.

Hong Kong continues to get suckier. Now it's the US army after them and some wack job general that wants to unleash bio weapons on China. Upside? Aikko lived to see another day!!!

Raylicity break up is coming. Sorry folks. I was wrong about 3x19. Look, it doesn't matter when it happens. It's going to take all of 2 minutes. But I want Felicity to break up with Ray. I want Felicity to make a conscious choice. I do not want Felicity to pull and Elena Gilbert or Rory Gilbert.

ONE. MORE. WEEK.

Predictions

I thought Ray was going to die and Thea would be severely injured. So I'm giving myself a B overall but A for effort. Once Roy survived, I knew Thea was a goner. Aces on Thea going into the Lazarus Pit but that's a small comfort because she's going into the freaking Lazarus Pit. Ugh..

SARA LIVES.  No buckles and that walk was pure Caity Lotz.  That was the original Canary in that promo. Now, before everyone gets too excited...it is NOT Sara who's coming back. As Malcolm said in the promo, the Lazarus Pit changes people in their soul. I'm hoping length of time dead equates to level of crazy. Why? I think Sara is coming back bat shit bonkers, but I'm hoping Thea doesn't. Thea can be just angry & crazy enough to put on a mask...you know like Laurel. But I think two loony female superheroes will be a bit much and Sara has that spot sewn up. Hello White Canary.

Al Saheem. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but I want everyone to get prepared. Things are going to get worse. MUCH WORSE. This Al Saheem persona is NOT GOOD. Oliver is going dark...really dark. In fact, my guess is the things he's required to do as Ra's Al Ghul will reverberate into Season 4. That being said, I think the LOA storyline will resolve itself by the end of the year. Oliver will battle his way back from the darkness, reclaim his identity as Oliver Queen and potentially make some pretty stunning decisions about what that means. (wink) It's also entirely possible Original Team Arrow comes up with a plan to fool Ra's and Al Saheem is part of the ruse. However, regardless if it's an act or real...the consequences of Oliver's actions will be real.

Alright...enough of that. Let's talk wedding. For those of you who don't know, Marc Guggenheim has spoiled that a second wedding will be taking place on Arrow.

Given Colton Hayne's departure, he and Thea are out of the running. So that leaves the #1 spot for rationale possibility open. Who's taking the spot? Oliver Queen marries The League of Assassins. Merlyn mentioned Oliver wearing the Demon Head's ring on tonight's episode. As a Catholic, the idea of a man marrying an institution or belief system is not a foreign concept. Priests marry The Church. So theoretically, Oliver could simply be "marrying" the LOA and Al Saheem is the marriage.

Couple of issues

First, if this is the case, that's some serious fucking trolling on Guggenheim's part and I'm going to be pissed. It's an odd way to describe Oliver's relationship with the League. Now, Marc teases and he trolls but he doesn't out and out lie. Marc said the wedding would result in a marriage. To me that says long term and the relationship will continue into S4. Given that I believe Oliver's LOA storyline wraps by the end of the year (to bring in the S4 big bad Hive and Felicity's father), I can't believe Oliver's marriage to the League is long for this world. So why describe it as a marriage? That's more of a divorce in my mind. Why not simply describe it as a wedding? Why would Marc make the distinction? Food for thought. Furthermore, Stephen said Oliver would have a reason to smile at the end of the year and I cannot imagine that a "marriage" to the League would give Oliver any reason to smile. Getting divorced sure. But then it goes back to my original issue of why did Marc make the marriage distinction? Moving on.

Nyssa & Sara: Okay folks. Stop sending me Nyssa and Sara theories. I thought of them way before I ever posted my Olicity wedding theory. Trust me, there isn't a permutation Calli & I haven't discussed. I discounted them for two reasons. First, I don't believe it's Sara who's coming back. I think it's Coo Coo For Cocoa Puffs Sara. This isn't Nyssa's Sara. Second, Sara is a series regular on the spin off. Nyssa is on Arrow. It's the same Roy/Thea issue. They aren't going to marry two characters and have them on two separate shows. That's a scheduling nightmare. It just isn't feasible.

If you want to read the rest of my "rationale" suspects, you can review them here. My same issues still apply with the rest of the candidates.

I'm trying very hard to stay impartial, but Thea & Roy were my best "rational" guess. Colton's departure and Thea's death/resurrection, and Emily's dolled up appearance while filming the finale, only serve to bolster my Olicity wedding theory. Yes, Oliver & the League is a very viable option, but there's more evidence in the show pointing towards Olicity.

***FYI: Calli & I saw the video of Emily. Yes, we know she's in pants, but that's not a t-shirt. That's a very sparkly white top. It's entirely possible that Emily changed into pants when she's not filming. It's Canada. It's fucking cold. Yes, we know Marc said they already filmed the wedding scene but they film out of order. Second, the video of EBR signing the shirt was filmed several days ago, possibly before Marc's ask about filming the wedding. She signed the shirt before Brandon Routh and Brandon Routh left Vancouver the other day. At the very least, it was before Barrowman signed it and he finished filming a couple days ago. Anyways...long story short...it is possible that video was taken BEFORE Marc answered the ask on filming the wedding scene. Whew.

#1 Rational Theory: Oliver marries the League of Assassins (and Trollenheim gets a strongly worded letter from me)

#1 Crazy Theory: Oliver marries Felicity. (The term crazy is relative right now, because this theory is looking more and more sane by the minute)

So the updated odds are...

60/40 in favor of the Olicity wedding

Second Chance Fulfilled: Broken Arrow Arrow 3x19 Review

THANK YOU JESUS!!!!

Prayer circle worked.

Oh Colton. How you will be missed. I was so nervous for this episode I was sick to my stomach. A swarm of butterflies. There was no way Colton wasn’t leaving the show. The tweets, Instagram, the spoilers…it wouldn’t have made any sense otherwise. In the world of Arrow an actor departure typically means death. Needless to say I am beyond THRILLED with the way they handled Colton’s exit.

Let’s dig in…

Keep reading

[dilemmaontwolegs]

The Miracle - Ch.6

Morpheus (Dream of the Endless) x reader (no gender/pronouns mentioned) Summary: Things are changing in the Dreaming as it heals from the many wounds suffered over the years, but the greatest healing comes from forgiveness. Warnings: none WC: 1.7k

Ch.1 || Ch.2 || Ch.3 || Ch.4 || Ch.5 || Ch.6

Forgiveness. In theory it is such a simple thing to do, but the reality was much harder. You didn’t even know where to begin as you stared at your reflection in the mirror that almost covered one wall of the bedroom. You were growing irritable the longer you stared, the space behind your shoulders still lacking anything resembling wings.

Exhaling the frustrated breath you had been holding, you swept from the room in search of a distraction. The first attempt was thwarted by Lucienne when she informed you that her history lesson with Hope was about to begin so you took aim at the throne room. 

“Morpheus?” you called out, voice echoing off the harsh stone surfaces in the empty room. Backtracking from the room, you walked the halls until you came across Mervyn - a bucket full of some dark liquid you were probably better off not knowing. 

“Have you seen Dream today?”

“Not since he went to the House of Secrets this morning.” Merv shook his big pumpkin head before hoisting the bucket up, its contents spilling over the side. “But if you do see him before me, ask him what he wants me to do with this shit.”

“You don’t actually mean…” You took a step away from the sloshing bucket. “I’ll, um, definitely send him your way when I find him.”

In need of fresh air, you made your way to Fiddler’s Green and took a rest under a tree you hadn’t visited in many years. The knotted trunk was thicker than before and its peak was higher but the leaves were still the vibrant green they had been when you had climbed it to the dragon’s nest.

You peered up between the branches but found no sign of the nest and felt the sudden urge to find the Three Graces, as they triplets had been named in the end. You ran your fingers through the strands of grass around you before rising to your feet. 

“Thank you for the company, Mr Green.” The trees swayed in a phantom wind as he waved his goodbye and you continued in your walk through the Dreaming. 

You couldn’t remember the last time you had simply meandered through the lands with no destination in mind. You always seemed to have somewhere to be and didn’t take the time to just breathe in the sweet scented air. It was refreshing, replenishing even.

You felt his presence before you spotted him and a smile graced your lips when he stepped into the path and wrapped you in his arms. “You look exhausted, my love.”

He hummed in your ear before stepping back and looping his arm through yours. “The brothers have been getting along rather well, Lucienne suggested I check in and see what was the matter.”

“And?”

“Cain hasn’t killed Abel for almost four days,” he said with a short laugh, “but Lucienne is right to worry, it is very unusual for them. Where were you heading to?”

You chuckled at the thought and shook your head at the brothers. “I’m off to find my dragons. Did Mervyn find you?”

The wrinkle of Morpheus’ nose gave you the answer before he even nodded. “I’ll spare you the details, but the Hippogryph will be missing from guarding the gates for a while I should think.”

Dream stopped as the path reached the edge of Fiddler’s territory and opened to tussock grass that stretched across the plateau. He bent down and began to unlace his boots, kicking them off before tossing them into the pocket realm hidden in his cloak. 

“What are you doing?” you asked as he turned to you and waited. “What?”

“Take off your shoes,” he ordered as a smirk teased his lips, “or I will.”

He lowered himself to one knee as you stayed where you were and your mouth parted at the sight of him looking up at you. His hand held your leg steady as he lifted it and pulled your shoe off before moving to the next, tossing them into his cloak too. 

“Someone wise once said it is good to feel the earth beneath your feet.” He caught the curl of your eyebrow and chuckled, lacing your hands together before heading into the knee high grass. “Earth, Dreaming - it's all the same, it’s grounding to walk barefoot.”

The grass tickled your feet and you felt the warmth of the soil that had been absorbing the sunshine all day. It was as if you could feel the realm itself, an extension of Dream, and your steps became lighter. 

The ground vibrated with life, from the small worm aerating the soil for growth to the roots reaching down deeper for a stronger foundation. It reminded you that you were all connected no matter how small your role was. 

“I am going to recreate the Corinthian.” You stumbled at Morpheus’ admission, groaning as you stubbed your toe.

You blinked at his serious face before stammering your question, “Why?”

Morpheus shrugged, kneeling into the dirt so he could fuss over your toe as he spoke, “It’s time. We have all changed and now I feel ready to create him as he should have been. With the support of Lucienne and you in keeping the Dreaming running smoothly, I can invest my time into educating him on his purpose.”

“Have you forgiven him for what he did to the humans?”

“He was a nightmare that I created. I cannot forgive him, such as I cannot forgive the wolf for biting, it is its nature.” Morpheus rose to his feet and brushed his lips across yours before trailing them along your jawline. “I forgave myself so that I might try again.”

You jolted away with wide eyes. “Take me to the library.”

The terrain blurred as you were whisked into the Library of Dreams and you darted along the aisles, searching the list of names until you found yours. You could feel the questions radiating off Morpheus but he kept his thoughts to himself as you flipped through the book, your story. 

The pages of your life read with a familiarity that was also foreign. It was your history but from an objective perspective and held no emotion to the facts. You inhaled the information, turned the page and repeated until you reached the last page that was almost completely blank. 

The rest was up to you. 

“You found your answer,” Morpheus stated with a proud smile. “I knew you would.”

You rolled your shoulders as you felt a pressure building in your back, the pops and cracks of your bones shifting. A nervous smile curled at your lips and you placed your book back on the shelf. “Did you now?”

“Absolutely,” he said with a kiss to your forehead. “My miracle is capable of anything.”

Wind whipped your face as you stood at the precipice of the wall above the gates. A strong updraft was blowing in from the ocean beyond but you were still nervous as you saw the drop below. “Will you catch me?”

Morpheus took your hand and kissed your knuckles. “My love, I would never let you fall.”

You could feel the bone structure of wings beneath your skin, but they had not yet made an appearance. Your stomach was in knots as you teetered on the edge and took a deep breath. 

You were an angel, you were a human, you were a miracle, and you could fly.

You leapt from the wall and cast your arms out into the open air, feeling the burn of the wind drying your eyes. The setting sun was reflecting off the ocean and sand with a golden beauty that stole your breath and you finally felt free. 

Wings erupted from your back, larger than ever before, and the screaming wind was silenced as the plumage caught the updraft to soar along the coast. Laughter turned to tears as you beat your wings and found they weren’t just reflecting the setting sun but each feather was gold. Gold like Morpheus’ sand.

You swooped back towards the gates and Morpheus held his arms wide open with an even wider smile. You caught him, wrapping your arms and legs around him before flapping your strong wings and rising higher towards the palace.

Morpheus radiated pride as he wiped the tears from your face and ran his fingers through your feathers as you glided around the north spire. “How do you feel?”

There was only one word to describe it. “Whole.”

You flew until your back ached and your body begged for a bath to soothe the overused muscles. It was well after dark when you returned to the palace but you were too impatient to wait to visit the Silver City, hunting down Michael to thank him. Morpheus had merely kissed you goodbye and given you a push to the door, trusting you would return to him.

When you stepped into the bedroom he hadn’t been to sleep but he also wasn’t pacing the room which was progress for him. He knew you well enough to have taken the liberty of expanding the width of the bed to accommodate your wings. You smiled gratefully as you saw that, your heart unwilling to shift them back under your skin after missing them for so long. 

“You never told me how your book ended.”

You hoped it never had an ending as you turned to your reflection in the mirror on the wall, that it would always remain as it was right now: ‘To be continued…’ You smiled at your reflection and saw Morpheus shift from the bed to join you. His body warmed your back and tickled your feathers as he pressed himself into you and rested his chin on your shoulder. 

“I love you,” he whispered sweetly in your ear.

You turned so you could see his starry eyes when you spoke to him, “I love you too.”

Turning back to your reflection, you looked into your own eyes as you voiced the hardest truth you had faced. “I forgive you.”

Tagging: @wt-fvck @nightly-polaris @lu123sworld @selene07sblog @mikariell95 

[baroquebucky]

touch

soulmate au where when you touch your soulmate you see glimpses of your future with them; the winter soldier touches you and realizes there’s so much more out there

series masterlist // next

part one

word count: 1.7k

masterlist

a/n: hi bffs !! hope u all enjoy this !! i am a sucker for soulmate au’s <3 let me know what u guys think and if u guys want a part 2 !!!

Bucky awoke to the sound of the guards unlocking the door, the metal creaking as Alexander Pierce walked in, waving the guards off to leave the two alone.

“you have another mission today” the man spoke smoothly, bucky getting up from his small bed and staring at the man infront of him, “you need to finish this before it gets out of hand” pierce spoke, eyeing the soldier as he stared blankly ahead.

“Do you understand?” He questioned, bucky looked at him, nodding his head silently as the guards took him out, taking him to get ready for his mission.

He had stopped resisting, he had nothing left, he couldn’t remember much and he had no idea who he even was. Bucky followed the motions, suiting up and grabbing his weapons alongside the other HYDRA agents.

You frowned at steve and natasha, grumbling to yourself as Sam let you into the house.

“im y/n, sorry about these two” you smiled at the man, extending your hand out and turning to your two friends.

“thank you for coming y/n, we really need you” Steve spoke, natasha nodding in agreement as she dried her hair slowly.

“yeah, yeah everyone always needs me” you joked, sitting next to them and rubbing your eyes, “woke me up from my nap so this better be good” you spoke, crossing your arms over your chest and leaning back.

Steve and natasha explained the situation, telling you what they knew about the winter soldier, you soaked in the information, attempting to google him but coming up with almost nothing.

“hm, so you want me to do what, exactly” you questioned, looking at the trio staring back at you.

“fight with us, help us, we have to stop HYDRA” Steve spoke, looking at natasha before continuing, “i don’t know who to trust and” he sighed, “we know we can trust you, are you in?”

You smiled, getting up and pulling the three in for a hug, sams eyes going wide.

“of course I’m in, i care about you guys too much to let you die alone” you chuckled, pulling away, looking at Sam before speaking up, “no ones dying by the way, right?”

The four of you were on the rooftop, getting information out of Sitwell, laughing when natasha kicked him off.

“What about that girl from accounting, Laura?” Natasha spoke, looking at Steve as he thought about the woman’s name.

“Lillian! Lip piercing right?” Natasha nodded and Steve shook his head.

“yeah I’m not ready for that” you laughed at the two lightly.

“you should get with the time have a little fun!” You teased, Natasha smiling as you sided with her, nodding her head excitedly.

As Sam brought Sitwell back you began the interrogation, threatening to throw the man off for good is he didn’t start talking. Your eyes were steely and they let you handle him, getting all the information you needed.

“i didn’t know you could be so-” sam stopped, trying to find the right words.

“evil?” Natasha offered.

“terrifying?” Steve chuckled and Sam nodded.

“Insight launched in 16 hours” you spoke up, checking your phone, Natasha nodded speaking up after you, “we’re cutting it kinda close here.”

Steve looked ahead with furrowed brows nodding his head, “well use him to bypass the DNA scans and bypass the helicarriers directly.”

Sitwell scoffed next to you, blabbering on about you something, you rolled your eyes, going to say something when someone reached through the window and threw him out, your eyes going wide.

“what the fuck!” You screeched, looking up and seeing who you assumed was the winter soldier.

Your eyes were wide as you stared out the windshield, a tug in your chest as you saw him sliding across the concrete, steadying himself with his metal arm.

Natasha pulled her gun out, aiming at the man. A car rear ended you, pushing you forward and knocking your wind out. The soldier jumped atop the car, holding on tight as the truck behind you pushed you all foward.

Sam pressed on the breaks, trying to steer away from the other cars. A metal hand reached through the windshield and tore the steering wheel out from his grasp.

“shit!” Sam yelled, eyes wide as the car drove into another, Natasha reaching her gun and shooting in hopes of hitting the masked man.

Steve grabbed onto the three in the front, looking back at you with wide eyes.

“go!” You yelled, scrambling to open the door before the car crashed into the wall.

“hang on!” Steve called, jumping out, with you bracing yourself for the impact seconds after, you flew out the door, hitting the ground with a thud.

You ran to join natasha and Sam, ducking behind cars to avoid the bullets, finally pulling out your pocket knife and hitting one of the men in the chest, running again as they shot at you three even more.

You and natasha jumped down, holding onto her as she shot something under the bridge to swing from.

The two of you landed safely, you pointed to the shadow of the solider, running alongside her to shoot at the man.

You both aimed and fired, hitting his giggled and causing him to turn back. You let out a sigh, hoping they would give you a minute to recover. You both ran for cover as he leaned back over, machine gun in hand and shooting wildly.

“fucks sake” you let out, breathless as you aimed to shoot back at him, running for cover once again, hiding behind the parked cars. Your eyes focusing on the bus steve had fallen into, relief flooding your body when you saw him jumping out and hiding behind the shield safely, eyes moving to the highway and seeing Sam shooting from above.

“I’m gonna leave this recording here, ill sneak up behind him and then you try and get him, we can double team him” Natasha spoke, you nodded, letting her record the memo before setting it down and running.

Your heart raced as you saw the soldier approach the vehicle, waiting for the right moment to strike. As Natasha ran to tackle him from behind you noticed the amount of people still around you, the explosion next to you sending people flying.

“shit” you mumbled, running to help them as Natasha held her own.

“get out of the way! Run! Get out of here” you yelled, pointing at those in frenzy to run in the opposite direction, you glanced over your shoulder, Natasha being thrown into a car.

As you turned to help her you noticed a little girl crying, alone. You debated for a second before running up to her, taking her in your arms and handing her off to some random adult who was fleeing.

Natasha had messed the man arm up, joining her in her sprint as you all yelled for people to move and to take cover. You heard the whirl of a bullet and natasha groan, doubling over next to a car.

“take of her!” Steve yelled, holding off the soldier. You let eyes were wide, putting pressure on Natasha wound and looking around.

“you’re gonna be fine” you told her, looking into the car and breaking the window with your elbow, opening the compartment in the passengers seat and smiling when you found a first aid kit.

“come on” you mumbled, moving her gently and cleaning the wound, doing your best with what little you had. You tried to bandage her, the sound of the bullets hitting Steve’s shield making your hands shake.

“go help them, I’ll be fine” Natasha groaned out, you hesitated before nodding, running to where Steve was.

You hid behind a car, watching as he shoved a knife into a van, barely missing Steve’s head.

You jumped from behind the car as Steve reached to grab his shield, hitting the metal armed man, you used your body weight to twist him back.

Visions flashed in your eyes, quick flashes of a man with a charming smile and beautiful blue eyes. The sound of laughter echoing in your ears as the mask fell besides you. You saw the two of you cuddled up on a couch, you saw two two of you watching a sunset while on a picnic, giggles falling from your mouth.

Bucky saw it too, his mind flashing with pictures of a life he didn’t recognize, seeing you, his mission in them. He saw you cuddled at his side, he saw you on a stage together singing with lyrics on a screen, he saw the two of you rescuing a white cat from the rain. Bucky saw you holding out a present for him, a bright smile on you face, he saw you throwing flour at him in a kitchen, cookies baking in an over.

He stayed on the ground, memories who he used to be flooding his mind, hope of who he could become clouding his judgement.

Tears brimmed in his eyes as he looked up at you, standing in front of Steve with an equally shocked look on your face.

“it’s you” you breathed out, your heart tugging in your chest as your eyes met his blue ones, they were cloudy and they were broken but god, you already loved them.

“it’s you” he whispered. A year rolling down his face before HYDRA agents surrounded you all.

“Bucky?” Steve spoke, finally getting a good look at the man.

The super soldier stayed quiet, panic in his eyes and he looked at you, setting his weapon down. You made a move to run to him, but Sam flew in, knocking him feet away from you, Natasha soon launching a grenade.

“no!” You screamed, running to where he was. He was gone.

“No! Please i just found him no!” You cried, sinking to you knees, Sam ran over to you, holding you tightly as you sobbed, agents surrounding the four of you and telling you all to get down on your knees.

You sobbed into sams chest, only leaving his embrace when the agents ripped you from him.

Buckys eyes were wide as he sat in the chair, his heart racing as he recalled your face, your hair. He recalled the flashes he saw, his future with you.

He had something to hold onto, he had something to fight for, someone to survive for. He thought about the man who was next to you, he was familiar, he was in his old memories.

Buckys mind raced, knowing they would wipe his memories, he soaked in every last detail, praying he could hold onto to what he had after they wiped him.

He could hold onto you, his hope.

[venusiangguk]

gold rush pt. 3 | jjk (m)

>>pairing: jungkook x reader

>>genre: pwp, v little plot, smut, kinda fluffy, college au (kinda), established relationship

>>word count: 9.9k um?

>>warnings: pegging!!!, butt stuff!!!, sexy anal!!!, sub jk, soft dom oc, crying why do i always make everyone cry, fingering (m), strap on, dildos, vibrators, sex toys, sex shop adventures, explicit sex, like so explicit this bitch is basically 10k, mutual masturbation, coming untouched, kisses, aftercare in the form of snacks, titty squeezing, dirty talk, excessive use of pet names, yoongi exists

>>notes: i wasn’t gonna write this bc ur girl does not know the first thing about pegging, but jk sucking the strap came to me in a dream and i had to do it. it was highly requested so i hope u like it! i wrote and poorly edited this whole thing today so im sorry for any mistakes !! 

>>summary: jk wants the strap, and jk gets what he wants !!

pt.1 | pt. 2 | pt. 3

The sun is shining, and there’s just the perfect amount of breeze to cool Jeongguk as sweat runs down his temple. The soccer pitch just got cut, making the ball much easier to control, and therefore much easier to aim at Jimin’s ass. It’s cool-down time, so the team is in groups of three, idly kicking the ball between each other, for the last few minutes of practice. All in all, a great day to talk about getting pegged with his best friends.

Jeongguk glances around the field, making sure the other groups are far enough away from him and his friends before clearing his throat. “So… do you guys like… get pegged?”

When Taehyung passes the ball to Jimin, Jimin completely misses it due to the fact that he is looking at Jeongguk like he is the most pitiful human on the planet. Jeongguk adjusts his shin guard to avoid the scrutiny.

“Gguk… honey… are you dumb?”

Taehyung’s jogging back after retrieving the ball that ran astray. “No, Mini. He’s straight.” He kicks the ball to Jeongguk. “If by ‘pegged’ you mean fucked in the ass by a real dick, then yeah. We do.”

Jeongguk receives the ball with a ‘rainbow’ and juggles it from his thigh to his laces, balancing the ball for a second before kicking it to Jimin. He nods, contemplative. “Nice.”

“Okay ace.” He passes to Taehyung, before throwing Jeongguk a teasing look. “You thinking about taking it up the ass, Gukkie?”

“Perhaps I’m contemplating.” He sniffs nose in the air.

Taehyung laughs. “Got your button milked once and now you wanna take a phallic shaped object? Proud of you.” He places his hand over his heart, like the mere thought of Jeongguk getting railed makes his heart warm.

A whistle blows, and Jeongguk kicks the ball up to his arm, tucking it into the curve of his trim waist. “Why does everyone call it a button? And it hasn’t only been once.” He sounds exasperated and so so tired.

His friends jog to bump shoulders with him as they make their way to the locker rooms. “Hey, jokes aside, I think it’s cool you’re like comfortable enough, or whatever, with __ to explore the things you like.” Taehyung says.

Jeongguk rolls his eyes. “Okay Dad.”

“No seriously!” Jimin insists, holding the locker room door open for them. Fuck the rest of the team. “She seems good for you. Babys you like you need.” Jimin laughs.

Jeongguk’s shirt gets caught on his head as he squawks. “I don’t just like being babied, fuck you.”

“Okay so she also entertains your sadistic side. She’s the full package.”

Jeongguk looks down with a blush. He shrugs his shoulders lightly before bending over to get out of his gear. “She’s pretty cool I guess.”

Taehyung knees him while he’s still bent over making him stumble a bit. “Awe, Jeonggukkie is in love.”

“Shut up.” Jeongguk smacks him in the face with his smelly sock.

“When you gonna do it?” Jimin asks, buttoning his new pants. 

Apparently they aren’t showering today. Jeongguk will just have to stop at his dorm before heading to yours to help you study. That reminds him that you have a test on Friday, but are free this weekend. He just so happens to be free as well. The team they were supposed to play had to forfeit because their coach got caught sleeping with one of the cheerleaders. Sucks, but good for Jeongguk and his little asshole.

“Maybe this weekend.” With their backpacks on, they start the trek back to the dorms. It’s nearing night now, the sun just starting to set in the sky. Jeongguk pulls out his phone to tell you he’s stopping by his place before heading to you. You reply quickly.

baby🥺💘😏🧠🙄👊🏻:

okie

wanna have sex instead of helping me study 

me:

yeah but im not gonna 

just think about how good the sex will be when u get an a 

baby🥺💘😏🧠🙄👊🏻:

🙄

When Jeongguk pockets his phone, Taehyung speaks up.

“You think she’ll be down?”

Jeongguk doesn’t hesitate. “Yeah, probably.”

Ever since the first time you made him cum untouched, butt stuff has been a moderately regular occurrence for you both as a long-term, healthy, pro-ass eating couple. Honestly it was mostly him getting his butt played with, but he supposed it made sense. Like Jimin explained to his once naïve self, it was just biological- or something. Whatever. He wonders if three fingers will be enough to fit a fake dick in his ass. He asks his friends.

“Eh…” Jimin starts, looking up like he’s thinking. “Maybe, but you might wanna try to get to four, maybe five if you're using hers, since she’s tiny.”

Jeongguk’s mouth falls open and he pales. Taehyung notices and laughs.

“Don’t get scared. It’s just better to over-prep than under-prep. And like obviously you work up to it, she’s not just gonna shove her fist or her cock up your ass.”

Her cock. A little tingle settles in Jeongguk’s lower belly at the statement. He’s been thinking about this for a while, looking at porn in his free time. Seeing the way the guys moan on their girls’ strap always gets him hard. Seeing how hard their cocks get when the toy hits them just right. He throbs when he sees the guys cum just from the strap, no hands. Maybe he should fuck you when he gets to your dorm instead of helping you study. His cock is feeling a little plump.

“Alright well… Bye, thanks for being gay and answering my anal questions!”

As he’s pressing the button to his elevator, they lived on opposite sides of the athlete dorm and there were different elevators for each of the wings, Jimin chirps, “Don’t forget to empty your asshole really well, and don’t eat the day of! Also buy extra lube and put a spare blanket down!”

Jeongguk winces. Valuable information indeed, information he mentally pockets, but did he need to yell it in the dorm common room?

“Noted!” He yells back at the elevator dings and opens up. Jeongguk pretends like he doesn’t meet the curious, kind of confused gaze of one of his teammates. He must have walked in while Jimin was yelling and only caught the end of the conversation while waiting for the same elevator. Jeongguk gets in and immediately closes the doors. He can catch the next lift.

~~~

Jeongguk’s got his head in your lap and you’re running your fingers through his long, silky hair. He showered today, so waves of his aromatherapy lavender shampoo are wafting up to you. Sweet boy. He seems sidetracked, occasionally sighing and subtly twisting, but is still more or less purring on your thigh, feet tucked up onto the cushion of the couch. Netflix is on the small tv that was left by the last person who lived there, you’re mac book connected via HDMI. You’re not really paying attention. Mind kind of tired from all the studying you had done this week. Jeongguk fidgets a tiny bit again, wiggling like he’s trying to get comfortable. He huffs a sigh.

“Hey,” You say softly, getting his attention.

His body curves at the waist, causing his t-shirt to bunch up and show off the dip of his hip bone. He looks up at you with wide eyes. He seems surprisingly awake. Must have some busy little bees buzzing around his mind. He makes a little questioning noise.

“You okay? You’re kinda fussy.” You murmur.

He groans. “I-  am just thinking.”

“About?” You drag the word out in a singsong-y manner.

The way Jeongguk’s face flushes is so pretty, you have to stop yourself from cooing. 

He moves himself from your lap and sits facing you. He looks like he's thinking about what to say, or how to say what he’s thinking so hard about. 

Eloquently he states, “I’m horny.”

You glance at his cock. Not quite hard, but a little happy and excited. You chuckle, leaning towards him, giving him a playfully sexy look. “Okay, let’s fuck baby.”

Jeongguk blushes even more, cheeks tinted red, while he leans away from you.

You pout. “What?”

Again he pauses, a small pout on his lips. He seems to be in a soft, needy, difficult mood. You’re probably going to have to pry what he wants to say out of his mouth.

With another uncalled for exasperated huff, Jeongguk rolls his eyes and moves closer to you before catching you by surprise and swinging a leg over your lap. He’s facing you while he straddles your thighs. His arms are looped around your neck, he’s playing with a little bit of your hair, twirling the long length around his fingers. You smile up at him, gently. Your palms squeeze at his narrow hips encouragingly.

“I want to try something new…” He says. He sounds nervous and looks at you the same.

“Mhmm.” You say, fighting a smile. 

“Really bad. Like I want it really bad.” His hips roll, probably unconsciously from the way he closes his eyes to ground himself. 

You peek at his lap, and his cock is bulging, the fabric of his sweatpants doing nothing to help hide it. You bring your hand to it, and massage him through his pants.

He whines and pushes against your palm before a hand comes down and grabs your wrist, stopping the movement. “Quit it, I’m trying to talk.” He’s so petulant and whiny.

You move your hand away and place it back on his hip, giggling a little. “Well spit it out, then.”

He scowls. You reach up and smooth the wrinkle in his brow before trailing it down and cupping his cheek. He softens immediately, melts like butter in your hands. His eyes close and he lets out a soft sigh, body relaxing a little.

He’s whispering, kinda giggling out of embarrassment, when he says, “I want you to fuck me.” He pauses, peeking at you through his lashes. “Like for real.”

Almost instantly a little spark ignites in your belly, and you feel your pussy get that telltale heartbeat. You didn’t want to push Jeongguk into anything, but you’ve been thinking about taking the ‘next step’ with your… ass-plorations for some time. But you figured he would get to the same point on his own, and would come to you when he was ready. Turns out you know him as well as you thought you did.

“Yeah?” You rub your free hand up his side. 

He nods quickly, eagerly. You pinch his cheek lightly, and he retaliates by trying to bite at it. To avoid the attack it finds his way back to his waist.

“When did you want to? Tonight?”

He wiggles impossibly closer to you. Kisses you quick before nodding again. “Yeah. I um. I already like prepped… mostly. I prepped what I could by myself.” He pauses with a cute thinking face. “You will probably have to help me a little. But yeah. I got ready for you just in case.” He nods.

You hum, glancing at the old clock on the wall, another gift from the prior tenant. 11:52 pm. 

“If we hurry, we can make it to a sex shop? They don’t usually close until 2 or 3 in the morning.” You suggest.

Jeongguk bites his lip, smiling excitedly. “Really? Can we?”

You roll your eyes playfully. “Yeah, duh.” You lean up and give him a speedy, but thorough kiss, smiling into it. “Been wanting to peg you for so long.” 

His face scrunches endearingly. “Don’t call it that.”

He hops off your lap, and goes to grab the keys, wasting no time. He stands by the door expectantly. His cock is, extremely obviously, sticking out. Someone didn’t wear his briefs today.

“Can you like… kill that?” You’re laughing as you tug on some sweats of your own, having only been lounging in your panties and one of his shirts. Your usual at home attire.

He looks down, and has a smug grin on his face when he looks at you again. “It’ll go down in the car. Hurry up!”

~~~

A dildo looks so much bigger when one is looking at it knowing that it will be inside of them within the next few hours. And there are so many options and colors. Some vibrate, some have fake pubic hair on them. Some have balls that are squishy and feel eerily… accurate.

Jeongguk isn’t having second thoughts, no. But he is having thoughts. Very overwhelming thoughts. 

You’re next to your boyfriend, glancing between him and the varying selection of fake cocks displayed in front of you both, trying to gauge his reaction. He looks a little pale, but tentatively excited. Curious at the very least.

“Which one do you want?” You ask.

“No idea.” He responds, eyes wide.

Like most store clerks, one shows up, almost like they have a built in ‘customer needs help and has no idea which dildo to get to peg her super hot boyfriend’ radar. 

“You guys need help?” He is a small man, with a monotone voice. He looks like he would rather be anywhere else at 12:30am on a Saturday night. 

“NO!” Jeongguk says quickly and loudly. Very loudly.

Both you and the store clerk flinch, looking at him shocked.

Jeongguk shifts on his feet. “No.” He says in a more socially acceptable tone. “No- I’m sorry. But we’re uh-” He grabs your arm and pulls you closer. “We’re good, thanks.”

The clerk looks between you and Jeongguk and the dildos. “Um… Alright.” He starts to walk away before he turns back around. “Well if you change your mind, I’m Yoongi and I’ll be at the counter. If your toy is electric I’ll test it in the back before you leave… We uh- provide batteries with your purchase if needed…” With one last glance, a very judgmental one in Jeongguk’s opinion, Yoongi takes his place at said counter. His eyes flicker to you guys every once in a while.

“Baby,” You grab Jeongguk’s face between your palms and make him look at you. You squeeze and his lips poke out making him look like a guppy. He blinks. “I know you’re nervous, but it’s going to be okay.”

He rolls his eyes, guppy face and all. “Well obviously. I just- We don’t need help.” He wiggles out of your grip, much like a… guppy.

You grin, trying not to laugh, and just be the supportive girlfriend you are. “Okay, did you decide which one you want?”

A side glance. “Not yet…”

You walk up and go to grab a pink sparkly one.

“Uh, not that one.”

You quirk an eyebrow and move your hand to a larger one.

“No.”

You play a little game of dildo hot or cold until you have a better idea of what Jeongguk wants. His preference seems to be skin tone, close to his own, with a more realistic feel. Normal balls though, not squishy. Also no faux hair. You thank him for that. If you actually had a penis it would surely be waxed. Bless Jeongguk for doing the same. As for size, he leaned more towards a very normal, moderate size. Maybe 5 or 6 inches at most, not too thick. Smaller than himself. One last option.

“Do you want it to vibrate?” You ask, holding one in your hand testing the numerous different settings.

He shakes his head, answering quick. “No.”

He pauses.

“Wait.” He thinks. “Maybe. Should we? You could use it too?” 

Sweet, kind, considerate angel. Always thinking about you and your pleasure. Couples who share the strap last the longest.

You shrug, pointing out, “I could use one that doesn’t vibrate too.”

He looks offended and sounds snotty. “Uh, you don’t need to.”

“Whatever. Why don’t we get both?”

You had a point. He pretends to ponder it, before nodding, already persuaded. “Okay.” 

“We need the harness now.”

You begin the harness hunt, walking through the store, coming across many a things, but for some reason you both keep missing them. They’re nowhere to be found. 

“Maybe they’re sold out?” He tries.

“Doubt it. Let’s go ask.” You grab him by his pinky and try to drag him to the counter. He resists. 

“Let’s not.”

“Koo.” You say giving him a look.

He whines, throwing his head back. Borderline throwing a fit. You hold your ground, smiling.

He’s easy to give in. Being a brat just on principle. “Fine but you’re talking.”

You stand on your tiptoes and kiss his cheek. “Of course, baby.” With his pinky in hand, you make your way to the counter.

The store clerk, Yoongi, if you remember correctly, is sitting behind the counter hunched over smiling at his phone. He doesn’t seem to notice you’re there.

You clear your throat gently, “Excuse me?”

Yoongi jumps, almost throwing his phone. “Fuck!” He exclaims. His fists come up ready to fight before he sees it’s you and Jeongguk. He then places his hand over his heart. “Shit, you scared me.” He chuckles, recovering quickly. “How can I help you?”

You stare at him for a moment longer before speaking up. “Um yeah, I was just wondering where your harnesses are?”

He leans on the counter, head in his hand looking kinda bored. “Hanresses? What kind? Hanging harness? Body harness?”

You glance at Jeongguk and he looks like he’s going to die.

“The um- strap on harnesses?” Your voice goes to a whisper when you say it, despite it just being you guys in the store.

Yoongi sits up, and looks at you, and then looks at Jeongguk. A look of understanding comes over his face along with an amused smile. He nods to himself, while getting up to help you. “Nice. Follow me.”

Jeongguk gapes at the ‘nice’ and looks at you in disbelief. You pat his butt telling him to get going. 

With some help from Yoongi you pick out a harness that looks supportive and comfortable, the ring that holds the dildo, compatible with both the ones that you plan on getting. It’s a simple adjustable black one. Yoongi recommended wearing something under it if the straps dig into you and irritate. He seems bored, but he’s actually very good at his job, and very knowledgeable.  

Finally you’re at the counter. You place all the items in Yoongi’s reach and he’s just about to tell you the total when Jeongguk perks up.

“Wait!” He says before scurrying off.

It’s quiet for a split second. Before the clerk speaks up.

“He’s cute.”

You smile, “Thanks, he’s mine.”

Yoongi laughs, small little fish teeth and gums on display. Must be a Pisces. You know Pisces teeth. “Does he have any cute friends?”

You nod. “Yeah, but they are dating.”

He shrugs. “Don’t care.”

“Uh… I can give you their Instagrams?”

He pulls out his phone, and follows them right there after a quick glance at their pages. Confidence is nice.

There’s a short lull in the conversation. And Jeongguk seems to be taking his sweet time getting something you guys must have forgotten. Or the poor things lost. It’s a big store. You speak up this time.

“Do you have like a manager I could leave a review for? You were really helpful, and seemed like you really knew what you were talking about.”

He shakes his head. “Nah, I own the place. You think I would be here on a Saturday night if it wasn’t obligatory? Thanks, though.”

“Oh.” You say. That was pretty impressive. The store was quite successful based on the reviews. You would make sure to let Jimin and Taehyung know Yoongi was a business man.

“Okay, I’m back.” Jeongguk announces. “Sorry I forgot where it was.”

He places 2 (two) large bottles of lube on the counter. You cough out a laugh.

“Baby, we have lube at home.”

“But do we have enough?”

“I think maybe one more would be more than enough.”

He ignores you, looking Yoongi in the eyes for the first time tonight. “Add both please.”

Yoongi nods, looking a little scared of Jeongguk’s seriousness, and does as he’s ordered.

After Jeongguk pays, and you both are making your way to the exit, Yoongi calls out, “Good luck, tell your friends to follow me back!”

“Uh- Okay?” Jeongguk yells back. When you’re in the parking lot, he asks, “What the heck was that about?”

You shake your head, laughing to yourself. “Don’t worry about it.”

~~~

As soon as you get back to your dorm, the atmosphere is thick, full of tension and nervous anticipation. Jeongguk’s fidgety, eager to get started. You’re not far off, but contain yourself a little more. Need to keep control of the situation in case Jeongguk gets deep into his mood.

You guys are in the bathroom now, each one washing a toy before you use it. You make sure to unwrap the harness and the lube as well, both at Jeongguk’s insistent request, ensuring you don’t have to stop and deal with it later. 

“Let’s just get undressed in here, it’s where my hamper is.” You say already tugging your shirt over your head, tits bouncing freely. Jeongguk went without briefs today, and you went without a bra.

Jeongguk quietly follows suit, and you don’t miss the way his hands are trembling a little in anticipation. When you’re both naked he kisses you quickly, and jiggles your boobs a little just because they are there and because he can, before saying, “Okay, lets go.” He’s out the bathroom before you can even respond. You laugh to yourself and gather the stuff he forgot in his excitement.

When you walk out with your hands full, you see Jeongguk spreading out a blanket over your comforter.

“Whatcha doin?” You ask curiously, placing the items on the nightstand.

“Gets messy. Wanna save your bedding.” He states.

You squawk, grabbing the blanket he set up on your bed. “Not my baby blanket you monster.”

He laughs, abs tensing. You notice he’s already hanging a little heavy between his thighs. “Sorry. Was the first one I saw.” He walks over to the couch and replaces the blanket that’s hanging over the back with your baby blanket and resets up. “Better?” he asks, extended his arm towards your bed to show off his work.

You nod, and take the few steps needed to close the space between you both. Your hand runs down his belly, and you feel his muscles jump, and you see little goosebumps sprout all over. His hands come up to cup your tits. You kiss softly where his heart is. You look up at him.

“I love you.” You smile.

He blushes. “Love you.” He whispers, before he leans down and slots your lips together.

It’s eager from the start. Your bodies press together, as your hands roam. When he takes a breath and surges back in, your teeth click together is his haste, before his tongue slips into your mouth. He groans into you, his hand going down to cup your ass, squeezing and pulling you impossibly closer. 

You feel his cock against your belly, almost fully hard already. You reach down to wrap a hand around him, wanting to help him get there before you get started. He hisses, thrusting forward instinctively before pulling away. He looks like he hates that he does.

“No- I,” He’s already short of breath, chest rising and falling a little bit faster than normal. “I wanna watch you cum. With the toy.” He reaches around you, grabbing the vibrating dildo. “Please?” He asks. His eyes are fervent.

You take the toy in your hand, and kiss him again softly. “Yeah, baby. Whatever you. It’s all about you tonight.”

He shakes his head. “Always about you too.” 

Your heart beats, happy in your chest. You thought about it earlier in the night, but Jeongguk really was the best lover. He always, always made sure you were taken care of, before, during, and after sex. He was so vocal and communicative, genuinely wanting you to know it was always about both of you, even if one was receiving more attention. He was caring like that in and out of the bedroom. You were so lucky to be his.

“You’re too good to me,” You laugh, climbing onto the bed. You settle back against your pillows, propping some behind you so you can see him, and watch him while you get off. He takes his place in front of you, looking at you expectantly.

He’s impatient, placing his hands on your knees, spreading you open so he can see your cunt. You let him get you into position before saying, “Keep your hands to yourself now, okay?”

He nods, eyes never leaving your pussy. He licks his lips. “Okay.” It’s said in a distracted kind of far away tone.

You hum as you bring the toy to your mouth, getting it wet. You wouldn’t need any lube, you would be dripping in no time. You don’t waste any time putting your free hand down between your legs and spreading your pussy lips, so your clit and the pretty pink center of your cunt are displayed for Jeongguk. You glance at him through your lashes, when you hear a small gasp fall from his lips. He’s already got a hand around himself. Just the tips of his fingers stroking his length, at a leisurely pace. 

“She’s so pretty… You’re so pretty.” His eye flick to your face before zeroing in on your center again.

“Tell me how to do it baby. Tell me what you want to see.” You say, voice salacious and soft. You circle your finger slowly around your nub, dipping inside just a bit to spread your slick around.

When he swallows, it’s audible, his Adam's apple jumping. “I want you to turn it on low, and put it on your clit. I want you to feel good.”

You smile, and drag the tip of it down your body to just above your clit, turning it on the lowest setting before making contact with your sensitive nub. Your legs jolt, almost closing when you feel the vibrations. Even the lowest setting was strong. Your head falls back, and your legs spread more for him once you get used to the strength of the toy. “Fuck…” You breathe.

“Does it feel good?” He asks, greedy for your pleasure.

You nod, eyes still closed, focusing. You move the vibrator in small circles over your clit. You can hear Jeongguk’s breaths speed up.

“Turn it up.” His voice gives away that he’s speeded up his hand on his cock too.

You do as he says, looking at him as you do. He’s sin personified. He’s on his knees, sitting back on his feet, so his thighs are flexed and bulging. His abs tense when his palm twists under the crown of his cock. His eyes almost look black, pupils blown so wide, lust taking over his face. He’s got his plump bottom lip drawn between his teeth. He looks up from your pussy and catches you staring. He smiles shyly.

You keep your eyes on him as you bring the toy back down to your core. A short high pitched moan falls from your lips, as your brows knit together, before your eyes roll back. He groans, your expression enough to make his cock start to leak.

“Feels so good, Jeongguk.” You moan. The vibrator is right where it feels best, pulsing against your clit, causing pleasure to bleed into your veins. 

“Yeah, baby?” He asks, he’s breathless, sounds like he’s in love. With you, your cunt. “Tell me.”

“‘S just right Koo, could make me cum just like this…” 

He curses, and you open your eyes just in time to see him grip the base of his cock, keeping himself in check. “Not yet, baby. Little longer, please.” Still so polite and good for you, even when he’s the one telling you what to do.

He has you keep the vibe there, for a while longer, right in the spot that’s gonna make you lose it. He watches as a tiny clear drop leaks from you pink little pussy. It looks like it’s heavy and about to drip down to the blanket under you. He doesn’t notice your legs shaking until you’re gasping, “Koo, I’m almost- I’m gonna-”

“No!” He says quickly, his hand reaches out to pull the vibrator from your cunt just before you get your high. Your pussy aches and throbs, wanting to cum so bad. 

Your chest is heaving when you ask, “Are… are you edging me?”

He shakes his head, even though your eyes are closed, trying to catch your breath. “No, no! I just. I got distracted.” He looks at that small drop of slick again. Fuck, he wants to lick it up and drink you down. “You’re leaking.” He states.

You laugh, breathing getting back to normal. “Yeah?” You reach your hand down to collect the distracting little droplet and bring it in front of you. You press the sticky finger to your thumb and then pull them apart to see the clear strings stay connected even as you pull. You hum, before offering your hand to Jeongguk. He sucks in a breath.

“Want some?” 

He’s quick as he crawls between you legs, cock fully hard now. He watches you as he sucks your fingers into his mouth, tongue swirling around getting every last bit, before he sucks off with a pop!

He crawls farther up your body to kiss you deep, wanting you to get a taste of yourself too. He pulls back just a bit, and whispers against your lips, “I want you to fuck yourself with it, okay? Just for a little bit, then you can cum?” He’s phrasing it as a question, knowing he really doesn't have the final say, not tonight. But his voice is shaking from how turned on he is, how could you ever say no?

“Sit back.” Is all you respond. He does as he’s told.

You buzz the toy over your clit again, just because you can. Wanting to see how long Jeongguk can be good before begging. Turns out it’s not long at all. 

“Put it in…” He moans. You look at him and his mouth is parted, and his eyes heavy as he watches you. His hand is moving fast over his cock, sticking straight up to his tummy. “Please.”

You drag the toy down to your slit, and tease it there before just barely pushing it in just a fraction of the length. Jeongguk whines, high and desperate. Apparently you’re moving to slow for him.

“More,” He begs. 

You sigh, “You’re so needy tonight, baby.” He nods, agreeable.

When the toy sinks inside of you all the way to the hilt, you and Jeongguk both moan a quiet, “Fuck.” simultaneously. You’re coherent enough to laugh a little at the jinx, but he seems to barely notice, too focused on watching the toy sink into you, and then come back out to vibrate your clit again. You keep up this teasing pattern, again waiting to be told what to do by him, waiting to see how long he makes it this time.

“Harder, do it harder,” He’s panting. Moaning every word that leaves his lips.

You do as he says, and finally push the toy in at a pace that gets you climbing to being close again. You won’t be able to come like this though, and he knows that. Knows that you can only cum from penetration with him. He leans over and grabs the other toy from the end table, spitting on it and spreading it around until it's covered well.

“Use them both, want you to cum for me.”

With two toys in your hands, one in your cunt, filling you up, and one on your clit, making your legs shake, you do your best to make yourself cum. But it’s not enough. A soft whine falls from your lips, you’re so close, but you need more. More than you can give yourself.

“Faster baby, faster. You’re so close.” He whispers. He got both hands working now too, one stroking and one down tugging on his balls. 

You whimper, “I can’t my arm hurts. It’s tired.”

Immediately he stops pleasing himself and gets right to pleasing you. Your pleasure taking priority. “Shh, don’t worry, I’ll help you baby.”

Jeongguk sits between your legs, and takes over the toy fucking into you, and turns up the one on your clit. With him pushing the toy in at a pace that you couldn’t do yourself, and the other toy vibing your clit incessantly, it takes barely any time at all for you to cum. You were so close already, just needed him to push you over. 

Your legs are shaking and your toes are curling, when you cry out, “Baby, I’m gonna cum.”

“Do it, baby. Wanna watch.” He’s quiet, paying close attention to your body and the reactions he’s helping pull from it. He’s part of the reason why your face looks so pornographic as you finish. He’s part of the reason why your back is arching off of the bed. He’s part of the reason why your toes are curling, and why your legs are shaking, and why your pussy is contracting over the toy he’s still thrusting inside of you, working you through every last second of your orgasm. He reads your body cues, and slows down and pulls it out when you start to come down. You look blissed out, and you bring a hand to your hair and fluff it a little before laughing.

“That was good.” You sigh smiling, and when you look at him an image forms in your head, and you have every intention of making him carry it out.

Right before your eyes, Jeongguk wraps his lips around the toy that is going to be inside of him in just a short while, sucking off your slick. He laps his tongue around it trying to get it all. He’s obscene. 

“Gimme,” You say sitting up with an extended hand. 

He pouts at being interrupted, but does as he’s told. He takes your spot on the bed, and you head to the bathroom, stopping by your dresser on the way.

When you get to the bathroom, you close the door and get to cleaning the toys once again. After, you get to the stuff you grabbed from the wardrobe. A lacy pair of black panties, and sheer black thigh highs with matching lace adorning the tops. You slip into them, and then move on to the strap on. You hold it in front of you and try to make sense of which part goes where, and which holes your legs go into. It takes a second, but you get into it, adjusting it so it's nice and snug. Your outfit probably won’t help much with protecting your thighs, but at least the little part above your pussy will be safe. You look at yourself in the mirror. Not too weird or scary yet. You glance at the dildo on the counter.

It’s not too big so hopefully it’s not too… jarring when you see yourself with it. You get to work, slipping the suction base of the non-vibrating toy into the ring that’s meant to hold it in place. You look at it sticking out from your crotch and take a deep breath before turning to the mirror.

You gasp, before cackling quietly. You knew it was going to be weird. Like you knew. But actually seeing yourself with the whole get up is funny. Right now at least. You know it’s going to be sexy, once you get used to it and into the moment and inside of Jeongguk. You wonder how he’s going to react. Only one way to find out.

While you're walking to your bedroom from the bathroom, the dildo bobs, and you're giggling distractedly until you lift your eyes to let your boyfriend know you're ready. Again you’re met with a scene so indecent it belongs in a porno.

Jeongguk’s eyes are closed and soft moans are falling from his lips as he strokes his cock. He’s got three fingers in his ass, opening himself up for you, for your cock. Such a good good boy. He was so patient and productive while you got ready for him.

“You’re so good baby,” You murmur softly.

Jeongguk blinks his eyes open slowly, and rolls his head to the side to look at you. He doesn’t even falter in his movements at all, hand still moving, fingers still thrusting. He smiles a little when he sees you, but his eyes are hazy and he sounds lust drunk when he simply says, “You look sexy.”

You blush and a fond smile graces your lips, any embarrassment or self consciousness you were feeling prior to seeing him spread out for you on your bed, quickly vanishing.

You settle on the bed between his legs and watch for a moment as his hole takes his long fingers in. “Want me to help?” You ask quietly.

“Mhmm,” He nods, eyes closed still, tongue peeking out from between his lips. He doesn’t take his fingers out, though.

You grab the lube next to him, and flip it open. “You gonna get out so I can get in?” 

He shakes his head. “Nuh uh. Put one in with mine.”

Something about that makes your body tingle. Inside of him with him. Opening him up. You can’t explain it, because you don’t really even get it yourself, but it makes you buzz and feel almost high.

You slick up your middle finger, and drizzle some more on his for good measure. He jumps slightly, and then giggles softly.

“Cold.” He says.

“Sorry,” You say distractedly. Your finger is lined up with his now.

“I’ve never done 4 before so you… have to go slow…” He pauses as he speaks, letting himself moan freely when his fingers graze over that secret spot that he’s grown to love so much.

“Tell me to stop if you need to.”

He doesn’t reply, just stops his fingers so you can wiggle yours in next to his. At the first push against his hole, there’s resistance. Very much expected. He’s quiet, teeth gritted, but he never says stop, knowing his body wants it, and knowing it will accommodate what he wants. After the second knuckle, your finger sinks in, almost gets sucked in, by his hole.

He lets out a shaky breath.

“You okay, baby?” You check in.

“Yeah just… full.” He moans when you wiggle your finger experimentally. “”S good. Move it some more.”

You do, and his start to move with yours. You can feel his fingers curl inside of himself to reach his prostate, and it’s pleasant in an out of body way, knowing when his face is going to contort in pleasure, and when he’s going to cry out, when you never really knew before. You’ve milked him before, of course, but feeling him do it to himself from the inside? It’s kind of thrilling.

“Pull, stretch me out.” He moans, voice impatient and needy.

He gets kinda slutty when something’s up his ass.

He swears when you do, his finger rubbing insistent circles on his prostate to distract himself from the minor sting of the stretch. His moans, start to raise in pitch and his hand that’s on his cock, still jerking it, starts to speed up. You can tell he’s close. He clenches against your finger that’s still stretching him open.

“Fuck,” He says, on a breathless giggle, “Take them out. Or I’m gonna cum.” He’s still stroking his cock, like he doesn’t wanna stop.

“You c-” 

“No. Out.” He demands, hand finally pulling away from his cock, and his fingers inside stop. You gently ease out of him.

When Jeongguk’s fingers slip out, you gasp. His little pink hole is clenching on nothing, still open just the tiniest bit, thoroughly stretched.

“You know how you always say my pussy is pretty?” You ask, fingers tracing around the puffy stretched rim.

He makes an affirmative noise, watching you with hooded, lazy eyes as you touch him. He even spreads farther so you can touch and see better. You marvel at the difference between the embarrassed boy you made cum untouched a couple months ago, and the one in front of you now, so comfortable and relaxed. It makes you happy.

“Well, your butthole is pretty.”

He snorts, and kicks you lightly. He smiles at you, soft and sluggish. “Just fuck me.” 

He sounds so wistful and just ready.

But you’re not.

You grip the base of your cock, and stand up. You walk to the head of the bed, next to his confused face. You stay there waiting for him to get it. He doesn’t.

“You want me inside of you right baby?” You ask, voice gentle.

He nods, eyes no longer hazy, but wide and confused. He looks between you and your cock.

“I think that means you have to get me ready. Get me nice and wet, right?”

You can physically see when Jeongguk gets it. When it clicks for him. His eyes darken, and he licks his lips. “Yeah… You’re right. I should… help you.” He whispers, sitting up. You back up enough for him to have a place on the floor.

Jeongguk on his knees for you isn’t a new sight. He’s eaten your pussy like this before, you either grinding onto his face, or him holding you still and making quick work of your clit. But Jeongguk on his knees for you to suck your cock? New, and lewd. 

He looks nervous, kind of hesitant. A hand is raised midway, like he isn't sure if he should grab it. 

“Lick it, baby.” You encourage.

He glances at you, doe eyes seeking approval as he leans forward and gives a kitten lick to the tip. You nod, letting him know he’s doing well. His hand comes up and replaces yours at the base and he opens his mouth enough to wrap his lips around the head, and he swirls his tongue.

He pops off, and strokes up to where his mouth was and spreads the little bit of spit. The silicone is still dry though, so he spits on it more, straight from his mouth. You suck in a breath.

“Fuck, you’re so hot baby.” You whisper a breathy moan as his hands move up and down your cock. He adds his mouth again.

He hums a little, before backing up and looking at you again. “Does that feel good?” He asks.

You laugh lightly, in pure awe of him. He’s so sexy, and so sweet, and so incredibly lust inducing. Your pussy aches behind your cock. “Feels so good, baby. You’re doing so good.”

He hums, still stroking you off. “I really want it inside me…” He says, hinting that he’s ready.

You have mercy on him, having fulfilled your newfound personal fantasy enough for the night. Maybe you could revisit it another time. But now it was time to fulfill a mutual fantasy.

“On the bed, hands and knees.” You tell him.

Excitedly he hops back onto the bed, and gets into position, his hole on display for you. His back is arched and you can see the plush swell where his lower back meets the top of his cheeks. You settle behind him, and his shoulder to waist to hip ratio, is sinful. He’s always had the daintiest waist, strong, but still so small. But at this angle, it’s cinched and the way his legs are spread makes his hips look wider, accentuating the dip at his middle. You rub your hands over the narrow curve, all the way to his cheeks, grabbing handfuls of the muscle. There’s a slight give when you squeeze your hands.

Jeongguk’s head drops, and he lets out a shuddering sigh, he’s got the chills again, and he’s got a constant thrum coursing through his body. “Please…” He moans, so quietly, so desperately.

You kiss the small of his back before grabbing the lube left abandoned on the bed. You lather 2 of your fingers, and push them into Jeongguk’s hole making sure he’s nice and slick. There’s no resistance at all, hole loose and ready enough for them to slip right in. Then you lather your cock, probably with too much lube, honestly, but you wanted to be so sure that he didn’t feel any more pain than absolutely necessary. You knew the first initial push in would be the worst, but you were hopeful you both had stretched him out enough to at least minimize or diminish it altogether. 

You grab the base of your cock and line it up with his hole. It flutters, when you barely press against his rim.

“Ready?” You ask, giving a heads up.

“Yeah.” He says softly.

He’s tight. His hole sinks in with the tip of your cock before the rim gives and swallows around it. Jeongguk tenses and his hands grip the blanket under you. 

“Shit…” He groans. He sounds like he’s clenching his teeth.

You rub soothingly at his lower back, fingers dipping when you run them over the dimples at the bottom of his spine. “You’re doing so good baby.” You tell him.

“Doesn’t really hurt, I’m just stretching.” He says through his teeth. “I can take it though, keep going.”

You grab the lube and drizzle more directly onto his hole. He doesn’t mention the cold this time, too focused on taking your cock. You push against him, and feel yourself sink deeper into him. It’s like after the tip was in, his body knew what to do to take the rest. The slide wasn’t a swift, fast stroke, but it was a smooth and slow glide. When you bottom out Jeongguk’s arms give out from under him, his face going to the bed. 

“Holy fuck.” He keens, resting his head on his arms. Your hands are constantly on him, soothing him in any way that you can.

“Tell me when.” You whisper patiently. He nods. With his head turned to the side and pillowed on his arms, you can see his eyes are squeezed shut. The inhales and exhales you can see in the expanding of his ribcage, tell you that he’s taking deep breaths working through the stretch, getting himself used to it.

“Okay… Ready.” He murmurs.

You pull out just a bit before pushing back in. Jeongguk moans softly. Spreads his legs even wider, arches his back even deeper. He’s pushing his ass out for you, his body begging you to make it feel good.

You keep a slow pace, kind of nervous to speed up. 

“You can go faster, feels nice.” He says. He’s been puffing out little gasps of air every time you bottom out with your slow pace.

With his consent, you grab at his hips and pull out to just the tip, before swiftly pushing back in, fast and hard. His cheeks bounce on the impact. You grab one and jiggle it a little, thrusting into him again, drinking down the whines that slip out.

“You’ve got such a bubble butt, I never noticed before. But it like… bounces.” You say, wonder in your tone. 

“Thanks, can you like tell me about it later?” He asks, voice strained.

Point taken. 

Your thrust game is kind of shitty, in reality. It’s hard to find a rhythm, your hips not used to moving this way. But Jeongguk is moaning freely underneath you, just happy to have something inside of him after thinking about it all week. So you keep going, and eventually, the pattern comes to you, still kind of messy, but now you’ve got him cursing beneath you. You’ve got one hand on his ass, the other braced on his arched spine.

A particularly good thrust has Jeongguk burying his face into the bed, teeth biting at the bedding. “Yeah fuck-” He groans with his mouth full of blanket. With his hands now free, he brings them behind him and settles them on his cheeks and spreads.

You watch clearly as your cock sinks into Jeongguk’s ass. You’re out of breath, but you make sure to tell him how good he looks, how pretty his hole looks swallowing your cock, like it was made to take it.

“Wanna ride you.” He says. His voice is pitifully wrecked and he sounds so thoroughly fucked, you feel a little proud. Still, you’re grateful for a break. You don’t know how he fucks you like he does. ‘Topping’ is tiring. You pull out of him, and realize that when you were in awe of his hole at taking your fingers, it was premature. Jeongguk’s hole after he takes your cock is vulgar. It’s properly gaped now. Not huge, but around a fingers width.

He rolls over, and settles on his back like he just needs a moment. His chest is heaving, similar to yours. You hop off the bed, and a needy keen comes from him. You glance back at him, and he looks like he’s going to get up and follow you, but you hush him gently.

“I’m just getting some water, baby. I’ll be right back.” 

He huffs flopping back onto his back. “Hurry please.” He whines.

You get back as soon as possible with a glass of water for you both to share. He sits up onto one elbow and makes a grabby hand for the cup after you’ve had your share. You swat his hand away and hold the cup to his lips. He hums, gulping the water down. He’s happy to be coddled and taken care of. When he finishes with a cute little gasp, you place the cup to the side, and brush your hand through his sweaty hair. 

He butts his head against your palm and laughs. His eyes shut, and crinkled at the corners. His water break seems to have perked him up. His cock hasn’t deflated one bit. Rock hard and red, throbbing against his tummy. It’s messy and wet too.

You’re about to ask if he touched himself while you were inside of him, but before you can, you’re getting manhandled until he’s on top of you. He’s got your hands pinned above your head, and he smiles at you playfully, before leaning down to kiss you, deep and slow. He sucks on your lip, and slowly grinds his cock onto your belly, soft whines spilling from his tongue. He brushes his nose against yours as he sighs into your mouth, finally allowing himself the pleasure of paying attention to his cock. 

He doesn’t allow himself relief for long, however. He’s sitting up and looking from side to side for the lube before finally spotting it. His movements are quick and hectic, like he’s too excited and overly eager.

You rub your hands over his strong thighs. “Hey, slow down. You don’t have to rush. We have all night.”

He sighs at your touch, and nods softly. He whispers. “Yeah… okay. I love you.”

The little affection makes you swoon, absolutely smitten. “I love you.” You squeeze at his legs, tenderly.

He hums. “Gonna ride you now.” He opens the lube and continues with eager actions, almost like you didn’t even slow him down just a moment ago. You smile fondly to yourself. Jeongguk’s too busy slicking up your cock again to notice the mushy look.

He’s got a hand reaching behind him and he’s gripping your cock to line it up with his hole. He wiggles to get into the right position before slowly starting to sink down. His eyebrows are pinched, and his mouth falls open. But his eyes roll back when he bottoms out. His hands are braced on your stomach.

“Oh, I love it like this.” He whimpers. His legs tense at your sides, almost like he’s trying to close his legs at the pleasure he feels from your cock being tucked inside of him, hitting all the right places. He starts to grind on your cock, soft pleasured little mewls just tumbling off his tongue.

He looks so good, whining, grinding on you with his weeping cock displayed. But you wanna see him lose it on your cock. See him fall apart at how good it feels, not watch him bask in it.

“Bounce on it.” You say, voice sounding almost as fucked out as his. You know your panties are soaked through at this point, pussy pulsing and neglected, tucked away behind the strap.

Jeongguk nods. “Yeah, wanna.” 

He’s lifting himself off your cock to the tip before sliding down on it again, hard and fast. It punches a sharp gasp from his lungs. He finds a pace he likes and keeps it up, his thighs tensing, and his abs flexing as he tests his stamina, chasing that euphoric feeling he wants so so badly. He’s so strong and fit, bouncing up and down on your cock as loud unabashed moans fill the room. 

The force of him riding you makes your tits jiggle, bouncing around until they catch his attention. He groans before his hands find them, squeezing hard, using them as leverage as he pulls and drags his hips over yours. Your cock must be rubbing over his prostate because he’s losing his mind. All kinds of noises leave his mouth, and the expressions he makes are filthy.

“Fuck baby. You make me feel so good. The best- I-” He eyes squeeze shut and his mouth opens in a silent moan, overwhelmed, before a guttural groan sounds from deep within his chest. “God. Wanna cum on your cock, baby. Fuck me-”

You laugh, wonderstruck, and kind of deliriously high on the satisfaction and fulfillment you get from seeing Jeongguk feel so just…. Good. “Yeah baby? You’re gonna cum for me? All over my cock?”

He whimpers and nods as he gets back to bouncing, a desperation to his movements that wasn’t there before. His cock is slapping against both of your stomachs with nasty wet noises due to his precum getting everywhere. You feel some fly and hit your neck, his cock just dripping, weeping and begging to cum. 

It won’t be long though, before he cums. You feel the way his thighs tense, and he gets that confused look on his face, and he’s got that puzzled pitch to his moans. It’s the way he always gets when he cums untouched, always in awe that he can do it himself, without a hand around his cock. His whole body is flushed and hot to the touch, sweat making him glow in the soft light of your bedroom lamp.

He throws his head back, neck extended, and veins bulging, before looking down at his bouncing cock. “Fuck, I’m gonna cum.” He’s so whiny and noisy when he moans.

“Yeah?” You ask again, “Do it baby, show me how. You can do it, cum for me.” 

He’s nodding frantically, “Yeah- I’m gonna... Fuck, yes- Yeah, I’m-” He bounces a few more times, silent aside from the obscene squelching noises of your skin meeting, before his body tenses one last time before that string in him snaps. “Cumming-” He chokes it out. His moans don’t stop the whole time his cock shoots out his load, landing on your tummy. The moans even turn into cries, actual tears filling his eyes and falling down his cheeks. His body jerks and twitches with his orgasm. But still, he’s grinding on you, your cock still rubbing that spot inside of him, it’s like he never wants the feeling to end, even if it’s devastating, bordering on too much to handle.

You smooth your hands all over his sweaty body, before firmly placing them on his hips, stopping him. “Hey. You’re good, you did so good baby, you don’t have to keep going.”

Jeongguk’s cries are quiet, and he takes a few deep stuttering breaths to try and calm himself down, nodding with your soothing words. He rubs the back of his hand at his eyes, trying to dry them. It doesn’t help much, he’s calmed himself some but a few silent tears still make their way out, along with some soft hiccupping breaths.

“Lay down, and wait for me, hmm?” You whisper gently. He nods and lifts himself slowly, wincing at the sore ache in his hole. It’s more prevalent now that the pleasure has subsided. He all but collapses onto your pillow. 

“I’m gonna get some more water, and a towel okay?”

He grunts in response.

Before you go, you strip out of the gear, just tossing it on the ground, eager to get back to Jeongguk after getting the things you need.

When you get back, he is in the same exact position, and you laugh lightly. 

“Baby?” You ask, making sure he didn’t fall asleep.

Another grunt.

Good, he would hate you in the morning if you left him to sleep being so messy.

“Sit up, I have water and snacks and cleaning supplies.”

His head pops up. “Snacks?” His hair is sticking up on one side.

You laugh, endeared. He’s not crying anymore either, a good sign that he will be okay in just a little while after some kisses and love.

“Yeah, I got some of those seaweed chips you like, and some water.”

He sits up, leaning back on the pillows knowing the drill for after butt stuff. You hand him the water and the chips. He eats first.

“You hungry?” You ask, fitting yourself between his legs with the warm washcloth. He opens easily, munching away. You both are far past after sex shyness.

He talks with his mouth full. “Yeah. Jimin said not to eat the day off.”

You hum curiously, but don’t question it. Jimin partakes in butt stuff much more than you both. 

You’ve got all the lube cleaned off his thighs and cheeks, now all that’s left is his hole. You do it as gently as you can, knowing he’s sore just from how red and swollen and puffy it is.  But he still winces.

“How bad is it?” He mumbles.

You hesitate. “Um… You’re gonna be a little sore.” You tell him simply.

He groans, before downing his water. When he’s done, he says, “Practice is going to suck.”

You nod in agreement. It was. You wrap the used cloth in the blanket you used to protect your sheets, once again just tossing the bundle to the floor.

“Worth it though,” He smiles, pleased.

You chuckle as you find your place by him. He’s set his refreshments aside and lets you curl against him. His body sags with exhaustion when he feels your warmth press into him. You plant kisses on every inch of skin you can reach. He purrs.

“Why’d you keep going?” You ask, between smooches.

“I don’t know… it just felt so good. I guess I didn’t want it to stop.” He’s quiet, and his words are said on a sigh.

You nod, your kisses making your way to his lips. You just kiss him, slow and easy, for a few minutes until he yawns into it. He giggles.

“I’m so tired man.”

“I bet man.” You tease.

He kisses you one more time before asking, “Will you tickle my back until I fall asleep?” It’s hopeful and so sugary sweet.

“Yeah roll over.”

It’s barely a few minutes before you're met with his soft snores. You kiss his shoulder blade, before following right behind him.

~~~~

you ask for pegging and you shall receive :] i hope you liked it and that it met ur pegging standards askdkhjd as always, comments and feedback and asks and notes are loved and appreciated. thank you for reading friends ily :* 

[chezzywezzy]

Yandere Joe Goldberg (3/5)

Word count ; 4.0k

*Edited.

God, this was nostalgic. Joe, the knight in shining armor, had been my escort to my best friend’s funeral. And then he’d walked me home. I had invited him in, just like Beck did when Peach’s funeral happened not even two months ago. Why was the world crumbling around me? The only consistent thing were my boys and… and Joe. Joe, who was just as heartbroken as I was, was keeping me together, just as he always had.

Elijah was elsewhere in the apartment, but Derek, my little ray of sunshine, ran out of their bedroom to greet me with a hug. I gave him a faint hug back.

“Auntie Y/n, you’re back!” Derek exclaimed cutely.

“Hey there, kiddo. Guess what we’re having for dinner,” I greeted as Joe snuck past me.

Of course, Derek’s eyes trailed after the man as a grin spread to his face. “Pizza! Yay! Is it pepperoni?”

“Uh-huh. Why don’t you go get Elijah for me?” I requested, Derek’s excitement rather infectious.

Joe patted my shoulder sympathetically before opening the box. “Th… thanks for being here for me, Joe. I have no idea how you’re feeling. I envy how well-put-together you are. I mean, on one side, I know she cheated on you, but on the other, you two were head over heels for each other once upon a time,” I mumbled.

“Hey, I’m here for you. Don’t worry about me. Everything that happened between me and her has made me… numb. The love and hate evened each other out, so my main concern is you,” he reassured, shooting me a slight smile.

Elijah and Derek emerged from the hallway, Derek more energetic than the other. Elijah, understandably, was still trying to cope with the loss of his mother, so his former lively composure had faded a bit. I gave him the space he needed, but was still making sure to tend to his needs and keep him afloat.

Elijah raised a brow. “Why are you dressed like that?” He asked as he sat on the couch. “Is this dude your boyfriend?”

Joe and I exchanged glances. Derek was distracting himself thoroughly with the pizza and an episode of ‘Girl Meets World.’ I answered shakily, “Well, the thing is, my best friend… passed away. And no, Joe’s just a friend. My escort to the funeral.”

Elijah frowned deeply. “Oh… I’m sorry, Miss L/n.”

I ruffled his hair a bit. Joe clearly felt left out, so I aimed to change that. “Actually, Elijah, I think you’ll like Joe. He works at the bookstore I frequently visit.”

“Yeah - Your mom’s told me a lot about how smart you are and how much you like to read, so you should stop by the store sometime. I have a few antique books that I can lend you, especially since you seem to like Steinbeck,” Joe added charismatically.

Elijah attempted to share the enthusiasm, since Joe’s mood was rather infectious, but it only lasted for a moment. “Yeah, actually, I’d like that. I’m just busy with school and everything, so…”

Joe nodded, sending him a mischievous smile. “Yeah, I totally get that. I bet you’re quite the lady’s man, huh? A kid like you probably has a date every weekend.”

Elijah erupting into embarrassed laughter. “Ew! I’m not interested in that.”

Joe sent a teasing wink. “Sure you’re not.”

I chuckled a bit at the amusing scene. “You better not be, Elijah. Just ‘cause you’re my kid doesn’t mean you’re not my student still. And don’t think I don’t see how you stare at Ben during class.” I pinched his cheek lightly, making the boy scrunch up his nose and push me away playfully.

“Ew! I’m too busy to have crushes. You people are weird.” He halted the conversation by shoving a pizza slice into his mouth and moving away to sit next to his brother. My heart warmed at the scene, Beck and Peach and everything troubles in my life leaving my mind in that moment.

I scooted closer to Joe, who had finally gotten comfortable on the couch. I leaned over to him and spoke in a hushed tone, “Thanks for cheering him up. He’s been pretty depressed lately.”

“It’s no problem. He’s a good kid. And he has a great mom, teacher, guardian, whatever you consider yourself to be, too.”

His fingers glided over my hand, which was resting on my lap. He gave my hand a squeeze, not breaking eye contact. He seemed so confident as he did that, so I couldn’t tell what his intentions were.

Before I had the chance to look into it further, he pulled away. “Hey, I know that you’ll be going to court to fight for custody next week and you’ve been working really hard on that. And things have been really crazy lately, so let me treat you to something nice tomorrow. Italian, Chinese, you name it.”

My nose scrunched. “Nuh-uh mister, you’ve been spoiling me rotten the whole time.” I shushed him as he was about to speak by holding my fingers to his mouth and pinching his lips shut gently. “I know it’s nothing gourmet, but tomorrow, we’ll go to that local hoagie place you love. I’ll buy you a meatball sub and everything. All on me. It is illegal to say no.”

After he removed my hand, he sent me some puppy dog eyes,. I didn’t yield, so he caved, “Fine, fine, you’ve convinced me. But only if the kids can join us for some ice cream after. Will you allow it?”

“Well, you know I can’t say no to that, Joseph.”

Joseph. Peach always called him that. And Peach was one of Beck’s best friends. Beck was dead. I let out a sigh, automatically deflating. Joe’s brows furrowed worriedly. “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked.

“I was just… remembering Peach and how she’s dead, too.”

Joe sighed, grabbing my arm gently and pulling me off the couch. He dragged me to the hallway where he enveloped me in a warm hug. One that wasn’t too tight, but wasn’t too loose, either. I couldn’t help but find comfort in the man as I pressed my head to his chest and gripped his shirt. It felt nice. Joe was nice.

“Things are hard for you right now. But Beck would want you to focus on the present. About how much you love Elijah and Derek. And me. I’m here for you always. You can come to me for anything, Y/n,” he consoled, rubbing his hand up and down my back soothingly.

I nodded into his chest. “You’re… right. But how can you be there for me when you’re not letting me be there for you, Joey? I worry about you. I mean, first you get cheated on by the girl you loved, then she ends up dead, and now you’re taking care of Paco and me.”

“It has been hard, yes - “ I lifted my head up to examine his visage as he spoke - “but nothing puts me more at ease than knowing that you are okay. Just by existing, you cheer me up. It meant the world to me how attentive you were when I was dealing with Beck and it helped a lot. You are the reason that I’m doing great now, so I aim to be there for you, too, no matter what.”

God, Joe was so good at… talking. Was it wrong for my heart to be beating this fast for the guy that my dead best friend used to date? It sure felt like it. And why was my face feeling hot?

I pushed Joe away, suddenly, without realizing. “O - oh! I’m sorry, I was just lost i - in my own thoughts,” I stuttered, completely mortified.

Joe, although surprised, didn’t seem resentful or annoyed by my actions. “It’s fine. I completely understand.”

That smile. That gorgeous smile. I always thought Joe was handsome, but in that moment, his kind eyes and caring smile and god-given jawline was just —

“Miss L/n, can you help me with some geometry homework?” Elijah spoke form behind us.

I jumped, turning to him. Elijah held a suspicious flow on his face, but didn’t say anything. “Of course. Right now? Right now, great! Uh, Joe, you go ahead and make yourself comfortable,” I tittered, pushing me and Elijah into the makeshift bedroom and former office I gave to the boys.

“Gro-o-oss,” Elijah vocalized as he sat at the desk.

I pouted while hovering behind him. “It was just a hug,” I defended.

“Yeah, but he’s creepy-looking! There’s something weird about him.”

I sent him a playful glare. “Now, now, I for one think he’s cute. And he’s a really great guy, so don’t be rude, kiddo. Now, about that homework.”

After half an hour or so, Elijah allowed me to tend to the guest, and it was getting late, so I figured I should tuck Derek into bed, a habit I’d gotten into. The kid had a hard time adjusting to a decent sleep schedule, which broke my heart, so I did my parental duties of establishing a bedtime for him. Elijah hit the hay early, too, something that was most relieving.

Joe was right; it was healing to be around them. And him. However, I realized it was getting late and that Joe probably needed to go home, so I collapsed next to him on the couch.

“Hey, you.”

“Hey,” I replied.

“Are you going to be alright for the night?”

“Yeah, I’ll be okay. I’m guessing you’re ready to head home?” I leaned on my side, body facing toward him attentively. He had such lovely eyes —

“I hate to say it, but yes. I have work tomorrow, and this suit is stuffy,” he chuckled.

I nodded in agreement. “Let me walk you down,” I suggested as we both rose from the couch.

Joe, not voicing any complaints, tied up his dress shoes and pulled his suit jacket back on. The silence shared between us as we walked down the apartment complex stairs was comfortable. The sort that was shared by a pair with a tight bond. One that I knew Joe and I had.

When we stepped out into the brisk autumn air, the oncoming winter wind nipping at my skin, we paused. Joe sent me a smile, his hand stroking my arm. I had to look up to make eye contact. His expression made my heart race. God, I felt bad, but how could Beck have ever let a man as great as this go?

“I… I just want you to know I really appreciate everything you’ve done. Not just for me, but for Elijah and Derek. You probably already know this, but… it’s crazy that Beck could’ve ever cheated on a guy like you.” A blush was trickling up the back of my neck, even in the frosty air.

I became hyperaware of Joe’s fingers dancing softly up my arm, passing over my shoulder and pausing securely at the base of my neck. My exposed neck felt like it was on fire. Beck, please forgive me, I wanted to kiss your ex-boyfriend so badly.

“I’m glad she did,” Joe suddenly spoke, his voice husky and hushed. Forgive me if I’m out of line for saying this, Y/n, but… I never had the connection with Beck that I do with you.”

Oh, to hell with it. I roughly threw my arms around his neck, clearly catching the man off guard, ad pushed my lips securely onto his. Our lips molded together perfectly. Joe kissed back with just as much pent up passion. I tangled my hands into his curly, soft hair. Joe pulled me closer to him as we were chest to chest. I loved the feeling of his hands roaming up and down my waist. Beck was luck —

I pulled away with a gasp. “I can’t believe I just did that.”

Joe, rather dazed, replied,” What? Just made my month?”

“W - well, I mean, it’s so disrespectful to Beck! I mean —“

He shushed me while shaking his head, squeezing my cheeks together firmly. “This isn’t about Beck. We weren’t even together. Beck and I clearly didn’t have the connection that we do. Beck was your best friend, so I know that she’d want you to be happy and with a guy you like. She cheated. She broke up with me. And I am head over heels for you.”

I took in his words, individual bias ruling in his favor. He wasn’t wrong… “…Yes, I guess you’re right.” He leaned in to kiss me again, but I took a step back. “But we’re going too fast. Let’s just… take it slow. We’re such great friends, so no matter what, I don’t want to ruin that with you, Joe.”

He crossed his heart with a respectful smile. He opened his mouth to speak, but instead, another voice cut through.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Joe Goldberg. It’s been a while,” a female voice interrupted.

We both turned to see a woman with reddish brown hair and a confident expressions standing only a few feet away. I couldn’t decipher Joe’s reaction, though. His eyes had hardened a bit and his smile faded. Was he displeased, perhaps?

“Hello, Candace.”

Candace. I’d heard that name before, but where? Beck… Peach… Ah! Peach’s party! Was she an ex-girlfriend of Joe?

“Uh… I’m going to turn in for the night. Hi, Candace. G’night, Joe,” I announced nervously.

Joe glanced momentarily to me and strained a smile. “Good night, Y/n.”

~~~

After months of blood, sweat, and tears (mostly thousands of dollars, though), I’d done it. I finally accomplished my goal. I almost screamed from sheer excitement in the court room when the judge announced me eligible for custody and it became official: Elijah and Derek were my kids now.

Elijah and Derek were just as elated, which only made me happier. Derek was the sweetest child on earth, and Elijah and I were even closer. It genuinely felt like a family. Hell, maybe I was falling too fast, but Joe felt like the soon-to-be stepfather that was good for my kids.

Joe had been there every step of the way, and I had no clue how. He’d been patient and kind. He babysat when I had appointments with a lawyer; he gave them toys, and had even bought an Xbox; he often helped me make dinner and accompanied us on family bonding trips. Elijah even warmed up to him at some point.

“How about some ice cream? On me,” Joe offered as we exited the courthouse.

Derek was clutching my hand tightly and Elijah was sticking close to my other side. Joe was trailing behind, maintaining his calm and collected composure, even though a few minutes ago I saw him grinning like a madman.

“You know, usually I’d want to pay, but goddamn I earned a free ice cream,” I agreed.

“Yes please!” Derek chimed in. “I really wanna have a banana split. Can I, Auntie Y/n?”

“Of course you can,” Joe answered for me. “What are you in the mood for, Elijah?”

Elijah, having spaced out, jumped slightly. “Oh - uh, pistachio. I’m trying to diet and everything, so that sounds the healthiest.”

Luckily, we were in downtown New York - anything was everywhere, so it was easy to locate a backstreet plaza that had an ice cream stand. Upon ordering, the simple stand didn’t have a banana split like Derek hoped for, but the boy settled for banana chocolate chip instead. The whole time we were ordering, my heart was flourishing with the awareness that we looked like a happy, perfect family. We finally were one.

“Let’s sit over there,” Elijah suggested while motioning to a bench not too far away.

We gathered at a bench. Elijah sat at the end, Derek in between me and him, while Joe sat on my other side. I glanced tenderly at my boys, and my cheeks warmed when I felt Joe mirroring my actions. I leaned against him and took another lick of my ice cream cone.

“Here, you got a little something,” Joe spoke, tilting my chin up.

I let out a grunt while he swiped my cheek with his finger. Afterwards, he gave my cheek a quick peck before withdrawing.

“Thanks,” I giggled.

Derek suddenly tugged on my other arm. “Ma, look! That guy is making balloons!” he exclaimed. “Can I get one, pretty please?”

My heart froze for a moment, and the grin on my face expanded more than I thought possible. “I ruffled his hair affectionately. “Of course dearest.”

Derek’s eyes widened. “Oh - I meant auntie, sorry.”

I clicked my tongue. “Don’t worry dearest, please do call me mom! It’s what I am. Elijah, do you want one, too?”

Elijah shook his head. “No, thanks. I know money’s tight and sh - crap.”

“I appreciate the thought. Let’s go get one, Derek. Joe, can you hold my ice cream?” I inquired, already passing it over to him.

Derek hopped off the bench and grabbed my hand eagerly, tugging me over the balloon cart. It was ran but an old man that radiated kindness. Derek’s face had ice cream smeared all over, which bothered me, so I pulled out one of the napkins in my purse.

“Hello, what can I make for you?” the man greeted.

Derek thought for a moment before announcing, “A bear!”

The man nodded and got right to it. I crouched in front and turned Derek towards me. He took another bite of the ice cream and after, I dabbed his face with the napkin in a fussy manner.

“Try not to eat so fast, honey,” I scolded lightheartedly.

Derek ignored me and turned his attention to the intricate movements of the balloon man. He was in awe at the swift actions. Someone tapped on my shoulder.

I turned and saw it was the woman that was outside Joe’s apartment building a month or two ago. It always slipped my mind to ask Joe who she was, especially since Joe had a talent of changing the subject. She seemed nervous but resolved.

“You need to stay away from Joe; he’s dangerous,” she earnestly spoke.

I was left speechless and baffled. “Uh - one moment,” I managed. I paid the old man. “Derek, you go ahead and sit down, okay?” I cooed lovingly.

Derek looked confused, but skipped back to the bench. When the woman followed, I realized that Joe had his stare trained on us.

The woman gripped my arm, so my attention snapped back to her. “I know I sound crazy, but you have to believe me. My name is Candace and I’m Joe’s ex-girlfriend. I tried to break up with him and he ended up assaulting me. He almost killed me—“

“Candace.” Joe was suddenly behind me, tossing his free arm around my shoulder and pulling me toward him. “You need help. Stop trying to ruin my relationships.”

The woman scowled. Her eyes reflected a deep hatred. I finally found some words,” J - Joe, this is your ex-girlfriend? What’s she talking about?”

Joe tilted his head. “Yes, Candace, what are you talking about?”

“You may be an expert manipulator, but I’m going to stop you from ruining another woman’s life. Guinevere Beck, your ex-girlfriend, you killed her too. Y/n, he tried killing me and I barely survived —“

“If I did that, then why the hell are you reporting this to my girlfriend and not the police, Candace? Y/n, here’s the truth. Candace cheated, I found out, I broke up with her, and ever since she’s tried to spin lies to scan any woman I’m ever interested with. She’s crazy. She’s a stalker.”

My mouth was agape and my eyes switched between the two. Both held a strong conviction. Candace continued, “Oh, shut it, psycho. You know damn well why I can’t go to the police. You’re so good at killing that you don’t leave any evidence behind.”

Joe nodded, sarcastically pretending to make sense of it. “…Uh huh. Because that makes total sense.” I shoved his arm off me anxiously. “Y/n, I’m so sorry about Candace. I should’ve told you, but she’s just a fluke from the past that isn’t important anymore. She always gets jealous when I find someone, even a friend, who makes me happy.”

“You fucking lying bastard!” Candace exploded. “Fucking fine. I’ll take you down one way or enough, Joe Goldberg, just you wait.”

Candace stormed off, a few bystanders curious about the outburst. I clamped my hands together, staying at Joe in a bewildered fashion. “Is she really that jealous…?” I gulped.

Joe, seemingly unfazed, sighed. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that. Candace’s crazy. She won’t do anything to you, I’ll make sure of it. Just forget that happened, okay?”

“Oh, okay.”

~~~

Another - and hopefully the last - issue had been resolved. And this time, I made sure that she was dead. Believe me, Y/n, I never take pleasure in hurting people, but they’re bad people. Especially Candace. I mean, what right did she have to barge into your life and scare you like that? Sure, it wasn’t as though Candace had been lying, but she was leaving out a big part of the story.

Candace was bad. She broke my heart. She cheated and lied. Something Beck did, too. But you, you’ve never done that. You were good. So when Candace tried ruining things between us, what choice did she give me?

Candace put up quite a fight, though. She came right to me and my bookstore trying to kill me - what’s worse is she had a gun. Imagine what she could’ve done to you, Y/n - but I was the one who knew the shelves like no other. Candace embarrassed herself with all her taunts and threats, only to be overpowered by me. I may not have had a gun, but my hammer did the trick. One hit to the head, and she was out cold.

I winced as a sounding crack came from her neck. I leaned back I pulled the head away from the rest of the body. Even with rubber gloves, my hands still felt moist from blood. I wasn’t a bad person, Y/n, but is it so cruel to defend myself?

God, no matter how many times I did it, cutting bodies into smaller parts was always revolting. It always made a mess of the cage, too. There was so much to clean up, more than usual, too. While Candace and I were in the midst of a scuffle, she shot a few of the books. On the brighter side, I had more experience with cleaning up these messes.

The steps were straightforward; cut the body into smaller parts, remove the teeth, drain the blood, and find somewhere to bury the remains. Candace’s purse and clothes were another issue, though, that I could leave for another day. I still had Benji’s clothes too, so maybe after cleaning them, I could donate the clothes to a food bank.

I sighed out of relief as the left knee could finally be detached from the remains. I couldn’t manage to look at Candace’s face. Her expression almost made me feel guilty. I knew I was completely over her and completely in love with you, but Candace’s betrayal still hurt sometimes. But when I hurt because of her or Beck, I thought of you.

I took a breather and took off the blood-soaked gloves. There was a lot of mopping to be done. I picked up Candace’s purse, which was on my repair table, and examined the room. Candace didn’t have a phone, so there wasn’t any chance of tracking luckily. For now, I could hide the purse and clothes in the same box as Benji’s stuff. So, I did just that, tucking everything away in a box.

I remember the term being used in a movie we watched together, and it described us perfectly. We were endgame.

[yetanothergreyjedi]

What We Might've Been: Part 2

Part 1 Part 1.5

Part 3

Inspired by @liminalhollow 's Spork AU

For @dargeon-lissa @dp-marvel94 @aethtalon

...

“I- Uh- I’m not you- I-“ Danny racked his brain for an explanation that wouldn’t immediately get him killed. He'd entered the ghost's haunt. How had his room become a ghosts haunt?! But the thing didn't attack, didn't possess him, or use some mind altering power. It only tipped its head and watched him flounder for words. It seemed to notice it’s disguise slipping. The light in its eyes faded, leaving behind a dead grey-blue.

It sighed, "Did Vlad do this?"

"W-what?"

"Vlad Masters. Did he do this?"

"Why would Dad's creepy friend send me to the future?" He still didn't think it was the future, ghosts could have some crazy powers but that? No.

"Because he's a fruitloop." It answered immediately, and accurately, the guy from Wisconsin wouldn't leave his mom alone. But why, how, could he have anything to do with this?! The thing stopped, its eyes flashed green again for a moment as it said, "Wait- Future?!"

Danny nodded, he'd barely been sure what was happening but he was certain that's was what the ghost had said. Surely one ghost's explanation would be more accepted than the other?

“Where’s your medallion then?”

“My what?”

“Clockwork’s medallion. I know how time travel works."

Danny opened his mouth, then closed it. Ignoring the utterly bizarre statement. This was a trap, a trick. The ghost masquerading as him either wanted the object for itself or it wanted to remove his only protection against the other one, the one that had frozen him in place without seeming to expend a drop of energy. No, no, it couldn't have it. But there weren't many other options. He should've known better than to bring up the time question! He needed to get out of here!

He threw the first thing he could reach, hoping to catch it off guard and ran towards it— Through it, even better. He sprinted down the stairs. There was a flash of bight light behind him, he dodged low, almost throwing himself down the stairs before he realized nothing had been fired.

"Whoa, hang on!" Its voice echoed in a way it hadn't before. He kept running, not wasting a moment to glance at it, and ran directly into someone.

"Whoa! Hey, Dann-o! You came outa—"

"Ghost! In my room!" His dad didn't miss a beat, the gun was up by the time he finished the word 'ghost' and he was firing by time the sentence was over.

The specter dodged the first blast, made a shield for the second and paused to speak, "So not cool, man!"

His mom heard the commotion and joined the fray, while Danny sprinted to the basement. He needed a weapon, that thing had been mimicking him. He barreled into the lab, to the weapons case. Opened it and—

Crash.

He barely jumped back in time to avoid getting crushed.

What?!

Who filled the case with all this junk?!? The case was the second most important piece of the lab (the portal took first), not even Dad wouldn't do this?!

"Danny?" Sam looked at him from the other end of the room, slightly baffled. Tucker was also staring. "Did you bring it?"

"Bring wha—"

"Dude, what's with the jumpsuit?" Tucker cut him off, "Is it really that dangerous? I thought you said you blasted it?"

"What? We talked about the jumpsuit!"

"Did we?" Tucker looked to Sam.

"No." She affirmed.

"Could you explain it again, then?"

"Its cause of all the ghosts..." Danny said slowly, they should know this, he'd been wearing them since the first ghost attacks... Suspicion crossed both his friend's features.

There was a long pause, the pair shared a look and Sam demanded, "Secret word."

"Uh, what?"

"What's the secret word." Tucker clarified, as if that clarified anything.

"What are you guys- Hey! Whoa!" Three ectoguns were now pointed at him, Sam with twin wrist blasters and Tucker with a laser-y thing that had come out of his PDA (When did he do that? It was a very good idea).

"Who are you?" Said Sam.

"Is Vlad cloning again?" Asked Tucker.

"What? No! I mean I don't know! I'm not impersonating me, the ghost upstairs is impersonating me!"

"Nice try. Now answer."

"Uh... Sam?" Tucker was focused on the PDA screen. She glanced at him, quickly, before focusing back on Danny. She'd used these before, not like Sam... His Sam, who avoided any involvement with ghost hunting, who refused to accept that they were just monsters. "His scans are weird..."

"What kind of weird?"

"He's a level 2.5." Tucker switched to a whisper.

"What?" Sam followed suit, "That's too low for a shapeshifter."

"Uh... that's normal..." Danny lied, well kind of. He normally was a level 1.3 but he'd also just been in a ghost's lair (two lairs if you counted not-future-him's bedroom) and had a ghostly artifact in his pocket. Those things were likely to temporarily raise an ectosignature's power rating. He was 76% sure.

Another pause, Sam tried to gesture something while still aiming, there were some whispers he didn't catch. Then Tucker asked, "Did Vlad... raise you?"

"No!? Why does everyone keep talking about Vlad?! The Fruitloop lives in Wisconsin, I've seen him maybe twice!" The pair shared another look. He had no idea how to read those expressions.

He sighed, "You guys won't believe me."

"Try us."

"Yesterday I was at the—"

"Guys! We have a problem!" His hair stood on end as the ghost dropped through the ceiling. Danny shuttered. It was so much worse now that he got a look at it, it was wearing a Fenton hazmat suit, his suit, no, a mockery of it. The colors were inverted and the FentonWorks logo was replaced with some other symbol. That wasn’t the only thing inverted, twisted, he was staring at his own face only not. It’s tintless white hair stuck up just like his, and it’s eyes burned deadly ectoplasm green. Danny still didn’t have a weapon. “Oh, you found him! We have slightly less of a problem.”

“He’s saying Vlad has nothing to do with this... I’m not sure if I believe him.” Sam lowered her blasters, because he was somehow more of a threat than the monster crackling with unused power.

“Yeah, no... he said something about time travel—“ both of his friends groaned, “Then! He sicced my parents on me,” It turned his attention to him, “which is rude by the way! Honestly, I was getting close to being able to ask about a truce, but now they’re gonna be chasing me around for ‘attacking their son!”

“Oof,” Tucker added, as Sam asked about something the ghost could do to get his parents back on his side. Danny stopped listening and scanned for something useful in the pile of discarded machinery. Weapon, weapon, weapon... this wasn’t promising. There were blenders and half disassembled watches and a few things that looked like they’d been pulled out of a trash fire. The thing that looked the least like junk was probably a scanner, but his parents had started putting tasers in those, so it was something.

“Hey,” too late. the ghost was in front of him, he dove for it. Grabbed it. Rolled with the momentum and brought the scanner up as he got to a kneeling position. The thing came to life with a whirring sound.

The ghost laughed, the sound lasted longer than it’s mouth had been open, “That’s the ghost Gabber.”

“That’s the Ghost Gabber. I am a ghost, fear me!”

“Look, I don’t know what’s up with you, but really it’s better for everyone if you go back to whatever time you’re from.”

“Look, I don’t know what’s up with you, but really it’s better for everyone if you go back to whatever time you’re from. Fear me.”

“Could you please turn that off.”

“Could you plea—“ The sound died as Danny flipped the switch and tossed it back on the pile. Why did his parents even make that?

“Why should I trust you, Ghost?!”

[mitsukui]

good girl | g.w.

Pairing: George Weasley x female reader.

Summary: stress from the shop is visibly taking its toll on George, so you decide to help him out a little bit. (PART 2! + PART 3!)

Word Count: 1,4k.

Warnings: smut! Spitting kink, face slapping, choking, dirty talk, mentions of oral sex (male receiving) and daddy kink.

Disclaimer: none of the pictures used in the edit below belong to me; I simply put them together.

A/N: this is the first time I’m writing something after a long, long, long pause, so I’m quite nervous about it.  (｡╯︵╰｡)  I hope you all enjoy it! Please, leave me some feedback if you feel like it! My askbox is open for your opinions, thoughts and requests. Thank you so much for your time and attention!  ♡

Masterlist!

His eyes glistened with lust as he looked down at you. You had your body on the floor, thighs placed together with your delicate hands over them. With your eyes closed and tongue stuck out, the sight was almost like a mirage to George Weasley.

“Say it again.” One of his long fingers ran over your jawline, blood pumping through his veins in a rather quick way. He had been entirely bewitched.

Your eyes fluttered open, and it did not take long until his dark brown eyes met yours once more, both of your cravings for each other becoming mixed. “Let me suck your dick. Please.”

The pleading word suddenly sent novel shivers down his spine. He used the rest of his fingers to squeeze your cheeks lightly, enough only to form a pout on your already swollen lips. George loved how your lips looked after he devoured them.

It had all started out as kissing. You had been aching for some intimacy with him the entire week, but he had been exhausted due to the shop. You would never even dream of actually asking him to touch you in a different way than the one he was already touching you. The Holidays were a blessing to the twins, but they were also a curse, draining all of their energy. Your sly eyes did not fail to notice how tense he had been looking for the past few days, so you obviously had to do something about it. And you longed for him and his touch so much that you did not even care about your pleasure anymore. You were certain you would feel better only by hearing him moan.

Earlier that night, you finally got the type of attention you sought from him. It was a Sunday evening, and you bodies were spread across the couch in his flat’s living room. Your tongues easily found each other, and your hips rolled against his as your lips soon began to trail kisses down his neck. At that moment, you had him going.

When you felt him hard under your touch, you broke the contact existing between the two of you, and heard him groaning in disappointment. You allowed your body to fall down on the wooden floor, asking ever so innocently to wrap your lips around him. And now, there you were: looking up at his standing figure, and pleading again.

“Please.” Your tongue ran over your own lips, as a form of seduction and also of bringing back some comfort to you. He was acting slightly weird towards the situation, taking a long time to reply to you. “I know you have been tired, but I just want to help you relieve some tension. We don’t even need to do anything afterwards. I just really need to feel you fucking my face and getting off.”

“Open your mouth.” Once again, it took him a few moments to say anything at all. You were ready to stand up again and apologize for your bold actions and stupid babbling. But then, out of the blue, his voice interrupted the silence. It was deep and demanding, and you loved it.

This time, you did not close your eyes, since your curiosity did not allow you to. You simply opened your mouth in an O-shape, and stuck you tongue out as further as you possibly could.

Honestly, you hoped for him to thrust right inside your mouth. However, when you spotted his yet clothed manhood, you furrowed your eyebrows in confusion. And suddenly, you felt something.

A string of saliva traveled out of his mouth towards yours, his tall silhouette leaning down and one of his hands still holding your face. The warm liquid hit your tongue and you moaned unwillingly, surprised by how pleasant that was starting to feel.

His eyes captured the image and let it sink in for one second or two until the moment he ordered you to play with his spit. His instructions, which were voiced out in a breathy whisper, were crystal clear: you had to use your fingers, and you could not swallow it yet.

Quietness hovered over you two briefly, but he groaned once your index finger touched your own tongue, the muscle wrapping around your skin. You hollowed your cheeks as you sucked yourself, your imagination bringing some of your favorite memories back to life. George felt his member twitching inside his trousers and his tip becoming slightly wet.

Truth be told, George was a rather kinky man. And, often times, he would feel embarrassed to share everything with you. But watching you so desperately try to help him gave his insides a new wave of confidence.

Your playtime went on for a little while, but he was soon leaning down again and giving you more saliva. This time, he missed his aim a bit, and a thin string got to your chin. He was captivated by your actions and by how messy this could get.

“Swallow it.” His fingers squeezed your face with more strength as the hot fluid went down your throat. In no time, he let go of your face only for his hand to come down against it, a light slap hitting your skin. Your eyelashes blinked repeatedly out of shock, but you remained quiet. “Good girl. I bet you’re dripping for me already.”

And you were. It was hard to focus on your cunt at that point, especially because the cheek he had slapped was burning. But it was true: when you were able to finally pay attention to how you were feeling and to your own sensations, you realized your panties were heavy with arousal.

“Can you slap me again? A little bit harder this time, please…” You pleaded, and George fulfilled your wishes. A reddish spot was creeping its way to the surface, but you enjoyed the feeling.

This was all very new to you. Your boyfriend had always been pretty dominant with you, but he had never spat in your mouth or slapped your face before. Although it was a new experience, your throbbing cunt was deliciously nourishing desire in your whole body.

“Just look at that…” His deep voice pulled you out of your own trance. Your eyes darted up and met his, which were dark and devious. “My little princess looks so beautiful with a red spot on her cheek. Care to match both cheeks, darling?”

Even though his words were sweet, you felt utterly filthy. Things had escalated pretty rapidly, and you liked them enormously that way.

You slowly offered him your other cheek, the one that still had not received any attention from the delightful violence his hands gave you. His thumb ran over your skin and, for one second, you enjoyed a soft touch. However, that was soon destroyed by the stinging pain that stroke you again.

This last slap hit you hard. He murmured he had to match the color on the other side, so you just needed to be a good girl and bear the pain. Tears welled up to your eyes, but George wiped them away before they could even roll the entire way down your cheeks.

The pool of arousal in your stomach was getting into a tight knot. That moment was supposed to be about him, but you were so turned on by his recently revealed violence that you could not stop your own juices to wet your inner thighs.

“You are such a good girl, sweetheart. Being slapped and not making a fuss out of it. Maybe I should do it more often, hmm?”

You failed to hold back a raspy moan, and he smirked at your reaction. His words echoed in your ears, your head nodding up and down in agreement. You wanted to feel his hand against your skin like that whenever possible.

���Good girl. I’m so proud of you. You look beautiful like that, babe.” Both of his hands now cupped your face as he gently caressed your cheek bones. You closed your eyes at his comforting actions, but you could not lie and pretend you did not want more from him. “I’m gonna fuck your face now, okay? Gonna thrust into your mouth so deep you are going to be unable to speak properly for a while. And you’re gonna take it like the good, little slut you are, yes?”

“Y-Yes, daddy.”

At the mention of the never before used pet name, his breath hitched up in his throat and your eyes watched as he used his free hand to unzip his trousers. The other one was slowly sliding down your body. He kept it on the move until his fingers found your neck. George gave it a not-so-gentle squeeze and you felt air being cut from you, rolling your eyes to the back of your head in pleasure.

“Good girl.”

[umiarumi]

fucking three houses | prologue/claude von riegan

afab she/her reader, originally posted on my ao3, myukyu <3

Twirling my sword, an excited grin fell upon my face as I jogged alongside Dorte and Marianne. "Hah! Marie, ya think I can keep up your old steed's pace?" I asked excitedly, huffing slightly. The academy had really buffed your stamina, shit, enough to keep up with a damn horse.

"Oh, (Y/N)! I-um, don't strain yourself since we have nearly reached the monastery." She hesitantly called out, brow furrowing. I laughed it off, nodding as I slowed my pace to meet Raphael jogging, carrying a very unamused Lysithea.

"What's up, you two?" I asked, grinning. The behemoth of a man beamed back, motioning his head to the pouting smaller girl in his arms.

"Lysithea here was starting to struggle, so as a good big bro- I mean, uh, friend! As a good friend, I'm helping keep up!" He cheered, laughing.

"I'll remind you, you thoughtless fool, I am not a child! I am quite the opposite, now." Lysithea barked out at Raphael, folding her arms.

I chuckled, shaking my head. I missed these guys, and once we make it to the monastery... well, teach better have kept his promise and not died on us. ~~~~ ~~~~ PROLOGUE END ~~~~ ~~~~ "Ahh... now this one is gonna fill the spot, thanks, prof!" You cheered, excitedly flicking your eyes between your delicious meal of Beast Meat and your slightly concerned professor.

"That smell... it's amazing! My fav, in fact. Do you like it too?" Claude nodded with you, looking to Byleth out of curiousity. Easygoing, huh?

"I like it."

Usually, you'd laugh at your teacher's blunt speech, yet that meat was begging you to devour it and hey- who are you to deny its wishes? Being back at the monastery with your class and teacher as much as you'd loved being back in your home country, you had a soft spot for the Golden Deer. But five years had changed the lot of you, various glowups being noticed, by the way. Yet, Claude caught your attention the most. Which, being honest, wasn't out of the norm, hell, for anyone!

As you tore through your meat, you caught your former classmate stifling a chuckle at your pure ferocity.

"Oi! Got thomething to thay," You quickly swallowed. "What's so funny!?" You annoyedly accused, slamming a hand on the table. He let out a laugh, shaking his head.

"Easy tiger! You just looked awfully cute with your cheeks stuffed."

You felt your cheeks darken, clicking your tongue as you went back to your meal. "Smooth, dickhead..." You mumbled as your teacher let out a sigh at the two of youse antics. As you all continue to eat, a comfortable silence fell upon your trio.

"That aside, I am glad to see you also returning. I heard from Lorenz that you had disappeared for a while." Your teacher finally spoke, looking to you. Your eyebrows rose in surprise as you let a crooked grin creep up your face.

"Funny you say that. How about yourself, five years asleep! Did any lucky gal or guy come to give you that awakening kiss~" You cooed, switching the topic onto him. You had no idea what you could say without getting yourself and Claude in an unknown amount of trouble.

He raised a brow at your dodging of the question but ultimately let it go. "I did not get kissed, no."

Claude piped up from his suspicious silence, leaning in to pester teach. "Ya sure? You were pretty popular back at the academy!" You snickered after this comment, nodding to egg him on.

"I believe we've finished the meal. I shall see the two of you later." He promptly stood up with his plate and cutlery, returning them to the kitchen before strutting off in his usual stern demeanour.

"Aw, we scared him off!" You jokingly whined, leaning onto Claude. Teasing your no-nonsense teacher was great since he's as clueless as Seteth with three times the patience.

"How will we ever apologise?" Claude moaned alongside you, resting his head on yours melodramatically. You tittered together before recovering and bringing your dirty dishes to the kitchen. Leaving the dining hall, you two walked in silence.

You walked with no aim for a while until Claude stopped. You turned to him, intrigued. Tilting your head, you asked him a question.

"Something up?"

He smiled softly, shaking his head.

"Nah, but I would like to ask you some things." He said, and the lack of a comedic tone set off a minor alarm in your brain. You were no stranger to his inquisitive nature, having known him for a good portion of your life. Yet, you had a feeling this related to before. Even Claude wasn't aware of your whereabouts.

"Sure thing, here?" You asked, folding your arms defensively.

"No... let's go somewhere more private." He said, walking off. You jumped, quickly following him.

~~~~

Following Claude up the spiralling stairs of the Goddess tower was quick, that you could confirm. Nearly stumbling over your steps as he transcended so damn fast, you couldn't even call out for him to slow the hell down.

As you finally made it to the top, avoiding the rubble which had gathered after the battle at the monastery, you had leant against the wall, quickly regaining your breath. Yet as soon as you blinked, Claude seemed to have moved from the centre of the room to a few inches away from your face.

"C-Claude! What the hell...?" You jumped, backing fully up against the cold, stone wall. Feeling the cool stones against your back, you shivered as your former leader stared at you.

"Answer teach's question for me, friend? Where were you while we were stopping the whole damn alliance from being chipped away by the Empire?" He asked, frustrated. He took a step towards you.

You gulped, shaking your head as your eyes darted around the tower, looking everywhere but him.

"That's not the answer I was looking for, (Y/N)."

Your breath hitched as he grabbed your chin to look you in the eyes. His voice lowered, a conflicted emotion on his face. A crooked grin tugged at his lips and yet his brows were furrowed, annoyed.

||Translation: فاک - Fuck||

"I-I was in Almyra!" You yelped, quickly realising what you said as you cursed under your breath, "فاک..." You hissed, embarrassed.

"First, you avoid our questions..." Claude listed, cruelly running his thumb across your lip. Your heart skipped a beat, your eyes finally set on his figure.

"Second, you leave us... breaking our promise," He continued, striking your heart where it hurts.

You bit your lip, eyeing him as he let his hand drop to your shoulder. He pushed you further against the wall. You shivered, yet not from the freezing stone this time.

"I-I... even you said you had no attachment to Fodlan! I thought you wouldn't..." You trailed off, searching for an excuse.

"Everyone thought you died! I thought you died! And yet..." His voice rose, yet less out of anger. He finally brought his face to your extremely red own.

"Where was I? Oh yeah, finally..." You stiffened, knowing what he was going to bring up.

"Leaving me hanging."

Before you all reunited, you had made a short trip into Fodlan to grasp the situation. Yet, your undercover mission soon became an open one as a fateful night in Derdriu occurred.

~~~~

It was a warm evening the night you had made it into the lively streets of the city. Even after the effects of war, the city still seemed to bustle. Unassumedly passing by citizens happily talking, you looked for any Knights of Seiros stationed nearby or even members of the Leicester military. Noticing a particular armoured woman, you tapped her shoulder.

She turned, giving you a pleasant smile. "Do you need anything, ma'am?"

You nodded, playing with the sides of your bodice. "I live a while from the military posts, so could you please tell me... um, how is the war going?" Embarrassed, she laughed softly before explaining.

However, you were unaware of a keen eye watching you. The familiar bobbing of unruly hair, gleaning of sun-kissed skin tied in with a confident stance clued Claude onto just who it was he saw. He waited patiently behind market stalls, keeping an eye on you as you bid the woman goodbye. And oh-so luckily for him, you headed his way.

You passed by him, oblivious to the archer's presence. A sudden hand on your shoulder caused you to jolt, your hand reaching to the hilt of your sword. Whipping around, your eyes soon met the green ones of a certain Alliance leader.

"C-Claude!?" You shrieked, hand still cautiously resting on your sword, unsure if he would take well to your sudden appearance.

"So you decided to show up, huh?" He remarked, and if you knew him any less you'd think that easygoing smile meant he was happy. But that smile never reached his eyes.

Yet, despite his obvious inner conflict, you expelled a breath as he pulled you into a hug. You soon wrapped your arms around him. It had been four years since you left after Edelgard and her forces attacked. You felt his grip loosen as he rose a hand to your chin, that oh-so teasing thumb brushing against your lip.

"May I?" He muttered, and in response, you leant into him, lips locking. What started innocently quickly grew messy and needy, your lips growing red.

As you pulled back, you felt the hard pressure as your fronts brushed together. You blushed before turning your head away.

"I'm sorry Claude, I have to go." You muttered solemnly, pulling yourself together.

"Wait, what? Showing up randomly after four years and then blue-balling me?" He teased yet yearningly reached out his hand.

"I promise, I will return and finish what I started!" You called out, running off into the night.

~~~~

Your face grew hot at the memory. Shuffling nervously, you looked into his eyes.

"Then, will you finish what we started, miss?" He asked, running a hand across your face.

Inhaling, you nodded and answered him. "Yes... please."

With your consent, he pushed himself against you, lips squishing as he brought you upon his own. He soon ran his tongue along your bottom lip, asking for permission.

You parted them quickly, his tongue invading your mouth as your tongue danced with his. He began to unclasp your armour as you shifted to help them come off easier.

Before you knew it, you had both shed to your undergarments, all knowledge of this being an open area quickly leaving your mind.

His hands reached behind your back to fiddle with your bra for a few moments, soon letting it fall to the cold, stone ground. His eyes fell to your breasts, your nipples perk from a mix of the cold air in the Goddess Tower and the heat of the situation.

Quickly, his hands began to fondle and grope your tits, your hand slapping on your mouth as to not alert any patrolling guards.

"These really are great. Your armour disguises you, a good thing that is since you'd probably take a few hits otherwise." He commented cheekily, observing your tightly shut eyes and fluttering breaths.

God, he'd tease you even now!?

One of the hands dropped from your breast, the other continuing to squeeze and roll it like wet clay. The forgotten breast soon regained heat as the scruffy head of the brunette quickly moved to suckle on your aching nipple, causing you to let out a quick yelp.

"How cute." He mumbled into your tit, the vibrations sending a delicious shiver up your spine. Whilst you were focused on the pleasure at your chest, your throbbing cunt soon found a welcoming hand cupping it through your underwear.

"Soaked! Were you wanting this all along? Hah! Pretty slutty for an Almyran warrior." He cooed, fingers running against your clothed slit.

"A-ah... fuck you!" You hissed, deciding on paying back the offer. Your free hand reached down to cup his hidden boner, hand rubbing slowly.

"Ffffuck... fine, you want to do it right here, against this wall sweetheart?" He asked, grinning.

You nodded brashly, slipping out of your drenched underwear. He too shed his remaining clothes and your lips locked in a short kiss before he pulled away.

Grabbing onto your thighs, he lifted you as you hooked your legs around him. Pushing you against the wall, he angled his dick at your pussy. Rubbing slowly, teasingly. The two of you groaned, as finally, he stuck his dick in your needy cunt.

You gasped, feeling it stretch you out, slowly, inch by inch. Bottoming out, the two of you stilled for a moment, catching your breaths. Once you adjusted, signalling him with a nod, he pulled out to the tip, before slamming back in. You moaned unabashedly, eyes fluttering open to see Claude's face scrunch up.

He looked up to you coyly, smirking. "Do you want all of the monastery to find us? Would you like them to see you like this?" Your breath hitched.

"Sweating, being fucked against a wall by your former leader? After five long years, you decide to help." He hissed, continuing to thrust as you gasped with each thrust.

The fulfilling feeling of Claude's dick rubbing against your inner walls gradually inched you to your orgasm, the added brushing of fronts stimulating your clit.

"I could get used to this, you'll really help the war efforts this way. Those poor, exhausted knights who you could've helped. A nice cocksleeve like you, you'll do more by getting fucked than you have the past years." He grunted, venting his frustrations.

Yet, despite all the guilt you should've felt, it only made the aching buzz of your clit all the more stronger.

Your cunt spasmed with each thrust, the routine rubbing and brushing working you towards your end as you felt Claude's dick shudder every time he bottomed out.

"Maybe you could motivate Ignatz? He'd be shy though, but a girl so open like you would be perfect for that." He mumbled, watching your face darken.

"Or Raphael? He could use you as training. You'd be spent by the time he was even finishing, yet a slut like you would be okay with that, right?"

His dick continued to twitch in your pussy, your walls clamping around his cock like a vice. Fluttering as you were so close to your end.

"Shit... even Lorenz... he could use you as practice for his- ngh, noble duties!" He choked out a laugh, breath stuttering.

"But I think I like you best as my little runaway slut, yeah? You fit so well on my cock!" He emphasised the last word with a sharp thrust, your walls clamping shut on his cock, your head hitting the wall as you moaned in ecstasy.

He quickly pulled out, dick spurting ropes of cum on your chest and stomach. As you both caught your breath, you caught Claude smiling at you.

"It's good to have you back, my friend."

[crazyyanderefangirlfan]

Living up to the Name pt 3

"Out of all possible scenarios, he chose this," Jack grumbled. As he and Ruggie tried to concentrate on finding a familiar smell.

"Don't be a buzzkill, Jack. Besides, she looked excited." The hyena pointed out. Recalling how the girl bounced excitedly at Leona's suggestion.

"Still, This feels wrong." He retorted.

Leona decided to move their training to the forest, in his words 'to give a fair advantage.'

"Oi! Jack, be quiet. You'll give away our position." A jaguar upperclassman harshly whispered. He and two more students were sniffing the air, then the jaguar froze.

"Shit, she-" A kick to his face cut him off before he could finish. The figure leaped up and landed on a tree branch high up.

"You guys have to do better than that to catch me~" A sing-song voice called from above.

Valerie smiled sweetly above them, but her mocking glare proved otherwise.

Thanks to her transformation, all her abilities have been drastically enhanced. She was faster, her kicks were more powerful, and her danger sense, or what she likes to call 'Bunny sense' was dialed up to a 100. Making it easier to avoid predators, aka Savanaclaw.

"Gotta go. I have more faces to kick and prides to ruin." She blew them a kiss and disappeared through the thicket of the trees.

"She's so hot."

Heads' snapped to the bear first-year, whose glazed eyes still stared at the spot she's been on.

"Fangirl about her later! We're still in the middle of something." The jaguar snapped at him. The bear blushed and muttered incoherently under his breathe.

Ruggie ran his fingers through his hair. They need a strategy to catch her, which involves teamwork, and knowing how NRC students are, this will be hell.

"I wonder how that lazy lion is doing?" He mused.

She was better at hiding than Leona gave her credit for.

The first half-hour of their training was spent looking for the girl. Which wasn't hard, with that delightful scent of hers. It leads them farther to the forest, where the foliage is dense enough to hide a dead body.

Clever, Herbivore. But not enough.

Honestly, he was a little disappointed with her idea. He was expecting a challenge since she loved giving it to him.

Tearing through the thicket, he and his dorm mates prowled the area. Each of them in various corners, in an attempt to locater her better.

"Senior Leona." A jackal beastman spoke up.

"What is it?"

"It's miss Valerie's scent. Something's up." He replied, sniffing the air.

Leona took a whiff, and sure enough, it smelled faint and all over the place?

"Masking your scent with mud. Herbivore? Heh, at least your trying."

The lion nodded to his dorm mates, who proceeded to split up and try to find their prey the girl.

The jackal perked up when the sweet aroma was much more potent. Nudging to a leopard beastman who seemed to realized as well.

As quietly as they could, they snuck up to a large hedge that permeated with her scent.

They crept closer and closer and closer...

They pounced. Once the students felt something soft, their hold tightened.

Leona paused from tearing another bush. Happy shouts were clear as day.

Good, they found her.

He jogged his way over to his fresh babies. However, as he got near, there was a change in the atmosphere. Silence replaced the noise; it was almost ominous.

Valerie's scent changed the most; it was so faint and different.

He finally reached the clearing. Their backs were turned to him, and he couldn't see what they were holding.

"Oi."

The jackal and leopard rapidly turned to face him, hiding their captured prey behind their back.

"S-Senior Leona!" The leopard stammered.

"What's up with you two? Didn't you shout you have her?"

"Uhh...W-wait! Senior Leona!" The jackal exclaimed in surprise when the lion marched towards them. Pushing them aside to see the girl-

That's not Valerie.

In front of him was a large and plump brown rabbit, and it was wearing her vest.

Everything up till now began to make sense, causing Leona to chuckle.

"So that's the real plan, huh?"

His ears twitched as the wind picked up. His eyes narrowed.

"Move back!" The lion ordered. Jumping to the shade of the trees.

But it was too late. The freshmen were down before they could do anything. Standing on top of their bodies was the very girl they were chasing.

"I'm surprised it took you this long to figure it out. You really are losing your edge, Kitty."

Valerie giggled at Leona's snarling face. She tugged her vest off the rabbit; before disappearing.

Leona could feel his blood boil. From frustration or excitement, he wasn't sure at this point, but he does know one thing.

Valerie just cemented her role as prey.

-----------------------------------------

It's been hours, and not one of them had a chance to catch her. There were a few close calls, but she always managed to be two steps ahead of them. It doesn't help that she mocks them for every failed attempt. One of them got angry enough a tried to bite her, but Valerie kicked his jaw before he could.

On the bright side, the boys could feel their bodies improving. They still have a long way to go, but it's progress.

Valerie nimbly landed on the ground, catching her breath. It's been a long time she did something like this.

A wistful smile formed on her face as she remembered the times she and her mom played tag. Her mother used the game as a form of training for her speed, stamina, and agility. Being a competitive child she was, she got too into it.

'Thinking about it now, mom used a lot of ordinary games as a form of training.' The opal-eyed girl mused.

Wiping her brow, she glanced at the sky. She couldn't tell how much had passed, but she could guess it was nearly noon.

Suddenly, her ears stood up. There was aloud howling in the distance, followed by more animalistic sounds, till it became a wild symphony.

"The hell?" The brunette muttered in confusion. She winced and held her head. The downside of having enhanced hearing is that everything is louder, and this wild symphony giving her a headache.

"Pull it together, Valerie. You dealt with worse." She mumbled, even slapping her face for good measure.

With new vigor, Valerie pushed forward through the forest, even as her whole body screamed to find somewhere to hide.

Sigh, prey instincts.

Though she kept her opal eyes ahead, she in-tuned with her surroundings. Her ears now worked as antennas, constantly on high alert to warn her of predators.

Her ears twitched; she jumped left just in time to dodge a pouncing jaguar beastman. A low growl escaped the jaguar's throat and pounced again.

Valerie waited till he was near enough and delivered a front kick beneath his jaw. He staggered back in pain, giving her enough time to rush forward, and low swept him. He groaned in pain once his back felt the impact.

"You predators are really losing your edge if you kept getting your asses beaten by a rabbit. But then again, it's me" The girl deviously smiled at the fallen student.

The girl sensed another presence behind her and jumped to the trees. She narrowed her eyes at the culprit.

"Such an arrogant statement coming from a tiny herbivore. Looks like we have to put you in your place."

Leona emerged from the thicket with a cocky smirk in place and an unreadable glint in his eyes.

Valerie remained silent, simply assessing the number of beastmen present. There were seven of them; easy. There was also no sign of Jack and Ruggie, but they could be hiding.

"How can you call my words arrogant? I'm simply stating the truth." She retorted, smirking down at him.

"Let's just see how true your words are when I have my fangs on your neck."

"Before that, perhaps should I suffocate you between my thighs?"

"Heh, only after I crush your legs."

"Are...They flirting?" Questioned a bewildered ocelot beastman.

"I thought she was stupid when it comes to romance?" Added a dingo.

"Try not to think about it." Advised a lynx.

"Sorry, kitty kay, I may have agreed to help you guys in training, but I'm not going to bow down to you."

"Likewise, Herbivore."

A mischievous smile formed on her face. The girl launched herself out of the tree and aimed a kick to his face, but he blocked it. Valerie quickly switched to jabbing his left side.

Leona slammed his eyes shut, a deep growl resonated within him. He attempted to grab her arm. But she leaped up and delivered a front kick to his chin, pushing him away from her. However, she was now surrounded by other beastmen.

Valerie avoided an oncoming punch from the dingo and delivered one to his gut. He recoiled in pain and clutched his stomach. Her ears twitched and sidestepped, just in time for a charging lynx to crash into him.

Twitching again, she turned around and caught the ocelot's leg; she spun him around while knocking out three more before throwing him.

Satisfied that she took care of the beta males, she turned her attention back to the alpha. Only to realize that he disappeared.

Her whole body was on high alert. She took a battle stance, surveying her surrounding. She cursed herself for being so careless; he used them as decoys. Like she did.

"Touché, Kitty." She muttered.

Deciding she stayed long enough, she ran in the opposite direction.

Valerie bit her bottom lip once she heard footsteps behind her.

He really wanted to turn this into a real hunt.

Fine, she'll give him one.

Increasing her speed, she sprinted through the area utilizing the trees as boosters.

She glanced behind her and clenched her jaw. Leona was nowhere in sight. She had two ideas: Either he took a detour and was waiting to pounce on her or, she lost him; she hoped it was the latter.

Biting her inner cheek, she was about to take a turn when she heard footsteps. She jumped back, narrowly avoiding a claw to her face.

"I was wondering where you were, never thought you actually risk an ambush." The opal-eyed girl remarked as she kept her distance from him, taking up a fighting stance.

"If I'm up against you? I'll try anything." The male retorted mirroring her movements.

The wolf and rabbit glared at each other, waiting for one of them to make a move. It was as if the area went still around them, blocking out all noise; only the thumping of their hearts was heard.

Jack was the first to move. He ran forward with the girl following the suit, but once close enough, she leaped up and stomped on his head. He staggered back, gritting his teeth and holding his head. Valerie landed behind him, giving a swift kick to his side; the wolf fell to his side, hissing at the impact.

A deep growl escaped his throat when he heard her laughter; he swiped underneath her legs. The girl fell back, wide-eyed, and internally cursed herself for letting her guard down.

Picking himself up, he grabbed her ankle and flung her to the trees. The girl shrieked in pain, coughing; she found specks of blood on the ground, her blood. Although she struggled to stand up, she had enough energy to avoid Jack's next attack.

Jack swung his fist to her face, but she intercepted by grabbing his arm and flipped him to the ground. He grunted in pain when Valerie placed her foot on his chest.

"I thought I might return a favor fluffy." She smirked at his fallen body. He glared up at her. She was about to make another comment when her ears twitched, frowning; she leaped up to the trees and glared at the intruder.

"Damn, and here I was going to surprise you. Then again, those ears of yours work just like satellites, shishishishi." Ruggie laughed as she strolled through the area.

"I keep getting more surprises."

Just like lighting, she sprung herself out of the tree and delivered a direct kick to Ruggie's gut. The poor hyena coughed up blood upon the impact and curled up into a ball once he fell on the ground. All the while groaning in pain.

"And here I thought he would at least withstand half of it, oh well." She ducked down, already sensing Jack's incoming punch, and kicked his chest.

It knocked him a few feet away from her; Jack felt something dribble down his chin, wiping he found bits of blood coating it.

Clenching his fist; a low growl erupted his throat; charging, he swung his fist narrowly, hitting her face. Valerie responded by front kicking his chin; Jack grunted but didn't falter in his movements.

Valerie unleashed a barrage of kicks, driving him back until he felt the tree behind him. Jack gritted his teeth but bared with it; he waited until he found an opening between her kicks. She paused for a second, but it was all Jack needed. He socked her in the gut, successfully pushing her back.

She gasped at the impact, wincing at the pain on her stomach that she failed to notice Jack grabbing her body and slammed her to the ground. He reached to grab her ears, but the opal-eyed girl rolled away and swiped under his legs. Jack fell back, glaring up at the now standing girl.

"You know you can't beat me." She panted.

Blood was dripping down at the side of her face. The sun was behind her forming a shadow over her eyes giving them a glow. She looked like a predator.

"I know, but he can." He countered.

Before Valerie could decipher his words. She was lifted up again, but this time pinned to the ground.

"Looks like you forgot something, Herbivore." Hot breathe tickled her face as familiar hands kept a firm grip on her.

"A lion always waits for their prey to lower their guard."

________________

"Ughhh, it hurts." Ruggie groaned. He laid on a bed with an ice pack on his stomach.

He and the rest of the Savanclaw students are in the infirmary. Each of them was the victim of the girl's brutal beatings.

"How the hell is someone so tiny is that insanely strong?" The leopard beastman muttered, nursing his jaw.

"The question is, is she even human?" The ocelot commented, bandages covering his body.

Speaking of her...

Valerie hissed when the ghost rubbed a special ointment of her back to heal the swelling. She was behind a curtain, giving her the privacy she needed.

"And there we go, you can put your shirt on and make sure to not put too much strain on yourself, young lady. I heard from the ghosts in Ramshackle you're the reckless type." The ghost gave her a mirthful smile. She chuckled.

"Yeah, I will."

"No, she won't." Grim chimed in.

He sat next to her on the bed and shot the girl a knowing look, to which she laughed nervously.

"I promise, really."

"You better, and you call me troublesome."

"Okay, okay, let's go." She picked him and stepped out of the curtain. She winced a bit when she saw how badly bruised they all looked.

"You really went all out on them." The cat monster commented; almost half of them were covered in bandages and band-aids.

"You know me, I always love a challenge." Her grin was filled with mischief.

She walked up to her favorite Savanaclaw trio. Jack was getting his face treated since she kicked there the most while Leona sat next to Ruggie since he had minor injuries.

"Hey, guys, who are you feeling?" She asked.

"Like a truck ran me over." The hyena retorted. The girl nervously laughed.

"Right, sorry."

"Don't be. You went all out; it's insulting if you didn't." Jack interjected. He hissed when the swab touched his hips lower lip.

"Don't talk, young man." Scolded the ghost.

"You were pretty good out there, Valerie. But you let your guard down too soon. Your lucky it was only training. Otherwise, you would have gotten eaten up." The lion smirked.

"As if I let you." She huffed.

"But, it has been a good experience. Might as well do this again next time." He added.

"Sure, I love to kick your butts and win next time." She gave a devil-like smile.

"Anyway, I have to wash up and head to Heartslyabul." She turned around, only bumped into the beastmen.

"Ah, I'm sorry-" She didn't get to finish when he briskly walked past her. Valerie observed his appearance; he had a pumpkin-colored reptile tail with burgundy fins and bronze horns. His body was wrapped in gauze and had bandages covering his arms.

"Don't take it too personally. He's still not used to being beaten by a woman." Leona spoke up.

"Mm? What do you mean?" The girl was puzzled.

"You see the guys with dragon tails?" He asked. Glancing around, she did notice a few of them. She locked eyes with one, he immediately looked away.

"They're from Cloud Valley; in their culture, women are treated lesser than men, always expected to be submissive, fragile, and obedient. The complete opposite to the women in the Afterglow Savannah." He elaborated.

"So it's a big shocked for them to know such a tiny prey can beat them so easily."

That filled her with pride. Her family raised her to be independent and strong; and above all, never take shit from misogynists.

"Oi! Kemonohito!" A voice boomed. Valerie winced at the frequency of his voice. Everyone's heads turned to see a dragonkin with a scarlet tail and white fins standing in front of her.

"I demand a re-match! Your abilities were just enhanced because your half rabbit. I refuse to acknowledge defeat by a woman!" He boomed.

"Maybe next time." She simply replied.

"Oh? What's this? Already backing down? Expected for a female to be too scared-"

"No. I already have plans this afternoon, not to mention your too injured. The opal-eyed girl interrupted, taking note of his bandaged face and body.

"This is nothing! Fight me!"

"Young man, no shouting." One ghost staff scolded, quickly leading him away from the girl and her monster.

"Yeah, I'm just gonna go. See you guys."

________________

Valerie hummed a random tune as she dried her hair. Thanks to Amane giving her his credit card, she was able to buy the things she desperately needed, such has extra cleaning supplies , bathroom necessities and a hair dryer.

Putting the hair dryer down, she examined herself on the mirror. She wore a Heartslyabul uniform, switching out the pants with a pleated thigh length skirt, a white thigh-high on her right leg, a white crew length sock with black diamond pattern on her left and red and white sneakers. She also tied her ears with a black ribbon around them.

"Are you almost done?" Grim lazily drawled. He was sprawled on the bed, his pudgy stomach on display.

"Already am." She answered.

"Good, cause your phone was ringing." He rolled to his left, revealing the girl's phone. Picking it up and opening it to her messages, the sender read 'Braincell 1'

'Yo Val, you and Grim have to walk here by yourselves. Me and chicken boy can't pick you up cause we have an emergency and it requires all dorm members cooperation.'

She texted back

'k'

Picking up her little gremlin, strolled out and headed downstairs.

"Where Ace and Deuce?" questioned Grim.

"They have an emergency which required all dorm members." She answered, walking out of the house.

"Huh, probably something related to food." The cat proclaimed, as he climbed up to her shoulders and draped himself there.

She merely hummed.

They arrived in mirror hall. As she stepped in, Valerie almost got knocked down by a rushing students.

"S-sorry, miss Valerie." He apologized before running again.

Glancing at each other, the Ramshackle duo continued their journey, all the while watching students tripping over their feet looking for something. It wasn't long before they spotted a familiar redhead and bluette by the bushes.

"Damn it, where are they? They couldn't gotten that far." Ace muttered.

"Maybe we should try a different spot." Suggested Deuce.

"Guys?" A feminine voice snapped them out and turned around.

Their eyes bulged out when they saw her ears. A palpable silence overtook them, until...

"Pffftt-"

All eyes turned to Ace as he covered his mouth with right arm, and shaking. Finally he blew up.

"HAHAHAAHA! Oh great seven this hilarious! You're an actual rabbit!" He kept on laughing. Deuce had small blush on his face when he stared at her, she looked like a porcelain doll.

"You know very well I hate those." Valerie monotonous voice rang out. A displeased look covered her face from being compared to an item she hated the most.

Crap, he thought out loud.

"I-I-I'm so sorry!" Deuce bowed, which made Ace laughed louder.

"Its fine." She huffed. "Anyway, what happened? What's the emergency?"

Ace shut up and Deuce tentatively bit his lower lip.

"Its the hedgehogs, they broke out in their cages again. The unbirthday party will start soon and no one has found them yet." The peacock-eyed boy answered.

"Riddle almost lost control when he found out, and its not getting any better." The cherry-eyed boy added.

"I could help." The girl offered. "My ears are practically antennas, and they've been a great help in dealing with Savanaclaw, I think I can find the hedgehogs in no time."

They seem to contemplate her words, before nodding to each other.

"Alright, Princess, we're counting on you." Ace grinned.

The girl gave a mock salute before taking Grim off her and dropping him on Ace. She sprinted away, she picked a small clearing.

Valerie crouched down and closed her eyes. She blocked out the noise surrounding her, focusing on the chitter and footsteps of the hedgehogs. Breathing softly she waited for even the faintest noise.

Instantly her ears twitched, perking a bit she turned to the left. Sprinting off she found a red and blue hedgehogs under a tree. Valerie slowly made her towards them and crouch to their height.

"Hi." She gently called out. Slowly reaching her hand out, it sniffed it before coming near and rubbing itself on it.

"You guys are bunch escape artist huh?" She mused, delicately picking it up. Her ears perked up, catching a faint conversation. Following till she found herself with two mobs.

"M-miss Valerie!" They exclaimed in surprised, especially to her ears.

"Here." She placed them on their hands.

"Thank you."

"No problem. Now if you excuse me, I got more to find."

She did this a few more times: She would listen to the hedgehogs, find them and give them to a nearby Heartslyabul student. So far she found at least 20 or so for half an hour.

Valerie huffed and fanned herself using her shirt, she having a particularly hard time in finding these guys. The tiny things were master on invasion and giving her a good challenge. Inhaling she concentrated once more, walking silently as she did in hopes to hear the better.

Finally, soft rustling in the bushes caught her attention. Nimbly making her way to the source, she pulled it back to to find a red, green and orange hedgehogs staring up at her.

"C'mere." She scooped them up and made her way to the nearest students, whose hair perfectly matched the hedgehogs she's carrying.

They blinked at the sight before them, heat rising to their cheeks at the adorable sight.

"V-Valerie." Riddle stuttered, clearly didn't expect this.

"Yeah, hi." She sheepishly grinned.

"This is an interesting turn of events?" Commented Trey, fixing his gaze on her ears.

"Vally, you look so cute!" The strawberry blonde gushed, taking out his phone and snapping pictures of the girl.

"Haha, thank you Cater." She did cute little poses. Holding the hedgehogs up to her face.

"#Cutie! #Rabbitears #foundthehedgehogs #livinguptothename." He quickly uploaded it.

Riddle quickly regained his composure and took the hedgehogs out of her hands.

"Thank you, Valerie now we can resume the unbirthday party."

"So." Deuce started. "What happened to you?"

After placing the hedgehogs in their cages, everyone was seated on the tables and enjoying the party, and were quite curious of her ears.

The girl summarized on what happened yesterday and this morning. Ace snickered at the end of her explanation.

"Jeez, Val, your a total disaster magnet." He ran his finger on her ears.

"It gets worse when I'm with you guys." She teased.

"Your so mean, Princess!" Ace dramatically placed his hand over his heart, 'hurt' by her words.

"But you look so cute! Look how much likes your photo is getting." The leaf-green eyed male showed her his phone, which was gradually getting likes.

"They don't make you uncomfortable, do they?" Trey asked, as he handed her another strawberry tart. Which she gratefully accepted.

"Besides having more sensitive hearing, I'm good" She replied. She moved her hands up, away from Grim's greedy outstretched paws. Trey handed him a blueberry cheesecake.

"This transformation has been a great help, especially when dealing with Savanaclaw. You should have seen the amount of students I sent in the infirmary." She added with a giggle.

"There was even a dragon there that wanted to challenge her. But he got dragged off." Grim chimed in, taking large bite of his cheesecake.

"A dragon?"

"He brushed off my abilities because of the potion." Just remembering his words gave her a headache.

Ugh, if mom was in Cloud Valley she would have made every man there submit to her.

"But in the end, you still sustain injuries." Riddle interjected, examining her bandaged arm. He sipped his tea as the girl's face flushed.

"T-that's a mistake in my part. I got ahead of myself, I would have still beaten Leona if I had been more aware of my surroundings." Frustration crinkled her eyes, with those ears of hers should would have heard him and at least give him a black eye.

Mom would have scold her for her carelessness.

"Aww, don't make that face Vally; let's just enjoy the party." Cater coaxed bring her and Grim for a selfie, which was soon joined by Ace, Deuce and Trey who grabbed Riddle with him.

"Say cheese!"

________________

"Miss her ears already." Deuce mumbled, as he stared at the girl.

As promised, Crewel gave her the antidote and she reverted back to her normal self. Although, some were beginning to miss her ears.

They just looked so cute on her.

It was P.E and they were doing some warm up stretches. Valerie was just doing splits when a shadow fell over her.

"Kemonohito! Re-match now!"

This guy...

"We're in class. Can we do this later?" She reasoned.

His face twisted in anger, before a whistle blew.

"Alright! I prepared an obstacle course! Whoever reaches the finish line first in the shortest amount of time will receive a plus points!"

One by one the boys took the course, Vargas always saved Valerie for last cause he knows that she might destroy everything.

Vargas focused his gaze on Valerie.

"Kemonohito you're up!"

As she took her position, she examined the field. High walls, mannequins, vaults and beams, perfect for her rabbit self, but it wasn't there anymore. She shook her head, she trained for years, she didn't need it.

The whistle blew

She blurred through the field. Destroying the mannequins and jumping over the high walls with ease. By the time she finished it, she left a path of destruction.

"2:05s! The fastest one yet! Fantastic job, but next time don't destroy everything. Seriously I just got this raise." The man grumbled more as he scribbled on his clipboard.

Meanwhile, her idiot trio stared at her, shock written on their faces. When she walked up to them, they bombarded her with questions.

"How did you do that!?"

"Can you teach me!

"I thought you weren't a rabbit anymore."

All she could do was shrug.

"Maybe I got the leftover DNA. But whatever the case is, I love it."

She had a wide smile on their face, oh this was going to be good.

A/N: Cloud Valley belongs to @phoenix-manga

@poisonapplecakes1312

[sergeantsporks]

Another Shot at Life

Rating: General Audiences, Gen

TW: Child abuse, emotional manipulation

Ao3

Hunter accidentally makes his way into the human realm and can't get back home. But he's discovering that might not be such a bad thing.

Ch 6/7: Fall into Your Nightmare

Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3, Ch 4, Ch 5

Hunter watched the portal close, tears rolling down his face. Belos pulled him away.

“Hunter, I thought you were better than that. Really, your lack of loyalty is painful.” He coughed. “Agh—”

Hunter bit back a whine of pain as Belos’ grip tightened even further, and his arm started to go numb and tingly.

Belos steered him back through the hallways to his room. “You are going to stay in there. I will have meals brought up. Do not leave this room.” Belos tugged Hunter’s gloves away. “Oh, and I’ll be taking these, in case you had any ideas about trying to get back to the human realm.

He slammed the door shut and locked it. Hunter’s legs wobbled, and he staggered to his bed, sitting down.

She would have fought for me.

But this had been the right choice, right? Even if Camila and Vee would have fought for him, they wouldn’t have won. How could they?

Red fluttered out of his pocket, chirping sadly. Hunter cupped the palisman in his hands. “We’ll be fine. I still have you, and—this isn’t so bad. If he won’t let me out of my room, then there’s no chance that he’ll send me after Luz, right? Right. Really, this is probably the best outcome I could have hoped for when I ran away. A couple of bruises and not-so-solitary confinement? I’m getting off easy.” He swiped tears out of his eyes. “Yeah. This is—it’s fine. We’ll be okay. And Camila and Vee are safe, and that’s what really matters.”

The door creaked open, and multi-colored eyes glared hatefully at him. Hunter jumped up. “What do you want?”

Kikimora pushed the door shut behind her. Her eyes flashed dangerously, and the coven patch on Hunter’s arm started to burn, glowing red and black. A wave of pain hammered up his nerves, and his vision went blurry.

“Belos might have forgiven your attack on me,” Kikimora hissed, taking a step closer, “but I have not.”

The patch throbbed, and Hunter clutched his arm to his chest, looking around wildly for his staff—but of course, Belos had taken his coven staff away. Red fluttered to him, shifting into a staff, and he swung it towards Kikimora.

She lazily drew a circle in the air, and his staff flew from his hand. Another wave of pain swept up from his arm, and his legs gave out, tears pricking at his eyes.

“Hngh—Kiki—”

“What are you going to do?” she taunted, looming over him. “Fight back? I doubt Emperor Belos will let you get away with it twice. Tell on me? I’ll claim I caught you attempting an escape. Naturally, I had to stop you. Guess who he’ll believe? I’m in the emperor’s good graces. Not you.”

His coven patch faded to its usual color, and Kikimora turned her back on him, striding back to the door. “Just remember your place, Golden Guard.”

The door clicked shut behind her, and Hunter curled into a ball, waiting for the pain in his arm to subside. Red fluttered down next to him, chirping anxiously.

He managed a smile. “I’m okay—that doesn’t hurt nearly as much as she thinks it does.” Hunter sat up, rubbing the patch. “I promise you, we’re going to be okay.”

Xxx

Hunter jumped to his feet as he heard a familiar cough echoing down the hallway. He grabbed Red as Belos burst in. His uncle’s chest was heaving frantically, and cursed goop dripped from his face.

“Give me—the palisman,” he rasped.

Hunter’s heart stuttered in his chest, and he clutched Red close to his chest, backing away. “You said I could keep it if I came back,” he accused.

“That was before your disobedience caused me another attack,” Belos snarled, holding a hand out, “Give it to me!”

Hunter shook his head. “N-no.”

Belos lunged towards him with a growl, making a grab for Red with a hand that was half liquid. Hunter turned his back to his uncle, shielding the bird. Belos’ grasping hand slammed into his back, and all of the air rushed out of Hunter’s lungs with a whoosh. He staggered forward to the window, launching his palisman out. “Get—out of—here—” he wheezed.

Belos ripped him back from the window with a roar, reaching out the window for Red, but the palisman fluttered out of reach, diving down away from the window.

Belos gasped as more and more of his body shifted into a goopy mess. Hunter scooted backwards, but the room wasn’t big enough, and Belos’ curse lashed out. Hunter rolled to the side to avoid one flailing tendril, but another one caught him, throwing him back into the bed. His head hit the frame with a crack, and everything went a little fuzzy. He didn’t know how long he was lying there, but when he came to, Belos was back to normal, breathing heavily.

Hunter pulled himself into a sitting position, his head spinning. He tucked his head between his knees, willing the sharp pain to go away.

“You should have… given me… the palisman…” Belos gasped, “Hunter… you know… better… than to set off… the curse…”

Hunter closed his eyes, sick to his stomach. “Camila s-said… you shouldn’t blame me…” he whimpered, rubbing the back of his head.

“What was that?”

Hunter hugged himself, his shoulders shaking. “N-nothing.”

“Hunter, Hunter, Hunter. I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to be the bad guy. I hate to be the villain. And if you’d just listen the first time, things like this wouldn’t happen.

Belos put a hand on his head. Hunter was sure it was supposed to be comforting, but the touch sent another spike of pain hammering through his skull. He whimpered, and Belos shook his head, walking out.

“I do wish you wouldn’t make me be the bad guy, Hunter.”

Red fluttered through the window when Belos was gone, tweeting in concern and landing on Hunter’s hand. Hunter retched as his head swam, tears running down his face.

“I—I want to go b-back,” he sniffed, scrubbing at his eyes, “I want—I want—”

Red gently pecked his hand, and flew to the window, chirping.

Hunter looked up. “R-run away again? B-belos would just find me.”

Red tweeted that Belos couldn’t possibly search the whole isles, and there were plenty of places to hide. And people who would help him.

Hunter staggered to his feet, stumbling to the window. “How?” he croaked.

Red shifted into its staff form, flapping its wings. The staff floated, and Hunter hesitantly climbed on, clutching onto the staff for dear life as his palisman took off, shooting out the window.

To their credit, they made it all the way to the wall before Kikimora swooped next to them on a massive hand demon.

“Return to your room, or I will be forced to take action against you, Golden Guard.”

“Where does she keep getting those?” Hunter muttered. He nudged them down into a dive, aiming for an arch that was just a little bit blurry—how hard had he hit his head?

Almost immediately, the patch on his arm burned, sending a shockwave of pain up his arm. Hunter fell off of the staff, tumbling to the ground. Red stopped, fluttering back to him as Kikimora strode across the ground towards him. With a wave of her hand, ropes appeared, snaking around Hunter’s arms and dragging him back towards the keep.

Kikimora ‘tsked.’ “The emperor will have to hear of this. A good thing I was here to stop you—if you’d gotten out of my range of sight, I wouldn’t be able to activate your patch.”

“What—a shame.”

Red dove down and pecked at Kikimora’s head, shrieking and undoing her hair tie so that her hair fell into her eyes. Hunter bolted as his coven patch returned to normal, his palisman fluttering after him.

HUNTER!

Hunter froze as Belos’ voice echoed around him. Red chirped for him to come on, hurry, but Hunter couldn’t move.

Belos was angry.

Really angry.

Hunter hadn’t known the difference until now. Before, it had always been a cold, calculating anger. He could pin it now more as… Displeasure, maybe?

But this was angry.

At him.

Before it had just been disappointment. Now? Now he was driving Belos up the wall. Belos was actually going to lose it at him.

His mind screamed at him to run, go, go, go, but his legs wouldn’t move as Belos strode towards him, huge and rageful. One hand reached out and snatched Red out of the air, and finally, Hunter could move, fueled by blind panic.

“G-give it back!”

“No. You can’t be trusted with it. Running away, Hunter? After I gave you another chance? This creature of wild magic is a bad influence on you. I will be taking your pet away until you prove you can be responsible.”

Hunter grabbed for Red as the little bird struggled against Belos’ grip. “No!”

Belos grabbed his shoulder to stop him, adding a new layer of bruises. “Stop this at once,” he hissed, “You are behaving like a child. I raised you better than this!”

He squeezed Red tight, and at the cardinal’s chirp of pain, Hunter stopped struggling.

“You will return to your room,” Belos hissed, “You will stay there. If I catch you trying to run away again…” he squeezed Red just a little harder. “…just don’t run away, Hunter.”

Hunter nodded. “Yes, sir,” he murmured in a hoarse whisper, trudging back through the palace while the coven scouts and guards whispered. He struggled to latch the door, his head spinning, and after the third miss, he gave up, kicking the door, then hopping up and down on one foot in pain with a yell.

Hunter flopped back on his bed, tears pricking at his eyes.

“I want to go home.” The whisper escaped his lips, and panic built up in his chest. He wasn’t ever going to get out of here. Belos would keep him locked up forever, and he would never see Vee or Camila again, and he was trapped, and he couldn’t get out, and no one here cared about him, and he would die here, alone, and no one cared, and he was trapped.

Hunter unbuckled his chest plate, throwing it across the room with a certain kind of savage pleasure as it clanged against the floor. It had used to feel protective, like a shell shielding him from the world. Now it just felt restrictive, like a cage. The cloak followed, the coven symbol on the pin gleaming mockingly at him.

Hunter scrambled down halfway under his bed, pulling out the clothes Camila had given him, and he changed into them, pulling the over-sized hoodie over his head with a sigh of relief. He pulled the hood up and retracted his arms into the sleeves, curling his knees to his chest and chewing on the ends of the hoodie strings.

The fabric smelled like the Noceda house.

Hunter buried his face in his arms, his stomach nauseous.

I want to go home.

Hunter drifted off into a half-dazed dream, voices from coven guards floating in and out.

The Golden Guard is just a kid.

Whoof. He doesn’t look too good.

You think he’s sick?

What is he wearing?

Hunter blearily opened his eyes. Ugh—his head was still throbbing, little pulses of pain emanating from the back of his head where he’d hit the bedframe. Hunter shuffled to his first aid kit, pulling out a pain patch and slapping it on the back of his neck. The pain in his head subsided, but the disoriented, displaced feeling stayed.

“Golden Guard.”

Hunter flinched at Belos’ voice, turning around to see his uncle looking down at him, and casting an irritated glance at the messy heap that was his uniform. Hunter drooped. “Sir…”

“What. Are you wearing.”

Hunter tugged at the ends of his hoodie sleeves. “I just thought—that if I was staying up here anyway,” he said in a small voice, “and if I wasn’t going to leave, that it didn’t really… matter what I wore?”

Belos’ lip curled. “Put your uniform back on. Then you will join me. There is something I want you to see.”

Belos swept out, and Hunter sat down on his bed with a whump, still dazed and groggy. He stared bleakly at his uniform, then started to change with a sigh. Was there any point in resisting? He couldn’t run away, he couldn’t get back to the human realm. Maybe… maybe if he just stopped acting up, things could go back to the way they’d been. Belos would stop being angry for running away eventually, if he just behaved himself. If he proved that he could still be loyal, if he could prove that he was still useful… maybe he would be able to leave the keep again. He could work on getting his palisman back. He just had to get back into Belos’ good graces.

Hunter folded the human clothes up neatly, burying his face in the hoodie for a minute, then pushing the pile back under the bed. He poked his head out into the hallway, where Belos was waiting.

“Come along, Hunter.”

Hunter trudged next to his uncle, zoning out as they passed through hallways until they came to the dungeon. Hunter blinked, swallowing hard. Well, he hadn’t thought life could get much worse, but apparently, Belos didn’t care about appearances anymore.

But Belos led him to the very back, to a solitary cell.

“I thought you’d like a reminder of your time in the human realm,” Belos purred.

Hunter peered in the cell, and his heart stopped in his chest.

Vee.

Chained to the wall, bruises showing on her face.

He shook himself, forcing himself to think through it. No, that was Luz, not Vee. Which wasn’t ideal either, but he knew Luz could handle herself. “What—what is she doing here?”

“She’s attempting to build a portal. I want to know how close she is.” Belos put a hand on his shoulder, pushing him towards the cell. “And you are going to find out for me. After all, you’re some sort of human expert now, hm? You spent time inside of her home, you know her family.” Belos held out his coven staff. “Prove to me that you are still loyal. Prove that you can leave the people in the human realm behind. Find out about her portal by any means possible. Perhaps if I see you can be trusted, I’ll even return your palisman to you.”

That clicked in Hunter’s numb mind. Prove his loyalty—even if he wasn’t sure about it himself, doing this could get that loyalty back, right? Prove he was useful, prove that Belos could still use him, and then he could get back to some semblance of normal. He couldn’t get back to the human realm—he might as well stop moping about it and make the best of his situation.

But that was Camila’s daughter!

That was Luz, the first person to be nice to him!

It didn’t help that she and Vee were identical.

Prove that you can be trusted.

Xxx

Luz lifted her head as the cell door creaked open. “Back for more?” she quipped shakily.

Hunter shuffled in, closing the door behind him. “Uh. Hey.”

“Oh, are we playing good cop, bad cop? Warden Wrath was the bad cop, now you’re the good cop? Fun.”

Hunter looked down at the ground, his knuckles white on his coven staff. “I don’t want to hurt you,” he said softly, “Please just tell me about your portal.”

“Ehehehe, no.” Luz twirled a finger in the air. “Props to you for asking nicely, though, that is a nice change.” She glanced at Hunter. “Hey—you okay?” his face was pale, way too pale, and his eyes didn’t seem… quite focused. Then she spotted the healing patch on his neck. “Whoa, what happened to you?”

“I’m supposed to be asking the questions.”

“What, I can’t express concern for my jailer?”

His hands shook. “You’re in a much worse position, here. You’re not looking great, either.”

“Well, yeah. I’m the prisoner. Hunter. Seriously. Are you okay?”

Hunter glanced at the door. “I’m fine. Everything is fine.”

Right, that was a big fat lie.

“I—I met your mother.”

Luz felt a steely cold settle over her soul. “If you’ve hurt her I will—”

“No! I…” Hunter ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t do this. Luz. Please. It is really, really, really important to me that you tell me about your portal.”

There was a certain kind of desperation in his voice that made Luz pause. “…Hunter?” she asked quietly, “What happened?”

He glanced back at the door again. “I—I went to the human realm,” he said in a low voice, “I met Camila and Vee.”

Luz’s eyes widened. “And? Are they okay?”

“They’re fine.” He hesitated, then took a deep breath. “I stayed with them for a while, but Belos came to take me back, and everything since then has just been… he has my palisman, Luz.” Hunter’s chest heaved frantically, and he ran a hand through his hair. “He has my palisman, and I keep making him really mad, and Kikimora-!”

“Hey—Hunter—whoa—deep breaths.”

He looked like he might just be sick on the floor of her cell, but he inhaled deeply.

Man. She couldn’t just leave him like that—and she definitely didn’t want Lil Rascal to get hurt. “Okay. Look. Hunter. You can tell Belos that I’m nowhere close to finishing that portal, and I’m nearly out of titan’s blood, anyway.”

He squinted at her. “Is that the truth?”

Actually, she still had a good amount of titan’s blood left, but Belos didn’t need to know that. “Unfortunately, yes. Hunter, look—I hope you get your palisman back. I really do. But also… I’ve broken out of here before. I’ll do it again. Just… don’t try to stop me when I do, okay? I don’t want to hurt you, I think you’re dealing with enough right now. But I will fight to escape. I can promise you that.”

He rubbed his arms. “I tried to run away,” he admitted in a whisper, “It… didn’t go well. Best of luck, but… don’t get your hopes up. If Belos wants you to stay here, you won’t be going anywhere.”

Xxx

Hunter blankly watched Red hop around his room. He should have felt happy he’d gotten his palisman back. Or at the very least, he should have felt relieved.

But he just felt tired. He’d won this time. He’d gotten Red back safe and sound, he hadn’t even had to hurt Luz to get the little bird.

But it wasn’t over, he knew that. This was just a respite until Belos confiscated his palisman again, or Kikimora decided she wanted to hurt him again, or Belos decided he wanted something else.

And it was just going to keep on going.

Best behavior. Prove he was trustworthy, banish the lingering feelings from his time in the human realm. He could do this—he’d always had to claw his way to the top, he could do it again.

He heard yelling and explosions outside, and he went to the window. A small figure in a blue cape was running for the walls, knocking out coven guards right and left. Luz.

Hunter leaned on the windowsill with a small smile, watching her progress. She made it all the way to the walls, and slapped down a glyph, a pillar of ice rocketing her towards the top.

Only for an attack from Kikimora to knock her off. He winced as she hit the ground, and coven guards grabbed her arms, dragging her back inside. The smile faded from his face, and he closed the window.

Red warbled sadly, and Hunter sighed.

“Yeah. I hoped she’d make it, too.”

He waited about an hour, then rifled through his first aid kit, pulling out a few pain patches. He slowly pushed the door open, checking both ways for anyone coming down the hallway, then crept out, palisman on his shoulder. He snuck through the hallways and down to the dungeon, unlocking Luz’s cell door with a creak, and slipping inside, checking one more time for guards.

She lifted her head when he came in, wincing. “Oh. Heyyyyyy. Are we… doing another interrogation?”

“Shh.” Hunter pulled up her sleeve, putting a few pain patches on her arm, then rolling the sleeve back down. “Those should make it hurt less,” he whispered, “They’re more effective if you put ‘em on the back of your neck, but Belos or one of the guards would see it there.” He shuffled back, rubbing his arm. “Sorry I can’t do more, but I… I’d get in really big trouble.”

She managed a faint grin. “Awwwww thankssss, Hunter. You’re not… such a bad guy.”

Hunter glanced out the little window in the cell door. Still no one out there. Of course, Belos could be watching at any moment, but he was pretty certain that he would have heard an angry voice telling him to get out if he was. “Do you think… isn’t Amity Blight going to come for you?”

Luz shook her head. “I… was on a solitary training retreat… to the Knee… my friends won’t expect me back for a while.” She blinked at him. “Thanks for… for helping me.”

“’s not a lot.” Hunter turned to go. “I’ll leave you alone, now. In case you want to try escaping again.”

“No, wait!”

He paused at the door, looking back at her.

“Stay and talk to me? How’s my mom?”

Hunter sat down on the floor, crisscross with his hands on his ankles. “She misses you. She wants you to come home. But she and Vee are… they’re happy, I think.”

“Yeah?”

“Your mom, she… she took me in. Even after she found out I was your enemy. She was nice to me. I… I was happy there.”

“Why’d you come back?”

Hunter shook his head. “Didn’t have a choice. Belos came for me, and if I hadn’t come… he just would have hurt your mom and taken me back anyway. He can go to the human realm whenever he wants, he has the door, and he has enough blood in the key to go back as many times as he needs to drag me back.”

Luz was quiet for a moment. “What if… he didn’t have the key?”

“Wh-What?”

“If we got the key away from him—”

Hunter stood up so fast it made his head spin. “I can’t steal the key! Are you insane?!”

“Insanely clever! Ah, come on, I’ve tricked him before.”

Hunter shook his head. “I want to escape. Not get myself killed. Or worse.” He went to the door. “The sooner you come to terms with the truth, be better off you’ll be. We’re both stuck here—or at least, you are until your friends realize you’re missing. If you keep trying to escape, you’ll just keep getting hurt. Belos doesn’t let prisoners go.”

Hunter left the cell, closing and locking the door behind him. He turned around, and yelped. “E-emperor Belos!”

His uncle shook his head. “Hunter, what are you doing down here?”

“Getting… the human… to trust me?” he tried.

Belos held a hand out. “Palisman.”

Hunter grabbed Red, holding him close. “I swear I wasn’t going to help her escape, I promise!”

“Palisman, Hunter. I don’t want to keep taking your pet, but if you keep proving you can’t be trusted, then I have no choice.”

Hunter backed up, pressing his back to the cell door and squeezing his eyes shut.

“Hey, goop man!” Luz called from inside of the cell, “Leave him alone! I’m the problem!”

Belos glanced in the cell. “Quiet.”

“No! You leave Hunter alone, he didn’t do anything!”

Xxx

Luz waited, holding her breath. She was not going to be the reason Hunter or his palisman got hurt—he’d just been trying to help her.

Belos’ eye stared into her cell. “Are you really so eager to rush your own petrification, human?”

“Oh, please, is that supposed to be scary? You’ve already failed to kill me several times.”

Belos straightened. “If you two enjoy each other’s company so much, why don’t you have a little sleepover together?” he said in a voice steely with rage. Luz heard a yelp from Hunter, and then the sound of a door locking. “No—wait—Uncle, I promise I won’t come down again, don’t—”

“Goodnight, Hunter.”

The dungeon door closed behind Belos, plunging them into darkness.

Luz could hear ragged breathing from the cell next to hers. Oh, boy. Not again. “Hey—Hunter, buddy. Deep breath. Deep breath, buddy. You’re okay. I’m right over here. It’s just a dark cell, it’ll be okay. Deep breath.” She heard Lil Rascal’s chirp. “Hey, wait, you still have your palisman? Just break out!”

“Why, so Belos can catch me and lock me up somewhere else?” Hunter snarled miserably.

“Oh. Yeah. At least here you’ve got company, eh?”

She heard a deep sigh.

Xxx

“Hey. I’m sorry I got you in trouble.”

Hunter leaned against the wall. “I haven’t been out of trouble since I got back here.”

Luz chuckled. “That doesn’t sound like you, golden boy.”

“Thanks for… for standing up for me. If he’d taken Red away again I—” Red snuggled against him, and Hunter scratched the palisman’s head. “Luz? Why did you—why did you run away from home?”

Luz was quiet for a moment. “I… I wasn’t trying to run away. Not really. I always planned on going back, I just… everything happened so FAST, and then I’d destroyed the portal—or I thought I did, anyway. I just… I never fit in. Guess it sounds like a pretty silly reason to run away to you, huh?

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It’s just—I mean—I love my mom a lot. And I know she tries her hardest. And I did feel bad about leaving her behind—it was just that the rest of my world… I didn’t fit in, and I wanted something more. But Belos is horrible to you. I’d understand if you wanted to run away.”

Hunter curled his knees up to his chest. “It wasn’t always like this. It used to be—well, better. He wasn’t ever as caring or kind as Camila, but he… he wasn’t this bad. But then I ran away to the human realm, and I just… He’s really upset, you know? Like I’m sure your mom is, too. It’ll settle down eventually, I guess, he can’t be mad forever. It would probably help if I stopped getting into trouble.”

Luz was quiet for a moment. “But what if it shouldn’t settle down?”

“What?”

“Hunter, you don’t have to take this! Fight back!”

Hunter shook his head, nauseous at the thought. “It’s not… You can do that, Luz, you live in a world where a—a plucky attitude can get you out of a bad situation, and good wins, and the power of friendship or whatever can do anything. That’s not how it is for me, Luz. If I keep standing up, I’m just going to keep getting knocked down. It doesn’t matter what the issue is, the fight doesn’t end until I’ve lost. I can’t win, Luz.”

“So you’re just going to give up?”

“Yeah, okay? I’m giving up. It’s not just about me anymore—I have to watch out for Red, too. If I keep fighting back, Belos will hurt me, he’ll hurt Red—it’s just not worth it.”

“But—”

“I’m done talking about it, Luz.”

“Fine.”

There was a small explosion from the cell next to him, and Luz burst out into the open with a small grin. “What if you didn’t have to be here?”

Hunter’s heart started to thud in his chest. “Wh-what?”

Luz drew a glyph on the floor, and vines erupted from the ground, ripping his cell door off of its hinges. “I’m breaking you out, Mr. Tragic, let’s go!”

“I—I can’t, he’ll catch us!”

Luz shrugged. “Oh, well.” She drew another glyph, and a block of ice rose up, encasing him.

“Hey! What are you doing?”

“Kidnapping you!” Luz slapped a fire glyph on the back of the ice block, and Hunter shot forward towards the door, Luz clinging to the back.

“Stop it! You’re going to get us both in trouble!”

“Belos’ fault, really, for leaving you down there with me.”

They shot up the stairs, and Red fluttered after them, turning into its staff form. Luz grinned. “Good idea!”

She used a plant glyph to tie Hunter’s ice block to the staff and sat on it. “Let’s go!”

“Traitor,” Hunter grumbled to his palisman, but hope fought his panic. Luz had nearly made it last time—and with his palisman, she had a way to get over the wall.

They zoomed through the hallways, Luz immobilizing coven guards along the way. Hunter’s heart pounded, leaping up to his mouth. They were going to make it—this time, they were really going to—

A blast of magical energy barely missed Luz, and she dove to the side, glaring down at Kikimora, who was standing next to Belos, her finger smoking. “Hey!” Luz yelled angrily, “I’ve got Hunter—you really going to risk me dropping him?”

For a moment, just a moment, Hunter thought he saw Belos hesitate. But then he nodded to Kikimora, and another energy blast slammed into Luz, knocking her out of the sky and severing the vines securing Hunter to the staff.

Wind whipped past his face as he fell, but he barely even noticed, his mind numb.

Belos would let him die rather than escape.

Red dove down with a shriek, slamming into the ice block so hard it broke. Hunter grabbed the staff, hanging on for dear life as he scrambled to get into a sitting position. Then he angled the staff down. “GO!”

They dove down towards Luz as she fell, wind whistling in his ears. They shot past her, and Hunter pulled up. Luz slammed into him, and they plummeted again, Red straining to hold them both up. They skidded into the courtyard, tumbling to a stop, and Hunter flopped on the ground with a groan, Luz unconscious on the ground.

Belos glided over, peering down at him as coven guards hauled Luz away again. “Excellent work, Hunter.”

“I almost died!” The words burst out of his mouth before he could stop them. “You were going to let me die!”

“I knew you could handle it,” Belos said dismissively. His eyes glinted. “Besides, I won’t negotiate with rebels, and she should learn that.” He started to walk back towards the keep. “Clean yourself up, you look a mess.”

Red tweeted anxiously, hopping up to him.

Hunter hauled himself into a sitting position with a wince, picking up the bird. “’m okay.”

Red chirped again, glancing in the direction the guards had taken Luz.

“I know—I want her to get out, too, but I just… I don’t think she can make it out of these walls, the perimeter is just too secure.”

Hunter watched after Belos, the gears in his mind quietly clicking.

But what if there were a way for her to escape without ever leaving the walls?

Xxx

Luz was half asleep when she heard it. A thump and a yelp from the guard that Belos had permanently posted, then the click of a key in a lock. She somehow just knew from the sound that it was Hunter, even before he poked his head in.

“Okay, we’re getting out of here.” He unlocked her from the wall, and she fell, her legs wobbly. “Whoa!” He caught her, lowering her gently to the floor and pulling out a couple of the pain patches he’d used before, pasting them to the back of her neck. “I’m going to get you home.”

“Home?”

Hunter held an arm out, and his palisman fluttered through the door and landed on his arm, the portal key in its mouth. He took the key. “You’re taking the portal out of here, back to Camila. Oh—and I’m coming with you.”

Luz blinked as the aching in her muscles and the throbbing in her head subsided. “How’d you get that? And what about Belos, aren’t you worried he’ll see us?”

“Well, to answer both of your questions…” Hunter winced. “Let’s just say that I set up some traps specifically designed to set off his curse, and Red lured him in.” His face paled, like what he’d done had just now caught up to him. “Ohhhhhhhhhh, he’s going to be so mad.”

“Well, we’ll just have get out of here before his curse recedes,” Luz said confidently. She hauled herself up. “Lead the way!”

They crept through the hallways, Hunter jumping at every sound.

And then Luz heard it.

A drip, drip, drip, and ragged breathing.

Hunter went white as a sheet, and he turned to face the noise, jabbing one finger behind him. “Down the hallway, giant doors, can’t miss it. I’ll misdirect him and meet you there.”

“Hunter are you—”

“Go!”

Xxx

Hunter took a deep breath and tucked Red and the key into his pocket as Belos shambled towards him, the ooze of the curse dripping on the floor.

“U-uncle Belos, you shouldn’t be out like this, let me help you get somewhere—”

“The human,” Belos rasped, “She’s escaped. I can feel it. And your palisman is helping her.”

“Then she’s—she’s probably outside, again, making another go at the walls, we should—”

“No. She’s… trying to return home. She has the key.”

Hunter ran around the emperor, standing in front of him. “But she doesn’t want to go home! She likes it here, besides, why would she be so stupid as to head deeper into the keep, that doesn’t make any sense, it makes way more sense for her to have stolen the key for the blood in it and she’s probably going to keep trying to make her portal, I mean—”

“Step aside, Hunter.”

Hunter backpedaled, keeping himself between Belos and the throne room door. “Really, we should go to the walls and look for her, she tends to make a mess of the guards, and—”

Belos’ curse lashed out, throwing him against the wall. Hunter collapsed in a dazed heap, blinking stars out of his eyes. “I said to step aside,” Belos growled. He put one hand on Hunter’s head. “Just stay down, Hunter. I can still pretend you had nothing to do with this. You don’t have to implicate yourself with her.”

He strode towards the door, leaving Hunter crumpled on the ground. He slowly pulled out the key, clutching it tightly.

She’s… trapped.

Xxx

Luz hopped from one foot to another. “C’mon, Hunter, where are you?”

The door creaked open, and she brightened. “Hunter?”

“I’m afraid Hunter will not be joining us,” Belos’ voice oozed.

A chill ran down Luz’s spine. “What did you do to him?” she demanded.

“You and your family turned him against me,” Belos hissed, “I’m sure it will distress him, but you must be eliminated.”

Luz backed up, reaching for her glyphs. “I’m not so easy to take down!”

Belos tilted his head. “Maybe not. But there’s someone else who posed an even greater influence on him—perhaps you will escape.” The emperor leaned in. “But I know exactly where to find your mother and the basilisk.”

There was a thump, and a singular boot thudded to the ground, bouncing off of the back of Belos’ head. He turned around. “What—”

In a flash of gold, Hunter appeared just above Belos, his palisman in its staff form and cackling with red electricity. Hunter swung the staff, catching Belos right in the mask. Belos fell, and Hunter landed, breathing heavily. “Don’t—you—touch—them—” he snarled.

Luz crowed, half-tackling him in a hug. “You did it!”

“Huh?”

“You stood up to him, Hunter, you fought back!”

He glanced down at Belos, face pale. “… I did. Oh, titan. I am so dead.”

“Then let’s get out of here!”

Hunter clicked the key, and the portal hummed, opening up. Luz raced back into the human realm, turning back. “Come on!”

Hunter was busy tugging on his shoe, hopping on one foot. “Hang on—”

He took a step forward, then stopped, his eyes widening and darting down.

Luz glanced at his feet.

They were covered in Belos’ cursed mud, holding him in place. The emperor groaned

Luz started forward. “Hang on, I’m coming, Hunter!”

He held his hand out. “No! If you set foot back here, he’ll get you, too!”

“I’m not just going to leave you!”

Hunter held up his staff. “Take care of Red.”

Luz felt tears press at the corners of her eyes. “Hunter—”

Hunter tossed the staff through the air, and Luz caught it, catching the palisman as it transformed. “Are you sure?”

Hunter squeezed his eyes shut, turning his face away. “Belos will kill it if it stays. And I… I don’t want it to see this.”

Red shrieked shrilly, snapping and clawing at Luz’s hands, struggling to get back to its witch.

“Hunter, just hang on,” Luz begged, “I can help you get out—we’re escaping together!”

Hunter shook his head. “Belos can’t have the portal. We can’t risk it.” His voice cracked, and he pulled out the key again. He clicked it, throwing it through the portal as it closed. “Say hi to Vee and Camila for me.”

The key clanked to the ground in front of Luz.

And the portal was gone.

Xxx

Hunter watched once again as the portal closed, trapped on the wrong side.

Emperor Belos rose up behind him with a growl, his face melting and reforming and melting and reforming. The cursed mud on Hunter’s feet crept up further, oozing and cold, but also burning at the same time, like acid wherever it touched him.

“You,” Belos growled, “are a horrible, disobedient child.”

Hunter squeezed his eyes shut, his hands clenching into fists. “Then get rid of me,” he challenged.

The mud crept all the way up to his neck.

“No, I don’t think so. I have a much better way to keep you in line.”

Cursed mud covered Hunter’s mouth and nose, and his back arched instinctively. He held his breath as long as he could, but his lungs forced him to open his mouth, and the curse crept in, filling his lungs. Hunter choked and screamed, and then he was falling into an inky black sea. He clawed for the surface.

Willful child, a voice whispered, Just submit. Give in. Won’t that be easier than fighting?

No matter how hard he swam, Hunter couldn’t—reach—the top—

You cannot win this fight. Just give in, and it will all be over.

Despair swept over Hunter, and he let himself sink.

Maybe… it is… easier…

He didn’t know long he was there, sinking into the darkness.

Time was irrelevant.

At least nothing hurt him here. It was just… endless nothingness.

At least it was until a shaft of light pierced through the darkness, and a voice called his name.

Ch 7