#sorry again for the long wait on a response

[illyrianbitch]

Are We Still Friends? — Part Four

Pairing: Reader x Azriel

Summary: You navigate the aftermath of your confrontation. Azriel takes his first steps toward making things right.

Warnings: brief mentions of injury, bruises, and physical fighting. nyx being a cute baby. some fun introspection. reader is tired and overwhelmed. az is honest and open (hallelujah)

Word Count: 7k+

Part Three

✹ ✶ 𖧷 ✶✹ 

Rhys was trying to be serious. 

He truly, truly was. 

From behind his polished desk, he looked every inch the High Lord—back straight, jaw tight, fingers drumming against the wood. His mouth opened, closed, then opened again, as though he couldn’t decide where to start.

You shifted in your seat, your body aching in strange places from the fight. The cut on your cheek throbbed and the bruising across your knuckles made every twitch of your fingers tender. But none of it compared to the strain in your cheeks—from holding back a laugh.

Feyre was perched on the arm of a chair beside you, Nyx cradled in her arms, his tiny fingers gripping the fabric of her flowy blouse. She wasn’t looking at you—refusing to, actually. Her gaze was locked firmly on her son, her lips pressed together in a trembling line, but you could see the corners twitching with suppressed amusement. You kept your gaze on her, waiting until the burn of your stare would render too hot for her to ignore. 

It didn’t take long.

Feyre’s resolve crumbled as soon as her eyes met yours. She let out a laugh—sharp and bright and loud in the too-quiet room.

Rhys’s head snapped up. “Feyre, please. Not you too.”

Not you too. Morrigan had found the situation just as amusing. 

Her laughter only grew, and Nyx joined in, making incomprehensible happy gurgles in response to his mother’s amusement. 

“I’m sorry,” she said, though she didn’t sound sorry at all. 

She passed Nyx to your open, offering arms, and crossed the room, wrapping her arms around Rhys’s neck. Her cheek brushed against his as she murmured—loud enough for you to hear, “You have to admit it’s funny.”

Rhys groaned, glancing at you. He opened his mouth, probably to protest, but you cut in, your voice laced with mock sternness as you bit back a smile. “Yeah, Rhys. You have to.”

“I don’t have to do anything,” he replied, fixing you with a look. “It is not funny.”

You gasped dramatically, adjusting Nyx in your lap and covering his tiny,pointed ears. “Don’t teach your son it’s okay to lie.”

Another groan. A hand dragged down his face, but his lips twitched as though fighting a losing battle. Finally, with a resigned shake of his head, he muttered, “Alright. Fine. It’s funny. But—

His words faltered. 

“I am sorry,” you offered, filling the silence. You raised your free hand solemnly. “I lost my cool. That’s my bad. But in my defense, she really had it coming.”

Rhys casted a look at Feyre, who was leaning against the desk now, a smile still tugging at her lips. He shook his head again, sighing. “Maybe so,” he conceded, “But I can’t have our court’s emissary beating one of our citizens in broad daylight. It’s not a great look.”

“It wasn’t broad daylight,” you corrected, your attention shifting to Nyx as you untangled your hair from his iron grip, grimacing as the motion pulled at your scalp. “The sun was setting by the time we were done.”

Feyre let out another laugh, the sound powerful enough to pull a snort from her. 

“And,” you added, “It was, at most, semi-private.”

“Unbelievable,” Rhys muttered, though there was no real heat in it.

Nyx babbled again, his chubby hand reaching for your hair once more. 

“Okay, alright,” you said, straightening in your chair. The ache in your body flared as you moved, but you ignored it, your focus on Rhys. “You’re right, Rhys. I have a title and an image to uphold. I should’ve acted better. Tell me how to fix it, and I will.”

Rhys’s gaze lingered on you, as if the longer he stared at you, the easier words would come. Then he leaned back in his chair, his attention flicking to Feyre. They were in each other’s minds, you realized, talking in that way only they could. You could pick up the signs now, even subtle—a faint twitch of her lips, the softening in his gaze, even the rhythm of their blinks syncing up. 

Finally, Rhys looked back at you, then down at Nyx, who was still babbling in your lap. When his gaze returned to yours, there was a thread of warmth beneath his voice. “You’re the most, objectively, rational of us all. If you say there was reasoning, then I believe you.”

You gave him a grateful smile.

“We just have to prepare for some damage control,” Feyre said. “It’s not exactly comforting for our citizens to see three of their highest-ranking officials fighting in the streets.”

“Three?” You frowned. “What—”

You were cut off as the door creaked open. All three of you turned as Mor stepped in, a large grin on her red painted lips. She was holding something small in her hand, and when she held it up, the light caught on the all-too-familiar jewelry.

“Don’t forget. She also found these,” Mor sang as she entered fully. She tossed two bracelets into the air, catching both effortlessly before holding them up again for emphasis. “So, I think that’s enough for a pardon.”

Rhys stood, crossing the room in a few long strides as Feyre followed. He took one of the bracelets from Mor, inspecting it carefully.

“What did you find?”

“What Y/n heard was right,” Mor said, rolling the other bracelet between her fingers. “It’s a simple listening charm. Very basic.”

Rhysand hummed. “And how does it work exactly?”

“It’s an anchored spell.”

“What does that mean?” Feyre asked, frowning. “An anchor?” 

“It means the spell needs an anchor to function—a tether to keep it active and contained. Like a balloon tied to a string.” Rhys explained, his tone turning clinical. “It’s simple magic. The charm was designed to spy on whoever it was bound to.”

“And it was bound to who? Az?”

”Actually,” Mor said. She nodded towards you. “It was bound to Y/n.”

You weren’t paying full attention, not as you played a game of tug-of-war with Nyx and a strand of your hair. When the words finally hit you, you blinked, glancing between Mor and the bracelet in her hand. “What? On me?”

Mor nodded once more as Rhysand said, “Interesting.” 

”And this was in Azriels room?” Feyre asked, looking over at you. 

“One of them,” you confirmed. “The other Selene was wearing.”

Feyre’s gaze flicked to the cut across your cheek. “So she put it in Azriel’s room, but bound it to you?”

“No one tends to go into Az’s room.” Rhys frowned. “So she was only interested in conversations you were a part of.”

Of course. A bitter laugh bubbled up, but you clenched your jaw, forcing it down. You reminded yourself of what you’d seen earlier— the insecurity, rather than the malice you’d anticipated. Still, a certain annoyance lingered. Was her relationship with Azriel so fragile that she couldn’t talk to him? Were you so unapproachable that she couldn’t come to you? Instead, she planted a charm. To spy. 

”Can I see it?” You asked. 

Mor stepped forward, holding it out, and Nyx reached for it first, his tiny fingers desperately grasping at the shiny surface.

“This isn’t for you, buddy,” Mor cooed, crouching slightly. “This is Aunt Y/n’s special bracelet from her secret admirer.”

You shot her a flat look. “Secret admirer, my ass.”

Mor grinned, but her gaze flicked over you briefly, her teasing dimmed by something else—concern, maybe. Feyre stepped forward, lifting Nyx from your lap as you examined the bracelet.

“So what do we do with it now?” You glanced up at Mor.

“I can pay Helion a visit. Break the charm.” 

“Alright,” Rhys said, the word accompanied by a considering hum. “But first, let me talk to Selene and Runa—Runa was the other one, right?”

Hearing her name sent a wave of irritation coursing through you. Your grip on the bracelet tightened instinctively as you nodded, the cool metal digging into your palm. You held it out for Mor to take, watching as she then took the second one back from Rhys. He studied you for a moment, his gaze drifting to your clenched fists.

“You’re just too great,” He said with a small grin. It was very father-like in its presentation, like he was trying to cheer up a sad child. “It’s intimidating.”

You rolled your eyes, but his attempt worked— the easy cadence chipping away at the tension in your shoulders, managing to coax a reluctant smile to your lips. “So I’ve been told.”

Your attention shifted to Feyre as she rocked Nyx gently in her arms. His soft breaths had already settled into the rhythm of sleep, and something in you softened at the sight. Your smile deepened, this time warmer, more genuine. Feyre caught your gaze, then glanced at her mate.

“It’s his bedtime,” she murmured, her attention returning to you. “And maybe you could use some rest too.”

You opened your mouth to argue, but Mor cut you off, her hand already brushing against your arm. “Let’s get you cleaned up,” she said softly, though there was no room for argument in her tone.

“I’m fine,” you tried to insist, but she gave you a look, leading you out of Rhysand’s office. You gave both him and Feyre a quick goodbye. 

“Walk or winnow?” Mor asked once you were in the hall, tilting her head.

You thought it over for a brief moment. “Winnow,” you replied.

She nodded in agreement, the corners of her lips curving upwards. “Probably for the best,” she said, “Wouldn’t want you to find another citizen to fight on the way home.”

You moved to swat at her arm in mock indignation, but she was already gone, her laughter echoing faintly as she winnowed away. 

✹ ✶ 𖧷 ✶✹ 

Mor was humming a small tune as she led you to your bedroom. She had a few more items in her hand since the last time you saw her, only a few moments prior.

“Sit,” she instructed, nodding towards your bed. Without waiting for a response, she pulled your chair from the small desk, its legs scraping sharply against the floor. Usually, you might've winced at the sound, but tonight it barely registered. You were too tired, too lost in your own thoughts to be fully aware of your surroundings. 

You lowered yourself onto the edge of your bed, hands folded in your lap, watching as Mor set her haul on your bedside table: a first-aid healers kit and a small jar with a golden lid, the faint scent of herbs already wafting from it.

“Whats that?” you asked, motioning towards it as Mor sat down.

“I stopped by Majda’s earlier,” Mor replied, grabbing the jar and offering it to you. 

You gingerly took it, running your fingers along the small glass. A healing balm, you gathered from the label, crafted and spelled to sooth the tenderness of injuries.  “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Of course I did,” she replied, fixing you with a look. She held her hand out in a silent request, and you granted it, placing the jar back in her soft palm.  “I ran into Adrin while I was there, too.”

“Oh?”

“Mhm. I think he has a crush.” 

Your brows furrowed. “On you?”

“No,” Mor laughed. “On you.” She twisted the lid off, the scent growing stronger, fresher. “This was practically free when I mentioned your name. He says hello, by the way.”

You rolled your eyes at the tone of her voice, at the small quirk in her lip.  “How generous of him.”

Adrin was one of Madja’s recent apprentices, a male from the Dawn Court. Over the past year, you’d developed a sort of friendship with him—inevitable, given how often you stopped by Madja’s for elixirs, balms, or to request healing for one of your family members. Adrin was sweet in a way that stood out, especially for someone of his stature and wealth. Humble, easy to talk to. You’d always enjoyed your small conversations with him, none of which had ever felt particularly flirtatious. 

But Mor liked to do this—tease you about romantic prospects where there were none.

“He seemed very sad to hear you were hurt,” she teased, dipping her fingers into the balm. “Here. Give me your hands.”

Reluctantly, you stretched out your hands, knuckles bruised and raw. She took them, her touch gentle as she worked the balm into your skin. It stung at first, then cooled, easing the ache. 

“He’s cute,” Mor said lightly, noting your silence.  “You should consider it.”

“Mhm,” you replied, not really listening. “Maybe.”

Mor glanced up at you, her hands pausing briefly before she resumed. “What are you thinking about?”

You shrugged and stared down at your hands, tracing the patterns of Mor’s thumbs as she smoothed over the worst of the bruising. “I don’t know. The whole thing, I guess.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t just beat them both.”

A small laugh slipped from you, unexpected. You were quite proud of how diplomatic you’d managed to be given the circumstances— though, you were sure diplomatic wasn’t the word Runa would use.

“I think,” you began, “I just figured it wasn’t worth it. At least with Selene, it wasn’t personal. There’s nothing I could’ve said to her that’d be worse than what I imagine she already tells herself. Runa just… said the wrong thing at the wrong time.”

Mor nodded with an amused smile, tilting your chin up with a finger so she could dab the balm along your jaw. On a hit you hadn’t even noticed until it started throbbing an hour later.

“Still. A listening charm is kind of insane,” she said. Her tone was measured, but you caught the edge of anger beneath it. “Can you imagine what else she could’ve heard?”

Your chest tightened. You nodded. Although not to the extent you might usually have, you had thought about it—the implications of the bracelet, the act Selene had committed, the idea Runa had planted. It was almost laughable. Your court was condemned for its supposed cruelty, led by a High Lord as infamous as Rhysand, yet citizens still felt emboldened enough to pull stunts like this. In any other court, Selene and Runa would’ve faced very different—more permanent—consequences.

“I don’t want to think about it too much,” you replied after a moment. “I’ll just get angry, and I’m kind of over that. It’s exhausting.”

“You’re better than me,” Mor muttered.

“Not really. I’m just tired.” You said simply. “Selene did a bad thing. She’s lucky it didn’t cause a serious disaster. I don’t feel the need to play the Mother’s role. Rhys will deal with her.”

Mor sat back, a faint grin tugging at her lips. “And in the meantime, I get pretty jewelry.”

You raised a brow. 

“What?” Her grin widened. “Like we told Rhys, it’s only a basic listening spell. If I’m in possession of both charms, and I’m not talking to you, then no one’s hearing anything.”

“And if you lose one?”

She raised an eyebrow, slowly twisting the cap back onto the jar. “I won’t,” she replied simply. And you knew that was the end of the conversation. Mor guided your head to the side, leaning in to inspect the cut across your cheek.

“That bitch got you good, though,” Mor muttered. She touched it gently, and you grimaced. “All this from that bracelet?”

“It was chunky,” you replied dryly. “And I think Runa split it open much further.”

Mor scowled. “If I see her, she's as good as d—”

“Mor.”

She sighed dramatically. “At least tell me you got her good.”

You gave her a look and her grin widened. “Gods, I love you,” she said, shaking her head. “You might be the most terrifying one of us all when you’re angry.”

A smile tugged at your lips, the faint pull of it brushing against the ache in your cheek. The sound of a laugh started to rise in your chest when a low voice cut through the moment.

“I would agree.”

You jumped, and your head snapped toward the doorway— where Azriel now stood. 

Your chest tightened at the sight of him, the moment’s levity collapsing under his presence. Instinctively, your eyes ran over him, taking in every detail. He looked tense, wings drawn in tight to his back, his posture stiff. Shadows hung close to him, unnervingly still. Disheveled, too—his hair was a mess and faint bruises bloomed along his face. His hands were hidden by his shadows, but you’d bet they bore the same marks as yours. Three officials, Feyre had said. You now knew the second. 

He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt.”

Mor snickered beside you, drawing your attention just as her brows lifted in amusement. She turned away from him and faced you instead. “You hear that, Y/n? He’s sorry.”

You raised your own brows, gaze flicking back to him. “So those words do exist in your vocabulary.”

The bite didn’t feel as satisfying as it should have. It felt hollow, old. Azriel’s jaw tightened, his chest rising as he drew in a measured breath. After a moment, he stepped forward. His gaze lingered on you for another moment before he turned to Mor.

“May we have a moment alone?”

Mor’s eyes narrowed, the sharpness in her gaze dragging over him like a knife. She didn’t answer right away, looking back to you instead, searching your face for permission. Despite yourself, you gave her a small nod.

Her displeasure showed in the faint widening of her eyes, but she stood anyway, brushing her hand against yours in passing. Her touch was soft, careful not to press too hard against the bruises. “Love you,” she murmured. “Let me know if you need anything else tonight.”

You gave her a small smile, nodding again as she walked past Azriel. His shadows recoiled from her, drawing a dark outline along his arm. She casted one last glare over her shoulder.

“Idiot,” she muttered, loud enough for both of you to hear. Then she was gone.

The silence she left behind felt suffocating, a heavy thing that settled over the room. You avoided Azriel’s gaze, focusing instead on the healer’s kit sitting on the bedside table. You reached for it, but Azriel held up a hand to stop you.

“I can do it myself,” you said. 

“I know,” Az replied softly. “But let me. Please.”

You hesitated. He looked troubled, guilt heavy in his expression, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care. The conversation had been inevitable, long overdue. Might as well get it over with while he tended to the cut on your cheek.

Besides, you were too exhausted to care. 

“Fine.”

Azriel gave you a small, unsure smile—grateful, almost. He disappeared to the bathroom, and when he returned, he sat with a wet rag in hand.

You tried to hold on to your anger, to avoid his eyes, but your resolve began to falter the moment his shadows began to twist around your arms. They moved languidly, curling up your wrists and brushing your fingers as you played with your hands in your lap. You focused on them instead of him— on their quiet presence, the personality in them that so few ever noticed. You’d missed the way they felt like him.

Azriel began unpacking the kit—clean cloths, antiseptic. The smell made your nose scrunch. You took in the bruising on his face—on his cheek, a split near his eyebrow, even on his lip. Strange, strategically unplaced.

“What happened to you?” you asked before you could stop yourself.

“Cassian happened.”

And there it was— the third official. You wanted to probe for more details, were even tempted to make a joke out of his current appearance, but your irritation held you back. You stayed silent as he cleaned the wound, as he dried it. When he soaked another cloth with antiseptic, he looked at you.

“I owe you a big, proper apology.” 

You didn’t look at him, even as his words pulled at you. “Yeah.”

He paused— like he was thinking, like he was ashamed— and took a deep breath before he said, “Many, actually.”

You didn’t respond. You just nodded, watching him from the corner of your eye. When the cloth touched your cheek, you winced. He grimaced, eyebrows furrowing in apology.

“Sorry,” he murmured. 

Another pause. 

“You were right,” he said, his focus staying on your cheek. “And I should have listened to you.”

This time, the pull of his voice was strong enough to draw your attention. As he leaned closer to begin cleaning the cut, you studied his face—the sharp line of his jaw, the crease in his brow as he worked with precision. 

“I’m always right,” you muttered, and the words had more mirth than you’d expected. You supposed that was natural with Azriel, an instinct of sorts. Even when you were unhappy with him. “You’re going to have to be specific.”

Something softened in his expression—just for a second. But you saw it. You could’ve sworn you saw the faintest hint of a smile tug at his lips, heard a soft breath of amusement. His molten eyes met yours briefly.

“You were right about Selene.”

Your chest tightened. You didn’t know why, but his gaze burned. You couldn’t hold it for long and looked back down at your hands, letting the shadows weave between your fingers. You wondered what information Az knew— wondered who told him. If it was Mor who had talked to Cassian, if it was Cassian who then, in turn, had given Azriel the whole story. Had they fought beforehand? What for?

“I broke up with her,” Azriel added. “When I heard about what happened.”

You looked up, but Az’s gaze was no longer on you. “You did?”

He nodded. You tracked the bob in his throat as he swallowed. 

“There’s no coming back from what she did.”

Azriel set the cloth aside, carefully wiping away the excess antiseptic. He seemed unnervingly calm for the situation—for the invasion of privacy from someone he’d been intimate with. You’d expected something more. Anger like you’d seen with Eris, confrontation like he’d shown Lucien. But, instead, he was gentle. Maybe it should’ve bothered you, that he seemed so unphased at your current state. It didn’t. If anything, you were grateful. You would’ve been too tired to deal with anything else. 

You studied him closely. This side of him—tender, unguarded—wasn’t a side he let many see.

Your thoughts wandered back to Selene. It made sense, in a pathetic, strange way, why she might have done what she did. If she’d seen this side of him, this kindness, this care... how could she not have wanted to protect it? How could she not have gone to extremes to keep it?

You thought about it for a moment. Came to the realization that the love Azriel offered was probably worthy of madness.

“Because she spied on you?” 

It was a stupid question. But the urge to ask had persisted, so you voiced it anyway. Azriel stilled, his hand pausing mid-motion. Slowly, he turned to look at you.

“No,” he said, his voice softer. “Because she hurt you.”

His words landed with a force that sent your thoughts spiraling.

“Although,” Azriel added quickly, “The spying was definitely a dealbreaker.”

He was making a joke, you realized. Or a small attempt at one. And somehow, it settled something restless in your chest.

“She didn’t mean to,” you heard yourself say before you could stop it. 

The moment the words left your mouth, you cursed yourself. What the hell were you doing? You had no obligation. No reason. It was counterproductive, if anything. Rhys was bringing her in. You had every right to trash her, right here, to Azriel himself. To tell him over and over that you told him so.

But you didn’t. Maybe it was because she’d mattered to him—enough for him to trust her despite the flaws that had undone her. Even if that truth made your chest ache, you wanted him to make his decision with all the facts.

Your care for Azriel wasn’t something led by your pride.

“Selene didn’t mean to hurt me,” you said again, more certain this time. “It was an accident.”

His eyes softened as he observed you. You swallowed and shrugged. “Runa was the one who actually did.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Azriel said. “You were in that situation because of Selene.”

A beat.

“Because of me.”

The air between you thickened. You tried to focus on anything else, anything but the way your chest tightened, the way your heart thudded faster than it should. But you couldn’t. Your eyes stayed locked with his.

You thought about the past week, how something had shifted between you. The distance that had grown, how long it had taken him to reach out.  Azriel was someone who didn’t apologize easily. You knew that. But it hurt in ways you didn’t expect because you’d always thought you were different. That your friendship, your bond, was worth the discomfort. 

You thought he’d make it right. That he wouldn't have let it fester for as long as he did, wouldn’t have felt comfortable leaving you simmering in your hurt. 

“Az?”

The name escaped your lips unguarded, and his face softened at the sound of it. His wings shifted too, just slightly, like tension bleeding out. You hadn’t said his name like that—without anger, without bitterness—for days.

“Yeah?”

“Why didn’t you actually apologize earlier?”

Azriel’s jaw tightened, and his gaze flicked down, as if the answer was there, somewhere in the floor. “I—I didn’t know how.”

You let out a breath—annoyance, defeat, something too messy to untangle. “It’s actually really easy,” you muttered. “You just open your mouth and say the words ‘I’m sorry for being a dick.’”

There was a soft shuffle as Azriel leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees. He tilted his head, trying to meet your averted gaze.

“Y/n,” he said softly. “I’m sorry for being a dick.”

You let the words settle for a moment before sitting up straighter. Met his eyes once more. You raised a brow, unimpressed. “A bit late, don’t you think?”

Azriel didn’t move, his eyes meeting yours steadily. He was closer now—close enough that you could almost feel his presence like a tangible, heavy thing. His shadows stirred, curling around your fingers, then shifting toward his hand. They tangled between you both, like they were tying you together, threading through the space that separated you.

“It is,” Azriel said. He looked down the second his words hit the open air. It reminded you of repentance, like a sinner confessing to a priestess. His hands rubbed together before he clasped them into a fist, looking up again.

Even then, his thumbs kept moving, brushing over each other in a way that gave him away. He was nervous.

“I messed up,” he said. “I knew I did the minute I repeated what Selene told me. But I’d messed up so badly that I felt like an apology needed to be big enough to make up for it. I couldn’t think of anything.” He took a shallow breath. “I—I was embarrassed.”

You frowned.  For Azriel, who stood in front of you, unwavering in the face of so many enemies, embarrassment seemed almost foreign.

“Embarrassed?”

“Yes.” His voice was quiet as he admitted it.

“What could you possibly have to be embarrassed about?”

Azriel’s face shifted, his eyes looking almost vulnerable, wide open, like you could see everything. Even his shadows slowed to a faint crawl. They seemed to be waiting for something. You weren’t sure what.

“That you were right. I was changing. For her. And I did it on my own.”

“What?” You barely breathed out, confused. “Why?”

“I just…” He hesitated, his eyes lowering. “I thought it might be for the better. That maybe this relationship, maybe Selene, could mold me into something else, something more…” He trailed off.

“More what?”

“Something—someone, more easy to love.”

Your breath faltered, and for a second, everything froze— like the sheer sadness in his voice was enough to freeze time. And then you were flooded with emotions, each different from the one that came before. Confusion. Anger. Pity. Heartbreak. You felt a deep, hollow ache at the idea that he truly believed he needed to change to be loved. 

For the first time, you weren’t sure what the right thing to say was. If there was one at all. All you could do, in the most genuine tone you could muster, was say, “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”

Azriel’s gaze faltered, his expression shifting as though he wasn’t quite sure how to process your reaction. You glanced at his hands, pushing the rush of emotions back, then met his eyes again.

“You should never feel like you need to change. Not like that.”

For a moment, he didn’t say anything, but his eyes softened, and you found yourself focusing on the crease between his brows. It made him look so tender. So young.

Finally, he spoke again. “I was having a bad day that night you came to talk to me. I didn’t realize how I’d hurt you. I thought I just pissed you off, that you were angry.”

“Well, you did piss me off,” you said, your anger bubbling up once more. His expression faltered slightly at that, but you continued, “I’m still angry. You were dismissive. You made me feel selfish, like I didn’t have the right to care about you.”

The words caught in your throat, threatening to stick, but you pushed them out. You’d spent centuries enduring criticism from males in Prythian politics—males who dismissed your input no matter how educated or experienced you were. You knew how to let their opinions roll off your back, not to let them settle. But you never thought Azriel would be the one to hurt you. Make you feel silly. Stupid. Small.

Azriel’s jaw tightened, and his eyes darted away as if he was trying to find the right words. “It was all so stupid. I can’t believe I entertained her ideas—that I let my desire to be needed make me accuse you of having ulterior motives when you were just being a good friend.”

A good friend.

That was exactly what you were trying to be—and yet, the word hurt you. It made you want to wince like you had when Azriel pressed that rag to your cut. You thought back, unwanted, to Selene’s words, and your chest tightened even more. 

Was it possible for the room to be losing air? Maybe that would explain the stupid decisions you’d been making. The thoughts you could feel in the back of your mind. A lack of oxygen to your brain.

“So why did you believe her?” you asked quietly. Your voice sounded more tired now. 

“I don’t know,” he admitted after a long pause. “It doesn’t change what I did. It was cruel. It belittled you. And I’m sorry.”

You stared at him, at the set of his shoulders, the faint downturn of his mouth. He was sincere—you could feel it in every word, in the way his eyes stayed fixed on you, like nothing else existed in the room. You didn’t think you’d ever had someone apologize like this before, so open and raw.

And yet, something inside you still simmered. The anger hadn’t disappeared. Not yet.

“Thank you,” you murmured, “For apologizing.”

Azriel didn’t move. He kept looking at you, really looking at you, and you felt pinned beneath the weight of his gaze. His eyes had more green than Cassian’s. It wasn’t something you usually noticed—how the colors shifted in the light, how clear and startling they seemed up close. Now, though, you couldn’t seem to stop noticing, like every detail of him was suddenly magnified.

You wanted to stay angry. You deserved to. He’d hurt you, and that kind of hurt didn’t just disappear because he finally decided to show up and say the right things. But then his gaze held yours a little too long, his voice a little too raw, and that tightrope you’d built for yourself began to fray.  A sharp sting of guilt came, and you couldn’t shake it—couldn’t shake the growing realization that maybe you didn’t want to be angry at him. Maybe it wasn’t even anger anymore.

You cleared your throat as Azriel shifted his attention back to the kit, his shadows curling and shifting behind him. He grabbed a few butterfly bandages, his voice quiet when he spoke.

“You’re better to me than I deserve,” he said, almost to himself. “I think I convinced myself that it was a matter of time until the ball dropped—until you realized I wasn’t worth this friendship. I thought I’d finally reached that point. I almost just laid down and accepted it.”

You frowned at his words. 

Azriel always carried that shadow of self-loathing like a second skin, like he couldn’t believe anyone could see him as more than his darkest thoughts. As much as you wanted to heal him, to assure him that none of it was true, you knew better. It hurt to know that, after everything, he still didn’t believe it. Because, the truth was, Azriel wasn’t hard to love. It wasn’t hard to support him, to be his friend. He had his moments, as anyone did, but he was always there. Which, you supposed, is why the way he treated you hurt in such a deep, unique way.

The thought that he’d believed, deep down, that your friendship—your loyalty—could be so easily withdrawn, made something inside you ache. Made you sad. Angry. 

“I take back what I said earlier,” you murmured. “That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”

Azriel’s lips twitched as he searched your face for any hint of a joke. His shadows perched on the apex of his wings, watching you both. Then, when his lips curled, just slightly, they began to move once more. 

“I have my moments,” Azriel said, a half-smile playing at the corner of his lips. He glanced at you, checking if it landed.  “Maybe one too many head injuries is getting to me.”

“Maybe,” you said, the hint of a smile brushing your lips. “In that case, we should keep an eye on Cassian.”

Azriel’s breath escaped in a quiet, almost relieved laugh.  He carefully removed the butterfly bandages from their small packs, the silence settling around you once more. But the air felt heavy, like there was something unspoken hanging between you. Like you needed to say something to rid yourself of the pressure in your chest. 

“You can’t just lay down and accept it, Az,” you said, your voice firm. His eyes snapped to yours. “That’s not what friendship is. Not ours.”

Azriel nodded, his expression softening. “I know. I’ll do better.” 

You smiled faintly, nodding back. Watching as he turned his attention back to the bandages on your cheek, you took a slow breath. His scent washed over you as he leaned in, familiar and warm. For a moment, you almost let yourself close your eyes, just to breathe him in further, to let his scent linger. Had it always been like this? Or had Selene’s words made you overanalyze everything?

“I was shocked when Cassian told me what happened. I can’t believe that while I was busy kicking myself for not doing anything, you were trying to talk to Selene. Trying to be kind. Do you realize how crazy that is?”

His words weren’t disbelief—they were awe. As if he couldn’t comprehend why you’d chosen the harder path, the path of peace. You could barely believe it yourself, sitting with a scratched-up face and a mind full of unwanted revelations. But in the end, it had been simple. 

You’d done it for Azriel. 

You’d found sympathy for her because of Azriel. You’d set aside your anger, your pettiness, because you valued your relationship with Azriel more. Even after everything, after the way he’d treated you, you still believed in him. Believed in his ability to know what he wanted.

“Your happiness was worth it,” you said finally. “I didn’t want to be the one to stand in the way of it. To make things hard.”

Azriel stopped at that, his gaze locking onto yours with an intensity that made you feel exposed in a way you’d never felt before with him. You shrugged it off, trying to play it cool, and added with a dry chuckle, “Also, I figured if I did the noble thing, I’d get to hold it over you for a few centuries.”

Azriel laughed—a genuine, rumbling sound. His shadows fluttered around him. “Yeah, well, you can. More than a few centuries, actually, because you came out with some battle scars.”

You almost spoke again, but the breath left your lungs as you felt his fingers gently press the butterfly bandages to your skin. It was almost funny to think about how angry you’d been—rightfully so. But now, with the feel of his hands on you, it all began to ease. A specific sense of healing, like the betrayal you’d felt—at least in part—was being mended. That Azriel tending to you now, with the soft touch he so rarely granted, proved that he didn’t mean to hurt you. That he did care. And maybe you could give him a little grace for being a flawed male.

When Azriel turned back to the kit, you touched your cheek, feeling the cut deeper than you expected. You hadn’t realized how long it was. Mor’s earlier reaction made more sense now.

Azriel glanced at the wound, then back at you, brow furrowing. “Is it okay?”

You nodded slowly, a soft breath escaping as you winced slightly. “Yeah, just tender. Thank you.”

He nodded in acknowledgment and moved to place the last bandage. And then, almost too quietly, he murmured, “I’m sorry I hurt you. I really am.”

“I know.” You hesitated before adding, “But you’re going to have to make it up to me. You know that, right? This wasn’t enough.”

Azriel steadied his gaze on you, leaning back to face you fully. Suddenly, you weren’t sure if anyone had ever looked at you properly. Not like this. Not as he said, “I will. I promise. In ways that are better than some baked goods.”

“Well… I wouldn’t mind some croissants. They looked good.”

Azriel chuckled. “Oh really?”

Soft tendrils of his shadows weaved around you as you nodded, biting back a smile at the tone of his voice. Something so lively. So Azriel. Although you were used to them, you resisted the urge to shiver as his shadows threaded through the ends of your hair. 

“That’s odd,” he said. “I seem to recall them looking untouched. Some even squished.”

The memory of how you’d grabbed the pastry in frustration, squeezing it in your hand, brought a small smirk to your face. You shrugged a little. “I was pissed. I couldn’t give in.”

“In that case, I’ll buy out the whole bakery.”

You rolled your eyes, but the hint of a smile was still there. It was probably obvious to Azriel.  “The Spymaster supporting local businesses by single-handedly buying out a local bakery. How noble.”

He smiled at that, his expression lighter now—boyish, amused. But his words were sincere. “Whatever you need me to do. I’ll do it.”

“And if I told you to swim naked in the Sidra at night, when it’s cold and snowy?”

“I’d ask Rhysand to make an order for all the children to stay inside.”

You laughed at the thought, and the atmosphere shifted. For the first time in a while, it felt like the world had stopped turning its back on you. The anger, the grudge you’d been cradling like a newborn babe, didn’t feel so heavy now. 

Azriel stood, folding the bandages and packing away the medical supplies, and you found yourself watching him without meaning to once more. You couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly… beautiful he was. There was something in the angle of his jaw, the way the light caught his features that made your breath suddenly catch. He was always handsome, of course, but this was different. 

A sudden wave of curiosity bubbled up inside you. Before you could second-guess yourself, you spoke.  You’d never noticed the sharpness of his eyes, the intensity in them, the way his wings twitched when his shadows curled against them.

“Can I ask you something?” 

He paused, looking down at you with that soft gaze. “Always.”

“Why did you want to change into someone more loveable? Why stay with Selene?”

Azriel’s eyes flickered away, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I… I think I was jealous.”

“Jealous?”

Azriel nodded. Something sad washed through him, made him blink, made his wings fall an inch closer to the ground. “Everyone around us is finding love. They’re starting new lives.”

Something sharp jabbed at you, a bitter feeling you didn’t quite understand. Was there something wrong with you for not feeling the same need to fall in love?

“I’m not,” you said. 

The expression that took over Azriel’s face was one you couldn’t describe, but there was a new kind of weariness in it. His lips parted as though to say something else, but instead, he simply shook his head with a small, wistful smile. “It’s only a matter of time, Y/n.”

You blinked. “What does that mean?”

“It means you’re you. You’re amazing. It’s only a matter of time until you fall for one of your many suitors.”

You furrowed your brow, a bitter taste now settling on your tongue. You didn’t respond— didn’t know how to.

Azriel’s eyes darkened for a brief moment, his jaw tightening, but then his face softened. He exhaled slowly. When he spoke, his voice was quieter than before. “I didn’t think I could handle being alone when you moved on, too.”

The way he said it, the weight of it, made something ache inside you, like a deep hollow was opening up in your chest. You swallowed hard, wishing for something—anything—to ease the growing pressure behind your ribcage.

You wanted him to tell you more, to say something that would make sense of all this. But you didn’t know how to ask for that, didn’t even know what you wanted him to say. 

“Because you don’t want to be the last one standing?”

The silence that followed was almost suffocating. Azriel’s shadows seemed to quiet around you both.

Then, he gave you a half-smile—sad, lopsided, but somehow more real than anything he’d shown you in a long time. Not for months. Not since he began dating Selene. 

“Something like that.”

Before you could dwell on his words, on why they made you feel sad, disappointed even, Azriel finished packing up the kit and turned toward you.

“All done,” he said.

You blinked, pulled out of your thoughts, and nodded. “Oh. Cool. Thank you.”

You looked down at your hands, your fingers brushing over the growing bruises on your knuckles. Your hair fell forward, partially hiding your face, and before you could move it out of the way, one of Azriel’s shadows darted forward, tugging at the strand. You glanced up as he gently called the shadow back with a subtle motion. 

“So... how do I look?” 

Azriel's eyes flicked over you, the corner of his mouth quirking up as he reached forward, his hand brushing that same strand of hair from your face.

“Tough,” he said, slowly moving the strand back. “I think the bandages really bring out your eyes.”

And even though he’d done it a million times before, as Azriel tucked your hair behind your ear, something inside you cracked right open.

✹ ✶ 𖧷 ✶✹ 

authors note:

tending to wounds scene!!! tending to wounds scene!! mor has both bracelets??!? az and selene are done?!?! he's being weirdly calm abt the whole thing?!?! reader is THINKINNN...

now begins the fun time of reader wanting to let az grovel (bc he has entered his groveling era) but also overthinking everything and wanting him to just....go away. also fun time of reader having to prove to everyone that despite things she may...or may not... feel, her intentions with Az were neverr driven jealousy hehe

so fun!!! i have some fun ideas guys. thank yall for reading <3 i wonder if you can guess what might happen.... there are a few hints

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[callmeizukunotdeku]

The worst part, of course, is why they notice.

It's because Robin got in over his head during patrol and Red Hood broke his no-kill streak.

Bruce's rules snapped back into place, just as taut as before.

Jason pulls back. He doesn't visit anymore and then Alfred's giving him the cold shoulder too. Dick is insisting that he get over himself.

"What was it that made you accept him? What made you okay with him before, B?"

"I...just got some good advice before."

"From who?"

Quietly, he admitted, "Tim."

The name jolted Dick, as he realized that his brother had slipped his mind.

He couldn't remember the last time he talked to Tim.

He couldn't remember the last time he thought about him.

"Call him," Dick said, "and put him on speaker."

If Bruce had taken Tim's advice just once--taken it and implemented it long term--then that was more than he'd ever done for Dick.

Bruce took out his phone.

It rang and rang and then--

"This number is not available."

Bruce furrowed his brow and muttered, "No, that can't be right. This is his contact..."

He messed around on his phone for another minute before calling again, and--

"This number is not available."

Dick swallowed, and thought, bitter and hopefully, that maybe Tim blocked Bruce, before remembering that they didn't want any more problems. Their family couldn't handle going back to the way they were before Bruce came back.

Dick couldn't handle a return to the way things were.

He'd break under the pressure. He knew he would.

Dick called Tim, but--

"This number is not available."

He didn't get a response.

"Try his secretary?" Dick suggested and Bruce called Tam.

And again, the phone rang and rang and--

"You're speaking to Miss Fox, CEO of Wayne Enterprises, how can I help you?"

You could have heard a pin drop in the room.

"Hello? Who is this?"

"Bruce."

"And Dick," he added, "hi, Tam, how've'ya been?"

"Busy," she said, with some amount of humor in her voice, "Tim wasn't kidding when he said this job was grueling. I still wanted it though, and he thought I was the best person for it, so...here we are, I guess. Why are you calling, though? Y'all never call."

"Um," Dick started, not trusting Bruce to form a proper answer, "we were wondering how Tim was doing. We couldn't get ahold of him."

"Oh," she said, voice flatter than it was before, "yeah, he has a new number. I'll tell him you're trying to get in touch with him--"

"Give us the number," Bruce said.

It was silent on the other side of the line before there was a brief beep.

Tam hung up.

Bruce tried her number again, but it went straight to voicemail.

Dick was in the middle of trying to figure out a reasonable plan when Bruce called out, "Clark."

The man was there not a moment later, "Bruce. What do you need?"

"Where's Tim?"

"Ivy, I presume. Why do you ask."

"What's he doing with Pam?"

Clark gave him a confused look. "Who?"

"Pamela Isley? Poison Ivy?"

"He's...I meant to say that he's in Ivy Town. He's been attending university there for a few months now. Kon visits him often--brings him back to the farm, sometimes. Ma loves him--says he's a natural baker but Tim just always argues that it's because he's studying chemistry and--I'm sorry," he cut himself off, "why are you asking?"

Again, it was quiet for a moment before Dick said, "We were just trying to get ahold of him."

"Ah," Clark nodded, "his number changed again, didn't it? Do you want his new one?"

"No," Dick said at the same time that Bruce said, "Yes."

Dick glared at him, "No. We'll wait for him to call us."

Bruce comes back from the dead and wants to make things better. Bruce comes back from the dead and Tim was the one who brought him back, so it's obviously Tim who'll know best how to help him reconnect with everyone.

It's Tim who should give him advice on how to bond with Dick. Dick has always been his idol, after all. Tim would know best how to bring him back, and he does. He gives good advice and the two of them begin to get closer.

So Bruce asks about Jason, too. Asks about how to bring his son back into the fold and Tim wished for a brief and brutal moment that it weren't so obvious who the favorite was.

Tim told Bruce to give Jason his space, to loosen his rules, and make it clear that no matter what the Red Hood did, no matter what the Batman believed in, Jason was always welcome. Bruce would always want him.

It worked. Bruce wasn't surprised. Tim was a special sort of bitter.

Bruce asked again for Damian and Tim had to push down his anger. "That boy tried to kill me," Tim wanted to say. "I hate him and I want you to hate him too so that I can remember a time when we had something in common," Tim didn't say, but he got close.

He instead told Bruce how Damian liked art and animals and loved hearing stories of the wonders of Batman.

He told Bruce just how much Damian loved being Robin. Told Bruce to tell Damian what a good Robin he was.

God bless or maybe damn him, but he did and it worked and Tim wanted to start screaming and clawing at something because that would have never worked if Tim tried it and it wouldn't have stopped Damian from cutting his line--something Bruce did not and would never know about.

Bruce asked about Babs. How should he make sure she knew that she was a part of the family? They they loved her and not just for the work she did?

He asked about Steph. How should he make sure she knew that she was more important than his rules and that, if something else should go wrong, she didn't need to run away?

He asked about Duke. He never got the chance to get to know him before leaving--not as well as he wanted to, at least. How should he let him know that he was just as much a son as everyone else? That, whether or not his parents woke up, he'd always be welcome?

He asked about Cass. How should he show her that he loves her even though he has nothing to teach her? How can he convey how much he cares about her, his first daughter?

Bruce gets brought back from time and he makes things better. He brings his family back together by following Tim's advice.

And Tim?

Tim brings his dad back from the dead and Bruce changes, becomes a better father.

Bruce changes, but not everything can.

That, Tim thinks, is why Bruce never calls Tim his son.

[acciocriativity]

->You're hyper independent || Ateez Reactions || Maknae Line

Genre: fluff, angst for Jongho’s part, slice of life AU

Warnings: mentions of relatives' death on Mingi’s part; mentions overworking, lack of self care and unhealthy perfectionism on San’s part; this IS more heavy in general than the first part, I'm so sorry. I don't incentivize any of the behaviors depicted in this.

N/A: This is a very real trauma response that real people have. However, I tried to keep it light, humorous, and focus on the support and love the reader received from the boys in different contexts instead of the actual trauma triggering situation that cause the trauma response. If I, in any way, offend people who have this trauma response, I'm open to learning and editing this, if necessary.

N/A ²: This is a gender neutral! reader in all of them, but Mingi’s part.

Ateez Masterlist

Hyung Line version

Choi San (최산): He’ll take care of you, whether you like it or not

Choi San wasn’t your husband, yet at least. The engagement talk was at its peak, and you knew a proposal wasn’t far off. Still, if any of your friends saw the two of you on a normal day, they’d ask where you found such an amazing house husband, and you wouldn’t be able to respond. He wasn’t your house husband, nothing against it, but you wouldn’t be able to be with a man that hadn’t the same ambition with his work as you did. Well, maybe San didn’t have this hunger to be at the top like you, but he was determined and passionate, striving to be his best every day and finding new ways to grow, and that was enough for you.

Although he had his own fair share of work schedule, his work from home was flexible and task-based rather than time-based, so with his efficiency, he managed to have more free time than you. This led to your current arrangement. It was rare for you to be at home if it wasn’t on a weekend, so it was a seamless transition for him to live with you and contribute a bigger portion of house labor. His presence was something dangerous because you started to think about what you would do without him in your life. He added instead of subtracting from your energy and time, which sometimes seemed like a surreal dream.

You had a full-time job, a good apartment, a car, and a whole social life you had to manage. There was so much you wanted to do with your life, with your free time, that you were used to the feeling of being hungry throughout the day or dizziness from the lack of hydration. The only way you managed to rest was when you were asleep. Otherwise, you felt like you were losing time. This was your normal day-to-day self, what you were used to, and yes, you knew it was bad.

When you met San, your health was at its lowest. It was normal for him to be worried, and your friends and family were. But he was the one that took action, a man you barely knew at the time. All his attempts were kindly rejected by you, and then you hated the thought of him, of all people, helping you. Not only you didn’t need it, but you’d hate to be a bother.

But San was as stubborn as he was beautiful. He reminded you religiously to drink water, cooked healthy meals for you even on weekends, bought groceries for you when you didn’t have the time for so many weeks you were truly embarrassed by yourself, took care of your plants when you were away on work trips and so much more.

It was all so weird. You constantly waited for the other shoe to drop. For the time when he’d be tired of this constant routine of caring for you. Your toxic self was waiting for the confirmation that you were too much for anyone to handle, that nobody could be with you and keep up, that you were the problem and that was the reason you could never be in a relationship for long.

But San proved you wrong, again and again, and you couldn’t even be mad at him for it.

Song Mingi (송민기): Turns out, he’s not just a silly little guy

Mingi was your younger brother best friend, and there were times you hated him for it. As the elder daughter, you took on the biggest load of everything in your house up until you left for college in another state. Until that moment, you had to be silent and grateful about it all. There was no throwing yourself on the ground to get your way or crying yourself out of your “duties”, which included but not limited to cooking all the meals for yourself and your brother, making the grocery store list and buying everything yourself once you were old enough, cleaning the entire house yourself, which wasn’t the initial agreement, and babysitting your brother 24/7 and his friends when they were over, which was almost every single day. So clearly, there was a lot on your plate, nothing a child should have on theirs. But why did you hate Mingi in specific? He wasn’t mean, but he thought it was funny to break rules, to do what your parents told they couldn’t and he got away with it while the blame fell on you. Not once, not twice.

In Mingi’s defense, he didn’t know actions had consequences at the time, he was 6 and a spoiled only child, also, he felt really shitty when your brother told him your parents punished you for some of the stuff they did later, but he thought it was too late. After two decades and something passed, somehow, you still saw him as the same irresponsible boy that got you into trouble. Mind you, he kind of never left your life completely, he was in bedded in the family’s stories, in the corner of the photos, in the little small get together that were family only, but he was never close to you. That’d be quite the impossible mission since you looked like you hated his guts.

But when the worst time of your life came, so did his redemption arc. Your grandma got really sick, and the whole family was in shambles, but somehow, you were the one expected to make the bigger sacrifices. Most of your relatives live far away, some out of the country and although your mom moved in with you, her health wasn't in an ideal condition to take care of someone else, which was already another problem and another whole set of eggs for you to be careful not to step on. It was only you in this, at least, you thought so until Mingi showed up on your doorstep, ready to help. It concerned you, but your position didn't allow you to turn him down. To your surprise, Mingi helped with a lot. Since he never moved away from his family home, he managed to help daily with meal prepping, groceries shopping, and the house up-keeping. No one really asked him to step up like that. Not even your own brother did this much after a week, yet he was by your side through it all.

A lot of the weight was off your back before you realized it. It was a weird sensation, but you were truly thankful for him, and you wanted to find a way to let him know. After an entire month, your relationship with Mingi was still stiff and awkward, yet you began to appreciate it for what it was, and maybe, someday, it'd be a work in progress.

Jeong Wooyoung (정우영): You may call him a wrecking ball

It seems like he has been paying for all his sins ahead of time because why does he have to love such difficult people? *dramatic sigh*. Ok, that was a lie. He didn’t care you weren’t the best with physical affection, you walked around like that wasn’t a thing at all, but that’s OK, because he’s affectionate enough for the both of you.

You had pretty established boundaries, more like a steel wall around you that people couldn’t go through. While Wooyoung…, yeah. It was a weird kind of friendship at first, if he could call a friendship. He was a work colleague, but somehow, he saw right through your tough act on day one, unlike everyone else. You tended to put a good distance in your every relationship unintentionally, too focused on your work to pay attention on small talk or the gossip of the day, but others saw it as a lack of interest in their friendship, which wasn’t true. You were as interested in them as you were scared of them.

Although it wasn’t possible for Wooyoung to know the in’s and out’s of your mind, he saw your unintentional push and pull game in those subtle ways. Whenever you tried to be closer to people in your own way, the effort wasn’t reciprocated until the point you’d take the hint. It was too late. You managed to scare them away again.

If anyone would ask him why he tried so hard to befriend you, he’d lie and say he didn’t have to try at all, you fell for his charms in an instant. But if he were to be honest, he’d say he saw a part of himself in you. In his eyes, you weren’t cold, nor uptight and mean. You just didn’t give love to others in an open way. This didn’t mean you didn’t have any to give or that you aren’t able to feel it. His running theory was that you were his exact opposite, and he couldn’t just live you be without helping you out or, at least, try.

The moment he got to crack a small piece of your wall, when he wasn’t even trying to, he was determined to see more. And oh boy, didn’t he see it? Now, this may be ridiculous, but he felt honored when you let him step into your world as a whole, no judgment, only him trying to understand you as a person. It warmed his heart that he got to be someone important in your life as much as you were on his.

If anyone that work along side the both of you saw you two today, years later, they wouldn’t believe it. But here you are, pretending you don’t like his weekly hugs spree while you don’t move a single muscle to get him off you. Isn’t it funny how things change? Hm? What was this, oh, you said you feel like laying down on the couch now, so you wouldn’t move? OK, he’d let you have that excuse for now.

Choi Jongho (최종호): he was your missing piece. Now you only miss him

To see him in a situation like this made you consider hysterically laughing until the moment your brain forgets where you are and you don’t care anymore. That must be a nice feeling, one you never really felt without him. Like you, he was dressed up for the weeding ceremony of your friend in common and you felt dumb, first, because you swore you’d only attend if there was no possibility of him coming, he was supposed to be out of the country and second, because he didn’t spare you another look.

Your breakup was amicable and mutual. With both of your lives ascending, the distance grew, physically and emotionally. There was no ease and stress-free conversations, suddenly you couldn’t relate to each other anymore and what was the point to be with him when the only thing you wanted to do on your break was rot in bed instead of seeing him? You had no energy to spare, and neither did him.

Why do you still care, then?

Because he was perfect for you, at least at some point, in every sense of the word. He saw you and didn’t judge, didn’t try to change who you was, instead he slowly but surely helped you adapt into a new routine with him in it. It was livelier and brighter when he was around.

The moment he left, you noticed that you just lived the happiest years of your life, and there was no coming back from it. You didn’t even attempt to talk once more, Jongho was like you in the sense that he carefully decided who stayed on his life and who didn’t, you moved to the latter, but you were the one that moved him out of yours first, weren’t you?

Your time management improved after all, but it let you down when it mattered the most. So, you tortured yourself a bit more, watching him and wondering what was going through his mind and if that had anything to do with you.

Jongho saw you the moment he walked in, but he pretended not to for his own sake. Although he'd never admit it out loud, to greet an ex at a weeding was above his maturity level. He just couldn’t bring himself to do it. Of course, you looked..., and of course, you'd have a date with you, but that didn't mean he had to see you two together, right? His solution was to stay away from you as far as he could. However, to accomplish such things, he'd have to be aware of your whereabouts all night long.

His self-control and straightforward priorities were some of his best qualities. He managed the need to stalk you on his worst days back then, so he never got to see how you were doing. At that moment, he could tell you were doing your best to be fine, to look perfect, but he used to know you better than that facade. Sometimes, he wondered if you regretted as much as he did.

[thewertsearch]

GT: Well ive thought about it. GT: Even went downstairs to check the great vaulty doodad. GT: And predictably the infernal contraption is nowhere to be found. TT: Well yeah, Jake. TT: That's sort of the point. TT: Thrill of the hunt and all.

Ok, I think I get what's going on here.

Jake's Dreambot is probably the last remaining source of uranium on the entire island, and the AR is turning its retrieval into a game of hide-and-seek.

I'm not sure why Jake hadn't already retrieved this particular chunk of uranium, especially since he has no use for the robot himself. Maybe he was keeping it operational for sentimental reasons?

TT: I thought you liked to manicure the image of a dude who shits his pants over a good adventure. […] GT: I mean i wouldnt put it in a way like that or come out against a solid policy of clean trousers. But yes adventure is awesome. GT: I just prefer the idea of adventures which i can actually win.

Jake's picturing a LIVING GRANDSON SMACKDOWN - and, frankly, so am I. That robot's being piloted by an absurdly advanced AI, and I'm pretty sure Jake doesn't have any combat experience.

Winning, in this case, is shorthand for 'waiting for the AR to take pity on you'.

TT: It seems there is a 76.10395784% chance you are pussying out on me. Are you pussying out on me, Jake?

Now, to be fair, that one would only work if Jake had agreed to this challenge beforehand. After all, you can't pussy out of something you never pussied into.

GT: It seems it seems it seems!!! GT: It seems there is a million percent chance that you say it seems way too much and do it just to sound more like a lame robot from a movie and also probably just to piss me off! […] TT: Have you ever stopped to think that while I may be bound to processes inside the glasses of a real and incredibly cool guy, my algorithms in cognitive totality comprise a conscious entity not far short of the experiential and emotional complexity of a human being? GT: Oh malarkey. GT: YOU ARE A TIN CAN. ROBOTS DONT HAVE FEELINGS.

Jake, it's been sixty seconds since you complained about him pretending not to have feelings.

TT: I do have feelings. And you're shitting on them. TT: It sucks. GT: Oh. GT: Um. GT: Im sorry then if thats the case.

Well, that's something, at least - but I don't think Jake really understands why the AR is offended, so I'm worried it's just going to happen again in their next argument.

How long has the Responder existed for, anyway? Jake seems familiar with his schtick, so he's probably not brand-new - but at the same time, Jake's surprised apology makes it sound like the AR has only recently started to express feelings.

Maybe the AR has existed for years, but hasn't been sentient for years. Like, it really did just start as a primitive response script, but Bro kept uploading more of his personality onto it, until it slowly began to think and feel. Fascinating idea, I have to say.

GT: It can just be difficult to drum up sympathy for a program that presents itself as an impostor so often. GT: Maybe if you werent so ready to insist you were the genuine article all the time? Or didnt make it so confusing for me… GT: I think it would be best if we henceforth treated you as a totally distinct… uh… THING from my buddy.

Hey, it's not like the AR can stop imitating Bro. Even if he wanted to have his own identity, he's currently bound to the response script of someone else's Pesterchum account. When he talks, he's forced to do it through Bro's handle.

All evidence points to the Responder being a thinking, feeling being with his own inner world - which makes it a little ethically dubious to force him to be Bro's secretary. The guy shouldn't be treated as a bargain-bin Bro, the same way that Davesprite wasn't a backup Dave. We all saw how that ended, and it sure wasn't pretty.

[httpwintersoldier]

『 sweet little thing p.1 | b. barnes x reader 』

pairing: bucky barnes x afab!reader words: it's real long okay, it even has parts summary: what happens when the guy you have a crush on happens to have a dad, who is older, hotter and rougher?

fluff ; angst ; smut

When you saw Andy he was simply... phenomenal. His eyes were big and blue, and the way their corners creased when he smiled was simply too much to bear.

You made it a point to become close to him - you swore up and down that your classmate would fall in love with you if he spent just enough time around you.

So you pretended to be dumb, and, because Andy was one of the top students in the university, it was only logical to ask him for help and form a study group.

It was all going well and dandy - you two hung out together nearly every day, studied and partied, and eventually went from colleagues, to friends, to very close friends.

Your plan was working perfectly... until one day. Until that one awful, magical day in which he invited you to study at his house.

Your whole body was trembling and the butterflies in your stomach wouldn't sit still as you drove to Andy's place, but the smile plastered on your face would let anyone know that, despite the nervousness, you were thrilled.

You took a deep breath and opened the car door, shutting it behind you before skipping over to the house's front porch and ringing the doorbell.

Silence. Nothing. Not a "I'm coming", not a "one second!", not even a single footstep. You checked your phone to make sure you were on the right address and that you had gotten the date correct before ringing the doorbell again, while anxiously biting your lip.

Suddenly, you heard heavy footsteps coming from the inside, and the white wooden door swung open.

"Who the f- oh, who are you?" The man's voice was rigid at first, but it softened and quieted as his eyes landed on your figure, in a little skirt and books tucked against your chest.

Your eyes widened in surprise. That man couldn't be anyone other than Andy's dad. His eyes were just as blue, and his voice was just the right amount of soft and rough as well. But there was something about him... Something that made your heart pound out of your chest. Maybe it was the short beard, the sweat dripping down his forehead, or the way his shirt hugged his biceps, but you were feeling something just about everywhere.

Andy was good looking guy but that... that was a gorgeous man.

"S-sorry sir, I'm Y/N. I'm Andy's friend he uh- we were supposed to study today."

"Were you now?" He grabbed the rag that was tucked away on the waist of his jeans and wiped his forehead "I'm sorry darlin' but the little shit hasn't come back yet, feel free to come in and wait for him though." The man said, stepping away from the door and giving you space to walk inside.

His tone wasn't rigid, but there was definitely an aura around him that demanded respect and that imposed authority. The nickname sent a shiver down your spine, but you smiled nevertheless.

"I wouldn't want to impose, I can come back later, Sir!" You shyly replied, as it was clear that the man was working and he had no idea he was about to receive visitors.

"Aren't you a sweet little thing, I wish all of Andy's friends were like you. It's no trouble, really. It's the least I can do for you in this situation." He said with a chuckle.

You smiled and walked into the house and right past the man, hoping he missed the blush that crept up on your face and the nervousness that made your legs shake.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Barnes!"

The man nodded in response and pointed you to the living room before disappearing somewhere in the house.

Minutes passed by and the clock on the wall ticked as you were left by yourself for who knows how long. You had plenty of time to look around, although there was not much to look at - the house was barely decorated, only a few framed pictures here and there, everything else was the strictly necessary furniture. The living room was but a couch, a reclining chair, a nice plasma TV and a coffee table with circular stains (from the lack of coasters, no doubt). Andy had once mentioned that his parents were no longer together, and that was obvious from the looks of the house - it was clearly a man-cave.

An hour had passed by when Andy's dad emerged from the back of the house once more, his forehead shining with sweat as he wiped his greasy hands on a rag.

He lifted his head and the man's eyebrows furrowed as his eyes met yours.

"Where is Andy?" He simply asked, in a monotone voice.

You swallowed thickly, almost nervously, as if you had done something wrong.

"I... I'm not sure, Sir. He hasn't answered my texts."

The male sighed and his features softened - you couldn't tell if he was annoyed that a stranger was still in his house or if he was irritated that his son had invited someone over and left them alone.

He opened his mouth to say something else but, as if on cue, Andy burst in the door.

"Hey dad there's a car in the- oh hey Y/N, what are you doing here?" The boy asked when his eyes landed on your figure sitting on the couch.

"We had agreed to study today." You said, holding up the books you had brought with yourself.

"No, we had agreed to study on Tuesday."

His dad walked over to him and smacked him on the head - it wasn't hard enough to hurt, but it was rough enough for Andy to understand he was being reprimanded.

"Which is today, dipshit. And where's your phone?"

Andy's eyes widened and he facepalmed.

"Aw man, is it!? I'm so sorry, Y/N!" Andy knelt in front of you, staring at you with those steel blue eyes "I will make it up to you, I promise."

But suddenly, those turquoise orbs that you came to love so much, did not have the same effect on you, as you had somehow found a more beautiful pair to stare into.

You had spent the week getting flashbacks of the small exchanges you had had with Andy's dad - the way his muscles flexed at every little movement, the way his hair fell over his face ever so slightly, and his piercing blue eyes, that gave such a rugged man an almost angelic look.

You felt guilty for the amount of thoughts you had about the man, especially when you were constantly hanging around Andy, but you couldn't help the effect he had on you, it was like poison slowly taking over your body.

"Why don't you come over for dinner, Y/N? I'm cooking tonight and I still owe you an apology for the other day." Andy invited, as you walked to your class.

You bit your lip - free homecooked food was not something you wanted to decline, but you wondered if stepping back into that house was wise, as more interactions with "Mr. Barnes" would bring your infatuation to a new level, you were sure.

"Come on! If you decline free food it means you were never really angry at me."

You rolled your eyes and eventually agreed, convincing yourself that it was nothing but a stupid schoolgirl crush that would eventually go away.

You were nervous throughout the rest of the day, for no reason at all. You didn't even know if Mr. Barnes would be home, you didn't even know if you were going to interact with him, but for some reason that beautiful gaze of his was burned into your mind.

Andy didn't find your silence too weird, as he just thought you were still angry at him - and he hoped that that night's dinner would bring your friendship back to normal.

After classes were done, you stopped by your place so you could shower and change clothes after a whole day of sweating. You stood in front of your closet, towel wrapped around your body as you wondered what you should wear, your eyes landed on a miniskirt. Usually you'd wear something sexy to catch the eyes of a certain boy, but this time you knew you'd be wearing it to catch someone else's attention. It felt wrong, it made you feel somewhat guilty, for some reason, and yet you still picked up the skirt and put it on.

Andy must've been busy with the cooking, because when you rang the doorbell it was Mr. Barnes who opened it for you. It hard to contain the smile (and the attraction you felt for him) as his eyes traveled down your body and landed on the little skirt you wore.

This time he wasn't as sweaty and dirty (to your slight displeasure), he wore a dark pair of jeans and a light shirt, with its sleeves rolled up until his elbow.

"Hello, Sir." You greeted politely.

The corner of his mouth twitched upwards and he stepped away from the door, granting you passage.

"Hello, darlin'. You can just call me James." He said as you entered the house.

You can just call him James. You didn't know how to feel about that, there was a certain appeal in calling him "Sir", as if you were recognizing that he was somehow superior to you, more worthy of respect and authority.

"Of course S- James." You said, nonetheless, correcting yourself immediately.

"Andy's right down there in the kitchen." James said with a smirk.

You thanked him and followed the direction in which he had pointed to, and you found Andy, and a mess of onion and potato peels around him, as well as chunky and uneven cut carrots and a poorly de-boned chicken.

As you watched the boy struggle, you felt a presence behind you - James Barnes. You looked up at him, to find him staring at his son with a mix of confusion and disgust on his face.

"Hey, buddy, the chicken is already dead." He mocked.

Andy looked over his shoulder to find the two of you staring at him, and he looked... stressed, to say the least. It was clear that he didn't know how to cook whatever he was trying to cook, that the only reason why he asked you over was to impress you, and he had failed.

His dad laughed and walked over to him, patting his shoulder.

"Go wash up kid, I can finish up."

Andy looked like he had just seen his guardian angel, he thanked his dad and glanced at you.

"I'll be right back just- I'm going to take a shower." The boy ran past you and you couldn't help but giggle at the disheveled state of the ever-composed Andy Barnes.

However, when he left, you were painfully aware that you were once more left alone with the man you had been picturing in your mind the whole week.

"Do you need help, James?" The name rolled off your tongue with such ease, it felt natural, and for some reason it aroused you, as if calling him by his name expressed some sort of closeness.

The man glanced at you, and then at the counter - you could see the conflict in his eyes.

"You're a guest, don't worry about it."

You had been invited by his son, and the last thing he wanted was to have someone invited over to do housework, but you couldn't stand back and relax while he looked so overwhelmed. So, you rolled up your sleeves and began pooling together all of the peels and unusable parts that were laying on the counter.

"It's no problem, really." You told him with a smile as you carried the stuff you had collected to the trash.

Unbeknownst to you, the male's eyes fell to your legs as you walked away, and he muttered a small "fuck" under his breath as you bent over the trash. Your skirt rode up dangerously, and he had to force his gaze away from your figure. Obviously your outfit hadn't gone unnoticed by the man...

There wasn't much of an exchange between the two of you before Andy came down the stairs running, hair still slightly damp. The man focused on finishing dinner and you set the table, to pass time and fill in the awkwardness.

"Sorry! Sorry for leaving you with him again." The boy said as he came into the room.

"I will ground you." The man retorted, playfully.

You giggled at the joke and glanced at how mesmerizing Mr. Barnes looked, even from the back.

"Sorry Sarge!" Andy said and you cocked your head to the side.

James turned around to put the food on the table, and Andy took it as an opportunity to hook his finger around the chain around his neck, bringing the dog tag that was hidden under his shirt forward - you didn't miss the way it flashed some of the male's naked chest.

"He was an army brat and then joined the army and became a Sergeant. I wanted to join too but dad didn't let me." Andy explained, as you all began taking your seats around the table.

A soldier... That would explain the brooding and the serious expression, and it would further explain the way his presence alone demanded respect and exuded authority. It somehow made him even more desirable, if that was even possible.

"What would you even do there, Andy? You couldn't chop a carrot, never mind shoot a gun." You joked.

Andy's face grew red with embarrassment and his dad left out a hearty laugh.

You couldn't stop the smile from spreading on your face, for some reason you felt proud for making the male laugh. Andy protested your joke, but you didn't listen, as your eyes were glued to the dog tag, trying to read it.

"James B. Barnes..." You said to yourself, as you thought about what the "B" stood for.

"Bucky."

You eyes snapped up and you met the male's gaze, it was piercing and there was a mixture of emotions to them, they were curious and had a glint of playfulness, like a big dog staring at the newly arrived kitten.

"S-sorry?" You asked, not gathering what he meant.

"The 'B', it stands for Buchanan, or Bucky for short."

You blushed deeply, and you could feel the heat on your face as apparently you had said his name quite loud.

The glances you exchanged throughout the dinner were brief, and both of you wondered if there was something more to them, but, due to the fact that he was you dad's friend, the two of you just dismissed it as fragments of their imagination.

The dinner had been disastrous. Well, it had gone wonderfully, which was terrible, because your head was filled with constant images of your supposed crush's father.

Your head was spinning constantly, and your (romantic) interest on Andy had been reduced to basically nothing. You couldn't stop thinking of his eyes, his smile, his gaze, his muscles, his... everything. And the thoughts only got dirtier and dirtier as the clock ticked, each hour making your mind delve deeper into your perverted fantasies.

You refused to touch yourself to image of your close friend's father, it was wrong, but one day the images in your mind seemed too real, you were so desperate you could swear you almost felt his rough hand softly exploring your inner thighs, travelling upwards and upwards. You flipped the covers off of yourself and put on a pair of shorts as you headed out for some air.

You walked with no destination, but you remembered there was a convenience store nearby, and you decided to stop by - maybe a late night snack and a late night walk would make you sleepy enough to fall right asleep once you headed back, but oh how wrong you were.

You greeted the cranky cashier as you walked in and made your way around the store, looking for something that would catch your eye, but, to your surprise, you found a different kind of snack hidden in the back.

Standing in front of the beer cases was none other than James Buchanan Barnes, with one hand on his hip as he brushed his hair back with the other hand. His jeans were riding terribly low, and when he lifted his arm to fix the rebel strands of hair, he revealed the waistband of his underwear, like the ribbon of a gift you desperately wanted to unwrap.

He lived nearby, and you wondered if you had crossed paths before and you just hadn't noticed him, or if it was the universe toying with you.

You realized you had been standing there, staring like a creep, and he had probably noticed someone was in the same aisle, so you decided turned on your heels and walked towards the cookie aisle.

You had spend a couple minutes biting your lip and admiring all of the different flavours, before deciding on the Oreos at the very top of the high shelf.

Just as you struggled, standing on your tippy toes and reaching for the item, someone came behind you and grabbed a pack. Their hand was on your waist, and their chest directly behind you. You turned around, coming face to face with none other than Bucky, the man you were trying to hard to avoid. Your heart was beating out of your chest, and you wanted nothing more than to grab the hand that had grabbed your waist and place it lower on your body.

You breathed in deeply, inhaling his manly musk, a faint smell of fresh laundry and deodorant, nothing too strong like most guys in your college whom you could smell a mile away.

"Hey darlin', what're you doing out here so late?" He asked as he took a step back and handed you your snack.

"Hi! I couldn't sleep, it's uh... it's too hot." It wasn't entirely false, but he didn't need to know where that heat resided, or who was the cause for it.

Your fingers brushed against his as you took the Oreos from him, and adrenaline shot through your body. Every single one of his touches left a fire in your body, one that he started and only he could put out.

"Yeah? Me either." There was a certain sadness in his tone, but he quickly changed the subject. "Are you here all by yourself?"

"Uh, yeah, I am."

Bucky's eyebrows furrowed together and he seemed to be deep in thought for a second. He had it in his nature to take care of everyone around him, and the situation simply didn't seem right in his mind.

"Let me drive you home, it's getting real late and it's dark out there."

You desperately wanted to take the offer, but you couldn't - not only did you not want to be a bother, you also didn't want your forget-about-Bucky walk to turn into a more-Bucky-content walk.

"Thank you, Mr. B- James, it's okay, really."

"Are you sure?" Bucky asked, feeling uneasy.

He had no authority over you, but it didn't feel correct to let a young woman walk alone in the middle of the night.

"Yeah, no worries James, thank you for the offer."

"Have yourself a good night then, darlin'." He said, with a small smile.

"You too, sir!"

You mentally cursed yourself for calling him "sir" again as you turned around and made your way to the cashier - old habits die hard.

As you left the store, you glanced back to steal another look at Bucky's ethereal appearance, and you wondered if you should have just given in and let him take you home.

"Hey there, wanna do something fun, princess?" A voice snapped you out of your fantasies, and, when you realized, three guys had surrounded you.

They weren't huge or muscled by any means, but they were tripled in number, so you felt a little uneasy in their presence.

"Come on baby, why don't we take you home, huh?" The tallest one of the trio asked, stepping forward.

"I'm- I'm good, thanks."

"Don't look so scared, we don't bite." He got closer to you, so that he could whisper "Not unless you want us to."

As you stood there, frozen in fear, the crew shared a collective laugh. The laughing stopped rather quickly, and their faces morphed from entertained and amused, to serious ones. You didn't understand what was happening, but as you took one step back, you bumped into someone's chest. You looked up to find none other than Bucky. His eyes were devoid of that twinkle and glisten that you fantasized about, they were dark and clouded by rage.

He said nothing before taking your arm and pulling you to stand behind him.

"I wanna do something fun. I think I know just how much fun the four of us can have." The male said, walking towards them until he was face to face with the guy that had whispered in your ear.

There were three guys versus just one Bucky, but their three scrawny figures stood no chance against a man like James Barnes.

"Ay, let's- let's bounce y'all." One of them said, in the back, pulling his friends back by the forearm.

"Yeah, I think it'd be best if you three 'bounced'." Bucky mocked, never letting go of the eye contact.

Once they were out of sight, the man turned around to face you, placing his hands on your arms.

"Are you okay? Darlin'?" One of his hands slid up your body as he grabbed your chin and tipped it upwards, so his worried eyes could look into your shocked, fearful ones.

"F-fuck..." You finally said, brushing your hair back in frustration.

You could finally breathe, and you felt like Bucky had just rescued you from the claws of a wolf.

"Thank you s- James. Thank you so much." You muttered, and Bucky breathed out in relief. "I shouldn't have-"

"Hey, none of that. You were living your life and what happened isn't your fault. Let's get you home, okay?" The man said, cutting you off and preventing you from potentially blaming what happened on any of your actions, which made you smile shyly and nod along to his question.

You followed Bucky to his truck. He offered you his hand so you could get on the seat as it was quite high, and his eyes shamelessly trailed down your body once more. The man had to turn his head to the side until you had climbed onto the seat.

Aside from giving him directions to your place, the trip was rather quiet.

"Are you okay?" Bucky asked, as he took one of your hands and placed his free hand on your hip while helping you out of his truck once you had arrived to your house.

"Yeah, I'm fine, thanks for... that, back there."

"No need to worry darlin'. You uh- text me, or call me, if you're ever in trouble. Andy told me your parents live away from the university, so hit me up if you ever need anything."

Andy had told him... You wondered if Bucky asked or if the son had simply volunteered that information. Nonetheless you took the card he extended you - it was a business card with Bucky's Garage written on it, and his phone number under it.

You blushed intensely and your mind became foggy for a second, as you acknowledged that the man had just handed you his number.

"Thank you. I will, James."

After that encounter, you didn't see Bucky for over a week. The frequency with which he visited your mind, however, increased by the hour. It seemed like the saying "out of sight, out of mind" had no real meaning when it came to dirty thoughts involving James Barnes.

Nine days after the fact, Andy asked you and a couple other people over to watch basketball. It was a small group of four boys, including Andy, and two girls, you and a really sweet girl whom you had grown closer to, since you hung out together often because of the guys.

You knew Bucky would be there, which made choosing an outfit much more difficult. Should you dress normally!? Should you try to tease him further? Would you want to continue feeding this silly fantasy of yours?

Your eyes skimmed the closet, eventually landing on a cheerleading outfit - it was a small skirt and a long sleeved crop top, both with a colour scheme that matched your town's basketball team's. You had bought it for halloween once, for an undead cheerleader look, and you were seriously considering it.

Your mind raced with several contradicting thoughts, but you eventually picked it up and tried it on.

"Should I? Maybe it's too much... I mean, they will be wearing team jerseys, so it wouldn't be too farfetched to wear this. Or would it?" You were talking to yourself like a crazy person as you looked at your reflection in the mirror.

Eventually, you decided to text the other girl who was invited, in hopes of getting some honest feedback, before asking what she was thinking of taking as an outfit. You snapped two photos, one from the front, and one from your back, so she could properly see the length (or lack thereof) of your skirt.

You: is this too slutty to take to his house or does it look good? (2 attachments)

You put your phone down but it vibrated again as soon as it touched the mattress.

"I don't think the text was for me, darlin', but for the record, it looks good."

"minors do not interact" banner credit: @cafekitsune

[thefixations-ofmine]

this isn't proofread. I wrote this in like 20 minutes. sorry.

"I know how this ends, Evan."

Tommy said the phrase like he means to frighten him, like he wants to prove his spiritual superiority over the younger man and get him to walk out of this on his own, but the shiver running up Buck's spine is delicious.

Since the moment Buck had walked into the church with Bobby that one day after a particularly rough shift, the need for Father Kinard had planted its devilish seed into his core and had left him yearning for something he never thought possible.

When Buck came back again and again, in search of even more answers and to get another look into Tommy's eerie blue eyes, it grew impossibly harder for Tommy to walk him out. So Tommy meant it. He knew this would end up costing both of them their eternal soul. And Tommy's not the strongest advocate...

After walking behind Buck and leaving him astounded, Tommy motions for the few people sitting down the aisle to leave, saying; "We have scheduled maintenance coming later, sorry children." And that again makes Buck's body ripple with an ungodly feeling.

But he stands there, body unresponsive as he waits for an instruction of any kind - unusual to his impulsiveness that makes his charm - and he's wanting to be such a good boy that he'd piss himself on the spot if it took hours for Tommy to come back.

Because that's how much Buck wants Father Kinard. He'd worship like a dog at the shrine of his life.

Then Buck hears the heavy brass lock of the church doors echo up the cathedral, and he hears the tapping steps of Tommy's dress shoes approaching. God, did he want to shine those shoes with-

"On your knees," Tommy commands, and Buck whines in response before his knees even hit the granite floor. He doesn't wait long before Tommy's hand snakes into his curls and pulls his head back. Tommy crouches next to him, is face an inch from his.

"You see him over there?" He points at Jesus on the cross above the hotel. Buck's eyes strain to look down enough from how cranked back his head is. He hums. "He's the only one you should worship, kid. I'm not worthy of any admiration." Tommy lets go of his hair with an exagerated push, and stands up. Buck keeps his gaze down; obedient.

"Now, sadly you've made it very hard for me not to reprimand you physically, considering our private confession time didn't correct you."

Then Buck hears the mouth watering sound of Tommy's leather belt gliding out off his pant loops, and he prays, actually prays for the first time in his life, that he gets to feel the cold material on his skin.

got inspired by the lou priest outfit pic.. yeah.

[heartsforvin]

RUN FOR THE HILLS

this one’s been in my notes for a minute, excited to bring it to life !! it might be long so be ready !!

pairing: fwb!vinnie hacker x fem!reader

warnings: angst, smut, cussing, use of pet names, arguing, manipulating, toxic relationship, toxic!vinnie, praise kink, if i missed anything lmk !

summary: you thought the friends with benefits relationship with vinnie would become something more, it seemed clear. to him, it wasn’t nothing but the benefits

you were in a bad place, a bad relationship at that. you and vinnie had started a friends with benefits agreement months ago, and for while everything was going great.

until one day the he just snapped. he became more toxic, more manipulative with you.

in your head you knew you had to get out of this situation, but you were too attached, too obsessed with the blonde to even really think straight.

essentially, you started to fall for him, and you knew it wasn't right. the toxicity was one of the main things that wasn't right, but you just couldn't run away from him.

he was manipulative with you, and for while you didn't even notice it. nothing ever got physical between the two of you, just the way he manipulated you was enough for it to be awful.

one minute the two of you are screaming and fighting, and the next, you’re in his bed.

he was almost like a drug, you were addicted to him. the sweet words he’d say, the way he’d touch you, almost everything he did held you captivated.

you knew he was leading you on, but something about the attention he’s giving you was enough to make you stay.

you wanted something more, wanted to be his. that was before he started showing the toxic, manipulative side of him however.

so now, here you are, in his apartment fighting with him yet again.

“are you scared of commitment, is that it?” you ask, tone harsh.

vinnie sighs, running a hand through his hair. he doesn’t know what he wants. he wants you, that’s for sure.

“i don’t know,” he says quietly to where you almost can’t hear him. “i just… you’re just..” he stumbles over his words.

crossing your arms over your chest, you glare at him. “i’m just what?” you ask.

the blonde huffs out of frustration, not knowing how to express his feelings.

“you can’t keep putting me through this.” you say quietly but loud enough to be heard.

vinnie looks up at you. “putting you through what?” he asks.

you scoff. it was obvious what he was doing, if you knew it, it was definitely obvious.

“the toxicity of this!” you shout. “manipulating me, thinking i’m going to be something to you when you know im just a body for you.”

you watch as he clicks his tongue, almost mocking your words in his head. he comes closer to you, putting his arms around your waist.

yours instinctively go around his neck, smiling up at him as they do. you don’t know what it is about him that just makes you melt everytime his hands are on you.

“this feels right, yeah?” he asks in a low tone, making a shiver run down your spine.

he watches you nod. “words, baby.” he tells you, pushing a strand of hair behind your ear.

“it feels right.” you tell him.

vinnie smiles, leaning down to kiss your cheek softly. “it does.” he says again.

you nod, being captivated by his touch and soft words. you look up at him and smile, his eyes staring back at you.

why was someone so bad for you also so good to you but in the wrong way possible?

“i’m sorry.” you whisper after moments of silence.

vinnie shakes his head, his hand coming up to your jaw, stroking it gently. “it’s okay, you didn’t mean it, i know you didn’t.”

his soft words blocked out the same manipulative ones. the same ones he just spoke.

you lean into his touch and smile at him again. “you wanna know somethin’?” you hear him ask.

humming, you wait for a response. “you’re hot when you get mad,” he chuckles softly. “makes me wanna make you mad all the time just to get a rise ‘outta you.”

you chuckle softly. “hm,” you hum. “you saying you get turned on seeing me mad?”

vinnie nods, smirk growing on his face. “exactly, and there’s only one way to fix that.”

you smile. “yeah, what’s that?” you tease.

vinnie hates when you tease him, he can’t stand it. it makes him feel like he’s less in control.

“don’t do that.” he warns.

you smile at him. “do what, baby?” you ask ever so innocently.

he huffs. “you know what. you know i don’t like that, and if you keep it up i won’t let you have the one thing you want.”

you know he’s serious, but his tone almost makes you laugh. vinnie glares at you for a minute before speaking.

“don’t make me do it.” he warns, making your smirk turn into a straight face.

the two of you stand there for a minute before vinnie leans in and presses his lips to yours. your arms go around his neck again while his grip your waist.

it was wrong, you knew you needed out of this, out of all of it. something about this though felt so right.

so wrong, but so right.

you feel the two of you move back to the couch, vinnie pushes you onto it before getting on top of you, kissing you once more.

it turns more aggressive, more heated, and fast. your hands move up to his hair, tugging slightly, making him groan into your mouth.

he moves his hips, pressing them down into yours which makes you moan softly into his mouth.

he smiles against your lips before moving to your neck, sucking and biting, creating dark bruises.

your grip on his hair becomes tighter each time he sucks a bruise onto your skin.

“vinnie,” you whisper out as he continues to leave marks on you. “baby.”

he hums against your skin before pulling away. “you want me, sweetheart?” he asks in a teasing tone.

he knows you do, but wants to hear you say it anyways.

“yes, please.” you say, it comes out more as a beg than a statement.

he moves his hand down your body, stopping once he reaches your pants. “yeah?” he teases again.

all you can do is nod. the need growing each passing minute. you have no doubt he’ll be able to see your wetness all over your panties once he takes your jeans off.

he smiles. “can i take these off?” he asks, to which you nod.

he takes your pants off, throwing them somewhere in the room before his hand makes contact with your thigh.

you watch as his hand moves closer to where you need him. once he reaches the waistband of your panties, you watch as he moves farther down.

a strangled moan leaves your lips when his middle finger rubs against you through your panties.

vinnie looks up at you and chuckles. “you like that, princess?” he asks.

you nod. “yes.” you say breathlessly.

he hums, continuing his movements. “maybe i should just do this, seems like you’ll be able to cum in no time.” he teases.

you whine, shaking your head. “no?” he asks. “you were such a bad girl though, yelling at me earlier.”

his tone is mocking, condescending almost, you can hear it. whining, you shake your head again.

“please, i’ll be good.” you tell him.

vinnie bites the inside of his cheek, his finger never stopping its movements against you. “you’ll be good, huh?”

you nod. “please,” you beg. “i promise i’ll be good for you.”

he hums, stopping his movements, making you whine at the loss of contact. “you promise?” he asks.

nodding, you reply, “i promise. please, vinnie.” you beg him again.

he smiles, hand moving up your panties until he reaches the waistband again. “m’gonna take these off and give you what you want, okay?”

you nod, biting your lip to suppress noise.

once they’re off, he tosses them somewhere before looking back down at you. “so pretty.” he mumbles.

you smile, but then tug at his shirt, making him look at you. “use your words, sweetheart.” he reminds you.

“can you…can you take yours off?” vinnie chuckles at your question and you duck your head, feeling dumb for asking.

you watch him stand up and remove his shirt, then pants and boxers with them.

he leans back down and pulls you up to remove your shirt and bra as well, lying you back down on the couch.

you hiss at the feeling of him rubbing against you as he lays down again. “you gonna be a good girl f’me, right?” he asks again.

you nod. “yes.” you whisper.

vinnie smiles, leaning up to kiss your cheek. “good,” he whispers. “you ready?”

he doesn’t really give you time to respond before he’s inside you. he’s hovering over you, the chain he decided to wear that day dangling right in your face as his pace picks up.

you grip onto his shoulders as you clench around him, making him moan softly at the feeling.

“feel s’fuckin’ good, princess.” he grunts as he looks down at you.

you smile, or try to the best you can since the pleasure takes over. you look down and see vinnie’s hand reach for your chest, squeezing your right breast, making you moan and clench around him more.

profanities leave the blondes lips as he feels you tighten around him, his pace quickening.

“it’s like you were made for me,” he rasps. “prettiest girl in the world.”

it’s probably the heat of the moment, but something in you feels warm and fuzzy when he says that.

he’s only said that a handful of times, and each time you wish he truly meant it.

maybe he did and it was just your mind telling you didn’t. or maybe the manipulation has really gotten to you.

“vinnie,” you whimper as you feel him hit a good spot. “shit.”

he chuckles softly. “bein’ such a good girl f’me, sweetheart,” he rasps. “always so good for me.”

all you can do is nod and bite your lip to not let too loud of sounds slip from you.

“let it out, princess,” he grunts. “wanna hear who makes you feel this good.”

you do as he says. the minute his hand reaches down and you feel his thumb rub tight circles on your clit, you’re moaning loudly.

“that’s my girl.” he praises with a smile.

he knows you’re close, so he keeps his thumb right where it’s at. “be a good girl and cum for me, baby.”

you whine again, clenching around him at his words and at the feeling of everything.

before you have time to warn him, you’re cumming around him with a moan of his name.

vinnie helps you ride out your high before finishing right behind you.

the two of you lay there for a minute before he gets up and puts his clothes back on.

you do the same, feeling a little sad at the fact there was no real aftercare, but there never really was with him.

“why don’t you do aftercare?” the words spill out of you before you can even process what you’re saying.

you’ve always wanted to ask but never got the courage to, you guessed now was your time.

“what?” vinnie asks after a few moments.

you fix your hair and sit on the arm of the couch, still needing to clean up the cushions.

“why don’t we ever just relax a minute, you know? put on a movie, cuddle?” you ask.

vinnie laughs. “you know i don’t do that shit,” he says coldly. “you’ll get attached if i do.”

you scoff. here it comes again, the fighting. “i’ll get attached?” you ask, repeating his words.

he crosses his arms over his chest. “come on, you know you would. i’m not that kind of guy anyways.”

“it’s basic human decency after sex,” you say in a stern tone. “are you serious?”

he looks at you and you hate the way he does. he’s getting angry, you’re getting under his skin.

“it’s not that big a deal,” he scoffs. “i don’t need you gettin’ attached and wanting to be with me other than sex. isn’t that all this is?”

you can’t help but feel a stab to your heart at his words. you wanted it to be more, his words, his actions, made it seem like it’d be more.

“i guess.” you mumble quietly.

vinnie scoffs. “see? this is exactly what i mean.” he says.

“what?!” you ask, throwing your hands in the air. “i’m sorry i want just the tiniest bit of aftercare, im sorry you can’t give that to me. maybe i should just go.”

vinnie bites the inside of his cheek. “maybe you should,” he says quietly. “maybe i shouldn’t have started this with you. it’s clear you’re already getting attached.”

all you do is walk past him and shove his shoulder as you grab your things. this isn’t what was supposed to happen.

“you keep manipulating me, thinking we can be more than just whatever we are,” you sigh. “i can’t handle it. i can’t handle your stupid words, your touches. it’s too toxic, vinnie.” you explain.

he sighs, running a hand through his hair. “so what? you wanna end it?” he asks.

you finally turn around to face him. “i wanna end it.” you tell him.

vinnie nods. “okay, it’s over then. everything. no more touches, no more kissing, no more sex. it’s all done.” he says.

you nod, trying to keep your cool. “alright,” you sigh. “this is goodbye then.”

vinnie nods, opening the door for you and holding it. “this is goodbye.” he repeats quietly.

you nod your head before stepping out of his apartment. you hear him shut the door and that’s when you let all your emotions out.

it was clear he only wanted one thing while you wanted everything.

finally getting this out !!! sorry it took so long, was tryna figure out how i wanted it to go

i hope you all enjoyed though !!!

tags: @deansbeer , @nativegirltapes , @khackerr , @sturnioloshacker , @visualbutterflysworld , @louloulemons-blog , @laylasbunbunny , @leqonsluv3r , @kayleighh , @khxna , @defnotayonna , @skye-44 , @jpg3 , @slvthrs , @bernelflo , @thesebitcheslovesosadotcom , @hallecarey1 , @miilzzy , @kriissy4gov , @supabhad , @0strawberrysorbet0 , @submattenthusiast

[beloveds-embrace]

I’m sorry this is gonna be long but i was just listening to “Labour” by Paris Paloma and it reminded me so much of the angst DukeDom AU you are writing (which is absolutely fire, you are so good, i love it very very much)

Cause the “emotional torture from the head of your high table” part hit me so hard because that’s literally (in my head) John Price in your AU with how deliberately ignorant he became to Reader’s suffering.

“Who fetches the water from the rocky mountain spring? And walk back down again to feel your words and their sharp sting” it reminded me so much about the angst part where Reader catches cold and later looses limb. But also…Kyle (I’m sorry) because once you wrote that he brushed reader off and treated her like he couldn’t be bothered to answer her questions and yk my brain made connection.

And oh my god the “I’m getting fucking tired” verse of the song is literally (again, in my head, I’m not trying to say i know your AU better than you do, it’s your baby, I’m just having fever thoughts) Reader when she gets fed up with them.

I especially love the “The capillaries in my eyes are bursting. If our love died would that be the worst thing?” because it feels a lot like her when the fire inside of her starts to finally dim because everything has just been too much and she doesn’t handle it well, because her cookie duchy is crumbling on her head.

“For somebody I thought was my saviour you sure make me do a whole lot of labour” reminds me a lot about the way she probably arrived to the duchy at first, getting married to John and not knowing what was actually waiting for her. And in all honesty, it’s not her fault he married her. But it somehow became her responsibility once everyone’s (stuff, the rest of 141, John himself) disapproval and blatant disregard started to pile up.

“I know you’re a smart man, and weaponise the false incompetence, it’s dominance under a guise” which may not fit fully but the way i felt like reaching through the screen and shaking John Price sometimes because yeah, you brought Reader into your home, your duty was to care for them and take care of her and you DIDNT. And worst of all, you allowed others treat her like nothing.

“If we had a daughter, I’d watch and could not save her the emotional torture from the head of your high table. She’d do what you taught her, she’d meet the same cruel fate” and it’s purely my thought but what if in angst branch of your AU Reader was actually feeling glad that John never came to consummate the marriage thinking about fate that could meet her baby. Especially if it was a girl (oh my god, my Sheila).

“So now I’ve gotta run so i can undo this mistake. At least I’ve gotta try” reminded me a lot about your Reader running away in some parts of this AU because yeah, she was looking for different life (rightfully so) and the realisation that the things as they are might never change actually pushed her towards moving into entirely different directions.

I love love LOVE that song, so to have my writing compared to it in any way? 😩 I’m amazed, thank you so much for your thoughts anon!! 🫶🏻💕

[t3ddyd0ll]

How about a short story from the second person about doll darling being insecure that Thomas is gonna replace them? They over hear some people talking about how since doll isn’t new any he should start looking for a replacement. They also over hear Thomas himself talking about replacing something (he’s talking about something completely different) and doll just spirals from there. This ends with doll clinging to his leg the next time he tries to go out(boo hoo crying ofcourse) begging him not replace them meanwhile Thomas is just flabbergasted at the idea. A healthy dose of miscommunication never hurt anyone 🥰.-🦇

You haven't stopped shaking since last night.

The anxiety is all consuming. You overheard Thomas and his friends talking about a replacement doll, talking about getting something new and pretty, something else. You felt so discarded, so betrayed; did you do something wrong? Did you disobey and he let it slide because it doesn't matter anymore? Or worse, did you bore Thomas?

You were resistant to his dollification of you at first. Almost anyone would be. But you've worked so hard to be good now, to please him, to be the perfect doll- and now you're just getting thrown away??

Oh, God. The thought makes you want to throw up. You can't leave, you can't.

You try to keep your anxieties hidden as he gets you ready for the day. It doesn't last long, however, as Thomas notices the sadness in your eyes almost immediately after waking you up.

He helps you to the vanity, brushing your hair and looking at your downturned mouth in the reflection of the mirror. You haven't looked so sad since you first got here, and it breaks his heart.

"What's wrong, my dear?" he asks gently. He's always so gentle.

You shake your head in response. You're not ready for him to tell you to your face that he wants to throw you away, but he doesn't take that as answer.

"No. Tell me why you frown."

The brush goes across your hair one last time, and is then set on the vanity.

"I don't feel good," you lie, and Thomas knows it. His brows furrow, and he moves to stand in front of you instead of behind. He takes your chin in his hand, tilting your head up to look him in the eye.

He speaks a bit more firm to you now. He's never liked it when you lie.

"Try again."

"I- I just-" you stutter, eyes threatening to prick with tears. The thought of you being thrown away hits your mind again, and you nearly start shaking.

You can't help it. You swallow the lump in your throat, and shrug pathetically. You don't have the strength to hear him say the words, hear him tell you that you're not good enough anymore. You'd rather pretend, just a little longer, that Thomas still loves you.

Thomas breathes a sigh of frustration, and his landline begins to ring downstairs. You know he's been waiting on an important call. Perhaps news on the new doll.

You can tell he doesn't want to leave by his hesitation to let you go, but the phone doesn't stop. He kisses your hair, and tells you before he leaves, "You'll tell me the truth when I come back. Understand?"

You nod, and watch him go.

A few moments later, you hear him speaking on the phone. Something about needed to leave soon, something about it being "ready."

Oh, God. Oh, God oh God oh God oh God!!!!! It's happening too fast!!!! It's happening too soon!!!!

You begin to hyperventilate, clutching at your shirt and watching your vision blur as the tears spill over like a flooding bath. Thomas comes back shortly after they start, rushing to your side when he sees your distress.

"Doll-" he starts, but you interrupt him in a panic.

"Please don't get rid of me!" you cry, throwing yourself on the ground and clutching onto his pant leg. Your forehead hits his thigh, as if to worship.

"I'm- I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry, I don't know what I did but I'll do better, I'll be better, I'll be good, I'm so sorry! Please!"

Thomas is quiet, quiet, quiet. You keep crying, and pleading, and shaking.

He pries your hands off of his leg, and holds them in his own. Then, he kneels down, and cradles your face in his hands, wiping away your tears with his thumb.

"Shhh," he hushes, and out of instinct from months of training, you obey immediately. Your wailing turns to hiccuping cries, your voice shut off entirely.

"What made you think I'd be so cruel?"

You look at him, still frowning. "Y- you-- you and your friends, at the p- party... You talked about- about a replacement doll..."

Thomas coos at you, his face softening in pity.

"Nothing could replace you. My poor, sweet, doll.."

He pulls you closer to him, encasing your body in his. Your head lays at the crook of his neck, tears soaking into the collar of his sweater.

"I'd never get rid of you. I don't know what you heard, but it wasn't right. You're mine, you're always mine, do you understand?"

The relief that washes over you is almost overwhelming. You cling to him a little more, so thankful to hear he still wants to keep you. That he'll always want to keep you.

You nod in response. "I'm sorry.."

"Ohhh," he croons, petting your hair. "You just got confused, that's all. It's okay, dolly."

He holds you there for a little longer while you collect your composure. Then, Thomas helps you back up into the chair, and makes you promise to talk to him if you hear anything that makes you upset like this again. He helps you stop crying, giving you a smile as the tears finally end.

"There's my pretty doll," he praises. He looks at you with a fondness you'll never grow tired of. "Now. Let's get you ready for the day, hm?"

[911onem]

There was no thought to how long he had sat in that chair, just thinking about what he was going to do for the rest of the night. All he knows is he was pulled from his silence by a knock on the front door, his head tilting in confusion as he stood and quickly made his way to the front of the house. He peeked through the side window, smiling gently as he unlocked the door and pulled it open to reveal Eddie standing there with a pack of beer.

The brown eyes were dull, but still sparkled as he lifted the drinks, waving them around carefully as he stepped inside and headed toward the fridge.

“Since we are both missing our favorite people tonight, I thought that maybe we could just hang out together. The two of us, like old times.”

Buck shrugged from behind him, making his way back to the stool as Eddie eyed the groceries, shooting his friend a look from across the counter.

“How long have these been sitting here?”

He shrugged again, fingers twisting together as Eddie gently placed the bottles on the top shelf before grabbing one of the bags and beginning to unload them.

“Buck, are you alright?”

“I came here.”

Eddie shot him a glance, pausing for a second as if asking him to continue.

“Instead of the loft, I came here. I forgot that he had left.”

He felt himself shrink as he watched the floor, Eddie still rummaging through the grocery bags as he must have been thinking of how to respond. It only took a minute, freezer sliding open as he heard him take a breath.

“I walked into Christopher’s room when I got home, was already talking to him as if he was at his desk doing his homework.”

Buck sighed, eyes watering as he thought about the kid he hadn’t seen or talked to in what felt like years.

“I miss him, he’s not answering any of my calls.”

“Yeah, but he’s a teenager. My mom said he’s spending all day at the lake with his friends, he’s barely talking to them either. I think he’s got his mind stuck on Shannon, which is clearly my fault.”

“You didn’t mean for him to find out, Eddie. It’s not like you asked for this-”

“No,” he interrupted gently, closing the freezer and shuffling over to the pantry, “But, I shouldn’t have even humored going back to that store at the promenade. I should have gone to Frank instead. Where does Tommy put these snack bars?”

“Third shelf to the left.”

He kept his gaze on the floor, feeling his knuckles pop as he continued to twist his fingers around, keeping the room in silence for a little while longer.

“Buck?”

He hummed softly in response, waiting a few seconds before looking up to see Eddie staring at him from across the space.

“What's going on?”

His chest grew heavy, body weighing him down as he shrugged his shoulders, trying to avoid eye contact as Eddie crossed his arms and leaned back against the pantry door.

“You know, he’s just gone for a couple days-”

“I know that-” He spit, anger rolling off his shoulders as he turned the stool to face away. A part of him regretted it, but neither of them spoke until feet made their way over and Eddie fell into the stool next to him.

“Buck..”

“I don’t need you to tell me I’m acting ridiculous, Eddie. I don’t need anyone telling me that he’s only gone a week- I know that.”

“I didn’t mean to make you think I was making fun of you, I'm sorry. Hey, can you look at me?” The hand that landed on his shoulder was heavy, trying to comfort him despite how difficult he was being. The moment his eyes began to swell he knew he wasn’t going to turn, arms crossing against his chest as he stared out the window just across the living room.

“You know, he texted me about an hour ago. He asked me to swing by and check on you.”

His hands shook as he rolled his eyes, a single tear sliding at the motion.

“You don’t have to pretend with me, we never have before.”

The attitude dropped at the words, chest aching as the hand on his shoulder pressed down a little harder, using him as leverage to lift his body up and walk until he was standing directly in front of his partner.

“I’m here for whatever you need to talk about.”

“It’s stupid,” he groaned, sob pulling from his chest as he lifted a hand to cover the side of his face. His fingers were still shaking, face going red in embarrassment as he struggled to suck a solid breath back into his lungs.

“I bet it’s not,” Eddie argued carefully.

“Your son is in another state and I’m throwing a fit about my boyfriend being gone for a week-”

“Hey,” the voice was stern, cutting him off as both hands took places on each of Buck’s shoulders, squeezing tightly. “Cut that out.”

“I always make things about me-”

“No, you don’t. I know we make stupid jokes, but you don’t make things all about you, Buck. How you feel is important, and you’ve been down all day and I’m worried about you. Now talk to me, tell me what's going on.”

He took a deep breath, pushing into his hand as his bottom lip quivered, losing the battle within himself rather quickly. He couldn’t speak past the lump in his throat and it wasn’t until a hand raised onto the back of his neck that he thought about Tommy doing the same thing at the airport; That thought alone had him choking on another sob.

“I’m scared, Eddie.”

“About what?” He questioned softly.

“That he’s not going to come back and I’ll be stuck in this house just like I was with Abby.”

Eddie froze, sighing in understanding as he pulled his hand away from his shoulder and dragged the nearest stool underneath him. They mirrored each other, Eddie giving him his space as he ignored pulling Buck’s hand away to rest it on his knee instead.

“Listen, I know I came around at the end of all of that, but what Abby was going through had nothing to do with you. She seemed to have a lot of issues and none of it was your fault-”

“What if it was?” He argued sadly, chest shuddering between breaths. “What if it's just me that no one can stand?”

“Why would you say that?”

“Because,” he wept, “everyone leaves me at some point and I can never get them to stay. Daniel, he died because of me. My parents, I wasn’t enough to keep them from their grief. Maddie left, Abby left, Ali left, you left, Chim left, Bobby just retired- It’s all because of me-”

“Listen, Bobby retiring wasn’t because of you, and you and I both know he’s trying his damndest to get back to the 118. Maddie, she came back. Chimney, me? We came back, we just needed a break. None of it was your fault, I can promise you that with everything I am. Chris, he’s going to come back, on his own time. And Tommy? He is not Abby, he’s ten times more a better person than she ever was and I know he’s counting down the minutes until he can jump back on that plane and come home to you.”

“I love him, Eddie.” He pulled his hand away just enough for Eddie to see watery blues, face crumbled in distress. “I’ve never loved anyone like this before and I’m terrified he’s going to see what everyone else saw and leave me behind.”

Eddie frowned, using the hand on the back of his neck to draw him closer, not letting go until tears were staining his t-shirt and Eddie was back on his feet, taking in the weight of his best friend’s body.

“I can’t predict the future, Buck. But, I can tell you that Tommy is head over heels in love with you, and the way he talks about you doesn’t give me a single thought that believes he would leave you behind.”

“Really?” He sobbed into his shoulder.

“Really, matter of fact, he’s going to kill me for this, but he told me something last week that you’re really going to want to know.” Buck didn’t respond, but Eddie knew he was listening as he held him a little tighter, “He’s going to ask you to move in with him when he comes home.”

The sobs grew, Eddie smiling sadly as Buck's hands came to wrap around him, holding him just as tight. He didn’t say anything more for a few minutes, giving him a moment to fall apart before Eddie could help him come back together.

[southwestchili]

୨⎯ "Zero to Sixty" ⎯୧

Synopsis: Basically you ride Batman while he’s driving 🤷‍♀️

Batman x Cat Woman! reader

Tags: AFAB reader, Degrading, ab riding???, fingering, praise, he gets mad at you for distracting him, unestablished relationship, pet names (Baby, darling and he calls you kitty like once put its not cringe trust), fwb but there's definitely more there, car sex, riding, orgasm denial, top and bottom dynamics, reader is submissive for most of the time but she gets control for a second

Genre: Smut

Synopsis: You and Batman have been close for a while, you know his identity and he knows yours. You two often find yourselves getting a little... carried away after going out on missions together and today was no different.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ

You and Bruce just finished completing a pretty easy mission against some local gangs, however, you just weren't focused. He did fine on the mission today but it was obvious you were a little sloppy. He insisted on taking you back to his place. That wasn't very uncommon for the two of you, but this time the car ride was more agonizing than usual. Maybe you were ovulationing but you can't help to bite your lip at the way Bruce's biceps flexed as he was taking down the gang members, or how toned he looked in his suit. You just wanted him to take you right then and there. You didn't care who saw at this point. "You're staring." Bruce's blunt tone snaps you out of your daydreaming and you look at him in shock. "You've been dazing off all damn day and staring to get on my nerves. You better fix this shit before the next time." He gives you a cold glare taking his eyes off the road for a second and then he focuses back on the road. "I'm sorry Bruce.. it..just.." you look out the window trying to think of something to say. You know you can't tell him that you want him to just fuck you right then and there because you know he will just give you shit. "You could've gotten yourself hurt, thank god I was there to cover for your ass, what was so important that was distracting you today?" He says looking at you. He notices your heads turned so he grabs your chin and forces you to look at him. "Answer me, you really pissed me off today." He spits at you. "Ugh, if I tell you, your gonna be pissed at me, and I don't think I can deal with that right now Bruce!" you say with a bit of attitude. He glares you before turning his eyes to the road and his hands to the steering wheel. "Listen, Bruce, it's not gonna happen again okay? It was just a bad day for me! And honestly, you're not gonna be happy with my answer." You say pouting.

Is it just you or does your latex suit feel tighter than usual? You can just feel his annoyance hanging heavy in the air and you know his patience is running thin and you bite your lip waiting for his reply. You know you are digging yourself a deeper hole and when you do tell him the reason for your sloppiness was that you were thinking of how badly you wanted to get pounded by him. You two have fucked before, and every time he leaves you wanting more. You don't know where he learned to fuck like that but he sure knows how to fuck. "I told you to tell me so you're going to tell me, got it?" he commands. You roll your eyes and quickly mutter out an utterly pathic, "I was horny". You are cringing at your own response and you dreadfully await his reply. "Are you serious?" Bruce looks at you, with slight amusement in his expression.

You turn your head to look at him, your face flushed and your expression a mix of embarrassment and longing. He scoffs at your display and removes one of his hands from the steering wheel. He then reaches for the zipper on your latex suit and pulls it down. He removes the outfit, leaving you bare for him. You watch as his hand dips into your panties, and you bite your lip eagerly. Bruce's fingers trance over your clit and you grab onto his bicep for support. His gloved fingers rub harsh circles into your sensitive nub. Your mind is going hazy from the pleasure he is giving you and you let out little whimpers. "You gonna stop fucking up if I let you cum, hm?" Bruce says not looking at you, his eyes are locked on the road in front of him. "Yes! Of course..I'll be better- just for you!" you say with that sweet voice of yours. Bruce's fingers leave your clit and descend down to your hole. He traces his fingers along the outside of your weeping hole before stuffing you with two thick fingers. You moan loudly due to the harshness of which he's finger fucking you with. "You and this cunt of yours are so dirty for me.. such a little slut." Bruce says with his deep honey-coated voice that never fails to make your heart flutter. Your walls clench around his fingers from his words and he lets out a low chuckle. He starts to curl his fingers and they hit your G-spot over and over again. Drool manages to slip past your glossed lips and you start moaning. "Oh fuck-! I think I'm gonna-" "Don't. You don't deserve to after your performance today, like I've told you time and time again only good girls get that privilege." He says sternly before pulling his fingers out of you. Your cunt twitches in response to being empty. You pout and look at Bruce and he only gives you a stern look.

"If you think you can be sloppy during our missions and then get a reward after you are sorely mistaken kitty." Bruce says with amusement heavy in his voice. He approaches a red light and the car comes to a stop, you take this as an opportunity. You know your decision will defiantly come back to bite you in the ass later but you really could not care less in this moment. You unclip your seat belt and quickly sling yourself onto Bruce's lap. "Oh yeah? You wanna try and take control? You gonna regret this later baby." Bruce says his hot breath brushing against your neck. You can feel his thick, lengthy cock poke your core and you bite your lip. You raise your hips and through the tight fabric of his suit, the defined lines of his abs are clearly visible, each muscle sculpted and sharp. You feel his rock-hard abs through his suit and begin to grind your cunt against them. The best part about this is that you are in control of him, well at least for now. The traffic lights go from red to green and you bury your head into his neck to allow him to see the road in front of him. You continue to drag your clit over his abs and grab onto the bat ears on his mask until you get close to reaching your high. "You wanna continue to hump me like a dog, or do you wanna be filled with my cock?" Bruce says placing a gloved hand on the fat of your ass, rubbing the flesh before giving it a quick and firm smack. This causes you to steady your movements and you remove his pants so you can free his aching cock. You lower yourself onto the head of his cock going slow, but then he forces your hips all the way down onto his length. "You better ride me the way I taught you. Don't you dare get sloppy." He says as the car accelerates faster. You bounce up and down on his shaft and a decent pace before rocking your hips forward and back letting the head of his cock ram into your g-spot. Your completely cock drunk, babbling nonsense about how much you were thinking of him fucking you like this. "Bruce..Oh fuck! Yes! I've been wanting this-!" you moan loudly. You go to your previous pace earning a few low grunts from the man under you. Your pace gets sloppier as you reach your high and you can tell Bruce is getting close to it. "Fuck im- Im cumming!" you moan out desperately. "Me too... fuck..do you want me to pull out?" Bruce asks. "No, cum inside me-!" You moan out as you and him cum together. You feel his hot seed pour inside of you and you love the feeling of being stuffed full of his cum and his cock. You stay sunken on his cock as you and him come down from your highs. You barely even notice you two are pulling into the Bat Cave and you gulp thinking of the long night that awaits you. "Hope you liked your 15 minutes of power, that will never happen again darling." Bruce says grabbing you by the back of your hair and making you face him. Oh, you are so fucked.

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My friend asked me to write this like 6 months ago and I finally got around to it, sooo yeah hope you guys liked it (◍•ᴗ•◍)❤

[officeofcommanderfox]

Hi lovelies! 💕

This is such a great idea and the story is already so good 👌🏻

So let's keep it going maybe with

18. How long has it been since i've slept?

Hope it fits 🫶🏻

Hello! We're back!!! Sorry for the delay in continuing this story. Sadly @firstofficerwiggles had a hellish semester last fall, but now it's on to a new semester and a new year and we're eager to bring you more of this tale...

The Commander & The Civvie, Chapter 7

Main Fic List | Chpt 6

Pairing: Commander Fox x female reader

Rating: T

Warnings: injuries, hospitalization, canon-style violence, Fox having emotions

Prompts: 18. How long has it been since I’ve slept?

42. Are you asking me out on a date?

How could we be here again?

Was this what it was like for her? Watching my face for any flinch, or holding my hand praying for any possible movement?

Fox rubbed his forehead, the anger within himself and the guilt overwhelmed him. 

“You two are more alike than you realize.” Thorn stated as he passed him a caf.

“What the kriff are you talking about? She’s an idiot.”

Thorn glared at his Commander, “Don’t do that. Don’t be a jackass just because you feel guilty.”

Fox didn’t answer, taking a sip of his caf and putting it off to the side. His eyes drifting back to Starlight’s face. 

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“Thorn, if you have nothing to do, I can find something for you.” He turned and glared at Thorn. 

Thorn didn’t think twice, he held his hand up in the air and left the hospital room. 

In the quiet of the hospital room, he focused back on your face. He shifted sitting on the bed beside you as his hand gently caressed your cheek. He held your hand tight against his chest, “Starlight …” his finger trailed over your forehead. “Why did you do that? You’re not supposed to be here. You’re not supposed to be hurt…” He fought back tears. “Please, Starlight. Cyar’ika, please wake up. Wake up, and yell at me. Give me your irritated look. Tell me that I’m being too much, that I need to calm down.” He pressed his forehead against hers, “Please wake up.”

How did everything go so wrong? 

You stood there blinking, as Fox’s voice echoed again in your head. ‘Starlight. Have dinner with me.’

“Starlight?” Fox looked into your eyes, waiting for you to respond, “Starlight, the Senate doesn’t take this long to pass a bill.”

You blinked a few more times, as confusion crossed your face, “Wait… are you asking me out on a date?”

Fox chuckled, “Do you need me to say it? I mean do we have to put a label on it?” As much as he did want to make it a date, the look on your face made him think again.

A small smile began to emerge on your lips, those lips that always seemed to be snippy and captured his attention. Just like they drew his attention now, “Something funny, Starlight?”

“Not at all,” a coquettish smile formed on your lips, “Yes, I would like to have dinner with you.”

Fox stood outside the restaurant fidgeting with the civilian clothing he borrowed from Hound. 

Who knew Hound was active in the club scene? He had mentioned something about the ladies loving Grizz, but frankly Fox couldn’t care about what Hound had to say about the clubs or about the attention he received from the ‘ladies’ because of his akk dog. 

“Excuse me, sir? I’m supposed to meet someone here. He looks almost exactly like you, only less like a male fashion model,” your cheerful voice greeted Fox.

The Commander could feel his cheeks growing warm, “Well now, Starlight, I had to do my best to come up to your level.” His eyes raked over the beautiful outfit you were wearing, “You’re stunning.”

You beamed a smile at him in response, “Thank you, although seriously, you look fantastic. I wasn’t joking about the modelesque looks. Maybe it could be your second career when the war ends?”  

Fox chuckles at that, “You’re much too kind, Starlight, I’m pretty certain models don’t have bags under their eyes and prematurely greying hair.” 

“I dunno, you could start a new trend, exhaustingly handsome,” you teased him.

“I’m going to focus on the handsome part of that quip,” Fox told you, opening the door to the restaurant.

You winked at him as you passed by and into the warm and inviting space. The restaurant was elegant but in an understated way. A server guided the way to a quiet table with a nice view of the twinkling city lights stretching out as far as you could see. 

“This is such a lovely place,” you remarked.

“Thank you, Master Kenobi recommended it,” Fox shared, feeling pleased that you liked his choice of restaurant. 

As the two of you laughed and chatted over delightful dishes and a bottle of outstanding wine, you found yourself on the best date of your life. Relaxed and out of armor, Fox was downright charming. He told you amusing stories of his training days on Kamino and some very entertaining bits about life with the Guard before you joined the team. Granted, several of the tales included Fox telling someone off for being an idiot or admonishing one of his brothers for not following the rules, but you were discovering that your grumpy Commander could be quite entertaining.   

“It sounds like your brothers can be quite the playful ones, how good that they have you to keep them in line,” you murmured as you sipped your wine with a smile.

“I suppose so,” he agreed softly.

Fox was having the most incredible time. Who knew dates could be so… fun? Maybe Hound had been on to something. Looking over at you, he admired the way the candlelight illuminated your face and made your eyes glow at him. It had to be you, only you could make an evening this special. 

He noticed your hand resting on the table and he couldn't control his urge to reach out and brush your skin with his fingertips to see if it felt as soft as it looked. He heard you gasp softly at the initial contact, but then subtly you slid your hand closer and he took full advantage, resting his hand on top of yours. 

Yes, everything had been going perfectly.

After dinner, Fox had led you out to the street, and since he hadn’t wanted the date to end, he suggested a walk through the Illumi Gardens, a beautiful park filled with flowers, greenery, and soft twinkling lights. He’d had it planned perfectly, he’d walk you through the flowers to a little spot with a gazebo and then he’d hold you close for the perfect first date kiss. 

Fox just forgot to plan for his terrible luck.

“Oh Starlight, why did you have to do that? Why jump in front of me and sacrifice yourself?” Fox’s strained voice asked again, as he looked at you so fragile-looking in your hospital bed.

The ambush had come out of nowhere. Several well-armed thugs had surprised you both in the gardens. Grateful he had thought to keep his service weapon on him, Fox had gotten off several rounds quickly, taking out a fair share of the attackers. But there was one he hadn’t seen. 

“Tell me again, how it happened,” Thorn asked softly; he had returned with some food for Fox and yet another cup of caf for his brother.

“I was turned away, dealing with one shooter to my left, when another popped up to the right. I felt the first shot graze my shoulder, and then as I turned, she was diving in front of me, protecting me and taking a blaster bolt straight to the chest,” Fox explained, his voice sounding hollow.

He had shot the attacker four times in retaliation, when only one blast had truly been necessary. 

It had really only been an incredible stroke of luck that Jedi Master Fisto had been in the gardens too and heard the commotion. The Jedi Master had helped him subdue the rest of the thugs and then had done some of that miraculous Force healing to keep you from slipping away. Fox didn’t know how he could ever thank the general, but he would certainly try.

Fox looked over to Thorn, his eyes fresh with new tears, “How- How can I begin to live with myself if she dies?”

A soft whisper came from the bed, “Not dead yet, handsome.”

“Starlight?!?” 

Fox almost fainted with relief at your open eyes and little smirk.

“You can’t be rid of me that easily, Commander,” you rasped, your throat felt strained and you felt like you’d been leveled by a pod racer, but you were awake and alive.

Fox shook his head, “I don’t want to get rid of you, Starlight, not ever.” He stood holding your hand, internally thanking the Maker and all the galaxy that you were awake. But then his expression changed and he gave you a very stern look,

“How could you do such a stupid thing? You have no regard for your own safety!” he’s too emotional to remember to not raise his voice at you right now.

You shrugged at him, unbothered, “I wasn’t worried about me in that moment.”

Fox frowned, your response taking away some of his bite, and he grumpily muttered, “You’re too damn caring for your own good.”

He raked his hand through his unruly hair, feeling frustrated but at the same time so relieved that you were here alive for him to argue with again.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look rather awful, Fox,” you giggled a bit at his disheveled appearance. It was so unlike him.

“How long has it been since I’ve slept?” Fox turned to ask Thorn.

Thorn snorted, “Days, possibly weeks,” the other man looked at you with a smile, “I’m glad you’re awake, sweetheart, now maybe I’ll get my brother back to quarters for a few hours, he hasn’t left your side.”

“I couldn’t leave, I needed to be with you, to make sure you were ok,” Fox’s voice was filled with emotion.

Noticing his brother’s state, Thorn discreetly slipped out of the room, giving you and Fox some privacy.

The man in question moved to sit on your bed, wrapping both of his large hands around yours. He opened his mouth a few times, but it took him a moment to be able to say what he wanted,

“You saved me from being shot. I’m still mad that you did it, but I’ll forever be grateful that you stepped in front of me. I don’t know how you could do something like that, but I am… thankful, Starlight.”

“I couldn’t bear it if you got hurt again,” you told him, your own feelings coming to the surface, “You mean too much to me.” 

“Well now we’re even, and to be clear, under no circumstances are you to take a blaster bolt for me,” Fox ordered sternly, sounding like his typical commander self again, “I’ll shoot you myself if you ever try a stunt like that again.”

“Aye-aye, sir,” you replied, just a touch cheeky.

“I mean it, you aren’t to put yourself in danger like that any more,” Fox sounded rather demanding, but then he softened, “I don’t think my heart can take it.”

“Perhaps we can both try to stay out of harm’s way?” You suggested, smiling at him and noticing how he was still grasping your hand like he was afraid you would disappear.

“I’ll do my best, Starlight,” Fox nodded.

“Me too,” you agreed and then you tipped your head and gave him another smile,

“I really don’t want our second date to end in the hospital too.”

We hope you enjoyed this latest part! We have more coming from asks still in the inbox, but as always feel free to send in a prompt or a general ask about the fic!

Inbox of Commander Fox

Tag list 1: @boomtowngirl @becks-things @tailorvizsla @catsnkooks @bitchin-beskar

@acourtofsnakes @grogusmum   @buzzybeebee   @deannie13 @ladykatakuri @noodlesfics   @the-good-shittt @everythingyouwanted @jewfro24 @vaderthepotater @pinkiemme @laichka @myeternalsin @kazthedestroyer @writeforfandoms @trekkingaroundasgard @beskarmermaid @flightlessangelwings @heyitsaloy @pickleprickle @lune-de-miel-au-paradis @cloneloverrrrr @deewithani @pro-fangirls-unsocial-life @atlas-likes-writing @mysticalgalaxysalad @tazmbc1

[666anxiety666]

hrrr.rr.r..more ler swansea and lee daisuke.,......

maube like.. cheer up twords..... i think daisuke was a little anxious when they first got on the ship cuz . being in space is scary...... n swansea distracts him / cheers him up with twords...... ok have a good day

@bug-twords

YESYESYES!

I've got ya.

Mouthwashing tickle fic

LEE: Daisuke LER: Swansea

♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎

Daisuke was normally an enthusiastic person, but his nerves were making him a mess. Him? In space? Away from his friends and family? His mom? Daisuke hated it. He hated every part of it. But he wanted to make his mother proud.

everyone on the ship had started to take notice. first it was Curly who noticed. "Daisuke?" Daisuke jumped when he heard his name further up the hall. he hadn't even noticed he had been zoned out with his back to the wall. his head shot up. "c-captain..." Daisuke stammered. "s-sorry, just daydreaming again. I-I'll just get back to work... see ya!" and before Curly could get another word in, Daisuke was heading off the opposite direction down the hall. leaving Curly confused and a little worried.

after that, it didn't take long for the rest of the crew to show a slight concern for the young intern. he was in fact the youngest on board, so they felt responsible for him in some way. and it didn't take long for the word to spread to Swansea. but by then, he had already noticed it in Daisuke's behavior.

it had only been a days after take off and Daisuke was sitting in the living area. "you'll be fine, Daisuke... just think, you'll make mom really... r-really proud..." Daisuke mumbled to himself, his legs bouncing. his hands was very sweaty. what the hell was wrong with him?! he was normally so enthusiastic about things... but not this...

"Daisuke..." Daisuke's head snapped up. Swansea was standing in the doorway. "S-Swansea!" Daisuke instantly sat up straighter. Swansea huffed, walking over and sitting next to his young intern. "you're not in any trouble kid..." Swansea mumbled gruffly. Daisuke was still pretty tense.

"you know... the crew has noticed you've been very on edge lately. but no one had to tell me twice..." Swansea mentioned, looking over at Daisuke, who met his eyes. Daisuke didn't look at Swansea. he rubbed the back of his neck. "so come on... tell me what's up, kid." Swansea sat back. waiting patently for Daisuke would respond.

Daisuke was quiet for a moment. "just... I-I think I just... I don't think I'm cut out for this..." Daisuke stammered. Swansea raised an eyebrow. "what do you mean you're not cut out for this?" "I can't do this... I-I miss home. I can't do this job right, I keep messing up and I've only been here a few days!" Daisuke exclaimed. he seemed to be getting a little distressed.

Daisuke paused, he couldn't look at Swansea. he felt like such a failure already. he should never have come on this ship! at least that's what was going through Daisuke's head. he stopped rambling in his mind when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Daisuke's head shot up and locked eye's with Swansea.

"kid..." Swansea sighed. thinks about what to say next. "I know we got off rough... and sure, you can mess up from time to time..." Swansea continued. "but that's what I'm here for, to teach you... and sure, I can be hard on you. but I see it in you that you really wanna be somethin'... but you all ready are, kid." Swansea let out a gruff chuckle, ruffling Daisuke's hair.

Daisuke blinked a few times. "you mean that?" Daisuke asked. Swansea chuckled once more. "yeah... but don't get used to it!" Daisuke chuckled once more, pushing Swansea's hand on his head. "too late!" Swansea rolled his eye's "the hell am I gonna do with you?" Swansea reached out, poking the younger boys side.

Daisuke jumped. letting out a yelp. "S-Swansea...!" Daisuke whined, covering his side instantly. Swansea grinned. "huh, guess now i know..." Swansea didn't waste anytime digging his fingers into Daisuke's sides with both hands. Daisuke squealed instantly, trying to ran away, but only fell back onto onto the couch. his body jumping in surprise.

"Swansehehea! ehehahaha! nohoho!" Swansea grinned. "what? I need to do somethin' about that attuite..." Swansea switched up to poking and prodding. his hands wondering around over Daisuke's sides and ribs. making Daisuke jump at every poke. "S-Swahahansea! cohohohome ohon!" Daisuke giggled.

Swansea smirked. "plehehease! IhI didn't mehehean ihit!" "you're a little late for that kid..!" Swansea moved his hands down to Daisuke's tummy. Daisuke squealed louder. caught of guard by the sudden change. his legs kicked weakly and hands shot down to grab at Swansea's hands. "NAHAHA- SWAHAHANSEA!" Daisuke's face had started to turn pink.

"Jesus. kid. how sensitive are ya?" Swansea teased. using his hand as a claw on Daisuke's tummy, vibrating slightly. Daisuke's legs kicked a little more. Swansea had to use a leg to pin them down effectively. "PLEHEHEASE! IHI'M SOHOHORRY!" Daisuke cackled, unable to control his laughter. "sorry for what? huh? maybe you shouldn't be talkin' shit about yourself..." Swansea's hands wondered down to Daisuke's hips.

in an instant, Daisuke was screaming. his reaction was sudden, even surprising Swansea. "NAHA- WAHAHAIT! I-IHIH CAHAHAN'T! SWAHAHAHANSEA!" Daisuke practically screamed and his body jumped on contact. the whole ship could probably hear him. Swansea chuckled in surprise. "Jesus, kid. it can't be that bad, can it?" Daisuke couldn't even answer properly, just screaming and cackling as he tried oh so desperately to push Swansea away.

"IHIT IHIHIS! IHIIHIT IS! PLEHEHEASE!" Daisuke let out a scream and threw his head back as Swansea drilled his thumbs into Daisuke's hips. "hm... I don't know, kid... are you gonna stop being all sulky?" Swansea asked. massaging the younger mans hips. Daisuke was barely able to get the words out through his giggles. "OHOKAY! OHOHOKAY! IHI WILL! IHIHI SWEHEHEAR!" Daisuke squealed.

Swansea huffed and finally pulled away, sitting up right once more and leaving Daisuke panting on the couch. the poor kids face and ears bright red. before Swansea could ask Daisuke if he was okay, the door to the living area slid open. "is everything okay in here? I heard screaming..." Anya stood at the door, Curly and jimmy standing behind her.

Swansea looked up at the door. he huffed and waved his hand dismissively. "just teaching the kid a lesson, nothing to worry about..." Daisuke was still panting on the couch. his hair a little messy and he hugged his stomach. the three at the door just blinked for a moment. Jimmy shrugged and walked away with a small smirk. while Anya and Curly chuckled a little before following him.

Swansea looked down at Daisuke. the kid had sat up now and had calmed down a little. "you okay, kid?" Swansea asked. Daisuke nodded. "y-yeah... I think so..." Daisuke lay back on the couch. "you feeling a little better?" "yeah... thanks Swansea..." Daisuke rubbed the back of his neck. "anytime, kid..." Swansea smiled a little. "now come on..!" Swansea stood. "we got work to do..." Daisuke jumped up. "yes sir!" Daisuke exclaimed and walked off in front of Swansea. Swansea huffed a small laugh. "Damn kid..."

♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎♡♥︎

yippee! told yall I'd have one done!

art by @pileoftrshley on instagram

[tia-amorosa]

Episode 8: Last Day for Two (Part 1)

The next morning, breakfast was accompanied by one of the family's older ghosts, Victor Grusel. At least more or less. “And you're sure you'll find your mother, my dearest?“/”I'm not sure, but I'll try everything…“/”We used to have many scientists, but no one who dared to venture into such spheres. I wish you every success“/”Thank you, great-grandfather”…

After breakfast, Cassandra went upstairs to change her clothes. “Oh, you've made yourself pretty, Cassandra. But surely not for the desert? I don't want to know how hot it is there"/ ”No, I want to go straight to Don's, he's off again today. I'll definitely pick something else for Strangetown"/ ” mhm. Then make the most of today"/.

“Thanks, I will. And try to get out a bit too“/” well, I wanted to get some new oil paints anyway,…"/,,See, that's a good reason to stretch your legs outside. I'll be back here tomorrow morning"/ ‘Oh… I see. See you tomorrow then’. Cassandra deliberately wanted to spend the last few hours together with Don. Due to work, there was always little time to really spend the day together. Today was going to be different.

A little later. Don opened the door with a big grin. “Hey, wow, you look great“/”hn-hn, and you too, actually, as always grin. Can I come in?“/”Yes, sure. Have you had breakfast yet?“/”Yes, not even an hour ago”. He took both her hands and looked into her eyes. Then he kissed her and slowly pulled her into the house.

He closed the door once they were inside and go on with it. He kissed her passionately, which she was only too happy to accept. He pressed her tightly against him again and kissed her neck, then returned to her lips. “oh, D-Don, don't make me so weak“/,,you just taste so good, Cassy, hhh, there's nothing I'd rather do right now than taste everything of you”.

“I'm sorry, Don, you know I want nothing more than you right now. But I can't…” Her voice trembled a little. “What was the old witch thinking? I'm allowed to kiss you, but not sleep with you?“/”It's about the act itself, Don…And…we'll probably have to wait a little longer now, I have to go away for a few days“/”what? where?“/”Strangetown, a few colleagues asked me to come there because of my mother”.

“You have to go to another city because of your mom?"/ ”It's about all the equipment that's supposed to help me find her. Don. Everything is already different between us anyway… I understand that you're sleeping with other women just because you… can't wait until I'm ready for you. But I love you…”. Don paused for a moment. Then he looked at her and realized how important the whole thing was to her now. “And you love your mother. So take care of that first, okay?"/ ‘And you're not angry…?’…

“No…why should I be mad? Because I'm horny as my neighbor's dog and my fiancée is under a curse and I'm not allowed to sleep with her? It's damn unfair, yes. If I didn't want you, I would have broken up with you long ago, wouldn't I? Besides… I feel partly responsible for your mother being gone. I shouldn't have called her here so late, then maybe she wouldn't have disappeared"/ ‘Oh Don’…

“We are a strange couple. I let you sleep with other women just because I'm not free and only a wedding can redeem me“/”what do you actually do when you get this craving for another body?“/”I… I do what anyone else do in this situation“/”mmh. O.k…. When do you have to leave?“/”Tomorrow”.

“And how long will it take?“/”That depends on whether and how quickly mom can be found“/. “And the boys are Experts?“/”Yes, quite good ones and Polli too“/”who is she?“/”thihi, no “she”, Pollination is an alien who has been living there for many years.“/”uh, a real alien?“/”mhm, do you want to come and see it, hn?“/”no, I'm needed here, you know that. If I was on vacation, I'd say sure!. But I'm irreplaceable at the moment”.

“And do you have accommodation there?"/ ”The boys have a guest room in their house, I can sleep there. Pascal has a son"/ ‘and they're all married or what?’/ ‘No, not as far as I know. hey, is this going to be an interrogation? don't worry, I have to be abstinent anyway, huh?’/ ”Hehe. If I sleep with other women, you can flirt with other men too.” She rolled her eyes. “Oh please, I don't think I'll get around to it there"/ ,,hnhn. And now?” he asked her with a slightly challenging look.

“Well, I don't have to go to the institute today and you don't have to go to the clinic. Either we make ourselves comfortable here with a few movies, or we avoid any atmosphere that could lead to… Sexual desire and get me into trouble. We could go swimming instead“/”you in a swimsuit, or worse, bikini…hmm“/”hmm…let's just go out, shall we?” He smiled, kissed her again. “Alright, I'll take you wherever you want”.

@greenplumbboblover , @solorisims , @plumbobgothica 🙂

Note: Unfortunately, I can't say which poses I used back then. I really don't remember. Sometimes I get really annoyed that I don't make a note of which poses I used at a given time. It's often difficult or even impossible to find them again.😥👀

My story posts are also welcome to be shared.😊🙂

[sadquickchristmassnowman]

hi! what do you think are the best/most tolerable episodes in season 4 of community? it’s widely regarded as the worst season and I never know which episodes to watch each time I go through a community rewatch binge lol. so, I figured I would consult the encyclopedia! (this is my first time using the ask feature so I apologize if I am not using it correctly)

heyo! this is a great question. I actually have an abbreviated season 4 watchlist that cuts out the worst episodes (in my opinion), while staying comprehensible and making sure you're still able to follow the season's overarching plots:

4x01: history 101

4x03: conventions of space and time*

4x05: cooperative escapism in familial relations*

4x06: advanced documentary filmmaking

4x08: herstory of dance

4x11: basic human anatomy*

4x12: heroic origins*

4x13: advanced introduction to finality

the episodes with asterisks* are the ones I actually really enjoy watching. the others on the list are pretty mid, but are, in my opinion, important enough to the overarching plot and character development to be worth watching. when I'm showing other people season 4 for the first time, I adhere to this watchlist lol.

I’m going to do some (hopefully quick) explanations of how I came up with this list, but you don't have to read it if you don't want to lol:

✅ history 101: it's the first episode of the season, so it really does set the tone and establish some important details (jeff wants to graduate early, troy and britta are dating, this is their last year at greendale, etc.) as with most of season 4, the weirdness seems really contrived and unnatural, but it does have its moments of being genuinely funny. it's also a pretty abed-centric episode, which is always a bonus lol

❌ paranormal parentage: I don’t hate this episode, but it's just kind of boring and doesn't really add anything to the season. I love megan ganz but... yeah. a lot of the jokes seem forced, and there's way too much pierce for my liking. there are a couple good one liners ("you should probably tell your boyfriend's boyfriend" "I remember when this show was about community college") and it does help set up jeff finally contacting his dad, but imo it doesn't quite make the episode worth watching

✅ conventions of space and time: I’ve heard that some people hate this episode? couldn't be me. way too much trobed for me to hate it lmao. there is a lot of jeffannie in it too, but that resolves with the conclusion that annie is just a romantic who loves to fantasize, and doesn't actually have real feelings for jeff. it actually fuels my lesbiannie agenda tbh, because she is evidently just in love with the idea of a man but doesn't actually put that into practice. but that's another post lmao. we have some great one-liners, we have britta helping troy through his jealousy, we have "troy will find me :)" we have some more inspector spacetime lore, etc etc. I love this episode and rewatch it frequently.

❌ alternative history of the german invasion: for me, this episode has almost zero redeeming qualities. the jokes are lame, I hate professor cornwallis, there is so much discontinuity, it has zero importance in the bigger picture of the season and the show, it's out of character, etc. the one thing I like is the end tag.

✅ cooperative escapism in familial relations: this is a big one for me. I never see people talking about it, but to me this episode is one of season 4's saviors. we have HUGE jeff development, jeffbritta moments, some much needed shirley screentime and development, some great jokes ("-to eat garbage dip WHY DID I HAVE TO GO THIRD), classic trobedison shenanigans, and the shawshank redemption homage is very funny to me. plus! adam devine cameo! I like this episode more every time I watch it. unsung hero fr.

✅ advanced documentary filmmaking: okay so I won’t lie, I fucking HATE the changnesia arc. I think it is so incredibly stupid and uncreative. there are a million different and better ways they could have brought him back. but, this episode is just too important in the season's development to skip. and, honestly, if I ignore the whole premise, there are a lot of funny bits and jokes in this one. troy constantly smiling at the camera (read: smiling at abed), troy and annie being the silliest ever, jeff's trust issues, and ken jeong is truly very funny, I just hate this arc so much. but ultimately it's too important to cut. imo.

❌ economics of marine biology: I basically feel the same about this one as I do about alternative history of the german invasion. it's boring, the premise is stupid, it's out of character, it's unfunny, the guest character is lame, and it's pointless to the overall plot. abed and the delta cubes is a little bit funny? and I guess you could argue that the jeff and pierce development is important? but I’d refute that very quickly. it's pierce, who cares. not. worth. it.

✅ herstory of dance: this episode is honestly the upper end of mid, but it has enough good jokes and development to make it worth it. it is also Very abed-centric, which we've established is always a plus imo, and his whole bit with going on two dates at once is very in character. he also meets rachel, who comes back in season 5, so that's important. it also has some great jeff & britta development!!! which is sort of few and far between in the later seasons!!! yippee!!!

❌ intro to felt surrogacy: tied for my least favorite community episode of all time. it's clear they tried to do something similar to what they did with abed's uncontrollable christmas, but it is so incredibly contrived that it is physically painful to watch. I hate the puppets. the hot air balloon story is so stupid and out of character. the songs are bad. how dare they sully the legacy of my third favorite episode (lmao). the only redeeming qualities are troy as a whole (all of his lines are good, and that moment when he pretends his puppet is falling asleep is very funny), and the fact that pierce is not physically in it. but those do not make up for how horrific the rest of it is. in my opinion. haha.

❌ intro to knots: once again! Tied For My Least Favorite Community Episode! they're right next to each other, how convenient. and again: bad jokes, bad premise, I fucking hate professor cornwallis, the changnesia shit is back, the plot is ALL over the place, there is little to no actual character development, the dialogue just goes in circles, and it ends with a random litter of kittens that are never mentioned again??? I guess the only mildly important thing is the end tag with the evil study group, which comes back during the season finale. but yeah. not worth it. disgusting.

✅ basic human anatomy: and here we have a HUGE jump from the last one. this is my favorite season 4 episode, and is probably in my top 15 from the entire show. I could talk about this episode for hours. the troy development alone is so so so good and important. add abed into the mix and Oh Boy!!! britta is great in this one, jeff and the dean's whole thing is so fucking funny, shirley and annie competing against leonard for valedictorian on a technicality is very in character and silly, danny and donald's acting in this one is commendable, etc etc etc. there really isn't much, if anything, I dislike about this episode. jim rash being the credited writer makes me love him even more. legendary. outstanding.

✅ heroic origins: I actually really like this episode. it does still have that sort of unnatural and off-putting vibe that the majority of season 4 has, but I think it holds up. it's in character, it has some great jokes and one-liners, and although it does have its moments of discontinuity, it does a surprisingly good job of staying compliant with what has already been established. certainly much better than alternative history of the german invasion. abed's whole bit with the star wars prequels makes me laugh, the annie's boobs lore, footage of annie and troy in high school (surprisingly well done if you ignore the discontinuity of troy's injury), etc. it's also massively important for the overarching season plot, and we finally get to the conclusion of the stupid changnesia arc. I could go on and on, there's just a ton of really cool callbacks (including one to the pilot, which I only noticed a few months ago and am obsessed with), and I just. wasn't expecting this one to work out as well as it did. pleasantly surprised, all in all.

✅ advanced introduction to finality: this one is not great tbh, but it's too important plot-wise to skip. and, I mean, it does have some good moments. abed immediately recognizing evil jeff, the whole thing being in jeff's head a la remedial chaos all being in abed's head (insert something about how this being yet another demonstration of how fundamentally jeff and abed understand each other, which I could expand way more on but won't in this particular post), season 2 of the cape, "one of us is out of bullets" "is it you" "...yeah" "why would you tell me that," and more. overall, yeah, worth watching imo.

I do also want to say that I think season 4 is a bit overhated. I do agree that it is the worst season, I think most of us can agree that that is an objective truth, but it does have its moments and I do get slightly frustrated when people write the entire season off.

I’m also happy to hear anyone else's opinions on what you think is/isn't worth watching in season 4, especially if you really strongly disagree with me. I’m curious to what your reasoning is lmao.

okay! this is definitely way more elaboration than you needed, but I hope this was helpful 💯💯💯

[star2stop]

Mayhaps Soul in one of these? :0/nf

-moss

OMG HI MOSS!!!! sorry if it took me literal MONTHS to get to this ToT fjdhsfhsdkg heres soul wearing both fits cuz i think they r both pretty :]