#reading it digitally and I held my breath for a second there because I wasn't expecting that at all!!

[anonymous-winter]

(enters the room covered in blood) I read Love Bullet

[satansaidnottoday]

Armistice at the library.

Info: Human AU, Satan's Mc, GN!Mc.

Summary: You have been annoying Satan long enough to get a date.

A/N: We do a little jump in the timeline here, we will keep jumping back and forth depending on what story I want to tell.

Monday was Satan's least favorite day. He had to sift through all of the books left in the return box during the weekend and make sure they didn't get damaged. They then had to be returned to their place on the shelf. Still, the smell of books and the soft silence made up for it. From up high on the ladder, he could see the morning sun slowly rising over the shelves and tables. It was such a beautiful view; it calmed him down.

Suddenly he got dragged, his ladder moving a full meter to the right out of his control. He held on to the railing for dear life. A less than dignified screech left his throat.

"Good morning, loser," you said, letting go of the ladder. 

"Mc, for fucks sake." He cursed you, coming down as fast as his trembling feet let him.

You laughed and sat down on your table, putting your books down and your feet up. Out of all of the regulars, you were the only one who would show up at 7 a.m. every single Monday. He wasn't a fan. 

"I could have fallen!" He pushed your feet off the table and looked down at you, breathing heavily. You loved how worked up he got. 

"I would have caught you," you said, grabbing his hand on yours. "I will always catch you," you said, looking up at him with your best dreamy eyes and soft, loving smile.

His whole face turns a lovely shade of red. His hand rips apart from yours, and he turns around, leaving for the counter with a huff. You watch him leave, waiting until he is sitting at his computer to start your own work. 

Ever since you returned to town, you have been going to the library every day to work. Partly because it was much nicer than the teacher's lounge, and it was right in front of the school. Party because you loved annoying the sexy librarian. You actually knew him from high school before you moved out. He was a hothead, you remembered. It was kind of funny to see him put up such a serious facade. 

The next few hours are spent grading papers and writing assignments. Every so often, Satan lifted his eyes from the desk and stole a look at you. Every single time, you winked at him. The last time he sighed so deeply, you could almost see the air leaving his lungs. You took the opportunity to walk up to him.

"Hey, handsome, mind scanning a book for me?" You ask, leaning down on the counter. You put down your copy of Lord of the Flies in front of you. "I need 20 copies of the first 2 chapters.

"You don't have scanners and printers at school?" He asks, turning the page in his own book.

"No, we're poor," you lied.

"Then I wonder why you're the only teacher who comes here to work." He lifted his eyes just to glare at you.

"Truly a mystery." You pushed the book closer to him. He took it and inspected it.

"You're having twelve-year-olds read Lord of the Flies?" He asks, looking at you weird.

"Why not? They can relate to the protagonists."

In reality, your first class of the day started at noon, and you had prepared no reading material at all. You had picked up the first book you saw in your bag.

"Let me check; I might already have a digital copy." He started typing on his computer.

"So reliable; I love that in a man."

"Well, at least this way, your students don't need to read your 'notes'," he said, making air quotes with his fingers. Behind him, the printer started working.

"What's wrong with my notes?" Your voice came out an octave higher than you expected.

"Let's see," he said, opening the book up. "We have 'Oh no oh no oh no'," he pauses to look at you for a second. "Just a bunch of 'damn', 'damn', 'damn', 'these kids are fucked up' and then 'poor piggy' sad face." 

You felt the heat rising in your own face as you took the book from his hands. "In my defense, those kids were fucked up."

He laughed at you. It made you wish the printer would work faster. You didn't like being on this side of the power dynamic.

"I should charge your school for all these copies," he said, stapling the copies together as they came out of the printer.

You snorted. "Good luck with that. They're already paying me with hopes and dreams."

He smiled, a non-malicious smile for the first time. "On that, we can relate at last."

"The woes of government employment." 

You stacked the copies as he handed them to you, and when they were all ready, you pushed them into your briefcase.

"Thank you, good sir." You offered him your hand for a shake, and he reluctantly took it. You pulled a fast one and bowed down to kiss it. Heat returned to his face, and the universe regained its balance. 

"You've got to stop teasing me," he sneakered, taking away his hand.

"Okay," you nodded. "Let's go on a date." 

He put a hand on his forehead, as if you were giving him a headache. "I said stop."

"Stop teasing. That's what I'm doing; I'm being direct," you explained, leaning closer to him. "Let's get coffee."

He looked at you for a few seconds, scanning your face for any hints of foolery. For once, you were being completely serious. He sighed.

"I'm free on Saturday," he said, looking at his drawers for something. After some shuffling, he took out a small magnet shaped like the head of a cat and handed it to you. "That's my favorite place."

"Café gatitos and cream," you read off the magnet. It took all of your strength not to laugh at how childish it looked. Instead, you nodded. "See you there at nine?"

He nodded back, avoiding your eyes. Without another word, he went back to work. You resolved to do the same.

Walking back to the school, you fidgeted with the magnet in your hand. You really couldn't wait. 

Thank you for reading ❤️

[livelaughwhump]

Worthless - Part 18

Masterlist | Previous

Content: strong language, brief mention of past captivity, brief mention of past abuse, brief mention of past noncon, self-hatred, self-deprecation, former pet whumpee

If I forgot any content warnings, please let me know

-

Landon woke up to the sound of his text tone. It was a sharp ringing sound directly beside his ear, and it made him jerk in surprise and sit straight up. After a few seconds of catching his breath and gathering his bearings, Landon grumbled and lay back down in order to go back to sleep.

Then, he heard the sound again. And again. And one more time, for good measure. Landon groaned and turned onto his side to peer at his phone screen. His eyes were watering as he gazed at the bright screen. The digital clock read 12:42, but Landon hardly paid it any mind. He would've slept much longer if he'd been given the chance.

The text messages were all from the same sender, his little sister, Colleen. Seeing this, Landon's heart rate skyrocketed. It wasn't like the two didn't speak often, but it wasn't like Colleen to send more than one text at a time, unless it was important. Landon just hoped it wasn't about what he suspected it was.

However, as Landon read the texts, the anxiety in his stomach calmed, but only for a moment.

Hey, L! Remember that time you promised to introduce me to your mysterious team? Well, that was over a year ago. Soooo, I've taken the initiative, and I'm on my way over. See you in half an hour!

The next couple texts read,

You better not still be sleeping

I swear to God, Landon, if you're asleep by the time I get there, I'm gonna lose my shit

Landon Jackson Copeland!!!

Landon's stomach dropped. He had intended for Colleen to meet his friends so long ago, but that was before Elliot had been kidnapped. Since then, she'd asked more times than he could count, but he'd had to turn her down every time. Only a few weeks after Elliot had been rescued was not at all a good time to introduce his sister.

Landon quickly sat up, cursing under his breath. "Shit, shit, shit." He clicked on Colleen's name and held the phone to his ear.

She answered on the first ring.

"Good, you're not asleep," she giggled.

Landon wasn't laughing. "Coll, listen to me, now is really not a good time."

"Because of your so-called 'emergency'? It's been over a year, Landon!"

"Because it's really bad! A member of our team is going through something really serious right now, and he can't have any distractions. I'm begging you to go back home. Now is a really bad time."

"It's too late, Landon," Colleen said. "I'm not driving two and a half hours back home when I'm twenty minutes away from you."

Landon dragged a hand down the side of his face. "Colleen, I'm serious."

"So am I. I haven't seen you in over a year. Sure, we talk every day, but it's not the same. You need to be with your family as much as I do. I'm sure your team will understand."

Landon scrambled to his feet and began slipping on a pair of pants that had been discarded on the floor. He kept his phone wedged between his cheek and shoulder to keep it close to his ear. "Can't you do this one thing for me, as my little sister?"

Even though he couldn't see her, Landon could tell she was rolling her eyes. "Come on, Landon. How bad could this 'emergency' possibly be?"

Landon quickly put her on speaker as he slipped a red t-shirt over his red. "Bad enough to last more than a year."

"Well, I can't wait to hear all about it when I get there. See you soon, bye!"

"Colleen...!" She had already hung up.

Landon was panicking. To say that Elliot was doing better wasn't untrue, but he was nowhere near ready to interact with people outside of the team yet. How was Landon supposed to explain to everyone that his stubborn little sister was on her way over? What would Lyra and Karine say about it? Surely, they were going to blame him. What other possibility was there?

After pulling on a pair of socks and shoes, Landon burst from his room in search of the rest of the team.

Elliot was curled up on the couch, wrapped in a soft blanket, with his new art kit open on the coffee table in front of him. He'd hardly put it down since Lyra had gifted it to him, and it seemed to improve his mood exponentially. At the very least, it gave him something to focus on, and something to distract him from the panicked discussions the rest of the team had been having about the pictures they'd received from Elliot's kidnapper.

Lyra was sat beside Elliot, fast asleep and snoring loudly. Broderick was playing some kind of video game, and Karine was writing something in a notebook on her lap. A delicious smell wafted in from the kitchen, so Landon could only assume that Yvonne was in the process of making lunch.

Landon's loud footsteps alerted Karine and Broderick, who looked up from their activities in order to meet his gaze. Karine smirked. "'Bout time you woke up. I was starting to think you had somehow drunk yourself into an early grave." Broderick chuckled, but Landon still wasn't laughing.

Landon rolled his eyes. "Funny. Anyway, Karine, I need to talk to you. We have a...situation."

This seemed to strike Karine. Her amused smile disappeared, she hopped up from her chair, and approached him. "How serious?" she asked as she grabbed him by the arm and steered him into the hallway, out of earshot.

"I'm not sure," Landon said. "Remember my sister, Colleen?"

Karine wore a mask of suspicion. "Yes?"

"Well...she's on her way over."

Karine's eyes nearly popped out of her skull. "What?" she exclaimed.

"I'm sorry. There was nothing I could do! She's been trying to get me to introduce her to the team since I joined!"

Karine glanced in the direction of the living room and lowered her voice, "Landon, Elliot is not ready to meet a stranger, least of all someone related to you."

Landon rolled his eyes. "Cool it with the insults, would you? This is serious. There's nothing I can do. I tried calling her, but she's already driven two and a half hours to come here, and she refuses to turn back now."

Karine sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "How far away is she?"

"About twenty minutes."

Karine threw her hands into the air in exasperation. "Fucking hell. All right, we'll have to warn the team and figure out what to do about Elliot. When she gets here, you're going to meet her at the door and try one more time to see if she'll change her mind."

Landon pursed his lips. "Whatever you say, but I wouldn't put much faith into that plan."

Karine glared at him. "I'm just trying to cover all our bases here, Landon. Let me think, and feel free to chip in, if you feel like being useful for once."

Landon rolled his eyes. "Would it help if Elliot stayed in his room the whole time? Lyra could stay with him."

Karine shook her head. "We can't confine him to his room. He'll think we're hiding him because we're ashamed of him." Karine dragged both of her hands down her face. "How long is she planning to stay?"

"I'm not sure," Landon admitted. "I didn't ask."

Karine sighed in exasperation. "Great," she mumbled. "In that case, we'll warn the team, see how Elliot feels, and then figure out what to do once she gets here."

Landon nodded. "Okay. I assume you want me to tell the team?"

Karine shrugged. "She is your sister."

Landon rolled his eyes. "Whatever." He rounded the corner and entered the living room. During his conversation with Karine, Yvonne had joined the rest of the team and Lyra had woken up. Now, Elliot was in the middle of hiding his drawing from Lyra's eyes, while Broderick was explaining the game he was playing to Yvonne. Landon sighed. "Guys?" All eyes turned to him. Elliot yelped in surprise and curled up to Lyra, but quickly relaxed when his mind caught up with the situation. "We, uh, we have a situation."

Lyra's eyes narrowed. "What kind of situation?" They asked.

"It's not a really serious one. It's just, um...my sister is on her way over."

Elliot's face went white. Lyra's grip tightened around him and they whispered reassuring words into his ears.

Karine appeared behind Landon with her arms crossed over her chest. "We've probably got about fifteen minutes before she gets here."

Elliot's breathing ceased and Lyra gently rubbed his back. Guilt swelled in Landon's stomach as he watched Elliot dissolve into a mini panic attack. His shoulders were shaking and tears started to fill his eyes. The sight was heartbreaking. Luckily, Lyra was able to guide him out of it pretty quickly.

"You're okay," Lyra whispered. "There's nothing to be afraid of. You didn't do anything wrong. Just breathe."

Elliot followed Lyra's breathing until he started to calm down, but he didn't look any less panicked. "I'm s-sorry," he mumbled. Lyra tried to reassure him, but it didn't seem like he believed any of it.

Broderick look at Landon and gestured to Elliot. "Are you sure that's a good idea, given the circumstances?"

Landon shook his head. "I couldn't change her mind. Karine just wanted me to warn everyone and to see how Elliot feels about it."

All eyes turned to the shaking boy on the couch, who flinched under the weight of their gazes. Lyra hugged him close and glared at Landon. "How do you think he feels about it?"

Karine approached Elliot and kneeled in front of the couch. "What would you like to do, Elliot? You don't have to meet her if you don't want to."

. . .

Elliot's mind was racing. He'd almost forgotten that people existed outside of the safehouse. The safehouse was just as the name implied; it was safe. It was warm and comforting and predictable. Nothing ever changed. Elliot knew everyone that lived there and they knew him. How was he supposed to deal with a stranger coming in? What would they think of him?

It took him several moments to realize he'd been asked a question.

Elliot sniffled. "I-I will d-do as I'm t-told."

Apparently, that was the wrong answer. Karine sighed and the expression she wore was unsatisfied. "Would it help if I gave you some options?"

Elliot didn't know the answer to that. He looked at Landon. "I-I will d-do whatever L-Landon w-wants me to. If-If he wants me to-to meet his-his sister, then-then I will. If he w-wants me to-to leave, then..." He turned his sad eyes down to his lap. "Then I'll leave. I-I understand if-if you're embarrassed by me."

Landon frantically shook his head. "I'm not embarrassed by you. I'd love for you to meet Colleen, but only if you're comfortable with it. She can be very stubborn and brutally honest, but she means well."

Karine scoffed. "Sounds familiar," she mumbled.

Landon ignored her. "I don't want to make you do anything you're not comfortable with."

Elliot was conflicted. He wanted to make Landon happy, but he just didn't know if he was ready. "Do-Do you think she'd like me?" He mumbled.

"She'd love you!" Landon exclaimed. "Believe me, you have nothing to worry about. But if you're not comfortable with it, you don't have to meet her. It's totally up to you."

Elliot nervously picked at the skin around his nails. "I-I wanna try."

Lyra rubbed his back. "Are you sure, sunshine? You don't have to."

Elliot nodded. "I w-wanna try," he repeated.

Karine smiled. "That's very brave of you, Elliot. And if you get too overwhelmed, I'm sure Lyra would be happy to stay with you in your room. Right, Lye?"

Lyra nodded. "Of course. I'm very proud of you for trying, but I don't want you to force yourself. I'll help you out of there the second you get uncomfortable, okay?"

Elliot nodded again. "O-Okay. Th-Thank you, L-Lyra."

Lyra smiled and gently combed his hair with her fingers. "Anytime, sunshine."

The room froze when the sound of knocking filled the air. Elliot's face went white and Lyra wrapped their arms around him.

Karine looked at Landon and nodded in the direction of the door. "You know what to do."

Landon rolled his eyes and approached the door. "This isn't gonna work."

"Just try," Karine urged.

Landon sighed and pulled the front door open.

. . .

Seeing his little sister on the other side of the door was bittersweet for Landon. It had been almost two years since he'd seen her, but there was also the matter of Elliot. Still, it was nice to see her smiling face again.

Colleen was grinning from ear to ear, her bright green eyes shining with joy. "Landon!" She exclaimed as she practically tackled her brother in a massive hug.

Landon grunted and stumbled backwards, laughing. "Uh, hey, Coll." He glanced back into the living room. Elliot was still lightly wrapped in Lyra's arms. "Can we talk outside for a minute?"

Colleen let go of him and gave him a skeptical look. "Okay?"

Landon led her onto the porch and sighed as he closed the door behind them. He looked over at her with a tired expression.

Colleen raised a brow. "You okay, L?" Landon didn't know how to answer that.

Landon sighed again and gave a small smile. "It's nice to see you, Colleen."

Colleen's smile returned and she wrapped him in another hug, which nearly cut off his air supply. "God, it's been forever. How are you? What's been going on? Tell me everything!"

"Later," Landon said as he released her from the hug. He shoved his hands into the front pocket of his jeans and smiled. "So, how are the kids? Or, I guess I should ask, where are the kids?" Landon chuckled.

Colleen smiled. "They're great. They're staying with Andrey this weekend while I work to get the divorce finalized. I just got back from grabbing the paperwork, and we decided that we'll sign it together when I pick up the kids on Monday."

Landon raised an eyebrow. "Damn, well...I wasn't gonna ask about that, but I'm glad its going well, I guess. How are the kids taking it?"

Colleen sighed, but her smile didn't falter. "A lot better than I expected, to be honest. Jamari was a little upset at first, but Kiernan was very brave and helped to calm him down quickly. Once we explained it to them, they both understood and they're doing a lot better now."

Landon smiled. "Damn, Kier is more mature than I was at age seven."

Colleen laughed. "She's more mature than you are now."

Landon rolled his eyes. "I guess that's fair. Um..." He needed to try to do as Karine had asked, but the thought was too daunting. No matter how he phrased it, there was no way Colleen was going to take it well.

Colleen nodded. "Yeah?"

Landon didn't know how to say it. It was so nice talking to his sister face-to-face and he didnt want to ruin it by trying to kick her out. He sighed again. "I'm sorry, but...you shouldn't be here, Colleen."

Colleen's smile died. "What?"

Landon shook his head. "I wish I could explain it to you, but..."

"Well, you're gonna have to," Colleen exclaimed, folding her arms over her chest. "I just drove three hours to get here, Landon. I'm not leaving now, especially not without an explanation."

Landon dragged a hand down the side of his face. He didn't know what to say. "Look, I want you here. I really do, but something really bad happened to the team, and we're in a bit of a recovery period. That's all I can say."

Colleen shook her head. "That's not good enough. Why don't you want me here?"

"I do!" Landon exclaimed. "But things are complicated."

"Complicated how?" She asked. Landon didn't know what to say. "You can trust me, Landon. Whatever it is, I can help."

"No, you can't, and that's the problem. None of us can. This is something that just takes time, and you being here won't make it any easier," Landon said.

Colleen didn't say anything to that. After spending a few long moments staring at him as he paced the porch, Colleen released a heavy sigh. "Landon, please. I'm your sister. You've been with me through my rough times, of which there have been many." Landon looked up at her. "So, let me be here for you. I promise, I can help if you'll just let me. Just tell me what's going on."

Landon's shoulders heaved when he exhaled. "Fine," he said. "One of our team members was kidnapped last year." Colleen gasped, but Landon didn't look at her. "He was tortured and dehumanized and...and sexually abused." Landon took a moment to breathe. It was never easy recounting what had happened to Elliot. "When we rescued him, he was nothing like the person we remembered. He was quiet and frightened and-and so, so skinny. He would only move around by crawling across the floor like a dog, and-and he wouldn't eat." Landon had to try hard not to cry. "He's only been back for a few weeks, and-and we've only just gotten him to start eating again. That's why I didn't think it was a good idea for you to come. He hasn't interacted with anyone outside of this house since we rescued him."

Colleen was awestruck. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was agape. Of all the things Landon could've said, she clearly wasn't expecting that. Landon pursed his lips and shrugged. "Any questions?"

Colleen glanced at the door behind Landon before fixing her gaze back on her brother. "What's his name?"

"Elliot," Landon answered. "He's twenty-two."

Colleen nodded. "I remember you telling me about him when you first joined; how you thought he was a kid at first." Landon nodded, smiling slightly at the memory. "You told me how funny and loud he was. You said he was the human equivalent of a ray of sunshine." Landon's expression turned sad once more. He nodded again. Colleen was silent for a moment. She scratched the back of her head, completely unsure of what to do. "Does he know I'm here?"

Landon nodded. "I told everyone just before you showed up. I wanted to know his thoughts on it and what he wanted to do about it."

"And?"

Landon shrugged. "He wanted to try to meet you; even though I told him that he didn't have to."

Colleen clamped a hand over her forehead and sighed. "Oh god," she mumbled. "Maybe you're right. Maybe it wasn't a good idea for me to come here."

Landon nodded. "Would've saved you a long drive and a lot of trouble if you had just listened to me when I told you we had an emergency."

Colleen ignored him. "Does his family know?"

Landon's face fell. "We are his family."

Colleen nodded. "No, I know, but I mean like his parents and siblings, if he has any. Do they know?"

Landon sighed and rubbed at the growing headache behind his eyes. "Colleen, this team, the five of us, we are his family. We're all he has."

Colleen's eyes widened. "That's so awful. That poor boy." She covered her mouth with her hand as tears flooded her eyes. "But-But maybe that's how I can help. I'm a mom; I'm naturally nurturing."

"Coll-"

"How am I supposed to leave now, knowing what all of you are dealing with? I can help."

"By doing what?"

"I don't know yet, but I want to help." Landon was silent. "Please, Landon."

Landon sighed in defeat. "Fine. Come inside and we can talk to the team about it, okay?"

Colleen's wide smile returned. "Okay."

As Landon pushed the door open, he wasn't surprised to see Karine's disappointed expression. He shrugged and looked at her in a way that said I tried.

Karine's face quickly shifted into a welcoming smile, but anyone that knew her could tell that it was forced. She, along with most of the team, approached the door to greet Colleen, but Lyra remained on the couch with Elliot. They whispered something into his ear, to which he responded by shaking his head.

Colleen smiled as she stepped through the door. Landon couldn't help but glance between his sister and the top of Elliot's head over the back of the couch. The rest of him was buried in Lyra's arms.

Karine stepped forward and held out a hand to Colleen. "You must be Landon's sister. I'm Karine."

Colleen quickly shook her hand. "Colleen. It's very nice to meet you." She giggled. "It's also a long time coming."

Karine nodded. "Agreed, but we've had a bit of a situation we've been dealing with for a while. I'm sure Landon's mentioned it to you."

Colleen nodded. "He told me all about it."

Karine glanced at Landon with an unreadable expression before she gestured to Broderick and Yvonne. "This is Yvonne and Broderick, our researcher and medic."

Colleen shook each of their hands with a large grin on her face. "It's nice to meet both of you."

Yvonne smiled back. "You as well. We've heard a lot about you. It's incredible how close you and Landon are."

Colleen nodded. "We've always been close. I had some tough times growing up, but he was always there for me." She glanced at Landon and gently nudged him with her elbow. "I couldn't ask for a better big brother."

Landon rolled his eyes. "Oh please. Don't compliment me. It doesn't sound right coming out of your mouth." Both Landon and Colleen laughed.

. . .

Elliot listened to Landon introduce his sister to the team. As much as he wanted to join them, to do what Landon wanted him to, he couldn't move.

Lyra rocked him back and forth and whispered, "You don't have to do this. We can always hide out in your room or mine, if you want. Don't push yourself."

Elliot shook his head. "I-I can d-do it," he whispered. "I can b-be good."

Lyra smiled sadly. "Okay, sunshine. Would you like me to go with you?" Elliot nodded without hesitation. Lyra gently rubbed his back. "Okay. Don't worry, I've got you."

Lyra helped both of them off of the couch and started to lead Elliot toward the group by the door. The movement caught their attention and Elliot felt the weight of everyone's eyes bore into him. He whimpered quietly as Lyra squeezed his hand.

Lyra smiled as they reached the door. They stuck their hand out and said, "I'm Lyra, the team caretaker. I've heard a lot about you."

Landon's sister gently shook Lyra's hand and said, "I'm Colleen. It's so nice to meet you." She glanced down at Elliot, who was still protectively wrapped in Lyra's embrace. "And you must be Elliot," she said. "I'm Colleen." The woman quickly stuck her hand out for Elliot to take. He didn't take it, though. Instead, he flinched away and clung to Lyra desperately.

Colleen's smile disappeared and she quickly retracted her hand. "Oh, I'm so sorry, honey. I didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted to shake your hand. Landon's told me a lot about you."

Elliot didn't know what that meant. What had Landon told her?

Elliot squeaked and buried his face in Lyra's shoulder.

Colleen frowned. "All good things, I promise. He's very proud of you."

Elliot glanced up at her when she said that. Actually looking at her face was odd. She looked very similar to Landon, but with more feminine features. She had long blonde hair and kind green eyes. She wasn't as tall as Landon, but Elliot could tell she was taller than anyone else on the team. She wore a sweet smile and the tension in Elliot's shoulders started to relax, slightly.

Elliot's mouth was bone-dry, but he forced himself to speak, "H-Hello." It was barely more than a squeak, but Colleen's smile grew when he said it.

"Hello, dear. It's very nice to meet you."

"N-Nice to m-meet you t-too," Elliot forced out. Lyra rubbed his arm encouragingly. He felt pathetic. The old him had no trouble talking to strangers.

Pathetic. This is why stupid dogs shouldn't try to act human. All you're doing is reminding everyone how utterly useless you are.

Colleen glanced at Landon, who's face was a mask of sadness and pity. Elliot wondered what he'd done wrong. He thought he was being polite, but maybe Colleen was put off by how clearly broken he was. Elliot's eyes grew misty, but he forced himself to push back the urge to cry.

Go on and cry, you fucking mutt. It's what they've come to expect from you. It's the only thing you're good at. Show them how pathetic you are.

Elliot squeaked as he fought to hold back the flood of tears threatening to overcome him. His face grew red-hot as the weight of everyone's eyes fell upon him.

"Everything okay, hun?" Colleen asked, genuine concern painting her words.

Lyra rubbed Elliot's back and shoulder. "Are you okay, sunshine? Do you need to step out?"

Elliot couldn't bring himself to speak. He desperately tried to hold back the tears that threatened to push him over the edge. What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he just talk to Colleen like any normal human? Why couldn't he do anything he was told?

Colleen leaned over a bit so her face was level with Elliot's. "If you need some time alone, hun, that's totally okay. I completely understand. Please don't push yourself."

Lyra squeezed Elliot's shoulder. "Come on, sunshine. Let's get you to your room."

Elliot wanted to argue. He wanted to say that he could do as he was told, that he could be good, but it was too hard. He did need some time alone, but he didn't want to displease anyone. So, he simply nodded and let Lyra gently guide him to his room with a hand on his back.

-

Colleen Copeland has finally made an appearance! I've been looking forward to adding her in for so long and I'm so excited that she's finally been introduced! I thoroughly enjoyed writing this chapter and I hope you like my newest character! (I will be adding her backstory onto the character backstory link on the masterlist)

Taglist:

@l-antre-des-merveilles @pigeonwhumps @nicolepascaline @burningkittypoet @whumpinggrounds @suffering-and-misery @make-them-scream-blog @honeycollectswhump @rabass @whumpdreamz @clairelsonao3 @rosewriteswhump @cepheusgalaxy @pinkraindropsfell @mj-or-say10 @considerablecolors @whatamidoingherehelpme

If anyone wants to be added to or removed from the taglist, please let me know!😊

[fragmcntedsouls]

Billie believed that the family – his family needed time to process the horrors of the evening privately. She had spent her weeks in the compound grateful for their extension of kindness, but avoiding most if not all interactions that could be avoided. It wasn't out of rudeness and she hadn't wished to appear ungrateful, as her intentions had been the complete opposite, but their unit was tight. She craved to be apart of something, but aside from bouncing back and forth between foster homes she had no real idea of how to thrive from within. His words coaxed a soft smile from her however, gently pulling her from troubled thoughts; as a hopeful whisper then eased from her lips, “yeah?”

The conviction in his voice gave her the impression that it was a tone reserved solely for her and the sentiment behind it caused for a breath to hitch in the back of her throat. It wasn’t often that she trusted the words of others, believed them even, but she hung onto his every last word as though it was a holy gospel. Before she could even comprehend a response, his finger had risen to lift her chin, preventing her from hiding. “I don’t deserve you.” Her words were spoken softly, a fleeting sigh easing from her lips as she leaned into his body, feeling guilty for him having to be the one picking up the pieces after everything that he had been through. “I’ll be your peace for as long as you need me to be." There was a look in her eyes that longed for that to be indefinite.

Inhaling a sharp, but steady breath her gaze remained soft as it refused to waver. She could tell exactly what he was thinking, long before he had voiced the thought and it pained her to know that he felt that way. Shaking her head, she fully intended to use his own words against him “no what-ifs. We’re changing all of the time; we’re not the same people we were when we met, that’s impossible.” Releasing the material of his shirt, she lifted a hand to gently enclose her fingers around his wrist “but i’ll always know who you are. My heart’s always gonna recognise yours.” Running her thumb across his wrist she whispered “that’s the only way that I can explain it.” 

She could feel her heart swelling in her chest; his promise causing her smile to become just a little more prominent “and I believe that, but it isn’t your responsibility. I think – I think i’m the only one who can free myself from this. From them – and I will. Because I have you. I have a reason, a life to fight for. You’ve already done so much more for me than anybody has, but I have to do this part.” A soft expulsion of breath carried between them, feeling completely secure as she held onto him. Like this, the OEA couldn’t touch her. “So let me help. We fight for our future, together. The responsibility isn’t yours, Briggs. Not alone.”

Billie could see the toll that this was taking on him and her heart ached to know that she had failed him; allowed him to take the weight of the world onto his shoulders alone. That was never going to be a mistake that she would make again. “I’ll be right with you.” With his guidance, she understood enough about the Mikaelson’s dynamic to recognise that she was safe. Even if right now, she didn't feel worthy of that protection. In a matter of weeks, she had found herself to trust them. To trust in them; they took ruthless care of their own.

“I’ll get out.” Now who was making promises that they weren’t sure they could keep? Her hand had since dropped to return to his shirt, digits balling in around the stained material as he lifted her other hand towards his lips. Despite the heaviness of the situation, all she wanted was for a second where they could just be them. Her eyes studied each feature, amused by the crease in his brow as he processed her words and she gave a little shake of her head before quipping “sorry, no take backs.”

Concern was written all over her expression and she often worried for him, but this felt different. Heavier, almost. She could sense his exhaustion. Read it upon each worn feature; feel it from the way that their bodies leaned into one another. The banshee took the opportunity to duck beneath his arm so that it rest around her shoulders as she released his hand, before sliding her own arm around his waist, supporting his torso with her free palm. She should have been too exhausted for laughter to have eased from her lips as effortlessly as it had and although the sound was faint, it was detectable. Feigning thought as she began leading him upstairs she teased “I’ll consider it after the third round of shampoo.”

The stairs seemed like a battle in themselves and when she could, she guided him into the bathroom, pushing the door closed and using her body to manoeuvre him towards the edge of the bath. “You still with me?” her question sounded more like a soft hum as her fingers repositioned against the buttons of his shirt, making easy work of unfastening them. Only then did she pause as her brow creased and she asked "-- is that cake?"

Everything was fresh, and the rawness of this would linger for some time now, Briggs knew that. Things had broken tonight that would never piece back together in the same ways. As much blood was on his hands, was everywhere, he couldnt shake the feeling it had done nothing at all and the never-ending helplessness of that. But Riley, Riley being alive was a good thing, and they needed the good thing right now. "I will--I should shower first... but I'm where I need to be right now." He could see the struggle, and it hadn't gone unnoticed she was out here alone. He wanted her to know she wasn't a bad thing, that she deserved to feel safe again and some belonging. It wouldn't be solved tonight, he wasn't that delusional, but if he could get her one step closer to believing it, he would.

The pain in her expression caused his heart to ache, and he wanted to take it for her. There wasn't a spell for this kind of pain, though. "It's not," he assured her with firm conviction, "it's not you. No what-if's. It's just not." Bringing a finger under her chin, he tilted her head up, not just to draw her gaze but to remind her she had nothing to be ashamed of. "Seeing you standing here just now...that's the closest thing to peace I'll ever get. So what are you talking about suffering for?"

If anyone was going to cause suffering, had already done so, it was him. He had let her down tonight, all of them. He couldn't avenge Riley, he'd used his own cousin as a weapon, instead of stopping his best friend from killing he encouraged it, and he wasn't even sure he could keep Asher safe now like he promised. He had killed so many people, and it hadn't done shit. His aunt had said his heart was one of gold, now Billie swore he was a source of life. He wanted so badly to see in himself what they saw, but all he could hear was his father's words. They were the echo, the unrelenting record in his mind. "What if I'm not the same? What if I'm somebody you don't know anymore?"

Her words stoked the fire, even as he choked on the accompanying sensation he'd be useless. "I won't stop until you're free, okay?" He once again promised what he wasn't sure he could deliver. It felt like the OEA had won, would always win, but he pushed back as hard as his mind would allow on that idea. "We had a future, and I'm going to get it back for us. I'm not sure how yet, but I'm going to do it. And it's gonna be better than we ever dreamed...but you are safe. The compound is secure. It's the one place in the city they cannot take." He wasn't sure how to comfort, how to make any promises that mattered. Heroes didn't exist, at least that's what he thought, but right now, Briggs really wished he knew how to be one. Every time they caught her, put her back in that cell, he didn't save her. She always had to make her way to him. "I'm gonna do something this time, I swear. I'm going to get you out."

Together. He had to remember that, as he held her gaze, taking in for a moment the comfort of their closeness and how they both longed to be even closer. He wasn't ready to think of all that would come, the consequences to the lives he had taken, the weight on his shredded soul. And all he could manage was a nod.

Bringing her fingers up, he placed a soft kiss against them. If he was her freedom, he'd try to be something more worthy than a shell of a man. There was fight left in his bones after all. For her, he could always rally some more strength. His brows furrowed a bit at her first response, then as she finished her thought, a slight smile tugged at his lips and he playfully rolled his eyes, groaning softly, "ugh, take it back."

Nothing would not be happening any time soon, and he had to bury the ache of exhaustion. He'd pushed his magic to its limits tonight, draining himself, but tonight wasn't over. Selfishly, he wanted to stay right here with her, but he knew it wasn't the time for that. They had to help the others, but first he had to get all of this off. Glancing down at their hands, he let himself be guided, teasing lightly, "you comin' in?"

[yourheartonfire]

:0 can you continue the journalist and villain story? where it ends like “so, tell me why you did this.” because that is simply a lovely story and i am in love

Sure! First part here.

The interview with the villain had gone up four days ago. It was the top story on the site, about to be the most viewed/ read/ downloaded article of the local newspaper's history. It was the reporter's first piece to go nationwide viral and it had been 96 hours of emotional whiplash, pinging back and forth between elation as the numbers rose and horror as the comments and reactions and god help them the think pieces rolled in. The reporter had been affirmed, condemned, and second guessed every which way to Sunday until the copy chief had ordered them to stop reading about themself before their own memory of events was compromised.

It seemed like the only person who'd expressed nothing at all had been the villain. The reporter had not seen cape nor cowl of them since their brief kidnapping-turned-interview.

So when the reporter first noticed the shadowy presence on their balcony, the gut-wrenching dread tinged with fear seemed like emotional small potatoes.

The protagonist huffed out a breath, squared their shoulders, and marched to slide the balcony door open. "So," they said boldly. "What did you think of - augh!"

The man in the gaudy colored suit held up his hands disarmingly. "Sorry there, citizen!" he boomed, smiling broadly. "I hope you don't mind me dropping in! But I read your piece and I gotta say, it sounds like you folks need a hero!"

"You're... a hero," the reporter repeated, clutching their chest and racking their brain. They didn't recognize the costume. Was this a new hero? "Um. Welcome to town...?"

"Thank you!" The hero beamed a toothpaste-ad smile. "I was thinking, perhaps you might help me get the word out? So people can rest easy, knowing villain will soon be dealt with?"

"Oh. Oh." The reporter backed up. Their bag by the front door. "Yeah, let me get my phone..."

The hero preened. "I don't typically allow selfies, but for you-"

"To record this," the reporter sighed. They were definitely going to buy a digital recorder. They turned back with phone and a jacket - to find the hero sitting on their living room couch, ankle propped on knee.

The reporter pulled up short. "I, uh..." they stammered. "I thought we'd do this outside?"

"Isn't this more comfortable?" the hero asked with a smarmy grin.

It was not. But it wasn't the first time a subject had tried to take control by throwing the reporter off their game.

The hero patted the couch beside him. The reporter gave him a sweet smile and sat across in the armchair.

"Of course," they said, "So! Tell me who you are and why you're here to save us."

What followed was 20 minutes of rambling about mission, greater purpose, and a particularly dull and vague backstory, notable for the lack of actual heroism. As of yet. The reporter practiced every active listening technique they had to keep paying attention. They'd had worse interviews: there was definitely a story here, maybe more in the future. And you never knew what someone would drop when they felt comfortable.

"...and after that I expect they'll invite me up to the big city, the big leagues," the hero droned. "They'll have to, once [Villain] is dead."

The reporter jolted. "Dead? You're- oh." They bolted up straighter, brain fully awake. "You're going lethal?"

"Wait." The hero too seemed to startle awake from the stupor of his own voice. "I mean, like in a training accident. I mean, a fight accident."

"An accident," the reporter repeated, brain madly reassembling the entire story in their head. "How do you square that with the League's hero code? Do you think of yourself as more of a vigilante?"

"Look, that was just an embarrassing misstatement!" he said with a nervous, loud laugh. "Maybe we can, uh, just let that slip off the record?"

The reporter scribbled notes frantically. "Would you like to clarify?"

The room crackled green. The reporter snapped their head up. The hero was on their feet, wreathed in sickly green lightning dancing between his hands.

"Let me rephrase," the hero said, sparks between his teeth. "Strike that from the record."

"I..." The reporter swallowed.

The hero stepped closer. Closing in. "You're going to publish a glowing article about me. I want people to read it and weep. I want them to love me."

"Or else what?" the reporter said in a small but steady voice, some internal, suicidal J school instinct screaming get him on record get him on record.

The hero flicked a hand. The reporter's phone and coffee table exploded in a bolt of green lightning.

"Or else," he hissed, "you're going to experience a terrible training accident-"

A barbed hook smacked into the hero's side. The attached cable yanked him straight out the still open balcony door.

The reporter was left staring at the exploded remains of their table, the hero's scream dopplering away.

A moment later, the villain stepped down from the balcony rail. The reporter clenched their hands on their notebook and did not allow themselves to feel relieved.

"Hey," they said instead. "Interview went up on Monday. What did you think?"

The villain took his time. Thump, thump went the boots on the balcony floor, over the threshold and across the cheap laminate floor. Up to where the reporter sat, once again unable to move with the villain looming over them.

This time he crouched, a safe distance away. "You okay?" he said gently.

The reporter burst into tears. And the worst part was, even as they tipped forward into the villain's waiting arms, they were writing the whole thing in their head. They knew exactly how they were going to frame this for tomorrow's paper.

Sometimes they really hated their job.

[johnsamericano]

𝓓𝓪𝔂 7:

тєи ℓєє

23 days of NCT masterlist.

taglist: @notbeforelong @curieouscapt @whathamelon @unknown5tar @ajhdr @silent-potato

warnings: the reader is soon-to-be engaged to someone 12 years older, virginity loss, extreme lack of experience from the reader, dirty talk, Ten’s a sweetheart 😭

“He’s here!” Your mother clapped her hands excitedly, asking the butler to answer the door.

You sat with both hands squeezed on your lap. You’d never seen a male tailor, let alone be dressed by one. Would it be uncomfortable? Just as your mind was about to drift away, a man with at least four rolls of fabric entered the room.

“Good evening, my lady.” Was he even real? He looked straight out of a painting, just like the ones hanging on your wall.

“Good evening, sir.” You bowed your head gracefully, just like you'd been taught to do.

“There’s no need to be so formal.” He smiled cheekily, his eyes disappearing just the slightest and making your heart flutter with excitement. “Let us have a seat and chat a little about what kind of dress you'd like.”

Everything went so naturally with him, from sitting down and talking about the event you'd be wearing the dress to, to his hands surrounding your waist, taking your measurements.

“I was thinking of something white, my lady. After all, the goal is to get a certain gentleman to ask for your hand, isn't it?”

“How did you...?”

“Your mother is quite a chatty lady.” You sighed. She certainly had trouble keeping things a secret, the whole town probably already knew by now.

“Then I guess you already know we've known each other since we were kids, well, since I was a kid. He's twelve years older.” You sounded so excited talking about that guy that it made him smile. “Are you married, sir?”

“God, no!” He was quick to explain. “I want to devote myself to work, that's what makes me happy.”

“But imagine yourself, waiting for your beautiful bride at the church, ready to join your lives for what is left of them. Just to think about it gives me goosebumps.” To him, what you'd just said sounded like agony. Dedicating himself to another person for the rest of his life? He’d rather jump off a cliff.

“I just don't think I'm good husband material, that's all.”

As the days passed by, you got to know him better. He’d often tell you about his job, how many dresses he'd confectioned that week, how much money he'd earned, every single little detail of it. He made it sound like a dream, he spoke so passionately about it that you wondered whether you'd ever find something that would make you feel that same way.

“Good morning, my lady.” He kissed your knuckles, a devilish grin extending through his lips as he admired your flustered face. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

He extended a big, white box with a red velvety ribbon keeping it closed.

“That was fast!” You opened it to reveal a pretty, lacy dress. It was exactly what you’d asked for, but then why did you feel so sad?

“What is it, my lady? Do you not like the dress?”

“No! I love it.” He smiled, pulling out the dress from it’s confinement to let you have a better look at it. It was, indeed, beautiful.

“Would you like to try it on?”

You soon found yourself behind a room divider, slipping the soft dress on. The texture was marvelous, like wearing a cloud. It would definitely draw Johnny’s attention, that’s for sure.

“How do I look?” You stepped out, spinning around to let his critic eyes have a look at his masterpiece. He squinted his eyes as if he wasn’t pleased. “What is it?”

“Your corset.”

“Huh?”

“Truth to be told, I knew this dress wouldn’t work with a traditional corset, so I might have made a special one for the occasion.” You walked to the full body mirror, taking a look at yourself.

“It looks fine to me.”

“You look too innocent, my lady.” You furrowed your eyebrows, eyes connecting with his through your reflections. “This dress wasn’t made to make you look innocent, but to make you look like a sophisticated, upper class woman.”

You went through your options and finally decided to listen to the expert.

“Do you happen to have that corset at the moment?”

“Yes, but the problem is, only I know the right way to adjust it. Would you be okay with me doing that?” You could feel cold sweat running down the back of your neck.

Only your mother and some servants had seen you naked, but never a man. It wasn’t supposed to happen unless the couple was married. However, you felt the urge to accept his proposition.

“A-alright.” He nodded, keeping a straight face as he started undressing you.

He slowly started undoing the ribbon that kept your corset in place. Still in front of the mirror, you could see his concentrated features, not looking at anything but your back. Your mounds were finally liberated, and for a split second, you could see the tailor’s eyes staring at them.

“Raise your arms please.” Was he really not going to do anything? This was the part when the two main characters exchanged a heated session of kisses according to the novels you'd read. But he kept the same stoic face all the time.

“Ten?” This was the very first time you'd called him by his real name, well, his nickname.

He didn't seem bothered by it, concentrated on adjusting your corset.

“Yes, my lady?”

“Am I not attractive?” His hands accidentally tightened the ribbons too much, making you wince.

“Sorry.” He apologized, loosening the piece of clothing. “But why are you asking me this?”

“Well...” You were ashamed to admit it, but your curiosity got the best of you. “Aren’t men supposed to go wild over breasts? At least that's what I heard.” Ten would've never expected such an inappropriate comment from you, though he couldn't say he didn't like that new boldness of yours.

“I guess so.”

“Then why didn't you go wild over mine?”

The room was filled with nothing but silence for a couple of seconds before he finally found an appropriate answer for your question.

“I’ll ask you something first.” you nodded. “If you knew men had a thing for breasts, then why did you let me do this?” You would've liked to say that it was because you deeply trusted him, but you both knew that deep down, it wasn't completely true.

“I don't know.”

“Did you want to seduce me or something like that?” You were about to reply, but his deep laugh interrupted you. “Well, since you answered my question, I shall answer yours.” he finally finished adjusting your corset, placing his hands above the curves of your waist and leaning down to whisper something. “You have the most beautiful breasts I've ever seen. They look round and soft, the perfect size to hold them with my hand. But I can't allow myself to go wild over you, not when you're about to get engaged to someone else.” So the things wrote in novels weren't entirely fantasy, things like that did happen in real life. “Trust me, I wish nothing but to pinch those pretty, perky nipples and have you begging for more. But we can't.”

“Yes, we can.” With a newly found courage, you guided his hands up until they reached your mounds. They did, in fact, fit perfectly between his hands.

“My lady-”

“Y/n.” You held his hands against your warm body. “Please, my name is y/n.”

“Stop playing with fire.” His voice had become lower, hands shaking the slightest under yours.

“I want you to play with me, Ten. Use me, do whatever you want with my body. Alleviate the ache I'm feeling between my legs.” That was his breaking point.

His expert fingers quickly undid the knots, allowing his hungry eyes to have a look at your naked torso.

“Touch me.” he turned you around, so you were directly facing him.

“So greedy.” His hands covered your chest once again, this time with no fabric in between. His palms felt so warm against your skin, you couldn’t help but sight. “Tell me, how does your little cunt feel?”

“I-I’m sorry?” His right hand went down, rubbing circles over your undergarments. Immediate relief washed over your body.

“Do you know what an orgasm is?” You shook your head, gasping as his fingers pinched your hard nub. “It’s the only way to relief the ache you feel here.” He tapped your entrance with his middle finger, feeling your wetness under his digits.

“How can I have one?”

“You’ll have to trust me, alright?” His dominant demeanor had changed to a softer one, kissing your jawline as hands sneaked inside the fabric, a new, pleasant feeling making your legs shake. “How does this feel?”

“Nice.” He retrieved his hand, you whined at the loss of contact. “Hey!”

“Jump.” He instructed, lifting you up with both of his hands below your thighs. He guided you all the way to the nearest wall, your back pressed against the concrete surface. “Sorry for this.” He muttered before ripping your undergarments apart.

Skillfully, he lowered his pants, his hard member springing up. The moment his tip started slipping into your whole, an immense amount of pain made you scream.

“Stop!” Ten frowned, pulling away but still holding you against the wall.

“Have you changed your mind about this?” There was a hint of pain peeking through his voice.

“It hurts a lot.” As if to back up your words, a small tear rolled down your cheek.

“I know, sweetheart. But that's the way it's supposed to be.” If it hurt so much, then why did people do it so often? “You just need to get used to it and it'll start feeling better, I promise.”

“Really?” For you, it didn't make any sense.

“We can stop whenever you want, just give it a try.” You hesitantly nodded, letting him align with your entrance once again. “Deep breaths, darling.”

It was the worst pain you'd ever felt, even worse than that time when you fell off a horse. But just like the tailor had said, that unpleasant feeling was soon replaced with something else...something that made your tummy feel warm.

“You're doing so well.” He praised as if he wasn't the one doing all the hard work while you held onto his shoulders. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I need to pee.” You gasped, letting your head rest against the wall.

“Don't hold it back, darling. It means you're close.” His large hands caressed your sides, holding you tightly.

“Ten...” You whimpered, biting his clothed shoulder to stop yourself from screaming in pleasure. Something inside you exploded, making your body shake in ecstasy.

“Y/n.” You both whispered your names, pleasure taking over your minds.

“May I kiss you?” There was no response from him, his length still pulsating inside you. “If you don't want to that's-”

“Kiss me.” Your lips came closer to each other, barely millimeters away when a loud knock abruptly interrupted the moment.

“Miss y/n, Mr. Seo is here to see you.” Johnny, you'd completely forgotten about him.

“I guess you better get dressed.” He pecked your cheek, setting a fire inside you.

“I'm sorry.” He helped you put on your dress again, smiling at the sight of you trying to stop your and his essence from dripping down your bare thighs.

“Don't be.” Ten fixed your hair, proceeding to gather his stuff before sending a wink in your direction. “I guess I'll see you in a week to help you get dressed...my lady.”

[obeywho-meduh]

Valentine’s Day with MammoNeru

Commissioned work for @otromeru

Thanks again for letting me write for your adorable OC and Mammon!

⚠️NSFW WARNING: SoftDomMammon, Penetration (vaginal), Toy Play, Bites

“..back..Neru..love..”

Neru groaned in her sleep, was that a dream? She stretched out her hand, feeling around the bed sheets next to her but upon not feeling him beside her, Neru rubbed her eyes and slowly opened them. “Mammon?”

Seeing the space in front of her was empty, she rolled over to see if he would be on the other side of her, however he didn't even seem to be in the room. She puffed out her cheek, where was he? The two of them were both excited for today so she figured he’d at least want to wake up with her, especially since he told her not to get him anything; which, of course, she still did.

Compared to the previous two Valentine’s Days, mornings were definitely much louder by the time she opened her eyes. The silence of this morning was unnerving. Neru stretched before getting up, thinking Mammon was probably getting something ready for her, like a surprise maybe, waiting for her outside his bedroom.

———————

“Morning Neru! Say hiiiiiiii to my fans!” As she walks into the dining room Asmo bombards her with his phone in hand to wave at his live feed.

“H-Hey!”

Asmo whispered in her ear, “And happy Valentine’s Day~”

“Happy Valentine’s Day!”

“From our little human to you all! I’ll be back on later this evening for more fun! Bye bye~” Asmo winked then disconnected from his broadcast.

“Is he finally done?” Levi groaned as he glanced up from his game.

Neru looked around for Mammon at the table, but he wasn’t there either. Maybe... He’s in the kitchen with Beel?

“Oh you’re only moody because you haven’t gotten your fan letter from Ruri-chan for Valentine’s Day yet. It’s coming, it's still morning after all~” Asmo patted Levi’s shoulder as they sat down.

Levi pouted a bit before returning to his game. Neru sat down and looked down to see Belphie’s feet sticking out from under the table, so he’s sleeping. Cute. “Have you guys seen Mammon?”

“He’s not here, he was actually rather loud when he left this morning. It almost interrupted my reading.” Satan huffed as he walked in and proceeded to his seat. “I fully expected you to have been with him since it is Valentine’s Day.”

Asmo cooed and then leaned over the table, “Oho~ that is an interesting question, why aren’t you with Mammon, Neru? Not that we’re complaining because it’s always great to see your sweet face~”

'So, he left this morning'. “He told me not to do anything today and that was it.”

“Odd," Asmo clucked, half-interested in Neru's predicament, but also watching the comments and reactions pour in from his broadcast.

“Yeah it is.” Satan's soft hum followed, garnering the attention from the fifth-born.

Asmo chuckled as he sat back into his chair. “Aww are you agreeing with me Satan~”

Before either of them countered the other, Beel walked in with the breakfast, making three trips to and from. The whole length of the table is quickly filled with buffet-esque food. As Beel sits down, Lucifer comes in and pauses, taking in the sight of the excessive amount of food before pinching the bridge of his nose. “Beelzebub.. Did you make all the food we have in the kitchen?”

“It’s Valentine’s Day.” Beel tilted his head, stating matter-of-factly, looking at his eldest brother who then exhaled heavily before taking his seat as well.

“There won’t be leftovers, looks like delivery for dinner again.” Asmo stretched out his arms, “Not that I’ll be here but still~”

Neru watched as Beel pulled Belphie up and into his seat and ruffled his twin's hair before attempting to pass a plate to her with a mound of food. Belphie grunted, passed the plate to Neru, and lowered his head back down onto his pillow to fall back to sleep. As a thanks, Neru patted his head and began eating her breakfast along with the brothers.

————————

“Are you sure you don’t want to just come with me honey? He isn’t back yet and you deserve to have at least some fun on Valentine’s day.” Asmo rubbed her back as they walked down the hall to the front door.

“No, I’ll wait for Mammon. He must have something planned if he told me not to do anything.”

“Alrighty well you know where I’ll be and I’m just a text away~” Amso kissed her head and smiled before heading out the door.

Neru’s shoulders slumped a bit as she turned back to head to Mammon’s room. Valentine’s Day was already almost over and as she walked into his room, it’d never felt so empty. Clutching her necklace, she went and laid on his bed and sighed, “Where are you..” Rolling over in the sheets, she heard a loud bang coming from the hallway outside his door.

She sat up as further commotion continued to grow louder, seemingly getting closer. Getting up from his bed, Neru crept towards the door before it violently flung open,

"NERU!?” Blinking for a moment at his sudden entry, she took the second to look at Mammon, his face littered with scratches and him holding his hands behind his back. “Why ya in here?? Thought ya’d be in yer room??”

She didn’t know where to begin. Neru wanted to ask him, ‘where’d he been?, ‘did you forget what day it was?’, ‘I wanted to do so much with you but you told me to leave it to you…' Neru mimicked his stance, also putting her hands behind her back and looked up at him, smiling lightly, “I figured I’d wait in your room..”

It’s nice seeing that blush of his, but she still felt discouraged. Then Mammon used his foot to close the door, doing his best not to show what was behind his back, but also struggling to maintain what he’s holding. He gets down on his knee and shows his half-cocked smile, and looking up at her, he brings his hands around, “Sorry… Took longer than I thought, this one is pretty stubborn..”

Neru paused, she couldn’t believe what he'd held out to her. “Mammon.. Is this.. A baby crow?”

Mammon got up as he glared down at the bird, “Itssa Magpie. Smaller than a crow, but smart like one and protective.” It pecked at his hands making him let go before it landed on her shoulder and glared at Mammon. She could see his frustration, as he put his hands in his pockets and pouted, “But it’s also supposed ta know you’re mine!” Mammon reached out to quickly hug her, but the Magpie instantly responded by attempting to swoop at him.

Mammon ducked and it flapped around the room before perching on the second level’s railing, blatantly eyeing him.“I gave ya a lot of food ya know, it wasn't cheap! I should just turn ya into Beel’s next meal.”

It then attempted to swoop at him again, “Don’t hit Mammon!” She got in the path of it, and the bird quickly redirected itself and landed on her shoulder again, then nuzzled into her. Its feathers tickled her cheeks and she tittered a bit before lightly petting its underbelly and it cooed. “You’re pretty, but you have to get along with Mammon okay?”

It made an almost scoffing noise of its own, “Pretty! Pretty!” It nuzzled her again before it glided off her shoulder and flew back up, and landed on Mammon’s car and settled in on top of it.

“Still needs a name too..” He looked up at it and scoffed, “Tch.. rotten jerk.. Won’t be given ya anymore treats—” His words were interrupted as Neru embraced him, gripping onto his jacket as she buried her face in his shirt. “Ah-Ah-Neru?!” He looked down at her but couldn’t see her face, while his cheeks flushed over with red.

“Toto..” She mumbled through his shirt.

“Ha?”

“That’s their name..” Neru looked up at him with teary eyes, “N-Not rotten jerk..”

“O-Oi! Why ya cryin’?!” Mammon cupped her cheeks and started to wipe away her tears.

“I’m not crying!”

“Yeah ya are!”

“S-Shut up!”

He chuckled a bit then brought his head down to her and rubbed his nose against hers, “I know I’m late but Happy Valentine’s Day shortcake.”

Neru’s face went red as she sucked in her lip but then grabbed his collar and kissed him. He’d been gone all day, hadn’t said a word and then brought such an adorable and heartfelt gift. His hand held the base of her neck as the other wrapped around her torso as he returned her kiss, while slowly guiding her backwards up the steps to his bed.

As they both fall onto it, Mammon’s body between her legs. Neru breaks the kiss, taking a breath, “Mammon, I--”

He kissed her again, deeper as his tongue pushed its way between her teeth and started to play with hers. His body pushed against her before she patted his shoulders trying to push him back while his hand started to go up her shirt and he pulled away.

Neru panted as she looked up at his reddened face.

“I don’t think I can hold back doll, I’ve been thinkin’ bout ya all day. I took longer than I wanted and I’m not gonna let ya go for the rest of the night. ‘Specially not with how ya look right now.” He brought himself down and kissed her forehead as his fingers softly glided up and groped her breast, massaging it slowly. Neru whimpered, biting her lip as his brushed against her ear while he whispered, “Yer so fucking cute, ya wanna hear bout all the things I thought of doing with ya today?”

Feeling her body shiver she pushed him back from her, causing him to fall to her side but he still held her against him.

Clasping onto his wrists, she stopped his hands’ movements, “W-Wait a minute!”

Mammon pouted slightly then nipped her ear, “Best I can do is 10 seconds.” He moved his hand out from her shirt, “10..” His hand traced the top of her shorts before unbuttoning them while his fingers slipped under the fabric of her underwear. “5..”

“How are you at 5 already?!” She watched while he smirked and his digits moved to start to tease her, Neru inhaled sharply before she gripped his wrist harder, “Mammon!” Her eyes turned and locked with his and he hesitated before he withdrew his hand. “Thank you,” She smiled as he pouted, “I didn’t get to say Happy Valentine’s Day to you.” Neru wrapped her hands around his neck and rolled on top of him, their faces holding a faint pink color while they both took the moment to look at each other, “Happy Valentine’s Day my Great Mammon~” She pecked his lips, “Now let’s enjoy the r-rest of the night.” She pulled back and stuttered as Mammon’s hands wrapped around her waist and he smirked up at her.

“Ya really know how ta get me goin’ shortcake. Hope yer ready.”

——————

He felt as her apex convulsed against him, continuing his movements with her pinned to the wall. Neru’s legs clenched his sides, his fingertips were buried in her asscheeks as he thrusted inside her. Her moans echoed in the room mixing with Mammon panting as he peppered her chest with kisses and bite marks. “Yer gettin’ close again, my good girl.”

His hips bucked, hitting her deeper while stepping back from the wall and turning to the bed while holding his cock inside her. He laid her down then resumed his pace, his tongue traced her collarbone before creeping down to her nipple as he bit down gently and suckled it.

Her toes curled as her feet pushed up from the bed to allow him to go deeper, her eyes fluttered as she held his head to her chest. Lacing her fingers through his hair and her apex tightened around his member. “M-Mahh..mmonn!”

He gripped the sheets as he felt her orgasm, feeling her fingertips move from his head to his arms. “That’s..mmghh number three..” His thrusts slowed as he grinded pushing himself deeper inside her, “I think we.. f-fuck yer so tight.. should try a lil somethin’.” He rolls them over, getting her on top of him taking hold of her hand while he reaches over to the nightstand with the other.

Neru took the moment to breathe as she watched him rummage through the drawer. Looking back down at his body she slowly traced the lines of his abdominal muscles.

Before she had a chance to comprehend what he'd said, Mammon sat up to face her. “W...What?”

“So.. ya know Asmo had me this year for secret santa?”

She raised her eyebrow, remembering what Asmo had gotten him. “Yeah, he got you… a plushie ‘me.'"

“That.. wasn’t all.” Mammon wrapped an arm around her waist, grinning as he showed her his pointer finger, adorned with a small yellow bullet-shaped item. His grin widened as she heard a click and it began to vibrate.

Her lip quivered as her walls pulsated around him. “W..Was that it?” Knowing Asmo, she considered this just a tease, a glimpse into the 'lil somethin' Mammon wanted to try.

“Excited ain’t ya?” Mammon chuckled feeling her squeeze him, “There’s a few more toys but let’s start with this.” He ran the vibrator steadily up from her navel to her nipple, “I can’t wait ta see how fast I can make ya cum.” Changing their position, keeping himself inside her, he turned her around in his lap. His chest heaved against her back as his hands reached in front of her, “It’s got 10 levels.” He kissed down the back of her neck as he pinched her nipple between the vibrator and his finger, he rocked his hips against her.

The vibrations seemed more intense, her sensitivity heightened after how long they’d been going, her mind grew hazy as his hand worked its way down her before finally reaching her pearl. The intensity mildly increasing in sync with his thrusts, “Mmmaam~”

“Nnghh.. ya want me ta turn it up don’tcha?” He turned it down by one, “Ya want it more then ya gotta say it.”

Neru’s cheeks burned, her reservations were always easily torn down by him. “Please Mammon m-more.”

“Haaaa~ More what? Ya better with words than that.”

She whined as her hand moved down to meet his, trying to trigger it on her own he brushed away her hand.

“Whatcha tryin’ ta do? That’s not askin’,” Mammon bounced her in his lap, as her hands grip his thighs. “That’s not how we ask for things Neru.”

Panting she turned her head to the side to look at him, “S-Says the one who just t..takes..”

Mammon paused in his ministrations and then hugged her to him, “Ya caught me, like always. I’ll let ya get this one, just cause it’s Valentine’s Day.” Biting down on her shoulder as he turned up the level of the vibrator while leaning them forward letting it cover her clit.

Once the sound of their hips clapping became outdone by the vibrator, her legs shook as his member throbbed inside her, their moans resonating around them.

Neru tried to form words as she started to reach her climax, Mammon’s body huffed as his finger continued to play with her clit as his arm cradled her close as his cock drilled deeper. She threw her head back onto his shoulder, her body convulsed as they came together. Neru cried in euphoric pleasure as she muttered his name.

He kissed everywhere he could as he laid them down, reluctantly pulling himself out from her. They both pant as their bodies begin to relax into one another. “I think.. I need to sleep..”

“Suppose ya earned a break.”

“A break?”

“Mmm, its the weekend tomorrow so we gotta whole two more days ta celebrate.”

Neru groaned as she put out her lip.

“Alright alright, sleep. But I still haven’t had my fill of ya.”

She kissed his cheek, “My greedy boy.”

He chuckled as he pulled the blanket over them, “My little human.”

Her voice lowered as she yawned, “Oh yeah, I meant to ask, did you say something to me this morning?” Neru’s nuzzled her body back into him, his warmth radiating and comforts her as it always does.

“Hm? Mmm.. oh yeah, before I left I said, ‘I’ll be back later and..” He smiled as he kissed the back of her head, "I love you, Neru.’”

—————

—————

—————

Satan: What is that Neru?

Neru: *looks at Toto on her shoulder* This is Toto.

Satan: Wait.. So you can have a bird but I can’t have a cat??

Neru: Lucifer tried to take Toto but uh..

*Lucifer walks by with some feathers in his jacket missing*

[undergrounddweller89]

NOTE : THIS IS A SPIES IN DISGUISE AU, WALTER IS THE CRIMINAL MASTER MIND AND KILLIAN IS THE SCIENTIST

THIS DEFINITELY CONTAINS SEXY TIMES

Not well written though probably and I tend to rarely go through my work to look for mistakes.

Despite Killian being kidnapped and handcuffed EVERY THING IS CONSENSUAL... Tristan is crazy obsessed with Beckett so he's very happy.

Now you've had your warning you read this instead of scrolling past that's on you, lemon is a tag used for stuff like this but if you feel like there are other tags I need to use please do tell me!)

The bag was stuffy, head phones covered his ears, they'd knocked off his glasses in their struggle to capture him, he could barely see without them.

Now his hands were cuffed behind his back, a hand on each upper arm, honestly Tristan was terrified, the car ride seemed a life time, though realistically it was only ten to fifteen minutes long.

He'd pleaded saying he was a no body just a scientist the agency threw in the corner and that no one ever took him seriously.

He was hunched, trying to tuck his head into his shoulders, so this was how he was going to die.

He felt every bump of the car and turn, trying to map out where he was going but he didn't recognise this route, usually he rode every where on his bicycle, deep blue with a silver bell and a basket on the front to pick up dinner on his way home...

Home where he could research the Criminal Master mind Walter Beckett ...to a near unhealthy obsession...alright it was unhealthy when you imagined him pushing you back against the table parting your thighs, fucking you and making you look at him by holding your head with his clawed hand....

Fuck was he going to die thinking about Walter, a man who didn't even known he existed...well he had no one, nothing living to care about...he might as well think of someone who made him happy even if only in his fantasies before he died right.

He was pulled from the car where he tried kicking at his handlers, Tristan didn't get very far though as one of them punch his gut winding him, he was wheezing as he was taken out of the vehicle.

"You know he's gonna kill you for that right."

The first handler smacked the second on the back of the head

"Only if this limp dick tells him, he's too much of pussy to squeal."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that, but Im not covering your ass."

He was dragged through the facility, Tristan refused to make it easy to carry him and went limp.

Both handlers groaned, fuck, great a difficult one, well the first wasn't going to risk hurting him into compliance and the second knew he was on thin ice, if that punch had bruised him their boss was literally going to kill him.

Other workers watched as they went by, another two carried Tristans legs who now tried to struggle again, what the hell was going on!

He was sat in a chair with ease, after all their boss was right there, the workers didn't dare handle him as if he were anything less than a handle with care package with fragile taped all over him.

"Well are you going to take that off him, it's a little hard for dramatic entrances when he can't even see me."

"Yes sir, right away."

The bag was pulled off swiftly with the headphones clattering to the floor.

Tristan squinted, everyone looked like blurs, he could see faces only as different coloured splodges, his hair sticking up in different angles, shoulders aching now, he still sat up right, heart racing

"Where are his glasses?"

Tristan turned to where he heard the man speak, it was cold, commanded respect...familiar but no it couldn't be...

"Sebastian, where are his glasses?"

"I ah, James you see knocked them off in the struggle and-"

A metal arm, supporting four claw digits at it's end clasped his face

"What did I tell you about people with glasses, remove them, keep them what Sebastian."

He had brought the man to his knees holding so tightly Sebastian could feel his skull on the verge of cracking, he let out a cry as he managed to finish the sentence

"Safe!"

"Oh good you can listen to orders, now James..."

He'd let go of Sebastian and beckoned over his other crew member, Tristan knew this voice but it couldn't be him, he must still be disorientated.

"James, what have I told you about harming what belongs to me."

He said softly, curling his his claws around James's tie, Sebastian stepped back, well he had warned his coworker and with a snap and flick of his wrist the tie had been pulled so hard and tight the man's neck had been snapped.

"He had trouble following orders, first few times is understandable, you're settling into this new life but after five years it should not be that hard."

Tristan wished he'd had his glasses because if this was Walter Beckett he would have just witnessed one of Becketts trade mark moves and yes maybe would have gushed like a fan boy.

He was going to pretend it was him until he could see at the least and imagine he was kidnapped by Thee Walter Beckett.

He listened to him calling in clean up crew and for someone to bring up the glasses, his shape coming in closer and closer, it had to be him, the silver blurred limb was on his left, the hair colour.

"Awww poor baby..."

The younger man cooed.

Tristan tried very hard not to lean into his touch when his hair was stroke back and felt the Claws against his scalp

"Don't worry now, my useless men have been dealt with, come on now look up at me."

He didn't exactly give Tristan a choice as he place a claw under his chin

"See, now Mr Mcford I know I have my fans, the ones who do their fanart, their fictions whatever you will, I keep an eye on anyone who searches my name out of curiosity..."

He tapped his nose

"You Mcford like clock work will watch videos that have only the briefest flash of me, pour over articles, fictions..."

He smirked tracing one long metal claw along his jaw

"Reader x Walter Beckett, but you got tired of them, skinny little me always being pinned, submissive, no, no you wrote your own, named yourself Killian, nice name by the way, where I owned you, laid you back and made sure you knew who you belonged to."

Tristan was red, he was so fucking red and wanted the bag back on his head

"But Im not here to embarrass you, you're actually a good writer and it was the first one I ever enjoyed myself to."

Tristan wanted to implode, die right there, hearing Beckett had fucking masturbated to his little story, he let out a whine then hung his head, trying to hide how much that effected him.

The crew came up and pulled the body from the room and handed Walter the item he'd requested

"Face me now, unless you prefer being half blind."

Beckett held his face with his human hand, finger tip tracing a cheek bone, my they were sharp weren't they, what a pretty scientist.

Placing the glasses on, small lights flickered then settled.

"They read your eyes and the lenses adjust to the prescription you need."

Walter explained now casually sitting on Mcford's lap, an arm around the back of his neck.

"I'll cut to the chase, as I said we check everyone who even so much as types my name out of curiosity and when I found out you were working for the agency that has reaaaally caused a lot of problems in my life I researched you."

Tristan was staring, no way did Walter not feel the protruding problem down below, you would literally have to be either dead or have no feeling in your body to not notice that, he was still, he listened to him, was he having a wet dream, it had to be a dream right?

"Besides my uh Internet history...what...what did you find out."

"Oh you know, that you're an under appreciated scientist who came up with designs so dangerous they had to lock them away...and I may have slightly stolen them, now while I could personally and am the only qualified person here to build such delicious technology...."

He slipped his hand under Tristans lab coat, slowly rubbing his palm against his chest and smirking at the shakey breath and the way Tristan adjusted his hips, oh he could certainly feel that reaction

"I have an evil empire to run...I need you Tristan, I want you..."

He leaned in closer, lips nearly at his.

Mcford whined, fuck he was close Walter hadn't even done anything but the raised brow and smirk on Becketts face told him he could feel him twitch and gasped as the hand that'd been on his chest traveled down a finger tip teasing the head of his cock through his pants.

"How do you feel about working for me Tristan, build your machines and what ever else comes to mind, I need someone as competent as myself..."

Walter kneaded him slowly, to the point the slow pace was painful, his mouth was open and another ragged breath left him, this had to be a wet dream a really, vivid wet dream, please don't let his alarm go off...he pressed against his neck, forehead on his shoulder as Walter stroked the back of his neck with metal Claws, cool against his flesh.

Even if he was awake, of course his answer was yes....

"We could even build something together, I'm sure you'd just love to see me work..."

Beckett leered.

Walter was so warm, he was here, touching him, fucking touching him, dragging it out and making him nearly beg and he loved it.

"Yes..."

Tristan panted, lifting his hips trying to get more friction, he still had his handcuffs on he couldn't reach out and touch the man he wanted, his wrists struggling instinctively to part.

"Look at me and say it, Tristan."

That purr went through Mcford's entire being, lifting his head whimpering, biting his lip, he loved the tease, feeling so close to the edge and having Walter deny him...he begged to some god out there that Walter would finish it at least, it was so intense, he knew his clothes were stained with precum, Beckett seemed to enjoy reminding him he knew it was there by playfully tapping a finger over the tip of his cock where the damp patch was.

"Yes...I'll work for you....I have mmmphn wanted to since I ahh first saw you... Oh my god..."

Walter smiled, watching him, listening to him, oh how blue his eyes looked when his cheeks were this flushed, absolutely gorgeous.

"Oh Tristan there is no god, only me and my loving hands."

He returned, unbuckling Tristans belt and reaching in, blushing a little himself as he watched Tristans eyes nearly roll up, his head falling forward.

Tristan watched as Walter finished him off how desperately he wanted to hold onto him, press fingers into his back, he couldn't remember the last time he came this fucking hard or if he'd ever...he was speechless...breathless and fuck he'd made a mess of them both.

He was putty in Walters hands, feeling a claw lift his head again, moaning softly still, his body was tingling all over

"Welcome to the team Killian."

Beckett said sweetly before leaning in and kissing him.

[monsoonblooms12]

Christmas with the Waverleys ❄️: Part I

A/N: Hi, how is everyone doing💫💛? So I really wanted to do something for the Holidays and this is what I came up with. Writing this was a really joyful process, so I really hope that this brings a smile on your face💛 

If you enjoyed the story, please like, leave a comment or reblog. Your feedback keeps me going 💕

Thank you so very much @caseyvalentineramsey for prereading and @jamespotterthefirst for prereading and helping me up with the editing. You guys are life-savers and I love you💛💛

Characters: For this part, the characters are my OH MC(Dr. Pooja Sharma) and OH F!OC (Dr. Alexandra Walton)

Word Count: 1467

Rating: General

Prompts :-

CFWC(@choicesficwriterscreations) Winter Season Prompt #6: Character A doesn’t like the holidays. B loves it. Will B try to find out why or convince A to celebrate it?

@wackydrabbles #74 (Will appear in bold): What do you want me to say?

@choicesdecemberchallenge​ Day 23: Friendship

December 23rd

The riffling of sheets, concomitant typing on the keyboard and the gentle tapping of a blue ballpoint pen.

Aha! Here it is!

The dainty curling up of her lips purported that her quest had been prosperous.

The young girl let down her brunette hair as the muffled voices of Boston's December traffic infiltrating the quiet beige Living room subserved as a token of the celebratory season.

With balmy footfalls, she went to the bay windows of her residence, moving the white satin draperies and looked down to the provocative streets.

Festivals. Gaieties. They were not her thing.

For her, they were needless gatherings, wastage of capital and time.

Christmas, New Year, never held much of a significance in her life.

No matter how much she relished seeing all the people fortified with holiday disposition, she never aspired to be one of them.

Engrossed in thoughts, she nearly plummeted at the unforeseen chime of the doorbell.

A deep breath.

Another one.

And another.

And the abrupt adrenaline rush faded past as she reacquired her equanimity.

An agile glance at the wooden digital timekeeper on the davenport told her that it was 10:30 in the morning.

Mmm-hmm.

An unlikely time for someone to visit.

Must be some parcel posts.

Moving to the door, she clemently swivelled the knob and-

"LEX!"

"Poo?"

Alex was comprehensively purblind as to why Pooja would have come here at 10:30 am, groomed as if she was the anthropomorphism of celebratory spirit.

Not acknowledging her interrogating glimpses, Pooja went inside. Alex accompanied.

And then, Pooja's eyes fell on the vademecum and jotter sitting on the settee.

Hmmm, so they are my rivals.

"Poo? What's the matter? Has something goofed?"

Alex still had no ounce of idea about all that was transpiring.

"IS SOMETHING WRONG? Lex, EVERYTHING IS WRONG!"

Pooja roared as she denoted towards the current occupants of the couch.

"What is wrong with my manual?"

"Lex, ITS CHRISTMASTIDE! You, sitting here and swotting is Inequity!"

"Poo-"

Pooja held up a hand to prevent her from proceeding further. She knew unequivocally what Lex was going to utter. That she shunned celebrations. All this was a waste and the record of criticisms moving on & on.

She had endured her overtures the prevenient time.

But this time? This time, circumstances would change. Alexandra Walton would be carousing Christmas, no matter how absurd it appeared.

"Lex. I understand, okay. I know you loathe fiestas. But-"

"Now don't begin convincing me and convert to a walking, talking book of 101 reasons to savour festivities."

Nah.

This wasn't going to work. Even if she convinced her, she knew better that she would not heed in.

So, what to do now? Hmmm…

Pooja's mind went back to the discussion she had the previous night.

"Are you kidding me?"

"Of course not! Look!"

The Portrayal of Numerous ocular evidence of the case were placed in front of her.

"So, you're stating that she is here, in Boston and that all this is gonna work?"

"Exactly! Believe me, Poo, you will not regret it. Just give it a try!"

This was the only alternative. She ought to do it. It seems implausible, but the stuff she saw with her optics, felt versus her skin, couldn't be a deceit, could it?

"I need a promise."

"Promise? Wow! What a marvellous way of pressuring me into all this."

Alex substantially scoffed. Pooja lightly smacked her forehead.

"Why did you do it?"

Alex produced a perfect faux crybaby face as she tended to her point of the hit.

"You killed my Lil Lil forehead cells!"

Pooja scarcely restrained her chuckle as she set up the stern big-sister facade,

"Just shut up and listen first. I demand you to promise me that you will go with me somewhere on Christmas Eve."

"On a voyage?"

"No, bimbo! To meet someone."

A pouty face followed. But Pooja's glare was enough to make her regress and concede.

"Fine, Promise. But don't you dare pull me to a holiday funfair. Remember, I can bite."

Alex responded as she unveiled her teeth.

"You won't have to stoop that low" Pooja affirmed while stifling a hearty guffaw.

December 24th

"Are you going to tell me where you are taking me?" Vexation grazed Alex's features.

But her irritation was Pooja's gold. It was one of her reactions which made her laugh hysterically.

"If I die, I will spook you until I am served with 12 boxes of extravagant Walter's White and Pink Chocolate because you are making me do THIS." Alex pointed at the two of them.

"Which, I should make it clear, you won't get. 'Cause you won't die. Also, If means?"

"No, like I mean, subsequently we all will die, but before that, we will become top tier doctors, make millions, eat chocolates."

"We will get husbands" Pooja added to the list.

"They will die"

This earned Alex a scowl from her best friend.

"Then we would be sitting in our opulent houses and would be promoting golden dentures on our Pictogram."

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

"And then we will die. We will be in heaven and do the Hippity-Hop dance with our already-in-heaven husbands", And the two of them laughed like crazy. Passers-by gave them side glances, most of them presuming they both had gone mad, but the two couldn't bother less.

After a little while, they reached in front of a modest house. Entering through the small copper-coloured gate, they peered around.

It posed an explicit opposition to the modern peculiarities of Boston. The place was serene. The garden surrounding the humble stone-exterior dwelling was immaculate and well-kept. The two of them went towards the white gate and pressed the doorbell.

Seconds later, an elderly lady opened the door.

"Hi, I am Pooja. And this is Alexandra" She introduced the two of them.

"Of course, please get in sweetheart. I have been expecting you." The lady gave a friendly smile and motioned the two of them to come in.

While entering, Alex tugged at Pooja's sleeve, dragging her back.

Keeping her voice as faint as plausible, she spoke, "Why did you bring me here? To discover how to make gingerbread?"

Pooja almost let out a tee-hee and gave her a warning look.

"What do you want me to say? You dragged me out of my cozy blanket and summery dreams to learn how to make gingerbread!"

Lightly hitting Alex's forehead, she jokingly admonished "Shut up Lex! Just wait and watch."

And then they followed the lady to a dim room.

In the core of the room, stood a circle table, encompassing which, three obsolescent chairs were orderly arranged.

Several aromatic candles blazed the shadowy nooks. Various shelves positioned on the walls with articles they couldn't recognize due to the gloom.

They were motioned to take a seat on the chairs.

"So, Miss Pooja! I am so overwhelmed to have you and your friend with me! I am very certain, that the forthcoming journey will be a once in a lifetime venture." The lady's grin revealed two blank spaces in her teeth.

"You have planned everything for us?" Even though they had talked beforehand, Pooja still felt a bit dubious. What is something went awry?

No. 

She halted the train of thought. What ifs are endless. Trust yourself, everything that happens will be for the best.

"Yes, dear. Your request was the loveliest. And I have planned to make everything accurate, just the way you want."

At her words, the tension heaving down on Pooja dissipated.

"Now, both of you lay your hands on the table and relax. Don't ask any questions, Don't have any concerns. Just follow my statements and repeat the words I chant after me."

They both followed. Relaxing, for Alex, was hard, but for her twisted sister, she tried her best and finally calmed down.

The lady began. "Relax. All the arrangements are made. I am sending both of you to the Braidwood Manor, where the Waverleys live. You both are getting a chance to experience Christmas as it was celebrated nearly a century and a half ago. You both will reach London in the 1880s. Take a deep breath"

It felt like someone had cast a spell on them. They both followed all the words, all the instructions wordlessly. As said, they took a deep breath.

"Very Good! Now repeat the words after me. Try to remember them. I am sending you both in the past for a day but in case you wanna come back earlier, you will need them"

Then the lady tapped her purple-painted fingernail four times on the table and began, "Zahiri Washiki Ra, Zahiri Washiki Ma, MaRa LaYa Ma."

Both of them repeated. The gloomy room echoed with the words.

ZAHIRI WASHIKI RA, ZAHIRI WASHIKI MA, MARA LAYA MA!

PS: That's all for Christmas with the Waverleys Part 1🧡! Part 2 will be up tomorrow.

If you reached till here, please know that I am truly grateful for you🌟 I wish you nothing but happiness and smiles for the Holidays and the coming year❤

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you have a great day ahead🧡🧡

[hetalia-has-a-secretary]

Russia X Secretary: Fear of First time (2/2) (NSFW)

Let me know if you guys want a third and final part where they get down to the nitty gritty!

Read the first half here:

The room seemed to get warmer as Russia continued his loving attacks on her torso.

He had quickly discovered her interest in biting, and scratching, leaving red marks all over her stomach and sides. Her favorite spots where he elicited the best sounds was her hips. The soft flesh getting pulled by his teeth, forcing the secretary to buck her hips up. Along with her stretched skin.

He found his way to her thighs, and that's when panic set in. The secretary knew what he was about to do, and had to speak against it.

"W-wait! Please don't do what I think you're about to do..."

Russia had lifted his head, a confused look across his face.

"Do you not want me to-"

"No! N-nyet... Not today..."

"Why?"

She took a deep breath, covering her face.

"I-isnt that disgusting? I mean it's not exactly clean. What if I make you sick?"

All that could be heard was a low snicker rumbling against her leg, and the second of more kisses echoing through the room.

His hands stroked her through her jean. Skillfully making their way to the button and zipper, undoing it hastily. Russia heard the soft gasp and whine that came from her, but continued anyway.

He pulled her pants and undergarments down all at once, focusing on getting them of from around her hips.

"Sunflower, can you lift a little? They are stuck..."

She complied looking at him through parted fingers. Waiting for some form of dissapointment still. His face scrunched up as it caught the sight of her unkept bush and mound. She closed her eyes and feared the worst.

It never came. What she did get was another collection of kisses to her hips, and the sensation of fingers entangling themselves in her pubic hairs. Without warning they grasped at the bushel, and tugged. Earning a loud gasp.

He kept on her body. Tugging and diving in the soft flesh between her thighs. Each dip parting her legs until they were open enough to see the small pearl joined with the closed slit that ached to be stretched open. Russia gave it a light kiss, catching the musky smell from her core. He smirked and gave a loud sniff, causing the secretary to squeak and close her legs. Not that she managed because as soon as she moved he had already taken her bud into his mouth, sucking it.

The sensation shocked her. It wasn't anything like it was described in books or manga she read. It wasn't like electricity. It felt more like a spring that tightened more and more, only relaxing when he parted from her loin. The almost numbing tingle turning her on. She wanted more. Her chest hurting from the months of waiting and thinking about him.

Eye contact was made and she swallowed hard.

"Why did you stop?"

She got nothing but a mischievous smirk and a quirked eyebrow. A look he so often gave her when he's planning on doing something that usually had her flustered or frustrated by the time she learned what he was up to.

She never even noticed his hand as it slowly prodded her small hole. The secretary felt her face and chest burn red, and she squirmed from the contact. She couldn't help but notice the difference from now and when she was flying solo. His fingers much thicker than hers. Then he started to move around. She felt his digit testing her depth, and felt the full stroke as it left her womanhood. A small groan leaving her lips.

Russia watched her eyes close, and her eyebrows furrow. He never knew he could have this much patience for foreplay. But seeing her squirm made him courious. He wanted to test her limits. Going back in with his hand, he added a second finger, quickly changing from a gun shape, to a motion of beckoning her. His pointer and middle finger exploring her wet caverns until he came across a texture that surprised him.

It felt like a rounded sponge. It was porous, and not set very deep in her vag. He fiddled with it. Pressing harder against it, and quickened his past when her body seemingly shivered and bucked. He found a rather sweet spot on the back of that spongy section where it ran smooth again. He knew this was her O-zone. But this wasn't enough.

He brought his face closer to her clit, and bit it. His sunflower's voice blooming into a small howl. He attacked it again and again. Licking, sucking and biting while he rubbed that one spot in her core. The difference in texture making it easy to find.

He didn't stop until he heard a deep moan come from her, and felt her insides pulsing along with bucking hips.

"Are you okay? Or are you always like this when you cum?"

His question while giving a smile that made her look away from embarrassment. She had completely forgotten where she was in the moment. Tears pricking at her eyes. All to quickly he pulled his hand away, earning another squeak.

He whipped his hand against the sheets before kissing her gently, his knee against her crotch as she shyly grinded against it. Soft 'I loves you's whispered in Russian filled her ears as she held onto him. He told her how beautiful and pretty she was, and brought her to orgasm quicker than she ever could, but yet part of her still repented the pleasure. She couldn't figure out why, and decided to voice her concern out loud.

"How come after all this time it still hurts? Why does it still feel like my heart is breaking?"

He didn't respond, he let her have her moment.

"I hate it. I love you so much and you make me so happy but... Why does it always feel like something is missing? Why can't I just be normal? Why do I have to be such a pathetic crybaby?"

That last part caused Russia to falter in his kisses against her jaw. He felt guilty. It was a while ago he had told her that she was sometimes pathetic when she cried over certain things. He didn't mean it in a negative lighting, but he couldn't word it any other way. She was making such a big fuss over him not exactly enjoying the party America was throwing. Then he walked off on her to the balcony to which she followed, they had a heart to heart, and shared a brief kiss. He never realize his words affected her so much.

He pulled away, wiping the tears away from her cheeks, and swallowed his pride.

"That is not true..."

He couldn't help but think back to the times he was caught crying over dumb stuff like his loneliness, and solitaire life style. Having her console him with her own kisses and backrubs. Then it clicked for him all at once. Her mindset was his fault.

"It isn't your fault. You are not allowed to reprimand me for being guilty of emotions and then say terrible things like that! And... You are not pathetic when you cry! I just... I did not mean it."

Fingers ran through her hair as she looked away, a pained tone in her voice.

"I... I killed the mood... I'm sorry..."

"No, you didn't. This is my fault I- Do not cry. Tell me. What should I do? What will make you my happy little bear again?"

The new pet name made her whip her head around to face him.

"L-little bear?"

"Da! I am the big Russian bear, and you are my little Russian bear! But you are not really Russian, so little bear works, right?"

The blush hadn't left her face, but she felt another wave of heat rush through her body, and she smiled.

"I didn't know you thought about me like that... Shit"

"Hm?"

"I... I thought you didn't well... Nevermind it's kind of stupid."

Russia rolled his eyes, kissing her jawline again. Not bothering to push for answers. But what she said next did pleasantly surprise him.

"Can... Can we keep going?"

He gave her a shocked look, but smiled at her. More than happy to be so close to her.

"Da! It is time to be one~"

-End-

[jean-does-not-have-a-horseface]

Icecube

@sasageyowrites​ birthday gift number 2 babyyyyyyy here you gooooo sorry it's a tad late I love youuuuu

A long little something with Shoto, Bakugo and your oc 

The dull cloudy sky roared in chocked muffles. The cotton textured clouds collided rapidly as the wind blew stronger leaving no room for the dainty cobalt sky to bleed through. Kath looked up, her lagoon orbs flickering as they remained fixated on a particular tiny cloud, watching as it deformed and reshaped in numerous shapes. Puffing cold air towards the long bangs over her forehead, she blew the strand away from her face.

Miscellaneous little snowflakes fell on her nose and eyebrows, decorating her slightly tan skin in her most favorite manner. She chuckled to herself and pushed further back into the wall she was leaning on, her left foot roaming over her right one with a silent jab. She grunted to herself as she double tapped on the screen of her phone after checking the time.

4.42 pm

Shoto was unusually late. That much was all that she could comment on the situation, because frankly it was true, Shoto was known on being sharp and on time so this definitely seemed like an exception. As far as she knew he had run up with his father so there wasn't a point in bitching about it.

Hugging her chest, she grabbed the bang from before, fidgeting the lock between her fingers before eventually twirling it on her pointer finger. She could practically feel the clock ticking by each passing minute, the tight Lycra if her leggings freezing further with every passing second.

Not that she minded anyways, working out in the cold was supposed to help her deal with the aftermath of overusing her quirk. Shoto had always been kind enough to join her more than occasionally, always eager to consult her as to how to use her much similar to his frosting ability.

But this wasn't what was making her impatient today. What bothered her was rather irrational and idiotic, totally idiotic, she kept reminding her self but since Shoto was her childhood friend she felt like she could entrust him with the bothersome knot that sat on her chest and tightened with each passing day.

Shaking her head off her thoughts, her ears were filled with the faint shuffling sound of footsteps, ones she had grown used to over the years. Pushing her lip in a line she half smiled at Shoto, her eyes momentarily hazing over the strand on her finger, before deciding to put behind her ear.

"Hey, sorry I'm late." Shoto spoke nonchalantly, extending his fist towards her direction.

Kath puffed her cheeks up, pushing her lips further together, reaching her fist out to Shoto, her frozen knuckles meeting with his slightly warmer ones.

"Are you still in the mood for a run?" She asked, her voice stripped of any of the malice Shoto had expected to come out of her.

Nonetheless he slightly nodded his head, pushing his own lips together and between his teeth.

"Great," Kath cheered through a tiny stoic mumble "let me tie my hair."

Shoto run a hand through his hair, then slid it down his neck, scratching an itchy blotch of skin just between his right collarbone and the nape of his neck. Kath signed at him with her chin once she raised her head, her finngers working on wrapping the white elastic in loop around her makeshift ponytail. 

Shoto sighed, his chest rising and falling as his heart heaped inside his chest. Most of Kath’s ponytail fell onto her exposed collarbones, slipping between the hood of her zip up sweater. It made him gulp hard and uncomfortably, the little droplet of saliva torturing its strainous way down his esophagus.

Sure it was normal that he felt like that. He was sooner or later bound to find someone to develop a crush on,a nd who was a better candidate that Kath, one of the few people he had known since elementary school, right? Well, it wasn’t like he was going to act upon it anytime soon, or with no confirmation that she liked him back, being her friend was more than enough.

Yet, the blooming passion of teenage love was planting sweet baby pink cherry blossoms inside him, acting as an indepented source of maroon heat inside himwhener he laid eyes on her. And for all that mattered, he didn’t know what exactly had made him feel the way he was feeling now, maybe it was the sight of her nose painted in that mellow contradictory crimson mimic of a blush, or the way her hair would shine a lighter shade of blonde under such cold environment.

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” Kath whispered, her words transforming into small frozen fogs, vanishing before she opened her mouth to let out a few addiotional words “I need your help, Shoto.” 

Shot shook his head, his hair straying left and right. “Shoot it, what do you want to ask?”

 “Ah, here i go i guess” Kath sighed, her azure eyes fixating on Shoto’s mismatching ones as her form eventually jumped up and down from the workout. “I like bakugo so please please give me some advice.” She breathed out in one take, lips pressed together in a dumbfounded and embarrased manner.

“What?” Shoto almost chocked, his eyes growing wide at her sight

“Do I need to repeat my self? I like Katchuki so i need adv-”

“No, I mean why, what?” black straight brows furrowed as he spoke, his mind intoxicated by what he had just heard.

“Why? Why do I like Katsuki? That’s what you’re asking?”

Tasting the bitterness in his mouth, Shoto felt his throat run dry. Beside him, Kath run almost anthusiastically, her head turned to him as her hands stayed underneath her chest, supporting her bust from bouncing up and down while she kept on jogging. She purced herr lips in a small downwards triangle, adorably batting her dark blonde lashed to Shoto’s direction

“No, uhm, why me? isn't your sister a psychic? Have her read his mind, save yourself from the trouble.” 

Shaking his hands back and forth, Shoto picked up his own pace, balancing his weight from foot to foot. His chest hitched, cursed to take small intakes of air to fill his lungs he felt his knees going week.

The small things of snowflakes grazed over his right side, dissolving upon contact, creating a momentum of discomfort as they blotched down in sheer freezing puddles.

"I asked her and apparently that's illegal. Also if I were to ask her again, she wouldn't hesitate to find an excuse to come here and flirt with mister Aizawa. You know..." Kath paused, her eyes squinting in such internal dispute that her eyebrows wavered their way to the tops of her eye sockets. "She's been making heart eyes at him for a while now."

"That's disgusting." Shoto commented nonchalantly.

"There's worse. Apparently he's subtly flirting back. Ugh why can't she just like your bother so we can adopt you all legally for fuck's sake."

Coughing up a little grazy knot that had formed down the pits of his throat in his effort to master up some words to speak. He backed away, taking a few steps behind her as he slowed down his pace to the point his bangs weren't leaping on his forehead anymore.

Family.

That's how she viewed him. Shoto didn't know why, but it jabbed a few holes in his heart every time the word played inside his head, bouncing around the cavities of his brain like a tiny little mantra. He hadn't suspected he'd actually live through this teeny silent heartbreak; despite having heard that no one could ever escape the mighty friendzone -or at least that was among Ochaco's lines- he hadn't believed, not even for a second, that it'd come to be so cold and raw like this.

Damn, he didnt even have the chance to get openly rejected.

"I'm not the best person for love advice, why don't you try Uraraka? Or Yaoyorozu?"

"Well you're my childhood friend." Kath said, slowing down her pace until she came to jog right next to Shoto once again. "And you spend time with Bakugo for your temporary license."

Shoto looked at you nonchalantly, face blank of any expression once again. Numerous thoughts bounced around his brain, numbing his already frost irritated face until he couldn't even feel his nose scrunching up. Closing his eyes in defeat he slowed down his movements, his hands moving automatically as his body came to an halt.

He only needed a moment to catch his breath, ripping himself of kneeling or bowing to rest his hands on his knees he stood almost proud, his back excessively straight as if he could always feel his father's fist bumping into him ordering him to fix his posture. He turned to face her, dual colored eyes searching for azure ones, the inside of his lower lip slightly being worried between his front teeth in anxiety.

Her blonde hair pooled over her shoulders as she nuzzled her nose onto the collar of her shirt, trying to get some friction onto the tip. She could feel a little droplet stuffing her nose, slipping down the side of her nostril.

"You know, when you get a frostbite from your quirk?" Shoto jumped straight to the point.

Subconsciously his fingers lingered over there, numb cold skin meeting its match upon impact, Shoto's frozen digit thrived between the openings betweet Kath's.With the tiniest double pat thrown to her direction Kath placed her fingers into Shoto's palms, receiving a little squeeze to the base of her thumbs by the dual hair colored male. The tipsof his fingers rubbed three soothing circles over her knuckles, his left hand emitting the most comforting heat.

The chocked sound of confirmation that came out of her made Shoto blink his eyes into hers, his lips pressing together and sinking bewteen his his teeth. He stared at her, noticing eacha nd every snowflake that fell onto her, decorating her golden locks under the cold gray afternoon light.

"Try to ask him to warm your hands up for you.”

“He’s going to blow my face off.” she snarls, her eck curving towards the ground, azure eyes burning holes onto the cobblestone material “You’re going to pay for my surgery if he does. Just a heads up.”

Shoto blinks his eyes, his gaze hooked by the the lock in which he held her hands in. If only he could warm up his insides the way he manges to warm her ands up, he wouldn’t have been in this position in the first place. Perhaps, he could try speaking up, he would just blurt out a fact and excuse himself in his dorm room, maybe sulk in there for a day or two until he had to go to his temporary license training. Sure Kath wouldn’t mind, despite being pulled away from him in her own will, he wasn’t that much of a fool for wanting to express how this rotting feeling in the depths of his stomach felt.

“He won’t do anything like that”

“Yeah, he’ll scream about me getting on his nerves, right?”

“No, he won’t.”

“I’m not telling him how i feel though, he’ll soo me off and i’ll be sulking like no tomorrow.”

Shoto didn’t answer, rather he tightened the grip on her hands, his quirk glowing like a warm candlelight lit in the back of his brain. His chest twithed, his heart beating extremelly fast at the action, but he managed to minimise the affect of his own feelings before the action of providing warm comfort to the blonde. He didn’t dare press on her or wrap a hand around her, he simpley stood there as both their pairs of hands mingled together, enjoying the violent nibbles of the weather on his skin, trying to find a way to pause his mind.

He didn’t need to drown himself in the self distracting thoughts he had just inflicted over his brain.

It was merely the not so nobble pain of one’s first heartbreak. It was supposed to be a story that he could look back to and feel a pulling in his heartstrings for the rest of his life.

“I can’t believe this!”

Water that came to a boil roared in hungry sounds even after the red boiler clicked to signal it had fulfilled its assigned task. Steam brushed over the wooden cupboards forming into tiny droplets that found their way down onto the marble counter.

Kath slapped a hand over her forehead as she wiped the counter with a rag with the other, the tiny little droplets seeping into the microfibers of the cloth as if they were being magnetized. A long sigh escaped her lips from the depths of her chest, the back of her nose growling in protest as he throat begged to be freed by the looping pain of an angry snarl.

Red eyes watched her meticulously, examining each and every single one of her movements, continuously moving back and forth whenever she took any step. Bakugo wasn't one to apologise; everyone that knew him knew that he was set on always doing things he was sure he wouldn't regret, not only because of his gigantic pride but also to save himself from the second hand embarrassment of having to admit his judgement wasn't right.

"I wouldn't have done this if you hadn't gotten on my nerves dammit!"

His protest is pathetic, he knows that much, but as golden hair sways before his eyes, as knee length sock clad legs move lazily over the counter he can't help but chock the hitch inside his throat and every his eyes away in annoyance.

Had he known how to act around someone he liked this could have been much easier for him.

So in half honesty, it was his fault that he melted down the cooker hood.

"Remind me again how I'm getting on your nerves Bakugo!" Kath supressed a screech, closing her eyes as she chewed on the inside of her cheek.

It was unavoidable. The way she felt like her heart was going to burst, the way her lips had turned dry, or how she felt her whole body freezing up in her attempt to cool down her nerves. But that was the reality of trying to speak rationally with Katsuki Bakugo. At least for her.

Her knees pressed together, the little squirming of her thighs covered by her skirt, though she could feel how cold her legs had gotten as her thighs collided.

"By existing." Bakugo grunted.

"I literally just asked you how you're doing with your temporary license."

The growl that came from her throat masked the look she wanted to put in her eyes. With the boiler in her hand she reached for a bowl from the lower cupboards, pouring the coiling water inside once she set it on the table. Bakugo's fist colliding with the mahogany made the water vibrate in tiny little circles, sending miniature waves from the center of the bowl to the outer strobe edges.

The clock read 6.17 am.

Bakugo hadn't meant to cause that accident, if he were to admit on certain things, but he needed to be excused for the fact that he had just woken up and maybe for the fact that it was early, oh, and also for the fact that his emotions angered him.

Kirishima had warned him about this, he had told him that he should be a little softer around the edges when approaching someone that he likes romantically, but Bakugo wasn't typically used to experiencing crushes or feelings of being smitten.

Right now, he was angry with himself more than he was with anyone else.

How dare he not know how to act around his crush? The yellow light in the kitchen beamed obnoxiously in his scarlet eyes, his platinum spiky locks falling over his hooded lids annoying him further as his heart heaped inside its skeleton prison.

Apparently, anxiety could make palms sweaty -Bakugo resented Midoriya now more than ever because he was the one who had warned him of his palms getting sweaty- and his sweat created explosions, and somewhere in between his need to impress and to cover up any trace of insecurity while he worked on the words he wanted to say he had accidentally blown up the cooker hood.

Key word. Accidentally.

But it was unlikely that Kath viewed it as an accident. And to top it all he couldn't explain himself without letting out his feelings pop in the surface.

"Help me clean or else mister Aizawa is going to tear us apart." Kath ordered, throwing a rag in his direction.

"Whatever! You damn idiot, you made me do it, tell that to him when he asks."

With sweaty fingers Bakugo clutched the peony cloth in his palm, his calve quaking as numerous veins popped up all over his bicep. The vein on his forehead throbbed dangerously as he brows were smitten together, squishing the small piece of flaky skin between them.

"Take responsibility for your actions!"

Bakugo's eyes squint in annoyance his right eye twitching as his jaws start jiggling, his sets of teeth crushing onto eachother.

"What did you say idiot?" He growled. "It's your fault I blew it up."

Kath's eyes widen, her pupils almost shrinking. "How is it my fault? Take responsibility because my sister will nail me if I cockblock her!"

Kath growled furiously, her chest churning with the sour bubbling of anger as she avoided looking at Bakugo at all costs.

"Yeah? So it's fine to cockblock us?"

With his eyes gleaming in demonic vermillion specs, Bakugo slapped a hand over the counter, the spit inside his mouth producing in gallons that he couldn't help but gulp down in an attempt to savor the bitter taste of anger. But sometimes one's words run faster than their mouth, he realised now how easy it was to slip up when going the extra mile to keep his feelings to himself.

"Us?"

Bakugo clutched his teeth together, his lips stretching as far as they could ever reach, his nose scrunching up, thousands of lines drawing their way into his pale skin. His eyes were impossibly squinted, his Adam's apple prominent as ever despite that his head was lowered. He brought a hand between his platinum locks, tugging at the roots before combing them through the numerous spikes that haloed over his head.

"Are you deaf or an idiot?" He screamed.

Kath looked at him with a quirked eyebrow, an uncalled expression on her face. Confused as ever she bent her torso, head probing right next to Bakugo's her hair falling over the counter. She resented the urge to poke a finger at him, touching him when he was mad had never seemed like a good idea, and to top it all she was as much scared as she was mad.

Deprived of sleep due to pulling an all nighter, her head buzzing in a mixture of equations and countless of paragraphs she had managed to free her self from in a matter of few hours, she felt hazed and confused as to what Bakugo was trying to utter in his newfound way of being mysterious.

But hot guys are sometimes assholes right?

"I said are you an idiot? Or deaf? Idiot!" Bakugo growled again. "I try to impress you and you can't even see that?"

"You try to what?"

"Forget it!" He said, violently tossing the rag on the cream colored tiled right next to his feet before stomping off.

"Get back here you spikehead bastard!"

At least that's something. The sound of her words makes Bakugo turn around, his foot twitching in his spot as his lips hide between his gums and his skin. With a long step he comes closer to his previous spot and watches as Kath walks towards him at full speed.

Sweaty foreheads bump together, teenage hearts compete as to which is going to burst through their owner's chest first, feet dig into the tiles beneath them in despairate need of support as scarlet meets azure.

"Be clear as to what you're referring to you bastard." Kath bites at him, despairately trying to wet her mouth before she runs out of breath. She can feel her chest freezing, her quirk quickly taking advantage of her.

"Imagine being such an idiot that you can't even understand when someone says they like you!"

"How was that telling me you like me?"

"Don't answer me if it's not going to be a reply to what I said!"

"I'll beat your ass if you don't learn how to to be clear with what you want to say!"

"As if," he screamed "I'm going to blow you up and they'll need weeks to stich you back to together!"

"You practiced that line a lot Kacchan?"

Bakugo pressed his forehead on Kath harder, his vein being pushed by her forehead. "You're either going to accept that I like you or I'm going to punch you!"

Kath raised a shaking clenched fist to rest on Bakugo's forearm, his throbbing veins pumping so hard that she could feel them under her touch on him. Growling, she felt her stomach churn and her gut ache as her mind commanded her to spill what was at the tip of her tongue.

"Okay then what if I like you too!?"

Bakugo retreated, pulling his forehead back as he tried to fix his posture, his hands extended towards the blonde expecting to catch her the moment she'd trip from his sudden retreat. But of course, it never came. It made him chuckle, the bubbling sound coated by a sheer tint or his remaining fury. He liked how she pulled herself back, or how she fixed her posture by herself, never needing anyone to act as her safety net.

With his eyes glued into hers he dared to take a step closer, extendeding a hesitant hand to touch the underside of her chin. Kath stayed nonchalant and unresponsive on the outside, the tails of her eyebrows arching dangerously as she stared at him with an angered pout.

"Tch, your lips are fucking purple icicle idiot."

"They wouldn't be if you hadn't enraged me like this."

Still he was hesitant as in making another move towards her, the clock was out of sight meaning he couldn't check the time yet, so he had no idea if the room was about to be flooded with his classmates. Anything that he could initiate he had to do it now. Additionally, her chin was frozen, he recognised hoe she would get when her quirk would get the best of her, the dangerous ultraviolet color that tinted them. Maybe he needed to help her warm up.

Dammit his legs were shaking.

"For fucks sake stop looking at me. Kiss me already!"

"Shut up icecube!"

And thus in the most cliche ways of teenage romance frozen lips met fiery ones as grizzling smoke covered two sets of squint closed eyes.

"Do you think we should separate them?" Midoriya asked, his emerald eyes gleaming with worry as they raced between the scene before him and Shoto.

"It's fine- just- let them be."

As Shoto tried to avert his gaze, his heart roared as it dripped to his stomach in full force. The numb feeling overtook him, but he masked it under his nonchalant expression.

Placing a hand on Midoriya's forearm, he shit him a knowing glare, his brow cocking upwards as he nodded to the opposite direction of the one which they were facing. Midoriya nodded in confirmation to his signal, taking the first leading step to the way back to the dorms. Shoto took a turn, not bothering to look behind despite how much he wanted to.

Your first heartbreak was something you would eventually look back to and feel a little pinch when thinking about how it hurt. But how did one get through it in the first place?

[fuckyeahhiccuphaddock]

My Boy (Don't Love Me Like He Promised) - HTTYD - DagCup - Chapter One

TITLE: My Boy (Don't Love Me Like He Promised)

CHAPTER #: one.

MODERN AU: ON ✔

DESCRIPTION: years after being rejected by Hiccup Haddock in highschool, Dagur finds himself late at night at the now twenty year old's house, roughened up after an alleyway beating.

TAGS: some mild angst, longfic, not a oneshot, dagcup (hiccupxdagur), httyd, how to train your dragon.

GENRE: fanfiction

LANGUAGE: English

COPYRIGHT: characters do not belong to me. all rights reserved © to dreamworks and cressida cowell. plot is all rights reserved © "fuckyeahhiccuphaddock" 2019.

MATURE RATING: ON ✔ contains mature themes, such as strong language, sexuality, mild descriptions of violence, and other themes.

NOTE: this fanfiction will also be availiable on the Wattpad platform! the version on Wattpad has many more visuals and has a more aesthetically pleasing visual, so if you want to check that out here is the link, along with the link to my accounts which also have HTTYD content for you to read:

FIND THIS FANFIC:

FIND MY MAIN HTTYD ACCOUNT:

FIND MY SECOND HTTYD ACCOUNT:

2ND NOTE: this story is not beta read.

████████████

his breaths were ragged, and his chest moved with each one he took. puffs of white circled the air, disappearing in seconds. his foot nudged something heavy, one of the bodies that laid by his feet. not bodies, per say, considering these people weren't dead, but merely unconscious. he would have found the sight endearing and sadistically satisfying if it weren't for the fact he was practically a wet dog and the blood of his wounds was seeping through his clothes.

with an irritated grunt, he pulled his jacket off himself, holding it above his head. it made him even colder, but he wouldn't be able to focus on where to go if the rain kept beating down on him. the streets were beginning to flood. now was not a good time to be out. there was a gash on his right eyebrow, he knew that for sure. and a cut on his left thigh, left there perfunctorily by one of the men who decided to jump him. he was sure he had a couple of bruises on his torso as well.

now, it wasn't that dagur was weak -- because he sure as hell wasn't, but there had been a lot of people who decided to catch him by surprise. he fought them off, of course, but not without a couple of marks himself. he began walking, footsteps making the water splash below, and his eyes landed on the sight of a bus stop. there were two benches, accompanied by a roof and thin, hole poked walls on each side, but it'd have to do for now, at least until he found out where the hell he was.

he clawed for his phone that was deep in his pocket, tried turning it on, hoping miraculously, it would work despite it being completely drenched. the screen only remained black, and dagur couldn't help but growl -- stupid fucking 20$ phones. he shoved it back into his pocket.

he stood back up again, running a hand through his untamed hair. a kid had once ran up to him and told him he resembled hercules, from the disney movie. dagur himself didn't really see the similarity, but hey, kids had wild imaginations, and he didn't really want to put that to a halt. he started walking again, hands holding up his jacket.

it seemed like he'd walked for miles before he found a street sign. he had to squint through the rain to see it before reading it -- Escobar, is what it said. why had that sounded familiar?

despite not knowing why it held such an influence on him, he took the turn and went down the street. by the look of these houses, he was in the suburbs, with nicely trimmed grass and cleared sidewalks. he was sure it'd look a lot better one the sky cleared up, and it wasn't raining.

he was beginning to know where he was. yeah, he knew what this place was. wasn't associated personally, but hell if he didn't know it. he'd visited a few times, and at this point he knew the way back to his shitty, run-down apartment, but he hadn't seen hiccup haddock in what had been literal years. he didn't know what time it was, knew it was late and likely that hiccup wasn't going to answer the door, but at this point dagur didn't think there was much that mattered in his life, other than gambling, the occasional drink and the brooding in late night hours.

he let out a breath that he didn't realize he had been holding, and it made a white puff of air. he dragged his feet towards the light grey, almost bluish porch. he took a step up one of the stairs and knew he'd leave a muddy footprint, but it wasn't anything he couldn't clean after. really, there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for hiccup haddock; even though the guy had broken his heart without knowing how much it hurt. it was in the past, but the memory was still so fresh in his mind; like popping a mint into your mouth. overpowering and sensual.

before he knew it he was at the door. it was a pale white, and he distantly heard the sound of a windchime. dagur lifted a calloused hand, curled it into a fist and had about to knock. there was something stopping him but he couldn't place what.

he'd knocked anyways, and standing there left him feeling both exhausted and anxious. weariness was started to settle on him, and his wounds were beginning to hurt now that his adrenaline had died down completely. upon his first knock there was no sound; no shuffling footprints, just silence.

"come on, hiccup," he whispered, giving another, stronger knock. "open up. please."

minutes passed and he had been about to leave; but the there was a thud from inside the house. dagur froze in his tracks, and he swore he saw the blinds of the windows twitched. after that, there was another, long pause of silence.

there was the sound of a lock, and dagur almost let go a sigh of relief. he hoped hiccup still lived here, and that he wasn't knocking on a stranger's house -- but then he decided that idea was a stupid one. if it was a stranger, the door wouldn't have opened at all.

hiccup looked different from highschool, dagur realized instantly. the scrawny, curled in on himself kid didn't look like that at all. hiccup's posture was open; confident than it had been before. he was slouching slightly, but dagur simply guessed it was because he was drowsy with sleep; and he was correct. hiccup's head was messy, tiny hairs sticking in every direction, and bags under his eyes that wouldn't be noticeable if you really looked. although he had just woken from sleeping, he still had his day clothes on; a black long sleeve and rumpled jeans adorning his body. a digital watch accompanied his left wrist; it was a sight to behold after years of not seeing him.

"dagur?" hiccup questioned, and god, it was so good to hear his voice after so long, so good to see him after such a long period of time. hiccup may have rejected him back in highschool, but dagur would be lying if he said hiccup haddock didn't have a specific, (albeit cliché) place in his heart. he couldn't help but stare. "what are you doing here? actually, what happened to your head?"

and too soon for his taste, dagur was snapping out of his thoughts. he gave a low chuckle from within his chest, rubbing the back of his neck. "it's a long story," he admitted quietly, glancing into emerald eyes. "could i come inside, please?"

hiccup shifted, giving a sigh and stuffing the hand that wasn't holding the door into his pocket. "dagur, i don't really think that's a good idea-"

"please," he responded, cutting hiccup off. "i'll be out of your hair by morning, hiccup... i'm freezing and my head hurts." saying that he would be gone so soon made his chest ache in protest.

hiccup squinted at him, silent for a good long moment before nodding slowly. "alright, dagur. just put your shoes there on the porch. don't want my floor covered with mud," he said, leaving the door open and retreating within the depth of his home.

without hesitation, dagur did as the other said. he toed his shoes off, and his socks, considering everything below his ankles was drenched. he left his jacket outside, too, letting it hang over the light besides the door before following hiccup inside, letting the door shut behind himself with a quiet thud.

he wasn't given any time to really look around the room before there was something soft being pressed into his hands. his green eyes flickered downwards, and in his palms was a soft, grey blanket.

"I'll get you some clothes," hiccup said. he'd been about to turn away before dagur spoke again.

"your clothes aren't going to fit me, hiccup."

"I wouldn't have guessed," the other said sarcastically, and dagur had been slightly relieved that his humour hadn't gone anywhere. he almost cracked a smile. "but you're cold. I'll get them for you anyways."

and like that, hiccup was gone. dagur didn't realize how tightly his fist had curled around the blanket, not until he found his hand loosening and a soreness in his knuckles. with a quiet sigh, he turned away as well and let his eyes scan the rest of the room.

the walls were a light grey, and it would have looked depressing if there weren't any sort of pictures hung up on them. upon entering the house, dagur's feet were met with warm, cream coloured carpet. to his left was a dark grey couch, and a transparent, glass coffee table in the middle. right across from it was a flatscreen TV; and dagur was just realizing how luxurious the house really was.

there was a fireplace, too. it wasn't lit, but it was there. on top of the fireplace was a brown shelf, holding two pictures on either side and in the center a little bowl filled with fake leaves, likely just for decor. dagur let himself draw closer to the pictures, and picked up the nearest one.

it was hiccup, but younger. hiccup in high school, he realized. but it wasn't just him, no, there was someone else in the picture. a blonde girl, and she looked all too familiar, and dagur knew who she was instantly. how could he not? this was the same girl who stole hiccup's heart as his own was shattered.

Astrid Hofferson. she looked the same as he remembered. both her arms were wrapped around his neck, eyes fluttered closed and a happy smile on her face as she was kissing hiccup's cheek. his heart sank into his own chest, and dagur hated the feeling.

hiccup was there, smiling with joy. he looked like he was laughing, if anything. behind them was what seemed to be a Ferris wheel, and dagur guessed that they were on a date at the carnival. his grip tightened on the frame of the picture, and he set it back into its original place before he broke it out of anger.

it should've been him in that photo. not Astrid.

slight guilt overcame him with that thought. it shouldn't have mattered who hiccup was with; as long as he was happy. and dagur told himself that too many times to count, yet he couldn't help the raw, sheer rage that came along with the thought of hiccup being with anyone other than him. it made him angry, and ridiculously so. he'd watched them too many times have fun together, while he was stuck on the sidelines, wondering why the hell hiccup had chosen her instead of him.

although, the picture made him distantly wonder where she was now. had they stayed together after highschool? was she just merely upstairs, asleep in hiccup's bed?

with a shaky exhale through his nose, dagur took a step back before he really grew unstable. he looked at another photo, and this time it was of hiccup and his father at graduation. stoick wore a fond smile, and he radiated how proud he was, even though it was just a photo. hiccup wore a black cap and gown, holding his certificates. the sight made dagur crack a tiny smile. he hadn't been there for the ceremony, but surprisingly, he had graudated.

"those are old memories," hiccup said from behind. dagur turned, still holding onto the blanket he was given. "here." he stuck out a fresh pair of clean clothes and dagur took them gratefully.

"thanks," dagur muttered in return, tossing the blanket over his shoulder, biting back his tongue so he wouldn't ask what had happened to astrid. "where's your restroom?"

hiccup gestured upstairs, rubbing one of his eyes. "first door to your right. when you're done, come back down here and i'll uh. tend your injuries."

"sure," dagur responded, despite his need to ask questions, but he could ask those once he wasn't a wet dog anymore. there was an awkward pause of silence before dagur turned and headed upstairs.

the carpet became wood once he was up. dagur had found the restroom wth ease, but there was just something naghing at him -- he wanted desperately to check.

he let the clothes and the blanket rest on the counter of the restroom, and he took a step to the door at the end of the hall, which was creaked open just slightly.

dagur peaked through the crack, opening the door just slightly more, giving himself a better view. it was hiccup's room, for sure -- and he glanced towards the bed, nearly shouting in relief when there was no other body in it.

there was a movement from the corner of his eye, but before he'd been given the chance to move, there was a large, black blob that was heading straight for him, all speed and power.

dagur shouted once the thing hit his face, his hands reaching up to grab at it. the thing let out a loud, screeching "yowl!", and there was a sudden, sharp pain at his eye.

he heard footsteps racing up the stairs, and at this point he had ran into something -- probably a desk, he couldn't see a damn thing -- and then there was hiccup's voice coming from into the room, "toothless!" hands were on top of dagur's own, and the black mass was wrenched away from his face, followed by a hiss sound.

dagur was too preocupied with the pain on his face to really pay attention. he raced out the room and back towards the restroom, fastily turning the light on, muttering strings of curses before he finally looked up at the mirror, letting his hand fall from his face.

his expression dropped at the sight. three claw marks were at his eye, diagnol and bleeding red. his jaw clenched at the pain, bringing his hand up and giving it a gentle touch before letting out a low growl. fuck, it stung, and he wanted to know what in the hell had done it. his face was fucked for life -- that much he was certain of.

"dagur? dagur, are you okay?" hiccup's voice drew near, and his teeth began to ache from how hard he set his jaw. he noticed hiccup standing at the doorway thanks to the mirror, and he turned abruptly to face the other, almost as if saying, ' do i LOOK okay? '

"o-oh gods. your eye!" hiccup shouted, and dagur couldn't help the snarl leave from his throat. his gaze drifted down and his (good) eye narrowed, pointing at the black mass hiccup currently held in his hands.

"what. the hell," dagur started, "is that?" he said, voice dripping of venom. suddenly the mass shifted and there were green eyes and dialated black pupils staring ferociously straight at him, and then he knew what it was -- a cat. a damn cat. hiccup had a fucking guard cat in his room!

"first of all, it is a he," hiccup said return, and dagur's (good) eye twitched irkingly. "and his name's toothless."

"well, excuse me," dagur said, glaring at the animal hiccup craddled as it if were a stuffed animal, "that i am so rude, even though he scratched my face!"

"you were tresspasing," hiccup said, like it provided any justification. "you were in my room, weren't you? or trying to peak inside, at least?"

"you're saying i deserve this?!"

"i wouldn't go that far."

at those words, dagur made a highly frustrated noise. "okay, you know what? fine! i'm going to change, and then you are going to tend to this," dagur gestured to his face, and to the rest of his wounds. after that, he didn't give hiccup a time to respond, shutting the door promptly in the cat's face.

it was going to be a hell of a night.

[coffee-n-bagels-comic-universe]

Blood & Roses or Strawberry Milk

Quick Tag List: @kuruumiya @spacelizardtrashboys @enigmaticandunstable @nattinngrst @amyofaquitaine

This passage contains potentially: swearing, blood, whump and fluff content and violence.

Summary: A continuation of the previous chapter but more specifically, within this chapter Kirby and Roddy get to know each other better before splitting up for a while.

Kirby's POV:

Roddy stopped, realising what he had just said, "Sorry, I got overexcited."

"It's okay, just don't get a stiffie, alright?"

Roddy laughed, "Alright. I should get going, … unless you want to get breakfast together."

"Sure, you need a new shirt, unless you're planning on spending today in just the kilt."

"Maybe I will."

"Roddy, don't."

He shoots me a reassuring glance, "I think, my hotel room is the floor above."

"You're telling me this now?"

"let me check if I still have the key," He opened the pouch of the sporran and got the key out, "Room, one-hundred and fifteen."

"I believe that's actually down the hall."

Roddy left for a couple minutes, coming back wearing a black t-shirt covered by a blue plaid shirt and a pair of jeans.

"Oh wow, I almost forgot you were Scottish for a second, Piper."

"Ha, so very, very funny, Kirby. That reminds me of something."

"What?"

"Where does your name come from?"

"Old Norse, originally it meant 'Church Settlement'. However, my parents named me after the artist Jack Kirby, I think."

"Norse, as in, Vikings?"

"Norse as in I'm a quarter Norwegian."

"So, you're Scottish, Norwegian, anything else I should know about you?"

"I'm also Welsh and Irish. I grew up in Cardiff and my mother grew up on the Isle of Skye."

"Where exactly on the Isle of Skye?"

"Uig, I believe, near Kilt Rock."

"Wait, Kilt Rock?"

"Yes Roddy, There is a place called Kilt Rock."

"Well then," He adjusted his collar slightly, "Shall we." He tries to sound as suave as possible.

"Nice try, Romeo, it's not going to make me like you any more."

I grabbed my old leather jacket from within my suitcase and we started walking and, eventually, reached a small diner, we settled into a corner booth and I started scanning the menu for something to please my appetite, my wallet secure in my jacket pocket, I slid my mask into the opposite pocket, it stuck out slightly but wasn't noticeable.

"Good morning. My name is Debbie, I'll be your server today. What can I get for you two lovebirds?"

"I'll have," Roddy began, clearly either avoiding correcting the young waitress or not caring to correct her, "the 'Power Breakfast' with toast and a regular latte."

"And the lady?" she looked over from Piper to myself, before doing a double and take fully taking me in.

"I will have, the 'Tropical Waffle' with a side of 'Canadian Bacon' and a strawberry milkshake, please Debbie."

"Y-yes, Miss. So, that's the Power Breakfast and toast with a latte for the gentleman and the Tropical Waffle with a side of Canadian Bacon and a strawberry milkshake for the lady?"

"Yes." We said in unison, watching the waitress walk away.

"Roddy."

"What?" He scoffed

"Oh I don't know, perhaps you should have clarified that we," I gestured to him and then myself, "Are not 'lovebirds'?"

"Oh come on, you know if I let her know that she would've pried into our lives, y'know."

"Really now, Piper?"

"Yes, and stop calling me Piper, it's too formal, we know each other better than that, it's Roddy, or Rod, not Piper from now on, alright?"

"Alright. Roddy."

When the food arrived the waitress seemed to want to get the food to us and get out quickly.

"How's the leg?" I inquired before shoving a forkful of strawberry and waffle into my mouth.

"It hurts a little, but I've been through worse."

"Like bottling yourself." I mumbled through the mouthful of sugary bliss.

"Exactly." Roddy said through a mouthful of toast and turkey breast.

"You really should stop doing that." I warned him.

"Why, you care about me getting brain damage or somethin'?"

"No, I just, I can't stand the idea of you getting hurt, not after last night." I tried to keep my concerned tone to a minimum.

Roddy reached out to grab my hand and ran his thumb over my knuckles, "I'm okay. you made sure of that."

I know I should listen to him but I shrugged him off and went back to my meal, finishing it all as Roddy was around 3/4 done with his meal. Sipping my drink and gazing at Rod's beaten up face, focusing on his hairline still tinted a dark red with blood.

"You alright Kirby?"

I looked away quickly, "You're hair, it's …"

"Brown, I know. It's boring, why?" Sarcasm rang clear in his tone.

"No, Roddy, you're hair is tinted red, from the blood."

"Still, I thought I washed all the blood out." He was clearly joking but it stung me slightly and I don't know why.

"Y'know Kirby, Schultz was right about you."

"Really, how?"

"You're a fighter, a real tough guy, uh, gal, but you're nice, sweet even. You care about people, regardless of who they are."

"You were bleeding to death in a hotel corridor, right outside my room. I heard you get thrown against a wall. Would you rather I let you die?"

"I'd rather you'd left me and ran after the asshole who hurt me."

"It would have resulted in your death, Roddy. I couldn't let you die."

"Why not?"

"Because … because. I don't know okay. I chose to save you and that's that, alright."

"Alright, we should pay and get outta here."

"Already ahead of you." I pulled out my wallet and placed $35 on the table, calling the waitress over with my hand.

We paid and left, with me swiftly placing my mask back over my face. I caught Roddy staring at my face out of the corner of my eye.

"Kirby?"

I hummed in response.

"Why do you wear a mask, you're not hideous."

"I think every wrestling commentator I've ever met would disagree with you."

"what d'ya mean?"

"They call me 'The Ogress', Roddy. They call me a female Ogre."

"Then, they're wrong, you're not a hideous beast."

"Just because I saved you, doesn't mean I'm like that to everyone."

"How bad could you be? Sure you've made some dumb decisions in the past but the past's the past."

"Yeah, last night is also 'the past' Roddy."

"Look, all I'm trying to say, is, well, thank you and, don't listen to people, half the time they don't know what their words mean to the people they're saying them to."

"So, we are we headed, Roddy?"

"I don't know, maybe back to the hotel."

"Sure."

The rest of the walk back to my hotel room was silent, until we were inside the hotel room.

"So, who's better at conversation, me or André?"

"Well, Drey's got a natural charm to him, he's kind and knows the troubles that someone with gigantism goes through."

"Wait a second, 'Drey'?"

"Yeah, Drey, Why?"

"That's a pretty unique pet name. What is he, your boyfriend?"

"No, no, just an extremely close friend."

"Close, as in?"

"Close as in, we are just pals, you sound awfully jealous Roddy."

"Me, jealous. Ha! never."

"Never, really?"

I was trying to rile him up, and by the way he shifted his weight from one leg to the other before quickly shifting back, I could tell it was working.

"I'm not jealous, alright. It's just been a really long time since I've had a female friend as, nice, as you."

"Rod, come here a second," I got closer to him, to check the graze on his forehead, gently moving his hair away from his temple to get a better look, "Hold on, don't … don't move."

He held still and let me check the wound, it was healing, slowly but definitely healing. I changed my focus to the cut on his eyebrow on the other side of his face, gently placing my thumb next to the cut to hold his head still.

"Hey what are ya- Ah!" Roddy pulled away.

"Come back here."

"At least buy me dinner first." His tone once again became jovial.

"Roddy." I glared into his eyes.

He glared right back, as if to show how quickly he could switch his moods and making my breathing catch in my throat for a second.

"I think I need a moment" I whispered, turning to head to the bathroom before Rod grabbed me by the arm.

"I'm sorry," His voice soft and caring, "I didn't mean to scare ya."

This was new, a much softer and mellow version of Roddy.

"You didn't scare me that much, Roddy."

I continued to the bathroom and closed the door, undressing and getting ready to shower. I had been in the shower for only a few minutes when I heard the door to the room open and close suddenly, stepping out of the bathroom I realised that Roddy had left, leaving a note on the same page of the sketchbook that I had left a prior note to him.

"Thought I should get some rest in my own room. Thanks again. Roddy." I murmured as I read.

I hope he gets some proper rest, and heals quickly but I can't help but feel lonely without him here. God what am I saying, I don't like Roddy that much. Almost as if I love him, I don't for the record, I'm still not fully over Erik. God, I miss Erik. His kind smile, his flaming ginger hair, his goatee and the way any shirt would hug his muscles if he worked up a sweat. An extremely handsome man with the balls, or guts, to wear a kilt and not care what people thought about him because of it. There's no way I could give him up if the opportunity were to present itself ever again. I looked at the digital clock next to the phone and, realising how late it was decided to strip down to my underwear and get some rest.

I woke up to rapid knocking on my door and the door handle being jostled around from the outside. I hurried to get dressed and opened the door, my hair flowing over my right shoulder in loose waves. I swung the door open to Roddy, with a worried look on his face.

"God, what time do you call this?"

"I don't care what you're gonna say next, listen to me."

"Roddy," I looked over at the clock, "It's four in the morning."

"I know, but I could nae get ya off my mind." He stepped in, obviously stressed and closed the door behind him, "Listen ta me, just listen ta me."

"I'm listening Roddy" I huffed as I sat on the edge of the bed.

"How about you and me go out on a date, no one needs to know. Just you, me, perhaps a diner like yesterday, or a coffee shop?"

"Roddy, I fly back to Cardiff tomorrow, I haven't got time to have both a social life and a career involving another Scotsman, alright. I," I paused, "I'm still not over the last time I had my heart broken."

Rod dropped to his healthy knee, placing a hand on my cheek and looking me in the eyes, "I won't break you're heart, I promise, even if it takes a while for us to be near each other every single day. I won't give up on you. I swear on God above."

"Roddy, I … I guess it's worth a shot, I still have to fly back to-"

Rod cut me off by pressing his lips to mine, my eyes widened before I relaxed into the kiss, slipping one hand under his chin and the other around his back as he slipped his arms around my waist to lift me up to my feet, Rod having to lean up slightly as I leaned down into the kiss.

For the first time, in a long time, I felt at peace with the universe, the same feeling I had felt whilst visiting my aunt on the Isle of Skye.

Rod pulled away, breathing heavily, "I've wanted to do that ever since our first sparring session," He breathed a deep sigh, "Ever since I saw your face without that mask on," he took another breath, "It's funny what almost dying will do to you."

"Shut up, Roddy, just shut up." I pressed my forehead against his.

Then I woke up.

I woke up on the morning of January the eleventh, to silence, I looked at the clock, 5: 50, no signs of Roddy, I felt sick, like I had pushed my own boundaries too far. I rushed to get into the shower and clean myself of that dream, fantasy, whatever you want to call it.

I cleaned up the hotel room, got dressed and got to packing my things into my suitcase and duffel bag, before walking to the hotel lobby, leaving this hotel for hopefully the last time and heading to my truck. My dad had bought me a 1974 Dodge D200 when I was twenty.

A trustworthy vehicle and and a truck I could, albeit with a slight amount of discomfort. I packed the truck and planned on heading out to the next place, Queens, New York.

END OF BLOOD & ROSES or STRAWBERRY MILK.