#redheads are my absolute weakness

[gobald]

Well...if it isn't my favorite redhead

[raiiny-bay]

2023 Tumblr Top 10

1. 371 notes - Jun 14 2023

2. 298 notes - Aug 2 2023

3. 279 notes - Sep 27 2023

4. 261 notes - Jul 19 2023

5. 232 notes - Jun 7 2023

6. 226 notes - Oct 25 2023

7. 221 notes - Sep 20 2023

8. 208 notes - Feb 22 2023

9. 189 notes - Jun 28 2023

10. 186 notes - Feb 8 2023

Created by TumblrTop10

[magickizu]

Phantom Contingency Plan

Crossover dp x dc, with hinted dead on main. So I've got this little time line I have in mind for my own crossover AU and this is a snippet of it. Will post more of it; might make a master post too at some point. For now, the prompt:

After something happened and the Phantom-Squad (Danny, Ellie, Dan and Jazz) had to reveal themselves to the batfam, Bruce calls up Danny and tells him, now that he thought about it and in the least offensive way possible: how likely is it for the Phan-Squad to "go rogue". Danny is silent, a thought filled, contemplating silence. "... I'll come by the cave tomorrow eve at 8pm."

P.s.: sorry if the batfam becomes too much ooc, I grew up a marvel-child and just recently became invested into dc. pwq

"This is absolutely ridiculous, B!" Jason, in full Red Hood get up, was leaning against a support beam. He just can't sit right now. This idiot really just straight up decided to go and ask Danny for their weak points! Instead of going the normal route of collecting information, to expand the contingency plan alone- like it was supposed to be!

"As if any of them, who's very core is actively making them protect, save and help- literally!!- would just go against it and harm themselves with it." Why Hood was this adamant, about the Nightingales? Okay, yeah, maybe it does have something to do with him crushing on Danny, the moment he made the pits fall silent for the first time... But why the hell would he ever say that out loud!?

"It may be in their instinct, but you can never be sure what happens when that person breaks." Nightwing, who leaned on a nearby table. He talks calmly, but stern. His expression shows the hint of unease even he feels; the Nightingales have come to Gotham in an attempt to flee from someone. Someone who's set on hunting them down and hurting them, they're basically refugees. It doesn't seem 100% right, definitely. But the "what if"s are too big of a risk, none of them got any idea of what they're truly capable of.

"Bullshit..." Hood crosses his arms, looking away. His helmet is off, just the domino, so his muttering comes out as just that.

"Hood, please. Nightwing is right. As much as they want to help, you know it's for the best. Not even Constantine could think of something." Barbara sat next to Batman, as she turned to face the boys.

"Wait, what?? You can't be serious! Even Gandalf the Blond didn't know??" Nightwing looks at her incredulous. The redhead shook her head, but a slim smirk formed on her lips from the nickname.

"That doesn't excuse anything-" Hood got cut off by the notification that someone was coming in through the tunnel.

For the first time since the others came in, Batman moved from his seat at the batcomputer. He turned towards the tunnel entrance, where the roaring of a motorcycle can be heard. While Barbara and Nightwing seemed surprised, Hood could somehow, probably through his now healing core, sense it was Danny- which in turn just sent his head reeling a bit and his heart fluttering a little. Batman just checked the clock; the moment Danny brought his bike to a halt, next to Jason's, it was exactly 8:00pm, as promised. The ghost king really does keep his word, that's good to know.

Danny wasn't wearing any padding: no sturdy jeans, no leather jacket, just his usual get up and the black helmet with neon green accents. Crazy dangerous for a normal living person, but what could possibly happen? He's already dead, plus more sturdy anyway and untouchable when he wants to. Plus he's got the heightened reflexes, to use his abilities timely. ...which honestly just made his entrance, like- Wham!

Nightwing whistled impressed, "Damn dude, you're making little wing real competition, looking all cool and serious like that." He smiles, still impressed. Barbara just gave him a look that said, to keep his mind focused. In turn Nightwing answered with a look that asked, why it's only him and to look at Hood. Who in all fairness just was completely entranced by his crush looking extremely awesome, which made him incredibly hot. Well, at least until-

"Jay, stand back." Danny said, well... more like softly commanded, right as he took his helmet off, hanging it onto the handlebars. Said vigilanty did as he was told, without questioning. If it could harm Danny, it will harm him.

"Thank you, for not only your understanding, but your quick response, as well as trust to not misuse this. We really appreciate it." The Bat said in his low, serious tone. Danny nodded, giving him a similar facial expression.

"And thank you, for appreciating the afford." He grabbed two silver suitcases: one was flatter and the other looked more like a box. The moment he stepped closer to the table Nightwing was sitting on and where Hood was still standing, albeit a little off now, Hood became a little paler and suddenly feeling a bit weaker and uncomfortable. As if something underneath his skin began itching, somewhere inside. Danny's gaze shot towards him immediately, after setting them both down.

"You okay?" He asked, the concern visible in his eyes. The man's feet took him over towards Hood, the moment he was approximately 2 meters away, Danny shook and rubbed his arm. Probably to stop the same feeling Hood felt.

"I'm- ...yeah. I can handle, just uncomfortable." He chose to be honest, knowing, hearing and feeling the concern emanating from his core. But he nods, then stands himself next to the taller man.

Meanwhile Batman, Barbara and Nightwing stood themselves around the table in a half circle around the suitcases.

"The thicker case is filled with blood blossoms. Do not open that one, unless it's happening. These flowers have anti-spectral properties, they not only harm us, can occasionally break haunts and ghostly curses, they can and will kill ghosts and ghost-adjacent beings through exposure alone. Especially in that quantity." He begins to explain and Jason shifts slightly, shuffling one step away, trying not to make it obvious. Nightwing and Barbara look on in shock, even Batman has to take a deep breath.

"But aren't they just a fairytale? Constantine had mentioned them, but also said that they come from old folklore. Medieval times, when Christianity wasn't even that known. And aren't they supposed to have anti-supernatural properties?" Barbara questioned and it's true. John told Batman about them, but added that he didn't exactly know if it wasn't just some old folklore and not to put his bets on it. He knew of the infinite realms, sure. But Ghosts explicitly? Not that much..

Danny nodded. "They are as old as humanity and they have been used in countless traps and banishment rituals. It's just that..." He grabs his neck, thinking of which words to use and letting his usual self finally slip through. He's been practicing explaining things, this definitely put it to the test. "Hmmm... Okay, uhm... It was said that they have anti-supernatural properties, because quite a few ghosts were mistaken as other supernatural creatures. For example... Yetis!" He snapped his fingers, smiling proudly to himself, that he came up with it that fast.

"Yetis...?" Nightwing asked completely flabbergasted. "Pfff... Bigfoot also a ghost? Ow-" He couldn't help himself, but got a slap on his arm from Barbs, who glarred daggers at him.

"Yes and no, Bigfoot is actually a spirit of sorts, but not really. He just wants to be left alone, man. And yes, Yetis. They are ghosts of the far frozen and spirits of ice, the cold and healing. Because they're technically ghosts, they'd be affected, but they don't exactly look like your conventional, stereotypical ghost. So people just forgot about them due to monotheistic religions, because instead of blaming vengeful, violent and malevolent spirits, they became demons. Which lasted not that long after exorcisms and prayers became a thing." Danny explained.

"I see... So that's why Constantine didn't know for sure." Batman nodded. Hood got a stool and sat down a little further away- was this what kryptonite felt like to the supers? He made a mental note to never tease them about it again... In the back of his mind and in his chest, he can hear- no... Sense a chirping. It's Danny sensing Hood's tense unease. The smaller ones core calling out, //it's okay//will protect//save//. It did help a bit though and Hood's grateful for that.

"And this one?" Nightwing pointed at the slimmer suitcase, intrigued now.

"Those are regular ecto-blasters. They just shoot ecto infused lasers- completely harmless to anything living. The only thing it does is to inconvenience or harm a ghost, but they're mostly non-lethal." Batman nodded again, opening the case and inspecting the guns. "If you need more, just say so. I used to use them constantly, so I still got quite a few on the shelf." He crosses his arms, for comfort. But Hood's attention was drawn more to the 'used to use them'. Danny wheelded harmful 'mostly non-lethal' weapons for a while, so that also implies that he knows how to turn them lethal... Why?

"If that is possible, I would be most grateful." Batman said, holding eye contact with Danny, who in turn nodded.

"I'll drop them off tomorrow, then. You'll need to recharge them with both electricity and ectoplasm. Don't ever let them run low, tho or it will back fire on you. Not pretty. When you aim to stun: hit wherever besides the chest, it regenerates. But when you aim to harm and injure: aim for the core. It's, you guessed it, in the middle of the chest. Even if ghosts can regenerate, just empty the thing and keep firing; the amount of ecto we lose, is too much to heal against. Especially because we need said ecto to heal in the first place. And don't be surprised: ghosts melt. We don't turn to ashes, get sucked away to who knows. We melt into ecto." Danny answered almost immediately, stunning the birds and Oracle. But the bat only nodded, containing his own curiosity, as he closed the case and readied them to carry away.

- - - - -

"Danny! Talk?" He turns his head towards Hood; both sit on their bikes, standing next to each other. The traffic light glowing red, when the taller man calls. Then after a few seconds of silence, Danny looks around and motions for Hood to follow.

After some more explanations in the cave, on how to most effectively use each weapon and tool against his very own life and leaving the two birds as well as Oracle stunned silent, Hood decided to ride along. Since he has to go in that direction anyway, might as well ride with Danny and spend more time. As the light turns green, Danny nods and leads the way. After another 10-15 minutes of silent driving they get to a quiet viewpoint in a more abandoned area of the neighborhood. They come to a halt and the taller is the first to speak,

"Just... Just out of curiosity. How come or well, why were you so, I wouldn't say eager but, so... fast to respond? Not even the League members reacted this... How to put it, ready? Collected? Hell knows, they didn't nerd out about their weaknesses. So-"

"Jay, tell me: how much do you trust yourself?" The smaller man takes off his helmet and hangs it up on the handlebars again. Hood sighs and does similar, leaving only his domino mask on, as he leans against the railing, next to his king. He shrugs.

"I guess... talking about confidence in my skills and how to use them? Yes. Yes, I do." But the electric blues only look over the city skylines, he nods.

"No, I mean in yourself." So naturally Jayson's breath hitches, when these eyes suddenly stared into his. "Your ability to control your emotions, when the worst happens and push comes to shove." He takes a deep breath, his gaze flicking from the other up to the sky. Surprisingly it's a clear view of the stars. And again Jason decides that a) this man has so many more secrets, than he already thought and b) it just adds to his enchanting mystique and liminal beauty. Oh damn, he fell hard and deep.

"I mean... The pit-rages stopped, when we began training, but..." That's when realisation hit him. "...I don't know. No."

"...and I do know, that I won't." Jason looks at Danny almost immediately. His small, growing and healing core rumbling with //confused//what?//. Danny sighs heavily: "the last time it happened, I developed new powers again and apparently declared war to the conspiratorial wing of the government, leaving nothing but death, destruction and a crater the size of Wayne Manor's property line behind. I wasn't even at full health. I've also seen what happens, when I let my anger win and that was from a point where I was about 10 years weaker than I am today. It was a wasteland of a world, didn't even see the justice league there, so..." Danny's hands slip from the railing to hug himself, Jason just stares stunned and in shock, trying to buffer the words and sounds the other one makes. Said one smiles weakly his gaze never leaves the stars, as if they're giving him some form of comfort or answers only he can read. "...emotions are more than natural for ghosts, we're literally made by them. The will to survive, the need to protect and help or ... The boiling rage to avenge." He finally gave Jason a small glance and encouraging smile. "Really it's only natural. But that's also why I'm so hellbend on teaching you to control yourself. The more your core heals,..." He reaches out touching Jason's chest and his heart skips a beat. Gods he hopes the other doesn't notice, but he doesn't react so that's good? "The more you will feel and the harder it becomes to regulate. But... I got the feeling, you'll manage." He smiles and pats Jason's chest, then he turns back to the stars. His smile slowly fading. "...but if things happen, that'll make me lose it for good? I'd prefer to be taken out clean before another 'reign of terror' Happens."

They're silent, Jason has to process what he just heard. Danny more so as it still looks like he's listening to the stars sing, however that's possible. But hey, that's the Nightingale's ever since they showed up: anything but normal. The bigger one finally huffs, "So... You're really a big f*cking fish, huh... Your siblings that powerful too?" The other shrugs, yes and no. "Damn... Well, I definitely hope that it'll never happen. ...would absolutely suck to lose you." He glances at the other, just barely to try and get a sneak peak at him. But Danny just smiles softly, eyes closed. That's when Jason can sense the chirping from Danny's core again, //appreciate//you too//love//.

...wait. Wait, hold on!-

"Welp, was nice but I gotta go now. Jazz is probably done with dinner by now and they're waiting for me." The smaller turns to walk towards his bike, patting Jason on the shoulder and back again. "I'll see around, Red Guy. You know where to find me." He winks cheeky and puts on his helmet and like a phantom into the night, is gone. Jason still stands there...

Did he... Did he really just understand... Love? No, wait again! Danny and his siblings too always say, that ghosts are very sensitive to emotions and can read them off of- ...

...did Danny knew from the very beginning...?

[blueteller]

I found this on reddit it's not my opinion but it's kind of funny and disconcerting.

What do you think?

( https://www.reddit.com/r/CharacterRant/s/uwKw63Cgoc )

"A rant on Trash of the Count’s Family

Alright before I begin I would like to preface by saying that I am a long time reader of the novel and love this novel to death. It kept me company during my darkest and lowest points of my life and I am forever grateful for it !

The rant also in no way affects the brilliance of the story. With that out of the way here it goes:

This is an amazing fantasy novel filled with great visuals, writing, story and top-notch characters. However it has TWO big problems that broke the story smooth sailing for me and I need to rant about it because where I am from I am pretty sure no one reads TCF in a 6000 mile radius.

One big problem was the romance. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NONE OF IT. This is not a problem if the main character doesn’t want romance (he doesn’t nope) but NONE of the main/side characters that has been introduced so far also want nothing to do with romance. It was a little awkward to read the story based in medieval setting where characters are as pure as angels as they come.

Now, you can of course raise the point that romance was never the main focus of this novel (it’s not even a background focus or some D plot) but let’s analyse this novel here for a second okay? This novel is very gore and never ever shy away from very dark themes or stories.

- The main protagonist of the story (sorry forgot his name it’s been a long time) has his entire village with whom he has spent 20 years murdered and burned to ashes, all the men women and children are totally dead.

- The Prince story is also pretty dark and deals with some adult themes about race and identity.

- The dragon raon (is that the name?) backstory is…holy shit some hardcore torture and let’s not forget the revenge torture that happened later with raon eating steak.

- The butler and his butcher son

- The absolute crazy HUMAN EXPERIMENT arc that was happening in the Empire. I mean holy shit they really went into crazy detail about body mutilation and the scientists are absolute psychopaths in how they love their job.

And I am just scratching the surface about how dark this novel is and there’s plenty of it. The point is that it is very adult oriented novel with these stories but on the flip side their romance department is so negligible that even Tom and Jerry had more romance than this.

It actively avoids it like a plague. Why is this an issue? Let me explain.

Simple answer it feels a little jarring or disorienting when you read the novel like going back and forth between watching the looney tunes movie and switching immediately back to a Black Mirror episode.

But I have to give where credit is due. I didn’t notice the romance problem until after some 500+ chapters later (that’s how good the novel story is ) and how did I notice it?

After some battle trying to reclaim the south (north?) tower and this is the part where the Empire’s royalty is on the brink of collapse the redhead girl (I also forgot her name but she is part of the main gang) is extremely tired after a long battle and Cale tries to help her by giving her some healing potions (remember at this point she is the only female character that understands Cale the most and their relationship is the most developed of all) but she says she is so tired she can’t even lift her arms, so Cale (as logic would have it) offers to feed her the potion himself (see completely logical under the circumstances) but Raon the dragon out of nowhere says, “You are too weak Cale! Let me do it”. And I am like…say what? We know the main gang always comments that Cale is weak and all but come on guys we know he isn’t and in fact he’s been through crazy shit. During that battle he never had to fight and was in top condition so that remark from raon made even more less sense.

And then the redhead laughed it off and said “it’s okay I will do it myself” and she does…after a bit of struggle to lift the said bottle.

It’s a small thing but it did break my immersion (it was already broken before, I will explain later). It forced me as a reader to actually “think” about the author intentions something that should never happen when reading a fantasy novel. And it made me go “hmm wait a minute” and then I reflected back on all the 500+ chapters I have read and I came to a realisation that…forget main character romance there is hardly any romance of any proportions from any and every character in this whole novel! It was so impossibly impossible that it teared through the immersion completely.

The second reason for this rant and this is connected to when my immersion showed a small crack. And this reason is purely a preference thing so feel free to ignore this as you want.

I personally believe that when you make a “reborn in a fantasy world” story you absolutely must never collide “our” world with the fantasy world.

Don’t do that.

From page 1 you are setting up this fantasy life, fantasy way of living and thinking, fantasy people, fantasy stories and most importantly a fantasy you. Don’t break this immersion by literally making the world he (Cale) came from an integral part of the story.

When the main protagonist found out who Cale really is and confronted him about it by listing some Korean food items I was a little disappointed because it felt like a parent telling a child that role playing as a prince and over now put the castle made of pillows back in place and do your homework for school tomorrow.

Maybe it’s just a me thing but after that confrontation, every time Cale interacted with anyone be it the redhead, his dragon, butler or anyone it all felt so plastic and fake, like I was overly conscious of the fact that this is a fantasy land filled with fantasy people and well…it made me feel a little lonely."

Wow, this is quite interesting! Thanks for sending me this. Not because I agree – anyone who knows anything about my opinions on TCF would know that the very 2 points that the author of this post has "problems with" are the things that I embrace with great enthusiasm.

So, prepare for a long ride!

First of all, let me make this absolutely clear, the same way this person did at the beginning of their own post; they are allowed to have their own opinion on what they like or dislike. The same way I am allowed to like or dislike certain elements of stories. I don't claim that TCF is a flawless work either – it's just that all the flaws it does have, at least to me, are so minor I don't care about them in the slightest.

I might actually be "brave enough" in the future to actually make my own post about the "flaws" of the story for me, no matter how few. But not today. Today, let's focus on the reddit post.

Now, imagine a person (the author of this post) is given an apple pie in a restaurant.

This person very much enjoys apple pies. They continue to visit the same restaurant and keep ordering this apple pie. But after a while, they discover "two big problems" with the apple pie.

First of all, it does not contain cinnamon. So this person is like – why not! That is, they did not notice before, but it is SO jarring to them now that they know! Because they believe all apple pies should contain cinnamon. Secondly, this apple pie is made out of a species of apples they do not like. In fact, they are convinced this apple species is not fit for apple pies! So, they quit ordering apple pies at this restaurant.

Meanwhile, there's a second regular customer (me) who orders the apple pie at this restaurant. This customer, in fact, is kind of sick of cinnamon. They were so happy they discovered a restaurant that doesn't use it! This person also notices this apple pie has a very interesting texture to it, one they very much enjoy, because of the specific apple species this restaurant uses. It quickly became their all-time favorite dessert.

Obviously, neither customer here is wrong. "The customer is always right in matters of taste" is a saying for a reason (although people usually say only the first half of it, forgetting the second part), and just because I love the "apple pie" in question, I am not going to shame the other person for their own taste.

With all that said, please allow me to address to the post properly, step by step.

First, when addressing the lack of romance as a problem, this is this person's argument: they list major dark moments in the story, like Choi Han's village getting massacred, dark race racism, Raon's torture et cetera. Then they say, "The point is that it is very adult oriented novel with these stories but on the flip side their romance department is so negligible that even Tom and Jerry had more romance than this".

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe… Tom and Jerry had any romance either. That cartoon did not even have dialogue. So like, huh??? What kind of argument is that? Should I say that Tom and Jerry has a critical flaw that is has no talking despite being all about comedy? That it would have been better if it was dubbed or something? Well, there was that one movie I remember from childhood but – never mind, we're getting off track here. This argument kind of, completely falls flat for me.

I get the implication. "TCF is has so many dark themes, it should be mature enough to contain romance as well". Which is, completely off the mark for me, personally. Maturity and romance have NOTHING to do with each other.

There's also the statement that "It actively avoids [romance] like a plague." And I agree, kind of. This story avoids romance on purpose. But It never felt unnatural for me. I was kind of expecting it to pop up eventually, back when I first started reading. I thought for SURE Rosalyn would be somebody's love interest – because she had to be, right?? But it gradually dawned on me that there are so many cool, pretty, strong, independent female characters… And none of them are representing a specific fetish or exist solely to be somebody's wifu. The women are PEOPLE, they are fleshed-out, complex characters who have goals and ambitions and just like for the men, there is no thought about romance here because there is so much going on – most of it world-ending, in fact – that focusing in romance would actually DECREASE the maturity of the story instead of enhancing it.

The author of the post said, "It was so impossibly impossible that it teared through the immersion completely". What, do you need characters getting laid to be truly realistic mature adults or something? I think you have the wrong idea about adulthood… Let me say it again, those people are too busy in this story to focus on dating. Even if Cale himself wasn't so obviously ace, his life has been so crazy since he transmigrated, I have no idea HOW on earth he could have found the time (or anyone else for that matter: just look at poor Alberu, swimming in paperwork 24/7!). He can't even sleep for more than 4 hours per day during the war arc. What I personally would find jarring is exactly this: characters trying to freaking date or play off romantic subplots while the world was LITERALLY GETTING DESTROYED. That would have been so petty and ridiculous.

So, the expectation that there HAS to be romance, just because… I think it is a faulty expectation to have in the first place. And it is NOT unnatural that the characters don't do romance (especially with how many species there are among the cast and the age gaps between them, it would have been awkward to say the least; unless you're the type to like Twilight style of romance). The story put a lot of focus to forge familial bonds between the characters. It doesn't lack in the relationship department, just non-platonic one. And if this is a problem for someone and they find it jarring, well… Again, no cinnamon in apple pie, I guess.

Next, we have the argument that "when you read the novel like going back and forth between watching the looney tunes movie and switching immediately back to a Black Mirror episode". I don't know Black Mirror, but I get it. The author of the post claims that the comedic character interactions – the ones that had been very well established in the first 200 chapters of the story, covering full 2 years in the timeline – are… what, unrealistic? Inaccurate? Cartoonish? I’m not 100% sure what the exact issue is here.

They quote a scene where I assume Rosalyn is too tired to lift her arms and Cale offers to help and Raon says he's too weak and let him do it instead. The author of the post then acts confused, as if it was completely unreasonable, because Cale is not weak. Um…. I don't know if they were not paying attention, but that's just false. Cale is PHYSICALLY weak, despite all his Ancient Powers. That is exactly the whole reason why he keeps coughing blood and fainting and stuff. So it was funny, and in-character, and fitting with the rest of the story – at least in my opinion. If that broke this person's immersion, then fine I guess, but I really don't see the reason. I guess they don't enjoy the "texture" of this "apple pie".

Speaking of texture, the last point pf the post I want to address: the belief that you should not mix "real world" and fantasy. They say, "I personally believe that when you make a "reborn in a fantasy world" story you absolutely must never collide "our" world with the fantasy world. Don't do that". Excuse me, but uh… why? That is not the case at all, for many stories? I mean, you could approach it that way, nothing wrong with keeping it separate. But most classic isekai examples usually stray from that idea, actually. Are you familiar with Chronicles of Narnia, by any chance? Did you know that the magical lamppost that Lucy found in the woods actually came from England? It was a very fun bit of backstory from the Magician's Nephew.

"Don't break this immersion by literally making the world he (Cale) came from an integral part of the story." Why not, man??? It was so brilliantly done! In fact, it was so freaking cool, the way TCF did it! What, is "our world" so boring and terrible you must keep it separate from the fantasy at any cost? It was plot relevant, it gave Cale legit ties to the new world, it fleshed out his character, it was incredible! 10/10! If TCF lost that element, it would have been a great loss.

And even if you don't like the mixing of "fantasy and reality" as something "immersion breaking"… there is one problem with this kind of argument, in TCF at least.

Kim Rok Soo is NOT FROM OUR REALITY.

Let me repeat: the man is not from regular, modern Korea! HE IS FROM A FANTASY MONSTER APOCALYPSE DIMENSION!

The whole reveal of what kind of place KRS comes from is what make this story so good to me. It was an incredible twist. The "regular, normal man from modern world" was a red herring meant to hide the fact that he was an ability user from what is basically a superhero world full of monsters! It is not! Regular! Modern! World!!!

"When the main protagonist found out who Cale really is and confronted him about it by listing some Korean food items I was a little disappointed because it felt like a parent telling a child that role playing as a prince and over now put the castle made of pillows back in place and do your homework for school tomorrow." That… you really, REALLY missed the point here, man. That was not the vibe of the scene at all! Choi Han and Cale are both essentially war veterans, mentioning foods from their childhood! This the "Frodo and Sam talking about the flavor of strawberries from Shire at the foot of Mount Doom" from Lord of the Rings type of moment! Only, well, a bit more comedic. Still, it was so touching!! But, well… again, you don't like the taste of the pie, there is nothing I can do about it.

And lastly, there was this paragraph at the end of the post:

"Maybe it's just a me thing but after that confrontation, every time Cale interacted with anyone be it the redhead, his dragon, butler or anyone it all felt so plastic and fake, like I was overly conscious of the fact that this is a fantasy land filled with fantasy people and well… it made me feel a little lonely."

I never noticed such a thing. I do not know if more people felt that way. But I always thought that the characters were well-established and their behavior natural. I am sorry that the immersion break made the author of the post lonely. I hope they can spend time with their friends and feel a little better. Fantasy shouldn't just be a tool to "fill an empty void in your life and escape terrible reality". For me, stories are meant to create something beautiful, to inspire, and to make one consider the possibilities of reality. I mean, if Cale can stop world-ending threats by being brave and making good strategies, why can't I handle the minor problems that reality has to offer? It's all a matter of perspective.

So, that is it. That's my whole response. I hope it satisfies you! Have a great day!

[jayaury]

Marrying the Maid

More archive short stories. Get more on my P*treon. Enjoy! https://www.patreon.com/JayAury

---

Baron Lukas Instaf fell into his office chair with an audible groan.

Yes.

His office.

He had to keep reminding himself of that fact. To think, he would inherit the barony at a mere twenty years of age. It was quite a bit of pressure, he had to admit.

He found himself looking back at the imposing portrait hanging over the mantle of the fireplace. His father’s picture was of a grim, sullen man with dark hair and a face of hard, disapproving lines.

Lukas had inherited the man’s hair, if not his rough features. He was slimmer than his stocky father. Many said handsomer, and certainly younger. He flexed his hands on the arms of the chair uneasily and scanned the study. He didn’t much care for the decor. But that had always been his problem, as his father had frequently berated him. He was indecisive. Weak.

Well, Lukas had best start getting decisive. For this was his home now.

Well, mostly.

The door swung open with a bang. “Good morning master!”

He sat up sharply as a familiar figure bounced into the room. Clarissa, the family’s maid of two years, was a forceful personality in the house. She filled every room she stepped foot in with her presence and somewhat unconventional character. Lukas had no idea why his father had kept the boisterous redhead.

Well, that wasn’t entirely true. He had a good idea. Two of them, actually. Clarissa was bustier than some holstaurs. In fact, there were rumours that she was one of those bovine maidens, but had filed down her horns. Lukas wasn’t sure how much he believed that, but he did know that she did attend that new cow goddess church that was making waves. And she was unbelievably brash and forceful for a servant. Not to mention teasing. He’d often been at the receiving end of her attentions, leaving him flustered and annoyed.

And she was wearing scent again, he noticed with a sigh. Honestly, it seemed like every day she wore a new kind of perfume. The current one was jasmine, and was shockingly potent. Well, at least it was better than the rosemary she used to wear around his father. In fact, it was almost… pleasant.

“Clarissa!” he sighed, forcing himself not to stare at the maid’s impressive bust. “You-”

“Here with your tea!” she said, sliding the tray into place before him with a wink of her long lashes. “Starting off the morning well, as the big, strong baron should!”

“Clarissa, really. You can’t just-”

“Not to worry, my baron! There’s plenty of cream. I know how much you like it,” she added, picking up a pitcher and pouring a generous helping into his cup. “And you’ll need it today! Because we have quite a bit of work to do.”

In the midst of tidying his papers, Lukas paused. “We do?”

“Of course, my lord! Now that you are baron, we must decide on your betrothed.”

“M-my what!”

“And I have them right here!” Clarissa chimed, lifting a folder out from some hidden recess of her scandalously short skirt (it had to be custom. No other maid in the estate had such a revealingly tight uniform). “Shall we take a look, my baron?”

“Wh… Hold on now, I can’t just-”

“My baron!” Clarissa cried in mock horror. “Surely you realize the importance in choosing your bride? The barony cannot be left without a mistress. Not only for the hard work running the estate, but also the vital work of carrying on the family line! Which means we must choose the most ample, breedable, lovely wife for you.”

“B-breedable? Clarissa! That is-”

“Not to worry, my baron. I’m sure you can manage that. Why, any woman would consider herself lucky to be bent over your table as you thrust home, stuffing her full of your droit de seigneur.”

Lukas’s face burned as it always did whenever Clarissa got going like this. Not to say she was wrong, unfortunately. She was absolutely right. He did need to get married, but it still seemed so early to be shopping for a bride. “Clarissa, really. I-”

“Early to start, my baron! We must be. Once word gets out that Baron Instaf is not only single, but such an adorable, impressive, handsome piece of stud meat, why, we’ll be besieged by eligible young ladies looking to have you mount them like a prized mare! And whichever does will be lucky to have you. Take my word for it!”

“Clarissa! This is… that sort of talk is hardly-”

“You’re so right, my baron. Here I am, chattering away, and you haven’t even gotten a chance to look at the choices! Let’s take a look at the candidates, shall we?”

Lukas sighed, finally giving up. It was near impossible to stop Clarissa once she set her mind to something, though by gods he would soon. He’d have to talk to the head butler about firing her. She treated him far too casually. But for now, he supposed the best thing was just to get this business with the portraits over with.

“Fine,” he said. “Let’s take a look…”

“How wise, my dear baron,” Clarissa chirped merrily as she opened the folder to the first page, propping it up just underneath her immense bosom.

Lukas cleared his throat, forcing himself to look at the portrait and not the impressive pair of breasts just above it. “And this is…”

“Mirria Mable. Daughter of a lord in the southern country. Quite the pick specimen. An attractive if air headed young thing. Pretty, but not terribly bright. And not nearly as endowed as me, hm?”

“Clarissa! That’s hardly appropriate,” Lukas said, though he had to admit it was true, and his eyes did quickly steal a glance at Clarissa’s chest as if just to make sure of that. Gods, the room felt suffocating in the perfume she wore. He should open a window, though the scent wasn’t unpleasant. In fact, it was a bit… soothing.

Clarissa giggled. “Very true, my baron. We cannot judge a woman less blessed than myself in that respect. Some of us were merely born with a generous bosom. Perfect to lay one’s head upon.”

Lukas rolled his eyes, but felt his cheeks warm at the thought. “I ah… Well, what about the others?”

“The others? Of course, my lord,” Clarissa said, turning the page, her chest bouncing as she did so.

The sight made Lukas realize quite suddenly his mouth was very dry. With haste, he picked up a teacup and took a sip. Mm. Normally he wasn’t a big fan of cream in his tea, but wherever Clarissa got hers, it was delicious.

“Now then,” Clarissa said. “Lady Blumen from the duchy of Clausen seems like a perfect match for you. Nearly as busty as I am, and I know how important that is for you, my baron.”

“Not that important…” he mumbled.

“Ho ho!” Clarissa laughed, the throaty mirth making her breasts bounce most distractingly in her tight top. “How droll you are, my baron! But I know how much you value an impressive pair of breasts. You can barely keep your eyes off mine!”

Lukas flushed again, realizing he had been staring at her chest. He hastily took another sip of tea. Gods, he was feeling a bit light headed. “I ah… What else is there about her?”

“Why, only that she is something of a black widow, my baron. A nasty piece of work. She delights in wedding rich men, then crushing them beneath her heel. Nitpicking them until they don’t dare breathe without her approval. And what a cruel thing, my baron! Why, she cannot understand true love. The love of a good husband willing to do anything for his darling wife. Adore you. Worship her! She’s only in it for the quick cash! No sense of adoring her new spouse like the good boy he is.”

“S-sorry. Good boy?” Lukas said.

Clarissa giggled, her long lashes fluttering again. “Oh yes, my baron. A husband must be assured what a good boy he is. What a good, obedient, lovey dovey dummy he is to his beloved wife. Otherwise, he might get the most silly ideas in his head.”

Lukas felt his cheeks redden at the degrading words, even if they weren’t addressed to him. And he found his eyes looking at Clarissa’s breasts again. Big and soft. The subtle heave as she breathed. Or rather, the not so subtle. Looked like she was as into the discussion as he was.

“Er, right. Sure,” Lukas said, taking another sip of tea, sinking back into his seat with a sigh. “So, not her.”

“Oh no, my baron. You deserve so much better. So much bustier! So much more loving and adoring. A sweet wife who would show you what a good boy you are. Who would let you adore her like the happy, dopey husband you were always meant to be.”

“Er, yes. Yes. But uh… Who is the next one?”

“Oh yes, my baron. That would be the Countess Francesca,” Clarissa said, turning the next page. “But she wouldn’t make an appropriate wife for you either my lord.”

“Hm?” Lukas said, taking another sip, barely paying attention as he watched Clarissa’s breasts bounce. “She wouldn’t? Why… why not?”

“Oh my baron! Why, she does not want children.”

“O-oh,” Lukas said as he took another long drink of his tea. “Yes, that might… might be a problem. Need an heir…”

“Oh no, my baron. Not just one.”

“S-sorry?”

Clarissa gave him a knowing look. “Why, my dear baron, your wife must bear you many children! A dozen at least. A dozen happy, lovely children. Your wife needs to be very eager to take your virile seed. Because I know, my dear baron, that you’re far too much a stud to be satisfied with just one child. That you would like nothing more than to breed your beloved wife at every opportunity. To make her breasts so big… so heavy… so creamy and soft that you can’t help but play with them and kiss them every night.”

Lukas stared at her breasts. Gods, he could imagine it. Imagine those breasts bouncing. Heaving. Wobbling and Clarissa positively glowing from… from…

But… but no. He… he needed to only think of… of his wife like that. Yes. Only his wife. His beloved wife, whoever… whoever it turned out to be.

“I uh…”

“Oh dear, my baron,” Clarissa sighed, closing the folder dramatically, crossing her arms beneath her jiggling bust. “This just won’t do! It seems like there isn’t a noble woman in the land who can satisfy all your needs. A woman so busty. So loving. So beautiful and fertile to satisfy your very high standards.”

“I… y-yes. No one…”

“Oh!” Clarissa suddenly said, brightening visibly. “But then, of course! How silly of me. I didn’t think of that at all! Why, you don’t need a noblewoman for your wife.”

“I… I don’t?” Lukas said, frowning a little, brow wrinkling in concentration. Didn’t he? He was under the impression that was important…

“Oh no, my beloved baron,” Clarissa cooed as she planted her hands on the table, climbing onto it and crawling towards him, pendulous breasts swaying teasingly, her eyes hot, molten with something that made Lukas’s pulse quicken and pound. “Not at all. Why, if the noble stock isn’t up to the standards, then we must simply find another who is. One who is capable of seeing the greatness in you. The handsomeness. The virile… powerful… studliness in you.”

Lukas found himself instinctively retreating, pressing into the back of his chair, watching his maid move towards him like a she-wolf on the hunt. “Wh-who?”

“Now that is the question, isn’t it, my baron,” Clarissa giggled, straightening so she was kneeling on the desk in front of him, her hands cupping her breasts, fondling and massaging them teasingly. “She’d have to know your domain inside and out. She’d have to have every servant in the house already under her thumb. She’d have to know the ways you love things done. She’d have to be so pretty… so clever… so very… very… busty that you just couldn’t say no to her. Every idea she had would just seem like the bestest idea ever. Oops! Did I say breastest?”

“D-did you?” Lukas said, fairly drooling as he watched her bounce and mold her breasts together.

“Maybe I should have, hmm?” Clarissa said. “Because I know how much my baron loves breasts. Big… bouncy… soft breasts. That’s why I know he’ll make the right choice. I know he’ll decide on exactly the right person to be his baroness. To be his loving wife. His devoted mistress. His gorgeous… bouncy… beautiful bride. But who, my baron? Who is busty and smart and beautiful enough for that.”

“Wh-who?” Lukas gasped.

“Think hard, my baron,” Clarissa crooned.

Lukas tried to. He really did. But his mind just didn’t seem to want to cooperate. Every thought he had swirled and squished and bounced and wobbled like Clarissa’s breasts. He whimpered, biting his lower lip, trembling with need as his maid continued to massage her breasts, her buttons straining against her ample tit flesh until… until…

“Mmmm,” Clarissa moaned, tearing open the front of her uniform, her ample, pale breasts spilling into the open. Bouncing with heavy softness. Nipples dark accents to their creamy slopes.

Lukas gasped, jolting like from a physical blow as her breasts bounced free.

“Whoops!” Clarissa giggled. “Did I do that?”

“Y-you… you…” Lukas stammered.

Clarissa’s smile widened. “Me, my lord?” she said coyly. “You want me to be your gorgeous baroness?”

Lukas blinked blankly, his sloshing thoughts struggling. “I…”

“Well, it is true, my lord,” Clarissa cooed, her leg extending, foot pressing against his chest and pushing him and his chair back with a squeak. “I am so very smart. So very beautiful. So very…” she breathed, sliding off the desk, into his lap, Lukas groaning as her weight settled on the hardness of his tenting cock. “Very…” Clarissa moaned as she leaned forward, her ample titflesh pressing against his face. “...Busty…”

Lukas shuddered, inhaling, breathing in the heady scent of Clarissa’s breasts and body. A scent so potent and strong it made his toes curl. Sweet. Heavy and wonderful. Something so real. So potent. The jasmine stuffing his nose. Suffocating his thoughts. And with… with just a faint hint of cream…

“Oh, but whatever would society say,” Clarissa groaned, her hips rocking, rubbing herself upon his thick cock, making Lukas moan and pant under her as his cock throbbed with need. As her breasts squished his face between them and Clarissa’s weight ground him under her. “They might say such terrible things…”

“Ohhhh,” Lukas groaned.

“You’re so right, my baron,” Clarissa giggled. “True love overcomes all odds. And oh, but you do love me, my baron. You do love my big… soft… breasts. And I love you. Loved you so much I tried all sorts of alraune perfumes before I found the one that just. Makes. You. Melt.”

“Mmmm,” Lukas moaned as he inhaled deeply.

“And you love my wonderful, clever mind, don’t you?” Clarissa cooed as she gave her breasts a bounce, swirling his thoughts again to a lather. “So smart to think of buying that holstaur cream for your tea. So clever to know how malleable it makes a good boy. How needy and aroused by big breasts it makes him. How adoring and dumb. How needy and horny and obedient.

“But there is something bigger than my breasts, my baron,” Clarissa moaned as she squeezed her tits around his head. “Oh yes! Believe it. And that is my warm, adoring heart. Perfectly made for my darling baron. Utterly devoted to him. Because I know, my beloved baron, how haaaaard it is for you to think with me around. How distracted you get from a big… soft… pair of breasts. How hard it is for you to rule. You’re not suited for it, my lord. You’re just suited to be a lovey dovey bimbo. A perfect, obedient stud to your darling wife. And oh, my baron, do you really want me? Do you really need me?”

Lukas whimpered beneath his maid, his mind whirling. Drunk on lust and love and heavenly cream and her body. His hands trembled as they touched her, stroking her hips and rump. Touching her back and causing Clarissa to lean forward and bounce teasingly atop him, his chair creaking.

“Oh my baron. If you begged me, then, well, maybe,” Clarissa giggled. “If you told me how much you loved me, how much you need me, then maybe I’d believe you. Maybe I could be convinced to make you my adoring husband. My sweet, brainless stud of a man who’d do anything his busty wife said. Shall we try, my baron?”

“Mmmm,” Lukas moaned into her breasts.

“Let’s,” Clarissa crooned.

Lukas gasped as her breasts came off his face. He blinked dully as he found Clarissa smiling down at him, gaze smoldering and smirk hot with desire.

“I…” Lukas said.

“I want you, my baron,” Clarissa breathed. “Don’t you want me too?”

The note of hot passion in her tone dashed any effort of resistance from him. Lukas’s mouth trembled and he nodded, the truth escaping him in a panting gasp.

“Y-yes,” he said. “W-want you.”

“Do you, my baron?” Clarissa cooed as her hips rose, her hands teased down his chest and to his crotch, Lukas gasping as her fingers played with his bulge, undoing his zipper. “Do you want to fuck your beautiful bride? Propose to her and fuck her and breed her glorious pussy?”

“Y-yes!” Lukas whimpered, his cock springing into the open, a shock of pure ecstasy surging through him as her fingers wrapped around his length. “C-Clarissa, I… I…”

“Oh my baron,” Clarissa giggled, leaning in closer, her molten eyes hot, her rouged lips soft, enunciating every word as he felt his cock guided under the tickling hem of her skirt, brush the smooth skin of her inner thigh, drawn towards the heat of her naked pussy. “Just say… I do.”

“I… I… d-dooooo!” Lukas groaned, head falling back as Clarissa’s body eased down, his cock swallowed in the warm tightness of her pussy. His face buried again under the buxom softness of her ample tits.

“Mmmmm!” Clarissa moaned, her hips rocking, riding her atop his cock with slow, passionate motions that sent throbbing ecstasy radiating through his body and manhood. “Ohhhh my baaaaron! Yes! Yes! I will! I’ll be your baroness! I’ll be your gorgeous wife! Your perfect lover! Your loving, breedable bride. Ah. Ah! Oh goddess yes! Fuck me! Fill me with your cock!”

Lukas groaned beneath her, his lips kissing and licking her breasts, lost in the creamy valley of her tits, trapped in the ecstasy of her figure and the seemingly endless ampleness of her bouncy breasts. His cock throbbed in her, squeezed by her adoring inner walls. Heat consumed him. Pleasure subsumed him.

It was so good. So perfect. He couldn’t break free. Couldn’t resist. The need to cum surged within him. Devoured him. Urged him towards the inevitability of climax. He panted, gasping, moaning under her.

“Yes!” Clarissa gasped. “Oh my baron! Oh my husband! Yes! Fuck me! Fill me! Stuff me full of your cum! Ohhhhh my baron! I neeeed it! Need your mnnn! Your cum! Ah. Yes. Yes! Cum in me, Lukas. Cum in your bride! Fuck me! Breed me! Now! Breed me… nooooow!”

Her voice rose, a crescendo of shameless pleasure, her inner walls tightening, flexing, squeezing his cock with the glory of her peak. As her breasts shuddered around his head, Lukas cried out, surrendering to her pleasure, his cock throbbing, his balls tightening.

And he came.

Blessed release seemed to burst within him. Sear him. Devour him. His cock surrendered to her, filling her in sharp bursts of heady pleasure.

Lukas moaned, lost in her breasts. Lost in the pleasure. Floating in a sea of creamy ecstasy and delight, his mind sinking under waves of soft, bouncy bliss.

Atop him, Clarissa cooed, giggling as she felt him sag, lost beneath her breasts. Her arms wrapped around her new husband’s head, pulling him deeper into her bosom as she looked about the study. Ugh. Such depressing decoration. She’d have to get it cleaned out. And the room would make such a lovely nursery too.

She giggled, admiring the dazed expression of her former master as she smothered him beneath her breasts. She couldn’t wait for the wedding. Especially since she promised that holstaur priestess and her alraune friend they could be her bridesmaids. After all, when one was looking for a husband, one needed a foot in the door. And she just knew her beloved betrothed had some friends in need of busty, brainwashing brides.

Clarissa hummed contentedly, lazily rocking her hips, feeling Lukas’s cock stir anew within her, ready for round two.

Mmm.

All too easy for a clever, busty girl like her…

[matchadobo]

Hello cha :) congrats on the 500 followers! ❤️‍🔥

Can i request the forced proximity dialogue 2? I'm thinking maybe in a camping setup and Y/N's tent would be compromised and she'd have to move to Kid's 🤭. Kid would be soooo worried but of course, he'd be tsundere about it 🤣🤣🤣🤣

KIDD; on the same tent

wc: 1381

dialogue: "never figured you for this much of a cuddler."

warning/s: fluff, sleeping together (like actually sleeping wwwww), cuddling, nothing really intense, wrote this with the thought of fem reader but gn could apply :)

eustass kidd has a crush on you. but he fucks you up so bad and always makes it his mission to annoy the absolute shit out of you–it's the only way he knows how to get your attention.

he got on you nerves, really. he was always first to counter you so you could have a back and forth with him and you hate how he's so smart and witty with it. he always one ups you and shows off how great he is, as if he's always trying to rile up a competition with you. and with the teasing, he never misses to fluster you and make you lose your tongue because he always hits the right pressure points with you.

it's a wonder you guys are in the same friend group but somehow hates each other's guts, not kidd though–matter of fact, he's crazy for you and everyone knows it but you.

so when your class went out camping for a project in a course, you made it your mission to stay as far away as possible from him.

"you're really gonna set up your tent up there while the rest of us are down here? terrain ain't lookin' fine in there." kidd peeked up the small cliff that leads to flat ground where you picked your tent spot. "thought you were smart."

"i'm missing the part where it's your business where i place my tent." you didn't spare him a glance, busying yourself with setting up your tent.

kidd raised his hands in defense, leaving you be but is still keeping an eye out for you. soon enough, the class carried on some camping activities: roasting barbecue and singing by the fire. until one of you guys whipped out cases of beer and gave everyone their share and that's when things got a little too out of hand.

everyone let loose, some showed different parts of themselves like being loud or dancing too much. someone almost got caught fire. you were no different either, your once reserved self let off a little too much steam and it got people looking. kidd was watching you the whole time. and so was the other guys who had their eye out for you.

so when kidd noticed a group of guys advancing towards you, he was first to butt in and sit beside you—taking the place they were oh so desperate to take.

"feelin' lightheaded, shortcake?" kidd blurted out, chugging off his beer bottle dry. "seems ye can't hold your alcohol well, aye?"

"stop talking, my head hurts." you waved your hand tiredly, not even thinking who you're talking to.

"weaklings shouldn't fuck around rum, yer makin' a fool of yeself." kidd snatched the bottle off of your grip effortlessly, you were too drunk to have a proper grip.

"jackass." you rolled your eyes, pulling yourself up to but stumbling over your steps. kidd almost caught you but some bastard butted in, offering to take you to his tent since it's just near and yours is pretty far away. spouting bullshit so you can get some rest. the redhead sensed something foul with this one and he was seething.

you wouldn't agree either way, but you were too weak to protest. guess it was a bad idea having rum for the first time, especially in the wild like this. but before you could decline, you ended up puking on the guy.

he soon exclaimed in disgust, latching off of you as he padded off his puke-coated shirt. immediately getting turned off by you.

kidd exploded into maniacal laughter, falling over his seat as he watched the scene unfold. he found it hilarious. "i was gonna let you run off but seems you lost your ticket."

you don't know what came over you but you faced and gestured at him. "mine's too far away so i'll sleep in yours." you stood up, not even waiting for his response and headed straight to his tent. kidd sobered up immediately to chase after you. cuz god forbid you would do this fucking sober.

before kidd could pull you out, you were already fast asleep on his sleeping bed. it was a mistake that he rolled it out way too early. but he wouldn't let you sleep anywhere else either.

he sighed and zipped up the tent, still settling outside with his mates and leaving you be. he kept an eye out his tent the entire time he was screwing around with his friends by the fire.

once it got late and the alcohol kicked in, kidd headed to his tent. it seems no one was aware you're in his tent, no one mentioned anything about it.

kidd found you snoring and cuddled up in his sheets, he laughed to himself realizing he's got nowhere to sleep now that you've comfortably taken up his place. but he was way too tired to argue, and he wouldn't want to snatch the covers off of you.

so he just zipped up his sweater and lied next to you, keeping a certain distance so as to not wake you up or give you the wrong idea. what baffled him more was that you scooting closer to him and nestling in his arm. as if forcing yourself closer to his torso and into his embrace.

that's why kidd decided to fuck it and just pull you close, his arm around your shoulder and as you subconcnsciously entangled your limbs with him. he soon drifted off to sleep and snored the night away.

until you woke up at 5 in the morning when you start to see the gradual lightening of the skies. you almost shot up your position when you pieced everything together and realized you were fucking sleeping and fucking cuddling with eustass kidd.

but you couldn't even move, because he kept you firm in place. it seems as if he's aware you're awake.

"never figured you for this much of a cuddler." you can hear the grin on his tone. "look how much you're latching on to me."

you finally garnered the strength to escape his grip, or he just let loose and decided to stop fucking with you. once you did, he put on a fake wince from the numbness of his arm as a result of you using it as a pillow the entire night.

"nothing else happened, right?" you asked out of absolute fear, looking over your shoulder.

"what difference would it make? minutes ago, we're so comfortable ain't we?" his morning voice wasn't helping either. his voice was already deep and the certain drop and hoarseness of it was messing with your brain. the fact that his cologne latched onto your sweater and clung into your nares was enough to leave you not thinking straight.

"kidd, be fucking real." you pushed him, irritated at his cockiness once again.

"hey, don't go hostile on me. you're the one who went here on you're own, fuckin' grabbed all my shit and slept with it. not to mention, you clung onto me like a damn koala bear. if i had anythin' to do with this, you'd shiver to death outside my tent." he grabbed his pillow and the blanket you once hoarded to go back to sleep. but that's not true, it'd be him shivering outside if that were ever the case.

"should've just asked me to leave. i'll go now." you gave up, not even wanting to talk to him about this.

"and let everyone see you got out my tent? now, isn't that somethin' to talk about."

he's right. fuck, just like that again. he keeps giving you reasons to agree with him, just like in any other situations you two are in. you're starting to think that he's intentionally putting you two in these situations to just piss you off. but clearly, you screwed up this time.

"so what do you want me to fucking do?!" you turned to him, mind in a flurry as you realized you're trapped in here with him.

"get back to bed." he turned away from you, slowly drifting off to sleep as you lose your head over this ordeal. "wouldn't hurt to cuddle a bit more if we've been doin' it the entire night."

SHIIIIT i got inactive again 🙇‍♀️

thank you for the request anon! 🌷 sorry for the long wait 😭🫰

first of all everything happened all at once i'm tellin ya ✋🥵 finals happened and we had a looooot of projects and up until now i'm still enjoying my vacay (rotting in my bed). i haven't had the will to pick this up but here we are <3 i hope to release more stuff hihihi i've also finished the cookbook thing so that's something to look forward to 😍

againnn very sorry for those who are waiting, but little by little i hope to get inspired again 💪🤩

if you're interested for my 500 follower event, you can check out this post. so far i still have 6/15 slots overall 🫰

[nataliasquote]

Mustang [pt.2] | n romanoff

Summary: When Natasha takes her new friend to the local barn dance, tensions arise and suddenly she’s faced with a decision. Stay loyal to her neighbours or risk it all for a wild stranger?

Warnings: none :)

wc: 2.5k

note: hiii :) I watched ‘Twisters’ last night and my new obsession with Tyler Owens/ Glen Powell spurred me on to give you another addition to Cowgirl!Natasha :) I hope you enjoy, there will be more parts!

-⧗-

Natasha was nothing if not true to her word. Her best pair of boots shining to perfection, hat keeping her wavy hair out of her face, the redhead pushed through the saloon doors right on time. She couldn’t stop the smile from spreading as she locked eyes on the woman from before, who was leaning with her elbow on the polished wooden bar. They locked eyes for a second, a sparkle dancing across Natasha’s crystal clear irises and she squared her shoulders whilst weaving through the table with a soft smile.

“She returns,” Y/n announced with a grin once the redhead was in earshot, earring back a quick smirk. “I was beginning to think you’d left me out here.”

“A true woman is never late,” Natasha quickly countered. She held out her hand with a flourish and stepped back, dramatically offering Y/n assistance. “Now, would you be so kind as to accompany me to the barn dance, darlin’?”

“Ever the charmer!” Clint yelled from the opposite end of the bar where he was polishing beer glasses. Natasha rolled her eyes in jest but remained focussed on the gorgeous stranger before her who had risen from her barstool and was adjusting the waist of her jeans from sitting so long. She couldn’t lie, Natasha well and truly dragged her eyes up and down the woman’s body with absolutely no shame - she truly was a lover of all things female.

“Show me the way, sweetheart.” The nickname made Natasha melt slightly inside but her external composure never faltered, despite how weak she was just below the surface. “You’ve set my hopes high with this one.”

Natasha chuckled as the cool night air brushed their faces, a welcome feeling from the usual stuffiness of the saloon. There was a buzz in the air and the faint sound of music drifted over from the larger barns towards the end of the street, spurring the couple onwards.

“This town may not be good for much,” she started with a shrug, “but it sure knows how to throw a damn good party.”

“I’ve been to a few in my time, so we’ll see how yours holds up.”

Natasha glanced over and winked before pushing open the gate and allowing Y/n to walk past. “Let me show you the best night of your life.” Her tone was suggestive and Y/n didn’t miss it.

“Well, Romanoff, you’re already starting it off alright.” They both paused outside and felt the thumb of music in their chests before Natasha grabbed her hat and pushed the doors open, allowing the electric atmosphere to hit them both in the stomach. Y/n couldn’t contain the laugh that fell from her lips as her eyes darted around the crowded barn in wonder - it was unlike anything she’d ever seen, and she’d seen a lot.

Barn dances were commonplace in nearly all western towns, but none had the energy that this one did. Natasha’s hand quickly slid around Y/n’s waist protectively as they skirted around the dancefloor, not wanting to get trampled by the current line dance. The other woman blushed slightly at the contact but welcomed her warm hand, it feeling surprisingly natural the way it resided just below her belt. Forever the lone wolf, Natasha’s presence was strangely comforting, even after just a couple of hours.

They slid onto a pair of stools at the opposite end of the bar where the crowd wasn’t so thick, allowing the pair to survey the room comfortably. Natasha nodded to Yelena, who was seated at one of the tables across the floor, revolver in front of her hands.

“That’s my sister,” Natasha introduced, rolling her eyes as Yelena tipped her hat and winked.

“She’s a charmer, for sure.”

Natasha grabbed the two ice cold bottles that had been placed in front of them and slid one to her new companion, shaking her head with a groan. “She’s nothing but trouble and definitely not worth your time.”

Y/n narrowed her eyes, scanning Natasha’s face which made the redhead blush. She was losing her composure by the second and it jarred her.

“What you looking at?”

“Why do you hate this place so much?” Y/n asked, not caring that she was overstepping Natasha’s high boundaries. “You don’t have anything good to say about it, is it really all that bad?”

Natasha hesitated, rubbing her fingers over the damp label on her beer bottle. It’s not that she hated the town or the people, they were fine as far as she was concerned. But the promise of more would always weigh on her mind, darkening her current situation.

“No, it’s just… there’s nothing for me here,” she replied, keeping her eyes down. She didn’t want to see another person laugh at her ambition. But Y/n did nothing of the sort.

“Not even your family?” Her voice wavered at the end.

Natasha scoffed. “They think I’m crazy for ever wanting to leave. My Pa just wants me to find a respectable husband and start a family, but that’ll never be me.”

“Not a lover?”

Natasha finally looked up from the table and caught Y/n’s eyes, the orange light dancing across her pupils like fire. “Not for those in this town,” she muttered, before shaking her head and placing her bottle down a little too firmly. “It would be rude of me to invite the lady of the hour to a barn dance and not offer her a turn, so, will you?” She slid off her stool and held her hand out, which Y/n accepted with a smirk before the two women crossed to the dance floor, ignoring the drunk men staring at their every move.

The beat rang out and everyone stamped their heels, thumbs falling naturally into the belt loops on jeans as the dance began. Y/n followed along with a wide smile on her face, the atmosphere feeling electric in her veins. She was a sucker for a dance, getting lost in the music within the crowd, only the instruments and the sound of boots on the dusty wood floor filling her ears.

With Natasha by her side, she felt more carefree than she had in a while, lifting her arms high above her head as she turned. The redhead watched her out of the corner of her eye, watching how her hips swayed in her fitted jeans and how easily she moved. Sure, Natasha had flirted a lot with many women, but very few had her as captivated as this stranger did. Where was she from? Did she do… love? Natasha was getting ahead of herself, and her mind was spinning, leaving her stumbling to stay on time in the dance.

As the song ended, Y/n didn’t want to return to the bar. She tugged Natasha’s arm, begging her to stay for a few more songs, to which the redhead caved. She missed Yelena’s smirk from across the room, laughing to Kate as they watched amused. Natasha spent more time watching Y/n dance than she did paying attention to her own feet. As much as Natasha was reluctant everytime the song ended, she would have danced for days if Y/n wanted to. She never wanted this moment to end.

But when did anything good ever last? The cheers of the crowd after the latest song were suddenly interrupted by two gunshots, pausing the festivities immediately. Natasha grabbed her revolver and pushed Y/n behind her, much to the brunette’s surprise. She had her hand on her own gun but didn’t want to unnerve anyone as she was the outsider and did not want to create another bad reputation.

There was commotion by the main doors and Alexei’s voice boomed loudly above the rest, silencing the chatter. Ol’ Joe hobbled forwards, his face burning with rage as he shakily held his gun in the air.

“Where’s the new girl!” He yelled, beady eyes scanning the crowd as they parted to reveal Y/n, and in turn Natasha who did not flinch. She reached for the brunette’s hand and held it tight behind her back. “You!”

“What is going on?” Natasha asked, stepping forward before Ol’ Joe could progress any further.

“My prize cow is dead and it’s because of her!” He shoved a finger in Y/n’s direction as the crowd yelled, their chants now hostile towards the stranger.

“She didn’t do nothin’!” Natasha defended, feeling a pressure rise in her chest. She looked back at Y/n who had paled slightly but retained an iron grip on the handle of her gun in the holster. “She’s been with me all day.”

The crowd roared and Alexei appeared, his arms folded over his chest as he observed the scene in front of him.

“Defending a stranger and a killer? I always knew there was something off about you,” Ol’ Joe hissed, moving forward so the barrel was pressed against Natasha’s sternum.

“Nat…” Y/n warned. This was her fight, even if she had nothing to do with the cows at all. But roping her new and only friend into this fight wasn’t worth it and she’d be damned if Natasha got caught up in a gunfight because of her. “Leave it.”

But when did Natasha Romanoff ever do as she was told? She ignored Y/n pleas and used two fingers to slowly push Ol’ Joe’s barrel down. “Where’s your proof?” She stated, not letting go of his gun. She felt everyone’s eyes on her, including the disapproving ones of her father, but that was nothing new and Natasha never backed down. “Go on, where’s the proof it was her?”

Ol’ Joe stuttered, his mouth turning dry. Natasha truly was intimidating when she wanted to be, her green eyes piercing, almost like they could see everything a person was hiding.

“Natasha this isn’t your fight,” Y/n spoke up again, pushing forwards so she was just in front of the redhead.

“No,” Natasha countered. “I won’t have them targeting you just because you’re a stranger. I know it wasn’t you.”

“Put a bullet in her head!” Someone yelled from the crowd, encouraging an uproar to start. Natasha’s patience was wearing thin, and with still no reply from Ol’ Joe about why it must be Y/n, she was at her wits end. Clicking the safety off her gun, she aimed it at the ceiling and shot three times, her usual warning call. Well rehearsed and functional.

On cue, Yelena surged up from her table and shot another three bullets into the back wall, diverting everyone’s attention away from the women in the centre. Natasha shoved past Ol’ Joe, her hand clamped around Y/n’s wrist so she could not protest. But when the old farmer grabbed her other wrist, Natasha clenched her fist and punched him clean in the nose before running for the side door, Y/n hot on her heels.

“Where are we going? She shouted as Natasha broke into a sprint, her boots kicking up the dust with every step. “Natasha!”

But the redhead didn’t answer, the smart thing to do. She headed for a small gap between the buildings and rounded the corner, dodging old fence posts in the barely lit back street. Y/n followed her blindly, her heart rate increasing every time a new voice yelled out behind her. She didn’t know how many townsfolk were following them, there was no time to turn and check, but she knew by the sound of thundering boots that there were enough.

The redhead sharply turned left into one of the barns near the end of the street, her feet slipping on the damp straw. She looked up, breathing heavy, into the darkness of the rafters.

“Gimme your foot,” she whispered to Y/n who just looked at her confused as she cupped her hands. “Do it or you’ll die!”

The brunette eyed the small space above them and threw caution to the wind, allowing the pointed toe of her boot to nestle into Natasha’s interlocked fingers. The redhead lifted her up until she could reach the ledge and pull herself over, rolling into a pile of musty hay and cobwebs.

Natasha’s head suddenly whipped around, the sound of footsteps getting louder by the second. She took a few steps back and ran, giving herself enough of a run-up so she could jump off a nearby hay bale and grasp the ledge, using all the strength in her arms to pull herself up and over. Y/n grabbed her forearms and tugged her back just as the doors flew open.

The women pressed themselves as far back as possible, not daring to breathe until someone yelled ‘got nothing’ and they were finally alone again. Natasha let out a breath, her head falling back until it hit a wooden beam behind her. But her hat was in the way and she tugged it off, allowing it to fall beside her.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, Ol’ Joe never knows when to pull in his horns. Was probably a coyote or something that took his cow, or a lone wolf. But he never gives up the chance to point fingers, especially at someone like you.”

“Someone like me?”

“An outsider and a woman…”

Y/n averted her eyes, even if she knew that was the reason she was always mistreated. It never mattered which town she was in, someone always found an issue with her, which kept her moving.

“Well, those things never change. It’s not all good what I do.”

That shut Natasha up. One of the horses shuffled around its stable and poked its head out, making Natasha smile. Of course Liho knew she was here.

“Hey buddy,” she muttered, even if she was too far away for him to hear. But Y/n heard and leaned over, taking a gander at the midnight black horse.

“He yours?”

Natasha nodded. “That’s my Liho.”

“He’s gorgeous,” Y/n complimented. “Is this your family stable? Won’t they know to check here?”

Natasha shook her head. “No, that one is further down. I keep Liho here so he won’t be targeted,” she admitted, peeling a piece of hay between her fingers. “Only Kate, Peter and Yelena know he’s here.”

Y/n hummed and stretched her legs out in front of her. Her boots were battered, but she reached into her left one and pulled out a knife, twirling it around until the blade landed flat against her palm.

“You keep knives in your boots?” Natasha exclaimed, fascinated.

Y/n smirked at her child-like wonder. “You don’t?”

“I do now,” Natasha answered with a raise of her brow. A comfortable silence fell between them, the distant sounds of the crowd echoing down the street. Natasha’s hand fell by her side, brushing against Y/n’s accidentally. But despite the surprise, neither woman moved. Their fingers twitched, pinkies slowly moving across the damp hay until they linked. A strangely childish motion, but it was strangely comforting. The smallest of touches, no words, yet a million thoughts were exchanged.

And when Natasha reached her hand over even further and fully encased Y/n’s in her own, something released in her heart. Nothing had ever felt so right before and Natasha knew she was officially screwed. She would never be able to let her go.

[reflection-s-of-stars]

👀 i'd love to hear about tha aurora modern au!

[ID in alt text]

@anthonynotgreen @djpuppy @falst @jewishdainix and anyone else who wanted to hear about my modern AU: here it is! All image descriptions will be in alt text :)

Name: Kendal Fairblade

He/him, probably a cis dude but who knows for sure, aroace

18, college freshman (first year of college)

Architecture major

Roommates with Alinua

Erin’s study buddy

Childhood friends with Dainix

Prized possession is his dad’s old car, which is bright blue and in horrible shape. Designated driver of the squad

Absolute god at arcade games (skee-ball etc.)

Blue eyed stare™️

The only member of the squad with (diagnosed) autism

Name: Alinua Parra

She/they/it, agender girl, ace lesbian

19, college freshman

Biology major (specializing in botany)

Roommates with Kendal

Erin’s study buddy

Falst’s former foster sister

Has so many plants and somehow finds time to keep all of them alive. Would kill for them probably

Bees love her also. Particularly her hair

The nicest person you’ll ever meet. She’s full of rage also

Claims she has her shit together but will see a butch and go weak in the knees

Name: Erin Ruunaser

He/him, transmasc, bi + aro

19, college sophomore (second year of college)

Pre-med, physics minor

Study buddies with Kendal and Alinua

Tess’s adoptive younger brother

His dad, Galen, owns the university he goes to. This is a fact that does not make him friends easily

Thinks he’s better than coffee drinkers but is addicted to chai

Usually dresses like he’s on his way to an interview, with the exception of finals week, during which he wears exclusively a Les Mis sweatshirt

Always sick but never misses class

Name: Falst. Falst what? Just Falst, thanks.

He/him but don’t ask about his gender, gay

18, works at a mechanic shop

Former foster siblings with Alinua

Other than her nobody knows anything about him

Exclusively wears jeans that are way too big on him

Has a stray cat that hangs around him. It does not have a name but it always gets fed somehow

Will growl at you. It absolutely doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you

Thinks redheads are hot

Name: Tess Ruunaser

She/her, butch lesbian

21, “professional wanderer and student of life” (unemployed)

Erin’s adoptive big sister

Ran away from home at sixteen and hasn’t seen her adoptive family since then (she and Erin do text though)

Girl magnet but can’t keep a relationship to save her life

Has lived in eight countries and will make it your problem. “This is pretty good, but in Greece…”

A match for Kendal at skee-ball. Their confrontations are epic

“Knows a guy” for everything

Name: Dainix Cruces

He/him, trans man, gay

19, taking a gap year and planning to go to culinary school

Childhood friends with Kendal

Has the best hair in the squad (it’s a ginger thing 😌)

Has a different story every time you ask about his eye

Best cook in the squad but everything he makes has So Much Goddamn Paprika

Literally has anything you could possibly need in his pockets

Thinks short people are hot

That’s the gang! LMK if you have questions about backstories, other characters, ETC

[somber-sapphic]

Burning Up

〘Prompt 8 on day 8- Persistent Fever〙

〘Notes- Super short, just wanted to make sure it was technically done on time. Completely unedited because I'm tired.〙

〘Summary- Sometimes the only thing that can help a fever is a cool bath and a song.〙

〘Word Count- 500〙

〘Pairing- Natasha x Sick Reader〙

〚Main Masterlist〛⌶〚Sicktember Masterlist〛

“Come on, in the bath.” Natasha grunted, more to herself than to you. You were in absolutely no condition to fight her, so instead you just allowed her to carry you into the bathroom where you were deposited into the tub.

For three days the assassin had been sitting at your bedside, pouring tea and medicine down your throat as she tried everything, she could do to get your temperature down. She didn’t know exactly what your body was dealing with, but it seemed to have gone into overdrive.

She had been watching your temperature steadily rise, her worry increasing with your fever. When it had hit 103, the woman knew that she had to try something else. Had Bruce been available she would’ve gone running to him, but he was on vacation. Her next thought had been Clint, but he was far too annoying.

A quick debate had brought her to the internet where she frantically searched for ways to bring your temperature down. After five minutes of looking, she had decided on a lukewarm bath and ice chips. You had been consuming ice chips for about ten minutes as the two of you waited for the bath to come to an ideal temperature.

“Okay love, ready?” Natasha asked, lifting your practically lifeless body off of the toilet seat. You moaned in response, too weak to give a real answer. Taking your pathetic whine for a yes, the redhead lowered you into the water.

You let out an alarmed cry at the sudden change in temperature and clutched at Nat’s arms, trying in vain to pull yourself out of the cool water. The assassin shushed you softly and kept you in the tub. She held you there until you finally calmed down, your body adapting to the new temperature.

Natasha grabbed a washcloth and dipped it in the water, squeezing it out before she wiped the sweat off of your face, chest, and the back of your neck. She continued the process as you settled into the bath, your eyes beginning to close as the water sapped away your fever.

This was the most comfortable that you had been in days, and you finally felt like you might be able to sleep. That feeling was intensified when Natasha began to sing.

It was a soothing Russian song, made even more calming by the redhead’s beautiful voice. You couldn’t understand the words, but you didn’t need to. The way Natasha was singing could make any song sound relaxing.

You could feel yourself drifting into the clutches of sleep, but your girlfriend made no move to wake you up. Instead, she began to card her fingers through your hair, seeming content to let you sleep in the bath.

In truth, she was just incredibly relieved. All she cared about was that your temperature was starting to go down. You already felt cooler to the touch, and she the lines in your face had smoothed out, leaving you looking peaceful. With her worries settled, she was perfectly content to let you sleep wherever you wished.

〖Join My Taglist!〗@lovelyy-moonlight, @bloomingflowersthings, @lots-of-pockets, @asiangmrchk13, @fxckmiup, @animealways, @scrambled-brain-eggs, @kljhsong, @juststuckhereforever, @fayhar, @chairhere, @canvascoloredin, @iliketozoneout, @ash26424, @goldenempyrean, @waltermis

[kitthepurplepotato]

Chapter 16 (END) / Be my f*cking girlfriend, Menace!

Summary: After the drama is over, things get awkward between You and Katsuki… but not for long.

This is the last chapter of season 1!

Warnings: Swear words, highly suggestive!!! 16 +

First Chapter Master List

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

“So shock, physical intimacy, and reassuring words all together at the same time nulls the quirk out. Fuck, that’s so complicated.” Kirishima looks at your tomato red faces. Kirishima hugged the shit out of Katsuki just a few minutes ago. You swear you saw Eijirou leaning in for an actual KISS at one point, just out of pure happiness; needless to say the blonde threw him far away with a disgusted face.

“And don’t forget to note down the delusions once your mind gives in. He’s gotten so much stronger since my team had fought him.” You sigh, not too fond to talk about this but it needs to be done; people with psychotic powers are still quite a mystery and understanding their power deeply might help with a similar situation in the future.

“It’s a trance-like state. Like you are stuck in your own mind-palace and it’s attacking you from every corner. It used places from my childhood, ones connected to something important and merged them together. Then I saw all the people I… loved…” Katsuki whispers the last word like it’s the most shameful word in the dictionary; you roll your eyes at that. Hard. Then you also remember being one of the people in Katsuki’s head and you end up blushing again. This is so awkward, goddamnit. “And the quirk made me believe that they all hate me. It used my biggest fears and weaknesses against me. It was unbearable, even for me.” The blonde’s voice gets weaker and weaker as he remembers all the shit he’s been through in the last few hours; you move your hands closer to his on the sofa, your pinky making slow circles on his clenched hand.

“It’s over now.” You whisper with a broken smile on your face. He doesn’t look back at you, but his hands relax as he laces his pinky with yours.

“I know.”

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

“So about that physical intimacy part… what did you do exactly after slapping him in the face?” Kirishima looks at you two, faking a professional look, the nosy fuck. “Don’t look at me like that, I need to write a report!” Kirishima grins, not even trying to hide his mischievous smile anymore.

“You will not write MY shit down in those reports, shitty hair!” The blonde yells, the sappy mood now completely ruined. Oh, well.

“Oh yeah, I forgot to say something…” You speak up, ignoring the redhead who’s still sitting behind his office desk; you feel terrible for not saying it sooner and you are quite sure Kirishima already knows what did you mean by physical intimacy and he just wants to hear it out loud. “Sorry for kissing you without your consent. I really didn’t know what else to do and to be honest I kinda wanted to do that for a while…” You certainly did not want to say that last part out loud, but… oh, well. Every single person in this office knows about your infatuation at this point, they probably knew it for longer than you did.

“Actually, I kissed you first.” Katsuki looks away from the both of you with his face on fire. “So, I’m also sorry.”

“The fuck are you talking about?” You definitely DO NOT remember him kissing you. You would remember. Is he trying to sound cool in front of Kirishima, or what’s going on?

“Last night, when you fell asleep.” He mumbles, and by the look on his face, he isn’t lying. Or at least he thinks he is not.

Hm.

“Are you sure you weren’t already delirious by then?”

“Y/N I fucking know I kissed you. I was quirked, yes, but I wasn’t imagining it!”

There is an almost silent “awww” coming from Kirishima’s desk; you guys absolutely forgot about him in the heat of the argument. Oh, fuck.

“Can you not read the room, you motherfucker?” Katsuki asks, his eyes twitching from anger.

“Oh, I do read the room. It’s hot and heavy out here, the air sparking with electricity. Now please, kiss.”

Kirishima definitely has a death wish. You can’t help the tiny, unattractive snort bursting out of you.

“GET OUT!” You both yell, Katsuki aggressively, you giggling.

“This is my office?! You get out?!” Kirishima retorts and he has a point.

“Let’s go, you fucking menace, I can’t believe you had to start this fucking conversation in front of this nosy asshole. I’m too fucking tired to talk about this shit right now.”

You are not going to lie, Katsuki’s words sting a bit; you didn’t mean to have this conversation in front of Kirishima, you just wanted to say sorry but at the same time, the unsaid words are killing you on the inside and while you can absolutely understand that the blonde doesn’t want to talk about this while he’s still mentally tired from the quirk, he’s not the only one struggling right now…

“Look, Katsuki… y-you should go home for today.” You stutter, but there is a finality to your voice. The blonde just snorts and lets your hand go; as the door closes behind him you look at Kirishima, pain and frustration clear in your eyes.

“Thanks.” You mumble and leave the room as well; you don’t even clock out, just go straight for the exit.

Fuck this shit.

Just fuck it.

You can’t have any more of this today.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Katsuki has a hard time understanding what’s going on right now.

First of all, this last day absolutely fucked him up and he’s not even going to try and sound strong and mighty this time; he thought he doesn’t need people in his life but that last nightmare made him realize that’s not the case; he might be the second best hero in Japan but he is nothing but a big zero without his closest friends and family. It’s a lot to take in, really; he’s always been a lone wolf or at least he thought so but clearly, he had it all wrong.

He’s a little bit thankful to Y/N for letting him go home for today; he doesn’t think he would have been able to talk to her today about anything with all this mess in his head. He knows what he needs to do and he’s not ashamed of it anymore; he needs the Menace in his life, his nightmare of a vision made that clear. He’s just not sure how to do it and how to act around her anymore; hell, he doesn’t even know what a fucking relationship looks like and he certainly has no idea how to be cheesy and romantic. He’s the worst boyfriend material in the whole world yet here he is, almost ready to take that step into the unknown, putting all his pride aside for the sake of another person.

“Steven, I don’t know what to doooooo!” Katsuki whines while he stares at the little pigeon knocking on his window. Steven looks at him with questioning eyes, clearly not able to understand the problem but he looks back at him anyway, giving him support. Talking about silent support, Katsuki grabs his phone and calls his mother, his brain on auto pilot. The idea is stupid and her mother will probably laugh at him, but he has nothing to loose.

“I can’t believe I got a phone call from my son. Are you sick?”

Ahh, yeah, he’s an asshole who never calls his mother. He kinda forgot about that.

“How did you get together with the old man?” Katsuki doesn’t beat around the bush just says it, ready to be laughed at. He has no dignity. Katsuki.exe has stopped working completely.

“Honestly, it’s quite awkward.” His mother laughs, not even commenting on his son’s weird behavior which he is thankful for. “We were dancing around each other for ages, I gave him so many hints but he ignored them all. One day, I got fed up with his shit, called him in the middle of the night and asked him to let me in… I was already at his front door. When he opened the door I kissed him senseless and haven’t left his side since.”

“That’s disgusting.” Katsuki retorts, faking a retching sound. “You can’t just kiss people without their consent, you silly hag.”

His mother laughs on the other side of the phone.

“Yes, it’s really risky, but to be honest with you I wouldn’t change it for the life of me. BUT! If I would be the guy in this scenario, I would probably go over, knock on the door and ask the person I love to date me and then if they say yes I would kiss them to make it official. That’s still a Bakugou move, but less aggressive.”

“Sounds boring as fuck.” Katsuki mumbles, not impressed.

“Hm. Or I would make a lovely lunch and bring it to their office. A love confession topped up with a handmade meal? No one can say no to that!” Katsuki can hear his mother’s grin through her voice so he rolls eyes, hoping she can also sense it through the phone.

“You are useless.” He ends the call, looking into the distance while zoning out completely.

Needless to say, he makes his way to the kitchen to finally make a proper lunch for himself; if he ‘accidentally’ makes more than he needs and brings it to his office today, that’s no one’s fucking business.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

It’s really hard to concentrate on your job today, but you would rather be here than alone at home right now. You feel the urge to message Katsuki, ask him if he’s okay, but you decide against it; he clearly needs the time alone and you really don’t want to fuck this up just because you couldn’t sit on your ass for one more day.

Thankfully, Kirishima decided to do all the paperwork for this case to let you two rest today so all there is to do in the office is to finish the paperwork about the monthly budget and stamp some random ass papers the “extras” brought in to finalize. You are a little bit hungry because you because you barely had any food today, but you can’t even think about actually eating right now; it just reminds you of Katsuki, about his amazing curry and about all the shit that came after. You’ll never forget his terrified face crying out your name while staring into the distance like a brain dead zombie. Never.

Your phone pings in the late afternoon; you are so focused on stamping the paperwork you actually jump at the random noise disturbing the silence.

Dynadick: Yo, you had lunch yet?

Okay, that’s kind of cute. It makes your little stupid heart flutter.

You: No, not yet. I’ll finish the paperwork and go home after.

Dynadick: Are you dumb? It’s 4PM! Honestly, you can’t even fucking take care of yourself without me!

Dynadick: I’m coming over.

Oh my god.

You really thought your day was about to be over, you really did not expect for the blonde to come back so soon; does he want to talk? Or does he want to ignore everything for this one day? How should you react?! What does he want to do with this whole situation anyway?!

You don’t have time to break down as the door opens almost right away; Katsuki comes through the door in sweat pants and an oversized t-shirt, holding a massive tray of lasagne. He doesn’t say anything just puts the tray down on the coffee table and takes out plates and cutlery from his bag, actually setting up the table properly to eat. It’s so domestic you want to cry.

“What the fuck are you doing, sit the fuck down. I will kill you if it gets cold.” Katsuki mumbles with a flushed face, plopping a massive serving on a plate, then another. “It’s a veggie lasagne, I had no meat at home. It’s fucking good though.” He adds as he sits down on the sofa and starts to eat.

So this is what you guys are doing. Sitting and eating lasagne while ignoring all our problems. Fair play, Mr. Katsuki.

Needless to say, the lasagne is absolutely amazing. Somehow he managed to make it spicy, but you really don’t mind; spicy food is actually amazing to reduce stress!

“This is amazing, Katsuki.” You mumble, your face still stuffed with food.

“Shut up and eat you idiot, of course it is, I made it.” Katsuki smirks, stuffing his face like he haven’t eaten for ages.

“Duh.” You giggle and continue eating the amazing food he’s made for you; you still can’t believe you are lucky enough to be able to share food with him while surrounded with nothing but a comfortable silence; everyone thinks Dynamight is an absolute ass but after seeing him almost every day for months you realized that all of that is just a mask he’s hiding behind; underneath, he is caring and kind, beautiful and pure, he’s just… amazing. So fucking amazing. Ahh, you really want to tell him all of that then kiss him senseless on the sofa. Fuck’s sake.

“Be my fucking girlfriend, Menace. I want a serious relationship with you.” Katsuki speaks up between two bites, like he’s talking about the weather. You almost choke on a piece of cheese.

“Just like that?! Out of the blue?” You ask with wide eyes, not really believing his shenanigans. You had so many ideas about how to do this but THIS definitely wasn’t in your plan.

“What do you mean just like that?! We both fucking kissed each other and I ain’t going around kissing bitches I don’t lo… want something from!!!” The blonde yells, his whole face blushed from embarrassment. You really want to kiss him, even though he just called you a bitch.

“That’s fair. No dates first? Are you sure?” You ask, feeling like all of this a little bit rushed on his part. On your part… he could literally just marry you right here, right now and you wouldn’t say a single word. Well, you’d say one word: FUCK YES.

“Fuck that. I know you already.” Katsuki answers. “But let’s take it slow. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing.” He grumbles while he averts his eyes shyly; your heart is having a hard time with this new version of Katsuki. How can such an abrasive human be so fucking cute?! Also, is this really happening? Is this even real?! Are you actually doing this?! This is so much to digest!!!!!!

“So you want us to be serious, but to take it slow.” You try your best to summarize the whole conversation with questioning eyes but by the look of it, he’s not having it.

“Fuck’s sake it’s not that hard to understand.” Katsuki stands up and starts to pace around the room. He looks extremely uncomfortable, bless his little grumpy pomeranian face.

“You are right, it’s not hard to understand.” You stand up as well, moving slowly towards the blonde. “Katsuki, you are bonkers. And a fucking madman.” Katsuki looks absolutely fucking offended… as he should be. You can’t help but grin at his dramatic face. “Don’t look at me like that, I’m stating facts. You are also super rude and an absolute fucking asshole.” You laugh and by the look of it, Bakugou’s brain literally just stopped working because he can’t even make a proper come back. You really want to kiss him senseless. “With that said… I would really like to be your girlfriend. I’m done pretending that I hate you. I’m done pretending that I don’t want to kiss you. I love everything about you, Bakugou Katsuki, the good and the bad, the way you get angry for no reason, the way you help others without wanting anything for exchange, I love the way you smile when you think no one’s looking and I adore when you hide your affection with rude words, like now. I love how you’ve barely said anything nice to me today yet I feel like I’m the happiest fucking woman on earth. You make happy, Katsuki. So fucking happy I might cry. You fucking handsome asshole.” You sniff, unable to look into the blonde’s eyes; you know how much he hates this shit and how annoying you must be right now but you just couldn’t keep it in for longer; it was begging to come out since the wedding, or maybe even before that.

“Fuck.” Katsuki sniffs back but schools his face by the time you look up at the hero. “Fuck.” He says again and things happen quickly after that; Katsuki cups your face and moves your head to the side, making enough space for himself to devour your lips in the most possessive way possible; he pulls you close, so-so close, biting your lips as he begs for an entrance right away; needless to say, you let him do whatever he wants; you let him barge in, his tongue meeting with yours in a deep, sensual dance; there is no music in the background yet if feels like a tango, intimate and slow, passionate and romantic, you melt like the wax inside a burning candle, your whole body on fire from the heat of his kiss; Katsuki holds you up in one swift move, his hands unashamedly cradling your asscheeks after you put your your hands on his shoulders and jump up into his arms; in only a few seconds you find yourself sitting on his massive office desk with Katsuki in front of you, kissing you senseless as his hands wonder around your upper legs, grabbing and caressing your clothed upper thigh like it belongs to him and you softly moan into his mouth, trying to make a proper sentence, but the sudden heat leaves you speechless, nothing but sighs and silent moans leaving your mouth as he continues kissing you, deep and slow, mapping out every single crevice he can get to. You really can not believe Katsuki can be so passionate in these situations; you thought you will need to beg for every single caress yet here he is, making you feel loved and wanted, reducing you to an absolute mess in only a few minutes; he moves down to your neck, leaving small, wet kisses all over the sensitive parts and you can’t help but make a noise again; he grumbles against your neck, making your whole body tremble with the deepness of his voice. You can’t help but hide your fingers in his hair, tugging him aggressively towards you and Katsuki answers your silent wishes; his teeth graze your skin then he bites down, you try to swallow the moan this time as it would be way too loud to let it out.

“Kats, I thought you want to take it slow?” You pant, your eyes dark from lust. Katsuki doesn’t stop kissing your neck; he licks the fresh wound he just made to soothe it.

“We will take it slow after this.” He mumbles and honestly, that’s all you wanted to hear; you pull him up by his hair and lick into his mouth ferociously, taking the lead back for a few minutes as the blonde moans into your mouth in a way it makes your lower parts tremble. You move your hand to the hem of his shirt, silently asking for permission to enter and he grants it happily; instead of letting your hands move under the shirt he takes it off in one swift move, moving closer, leaving you just enough space to let your hands wonder over his abs. You move to the hem of his sweat pants while you listen to his moans as your hands get closer and closer to his most sensitive part when the door opens abruptly; Kirishima stares at you two, hundreds of papers falling out of his hand as he stands frozen by the door.

“Bro.” Kirishima’s face is the same color as his hair and he clearly has no idea where to look; your hands are still halfway down the blonde’s pants while your other hand is hidden in Katsuki’s extremely messy hair, his nails still digging into your skin aggressively, making you want to hiss from the pain… or from being aroused, you are honestly not sure, probably the latter; your are both panting, already feeling spent even though you haven’t even touched each other properly, your lips puffed and red from all the kissing. The whole sight is obscene. Also, Katsuki is shirtless. And fuck, he looks so hot.

… well, probably you whimpering into the awkward silence while staring at your new boyfriends’s godly torso wasn’t the best idea. Oops.

Eijirou stares at you two for a few more seconds then sprints out of the door, paperwork forgotten.

“Learn to knock, you punk!” Katsuki screams after him and bursts into laughter; he hides his face in the crook of your neck, leaving a few more small kisses while you both laugh like two maniacs.

“I can’t believe we’ve only just got together, yet we’re already in trouble.” You mumble, and that’s when the realization hits you; you are a couple now. You are in a relationship with Bakugou Katsuki. With the guy you “hated” for months. With the guy who stole your heart even in another dimension. With the guy who accepts you as you are and he loves you for it. Fuck.

“Tomorrow… we start again. We’ll be a normal couple and shit. I’m going home now.” Katsuki says but he doesn’t move; he mumbles all his words onto your neck and you want to beg him to stay, you want to beg him to ignore the awkwardness and continue… but you don’t.

“Kats, we will never be a normal couple.” You giggle, happy tears pooling in your eyes.

“I know.” He grins back, and seeing the blonde’s eyes smile for the first time makes your insides churn. He’s so fucking beautiful, goddamnit. “Now stop staring at me like that, it makes me feel weird.” Katsuki pushes you away, but not before leaving another kiss on your lips. He moves towards the door in quick steps, not even looking back at you, his face flushed and adorable.

I love you. - you think to yourself but you don’t say it out loud yet; telling your boyfriend of 15 minutes you love them would probably not earn you brownie points.

Thankfully, you have all the time in the word to tell him that in the future.

The End.

Need more? Click here for Season 2!

~•💥•~

See you in season 2!

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Potato ramble:

- Oh my god, I can’t believe it’s over 😭😭😭 I’ll miss their pining so much!

I would like to thank you guys for coming along with me on this journey, I had so much fun with this series and I absolutely adored every single one of your comments and hashtags! Thank you thank you thank you 🧡💚🧡💚

- There is so much more I want to tell you about this story, so as I said before, there will be a Season 2! Overall, the story will be about you two getting the hang of the whole relationship thing and about all the funny stories that comes with you two fumbling through the whole thing. If you would like to be added to the taglist for season 2, just send me a comment/ask/message! 💚 It will be suggestive + it will have a lot of comments about Katsuki’s tent in his pants (he will have a HARD time with taking it slow lol) so it’s gonna be 16+ at least but there will be no actual smut in it (only mentions.) Keep that in mind! I’m also more than happy to listen to your ideas and feedbacks about it!

- There will be a break before the story starts up again so I can start posting the Aizawa x Reader story I came up with! 1 week maximum of 2! I hope that’s okay!

- I love you guys and thank you again! 🧡 See you soon! 💚

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Taglist: @ibkg @chuugarettes @lilmaimai @nonomesupposedto @sozainturpal @luleck @notplutos @gold24fish @hanatsuki-hime

SEASON 2 TAGLIST: @iwannahaveaprettyaesthetic @hanatsuki-hime @sky179ler @cloroxisadelectabletreat @cheesenmax

[culiehua]

Imagine: our beloved shadowhunters in a vampire diaries S4x22/23 type of scenario where the veil between the living and the dead falls and chaos ensues

angry dead people are back for unifinished business with the mcs, you name it, they face it

(hint hint it's terrible)

magnus & co. are looking for a way to bring it back up but it's difficult enough without the now corporeal walking dead terrorists

the veil separates the living and the ghosts of those who are not ready to move on but also other supernatural whatnots

meaning that demons frequently infiltrate the other side bc it's a parallel dimensional death realm but usually rarely find weaknesses in the veil to cross over (and be killed by "stupid hot people")

but the whole thing is gone so demons are flooding everywhere and it is not that great

because the dead can now become tangible again (if they want to that is), they do that, e.g. Valentine and his posse go for Clary, and there are just so many

(we'll get back to them)

Meanwhile in London, Yanluo has crawled his way into Cirenworth because demons can hold grudges forever and he still has quite the bone to pick with Wenyu, Yiwen and Elias' blood (i.e. Jem holds the #1 spot in his deathnote (yes yanluo has a deathnote in canon myth even though it works a bit differently))

and why give up such ample opportunity for petty revenge?

nobody at the Carstairs home knows what is going on however (Tessa is with Magnus in New York)

so Mina is ripped out of her cradle in the middle of the night and held hostage until Jem hears her cry

listen. my chinese violin man has seen some shit

in his long (but not as long as it could have been) life he has spent more time flirting with his death than most and seems practically unflappable atp

but this is a nightmare he's never been able to completely get over (because watching your parents die while being tortured is traumatic™)

so jem is restrained and absolutely terrified to his core bc this cannot be happening again

fate has a really fucked up sense of humor, he thinks

history repeating itself was not on his bingo card and he is not sure if it's him or his sweet sweet baby girl that is going to croak. After all that effort to stay alive

and he prays to the angel it's him. Anyone but little love Mina, and he wonders, distantly, if his mother had felt the same way when she died

(The anguish and agony forever carved into his memory and onto her face tell him she would have)

Yanluo's ready to strike and poison him again but instead get's flung to the other side of the hall

(no minas were harmed in this scene)

things are moving too fast for him to see but in his injury induced haze he swears he hallucinates the image of his mother reaching for him before passing out

when he wakes up again it's to a destroyed foyer and his crying baby in his Kit's arms who looks a lot worse for wear

so the fight had been real. he definitely didn't imagine that

But he soon comes to the realization that he must have imagined his mother in someone else's stead, coming to protect him. How pathetic of him. He'd have to thank them later.

He hasn't spotted the unsheathed Jian coverd in ichor on the left side of the room yet.

For a couple of minutes he takes deep breaths. It was over.

He's as calm as he could get under his circumstamces

But it's Kit's disgruntled throwaway comment that shatters all semblance of peace he's found

"What the heck? Wenyu never told me she could fight like that!"

(amidst it all, young brown eyes and golden ones meet over Kit's shoulder)

Back in New York, a desperate redheaded girl was surprised to see another pair of green eyes joining the chaos and helping her fight off Valentine

and maybe, though she'll never admit it to anyone but herself, a long standing heavy weight was now off her shoulders after this day

(and if she felt lighter than she has in a long time, nobody had to know.)

[natshiiii]

Miss Academia Chapter 2: Q26

☆ Pairings: Wooyoung x reader, Minho x reader

☆ Characters: Bodyguard, Bookstore boy, Redheaded, Aunt Jeongie

Warnings: crying, mention of past trauma, swearing Word count: ~ 6.4k

Next Chapter . Masterlist .

Time really flies because, just like that, summer break is over. One day, you were playing badminton with Mom and Dad, having a picnic at the coast nearby, swimming in the sea, trolling around in the forest, trying to spend time with Mom and Dad as much as you could, and now you’re standing outside your house with bags in both hands and both shoulders with your mouth hung open.

Aunt Jeongie sent you a car, and it’s most definitely wrong to call it just car. You’ve only seen a car like this in movies. A shiny, dark navy-coloured Bentley Brookland, and mind you, this is just to get to you to the railway station.

A smart guy in his late 30s with a proper suit and tie, and his hair styled properly came out of the driver's seat. There was an aura around him. He looked so polished, it's so obvious that he’s not from here.

“What is going on here?” Your eyes widened as you heard the infuriating voice of the nosy neighbour in her late 50s who just opened her gate on the opposite house and came out. You check your watch in bafflement, it’s still 5 in the morning. No one’s usually awake at this time here. You specifically chose the time, so the attention of the town is not on you.

Because you live in a small town on the outskirts, everyone knows everyone’s business. Yes, everything, and you’re no exception. The rumors and stories that you, yourself, wish you could forget always get brought up by these simple-minded townspeople. Just how could anyone talk about the things that broke a little girl so openly and casually like it’s nothing? It all added to the already weakened mind of little Y/n even more.

Mom and Dad tried everything they could to protect you. Aunt Jeongie herself tried to fix the problem in her own way, which is kind of a funny story for later, but the damage was already done. Even though now the talks about you have lessened a lot, it’s still there.

And guess who is the biggest news reporter and investigator of this town? Absolutely correct, Mrs. Nosy Rosy, who is now crossing the street from the opposite side faster than she listened to your suggestion on getting her joints checked by the doctor. 

You predicted osteoarthritis from an early stage, which is mild pain in the knees when moving, stiffness after sitting for a long time, weak thighs, et cetra et cetra. She did in the end, though, after her condition worsened and surgery was needed.

After months and months of doing everything to keep the news as close and secret as possible, it is now all doomed.

“FUCKKKK!” 

You wish you could scream out. 

“Here comes the investigator,” Mom mumbled before putting on a friendly face. You hate when she does that, but she said, “We don’t know when the time to need help comes.” As if you will ever ask these creatures for their help, and as if they could help anything at all.

The driver guy bowed to you all before speaking, “Good morning. I’m Park Seo Joon, I’m assigned to take care of Miss Y/n.” You recalled him as Jeongie told you. She assigned him to escort you all the way to ‘Haven,’ the city you’ll be spending the next part of your life in. Seojoon introduced himself with a charming smile, holding his hand out. Your mom was about to take his hand when “Take care of Miss Y/n?” Oh my god, that voice. Deep breath, Y/n, deep breath.

Seojoon glanced between Nosy and you. “Ye..s,” He replied hesitantly, unsure of what was going on. “I’m taking her to Ha-” You shook your head with wide eyes. “Ha Ha….hahahahaha” He started fake laughing.

Dafuq

Mom also joined Seojoon, laughing along, still trying to hide it. She signaled you with her eyes to laugh along as well, so you did.“Hahahahaha” in a monotone.

Nosy looked at you three weirdly. “Ha?” She thought for a moment before it clicked. “Haven?” You exhaled deeply in defeat. For someone who didn’t even go to school, she becomes Sherlock at moments like these.

There’s no use keeping it now. If she doesn’t get a satisfying answer, she’ll keep on bothering Mom after you’re gone. “I’m moving.” They all turned to you. “I’m going to study at WILL Academy.” Let’s just put everything out so she shuts up. She gasped with her hand over her mouth. “That’s all.” You said through gritted teeth, eyes turning into a glare, daring her to open her mouth again.

She nodded obediently before slowly walking away. You glared at her until she went inside and closed her door. You just know she is peeking out from the window.

Mom finally took Seojoon’s hand. “M/n M/l/n, she’s…sorry.” “Don’t be. Nosy people are everywhere.” Seojoon replied with a lavishing smile at Mom. Wherever Dad is, he’s definitely looking daggers into this Park Seojoon guy. You moved past them to put your stuff in the trunk. Your hands were about to give out from holding the heavy bags.

“Let me.” Seojoon offered you a hand. “I can manage.” You rejected his offer, which stunned him, you don’t know why, but he still went to grab your other stuff from the doorstep. You walked back after putting the ones you were holding in the trunk, taking the others from him. “I said I can manage.” He watched you with a confused frown, turning to your Mom. She gave him a ‘Yeah, she’s like that.’ smile. 

Jeongie did tell him things about you. He didn’t quite understand it then.

After putting all your things in the trunk, you turned to Mom. Now, being fully aware of the situation.

This is it.

You won’t see her for a long time. You won’t be able to see her face or be in her presence. Who will hug you before going to school? Or coming back after a long day? Or before going to bed? Who will make you laugh? Even if you don’t show any cheery expressions or laugh often now, it always comes easily with her. And the little you were able to laugh and smile will also be gone. Who will make you all those delicious foods and eateries? You blinked the tears that started to pool in your eyes. How will you even survive alone?

You pulled her into a tight hug. Mom was shocked that you hugged her first before hugging you back just as tight. Tears pooled in her own eyes as she felt your tears on her shirt. 

You both just stood there hugging, taking in the moment as much as you could.

But you would be standing here all day if you don’t let go now. The longer you stay, the harder it’ll get. You loosened the hug, looking at her face. This is why you tried to keep it in, seeing her sad or worried always breaks your heart. Taking her face, you wiped her tears, which caused her to let out a little chuckle. “Call me every day.” She said to you shakily, still trying to give you the loveliest smile. You nodded, smiling back at her. “Every day,” You confirmed. She gave you a kiss on your forehead, wiping your tears as well. “Whenever, okay?” She knows that you try to keep everything to yourself, not wanting to worry her or anyone. You nodded before turning to Dad, who was standing near the door. 

He was looking anywhere but at you. Dad doesn’t talk much, just like you. Still, you two enjoy each other's company. Mom gave you a little push, so you walked to him, taking him by surprise when you hugged him, tears continued flowing down your face. You still love him very much. He stood there frozen for a moment before patting your back awkwardly. Mom shook her head with an amused smile. 

When you let go, he shuffled your head softly, which shocked you. Tears fill your eyes even more. 

He hasn’t done that in a long time. 

“Take care of yourself. Call me, Mom, or Jeongie if anything happens. We’ll get there right away.” You nodded with a soft chuckle, blinking away and wiping the annoying tears that kept blurring your vision. “You both take care of yourselves, too.” “Don’t worry about us, hon.” Mom said, “Now go on.” She pushed you, even if she also wished you could stay a little longer.

Your feet felt heavy as you forced yourself to move to the car. Seojoon was holding the door of the back seat open. You resisted the urge to turn back around and hold her once again. 

You know, what? Fuck it. You won’t see them for a long time. It’s now or never, so you turned around, running back to hug both of them one more time before quickly getting in the car. Waving to them until they were out of sight as more tears flowed down your face non-stop. 

That was when Dad finally let go, letting out a soft sob in Mom’s hold. “How will she live?” “Isn’t this too early?” For him you’re still the little girl who didn’t know how to tie her shoes properly.

They’ve been thinking about your future for a long time, knowing how you don’t fit into the basic education system or the society here, but they didn’t think the time would come this fast. Your talent and love for learning can’t be fulfilled by this place, they know it, and if Haven can provide you with all those things, they’d wholeheartedly let you go even if it’ll be very hard. 

//

After an hour and a half of the car ride, you reached the railway station. You watched as your hometown disappeared. Your town is away from all the city chaos. People live a slow life and move with the flow there. You’d have to adjust a lot in Haven.

You were now standing awkwardly on the side, watching as the station workers loaded your stuff onto the train’s VIP zone. You tried to do it yourself again, but Seojoon stopped you this time.

“She may not be used to our way of…doing things,” Sejeong told him.

He cleared his throat, thinking how to explain it to you. “That is not your work, Miss.” You frowned at him confusedly, so he continued. “Uhh…that’s not how things work for where you’re going.”

“You mean I can’t do my own things in Haven?” That just sounds stupid. “Well, how you put it sounds… You just let workers do their job, you know? While you should be… comfortable.” This is his first time explaining someone how to live Haven’s life.

You’ve heard about it from Jeongie. Like, what do you mean there’s always someone doing things for you? And you just sit there like a master? No, thank you. You do not want that for yourself. You don’t need anyone’s help. Why won’t you do it on your own? When you are blessed with both hands and legs.

The inner of the VIP zone was exquisite and very luxurious. You had no idea these parts even existed on trains. Aunt Sejeong always manages to leave you speechless with her extravagant ways. You understand Dad’s disapproval. It’s just impractical to spend this much on every single thing, but that’s just their lifestyle, I guess.

You watched the scenery out of the window, as trees and greeneries turned into buildings until you fell asleep. Yes, you slept almost the whole way. Only waking up for the breakfast and lunch meal that was prepared for you specifically. You haven’t been able to sleep properly in the past week from being excited and rather nervous about the changes you’ll be facing in the near future.

[6 hours later]

“We’ve arrived, Miss Y/n,” Seojoon said, poking your arm from the opposite seat. Rubbing your eyes, you sit back straight. Where did this pillow come from? You looked up at Seojoon to see him smiling proudly. You slung your hand carry bag over your shoulder, and moved to the train exit. Forgetting to prepare yourself, your eyes widened as you got off, your sleepy daze completely gone. You were blown away by how large and grand this station was. Blinking your eyes, and reminding yourself where you’ve arrived.

“...Distinguished guests, welcome to Haven, enjoy your stay...”

An elegant woman's voice announced from the loudspeaker of the station. The place was buzzing with all these actually distinguished guesses. Everyone here was in their best attires, looking all classy and stylish. You felt completely out of place in your simple track shorts, white hoodie, and track shoes to be travel friendly.

You waited with your carriage trolley as Seojoon went to contact the car-keeping booth for Jeongie’s car he parked here when he was going to receive you. You don’t understand why he had to sit on the train 6 fucking hours back and forth, which is 12 hours, plus driving to your home and back 3 more hours added, and you don’t know how far away Jeongie’s mansion is, so basically he had to travel 15 and more hours for you. 

It makes absolutely NO SENSE. You feel sorry for him. But since you can’t do anything about it now, let’s appreciate and be thankful.

You stood there, not knowing what to do, feeling eyes on you.

Reminder: You’re not poor, just from a middle-class family, an ordinary one.

You didn’t look bad at all, though, cause literally, who wears such an elegant but so not easy-to-breath corset top while traveling? Not that you’ve worn them before, but you’ve definitely heard about it. You weren’t sure if you should appreciate the fashion and ways of dressing up of each individual first or the station’s interior designs. You decided to do the latter.

Looking around, there were many shops inside the grand station, convenience stores, drug stores, souvenirs, restaurants, and…a bookstore?! 

A gasp left your mouth at seeing the huge bookstore, heart picking up its pace. You started shaking your leg frantically and biting your lips to control and contain yourself. Where is Seojoon? He better come back right now, or you won’t be able to resist yourself. 

Fuck it, he can wait cause you can’t.

You dragged your luggage trolley to the bookstore, leaving it for one of the station guards to look after it for you. Seojoon told you that Haven is a very safe city. You doubted him then, but right now, you couldn’t care less about your belongings.

You walked around the beautiful store, looking from the magazine zone to the kid’s section, art, novels, and the most exciting section, the Academic zone *glitter sound effect, specifically Biology. How do you even describe this feeling? You did a thing with your hand in excitement before putting it over your mouth to stop yourself from squealing. You were about to combust from the thrill. You moved closer to the shelve to look at all the new untouched textbooks. 

‘Essential Cell Biology, Make sense of life, Invertebrates, Raven Biology of Plants, Microbiology, Environmental Science…’ So many new things. How will you be able to finish them all at once?

You reached forward to grab the one that caught your eye. ‘Atlas of Human Anatomy,’ but just as you did, another hand came to grab the same one, making the hand hold over yours and the book. Your eyes widen the slightest of the slightest in surprise, seeing the veiny hand that was on top of yours.

Turning your head to the side, you see a pretty boy around your age turned to look at you as well. He was wearing a black leather jacket and accessorizing it with some necklaces. His dark hair was falling over his eyes. He didn’t look like the type to be in a bookstore and definitely not in the academic zone.

You didn’t notice him after entering and seeing this heavenly section. So, without you knowing, too lost in your fantasy, he saw the thing you did in excitement from the corner of his eyes. But he was also focusing on the books from his favorite subject. After scanning them, he found an interesting-looking one, so he reached forward at the same time as you. Or maybe a millisecond slower than you.

He was slightly surprised himself, turning to look at the owner of the delicate hands.

Both of you remained silent, only gazing at each other, and dare you say it made you feel like the world outside quieted down.

After a moment of just gazing...intensely gazing at each other, he scanned you up and down. He looked back up at you before pulling on the book lightly, expecting you to let go, but you didn’t. You tightened your hold on the book, eyes turning back sharp. He narrowed his eyes at you, pulling again, but you still didn’t let go. “I took it first,” He spoke up. “Clearly, I took it first.” You retorted back. Your hands were holding the book fully under his that was partial on yours and the book.

~

Seojoon’s eyes widened, looking around frantically as he didn’t see you where he left you.

“Shit”

He just went to grab you and himself some croissants after getting the car key since you two ate lunch on the train at noon, which was an hour ago. “Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck” He cursed under his breath while searching for you frantically everywhere in the station. “Sejeong would kill me.” 

“Where could you be?” “Food? Ice cream? Bar? No, you idiot, she’s underaged. Clothes?… Bookshop?” Then it clicked as he remembered what Sejeong had said. “She loves reading… very passionate about learning… that’s why she got into WILL so easily…”

“Books!” He exclaimed before clearing his throat awkwardly from getting some looks his way.

He put a hand on his chest, sighing in relief as he saw your trolley outside the bookshop. He went in, but as he looked around, his eyes widened again as he saw you and a boy fighting over a book.

~

“Let go.” The boy said with a slight firmness, glaring at you. “You let go. Do you even know what book this is?” You argued. He scoffed at the insult before one side of his lips curled up into a smirk.

‘Didn’t expect a cute face to have a sharp tongue.’

He turned fully towards you, tightening the hold on the book and your hand. Tilting his head to the side. “Say that again?” He dared you, stepping closer to you. You glared up at him, determined not to back down while taking steps back to keep the distance between you two. 

Gladly, you emphasized every word of your question. “Do you even know what book this is?” His brow raised at you accepting his dare, lips turning up again. “Be careful, young lady.” “Or wh-”

“Y/n!” You turned to the side to see Seojoon rushing towards you. Your hands loosened from getting distracted, which gave the boy the chance to snatch it away. You gasped slightly, turning back to see him smirking evilly at you before walking away with the book.

Minho could feel your glare burning into the side of his face as he paid for the book.

Seojoon watched you in disbelief before grabbing another copy of the textbook.

Oh.

…still, you grabbed it first. You saw it first.

‘Like aunt like niece.’ Seojoon thought with a shake of his head.

The boy turned around to look at you one last time, and before going out of sight...

The bastard winked at you.

You scoffed, upper lips curling in disdain.

//

You walked out of the bookstore with your heart feeling filled, holding a new Bio book. You argued with Seojoon that you just wanted to have a look at it. But the way your eyes glowed and weren’t emotionless as you looked inside the textbook, he just had to buy it for you.

You walked beside Seojoon as he dragged your trolley out of the station. You waited alone again as Seojoon went to grab the car from the parking lot.

You’ve come to Haven before to visit Jeongie, but you were very little back then, so you don’t remember much about the city. As you grew up, Mom, Dad, and Jeongie all became more busy with their work. You only got to talk with Jeongie on the phone, or she was usually the one who came to visit you, but only once in a while.

You miss her a lot, too bad she’s busy today as well, so she couldn’t make it. She’d do anything for you, and from how excited she sounded every time she called to update you about your moving and WILL stuff, you just know she would’ve left everything to come for you today, so the fact that she couldn’t make it means the work is exceptionally important today.

You leaned forward on the trolley handle, looking at the city structure. It’s completely different from your hometown. Instead of looking far away to see fields and trees, it’s all these beautiful classically designed buildings. Even the word beautiful sounds inadequate for describing this place…

Magnificent

Yes, magnificent, that’s the word for it.

After a while, you saw Seojoon in the clear window view of a maroon jaguar, driving closer to the station's front. It looks exactly like the small car model Dad collects but enlarged into a real car. You're like living your Dad’s dream right now, getting to see all these beautiful cars. You wish your camera wasn’t in your luggage so you could take a picture to show it to Dad later when you go back. 

See? You haven’t even been here for an hour, and you’re already thinking about going back, this is going to be harder than you assumed.

You dragged your carriage trolley to the ramp on the side of the huge stairs, ticking your head at the slope and the heavy trolley before slowly dragging the trolley down the ramp.

You put in as much strength as you could to not let the trolley drag down on its own, but as you went down, you started losing control. Why? Physics, everybody~ stop! This is not the time to think about the fraction and force needed to apply to resist this freaking trolley. You scrunched your nose as you pulled on the trolley with all the strength you could gather. “S..tay”

And as if Mother Nature had heard your struggle, a hand came to hold the handle beside you, slowing the trolley down. You didn’t get to look to the side, focusing on continuing your way down safely first. You breathe out in relief as you reach the flat ground.

You turned to the side to thank the person politely, but the person was gone. You frowned, narrowing your eyes to find the person in the crowd. 

Then you saw it...

the black leather jacket.

Oh.

Before you could think much further, Seojoon came to take the trolley from you, bringing your attention back. “Why didn’t you wait?” He scolded you lightly.

Why didn’t you wait?

You shrugged. You thought could do it on your own.

//

And now, you were standing at the side with your arms crossed, like a grumpy kid who didn’t get the ice cream flavor they asked for, glaring as Seojoon loaded your stuff into the trunk. He begged you to just let him do his work.

You gave up right away, not liking him begging you at all.

Then a car passed by in front of you, and guess who was inside looking back at you with an amused look? 

Bookstore boy.

Your already bad temper elevated even more, jaw tightening to see him looking at you like that. Your eyes followed as he went out of your line of vision. 

Turning back to the front, Minho let out a chuckle, poking his inner cheeks.

“What?” Felix asked curiously. 

“Met a fiery girl.”

//

“They’ll get your bags to your room.” Seojoon was about to go in with you, but you stopped him. “I seriously think I can manage from here.” You resisted because he did enough too much for you today. “Go rest, Seojoon.” You said stoically but caring.

Yes, you have feelings. Surprise~

You could tell how tired he was from the journey.

Seojoon sighed. “Fine, the key to your room is at the reception. Here’s my number call me whenever you need.” He high-key knew that you wouldn’t, but at least he tried. You took his card, thanking him. Seojoon waited for you to get inside safely before driving away.

You were so tired from the long journey but became wide awake as you turned around to actually look at the condo, and this was only the outside.

Are you even in the right place? You looked up at the big letters.

‘Golden Hour’ 

Okay, maybe it’s just the outer. 

Nope, it wasn't just the outer design. You were flabbergasted for the thousandth time today by how luxurious it was. You rubbed your eyes in disbelief, and the smell, GOD. Are you in heaven? You circled around yourself to look at everything. There were massive chandeliers in the middle of the lobby area and many sooo comfortable-looking armchairs on both sides of the long carpet you were standing on, which was laid from the entrance all the way up to the reception table.

You didn’t think Dad would choose such a costly place, but you doubt there even is a place that looks normal. And by that, you mean your level of normal, not Haven’s. You felt like crying again, so taking a deep breath, you made your way to the reception table. And yep, the residents were glancing your way as if you’re an interesting creature, they’ve never seen before

Clearing your throat, you spoke up hesitantly, “Hi…Room for Y/n…Y/n Y/l/n.” Maybe you’re really in the wrong place.

The receptionist looked up from the computer. Damn, she’s pretty as hell. She scanned you up and down. I’m sorry, this is not a place for commoners like you. Would she say it? Definitely, and maybe it's better to hear that than to actually live here.

Recognisation came over her, and she smiled. “Yes, Miss Y/n, I was expecting you. You’re right on time. Miss Sejeong informed me that you’ll be arriving soon. Your room is ready, let me guide you.” You relaxed at the warm welcome, nodding with your lips pressed together, trying to give her a polite smile. She stood up, guiding you to the grand ballroom stairs. “I’m Liz, heard that you’re going to the famous WILL Academy?” You snapped your head to her. 

How did she kno-

Oh.

You remember Jeongie is really friendly with literally anyone she comes in contact with, so you nod in response.

“Congratulations, I also heard you got the 2nd highest score. You must be really proud.” She said while guiding you up the ballroom stairs to your floor. Who else have you announced this news to, Jeongie?

Something pricked inside you at hearing 2nd. The rank has never once been referred to you up until now.

“Thank you,” You replied simply, feeling kinda overwhelmed to say or think about anything else from the long journey, and Liz seemed to understand your body language, remembering what your aunt said.

“…She might feel too overwhelmed by then, and also she has this...kinda rough personality? So pleaseee don't mind her. Take care of her for me while I’m not there. I feel so bad. These idiots keep stuffing work…”

“This is your room, Q26,” Liz handed you the key to your room, a small golden key with a heart at the top. ‘Q26’ written on one side, and ‘The key to happiness’ on the other. “If you need anything, I’ll be at the reception table. Welcome to ‘Golden Hour,’ enjoy your stay.” 

“Thank you, Liz.” You smiled slightly at her before she walked off with her own smile in response. You looked back down at the key in your hand. This will be your new home for a while. “The key to happiness, huh?”

“Happiness.” You repeat the word in a whisper, staring blankly at the key.

After you have no idea how long, you blink back, remembering where you are. You prepared yourself before twisting the key and opening the door extremely slowly.

A gasp left your mouth as you walked in, a queen-sized bed in the middle, a beautiful orange lamp on the bedside table, a study table with bookshelves ready for you to fill it, and a large glass door connecting to the balcony with the perfect city view. You removed your shoes before walking further in. A closet room with more space than the clothes you have, kitchen, dining table, big ass bathroom with bathtub, and a glass shower.

Everything you need and more is here for you.

Quickly moving your bags and suitcases inside the room from the carrier that bellboy delivered for you, you took out your flip phone from your bag, deciding to call Mom because you can’t handle this all alone.

“Mama…do I even deserve this?” 

“Hey! Baby, don’t say that. Of course! You deserve it…” She reassured you. “I know you and whatever you’re thinking, so get rid of it. If Dad spend this much on you, he wouldn’t want it all to go wasted by you thinking you don’t deserve it. Do you understand me?” Mom said firmly. “…Yes,” You said poutingly. 

You told her every single detail from the meal you had to the bookstore bastard. When you were done talking, you checked the time. 

[15:20]

Tired, but still wanting to move in properly, you decided to take out your belongings, clear all the bags, and decorate the room to give it a more home feeling. 

[17:07]

After taking out the last bag of your shoes and putting them on the rag, you plopped down on the floor. “Ye-” *stomach growls “..s” You ate the croissant Seojoon bought.

After eating, you took a cold shower to get rid of all the bacteria and sweat, putting on your PJs, which is the crochet set Mom knitted for you this summer, specifically for you to take them with you. It was a multi-colored crop top and mini shorts. You put them on while tearing up again.

“Although loneliness has always been a friend of mine, I’m leaving my life in your hand~”

You sang along with the radio while also crying ugly, missing Mom. Good job to the person who chose the song at such a perfect moment. You cried yourself to sleep and slept like death from the adventurous day.

The academy starts in 2 days, and you don’t think you’ll go out of this place until the academy starts.

[Next morning]

“Seojoon?”

“You/I don’t have anything to eat?” You both said at the same time, which stunned you. “I’m waiting outside.” “Right now?” You asked in disbelief. “Yes”

Wow. How?

You wake up the next morning. Opening your eyes, you were shocked to see an unfamiliar environment before remembering where you were. You rubbed your puffy eyes from crying last night and pushed yourself off the bed to do your morning yoga to wake your mind and body before hopping into a quick shower. You throw on your grey cropped zip-up hoodie & low-rise shorts set. Like you said, you didn't expect to go anywhere today, but as you opened the refrigerator to find yourself some breakfast, it was empty. 

Not a single fly to feed the hungry girl.

You opened all the cupboards to find they were all empty. So, you have to buy everything yourself? Well, this is actually the first thing that makes sense since you came here, but how will you go out alone in this unfamiliar, big, scary city? You haven’t seen anything scary yet, but still, it’s a big city, and some things have to happen here. You’ve watched all those crime documentaries with Mom and read many yourself, so yeah, you’d never go out alone. 

But you can’t starve to death, right? You didn’t even get to open the new Atlas book you got, so you decided to call Seojoon.

As Seojoon drove back yesterday, he remembered that there wasn’t any food or utensils, as Liz informed him, so he drove to you early in the morning to assist you.

You already had long sleeves on, so you only grabbed your crossbody denim bag with the necessary stuff and walked out, locking the door. You looked around in awe as you made your way down to the lobby since yesterday you were too tired to look carefully at the details.

You're basically a princess right now, living in this castle-like place. Except for the fact that you don't have a tiara or any puffy dresses or a Prince Charming or a pet or...

Okay, maybe not.

You greeted Liz before going out.

You were completely out of place again, but who cares when you're still stylish and look good in your own way?

//

“The World Mall?”

Seojoon took you to the mall in Haven, which he said has everything you want inside, from the kitchenware, dishes, and all the groceries.

The mall was, of course, no exception in its grandness. There were more teenagers here, but even then, their fashions were no less than the adults, and, to be honest, you could say it’s even more over the top than what you saw at the train station. This is basically like a gathering place for all the spoilt brats with their Mommy and Daddy’s money.

You were blinded by all these sparkly glittery dresses, and not just that but elevate it even more with fur coats. Am I in Hollywood? What fabrics even are these crop tops and skirt sets? But they look expensive for sure. Chanel, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and many more high-fashion outfits.

Just…Woah.

“Are we at a fashion show?” You leaned closer to ask Seojoon, to which he chuckled. “This is normal, especially with teenagers.”

You thought you looked good, you do, but…*sighs deeply. What are you supposed to think? When they’re staring at you as if they’ve never seen a normal teenage girl with her cute little outfit that you don’t think is available for sale anywhere in Haven. These high-class humans probably don’t even wear these comfortable clothes in their sleep.

The old Y/n would’ve cared a lot, you now? *Buzzer sound effect.

So you ignore them. You’ve always been stared at everywhere you went since you were little, no joke. Even from the people who don’t know you or any of your horrible past stories, which is really, really weird.

You remember being extremely self-conscious. Always had a feeling like someone was watching you, even though you were…alone. Yes, it was terrifying, thinking back still gives you shivers. You’ve recovered from it on your own as you started caring less.

You pretended to not care until you realised that you weren’t pretending anymore.

Mom always says that it’s because you’re attractive, your mannerisms, and blah blah blah. *Flicking your hair back sassily while walking past everyone staring. 

There’s no way.

You’re not insecure, let’s make that clear. You just don’t like when people only look at what is shown and not what really is inside. But that’s actually a benefit for you because that’s why you chose to hide everything and turned into this person.

As you make your way up the stairs to the Home and appliances area, you can see them gossiping and whispering to each other while staring at you.

There is something in common between this city and your town, after all. But something was missing, though, there weren’t any pity or disdain expressions on their faces. It was more like…surprise? Curious?

Whatever, you’re here for grocery shopping, so let's focus on getting that done. Bzzzz bzz~ Seojoon took his phone out from his pocket.“Oh! I gotta take this call… very important, but nothing for you to worry about cause it’s totally nothing to do with you, I promise…uh..so look around, I’ll be back.” You stood still in your place.

So he’s going to act totally not suspicious like that and leave you alone here just like that? “O...kay”

You grasped your hands together in front, walking awkwardly into the kitchen zone while looking around at all the kitchenware that seems more fitting for the royalties than you.

After a couple of minutes of looking around mindlessly, you felt tappings on your shoulder, so you turned around to see “Jeo-Jeongie!” Your face lit up, hugging her right away in surprise and excitement and didn’t know how to act from the suddenness. “Tiger~! I missed you so much, my baby. How have you been?”

“I don’t know.” You replied, mind going blank, so surprised to see her after what? A year? Or more. “I knew he was acting suspicious.” You pointed at Seojoon. “Totally nothing to do with you.” They chuckled at your imitation of him in a deep tone. “Let me have a look at my tiger.” She turned you 360 degrees, scanning you before cupping your face, mushing your cheeks. “You grow so fast every year. Prettier and prettier than the last time I see you. Look at you, almost a grown lady now.”

You two walked hand in hand, catching up, and shopping together while Seojoon was like the Dad, third wheeling you two, and getting bullied by Jeongie. They seemed very close to each other, very close.

After hours of hanging out, walking around, eating, and shopping, it was time to say goodbye. “We’re only 30 minutes away from each other now, so don’t be sad. Call me whenever you want anything, okay?” She flushed you with kisses which made you make a disdainful expression. “Okay… okay! That’s enough, I’m not dying. bye.” “Bye, see you soon, tiger.” She faked crying while waving her hand dramatically which made you smile in amusement before copying her.

You held half of the bags while Seojoon held the other half. He’s not arguing anymore since you said that you're comfortable this way.

You made your way out of the mall just as a group of boys walked in.

Your shoulder brushed with the redheaded one, causing him to turn his head from talking to his friends to you, but before he could see your face, you had already walked past him.

His eyes followed your figure, slowing down on his track. One of his hands came out of his jeans pocket to rub his neck while checking you out.

Ticking his head to the side at the new but very ho-good-looking fashion. “Someone caught your eyes, buddy?” San teased, wrapping his hands around Wooyoung’s shoulder, bringing his attention back. Wooyoung phewed, adjusting his fashion glasses. 

“I...” He breathed out, not knowing what to say.

‘Who are you?’

[ozimagines]

Hello, so I had a weird brain wave inspired by your Shannon O'Reilly post: would you be interested in a "dating includes" between Shannon O'Reilly and Gloria Nathan? Not sure how they would even meet up but idk maybe it starts out as an elaborate revenge scheme against Ryan that turns into something more or maybe it happens after Gloria quits Oz??? Idk, I had the thought and thought that maybe you would be interested. If not that is completely understandable and I hope that the rest your day goes well. Thank you

Oh fuck yes I’m a girls girl now and forever, and in every sense of the word. Shannon deserved better, and even though I liked Ryan and Gloria on the show, the power imbalance always felt weird. (Plus they made out while his brother was being executed. Like… what.)

It’s taken me forever on this one because I started writing it with my then girlfriend in mind but we broke up and even though it was amicable and we’re both in better places with our addictions and mental health now, it still hurt to think about. She was just the coolest chick in the world. She was a redhead curvy sapphic 70s girlie with a mullet and a glass eye with a star as the pupil. Just the absolute coolest lady you’ll ever meet. She texted me the other day and I got such good feelings I wanted to finally finish this piece. Miss my girl Emily, but I’m so glad we kept each other in our lives. ❤️

Gloria Nathan dating Shannon O’Reily would include…

“I just left my wife. I wanted to tell you, Gloria, I love you…” Ryan finished with a small smile, expecting her to be so smitten with him that she couldn’t take it.

She wasn’t.

“O’Reily, you’ve gotta be out of your fucking mind.” She turned away, and he grasped at her sleeve, desperately.

“But Gloria!”

“But nothing. Have the life you deserve, O’Reily, and remember you only have it because of me.”

She pulled away in disgust and exited the hospital wing with Ryan calling after her.

She had to clear her head. This wasn’t happening. It just wasn’t. Her heart ached.

Even though she didn’t love Preston anymore, he was still gone now, because of her. Because of O’Reily’s feelings for her. She broke down and cried.

“Dr. Nathan?” Some woman’s voice called from over her. She looked up and saw Ryan’s now ex wife standing there, furious.

“Mrs. O’Reily- I mean…”

“Sullivan, now.” Was all Shannon said to acknowledge her divorce. Dr. Nathan nodded, but felt her chest feel tight. As much as O’Reily ruined her life, she couldn’t imagine spending fifteen years on him only to have it shoved back at her like unwanted waste. Gloria wanted to say a million things to her, but she wasn’t sure they would fall on sympathetic ears.

“Heard my ex husband had yours killed. He had him killed so he could be with you, right?”

“…” Gloria’s eyes were big, blinking away more tears and heart absolutely pounding in her chest. Not for nothing, but Shannon looked like she could pack a punch; a scrapper at heart. “…yes.”

Shannon nodded, before looking over her shoulder, hiding her own weak, tired eyes. She suddenly looked back, still furious, and grabbed Dr. Nathan’s arm and pulled her towards her own chest.

Gloria was instantly terrified until she realized she was in a forceful hug. Shannon sniffed in, a shaky, labored breath.

“I’m so fuckin’ sorry, love.”

Gloria was absolutely confused. She’d expected a fight over the man she didn’t even want, but Shannon just cried with her, tears falling on her shoulder, her heart open and anxious for Gloria to know that she didn’t wish her any ill will.

Gloria cried on the woman’s shoulder.

Shannon Sullivan pulled back and looked at Gloria Nathan, big green eyes to big brown eyes.

“I’m so sorry that bastard tried to ruin your life.”

“I’m sorry he tried to ruin yours.” Gloria sympathized. She knew Shannon didn’t have anyone in her life killed but she built a life with a man who threw her away so quickly, like she was nothing to him.

“You gotta promise me something, hon.”

“Yes, Miss O- Sullivan?”

Shannon’s eyes went hard and icy.

“Don’t let him.”

“What?”

“Don’t let him ruin your life.” Shannon shook away a tear. Gloria nodded, so Shannon turned her back to go.

“Miss-“

“It’s Shannon, love.”

Gloria blushed.

“I’m Gloria.”

Shannon smiled a little, a twinkle in her eye.

“Cute name.”

“Thanks.” Gloria tried to find her word with Shannon’s green eyes boring into her soul, her heart fluttering in her chest. “I wanted to ask you… maybe to coffee, or a cafe anyway-“

“I’m partial to whisky.” Shannon responded, taking a cigarette out of her pocket and lighting it, offering the pack up to Gloria, who declined, politely. “Oh, right, you’re a literal doctor. Anyway, yes, I’d love to get a drink with you later, on one condition.”

“Anything.” Gloria said, but realizing how awkward it sounded, balked and retracted the statement. “I mean, yeah, sure… what’s the condition?”

“You bring your shit talk and we’ll fuckin’ rip that bastard a new one.” She winked at Gloria and turned to walk away, blowing smoke above her head as she did so.

Gloria, for the first time since her husband was murdered, for the first time since meeting Ryan O’Reily, cracked a small smile.

She met Shannon at McSwaggin’s (think that’s a bar Toby mentions…?)

Shannon had a single of whisky in her hand, and another empty one on the table, the ice in it just barely starting to melt but the whisky being long since removed.

She greeted Gloria by putting out her cigarette, knowing just by her face it made the doctor uncomfortable.

“Whaddya drink, hon?”

“I… I don’t, really.” Gloria lied, as if she didn’t have a bottle of gin by her bedside table to drown out the memory of losing her husband.

Shannon smirked.

“Clear or dark liquor?”

“Clear.”

“Tall or short?”

“Tall.”

“Strong or weak?”

“Strong disguised as weak.”

Shannon barked a short laugh at that and called Ricky, the bartender, over.

“Ward Eight with Redbreast and a Tom Collins with Bombay Sapphire and a pinch more sugar, both with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry.” Shannon ordered, quickly pounding the rest of her straight whisky so he could take the glasses.

“Wow.” Gloria said, as Ricky went to work making their drinks. “You know your stuff.”

“Comes with the territory of alcoholism.” Shannon quipped, and Gloria, for the first time in a while, laughed for real and not just to be polite.

“I’m sorry it’s just-“

“It was a joke… mostly… you were meant to laugh.”

“Then I’m glad I did.”

They chatted about normal things, avoiding the Irish elephant in the room, until Shannon said;

“So, did the prick tell you I’m barren?”

“I… yes, he did.”

Shannon’s face had the barest form of acknowledgement but she continued as if she wasn’t fucking hurting inside.

“Stayed with me through that. Stayed with me through his brother’s accident and his cancer and everything, but as soon as you showed up…” she choked down some of her Ward 8. “I don’t mean to sound bitter. I mean, I am, but I don’t mean to sound it.”

“No, you’re alright. I can’t imagine planning on spending my life with a man and having him just gone one day.”

“I mean…” Shannon started. “You can imagine it a little.”

“How… shit!” Gloria had forgotten all about Preston and immediately felt guilty for it. She put her head in her hands and Shannon laughed awkwardly.

“So you two weren’t real close towards the end.”

Gloria explained the affair with Tim and the break she and Preston were on. She explained that she loved him once, or she thought she did at least. She was filled with all of these complex emotions at his murder. Anger and sadness and guilt and…

“…relief.” She breathed, catching a tear as it fell. Shannon rubbed her shoulder.

“I get it. I felt that too a little when Ryan left me. Lots of anger and sadness but a little relief at not having to belong to him anymore. It’s scary to be on your own, but it’s nice to belong to yourself.”

“That’s a good way to put it.” Gloria sniffed, taking a too large sip of her Tim Collin’s. The extra sugar was a good touch. Made the gin go down smoother.

“You wanna do some shots?” Shannon asked, gulping the rest of her Ward 8. Gloria laughed, genuinely laughed, at the absurdity of drinking with her husband’s murderer’s ex. She agreed, though, if only so she didn’t have to feel her grief anymore.

Five shots in is where Gloria’s demeanor broke, and she was grinning like an idiot.

“Wh-what was that *hic* one c-called?” Gloria asked after taking a beige, peachy, pineappley shot down. Shannon just giggled salaciously.

“You wouldn’t like it…”

“C’mon!” She pushed Shannon’s shoulder.

Shannon was worlds better about holding her liquor, but it was fun to see the stoic doctor facade break, if only because of Mr. Alcool, as it were.

“What’s it called?” Gloria put her hands on Shannon’s arm, and little Elyria sparks shot over her body.

Shannon giggled and made heavy eye contact.

“It’s a Juicy Pussy.”

Gloria’s eyes went wide and she blushed wildly. Shannon laughed at her scandalized expression.

“Told you, you wouldn’t like it.” She chuckled and shot back her own drink of the same name. “Probably your first time tasting pussy.” She giggled. “That would really get Ryan.”

“What would?”

“If we…” she made a vague scissoring gesture with her hands. “Y’know…”

It took Gloria a second to catch up.

“Hmm. Yeah, that’d be ironic, huh? Leaves you and kills my husband to get to me and I go for you instead.” She shook her head and sipped a water glass Shannon had insisted she drank as a chaser. She played with the thin straw around the top, the idea sounding less and less absurd as the drink penetrated her mind. “Shit…”

“What’s shit?”

“I mean… do you really want to get Ryan back for everything?”

“Of course.” Shannon answered without hesitation. “Why, you wanna blow in his IV?”

“No, but I have something else that would fuck with him. We’d only have to pretend in Oz, outside you could still be whoever you wanted.”

“Wait.” Shannon laughed at the idea. “You wanna pretend we’re -you and me- hooking up?”

“If it’s too much-“

“Fuck no!” Shannon was grinning ear to ear like a maniac and pushed Gloria’s shoulder. “That’s fuckin’ brilliant, no wonder you’re a doc!”

They agreed together that they’d start their heist the next day, Shannon going to visit Ryan in the hospital ward, where he was still relegated to his bed.

Dr. Nathan entered, pretending everything was normal. She stopped by Ryan’s bed to read the chart of another patient, and of course, Ryan didn’t miss a beat to talk to her.

“Gloria, I’m sorry. I’m so goddamn sorry.”

She ignored him.

“Gloria, look at me, please, I can explain-“

“Oh I’d fucking love to hear this.” Gloria whipped around and stared him down.

He balked for a second.

“Hey… it’s just-“

“Hiya, sugar!” Shannon whipped around the corner wearing that low cut, black top Ryan loved her in, the one with the animal print around the sleeves and neck. Ryan rolled his eyes.

“We’re done, Shannon, I’ve told you.”

“Oh,” she turned to Ryan and regarded him coolly. “I wasn’t talking to you, you gigantic flapping asshole, I was talking to my honey bun.”

Shannon, going a little off-script, but in a way that made Gloria smile genuinely.

“You shacking up with another con?” Ryan asked, sarcastically.

“Nah, I graduated to fuckin’ people with degrees now, douche bag.” She walked over to Gloria and snatching her hand, placing a little kiss on her cheek.

The room sort of stopped and now there were two butthurt individuals; Ryan and Tim (lol)

“what?” Ryan nearly whispered, and now Gloria was beaming ear to fucking ear

Shannon didn’t miss a beat and pounced on him.

“Yeah, she’s sort of on the market as of late, and as luck would have it, so am I.” She threaded their fingers together, playing with Gloria’s ring finger.

“You’ve gotta be fuckin’ shittin’ me.” Ryan’s voice was cracking. Shannon knew she’d gotten him on the run, so she held strong.

“Turns out she does like the Irish, just not you.” She kissed Gloria’s hand and turned it over. “And I got me a thing for pretty brown eyed Latinas.”

Gloria blushed and Ryan flushed.

“Gloria… say it’s not true.”

“I’m sorry, Ryan.” Dr. Nathan said, and after a moment of thought, added; “wait… no, I’m not.”

And it was Gloria’s turn to go off script now, pulling Shannon’s jacket collar to trap her in a kiss.

(This is LARGELY based off of my own coming out story. I kissed my best friend as a joke -she complained no one kissed her at the club so I just pulled her in- and we both realized… holy shit, straight people don’t feel this way when they kiss the same sex. We GAY gay.)

Something magical happened when they kissed.

Their lips fit so perfectly together, their movements natural and fluid. Shannon, feeling the moment, held her hand to the side of Gloria’s face and stroked the cheek with her thumb, sucking on her bottom lip.

Gloria lost her breath, or rather, Shannon stole it, pressing their chests together and feeling their heartbeats sync.

They broke apart what felt like a million years later and a million years too soon.

Their demeanor broke, and just both stared into each other’s eyes, blinking rapidly, trying to understand what happened between them.

Shannon spoke first, turning her head to look at the ground.

“Every time feels like the first time, huh?”

“That’s the truth…” Gloria breathed.

Ryan felt like his heart was ripped out of his chest and stepped on.

They both got their revenge, walking hand and hand to the stairwell corridor.

“Thanks… again… for everything…” Dr. Nathan swallowed thickly, trying to place those feelings that arose during the kiss. She hoped Shannon was doing the same, but she didn’t hold her breath for it.

“Feels like the least I could do, after what that cocksucker did to you.” Shannon shrugged, turning her eyes to the evermore beautiful Dr. Nathan. Her cheeks pinked and she avoided eye contact, taking out another cigarette and lighting it, shakily.

“So… I guess we just do this from time to time to keep up appearances?” Shannon asked, hopeful that Gloria would agree.

“Yeah… for appearances.”

“But we gotta get our movements synced… y’know… for the con.” Shannon turned to face Gloria, the squeak of her leather jacket bouncing off the stairwell walls

“I don’t understand.”

“Well when I do this,” she pulled Dr Nathan in by the collar until their lips were inches from the other, staring down her nose at the big brown eyes that looked back at her. “You gotta do something like this,” she picked up Gloria’s hand and rubbed it against her side, making the fingers hold onto her waist.

Gloria’s face turned beet red.

“Y’know… to make it more… realistic.”

“Yeah… we should practice that- shit, I mean”

“I know what you meant.” Shannon chuckled, releasing Gloria and leaving her with her thoughts, which ping ponged around her mind.

Gloria couldn’t stop thinking about Shannon’s hands or eyes for the rest of the night, and for the first time since Preston was murdered, had a decent night’s sleep.

They kept up the charade at work, meeting on the outside for lunch and dinner… to discuss their con, of course…

They were out to dinner one night, Shannon and Gloria draining a bottle of moscato between them.

“Hey, how does Karaoke sound?”

“If I’m singing; bad.” Gloria giggled, sipping her wine and grinning wildly at her new ‘girlfriend’.

“C’mon, it could be fun.” Shannon prodded, insisting she knew a good, dingy spot.

They piled into an Uber, giggling and discussing what song they would be drunkenly crooning for everyone and their mother to hear.

“What song should we do?” Gloria hiccuped next to the machine. They slipped through song after song after song, not really recognizing any of them. Shannon pointed to a good looking one by Studio Killers.

(Song I came out to…)

“Jenny?”

“Don’t remember this one but I fucking love this group. All Men Are Pigs was my favorite, but they don’t have that one.” Shannon grinned at Gloria, who simpered under her gaze.

When it was their turn, they got on the stage and started singing along.

“Jenny darling, you’re my best friend…”

It wasn’t until five lines in that they realized what the song was about, and their voices faltered for a second as they eyed the other.

Shannon made a choice, she grabbed Gloria’s hand and held it tight.

“I wanna ruin our friendship… we should be lovers instead… I don’t know how to say this… ‘cause you’re really my dearest friend…”

It was a little awkward, but the weirdest part was how natural they felt with the other. By the end, they were belting out the lyrics together, both off key, but having too much fun to care.

They laughed their asses off as the song came to a close, both snorting and cackling like idiots.

They were ushered out of the club, everyone concerned about how they’d be getting home, but Shannon just insisted they’d walk it off.

Still laughing, Gloria, in a moment of odd self assuredness, leaned in and kissed Shannon on the cheek.

Shannon’s faced heated up.

“Oh God… I’m sorry… I just…”

“Do it again, but don’t miss this time.” Shannon said, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

Gloria put her hands on Shannon’s waist, taking it slow, dragging out the process of making her girl know how much she was loved.

They kissed for real, something that made every other kiss feel like an act, their breaths falling in some sweet rhythm, the music of their sighs carrying with the wind through the streets.

They didn’t have to pretend anymore, they just belonged together.

They just sort of slid together after that, meshing their lives.

Even for lesbians, they moved in together fairly quickly.

It was nice, having an all woman house. The temperature was always warm, with fuzzy blankets around. They had a cookie jar they both took turns replenishing.

When they realized they were sapphic, they tried to indulge in media of the same nature. Gloria’s favorite was Las Chicas del Cable, and Shannon was partial to Thelma and Louise.

Their song together was Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko, and a close second was Femininominon by Chappell Roan.

To surprise her one day, Shannon spent a month learning how to play a song on her acoustic guitar, which she’d neglected until that point.

It was Closeface, from Moral Orel, a show that Shannon loved for the crudeness, but that Gloria loved for the message.

“There’s a blurry girl on the end of my nose… her name is Closeface…”

Every time Shannon went to the store, she stopped off at a fruit stand to get some watermelon with chamoy and tajin for Gloria, who always preferred watermelon to mango for some reason.

Shannon liked watching UFC, which put Gloria off a little, but she always taped the fights for her lady.

Shannon was too into horror movies, but pulled Gloria close and covered her eyes during the gross parts, even if she didn’t understand how a doctor could be so squeamish.

Shannon and Gloria preferred dark chocolate, even if Gloria liked the ones with fruit or coconut and Shannon preferred caramel or peanut butter.

She was a Reese’s fiend. Gloria always bought her the comically large cups.

Gloria made Shannon quit smoking

Shannon had a hard time figuring out what to do with her hands, afterwards…

“The fuck am I supposed to do… my hands are shaky-“

Gloria picks her hands up and places them on her breasts.

“I’ll keep your hands busy in other ways.”

They were sitting on the couch once, and Gloria suddenly groaned.

“What, babe?”

“Just got an unsolicited dick pic… now he wants a shot of my vulva.”

“Oh…” Shannon thought a moment. “Send him a picture of mine.”

(My ex and I used to do this…)

“What? Why?”

“See if he notices… bet you ten bucks he doesn’t.”

“…we’re not the same race….”

“My point stands.” Shannon chuckled.

After a moment of getting the right shot without Shannon’s face but clearly of her skin and hair… they sent it… and cackled when he couldn’t tell the difference between Irish pussy and Latina ones.

Gloria was at work one day, smiling and checking her phone and smiling some more. Shannon was sending her memes all day.

Ryan noticed.

“Hey, Gloria…”

“What, O’Reily?”

“I… are you happy?”

“What?”

“With Shannon, I mean.”

“I’m… happier than I’ve been in a long time.”

“…good.” He said after a moment. “And Shannon?”

“I think she feels the same.”

“I’m glad.”

“You’re glad?”

“I fucked you both over. Real bad. I’m glad I didn’t ruin you, or her.” Ryan basically gave them his blessing, so Gloria took it in the spirit with which it was intended.

Shannon knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Gloria, so she found this beautiful ring at a garage sale they both went to, but bought in secret. It was a rose gold opal ring with a little dragonfly on the side.

“Marry me, Glo. Let’s find out what adventures are next.”

“Of course, Shanna Banana.”

They marry at a local garden, plenty of dragonflies. It became a symbol for their relationship.

They foster a little girl with thick black curls and beautiful eyes.

They adopt her within a year. She’s just the most special little something in the world.

Bonus: Shannon prefers DreamWorks while Gloria prefers Pixar. They show their kid a mix, but Shannon pushes Shrek and Gloria pushes Toy Story. For Christmas one year, Shannon gets both her and Angie -their kiddo- a Jessie doll, and Gloria gets Angie and Shannon a little talking Fairy Godmother figure.

[sterek-stiles]

fic rec

Untouchable by Hedwig221b (17k, Sterek, Complete)

The day Stiles Stilinski entered the Berkeley campus was the day all the alphas went absolutely fucking nuts.

See, omegas were rare, even more than redheads. Got to be extremely fucking lucky to even see one in a lifetime. They were supposed to be these ethereal creatures of beauty and elegance, irresistible and blinding.

And Stiles Stilinski was exactly that.

-

This is definitely a fic I would recommend! Derek being obsessed with Stiles is my weakness

[delay33]

Shatter me

A Adamapple fanfiction

Chapter 1 <-

Chapter 2

Tw: this Adamapple fiction is for adults

His burden

His vision began to swim as he lifted the flour from the top shelf. He just managed to avoid making a mess and put the large jar of white powder down on the worktop. With gritted teeth, his claws dug into the top of the sideboard. Tried to normalize his breathing. The magic that had prevented Adam's soul from ripping apart had simply robbed him to much energy. Even now, a week later, hardly any of it was returning.

It was taking a price. Violently and regardless.

Not even he could just do whatever he wanted. The balance between Equilibrium and Chaos had to be maintained. The soul pact was part of it. The other piece was that he was for a while mortal than he'd even been in his life. As long as...

"Ah, your majesty. It is always a pleasure to meet you."

The radio demon's statistic voice raised the hairs on the back of his neck. It was almost as if the bastard was just waiting for him to be alone and not paying attention.

"Tell me, aren't you feeling well?" his tone became more lurking. The air charged with static, filling it with Alastor's sinister magic.

"Aw never mind, pff. Just a little sloppy. I wanted to make pancakes for our new arrival. He just woke up and is still a bit clumsy."

Sheer willpower kept Lucifer from falling for his weakness. Black spots kept dancing across his view. Alastor was the last person he wanted him to know that the ruler of hell was weak. In this state, he would not be able to cast higher magic without losing consciousness for a few days. During this time, he and especially Charlie would be defenseless.

With a far too friendly smile, the redhead strolled around Lucifer and watched him beat the dough.

Lucifer swallowed down the urge to turn around to face him. He was used to Alastor's games by now. The demon was always dancing to shadows to draw his interlocutor out.

"As careful as his daughter, our king. How's he doing? Charlie is already excited to get more help. But you know the others are pretty nervous. Not all of them think it's a good idea to have the man who tried to kill them here," the demon remarked, cleaning his monocle.

Of course, push the others forward. Instead of saying that you absolutely don't like it. The only question was why, did it seem to affect the demon so much? Could he get Adam to keep an eye on the demon?

"Well, they'll have to come to terms. We all have to. But I already have a task in mind for Adam that will keep him on track."

Lucifers stifled a wince as the demon suddenly emerged from the shadows on his other side.

"But of course, how could I think you wouldn't be thoughtful and keep everything in mind, Your Highness."

Alastor's politeness towards him was nothing but a mockery and fueled his rage. However, a power struggle was the last thing he needed right now.

"Yes, and now that we have him as support, there will be a lot less work for you. So you have more free time too. It's a perfect solution."

Whatever happened. Lucifer would not allow Alastor the opportunity to gain power over him and Charlie. He just had to find a way to compensate for his weakness in some other way.

"How clever. Well then, I'll leave you to plan my new free time."

Lucifer breathed a sigh of relief as the presence receded and he was safe to be alone.

Now he could devote himself to his other problem child.

The time would be more than exhausting for him, having two enemies around him at once. And in his immediate vicinity, who were not allowed to notice how weak he currently was. Of course he was magically superior to them. But one false step. One moment of inattention would bring him down. Thousands of demons were just waiting out there, hoping to gain more power. To get their hands on his blood and flesh. True to the motto: the king is dead, long live the king.

Gasping, he slumped to the ground and pulled his knees under his chin. He gave his circulation a few moments' peace. With Adam blocking his bed, he had gotten even less sleep than usual. In the first few days, the wounds had opened up again and again. Healing them was complicated and exhausting. He was simply at the end of his tether and there was no rest in sight. Hoping that Adam would be on his side at some point was by far the most ridiculous dream he could ever have.

Sighing, he stood up again. He would regret it one day, but for now he had to make his guest something to eat.

*

Lucifer carefully placed the tablet on the small bedside cabinet. Unsure what to do next, he scratched the back of his head.

Adam had decided to stare silently in the other direction of the room after another barrage of insults. His eyes showed that his thoughts were not here in reality. His conscience prickled his mind inexpressibly. He should have explained it to him in a different way.

"What are you planning to do to me?" The anger still resonated in Adam's voice, but he seemed to be trying to hold himself back.

"I'm going to guide and help you." He explained tersely. "That's all you need to know right now. Now eat your pancakes. They taste better hot."

"Tz. Yes, exactly because you're a saint and have no hidden agendas. Are you that bored? I didn't know it was a hobby in hell to keep your enemies as pets. That's okay for lesser demons, but you? Damn pervert!"

Lucifer's right eyelid began to twitch in stress. After Alastor, his nerves were hanging by a thread. It was clear he was far from happy to see Adam sitting in his bed and being insulted, but he had no choice in the matter as well. There was no going back for both of them, the price of such magic was too high.

I made you a promise a long time ago, even if you can't remember it... It doesn't really matter.

Lucifer thought wistfully.

"Think what you want. Go and get dressed. The others are waiting for you downstairs. They're very excited that you're going to help Charlie at the hotel. I hear you were a good craftsman on earth. That's why you're the new hotel janitor from now on. Alastor is totally unsuitable for the job."

Adam, who had already stuffed both cheeks, looked at him in surprise. "Wu bufundn unf m huftl?" Lucifer rubbed the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "Yes, we're at the hotel and now swallow!"

"And what the heck is an Alaser? I can't believe I'm supposed to play the bitch for your little princess. Next you'll be telling me that I'm supposed to help you with kinky night games because I'm lying in your fucking bed."

"Alastor, demon, radio - something. You punched him, remember?"

Lucifer asked incredulously, stifling a triumphant grin. Oh, that would drive Bambi up the wall.

Adam thought about it. "Oh, that one. Hehe that was funny, took off like a bitch. Pussy. I gave him a good smack with my guitar." Suddenly the expression in Adam's eyes changed and he began to look around the room.

Confused by the sudden change in mood, Lucifer asked what was going on. The answer surprised him.

"My guitar..." It sounded like a question and a sad realization at the same time. He shook his head sympathetically as he realized how important this thing might have been to him. It was part of his heavenly power and therefore no longer existed. Direct proof of his fall.

"Ah, I see." Adam stared down blankly and pushed the half-eaten plate aside. The awkward silence made Lucifer nervous.

"You're actually in my bed, by the way." He couldn't think of anything better to say in response to the mood.

For a moment, Adam just looked at him, but you could see the cogs in his head start to turn

"WHAT?"

As if stung by a wasp, the brown-haired man jumped up, tangled himself in the sheet and crashed to the floor.

Unimpressed, Lucifer strolled over to the man and looked down at him from above.

"Your condition was critical and I'd never done anything like this before. It was important to keep you close to me and guaranteed your protection. I slept in the office next door during that time. So don't make such a fuss. Your huge body takes up enough space on its own."

With a skillful grip, he helped Adam to stand up and directed the much larger man towards the bathroom.

He set Adam down on the bath rim and began to wet the bandages.

"What are you doing, ey!"

"Stop fidgeting Adam, I want to have a look at the wounds."

,.....................

Chapter 3 (later the day)

Chapter 4 (tomorrow)

[thegrandlinesimp]

Day 1 & 3: Bondage & 'S&M' by Rhianna

A/N: For the @kidlawevents "Bottom Eustass Kid Week", they said all pairings are welcome, so long as Kid is on the bottom, and of course I couldn't pass up the opportunity for more Kid/Killer. I will be posting these weekly every Sunday, I have four more lined up and the last one (free day) is still being written.

Warnings: Bondage (shibari), collaring, flail usage, nipple clamps, cock cage, orgasm denial, Kid struggling to submit but really wanting to so it seems dubious but really isn't, Killer being posessive (if I missed anything let me know)

The Kid Pirates were well aware that their Captain and Vice Captain were in a relationship, though when they found out some had thrown incredibly unsavoury slurs at the same sex couple. Needless to say, those men had long since been fish food after the incident. They knew the two slept together, though it didn’t affect the crew in anyway, if anything it made the commanding duo stronger for it, able to read one another with but a glance. The strength of their near life long bond was part of the reason the crew had made it all the way to the New World.

It was also that very same bond that made them rush to Killer whenever their Captain was in the throws of absolute rage.

Kid had tossed a crew member overboard for a minor accident, it was common, so no one ran to the man’s rescue as he heaved himself back onboard. Heads did rise, however, when Kid promptly kicked the man off the railing he was half slung over, sending him back into the sea.

He was seeing red, entire body tense, wanting to scream at the world, wanting to crush the nearest skull in. Hatred and pain twisted in his heart, wounds of old traumas reopened, the new stump of his arm aching, a sickening reminder of failure. Kid went to kick the man off the ship a second time, some of his crew holding him back even as he dragged them forward with each step, pathetic attempts at keeping the beast at bay. They all suddenly scurried away, and Kid was about to take the opportunity to charge, when two thick arms wrapped around his waist and hurled him off his feet. Kid roared with rage, thrashing and kicking back.

“Captain!”

His teeth clenched, body tensing, breath coming out in ragged pants.

Killer put him down, shoving him so his back slammed into the central mast as crew members rushed forward to help their crew mate up. He could feel the rage rolling off of Killer, eyes - hidden by the striped mask - burning holes into his skin.

“You,” Killer paused, taking a few ragged breaths of his own, “need a reset.”

Kid’s heart clenched as he looked away, shame muffling the pain and hatred coiled in his chest.

He needed to be better, a better Captain, yet he wasn’t strong enough to chase his demons away.

But Killer was.

****

Kid found himself in the same position after dinner, but instead of the mast, his back was pressed against the wall beside the locked cabin door. Killer’s lips worked at his throat as the redhead gnashed his teeth, lips peeled back in an animalistic snarl. He would always fight it, deep in a mindset that he didn’t need anyone’s help, least of all Killer’s. Yet the fingers curled through his hair tightened, his greatest weakness, sending a light shot of pain filled pleasure straight down his spine to his legs. It was usually at this point he began to submit like he wanted to, deep down, but the moment he felt his knees grow weak he thrashed in the blonde’s hold.

“Kid!” Killer pinned him to the wall, hard, glaring at him, “Deep breaths.”

“Fuck off!”

His first mate paused, grip slackening for a second, confused, “You…don’t want my help?”

“I…” he did, he needed it, needed Killer to help set him right, to help him fly, “…all of it.”

“…What?”

“I…” Kid grit his teeth, “I…need…all of it.”

Killer’s grip tightened again, though it was more out of shock than necessity, “…Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” his body relaxed, ever so slightly, as he looked away, “it’s…I-I need…”

Fingers curled through his hair again, tugging gently, “Alright, Captain, let me take care of you.”

After that it was a vague blur of clothes flying, lips meeting so hard that teeth knocked together. Kid was down to his boxers by the time they stumbled to the bed, Killer shoving him down and straddling him.

“Blindfold first, or last?”

Kid didn’t even have to think on that one, “First.”

Everything was already on the bed as usual, Killer always put away whatever wasn’t needed in the end, but tonight was the first time he wouldn’t have to. He reached for the silky red blindfold, Kid tensing and glaring at him on instinct as Killer went place it over his eyes.

“…Colour?”

“Green,” he huffed with a sneer.

He needed this, wanted this, but the walls around his heart and mind betrayed that, closing him off from the ones he cared about. He needed Killer to break those walls, to break him, so completely and utterly, only to build him back up again into the man he was proud to be, not this wild beast that would so freely hurt his loved ones.

The cloth went over his eyes, breath stuttering as it was tied behind his head, heart fluttering briefly with affection when Killer pulled strands of hair loose. Then, for a moment, there was nothing. Silence, peace, save for the waves rolling the ship and the beat of his heart in his ears. His body was still tense, yet his mind was already drifting, relaxing. Killer shifted, climbing off his lap, breaking the light, serene peace, and all of Kid’s mental and emotional defences threw themselves back up once more as he lay there, teeth bared like a wild animal.

Calloused fingers ran down his sides and he growled through clenched teeth, struggling to resist the urge to kick out, knowing it was Killer touching him. His boxers were pulled down, breath stuttering as his cock met the cold night air.

His heart skipped a beat at the rattling of chains, the fingers of his one hand curling tight into the sheets. It took all his willpower to not hunch his shoulders, instead tilting his head back as he half sat up.

“Good boy,” Killer whispered as he fastened the spiked, red collar around his neck.

There was a soft tug on the collar, chain clinking, letting Kid know the leash was already attached. His mind drifted further.

“Who do you belong to?” Killer murmured, giving the leash another tug, “Right now, here, in this room, who do you belong to?”

Kid tensed, gritting his teeth, he was silent for a while, licking his lips and opening his mouth, trying to speak. But the walls, the demons, they wouldn’t let him, an iron hold on his voice that he couldn’t loosen.

A hand grabbed his hair, grip harsh enough to make him hiss, and when his partner spoke, Kid felt the heat of his breath on his face.

“Who do you belong to?!”

He took a breath, “Y-…” licked his lips, body tense, shaking, “y-y-…you.”

“…Good boy,” the grip on his hair relaxed, fingers massaging his scalp, soothing the ache in silent praise, before letting go, “You know what to do,” Killer said.

He could have told him, could have said ‘kneel’ or ‘get on your knees’, but all that would get him was a snarl, sending them both back to square one.

Kid pulled himself up, since his legs had been dangling over the edge of the mattress he knew where it was and moved back from it. The chain rattled as he pulled his knees under himself, kneeling on the bed, bring his arms - or, at least what remained of his left one - behind his back.

“Good boy,” with each little praise his mind slipped a little more, bending to Killer’s whim, “now, open.”

He opened his mouth, cold metal was placed between his teeth, tongue tracing the chain links of the leash as Killer set to work tying him up. Silken rope ran over his skin, tying around his torso, an X between his pecs. It pinned his arms to his back, wrapping around and around his limbs, locking his stump and arm together. Then Killer pushed him back, heart leaping into his throat as he fell. Kid hit the mattress with a grunt, panting as Killer spread his bent legs, tying them so his thighs remained pressed to his abdomen, spread as far as they could go, and calves remained pressed to the back of his thighs, completely immobilising his lower half. His breath hitched as something cold pressed against his ass, and he only got a couple of seconds to relax before the custom made, sapphire plug was pressed into him. The chain moved slightly and Kid relaxed his jaw, letting it go so Killer could pick it up.

“Look at you,” Killer whispered from somewhere in front of him, “imagine what your crew would think if they saw you like this.”

Kid tensed, clenching his teeth.

“Why, some might ask for a turn.”

He growled, throat tightening.

A hand gripped his chin, breath hot on his face, “And I’d slit the throat of everyone who asked, and cut out the eyes anyone who so much as saw you. You’re mine, like this, Kid, mine.”

His body relaxed, mind drifting further, the flame of defiance but a sad, little ember, he didn’t struggle to speak this time, “Yours.”

“…Are you ready for the rest?”

“Y-yeah,” he said with a shiver.

Killer hummed in thought, “You’re still not completely hard, so let’s use the cage.”

Kid swallowed, spreading his legs as much as the rope would let him. Breath stuttered as cold steel touched his warm cock, the sound of metal tapping against metal made him lick his lips. The device was slid over his balls and shaft, tugging at the former and trapping the later. There was a click of a padlock and his mind swam with arousal as he sunk into the sheets, relaxing, preparing himself for the final piece. The sound of tiny chains clinking made his cock twitch, struggling against the metal bars to swell to full hardness, yet denied the satisfaction. His chest tensed as the chains were clipped onto the larger metal links of the leash.

“Colour?”

“Excited green,” Kid’s voice trembled as he spoke.

Killer chuckled, and the bed dipped as he climbed on, moving so he was kneeling beside Kid. Cold, hard metal brushed against his nipple and he gasped, but it was immediately replaced by Killer’s soft, warm mouth. He groaned as that sinful tongue dragged and flicked over the hardening bud, cock swelling painfully against the cage as it too tried to harden. Killer sucked on his chest, slow and gentle, torturous and tantalising, yet Kid only began to tremble with excitement when he pulled away.

Cold metal touched his warm, wet skin once more, breath stuttering as Killer eased the clip closed, tightening ever so slowly on Kid’s nipple. He panted and gasped, growing louder and louder the tighter it got. Then, once it was half way closed over the painfully hard bud, Killer let go. Sweet, sharp pain shot through his chest and his cry matched its intensity, hips bucking, cock pressed uncomfortably against the bars of its cage.

“W-want the ring,” he gasped out, “not the cage, want the ring.”

Killer scoffed, “Oh? You want to get hard?”

“Y-yeah,” yet even as he spoke, Kid’s heart sank.

“No.”

There was a harsh pull on his leash as Killer growled, the jostle of the larger chain made the smaller one swing and rattle, tugging on his nipple and making him moan.

“Only good boys get what they want,” Killer growled, “and you were a very naughty boy today, Kid.”

Kid whined, rolling his head back as that warm mouth returned to his chest, paying equal attention to the other nipple. There was no gentleness this time when the clip was applied, the pressure was continuous, quick, making Kid’s head spin once it was fully on, precum no doubt clinging to the bars of the cockcage.

“Now,” Kid could hear the sneer in Killer’s voice, “let’s roll you over.”

Kid bit the tip of his tongue, trembling with anticipation. His breath picked up as two hands pressed against his side, and he tensed on pure instinct. Unable to move completely on his own, Killer slowly pushed him onto his side. Rope tugged at tense skin, digging in enough that he knew it would hurt so beautifully when they were removed. The collar around his neck shifted, reminding him of who he belonged to as the chain link leash rattled, tugging at the clamps on his chest and giving him sweet, delicious pain. The plug was jostled inside him, causing his legs to shake as the rough sapphire pressed into the inside of his cheeks. Sensation, all over, nothing but pure, blissful pinpricks of pain over every inch of his body.

But it wasn’t enough for his battle-hardened body. It would take more, so much more, before he broke.

Killer finally got Kid onto his front, forehead pressed into the mattress to avoid suffocating in the sheets, ass forced in the air by his bent legs. He lay there, panting, trembling from excess pleasure-pain that tingled all over his body.

“K-Kil.”

He gasped as a firm slap landed on his left cheek, pressing his sensitive flesh against the rough gemstone of the plug.

“You will speak when you are spoken to!” Killer snapped, delivering an equally firm slap to the right side of Kid’s ass

“Y-yessir,” he whined.

Cracks had formed in his defences, walls beginning to crumble, but still they stood tall. Something needed to knock them down, turn them into a pile of rubble and dust.

There was a loud crack in the air and Kid’s breath hitched, cock straining in its confines at the sound. Cool strands of leather were draped over his back, breath stuttering as they ran down his body, tips fluttering against his ass as they fell to the sheets.

Then there was silence, heart pounding in his ears, body tense, as he awaited the first strike.

Crack!

Kid yelped, ass stinging from the flail’s first strike. He whined and bit his lip, and waited for the next.

“Count,” Killer growled.

But when the leather came down again, the young captain bit his lips together, that last flicker of defiance gaining fuel from the lashing pain.

“No?” Kid’s heart froze, it was never good for him when Killer sounded excited during a painful scene, in his mind’s eye he could picture the blonde’s head tilting, eyes twinkling, that smile he hated so much spread across his face, “Then I’ll keep going till I’m satisfied,” there was a little twisted giggle as he spoke.

His heart leapt into his throat, and he almost shouted ‘two’, but his ass was immediately struck.

Again.

And again.

And again.

And again.

Pain shot through his soul, crumbling the walls around his mind to dust. It rolled up his spine, zapped through his limbs as he cried out with each strike. The chains jerked and swung, tugging at his chest in the most delicious of ways as the sapphire dug into the inside of his ass. There was a point where it just stopped being painful altogether, a sense of bliss washing through his being as his cock - though unable to get fully erect - leaked seemingly endless amounts of precum onto the sheets below. He heard Killer laugh, wicked and twisted, just as high as his captain from sheer adrenaline alone. There was a single pause, a heartbeat of respite, with Killer cracking the flail, ready to continue.

“F-forty…two,” Kid panted, throat hoarse from shouting, and dry from his gasping breaths.

Killer let out a low chuckle, “So you were counting,” Kid’s hair was grabbed, pulling his head back, straining his spine, “little brat.”

Kid shivered and groaned, his face was quickly shoved into the sheets. His body trembled, craving the next strike of the flail. Fingers brushed against his hip, before lightly swatting his raw, red ass.

“Eight more,” Killer murmured, tone dark and hungry, “and I’ll let you get hard.”

“Th-th-thank you, sir,” Kid gasped, relief washing through him.

The next eight strikes were the hardest of them all. His body had come down from the numbing high somewhat, leaving his skin tingling with sensitivity. The first hit had him shriek, yet his hips rocked back, craving the onslaught. On the fourth tears began to roll down his cheeks from under the blindfold, breath shaky, ass clenching around the plug, aching to be filled by the blonde’s cock. On the sixth he sobbed, trembling, drooling, babbling nonsense through gasped breaths. Finally, on the eighth, he wailed, sobbing. His ass clenched rhythmically around the plug, body quivering as he came from the pure blissful agony he was in.

Kids mind drifted, and he was barely aware of Killer shifting behind him, unlocking the cage, allowing his twitch cock to swell to full hardness. Fingers brushed against his lower back, where most of the rope was knotted together. He shivered in anticipation, his walls were broken, demons no longer weighing him down.

Killer was going to make him fly.