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sweet-as-kiwis · 1 year ago
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KITTEN ACQUIRED!!!
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ddejavvu · 1 year ago
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currently thinking abt like maybe poly!marauders w innocent!reader but instead of like 🥺👉👈 innocent she’s like 🤔🧍‍♀️ innocent yk what i mean? sorry if that’s too vague this is my first time doing a request lmao
i know what you meant in your request and i tried to convey it here but i can't tell if i did it right? i hope it doesn't come off as too cutesy i tried to just make her confused 😭 putting a keep reading just 'cause they act like total dumbass teenage boys here and it might give some of you the ick if i'm being honest
James peers down at the sticky note that had been shoved into the lockbox on the garage door of the cabin you're renting for the weekend, instructions from the owner on how to get inside.
"She says the code is 6, 9, 6, 9, pound," James reads, pausing to snicker before he finishes his sentence, "And she'd prefer if we came in the back door."
Sirius lets out his familiar bark of laughter, mumbling, "That's what she said."
"She's a woman that knows what she wants," James's face is glowing with a perpetual grin, his skin rosy from the cold. Even Remus chuckles from where he's standing behind you with your bags, and you're not sure why they all seem to be so delighted by the homeowner's request.
"It's probably 'cause her bush blocks the front entrance," You muse, pointing at some roses that have grown over the pathway to the front door, but are far too beautiful to contain, "I wouldn't want to trim it either."
Somehow, you've missed the mark.
Their eyes brighten with even more of the amusement that's typically shining in them, and their chests convulse as they try biting their tongues to stop from laughing.
"What?" Your brow furrows slightly, "Why's that funny?"
"It's not," Remus clears his throat, but he's lying, and you know he is because his mouth is twisted into a poorly-concealed smirk, "I think you're right, darling. It's the bush."
"S'always the bush," Sirius chimes in, grin far too wolfish to be talking of roses, "I mean, y'forget to garden for a week, and bam, it's out of control."
"Alright," Remus chides lightly, though he's still tight in the chest as he tries not to laugh, "Might I remind you that you haven't trimmed in a month? It's almost as long as the hair on your head."
"It clogs up the shower drain, mate," James concedes regretfully, "I can't back you up on this one."
Your brain is swirling with scattered concepts, your train of thought rapidly switching between tracks. Roses, bush, hair, trimming, gardening, showering, you feel like you've dropped two crates of words and now you need to sort them back into their original piles again. Surely roses goes with gardening and bush, but what have they got to do with showering?
"Whatever," Sirius scoffs good-naturedly, slinging his bag over his shoulder and punching the code into the door. He presses the final key, mumbling pound as he does so, then holds it open for you, "C'mon darling, inside, let's go to pound town."
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rollinouttahere-writes · 1 year ago
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Lucky Break Chapter 4
Yandere Straw Hats x Fem!Reader
5.8k words
Beginning / Previous / Next
The longest chapter yet, but at least this arc is finally wrapped up!
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Just as you thought, you could hear them before you could see them.
“Sounds like they’ve got this covered. I don’t know what you’ve got planned, but I need to go get something that belongs to me. Bye!” Nami slapped you on the shoulder and then diverted from the path you were following.
“Wait, I don’t have anything planned! What am I supposed to do about any of this?!” You called out after her, but she paid you no mind, the woman was on a mission. The light jog you were doing trickled down into a standstill. 
What were you supposed to do?
There isn’t exactly a guide for this, and even if there was, you can’t remember having read it. 
There was yelling and the sound of weapons clashing no more than a block away from you. Wait- That’s it! Weapons! You need a weapon! You can’t just charge into battle and help your new companions empty handed.
But where would you find one? Well, this town is something of a war zone, maybe there’s a weapon lying around? You would settle for even just a kitchen knife at this point. Literally anything to give you some semblance of protection.
Hoping that Luffy and Zoro will be okay until you can help, you scurry down an alleyway. “Come on, come on, give me something,” you mutter under your breath. Your eyes dart around wildly, scanning the surrounding area. There are some stray bricks and broken planks of wood from the buildings being destroyed. That could work potentially, but you decide to look around a little longer.
A structure catches your eye ahead of you. Scaffolding next to a house that hadn’t been finished  yet. A relieved grin spreads across your face. Construction tools! You could use a saw or a hammer or something like that!
There were some crates and tool boxes lying on the ground, all open. The boxes have what appear to be blueprints and building materials. The toolboxes are damn near empty. Some nails and screws litter the bottom of it, plus a couple of tools that won’t help you like a tape measure. 
“Shit!” You kicked the nearest toolbox in anger. What were you supposed to do? Bare knuckle box some armed super-powered pirates? Feeling crushed and frustrated, you drop down into a squat and put your head between your hands, pulling on your hair.
This was so stupid and unfair. You can’t even remember your own name, and now the only people willing to help you are having to fight on their own while injured and you’re helpless to do anything. Why are you even here? For what purpose? What happened to get you to this point?
A rush of air, followed by a clanging noise right in front of you startled you. The shock made you fall onto your ass, scared that you were under attack. A quick once over of the alley revealed that you were still alone. What was that?
Then, a piece of paper flits to the ground just ahead of you. It lands on a coiled piece of metal that you don’t remember being there before. Is that what made the noise? Hesitantly, you reach out to grab the paper. There’s something written on it.
“Lucky”
What an interesting event
Losing your memories was not my intent
To aid in your journey
Please take this urumi 
“A”
Next to the letter “A”, was an ink stamp. One you recognized. You fished out the necklace from under your shirt, and sure enough, the stamp matched it. A jolly roger with a wand clenched between its teeth.
Where did you get this necklace from initially, and how did “A” know about your new nickname? How did they know where you were? You look up at the rooftops, but see nothing and no one. You hadn’t heard anyone approach either. It’s like these things just appeared out of thin air.
Much like you did according to Luffy.
A loud explosion rang out and shook the ground. Oh right! You’re supposed to be in a battle! You clamber onto your feet and pick up the so-called urumi by what you believe to be a handle while stuffing the note into your satchel. If you’re being completely honest with yourself, you have no idea what an urumi is supposed to be. You assume it’s a weapon, but why would a weapon be so… limp?
The “blade”, if you can call it that, unraveled and drooped to the ground. It was like some bizarre love child of a whip and a sword. How was something like this supposed to help you? Is it even sharp? Gingerly, you stroke the edges of the blade. 
“Ow! Okay, yeah, that’s sharp,” just lightly touching in was enough to draw a couple drops of blood. You bring the finger to your mouth, feeling a little dumb now for managing to cut yourself within seconds of getting your hands on this thing. You have no idea how to use any weapon, much less one so unique.
Experimentally, you hold it out and flick the blade away from you. It cuts through the air and cleanly slices through a leg of the scaffolding like a hot knife through butter. The structure shifts slightly, but remains standing.
You can’t help but eye the weapon warily, this thing seems extremely dangerous. Great for dealing with enemies, bad for you if you aren’t careful and don’t know what you’re doing. Which you don’t.
It would be good to go and help your companions now that you’re armed but you want to get a better feel for this thing before charging into battle. Swaying it back and forth is helping to get a better feel for the weight of it, but the method in which you could safely wield it is still beyond you.
“There she is! The liar that tricked and made a fool of us!”
You were so focused that you hadn’t even heard the small band of enemies approaching. Their clothes were torched and skin burned, and they looked furious. With swords raised, they ran right at you, bloodlust in their eyes.
A shriek emitted from your throat, and your arm flailed as you panicked. The urumi’s blade struck the scaffolding again, effortlessly going through several legs before wedging itself into the brick wall. The structure pitched forward and groaned. Your attackers looked up just in time to see the whole thing come down on them. All of them were pinned under the weight of it plus the supplies that had been piled on. Some of the people were knocked out by the falling material, while one was left awake.
He was trapped, but could move his head just enough to scowl at you. “I bet you think you’re really clever! Well you won’t get away with this, Captain Buggy never loses! It’s only a matter of time before he takes your head for this trickery!” Venom dripped from every word, his loathing so tangible that you think you could cut it.
“Not really, I’ve just,” you yanked on the urumi, trying to dislodge it, “got a lot of dumb luck it seems.” And some magical note and weapon giver, but that’s hardly something to bring up in casual conversation. Damn, that thing was really in there. You readjust your grip and pull again. There’s a creak, and then it breaks free. It came loose so suddenly that it made you stumble as the blade flung around you, narrowly missing that one guy’s head.
The man screamed, pulling his head back into the rubble like a turtle retreating into its shell, “Are you trying to kill me?!”
“Weren’t you trying to kill me?!” The double standards up in here were insane. They could gang up on you, but you almost accidentally hit him and now you’re the bad guy? Ridiculous. He fell silent and didn’t answer, “Yeah, that’s what I thought. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must get going.”
Realistically, you don’t think it’s a good idea to be slinging this thing around, especially near Luffy or Zoro, but it was comforting to at least have something now. You examine the urumi closely, contemplating the best way to carry it. There’s a loop on the handle, and you get an idea. 
Carefully, you wind it around your waist and feed it into the loop. Sure enough, it fits together snugly, and now it looks like you have a strange belt on. Alright, you’re feeling a little bit better now, hell you even stopped a few attackers (albeit accidentally).
Now it’s time to actually join the fight.
Well… Maybe you’ll assess the situation first. You just needed to figure out how to do so without being caught unprepared. Getting onto a rooftop could work. The house in front of you had a pretty low roof, climbing onto it shouldn’t be too hard. 
You kick a crate close and hop on. It takes some effort, sure, but you’re able to pull yourself up. The shingles dig into you through the clothes, but it’s hardly the worst thing you’ve been through today. Finally, you can see what’s going on. It looks like there are only four people involved in this fight. There’s Luffy and Zoro, of course. Buggy is also there, seemingly unharmed from the cannon fire earlier. You suppose that isn’t too surprising considering his weird powers. Then there’s also some guy on a unicycle because, sure, why not? 
Zoro and the unicyclist are fighting each other. Zoro is fighting hard, but it’s clear even from your perch that he’s struggling to fight with his injury. Luffy is too preoccupied with Buggy to be able to help him, and you’re positive that you would just hurt him more if you were to charge in with your unwieldy weapon of not-choice.  
What else was there to do? You’re scanning the area for ideas, seeing lots of rubble and injured pirates strewn about. One of which being Richie, who was currently licking his wounds. 
Hang on, you might know what to do now.
A hand digs around in your pants pocket and pulls out the laser pointer you put in there earlier. You don’t know what the range on this bad boy is, but hopefully it’s going to be strong enough for what you’ve got planned. 
Pointing it in the direction of the white lion, you click it on. Lucky for you, it reaches, and a red dot is just ahead of Richie. He doesn’t seem to have noticed it, so you wiggle it around. His head snaps up, and you rejoice on the inside.
He reaches a paw out to it, but you move it away. At first, he’s startled, but then he’s up on his feet and in pursuit. You keep moving it away from him, zipping it around to keep him interested. If you could get him a little closer, you should be able to help Zoro. You doubt that unicycle boy is going to be able to fight well if there’s a lion on top of him.
You risk a glance over to them, only to notice something else. Buggy is using his powers for a sneak attack! Shit! Change of plans, you need to throw him off instead!
Hastily, you move the dot onto his back and pray that Richie goes for it. The lion sees it and pauses, but then he crouches and creeps closer. Yes! Just a little bit more! Come on, Richie! His tail flicks wildly, and he then pounces.
Buggy hits the ground with an indignant shriek. He’s kicking and screaming, “Mohji! Get your damn lion under control!” 
You did it! You helped! Taking another look at Zoro, you see him land a finishing blow to the unicyclist. This is going much better than you would have thought! With that guy out of the way, everyone can focus on taking down Buggy.
Luffy was first to take this opportunity. Buggy had barely gotten back onto his feet after being pounced on by Richie, only to get punched by the rubber captain. The blow sent him tumbling head over heels away from him. Luffy wasn’t about to let up and continued the assault, but Buggy was able to get onto his feet and scramble out of the way of the next blow.
They engaged in a back and forth, each using their unique powers to try and get one over on the other. You tried to use your laser pointer again, but Mohji had Richie’s full attention while he was scolding him for attacking the captain. Well there goes that idea. At least you got it to work once.
You army crawl backwards so you can climb down from the roof, but stop when you notice something red flying right at you.
Oh shit, that’s Luffy!
There isn’t even enough time to brace for impact before the human wrecking ball crashes into the building and brings everything down on top of him, you included. You yelp and fall directly on top of him, disoriented but otherwise fine.
Luffy, entirely unbothered by the whole affair, helps you get up off of him, “Oh hey, Lucky! I was wondering when you were going to get here!” He stood and pulled you with him while readjusting his hat.
“Sorry, I just needed to pick up something first,” your hand drifted down to your new weapon, still getting used to even having one. The presence of one feels so foreign that you can’t imagine you ever carried one in the past.
He waved off your apology, “Don’t worry, it’s basically over already! I’ll finish this here and now!” Luffy bounced out of the crumbled building and got ready to do just that.
“Excuse you! Don’t underestimate me! And why are you talking to my crewmate?!” 
What? No. How could this guy still think you’re still on the same team? That’s not possible. He saw you run to Luffy’s aid with the key you stole from him. Maybe that cannonball did hit him after all and knocked his common sense right out.
“Huh? Lucky is your crewmate?” Luffy’s head tilted to the side, genuine confusion on his face.
Several of Buggy’s pirates piped up, “She obviously tricked you, Captain!”
“No one can trick me! Be nice to our newest member!” Buggy whirled around and actually started scolding them. Is he stupid? What is happening?
“I’m not in your crew! I lied to you so I could try and save him,” you clarified while pointing at Luffy, amazed that this even needed to be said. Luffy immediately accepted this explanation, nodding and winding up to take a swing at Buggy.
“Lucky, please! I know we got off on the wrong foot but-” Buggy’s pleas were interrupted by Luffy resuming the fight.
Carefully, you work on stepping out of the collapsed building, still a little baffled by that exchange. Whatever, no use in overthinking it. There are more important things at hand.
The sound of something heavy being dragged across the ground caught your attention, it was Nami toting a couple of massive bags behind her. She met your gaze and motioned you over, “Oh, good timing. Help me move these!” 
What? No please? Whatever, this is another thing not worth worrying about in the moment. You catch up with her quickly and take one of the bags. The second you do, you stumble. My god this thing is heavy! You do your best to pull it along, “What did you put in here? It weighs a ton!”
“It’s all of that clown’s treasure!” Nami answers happily, eyes sparkling. 
“Why do you need all of this? What would you even do with it?” You’re huffing from the exertion of hauling your bag.
“That’s my business, thank you very much,” she said dismissively. Well then, you guess that’s the end of that conversation. 
“Hey! I see you! How dare you steal from me!” Buggy screeched. A hand holding several throwing knives was flying right at the both of you. Nami screamed, but refused to let go of “her” treasure. Your hand hovered over the urumi, but you hesitated. You really don’t think you possess the skill to slice his hand out of the air.
Fortunately, you don’t have to try, because Luffy’s own hand rockets towards Buggy’s and snatches it out of the air before he can make contact. Your shoulder slump in relief, good thing he’s so on top of this! 
Luffy’s victory doesn't last long, another hand comes up from behind and steals his straw hat. You would think that he would just be happy that he wasn’t stabbed, but no. He looks enraged. You haven’t known him long, but the anger on his face feels wrong.
“Give that back! That’s my treasure!” His voice was so authoritative that you didn’t even question how something as simple as a hat could be considered treasure. Whatever reason he has, it must be a good one if he’s that mad about it.
Buggy begins on some tirade about the previous owner of the hat. Some dude named Shanks? Weird name. Well, to be fair, a lot of the people you’ve met have had strange names. 
You don’t get to listen in on this long, Nami taps you on the shoulder and indicates for you to follow her. You barely take a step before she tacks on, “Bring the treasure!”
After the oh so precious treasure is dragged into the nearest alley, she starts rifling through some boxes. Since she doesn’t appear to be planning on explaining herself, you pipe up, “So… Are we looking for something in particular?”
Nami doesn’t look up from her search, “We need something to stop that guy from coming after us or else I’ll never be able to leave with my treasure.” The explanation was simple and to the point. You pitch in and start looking, too. A net would probably work, but what were the odds of some nets just so happening to be here?
“This’ll work!” Nami springs up and tosses a bundle your way. You catch it, and it’s a coiled up length of rope. You nod, this is a nice alternative to your net idea. She strolls to the entrance of the alley and pokes her head out, “Next time this circus freak splits apart, you and me will tie up the pieces. Got it?”
“Got it,” you conceded. Sounds doable, especially if Luffy is keeping him busy. Sure enough, Buggy splits into a bunch of parts in hopes of confusing his opponent, but you’re not about to let him succeed.
You and Nami spring into action, grabbing airborne limbs and wrapping the ropes around them as tightly as you can. They’re wriggling wildly, and it is admittedly disturbing to be holding disembodied arms and legs, but you don’t give up. Unfortunately, both hands and feet evade you as well as Nami. You can only hope that the two of you were able to apprehend enough parts to make a difference.
Buggy attempts to put himself back together again, and the writhing piles of limbs try to fly back to him, but Nami acts swiftly and throws both into a box and seals it shut. The box rattles, but the body parts are unable to escape. The both of you smile triumphantly.
“What happened?! Where’s the rest of me?!” 
You look over to him, and immediately snort out a laugh. Which then escalates into hysteric laughing. Nami looks at you questioningly, before seeing it too and joining in with her own laughter.
Buggy the clown, the fearsome pirate that’s been talking mad shit since you met, was now nothing but a head with hands and feet. Absolutely nothing else.
Even Luffy was laughing, a pleasant sight after his previous expression. Buggy was still trying to act tough despite the situation, but Luffy was having none of that. He took a couple of steps back, then ran at the incomplete clown and kicked him. He didn’t just go sailing down the street, no, he went clear into the sky and vanished.
“Team Rocket blasting off again,” you mumbled. Then your face scrunched up. Where did that come from?
“Did you say something, Lucky?” Nami asked.
“N-No, that was nothing. I’m just glad that’s over with.”
“You and me both, I hate having to deal with pirates,” she agreed.
The sound of flip flops slapping against the ground was your only warning before being pulled into a group hug. You and Nami were squished against each other and unable to move when Luffy’s arms coiled around you both. He cheered and hopped up and down enthusiastically, “We did it, good thinking guys! We already make such a great crew!”
“I am not part of your crew,” Nami wheezed.
Luffy stopped, loosening his grip a little but not enough for either of you to escape, “Huh? But you said you’d be my navigator.”
“All that I agreed to was a temporary alliance, that’s it,” she clarified while trying desperately to get out of his clutches.
“Are you still gonna sail with us out of here?”
“Sure?”
“Okay, that’s good!” Luffy was content with the answer, however unpromising it may be.
“Where’s Zoro? I haven’t seen him in a while,” you were craning your neck around to try and spot him. Now that you thought about it, you haven’t seen him since his fight with the unicyclist. Was he okay? Did he succumb to his wounds after the fight?
Mercifully, Luffy let go and pointed to where he was, “He’s over there, he said he needed to sleep some more after fighting.”
“What, right in the street?” You asked, thinking for sure that you’re misunderstanding. Obnoxious snores cut through the now silent air, and you realize that you understood perfectly. There he is. Out cold in the middle of the street like it’s the comfiest mattress he’s ever experienced. You know what? You’re not even surprised now that you’re looking at him. This checks out for him.
“Hey, guys, I think we should leave,” Nami threw out, handing the treasure bag you had been hauling to Luffy.
“Why?”
“There’s a mob and they look mad.”
A mob?! Sure enough, rounding the corner of the almost leveled street you were on was a massive angry mob of people. They’ve got torches and pitchforks and everything. They aren’t dressed like the pirates, you think these are the missing townspeople! That’s fine then, you guys just defeated the clown that had been terrorizing them. By all accounts, they should be happy with you. Right?
“Mayor Boodle! What happened to you?!” One of them cried out and ran to him. Oh wow, you hadn’t even noticed him being there. The mayor was currently sprawled out on the street. Unlike Zoro, he did not appear to be sleeping peacefully. If the knot on his head was anything to go off of, it looks like someone knocked him the hell out.
Damage control, you need to do some damage control! And quick!
“Oh him? I punched him,” Luffy interjected, looking rather proud of himself.
“You what?!” You and the townsfolk yelled all at once. Good lord, does Luffy just enjoy concussing people?! Should you be more suspicious about what happened to you?
“Hey! That girl stole my clothes! And paired it with a hideous coat!” An absolutely furious woman in the crowd pointed at you. Oh come on! How many people are going to call you out for wearing their clothes today?!
Luffy laughed, amused and unbothered, “Let’s go!” He reached for and yanked Zoro to his side and motioned for you to support his other side, and the second you picked him up you were running.
“Don’t let them escape!”
The mob surged after you all and were hot on your heels. You’re not sure that you’ll be able to lose them at this rate. 
Luffy took a hard right, leading all four of you down an alley. In the middle of it was a dog. Wait, not just any dog, that’s Chouchou! The dog he helped. You leapt over him, and the second the crowd approached, he switched from quiet guarding to aggressive barking.
Despite their numbers, this did make the people hesitate, buying you enough time to get ahead. Luffy called out a ‘thank you’ to the dog over his shoulder, much to the bewilderment of the crowd. 
The docks were just ahead, you were almost home free!
Nami leapt into her own boat, not wasting a second, and began to set sail. Luffy all but threw you and Zoro into yours. Both of you landed with a thud and Zoro groaned, opening his eyes groggily. He looks around lazily, “Where are we?”
“Back on our boat, we got chased out by an angry mob,” you explained, gently shifting him off of you.
“Why?”
“Because Luffy attacked the mayor,” you shot the assailant in question a dry look, not that he was paying attention.
“He did that to save him, why are they mad about it?” Zoro yawned and tried to make himself more comfortable. You didn’t even know how to respond to that. How do you save someone by punching them?
“Hey, you ruffians!”
Everyone looked to shore and saw the mayor standing there. Well he sure made a quick recovery since you last saw him two minutes ago! You waited anxiously to hear what would be said next. Would he curse you all? He probably doesn’t even know how the final battle went.
“Thank you!”
He’s… thanking you guys? 
Luffy laughed boisterously and waved, “You’re welcome, old man!”
“Wait! Luffy, where is the bag you were carrying?” Nami interrupted the moment, looking around frantically. “Did you forget it?!”
“No, I left it behind for them. They need it more than I do!” Luffy smiled innocently and pointed to where it was left on the docks. The locals were already investigating the bag to see what it was.
Luffy, a pirate, abandoned treasure because he thought the people who chased him out of town needed it more? What kind of a pirate would do something like that? What kind of a person would do something like that? The answer was obvious, you suppose.
A good one.
You looked over at him again, only to see Nami actively trying to drown him. 
“Nami, no!”
It took some time to ease the tensions between Nami and Luffy after the whole treasure incident. Time, and Zoro keeping them separated. Fortunately, Nami did eventually relent and agreed through clenched teeth that maybe the townsfolk did need the money.
Luffy had no problems to reconcile on his side, he had somehow already forgiven the attempted murder by the time Zoro pulled him above water.
Nami had set course for some nearby islands with the goal of acquiring a better ship as per Luffy’s request, and after that it didn’t take long for night to come. Nami offered to stay awake to make sure you didn’t go somewhere you weren’t supposed to, which was nice of her.
Getting some sleep sounded nice. At least, it sounded nice in theory. The small boat that you, Luffy, and Zoro were all crammed into didn’t offer much room for stretching out or having personal space. That, and Luffy had chosen to sleep by sprawling across you and Zoro in lieu of a bed. He wasn’t particularly heavy, but he wouldn’t stop moving.
You doubt you had slept for more than a couple of hours before being awoken by Luffy biting your arm, murmuring about meat in his sleep. You awoke with a start and roughly shoved him off of you on instinct. He barely even reacted and simply latched onto Zoro in your absence. Better him than you.
Sleep was unlikely to come to you again tonight. You carefully scoot yourself away from the two, with plans of stargazing until morning. The action didn’t rouse either of them, but it got someone else’s attention.
“Who’s awake?” Nami called out.
“I am, Luffy bit me,” you answered back.
She snickered, humored by your suffering. “Come over here and keep me company,” she yawned, ���I’m getting tired.”
Chatting with Nami doesn’t sound like a bad way to pass the time, so you agree and shakily get to your feet. The two boats are tied together to keep them from drifting apart, so the distance isn’t far, but the instability of being at sea made it feel much more challenging than it should be.
Rather than help you by keeping the boat steady or even just offering a hand, Nami merely watched you struggle and didn’t even attempt to hide how funny she found this. Luckily, you were able to get over onto her boat without going overboard. 
“You’ve got some great sea legs under you, huh?” Her voice was dripping with sarcasm. 
You stumbled over to where she was seated and plopped down next to her, “I hope you know that I’m staying over here now, I’m not doing that again.”
That got a chuckle out of her, “That’s fine, I told you to come keep me company anyways.” The conversation lulled and you glanced over at her. She was focused on mending Luffy’s hat, carefully stitching the holes that had been put in it during his fight with Buggy. You hadn’t even known it had gotten damaged until you saw him fiddling with it after the little disagreement with Nami. It was surprising to see her offer to repair it considering how mad she had been only minutes prior, but Luffy agreed to let her anyway. 
“So, I’ve gotta ask: How did you end up with those two?” Nami broke the silence, “You don’t really seem like the type to be a pirate.”
“That’s… It’s a funny story, I guess? A short one, too,” you started. “According to Luffy and Zoro, I fell out of the sky, almost drowned, and when Luffy was pulling me over to their boat I hit my head,” you pointed to the bandages on your head for emphasis. Nami had stopped working on the hat and was instead gawking at you.
“I woke up a little while later, and couldn’t remember a damn thing. Not how I got there, what happened, or even who I was. Luffy got the idea into his head to try and help me remember everything, so now I’m traveling with them for the time being,” you finished the explanation. The whole situation was insane, but it felt good to talk about it a little bit.
“What? When did this happen, how long have you even been with them?”
“Since yesterday. I had only woken up a couple of hours before we got to that island back there,” saying that made you realize how much had happened in such a short period of time. It hasn’t even been 24 hours yet.
Nami was visibly horrified by your story. She spared a glance to the other boat, then lowered her voice and spoke to you in a hushed but urgent tone, “How do you know they’re telling the truth?! For all you know, they took you hostage and are hoping to ransom you!”
This was a good point, you had considered the possibility of foul play already, but you couldn’t fully commit to the idea of it. They didn’t seem like bad people to you. Unhinged, yes, but not evil by any means. You mulled over your next words for a minute, “I’ve thought about that, but I think they’re being honest. I mean really, I don’t think Luffy can even lie.” You laughed a little upon remembering the chaos he caused by telling the townspeople about what happened with Mayor Boodle, “Besides, if they were so concerned with getting money from a ransom, why would Luffy have left behind a giant bag of gold? That seems pretty counterintuitive to me.”
Nami still looked unsure, but not as freaked out as she had been. She shot another look at the other boat, a highly suspicious one, but ultimately sighed and went back to working on the hat. “I don’t like that story at all, but I’ll let it go for now,” she muttered.
You fell into another bout of silence. There wasn’t exactly a whole lot to do out here, so you settled for watching her put the finishing touches on the hat. After the last stitch, she pulled the string taut and tied the knot. She cut it and held the straw hat up to her lantern to admire her handiwork. It looked great, she had done an excellent job repairing it. 
“I’m guessing Lucky isn’t your real name then?” Once again, she had been the one to speak first.
“It’s not. Since I couldn’t remember it, Luffy came up with the nickname. He decided that I was “lucky” because he rescued me, so that’s how he chose the name.”
Nami scoffed, “I don’t know that I would call you “lucky” for that, but whatever.” She put the hat aside, and glanced at you briefly before choosing to look up at the stars instead. Her fingers drum against the wood of the ship anxiously for a moment, “Um… If you need to get away from them just let me know. I can drop you off at another island. Those idiots can’t navigate so they definitely won’t be able to find you.”
“Thank you, but that’s okay. I think I’ll stick with them for a while yet,” you answered honestly. They were some strange people, but you couldn’t deny that you found yourself liking them already.
“Suit yourself,” she said. Her disdain for the situation was palpable, but she seemed willing to drop it for now.
The only sounds now were the waves splashing against the boats and the wood creaking with each hit. It felt so quiet, unusually so, as if you weren’t used to it. The place you were before all this must have been very noisy if this makes you feel uneasy. 
But, this was a good opportunity to think over what happened today. Well, yesterday. Falling out of the sky was weird enough, having basically nothing from before this happened was weirder, but the weirdest thing of all was the note and weapon that seemingly manifested out of nowhere.
What was that? Who left it, and how did they know about your amnesia? If they knew you, why wouldn’t they come and collect you? What is there to gain from throwing a weapon at you and leaving you be?
You have so many questions and zero answers, but there is one question that stands out against all the others.
Who is “A”?
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featherandferns · 3 months ago
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daylight - epilogue
jj maybank x fem!reader | the final part of the daylight series | read part 12 here
content warnings: mentions of sex; alcohol
word count: 1.6k.
blurb: life is pretty beautiful in Kildare but nothing comes anywhere close to the beauty of your boyfriend.
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An arm loops over your shoulder. You jolt, caught by surprise, and come close to dropping your camera. Thank God for neck straps. You’re so used to the feel of JJ around you that you don’t need the smell of his cologne to identify him. 
“Hey you,” you say, smiling up at him. 
“Hey,” he replies, smiling just the same. “Pretty good turn-out, huh?”
“I know,” you beam, looking around. 
With some help from the Pogues, you’d managed to organise a fundraiser for Barry’s garage. It came following the photos you’d posted on your Instagram gaining traction in the local community. They were shared in Facebook groups and around group chats, with people rallying to help Barry’s struggling business. It seemed the garage had been a staple in Kildare County for as long as most people could remember. Kiara was more than happy to organise the bulk of the fundraiser, having done her fair share for environmental clean-ups, and Pope had managed to rally his dad to provide food, free of charge. John B and JJ did most heavy lifting: they assembled stalls and tables and seating; strung lights and bunting; hung up balloons and signs; and carried crate after crate of soft drinks and beers. 
Your eyes fall on Barry, laughing with a local who you’d seen working at the docks. It makes you smile. For once, it seems he’s at ease. 
“This is a real nice thing you did for him,” JJ gently says. 
“Well, he’s a real nice guy,” you reply. 
JJ leans down and plants a kiss to your forehead. It feels nice, having him do it in front of others: even if nobody is looking. He’s unashamed to show you off and to show his affection for you. Interlocking your fingers with his, he guides you towards Barry. 
“Let’s go say hi,” he says as he leads the way. 
As you pass a group of local teens, JJ shares a quick word, accepting a bro-hug from one, but his hand never strays from yours. Perfectly timed, the fisherman who was talking to Barry departs towards Heyward’s stall just as you and JJ arrive. Barry turns to find you both and grins. 
“You kids having fun?” he asks. 
“Yes, sir,” JJ replies. 
Barry brings his beer can to his lips slowly, making a show to glance down at your interlocked hands. “See things are going good still.”
“I guess they are,” you return with a sheepish smile. 
Since the day at the Chateau, you and JJ no longer held back. There was no need to, the fear of being too much now gone. Movie nights were a weekly staple, with half of the film ignored as the focus switched to each other’s bodies. Hang-outs with the Pogues were riddled with teasing and berating from the group from the smallest signs of P.D.A. At work, JJ distracted you, finding any excuse to approach. Drives home were lengthened by sloppy make-outs and take-out stop offs. Mimsy was used to JJ’s company despite being back in Vancouver, thanks to him lying in your bed or lounging on the couch whenever you’d facetime. She’d once remarked ‘you might not be at the wedding, but I will’ in a gentle threat to remind JJ where he stood in the hierarchy of your affections. But you knew it was tongue-and-cheek. Thanks to Mimsy, he too had been educated on the serial killers and stalkers of America. What took you by surprise was how invested JJ was in it. 
You’re happy, though. JJ made you feel held, just like you’d asked and just like you’d always wanted. 
The squeeze of JJ’s palm against yours pulls you back to the conversation. 
“You enjoying yourself, Bar?” JJ asks.
“Hell yeah,” Barry jovially replies, making you both laugh. Tipping his beer can to you in thanks, he says, “your friend Kie really knows her stuff.”
“She’s pretty great,” you hum in agreement. 
“Your old man didn’t show up, I see,” Barry says to JJ. 
“He, uh, got wrapped up in something. He’d probably just cause a scene anyway, right?” JJ lightly says. 
Since starting your official relationship with JJ, you’d spent more time at his house. You’d gotten to know his history the same way he had yours, and you knew about his absent mother and nightmarish father. He’d got himself in trouble with prescription fraud and was serving a short stint in prison. JJ hauntingly joked that it was his ‘second home’. You’d held him all that night to help him fall asleep. 
“You know how much you’ve raised so far?” you ask, diverting the topic. 
“I’m told it’s somewhere around seven grand, so far,” Barry replies. “Shit. That’s enough to fix that damn roof.”
“That’ll save you a job after the next hurricane, then,” JJ notes. Hurricane Agatha had been building gradually. Everyone was preparing for her arrival in the near future, summer now in full swing. 
“Damn straight. Look, you kids go enjoy yourself. You don’t wanna be trapped with an old dog like me,” Barry urges with a tired smile. 
You roll your eyes. “I like being trapped with an old dog like you.”
He was used to your company at the garage. Surprisingly, you’d taken to learning some handy work in mechanics. Even more surprisingly, you weren’t half bad at it. JJ had also picked up extra shifts at the garage. You don’t think Barry liked when the two of you were there together though: the amount of work that got done seriously depleted. 
“Let me get a photo of you two, at least,” you add, lifting your camera. 
JJ sighs like it’s a burden but you know how much he likes being in front of the lens. Your memory cards were saturated with photos of the blonde haired boy, as was your pinboard and Instagram. He’d claimed the polaroid photos of you and shamelessly kept them by his bed, as well as a framed photo of you and JJ from the beach that Kie had taken with your camera. It was of the two of you, wading in the low waves, the mid-day sun high in the background, casting shadows on your frames. He was splashing you and you were screaming with laughter, trying to dart out the way. The moment JJ spotted it as you flicked through your gallery after a day at work, he’d begged for you to print it. Now it stood by his bed, proudly displayed like a Van Gogh original. 
JJ settles beside Barry and hooks an arm over Barry’s broad shoulders. The two of them smile - JJ’s brighter and beaming - and you snap several shots. Barry holds out his hand for your camera. 
“Let me get one of the love birds,” he gruffly says. 
You comply with a small roll of your eyes. JJ takes his spot by your side, his arm comfortably sitting around your waist. One of his calloused hands plants firmly at the top of your hip. You lean into his hold slightly, eased in his company like a reflex, and the two of you smile at the camera, squinting through the sunlight. As you go to move away and retrieve your camera, JJ’s spinning you around and dipping his head, planting a chaste kiss to your lips. Your eyes close on reflex, smile easily, and you hear your camera shutter click. 
Later that night, after the fundraising is long over, you and JJ are lounging on his sofa. He said something the other day about being home alone and how much he disliked it, when his dad wasn’t around. It was strange to you that he felt that way given the hell his dad brought, but then you’d remembered Barry’s comments from what felt like a lifetime ago. How JJ was loyal to the bone, even when it might not be in his favour. You suppose love is never lost when perspective is earned. So, instead of questioning it, you’d decided to stay with JJ. It was nice anyway, playing house. 
Your feet are in his lap, back lent against the arm rest, and one of JJ’s hands absentmindedly rubs at the palm of your foot. His other hand nurses a bottle of beer and his eyes are trained to the grainy TV. Every now and then he laughs, engrossed in a rerun of an old episode of The Simpsons. As you flick through the photos you’d taken that day, one makes you pause. A smile creeps onto your face. It’s one Barry had taken: JJ’s head dipped as he kisses you. You hold the camera out for JJ to see. 
“JayJ,” you mumble. 
He reluctantly pulls his gaze from the TV. “Yeah?”
“Look.”
He does as you ask, eyes flitting down to the camera. Taking it from you to see it better, his smile mirrors yours. 
“Cute, right?”
JJ nods, almost bashful, and passes you back the camera. 
“Send me that,” he says, looking back to the screen.  
“Why?”
“I wanna post it,” he shrugs, as if the answer is obvious. Your giddy smile that follows makes you drive your teeth into your lower lip. Nodding, you go about transferring the photo to your phone. Placing your camera on the dusty coffee table, you shift so you can cuddle into your boyfriend’s side. He gladly makes room for you, tucking you into his body, and you steal his beer for a sip. 
“Quiet you fool, it can be yours,” Homer’s inner thoughts say.
As JJ chuckles, his body shakes against yours. You look up at him, smiling to yourself at his beauty. Eventually he catches on to your staring. Looking down at you, his eyebrows raise. 
“What’s up?”
“Nothing,” you mumble, “you’re just really fucking pretty.”
Chuckling almost soundless, JJ smiles down at you. Then he’s closing the gap, pressing his lips to yours in a kiss.
Two.
One more and - yes, perfect. 
The End
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@princessuki21 | @psyches-reid | @heybank | @avengersgirllorianna | @rrosiitas | @yourmumstoy | @jjsfavgirl | @void21 | @fictionalcomforts | @gsp420 | @redhead1180 | @wearemadeofstardust0 | @mrs-jjmaybank | @ifilwtmfc | @heybank | @lilyw1235 | @belle101200 | @maybankskiss | @lillell467 | please tell me if any tags aren't working - I've never done taglists before!
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nanamisflowerfield · 8 months ago
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First Meeting (Dick Grayson x f!Reader)
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A journalist meets the one and only Nightwing in a creepy warehouse. But they didn't know that this was their first of many encounters.
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Blüdhaven. The one city that the vigilante named Nightwing called his home. But he wasn’t the only one who sees the city in New Jersey their home. Many people did that, including (y/n) (l/n). It was her new home. Leaving behind the bustling and bright streets of Metropolis, she had begun a new journey and life an investigative journalist in her new home. It had been a year since she moved to the city, and her life was now-.
“- Super boring.” You mumbled, holding your phone to your ear, while hearing your best friend chuckle on the other side.
“Ohh, come on, (y/n). I’m sure that Blüdhaven is pretty interesting. You have been living there for a year now and the way I know you, you probably haven’t seen the best of the city!” You rolled your (e/c) eyes at her. “Have you already seen Nightwing?”
You could only sigh at her question. Nightwing? You really hoped to see that idiot, but the dark-haired vigilante was like a damn ninja and always disappeared, once you were nearby! Even though you only needed one interview with the masked hero!
“Who cares about him? The better question is; is Clark late again for your little date?” You smirked, walking through the dark alley and past smelly trash bins, as a rat ran tried to eat something out of there.
You heard a loud “No!” and some shuffling, knowing that it surely was Lois’ husband Clark, who tried to put on his smoking as fast he could. The Clark Kent. A great journalist, best friend and also Superman. Yes, you knew that already. Not because they told you their big secret, but because you were pretty good at your job and figured it out by yourself and when you put the proof onto the table in front of your best friends and the sweetest couple on earth, they told you everything.
Your footsteps echoed in the silence of the street, engulfing your body with its darkness, while you walked near to the warehouse. The place that might help you with your next article, as you heard that there might be some information about a street gang, called Crimson Vipers. “Alright, Lois… Have fun at your date night, greet Supes from me and don’t do any funny business, if you know what I mean.” – “Yeah, yeah. And could you do me a favor and babysit little Jon next week?”
You told her that you might have some time, before you clicked on the red button on your phone and turning on the flashlight app. Time to investigate!
Your hand slowly turned the doorknob down, sneaking into the big and dark warehouse. At first, it looked like many other ones. The moonlight revealed neglected pallets and boxes. Only you and some abandoned objects were lying here. That was a good sign. A very good one. So, you could easily get some information about the gang!
Turning towards a corner, you found a door, opened it and saw some plans scattered around the room. Some were hanging on the walls, others on the ground. Perfect.
The door behind you closed with a soft click, as you walked through the room, trying to take as many pictures as you could, until you heard some loud voices behind the door. Probably some Crimson Vipers members?
Your heart raised, as you ducked down, trying to find something, anything to defend yourself, until your eyes gazed over a crowbar. That could work…
Tightly you held the dirty and rusty crowbar in your hands, hiding behind some crates while your breath shallow as the voices grew louder. You heard your heart beating loud and fast. Gulping your fear down, you looked towards the door, waiting for the right moment for you to beat them up.
The door creaked open, revealing a group of masked and buff individuals. One laughed sinister at the joke his friend and colleague did, sending shivers down your spine. But you tried to forget your fear. Adrenaline pumped through your veins, as you clenched the crowbar tighter and tighter, trying to figure out a plan. If they won’t see you, you could perhaps climb up the boxes and go through the window, but they were pretty high up.
But when three members suddenly gathered up and stood around in silent, one spoke up, pointing towards a map and explaining their next plan. Realizing the situation, you thought that this was your chance. Now or never!
You can gather some valuable information, which might make a sensational article! Your heart pounded louder, as you snapped some pictures and even tried to record it all. You needed to capture every single detail.
Your instincts told you to dash away and flee as fast you could! If only Superman could be here. He could easily save you, but you were now in Blüdhaven. “Damn…” You mumbled to yourself, preparing your nerves to make a quick exit.
But the gods might have heard your prayers as they left the room, making you sigh out of happiness and relief. But you still had one problem.
How should you leave this place? There were probably some gang members out there. The moment your feet slowly moved away from the crates; you heard a window above you open. Your (e/c) closed. You hoped that they didn’t find you and if one might grab you, you surely will beat them up with your new weapon.
And that’s what you did, when a hand grabbed your wrist. With your eyes closed, you swung your weapon in the direction of the stranger, narrowly missing them. “Woah, woah, calm down.” You heard the person say.
Your eyes widen. Was it not one of the Crimson Vipers?
No.
The person in front of you, who stood there gracefully in unmistakable dark clothes and blue emblem on his chest told you who it was.
“Nightwing.”
The vigilante’s hands went up in surrender. “I’m not here to hurt you, okay?” He tried to calm you down. But you ignored his words, as you asked him rushed; “Why are you here?”
The dark-haired man only rubbed his neck, shaking his head with a small chuckle. “Well, I’m here to, you know, stop these bad guys. But what are you doing here?” – “Uhhh… Investigating?”
“Hey! I forgot something, I will be back in a sec’!” You heard a voice behind the closed door and as it opened with a loud bang, the criminal looked at your direction. The bald guy grabbed his gun, pointed it towards Nightwing, who looked at him surprised. The vigilante probably tried to find a plan to safe you, while kicking their butts, but before you could hear the gun shooting, you stepped in front of Nightwing, crowbar in hand and adrenaline rushing your body.
Your hand swung once again and this time, you didn’t miss. The buff guy fell down and (e/c) orbs moved back to the tall guy behind you.
“Uh… Thanks.” He whispered, disarming the guy on the ground and turned his head towards you. “You shouldn’t be here. It’s pretty dangerous.”
“Dangerous?” You scoffed. “I just saved your masked butt with a crowbar.” You smirked at him, crossing your arms in front of your chest with a proudly, while Nightwing rolled his eyes. You swore that he coughed to hide his little laughter just now. He genuinely was amused by you.
But before any of you could say anything, you heard loud voices again. The criminals! How could you forget them so easily again? They might wonder where they friend was and why it takes him so long to get something back. Damn it!
Their voices growing louder, as they ran towards the door. Nightwing stood up, pulling you towards the crates. “You need to go. Now.” He whispered, glancing towards the window. You silently nodded, getting out of the window with Nightwing’s help, who guided you with ease. His movements were fluid, every step calculated. He was amazing.
When you reached the window, your hands gripped the ledge, while the handsome man boosted you up. “Go.”
You looked down to him, hearing the loud shouts of the criminals that were now aware of your presence. “Aw, come on, guys. Do you really want to hurt a lady? Focus on me.” He turns to them and with a swift kick, he engaged the bad guys, giving you the opportunity to hoist yourself up and through the opening.
When you took deep breathes in and out on the fire stairs, you looked through the large windows, seeing Nightwing holding his own against the criminals. His movements were mesmerizing, as if he dances around the criminals, kicking and punching them several times, as they fell to the ground. You took one picture of the fight, before climbing down the bright fire stairs. Sirens of the police wailed in the distance, signaling their approach. Their lights bright, just like the blue emblem of the chest of the Blüdhaven’s vigilante.
Back at your apartment, you found yourself running towards your desk, typing the newest article. and thanks to your bravery and skills, you found out that The Crimson Vipers' failed operation had become a headline. Your editor was very pleased to even see a picture of Nightwing and the city? Well, the city might have been a little bit safer now.
And you weren’t the only one who flipped through the pages of the Blüdhaven Bulletin. A young man’s ocean-blue eyes widened at a headline that read, “Nightwing Thwarts Crimson Vipers' Plot.” Curiosity piqued, as he read on and discover that the article was written by a (y/n) (l/n). That must have been the brave stranger he saved that night.
The same day, you found yourself at a crime scene, hoping to gather more information for your next big story. You approached the crime scene, your camera dangling around your neck. A police officer seemed to recognize you, as he left his colleagues alone with three handcuffed criminals that had tried to rob a bank.
“You know… I read an article about Nightwing and the Crimson Vipers. Impressive work.” You glanced towards the officer, who leaned on the wall next to you, while you were a bit surprised at the dark-haired man. “Oh, really?”
“Yeah. That must have been you, huh? You seem like a courageous person.”
You chuckled at the stranger’s words. Yes. Some might call you like that and others called you an idiot. “I’m just doing my job.”
“So… You are back for more? Trying to solve the crime before we do?” He teased, his blue eyes twinkling. You shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Someone's got to keep you guys on your toes.” He chuckled. “Well, keep up the good work. Maybe one day, we'll get to see an exclusive Nightwing interview.”
Dick's gaze lingered on you for a moment longer, and then he straightened up. “Keep it up. Blüdhaven needs more journalists like you.”
As he walked away, you couldn't help but smile. Maybe Blüdhaven wasn't as boring as you thought. And perhaps, the masked vigilante and the police officer were both part of a wonderful story waiting to unfold.
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Masterlist ❀ DC Comics Masterlist ✿ City Lights and Secret Meetings Masterlist ❀ navigation
Reblogs, plot ideas, comments and a ko-fi are appreciated. ( ‘ω’ ) © nanamisflowerfield. Do not repost, rewrite, plagiarize my work.
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jooniperbonsai · 1 month ago
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Thanks for the Sub (ksj) | Chapter Six
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Pairing: Camboy!Seokjin x Gamer!Reader (afab)
Rating: 18+
Word Count: 9k 13.5k (SORRYYYYY)
Release date: October 2, 2024
Genre: Smut, fluff, angst, camboy au, gamer au, comedy, crack, slow burn, coworkers/boss/friends to lovers, an exploration of adults in their late 20s/early 30s
Summary: The intensity between you and Seokjin is building, but there's still some shadows of the past that just won't let you go.
Chapter Warnings: angst, negative/derogatory comments toward sex workers, god so much tenderness I really leaned in with the fluff here huh, more panic attacks, relationship insecurity/fears of inadequacy, dirty talking, praise kink, fingering, handjob, sex toys, little bit of exhibition and voyeurism implied, references to masturbation, references to bdsm, slight bratting, y/n teared up a bit again sorry, 1 slap to the thigh, slight body image issues/allusions to fatphobia, dry humping, god Seokjin is such a simp my god he is so in love what a moron to not realize it, body positivity and normalization of bodies, the honeymoon early relationship period of them constantly wanting to fuck phase is upon us, blowjob, slight implied cum kink? Idk they kinda fixate on it sometimes, lying,
a/n: We are so back! Enjoy the newest chapter. I really needed the break this summer. I was so busy with my job and life happening I barely could do anything except go to work, sleep, stare into the abyss. But things have slowed down a bit so the ideas can really keep flowing. Thanks for your patience in all this. I hope you enjoy! -h
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“I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me,” the woman said, rolling a pen between her fingers as she sat on the counter of the kitchen with a clipboard in her lap. 
Seokjin chewed his bottom lip anxiously. There was a late shipment and somehow no one else had shown up in time to receive it. He couldn’t be discussing this now, not when he knew there would be customers arriving any minute while heaps of prep work and inventory needed to be done. 
“There’s nothing I’m not telling you,” he said, reaching behind her for the crate of pears he needed to place in the fridge. 
“Mhm,” the woman hummed. Her head was dipped. Seokjin thought she was you, but something had to be off. “So you’re just going to fuck me like I’m some viewer and then get back to work, is it?” 
He froze in place. “What do you mean?” 
“You know exactly what I mean,” she said, sighing and hopping off the counter. She pushed off with such force the precariously stacked jars and cans all crashed to the floor. “Whoops,” she said, giggling. 
Seokjin’s heart rate picked up, and as he moved to question her further, he heard his cell phone ringing. But in the mess of the kitchen, he couldn’t find it. 
“I can’t talk about this right now,” he said, fishing through the piles of unpackaged chives, which appeared to be doubling in quantity the more he dug. 
Somewhere in the background he heard the front door open. 
“How…did you unlock the front door already?” 
The face came into focus, and as he thought, it was you standing there. You raised an eyebrow. “Um, no?” 
He couldn’t believe this was happening. Why now you were taking on some careless personality that was unlike you? This was something he’d expect from your coworkers but not you. You cared about this place too much. 
“Well there are two people here right now, and I wasn’t the one who left the door unlocked. Can you at least tell them we’re not open?” God, where was his phone? Where was anyone?
“But they’re not here for food,” you said softly, and Seokjin puffed a chest of air, trying to get himself to calm down. 
“Then, what the fuck are they here for?” 
“The show, obviously.” He whipped his head in your direction. You were holding his phone up, smiling wickedly. 
“I don’t know what show you mean!” he practically shouted. “Did you have my phone this entire time and were fucking with me?” 
You laughed, sounding bitter and distant, less like you and more like someone else he knew. 
“You are the one who seems to like to do the fucking with, well everything and everyone else,” you spit. 
“What does that even mea-”
You cut him off, holding your finger to your cupid’s bow and answering his still-ringing phone. 
“Oh, Mrs. Kim, hello. Yes, Seokjin is here, he’s just busy with something. Oh you’re back so soon? Then you’ll have to stop by today. It’s going to be an interesting show.” 
You hung up then tossed his phone aside. Seokjin couldn’t move. Couldn’t get over the rapidly growing pile of chives that were threatening to drown him in their smell. Couldn’t get to his phone quick enough or ask you why you were behaving so cruelly. So cryptically. 
Some of the chives toppled over his head and he lost his balance, following the wave to wherever it would take him next. As he reached up to the surface, he felt himself be jolted outward and he smacked right at the bottom of a pair of shoes. 
“Pathetic,” the owner said, and as he rolled over, Seokjin could see that you were sitting on the counter across the room, where he just had been, looking more like yourself, more worried about him. You didn’t speak however, just watched as he crawled to his knees and pushed up. Seokjin stood, and then realized the owner of the shoes was Soon Yi, who was staring back at him with pure malice. 
“You really couldn’t get your shit together without me, huh? Couldn’t just get a job like everyone else? You ended up being a pornstar and running your parents’ shitty little restaurant?” 
Seokjin’s mouth felt like it was filled with pennies. As he opened to speak, to defend himself, he realized he couldn’t. His mouth was duct taped, and the outfit Soon Yi was wearing was…it was kinky. She had a bra on but it wasn’t really doing much, only went to the curve under the swell of her breasts, and tape x’s covered her nipples. He could see from her exposed abdomen that was also pregnant again, her stomach heavy and taught. She wore some kind of thong, but Seokjin didn’t really want to see how big or small that thing was. Nor was his body reacting to her and the dominatrix type of persona she had undertaken. Was this how she was with her husband, Seokjin’s former boss? Why was she even here?
“It looks like I’ll be taking care of you after all,” she said, and a riding crop that Seokjin swore was never there before was in her hands. “Now be a good dog and sit.” 
His eyes shot to you, and he saw how betrayed you look as he, despite all the restraint he had, fell to his knees for his ex. 
“Good. Now, are you coming or not? There’s so many people waiting for you.”
He tried to shake his head as he kept his focus on you. Wanting to tell you that this wasn’t at all what it looked like, that he had been trying to fight against Soon Yi. 
But he didn’t have control over his body; he couldn't speak. So he left you in the back room, crawling like a dog into the main part of the restaurant which now looked like…his home office? 
At least part of it. The desk chair he sat in often to stream at was in the center of the room and crowds of strangers were there. Seokjin also noticed that he was naked. 
He followed Soon Yi, and scanned the crowd again, this time seeing to his horror his parents had arrived, their shock and disappointment rocking him with so much shame he felt tears spring to his eyes. 
How was everything falling apart? 
Next to his parents, you sat, too. And you were crying, though no one paid you any mind as you shook your head at him as Soon Yi propped him into the chair and turned him toward the crowd. 
“Here he is, ladies and gentleman. Tonight, Jin will be doing a very special performance for you.” She turned around and like magic, she went from holding nothing to Seokjin’s too familiar sparkly pink dildo in her hands. 
His eyes widened. No, he was going to do that here? In front of his family? In front of you? He shook his head again, this time at Soon Yi, who laughed. 
“What? I’m just doing you a favor. Just letting everyone see who you really are.” 
He was hard now, despite himself. Soon Yi laughed again. 
“I guess someone should take care of that for you,” she said, and Seokjin felt her reach down and squeeze his length. He hated that her doing that made him moan. It was churning his stomach to even think of. 
“I’m not going to fuck you,” she said, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Thank god. 
“Y/N, come here.” Seokjin wasn’t sure how Soon Yi knew you, how she even knew he streamed, but none of that mattered to him as his dick throbbed at the mention of your name. Yes, you were the right person to stimulate him this way. But not like this. 
“I– I don’t want to,” you said.  
“I thought you liked him, Y/N. Don’t you want to ride his dick? He seems to want you to. What? Are you too vanilla or something?” 
You squirmed under Soon Yi’s insult, the eyes of the room flashing toward you. Seokjin moved to shove himself forward but then saw that Soon Yi had taped his wrists to the chair when he wasn’t looking. 
Goddamn it. How had she done that? 
You shake your head again, tears falling from your eyes. He wanted to go to you. To remind you that you didn’t want to do anything you didn’t want to. That you could leave at any time. But you didn’t. And he couldn’t. 
“That’s not why,” you insisted. 
Soon Yi smiled. “Tell me,” she practically purred. 
“It’s because he’s…well…” 
“What?” Soon Yi said. “He’s a gay porn star?”
You nodded, your eyes falling to the floor. 
Seokjin’s heart sank. 
“You didn’t even have the decency to tell her, huh? God, you really are such a selfish asshole. Now Y/N knows the truth. And she’s never going to love you. Look at yourself. You made your choice a long time ago. Now, now you have to live with the consequences.”
Seokjin gasped as he pulled himself from his nightmare. Part of him knew he was dreaming. But that wasn’t enough to wake him up. As he sat up and steadied his heartbeat, he took in his surroundings. A beat-up old dresser was across from him, littered with picture frames and knick-knacks that didn’t belong to him. 
Because he was still at your place. It was probably after noon, though he still didn’t have a phone and you didn’t have a clock in this room. 
As he glanced around, he noticed you were still asleep next to him, your hair fanned out across the pillow, arms resting above your head, and the shirt you put on early this morning as you ventured into the city lights to get ramyeon from the convenience store down the block was now bunched up over your breasts, exposing your nipples to Seokjin.
He felt his cock stir, despite the confusing and awful nightmare he’d had. 
With all his recent stress and lack of sleep, he shouldn’t have been surprised everything would all coalesce into one giant messy dream. He was surprised that Soon Yi was there, though. He really rarely thought of her these days, though it seemed his subconscious wanted to send her as a messenger of shame. 
The feeling stewed in his stomach, dousing him in a cool sweat as he processed the dream alongside last night. 
Was he too needy and desperate? Did he rush things too soon? What if you found out that he did stream? Would that make you feel like he was choosing that over you? Or that it exposed you too much, especially when you’d just shyly admitted the night before that you hadn’t ventured into kink but was interested? 
Was streaming cheating? That was something that he couldn’t wrap his mind around. He’d never considered that you might find that to be something as such. How would he make you understand that this wasn’t the same thing, that what he wanted to build with you wouldn’t be exposed online, wouldn’t be cheating because what he felt for you wasn’t what he said he felt toward his viewers. 
But how would you know that? 
Anxiety began to flare up, and he found himself trying to solve this puzzle in various segments, trying to understand and imagine every possible outcome. Either he told you and you were okay with it, or you weren’t. And if he did tell you and you weren’t okay, he didn’t know if you would be willing to give him enough time to explain himself or make you understand.
But if you found out on your own, or through someone else, he knew that would be the end of things before they even began. But what if he told you and you assumed he was just some shitty guy who used sex as a way to make money and power? 
He didn’t even know how he would feel if the roles were reversed. Or rather, he did. Because Seokjin knew that if you were streaming yourself on the internet, a part of him would be insanely jealous. He already felt a twinge of it just from the times he read your chats. But you naked was something else. And while he knew he would respect your decision to do so, he would never feel like he could be fully close to you. 
Just like Soon Yi said in his dream. 
Fuck, he needed to figure this out. 
“What are you thinking about?” Your soft voice broke through his reverie, and he remembered again that you were in front of him, alive, and real. 
And naked. 
He looked down. You had pulled the covers up over your breasts, to his disappointment. Your brow was furrowed, your left pointer finger softly skimming over his side. 
“Oh, a nightmare I had. And other things,” he relaxed back into the bed, rolling over onto his side facing you, using his hand to prop up his head. 
“Do you want to talk about it?” Your eyes were sparkling, your voice so gentle it felt like water washing over the scalding parts of his brain, soothing him. 
“No, it’s okay. It was just a dream.” He looked back at you, noticing that your concerned expression didn’t fade. 
He sighed. “I guess I’m feeling a little…overwhelmed from everything.” 
You froze. “Oh.”
He could see your expression changing, the walls he had finally broken through starting to slide back into place, and he realized how awful what he’d just said probably sounded. 
“Not about you, it’s my own shit I swear I–”
“Are you having regrets about last night?” Your voice sounded broken. You crossed your arms over your chest.
“No, no, jagi, not at all. I mean that I felt like…I don’t know. So much happening with work and stress of family stuff and it’s all starting to really get to me. And then there’s you…and you’re like this light among all the bullshit but god. I was a lot really fast with you. I said a lot of things that were maybe too soon, and I also didn’t really talk to you fully about the emotional side of how I feel for you. My body, uh, I feel like that part took over before I could express that to you.” 
He knew he had to at least address this part, and had to absolve that part of him, his dream where sex and power seemed to really want to play their hand over him. Something he never wanted to happen to you. 
“I know that you care about me,” you assured him. “And I know that yes, we kind of immediately dove into some different roles, sharing really personal fantasies. But I don’t think that’s bad, do you?”
Your voice strained a bit at the end, and Seokjin realized that you were also just as anxious that something happened beyond what either of you communicated to each other in the moments after. 
He shook his head. “No, I don’t think that’s bad. But I want you to know that this isn't’ just sex for me. That I’m not going to just walk away or use you to get off. And I-I don’t want you to think that I’m using you.” 
You sighed, sitting up. You pulled his hand into your lap. “I don’t think you used me for sex, Seokjin. I’m not embarrassed by it or feel like you disrespected me. I feel more flattered. I guess that you played up those dynamics more with me because you knew they made me feel good. You know they made me feel good, right? I didn’t, like, not express how good it felt did I?” 
He smiled. “No, no I knew. And you’re right. I guess I felt like I could have been more smooth, amped this up more. I know you felt like we did things out of order because of the fact that we had sex before going on a date, but I feel like I made things out of order by being less romantic and more…”
“Perverted?” you finished, a smirk flying to your lips as you processed Seokjn’s bashful look, his cheeks turning red. 
“Yeah, I guess that’s the word for it,” he smiled back despite himself. Relief set in as he realized you were okay with it. Okay with the pace being set. He wasn’t taking advantage of you. And you knew that. 
You snorted. “I may have slipped some of my dirtiness out yesterday, and maybe you beat me to it faster, but I think you’ll learn soon I’m way more perverted than you.” 
His eyebrows rose. “Oh?”
You laughed. “Yes. I read!” 
“Oh, that’s right. Most of the books on your shelf are quite suggestive, aren’t they?” He began to drag his hand along your covered thigh, then hesitated. He didn’t want to just move toward sex. Why was it so hard for him to keep himself under control?
“Do you want to talk about it?” you asked, throwing Seokjin off. 
“Huh?” 
“Your nightmare you had. You were saying no a lot in your sleep. I figured that’s why you’ve been a bit off this morning. You didn’t sleep very peacefully.” 
He was off? How?
“I’m not…I wasn’t…” No excuse came. 
“We don’t have to talk about it,” you said softly. But Seokjin knew. He could feel the silence wedging between you. The distance started to leave a bitter taste in his mouth over what happened last night. 
“Soon Yi was in it,” he said uneasily, not knowing where to start.  
You sat quietly, though he saw you tense at the name. 
“She was telling me lots of stuff. I was failing with the restaurant, and I was failing with you. And she wanted me to make sure I knew it.” 
You pursed your lips for a moment and nodded, then wiggled back under the covers, scooting your head across the pillow to lie just under Seokjin’s bent elbow. He watched you closely, trying to detect what kind of reaction you were giving from this. 
“Can I ask you something?” you asked after a moment. 
He hummed, flicking his gaze down to you. He felt one of your legs curl across his as you pulled yourself closer. Your breasts dragged against his stomach. His free hand found itself in your hair, stroking it away from your face at your temple. 
“When you…when you dream of her, do you miss her?” 
His gut twinged, something in him stirring at that question. He’d often asked himself the same one over the years, trying to figure out what the feeling really was. But this time, as Seokjin craned his neck down to see you worry your lip between your teeth, he finally had the words. 
As he leaned down to peck a kiss onto your forehead, he sighed. “No, I don’t anymore. I think sometimes I feel maybe nostalgic for a time where I was known the way she knew me, but I don’t miss her. If I did, I don’t think I would have been so attracted to you, so drawn to you that my thoughts are clouded with you every day.” 
“Okay. It’s not that I wanted to assume it. I just didn’t know. I don’t know how serious this breakup was. I mean, I guess I assumed it had to be serious because she was your fiancé but…” Your hand found a way out of the covers and up to his cheek, gently rolling your thumb against the stubble of his jaw. A soft smile bloomed across your face. “When you talked about her before, you almost did like there was no emotion behind it.” 
“What do you mean? Like I didn’t care about her?”
“Not really like that,” you said. “More like you didn’t want me to know you cared about her. Like it was a story to move on from and not something you actually lived.” 
His heart wrenched at the call-out, and Seokjin began to feel his cheeks burn. “I-I’m sorry.” 
Your eyes widened and you shook your head vigorously. “No, no, don’t apologize for that. Seokjin. I’m weirdly relieved to see that you do feel things about her. I don’t expect you to not feel anything.” 
“I just…I care about you. And in my dream, you listened to what she said about me and it changed your mind.” 
“Well, what did she say? What is it that would change my mind about you? Because I don’t think it probably is as bad as you seem to believe.” 
His throat welled. This was the moment. He could tell you. He could be honest and would know you wouldn’t walk away. Or that if you did, it would be before he got too attached to you. Seokjin could live with the results of you deciding his lifestyle was too much. He could seal away his feelings, and once his parents returned in a month or so, he could move on with his life and find a new job where you wouldn’t haunt every thought he had.
He swallowed, mouth dry as his heart began hammering against his chest.
“Sh-she said that you would never love me. That no one ever would.” His breathing was slightly ragged, voice shaking a bit. He felt like he’d drunk too much caffeine on an empty stomach, the dizzying haze of fear rooting itself in his core. 
To think it was one thing. To say the fear out loud, in the quiet of the early afternoon light, was another. 
Your hand stilled on his face, and you turned his head so his gaze met yours. Seokjin couldn’t help it as he felt you pull closer to him. He felt the tears spring up into his eyes.
“Do you believe that? That you’re so unlovable?” 
Did he? He didn’t know. Perhaps it was less that Seokjin believed he was unlovable and more that he didn’t deserve your love. Especially with how gentle and pure and good you were. How tainted he was. 
He didn’t answer, but that was enough of one for you. Enough for you to pull yourself up, the covers falling away from your body, your breasts swaying as you hoisted yourself on top of him, straddling his stomach with your naked thighs. 
You moved his hands to your hips, bowing your head so it hovered just above his. Your warm voice found his ear as you leaned closer. 
“I’ll tell you a little secret,” you whispered. Chills formed across his body as your breath tickled his neck. “You’re just as lovable as everybody else, Seokjin. No matter what you’ve been told. By anyone.” He felt your lips brush against his neck. 
His breath heaved once, and then he felt a few beads rolling down his cheeks as you pecked small kisses onto him.
“I’ve wanted you for a long time.” 
How? How could this be real? Any of this be real? Was he drifting through a different kind of dream now? In his life, Seokjin couldn’t imagine being told this so honestly. And furthermore, the lump in his throat was still there because while he was hearing you admit you felt something for him, wouldn’t that change the second he informed you of the other half of the dream? 
The reasoning behind no one ever loving him?
“I’m so scared, Seokjin.” Your shaking voice pulled him from his thoughts, and his eyes flashed to yours as you pulled away. 
He wasn’t the only one with tears in his eyes. You, too, had some brimming your eyelashes, the shine of wetness almost ethereal. 
“I’m absolutely fucking terrified.” He could see the sincerity; the anxiety and fear stirred beneath the intensity of your stare. He imagined his eyes were reflecting the same thing. “And you want to know why?” 
He did. He nodded.
“Because I’m worried I will fuck this up somehow. Or that the past will repeat itself. That you’ll disappear one day and it’ll be like I dreamt all this. I don’t know if I can take it if I wake up and find you gone without a trace, as if I never existed to you. It’s happened before.” Your voice shook as a few tears fell down your face. 
Seokjin’s eyes widened. “What?”
Your eyes flicked away from him and you laughed lightly as you wiped the tears from your face. “God, I don’t even know why I’m crying. This is so stupid.” 
“No, no back up. What happened?” He wasn’t going to let you change the subject. Not about this. Not when you two were being honest and communicating clearly. Not when despite being inside of you last night, he had never felt so close to you as he did in this moment. 
“You’re not the only one with a past. You know that, right?”
A flood of embarrassment washed over him, souring his stomach. Because truthfully, he hadn’t really considered how much of your past had led you to being there on top of him. 
“Y/N, I–”
“No, no, I don’t mean it that way. I meant it more that you aren’t the only one who is scared because of the past. I wasn’t engaged before. I thought I would be, though, at one point. But looking back, I don’t think Do Woon and I even knew each other, and I was more thinking about the idea of getting married as something I had to do more than I wanted to. Not to say I don’t want to get married but–”. You cut yourself off, your words sharp and quick as if a rain of thoughts had all come down at once. 
Seokjin took a deep breath, steadying himself under you as he asked. “Do you…do you want to start from the beginning?” 
You chuckled, lacing your fingers into his. “I wanted to say that I have been with someone. And it was getting serious, or it was for me. And then one day, poof, he just ghosted me. Blocked my number when he was supposed to come to my dad’s birthday party. It was a whole mess.” 
Seokjin stroked his thumb over the back of your hand. “It sounds like a mess. And that guy was an absolute asshole.” He tried to ignore the pit of guilt in his stomach as he realized he had also been considering disappearing a few moments ago. Granted, that was under the assumption that you weren’t interested in him, or that if you found out you would change your mind. 
Fuck. Just tell her. 
He didn’t know when he would be able to insert this information. Definitely not as he spoke next. 
“Why don’t you tell me about them. As much or as little as you want to share.” 
And that was all it really took, you being granted permission to unstopper the bottle of your past and some of the outer laying details that Seokjin never could make sense of. You told him about Do Woon, explaining that he, along with some other guy who shall not be named, were your two main relationships you’d had in your adult life, and both of them left some part of you feeling shattered and vulnerable, despite how short those relationships were. Only a few months of your life. Not even enough to establish them officially as your boyfriend, or at least that was something he’d never referred to himself as while dating you. 
At some point you pulled yourself off of Seokjin, settling back into the plush comforter on your bed. And despite his best efforts to not look for a clock to mark what time it was, he found himself scanning your room for one, only to realize whatever time it was really didn’t matter. 
Not when you were being so open after a time of being so closed off. 
“I feel…inexperienced compared to you. Almost like I’m some sixteen year old kid doing this all for the first time.” 
Your apartment was quiet. There were clearly sounds of the old building creaking as neighbors around you occasionally left or arrived with a slam of a door. But all that life outside, Seokjin thought, it resembled something mechanical and impersonal, far from the life he was experiencing with you. 
“You know, it’s funny. You’re saying I have all this experience, but I don’t.” 
“But you do. You’ve taken someone on dates before, probably bought her flowers and birthday presents. You clearly know how to have sex and do it well. You cook for people, you’ve lived this exceptional career, and are known by a ton of people. You just exist so maturely and fully in a way that I don’t feel like I do. In a way that means something officially through a relationship. I feel like I’m watching you like a kid observing a teacher to know how to write the alphabet, and it’s kind of embarrassing.” 
Seokjin watched as you shifted uneasily, pulling your arm across your chest as you became guarded once more, on edge and awaiting his response. 
“None of that even means anything, Y/N. I don’t have experience in all this stuff, not with you. I don’t know what I’m doing, what I could say that might offend you. And I’m not sure what career you’re referring to because I’m just some nepo baby but much lower in class. Hard work didn’t give me this job; being the son of the owners did.
“And as far as existing in a way that is mature, what makes me qualified to be considered as such? I play video games in my apartment by myself, I don’t have complex problems with school and finances and balancing a future career to contend with the way you do. Now, that’s maturity.” 
Seokjin reached forward, tugging you into his embrace. 
Into your ear, he whispered. “You’re right about one thing, though. I do know how to have really good sex.” 
You snorted, your shoulders relaxing as you nuzzled into him. “Yes, I’m aware. I was there.”
“Which means you know that it takes two people at least to have sex. And that means the sex wasn’t just good because of me. But you, too. Like, really, really good.” 
You laughed lightly. “Okay, fine. But I still feel like a beginner.” 
“I do too. And before you argue with me again about this. I’m learning you, just like you’re learning me. What demons we carry, what flaws we have. What hot little kinks lurk in your closet that I cannot wait for you to inform me of. How you like your eggs in the morning, what songs you’ll sing in the shower. Mine is ‘Loner’ by Outsider, by the way.” 
Your laugh built, your body shaking against his. He smiled despite the fact that you couldn’t see him. 
“This is new. We’re new. We are both beginners in the process of hopefully becoming experts in each other.”
You released a puff of air from your chest, angling yourself to look at him. 
“I like that. I want to be an expert in you, I think.” 
He cocked an eyebrow. “You think?”
You rolled your eyes. “Fine, I know. I want to be an expert in you. Period.” 
“Good, because I plan on becoming an expert in you.” 
“Okay then…so first of all, I like scrambled eggs. But not the gummy rubbery crap. Soft scramble, low and slow. With toast and pats of butter.” 
“Low and slow, got it.” Seokjin said. He gazed down at you, your sleep-tangled hair falling cutely into your face as you described your favorite breakfast and how to make it. Ideally with lower heat, the curds of the eggs softly mixed and cooked into the butter to be uniform throughout. He filed the recipe away, but more specifically how you said it, how your lips curved around every word as you enthusiastically rambled on, ranking your favorite to least favorite egg varieties. 
He stroked the hair out of your face with one arm, his other tracing the curves of your bare back. 
“And then, hmm song I’ll sing in the shower.” You drifted off, your breath coming more ragged in your chest as his hand traced the outer lines of your hip and thighs. Seokjin felt you adjust yourself, the heat of your lower body escaping as you opened your thighs wider. 
“It’s a very important answer,” he said casually, his eyes becoming more hooded as he watched your arousal starting to grow, your body attempting to make subtle attempts to cover up what Seokjin knew was already there. 
“Mmm,” you responded weakly. Your own hands were exploring now under the covers, grazing Seokjin’s defined chest and abs, and resting just under the hair that trailed his belly button. Millimeters away from his stiffening cock. 
His left hand found its way away from your head, fingers running down the length of your neck and shoulders, and finally to your plump breasts. 
You gasped out a moan when he plucked a nipple between two of his fingers, a devilish smile splayed across his face when your eyes flew open to look at him. 
“Shit,” you rasped, and Seokjin chuckled, amused by how your building arousal made you all the more sensitive. 
Your hand closed over his cock unexpectedly, eliciting a groan from him as you began firmly stroking him in your hands. 
He took that as a cue, letting his right hand finally push your thighs more apart. He ran his fingers through you, pulling them away and placing them between the two of you. 
His tongue poked out as he tasted you on his fingers, relishing how your mouth fell slightly open as you intently watched his tongue loop over every ridge of his pointer finger. You shifted again. 
“Mmm, you taste good. Have you tasted yourself before?” he asked, and your eyes widened before you did a short, embarrassed nod. 
“So curious.” He lapped at his other finger, spending less time cleaning it. “I think you might like your taste even better now.” 
“How?” Your voice was soft, still enamored by his ministrations.  
Seokjin grinned, leaning forward to tilt your head up to him to kiss you. The kiss was hard, a pull of dominance overtaking him as he forced your mouth open with his, his tongue tangling into yours, giving you a shared taste of your arousal and him. 
You moaned, and as he dipped back down to your hot core with his fingers, you leaned in harder to the kiss, wrapping your arm around his neck to keep him close to you as you sucked his plump bottom lip into your mouth. Your other hand stilled on his cock, holding it but loosening in your grasp as you remained distracted by him. You shuddered into his mouth as he stroked your swollen clit with his thumb, pushing your pelvis up so he could get the right angle. 
“That’s a good girl, Y/N, spread your legs for me so I can fuck you open with my fingers.” 
As he slid one in with ease, then the second, he could feel you clench around him, causing his cock to to throb as he imagined it in place of his fingers. 
You ground into his hand, still chasing his mouth with yours. Your hand brushed up and down his length again before abandoning its mission, instead using your hand to push away from the kiss. You pouted at him as he built a rhythm with his fingers, pulling slowly in and out and occasionally scissoring his fingers open to ensure you were ready for him. 
“So greedy,” he chuckled. 
“I need you,” you whined, and your arm left his neck to the hand thrusting into you. You put your hand over his, commanding it to deliver sharper, heavier thrusts into your drenched pussy. 
“I can see that,” he teased, following your set rhythm for the moment. As he watched you writhe below him, he couldn’t help but look at every curve of you, trying to burn this memory into him forever. 
The room fell quiet, the only sounds being your little moans and the wet sounds of his fingers thrusting in and out of you. He felt your hand take hold of his cock again, and he glanced down to see your small fingers laced around its thickness. 
God, it was perfect. 
“You’re so hard,” you remarked, pumping him to the same speed he was working his fingers. 
His eyebrow cocked. You were teasing him, trading out your nervousness for a sexy, confident self who was only working him up further. More precum dribbled from the head of his cock as you worked him in your fist, pumping up and down roughly, perfectly. 
He didn’t know how you knew he liked harder, rougher handjobs. Or that his heavy sack was so deliciously sensitive that your mouth on it last night almost had him cumming immediately. Either way, he was thoroughly enjoying how you were panting a little as he continued to thrust in and out of you while you tried to focus, your breasts bouncing along with your strokes. 
God, he needed to pace himself or he would cum all over you without warning. The image of that idea alone had his hips buck forward into your grasp and he imagined you painted so sinfully with his white cum dripping down your face, your chest—
Fuck. His balls drew up with the ache of his thrust into your hands, threatening to spill. No. No he didn’t want this to be how it ended. 
In all this, you were on the edge, but he could tell the angle just wasn’t right. 
Seokjin pulled his fingers from you, a pathetically cute “no, please” leaving your lips as you closed your legs around his hand, grinding onto him to try and get yourself off. 
But Seokjin had a better idea. Instead, he pulled away, flipping the comforter off of you. He  searched along the floor until he found what he was looking for. 
Your abandoned vibrator was on top of some dirty laundry. He picked it up, holding it in front of you. 
“It’s dirty,” you said. “I used it last night before–“ 
You froze, looking away from Seokjin and down at a spot on the floor. 
“Before what?” He asked. 
“Before, um…” 
God you were so cute when you were being shy. 
“Were you using this right before I got here?” 
Your eyes widened and you nodded, still avoiding eye contact. 
“What were you masturbating to, princess? I’m sorry I interrupted you. Did you get to cum?” 
You shook your head and then looked back up at Seokjin. “I mean technically yes but not while I was masturbating. You made me cum later.” 
“Oh, baby. Then I owe you an orgasm, then, don’t I? Poor thing had to wait so long to cum. You were probably so worked up and wet and tense.” 
He could see the effect his words had on you, the playful, almost bratty facade melting into a more submissive, soft haze. Your eyes were locked on his, gaze burning hot. 
“I-I was,” you agreed softly. 
Seokjin clicked his tongue. “Tsk, I’ll make it up to you. But first, tell me what got you so worked up.” 
You groaned, your hands flying to your face as you hid behind them. 
“I can’t.” 
“And why is that?” 
“It’s too embarrassing.” 
“Is it? There’s nothing to be ashamed of, Y/N. I don’t care who you were masturbating to, I know that doesn’t mean anything. But it’s healthy. It’s about your relationship to yourself.” 
“You,” you replied quickly. You didn’t remove your hands from your face, muffling the sound. 
“Me?” Seokjin replied, a wide grin spreading to his face. He liked the sound of that. 
“Yes. Don’t let it go to your head.” 
But he couldn’t help himself. Seokjin was delighted, warmth spreading throughout his body as he imagined you on this very bed naked, sighing and moaning and twitching around your toy. It was a perfect view, one he wanted to see in real time so he could memorize it just as it happened. 
“What were you thinking about that had you soaking wet for me when I arrived? What was I doing? Was it your kinky fantasy you told me about?” 
Your hands fell from your face as you smacked his thigh with your hands. “Shut up! You’re letting it go to your head. It’s none of your business what I was fantasizing about and now you’re kink shaming me!” 
Seokjin laughed, carding his hand through his hair. 
“Kink shaming you? Did you not see how turned on I was by the idea of you having a little exhibitionist streak?” 
“Okay, well fine! You tell me what one of your fantasies is so it’s fair.” 
Seokjin smirked. He was used to this kind of talk. He wouldn’t back down from a challenge. 
“Hmm, which one do you want to know more about? The one where I have you tied up like a pretty little present for me, rope threaded around your soft arms and stomach, being held open for me? Or, maybe the one where you’re blindfolded, unable to see anything but feel everything.”
Your lips pop open, eyes flashing with something dark that Seokjin can tell has sent your mind into overdrive. Oh, you like that just as much as him. 
“Is that what you want, princess? For me to make you feel everything while I fuck you blindfolded?” 
You squirm under him, but surprisingly, you shake your head. “Not now. Maybe later. Right now I want to see you. See everything you do to me.” 
“I can definitely do that.” 
Seokjin reached over to your bedside table, cocking his head toward the drawer. “Is this where your toys live?” he asked. 
“Yes, but…”
“But?”
“Just…don’t judge me.” 
“Never,” Seokjin assured, and he opened the drawer. 
You didn’t have many toys, but just from the fact that you had more than one told Seokjin that you were just as curious as he was. 
He sifted through the drawer, moving anal beads, a bullet vibrator, a rabbit vibrator, and a long blue dildo out of the way. He found the case to the purple clitoral vibrator he now knew you used to get yourself off last night and slipped it in. 
Then he saw what he was looking for. Of course you would have one.
Seokjin pulled the c-shaped vibrator out of its case, your eyes widening as you saw it in his palm. 
“Fuck,” you said. “That one is…really intense.” 
“Oh?” he teased, crawling across the bed and over you once more. “How so?”
“Um, I usually cum really fast with that one. Almost too fast. And hard.”
“That sounds like the opposite of a problem to me.”
You laughed, relaxing back into your pillows. “I mean that I kind of struggle with it.” 
“Do you not want me to use this on you?” 
“You can, it’s just that I like the way it feels when you touch me. I can use toys any time. That feeling is the same.”
“Princess, I guarantee that it won’t feel the same. Not when I’m the one holding the remote and deciding what angle and where.”
You shrugged, gesturing down to your parted legs. “Fine, then go for it.” 
“Oh, I will. And don’t you forget that you still owe me an answer to my question. I want to know what I was doing in your little fantasy that got you so worked up you made a mess on one of your toys.”
“God, are you going to fuck me already or am I going to have to do it myse-”
A firm slap landed on your thigh and you cried out. 
“Hey! That hurt!” 
“Yes, it’s supposed to. You’re being a brat. And I don’t appreciate it.”
You rolled your eyes, and for a moment Seokjin thought to delve out another slap to your other thigh. But he was also getting impatient. His cock felt angry and hard as it strained against his stomach. He needed to get his mind off of it. 
So instead he tapped your thighs, this time softer, signaling you to spread further to expose your glistening core. You were still so wet, and as he pushed the toy into you, a squelch rang out into the room as you sucked it right in. 
It might have been the hottest thing Seokjin had ever seen in his life. 
“How’s that feel?” he asked gently, enamored with the sight of you below him. 
“Mmm, good,” you replied, a slight breathiness in your voice. A happy, drunk smile spread across your lips.
He felt himself mirror you, probably some stupid, dopey grin slapped across his own face. But you were like a goddess, your hair splayed onto the pillow under your head, arms bent at the elbow and resting near your face. 
“So beautiful,” he whispered. God, he could look at you like this forever. A tight warmth surged into his chest, and he bent forward to kiss your forehead. “So good for me.”
You didn’t get a chance to protest as the vibrator came to life, dual controls vibrating both the curved shaft that was snuggly wrapped around your pelvic bone and the clitoral attachment. 
You jolted, your back immediately arching as you responded to the sensation. 
“Fuck, Seokjin.” 
“Mm, I believe I’m the one fucking you,” he joked, chuckling to himself. 
“Oh my god shut up it’s not funny oh, fuck–”
Your eyes shut tightly as you clenched around the vibrator, its low buzz sounding louder in the room as Seokjin rested it up against you.
“I thought you wanted to see everything I do to you.” 
Your eyes shot open and looked up at him. “I do, but god this is so intense.” 
“Well, let me provide a solution to that,” Seokjin responded, and then he pulled away, leaving the vibrator to rest inside of you for a minute. He’d gotten this idea only a few minutes ago, but just in his general state of wonder at your apartment, he knew that you had a floor mirror peeking out from the corner of the room. 
You whined as he stood across your room, hips bucking as the wet sounds of the clitoral vibrator created small suction noises that alerted Seokjin of just how wet you were. 
He turned back to you, climbing back atop the bed and sliding his hands underneath your bottom, pulling you up into his arms. 
You gasped, though he wasn’t sure if it was because the toy had hit a particular sensitive spot, or you weren’t expecting him to carry your weight. But none of that mattered right now. Instead, he was transfixed by the way you were watching yourself as you both stood in front of the mirror, Seokjin positioning you with your legs spread and hips angled toward the mirror, propping yourself up by leaning your back against his chest. 
“Here you go princess,” he cooed. “Now you can see everything.” 
You shuddered, as if his words sent a chill down your spine. He grinned, taking one of your hands and guiding it down to the vibrator, nudging it further into you. 
You began to take over, but he tightened his grasp on your hand, shaking his head. 
“Then why–”
“So when you use it alone next time, you’ll have no choice but to think of me, my hands making you tremble, making you drip down your legs.” 
You moaned, low in your throat, closing your eyes as he upped the intensity through the remote. A heavy, wet gasp shuddered through your chest, your other hand that wasn’t positioned on your vibrator finding Seokjin’s hand and squeezing it. 
“Is this angle better? Or is it still too much?” 
“It’s good. It’s really good.”
“Then keep your eyes open, princess,” he ordered. “Look how beautiful you are as you cum.” 
After a moment of hesitation, you obliged, opening your eyes again and staring directly at him in the mirror. 
“Close,” you said, your legs quivering. You leaned into his chest harder for support. 
“I know,” he replied. Seokjin was drunk on the tiny whimpers exiting your mouth, how you wriggled against him during moments of more intense sensation. How could he ever want anything more from the world when he had this moment, the bright afternoon light cascading over your bodies through the window, the sheen of sweat coating your skin looking like diamonds. Your eyes were bright and hungry, chasing your end with the determination that he always admired in you. 
It was the same hunger you had for knowledge, those days at the restaurant when he would pull you out of your textbooks and notetaking because you failed to hear the chime of the door alerting you to the fact that customers had arrived. You would always look at him with a daze, but like you were craving to delve back in, to learn the next part about family structures and psychology of developing minds.  
This time though, that hunger was fixated on your orgasm, on Seokjin, how you untangled your hand from his to reach behind you and grab his cock, pulling it through your legs so you could grind down on it, your hips jutting against him as he slid between your damp thighs and against the toy. You smirked darkly, satisfied that he would play this game with you, and would follow your lead with the rocking of his hips. 
He loved that you were challenging him. He was quickly learning that you desired–no, required– the reminder that you were truly the one in control, even if you were submissive. You were setting the parameters of the boundaries, the cat and mouse games weaving in and out so you could explore how far you wanted to go, where the lines you wouldn’t cross were. 
It was a lot more intuitive than Seokjin would have thought, how he could recognize your hesitation in some moments and provide reassurance through a question, or recognize what situations of you grabbing his hand were a hard stop, and what other times were meaning you were so overcome with pleasure that you needed something to hold onto. 
He was happy to do this, so happy and lucky and bewildered that this was real, that you were real. He needed to steady himself, and so he took your hand in his once more, reveling in the warmth of your softness. 
He pulled the hand to his mouth, kissing it. Your eyes were glassy, a soft smile blooming as you embraced the tender gesture.
You ground down harder, your movements becoming sloppier as you heaved another breath in your chest. 
“Close,” you said again. This time with more urgency. Your brows furrowed, your thighs snapping together, and then your orgasm rocked through you, heavy delicious shakes spiraling out from you, clamping down on the toy and also his cock between your legs, a rush of dampness spilling out from you. . 
“Please, please, please, please,” you begged, still shaking, still in the midst of intensity, though Seokjin didn’t know what you were begging for. His brain was fuzzy as he watched you cresting with pleasure. Did you want him to turn off the toy? As he moved your hands on the vibrator toward the off button you shook again, adding a shake of your head. 
“No, no. More, Jinnie, please more.” He was a bit shocked by the way you were whining so desperately for him, but it encouraged him to move your hands toward the other buttons that turned up the settings. 
With a sharper, higher buzz, he watched in awe as you coasted from one orgasm to the next, thighs shaking so hard your knees were failing, and he had to curl his hand around your waist to ensure you didn’t fall to the ground. 
“Yes,” you sighed, the word repeated over and over and over like a spell. You looked directly at him as you moaned, like you were championing him through this orgasm, your eyes melting into a thicker, warmer gaze as you ground harder against him and the toy. 
“Fuck, Y/N.” He didn’t know what to say. He just watched you have two earth-shattering orgasms on top of him, against him, and you were asking for more. He settled on words that barely touched the surface, but would do for the moment. “You’re incredible.”
As you pushed further toward the edge, you looked at your body, and before you could even begin to think, he was kissing your neck, whispering in between kisses. 
He took your laced hands, trailing your fingers over your thigh. 
“Gorgeous. Look at yourself. So soft and sweet and wet. You can do it, baby, let yourself go.”
And somehow, though he was ready to deliver you a string of other encouragement, you broke, a throaty, clipped yelp carrying across the room as you came. 
“Oh my god, oh my god,” you heaved, your eyes shining wet with tears that leaked out of you. You laughed lightly, euphoric and almost giddy as your legs wobbled. He noticed you began to tilt more toward the floor, and quickly Seokjin threw his arms around you before you fell,  hoisting  you up against him, kissing your temple and cheek. He reached down and turned off the vibrator, your hips still bucking in the after shock. 
“That’s my good girl.”
“Shit.”
You both stood in the quiet, still in front of the mirror. You were panting, eyes locked on him. A smile crept up your face, and Seokjin felt full suddenly, like he was feasting on his adoration for you as it grew by the minute. He was grinning back, his cheeks hurting from how much he’d been doing that all day. 
After a moment, he pulled the vibrator out of you. You winced at the sensitivity, but there were still stars in your eyes as you basked in the afterglow. Your eyes followed the threads of arousal clinging to you and the toy, its silicone shiny and slick as Seokjin took it into his hand and tossed it on the bed. 
He studied you carefully, watching intently to gauge your mood in case you crashed. But you were glowing and sighing happily against him, ready to tug your tangled fingers from his. 
But Seokjin had other ideas. He took your joined hands, drawing small circles on your thighs. 
“But, you’re still hard,” you said in protest. 
He was. Painfully so. He’d gotten so close to cumming when you writhed against him, but it could wait. This couldn’t. 
“Yes, and I’ll still be hard in a few minutes,” he said. “But I’m not done with you, yet. It’s still your turn.” 
“I don’t think I can cum again so soon. I still feel the buzzing of the vibrator in my clit.” 
Seokjin chuckled fondly. “That’s okay, princess. That’s not exactly what I had in mind.”
“Then what-”
He shushed you, continuing the slow circles on your thighs. 
“I saw you starting to judge yourself back there,” he said softly. “Especially when you were about to cum. And I just want to say I see you, I witness you and all that you are. I see you so fully and I only hope one day you will see you how I see you. Your strong thighs that carry you from class to work and home every day.” 
He moved your hands up to your stomach. “Your stomach, which is a stomach. Muscles and organs and skin and, sure, fat. All those things nourishing your body, protecting you like armor. Softness, too.” He kissed your neck again, this time sucking in slightly. Just enough to bloom a hickey. 
He cocked an eyebrow when you moaned, clearly not opposed. 
“Definitely a fan of this part right here. But you know that,” he said, guiding your hands to your plump ass. He grabbed a handful of it, sighing. 
You giggled, the brightness in your eyes lively and playful as you hung on every word he said. 
“Love this part, this sweet, tight little pussy.” He ran a finger through you again, and you hissed when his knuckle brushed your clit. “Still a little too sensitive though. But truly, if I could, I’d live the remainder of my existence with you sitting on my face.” 
“Seokjin!” 
“It’s true!!! Beauty knows beauty. I would be honored if your beautiful pussy smothered my beautiful face.” 
“Oh my god,” you yanked at your hands, but he didn’t budge. 
“Okay, okay. I will stop talking about your tasty little pussy and how much I want to bury my nose in it, drown in it, worship it.” He moved his hands along your sides. “Strong hips, and the dip right here? Absolute masterpiece. The ancient Greeks would have fought each other to determine who got to carve those into marble.” 
You rolled your eyes but let him continue. 
When he arrived at your breasts, he cupped them with both hands, savoring the heaviness of them in his palms. “I have no words for these. Okay maybe a few. One time, you wore a lower cut shirt and just the suggestion of cleavage had me jacking off in the bathroom at work. I could not extinguish the boner that gave me. I was like a horny high school boy again. Honestly, I haven't had that happen since I was probably sixteen.” 
You both laughed, but you recovered as he moved inward, a little further up your chest. 
“There’s so much I love about you, Y/N. You’re compassionate and kind. The way you always go out of the way to help others in need. When you helped Yuna with the crates that fell over last week, spending longer cleaning them up than she did. Or how you are vulnerable with me when I haven’t even really been so with you.” 
You opened your mouth to protest but he squeezed your hand in warning. “Don’t even deny it baby. We both know it. But that’s not the point. Your heart is so pure, so effervescent. You find so much joy in things. I remember you telling me about the snow. How it made you feel the romance of the air. That’s something so beautiful, and I see it in you every day.”
You took a deep breath, and he smiled softly as you looked at your connected hands over your chest. 
“I could go on and on. Your ticklish neck. How your lips pout and your eyes are like moonbeams. How you work so hard to make a difference and find a way to get through it despite it all. How am I so lucky to hold you right now? You’re so real in my arms, but sometimes, I swear I’ve dreamed you.” 
“I’m real,” you said hoarsely. “This is real.” 
You also sounded like you couldn’t believe it, but as Seokjin released your hands, he turned your body toward him, placing his thumb on your bottom lip. 
“Yes. Yes, this is real.” 
Seokjin leaned down, tucking his hand behind your head and kissing you, just to prove that you both hadn’t imagined each other. 
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After a long, distracting shower that started as a shower but ended with Seokjin’s cum on your chest, thus being the cause for another shower, you now are both clean, dressed, and hungry. 
“Hey,” Seokjin says, lightly pulling the comb he was using for his hair through the ends of yours. 
“Mmm?” You’re a bit sore and tired, your legs still feeling like noodles after the three orgasms he pulled out of you earlier, plus the intense sex you had last night. 
“Food,” he deadpans. 
“Ugh, can we order something? I don’t want to move.” 
“If we do that you know it’s going to just end up with me fucking you on the couch.” 
You turn around from your spot on the floor, Seokjin’s legs wide as he sits on the couch with you between them. You look at his crotch, noticing that while he’s not hard, his natural bulge still has your mouth watering at the idea of what’s hidden beneath his pants.
Seokjin clears his throat and you look up. He cocks his head. 
“No, I know, you’re right. Plus, we still need to get you a new phone.” 
At the mention of his phone, he tenses, the realization dawning on him. His eyes look down to your phone on the coffee table. “Fuck, I completely forgot. Shit, what time is it? Do we still have time?” 
You tap the screen of your phone, the bright light alerting you to the fact that while you have time, you don’t have much.
“God, I can’t believe I forgot to go do that. I’m sure there’s a thousand texts waiting for me from my mother and what if something happened to the restaurant and–” 
“Relax! It’s okay; let’s go now. There’s a store around the block from here. And then while we’re out maybe we can go get some dinner? I have been wanting to try this Italian place that has these viral garlic knots and oh my god you’re allergic to garlic nevermind.”
The words rush out of you in a puff of air. You begin to feel embarrassed for forgetting such a crucial allergy. 
“It’s not going to kill me,” he says, the warmth of his voice and depth of his brown eyes looking at you sending a shiver down your spine. “Thank you for remembering my allergy, though. Of course we can go get dinner. That sounds perfect.”
He cups your cheek in his hand, and you feel yourself melt into the touch. It’s almost as if he’s glued to you, finding excuses to tuck your hair behind your ear or place a kiss on your neck. Almost like he’s been starved for hundreds of years and now he’s finally getting his fill. 
You can’t say you blame him. Since last night, you too have been using any chance you can get to touch him, to feel his wholeness and realness under your fingertips. 
It’s not that you’re in denial any of this is happening. You know Seokjin is sitting behind you, his plump lips smacking as he takes one last bite of the rice you hurriedly threw into the rice cooker before your shower to satiate some of the ravenous hunger you had.
Little did you know, that your hunger is less for food and more for something else. But you think it’s important to set the tone with a more official date. Besides, successful dinners often mean successful post dinner drinks, post dinner kisses at your door and then in your kitchen and your bed. 
Your mind begins to wander to what happened merely forty five minutes ago in the shower. You had both decided to shower together; the idea of being separated and out of each other’s sight somehow wrenched some type of panic out of you that Seokjin quickly extinguished with a reassuring peck as he led you into the bathroom, turning on the faucet and gesturing for you to get in. 
He’d softened a bit from the very hard and very painful looking erection he’d sported earlier, but his cock had twitched right as you stepped under the water, and before long you found you couldn’t help yourself, bending down until it was level with your face. 
There was a deep satisfaction you got staring up at him as you’d taken him into your mouth, the spray of water from the shower head occasionally hitting over his shoulders to splatter droplets down his perfectly toned abs. He watched you so intently, his gaze scorching hot on your body when he glazed over it. When he came on your chest, you could see that there was still a glint of heat in his eyes, but he didn’t act on it. Instead, he washed himself off of you with your body wash and then wrapped you tightly in a towel. 
Your hand digs into the fabric of your shorts as you shake the memory away. The lingering heat in your core begins to stir anew. God. You have to leave the house. 
You gather up your things and idle in front of the door as Seokjin slowly saunters around, collecting his belongings that have been strewn across the apartment throughout the day, his eyes scanning the room one last time before he places his hand on your waist, dipping down to kiss you again.
“You could have left your stuff here for later, you know.” 
“Ah but if I don’t get it together I won’t ever leave. And after I get my phone and feed you, I know I’ll have work to do. So as much as I love the idea of staying, we both knowI need to leave at some point.” 
You feel a pang of disappointment in your chest but it ends when he wraps his arms around you, sealing you two back together. 
You let him part your lips with his, let his tongue slide into yours. Let him push you firmly against the door and kiss you harder with need, starving and addicted at the same time, like he can’t bring himself to stop. 
When he comes up for air, somehow you find the strength to push him away, his hair mussed from you digging your hands into it without noticing. You flip a few pieces of his hair back into place, smiling at him in response to his huge grin and flushed cheeks.
“We need to go,” you say. He groans. “Seokjin, you said so yourself that you need a new phone.” 
“I know, but I…I don’t know I feel like there’s this little universe we are in right now. It’s like when we walk out that door I’m not sure what’s going to happen. Is that weird?”
It isn’t. It’s the exact feeling you’ve been churning in your brain all morning. You nod and think for a moment before responding. 
“What if we make a promise like we did last winter? When we were on top of the mountain and we decided that for that moment we were one version of ourselves up there before we came back down here?” 
His brow furrowed. “So what would we be like out there? Is this version of us people we are leaving at the door?” Disappointment washed over his face. “But I like this version of us. I don’t want to keep this a secret.”
“That’s not what I meant. I mean, let’s take a minute then and decide who we want to be when we step into the hallway.”
He leans in, still trapping you against the closed door, his forearms resting on the wood above your head. 
“Okay,” he whispers. “I think I know who I want to be.” 
“Tell me.” 
“I want to be your boyfriend. I want to call you my girlfriend, take you out to eat. I want to buy you flowers on your happiest and saddest of days.” He studies your face, which you assume is surprised because his eyes flash wide and ears turn bright red. “I’m sorry, that’s inappropriate. We don’t have to label it.”
Your stomach tenses as he does, his body locked in place like a scared deer. 
“We can though,” you offer. “I can be your girlfriend when we walk outside of here. I want that. And I want…to be more confident and less insecure. To trust that my spiral of thoughts aren’t always real.” 
Seokjin smiles and slowly his body comes back to life, melting away the freeze as he steps back to take a deep breath. 
“Okay then. Let’s go exist in society.” 
A chuckle slips out of you as you register his annoyed tone. “Life is outside, not just in this room. And besides, I have no food in my fridge because I haven’t had the time to go shopping, and we keep putting off eating for other things.” 
“Other things,” he muses. “Cute.” 
You roll your eyes and open the door to the outside world. 
“Wait,” Seokjin says. You stop, your feet in the hallway while he remains in your apartment. 
“Yeah?”
He hesitates like he’s now regretting saying anything at all. He takes a deep breath and leans down. 
“There’s something I want to talk to you about. To tell you…”
You wait, trying not to alert him to how hungry you are as you silently beg your stomach not to betray you. A tiny squeak responds, but he doesn’t react. You know this is probably the moment, and you want to ensure you don’t do anything to make him feel like you’re judging him. It’s hard to keep your expression neutral, but you try. 
“I know that this has been a weird start. In a lot of ways during the last few months you’ve started sharing things with me more than I have been able to with you. And I…I can see how you’re trying to let me into your world. And I want to let you know that while it’s hard to get past myself sometimes, I’m trying. I want you to know me. All of me.” 
You nod, encouraging him to continue. 
“I just…there’s some things I’m not ready to talk about yet. I know that sounds sketchy and you have a right to feel like I’m being sneaky and deceiving you. I understand if you feel like I’m not trustworthy. But I have some stuff I’m figuring out that I will tell you about at some point, I promise. But if I can ask too much of you and more to say just be patient with me, please. I’ll figure out how to talk about it with you soon but right now I can’t and I’m sorry. Can you do that? Can you let us be like this for a while longer?” 
That is not what you expect him to say. He’s going to be withholding things from you. And while you’re relieved he’s saying so, how anxious it makes you to know that you currently stand on one side of the threshold, now as his girlfriend, as someone who is supposed to be confident and trusting. And you’re already slipping back into the usual. 
But you can’t help it, in a way. He hasn’t taken the literal step yet. He could change his mind at any point and tell you this isn’t what he wants. 
But you can tell that regardless of the insecurity, he does want this. He looks so nervous, so vulnerable and terrified. And you know what that feels like, how awful a place it is as you wait for an answer. So you don’t string it along for much longer. You bite your bottom lip and nod. 
“Okay,” you say. “We can be like this a while longer.” 
His shoulders relax and he finally steps across the threshold and into the hallway with you. Into a place that ensures nothing between you two will ever be the same. 
But you’re not alone out here. He takes your hand in his, bringing up to his mouth to kiss the knuckles. Your boyfriend leads you down the stairs to the street. 
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“I can’t believe I’ve been without my phone for this long,” Seokjin says as you walk in an easy stride together toward the phone store. “I must have so many messages in my voicemail.” 
Your stomach drops, a bitter cold and tingly feeling working its way down your spine and up through your chest as you remember part of last night. The part where you met his friend Jungkook after calling him out and telling him you knew he was a sex warm worker in the middle of a restaurant. Over voicemail. 
That message is sitting there, after you just agreed you will let him tell you in his own time. Your pace slows as your mind races, trying to think of some type of way to distract Seokjin long enough to prevent him from checking his messages until later. Maybe you can delete the message before he hears it?
He notices the slow down, turning his head toward you as you both shuffle across the sidewalk. 
“You okay?” 
“Yeah,” you reply, your voice sounding thin and higher pitched, something unlike your normal voice. He frowns.
“It’s nothing,” you lie. “Just the adjustment to being around strangers again after being in our own universe instead of the real world.” 
He hums in thought. “Yeah, I guess I wasn’t ready for the whole sea of people to be out and about at this time of day.” 
You relax a little for the remainder of the walk, until you arrive at the phone store. 
Then your heart pounds violently, so hard that you can feel in your ears.
Seokjin waltzes over to the counter, telling the employee exactly what he wants and how he lost his phone in the first place. 
“That’s the third one this week I’ve heard that exact story about. Crazy, huh?” The employee, a stout man in a polo, looks to you as if your word is all the validation he needs. 
“Um, yeah,” you say. You look at the display of different phone options, trying to do something with your hands to steady you. 
Seokjin is about to find out that you know. He’s going to learn about it through the horrific, awful drunk tirade you went on last night. You’ll hurt him. You’ll only add to that fodder of him not feeling lovable. 
Your hands shake as Seokjin says something to the employee and laughs, his windshield wiper like laughter squeaking from him. In betrayal, your body responds to it, a sharp and incredibly temporary flutter of joy masking the terror that you feel in his discovery. What if he thinks you have bad intentions? That you’re using him as a personal toy. 
A knot of bile starts to crawl up your throat and you gesture at Seokjin, his eyes meeting yours as you point to the door. You must look awful because he nods, his eyebrows furrowing as you slide out the door. 
Air, you need air. The sticky summer humidity isn’t offering much relief but you inhale anyway, full breaths expanding your lungs and helping soothe a bit of the nausea. 
You close your eyes. You can’t watch his face as he learns. Can’t see the betrayal as whatever you said last night in all your fogginess is pulled into thin air. So you sit there, breathing over and over again, trying to steady yourself. 
Your mouth is dry. If he wants to talk you’re not sure you’ll have the words much less be able to work around the bitter taste in your mouth as you try to form your lips around the words to speak them. 
How quickly can you fuck up a relationship? Will this be some kind of world record for the fastest time someone is dated and then dumped? How long has it been? A handful of hours since Seokjin said he wanted to date you. A handful of minutes since you became his girlfriend and another handful of minutes that feel like hours since he stepped into that shop. Seconds until you’re told all this ends here. 
Can you mourn something you never even really had? You’re learning now that yes. That the idea of it was enough because that cloying tenseness in your throat has worked its way up to bead a few tears from your eyes. 
Why do you always cry now, you wonder. This has been an ongoing thing with you, tears springing free during moments of anxiety or joy or fear. You haven’t had the chance to decode any of that. You just know Seokjin feels safe to cry around. But now, he’s going to see you like this and what if he thinks you’re manipulating him? 
You rasp a breath to your lungs, the tears falling more freely as you heave into the air. The sun is setting, the hot summer night breaking through the sky in streams of pinks and oranges and purples. Any other time it would be beautiful but right now it feels like the sky is falling. 
You hold the air into your lungs, out of forgetting to breathe or intentionally trying to steady yourself, it’s hard to know. They both feel like the same thing right now. 
“Y/N?” 
Your head snaps around, and despite the fear of what you’ll see, you can’t deny him anything. Not now. You look at Seokjin, his brand new phone in his hands, eyes wide with concern. 
“What happened? Are you hurt? Did someone do something?” 
He looks you up and down and then rapidly flits to your surroundings, no doubt looking for some kind of perpetrator or cause for your tears. 
“‘m fine,” you somehow mutter through another heavy breath. 
“No, no you’re not. What’s going on? You’re shaking, baby. Come here.” 
Your teeth chatter, exposing you, but before you can protest, Seokjin wraps his arms around you, slowly rocking you back and forth on the sidewalk in the dying light. 
You’re glad he doesn’t say anything, because the idea of him being nice to you all the while knowing you have said such awful things makes you want to throw up. 
Instead, you stand in the hot air, your bodies sweating after only a moment of the embrace. 
When your breathing finally steadies, Seokjin pulls away, a soft smile on his face as he brushes his fingers under your eyes to wipe your tears. The gesture is so sweet it rots a hole in your stomach. 
Say something, it demands. 
“Messages,” you say. That’s all you can get out, your body’s remaining tremor threatening to travel up to your teeth. 
Seokjin stares at you blankly. Is he shocked you’re the one to bring it up? 
His eyebrows raise as he finally registers what you just said. 
“Oh,” he says. 
Oh. So simple. Not a nose dive into fury or a tip into an argument. Just one word ringing across the atoms between you too. 
Please, you think. Please just get this over with. 
“So you heard them?” you ask. 
He frowns, holding up the new shiny phone in front of you. 
“Um, no actually. Turns out that there’s some stupid issue they’re having moving voicemails from one phone to another. Not a cloud issue but a carrier problem. So if someone called me during the time my phone was dead, I have no idea. No messages.” 
You blink at him. “What?”
“I know, it’s frustrating. Now I have to double back and call everyone I can think of. My parents, my brother. The restaurant. The suppliers, the dry cleaner. In a way I’m almost relieved I don’t have any messages because I can now lean into the fact that I played hooky so I could stay home with you and use it as a far better excuse than what I was planning but it’s still such a fucking inconvenience.” 
He didn’t hear. He doesn’t know. A cool breeze flows through the street, rustling some trash and leaves in the road. You feel the heat of the panic attack begin to recede as realization sets in. 
“Either way, that’s not the point. Are you okay? You look pretty shaken up and your eyes were like wide lamps of terror when I stepped outside.” 
“I…I panicked,” you offer after a moment. “Not sure what it was but it just hit and I needed to get out.” 
The threat of bile rises in your throat as you tack on the lie. 
“Was it that employee? Because he was kind of a weird dude. Gave me strange vibes.”
“Maybe,” you say. 
“Okay, well I’m glad you’re okay now. Are you ready to go eat? I heard your stomach growling earlier so I know you must be starving.” 
You nod, letting Seokjin walk you toward the restaurant. Another lie. 
You feel nothing resembling hunger in your stomach. Instead, you feel the unmistakable heaviness of guilt, leaden and metallic in your mouth. You don’t eat a single thing. And Seokjin doesn’t say so, but the way he regards you as you dump your whole meal into a carry out container tells you he also knows you’re lying to him but just hasn’t asked the question you don’t want to answer.
He walks you home in the darkness, the warped spotlights of street lamps flickering continue to paint your bodies. Dark and light. Dark and light. Shadows and moonlight. In this scenario, you think you know who is the shadow and who is the moonlight. 
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©2024 by jooniperbonsai
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fxlling13 · 1 year ago
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Because Of You
Part 2.
Dh!Master x fem reader
Part 1
Synopsis: you finally get away from the doctor.
Warning: bad language. Blood. Pain
(A/N: so I decided to write part 2 haha. And in a different pov. Just ahead of this weekend obviously)
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After another harrowing adventure, it was safe to say you were exhausted. And now the master was banned from tagging along. Apparently he’d become dangerous again. In reality, you knew the doctor was still bitter over your bond. Plus, it gave him alone time to plot an escape. He knew where his tardis was, it was just getting there. Before you had chance to find him, the doc stopped you and announced she had somewhere else to take the two of you. Yaz was thrilled, smiling as the blonde began to ramble.
“I’m tired.” You spoke softly, hoping for some understanding. At that moment, all you wanted was your bed. After spending the past five hours constantly running, that’s exactly what you needed. That and a bath. Instead, the doctor rolled her eyes and scoffed.
“I’m not stupid (y/n). I know that you’re just going to find the master.” You sighed tiredly, rubbing your eyes. Not having the energy to argue, you just shrugged.
“I wasn’t but never mind. Let’s go.”
Oh how you wished you could have stood up for yourself more. As you were hiding behind a large stack of crates, your heart was pounding and your ears ringing. The doctor and yaz were nowhere in sight. They had fled without a second thought. So here you were, listening as heavy footsteps grew louder and you knew you had to get out. Pulling yourself up, you dashed for the door and found a padlock. Great.
“Human life sign detected.” A robotic voice echoed around the metallic room and your blood ran cold. Having no other choice, you smashed the lock with your fists and ran through the door. Sadly, there were armed guards ready which meant your legs carried on. On the other hand, their weapons were knives so easier to evade. Saying that, one managed to snag your shoulder as you rounded a sharp corner. Quite literally. Seeing the tardis, you threw yourself inside with urgency and slammed the door.
“There you are!” Yaz yelled, but not with relief. Turning round, you gaped for air as your lungs were burning.
“The hell did you go! We’ve been waiting here like idiots. Couldn’t you keep up?” The doctor was almost screaming, storming over to you with purpose. Now confused, you rested against the wooden doors to steady yourself.
“We had the right to just fly off and leave you there!”
“Then why didn’t you? It’s not my fault, you abandoned me. I told you I was tired.” You spoke through heavy breathing, adrenaline wearing off. Once again, the doctor rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“You love to make excuses up huh? I hate liars.” Everything caught up to you, your anger becoming too much. Harshly, you shoved the blonde back.
“You think I’m lying? Look at me!” Yaz was quick to go to the doctor, holding her close.
“I’m covered in blood! Because you left me alone with a set of killer robots!” You shouted in a fit of rage. And you were right. Your hand was balled up, each knuckle wounded. Your shoulder had a large gash to go with this, the pain becoming more apparent each second. Huffing, you pushed past them weakly and began to walk up the stairs before stopping. Turning back to the two women, you pressed your lips together before speaking.
“He would never let me get hurt.” Your words hit the doctor hard and Yaz had to keep her restrained as you left. Once around the corner and down the corridor, your lip began to tremble and your body grew weaker. Suddenly, you felt hands land on your shoulders and gazed up only to instantly relax. The master peered down at you with worry. You succumbed to your needs and fell into his chest with ease. Your body wracked with sobs and the man holding you tightened his grip.
“Hey hey. It’s okay sweets.” Hooking his hands under your arms, he picked you up effortlessly. Your legs wrapped around his waist and you clung on weakly.
“I’ve got you now.” The masters voice was low and gentle, his hand running along your back. You faintly heard him mutter ‘hold on’ before your head began to spin. More than it already was. Everything was hazy, falling in and out of consciousness. You barely registered what your body was feeling. But you could make out the press of the masters lips to your temple. Then everything went black.
The doctor stood in the console room, messing around with the controls. She could feel eyes boring into the back of her head and sighed.
“What do you want?” She sounded bored, turning to face the master. He strolled over, jacket long gone and hands tucked into his pockets.
“You haven’t noticed.” Was all he said, standing right in front of her. The doctor furrowed her brows, casting her eyes around.
“What?” He just chuckled at her not knowing and aimlessly walked around the console.
“You and (y/n) had a pretty heated fight I see.”
“Only because you have corrupted her.” Scoffing, the male leant against a pillar and tilted his head.
“No I haven’t. And you know I haven’t. That’s what’s driving you mad.” He slowly took a step towards the blonde with a smile on his lips.
“You can’t stand that she chose me over you.” He chuckled, running his tongue along his teeth. Pulling his hand out, he twirled it round in the air with expression.
“And to make things worse for your overworked brain, it kills you that she loves me. Doesn’t it?” The doctors nostrils flared with rage, nails digging into her palm as the master continued on.
“And I love her. The one human you can’t have. Because she’s mine.” He finished, smiling smugly.
The Doctor went to slap him but he grabbed her wrist with force. They stared each other down, him finding intense joy at her upset. Laughing, the master moved away and head up the steps.
“What is it then? What haven’t I noticed?” The doctor spat, halting the man. Smirking, he turned and looked at her with pity.
“We’ve been gone three days.” He whispered patronisingly, waving at her before pulling out his TCE and disappearing. Leaving the doctor to wallow in her own feelings.
When you awoke, you found yourself in a room you didn’t recognise. What you did know, was you were lying in the most comfortable bed you had ever been in. Purple silk sheets surrounded your body, your head resting on two perfectly fluffed pillows. Gazing around the room, you saw how nicely it was decorated. In front of the newly found four poster bed, was a cracking fire. A beautiful grey tiled mantelpiece encased it with intricate galifreyan carvings. The wall to your left was lined with dark book shelves with the most luxurious books imaginable. There was also a desk slotted between. Slowly, you sat up and looked down at your hands. They were neatly wrapped up, as was your shoulder. Then you realised you were wearing only your bra and a pair of very loose pyjama pants.
“You’re finally awake.” The masters voice greeted you warmly, the door clicking shut behind him. Coming to your side, he perched on the edge of the bed.
“Where am I?” You asked, voice horse. Smiling, he placed his hand in yours and you relaxed immediately.
“On my tardis. In my room to be more specific.” He told you, happy to see the relief on your face.
“You got us out?”
“Of course I did, love. I couldn’t let her treat you like that any more.” Gently, he reached up and stroked your cheek, thumbing the skin with care. His eyes raked over your figure, fingers tracing the bandages.
“I hope you don’t mind your attire. I wanted to make sure I could clean everything.” Blushing, you shivered under his touch but shook your head.
“I don’t mind. How long was I out?”
“Three days, I put your mind in a deep state of rest.” The master moved closer, almost caging you against the pillows. But you didn’t complain, instead you felt comfort. He rested his hand by your waist, your own hand came to hold his arm securely. Almost hugging it.
“I went back to the doctor. Gave it to her straight. I should have hurt her but, I couldn’t leave you for that long.” Smiling at his words, you rested your head on his shoulder and sighed.
“How about my room? Do you like it? It’s much better than the doctor’s tardis right?” You almost giggled at his need of approval.
“I love it. It’s a lot nicer so far. Plus your bed is so comfy.” Leaning back against the pillows, the master helped you to sit straight and get comfortable. Inching closer, the man was still facing you but practically sat on the bed beside you. His hand landed on your clothed thigh, smoothing over the fabric tentatively.
“She hadn’t noticed, by the way. We’ve been gone for three whole days. And the doctor didn’t notice a thing.” He laughed, simpering as he lined the pattern on your pants with his finger.
“Why would she? I’m not important. You on the other hand-“
“Don’t say that ever again.” He spoke sternly, eyes looking straight into your own. Frowning, you cast your gaze down to his hand on your thigh.
“But I’m not important to her. And I don’t care.”
“Well you’re important to me. And I’ll destroy whole galaxies to prove that.” Your heart sped up, swallowing thickly and hoping he couldn’t tell how flustered he was making you.
“Really?” You questioned, causing him to hum in confirmation. Sucking in a breath, the master trailed his hand along your inner thigh and up to your waist.
“Yes. I will burn heaven and earth for you.” His eyes flicked down to your lips briefly, the blush on your face spreading to your ears. You looked up at him shyly, lashes fluttering.
“Stop looking at me like that, (y/n).” The master groaned, leaving you confused.
“Why?” Smirking a little, he cupped your jaw with intention. Without saying another word, he leant forward and pressed his lips to yours. Heat filled your body. You kissed back instantly, ignoring the initial shock. Your arms wrapped around his neck to tug him in closer, the male practically hovering over you by then. He pulled back with caution, smiling down at you.
“That’s why.” Gleefully, you rolled over, successfully pinning him beneath you. The master grinned, holding your waist. He looked proud at your tactical move.
“Hah. Got you.” You giggled playfully, resting your elbow down to get closer to him.
“Only you can get away with man handling me, dear.”
Delicately, he traced along your face before trailing down and leaving his hand to cup the side of your neck. Placing your own free hand on his chest, you sighed.
“How do we get back at the doctor? You must have a trick up your sleeve?” You wondered out loud, hearing him cackle slightly.
“Oh of course I do. And with you by my side? It’ll be easier than ever to get her exactly where she deserves to be.”
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navstuffs · 2 years ago
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headcanons of leon adopting a dog (gn!reader)
warning: none, pure fluff, leon with dogs
Leon never shared your interest in adopting a dog. Despite every dog you met gravitating towards him, having a dog wasn't on his wish list. Due to his job, he didn't want to leave all responsibility in your hands.
So when your sister begs you to take care of Bowie, her brown labrador, you think it won't be a problem. Leon is away on a mission, you work from home and have been feeling pretty lonely. Besides, it is an emergency, and your sister will return soon. You just have to make sure there was no evidence of a dog in the house before Leon comes home. Which could take days, weeks, or months.
So you will be fine.
When your sister asks for a few extra days, you get a little nervous, thinking you might take the dog to a hotel. Bowie seems comfortable around the house like he belongs there, so you delay it.
When Leon finally comes home, exhausted, the only thing on his mind is relaxing in your arms after a shower, he hears taps on the floor in his direction and sees Bowie looking directly at him, his tail wagging excitedly.
Leon doesn't say anything, staring down at Bowie. Wasn't that your dog's sister? What is he doing there? 
Bowie slowly approaches him, sniffing his pants and looking up with cute brown eyes. Leon knows anyone would have fallen immediately, but he doesn't, calling your name.
You run downstairs, watching Bowie tangle on Leon's legs. Your boyfriend looks astonished, and you have to muffle a laugh. 
"I am sorry, I am sorry! My sister needed someone to take care of Bowie, and I offered. I thought he would be gone now, but she needed a few extra days."
Leon notices you are nervous, rubbing your hands together, anxiously awaiting his answer. Leon sighs, letting his bag on the floor, Bowie sniffling it. He walks toward you, pulling you into a hug.
"It is alright, sweetheart. I am not mad. It was an emergency. All good."
You let out a deep breath, hugging him back tightly. You were so relieved he was back in your arms and not angry. You two feel Bowie trying to join in on the hug.
You do your best to keep Bowie out of Leon's way the next few days, but the dog is obviously drawn to him. If Leon gets up, Bowie follows. After returning from your usual walks with him, Bowie immediately returns to Leon. You try to lure Bowie with treats, but after he eats them, he returns to Leon again. 
(some part of you is getting jealous since you have been taking care of Bowie for quite some time and he chooses Leon like this. but can you blame them?)
One day, you have to run some errands. You tell Leon you can leave Bowie in the crate so he doesn't disturb him, but Leon says it is all good. 
You try to finish as fast as you can. Before you go home, you get a pizza, drinks, and special doggie treats from Bowie. You don't hear Bowie taps to welcome you when you arrive home. After dropping everything on the kitchen counter, you call Leon.
You find both of them napping on the sofa, Bowie lying on top of Leon, his head comfortably on his chest. They look peaceful, Leon's features calm as his hand holds Bowie.
You don't know who you are more jealous of if Leon or Bowie, almost melting with how freaking cute they look. Leon looks so peaceful as well. You get your phone to take a few pictures before leaving them both to sleep.
After that, Bowie gets even more attached to Leon and vice-versa. Leon starts to join you and Bowie in walks, takes him on morning runs, and even suggests taking Bowie to a dog park. Leon feeds him, gives him baths, and suggests Bowie might need a toy.
If Leon is lying down on the sofa, Bowie always jumps on top of him. Leon would stroke Bowie's head and body until they both fell asleep.
The day Leon goes grocery shopping, he finds a toy for Bowie. Not a squeaky annoying one, but one he could throw for him.
When Leon returns home, he looks for Bowie. He finds you on your laptop in the living room. When Leon asks you where Bowie is, you scratch your head telling him anxiously your sister picked him up earlier. 
"I am sorry you couldn't say goodbye. She was in a rush."
Leon doesn't reply, simply nodding and taking groceries to the kitchen. He doesn't speak much for the rest of the day, looking like the past depressed Leon.
One month pass until Leon has to leave for a mission again. You are sad to see him go, not knowing when you will see him again. At least you have enough time to prepare a surprise for him.
When Leon returns, he is surprised to hear the taps against the floor.
A mixed-breed puppy comes running to check on him. You follow close behind, watching Leon hold the puppy in his arms.
"His name is Prince. He is here temporarily if we don't want to stay with him."
"He stays." 
"He stays then."
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kickingitwithkirk · 8 months ago
Text
Winchester's Folly
Summary: When Dean gets into trouble John decides to hide the truth for his family
Word Count: 917
*Dark! Fic-don't continue if you are disturbed by the subject matter.
Warnings: A/B/O, dystopian au, non/con, dub/con, subjugation, pandemic, mentions of nudity, physical/mental abuse, mention of collaring/leashed, sexual/slavery, rut/heat, physical altercation, death, murder conviction, parental dominance, trafficking
*Additional warnings will be added
Square filled: @spnkinkbb -DeanJohnSam @anyfandomdarkbingo -Free Space
A/N: UPDATED 3/24
A/N II: Still working on reigning myself in, keeping each part reader-friendly length, and have no clue how many parts this will end up being.
A/N III: a few notes about designations in A/O sub-genders for this story.
Alphas-Dominant (head of the pack/family) Subordinate (obey Dominant) Breeders (rare & highly coveted by the government. Can challenge Dominant for pack/family leadership)
Omegas -Domestic (mostly wiped out by plague, few natural born left) Feral (government-supplied breeders sold commonly called O's) House O’s (3rd generation+ Feral/Dominant breed. Used as servants/sex workers) Pack (rare & highly coveted by the government)
*Divider by @firefly-graphics
*No Beta-all mistakes are mine
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GIF by 1x20
PART III
Sam found himself in the warehouse's back area that had been altered, now a mixture of original storage on the left and prefabricated rooms to the right, with the loading dock straight ahead, where his wolf was leading him. The scent of home was strongly intermingling with blood where cursing and bodies impacting each other were echoing down the hallway, drawing Sam in.
A quick look-see around an open door revealed fluorescents bathing everything in washed-out colors: a very pretty, weeping, leashed O kneeling next to an expensively attired Alpha, passively observing two other Alphas engaged in a fight when one abruptly spun, spraying blood across the back walls not far from another lying in a pool of their blood on the floor. Enraged, the remaining Alpha redoubled their efforts to restrain a naked, blood-covered female who was, holy fuck, an O! 
Sam watches, astonished that, while tiring, the O wasn't giving up when another Alpha wielding a blackjack shoves him out of the way, bludgeoning and knocking her to the floor, repeatedly striking to ensure she stayed down grabbed her collar and dragged the dazed O towards a line of heavy-duty dog crates stuffing her in one. While blackjack hauled out the bodies, the banged-up Alpha grabbed a hose washing blood down the floor drain, then turned it on the caged O when Sam’s brother rushed in, grabbing him.
“Sammy! What the fucks the matter with you!” Dean, visibly distraught, dragged him down the hallway, flashbacks to when Sam disappeared for two weeks after turning sixteen on his watch and when their Alpha returned, his atrocious reaction. “You promised me you’d never disappear like that again!”  Right now, Dean wishes Sam was still unpresented and could discipline him when John, appearing relieved, quickly reverted to norms. “Sam, you ever do that again,” admonished his pup in a tight voice. He wasn’t expecting Sam’s I found the O response questions, “What are you talking about?” Sam pointed towards the room and exclaimed, “She killed two Alphas!” 
“Are you sure it was an O?” John sounded doubtful when the palatable taste of the blood and the scent that led Sam back here hit him, making his wolf jolt at his overloaded senses and his canines elongate. John wrestled back control to his hunter intellect when his eldest growled, bolted back down the hallway, followed by Sam on his heels, and yelled, “Dean! Sam! Get your asses back here!”  
Helms appears out of nowhere and sees Dean arguing with the suited Alpha. “Winchester, you have no right to be back here!” The suit stops arguing with Dean and turns on the Dealer. “You think you can sell me misrepresented goods, Helms?” Pointing to the cage rages, “I paid you an exorbitant price for twins. But you lied! Look at that thing!!” John peers back at the cage and sees the leashed O reaching into a wire cage, shaking the other one’s arm as Sam knelt next to her and, oh, holy shit, laid a hand on her shoulder. 
John rushed over before the suit realized the young Alpha was touching their newly acquired property. “Step away from them, Sam.” Sam reluctantly got up as John squatted down to inspect them. The caged one curled up in a fetal position is larger than her sibling, but one can still see her full, pink lips and cinnamon-freckled skin, and she smells nothing like the other. Helms thought he could pass off these O’s as twins? No wonder the suit is pissed. The O whimpers, opening her uninjured, fox-tilted eye to reveal the iris’s unusual mosaic, and upon seeing Sam, a faint ring of gold manifests, and his wolf reciprocates.
John knew only one thing could override rut suppressants snapped, “Dean, get Sam out of here this instant!”  Dean comes over, green eyes widening, and doubles-over groans out, “Sonuvabitch!”
 “Dean! I gave you an order!” 
Dean hobbled to his dazed brother, “Come on, Sammy!” They stagger for the door, using each other as a counterbalance. John returned his attention to the suit, still arguing with Helms about some contractual blah blah blah, felt a touch on his leg peers down at the O, whispering, “Alpha, please don’t let them kill her!” 
John watches the caged one reach a shaking hand through the bars, stroking the other’s arm comfortingly. She has strong protective instincts, like Dean when Sam has one of his nightmares. John’s thoughts are interrupted by the suit hollers. “Hey! What the fuck you are doing over there?” 
The suit stomps over, and John’s hackles go up, expecting an altercation. Instead, they take the O’s leash, leading her across the room to tether her to the doorknob before addressing him. “I understand you need an O to keep your son out of jail, so I’ll make you a deal. You can have that thing,” they point to the cage, “for a dollar. Save me the effort of getting rid of it.”
“You can’t make side deals in my establishment!” Helms screeched. The suit uses their status to dominate the Beta Dealer. “You lied about the product, and since I’ve signed all the contracts and a deal being a deal, as you keep pointing out, I can do whatever I want with my property.” The suit addresses John again, “Are you interested or not?” John gazes at the now unconscious caged O, then back to her twin, whose eyes plead for help.
“You have a deal.”
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Part IV
SPN TAGS: @donnaintx  @lyarr24  @flamencodiva  @lassie-bird @nancymcl @spnbaby-67  @leigh70
Sam/Jared: @idreamofplaid
Dean/Jensen: @thoughts-and-funnies @stoneyggirl2 @beabutterfly987 @smoothdogsgirl
WF: @slamminmine  @ladysparkles78  @deans-spinster-witch @ilovetaquitosmmmm   @strawblueberrys
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bullet-clubs-bitch · 9 months ago
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Can you please make an Kenny Omega X Fem y/n story fluff
Reader had an hard/tough week at work and no off day to recharge and he's makin sure that she feels loved and that he's always there for her?!
Mondays
Kenny Omega X FemReader
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Kenny Omega Masterlist Main Masterlist (Word count 1.1K)
I didn’t hear Y/n come in last night. I didn’t even know she took a red-eye home after revolution. I woke up this morning to find Y/n lying next to me. In a peaceful slumber, catching up on much-needed rest. As much as I was happy that she was home I couldn't imagine how tired she was. I knew more than anyone how hard Y/n had been working to ensure the upcoming PPV would be perfect. I had grown so used to traveling with my wife over the years that it was weird not having her at home with me. I didn’t even care that I wasn’t able to wrestle, I missed traveling from town to town and watching from a backstage monitor all the young talent in AEW. Y/n hadn’t been home in two weeks, I knew she must be exhausted. That is why I wanted to plan a little something something for the 72 hrs Y/n would be home. I decided I would make breakfast in bed, surprise her with a spa day and even go out to dinner. 
“Good morning beautiful,” I said to my wife as she walked down the stairs tiredly. “Morning” “I was going to bring you breakfast in bed” “Aw, that’s so sweet”  “Well since you’re up why don’t you sit down and we can have breakfast?” I poured Y/n some coffee and layed out the variety of goods I prepared for her. The two of us sat in a comfortable silence for a while until Y/n broke the silence. “What did you think of the show?” She asked “I thought it was good. I can’t believe they had Sting lose his retirement match to the Bucks. I wasn’t expecting Flair to cost Sting the match either” “Yeah, that was not my decision. In my eyes that creates a rivalry between Sting and Flair that doesn’t need to be there. As long as I live I will not let Ric Flair wrestle in an AEW ring. I don’t want to be held accountable for that trainwreck. Plus, Sting is retired now. We did all of that hard work for him to have a good send-off. Why would he retire for five minutes just to come back and wrestle Flair? It doesn’t make sense!”
“Sounds like you have a lot on your plate” 
“You have no idea. Like, I thought I would be okay not wrestling anymore Ken. I thought being a Vice President would be fine, writing storylines and doing all that Jazz was fine. But- I don’t think I can take it anymore. I’m going insane! Why do we keep signing talent left right and center when we have SO much talent we don’t use. If you want new talent, fine, but release some people then. I know how hard that is but it has to be done. It’s not personal It’s business. It’s like we can never win. People bitch and complain about using the same talent every week but when we use different people they complain they don’t get to see their favs. If we sign someone great! Then people complain we have too many wrestlers, then it crates a rift and everyone gets fucked. Like Jay White for example. Remember how HARD I had to work to get him signed, You and I had to do so much for that to happen. He is an amazing wrestler who deserves to be doing so much more than what he is doing now. He was supposed to be the new Champion after MJF who by the way should have NEVER broken your record for the longest reign, But then of course no one likes to listen to Y/n anymore and that never happened. If you wanted MJF to win, fine but why randomly drop the title to Samoa Joe, I know Max is injured but that is why I said to drop the title to Jay! Now everything is fucked and everyone is complaining and I don’t know what to do because all my ideas aren’t being used and everyone is pissed off!” 
I didn’t say anything, I just sat in peace across the table listening carefully as Y/n got everything off her chest. She needed this. 
“Don’t get me wrong I like Bullet Club Gold but did Jay really leave NJPW and Bullet Club just to be back in this new version of Bullet Club? The Bang Bang Scissor gang is absolutely ridiculous. He should be a world champion not in this super faction. I just can’t Kenny! At every press conference, I get asked when I will make my return and when I will wrestle again. They know I won’t wrestle again and it makes me feel like I’m disappointing everyone.” I saw the tears start to form and then fall during that last sentence, god how I hated people. 
“Y/n you're not disappointing anyone. You don’t owe it to anyone to go back to wrestling. They need to learn to let it go, your mental and physical health is more important.” I told Y/n as I went over to comfort her. “How about we move somewhere more comfortable?” I asked. The two of us moved to the living room, continuing our conversation as I held Y/n in my arms.
“I’m really sorry you have to deal with this baby, I wish I could help.” I told her sincerely. “It’s not your fault. I’m just under a lot of stress right now. I just really missed you, It’s been hard without you.” I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. I knew none of this was my fault but I wished I was able to be there with Y/n so she didn't have to go through this alone. She flew in at 4am just so she could get a day at home before the next show. 
“Is there anything I can do for you? I can book a spa day. A nice massage is always good!” I hated seeing her like this, poor thing looked so tired. 
“No, I just want to stay here. Can you just hold me? Can we spend the day cuddling in bed,  eating chocolate?” Y/n asked, her face buried in my chest
“Whatever you want my love,” I told her “Maybe later you can give me a massage?” “Of course baby. I love you, so very much Y/n” “I love you too Kenny”  "I'm always going to be here for you. I'm just one text, one phone call, one plane trip away. If you ever need me I'll be there"
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plaidpajamallama · 28 days ago
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(You scared me) RHEA RIPLEY X JEY USO
Chapter 7
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Rhea was walking around backstage, just waiting around for the boys to finish up whatever they were doing.
She had finished her promo. She didn’t really have anything else to do tonight.
She was walking around when she heard a voice—a familiar one.
One she once found comfort in but now only found pain and anger.
It was Dominik; he was with Liv.
Liv was sitting on a crate with Dom standing in front of her.
Talking and being “cute and touching on each other
She rolled her eyes and turned the other way. To avoid them
Seeing them together made her sick, and not because of them being together but because of them. Bonding over her “evilness”
She couldn’t hear them talk bad about her anymore.
She hated to admit it, but it got to her sometimes.
She wouldn’t let them know that, though.
She heard a voice call out to her.
It was Dom.
She kept walking, not entertaining him.
But he kept walking after her.
Rhea Rhea, come on! I just want to talk!
He caught up to her. Come on, please!
What do you want? she snapped
I don’t want to talk to you, she said, still walking.
I just wanted to let you know. We’re moving on to better things.
Okay, I don’t care, she said, waving him off.
I think you do, he said in an annoying voice.
I don’t! Why don’t you go running back?
To Liv, I bet she misses you. It’s been what two minutes.
So you can go running to Jey Uso after I leave.
She stopped walking, looking at him.
What are you talking about?
You told me not to worry about him. But now he’s in your room, answering your door. With no shirt on
What are you even talking about? She said frustratedly
I’m talking about you and Jey. So when did you start seeing him before or after? I dumped you for Liv, he said with a dumb smile on his face.
Fuck off, she said, walking off.
She thought about when Dom would have come by.
She had been busy with bad blood.
And she had been with Jey a lot, sharing a room with him and all.
Had she been asleep when he came Did he come Saturday?
She didn’t remember Jey leaving her side that whole night, though.
She wasn’t with him. Saturday morning, did Dom come then, and if he did, why didn’t Jey tell her?
Maybe Dom was lying, just trying to get under her skin.
He says they are done with her, but she is not too sure about that.
She technically won at bad blood via DQ.
She was inclined to a rematch, but who knows?
Sense Liv keeps running away from her.
Even in their match at bad blood, she was running away.
But if Liv keeps on running, she's going to keep on chasing till she gets her title back.
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Rhea was walking to her hotel room
She pulled out her phone and texted Jey
Asking what hotel room he was in
He told her, and she made her way to his room.
She knocked on the door.
It opened after just a few seconds.
Hey, uce, what’s up? He said, smiling.
She had noticed that he always smiled when he was with her.
Not gonna lie, I miss sharing a room with you.
She pushed a piece of her hair back. Blushing I do too
You wanted to come in, he asked, moving out the way.
She sat down on the edge of the bed.
He sat down next to her.
What’s going on now with you? he asked.
I ran in to Dom today, she said casually.
He straightened up. Did he do something? He said, sounding more serious.
He didn’t do anything; he just talked.
He sucked his teeth. What he said
He told me that him and Liv are done with me and moving on to better things, she said, rolling her eyes.
And you believe that
No, I don't; he’s just trying to get in my head.
He also said something about you, she said, messing with her fingers.
He gave her a look at what he said.
He asked about... us, and he said he saw you.
He saw me when today?
I didn’t know he just said he saw you in my room with no shirt on, she said, blushing a little bit thinking about him with no shirt on.
Oh yeah, he came by when you were at Damian's. Saturday morning
What did he want?
I don’t know he wanted to talk to you. I told him to go away.
Did he leave?
No, I had to tell him to leave a couple times before he left.
He only left because I got in his face. He rolled his eyes. He bought Carlito like he would help him.
He also made a dumb joke about...us
What did he say? She said, looking up at him.
It doesn’t matter. It was dumb. Don’t worry about it, he said, putting a hand on her shoulder.
She laid back on the bed.
Is there anything new going on with you?
I got a match with Woods next week.
He laid down next to her.
You got anything planned.
No Liv tied up with Nia, so I can’t get my title back, so I don’t really have anything going on right now.
Well, hey, you can watch me whoop Woods ass next week!
I’ll be in the back yeeting for you, she said, looking over at him.
He’s eyes found hers; they just looked at each other, just lying there, not talking.
I missed seeing you when I wake up. He said moving her hair out of her face.
Well, you can always come over and stay. Hopefully I won’t cry this time.
Well, if you do, I’ll be there.
You promise? She said softly
I promise I’ll always be there, no matter what, baby.
She felt her face get hot.
His phone rang
Shit! Sorry, he sat up and grabbed it, tuning it off.
It’s okay; I should get going anyway.
Oh, okay, well, I’ll call you good night.
Good night, bye.
Bye baby
She walked back to her room.
Legs feeling like jelly
She made it back to her room.
Falling down on the bed
Bringing her hands to her face just thinking
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Hope you guys like the longer chapter cuz the next ones are long (sorry if I missed spelled anything 🖤
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fonulyn · 4 months ago
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@kreonweek Day 4: Revenge (also sorta Loyalty) (warnings: MCD)
“He is dead,” Krauser growled, the sound rumbling from his chest like a warning, more animalistic than human in nature. It was kind of fitting, with how he was coated in blood, his mutated arm pulsating next to him as if it had a mind of its own. The keratinous blades that once were his fingers had cut and slashed through all of Saddler’s bodyguards, unable to quench it thirst for blood once it had first tasted it. Krauser had massacred everything on that island, everything that moved he’d killed.
Except now he was standing face to face with Saddler. He was aware of Ashley Graham, tied up and stashed next to the wooden crates as if she was another piece of luggage instead of a human being. Krauser didn’t give a shit about her. He didn’t care if she lived or died, he wasn’t moved by her sobbing or the weak pleas to let her go. There was only one thing on Jack Krauser’s mind right at that moment, and that?
That was revenge.
Slowly Saddler turned around, that infuriating smile like stuck on his smug lips. “Oh, is he? Good,” he said, as if he was complimenting a preschooler for a job well done. As he went on his façade cracked ever so slightly, suppressed anger vibrating in his voice. “But why is everyone else dead, too? I don’t recall asking you to kill my beloved parishioners. Were my instructions unclear?”
“What did you put in that dart?” Krauser demanded, his voice odd to his own ears.
Saddler scoffed. “It doesn’t matter—”
“You killed him,” Krauser growled.
This time Saddler laughed. “Oh, no. I just helped you do what you would’ve been too weak for otherwise. In a way, I saved you. In a way, I saved you both.”
There was no answer Krauser could give to that. Blind white hot rage filled every little bit of him, consumed him, took over his entire world. On paper, he probably wasn’t even nearly a match for Saddler in strength, not when they’d both let the mutation take over completely. Yet adrenaline was a strange thing. Rage was a strange thing.
When Saddler was lying dead on the ground, Krauser spat on his corpse.
Then Krauser walked over to Ashley. She looked at him, eyes big and scared, lip wobbling as she expected for him to finish her next. She’d been crying, tears streaked down her face, her eyes rimmed red. And still Krauser felt nothing. He grabbed her arm, roughly yanking her up onto her feet. She whimpered, too scared to even scream, but somehow she managed to breathe out one single question. “What’s going to happen to me?”
Krauser closed his eyes. He could almost feel Leon’s skin on his, Leon’s breath mixing with his own. For a brief second, Leon was right there next to him, smiling at him as if he was worth something in this world. As if he mattered.
Then Krauser took a deep breath.
“You’re going home.”
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bucketsofmonsters · 16 days ago
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Where the Light Enters - Part 13
Cole/Female Inquisitor
cw: unreliable narrator, hurt/comfort, slow burn, eventual sex, enemies to lovers, past childhood sexual assault, past sex trafficking, referenced noncon, happy ending, the tags look scary but this is mainly a story about recovery
word count: 4k
ao3 link
Masterlist
She woke to a knocking noise sounding from the bottom of the stairs and Solas’s voice calling out, “Cole? May I come up?”
She flung herself off the mattress, tucking herself behind some of the crates. The last thing she needed was someone who clearly did not like her knowing about her sleeping beside the spirit. 
Cole was slower to rise, seeming confused as to where the warm body sleeping next to him had gone. 
“What?” Cole called out, seeming disoriented. 
Solas’s footsteps echoed up the stairs, slow and unhurried. He paused as he reached the top and she could just barely see the back of his coat from her hiding spot. 
“I didn’t know you slept,” Solas said, his surprise clear.
“I just started,” Cole said, rubbing at his eyes. “I don’t think I’m very good at it yet.”
“I’m sure you’re doing fine,” Solas said, and even when clearly trying to be sympathetic his voice sounded patronizing to her ears. “Remember, you can always come to me if you need anything. I’m more than happy to help.”
Cole sniffed, blinking quickly. “You’re blurry. You came to ask me for help, not to offer it. She’s stuck, bound in the incorporeal, struggling against nothing. They sneer at her, tell her she’s pulling apart at the seams. I will not help.”
“You won’t?” Solas sounded shocked. “Cole, she is one of your own kind. You have a duty to help one another.”
“I do not. Goodbye,” Cole said, and she was sure that typically this was the point in the conversation where he would disappear. With that ability taken from him, he opted instead to just leave the room.
Solas left swiftly behind him, but she couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d said. Did Solas want to help another spirit? Why would Cole refuse him like that?
She was so curious that she willingly went to see Solas. 
He was visibly surprised to see her, setting down his book promptly to face her head on. 
“Did you need something?”
“A little birdie told me you need help with something,” she said, attempting a winning smile despite knowing it would have no effect on the man. 
“I need help with many things,” he said. “There’s a pile of requests on your desk that I would love to get approved.”
“Not those, with something else. A spirit maybe?”
Solas froze for a moment, his gaze shifting from annoyance to curiosity. “Did Cole tell you that?”
“I never reveal my sources. Is it a spirit, though?”
“It is,” he said. “I didn’t send it through as a formal request because I have so many that have gone long ignored.”
“Well today is your lucky day. I’d love to help you.”
Solas seemed like he was having trouble deciphering the words that were coming out of her mouth. “You’d like to help me?”
She nodded. “I’ve grown quite fond of spirits and I’d love to assist. We’ll head out within the hour.”
She blamed his lack of gratitude on the clear shock he was experiencing. Perhaps he’d thank her for her graciousness later. 
As she rounded up a party, she genuinely considered not bringing Cole. He’d seemed firm in his refusal of Solas, and it took a lot for Cole to refuse to help someone. She should know, he often helped her. 
But she got so little time with Cole as is. To be honest, she wasn’t sure she’d feel safe without him, let alone enjoy herself. It was second nature to her by now to grab him every time she was heading out the door. 
She’d be lying if she said it was all sentimental. If they were going to see a spirit, bringing him was a tactical advantage she’d be a fool to pass up. 
So she went running to find him. Finding him was more difficult now that he couldn't simply appear in whatever room she was searching, but he was attuned enough to her that he tended to drift towards her when she was looking. 
This time, she found him all on her own. He was organizing a little row of rocks on a windowsill and she knew that it was for someone at Skyhold, that they would heal some long echoing hurt, as much they confused her. 
Cole’s nose scrunched up as she approached, his telltale sign of displeasure. “You don’t even like him.”
“I do like spirits though. Come on, we’re going to Crestwood. 
Crestwood was neither a desert nor freezing so as far as Rosemary was concerned, it was the perfect place. It was a little dry, but that was something she was more than capable of handling. 
It was, additionally, slightly war torn but it wasn’t particularly difficult to avoid the various military bases scattered around. They seemed to be dealing with their own issues, uninterested in stray travelers. 
Alongside Solas, they had Varric traveling with them, for the simple fact that the number of people that were alright traveling with Cole and that Rosemary wanted traveling with them was increasingly slim. 
“Does anyone want to tell me why we’re out here?” Varric asked, and she realized with a start that no one had told him. 
“We’re going to save a friend of mine,” Solas said before she could manage to jump in with an apology. 
“A friend of yours?” Varric said with a laugh. “And who exactly might that be?”
Cole scrunched up his nose and she could tell he was clearly upset. “It’s a demon.”
Ah. This friend being a demon might explain Cole’s negative reaction to the idea. 
Although, she supposed that didn’t quite make sense either. Solas was no friend of demons, even if he did have some level of sympathy for them and the spirits they had been. He’d fought demons from the rifts by their side many times before and never declared that they needed to be rescued.  
Solas looked baffled by this response, as if Cole hadn’t almost turned himself inside out to prevent potentially becoming a demon. “It’s a spirit, Cole. Like you are.”
She’d noticed lately that Solas seemed to be in a deep denial about what had happened to Cole. It seemed to make it worse that it had happened under his watch, like he had done this to the spirit. 
He’d been strangely quiet for a while, no requests filing in at all for her to ignore and put back at the bottom of the pile. But then, right before this mission, he’d perked back up and pretended like nothing had changed, like he didn’t notice when Cole stumbled or how he seemed to have an easier time smiling and frowning than he had before. 
Seeing him happy hadn’t seemed to change this whatsoever, which snuffed out even the potential of feeling sympathy for the man. He was stuck in the past, in preserving an ideal instead of a living being. 
“It is not,” Cole insisted. “It’s something in between, something putrid. It will not last, too full of anger for that.”
“Aren’t you something in between,” Rosemary tried to gently prompt him. 
He shook his head. “Not like this. It wants to hurt them.”
“Who?” she asked. 
Solas filled in the blank for him. “The people who captured her.”
“Surely that’s alright,” she insisted. “Surely she’s allowed to be mad at them for kidnapping her.”
“She’s not,” Cole snapped. “It’s tearing her apart and she's not stopping it. She’s turning and she's going to hurt people and she doesn’t care.”
Cole stormed off with a huff and they were left behind, all in a state of shock. 
“I didn’t know he got mad like that,” Varric said with a chuckle. 
“We can fix her,” Solas muttered. “He should understand, he’s been in her position. A spirit who’s scared, hurt. Why won’t he understand?”
“I’m sure that’s why he doesn’t” she said softly, furious with herself for being on Solas’s side for something. “He’s been hurt before and I think he’s scared of what that hurt made him. You saw how terrified he was of being turned into a demon. He wanted to be killed. He’s extending that onto her.”
She didn’t know how much Solas knew about Cole’s last time being out in the world, before the Inquisition ever came to be. She understood very little of it. From what she’d heard, he’d come to help and been so overwhelmed by the sheer amount of distress he’d killed everyone, the mages to free them from their pain and the ones hurting them in recompense for what they’d done. 
Even when he’d been righted of the notion that putting people down was an appropriate response to pain, he’d still killed anyone who’d hurt people. He seemed disquieted with that idea now, giving her horribly sad looks that told her that her existence had complicated that too. 
She wasn’t a fool, she knew what she was to him. A friend, maybe a lover, but a sinner too. One of the ones who hurt people. 
It wasn’t that he didn’t care. She knew he did, of course he did. He couldn’t stop caring if his life depended on it. Rather, it was that care that tore him apart. The affection he’d formed for her extended out to other sinners, killed out of anger years before. 
Varric seemed uninterested in this debate, instead moving towards where Cole had headed off to. “I’m going to talk to him, you two stay back here. I think you’d hurt more than help right now.”
He was right and she knew it so she kept her feet planted firmly where she was, looking out in the direction Cole and Varric had headed. 
Solas was clearly disquieted with the whole idea of what Cole was going through right now. “You wouldn’t have killed him, would you?” Solas asked, voice going softer than she’d ever heard it. 
In a rare moment, she knew that honesty would get her father with him than any lie she could construct, so she simply said, “I would have let him kill all of you if it meant I got a shot at saving him.”
He nodded. “I think you know I have never been particularly fond of you, Inquisitor. Our interests never do seem to align. But I will say, he sees something in you, and for that I sometimes wonder if there is something I am missing.”
She shrugged. “I’m just doing the best I can. I think that’s all he sees.”
“Somehow, I very much doubt that.”
Their brief moment of unity had passed and Solas was starting to get on her nerves again. “Perhaps. I am going to look for them, make sure nothing has happened.”
She did not wait for a response before heading off into the hills. 
She found Varric and Cole very quickly, lingering off in the distance, straining to hear what was being said. 
Varric was speaking to him very softly. “Come on kid, they both mean well, you know that. If something goes wrong, we’ll handle it. I’m sure you understand why they feel that they have to try.”
“She’s selfish because she has to be. But now she’s unselfish but in a way that hurts me. Can help be wrong?”
“What? Who are you talking about?”
“Britches,” he said, and she had half a mind to strangle him. “You call her Rosie because it’s what she chose for you.”
She walked up before Cole could say anything else. “Sorry, don’t want to interrupt, just wanted to make sure you guys were okay.”
Varric’s eyes flicked between them, seemingly trying to puzzle something out before saying, “Just peachy. I think we’re doing better now, aren’t we kid?”
“I will go to stop it before it hurts you,” Cole said, clearly still very angry.
“Great,” she said. “As long as you’re there, I’m happy. Whatever happens, we will deal with it together.”
“It will try to hurt you,” he said, a sense of finality in his voice. “I will stop it if I can.”
“That’s all I can ask for.”
When they returned to Solas, he seemed less enthused by Cole’s very tentative agreement to come along. 
“I really think you’ll change your mind when you meet her,” he insisted for what felt like the hundredth time as the four of them plodded along. “It’s just been too long since you’ve seen a spirit, when you see her you’ll understand.”
That phrasing gave her pause. She wasn’t sure what he expected from Cole but it almost sounded like this was a ploy, like he wanted Cole to return to something more spirit-like.
Or maybe she was being overly cautious. She found she often was with Solas, assuming her dislike for him must translate to something real. But condescension and a tendency to always be unequivocally obsessed with the opposite of whatever choice she was making did not mean he was a villain. 
“We’re getting close,” Solas said and she fell dutifully behind the three of them, ready to hide in case something went wrong. 
Cole planted himself firmly between her and the spirit, refusing to budge from his spot. 
There was a protective shield around the spirit with about four humans, mages from the looks of them, studying the creature. 
She watched Cole’s eyes flit nervously between the spirit and the people. 
She understood it, now better than ever. She would have done far worse to Cole than these people were doing to Solas’s spirit. She knew that was what it came down to. She would have done worse and Cole saw how it would’ve played out if he’d still been this angry when they’d met, saw her body laying amongst the others he’d sent to an early grave. 
And she understood it so well, standing there, because when she looked at that spirit all she could see was Cole, bound and helpless and angry without fully understanding why. Ready to lash out because that was the only way she knew how. 
And she’d never wanted to free it more. 
Solas walked directly up to them, his fury evident in his stance. “You would imprison a harmless spirit for what reason? To poke it and prod at it? Is this what she lost her freedom for?”
The one who seemed to be the leader, dressed in fancier robes than the rest and stepping forward to address the strange shouting man, asked, “Who are you? We have no quarrel with you, if you’d just relax…”
“Relax?” Solas roared. “No, we will be freeing her now. You have no choice in the matter.”
And then he froze the four of them with a temporary freezing spell, one that would lock them in place for a few minutes. As he did, he began to fidget with some of the mages’ tools, clearly looking for a way to free it. 
She looked at the spirit, its familiar greenish form flickering, tinges of red beginning to peek through. It was it being corrupted, she realized. She was witnessing the anger take it over. 
It should have been a sign to stop and pull back, but it only made her want to free the creature more. To get to it before it was too late. 
Like he could read her mind, Solas made a happy noise and the barrier faded away. 
The spirit turned to him, moving slowly, head tilting. 
“You are free, my friend,” Solas cried, a smile plastered across his face. 
And then its head snapped over to the frozen figures standing behind him and it began to shift, red molten flames beginning to leak out of it as it grew towards the sky, unable to contain its anger any longer. 
Its newly elongated arms snapped out and before anyone could react, the head mage was shattering, dozens of frozen pieces of flesh flying across the ground. 
Cole was in motion without hesitation, a flurry of daggers coming at the creature. He sunk a familiar one through molten flesh, dragging it swiftly up through the belly of the thing. It fell before them, gutted and lifeless, forever stuck in this new form. 
And then he turned and stormed off in a huff. 
She was left to pick up the pieces and she figured that was more than fair. 
This was her fault. She knew that she should have listened to Cole and not helped this half shifted creature. 
Staring down at her, the only regret she could feel was at not getting there sooner. 
The freezing spell's time ran out and the three surviving mages ran. The shards of the fourth turned back to flesh too, his blood seeping into the ground, flecks of it covering her face. 
They didn’t see Cole again until they’d set up camp, the three of them sitting silently around the fire. 
He entered, quickly and quietly, and said, “I’m sorry. I know you were trying to be kind.”
Solas seemed to decide this apology was meant for him as Cole settled beside Rosemary. “Thank you,” he said in that horrible, self-righteous tone. “I accept your apology and provide you my own. It seems you were right to be cautious.”
He nodded. “And you were right to care. You were trying your best.”
They settled into a more comfortable silence after that and Rosemary wished she could lean into Cole’s side. 
“Hey kid,” Varric called out. “One thing I’ve been meaning to ask you. Why do you call Rosie Britches?”
She groaned, leaning over onto herself. “It was a name I got called when I was a kid, some sad attempt at bullying. He’s really latched into it and I don’t know why.”
Varric laughed. “Is that so? Maybe you should leave the nicknames to me.”
Cole did not seem content leaving it there. “It echoes in her mind. A name not meant to be taken, to be spoken by cruel tongues. It was mean in a kind way, teasing words and fond smiles. She liked when they called her Britches.”
Varric didn’t seem to know what to do with that. Rosemary stayed silent. 
Every time he said that name, it was like he was calling out to a long buried part of her, unsettling the dirt over its shallow grave. She wasn’t sure if she liked it.  She supposed it didn’t really matter. She had to be Rosemary here, so that’s who she would be, like it or not. 
Solas was not invested in the conversation at all, instead staring intently at the two lonesome tents that they’d been able to bring, too weak of a group to carry any more, and said, “Cole and I could share one.”
“Freak,” Rosemary muttered before she realized what she was saying. 
His head jerked over to face her. “Excuse me?”
“I’m sorry,” she said, meaning none of it. “I think we’ve had a long day, I fear I am a little high strung.”
“It seems you are,” Solas said with a huff. “What sleeping arrangement would you suggest? I know that Cole has begun sleeping and I figured you’d be most comfortable with Varric.”
She hated that from his perspective, his plan made sense. 
Before she could come up with some horsehit excuse, Varric cut in, saying, “Nah, she doesn’t want to share a tent with an old man like me. Let the kids share a tent, they can play games and chat while we actually get some sleep.”
Solas seemed taken aback by this proposal but Cole nodded along happily and that seemed to settle it. 
“There are some elven ruins nearby,” Solas said, shifting the subject before he turned in for bed. “Perhaps while we are here, we can visit them?”
“Sure,” she said, with no excuse to deny him and knowing full well he was taking advantage of the uncomfortable situation to make her agree. “We can go before we leave.”
Rosemary and Cole sat by the fire for a long time after the other two turned in to bed, just watching the flames rise and rise until they burnt out. 
They headed off to the elven ruins the next morning. 
“It says this is a sacred place,” Solas said, reading off a rock at the entrance. “And it says we are not to touch anything.”
Cole’s eyes flitted around inside. “It’s a puzzle not meant to be solved.”
“What does that mean?” she asked him as Solas flitted off to go look at more of the ruins, Varric following behind him. 
“It’s in the graves,” he said. “The statues lead the way, point to treasures best left buried.”
She looked up at the ancient elven statues, each pointed at a specific grave. 
“Can’t hurt to take a look,” she said with a smile, and Cole trailed behind her, his face unsure. 
“They were not meant to be found,” he said. “The map is there for times of great need. Otherwise, they stay buried with the ones who needed them most.”
“Come on, what would you call this if not a time of great need. And trust me, they won’t miss them.”
She knelt beside the coffin, reaching down to pry the stone lid off of it. 
And as she laid her hands on it, leveraging herself against the ground to shift the heavy stone, everything exploded. 
Her ears rung, spots filling her vision even as the smoke cleared. As the ringing in her ears died out, the incessant noise was replaced by the sound of Solas yelling at her. 
“What part of a sacred place that must remain untouched was so difficult for you to understand? You’re lucky you were not killed.”
“Is Cole alright?” Varric asked as he made his way over and both of their heads whipped around. 
The stone lid of the coffin shielded her from the worst of it. Cole, who had been standing beside her, was not as lucky. 
She shot up to her feet the second she saw him, hunched over on himself, rushing over to his side as fast as her feet would carry her. 
“It hurts,” he said, sounding almost surprised.
“Come on,” she said, gently lifting his hand away from the wound. “Let me get a look at it. There you go.”
There was a piece of shrapnel stuck in his side, a long thin piece of metal. 
Solas came in alongside her and she let him take the lead, him being far better versed in healing than she was. 
He did some magic at him, the shrapnel fading away and then appearing a few feet from them. He added some salve atop the wound before thrusting a roll of bandages at her and saying, “Apply this tightly. I need to go and smooth this over before we are being pelted with arrows as well as being exploded.”
Varric patted her on the back and said, “I’d better go with him, before he says something we’ll all regret. You hang on, kid. You’re in good hands.”
And then they were alone. 
Some awful, selfish part of her wished that he had been injured in the fight earlier instead of now. Either way it was her fault, but at least then she’d been being selfless. But no, he’d gotten injured because she was being nosy and disrespectful and cruel. 
“You didn’t know,” he said with a grimace, hand reaching out to take hers.  She couldn’t tell if the gesture was one rooted in an urge to comfort her or needing something to hold as the pain ravaged him. She felt awful for hoping it was the latter. 
As she began to wind the bandages around his midsection, she quickly realized that Cole was a bad patient. At any hint of pain he writhed away, fighting to get away from whatever was causing it, which in this case was the bandage meant to help him.
“Stay put,” she said as he squirmed away again.
“You’re supposed to kiss it better,” he said, staring up at her with expectant eyes. 
“That’s not real,” she scolded him, 
“It is,” he said, mischief lighting up his eyes. “All the doctors think it.”
“I’m sure,” she said with a laugh. 
Before Cole could make any other attempts to convince her, Solas came back with an arm full of elfroot and a dwarf in tow and Britches wished she’d given in to him sooner. 
Cole pouted at the sight of him, his nose scrunching up as Solas shoved her aside, pulling the bandages tighter with a disregard for his infinite squirming. 
He did not ask for any kisses from Solas, which made her doubt their alleged scientific necessity even more. 
“I have patched things up with the elves,” Solas declared. “You are lucky they were so forgiving. And from how friendly he seems, perhaps it is not only the elves you need to be thanking for their forgiveness.”
Cole shook his head. “She didn’t mean it. She deserves forgiveness.”
He seemed more forgiving of this than he had been of her attempt to help. Although, she supposed he was used to this, accustomed to her fits of selfishness more than he was to this newer, more generous side of her. 
Or perhaps it was who she was putting in danger. Before it had been all of them, the mages and all of their traveling companions. This time, the only person who had been hurt had been him. Maybe that was what made it so easy to forgive. 
Either way, as he gave her a soft, kind look from the ground, she felt her stomach churn just as it had looking down at that gutted spirit.
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captn-trex · 2 months ago
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technical devotion, part eighteen: the search
a/n: late as promised!! this chapter tried to kill me actually, like it held me at knifepoint and everything
warnings: allusions to torture, echo being sad and lowkey a dick at one point
last chapter | next chapter | master list | join the taglist
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Echo was sat on a crate at the back of the command room, his head in his hands. He was carefully controlling his breathing, something he found himself doing far too often now. He could hear someone speaking, but it wasn’t until they placed a firm hand on his shoulder that he realised they were speaking to him. His head shot up to see Rex looking down at him worriedly.
“Sorry, what did you say?” He asked, blinking a few times.
“I asked if you’d eaten today” Rex spoke quietly in the somewhat crowded room.
“Yeah, yeah” Echo waved him off, rolling his eyes as he looked away, “I ate earlier”
Rex knew he was lying, but he decided to hold his tongue for now.
“We’re going to discuss the mission now” He told him, “Will you be there?”
“Of course I will” Echo snapped, his expression almost offended.
“Alright” Rex replied, patting his shoulder as he moved away, “Come on then”
Echo lifted himself from the crate, and joined the clones that had gathered in a circle around the central holotable, which included Rex, Gregor, Howzer, Teddy, Oscar and Spider. Anyone and everyone who cared to see Kan returned to them.
“Okay” Rex began with a deep sigh, “We know that she’s no longer in the prison, Echo, Gregor and I made sure of that. Now, we have reason to believe that… this is where she may have been transferred”
He plugged a datastick into the table and an image appeared, a structure.
“I received this schematic from Senator Organa. He is under the impression that this is where the Empire have been sending people that have outwardly rebelled against them”
“Does he know that she’s there?” Howzer asked.
“No, but it’s a best guess” Rex replied, “It’s a very secure facility though. It’s on Corellia so it’s more guarded than one on an unknown planet like the last place. It will be difficult to get into, and you can see here that it’s comprised of two disconnected parts, so if you go in one and she’s in the other, you can’t get through without going out and back in the other one”
“How will we know which one she’s in?” Teddy asked.
“We won’t” Rex sighed, “We’re going to have to just go in one and see if we can find any information and hope we chose the right one, or it’ll be a hell of a lot harder”
“What if-” Spider began, then glanced at Echo before continuing, “What if it goes wrong, and she gets hurt because of us?”
Echo scoffed. She. Not a single one of them could even bring themselves to utter her name.
“There’s not a single mission that is without risk, that’s why we’re in this position in the first place” Echo pointed out, “Now I don’t know about you, but I’d rather try and fail than not try at all. If there’s even a single chance that she’s in there then I’m not even considering not going”
A silence settled over the group, and Echo wanted to scoff again. They all knew how on edge he was, and he knew that they were all waiting for him to break. Kan had been gone for over a month now, and Echo was at his wits end. He had elected to stay in Kan’s bed, but he couldn’t sleep, his mind never failing to remind him of the presence that could be beside him.
Rex took a deep breath before he spoke, “We’re going, that part isn’t up for debate, it’s how we’re going to do it that we need to figure out”
As the clones begun going over the schematics, finding any potential weak points and plotting their way through the prison, Echo couldn’t help but let his mind wander to Kan. It all felt so impersonal, the discussion of such a plan, without much thought, or reference, of the person at the centre of it. Echo was worried about the state they might find Kan in if they did find her at all. She was at the mercy of the Empire, and there was no way she had escaped being harmed in some way.
In a few hours, Rex had cobbled together a plan for infiltrating the prison, and he disbanded the rest of the clones to prepare for the mission. Echo stayed leaning against the table and looking into the building schematic despondently. Rex watched him carefully for a moment before speaking.
“Echo, are you sure you’re up for this?”
Echo’s head snapped up, “What? Yes. Why?”
“Well” Rex sighed, gesturing to him, “You don’t seem to be all here, and it’s not hard to guess why”
Echo scowled, “Oh and I suppose I should leave it up to you right? Because that went so well last time”
Rex crossed his arms, unafraid to call out his brother, “And what the kriff is that supposed to mean?”
“You know what it means” Echo gritted his teeth together, “You promised me she’d be safe, that you’d protect her, and in case you forgot, you failed”
“I’m going to give you the chance to take that back” Rex spoke lowly.
“It’s the truth” Echo claimed, enunciating each syllable with fierce precision.
“Do you really think I don’t know that?” Rex practically growled, “Do you think that I don’t care at all? I know it’s my fault, that I shouldn’t have let it happen, but I did. And now, I’m doing everything in my power to get her back”
Echo was quiet. He glared at his brother and left the room in a huff, striding down the hall towards the safety of Kan’s office. Once the door was shut and locked, Echo stood still and stared down at his feet, letting his eyes well up. A tear escaped and fell onto his boot, the soft leather absorbing it quickly.
Echo didn’t like to cry. It made him feel weak. Though more than that, it made it even harder to stop thinking about what was going on. He was reluctant to feel hopeful about Kan being in the prison, but he mustered up all of the strength within him nonetheless for the eventuality that she could be. He wiped the tears from his face and sniffed quickly, drawing himself to his full height and blowing out a breath.
He turned on his heel, and opened the door back up, making his way towards the landing platform.
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Echo kept to himself on the journey there, not that anyone else was feeling particularly chatty. He was determined, and although weary of it, he was becoming more and more hopeful that they would find Kan. Now as they navigated the streets of Corellia, his mind was singularly focused on the mission.
There was a large shipyard located beside the prison, and as they approached, Echo could see new prisoners being escorted inside a large door. That wasn’t their first goal though, they first were going to break into the records room next to it.
The clones slipped behind a patrol of stormtroopers, flattening themselves against the wall in the darkness. A group of stormtroopers that had obviously just finished their shift were still lingering, chatting amongst themselves. Echo tuned into their conversation when he heard something he’d rather he hadn't.
“Did you get a look at that new Mirialan woman?” One of them said to the other, his grin evident through his voice.
”She’s not exactly new, but yeah, I did” Another of them spoke, the same tone filtering their voice.
Teddy placed a hand on Echo’s shoulder. He knew that the conversation was probably driving him up the wall, but he tried to remind him that it wouldn’t serve them well to get into an all-out firefight right now. Echo nodded to him appreciatively, his action grounding him and focusing him back on the mission.
Teddy had been the most supportive while Kan had been gone. He knew that ignoring how worked up Echo was about it wouldn’t do any good, so he tried to comfort him in ways that he could. They weren’t particularly close prior, but Echo appreciated the sentiment nonetheless.
Rex gestured to go around them, and the clones moved out, slipping quietly around crates and ships until they found themselves opposite the records room, and the front door. It was really a pretty inconvenient place for it to be, for them. There didn’t seem to be any guards at the door, but they knew that there was most likely people inside. Rex told the rest of them to wait where they were, and he and echo darted towards the door.
Echo disengaged his cybernetic to twist back the hand attachment, and inserted his scomp into the port, quickly slicing through their encryption to open the door. To their surprise, there was nobody inside. Rex gestured for the rest of them to join them while echo scomped into the port on the inside of the room. He searched all around their system, which included prisoner details for both sides of the facility, but he couldn’t find Kan. There was no record that she had ever been here. He searched over the cells again, and once more, to make sure, but he couldn’t find her. He let out an exasperated huff.
“What is it Echo?” Teddy asked, his eyes darting between Echo and the door.
“She’s not listed under any of the occupied cells, but there’s a block of unnamed cells in the… left side of the prison” He relayed the information.
“Can you find out where?” Howzer questioned.
“One second” Echo continued searching, looking for their whereabouts. “Ok got it” He pulled his scomp from the port, “Let’s go”
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Kan didn’t know how long she had been locked in this small cell. The days blurred together, and she was unsure where one ended and the next began. There was no real way to tell anyway, she couldn’t see outside to know the time of day, and the Empire didn’t exactly feed her regular meals.
Her body felt exceedingly weak, and her mind was beginning to feel the same. The officers at the prison had tried to get information out of her, about whatever organisation she was a part of, but she wouldn’t yield. She was tired. Tired of resisting, tired of feeling weak, and tired of thinking about how no one had come to get her.
She knew it wasn’t that easy, there was no way for them to know where she was, but it didn’t stop her thinking that perhaps they weren’t even looking for her. For all her resisting, not giving the Empire any of the information that they wanted, she wondered if the clones had any of the same loyalty to her. She had felt it before, but with her time spent locked away, it was harder to know.
Her thoughts often dwelled on Echo specifically. Why had he not come for her yet? She tried to rationalise, but she was being driven mad by the feeling of being in perpetuity; the sleepless nights, or maybe days, the passing of time not making sense anymore. Sometimes it felt like it wasn’t passing at all, like she was just going to be forever in limbo.
Kan heard a commotion outside in the corridor, and lifted her head to peer through the ray shielded arch. It sounded like a fight had broken out, and she frowned, but her heartrate picked up a little at the same time. Had someone finally come for her? She shifted and placed her feet on the floor, her hands resting against the edge of the bench she sat on. The noise of the fight drew closer, and she waited with bated breath as they approached her cell.
A guard was knocked to the floor, laid out on the floor outside the ray shield, and Kan’s heart leapt to her throat, though the next moment it plummeted straight down to her feet. Another guard threw themself down on top of the other and started punching the other, another two appearing to try and pull him off.
Kan sighed deeply, folding in on herself and holding her knees to her chest. She didn’t want to cry, but it was hard to stop herself.
They hadn’t come for her. Perhaps they never would.
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She wasn’t there. Kan was still gone.
Echo couldn’t cope. He had kept quiet the entire journey back, but when they got back to base he had immediately taken himself back to the safety of Kan’s office. He didn’t know what to do with himself. He couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that Kan was most likely alone and afraid.
He tried not to blame himself, he really did, but it was getting harder not to. He didn’t really blame Rex, even if he had lashed out at him for it. Before he had truly dwelled on that fact, his feet were carrying him to the command room. When he opened the door, he found Rex in the position he had been before the mission, defeated and sat on a crate at the back of the room.
Echo called his name in a quiet voice, and Rex’s head snapped up.
“What?” He asked, rubbing a hand over his face. He was clearly tired.
Echo sat beside him, taking a deep breath before speaking, “I’m sorry”
“For what?”
“It wasn’t your fault” Echo said earnestly, turning to look at his brother, “No one is to blame but them Empire”
Rex stayed quiet.
“I shouldn’t have said what I did, I was just…” Echo couldn’t find the word.
”Upset? Frustrated? Angry?” Rex asked with a slight twinge of amusement.
Echo huffed a laugh, “Yeah”
The pair were quiet for a moment. There wasn’t anything either of them could say that would make the other feel better.
“I’m sorry too” Rex sighed.
“For what?” Echo frowned.
“That sh-” Rex stopped himself, “That Kan was taken, that she’s not here. I know how much you care for her, I can’t even imagine how you must be feeling”
Echo looked to his twitching hands. It made him slightly uncomfortable to have that observation made about him, but he knew that Rex meant well, that he was only trying to comfort him or just have a conversation, something they hadn’t really taken part in in weeks.
“What if we can’t find her?” Echo looked back up at Rex, who blew out a long breath at his broken expression.
“We’ll find her Echo, we will” Rex assured him.
“But how can we? There’s no way to know where she is, and what if they-” Echo gulped, “What if they hurt her, like- What if they… kill he-”
“No. Don’t think like that. We’re going to find her”
“But- Even so, I- We might never see her again” Echo could feel tears brimming in his eyes, “I- I never got to tell her-”
Rex placed his arm around him and pulled him into his side, “I know. I know brother”
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kaminocasey · 1 year ago
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Joyride Part 2
Summary: Can you talk your way out of trouble or are you going to go head to head with Cad Bane? Will you get that shower with Hunter that he promised???
Pairing: Hunter x F!Reader
Warnings: 18+ MINORS DNI; Smut, Angst, Unprotected P in V (wrap it up friends), shower sex, Fluff AND Smut AT THE SAME TIME???? Romantic!Hunter.
WC: 4.5K
A/N: Sorry this took a hot ass minute. I hope I made up for it though. I've been thinking about this man literally NONSTOP.
Part One │ Taglist Form
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Six months ago.
“Kriff… There’s no way out…” Hunter grunts, shining his flashlight throughout the room.
You put your hand up to shield your eyes as he shines it in your direction, turning around and then notice something you’d all missed.
“If there’s no way out of this building, then where are they headed?” You ask Hunter as you nod toward the large womp rats scurrying through the room behind some crates.
You quickly walk over and start pushing them out of the way, Wrecker quickly coming to move the heavier ones for you. You smile up at the large man, pleased, when you find a large enough opening that’s definitely going to be your way out. 
“What, do you want a cookie?” Hunter asks and you shoot him a glare. 
“Asshole.” You mumble under your breath, knowing he can hear you anyway.
“Ignoring that.” He whispers in your ear, as he walks past to inspect the opening. 
You ignore the slight warmth that runs from head to toe from his low, gruff voice. Ugh. Hunter truly irritates you so much, it's a wonder either of you get anything done.
“Let’s get moving.” Hunter tells the group and once everyone goes through the opening down into some sort of sewer system, Hunter offers his hand to help you down, tilting his helmet at you. 
You bat his hand away and jump. But you can’t help but wonder what his hand would feel like in yours.
Present, Lower Levels of Coruscant
“If you touch her, I will rip your throat out.” Hunter’s voice brings you back to the present. You’re still on the garage floor, you realize, your muscles still not strong enough to pull you up just yet. When you try to open your eyes, you feel a cool finger trace down your bare neck and you understand now that Hunter was speaking to whoever the owner of the finger was. 
“I told you, one wrong move and I’ll blast her, didn’t I?” A low drawled voice speaks, evenly and calmly. “Now, you’re going to tell me where Cid is and I’m gonna let this pretty little thing go and then you two can be on your way.” 
You know that voice… And with knowing that voice, you know you’ve met your match. 
Cad Bane… Of course. Why not make your life harder? Maker, you really hate being stunned. 
“Nevarro.” You finally open your eyes, looking up at him. “She’s on Nevarro.” 
“Ah, little lady’s awake.” Cad Bane pulls you up by your dress strap and Hunter struggles against the two men holding him back. 
“Relax.” You whisper quiet enough that Cad can’t hear you but you know that Hunter can.
He stops struggling and settles, looking at you with an expression of concern. 
“Proof?” Cad asks.
“She’s making a trade deal with Arua Stullie. Something about Imperial weaponry.” You lie as coolly as you can. 
“And what does Arua Stullie want with Imperial weapons?” Cad holds the blaster to your neck and Hunter looks like he’s seriously about to run for Bane and rip his teeth out. 
You’ve never seen Hunter look so furious. Hunter isn’t a good liar though. It’s definitely one of his biggest flaws. In fact, none of the Batch are good at lying. Almost humorously so. Except right now. 
Lucky for you, Cid taught you how to lie, steal, cheat, gamble, etc. Basically anything that a morally good person wouldn’t do, you were taught the opposite.
“Arua’s planning an attack on some Imperial vessel. Cid came into the weapons yesterday from some rogue Mandos. Don’t know much more than that.” You shrug, keeping your voice steady.
“That true, handsome?” Cad asks Hunter.
Hunter nods, still glaring, and Cad’s quiet for a moment before letting your dress strap go and dropping you to the floor. 
“Alright. I believe you.” Cad sighs. “You can go.” 
“Wow, thanks so much for your incredible hospitality.” You glare up at him as Hunter rushes to you.
“Next time you plan on crossing my path, don’t.” Cad warns you.
It’s not that you’re necessarily afraid of Cad Bane. He’s just serious about his money and you probably should count yourself lucky that he let you go. 
“Yeah, no worries.” You grunt. 
Cad and whoever these thugs are make out like bandits and Hunter looks at you for a moment, searching your eyes as he gently cups your face. His hands are so warm against your skin. Or maybe your cheeks are warm from the way he’s looking at you so softly right now. 
“Are you alright?” He whispers.
You nod. “I’m fine.” 
“You ever lie to me like that?” He smirks. “You’re scarily good at it.” 
“Not necessarily.” You grin and he rests his forehead against yours. “I have no reason to lie to you, sarge.”
When he stands up, he helps you up and then leads you into the Marauder, shutting the hatch and locking it. You look at him curiously as he guides you back toward the shower. 
“You’re so brave, it never ceases to amaze me.” He pushes you up against the durasteel wall next to the fresher, nuzzling his nose against your neck, breathing you in.
Your breath hitches in your throat as he places a soft kiss to your neck and he lets out a breathy laugh, smiling. 
“Can I admit something?” He asks, quietly.
“Of course.” You whisper, afraid if you move, this moment will go away.
“When we’re in tough… or scary… spots on missions, I listen to your heartbeat to calm myself. It’s rarely ever above 65 beats per minute… You’re always so calm in tricky situations.” He admits, pulling away to look at you.
That’s funny because you feel like your heart is beating right out of your chest. “And now?”
You place his hand over your heart and he kisses you. You rest your hand on his neck, pulling him closer as his free hand grips your hip.
“One-ten.” He smiles against your lips.
“Yeah, that checks out.” You laugh.
Hunter grins and then opens the fresher door, pulling you inside. 
“Permission to take this off?” He whispers, trailing his fingers down the silk material. 
You nod, looking up into his warm brown eyes. “Please.” 
He smiles and then turns you around so you’re facing the sink, looking at yourself in the mirror with him behind you. 
“Pretty dress, by the way. I regret not telling you that before the casino mishap.” He smirks at you in the reflection of the mirror. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
“Thanks.” You feel yourself go warm in the face. “Earlier… my dress slid up my thigh a little bit and you walked away.”
“Yeah, I got fucking hard and thought I was gonna lose it…” He whispers in your ear, kissing just below it.
Goosebumps trail down your entire body as his fingers slide your zipper down. He notices as he runs his fingers down your bare back and a full shudder ripples through your body.
“Nervous?” He murmurs. His eyes stare into yours in the mirror.
You shake your head and he lets the fabric fall to the floor. 
“And here I was thinking you were a good liar.” He turns you around and lifts you up, sitting you on the sink. 
“You caught me.” You whisper, smiling softly.
His lips capture yours again and you moan against his. Hunter’s hands grip your thighs in the most delicious way and you find yourself never wanting him to let go of you. 
“Don’t be nervous, cyar’ika. I’ve got you.” He promises you, softly.
“I trust you.” You promise him back.
Trust is a big thing for you. You think he knows that. 
“You’re too clothed.” You murmur against his lips. “You’re right.” He agrees, pulling away to unbutton his shirt, revealing his gold chain and the continued skeleton tattoo that travels down his torso, disappearing into his pants. 
You gulp loudly, even to your own ears and judging by his smirk as he looks down while undressing, you know he heard it too.
“I knew it.” You gasp when he starts to pull his pants down, revealing the femur tattoo that descends into a fibula tattoo and down to his foot. 
“Knew what?” He looks up at you finally, his brown eyes making you go hot all over.
“That the skull tattoo wasn’t just a skull. I figured that it probably-” You start babbling but he cuts you off by crushing his lips to yours. 
You moan softly against his lips and he starts to pull your underwear down. The moment they hit the floor, he inhales and grips your thighs roughly.
Oh… he smells you, doesn’t he? Fuck… why is that so hot?
Oh fuck, can he always smell you when you’re-
“You have no idea what you do to me…” His lips find your neck, breaking you out of your thoughts, and then your shoulder, and then he’s pushing you back slightly so his lips can latch onto your pert nipples, begging for attention. 
With one hand still gripping your thigh, he reaches into the shower and starts the water. Honestly, you didn’t know the man could multitask so well. The thought makes you chuckle and he lets go of your nipple with a ‘pop’ and looks down at you with a quirked eyebrow.
“What’s funny?” 
“Nothing.” 
He nods, clearly unconvinced, with a mischievous look in his eyes. “Right.”
His hand that was gripping your thigh moves over slightly, down toward your bare warmth and your breath hitches again. 
“Hunter.” 
“Mmhm?” His fingers slide further down and his eyes are still watchful of yours.
“What are you doing?” You smile softly.
“Tell me what’s funny.” His fingers slide slowly over your wet folds, barely entering you, but enough to make you clench around nothing.
“It was nothing.” You try to tell him, knowing if you tell him the truth, he very well might stop. 
“Suddenly… You’re a very,” His finger grazes your clit. “bad liar.” 
You whimper, biting your lip, trying to hold out. For what, at this point, you don’t know. What’s he going to give you for telling the truth? 
“I was just entertained by your ability to multitask.” You gasp when his thumb presses against your clit harder. “W-with turning on the shower while-”
“Oh.” He chuckles, his eyes darkening. “I can show you other ways I can multitask, cyar’ika.”
Before you can ask him what he means, he pulls you up against him, wrapping your legs around his waist as he picks you up and pulls you into the shower, pushing you against the wall as the water falls over the both of you. 
“How about this…” He smiles with a knowing look. “I’m gonna fuck you while I wash your hair and clean you up, so that what happened earlier is out of both of our minds for what I have to show you later.” 
“Ah, yes. The surprise.” You smile. 
He captures your lips softly this time. “How does that sound?” 
“Pretty good, honestly.” You shrug, nonchalantly, making him let out a genuine laugh. 
Hunter’s laugh does something catastrophic to both your heart and your core. Have you always been this attracted to him? Suddenly, you find yourself needing to know what his hands feel like while they wash your hair. What his face looks like when he’s caring for you. 
Why did you waste so much time arguing and fighting when you could’ve had this the whole time? 
Hunter reaches around you, lining himself up with you before pushing in, making you gasp against his lips, loudly. He groans just as loud, if not louder, and you’re suddenly so fucking thankful you’re planets away from the rest of the Batch. 
“I want to be buried in you every day.” Hunter admits, his voice full of need and desperation. 
To be the cause of that desperation is such a satisfying feeling, you can’t help but smirk, looking down between the two of you where your hips meet.
“Whenever you want it, let me know.” You kiss him again and a low rumble in his throat pulls your attention to his face. 
“You can’t just say things like that to me unless you mean it.” He rests his forehead against yours. 
“I do mean it, though.” You whisper. “Pull me into this fresher whenever you want and fuck me like you can’t live without this.” You clench around him and his grip on your ass tightens.
“Cyar’ika…” He pulls out slightly only to slam back into you. “That’ll be every day.”
“Then let it be every day. Every night. Every hour. Whenever.” You promise him. 
With a final groan, he starts thrusting into you and you swear that you see past all of the stars in the Galaxy. This angle is something else entirely, something you’ve never had and don’t think you can live without ever again. 
“So fucking good.” You whisper between pants and whimpers, the sound of skin against skin filling the small fresher so much it’s making you wetter than before. 
When his hips slow against yours, you look at him, confused, and he chuckles, pulling your shampoo down out of the net that everyone keeps their shower stuff in so that it doesn’t get thrown around while on intense missions. 
“Oh, you were serious.” You laugh.
“Dead serious.” Hunter keeps one hand ahold of you, and you genuinely didn’t know he was so strong. 
He flips up the cap and pours the shampoo over your head a bit, the aroma of fresh fruit filling both of your noses. He closes his eyes, clearly enjoying the scent as he caps the bottle shut and puts it back. When he opens his eyes, he starts gently thrusting while simultaneously massaging the shampoo into your hair.
“This… is new.” You smile, softly.
“Good new?” 
“Mmhm. You do this with all your partners?” You chuckle.
“Only you.” He admits, while still soaping up your hair, making sure to get all of it. “I’ve never been this… personal with any other… partners. In fact… It’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone.”
“Since before Omega?” You guess.
He nods, pulling you under the water to rinse out your hair, still massaging your head. It feels incredible. You’ve never been given this much attention before, though, so you’re almost not sure what else to say. 
He stills, still inside you, and you look at him softly.
“There was just never… time, I suppose? No one ever caught my eye either.” He explains, his voice so soft, so gentle that you feel like you’re almost in a trance. “Until we met you.” 
Your cheeks go warm under his stare as you realize the weight of what he’s telling you. 
“Anyway.” He clears his throat, awkwardly, as he reaches up for your conditioner. 
You watch each other as he conditions your hair, smiling ever so slightly at the understanding between the two of you. You’re it, for each other. There’s no one else.
When he finishes conditioning your hair, he rinses it out just as he did before. And then, you reach up for his shampoo, pouring a bit into your hand, rubbing it between your hands before reaching up into his locks. He groans at the feel of your fingers against his scalp. 
“I swear I can feel how tense you are just in your scalp.” You smile, making him laugh.
As you get his hair nice and soapy, you can feel his cock grow harder inside of you, you think. When you tug slightly on his hair, his eyes flutter shut and he groans, pushing further into you. 
“You like that?” You murmur, seductively.
He nods, lips parted. “Yeah.”
You guide him under the water a bit and let it run through the soap and your fingers, making it travel down both your bodies, and you realize his shampoo doesn’t have a scent to it. 
“It doesn’t smell like anything.” You murmur.
He nods again. “A lot of scents are overwhelming.”
“Oh… I’m sorry if mine-”
“No. It’s just me, being stuck with my own hair 24/7, you know? I love the way you smell. My favorite smell.” He assures you, grinning. “In fact… you’re my favorite everything to my senses… My favorite smell, my favorite taste.” He kisses you. “My favorite touch.” He runs his hand up to cup your jaw. “My favorite sight.” His eyes run down your body and a shiver runs up your spine. “And your laugh is genuinely my favorite sound. I’d do anything to hear it for the rest of my life.”
“Oh… Hunter.” You get an unfamiliar lump in your throat and you struggle to look him in the face, but he pulls your face back toward his. 
“I love you. You definitely don't have to say it back. I just want you to know.” He rests his forehead against yours again. “I’m so sorry I ever made you feel like I hated you.” 
It’s right this very second that it’s obvious to you. Why it wasn’t obvious to you before, you don’t know… 
“I love you too.”  You grin. 
His eyes widen for a fraction of a second, clearly surprised that you said it back. But then his lips find yours and you're pressed back up against the cool wall. Both yours and Hunter’s hands are in each other’s hair and something changes between you two. Something passionate and all consuming. 
This is only the second time fucking but it feels like the hundredth or more. It’s obvious that the two of you are more than whatever this is the start of. Is there a word for something more than a partner? 
Hunter’s cock pushes into you repeatedly, coaxing the most perfect moans from your lips. It’s obvious that the desperation between you is bubbling up, threatening to push you over your edge. You reach down and rub your clit, wanting so badly to cum for him again. 
How is he reaching into you like this? How does he already know your body so well?
“Fuck…” You groan, your head resting back against the wall and Hunter’s eyes never leave your fingers between the two of you.
“That feel good?” He whispers and you can only nod, your words failing you. “You gonna cum on my cock, mesh’la?”
You whimper and nod, pathetically. 
“Atta girl. Cum for me.” Hunter breathes and you curse again, loudly this time, as you clench around him, cumming even harder than earlier and you bury your face in his neck. 
His grip on you tightens as your pussy coaxes his own release from him, filling you up so full that his cum slides back out over his cock and down into the floor of the shower. 
“I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this.” He kisses your neck. “In fact, I know I won’t.”
“You say that now. Just wait til we get into our first real argument as a couple.” You tease.
“Oh, is that what we are?” He teases back and you playfully swat him, making him laugh. “So Cid was right, I guess…”
He said your laugh was his favorite sound but you’re pretty sure that his laugh is the best sound in the Galaxy. It’s so strange that this is how your night ended. But you’re definitely not complaining. 
“We don’t have to put a label on it if you don’t want to...” You tell him, brushing your fingers across his cheek.
“Well, I’m all yours and I’d prefer it if you were all mine.” He smiles.
Your heart does an entire flip at his confession. You’d prefer it that way, too. 
“Couple just seems so… I don’t know. Small? We’ve been through so much together… And your family feels like my own…” You babble slightly, unsure if you even make any sense.
“We clones have a word like that… that’s more than a ‘couple’. Riduur. It’s like a partner or spouse. But it means more.” He explains. “You mean more…”
You grin up at him as he pulls out of you and puts you down gently, still holding onto you. The both of you stay in comfortable silence, between kisses, as you wash each other’s bodies. Your eyes continuously roam over his tattoos and he smirks down at you as he notices. 
“I like you like this.” You shrug. 
He hums, caging you against the shower wall. “I bet you do. Once we get back to Ord Mantell, I’ll show you just how much I like having you like this too.”
Hunter’s lips brush against yours and then all of sudden, he’s guiding you out of the shower and wrapping a towel around your shoulders.
“So, what’s the surprise?” You ask him.
“You’ll see.” He winks, drying off quickly to go grab a pair of fresh clothes. 
You do the same, settling on a sweater and leggings, going for comfort. He looks at you the same way he looked at you in that dress earlier and the realization that he truly does love you, sets in and you know right this very second, you couldn’t go back to what you were before even if you wanted to. 
“Mesh’la.” He kisses you on the forehead before settling into the pilot’s seat. 
You settle into the co-pilot seat next to him as he starts up the ship flying it out of the garage and up the tubal fly lane back to the surface. When he reaches over to take your hand, you look between the two of you at your intertwined hands. 
“I could get used to this.” He squeezes your hand.
“Too bad Tech would never let you.” You chuckle. 
He chuckles and leans over to kiss your hand. “I just meant this… You know? Us.”
When he reaches the hyper lanes, he takes off toward the west. You look at him curiously and he winks. You’re still not a fan of surprises, but you don’t say anything. You just continue to smile at the handsome sergeant. 
“I can feel the tension in your neck from here.” He teases you.
Within ten minutes, you see a mountainous region next to a giant body of water. 
“Is that an ocean?” You let go of his hand to lean forward, looking out of the window. 
He chuckles. “It is.” 
“I didn’t know Coruscant had anything other than cities…” You tell him, amazed. 
He brings the ship down onto the beach, and offers his hand to you when he stands up. Smiling up at him, you take it and he leads you to the hatch, opening it. As soon as it comes down, your mouth drops. You’ve never seen an ocean before. 
Hunter leads you down the steps of the Marauder and you step into the sand. It’s squishier than you imagined it would be. You’re tempted to take your shoes off, but you know that with this job, there’s always the threat of some sort of danger. So you keep your shoes on for now. 
Looking out at the sea, you breathe in the salty air, feeling at peace, the threat of earlier long gone from your mind.
“I overheard you talking to Echo once about how you’d never seen an ocean before.” Hunter tells you. “Once we got on the ship, I knew it’d be a perfect opportunity.” 
You look at him. “Earlier back at Cid’s… you seemed like you didn’t want to go on this job with me.”
“I was just nervous, mesh’la. That’s all.” He kisses your forehead and then leans down in front of you.
Curiously, you watch him as he unlaces your boots and then slides them off your feet, sitting them on the steps of the hatch. The cool sand seeps between your toes and you can’t help but laugh. 
“Feel funny?” He asks and you look up at him, nodding. 
“In a good way.” You shrug. 
He leads you toward the water and you look out at the sun starting to rise. It’s so beautiful here. A little piece of peace in a hellscape. You know right away, you’d like to come back here.
“How’d you find this place?” You ask him. 
“Tech mentioned it during a mission here a while back. After Echo left the squad, I brought Omega here before we went back to Ord Mantell,” he tells you.
He wraps his arms around you from behind and rests his chin on your shoulder. It feels so natural like this. So easy.
You rest your hands over his. “I don’t remember that.”
“This was before you came back to Ord Mantell yourself.” He tells you. “I like it here. It’s… different from Kamino’s raging seas… It’s calmer…” Hunter murmurs, looking out at the sea at the rising sun.
“I’m sorry I was such a raging sea in your life before…” You take his hand and bring it to your lips.
“You weren’t a raging sea.” He chuckles, his voice low and calming as you both watch the sunset. “You’re the sunrise. Fiery, bright, beautiful… and something to look forward to seeing every morning.” 
Your chest tightens at his sweet words. You didn’t know before today how much of a romantic Hunter is. You love it, though.
“That was really cheesy.” You laugh, pulling away so you can wrap your arms around his waist and look up at him.
“Doesn’t make it less true.” He kisses you.
The sun glows against his tan skin and you can’t help but be even more enamored. How did you not allow yourself to appreciate his beauty before? How did you not allow yourself to just fall in love sooner?
“Do you want to camp out here today?” He offers. 
“Really?” You ask, softly, with hope. 
“Yeah. I’ll send a transmission to the others and update them about Cad Bane and tell them we’re just exhausted from running into trouble.” He smirks. 
“They’re definitely going to be suspicious.” You smirk back.
“Just Echo.” He shrugs, with a chuckle. 
That’s true. But you think Echo already knew about your feelings before you did. 
“When I get back, we’ll set up camp. I’ll make you something to eat and then we’ll take a nap. And maybe when we wake up, I’ll take you swimming.” He promises, letting go of you with one last kiss. “Don’t go anywhere.”
You sit down in the sand. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
He takes one last look at you in the glow of the sunrise and he nearly says “Fuck it.” and just let the squad figure it out on their own. Except he knows Omega will be worried, so he tears his eyes off of you to go send a transmission to them. You sit and bite your lip, trying to keep the excited giggle inside as you think about what a future with Hunter could be like. It’s still crazy to think that you started off the night by arguing with him… and now… you’re on some sort of date. And… you’ve figured out you’re in love. What a wild turn of events.
TAGLIST: @twistedstitcher27 @misogirl828 @rebel-finn @rexandechosandwich @madameminor @dumfanting @rain-on-kamino @corona-one @tecker @ladykatakuri @brynhildrmimi @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond @zoeykallus @maulslittlemeowmeow @littlemousedroid @arctrooper69 @rexxdjarin @padawancat97 @hated-by-me @sleepingsun501 @quigonswife8 @idlenesses @redheadgirl @themcuwriter @ashotofspotchka @sunshinesdaydream @crosshairsimp73 @ariadnes-red-thread @rosmariner @heyitsaloy @starstofillmydream @high-ct5555 @echos-girlfriend @sleepywych @nekotaetae @justanothersadperson93 @aconstructofamind @book-of-baba-fett @chopper-base @palliateclaw @501st-rexster @dead-poolz @nahoney22 @where-is-my-mind-tho @jediknightjana @erishimoon @witching3 @queen-of-many-fandoms @wizardofrozz  @burningfieldof-clover
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mercurygray · 3 months ago
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Hey Merc! I’d love to read about some girl bonding time for your MoTA OCs - how do they spend their down time? Have any of them bonded over other interests besides aviation/their occupations? - @softspeirs
Katie, I'm ashamed to say you gave me this prompt in April and I'm just now getting around to filling it. I'm also combing it with a prompt from @shoshiwrites for 'sunbathing' - they seemed like a natural fit together.
--
If you closed your eyes, it was almost like the beach.
It wasn't really anything like the beach, not really - just a freshly mown infield and a sunny day. But if you changed into a swimsuit, and laid down on a blanket, and closed your eyes, and no planes flew overhead, it was possible - just possible - to believe you were somewhere nice and swanky like Havana, or the south of France, lying on white sand with nothing but warm blue water in front of you.
"I'd kill for a cocktail right now," Tatty said, from underneath her sunglasses. "A daiquiri, with fresh lime juice and a chilled glass."
"And a nice boy to pick up the tab afterwards?" Mary asked, obviously fishing. They were all due leave, in various amounts, but since travel passes seemed to be hard to come by and one never seemed to know what would be waiting at the end of the line once you got there, sunbathing in the middle of an airfield in Norfolk seemed like a more reliable option. So that's what they were doing with their afternoon off - imagining better vacations in more exotic locales.
"It wouldn't hurt," Tatty replied, the shrug implicit in her voice. "We'd better be somewhere with a dance floor, too." She thought about this for a moment. "The Army and Navy Club has good daiquiris. And plenty of nice boys, too."
"I don't think they'd let us into the Army and Navy Club, Tatty." Helen was being more practical about the whole thing. It was one thing to be Katherine Spaatz and quite another to be Helen Owens, whose parents weren't anything special and whose going-out dress, by her own admission, left something to be desired.
"Of course they would."
"Not a lot of beaches in DC, though," Mary pointed out.
"Fair enough. But plenty of boys. And plenty of dancing."
"How about you, Fred?" Mary asked, changing the subject. "Any beach you'd like to be on right now?"
"Not a lot of beaches in Madison," Fred replied, eyes still closed, enjoying the sunshine. She was borrowing one of Mary's summer tops for the day, a halter in a red and yellow print, and trying to make the most of a few hours "I think I'd like to be right where I am. Field of flowers with a lot of sunshine and a book and no one to bother me. No students, no parents, no club room - just me."
Mary looked back towards base and sighed. "Don't hold your breath on not being bothered, Fred. I think we've been spotted."
A male voice came booming across the airfield. "Mary Boyle, are you having a party without us?"
"And what if we are, Everett Blakely? It's gotten to where a girl can't hear herself think if she doesn't go off into a field for a few hours."
"We thought about putting out a sign on the club that said No Boys Allowed," Tatty added, with a catty grin, sitting up and taking off her glasses so she could see just what they were up against. "But we didn't think any of you hooligans could read."
"Now, that's just mean, Miss Spaatz," Blakely replied, sitting down on the blanket with a semi-dramatic huff. Work must have been done for the day - the crowd with him was Douglass, and Hambone Hamilton, John Hoerr, who was carrying a large packing crate, and John Brady, all of them cool and loose in sunglasses and shirtsleeves, soaking up the sunshine.
"We're not going to let you stay unless you brought something to share," Tatty said archly, neither confirming or denying that she was mean, watching as the rest of the group made themselves comfortable on the picnic blankets.
"Does a case of cokes and a pack of cards count?" Blakely asked, pointing to Hoerr's box like he thought it would win him favors. "Jim thought we could play Crazy Eights."
"My ma also sent a box of cookies," Douglass added, looking hopefully in Mary's direction, his hand tight around the tin. "Shortbread - like my grandma used to make."
"Did you all lose Major Chatterbox on your way over?" Tatty asked, reaching straight past for the tin of cookies and helping herself to a piece without being asked twice. "Bucky Egan isn't one to miss a party."
"He said he had some business at the Control Tower," Hoerr reported, setting down the box and passing around the bottles, and an opener on a ratty piece of ribbon.
"Is that what they're calling that now?" Douglass asked with a grin.
"Hush, you," Mary chided companionably, taking the tin and her own piece of shortbread. (Douglass, for his part, looked happy to be so ordered, and did as he was told.) "I think it's sweet. She's good for him. Brady? Fred? Who's in for Crazy Eights? "
"I'll pass," Fred said, closing her eyes again and tucking her hands behind her head.
"I'm good watching," Brady added. His hand was close to her elbow, and after a few minutes, she could just feel his thumb caressing her skin, the tiniest gesture with the biggest meaning. Eyes still closed, her smile grew wider, and she went right on enjoying the sunshine, perfectly content. After all - who needs a beach?
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