#sorry i took awhile to get back to youuuuu

[floral-and-fine]

hiiiii, gurl! it s me (again). I'm diving into a new obsession and I think you're the only person on the internet who knows about the existence of this man. may i request ANOTHER set of random headcanons about Carl Stargher from The Cell? and maybe the SO is also a psychologist like Catherine that gets close to him, in his mind, by approaching the mad side of Carl, rather than the innocent one, potentially avoiding his death? thank youuuuu!!!!😭😭😭

Hey Friend! I’m so grateful that I’m not the only one who loves this guy 😭❤️ so thank you for the ask!

Also sorry it took me awhile, I wrote these headcanons a little differently, kinda going through the plot of the movie (at least what I could remember of it) hopefully they’re worth the wait 😅

Carl definitely piqued your interest before entering his mind, both from a psychological aspect and a personal level

At one point, while still in college, you had considered joining the FBI and using your education to help better understand the behavior of serial killers

But you were concerned over how much you empathized with each killer you studied. So many of them had such terrible, abusive childhoods that you couldn’t help but feel for them

So instead you focused on helping children, in hopes to prevent future serial killers

After graduating and working as a child psychologist, you were presented with an opportunity that definitely was too interesting to pass up, a project involving an experimental virtual reality treatment

When the FBI contacted you and the other doctors working on this project with a proposal of using it to acquire information about a serial killer, you felt a mix of excitement and anxiousness

As you prepared to enter his mind, you stood beside Carl, your fingers gently touching the side of his face, committing his facial features to memory

You had no idea what to expect once you entered his mind but you wanted to be able recognize him

Waking in Carl’s mind was different, it was jarring, fractured, and cold… so many different areas and facets to explore

You feel like you could spend weeks analyzing it all, digging deep into what each scene and piece of imagery meant

It was clear that he was a complicated being, proud of his ‘accomplishments’, by how each of his victims were displayed, but there was also this darkness like he knew that it was wrong/twisted

When the strong woman dropped you unceremoniously on the ground, it took you a moment to regain your bearings… the man who had been seated upon a throne, stood up

“Where did you come from?” He demanded, his voice sounded distorted and monstrous.

You froze, thumb hovering over the button on your hand, part of you wanted to scream, but the other part wanted to see where this would go

His stare was unnerving, dark eyes watching your every move, you could hear shrieking in the background, you recognized the being as Carl, or at least a part of him, a terrifying part of him

You’re not sure what compelled you, but instead of escaping, you reached out towards him, fingers brushing against his hand

There was a moment where the two of you simply watched the other, your fingers still touching his skin when suddenly without warning he moved, faster than you expected

He tried to grab your wrist

Falling back, panic finally set in, and you scrambled backwards, your hands coming together and then you woke up

Afterward, you couldn’t stop thinking about the whole experience. Sitting on your bed, in the safety of your home, staring at your television while hands rubbed the very real fabric of your comforter, you were hoping to anchor yourself in reality but every time you closed your eyes, you felt like you were back there with him

The whole experience was… fascinating… terrifying… erotic, leaving you eager to return

It was strange how after that first encounter he could sense your presence/arrival, instead of waking alone on the ground, you’d wake on a bed of dead flowers or in shallow waters or in an empty tub and Carl/king Stargher was always close by, waiting for you

With each visit the length in which you stayed became longer, you’d greet him with the same feathery light touch that soon lingered longer and longer

It left you questioning your sanity, wondering why you weren’t more afraid, wondering why you attracted to this sort of darkness

When you encountered the part of Carl that most resembled the actual man, it was the first time the two of had an actual conversation

You told him your name, which he quietly repeated to himself several times

The conversation was brief, he was curious about you, you learned about his the abuse he endured but when you started to press him for information about his latest victim he became volatile

When he changed, becoming the evil/darker version of himself, you simply gave in

You didn’t fight him as he grabbed you from behind then pushed you to the ground

When he produced the collar, you simply allowed him to put the collar on your neck, even going as far as stretching your head up and moving your hair out of the way

The hungry look he gave you, filled with desire, spurred you on

You pressed your hands against his pale chest, leaning towards him for a kiss

He immediately reciprocated

His touch was rough, desperate

You hands grazed over the rings on his back and arms, causing him to buck his hips against you

You lost yourself to the dream, your mind drowsy, you had no clue how long you had been here this time around, but you didn’t care

All you wanted was to stay with him

During your stay, your surroundings would change, but you were constantly by Carl/King Stargher’s side

Sometimes you found yourself sitting on his lap in the gold colored throne room, his hand on your lower back, your head resting on his chest, while he sat perfectly straight and still

Other times you were on the floor with him crawling over you and his hands roaming all over your body

Or you’d find yourself sitting on a lavish bed, wearing an ornate dress and mask, while he admired you

His changing appearance would make you question if they were all different separate pieces of Carl or the same evil side

Either way you cared for him all the same

His own feelings for your were a combination of ownership and worship, similar to being a prized possession

At some point the other doctors and FBI would have to intervene, because you had gone too deep, giving into your feelings and allowing yourself to believe that Carl’s world was real

All parts of Carl were here in your mind, each aware that you accepted all of him, the innocent and the evil

This was enough to keep himself from fighting you and from hurting himself

It was unfamiliar, being welcomed in by someone, in way he wanted to stay here in this beautiful and peaceful world that was your mind

His whole world/mind was warped, his father had twisted his perception of strength, right and wrong, and of women

He idolized the the perverse part of himself and stifled the innocent part

Carl never quite understood how he had both this disdain for women but also this wish to understand them, to have one care for him

Perhaps you were the answer to that wish

Having shown him the sort of empathy and compassion and protection he had wished for as a child

Unfortunately whether Carl stays in the coma or wakes up, there isn’t a possibility for a traditional happy ending

If he remains in the coma, you visit him regularly, when you enter his mind for a visit he’s always pleased to see you, but when you can’t you sit by his bed, holding his hand and talk to him

If he wakes from his coma, you do your best to support him but he’ll have to face the consequences for his actions… depending on the sentencing you visit him whenever possible… but for both of you it’s never enough. He’ll write to you, long letters, and always looks forward to your replies

He’ll miss getting to hold and touch you, but absolutely appreciates how you’ve stuck by him

Similar to the actual ending, you adopt Carl’s dog, giving him updates on how the dog is doing, showing him pictures

[sarah-yyy]

HI SARAH CAN I PLEASE HAVE SOME OTAYURI HEADCANONS

YES YOU CAN. Have some domestic!otayuri headcanons:

Otabek is The Worst Cook™, like Yuri literally doesn’t know how Otabek managed to live before he had Yuri around to cook for him. The last time Otabek tried to make breakfast for Yuri, the microwave exploded; he’s been banned from the kitchen since. 

Yuri keeps stealing Otabek’s clothes, but Otabek doesn’t really mind. He takes to buying clothes that he thinks will also look good on Yuri, and it’s a double win for him since 1) he secretly (”It’s really not a secret, Beka.”) likes it when Yuri wears his clothes, and 2) no more animal prints. 

Otabek really needs to learn how to say no to Yuri adopting more cats, but every time he tries to, Yuri just gives him those eyes, and Otabek melts into a puddle, and resigns himself to having to pick out a name for the new cat.

Otabek has to read before he sleeps, and Yuri often has trouble falling asleep, so most nights, Otabek reads Yuri to sleep. 

Yuri is a morning person, and Otabek would hate him for it, but it’s impossible to get upset about waking up early when Yuri wakes him up with kisses. 

[sunflowersteves]

hey hey babe!! can i request a oneshot for steve rogers? maybe one where the reader is his neighbor in dc, and they both have a crush on each other but are too nervous to say anything, and finally sam steps in because nothing would happen otherwise? take your time i will literally wait as long as you need 💕💕 love youuu

author’s note || hiii babes!! i really needed this fluff rn so thank you so much for requesting it!! i love youuuuu!!! ugh, you’re literally an angel. I’ve never been to dc so i’m sorry if it’s not accurate

also a wittle psa, sam and bucky are :))))))

warnings || tooth-rotting fluff, steve is a cutie patootie

Marvel Masterlist // Full Masterlist

Brown and crimson leaves crunch beneath your shoes. The air was cold and light as the wind blew against your body making you shiver slightly. You were walking back to your apartment after a long day of work when you decided to take a detour around the Lincoln monument.

You liked the way the trees showed off their brightness with their autumn yellows, oranges, and reds that fluttered around the grassy area. You breathed in slightly to feel the fresh air against your nose and you sighed, a small smile forming on your face.

You sat down on a bench near one of the bright orange trees. You let your bag sit between your feet as you watched kids playing in the park, tourists running around grabbing pictures of the monument, and birds chirping around the trees. You had finally felt relaxed after a stressful day at work.

“Oh- hey, y/n.”

You turn your head to see one of your neighbors, Sam. He had sweats and a black sweatshirt on, sweat was dripping down his face. You grinned at your friend, and he sat down next to you, grinning back at you.

“Going on a run at 6:00 pm, huh?”

Sam nodded exasperatedly, “We just got back from a mission and Steve couldn’t get out of bed.”

Your heart skips a beat at just hearing his name fall off of Sam’s lips. Your palms almost got sweaty and sticky, your heart beating rapidly. Sam snickered slightly from your figure. Your eyes suddenly got wide with realization. If Sam was here on a run that meant-

“O-Oh, u-uh, hey.”

Steve gives you the smallest wave ever while you seem to think the dead grass is more interesting and stare down.

“H-Hey.”

You couldn’t see it but Steve’s face flushed red at the sound of your voice. You could hear a slight giggle who you assume came from Sam but you honestly weren’t paying much attention. You and Steve still didn’t say anything. You were way too flustered to utter a single word and even if you did, you knew it would be a rambling mess.

Sam just rolls his eyes at the two of you and gets up from the bench. He smiles at you and winks with an all knowing gleam in his eyes. You internally groan at yourself for acting like such a fool around the super soldier.

“See you around, neighbor.”

You wave back at Sam and watch Steve intently as he’s practically tripping over his own feet, trying to catch up with Sam.

~~

“Sam, please, just cancel it.”

Sam just rolls his eyes for what it seemed like the millionth time. He sits down next to Steve on the couch, resting his feet on the coffee table. Steve was currently munching on some popcorn for their weekly movie night.

“I’ve invited Bucky too, you know.”

Steve scoffs, “But he’s your boyfriend! If you invited her it would be like a d-double date.”

Sam had invited you to have dinner with them tonight. He had slipped a piece of paper under your door that had all the information needed. You had run into them while leaving your apartment one day and said you could come—much to Steve’s horror.

“And would that be so bad?”

Steve snaps his mouth shut in irritation, knowing that Sam was right. It wouldn’t be bad for him to go on a double date with you. It would be the quite opposite like a dream come true. Ever since you had moved into the same complex as them, Steve couldn’t get you out of his head.

Your cute fashion styles and beautiful features have always made him swoon in every way possible. He couldn’t understand why he couldn’t ever talk to you. He’d just freeze like a deer in headlights and would avoid all contact with you as possible.

“Look, it’ll just be the four of us. It won’t be that bad, okay? Just dinner.”

Steve let out air that he didn’t realize he was even holding. He nodded towards his friend while Sam just shook his head.

~~

You take a deep breath before knocking on the soft brown wooden door. You were extremely nervous. The utmost nervous you had probably ever been since you had to give a presentation in front of around 100 people for college.

It took you about an hour and a half to decide on what type of wine to take over. So yeah, nervous was a bit of an understatement.

You heard some arguments behind the door but couldn’t quite make out what they were saying. Sam opened the door with a bright smile and gasped at the wine bottle sitting in your hand. He ushered you inside and took the bottle from you. You set your belongings where Sam told you to and went over to the kitchen.

Steve was tucked away in the corner, still trying not to make any contact with you whatsoever. You honestly wanted to do the same. He looked as handsome as ever with a plaid button up and jeans that hugged his perfect thighs.

When you had walked through the door, Steve choked on his water and started a coughing fit. You looked utterly gorgeous and Steve couldn’t release his gaze.

Sam diverts your attention to the other guest that arrived and you smiled, shaking the guy’s hand. You learned that his name was Bucky and that Sam and him were dating, which a bright smile landed upon your face.

You all sat down at the table when dinner was finally ready. Bucky and Sam, of course, sat side by side which made you and Steve sit next to one another. Steve sent a small glare towards Sam before sitting down in his chair, occasionally giving glances your way.

You mingled for a while, laughing about whatever argument Sam and Bucky seemed to have. They were quite entertaining with the amount of banter they had with each other but you never missed the love the two of them had.

Sam glances your way and places his fork down on the table. “Y/n, you look absolutely gorgeous. Doesn’t she, Steve?”

Steve chokes on a piece of lettuce, his eyes going as wide as they can. “Oh! u-um , yes! You look so amazing! I mean, well, you always look gorgeous. It’s not that you don’t look absolutely beautiful right now! I mean you do I-”

Steve shuts his mouth and drops his gaze awhile you just stared at him wide eyed. His face turned bright red, to the point of the tip of his nose almost looked like a cherry. He closed his eyes in pain, wondering when the suffering would ever end. He had definitely made a total fool of himself in front of you. He really wanted the floor to swallow him whole.

“T-thanks.”

You don’t dare look up from your food, playing with the food slightly. Sam and Bucky just roll their eyes at Steve. He couldn’t get one sentence out around you and while it was very sweet, it got super annoying when all everyone wanted was for the two of you to date already.

The conversation goes back to normal when you all finish eating. Steve starts to grab some plates and heads into the kitchen.

“While Bucky and I set up the living room, why don’t you and Steve do the dishes?”

Once again, Steve starts to blush. His cheeks were on fire at the mere thought of being so close to you while doing the dishes. You walked into the kitchen with some plates and handed them over. He gives you a dry towel and the two of you start cleaning the dishes.

He would clear all the food off, grab soup and get it all clean, while you would then dry it off and place them on the dish rack. You did this for about five minutes until Steve just stopped and turned to look at you.

“You do look really beautiful. I’m sorry about that earlier.”

You giggle while he rubs the back of his head in embarrassment. “It’s fine, Steve. You look pretty handsome yourself.” His eyes snap up to look at yours, his body subconsciously leans forward a bit, setting down whatever item that was in his hand.

Before you know it, you’re doing the same. Steve practically towers over you, his chest near yours. You couldn’t quite reach up to him--with him being a super soldier and all. His arm wraps around your waist, pulling you in even closer. Your noses touched and a clash of electricity flowed through you.

His lips looked buttery, they were bright pink and soft. Your hands rested on top of his chest, your lips just barely ghosting each other. You were so close to kissing. Finally, all the pining and the nervous mingling was fading away.

“Are you guys done in there?!”

You both jump five feet away from each other, staring wide eyed. You couldn’t leave Steve’s panicked gaze so you just stood there, not answering the question.

“S-should we, uh, go?”

You nodded but didn’t say anything as you followed Steve into the living room. Sam and Bucky had taken the couch so what was left was the love seat that sat in the corner. You and Steve tumbled over there, still very nervous from what just happened in the kitchen

“Oh my god. I’m so tired of you two.”

Sam sat up onto the couch, his eyes glazing towards you. Bucky was trying his hardest not to laugh at the two of you but it was pretty obvious the two of you had almost just kissed.

“Y/n, Steve wants to go on a date with you. Particularly at that fancy restaurant on 4th street.”

You froze in your spot, staring straight at Sam. The shock was evident on your features but you couldn’t help it. You didn’t think Sam would be so forward.

“And you,” He points an accusatory finger at Steve, “Y/n likes you a lot. She wants to go on many dates with you.”

You and Steve don’t say a thing as Sam and Bucky leave the room, making sure that the two of you got this private time. With a slam of Sam’s bedroom door, the two of you were left in silence.

You looked over at Steve while you fiddled with your fingers. You started to tremble slightly at your body became full-on nervous. You then went back to thinking the floor was the most interesting.

Steve glanced slightly over towards you, finding that you were staring at the floor. His face was flushed, and he started to sweat a bit. Sam had really just exposed the two of you and yet, he still can’t get the words out.

“I-”

“Steve-”

You both turned to each other in unison but your mouths snapped shut. Steve turned back around to face the TV, his eyes only looked at his shoes. You just continued to stare at him, biting your lip. You became flustered at your own thoughts, contemplating on if you were actually confident enough to do what you were going to do.

You shake your head slightly at yourself. You shouldn’t be worried about anything considering that Sam just concealed your secrets but you couldn’t help it. Steve made you incredibly nervous with butterflies buzzing around your stomach.

“Fuck it.” You mumble out.

“What-”

Steve is surprised by a soft pair of lips on his. Your hands were flesh upon his chest again, but he had been taken by surprise. His shoulders were tense and his eyes were blown wide open, but then he started to realize what had happened.

You are kissing him.

You are kissing him.

Steve starts to melt into the kiss, his arms coming around to rest on your waist. His eyes flutter shut and his lips are molding and bruising against yours. You felt like fire, hot and burning heat that radiated off of the two of you.

Neither of you wanted to break the kiss, never wanting it to end. However, your lungs had other plans and the two of you broke it, gasping for air. You lay your head on his chest, breathing in the sweet smell of Steve while his grip on you tightens.

“Tomorrow at eight?”

“Tomorrow at eight.”

~~

Marvel Taglist: @harrysthiccthighss, @fandomsandxfiles

Steve Rogers Taglist: @harrysthiccthighss

Permanent Taglist: @captainchrisstan @angstysebfan @teenagereadersciencenerd @hailmary-yramliah

[thefatedthoughtofyou]

Late Night Walks and Christmas Lights

(Ao3)

((( Thank you @tinyboop for the ideas!!! Sorry it took 84 years to write it!!!! Love youuuuu!! Also, so sorry this isn't under a read more, on mobile. If i can go in on desktop and add one i will... if i remember! <3 )))

It was almost Christmas. The buildings in the city had been decorating all month. Office buildings leaving lights on in the shapes of trees and snowmen and stars, the smaller buildings had been decked out with lights and little trees of their own. The wind had begun to bite, and the weather man was calling for their first snow this weekend.

Bucky hadn't really done Christmas in awhile. "Awhile" being lenient. He hadn't done Christmas in almost 70 years. And he knew that he'd stared when he went out to shop with Sam. Sam had offered to help him with his Christmas shopping, because Sam was nice like that... and also very good at Christmas shopping.

But Bucky had been staring, at the lights, and the trees, and all the tinsle and gifts and toy sets. Everything was so different now. So big. So in your face and everywhere. It was overwhelming. Sam had swooped in right as Bucky's hands had begun to shake, right on time. Like always.

He'd guilded him through shop after shop, grounding him with a steady hand on his elbow when needed, or a hand placed to the small of Bucky's back. Bucky wasn't sure if Sam realized he was doing that, but he wasn't going to say anything that might make him stop. He'd helped him around the shops and they managed to get most of the gifts they needed.

They'd headed back to their apartment, they'd been living together for almost a year. Neither of them enjoying the hustle and bustle of so many bodies under one roof. Sam had offered to look for places, and Bucky, ever the talkative one, had nodded. Sam had found them a nice place in queens rather quickly. Suspiciously quickly. Bucky didn't mention it. They'd hid their gifts and moved on. Waiting to wrap them til closer to Christmas.

Bucky woke to Sam screaming.

In all honesty,  he hadn't been sleeping. Sam screams at the same time every night, every time it happens, Bucky had begun waking a few minutes before, naturally,  and would wait a few moments after, for the silence or the screaming. If there was silence, he'd drift back to sleep, happy that Sam was getting a goodnights sleep. If there were screams, well, it was different every time, but Bucky always tried to help. And Sam, Sam had actually begun to let him.

Bucky pulls on a pair of black sweats and his blue henley, shoves his feet into his boots and gets up, rubbing at his eyes as he walks down the hall to Sam's room. The screaming has stopped now, Bucky can hear Sam breathing heavily through his bedroom door. Awake then. He knocks twice, the sharp rap of his knuckle.

"Get dressed and meet me in the kitchen." Bucky says, not an order, not a request, something in-between, something that they both understand, however unspoken. Bucky waits by the table. Not five minutes later Sam stumbles into the room, his own boots loose on his feet as he yanks his shirt down over his head.

"Is it far?" Sam asks, his voice low and hoarse, either from screaming or from sleep. Bucky doesn't ask.

"Not too far. But it's cold." Bucky says, a small smile tugging at his lips when Sam groans but follows him to door, accepting the coat Bucky offers with a nod.

Bucky hadn't lied, it wasn't far. Just around the corner. But it had started snowing earlier in the night, the streets and cars all covered in a thin white sheet of sparkling flakes, and the cold air made the walk seem like miles.

Sam pressed into Bucky's side as they walked. Huddling for warmth, Bucky told himself, and he was grateful. He pulled the door of their destination open, Sam gave him a look, Bucky waved him inside and followed him into the warmth under the florescents inside.

"A gas station." Sam said, voice lacking any emotion.

"Yep." Bucky nodded.

"You brought me, to a gas station.  In the freezing cold. At 4 in the morning. " the lack of emotion was mostly for effect now, Bucky could see his lips twitching.

"Not just a gas station." Bucky said, walking toward the back of the small store, keeping his eyes on Sam.

"A gas station, with icees." He pointed his finger over his shoulder, Sam had been following him down the aisle he'd chosen.

"Icees." Sam echoed, voice dull.  Bucky nodded.

"Icees."

"Buck it's fuckin snowing outside and you brought me hear get an icee?" His hands were on his hips now, eyes incredulous.

Bucky stopped. He looked out the window. It was snowing. And he guessed most people probably wanted warm drinks in the winter. He hadn't really thought it through. He raked his eyes over the shop, looking for some way to recover.

"They have coffee too." He offered lamely, with a shrug. Sam stared at him, hands on his hips, not moving, for what seemed like ages. And then his body seemed to melt,  his face soften, arms dropped.  He smiled, wide and bright, and strode toward Bucky.

"I'm just fuckin with ya. Thanks Buck." He patted Bucky's chest as he walked past him to the drink machines. He began filling a cup with the cherry icee, the bright red reached about a quarter of the way up and he switched to coke. He went back and forth, layer by layer, til the cup was full. He popped his straw into the cup and took a sip, smiling around the bright red straw perched between his lips, motioning with his head for Bucky to get his.

Bucky grabbed a cup and started with cherry as well, but he layered his with blue raspberry before popping his staw in. He took too big gulps and then stopped, his eyes falling on Sam, who was staring at his mouth. Bucky involuntary let his lips part, his straw catching on his teeth. Sam gulped and licked his lips before shaking his head and looking away.

"They got anything else in here worth checkin out?" He asked as he walked away from Bucky up a different aisle, his eyes down.

"They uh..." he trailed off, mind wandering. He cleared his throat and tried again.

"They have a pretty good candy selection." Bucky said, finding himself again and pointing to the giant wall of candy behind Sam. Sam's eyes lit up when he spun around to look, Bucky smiled at his feet as he trailed behind him.

Sam kept them in the small gas station for almost two hours, looking at everything from drinks to novelty lighters. Sam bought one for both of them, so 'they could stay warm on the walk home'. Bucky had no problem staying warm on the way home, Sam pressed against him again and he could feel himself flushing from cheeks to toes.

They walked up the steps to their door and Bucky stopped, his hand on Sam's arm, staring at the door. Or rather the light shining underneath it.

"We didn't leave a light on." Bucky whispered. Sam covered Bucky's hand with his own and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"I know. But it's okay. Go on." He nodded toward the door and let Bucky walk in front of him.

He turned the knob. Pushed the door open, and felt his heart skip a beat. There were Christmas lights strug on the walls. White ones. Everything was a glowing white. There was garland draped around the kitchen. And in the corner of the room stood a tree. Dazzling in white lights, covered in bulbs of all different colors. Sam pressed into his side again, slowly, looking at him. Bucky knew he was trying to gage his reaction.

"How did you-"

"Did we do okay?" A small voice asked, Bucky knew that voice. He looked down the hall to see Peter's head poking out of Sam's room, his hair sleep tussled, baggy pajama shirt nearly falling off his shoulder.

"I think we did great for such short notice. Personally." Aunt May's head popped out right above her nephews, her hand resting on his shoulder as he smiled up at her, and then both of them, in synch, turned to smile at Sam and Bucky.

"You did great. Thanks." Sam said with a nod. Bucky turned to him and stared.

"What?" Sam asked, having the audacity to sound confused.

"How did you do this?" Bucky asked, staring at Sam and ignoring the muttering from down the hall, hearing a distinct "how did HE do this?", before managing to shut them out.

"Oh we've been planning this for awhile. I texted them when we got to the gas station." Sam said, like it was just that simple. Bucky could hear Peter and Aunt May gathering their things somewhere far behind him.

"It was 4 in the morning. Why didn't you just... wait til i got sent on a mission or something?" He wiped his palms on his thighs,  he could feel that flush creeping up on him again.

"It wouldn't havs been as surprising then." Sam shrugged. Bucky thought he might collapse right there. He didn't know what to say. Or how to say it.

"You two boys have a wonderful Christmas." Aunt May butted in, pulling them both in for a hug, side by side, kissing their cheeks.

"Now. There's two presents under that tree, one from me, and one from Peter. You're not to open them til Christmas." She pointed at them, giving them a stern look. She screwed her face up and seemed to change her mind.

"Or at least Christmas Eve." She smiled brightly, pulled them into another hug and then released them. Peter pounced on them not even seconds later.

"Aww Merry Christmas guys! I hope you like your gifts! Mine's better than Aunt May's but hers is really good too, we're super good at gift giving you're gonna love them! Aahh i wish you could just open them now so we could see your faces!!!" He was practically bouncing up and down. Aunt May detached her nephew and apologized.

"Sorry guys! It was so early when you texted so i made coffee and i made it waaaayyy too strong and it's kinda just now kicking in. Ultimately unfortunate but actually kind of okay cuz now i have the energy to do the rest of my shopping today! So thanks i guess! Bye! Merry Christmas!!" He waved as he walked backwards out the door, they heard him slide down the banister on the stairs and land perfectly.

"Nailed it!" His disembodied voiced called from the hall. Aunt May laughed, a happy, bubbly sound, and then her smile softened. She looked at them for a moment, her hand on the door knob.

"Really though. I hope your Christmas is wonderful you two." She closed the door a smidge and then popped back in.

"Oh! And before i forget, Peter left you a little something extra, for holiday cheer." She pointed toward the ceiling, grinning at them as she pulled the door shut.

Bucky looked at Sam.

Sam looked at Bucky.

Then they both looked to the ceiling together.

Above their heads. Stuck to the ceiling with webbing that was sparkling in the twinkling lights, was a small sprig of mistletoe.

Bucky felt his knees wobble, his eyes falling back to Sam, who was still staring at the ceiling. He looked so beautiful, his skin was practically glowing in the low light of the Christmas decorations. Sam finally lowered his gaze back to Bucky, eyes moving over his face, jumping between his eyes and his mouth in quick succession.

"Ya know. I might be in trouble." Sam said, voice low, his breath ghosting over Bucky's skin, making him shiver.

"What? Why?" His brain was malfunctioning, he could feel it. He was sure soon enough there'd be smoke coming out of his ears.

"Cuz i think Spiderboy might be much better at this Christmas thing than me." He was whispering now, and was he getting closer? Was it hot in here? Bucky was sure it hadn't been this hot a moment ago.

"I thou-" Bucky cleared his throat, his attempt at a whisper being more of a croak.

"I thought you were the best?" Bucky breathed. Sam's hand moved to Bucky's cheek, his thumb moving in a slow, warm, line across his cheekbone.

"He's better." It was less a whisper than a breath, breathed between them like a secret, before Sam closed the distance. His lips were warm, hot almost. They seemed to burn Bucky in the most delicious way. He grabbed at Sam's hips and pulled him closer, flush against him, moaning softly as Sam's tongue brushed his lips.

Sam pulled back first, not far, his head resting agaisnt Bucky's as they stood leaning into each other. He smiled at the small sound of disagreement Bucky made. Bucky's eyes were still closed but he could feel Sam nodding slowly.

"Yeah. He's way better."

Bucky opened his mouth, intending to agree but never getting the chance. Sam dove back in, pressing himself into Bucky until all he could feel was Sam. All he knew was Sam. His whole world was Sam. Sam, holding him tightly. Sam, kissing him deeply. Sam, pulling him closer in the glow of the dazzling Christmas lights.

[lavendertwilight89]

Shelter- 4: What’s your favorite line of dialogue?

....I don’t know if I can answer this HAHAHAHAHAA! This story is just... it’s so big. Honestly?? I think at the very beginning when they first met when Kag is trying to soothe Inu but Inu is being an idiot (but to be fair, a smarter idiot).

I felt like even with them just meeting it was just so them. So in character. So AH! I know it’s long but you made me choose

Also I won’t add a spoiler bar because this is literally the very beginning of the story

Inuyasha awoke feeling groggy. Something was wrong… he didn’t even remember falling asleep. The last thing he remembered it was the new moon--his night of vulnerability. His eyes felt extremely heavy; he must’ve fucked up. Miscalculated. There must’ve been a danger he hadn’t smelled or sensed before he lost his demonic abilities.

Fuck. His body hurt. The question had morphed from what happened to where was he? How was he alive? And why? He listened quietly and heard the pitter patter of rain--likely bouncing off of a roof. He smelled like he was in an enclosed hut. It was old--stagnant. Obviously, it hadn’t been used in awhile. But he wasn’t alone. There was a strong smell of lavender, honey, and jasmine flowers… it was alluring. Intoxicating. But it also scared the shit outta him. He also smelled a lot of blood. Not just his. Probably not just who he shared this little hut with either.

He sat up quickly and groaned from his stupidity. “Fuck…”

“Oh, you’re awake. You need to lie still,” he heard a soft melodic whisper from across the room. He turned to see a young woman in priestess garbs leaning against the wall of the hut he was currently in. He sensed her power and shit--he was about to fucking die. Or fry. Something. He gasped and clutched his gut as he tried to turn and run but his legs failed him.

Her sigh and shuffling made him panic until he heard her whimper. He looked over to her to see she also was grasping her own torso as she scooted towards him. She was pale. Sweating. She… didn’t look good.

“Stop,” he tried to sound threatening. It must’ve worked or she was where she had tried to get to. Water dripping from a bucket made him turn his head and see she was much closer. She grimaced and winced again as she shifted onto her knees and pressed a calming hand on his chest. She wiped the sweat from his brow and smiled softly--weakly.

“It’s okay… I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Get off me,” he said, grabbing her hands and pushing her away slightly. He hadn’t expected her to fall to the floor of the hut and cry out. Shit. He was an asshole. He noticed an overwhelming scent of blood--hers. Shifting he took her in and saw how dirty she was now that she was close enough. She was covered in demon blood--along with his and her own.

She rolled over onto her back and glared at him, “You--asshole! That’s not a way to thank someone for helping you!”

“Never asked for your help,” he shot back. “I told you to stop.”

“I thought you were just scared and confused! Not that you’d throw me!”

“I didn’t throw you, I shoved and you’re just weak.”

“Whatever,” she scoffed and rolled over to her side. She was whimpering as she pushed herself to get up and then made her way back to the wall.

He took the opportunity to see she had bandaged him--”Where are my clothes??”

“Your kosode is ruined but your haori is over there,” she gestured behind him. He wasn’t surprised. Only his kimono made from the fur of the fire rat could withstand damage. Standing uneasily, she remained quiet this time as he began to dress.

“Alright, I’m out of here.”

“I wouldn’t if I were you,” she said leadingly. He glanced back and saw a smug little sparkle in her bright sapphire eyes. He looked to the door and saw her barrier erected around the hut and grew angrier.

“Why the hell not? I’m not staying here with you, you weak ass priestess! You couldn’t even slay me!”

“Why would I want to hurt you?”

“Are you fucking blind??! I’m a demon!!”

“Half.”

“Shut up! Anyway--so you’re a dark priestess then?? Ya wanna make a deal? I don’t really do that kind of shit so you might as well lower your barrier. I’m leaving whether I have to kill you or get zapped.”

“There’s a rather large horde of demons past my barrier. It’s there to protect us… until we heal.”

“Don’t lie.”

“Smell for yourself,” she flicked her wrist and a tiny hole opened and he got a good whiff. Fuck. He’d die the minute he stepped out. There’d be no way he would make it past them.

“Damnit!” he yelled as he punched a hole through the hut. “Why didn’t you kill them, huh?? God, you’re fucking useless!”

“For your information, I was a little busy saving you,” she said in a huff. “For someone who had their life saved on such a time of weakness, you sure are ungrateful.”

“I should just fucking kill you now, bitch. But I need your fucking barrier.”

“Oh goody,” she sighed leaning her head back against the wall and closing her eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ll be out of your hair soon enough.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he snarled. She was planning to kill him after all! Fuck!

“I may be a priestess but I’m still human. I’ve lost a lot of blood, been using my reiki for three days straight, haven’t eaten anything, oh, and, probably have slept for maybe six hours total,” she said with a heavy groan at the end clutching her abdomen. Okay, he felt like a dick. But he was only protecting himself.

“Why haven’t you been taking care of yourself? You’re of age to be independent. How the hell have you lived so long if you’re this dumb?”

“Gods! I’ve been taking care of you, stupid!!!” She yelled at him with tears in her eyes. “Gods just shut up! I’m sorry I saved you! Obviously I messed up--you clearly were trying to commit suicide. Don’t worry, in a couple hours, I’ll probably be dead anyway, my barrier will fail and they’ll eat us both!”

“Shut up! That’s not what I meant!” Inuyasha kneeled down at her feet, still not willing to get too close to her but she wasn’t going to be able to reach out in her state at that moment.

“Oh??? Want me to use myself as bait so you can escape??? Lessen the guilt so you won’t have to watch me die?? Prefer to think I just waltzed right out of here rather than succumbing to my injuries!!?”

“No! Fuck! Stop fucking talking!!”

“No really!! Tell me what it is you want! What do you need?? I live to fucking serve!!”

He finally lost his temper and slapped his hand over her mouth and glared into her wide eyes, “Shut. Up. Look, I overreacted. I didn’t remember what happened--still don't--I thought you were trying to kill me like every-fucking-one else--and I admit, I’m a jackass.”

She just continued to glare at him and then she did the craziest thing he had EVER had happen to him. She. LICKED. Him. What. In. The. Fuck!??!?!

“Ugh!!!” he yelled and pulled his hand away like it was on fire. “You--you--youuuuu---WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!!? YOU LICKED ME!!!”

“Jeez, you’re acting like I just shot you with an arrow,” she mocked rolling her eyes.

“You’re--you’re so fucking weird!! Are you even a priestess?!!?”

“Uhm, duh?”

“Don’t you know demons are inherently evil?? That as a priestess, we are naturally enemies?!" He felt like he was going to explode from rage that was driven by confusion. This woman hadn't tried to attack him yet. No matter how much he cursed her, poked and prodded her, insulted her-- she just took it. Rolling her eyes. Like she knew him.

"Yes-- I'm aware we are 'supposed' to be enemies. I just don't believe in that notion. Not all demons are bad. You exist because a human and demon obviously loved each other to make you. I have demon friends that I care for, well, cared for." She sighed and took a ragged breath. "Look, I don't want to spend what could be my last hours arguing. I accept your lame apology. I forgive you."

"You--you what???"

"You’ve obviously had a rough life to be so callous. I'm just sorry we couldn't have become friends," she added as her shoulders relaxed somewhat.

"Oh fuck no! You're not gonna fucking die on me!"

"Haha, are you a demon of the underworld that can prevent that? I'm also not dying yet. Just resting." Her demeanor didn't convince him.

"No, but I can heal you."

That made her eyes open again. "Hm? How?"

"I don't like owing favors and I unfortunately think I owe you a lot… my uhm… " Well shit. How was he gonna tell her? He doubted she'd accept help. She seemed to have about as much pride as he did. She wouldn't sully herself to be healed...

"How about while I rest, you think of a way to tell me of your little 'secret'," she said as gruffly as a kitten. She was pretty weak, he probably shouldn't let her sleep. If she did, he wasn't sure she'd wake back up.

"No."

When she didn't respond he slightly panicked and reached out and touched her to rouse her. Even though he shouldn't care, she rescued him and likely gave her own life for his.

"Hey! You cannot sleep!! Bitch, wake up!!"

"Ugh, I liked you better sleeping. I at least could imagine you being nicer."

He let out a breath he hadn’t known he had been holding and clipped, "Regret saving a half breed already?"

"No."

He blinked. Twice. Three times. She opened her glazed over ocean eyes and locked with his, "Why do you assume I'd regret giving my life for yours?"

"I can run off twenty reasons right now."

"Mmmm… I'd prefer not to hear any until after you let me nap. Next time you stir me I may make you regret giving me the idea of zapping you," she smirked weakly before letting her eyes shut again.

"You better just be sleeping," he grumbled.

"Don't worry. I'll see your handsome smirk again," she slurred, finally succumbing to sleep.

Sputtering and blushing from her words he got up quickly and exited the hut. Fuck. She was crazy. All he could do was equate her insanity to her exhaustion, blood loss, and hunger. Yep. That made the most sense. Finally calming his racing heart, he noticed the barrier wasn't just around the hut; it seemed to stretch out into the forest. Maybe he could find something to eat… rebuild their strength. Would animals be able to enter the barrier? How was the barrier able to even be maintained this long? How was this woman so powerful?

I just feel like it really ahhhhhhhh!!!! LOL Thanks for the ask @superpixie42!!!!!!!!!

Wanna read the rest of Shelter? Click here!

[harksness]

Natasha Romanoff x Reader

Request: Pleeeeeeease can you do Reader insert with Nat (and Wanda if you can?)for just some fluffy goodness? I’ve had a tough weekend so I need some tooth rotting fluff to cheer me up :) up to you what happens!! thank youuuuu p.s I love your writing

Requested by: @widowbitessting

A/N: Thank you sm! And thank you so much for being patient, I’ve been suuuper busy with getting caught up with homework and my work schedule changing so haven’t had very much time to sit down and write. I'm so sorry it took so long to post! Since I already wrote something with Wanda, this’ll just be for Nat. I hope it’s what you wanted!! Enjoy! xx

Dating a SHIELD agent like “Black Widow” wasn’t easy.

She’s always gone for long periods of time or gets abruptly taken away from you. Sometimes you wake up to a cold bed and an I’m sorry note on the pillow where her head should be. Sometimes you get home from work, only to find an apology note on the kitchen counter. And other times, she’d get a call when you’re spending time together, always giving you an apologetic look when she sees who’s calling. Every time, you feel your stomach drop because you know that look, and you know you’re going to lose your girlfriend for awhile.

The worst part is not knowing.

Not knowing when she’ll be back or how long she’ll be gone. How long it’ll be until you get to hold her again, see her cocky smirk or feel her lips against yours in a needy kiss. Until you get to hear her voice, feel her touch again.

You know Natasha is more than capable of defending herself, it kinda comes with the job, but you still get terrified that something bad happened to her. That she’s not going to come home, or come home in a body bag.

But you try to stay positive. Sometimes she can call you, or write you a letter. You cherish those moments until you see her again. Even though you worry, you’re fine with all of this. If this is what Natasha wants to do with her life, it won’t make you love her any less. You know that it's part of her. Because of how she was raised, the Red Room. She’s never known anything else. If she wants to leave, you’ll support her. But if she wants to stay, you’ll support her just as much.

It’s part of her.

Suddenly, you heard your apartment door being unlocked. Your eyes snapped open, listening intently. Maybe you were just hearing things? You had to be. Laying in bed, slipping in and out of sleep for hours must have messed with you a bit.

Your front door creaked open, and you heard soft footsteps coming down the hall. Okay, you definitely weren't hearing things. Sitting up, you peeled the plush comforter off of your body and stood from where you’ve been tossing and turning all night, unable to stop your mind from racing.

You hear shuffling. Natasha was suppose to be gone for a few more days at the least, so you panicked. Your heart thumping in your chest, you desperately searched for something you could defend yourself with. Tasha always kept weapons around the house, she taught you how to use them and how to properly defend yourself, dropping to the floor quickly, you began searching under the bottom of your side of the bed for the nearest gun.

The light flicked on.

Panicking, you frantically ran your hand over the underside of the bed, when your fingers finally grazed over something cold. 

You froze when you heard a soft, melodic laugh. Slowly you looked up and over the corner of the bed, seeing your girlfriend standing there, looking completely exhausted but amused. Natasha’s eyes had dark circles hanging from them, but they were bright with adoration. She placed a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter

“Did you forget that there’s a gun in your nightstand, too?”

You let your forehead land on the bed, hiding your face in embarrassment. 

“Yeah. I forgot.”

She chuckled again, snorting softly. You felt your heart melt at the dorky noise. 

“Why do we have so many guns in our apartment?!”

You groaned, pouting.

“We only have two in our bedroom, I want to make sure you can defend yourself if anything bad happens. The nightstand is the most obvious place, babe.” 

You couldn’t stop the smile that graced your lips at finally being able to see Natasha again. Shrugging off her teasing you stood, racing around the side of the bed to meet her. She quickly dropped the duffel bag that she was holding onto the floor and caught you in her arms. Natasha laughed, stumbling a bit from the impact of you colliding with her, but quickly she regained her footing, tightening her hold on you. You felt tears building up behind your eyes as you wrapped your arms around her and buried your face into her neck, taking her in. 

“I missed you.”

You whispered into her hair, unable to stop your voice from cracking. Natasha shushed you, holding you tighter.

“I missed you too.”

She said in the softest voice you’ve ever heard her use, causing you to melt with love for her all over again. You couldn’t help it anymore, so overwhelmed with being able to see your girlfriend again and how much you love her, you felt the tears begin to trace down your cheeks, sniffling uncontrollably. 

Natasha leaned back, bringing her hands up from their secure place around your waist, and she began to gently wipe away your tears with the sleeve of her sweatshirt.

“Don’t cry, please.”

She said in a desperate attempt to cheer you up. You laughed through your tears, bringing your lips to hers in a desperate kiss. It's been too long since you were able to feel her touch, to kiss her. Show her how much you love her. Your hands began to roam as she moved her lips against your own, just as desperate to rediscover you as you are ro rediscover her.

Pulling back and resting your forehead against hers, not able to stop touching her, you smiled.

“These are happy tears.”

She grinned back at you.

“C’mon Black Widow. You’re probably exhausted. Let’s get some sleep and save the rest of the water works for the morning, huh?”

You sniffled, wiping the rest of your tears away, the two of you broke into soft laughter.

“Yes Ma’am.”

She said with a smirk, and you snorted unattractively. Natasha looked at you with eyes full of love, her smirk slowly growing into a wide smile. She squeezed your arm softly before going to flick off the light. You threw back the comforter, sliding back in between the sheets.

Natasha approached where you were laying on the bed, pausing a moment to yawn before she joined you, laying on her back and motioning for you to come to her with a raised brow. You crawled towards her, wrapping her arms securely around her torso you rested your head right above her heart. She secured her arms around your shoulders, eager to hold you close again.

The steady beat of her heartbeat in your ear calmed you. You softly ran your fingers over her skin, needing something else to remind you that she's here, remind you that you're not dreaming. Natasha is in your arms, safe, alive. She's here with you.

"I love you."

She whispered into the roots of your hair, and you felt your heart soar.

"I love you too."

Moments like these are what make everything worth it.

[tellmeiamdreamingplease]

When Life gives you Lemons- Chapter Three

Summary: Reader goes to collage, Mob!Tom has too move to New York,They meet and Tom falls for her, Y/N wants none of it but Tom like to get his way.

Word count: 1483 words

Warnings: death, guns, mean words, My bad writing

Inspired by @thewiseandfree

Y/N walks done the street, it has gotten pretty dark, she had her book bag packed with some clothes, some school supplies, hygiene products, and her phone. Since she didn't have a car she was walking around the city trying to make her way to Ambers. Y/N is lost in her thoughts. Why did she leave me? I am her kid. lost in her thoughts, she was distracted by the fact that it started to rain, she looks up at the sky. Great she thought to herself, she contuied to walk in the rain, letting it run down her back, and flating her hair. she frowned as a roar of thunder shook her feet and the rain poured harder, my luck, she thought too herself, she looked around trying to find a shop or a restaurant, she looks to her side a notices a local coffee shop. She quickly jogs across the street, avoiding the puddles, and enters the warm shop; right away she breaths in the familiar smell of coffee. She goes up to the til and orders a large coffee with cream, once the barista gives Y/N her coffee she heads to a small table and begins to text Amber

Y/N: Hey. I need a ride. Long story. I’m at a coffee shop on the corner of 10th street and Cherrylane drive.

It took awhile for Amber to respond back.

Best Friend: Y/N don’t you remember? I’m gone for the night. My family is visiting my grandparents.

Y/N: oh right.

Best friend: did you need something, I’m sure I can get out of it.

Y/N: no it’s fine. I got it under control.

Best friend: :) okay

Y/n sighs as she puts her phone down, taking a large sip of her coffee. What was she going to do?

TOMS PERSPECTIVE

It was getting pretty late, but Tom couldn’t think anymore, he was going through the millions of files, when Harrison walked in.

“Hey mate, looks like you need a break. Want to go to the pub?” Tom shakes his head.

“I have too much to do, last thing I need is to be drunk.”

“How about coffee then, boast of energy to get you through all these.” Harrison pats the big pile of files on his desk. Tom sighs.

“Fine, but not for very long.” He grabs his cell and heads out the door with Harrison.

Y/N’S PERSPECTIVE

She taps her nails on the table as she scrolls through her phone, looking for a cheap hotel, she takes another large sip finishing off the coffee. The barista comes by with another coffee and a pity smile.

“Looks like you’ve had a tough day” he hands her another mug.

“On the house.” Y/n smiles and takes it, right away warming her hand.

“Thanks” she takes a large sip, and continues to scroll through a random website that shows hotels, she hears the familiar sound of a bell when a new customer walks in, she looks up in pure curiosity, that’s when she sees him, he had brown curly hair that was slightly patted down from the rain. He had deep brown eyes, he wore a grey shirt and a leather jacket and jeans, his jawline was sharp, it was like everything went in slow motion when she say him, he offered a glow to her life, her jaw almost dropped when she saw him. He was the definition of beauty. His friend nudged him and smiled as he pointed y/n out. He looked at her and winked, she quickly looked away, her cheeks turning a bright red, she didn’t mean to stare. She looked at the hotels again, she settled on one, thirty five dollars for one night, not so bad, the place did seem run down in the pictures, but least she wouldn’t be sleeping on the streets. She looked up and notices the men from earlier looking at her, they sat a nearby table, far enough so she couldn’t hear what they were saying. She rolls her eyes. They probably think I’m a dumb girl that drools over attractive men. assholes. Y/n thinks, she looks down at her phone again. One night in this hotel wouldn’t be that bad. As she gets up to leave the barista comes over again.

“Here’s another cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin. He smiles as he puts it down on her table. Y/N shakes her head.

“I know I look like a wreak, but I can’t have you give me anymore free food, thank you though.” She pushes the plate and mug towards him. He chuckles.

“It’s already paid for madam.” He turns to walk away.

“Wait- by who?”

“Those two fellas.” He points to the two men from earlier. The barista walks away, and y/n is left dumbstruck, she looks at them again and the one she found attractive gives her alittle wave and winks again. She gets up bringing the plate and coffee towards their table.

“Thanks. But I don’t want this.” She sets it on their table. The one with blue eyes smirks at the one with brown eyes.

“Your welcome, you should eat it anyways, you look hungry.” The brown eyed one slides the plate over to her and smirks. What was he playing at?

“You should sit.” Says the blue eyed one, motioning to the chair between them. She raises an eyebrow. She decides to sit. What’s the worse that can happen?

“My names Tom, and this is my mate Harrison.” Tom introduces himself. He had an striking British accent.

“Now you should tell us. What happened to your face? Cat fight?” At first y/n was offended, but then she remembered, Adam.

“Something like that.” She mumbled as she broke off a piece of the muffin and popped it into her mouth. Tom raised his eyebrows, obviously curious.

“What’s your name, sweetheart” tom asks.

“Y/n.” He stared deeply in her eyes, she scoots her chair further away from him. Maybe she should leave, she was starting to get bad vibes.

“Well Y/n, what brings-“ tom was caught off short by a loud shout. Y/n looks at the door. She starts to shake, he was here, Adam was here. Followed by her mother. She had bruises all around her face.

“Do you think you can just leave?!” He shouts he steps closer to y/n. Y/n is unsure what to do. Her eyes widen. She looks at Tom, he looks at Harrison.

“Sir I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” The barista calmly asks.

“Oh shut up.” Adam grabs a gun out of his jacket and shots the barista. The barista collapses on the floor, that’s when all hell breaks lose, the few people that are in the shop start screaming, hiding under tables. Y/n is pulled under a table by Harrison.

“ Your next.” Adam shouts staring right her, Y/n starts to cry, Harrison whispers in her ear.

“Don’t worry, Toms got this.” Tom stands up.

“What? Do you want to be next?” Adam sarcastically asks Tom. Tom chuckles.

“If I were you, I would get the hell out before you go through the most painful death you could imagine.”

“Was that a threat?” He cocks his gun. Tom grabs his gun and shots his foot. The sound makes more people scream.

“Yes it was, now get out before I make you.” Adam lowers his gun and leaves.

“Let’s go Lisa!” Her mother looks at y/n with panicked eyes. Y/n gets out from under the table.

“No! Mom!” But it’s too late her mom is out of the store. Everything else that happened was a blur, all she remembers was crying. Tom grabs her arm.

“Let’s go darling, let’s go somewhere safe.”

TOMS PERSPECTIVE

Tom was in his car now, after sorting everything out at the shop. He looks at the girl who is now sleeping beside him. She was beautiful, but she looks like she's been through pain, her face was bruised and her hair was cut.

“I should’ve killed him.” He turned to Harrison.

“If I knew he was the one that did this.. I should’ve put a bullet through his skull.”

“You still don’t know that he was the one.”

“That women was her mother, of course he was the one.” He looks at her again.

“Your mother will be excited.” Harrison smirked

“Are you fucking serious.” Tom shot him a glare. Harrison chuckled.

“What was I supposed to do, leave her there?” Tom questioned.

“No, but this is the first girl you’ve brought home in a month we’ve moved here, not even a one night stand, but with her, your smitten.” Tom rolled his eyes, the girl was pretty but he wasn’t in love with her or anything.

“And plus your mother is coming tomorrow.” Harrison smirked.

“What! She wasn’t supposed to come until next week!”

“She moved the date, she missed you.”

“Bloody hell” tom sighed. He’s family is coming, he has a girl at his house, and he might be falling for her, just by her looks. Hopefully she has a bad personality, then maybe he can shake this off. whatever this might be.

Taglist:

@reganmarler​

Side note: Sorry this chapter took so long, I was busy with homework and had a fever, I'm going to try to post twice a week for now on, maybe Tuesdays and Saturdays.... idk, we will see, anyways, thank for all the support I’ve gotten from Chapter one and two, LOVE YOUUUUU!!!!

[hanaflowersofficial]

Hi! This isn’t really an ask but more of a confession. (A long one at that) I have been reading your fanfic Unfinished Letters since I was a teen. (A practical fetus. I know XD) I recall coming home from school giddy and checking for any updates. Even if there wasn’t, I would click back from chapter 1 to read up to the latest update. As a teen, I suffered the crippling ailment of zeroing in on the romance of my favorite character. Plot be damned. I just wanted the kiss. The confession!! Now that I’m a bit older I‘m quite more appreciative of writing and all that it entails. And that’s made me love your fic even more. All the literature references? All for it. Hana? Love her and her character. I’m especially more sympathetic towards her now that I’m older. The joy of teaching a child is something I can’t replicate anywhere else. I still come back to your fic every few months especially when I have a Piccolo itch. An itch that manifested way back in grade school when I watched Dragon Ball and Dragon ball z on Tv. Piccolo is a character I always seem to come back to regardless of the years that have passed. He’s just that neat! (and hot too. Lol) The same can be said with your fic. I wanted to get this off my chest from a fan who’s been reading for awhile. I just figured out how to get back on my tumblr accountand find you. (Are there other platforms your on ?) I just hope you’ve been doing well! I just apologize for rambling on so much. I hope this gets in your inbox safely. I’m far too familiar with how asks can get lost In my inbox

-sincerely

HC

oh my goodness gracious... i'm so at a loss for how to respond to this. thank you!! ;~; i'm so humbled, so appreciative that you have not only been reading my fic for so long, but that it has meant that much to you and that you reached out to let me know. i'm really choked up! this is literally every fic writer's dream. :')

i'm sorry it took so long for me to see this. u_u i unfortunately don't check this blog very often (this blog had many of its posts taken down when tumblr did their hole "nsfw ban" thing years back). and i'm also just plain ol' sorry that i haven't been updating the fic! i still think of it often, though, and i have part of the next chapter written, it's just a matter of motivation and time (those pesky things lol)

my main blog is @gatsbygal if you'd like to follow me or message me there! :D i try to pop in there every couple days to add things to my queue. if you happen to like the old adult swim cartoon show metalocalypse, i'm also @lampmeeting, which is where i've been spending a lot of my time ever since covid hit. i'm also on instagram also under the name gatsbygal if you're an instagram person haha :)

thank you again for this message, truly, from the bottom of my heart. T~T it's been so long that i've honestly figured no one was probably reading it or caring about it anymore, and reading this really filled my heart up. thank you thank you thank youuuuu!

[starrywriting]

having a breakdown

tony stark

an: of course i can do something for tony! honestly, i adore tony so much! hes such a softie, i cri requests are open bbs 

you and tony had been dating for awhile now

it worked

two broken people falling in love with each other and crossing their fingers in hopes that they would be able to mend each others broken hearts

and it worked

for the most part 

it wasn’t until the night of a predictable tony stark party that you realized you were still as broken and insecure as ever

you had made sure to dress lovely

the cutest outfit in your closet was now on your body

and your hair was styled to perfection

all you wanted was to have some fun

you wanted to dress ravishingly and have tony’s eyes on you the whole night

but that wasn’t the case

you had made your grand entrance

and everyone greeted you brightly

you were after all Tony Starks partner and the mind behind a lot of the avengers new and improved suits, besides tony’s at least

he still wanted to be the one to play around with his suit

you had spent the majority of the time talking to well known scientists and the great minds behind a lot of different fields of all different sorts..

but tony on the other hand

was sat on a bar stool

his eyes locked on the one and only pepper potts

you were in no position to get jealous and worried... but you were

 not only was pepper jaw dropping gorgeous

but her dress was also up in the ranks for if not the most stunning dress at the party then it was a close first

and something about the way she would touch tony

whisper in tony’s ear

everything she did made you feel tiny

she was tony’s first love

she meant the world to him

she did in the past and still did

at least thats what your conscious told you

you stayed until your heels and ankles ached from standing

and even when you slowly walked towards the elevator that would take you to the area where your shared room with tony & your old room was

he didn’t notice you

and even if he did

he made sure to not acknowledge it

so you quickly stepped into the elevator

making sure the doors closed before you undid the buttons and zippers on your clothes

you didn’t want to be in the clothes that you thought would catch tony’s eyes but in reality he didn’t even care to look at you

you were quick to sneak into your shared room with him

only grabbing your pajamas and toothbrush before slipping out the room in just your undergarments and making your way to your old room

you didn’t want to be near tony

bc all that would do is remind you of the constant tornado of thoughts that swirled in your head saying you weren’t good enough for his love

or more so anyones love

that is why your past lover left you, wasn’t it?

you stared at your reflection in the mirror as you brushed your teeth and washed your face

and you were quick to change into your pjs before scurrying into what was now a cold bed from it being abandoned for so long

once your head hit your pillow

the tears fell

and the sobs echoed in your old, dark, empty room

you felt worthless

you felt you didn’t deserve tony

boy were you wrong

tony was quick to dismiss himself from peppers embarrassing attempts to flirt with him when he noticed you were leaving

and if it wasn’t for all the people stopping him for interviews or small talk, he would have probably caught you so distraught & crying

it took him awhile to find you

with the help of friday

he opened the door to your bedroom

and his heart broke

you were shaking

you were crying to no end

and tony knew exactly why

and he felt so stupid for not realizing sooner and coming to your aid to reassure you that no girl would get in the way of his love for you

“baby..”

“baby please look at me..”

his voice would crack so much

and he would be so gentle, my heart

he would strip himself of his blazer

and sit next to you on the bed

with his back against the headboard

and he would be above the covers

incase you didn’t want him near you

then he would be slow

and rub your temple

and probably play with your hair

and once he saw that you weren’t pulling away, he would rest his chin on your head and move to rub your back

“tony.. im so sorry”

“im sorry im not enough for you”

“i get if you wanna leave me”

“im not much.. i know that”

“but i love you.. i really do..”

he would be d e a d

because not only did your voice sound so weak and unlike you

but the words that came out of your mouth twisted his heart bc when he asked you to be his two years ago, all he wanted was to make sure you were always happy and confident

but now you were crying next time him bc he failed to keep his promise

“no no no (y/n)”

“don’t say that baby..”

“you are perfect”

“way more than i deserve”

“please don’t cry”

“i love you, so so so much”

“please don’t doubt that..”

“you’re beautiful..”

he would probably end up crying with you

because when it came to you

he was a  s o f t i e

through and through

he would sit up again

and rest your head in his lap

and just trace his finger tips over your face gently

making sure to wipe away all the tears on your face

he’d pepper kisses with every small touch of his finger tips

and he’d repeat sweet nothing into your ear until you stopped crying and instead slowly started to fall asleep

and omg he would probably fall asleep sitting up bc he doesn’t have the heart to move you

you would look so peaceful and lovely to him, like usual

LITERALLY TONY WOULD BE SO SOFT FOR YOUUUUU

IM CRYING IN THE CLUBBBB

[stookly]

The suffrage of Chat Noir chp 4

Please be warned that themes in this fanfic are rated MA for mature! Please take caution when reading, will not be suitable for minors! Thank youuuuu. 

Alya hummed a happy tune as Marinette flipped through the pictures in her phone. “These are so awesome, you’re so talented, Alya.” She smiled, handing the phone back to her friend. “Hehe, thanks.” Alya giggled as she put the phone back in her purse and took another bite of the cake. “I mean, I know it’s just small stuff right now, but I’m just doing this on the side until I can find some more interesting stories out there. Plus, it helps as a build on portfolio.” “Well, I might have to hire you to shoot for my next line! Maybe you can advertise it on your website? I need some new customers. I’m kind of running on a dry spell right now.” Marinette sighed putting her chin in her hand and sipping from her wine. “Um...so...I have to ask, since you’re in that whole photography world--kind of anyways….have you heard from him yet?” Hopeful blue eyes waited on Alya’s answer.

Alya frowned and circled her fork on the icing of her cake, turning her gaze to the ground. “Sorry girl, Adrien has just been too busy. But he’ll probably come around at some point soon.”

Marinette slunk in her chair and groaned. “I haven’t heard from him either, and it’s killing meeeeee.” she whined. “Do you think he has a girlfriend in the states?!” She perked with worry, the pouty lip was coming into play again. The girl was always quick to jump to conclusions. Alya almost choked on her cake. “You know that he has his career in mind and not his dick right now, he’s probably just working extra hard. It’s more difficult to make a name for yourself in America than here in Paris.” She took another bite. “He had an advantage here with the whole famous designer dad and then...y’know.” She trailed off, trying not to make it all depressing.

Of course. Of course that wouldn’t be good for business either, so he’s probably having to work twice as hard and three times as long to make a real name for himself over there. Poor Adrien. Marinette couldn’t help but sigh in her wine glass. She wanted to help him so terribly. She had a hunch before about it and wanted to be wrong so desperately, but in the end...it tore poor Adrien apart, and he couldn’t stay here in Paris anymore from too many bad memories. He needed time to heal. At least, that’s what the rumors were saying. She wouldn’t have known that was just a cover Nathalie had to propose so as to not ruin the 19 year old’s career with the heavy drinking and slight drug use phase he was going through.

Alya looked at the slumped Marinette and smiled with a small giggle. “Cheer up, it won’t be long now. He’s probably due for a visit?” Marinette smiled with her. Alya was right, she needed to focus on her career just as much, so when he did come back, she could have confidence enough to ask for him to model her line.

“Sooooo,” Marinette started with a sneaky smile. “What's going on with you and Nino?” She played.

Alya’s lips puckered around her straw and she drew a small smile. “Weeellllll, I wanna tell you but he’d totally kill me if I did.” She winked for a minute, swinging her body so she could get more comfy in the chair, a leg crossing over the other as she laid back against the window. She placed a hand gently on her stomach, giving it a small rub. Marinette just blinked and gave a puzzling look, not really understanding the hint that Alya was trying to send her way. Alya tried again, giving bigger rubs to her stomach. Marinette blinked more and stared at her blankly. “Why?” She finally said. Alya groaned and put down her leg as she leaned forward in disappointment. Marinette was always the dense one. Alya knew this though, she should’ve known that she can’t give any clues to this nitwit. She just looked up at her friend and smiled. “Nevermind about us, another time.” She looked at the clock and stood, picking up her bag. “I’ve got to get going now, I’m suppose to be editing these and I gotta make some edits to my blog before I run the new clip.” She waved her friend goodbye and started to pick up the plates and empty glasses. Marinette adjusted the apron after placing the dishes into the sink. Hearing the bell at the front of the bakery made her look up at the clock. Whoever it was had only about 20 minutes left before closing, so they’d better be quick! She gave a small annoyed face but brushed it off with a smile. Marinette walked through the bakery doors, “Welco--” She stopped at the doorway, the kitchen door was left open with her standing in it. Her smile dropped. “Chat?..” The black cat hero stood in the doorway of the shop. He had a sloppy smile on his face and the green eyes behind his mask looked hazy. “Marinette...right? Course…this is your bakery, huh..” He wasn’t making sense. He chuckled and moved out of the doorway and deeper into the bakery, stumbling to the counter.

“A-are you okay?” She was weary to come to the counter and meet him. She stayed her place in the kitchen doorway.

“I’m fine, nothing that something sweet wouldn’t fix…” He walked the counter, a claw pressing up and scratching the glass as he eyed the cakes and pies, cookies and eclairs. Marinette slightly gasped, the glass! What was he doing?! He was gonna scratch it all up! “Chat, you haven’t been around for awhile. Is there trouble in Paris tonight?” She kept her focus on him, something didn’t seem right. She finally took her place at the counter, somewhat leaning over to eye the glass and check to see if it was okay. Nope. Definitely scratched. She grimaced and looked annoyingly at him. He walked his way to her and took a claw to her chin, picking it up slightly. “Sweet cherry lips...one of my favorites.” He smiled at her and winked.

She took a step back. He was always a flirt, that was no different. She looked him up and down. He smelled so strongly of alcohol. “Your eyes are just like hers, y’know…” He climbed the counter and hopped off on the other side. Marinette backed up against the other counter, overcomed with the drunken chat laying his body on hers and into an embrace. “You smell like her...you know how badly you both have messed me up.” He hiccuped, hugging Marinette tightly to him. “W-what are you talking about, Chat? Who--” Her eyes widened as she felt his lips on her neck. She pushed against him, but he was stronger in this form than she was. She needed to transform as soon as she could get away. “Chat!” She struggled.

“I can’t find her...I’ve been looking for her but she’s no where. So you’re gonna have to take her place for now.” He squeezed Marinette’s waist to his, a noticeable buldge rubbed against her lower stomach. He nipped at her neck, what he thought was a gentle nibble, but in reality drew a small spill of blood. Marinette let out a wince of pain and gathered her strength to push him off her. “What has gotten into you! You smell like a brewery!” She placed a hand on her bitemark and took it away for a second to confirm that she was indeed bleeding, then replaced the hand back along with an angry look towards him. “You need to get help, let me help you.” Chat smirked, “I know just how you can help me.” He started to unzip his suit, all the way down to his waist. Marinette’s face turned red. No! This wasn’t the time to be getting flustered! She looked away and then faced him again, side stepping closer to the kitchen door. He only followed her, swaying with the spinning room he was seeing. She kept her hands on the counter as she stepped, trying to blindly find something to strike him with. A tower of tea selections? She gripped it and swung it towards him, taking the chance that the surprise attack would jolt him. Marinette ran into the kitchen, screaming out, “TIKKI!!! TIKKI!! SPOTS ON!! SPOTS ON!!!!!!!” Her voice called throughout the kitchen as she ran, the swift Chat bursting through the door after her. He may have been clumsy, but he still had the speed of a feline on his side.

Chat slipped on the slightly floured floor as he made his way in front of Marinette, a drunken but evil laugh let from his mouth. She turned to run back out into the bakery, but was stopped with a gripped pull from Chat, claws digging into her wrist. “Whats that? Spots on? You callin’ for help? No one here Mari. Sorry little princess, you’re all mine.” He laughed harder, forcing her to the wall. He brought her other hand up to meet the other, holding them together with a paw, using the other to slide down her neck and over her breasts. “You’re fiesty, just like her too. It’s almost as if-”

“MARINETTE!” Tikki flew through the kitchen door.

“TIKKI SPOTS ON!” Chat’s grip loosened, he stepped back with a shocked look. He took a few steps but fell to the ground, slipping on his sloppy footsteps. “L-Ladybug..

[thexsisters]

2017

A lot has happened in 2017 for me. I started the year out getting incredibly sick and I had my first ever foot injury without being in any kind of sports. Haha. The month of January was awful. Let me tell you. But some of you know. Because you were there for me.

A few months speeding up to March and something really scary happened to my grandpa. Something that I wasn’t sure he could come back from. You guys helped me. Some of you more than others but what matters was that some of you reached out. Even if it was just once and only for a few minutes. Lord knows you all have your own lives too.

My grandpa is now nearly back to the way he was. It’s our miracle of 2017 for sure. I then went to the beach for the first time ever in May and it was a blast! I can’t wait to go to a different beach next year. As long as I don’t see any sharks because for real I may live in Ohio but sharks are my greatest fear, okay???

August started out as one of the most thrilling months of 2017 but within a week it became the worst month of 2017. I had been waiting to move out for so long and when I finally got my chance, I was played and lied to. Like usual. I think on some level I’m cursed. For reals. But anyway, August sucked. But you guys were there. You were. You got me through it.

2017 was also the year I finally learned what all the hype was about this group called BTS. I knew they were popular but I was just so hooked on VIXX that I wasn’t really ready to listen to anything else. And then I came back from my beach vacation in May and the Billboard awards was on. I was like “Oh cool! Kpop is making us proud with that BTS group!” And that was all it took for me to become a baby Army~

In the process of getting sucked into the fandom, I have met so many wonderful people! Army is a fandom that, like many, have good apples and bad apples. But I’m one of the lucky ones that have met nothing but good apples~ I’m very fortunate for that. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. You guys put up with my Jungkook spams and BTS trash posts in general. Haha!

Thank you

@grxnadxs

Chrissy. My adorable turtle with the cute shell~ Sometimes I imagine us just chilling in your shell while you tell me about things like your book cause I’m a huge fangirl, okay? But not just your book, I often imagine us talking about life and how I wish I could do more for you as a friend. If I could tattoo any quote to your body, it would be the famous quote by Christopher Robin. “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” You fight so many battles in your life. And even when you don’t always win those battles, you never give up the war. That takes real bravery, strength, and smarts. Gosh Chrissy. You’re one of the smartest girls I know. But I also know how anxiety has it’s way of clouding those smarts. Turning us into mumbling stumbling sheep who’ve lost our way. But this year you’ve kicked some major butt, okay? You got a job! You stared your enemies in the eye and you said “F*** you.” You went to that job fair, you got that interview, and you got that job. THE Chrissy that I know can do anything she sets her mind to got a job! I’m so proud of you, girl. This is our second Christmas as friends and you’re forever one of my best friends. There are still many battles to be fought, but let’s fight them together, okay?

@fluorvte

Laura. My skanky skank. The Sushi Mama. Sadly I did not get to spend as much of 2017 with you as I would have liked. Being what I believe is 6 hours apart makes things difficult, I know. But of course we always make it work. Bless you and Chrissy for throwing me that birthday party. You guys know how much I loved our AIM chats. Sadly AIM is a thing of the past now. But at least we have the memories in our head and our hearts. That birthday party meant so much to me. You made time out of your busy life for me. That means so much. I miss you. It’s probably selfish of me to say but it’s true. I try to be okay with it. I know you’re busy. But you’ll always be my owl that watches over me. You’re still sitting on my desk with Chrissy. I have those stuffed turtle and snow owl on my desk at work. So that I have you guys with me always~ No matter how often we don’t talk, I know you’re always with me. Thanks for being such an amazing friend and an amazing writer. You never fail to blow me away with your writing.

@intoyxurheart

Where do I even start with you? Aigoo. So much has happened that it feels like we’ve known each other for years. In fact it feels so long ago that I barely remember how we first started talking. Isn’t that awful? Haha. But I do indeed remember me approaching you first. I had been checking the people who were following me but had yet to actually approach me. So I thought I’d hit you up with an instant message here on tumblr. And that’s all it took. Here we are now. Several months later and we have so many ships and it makes me feel fuzzy. You, Chrissy, and one other person are the only ones who put up with all my crazy ideas and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for putting up with that because I know my imagination can get pretty wild and out there. You are most certainly my blessing from 2017. Being strong for me so that I can be strong for my friends and family. I can’t tell you enough how precious you are. Don’t let anyone tell you any different because my opinion is the only one that matters. Haha! Let’s have many more Christmases together, okay?

@hyohyorp

Oh sweet pea I’m so sorry. 2017 wasn’t good to us and I’m so very sorry for that. Things happened and I was still trying to find my way with how I wanted to rp male muses and you were my guinea pig most of the time. But you really stuck by me. And I just want you to know how appreciative I am of you and all your endless patience with me. Our time zones make rping live really difficult but you put up with it anyway. I’m so proud of you for making your multimuse blog. I bet you’re having a blast, right? heehee It’s so good to see you having a blast and enjoying yourself. I knew you’d love it. And hopefully 2018 will be full of fun moments for Taekwoon and Hyosung~

@gcholdtrops

I’m squealing and flailing cause like I don’t even know where to start, okay??? You’ve grown to be one of my idols. I’ll never forget how our story first started. The first chapter was honestly me watching you pop up on my list of recommendations provided by tumblr. I’d click your blog and instantly start sweating because like um hello. You’re totally above me and like I just didn’t think I’d ever be able to be worthy of your writing. Like I totally believed I wasn’t worth being in your ring of writers. Everything about you is amazing and I just couldn’t. Too chicken. Couldn’t do it. But one day I got the fuzzy dice to finally approach you. And I’m glad I did. Because here I am. And I’m still such a fangirl, okay? You’re always going to be my idol. I’ll never forget that first meme reply. I remember reading it over and over again on my lunch hours at work. Smiling like an idiot and being floored every time I read it. Our cuties are so naughty and cute and gosh I ship it hard core. Seulgi isn’t naughty in her other ships but dang she channels her inner BoA when she’s with her handsome composer.~ Let’s always be rp partners, Army, and most importantly friends.

@butlersrus

Waaah~ I know we don’t talk much out of character but from what I’ve seen, you’re absolutely precious! In fact I know so little that I don’t even know if you’re male or female so I do apologize. But this is about the people who’ve touched my life and been there for me this year and you’re one of them. Whether I know anything about you or not. And you deserve to be recognized. Much like with the cutie mentioned above you, I kept watching your blog pop up in my list of recommendations. Sooo many times I’d click your blog and nibble my nails nervously because like dang what if you thought I was weird or something. Like what if our muses weren’t compatible. But wow was I wrong. Like I die a fangirl’s death every time I see Seulgi with Shownu because I keep trying to blow on the sails of the ship. Willing it to sail all around the Caribbean. Haha! I love shipping and I’m terrible at slow burning ships because I just want it to happen now. I want them to kiss now! Haha! Thank you for making my days brighter with our rping. I always have a pleasant morning because there’s a cute reply from Shownu waiting for me in my IM on tumblr. It’s a wonderful start to my morning routine. Let me tell you~ Thank you. For everything. Let’s continue to be rp partners and even friends. I’m glad I got the guts to approach you. Hopefully you are just as happy~

@abxavterno

Cutie! Thank you so much for expressing concern over my icky eczema condition. Honestly if I were to bandage all my other patches of eczema, I would literally look like a mummy. There’s one big reason I dislike winter weather and this would be it. Dry skin. But don’t worry, I just gotta make it to at least like March or April and I think it’ll settle down and clear up. Till next time. OTL Anyway! Thank you so much for sticking around. I know there for awhile we’d have mun conversations and you’d share your worries with me. I still really value that and appreciate that. You’re so sweet and I feel like I can approach you any time. You’re a good person. I hope you know that. And gaaaah. Our muses are so cute! I don’t know if it’ll ever be an official ship but I definitely ship shy Seulgi with sexy Eros. I like the rp relationship we have. We’ve had a few threads and even though a lot of them haven’t worked out, that’s not stopped us from trying new pairings and plots. I like that~ I can appreciate and admire that. Thank you. You’ve made 2017 very enjoyable. Let’s keep at it!

@terniox

Sobs sobs sobs. I miss youuuuu. You were one of the first few people to pick me up when life around me was ending as I knew it. You were one of the first few people to help me dip my toes into the idea of being multiverse. I still only really had Tiffany at the time but I wanted her to have other verses. And you dived right in with me. Our ship is the longest lasting ship on this blog and it’s always going to be special to me. I hope you’re well. I really do because I know I don’t see or hear from you as often. But you’re still important to me. So you deserve your spot here with all these other wonderful people. Because you will forever be wonderful to me in my book. Let’s continue to be amazing friends no matter how far apart life tries to keep us, okay? Heehee~

@viiifates

Hellooooo~ Another one of those cuties who I don’t really talk to out of character but you’re still so wonderful to rp with! I like our plot. I honestly don’t know much about mafia plots no matter how many BTS mafia fanfics I read but haha! I promise I’m still having a blast no matter what. I have always wanted to dip my toes in the type of plot we have going on so it’s a joy and an honor to be able to rp that with you. I like how rping is casual and enjoyable while still being thrilling all at the same time. Thanks for putting up with my tumblr IM rping style that I’ve seemed to take quite a liking to lately. It’s so convenient and it’s still just as fun! You’re a wonderful rp partner and I hope we can also be good friends too!

@darksideofseoul

Ah sweetie pie! Thank you so much for being such a wonderful, understanding sweetheart. I was kinda sorta losing it and going out of my mind with panic the last time we spoke and I do apologize. I probably seemed so irrational. Apparently that’s what happens when eczema, stress, and coming down with a killer migraine falls upon you within two weeks’ time. I really do enjoy all our little threads we have going on. I’m glad we didn’t give up. BoA and Donghae are sooooo OTP material. heehee~ She’ll die if he ever proposes. haha! Thank you so much for being a wonderful rp partner. But not just for what you do within the rp community, but also what you do outside of it. You risk your life every day and I will always admire that. Stay strong and be safe out there, okay?

@dashdasxorphans

My fellow Ohioan! Congratulations on your wedding! I bet it was absolutely beautiful and hopefully you had lots of fun on your honeymoon~ Thank you so much for rping with me. I know it’s not something that happens often but I still enjoy every second of it. I never take it for granted. Your Leo was one of this blog’s first verses when it was still just Tiffany. Our muses have been through a lot and came a long way. I’ll always treasure the memories between our muses on this blog. You helped me learn what it was like to be multiverse so that I could one day become more confident in what I was doing as a writer and a mun behind the muse. Thank you. You’re wonderful and I hope you’re doing well!

@luminxscent

Sweet pea! I miss you bunches and I hope you’re doing well. I’ll never forget all that you’ve done for me. You were there when I was in so much pain. You managed to stay neutral while helping me piece myself and BoA back together. You know how much that means to me? When I was so sick that I could have physically puked. You were there. You were there. And I know we’ve had our ups and downs. But I think that’s what makes some of the greatest friendships. The strongest friendships. We always manage to gravitate back to each other. Through thick and thin. Thank you. I keep my pink haired Hongbin photo card at my desk and every time I look at it, I think of you. You gave me so many gifts and I wish I could give it back to you doubled! Please take care and never forget that you can always come to me to talk about anything~

@paperhecrts

New cutie friend person! Heehee~ You’re already turning into a partner who’s gonna fly with any idea I throw at you. I can tell. Thank you for embracing those crazy ideas and shipping with me from day one. Literally. Like I can tell we’ve got great chemistry as writers and I sure do hope I don’t annoy you with my out of character messages in tumblr IM. I get awfully paranoid when I realize that tumblr might not be sending my messages through. Seulgi and Baekhyun are just such OTP material and I’m excited for Tiffany and Jaebum. I love the rocky, unstable aspects of our two ships so far. It’s fresh and new and doesn’t scare me because I know in the end it’ll be okay for them~ I’m excited to see where they go in 2018!

@hvllelujah

Sweetheart! I sure hope you’re taking care of yourself. Color in a Hello Kitty coloring book for me, okay? Heehee~ I miss you and I really truly do hope you’re doing well. I know the last time we talked, you were getting life figured out which honestly is a full time job in itself. Remember, any time you wanna talk or need someone to just listen, I’m here. Our rping hasn’t exactly been a thing and once upon a time it really upset me but I’ve tried to grow up and be a big girl about things like that. Especially now that I’m gaining perspective and know how hard it is to keep up when all you wanna do is focus on other things. I’m sorry I ever made things difficult for you. I hope you can forgive me. I just really loved your writing and I wanted to be a part of it. But having matured over time, I really do hope you’re taking care of yourself and doing what’s best for you~ You be good, okay? Heehee.

@xvrwxrld

Whines I hope you’re taking care of yourself, sweet pea. You know how much I worry about you. Overworking yourself or living in conditions less than healthy. Stay warm this winter. I wish I could mail you a bunch of blankets. My grandmother made me a ton that I could give you. We’ve had our fun moments though, haven’t we? Time and schedules always seem to get in our way of rping. But I’ll never forget what you told me not too long ago. How you enjoyed my muses and thought they were wonderful. That’ll always mean a lot to me and I still blush like an idiot over it. I often worry that my girls are too....out there and weird. Haha. So thank you for taking the time to admire each one of them. I’ll always treasure that. One day we’ll get to plot and rp. I don’t know when, but it’s gonna happen. Count on it!

@avtvmnwings

I miss you, dear. I hope you’re okay and enjoying life~ Hopefully life is treating you well. It’s been awhile since we last spoke but I still think about you and I still try to watch over you from afar. We’ve had a lot of fun and exciting rps though, ne? You’re a great writer and I don’t ever want you forgetting that. Our out of character conversations were always enjoyable and heartfelt. I treasure those moments because you were able to open up to me and I appreciate that. More than you’ll know. You take care of yourself, okay? Be good and stay strong. You’re doing a wonderful job. Heehee~

[jeromes-harley-blog]

Hallucinations

(this takes place before/during the events of Jerome’s return)

It was dark and gloomy. The way it’s always been the past months. No sun shined through your window. Your life had been nothing but a cluttered mess, ever since Jerome died. Depression was a cloud that you were sure was going to follow you for the rest of your life.

You had cried yourself to sleep only months before today. That time that Jim and Harvey took you to his grave, you thought he was there. You thought he was with you. And then realization struck your mind and you lost it. You were the only one at his funeral.

The sound of the creaking floorboards and distant talking were the only things you would hear. Laying on your back, you hummed a sad tune to yourself. However, tears no longer ran down your face. You simply couldn’t cry anymore.

“Jerome…why couldn’t I save you?” you thought to yourself. “Galavan is already dead. If only I was the one to kill him for you…if only.”

A knock on your cell door pulled you out of your thoughts. The door swung open and the guard Anderson was standing there, his hands on his belt.

“Hey psychopath! Time for lunch. Get up and let’s go.” He announced.

You only groaned in response and turned on your side to try to forget he was even there. Looking at the wall now in front of you, you only imagined Jerome being there, laying by your side, stroking your smooth (s/c) skin.

“I said, get up!” Anderson yelled, yanking you by your arm. Weak, you dropped to the floor. Anger was coursing through your veins right now, but there was nothing you could do about it. You got yourself up off the floor and looked Anderson dead in the eyes.

“Don’t do that again.” You said.

“Get into the room already. You’re my last stop. I don’t want to spend an extra minute in here with you freaks.”

You sighed, slumping your shoulders and walking into the room with the others. The guard closed the door behind you and left. You took a seat at the first bench you saw, the lunch the asylum had prepared for you was right there.

“Mmm. Sloppy Joe and a pudding cup…again. Stop it, Helena, you’re spoiling me!” You yelled at her sarcastically. She only huffed in response and continued plating other trays. Eight months and they sevred you the same food everyday.

You were already used to the sound of the other patients screaming, so you could drown out the sounds of fighting and the same lady asking you about your house, pets, favorite color, and flavor of your skin.

“Not now, Golightly!” You rolled your eyes.

“Okay, okay! Just tell me when you don’t want your skin anymore! I’ll eat the rest of you for youuuuu!” She sang rolling and jumping from table to table.

“Cannibals.” You scoffed. Besides that, she was actually pretty nice.

Just then a laugh roared from behind you. You smiled, remebering Jerome’s laugh. It was full of pure evil, yet somehow it made you melt. Something that could only make you smile.

“Sloppy Joe and pudding again? I still don’t understand how you’re not sick of it.”

“It’s better than nothing, Jervis.”

“(y/n)!” He smiled a wide smile, sitting right next to you. “How was your morning?”

“Dull.” You smiled back. “Yours?”

“Quite splendid if you ask me!”

“What kind of drugs are you on? I’ll take whatever you’re having anyday.”

“No, no, no, no, no. No drugs! They do say laughter is the best medicine!”

You chuckled a bit. Jervis turned out to be the only (in)sane one who knew exactly what you were going through.

Jervis frowned realizing you weren’t really happy. Helena came and gave him his lunch tray and he gave her a smug smile in return.

“Ah, (y/n)? How about we play a game?” He tapped his fingers on the table wildly.

You furrowed your eyebrows at the sudden suggestion, but nodded anyway.

“Great! I give you something to solve, you answer it right and maybe I’ll give you a gift!”

“What exactly am I solving?

“Rhyme!”

“Alright. Rhyme away.” You laughed.

“There was a chance that they used a cryogenic cooler, what translated from Slavic means ‘glorious ruler’?”

“What? Jervis, I can’t solve that.”

“You once took a Slavic class right? Then you can solve it!” He nuged you.

“I got a C in that class!”

“Stop complaining and think!”

“Okay fine.” You began to think hard. What could he possibly have meant? Jervis was one book that no one could read. He was so complicated. But you tried to solve it anyway.

“Cyrogenic means freezing bodies right?”

“You’re close!” Jervis giggled. "Cryogenic means the deep freezing, of bodies to be exact."

“Why are you so weird?” You giggled along.

“Come on, (y/n)! Solve the last part!”

“Alright. Uhm Slavic language. Let’s see…glorious ruler…” Your head began to hurt trying to thibk of what it would translate to. You remembered all the phrases the teacher wrote on the board. Ruler and glorious definitely weren’t up there. “…I-I don’t know Jervis.”

"If you put your mind to it..." Jervis sang.

"You can do it." You responded. "Only I can't do it."

“Simple minded puny girl. It mean Valeska.” A voice from the table next to yours spoke.

“What did you say?” You asked, a bit shocked by him responding at all. Enormous Eric usually never speaks. Unless it's about ripping bodies apart.

“Huggggh. Valeska. Glorious Ruler means Valeska where I come from! Not that hard to understand, no?”

You felt a burning sensation start through your stomach. Turning to question Jervis, you stopped as soon as your name was called.

“(f/n) (l/n)! Here’s your certificate. You’re hereby declared, sane. Free to go.”

“I don’t understand.” You shook your head slightly.

Jervis then turned your attention towards him. “You don’t need to understand dear (y/n). You’re free.” He said hugging you. “See you on the outside!”

You hugged him back, still in disbelief. Getting up from your seat and taking your certificate of sanity, you finally walked out of the doors of Arkham Asylum.

You breathed in the fresh, ice cold air letting it enter your lungs for the first time in months. Tears filled your eyes. You felt happiness for the first time in awhile.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t my favorite girl.” Barbara smirked walking up to you.

“Barbara? What are you doing here?” You smiled running up to her for a hug.

She laughed, returning the hug. “I was given orders to get you out of this hole of despair. I would’ve done it earlier, but I honestly didn’t know you were here.”

“It’s alright. I’m just glad to finally be out of there. How's Eddie and Oswald and Tab-"

“-All fine. Now enough about them. Before we go out tonight we’re going to need to something about that smell, outfit, and maybe you should wash your hair too.” Barbara smugly smiled.

“Oh, right. Sorry about the hug, I forgot-”

“No it’s quite alright, I’ll just burn it afterwards. Anyways, off we go!” She said, urging you to get into the limo. It’s been awhile since you’ve been this comfortable.

“Thanks for coming to get me, Babs.” You smiled weakly.

“Shhh. Get some sleep, (y/n). We have a big night ahead of us.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As soon as you got to Barbara’s place, you took a long hot shower. You let the water hit your face, smiling as the heat welcomed you. Closing your eyes, you remembered everything from the past. Your good days and your bad days. That time in kindergarten where you poured paint on the kid named George all because he didn’t say hi to you that day. You laughed at yourself.

You heard distant talking coming from outside the door.

“…worry about. I didn’t tell her. I want it to be a surprise.” Barbara said. You couldn’t hear well so you stepped out of the shower and put your ear to the door.

“…Good. She’s going to be-” Your foot accidentally made a sound and quietly cursed yourself. Footsteps began to make their way to the bathroom door and quickly got back into the shower.

“(y/n)? Are you alright in here?” Barbara asked, a little nervousness and concern could be heard in her voice.

“I’m good. I’m just about to get out now.” You said, hoping to get our fast enough to see the person that the mysterious voice belonged to.

“N-now?! Why now?! Don’t you to wash your hair or something?” Barbara leaned against the wall, losing her cool for a bit, but then quickly gaining it back.

You stepped out of the shower and she handed you a towel. “I already did that, Babs.” You laughed. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” She smiled, perfect teeth and all.

“Good.” You began to walk out the door and Barbara closely followed behind, heels clacking against the floor.

“Hey, can I get ready in your room?” You asked Barbara. She didn’t hear you, due to her looking around the room for something or maybe the someone.

“Earth to Babs.”

“Oh! Of course you can. Help yourself.” She said going towards to kitchen.

You shook your head again. “Everyone is acting so weird today.” Getting to Barbara’s room, you began to dry off and then started to put on your clothes. You stopped though after you heard a breathy “whoa” come from the closet.

“Hello?” You gasped, picking up the towel and covering the front of you. You slowly walked towards the closet, hoping it was just your imagination. You began to turn the knob, when someone startled you and stopped you from doing so.

“Nice ass!” Barbara laughed.

“You nearly gave me a heart attack!”

“Good. Here’s your clothes. I hope they’re comfortable enough for you… well actually come to think of it, I really don’t like that top.” She threw the ruffled forest green top on the chair and went to her closet.

You thought you heard her whisper something, but you forgot about it when she moved out of the way, and you saw no one else but her in there.

“How about this one?” She smirked. It was a (f/c) satin tank top. “These will look great with those leggings!”

“Thanks. Uhm, could I ask you something? Who exactly told you to get me out of Arkham?” You asked, eyes squinted slightly.

“That’s not important. What is important, is that you look sexy! We’re gonna have a girls night out. Just you and me. Now hurry up. There’s supposedly a little…movie starting at seven. We want to be there on time.“

An hour passed and it was already six thirty. You and Barbara were driving to this “secret location” she wouldn’t tell you about. You and her caught up with each other. You told her about Jervis and she rolled her eyes. Turns out they didn’t get along.

“Here we are and only fifteen minutes left until it’s time!” She clapped.

“In time for what?” You whined.

“I told you it’s a secret.” She booped your nose.

There were quite a few people around. Not to mention, they seemed a bit off too. This place was quite eerie, but in it’s own way it was relaxing. Colorful, dull, quiet, yet loud.

“Oh shoot. I almost forgot my phone. You go on without me. I’ll be right back.” Barbara said, walking away. You gave an okay, before continuing on through by yourself.

Barbara watched you and then got in the car. “Well. You have her where you want her.”

“All thanks to you. What is it you want in return?”

“Nothing. Her happiness is just enough for me. Take care of yourself. Oh and try not to give the poor thing a heart attack. You almost got caught in the closet.”

“It wasn’t my fault though. It’s been so long sincr I’ve seen her.”

“You still should have waited until the time was right. And speaking of time, it’s seven.”

“Of course! It’s showtime.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You didn’t understand what was going on. Why was Jerome’s message to Gotham playing and why here? All you knew was that you wanted to leave. Barbara wasn’t here and it was starting to get frightening.

Just then a fight broke out and screaming could be heard through the entire place. You dodged a few flying chairs and made it out of there. You caught a glance of Jim and Harvey, but you decided it would be best if you didn’t let them see you.

You ran out, saving your own skin. Trying to catch your breath, you bent over your hands on your knees.

A laugh broke through the sound of the screams and made you stand up straight. “Jerome.” You sighed. You forgot, the video was still playing. With one last look behind you, you began to walk away. All of a sudden, your body shuddered with fear. You couldn’t move. “N-no.”

You wiped your eyes. “It’s just another hallucination.” You kept repeating to yourself. He couldn’t be real. You saw him die right in front of you. Looking up, you saw that a silhouette began to walk out of the darkness towards you. Right then and there, your heart sank.

“Did you miss me, doll face?

[lavendertwilight89]

Shelter

This was supposed to be a one-shot... It was supposed to be...and now it’s over 40 pages. So here’s the first part

Also posted on AO3

@dangerouspompadour​ @lemonlushff​ @willowandfog​ @cstormsinukagblog​ @littlestuffstohide​ @clearwillow​ @ruddcatha​ @hnnwnchstr​ @smmahamazing​ @wolverine1092​ @inuyashaloverforever​ @xfangheartx​ @umacaking​ @bluejay785​  @murdergiraffe​ @superpixie42​ @shnuggletea​

Inuyasha awoke feeling groggy. Something was wrong… he didn’t even remember falling asleep. The last thing he remembered it was the new moon--his night of vulnerability.  His eyes felt extremely heavy; he must’ve fucked up. Miscalculated. There must’ve been a danger he hadn’t smelled or sensed before he lost his demonic abilities.

Fuck. His body hurt. The question had morphed from what happened to where was he? How was he alive? And why? He listened quietly and heard the pitter patter of rain--likely bouncing off of a roof. He smelled like he was in an enclosed hut. It was old--stagnant. Obviously, it hadn’t been used in awhile. But he wasn’t alone. There was a strong smell of lavender, honey, and jasmine flowers… it was alluring. Intoxicating. But it also scared the shit outta him. He also smelled a lot of blood. Not just his. Probably not just who he shared this little hut with either.

He sat up quickly and groaned from his stupidity. “Fuck…”

“Oh, you’re awake. You need to lie still,” he heard a soft melodic whisper from across the room. He turned to see a young woman in priestess garbs leaning against the wall of the hut he was currently in. He sensed her power and shit--he was about to fucking die. Or fry. Something. He gasped and clutched his gut as he tried to turn and run but his legs failed him. 

Her sigh and shuffling made him panic until he heard her whimper. He looked over to her to see she also was grasping her own torso as she scooted towards him. She was pale. Sweating. She… didn’t look good. 

“Stop,” he tried to sound threatening. It must’ve worked or she was where she had tried to get to. Water dripping from a bucket made him turn his head and see she was much closer. She grimaced and winced again as she shifted onto her knees and pressed a calming hand on his chest. She wiped the sweat from his brow and smiled softly--weakly.

“It’s okay… I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Get off me,” he said, grabbing her hands and pushing her away slightly. He hadn’t expected her to fall to the floor of the hut and cry out. Shit. He was an asshole. He noticed an overwhelming scent of blood--hers. Shifting he took her in and saw how dirty she was now that she was close enough. She was covered in demon blood--along with his and her own.

She rolled over onto her back and glared at him, “You--asshole! That’s not a way to thank someone for helping you!”

“Never asked for your help,” he shot back. “I told you to stop.”

“I thought you were just scared and confused! Not that you’d throw me!”

“I didn’t throw you, I shoved and you’re just weak.”

“Whatever,” she scoffed and rolled over to her side. She was whimpering as she pushed herself to get up and then made her way back to the wall. 

He took the opportunity to see she had bandaged him--”Where are my clothes??”

“Your kosode is ruined but your haori is over there,” she gestured behind him. He wasn’t surprised. Only his kimono made from the fur of the fire rat could withstand damage. Standing uneasily, she remained quiet this time as he began to dress. 

“Alright, I’m out of here.”

“I wouldn’t if I were you,” she said leadingly. He glanced back and saw a smug little sparkle in her bright sapphire eyes. He looked to the door and saw her barrier erected around the hut and grew angier.

“Why the hell not? I’m not staying here with you, you weak ass priestess! You couldn’t even slay me!”

“Why would I want to hurt you?”

“Are you fucking blind??! I’m a demon!!”

“Half.”

“Shut up! Anyway--so you’re a dark priestess then?? Ya wanna make a deal? I don’t really do that kind of shit so you might as well lower your barrier. I’m leaving whether I have to kill you or get zapped.”

“There’s a rather large horde of demons past my barrier. It’s there to protect us… until we heal.”

“Don’t lie.”

“Smell for yourself,” she flicked her wrist and a tiny hole opened and he got a good whiff. Fuck. He’d die the minute he stepped out. There’d be no way he would make it past them. 

“Damnit!” he yelled as he punched a hole through the hut. “Why didn’t you kill them huh?? God you’re fucking useless!”

“For your information, I was a little busy saving you,” she said in a huff. “For someone who had their life saved on such a time of weakness, you sure are ungrateful.”

“I should just fucking kill you now, bitch. But I need your fucking barrier.”

“Oh goody,” she sighed leaning her head back against the wall and closing her eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ll be out of your hair soon enough.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he snarled. She was planning to kill him after all! Fuck! 

“I may be a priestess but I’m still human. I’ve lost a lot of blood, been using my reiki for three days straight, haven’t eaten anything, oh, and, probably have slept for maybe six hours total,” she said with a heavy groan at the end clutching her abdomen. Okay, he felt like a dick. But he was only protecting himself.

“Why haven’t you been taking care of yourself? You’re of age to be independent. How the hell have you lived so long if you’re this dumb?”

“Gods! I’ve been taking care of you, stupid!!!” She yelled at him with tears in her eyes. “Gods just shut up! I’m sorry I saved you! Obviously I messed up--you clearly were trying to commit suicide. Don’t worry, in a couple hours, I’ll probably be dead anyway, my barrier will fail and they’ll eat us both!”

“Shut up! That’s not what I meant!” Inuyasha kneeled down at her feet, still not willing to get too close to her but she wasn’t going to be able to reach out in her state at that moment.

“Oh??? Want me to use myself as bait so you can escape??? Lessen the guilt so you won’t have to watch me die?? Prefer to think I just waltzed right out of here rather than succumbing to my injuries!!?”

“No! Fuck! Stop fucking talking!!”

“No really!! Tell me what it is you want! What do you need?? I live to fucking serve!!”

He finally lost his temper and slapped his hand over her mouth and glared into her wide eyes, “Shut. Up. Look, I overreacted. I didn’t remember what happened--still don't--I thought you were trying to kill me like every-fucking-one else--and I admit I’m a jackass.”

She just continued to glare at him and then she did the craziest thing he had EVER had happen to him. She. LICKED. Him. What. In. The. Fuck!??!?!

“Ugh!!!” he yelled and pulled his hand away like it was on fire. “You--you--youuuuu---WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU?!!? YOU LICKED ME!!!”

“Jeez, you’re acting like I just shot you with an arrow,” she mocked rolling her eyes.

“You’re--you’re so fucking weird!! Are you even a priestess?!!?”

“Uhm, duh?”

“Don’t you know demons are inherently evil?? That as a priestess we are naturally enemies?!" He felt like he was going to explode from rage that was driven by confusion. This woman hadn't tried to attack him yet. No matter how much he cursed her, poked and prodded her, insulted her-- she just took it. Rolling her eyes. Like she knew him. 

"Yes-- I'm aware we are 'supposed' to be enemies. I just don't believe in that notion. Not all demons are bad. You exist because a human and demon obviously loved each other to make you. I have demon friends that I care for, well, cared for." She sighed and took a ragged breath. "Look, I don't want to spend what could be my last hours arguing. I accept your lame apology. I forgive you."

"You--you what???"

"You’ve obviously had a rough life to be so callous. I'm just sorry we couldn't have become friends," she added as her shoulders relaxed somewhat.

"Oh fuck no! You're not gonna fucking die on me!"

"Haha, are you a demon of the underworld that can prevent that? I'm also not dying yet. Just resting." Her demeanor didn't convince him.

"No but I can heal you."

That made her eyes open again. "Hm? How?"

"I don't like owing favors and I unfortunately think I owe you a lot… my uhm… " Well shit. How was he gonna tell her? He doubted she'd accept help. She seemed to have about as much pride as he did. She wouldn't sully herself to be healed...

"How about while I rest you think of a way to tell me of your little 'secret'," she said as gruffly as a kitten. She was pretty weak, he probably shouldn't let her sleep. If she did, he wasn't sure she'd wake back up.

"No."

When she didn't respond he slightly panicked and reached out and touched her to rouse her. Even though he shouldn't care, she rescued him and likely gave her own life for his.

"Hey! You cannot sleep!! Bitch wake up!!"

"Ugh, I liked you better sleeping. I at least could imagine you being nicer."

He let out a breath he hadn’t known he had been holding and clipped, "Regret saving a half breed already?"

"No."

He blinked. Twice. Three times. She opened her glazed over ocean eyes and locked with his, "Why do you assume I'd regret giving my life for yours?"

"I can run off twenty reasons right now."

"Mmmm… I'd prefer not to hear any until after you let me nap. Next time you stir me I may make you regret giving me the idea of zapping you," she smirked weakly before letting her eyes shut again. 

"You better just be sleeping," he grumbled.

"Don't worry. I'll see your handsome smirk again," she slurred, finally succumbing to sleep.

Sputtering and blushing from her words he got up quickly and exited the hut. Fuck. She was crazy.  All he could do was equate her insanity to her exhaustion, blood loss, and hunger. Yep. That made the most sense. Finally calming his racing heart, he noticed the barrier wasn't just around the hut; it seemed to stretch out into the forest. Maybe he could find something to eat… rebuild their strength. Would animals be able to enter the barrier? How was the barrier able to even be maintained this long? How was this woman so powerful? 

He took a deep breath, finally calm enough to start his own healing process. He tamped into his body and allowed his demon blood to take over. The rush of power always made him feel alive. Free. His brother, even though he was an ass, had saved him from himself centuries ago. He'd oddly been in a situation similar to this one; that was why he typically took extra care on nights of the new moon to make sure a repeat never occurred.

He had been younger, no more than a whelp and hadn't been on his own long enough to learn to fight. Sesshomaru thankfully saved him. According to him, it was to honor their father.  He couldn't allow someone of their bloodline to sully it. He showed him how to control his blood, how to use his demonic aura, then sent him on his merry fucking way. The jackass said he honored his vow and blah blah blah. 

Only recently did the dick reach back out to him. Something about finding his mate, change of heart, yada yada yada… He scoffed at the thought of still trying to live with the asshole. 

He felt a weird surge in his blood-- something he hadn't felt before. The woman's scent had grown ten times as strong and he realized his demonic half moved before he felt the motion. He went back inside the hut to her side. She was breathing heavily, sweating, and moaning slightly. He heard his instincts screaming at him to heal her-- that they couldn’t allow her to die. 

What the fuck are you talking about? She’s just some priestess.... Who saved my life. No I don’t really want her to die but sometimes that’s just how life goes. She didn’t listen to me anyway.

Don’t fool yourself, hanyou. You aren’t this dumb.

Shut up and just fucking tell me why we can’t let her die? I know you don’t experience guilt which would be why I would be slightly upset over her death.

It’s just the two of us, actually, it’s just you here. No need to fool yourself. You like this little human. She not only saved us on our night of weakness, but she stayed by us until we awoke. Even now she keeps the barrier raised, unaware we are healing. 

So?

You are so dense half-demon. Why do you think she does this?

Look, you want to keep her alive for whatever reason and you’re running out of time if you want to act so…

I am you. You also want to keep her alive. Why do you think you would like someone so quickly? Allow someone to sway in your judgement?

I don’t know-- first person aside from Mother who didn’t run away screaming or even try to purify my ass immediately when I transformed back? I mean--

Her scent calls to us. Her body and soul compels us to be near her. Are you really so blind? Can you not see who she is? 

For fucks sake! Just spit it out! I hate your stupid snarky games when I actually try to listen to you.

She is our mate, hanyou. The one who is made to be with us. The one we are to protect, to cherish, to fuck, to pup--

Oh my God will you shut up!!! That’s not possible! She’s a fucking priestess!

Blind and dumb as ever half-demon. It does not matter if she was whore, a princess, a demon, or a child--her scent says she is our chosen. 

Dammit it all! What am I supposed to do with that?!

Heal her and court her, dumbass.

He fucking hated his demon half. The bastard basically laughed at him constantly and plagued him with nonstop riddles. Asshole. Demons and mates--a topic that wasn’t new to him. His brother had found her mate not too long ago. It was the main reason he sought him out. She was human--young--probably not too much younger than this young priestess.

Rin wanted Sesshomaru to mend the bridges he had tried to completely break. She was so… bright. Cheerful. Lively. The absolute opposite of Sesshomaru. It was odd to watch them interact. It also made them hard to be around. 

Regardless, mates weren’t common to find in demons. They lived such long lives that finding a mate was almost near impossible. Especially if one was human and you happened to miss them in their lifetime.

But… he was still hesitant. This woman was a priestess. Even if she hadn’t purified him into ash didn’t mean she still wouldn’t. His inner demon was determined they could woo her. Yea. What a bunch of horse shit. However, watching her body tremble in distress did make him die a little inside. He felt guilty… This young woman gave her life to save him. What was even crazier was even after his powers returned, she stayed by him. Kept the barrier up. Treated his wounds…

Other humans were disgusted even if he came into town. She… touched him. Bantered with him. She honestly held no fear of him. And even now, as she barely hung on for dear life, her barrier remained strong and firm.

She was beautiful. Unruly black wavy hair, those big blue eyes that he could have gotten lost in, her shapely body… Her scent though of lavender, honey, and jasmine. It just called to him. In a way he just wasn’t even sure how or why.

His demon was right. He couldn’t let her die. Not yet. If she wanted to kill him after this, he’d let her. If she sent him away, he’d go. But he knew he had to save her.

He pulled her away from the wall and lifted her into his arms. Gods, she fit perfectly into them. She shuddered and moaned as she sank into his chest.

“Mmmmm,” she pushed her face into his chest as he kneeled down to lay her down on the futon he had been resting on before he awoke. “Pine trees…”

“What?” he gasped. She recognized his own very unique scent of pine trees and musk. 

“What's your name?” her raspy voice full of sleep asked.

“You’re awake?”

“Mhmmm...may be weak… but tried to stay aware--was scared the barrier’d fall. Youki woke me up--surprised it didn’t take over ya earlier to heal you...” she muttered while slurring her words, drunk off exhaustion.

“I--...How can you trust me? Why are you still trying to protect me? You obviously sensed my power--I don’t even know your name and you’re just--why--” He was so speechless because this woman, within the past couple hours had proved to give more of a shit about him than anyone. 

“Kagome.”

“Huh?”

“My name. Ka--Go--Me--...and you deserve kindness. Just like everyone else. Your aura--it’s powerful. But not evil.”

“I--”

“Why did you move me?” she asked weakly.

“Your scent… You’re--I--” how does someone tell another they are close to death? She said she already knew but--

“Oh, you were gonna heal me,” she surmised. His silence likely confirmed it as she then sighed, “It’s alright if you aren’t comfortable with it.”

“It’s you I’m worried about, stupid.” 

“I just gave you my name, you could at least use it.”

“Whatever wench, look, do you want me to save you or not?”

“You’re not gonna eat me right?” He looked down to see if she was serious but saw a weak little cocky smile on her face. He rolled his eyes in response.

“No...I just--I don’t think you’re gonna like it.”

“Could you stop speaking in riddles? I’m using too much energy to keep up with your mood swings.”

“You are not gonna like it--my saliva has healing properties. I can heal you by…” he trailed off. He was already scared of the rejection.

“Ah… I get it now. Okay.”

“‘Okay’?”

‘It… makes sense. I know little about inuyoukai. They aren’t that common. Typically keep to themselves,” she groaned and shifted her face back into his chest to take what he could only describe as comforting breaths.

“Wh-what are you doing??” he blushed.

“S-sorry… You--you smell good. It helps. A bit,” she cringed.

Fuck. He could literally hear his inner demon purring and laughing about how right it was. Bastard. He laid her down and hovered over her. To say he was petrified she would reject him would be an understatement. But here he was, putting himself out there, in likely more ways than one. 

“Are you really okay if I…”

“Tell me your name,” she asked again weakly.

“Why?”

“I wanna know the name of the man who saved me…” she sighed as she tried to relax on the futon beneath him.

“Inuyasha.”

“Mmm… Inuyasha…” she breathed as she raised her hand to cup his cheek. He gasped as her sapphire eyes locked with his, giving him all the trust he never knew someone could have in someone like him. She smiled softly and dropped her hand to her side and passed back out. As if she was at ease with him now being her protector. He felt the barrier had still not lowered but it wasn’t as strong as it was. 

Swallowing hard he did what he had never done before--he started to undress a woman. Honestly he had never been more uncomfortable in his life. He was scared his demon would get ideas. Just from the idea she more or less submitted to him without knowing put his demon into a frenzy. 

He got her obi untied and easily tugged down her hakama. She was pretty heavily bruised--her right upper leg in particular. He wouldn’t be able to do much for a broken bone which he was fairly positive she had. He parted her kimono and saw her binds weren’t in great shape. They were tattered and he wasn’t sure exactly how or why she hadn’t bothered removing them all together. Her own bandages that wrapped her torso were soaked. She shouldn’t have been wasting their supplies they somehow had on him--she should have been taking care of herself. 

Dammit all--of course his mate would be the most selfless person in the world. She’d probably die before he could even finish courting her. Probably offer herself up as dinner to a hungry wolf. Fuck. That’s not where his mind should be. He just needed to focus on making sure she lived. He could think about the what ifs and other crazy unrealistic hypotheticals once she was better,

He sliced through her bindings and bandages until she was bare before him. Fuck. He had seen naked women before, not on purpose but after centuries of being alone--you see things. Bathing where you’re hiding, couples sneaking away where they think they're alone, saving girls who were taken from their homes by bandits. He was no stranger to the female form or what men did to pleasure it. Not that he ever had the balls to try anything with anyone ever. No woman would ever show him the time of day… well, at least until now.

Gazing down at her sweat glistening body he decided to start on the largest wound--the one that was likely threatening her life most at the current moment. Gulping, he let his demonic side rise again to the surface as he began to lave her body. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Her blood was tantalizing. Oh Gods, why was her blood so good? He wasn’t a fucking bat demon. This was something he’d likely have to ask Sesshomaru about. Maybe. This seemed rather intimate. Maybe he should mention it to no one. Ever. Not even her. Who knows, she might run off after this was done anyway.

Finally the demon seemed to be satisfied with his work and receded back. Now, he had one more job. Getting rid of the hordes of demons so that he could hunt for food. He took off his haori and draped it over her now clean and well resting body.She was still pale but her breath had evened out and she wasn’t struggling as much to be comfortable. 

He found what he was looking for in an instant. His sword pulsated to him-- called to him. It was in the corner of the hut near where his haori had hung. Grabbing it quickly, he stepped outside and unsheathed it. He waited to see if he heard her stir but there was silence. She must've been holding on by a thread.  He felt bad but he was going to have to shatter her barrier. The action would likely wake her if not shock her a bit. But if she stood a chance at fully recovering, the demons had to go. 

Even if she didn't, even if her leg didn't heal, even if she couldn't bear his pups, or even if they could never consummate their mateship, he would stay by her side, if she allowed it. If she wanted that life. He couldn't even understand his declarations or vows let alone his undying desire to protect her, but he couldn't resist the undeniable absolute certainty that Kagome was his mate. 

He changed his sword to the beautiful color of red and then swung after muttering a soft apology in the wake of his guilt. The barrier came down and that's when the aura hit him. Fuck!! Why were there so many after him?! How did he not sense them even in his human form??

What he found even more peculiar was they did not attack. They merely hovered like a disgusting hive. What the fuck was happening?

"Give us the girl half-breed," one hissed.

"What? Why?" He yelled in defensiveness. They wanted her?! She led them to him?! It wasn't even him who they were after?? Who was she?!

"We were told to bring the girl to our master."

"Why?!"

"That is none of your concern half-breed. Release her and we will allow you to leave," another ugly son of a bitch replied.

"Inu-ya-shaaaaa…" he heard the weak murmur of his name from behind him.

"Stay back, wench," he said harshly hoping she'd crawl her way back into the hut.

"It's okay, they want me. It's my fault you were even hurt… Please, let me do this so you're safe. You don't deserve him hunting you down as well."

He didn't take his eyes off the demons but he almost did.  She was being hunted. And she was giving up. For him. Fuck that!

"Let's make one thing clear right here and right now, priestess. I have no intention of allowing whatever prick that is hunting you down to take you."

"It's not up to you, Inuyasha. I'm not going to let anyone else die for me!"

"I don't plan on dying; I plan on protecting you!" He had enough of their banter. Raising his sword, he unleashed the power of the Wind Scar that killed all the weak ass demons in one downward swing.

"H-how?!" She gasped.

Turning around as he sheathed his blade he finally took a look at her gorgeous face. He didn't smell any fear or disgust coming from her. There was pain but if anything judging from her expression it was mostly surprise. 

"Father's fang. All powerful sword of mortals and crap," he explained gruffly as he knelt down to her slowly. He wanted to give her the opportunity to flinch, tell him to back off, anything. But just stared at him in wonder. Then she glared at him.

"You idiot! Now he's just going to send more! Stronger ones! He's never going to stop! Uhh!! Gods!! Don't you ever listen?!"

"What the fuck?!? That's the thanks I get for saving us?! You!!? Well fuck you too!!"

"No! You just put a giant target on your back by saying that you're protecting me and now your life is going to be in danger!! Gods, I need to get out of here before he finds us together." She made to stand but cringed and fell directly into his arms. 

"Shut up. You can't go anywhere in that condition let alone in my haori," he scoffed as he lifted her into his arms as she blushed.

"L-look," she stammered avoiding eye contact. "You have no idea what you're signing up for! This demon that's after me-- he'll stop at nothing to get me! He's a shapeshifter. He'll kill your family, friends, anyone you've ever met.  He'll turn villages against you, towns, all until you're all you have left in this world and then you're so alone you're begging for death…"

He sat her back on the futon and retracted his arms but kept his amber eyes on her disheartened face. His blood boiled knowing she was speaking from her heart. Why she hadn't bothered to really help herself or fight him… it was because she had given up on her life. It took all he had to not pull her in his lap and swear it would all be okay.

"Why not just let the demons take you if you've already given up?" 

"Don't sound dejected-- we just met. But there are things much worse than death…"

He honestly didn't want her to elaborate; he knew it'd unleash his inner beast and he'd hunt the son of a bitch down right then.  Whoever the s.o.b. was, that is. 

"Listen, I realize you don't know me and I don't really know you but you saved my life so I owe ya," he tried to explain his presence.

"You repaid that debt and even then, I'm the one that almost got you killed. And for involving you I'm so sorry. I appreciate you trying to help me but you should go.  You're basically fully healed and you helped me a lot. I probably will never be able to repay your kindness but I can try by telling you to go. "

"You're a fucking idiot if you think I'm going anywhere without you!" He was losing his temper and possibly his sanity when he grabbed her hands in his to make her look at him with those big ocean filled eyes. "The minute you found me, the moment you saved me, the instant you decided not to kill me because we are natural born enemies, you shook my world. I owe you more than you'll likely ever understand. I don't have friends, a family I can run home to, a place to even fucking call home. You aren't putting my life anymore at risk than it already was. I'm a hanyou. Not a demon. Not a human. There isn't really an actual place for me to belong. If it's alright with you, I'd prefer sticking around making sure you find your place back in the world where you belong." Not the actual confession he wanted to make but close enough. He still basically admitted he wanted to be by her side.

"Inuyasha…" She looked… in awe. Oh shit. She was tearing up. Was she that disgusted by the idea of him staying with her? She'd prefer to die or be hunted alone rather than being protected by him? "I… thank you!" 

His mind must've blacked out. Blanked. Something. But her arms were wrapped around his neck and her tears were soaking his kosode. Her body was pressed up to his and she trembled from her sobs… holy fuck. He was shocked she would be so--personal? So intimate. Did she realize how little she was wearing?? 

As he was about to return the gesture, she pulled back and wiped her eyes, "Sorry. It's just been so long since I've talked to anyone. That someone hasn't chased from the streets. Oh my gosh! I'm being so insensitive! Please forgive me!" 

She was about to bow but he caught her shoulder surprising her. "No. None of that.  You finish," he motioned to her tears,"that-- and I'm gonna catch us dinner." Before she could object he took off running.

Flustered. Hot. Bothered. And most of all, happy.

It had been about a month since Inuyasha had met Kagome. Tonight was the impending new moon. He had just gotten back to their hut after hunting for their dinner. The sky held a blood red hue to it--a dark omen if he ever knew one.  But Kagome had regained most of her strength. Her leg was still healing as were her ribs he hadn’t noticed before but, she was able to move around a little more steadily. 

They hadn’t experienced any additional trouble from the demon that was hunting Kagome. It had been oddly very quiet. Not that they complained. It gave them time to get to know each other.  

He learned she was feistier than he originally thought. And if that didn't make him hotter than hell. She never backed down from a dispute they had whether it was over how much liver she should be ingesting, how much she should be sleeping, if she was leaving the barrier up long enough-- Gods his instincts chose a wild mate. 

She also learned he was an 'overprotective-jealous-insensitive-crazy-loud-mouth-jerk-asshole'. Her words. Not his. He still hadn't exactly told her she was his mate. To be fair, he wanted her to be fully healed before he even confessed something like that. He wanted to hear her genuine feelings first… and not have them swayed on the fact she was dependent on him for her care. 

Not to say they hadn't had tender moments together. Moments that if she wanted to go back and live a normal life once that demon was gone, he'd cherish forever…

She told him about her family; she had a mother, brother, grandfather. Her father died right after her brother was born from the fever cough. Her grandfather was a priest, not the most powerful one, but he was able to train her in her powers. 

When the demon began pursuing her, she left one night without a word. She wasn't sure if the demon came for them again or not. Originally she sought help from the demon slayers, but they told her they couldn't help a demon's whore who willingly allowed five of their best slayers to die at the hands of her mate.

Inuyasha knew that tidbit was wrong, but it hadn’t calmed his youkai blood when hearing some demon was going around spreading the idea that it was his Kagome's mate. That what was his, belonged to someone else. He was going to enjoy ripping out the fuckers intestines, wrapping them around his neck, and watching the fucker choke on his own blood and lack of air.

Midtransformation, Kagome had reached out and grazed his cheek, trying to calm him. Her words still echoed in his brain, "I'm here. He didn't get me. It's not true." It was like she knew-- she knew what he needed to hear. 

He had confided in her about his childhood. Not a whole lot of detail. Just his mother too, died from the fever cough. He was on his own for the majority of his life. Told her about the asshat he did have for a brother and his sister in law…

"It sounds like he's sorry for what he did-- or rather didn't do," Kagome had surmised.

"Don’t matter."

"But family is family and they sound like they want you to be a part of it. It sounds like Sesshomaru has trouble expressing his feelings, must be a family trait," she laughed while he glowered. "I'm sorry, I couldn't pass up a way to poke at you. Anyway, you don't have to be alone anymore. Your family wants you to be with them; if I were you, I'd take that chance. You said how long you've been alone, how no one accepted you, and you have a chance now. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. I know it's hard to believe but trust your sister; Rin seems to be that voice of reason."

Like you are for me… Not that he could say that aloud. But she must've seen the look in his eyes. Or maybe, just maybe on her own, she just wanted the closeness too. She had leaned her head upon his shoulder and let out a slightly ragged breath. He smelled the salt water that pooled at her eyes and heard her whisper so softly he almost didn't catch it, "I don't want you to leave me though…"

He had nuzzled her head and buried his nose in her hair as he wrapped his arm slowly around her shoulders. She had shifted and gripped his haori in her fist and cried silently. His little miko was so strong, stubborn, and determined. It was rare to see her finally succumb to her grief of the losses she suffered. The pain of the rejection she faced. The silent confession of wanting to be with him. 

Again, he wanted this stupid demon to be dead before he asked her to be his mate.  He didn't want it to be out of gratitude. She had admitted she had previously been promised to another male--Hobo? No, Homo? That wasn't it… Hojo. Yea that little fuck head. When his growl emerged from his chest without warning, she laughed and said even if she ever returned to her village, she had no intention of going through with that marriage. It was arranged by the families in thanks of their support after Kagome's father had passed. 

Sighing over the reflection of how far he and Kagome had come in the last moon cycle, he cleared his head. Or rather tried to. He already felt the pull of the moonless night pulling his youki away. His emotions were getting twitchy and edgy. Fuck his life. 

He entered the hut and was greeted by the most radiant smile that made his heart beat faster. Shit. It was going to be a very, very long night. His human half was bound to share some secrets that shouldn't be shared. Ever. Well not ever, just not yet. 

"I missed you! Did you have a good hunt?" She asked as she stood uneasily. She still favored her left leg but was able to put more pressure on her right than she had been able to. It pissed him off for her to be moving at all but she explained to him she had to. More or less explained if she didn't use it, she could likely lose it. Even though he comforted her, she said she wouldn't be able to rely on him forever. 

"I got a couple hares and found some plums."

"Oh good, the vegetables are roasting now if you wanna clean them and throw them in."

He nodded to her and handed her the plums then stepped back outside to the dirty work. Kagome was not an ordinary woman. She cared so deeply for basically all manner of animal or beast she almost became a vegetarian. Weirdo. He had grown accustomed to skinning and cutting his game outside out of her sight so that she would eat meat. She needed it after all.

Once he was finished he brought in the cubed pieces and dropped them in the kiln 

"We can use the fur to make blankets for the upcoming season," he mentioned as he hung them out to dry.

"I hope we won't need them but that's a wonderful idea." Oh yea--they weren’t actually together. Or at least not yet. Him and his big mouth. It was weird; whenever he opened his mouth to say that stuff without thinking, she never told him she didn’t want them to be together--just that she hoped that they didn’t have to stay in this hut. He was too scared to ask what she wanted to do when the demon was caught. It also would mean he would likely be confessing some of his feelings in the process because she in return would ask what he wanted to do…

He felt the similar pulsation he’d felt hundreds of times as his powers drained completely. He felt the shift in his claws, fangs, and the last hinting remains of his heightened senses vanish. Sighing, he turned and saw Kagome had watched with interest. Did she like him in this form? Did she prefer him this way? Was it a human she wanted to be bound to?

“Wow,” she gasped. “I know we technically met in this form but… it’s still strange.” She began to rise; the action annoyed him as he saw her still struggling. He grabbed her elbow to assist her to which she sent a grateful look. What he didn’t anticipate was for her to grab his arms to stay in place. He watched her face study him. Did she think he was a different person?

“Hmmm,” she hummed as she took her hands and brushed his hair back to reveal his human ears.

“Something on your mind?” he finally snapped.

“OH, uhm, nothing really,” she said far too quickly.

He debated on letting her comment go but couldn’t shake his insecurities. “Well go ahead and spit it out--you prefer me as a human right??” 

“What?? NO! Why would you think that!!? Oh my gosh, is that why you think I--ugh! You’re so stupid!”

“I’m ‘stupid’?? How’s that?!”

“To think that I would just be lumped in with everyone else! That you’d even think that!!”

“Well excuse the fuck outta me!!! You were the one who was basically ogling me just now!”

“Oh my--ugh!! Kami!!! How old are you?! You’re acting like a preteen girl!!”

“Take that back, bitch!!”

“No way! You’re being super sensitive right now! Acting like you’re hitting puberty and your mood swings are fully swinging around!!"

"Let me tell you something, wench; I am at least ten times older than you I can promise you I have gone in and out of the maturing process "

"Clearly not, otherwise you wouldn't be acting like a freaking child!"

"I am not acting like a child! I'm just pointing out you clearly like this form better!!"

"I didn't say or imply that!! You're still you! What's the problem with what form you're in anyway?!"

"Because no one, no one will ever want a half-breed!! No one will ever love you, no one will ever accept you!! You're always the last one that is picked out of a line up; everything is always, always your fault!"

Her eyes widened at the proclamation he unwittingly made. "Inuyasha..."

He turned away from her embarrassed about his admission and turned away to head outside.

"Wait! Where are you going?!" Kagome was panicking. But he needed a minute alone. He had to reign in his emotions. 

"I just need a minute…"

"Inuyasha please--I'm--"

"I'll be back," he grumbled as he walked out of the hut. He almost went back in when he heard her sobs but he had to compose himself. They couldn't necessarily fight all night.  He needed to remind himself she was not them. She wasn't like everyone else. His stupid humans emotions couldn't betray the trust they had built together. Allowing his insecurities to make him act like that?? Pathetic. 

After everything she had done for him and they were going through? Gods, he should leave her. He wasn’t a suitable mate for her. He didn't deserve her.

After a couple hours spent in the tree nearest their hut since it was still engulfed in her barrier, he figured it was time to go back. Even though she was upset, she refused to lower it. He often wondered if she was just as afraid to be alone as he was… Not that he'd ever admit that. 

As he entered the hut, he noticed she was laying on the futon facing away from the door. He wasn't sure if she was sleeping, faking, or just simply resting and ignoring his presence, but either way, he figured it was for the best. He wouldn’t risk making more of an ass out of himself and hopefully he could figure out a way to apologize to her for acting like an idiot.

Another couple hours passed and after he ate, he took up space on the wall so that he could face the top of her head. He still couldn't look at her face.  He knew it would have been puffy from crying herself to sleep. Thank Gods he didn't have his sense of smell tonight--it would have broken him. He decided to rest his eyes for a bit. It wasn't like he'd ever been this safe before on his human nights since his mother had passed.

He awoke when he heard the creaking of the floorboards. Years of running, hiding, of being in constant fear for his life made him sleep lighter than anyone. His eyes shot open without a second thought and his hand reached to his unusable sword. The look of horror on Kagome’s face snapped him out of his stupor and he quickly righted himself.

"S-sorry. You snuck up on me," he admitted groggily.

"It's okay. I'm sorry. I should have let you rest… I just… I didn't like how we ended our conversation. But, we can talk about it in the morning," she whispered as she stood back up and turned to head back to the futon. He grabbed her hand before she stepped out of range. 

"No. Dawn is not far away. We can talk."

"O-okay. If you're sure," she muttered sitting back down beside him.

"I don't usually sleep on these nights anyway. I usually don't-- can't relax."

"I'm sorry I made you feel like you were being ogled. I don't want you to feel like that. I also want you to know, I do accept you. Just the way you are."

"I should be the one apologizing. I know all that. If you didn't feel that way, you would have killed me the dawn after we were attacked. But you didn't. You haven't. And you still continue to offer protection to me even though you know what I am. I think I was just so hell bound to not let my emotions get out of control that I took the tension away by blowing up on you over nothing." He looked into her eyes that were glued to his. She was so invested in everything he was saying to her it was unreal… It made him full vulnerable, weak, shit, he needed to say something so she didn't think he was in love with her. Even though he was-- but he promised himself not yet!! "Don't think you'll get another apology out of me in the morning. I won't feel guilty or nothing then. You're only getting this because of my weak human emotions."

Her giggle sounded just as beautiful in his human ears as in his demonic ones, "Of course not. But just so you know, I love you as a half-demon. I was just curious how human you actually were. That's why I studied you so closely. I'm sorry if I made it seem like I prefer this form of you. But you're still you. I'm happy to just be by your side.”

He was officially blushing. “You-you what??”

“I said I--” her eyes widened at her recollection of what she said. “Uhhhh--I mean--I--oh darnit! I didn’t mean it like that--oh Gods, please don’t be weird now. I’m sorry! I wasn’t thinking!” When she caved in on herself, his heart broke a little. She was hiding her beautiful eyes from him but he could see her body rack with sobs just like earlier. Why couldn't they get this right?

“Hey--hey--why are you crying??” he said 

“I blew it! Please don’t go! I-I can’t lose another friend! Please-- you’ve been my only friend for so long--please, I can’t lose you too! I’ve lost everyone.”

He held her in his arms as she cried. She was genuinely scared by her admission to preferring his half demon form--terrified he was going to up and leave…

Not that he could blame her. He lacked… tactfulness. While they had their tender moments, he still avoided his ‘feelings’. Which was why he was nervous as all hell about the new moon. But this actually may have worked to his advantage. She may not want to talk anymore until dawn--since she, like him, always had a knack for speaking without thinking. If his demonic self was still present it would be rumbling with pleasure of how like minded they were.

“Hey, I’m not going anywhere okay?” he tried to soothe her with a lesser gruff voice.

“Wh-what…”

“What, Kagome?”

“What about when this is all over? What then?”

“Dunno. Guess we’ll figure it out then, huh?”

“You don’t have to stay with me… You’ve more than repaid anything you owed me. If anything, I owe you more than I could--”

“Shut up. Unless you actually want me to go because you’re tired of me, because you actually don’t want to be with me, then I’m staying right here. Okay? You’re not alone anymore…” I’m not alone anymore.

“What if… I never ask you to leave…?” she asked hesitantly. Her voice was so small. So unsure.

Think first. Think first. Think first. Think first-- “We’ll see how you feel when this is all over… I don’t want to be the person you choose because I’m the only one here.”

“O-oh…” she said disheartenedly. Why was she sad now?! That was a perfect answer! He was actually proud of himself for actually thinking!!!

“What now?” Oops. There went his mouth.

“N-nothing,” she said trying to push out of his arms.

“No, not ‘nothing’, what?? Is that not the answer you were looking for?”

“I just don’t like that you think that I like you because I’m that lonely,” she admitted hotly.

“That’s not--”

“No,” she said as she finally weasled her way out of his arms to glare at him with those sparkling blue raging eyes. Oh God, he needed to take a deep breath and control himself before he did something he completely regretted. Although he knew he'd never regret it. He’d regret if he never smashed his lips to hers--taste that sweet mouth of hers, see if it tasted anything like he fantasized about nightly. “That’s exactly what you meant. Gods, I’m so stupid--”

“Kagome stop--” he grabbed her arms to stop her from pushing away further from him.

“Would you just let me go!! I’m embarrassed enough!”

“Could you be any more impossible, wench?!!”

“Yes! Now for the last time--”

“I’m not letting you go and you can’t make me!!”

“Wanna bet, jerk?!”

“Wench--”

“How charming,” a new voice rang through the hut.

They both jumped at the sound of the intrusion and he shoved her behind him. Standing before them was some weird ass white baboon covered dude. How he got through Kagome’s barrier was puzzling--Inuyasha had learned even animals couldn’t pass into it. They couldn’t even get out of it once it was erected. How’d this crazy interrupting asshole manage to get in?

“You--” she gasped.

“You know this asshat?” Inuyasha growled.

“Oh, we know each other quite well. Don’t we, Ka-Go-Me?”

Inuyasha felt Kagome shiver at the mention of her name in such an intimate form. He placed his hand on her hip as she clutched onto his haori from behind. If he had his senses, he knew she would be reeking in fear. From the time he met Kagome to now, he never imagined he would see her so powerless. So flooded with fear she didn’t just attack--didn't purify him. She never mentioned if she even met this son of a bitch who was after her. ‘There are things much worse than death…’

“Shut the fuck up ya nasty piece of monkey shit,” he snarled.

“You traded down, Kagome. I’m disappointed. This human man is nothing compared to me. I expected more from you… Well, I was about to get more until you disappeared, that is,�� the evil fuck cackled. 

“I told you to shut up!!!!” Inuyasha said finally lunging at the demon who was clearing playing with them. 

“My, my, aren’t you an angry one?” He dodged his advance and swung around. Inuyasha gasped as he saw the baboon leap back towards Kagome. 

“Kagome!!!” He said rushing back to her side only to be slammed up against the opposite wall of the hut Kagome was near. He cringed but struggled to get back up.

“Inuyasha!!” Kagome cried, pressing herself against the wall of the hut as if it would swallow her to protect her. It enraged Inuyasha to see her so frightened and helpless. What the fuck was this creature?! It was no ordinary demon!

“Get away from her!!” He pulled his sword in its sheath from his belt and tried to use the barrier of the scabbard to beat off the tentacles. 

“You shall not keep me from my mate, human,” the baboon chuckled as he knelt to Kagome. She thrust her hand forward and tried to purify him but he held no reaction to her outburst in power. Her eyes wide with disbelief, she quickly closed them and screamed.

Dawn was still at least an hour away, but Inuyasha had enough. He tackled the demon away from her. “Kagome!!! Your bow!!!”

He held on for dear life as the crazy fuck wiggled about trying to get Inuyasha off. Inuyasha ended up dropping the sword and tried to keep the baboon pinned while Kagome scrambled to the hut's entrance to grab her bow.

“B-but--it won't--”

“It’s a doll!! That’s why your purification isn’t working! Why he was able to enter! Shoot him with your arrow--strike the heart!!”

“Ku ku ku, clever man, aren’t you? Not clever enough though.” Inuyasha twitched at his words only to feel a tentacle pierce through his back to his abdomen. He didn’t even recognize the scream of pain as his own let alone the scream of his name Kagome cried.

He fell to the ground hard as he realized what he had grasped onto disappeared into dust. Opening his eyes he saw her beautiful tear-stained face hovering over his. He felt his eyes grow heavy and prayed silently that sunrise wasn’t as far away as he originally calculated.

Kagome was a woman of many secrets.  Secrets of which she was learning were costing everyone their vitality. 

It was just a month ago she escaped her imprisonment. She had never wanted to return. Originally when she learned she was being hunted, she tried to seek help from monks, priests, demon slayers to only discover her name was being tarnished. Her family still believed her virtue… however the villagers began to question it as more and more demons began to attack. 

She said her goodbyes to her friends Shippo and Koga who resided in the wolves den--well--it a vague goodbye. They didn’t know it was a full parting she was going to do. They only thought she was leaving for the day after playing with Shippo and the wolf cubs. She had gone up to check on Koga’s mate--Ayame. She was due with the twins any day and she had wanted to be there for her… Breaking promises was something she wasn’t good at; but she kept hers to herself to keep them all safe from Naraku.

Kagome took it upon herself to save her family, her village, by doing the only thing she could do; she left in the middle of the night without a word. She began traveling to the only place she could think that may help her-- Mount Hakurei.

A couple times she managed to secure a hut by using exorcism but more times than not, her face had been used in deceit like with the monks and exterminators--they said she brought calamity upon the village. That she was cursed. That she was a dark priestess. That she should be hung for her crimes…

She eventually got used to sleeping in the woods. Luckily it was still warmer; she wasn’t sure what she would do come winter. Hopefully the villages near the mount would be pure enough the demon couldn’t taint their minds with lies and she could finally live in peace there.

Never once had Kagome questioned why she was being chased, hunted, or pursed… whatever way it was worded, it was true. Naraku wanted her--in more ways than one. The main reason was her power. She had been born with a greater power than any other miko on record. After some serious meditation, it was discovered by her great-aunt, Kaede, that she was born with the Shikon no Tama within her. Stories were passed down in their family about the tale of the shrine maiden who ended the war between demons and humans by sacrificing her own soul to imprison the hordes of demons within it. From the act of engulfing the demon souls with her own, the jewel was born. It had been passed on from priestess to priestess from eons and then it disappeared for half a century as one priestess had it burned with her body.

The priestess, Kikyo, claimed the jewel was cursed. From the legends and stories, she was likely correct. The shrine maidens that were given the duty to protect it often met an unfortunate and quick end to their lives. She too, suffered at the hands of a former suitor whose motivation was greed for the jewel. With her dying breath, she demanded the jewel to follow her in death...only then it was reborn in Kagome.

Kagome’s family were the only ones who knew of the jewel's continued existence within her. They were unsure how a strange demon had learned about her let alone the jewel, but it became evident that he would stop at nothing to possess her.

Before she even made it to a village near the mount she was taken. When she awoke from the forcible grab, she was in darkness. She could only hear laughter, feel slight caresses on her flesh… She honestly thought she was in hell. What was worse was the utter silence when there was no sound of chuckling. She had no idea where her captor was--let alone who he was or what he truly intended to do with her. When there was silence, she often checked to see if her hymen was still intact; she didn’t know if he had drugged her and violated her, or if he took her and she just blacked out from the trauma.

One day, or night, she wasn’t sure how long she was there for, but she started to count when she was awake between visits of her psycho captor and when she got to five thousand for the first time, she knew she was likely completely alone. She invoked her power and was able to see--and gods she wished she hadn’t. Completely surrounded by demons, flesh, blood, and remains, she almost lost her sanity. But she needed to escape. She could break later. She had to remain strong until then. 

Sneaking out, as carefully as she could, she finally saw light as she climbed the rocking surfaces. Touching and testing each place before she firmly grabbed or placed her foot, the climb out of her little hole took likely hours. By the time she got through the hole of the cavern she was in, the light was almost all gone. It was sunset when she finally emerged. She found her clothing and barely wrapped her bindings before her shaky hands threw on her pants and kimono top. Her breathing was ragged but she kept it quiet--kept it under control because she would not be discovered. She would not go back there. She had NO intention of learning what the freak had actually wanted with her other than the jewel.

Thankfully she saw a pile of weapons aside additional clothing. She grabbed a bow with a quiver of arrows before she started her unfortunate descent of the mountain she apparently climbed from the inside.      

     By the time she made it back down to the forest floor, it was night time. The moonless night. She tried to think back to the moon she was taken on… or right before rather. She wanted to say it had been a full moon. But she wasn’t sure if it had been two weeks or over a month's time since she was in that hell hole. 

She was about to sit down to rest when she heard them; laughter. Hissing. Tongues licking lips. Claims of a tasty treat… then the recognition she belonged to Naraku. That whisper was enough to refuel her. 

Running for her life, from uncertainty and evil, she wasn't sure how long she could hold out. She was already so drained she couldn't pull any of her power to the surface without passing out. That was when she heard a call. She turned her head and saw a man dressed in red. He had long black free flowing hair and the most piercing violet eyes she had ever seen on anyone. 

"This way!!" 

Deciding not to wonder why that handsome man was even wandering around in the deep forest in the middle of night, she ran to him and followed him. He seemed like he knew where he was going. She figured even if it was a trap, she wouldn't last not following him. It was ultimately a possible lose lose situation. But he seemed… trustworthy even if it was just from a distance. 

He ran farther ahead of her; it was almost like he was avoiding her. Did he recognize who she was? In her haze of anxiety and onsetting fatigue, she tripped and fell into a tree that laid on the ground. She heard a couple of her ribs crack upon impact more than she felt it. 

"Ahhhh!" 

He must’ve heard her cry out as he was instantly pulling on her arm to rise, "Get up or I'll leave you behind!!"

"Just--just go," she said defeatedly.

"Let's get one thing straight here wench, I'm not out here riskin' my ass so you can give up! Now move it!!"

She couldn't believe his determination. It was weird. Why was he so set on helping her? Was he lonely too??

Trying to stand she cried out and grasped her chest, "M-my ribs--"

"Fuck!" He stood in front of her, his hand stiffly on his sword.

"You--you should go. Please. It's okay, I appreciate your help."

"Shut up, you got me involved the minute you entered the forest with this scum."

"I'm sorry," she breathed looking down at her hands clenching the ground. 

"If you're sorry, you'll get outta here."

"What?" She looked up to see the back of his head.

"Are you deaf or dumb?! I said run!!" Before she could stand she saw the demons charging for her. She grabbed her bow and groaned as she shot off an arrow and blew a portion of them away. Unfortunately she must've distracted the man as a couple knocked him off his feet and attacked his chest.

His scream was what awoke whatever power she thought was drained. She launched arrow after arrow destroying the pack of youkai that surrounded them. Kneeling next to him, he was her priority to save. One demon got too close and knocked the bow from her and two others wrapped around to restrain her hands. She felt burning pain as they stretched her out to open her for attack. Two more came at her and bit down on her stomach and another lunged for her heart. If not for the man by her who was groaning and leaking blood she doubted she would have fought to survive. 

A bright light engulfed her and she was briefly lost. The only thing that snapped her mind back into reality was feeling the rise and fall of the man who risked his life for her. Her eyes popped open and she noticed they were covered in ash, blood, and guts. She sensed another round of demons were on their way. Standing unsteadily, feeling the burning stabbing pain of her cracked ribs, she grabbed her bow and then grabbed the man's arms and started to drag him the direction he previously was headed. She winced as she put pressure on her right leg, realizing it was likely broken when she purified the demons when they dropped her and twisted her on their way back to hell.  

She finally saw what the guy was originally leading them to--a hut. It was old; the wood looked rotted and the reed door was barely hanging on but it didn't matter--it would do.

She got him inside before she finally collapsed on the floor and crawled back out the door. She drew two markers by the doors, the star-based shape she was named after into the dirt in front of the door and began to pray. She prayed for the man’s safety. She prayed for the man’s health. She prayed to be able to make it to tomorrow...

The barrier was erected and she made her way back inside and scavenged for bandages. Thankfully there was already a pot of water above the fire pit and logs were ready to be lit. She lit the fire and boiled the water. As the water was being cooked, she opened the man’s kimono and gasped at the slashes the demons had made. His skin was ripped apart and she wasn’t sure how far the damage went down… She could see his organs, blood leaked loosely from his stomach. If she had anything of substance in her stomach, it would have come up. She had to use her power one more time. Just once more. To heal him as much as she could. 

Hovering her hands over his torn abs, she drew her power once more to the surface. She honestly thought she might die then. He was draining her--slowly. Once she noticed his organs were fully enclosed, she began to clean him and bandage him. Her breath ragged and her mind foggy, she collapsed onto him right before dawn. His aura pushed her back into consciousness. She hadn’t even been on him for a minute. Trembling, she studied the change that occurred within him…

His hair faded to the most beautiful silver colors, his fingernails lengthened and thickened to claws, his ears grew pointed and shifted to the top of his head. He--he was a half demon. He… he showed her his time of weakness. Oh Gods, he placed so much faith and trust in her. He almost died for her.

Her.

Kagome. The reincarnation of Kikyo, the keeper of the Shikon no Tama. The woman whose reputation was ruined by a monster. Rumored to be the mate of a demon... and allowed that demon to kill, eat, and destroy villages for fun. The idea of being mated to a demon was not the thing that disgusted her--it was the fact he said she was his mate. 

Was it possible to fall for someone you just met? Was it possible you never wanted to be without them? The very idea of them leaving your life physically hurt, even though you didn’t even know their name? Was it possible that… he was actually her mate? Could that be sensed because of her spiritual powers? But… would he know? Half-demons were so rare. Would he be able to tell if what she was feeling was real?

Honestly, she could say she had never been in love. She never felt ‘lust’ or ‘desire’ for anyone in her village. She had been on the receiving end of those feelings along with love, but she never felt like she could reciprocate. Truthfully she thought it was the jewel. Her duty was to the jewel. She had no time or desires to be with a man because her sole purpose in life was to guard the jewel. Just like the other shrine maidens before her…

But now she was confused. She knew Hojo--they grew up together. He fell in love with her. He courted her from the time they came of age until she left without a word. Even though her family had agreed, she never had intentions on marrying him. Even her other best friend, Koga, had taken interest in her. But thankfully he found his actual mate and backed off. She loved Ayame and Ayame held no bitterness towards Kagome. That was how Kagome even learned of mates for demons. Not that she was upset with Koga for dropping her the moment he met Ayame, but she was curious why and how.

The way Ayame described it… was exactly how she felt right when she locked eyes with this demon. Well, locked eyes over his body. But was that possible? For a human to be able to discern a demon for their mate?

After on and off sleeping, changing his bandages, watching the sun rise and set for three days and the hanyou didn’t awaken, Kagome began to lose faith… She failed him. He was going to die. And it was all of her fault. The only mate or whatever he was, she was going to lose him. She truly believed that the jewel was cursed--correction--she was cursed.

She prayed. And prayed. And prayed. And prayed some more. Then she began to beg. She cried. Take her, not him. He saved her. He rescued her. Any Kami that would listen she groveled for the nameless half-demon's life. 

When he finally opened his eyes, his beautiful rich, golden eyes she felt her heartbeat quicken. Some of her strength returned just from the rush of relief while her body began to falter. She saved him. Thank the Gods.  His eyes met hers and she swore she felt the electricity between them… and then he opened his mouth. 

The Gods had a funny sense of humor that was for sure. While her mate was fucking gorgeous and absolutely mouth watering--he was a complete asshole! He had zero bedside manner, let alone any form of manners at all. He was gruff, rude, and ugh! She was so drained and exhausted she had no patience for dealing with her raging emotions and his complete distrust in the person who basically let herself die trying to save him.

Whatever. 

She didn’t care anymore. Hopefully she rested in stupid mother loving peace. She’d take the jewel back to hell and refuse to find nirvana. That was her new duty; to keep the jewel from ruining anyone else’s life.

But then she awoke to a massive surge of demonic aura. For a half demon, he was quite strong… 

Whoa. He was holding her. She fit perfectly in his arms. Oh Gods. If she had energy to be aroused, she likely would be. But she was in so much pain, she couldn't muster anything but burying her head in his chest. His scent was so comforting. It was like coming home. 

After she learned his name, she passed back out. Everything that happened was too overwhelming. Too much for her let alone her body to process. 

She almost killed him the next time he woke her. Her barrier had shattered. Son. Of. A. Bitch. Literally!!! She was going to murder him. When she sat up to ream him a new one, she realized two very crazy things: 1. She was completely naked aside from his haori and 2. Her wounds were healed… except for her broken bones. Oh Gods. Boundaries. They needed to talk about those. One would be when she is out of her mind with pain then things needed to be explained to her more thoroughly. Her fault really. She really wanted to feel better. She also didn’t want to leave him. 

Once he bade the demons away, their weird, highly tensioned relationship began. She was unsure if he thought she was his mate or not. He was so… stubborn. Off putting. Defensive. Quick to speak. 

Over the month they spent together though, it became a song and dance. Sometimes she thought he enjoyed rattling her. He enjoyed ‘poking the bear’. Jerk. He was very protective and provided for her. He literally helped her do everything. E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. If she thought she was mortified over the fact he licked her naked body while she was asleep, she was gravely mistaken. Him having to help her take a leak in the bushes was hundreds times worse.

But he stayed by her--even though he didn’t have to. It slightly gave her hope that he too, felt the draw of mateship. She found herself trying to help him, coax him to go be with his family. Understand that he belonged. Teach him he wasn’t bad because he was half-demon… but then ended up whispering things to try to keep him. Asking him to stay.

She didn’t want him to feel like he owed her; he shouldn’t feel like he should just be by her because she didn’t want to be alone.

When she finally asked the impending question about what he thought if she never asked him to leave… she was heart broken. She really put it all on the line and he basically said that she just wanted him because she was a pitiful lonely girl who was crushing on the guy who was helping her.

She wasn’t that pathetic. How dare he insinuate that! She wanted him because she loved him!! Because all the tales of the red string of fate were true--she was bound to him just as he was bound to her!! He was just too stupid to realize it and ugh!!

Then she heard that dark chuckle that haunted her in the dark. 

Then she saw Inuyasha try to protect her.

Then she saw him drop to the ground…

She did as Inuyasha told her--she shot the bastard through the heart. She was so so so scared--her mind was so clouded in fear she didn’t even realize it was a demon puppet. How stupid was she?!!? 

Kneeling down next to him she saw the gaping hole in his gut and feared for his life--again. This was why she asked him to leave her. This. This right here! She couldn’t allow this man to sacrifice himself for her. The jewel’s existence was her curse. But somehow it was starting to affect him. 

She cared so deeply for him--it was hard to ask him to stay but also tell him to go. Maybe she should have been more forceful! Maybe she should have been meaner… Ugh! Who was she trying to play? She could never treat him like that. He didn’t deserve that; after everything he confided in her, after everything she had been through in the last couple months, she would never treat him so coldly to leave.

His eyes were closed but dawn was approaching. Slowly. Too slowly. He had lost too much blood; she had to heal him again. Closing her eyes she drew her power to the surface and fed it into his battered body. She was strong enough this time to fully close his wound--but that didn’t mean it still didn’t drain her. Feeling part of herself drift back into him, she collapsed onto his chest again and breathed raggedly. 

Damn. He’d probably kill her if he knew what she was doing. Giving away her life force to heal him. But that was just another secret she’d take to the grave with her. If he wasn’t her mate like she thought, he’d move on. It would all be okay; she’d just be the woman who opened his heart and taught him to love and trust. If she was his mate, they’d figure out a way to fix it…

She closed her eyes unable to move herself from his chest. His scent calmed her and soothed her. He would be okay. He would be okay. He would be okay. Even if she wouldn’t be.

Inuyasha felt his youki pulse through him; the change woke him this time. The revelation startled him-- hadn’t he been run through the gut with a tentacle? On his human night? Shouldn’t he have bled out??

He started to sit up, pressing a hand to his head from the massive headache he had when he realized there was weight sitting upon him. His eyes shot open when he sat up and the weight fell to his lap. Looking down he was met with long black locks. It was Kagome!!

“Kagome!” He grasped the young woman on his lap and flipped her over. Her breathing was ragged, sweat glistened down her face,  and she was unresponsive. What the fuck?! What happened?! Was she hurt somehow?? 

He examined her in his arms, sniffed to discern why she seemed like she was in discomfort and came up with nothing. No injuries, no wounds; if anything, her aura was depleted but he was surprised due to the length she held her barrier up. 

Shaking her, he called her name until he finally saw her eyes clenched tightly as if she was trying to regain consciousness. 

"Ughhhh…" she groaned weakly.

"Kagome." Her name fell from his mouth with a gentleness he didn't think he actually possessed. When her sapphire eyes finally appeared he exhaled thankfully and pulled her closer to his body. He didn't give a shit about putting distance between them at that moment; he was just thankful she was awake.

"Kagome what happened?"

"I shot him; the puppet disintegrated and…" She seemed reluctant to finish her train of thought. He knew she did something she likely shouldn't have done… something that he would likely be angry with.

"And what then? Why am I breathing without a scratch? Don't lie to me either, " he warned with a low growl.

She averted her eyes and snuggled into his chest, "I can't tell you. "

"What do you mean you 'can't'?"

"Exactly as it sounds."

"Kagome--I know you have secrets. I do too. Obviously we haven't known each other that long but I know for a fact that some of these secrets are putting you in danger.  I can't help you if you're not open with me."

"I can handle this myself," she said stubbornly.

"Pft, right. That’s why you were trembling behind me when that crazy fuck entered the hut. Who was that anyway? What is your history with him?”

“That’s none of your business!” she yelled sitting up and trying to push away from him. He wasn’t having any of that though--his hold remained firm and he growled low..

“The fuck it isn’t my business! Look here--I’ve almost died twice now saving your hide you better own up to what the hell is going on between you and that sick fuck!”

“Inuyasha! Just DROP it!!”

“Kagome!”

“STOP--” she commanded slamming her hands balled up into fists against his chest, his hands still tightly around her arms to keep her from moving away from him. 

Before he knew it, he had pinned her on her back and was snarling in her face. Her hands were secured above her head and she looked at him fearfully. The beautiful blues made him realize what had happened; her reluctance and obstinance made his inner demon emerge. It was pissed off by the fact she was disregarding her own safety. The fact she was keeping such big secrets from him made it decide it was time to make her submit.

He threw himself off of her and jumped to the doorway; he needed to calm down. Fuck. He hadn’t lost control like that in centuries. Was it because she was his destined mate? Even then though, he usually found her spunk and fury arousing--charming… right then it made him pissed to the point he scared her. He was a monster. She would never accept him now.

When he felt a hand on his arm he pulled away from her without thought. Her gasp made his ears pin to his head and he turned his sadden eyes to hers. She looked worried. Crap. 

“What?!” he spat.

“Inuyasha,” she said softly.

“You didn’t wanna talk right? That’s fine. I’ll give you your space,” he turned back to go out the door.

“No!! Please!! Stop!! I’m sorry!!”

“Whatever Kagome. Maybe you were right. Maybe I should just go; obviously I’m just as untrustworthy as the monkey-shit that just strolled on in. He clearly knows you better than I do. Maybe you shoulda just gone with him. He probably could protect you better than I can since I keep getting myself basically killed trying to keep you safe from yourself.”

He knew he was being harsh. He knew he was reacting in the worst way possible. To be fair, he was doing what he did best--he was pushing her away before she could leave him. When he saw her face, it looked like he struck her the way her face was shaped. He hit below the belt.

The history between her and that demon obviously was extensive enough for the nasty asshole to be claiming she was his mate. Yes, it was a lie. Mates were only linked to each other and no one else. But this crazy fuck obviously was different from the rest. Who knows? Maybe the Gods did link her up to him and an actual demon because he was a half-breed. Unworthy of the beautiful goddess she was. 

She deserved better. He would push her to that point; force her to see she needed someone who could fully protect her. Someone who could support her. Someone who she could take back to her village and not be ridiculed for being with. A man who was not a half-breed. Someone who was not him.

When she didn’t reach out to him, he stepped outside the hut and hung by the barrier waiting for her to lower it. He knew he had to leave her. After what he just did to her, he was likely no better than the baboon. He shouldn’t have her trust. He shouldn’t be allowed to be near her.

“You… You really want to leave?”

“You have ears don’t you?”

“Inuyasha… why…”

“You said so yourself didn’t you?? That I should leave--that I repaid you enough. This last save between us officially made us even.”

“Is… I... Please--no--”

“Lower your barrier, bitch,” he growled knowing she detested that word.

“Do you hate me now?? What happened?! Because I don’t want to share you’re just leaving?! Running away?!!? After everything!!??”

“After what? We’ve been in this shithole for a month. That’s nothing. It isn’t even enough to trust each other, stupid. I’m proving it to you right now; I refuse to be by someone who is hiding their life. Especially when it involves me basically dying every month. I don’t need that. I’ve survived centuries being alone. I prefer loneliness over dying for a pitiful excuse for a human like you.”

Her gasp hurt him. It physically hurt him. He felt like he was ripping his own heart out. A soft thud onto the dirt almost made him turn around until he saw the barrier start to waver.

“Wh-why…?” Her voice was trembling. It was so small, timid. 

“Do you need a list? You’re worthless. You’re so weak you can’t even keep your head held up when you use your powers; you let a demon slip right through your barrier. What kind of priestess are you? Probably a tainted one. I could smell demons on you the moment I woke up in this hut after the last new moon. Do you just whore yourself out to anyone who shows interest in you? Is that why you’re ‘in love’? You’re a stupid little girl who has no idea what love actually is or what it means to be in love with someone. You’re just looking for your next conquest. You make me sick.”

“Inuyasha--please--”

“No, girl. Just lower the barrier before I make you do it for me.”

“N-no… I--I won’t!”

“You’re that desperate?!” He chastised finally swinging around realizing the mistake in the action. She was looking at him in full determination, tears trapped in those deep oceaniantic eyes.

“No!! I’m just that serious about you, Inuyasha!!”

“Shut up and let me out,” he said as harshly as he could but it came out muddled with thick regret.

“Make me. You said you’d make me,” she cringed as she pulled herself up using the doorway as a brace. She stood tall and firm. “Go on. You don’t care--you don’t like me?? Fine. Then force me!!!”

“Don’t tempt me bitch. I’ll rip you apart like you’re nothing at all. I already told you earlier tonight didn’t I? As a human nonetheless, that I doubt you’ll feel like you wanna be with me when this is all over. That was my weak way of saying I’m out of here. But I have always been more about self-preservation anyway. Two brushes with death is enough for a lifetime. Now. Let. Me. Out,” he hissed with the facade of menace standing less than a foot away from her now.

“I’m waiting for your threats to be real. If I have learned anything about you, Inuyasha, it is that you are all bravado. You are just doing this to save some sort of face… Yes, your words hurt. Yes, you’re breaking my heart. Yes, I don’t know if we’ll actually recover from the damage you’re trying to inflict, but, I’m not willing to let you go.”

He was stunned and his face likely didn’t even bother hiding it. Did she really know him that well? How did he actually allow himself to get that close to her to where she knew this pattern about him? Fuck…

He couldn't physically hurt her. Never. Neither his human or demon half would ever allow such a thing. He tried the emotional route only because he thought it would protect her. Even though he pushed her away, he could always watch her from the trees.  Protect her without her ever truly knowing. But now, he may have unknowingly set his fate in just a lifetime of friendship. Whatever. This was the lot he had been given. This would be the lot he would take.

"Why are you hanging on so hard? After everything I said--how--"

"Because I'm not everyone else, Inuyasha. I know you. You'll be just as heartbroken as I will be if you actually step out of this barrier…" she sighed leaning heavily on the door frame for support. It was like all the energy she was using was fake and she was her last reserve. He refused to help her; he was trying to prove she didn’t actually need him. In the end, he would hurt her. She was lucky she had snapped him out of his demonic rage. What if it happened again? What if she didn't pull him back?

We would never hurt our mate.

Yea. Right. Tell me she didn’t look afraid at the stupid showcase of dominance. What would have happened if she kept fighting?

We would have made her submit.

By force, jackass. Never. Our mate is safest away from you--away from me.

That is a foolish lie you are telling yourself, hanyou. Our mate is the safest in our protection.

Shut up!!! 

“Whatever. Start fucking talking. I’m outta here if I hear any bullshit,” he grumbled and tried as hard as he could to keep his eyes averted.

“You first--what the heck was that?!!”

“I’m asking the questions here, wench,” he pointed out, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Yea, let me explain to you how this will work, Inuyasha. It’s going to be a ‘you-go’ ‘I-go’ kind of thing. Since you just decided to up and leave all of a sudden after declaring you were there because you wanted to be, I want to know why?!”

He felt a jolt in power. She obviously was very pissed off or hurt, or the third option, both. Not that he could blame her; that was his goal. But she didn’t have the correct reaction. She was supposed to let him leave, he would watch her from afar, then kill the disgusting asshat who was stalking her. After that, she could return to her village, marry some nice guy, have his pups, grow old, then die. Then Inuyasha would move on with his life and reminisce about how he fucked it all up. But no, this woman was likely more stubborn than he was. 

“None of your business.”

“Uhm, actually, it is!!” Another surge flowed through her barrier. Was she just trying to scare him? Or were her powers acting on their own?

“Actually it isn't. Next question.”

“Inuyasha…” she warned.

“I said no, Kagome!! Next FUCKING question!!!”

Her pause made him look at her and he saw those beautiful blue eyes angier than he had ever seen them.

“I know what happened, Inuyasha. I’m a freaking priestess! I know your demonic half emerged when I was fighting with you. I know as a inu-youkai, the act of defiance in a pack is huge. I know you were making me submit. Now, tell me why?!!?”

Our mate is smart. You don’t give her enough credit, half-demon.

Shut. Up. Stay the fuck outta this! You’re the reason we’re even in this mess!

“I can’t tell you.”

“Why not!??! You were the one just going on about trust and everything else!! Can’t you extend the same courtesy?!?!”

“If you don’t shut up, you’re gonna end up in the same position!!”

“Good! Maybe your demon will be more talkative than you are!!!”

“Trust me, it doesn’t want to fucking talk!!”

"What is that supposed to mean?!"

"Exactly how it sounds! It's my basic instincts--the most primitive animalistic part of me! The furthest thing from its mind is talking!! That part of me kills first and doesn't even turn around to ask why. Anything it deems as a threat to power or life is automatically cut down. It was over the fact you don't fucking listen! That you constantly put yourself at risk and don't bother to tell me why! I stayed with you to protect you! If you know what's after you and why I deserve to fucking know!!"

"I didn't ask you to stay!"

"Well you're certainly not letting me go either."

"Can't you just trust me?? That maybe I'm not telling you to protect you??!"

"We both know that's a load of bullshit because I’ll repeat myself just because I want you to see your face when I tell you how wrong you are: I. ALMOST. DIED. TWICE. I don’t know how you keep saving me, but face it Kagome, you’re not doing me any favors.”

He watched her face contort to discomfort and then shame. Her barrier dropped as did she into a slumped position against the doorframe. Sighing, he knew he got through to her. Maybe. Or maybe he broke her. As much as he wanted to lift her into his arms and carry her back into the hut, he knew he needed her to sweat. She needed to open up to him lest they have a repeat incident where he actually bit her--marked her without permission. Rutted her like the goddamned animal he was. 

“Just go…” she whispered.

“Are you… ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?!?!!?” He felt his youki rising. What was wrong this--this--bitch?!

“I’m not going to tell you. You’re right though. You don’t need to be here because you’re just in danger. Go,” she waved her hand dismissively but her eyes were trained on the tattered reed hanging from the door.

He surprised her when he grabbed her by her hair and shoulders. Her gasp this time didn’t break his trance when he tilted her head to expose her neck to him. What shocked him though was he didn’t mark her--he just bit her enough to leave a bruise. Cocky demon half. He was lucky she only inhaled sharply and didn’t zap him into the next life. Remaining as still as he could while the growl that had been flowing through his chest kept a steady noise to break the now very awkward silence, he tried to figure out what she was going to do. Well, even what he was going to do.

When he felt the lick of her tongue against his cheek he unceremoniously dropped her. Whoops. Fuck. Shit. Dammit. He was actually at a loss for words. She stayed upright and caught his forearms. Her eyes looked into his as if making sure he was--well that he was back, he guessed. 

“Happy?” she asked hesitantly. He must’ve forgotten how to talk though. Communicate in general. He was stuck just staring at her. Wasn't even sure how he was gazing at her. Curiosity? Disbelief? Shock? 

"Are you… okay?" She asked tentatively, reaching up to stroke his cheek where she likely saw his jagged stripes. 

Well say something hanyou.

…

She submitted--just as we commanded. Pull yourself from your stupor. 

She… why…

Outloud moron.

Shut up and go the fuck away!!!

“Y-you---I---” Gods what the fuck was she doing to him?? Now he couldn’t speak.

“For someone who demanded I be the one to submit, it seems like you’re doing the opposite.”

He cleared his throat as best he could and averted his eyes. Because he was likely to bend down and kiss the fuck outta her if he didnt look away.

“His name is Naraku.” That caught his attention. “Have you heard of him?”

“Yea--my brother said he’s been running around for about half a century. No one knows what he looks like outside of the fact he typically wore an animal suit. Even then, nothing has ever been confirmed. He’s… trouble to say the least.”

“Yea…” she said suddenly anxious.

“Why does he want you? Why is he claiming you’re his mate?”

“I--I don’t know.”

“You’re lying…” he hissed.

“I honestly don’t know why he claims I’m his mate! That’s not a lie!”

“But you do know why he wants you.”

“It’s a secret that has been passed down in my family for generations. It’s something not shared with demons or anyone.”

“Well whatever little secret you’re hiding, it’s about to cost you your life,” he clipped. And mine… If you die Kagome, I’ll die.

“Inuyasha please--I think it’s just best if--”

"Just fucking stop, wench." He was exasperated. He'd have better luck torturing Sesshomaru for information. Maybe they needed a break. He could calm his nerves; she could… figure her shit out. "I'm gonna go."

She looked down, her breath hitching. Sighing, he grabbed her face to look at him so their eyes met. "I'm not leaving. I just need a minute. My instincts are all riled up. You're… well, emotional and panicking over nothing. But this isn't working.  You have to agree with that. What's dumb as fuck is I'm the one saying this. You're the one who's supposed to be good at the words and crap. Go rest. You better be ready to talk after you sleep."

He released her face and began to turn away when he felt her arms wrap around his waist and clench his haori. Gazing down at her, he was again at a loss for words. 

"I'm sorry Inuyasha."

"Keh, whatever.  Not the first time someone's tried to kill me; it won't be the last."

"N-no. I… I swear it's not that I don't trust you. I just don't want you to look at me differently. Our…" Her pause was apparently taken to contemplate her next words carefully. "--friendship means so much to me. I can't-- I just-- please--"

"I'm just going for a run. You have been awake all night. As a human, I know you're tired. As a priestess I know you're drained. I won't be far enough away where you can't sense my aura."

She was quiet as she clung to him. One second she's ordering him to go, the next she can't bear the idea being without him. What did that twisted fuck do to her? 

"I really need you to get your head on straight. I can't be the only one actually thinking."

When her resounding silence was her answer yet again and her hold did not diminish, he began to growl.

"Kagome! Can you fucking answer me!!" Growling he finally grabbed her arms and pulled them from around him. Her legs gave out and she ended up being held up by his hands on her forearms like a doll. "What the fuck?! Kagome?!" Her eyes were closed and she was out cold. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!!

He picked her up and cradled her body to him. It finally dawned on him that Kagome was right; he needed to go back to Sesshomaru. Even if Kagome never told him her secrets she was hiding, he needed his brother's help to save her. He honestly might know what she was hiding. Stepping inside the hut, he grabbed her bow and quiver. There was nothing else of value. The hut had served its purpose. It was a shelter. It was their safe haven. But no more. It was time to leave and find a new home. Start a new journey. A journey towards trust and hopefully, of love.