#spent the past week reading a/b/o aus

[meguwumibear]

wc 2.3k and contains: noncon, knotting, piv sex, alpha!megumi, human!reader, yandere themes, written with a female reader in mind, baby's like second time writing smut, i think that’s everything but always happy to add or tag new warnings if i missed anything

On a dark winter night, you come to him, lost and oh so terribly alone. The Japanese Alps are a common place for hikers to traipse. Always have been. Many come to make pilgrimage to the Buddhist temple that sits atop the holy Mount Tate. Others come to extract raw goods. They mine the minerals from the mountains and hunt the wildlife for sport and game. The discovery of a wolf pack nestled deep within its mountain ranges only served to alter common tourist paths, not deter travelers from them completely.

 You are not like the usual adventurers. You are a small and fragile thing, even if you seem to think otherwise. Even if you think you are big and tough and strong, you are not. He will prove this to you time and time again with his own muscles and teeth and claws.

Human flesh bruises so easily, tears at the slightest bit of pressure. He has to remind himself to mind his teeth when he sinks his incisors into the thin skin of your neck. You have not learned what it means to submit yet, so he presses your cheek to the grass for you. He grants himself the access he needs to bite.

He does not mean to claim you. There are betas back at the compound that he can fuck, omegas for him to mate. Seasoned and well trained wolves that understand their place and their role in a pack. Beasts that will drop to all fours and present themselves to him, head down, ass up, back arched.

You are not the first human he meets. You’re not even the first human he knots. His pack keeps several on reserve at the compound. They exist to help their alphas through their ruts and their omegas through their heats. And they expertly execute their assigned duties. Defiance has been taken from them. With a bit of punishment and reinforcement, they learn.

The assimilation of humans into packs was necessary. Because wolves can’t bond with humans. Not really. Not the way they can another wolf. Humans don’t have scent glands for wolves to puncture and no amount of chewing or gnawing or knotting would change that.

Which means that your sent will remain your own, even once it starts to mingle with his, no matter how many times he sinks his teeth into you. His mark and claim will never take completely. It will never be skin deep. You will never fully be his. His bond with you is surface level. All evidence of it will fade if he doesn’t consistently trap you beneath his jaws. And you are oh so very stubborn.

The first time he takes you is the hardest. He does what he can to prep you for him, but your submission does not come easily. You fight against him and your nature. You thrash and wiggle beneath him, beating your fists into the ground, clawing earnestly at the loose bits of dirt. All of your squirming nurtures his prey instinct, but he fights against it as best he can. Part of him wants to release you to revel in a true chase. Instead, he presses your writhing form to the ground with his chest as he rids you of your clothes.

He does what he can to sooth you. Cards his fingers through your hair, strokes gently down your arms. The humans back at the compound seem to enjoy when he tends to them this way. It helps them relax. With a few simple caresses and a bit of patience, a human will submit to their alpha. It’s only natural after all.

Pack humans understand what’s in their nature. You do not.

Megumi’s never had to break a human in before. He’s always just enjoyed the fruits of the other wolves’ labor. He thinks he’d like to train you, to teach you to bare your neck, to reward your obedience and punish your defiance. If you were an omega, he’d press your nose against his neck and let you breathe in his calming scent. His pheromones would make you soft and pliant, eager to take his knot.

Omegas may be easier, but Megumi knows how and where to touch a woman. He’s had plenty of practices with the humans back home. He ghosts his fingers gently between your folds, rubs tiny circles into your clit, and soon enough you’re dripping for him.

“It’s okay,” he coos. He can smell your fear. Ripe and rotten like spoiled fruit. You won’t be able to handle him in this state. He needs to placate you further. “It’s natural to like this. You’re wired to. All humans are. You can’t help it.”

When your protests don’t end, he continues.

“Doesn’t this feel good?” he asks as he sinks a single finger inside your hot, slick core. It slips in easily, despite your thrashing. He has your belly pressed against the damp grass to limit your wriggling. His own bare chest is flush against your back. Weight, he’s learned can be comforting to an anxious human; they have a unconscious, unspoken need to be swaddled. “Don’t you want to be bred? Don’t you want to me mine?”

You have just enough strength left in you to whimper out a strained no. To curse him out. He lets you struggle beneath him, chuckling quietly to himself as you tire yourself out pushing against the forest floor, clawing away at the cold soil. The underbrush shifts around you as you stamp yourself into the foliage. Saplings will sprout here in a few weeks, their roots nurtured by your tears.

Patience is a virtue, and time is on his side. He can afford to wait out this tantrum of yours.

When your movements begin to slow, he lines himself up with your entrance. It isn’t ideal; he’d like to slip in another finger and test the give of your walls, but you aren’t making things easy for him, and his dick is so fucking swollen with blood and need if he doesn't fuck you soon he might knot from heavy petting.

“This is where you belong. Under an alpha. Under me.” His breath is hot against the shell of your ear. It’s what you try to focus on as he slowly sinks his tip inside you, stretching you open on the fattened head of his cock. You’re wet from his ministrations, but not enough to completely sooth the ache of taking an alpha’s cock.

Two juxtaposing groans fill the air. His satisfied and pleased. Yours distressed and pained.

He noses at your neck to take in your scent as he rocks his tip softly in and out of you, hoping his restraint will relax you. It was your scent that sealed your fate. Under the fading trace of your fragrant deodorant: you. Nicer than any of the humans he has back at the compound. Nicer than any of the omegas too. You don’t understand the importance of this, but he knows this means you’re compatible. This means you were created for him.

He wants to take his time with you. He really truly does. But he can’t help but think that the anticipation of taking his knot is partly, if not completely, responsible for your nervousness. Would it not be kinder then, to simply get the initial breech over with?

You scream as he buries himself inside of you. He does it quickly, presses his entire length into you all at once, cooing at you as he slides in. Your walls tighten in protest, doing what they can to force him out. Your scent is pungent and panicked, even when his movements cease. He’s never smelled anything like it before. The pack humans always smell so sweet like honey and sunshine and home. You are poison on his tongue.

Eventually, your pussy begins to adjust to his girth, loosening its hold on his cock. He resumes his thrusting then, slow and gentle like a human might. Salty tears streak down your cheeks as you sob so violently your entire body shakes. The humans at the compound enjoy when he talks them through this. He tries to do that for you now.

“Shh, shh, I know. It’s okay. You’re taking me so well.”

His placation is met with a grunt of protest. Nothing he can’t fuck out of you.

“Don’t fight it,” he says as his fingers find their way back to your clit. He strokes the swollen nub a few times encouragingly, reveling in the way your walls begin to clench around him. “I’m gonna take such good care of you. You’ll want for nothing. I’m-SHIT,” he can feel his resolve crumbling as your pussy milks him, “fuck-I’m gonna make you cum.”

The thought of him forcing and orgasm out of you spikes your adrenaline again. The arm he has wrapped firmly around your belly prevents you from crawling out from under him, but damn do you put up a fight.

He licks soothingly at your neck—where your scent glad would be if you were an omega. Your sweat is sour and bitter. The fact that he’s been unable to earn your submission makes his stomach drop. He is an alpha. He’s supposed to take care of his pack. That includes you now, even if you haven’t fully accepted it yet.

“M-UGH-my name’s Megumi,” he says. “You can call me that if you’d like. My packs not too far from here. I’ll take you there when we’re finished here. Help you build a nest.”

Humans are supposed to be introduced to pack concepts slowly, but there’s no sense in holding anything back from you now. Not while he can feel the beginnings of his knot catching on your entrance with each new stroke.

“Ever taken a knot before?” he asks. City wolves aren’t common, but they do exist. It’s possible you’ve met and fucked one.

He doesn’t expect a response but you’re shaking your head no. Your responsiveness is a good sign. It shows a willingness to please.

To reward you, he slows his movements and stops swiping at your clit. It stalls his own impending climax, but it’s worth it if he can get you to truly submit.

“You’ll like it,” he promises, burying his nose in the crook of your neck again; he can't get enough of your scent, bitter as it may be. “You’ll see. You’ll learn. You don’t belong with humans. You belong here, beneath me, naked and neck bared. Nothing will feel more right to you than your submission. I promise.”

He kisses what skin he can reach. Your right cheek, then the left, the tip of your forehead, each straining shoulder blade. It’s a human courting tradition, not a wolf one, but the familiarity of it seems to have a calming effect on you. He presses another kiss to your neck before biting gently at your ear with his teeth.

And, there it is. Quiet but audible to his wolf ears. A moan. Not in protest. But in pleasure.

“You like that?” he hums working your earlobe between his teeth again. Your pussy flutters sweetly around him as he licks a stripe up the shell of it. He wonders if any human has ever touched you like this before. They can be so prudish about spit and sweat.

While you’re distracted by his kisses, he picks up the pace of his thrusts, drilling into you with purpose, hips smacking loudly against your ass. It takes him a few strokes to hit the right spot inside you, but he feels your whole body tense once he does.

“That’s it,” he coos. You’re close. He can feel it. At the rate he’s going, it won’t take long for you to cum. He presses his thumb more firmly to your clit and rubs small, soothing circles into it. You’re overly sensitive, even without cumming, so he keeps the circles slow yet steady.

“M-Megumi,” you whine, the sound like honey, thick and sweet. There’s still some resistance in you. Some fear too. But he’s starting to sense something else, something close to genuine arousal.

He sniffs at your skin again, assessing, and is pleased to discover that your scent is changing. Still a bit sour but the sharpness of it is fading. You’re starting to smell like the woods around you. You’re starting to smell like him.

“That’s it, sweetheart. You’re doing so, so well for me. Taking me like you were made for me.”

He’s panting now, fighting tooth and nail to prevent himself from knotting until he’s gotten at least one orgasm out of you. As your fear ebbs, you become more responsive to his touch. You arch your back, allowing him to slip even deeper inside you. Your hips are moving now too, grinding against his fingers as he coaxes your orgasm out of you.

You cum with a harsh cry, spasming so intensely around him that his own release finds him before he’s able to completely fuck you through yours. His mind goes blank as he forces his knot into your tight, untrained hole. Hot, sticky cum floods your pussy and is held there by his swollen cockhead.

Alpha cum is laced with calming pheromones, but they seem to have little to no effect on you. His knot will be in you for at least the next half hour, so Megumi does what he can to calm your buzzing nerves.

“Did so well for me,” he mumbles into the top of your head. “Took my knot so well. It’ll be easier next time. Promise. Promise.”

It takes some time, but your shaking eventually subsides to brief, light tremors. He plays with your hair as you come down from your orgasm. At some point during the aftermath, he swears he feels you inch closer to him for comfort.

When he’s soft enough to pull out without hurting you, he does. Your cunt flutters around him as he slips out, almost as if it misses his thickness. You whimper a bit as he starts to rouse you, fight leaking from you like his spend does your pussy.

It doesn’t look like you can walk so he scoops you up into his arms. You curl instinctually into him, burying your face into his chest.

“Where we going?” you ask, voice muffled by his hulking form.

He smiles as he replies.

“Home.”

[vivalabunbun]

Sweet Sweet Nothings

Summary: The sweet lull of normalcy in an unconventional marriage

Word Count: 7K

Tags: Alhaitham x Fem! Reader, Fluff, this is just pure fluff, Smut, NFSW, MDNI, Omegaverse AU, A/B/O relationships, Modern AU, Alpha! Alhaitham, Beta! Reader, breeding, biting, established relationship, TW: Very vague mentions of gender dysphoria (of your secondary gender), TW: pregnancy and birth, Protective! Alhaitham, Jealous! Alhaitham

Authors Note: This isn’t much of a story, think of it as a collection of sweet nothings and domestic life with Alhaitham and the Sumeru cast after this. I just felt like I had to give them fluff after that slow burn. Enjoy!

Teal-orange eyes snapped towards the ticking clock on his oak desk, the time read 5 pm. Alhaitham’s duties were over for the day, now he had more pressing matters to attend to. Swift hands gathered up the papers scattered across the dark wood, stacking them into a neat pile before his body pushed against his plush seat. The golden glint of the ring on his finger only spurred him on to quickly exit his office. 

“Hey! Alhaitham are you leaving work now? Great, how about we grab some drinks with-”

“No. I’m busy.” He bluntly dismissed his blond senior. 

A firm hand snatched up his blazer that had been thrown across the back of his seat, the other flicked off the desk lamp. 

“Oi! Your senior is inviting you to a-”

“If you have a request you need approved then please leave it on my desk, I’ll look over it once I return back to the office on Monday.” Alhaitham skirted past the blond’s still frame at the doorway, paying no mind to the disgruntled scrunch on Kaveh’s face. His mind was focused on more pressing matters. 

–

“And then the brat just WALKS past me as if I were some dust on the ground! Could you believe that?” Kaveh thumps his glass back onto the tavern table, a small splash of wine lapped over the side. 

Tighnari took another big swig from this glass, his ears weren’t drunk enough to handle the tumultuous complaining of the blond. Cyno was only half-heartedly listening, ruby eyes trained on the brand-new deck of cards he had spent the week building in his hands. 

Yes, it is just a typical Friday afternoon. Colleagues gathered at Lambad’s Tavern, congregating at an outdoor table and enjoying the nice wine and early Spring air. Although more often than not, there would only be three seats filled instead of four. 

“Just what is so important that they trifle over common courtesy? In the world of job opportunities, networking and connections are a critical part of getting higher up the chain. Just how did that shrewd man get that promotion?” Kaveh’s face already had the tall tale signs of a drunken glow. 

“Well, it’s not really that out of character for him. People have always found his actions grating, but his efficiency at his work can’t be denied.” Tighnari rested his head on his hand. 

“There’s been a change in the head secretary lately.” Cyno asserted, eyes now trained somewhere else. 

“Oh? How so? He’s the same old crude man.” Kaveh dismissed. 

Cyno motioned with his eyes at a sight just behind the two other men. Two confused heads turned to follow his gaze. Nearly choking on their drinks at the scene they were now witnessing. 

There stood Alhaitham’s towering figure walking hand in hand with yours, bags filled with books and miscellaneous trinkets carried in his other. What made the men uncomfortable was the uncanny softness dawned on the stoic secretary’s face, as his teal eyes focused on you. 

His Beta wife was pressing her body against his arm as she spoke close to his ear, pointing at random stalls and vendors. Alhaitham leaned down to hear you through the chattering crowd, making sure to maneuver your bodies through the bustling streets. 

The three men didn’t know what to make of the scene in front of them as the couple walked out of sight, still holding each other close. Kaveh wonders if the wine being served today was stronger than usual. However, the three unwed men now got their answer to Alhaitham’s sudden full schedule. 

The table of bachelors called for more wine. Maybe to cleanse their palette of the sour taste of jealousy. 

–

“Have you seen Alhaitham today? I’ve been trying to hand him this paperwork since Friday.” Kaveh approached the head lawyer at the water cooler, the weekend was now over and it was now Monday, and the secretary was nowhere to be seen. 

“Hm? The head secretary applied to use his paid vacation time off. It was approved last Friday.” Cyno took a sip from the paper cup. 

“Huh?” The papers fluttered out of the architect’s slack hands, jaw agape. 

His junior truly was trying to annoy him to death. That conniving bastard Alhaitham. 

Fontaine was very different from Sumeru, with different types of foods, shops, and culture. It was quite exciting the first week of your late honeymoon to duck into every shop along the city streets. You discovered that your husband was fluent in the language, anything you pointed at he would translate for you without hesitation. However, the wonder of sightseeing faded within just a few days, like the true homebodies you were, there was a silent agreement to spend the rest of the time in the grand honeymoon suite. 

The hotel Alhaitham booked was the most luxurious one Fontaine had to offer. You will have to blame this decision on the generous amount of financial freedom granted by a pharmaceutical payout. It was only fair in Alhaitham’s mind, you worked very hard during the rut brought on by faulty inhibitors. Hard work should be rewarded, so he decides you should be indulged with the best room service, fancy baths, and thousand-count silk sheets. 

How you spent your time in the suite was really no different than how you would spend it in Sumeru. Alhaitham was laying down on the silk sheets, back slightly propped up by down feather-filled pillows, unwinding with a book in his hand. 

“Ah…Ah!... Ah… Making your wife do all the work while on vacation? You’re such a terrible husband, Haitham.” You stilled your hips, hands propping yourself up along his toned body. 

“Mm? You were really enjoying yourself, I didn’t want to interrupt.” There was a teasing tilt in his voice, teal eyes never looking away from the sentences printed as his other hand rubbed circles into your hip. 

From this angle he reached deeper than usual, making you feel so much fuller. Your walls were clenching down, trembling with pleasure from the stretch and thick tip poking that one spongey spot. A while ago you had abandoned your book in favor of bouncing up and down on your husband’s lap. It was your late honeymoon, after all, there was almost five years' worth of time to make up for. 

You knew your husband was just teasing you, but your lips couldn’t stop a pout from forming. You shifted a bit more on top of his god-like physique, pressing his tip deeper against that sweet little spot deep inside. Wandering hands made their way to grope at his plush pectorals followed by your pouting face, eyes trained on the book your husband was so engrossed by. 

“Hmph…” A displeased huff left your lips, it was absolutely adorable to him. 

“Is something the matter?” The corner of his lip was upturned just the slightest bit. 

“It’s our honeymoon and yet my husband is already having an affair with a book.” You playfully sulked into his chest. 

“My, I never knew my wife was the jealous type.” Finally, he snapped the book closed, playful eyes gazing into yours. 

“I guess you learned something new then.” You gently confiscated the book from his hand, placing it farther away on the large bed. 

Alhaitham gave a hum of acknowledgment, both hands now firmly seizing the sides of your waist. Steadying your body before following it up with a solid snap of his hips. You pressed your face harder against his chest, muffling the moan that was suddenly forced out of you. 

“Isn’t this what you wanted? Why are you so quiet now?” His hips set a rhythm, slow and deep. 

His thick length dragged along your slick walls in all the right ways, you could feel every inch outlined inside you. Each roll of his hips gently lifted your body up before accompanying it back down. Your mouth fell open, breathing out soft moans against his warm skin. The smell of lust hung heavy in the air of the spacious room. But you wanted more, this slow lovemaking couldn’t satisfy the greed deep within. 

“Mmm… More…” 

“More?” His pace escalates just the slightest bit. 

The sloppy sounds of your connecting bodies were louder now, with each in and out of your slick cunt like purrs of pleasure. He was hitting that spot that brings shooting pleasure throughout your nerves. Still, maybe it's because your expectations have been set a bit high from your first taste, but your greed wanted more. 

“More~” You breathed out, face now pressed into the crook of his neck. 

“Mmm, I think I know what my lovely wife wants.” A hand supports the back of your head, smoothing out the hair. 

Swiftly you got turned under him, his board frame now looming above, that handsome smirk on his face. He rested your head gently on the dawn pillows, as your arms wrapped around his neck pulling him down closer to you. The combination of his weight on top of you and how heavy he felt inside your sobbing cunt sent shivers up your spine. Yes, this is what you wanted. 

Leaving the crook of his neck, your lips chased after his. Alhaitham couldn’t help but let out a small huff, you were quite needy today. His lips captured yours in a deep kiss, shallowing all your noises. He shall spoil you, it was your honeymoon after all. 

In this position, he had much better footing and grasp on your waist. Meaning the strength and pace of his hips slamming into yours increased to the rhythm you desired. Moans were flowing out like water from your mouth, eyes teary with lust. The claps of your bodies echo through the room, he would pull out to the tip then slam back in. Just the way you liked it. 

Teal eyes observed your loose face, the rolling back of your eyes signaling that the knot was about to come undone. But before he lets you reach cloud nine, you have to answer a question that he’s been pondering. 

“Would you rather have consistent pleasure spread evenly throughout the year… or four days of nonstop, mind-melting pleasure then nothing for the rest?” Alhaitham asked right up against your ear, making your skin bristle. 

You felt his hips roll back to their slow methodical pace. Oh, he wasn’t going to let you taste sweet release until you paid the toll of his curiosity. Really, your husband can be so mean sometimes. You let out a small whine, trying to roll your hips into his but his firm hold prevented such action. 

“Answer the question, sweetheart.” Alhaitham continued to egg you on, clearly enjoying your displeased whines. 

“Why can’t I have both?” You muttered close to his own ears, tightening your embrace around him to offset the embarrassment creeping up on you. 

At your response his hips stilled, stoic teal eyes gazing at you as you looked away. You didn’t see the smirk that returned to his features. 

“Goodness, my wife is insatiable.” He dragged his length out fully. 

Before you could even let out another whine at the loss, he returned it fully inside of you. Filling out your unexpecting walls again pounding against that spongey patch, making your back arch up and toes curl. 

“AH!” Your body was pressed impossibly close to his. 

“I wonder if I should keep you at home, confined to the bedroom for your sake.” His hot breath ghosted over your ear. 

He was pistoning in and out now, fat tip abusing your sweet spot just the way you wanted it. Your walls were clenching around his girth just like how your arms were holding onto him to ground your sanity. The searing white flashes of pleasure were shooting up through your nerves, the edge was approaching fast. The filthy fantasy Alhaitham was painting in your mind only served to quicken the process. 

“All you have to do is be a good wife, and welcome me home with open legs. How about that?” Alhaitham pressed sweet kisses against your neck, a far cry from the filth that was leaving his tongue. 

You felt his teeth brush against the side of your neck before they clamped down. That was what unraveled the knot inside you. Your ankles hooked together as your hips pushed closer to his. Back arching almost painfully, bodying trembling and eyes rolling back. Alhaitham let out a small hiss at the tightness of your walls contracting. He wasn’t going to last long if you continued to be this impossibly tight. 

He could tell from the way your eyes were still seeing the back of your head you were still in the midst of your orgasm. This meant that Alhaitham was free to chase after his own release now. So he does. His length continues to pound against your quivering walls, pushing through the tight clenches. The extra gush of slick helped to accelerate his movements further. Sloppy slapping of skin against skin, he could feel that his tip was probably red and swollen from his calculated delayed release. 

Pressing his pulsing tip right up against your cervix, the tension inside him finally snapped. Flooding your walls with thick, warm release. Your body instantly responded, walls beginning to twitch and convulse more, trying to milk every last drop. Alhaitham panted against your neck, sucking on the soft skin from time to time as he held your body close. 

“Mmm… Don’t mark up my neck. I brought all these pretty dresses to wear and now I can’t wear anything but turtle necks.” Your fingers tussled through his messy ash locks. It seems like you’ve returned from cloud nine.

“You can just wear them in the room.” He pressed another kiss to your neck. 

Before you could voice your complaints your husband buries your face into the crook of his neck, a silent invitation. Who were you to reject? The sensation of your teeth clamping down onto his smooth skin, leaving deep indentations seems to appease his primal urges noted by the low growl that rumbles in his chest. 

“Would you like to take a bath, habibti?” Gentle finger caressed your face. 

You hummed in confirmation, nuzzling into his touch more. The calm, sweet lull of intimacy washed over the room. Passion satisfied, for now at least. 

“You smell.” Dehya scrunched up her nose. 

You gave a deadpan stare at your Alpha friend beside you. You recently returned from your trip to Fontaine, meeting up with your friends to show them the gifts you had brought back. 

The weather wasn’t that hot today so you definitely weren’t sweating, and your outfit was also fresh from the clothesline. You even took a quick shower before you went to the agreed-upon cafe. You brought your arm up to your nose for a quick sniff, nothing smelled particularly off. 

“I smell normal.” You raised an eyebrow at her. 

“No, you smell like you just rolled around in the forest.” She retorted. 

Now you were confused, glancing at Candace and Nilou. Wait, why does it look like the two were trying to hold back their laughter? What is going on? You just wanted to give them their souvenirs. 

“What Dehya is trying to say is… it seems like you’ve gotten closer to your husband.” Candace rested her elbows on the table as she leaned in. 

Oh. They meant that. A scarlet flush instantly engulfed your cheeks, a silent admission of the truth. All at once you saw the gleam in your friends’ eyes, and they started hounding you for the details. 

The tea served at the cafe was always brewed to perfection and the leaves were of the highest quality. However, your friends were much more interested in the new development of your marriage. 

–

You were drained. You loved your friends, you really do. But spilling the tame details of the budding romance between you and your husband with burning cheeks sure depleted your battery. In a way, they deserved to know, supporting you for over five years throughout the murkier times. 

At the moment, you were curled up on the couch against your husband’s chest. Fingers fiddling with the ring that matched yours resting on his finger, as his attention was trained on the book in his other hand. It wasn’t time for your ritual quiet reading session, so you felt it was appropriate to quietly enjoy some skinship. Alhaitham didn’t seem to mind. 

“Haitham.” You began. 

“Mm?”

“What is your scent like?” You continued to fiddle with his wedding ring. 

“According to your friends, a tree.” His deep voice replied, never once looking up. 

“Mmm.” Your lips pressed into a line, still toying with the gold band. 

You had that look on your face, Alhaitham notes. Demons don’t disappear so easily, even at the start of a new chapter, they will continue to cling to your shadow. If he could, Alhaitham would strangle those devils with his own bare hands. But he couldn’t. So instead, he shall always be there to pull you out from the ice-cold water back to the warm shore. 

He flips the book over, placing it faced down on the arm of the couch. His full attention was now on you as he tenderly grasped your hand, pulling you closer. He pressed his nose against your neck, senses searching through the thick layer of opulent woodiness. 

The faint sweet hints of padisarah pudding mixed with the bath products and laundry detergent you shared were guarded by that layer. The scent that he recognizes as yours, the scent he shares with you. 

“I smell like you. That is the only scent I will recognize as mine.” His teal eyes peered up at you. 

You were silent for a moment, hand halting but still grasping the ring. 

“Pfft. Have you been reading my old novels again?” You couldn’t suppress the small laugh and smile. 

“Did you want me to?” 

“No.” 

You intertwined your fingers with his, rings clinking together, a physical show of a bond. 

Alhaitham rested his head in the crook of your neck, continuing to breathe in your essence. The scent of you always seems to lull him into a drowsy state of comfort. Yet, it wasn’t heavy nor did it cloud his thoughts, so he could always think clearly of you. Yes, this is the scent he adores. 

“Have you been doing something to make my Alpha and Omega coworkers avoid me?” 

“...” 

“What a weird Alpha you are.” You rubbed your cheek against your husband's resting face. 

You’ve been sluggish lately, Alhaitham observed. More often than not, he found himself carrying your sleeping frame back to bed after you fell asleep curled up on the sofa. Book in your limp hands. Your alarm would also be ringing longer than usual, you used to be able to turn it off by the first ring so as to not disturb him from his slumber. You knew he was a light sleeper. 

As he took a bite of the dinner you had just cooked he notes the blander taste. It was your usual style to throw in as many spices as you pleased. It was the start of flu season, and Alhaitham noted the cough that’s been going around in his office. However, he had a different hypothesis he wanted to share with you tonight. He watched as you chewed then shallowed. 

“Habibti, have you taken a pregnancy test lately?” His voice was calm, tone stable. 

Your fork clattered against your plate as you stared at him starstruck, eyes wide and mouth agape. This was why he waited, it wouldn’t be good to have food go down the wrong pipe. He maintained a neutral expression, staring into your eyes to read the emotions that were running rampant behind them. 

“N-no… but…” A furrow formed between your brow as you brought a hand up your mouth. A habit of yours when you were deep in thought. 

The two of you were careful. Pills are taken at specific times. Morning after teas were always in stock around the house, either he brews it for you right after a moment of passion or you would drink it in the morning. However, Alhaitham wasn’t startled. He understands that even with birth control there was always a risk. 

Dinner was swiftly finished, dishes piled in the sink for later, there were more pressing matters to attend to. You were currently in the bathroom with the pregnancy test he had picked up on his way home from work. Alhaitham was leaning his back on the wall beside the bathroom door. He was trying to calculate when you last had your time of the month, or when exactly you began to behave differently. 

The singing hinges of the bathroom door pulled him out of his thoughts. You had that look on your face again. Alhaitham didn’t even need to look at the test in your hands to know the results, two red lines. From how frozen your stance was in the door frame, he already knew what thoughts were running through your mind. 

Children were never planned nor discussed, at the beginning the two of you were much more focused on your careers and enjoying your free time. That is to say, you greatly enjoyed the double income and no kids life. However, there was now a fork in the road. The hands holding the test were now trembling. Alhaitham quickly brought you into a tender embrace, to silence the wild thoughts before they begin to torment you. 

“Whatever your decision may be, I will support it unconditionally. Take your time.” Rubbing a small circle into your back. 

You were silent but your arms wrapped around his torso, resting your head against his shoulder. Quiet reading time was a bit more quiet than usual tonight. 

–

It was now a Saturday night, Alhaitham had already situated himself on his spot on the couch. There was already a book in his hands, but he didn’t open it, he was waiting for you. You usually didn’t take this long in the shower, he was beginning to wonder if he should go knock on the door. But there was no need, soon the soft thumps of your steps were heard coming down the hall. 

Contrary to the usual, you make a b-line straight into his lap, curling up against his board frame. He didn’t say anything, supporting you with an arm and holding you closer. 

“I want to keep the baby.” You spoke softly against his neck. 

Alhaitham closed his eyes, mind going deep into thought. There was more than enough money saved up to support a child. Sumeru has free good quality health care, a great daycare program, and the best education system. The nation offers a generous tax deduction for families with children. There were enough rooms in the house that one could be turned into a nursery, it would be troublesome to have to babyproof everything and rearrange the furniture. 

Ah, the two of you will have to sacrifice your free time and sleep to take care of a needy newborn. However… He opened his eyes. 

“Then we should start making preparations for our new addition.” 

If it’s with you, Alhaitham is more than willing to sacrifice those luxuries and needs. 

Alhaitham had to be more observant, the changes to your body and hormones made it so you were much more sensitive to your surroundings. Foods that were too strong in scent had to be dialed back or not cooked in the house. He also took care to clear the floor of any stacks of books lest your foot knocks into them. 

The worst part of it was probably how the pregnancy was disrupting your sleep. Your body needs it, yet the growing bump and overactive hormones made it hard for you to find a position that welcomed the sweet embrace of sleep. Often tossing and turning, Alhaitham would  place a pillow under your belly which seemed to help a bit. 

Then came morning sickness, Alhaitham is adamant that your child be thankful for all the suffering you were enduring to give life to them. 

The ashen-haired Alpha had been extra careful with his inhibitors as well, making sure each dose was measured to the line and constantly checking the dates printed on the bottles. Still, the clawing of his instincts only grew stronger as his teal eyes observe your bump growing day by day. You were working so hard to carry the child, he needed to do something to make you relax and comfortable. 

–

Currently, your bed has been buried under a mountain of quilts and plush pillows. You had your hands on your hips as your eyes surveyed the messy state of the bed you had just made a few hours earlier. You folded and pack those quilts away weeks ago, why were they back out? 

“Haitham, why can’t I see our own bed?”

“There’s no cause for concern. Your body must be tired, go take a rest.” A gentle large hand rested on your lower back, encouraging you towards the heavenly pile. 

That sentiment from seven years ago still rings true to this day. Your husband is weird. Still, there was a small smile on your face, what a silly sweet weirdo he is. The soft wafts of fresh linen encapsulated your senses, layers upon layers of fabric cushioning your achy joints and growing belly. Gentle fingers combed their way through your hair, making your eyelids grow heavy. 

Were these inherited instincts or learned gestures from old light novels? Oh well, the answer is irrelevant. 

One Saturday afternoon you were rudely awakened by the maddening repetition of thumping. You were now well into your second trimester, the bump on your belly growing steadily day by day, which only meant your sleep schedule only got worse. All your senses have been going into overdrive lately, every bump in the night making your eyes snap open. You groggily rubbed the sleep out of your eyes, begrudgingly rousing your sluggish body from the haven of pillows and blankets. 

By this point, you and Alhaitham had announced to friends and family about your pregnancy, there were many tears of excitement shed that day. Followed by a steady stream of boxes and gifts placed into your or your husband's hands. These items ranged from teas to help with morning sickness to long loose maternity gowns. 

At first, you raised an eyebrow at the shapeless dresses your mother had gifted to you. Stating that they made you look like a lost ghost. However, now with your baby bump, the soft loose fabric felt divine against your sensitive skin. Carefully, pushing off the mattress you took your time gaining your balance. Moving has become troublesome because of your now shifted center of gravity.

Steadying yourself with a hand on the hallway wall you waddled toward the source of the commotion. As you grew closer to the room across the guest room, an extra space that was utilized as a small side library the barrage of noises stung your ears more. You felt irritation creeping up on you. 

Grasping your hand on the door frame you peered inside to see a head of blonde hair. Oh. It’s Kaveh. That explains the noise. 

You quietly observed the back of the unaware man as he continued to hammer furniture together. Your husband had told you earlier in the week that Kaveh would be coming over to help set up the nursery. He mentioned something about the blond having to pay off an old debt. 

Oh well, it saves you and Alhaitham the trouble of rearranging the furniture. 

“Ugh, that bastard has not changed a single bit. Who would choose such an ugly bassinet? His poor child will be welcomed into the world surrounded by ugly furniture.” 

Your lips pressed into a firm line. You had chosen the bassinet when out shopping with your husband. You bought it with your own money too. You thought it was quite cute… It’s cute, right? You waddled off to find your husband. 

“Alhaitham…” Tighnri stood just to the left of the glass door of the small cafe, your favorite cafe. 

Your husband was exiting the door, a small chime from the bell hanging above his head announcing his departure. A brown take-out bag, that contained the padisarah pudding you have been craving for the fourth time this week, clutched firmly in his hand. Alhaitham greeted his fellow colleague with a nod of acknowledgment. 

“I know your wife is pregnant. However, food should be in moderation. Especially sweets. You should know that during pregnancy the change in hormones makes it harder for the body to control its levels of-”

The ashen-haired man raised one hand, signaling for the other to halt their lecture. 

“I acknowledge your expertise and advice. However, time is precious and to save both of ours, I invite you to take this debate up with my wife. To warn you beforehand, you will lose.” 

Tighnari let out a huff of exasperation, steps heading in the direction of your shared home with Alhaitham. Surely you were more reasonable than your Alpha husband at the moment. Tighnari knew it was in their primal instincts to pamper their mates, caving into any demand no matter how unreasonable or troublesome. 

The head secretary has always been a rather level-headed individual in his eyes, sometimes to a fault, so it must just be his instincts influencing his actions. Tignari even heard from a certain blond that the ashen-haired man had given him the deadliest glare because the architect had critiqued your taste in home decor. 

“It’s normal for people to have cravings during their pregnancies, and for the most part, it’s harmless. However, there is a whole misconception about the saying ‘eating for two’. In truth, you only need about an extra glass of milk and an extra pita pocket a day. You are feeding a small-”

Alhaitham stared ahead at the path in front of him, doing his best to tune out the ramblings of the shorter man walking beside him. He had one purpose, and that was to deliver your padisarah pudding to you. 

–

Tighnari was now walking in the direction of his own home, spirit shaking a bit. Like always, Alhaitham’s prediction was flawless. He lost. The defiant blank gaze you gave him at the doorway of your house was enough to make the ebony-haired Alpha stop his clearly unsolicited advice. In the end, you got your pudding.

“That is all I have to report. Now that you have this knowledge, I trust that you will be able to decide if this proposition is fair or not. Here are the files for you to look through.” The ivory-haired Alpha placed the stack of papers on the smooth desk. 

“Understood. Thank you for the report, Cyno.” Alhaitham gathered the paperwork into his hands, beginning to skim through the contents. 

His teal-orange eyes soon left the crisp papers, peering at his colleague with an inquisitive glance. It wasn’t like the head lawyer to remain in his office after he finished delivering his information. 

“Is there any more you would like to discuss?” 

“Yes, I have prepared a gift for your child.” Cyno reached into his blazer pocket. 

Alhaitham hid his sigh. Your home was already littered with so many gifts and baby items, it was troublesome keeping the floors clear of any potential tripping hazards. You were now in your third trimester, slow steps more focused on your balance and the ache in your lower back than paying attention to the floor. 

Your husband wonders if he should have waited until he applied for maternity leave to tell his closest colleagues about your pregnancy. 

“Here.” Cyno handed him an engraved box.

Was this a TCG card case? Alhaitham’s unreadable eyes shifted between the case and the head lawyer’s eager eyes. Really, he should’ve expected this, he is already well aware of the tan Alpha’s obsession with the card game. 

“Thank you.” Your husband took the gift from the awaiting hand. 

“I custom-made the deck to be as beginner friendly as possible. Even still, these cards are staples in the game so this deck will be solid regardless of the changing meta. I made sure to have every card laminated as young children don’t know restraint. The box is also custom-made, it is made from solid wood but any sharp edges have been rounded out.”

“You didn’t have to go through so much unnecessary trouble.” Alhaitham wishes that Cyno didn’t. 

“Since most gifts have been either for your wife or for the child, I have prepared a gift for you as well.” Cyno reached into his inner coat pocket. 

This was unexpected. Your husband observed the tan man pull out a small journal. Stationary? You had already gifted Alhaitham a lifetime supply, but they were for only very important situations. So this could be a welcomed addition.

“I wrote down some of my best jokes for you to tell.” 

Nevermind. Alhaitham didn’t even want to reach for the small notebook. Cyno places it on top of the desk. 

“It’s unnecessary.” 

“It will help pass the time while entertaining your child. Your wife has been pregnant for a while now, it must feel like an maternity.” 

“...”

“Did you not get it? It’s because ‘maternity’ sounds like ‘eternity’ and-”

“I am very busy, head lawyer. Please excuse yourself from my office.”  

 Alhaitham was aware of the concept of ‘pregnancy glow’ from the anatomical journals he read some time ago. However, seeing it in person was much different from what the book had described. Another example of how learning purely from books is not enough. 

You were radiant, features softer and skin glowing. The aura around you has also been much gentler, likely attributed to your constant drowsiness and lack of stress from work as you were now on maternity leave. More often than not, Alhaitham finds it hard to keep his hands off of you.

 Resting an open hand on your round belly, feeling the subtle shifts of your child as he reads. Hugging you from behind as you cook, it’s to support the baby he reasons. He offers his chest as a pillow whenever sleep calls for you regardless if it was on the couch, you needed your rest.

However, there’s a caveat: others can’t seem to keep their hands off you either. 

“Oh! What a strong kick! I think they have real potential for dance.” Nilou exclaimed as she felt your belly. 

“Haha, what a meddlesome kid already. Kicking your poor mommy.” Dehya also had one hand resting a top. 

“It’s uncomfortable, yes, but it’s a good sign that they’re healthy and strong.” You let out a small sigh. 

“Here, have another pillow to support you” Candace placed the soft cushion behind your back, relieving some of the pressure. 

“Thank you, Candace. Even though I’m going to become a mother soon, it seems you’ll always be the mom of our group.” You giggled, giving your friends a wide smile. 

“Oh, you flatter me too much.” Candace chuckled, joining the rest in feeling your round bump. 

Alhaitham sat in your usual spot on the adjacent sofa, trying to read his book. However, his teal eyes couldn’t help but peer over at the hands that were plastered all over your belly. Although his gaze remained neutral, his lips were slightly pressed into a line. Their hands didn’t need to linger for that long he surmises. 

–

“Have a safe trip back!” You bid your friends goodbye, it was nice to have visitors when you couldn’t leave the house easily. 

Alhaitham closes the front door after their figures disappeared into the distance, offering his muscular arm to support you. You gladly accepted, as your feet and joints sang with relief as pressure was shifted off of them. Slowly strolling down the hall back to the living room. 

Alhaitham presses a soft kiss against your temple, a clever diversion from his true intentions. He couldn’t help the frown that formed on his lips or the scrunch of his nose. Your friends had drenched you in their scent, overpowering your subtle fragrance. Tsk, this is why others should keep their hands to themselves. 

“Let's take a shower. Of course, I’ll assist you.” 

“Mm? Haitham, it’s pretty early. We haven’t even had dinner.” 

“I’ll help you wash your hair as well.” 

“Haitham-”

“I’ll massage your shoulders and feet afterward.” 

“... Fine… remember to use the lotion as well.” 

“Of course.” 

There was no reason to be nervous even as your due date grew closer and closer. A room at the Bimarstan has already been reserved. He had already prepared a hospital bag with extra clothes, blankets, and toiletries. Alhaitham also packed some books in there was well. However, as you began to count down the days, it’s hard not to notice the anticipation in the air. You were very much ready to meet your child and to finally not be pregnant anymore. 

“Do you think the child will be more like you or me?” You turned to face your husband as he lay in bed. 

“It doesn’t matter. As long as they’re healthy.” Alhaitham tucks a quilt from the nest up to your chin. 

“Oh? I think that if our child looks like you but has my personality, they’d be quite popular.” You pondered out loud. 

“Mm.” Alhaitham pulls you closer to him from behind, resting his chin atop your head. 

“Then if they resemble you, it's best that they have my personality. Lest our peaceful lives will be disrupted by a constant stream of suitors at the door.” He entertains your musing. 

Your soft giggle jingles through the air as you stroked your belly, his hands soon join yours. A comfortable silence encapsulated the two of you, his soft caresses lulling your heavy lids closed. This was the sweet calm lull of normalcy, and you both were satisfied. 

Alhaitham had closed his eyes, only for them to snap open with the sudden jolt of your body. Did the baby kick again? They sure are disruptive, he can already feel the long sleepless nights to come. However, there were still a few days to stock up on as much rest as possible. 

“Haitham, I think my water broke.” 

Nevermind. 

–

 You were holding onto his hand with an iron-clad grip, crushing his fingers together. However, he knew this was barely scratching the surface of the discomfort you were currently experiencing. If he could, Alhaitham would bare all your pain himself. 

However, he couldn’t so he’ll sit beside you in the Bimarstan, brushing the hair out of your sweat-socked face and whispering sweet nothings to encourage your efforts. You’ve been in labor now for about four hours. Alhaitham has decided that the first thing your child learns to write will be a thank you letter addressed to you. 

You were trying to keep your breathing as stable as possible, practicing the technique the midwife taught you. Put the pain of the contractions always broke your streak, making you have to start from the beginning to try and steady your breath. The midwives and doctors were encouraging you to push as hard as you could. You already were, but you took a deep breath and then held onto it. Giving it your all. 

--

“WWAAHHHHH!” 

A loud, piercing, yet beautiful cry echoed off the walls. 

“It's a boy!” The doctors announced. 

--

“He’s got quite the set of lungs.” You giggled, tears still pooling at the corners of your eyes. Cradling your newborn. 

Alhaitham only let out a gentle hum, resting his head on your shoulder as he gazes at his son. Eyes as soft as the little one’s plump cheeks. It was quite a riveting experience, how can one fall in love with a little stranger so quickly? 

“No more full nights rest for us when we return home, huh.” You rested your head on top of his ashen hair, smiling as you continued to stare at your little bundle. 

Your husband lets out a soft mixture of a hum and a chuckle. He’s already prepared himself to sacrifice sleep in order to nurture this little bond created between the two of you. 

To your surprise and his great delight, your child sleeps through the nights well. A little too well. You had been released from the Bimarstan just a few days ago, the doctors all said your child was healthy. However, you couldn’t help but stare at him as if you were in a trance. 

“Come to bed, your body needs the rest to heal.” His warm touch grasped the sides of your shoulders, as Alhaitham pressed his face into your neck. Trying to lure you back. 

“Yes, I know but… just a little while longer.” You reached a hand up to tussle through his soft locks. 

Your eyes never stopped observing the small ups and downs of your little bundle of joy as he slept. Well, the face he made earlier when you had woken him up for his regular feedings sure wasn’t one of joy. He’s just like his father, grumpy when disturbed from the sweet embrace of sleep. But he needed to feed every three hours if he was to grow up healthily. 

“He’s quite a lot like you. A deep sleeper.”

“Oh? I think he’s quite like you, Haitham. You should’ve seen the mean mug he gave me.”

“I never scowl at you.”

“Yes, but you’re grumpy when woken up.”

“Hmph.” Your husband buries his face deeper into your nape. Teal eyes never breaking their gaze from the child you’ve gifted him. 

The air was quiet, yet warm and sweet. It was well past your preferred bedtime, but strangely not a single muscle felt tired as two pairs of eyes continued to study the small moments of his chest. 

“Should we head to bed now, Haitham?”

“Mm, perhaps a few more minutes wouldn’t make a drastic difference.” 

Fin~

[seekforwarmth]

hello and welcome to this month’s fic rec featuring my favourite works from what i’ve read during the past weeks. as always, please check tags before reading. if you liked the fics please reblog their posts, leave kudos and write a nice comment. happy reading! rec tag | more rec lists

— harry/louis —  

໑ Moths and Butterflies by @ladyaj-13 (G, 1.3k, coming out) It seemed like such a good plan a week ago. It had seemed like fate, for the town’s Pride parade to fall at the very same time when work sent him there to charm some clients. Who was Louis, to sniff at a higher power?

It was exciting, a week ago. Now he’s here though, in the thick of it, and he thought it would feel freeing but it doesn't. It just rams home how he doesn’t belong.

໑ Port and Starbord by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup (T, 3k, strangers, pirates, coffee shop) Zayn gives Harry a withering look. “There’s a brothel up the main road that I will know if you try to visit,” he says.

“Zayn,” Harry gasps. “I am your captain.”

“And I am the one who has to procure us another lifeboat now,” Zayn says. “Fuck off and find a cafe or something.”

໑ You're The Pumpkin Of My Eye by @rockstarlwt28 (G, 4k, established relationship, autumn fluff) Harry and Louis go on a seasonal date, that is sweeter than the confectionery in a trick or treat bucket. It’s filled with sweet snuggles, cute kisses and pumpkin picking.

໑ Good and Bad and Right and Wrong by TeamLouis / @teamlouis2023 (E, 5k, established relationship, gym, semi public sex) Louis angrily threw a pillow at his head, but Harry avoided it, laughing loudly as he slammed the door behind him. Louis bit his lip, grumpy and flushed and hard again, tension and arguments like this with his dear husband always a huge turn on. He knew it was his toxic trait, but at the same time, it was so good to let the tension build until it exploded under the sheets. So instead of pouting and groaning in bed, waiting for Harry to leave the house without him like he first intended to do, Louis kicked the sheets of his legs, stripped off his boxers –and gave his cock a few nice quick strokes, before getting dressed for the gym. Harry smiled widely when he joined him in the kitchen. Louis flipped him off. He promised himself he would have his revenge.

Or the one where Louis doesn't want to go to the gym

໑ Smile for the Camera for It Knows Everything, Hollywood Star by @daydreamlwts (M, 6.6k, american politics au, pwp) Prompt 132- The story of Nancy Reagan being called the blowjob queen of Hollywood but it's Louis.

໑ Sink Through Your Skin by crimsontheory / @ireallysawanangel (M, 6.9k, established relationship, murderer harry, detective louis) It’s tough work being a detective. Long hours on the job, grueling cases that keep you up at night, but it’s especially hard to be a detective when you’re married to a serial killer.

໑ Ace of Hearts by @allwaswell16 (E, 10k, a/b/o pirate au, established relationship, sequel) Louis Tomlinson, the alpha Duke of Yorkshire, had returned to England to stay now that he’d married and mated. But since his husband was also the omega he’d once held captive aboard his half-brother’s pirate ship, he held back from pushing Harry into parenthood.

With the Ace of Spades now docked in London, Harry spent time with his friends from the crew and remained a bit oblivious to his alpha’s deepest desires. What he was aware of was his best friend’s hurt and his mother-in-law’s wish for more than friendship with her oldest friend.

A sequel to Ace of Spades

໑ I (Don't) Really Care For You by @crochetsunsets (M, 11k, strangers to lovers, writer louis, uni student harry, nyc) “There’s always the worst case scenario,” Zayn said while the subway pulled to a stop. “Get your heart broken. Then you can write through experience.”

“Yeah, right,” Louis called after him while Zayn hopped off of the train. “You try falling in love in New York City.”

or

Louis' a writer who needs to learn heartbreak. Harry's a graduate student who doesn't want to break his heart. What happens when they come together--the inevitable, or something more?

໑ The Wild Night to Memory Loss to Soul Mates Pipeline thecheshirepussycat / @the-cheshire-pussy-cat (E, 17.6k, strangers to lovers, married in vegas, romantic comedy) “What the fuck are you on—holy shit,” Louis gasps, looking down at his own hand to see a white gold band wrapped his left ring finger. “Wh-what is going on?” “Sure is a conundrum,” the man muses, realization flashing in his green eyes. “I-I’m not married, I can’t be married,” Louis mumbles to himself, staring wide-eyed at the ring, heart racing a mile a minute.

AKA: Harry and Louis get drunkenly married in Las Vegas, as one does.

໑ there's a hole in my heart (and it's got your name on it) by dilfrry / @silverfoxrry (E, 19.5k, secret relationship, hockey au) The four scream from the stands as the team huddles together, pulling their helmets and gloves off and slapping each other's backs as they celebrate their win. Louis had stolen a pom-pom from Mal earlier and he shakes it vigorously. His breath hitches when Harry looks up and their eyes meet. The hockey player smirks at him but looks away quickly.

“Did he just-”

“No.” Louis quickly stops Jade from even finishing that sentence because he’s about to lose his damn mind.

or

the puck bunny louis x hockey player harry fic

໑ love is pain, pain is pleasure by @louixamor (E, 25k, enemies to lovers, famous louis, not famous harry, bodyguard) After a series of disturbing events threaten his safety, Louis has no choice but to hire a new bodyguard.

Enter Harry, an incredibly attractive, judgmental asshole who hates Louis’ guts.

໑ Take Me Home (series) by @jacaranda-bloom (E, 26.4k, strangers to lovers, songwriter louis, wanderer harry, country fic) Louis loves his new home, up high on the mountainside, and the perfect place to write his songs. Sure, it’s isolated, but that was the point. No distractions, no interruptions. Peace and quiet and tranquillity.

But when a stranger arrives and asks if he can camp by the riverside, Louis surprises himself by agreeing without a moment's pause.

OR the story of how when you think you’ve got everything you ever wanted, life has a way of showing you just how wrong you were.

໑ The wounds that scarred our souls by @hazzaslittle28 (E, 35k, exes to lovers, a/b/o au, hate sex, angst, drops, read tags and author’s note) Forever was nothing but a lie, Forever was just a ruse for the human heart, it gave you hope and then killed you. Forever was just a myth.

Or

Where Louis decides to leave everything behind, including his heart.

໑ always an angel, never a god by @outropeace (E, 39.5k, strangers to lovers, fashion designer louis, rumours, humour) To understand the level of deep water Louis was in, one first needed to know he has had the same best friend since he was five. Ethan Astor was family to him—a friend who he loved deeply despite their differences. A friend he would do almost anything for. So when Ethan came to him with the plan, no matter how he felt about it, Louis accepted it.

At first, it was simple, he just had to flutter his eyelashes at any of the boys that showed interest in Ethan, and if they fell for it, he just dumped them without telling them the reason. Somehow, the rumors spread around campus that Ethan had an insufferable friend they had to somehow win over to reach him. Like a final monster before getting the princess.

Or: Harry likes Louis’ best friend and there's a rumor that in order to get a chance with him, he should woo Louis first.

໑ Three Men and a Baby by sun_flowr / @escapesof28 (E, 123k, strangers to lovers, roommates, fluff, kid fic) Louis' life had been going along just fine. Until one morning when his entire world changes when he steps on a piece of lego belonging to a young boy who has randomly appeared in his flat. And with that boy comes his gorgeous father. His flatmate Zayn has some explaining to do but he's definitely not complaining, instantly feeling connected to these new additions. Over the span of a year, life gets crazy, frustrating, surprising and most importantly...filled with love.

Prompt 548: For as long as Louis can remember, it has only been him and his best friend Zayn in their little flat, but when Zayn comes home telling Louis about his friend with nowhere to stay after a bad breakup, Louis suddenly finds himself sharing his flat with a gorgeous green-eyed man called Harry along with his adorable toddler son.

— rare pairs / categories —  

໑ Gaydar Lessons by @homosociallyyours (girl direction harry/louis, G, 1k, friends, flirting) While standing around after softball practice for the company's women's softball team, Harry gets caught (and caught up) in staring at Louis as she eats a ripe, juicy peach. If only she could be certain that Louis was into women.

໑ My Kind of Trouble by @homosociallyyours (girl direction harry/louis, G, 1.7k, waffle house) Harry has been a waitress at the Waffle House in Pigeon Forge, TN since she was nineteen. At twenty-five, she's settled into the routine of it enough that it feels like home, but for the past few months there's been something making it feel even better: the return of Louis Tomlinson, her high school crush.

On this particular Summer night, Louis stops by for a visit and the two of them share a table in a slow moment as Harry does a bit of side work. It's sweet in more ways than one, so much so that Harry has a hard time letting herself believe that it's real.

໑ Ask Him by LinksLipsSinkShips (niall/lewis capaldi, T, 2k, established relationship, coming out) When Lewis Capaldi gets pressed for information on who he's dating, he admits it... he's been seeing Niall Horan. The only problem? He jokes so much that no one believes him.

໑ the beat of your heart, the devil's arcade by edensrose / @holdingthornsandroses (louis/ethan hawke, M, 3.5k, established relationship, newlyweds, baseball au) “Louis Tomlinson, shortstop to the Cardinals, marries pitcher for their rival team, the Chicago Cubs,” Oli says in a fake announcer voice. He shakes his head. “One day someone will make a movie about it."

series of vignettes

໑ i must admit i thought i'd like to make you mine by @disgruntledkittenface (girl direction harry/louis, M, 50k, strangers to friends to lovers, fake relationship) Louis fell apart when her ex broke up with her and moved across the country. Just as she’s starting to move on, Zayn comes back to town for their mutual friends’ wedding – with a new girlfriend as her plus one.

Blindsided and scrambling to save face, Louis lets herself get talked into a fake relationship with her new friend Harry. Their arrangement makes Louis feel pathetic and embarrassed, but it’s only going to last a few weeks. She just has to get through the wedding – what could happen?

[kandisheek]

FIC REC WEEK 4 – STUCKONY FAVORITES

Creature Comforts by usedupshiver

Pairing: Steve/Bucky/Tony Rating: E Words: 32,619 Tags: A/B/O (Alpha Tony, Omega Bucky and Steve), Mating Cycles, No Powers AU

Summary: When Steve left New York, he did so to keep Bucky safe. Steve just invited trouble, never backing down from fights with asshole alphas and generally having a temper three times his size. But when he returns, broke and hoping for a couch to sleep on, Bucky welcomes him to a Manhattan apartment his friend couldn't possibly afford. One that reeks of alpha...

Reasons why I love it: Watching Steve go from complete mistrust of Tony and his intentions to slowly opening up to him to fully accepting him as his and Bucky's alpha is so goddamn beautiful to watch. The angst makes the payoff at the end all the sweeter. And Tony is so lovely and accepting the whole time and just – GAH I just really love this, okay? Please give it a read, you won't regret it!

The thing is by curiousbees

Pairing: Steve/Bucky/Tony Rating: M Words: 20,994 Tags: Polyamory Negotiations, Established Stony, Angst with a Happy Ending

Summary: Falling in love can be hard enough to deal with on its own. Falling in love when you are a recently-reintegrated superhero, who spent the past 70 years as a brainwashed HYDRA assassin, is a bit tricky. It gets trickier when the person you're in love with is a genius, billionaire, philanthropist, superhero. It's just messy when said person is Captain America's boyfriend. But Bucky's handling things fine. He's fine.

Reasons why I love it: Poor Bucky, man, he's got a rough time of it in the beginning. His inner conflict is so well-written, and I really love how it gets resolved in the end. Meddling Steve for the win! Plus, Steve and Tony being the ultimate powercouple is amazing. I love this fic so much, give it a read if you haven't already!

If Only by Wix

Pairing: Steve/Bucky/Tony Rating: T Words: 27,962 Tags: Canon Divergence, B.A.R.F, Team as Family

Summary: The Avengers have tracked down the Winter Soldier and brought him into the fold, but Bucky isn't really back yet and Steve's hurting from the distance between him and his first love - and then there's the whole thing with Tony. It's okay though, they'll figure it all out...probably.

Reasons why I love it: Okay, that first scene alone could be an entire fic, and I'd want to give it a million kudos. There are so many great Avengers family bits, and Tony taking charge of everything to help Bucky out is really great. The way he acts feels so in character, and I love how their three-way-relationship blossoms in the end. This one's really wonderful, so I hope you check it out!

[moonbinnie0983]

This is an A/B/O AU

Bakugo x f!reader both are over the age of 21

18+ (MDNI PLEASE)

If you have seen this before I have posted it on my ao3, I was debating on posting it here but I figured why the fuck not

Your throat begin to burn as a mix of moans and screams leave your lips, all thanks to the alpha draped over your frame. Please fly past your lips, your inner omega taking over as you beg for him for more. Begging him to go faster, to go harder, begging him to scent your pretty little neck as you tilt your head to the side.

Your please are answered when you feel his nose roughly rub against your scent glands, digging his nails into your hips only to leave crescent shaped marks engraved there. You howl out in pleasure when you feel Bakugos sharp canines across the junction of your neck that connects to your shoulder.

Earlier in the week you and Bakugo sat down and made a decision to finally let him take care of you during your upcoming heat, even after three years of dating he never pressured you into this decision. He wanted his omega to feel safe and happy, always getting you what you needed when you needed it.

When you approached him he was confused as to why you were giving off a anxious scent, he worried were quickly put at ease when you buried your face into his very muscular chest and began purring in delight at his sweet sweet scent. But soon they resurfaced when you asked him to take care of you during your next heat, of course he voiced his concerns but he soon began to ramble.

Silencing him with a kiss you told him you trusted him, not only to be with you durning this time but to bring him into your nest. He has spent time with you, sitting beside you while running his hands through your hair while you were in the safety of your nest. He also scented anything you held up, weather it be a stuffed animal, a blanket, a pillow or even an article of his clothing he gave you for your nest know his scent comforted you.

When you heat hit he was out with his best friend Kirishima, an alpha who took you under his wing claiming you were now his little sister, when you sent a text to him informing him you were left on read. Your inner omega whimpering for him, little chirps leaving your lips as the pain in your stomach became unbearable, your now slick covered thighs rubbing together as you crawled to you nest so you can be surrounded in his scent.

That's what all lead to this moment.

"A-Alpha~" you purr out, nails raking down his muscular back as his pace quickens, Bakugo grips one of your thighs to wrap it around his waist and holding it there. "C-Cum-"

Your words are cut off with a passionate kiss, "Cum for me Omega, release all over my cock~"

You scream out his name, back arching so your chest is now pressing against his. A curse leaves his lips as he slams in one more time before release into you, his hot seed painting your walls white.

"Did so good baby, 'm so proud of you." Bakugo whispers as he slowly pulls out to avoid hurting you, "You'll get Alphas knot soon, I promise."

Before he lays beside you, he reaches over to grab a blanket you had set aside earlier. Bringing it up to his face he begins to scent it, moving to sit back on his heels his eyes never leaving your trembling figure.

An agitated sigh leave both of your lips when a certain ring tone sounds through the room, he moves to cuddles you before covering your frame and pulling you flush against his broad chest.

"What?" He seethes out through his teeth up in answering, knowing whoever is calling won't stop until he picks up.

"No I'm not going to half and halfs stupid fucking party- I never said I was excited!" Bakugo rolls his eyes as he pulls you closer to him, running his free hand down you back to sooth you as a whimper leaves your lips.

"I'm sorry for raising my voice princess- yes I'm with her, her heat hit." Bakugo doesn't bother to say his goodbyes, just hangs up the phone before tossing it to the side. A loud sigh leaves his lips as he brings his head down to your neck, inhaling your sweet scent as he presses butterfly kisses to your scent glands.

"Do you wanna take a little nap while we wait for the next heat wave?" Bakugo asks gently, grabbing a water bottle that you were reaching for before handing it to you. A nod is all he gets as an answer from you, watching you chug half the bottle before closing it.

When you wake up you notice your mate is asleep beside you now laying on his back, one arm is thrown over his face to block out any light. You couldn't help but let your gaze wander down his naked body, taking in his muscular frame before your eyes settle on his hard member.

Before you could think to stop yourself your throwing a leg over his waist successfully straddling him, grinding your aching heat against him before reaching down to line him up with your awaiting entrance. Sinking down a sigh leaves your lips, a whine coming out in full force causing your mate to wake up.

"Fuck baby, warn me next time." His tone is teasing, his large hands settling on your waist. Ruby red eyes lock on your fragile figure, watching your every move closely. Bakugou took note in how your figure trembled with every move you body made, the cute little whimpers you desperately tried to stop him from hearing coming out in full force when he thrust up into you.

That's how you both spent the rest of your heat, his arms never leaving your shaking figure as he helps you through each wave of heat that hits. He made sure to praise you through everything, making sure you know how good you're doing

[iphoenixrising]

DickTim Week 2021: Day 5 Winged!Talon Tim au

So. another dual prompt and I really regret nothing about this one tbh. I took tomorrow’s Talon and today’s Wings and made a Winged!Talon!Tim fic. Of course, I talked to the wonderful babes on Capes & Coffee about a what if combination and this just, whew. Careful, it might break your heart a little, but damn if it isn’t an interesting idea.

Not beta read, so don't be a hater :D

Previous Talon!Tim universe posts: The initial idea, Babe and I talking it out, Talon Training Ask, Ra’s vs the Court, Talon and Ra’s, Talon and Ra’s take 2, Talon and Shiva short.

**

Watching B take on the new and improved Talon is really the entertainment of the year.

Once upon a time it had taken all of them plus more to take down as much of the Court of Owls as humanly possible. Of course, like rats, the Bats knew there would be no way to get the entire Court or all the Talons, not when the upper echelons of Gotham had spent the better part of 200 years creating, storing, training, and obtaining more.

Politicians were investigated, corrupt cops removed, and criminals burrowed underground once word of what the capes did to save the day got passed around.

For the first time in years, crime in Gotham was at an all time low.

But, as the coin flip dictates, nothing good lasts forever. Trouble is always brewing below the surface to eventually rise to the top and try to take over.

Case in point:

The Bats of Gotham have come up against a new threat wearing the signature Talon armor, and the call goes out to all available capes for help taking on the undead mercenary before another crime family ends up in the Obituaries rather than Blackgate.

The fact the Court is still up and running after the Batfamily took them down in a fiery blaze that ended with all their Talons gone, Sensei exposed, and most the ruling families imprisoned or poisoned by Lincoln March, is like a kick to the abdomen after they closed that particular book. Worse, with a new Talon soldier is sighted running around Gotham, another circus kid has been kidnapped and turned into the right hand of the Court of Owls. Dick, with his absolute survivors guilt, is the one to make going after the Talon and whoever is still behind the scenes a top priority.

Which is how they find themselves in the middle of Knight’s Stadium facing down a Talon that is too short to be March. Red Hood, Nightwing, Robin, Batgirl, and Black Bat pretty much got their asses handed to them in the first twelve minutes. Pretty hard to understand until you take into account the new and improved Talon facing them now is terrifying in a completely different way than most undead assassins are.

He knows them.

He knows them in ways that lets him fight fast and furious with vicious accuracy, striking at weaknesses few of the vigilantes of Gotham realized they even had.

He isn't as big as Lincoln or even Cobb, not nearly as old. He hasn't been kept in cryostasis waiting for the next generation to need his skills. He doesn't have creaks in his joints from being put on deep freeze too many times.

This one is silent and efficient, obviously trained in multiple types of martial arts, is highly proficient with or without the standard Talon knives, is a master tactician, counters the majority of their moves with alarming consistency–

and the fucking Talon has wings.

Honest-to-God wings.

Everyone had assumed the metal monstrosities on his back were weapons of some kind, but the glint of steel in the streetlight flash a warning before the lumps moved in an arch, extending far out past his shoulder blades, slicing into Red Hood’s body suit with a razor-sharp edge, shredding the armor like paper.

It’s not enough he’s got weapons obviously made specifically for his skill set, it’s not enough he’s an assassin and doesn’t hold to the same standards of non-lethal combat, it’s not enough that he can use his wings to fly or to fight like he’s using another limb to kick the shit out of them, and it’s not enough that he effortlessly counters so many of their attacks that he has to have some kind of inside information on all of them and their fighting styles.

The knives are definitely a thing when the Talon can throw them hard enough to penetrate parts of their suits in between armored plating, which further drives the theory that this is a person they’ve dealt with before. Intimately. Few people in the world know how their suits are made. Even more, few people know particulars enough when their suits are constantly reconstructed.

The only thing on their side that tipped the scales in their favor–

–the Batman.

The wings threw him off his game, obviously, but not enough to stop B from holding his own with swift and merciless force.

It's like watching a dance of fast and furious fists, blades in Talon's hands glinting deadly in the night, finding B's suit over and over and over until he's made it to blood and bone. He takes every hit the Batman can dish out, head snapping back, left, and right with the volley of jaw-breaking blows and bone-shattering kicks.

None of it gives the Talon pause. When a move makes him drop a blade, another is already in hand, cutting into their body suits, wings flipping out to defend or distract, sweeping moves and well coordinated attacks.

The unnatural appendages are like another arm, another leg, an extension working on the same central nervous system, regardless as to how the Court managed to make it happen.

A jump kick off a trash can is a lucky shot as a wing catches B in the ribs hard enough to knock him into the wall of Mike's Famous Hotdogs. The only thing saving the Dark Knight from a concussion or permanent brain damage is the plating in his cowl.

It gives the Talon enough time to make a final bid for a battered Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin struggling to their feet again, eyes for their fallen mentor.

Before he can lunge forward to start the attack yet again, the Talon just stops, pauses like he’s stuck or something, and in the span of a breath, both wings extend fully, flap powerfully once to propel him up into the Gotham night.

O tries her best to track his flight through the city, but no one’s arms are working well enough to toss a tracker on him.

She loses him over Cape Carmine, slams her palms against her system in frustration, makes sure she gets as much footage from the confrontation as possible.

After some sleep and a whole lot of bandages and ice packs, the Bat family meets in the Cave to watch the footage, breakdown the Talon’s fighting style, his weaponry, and make theories on his identity.

O helps out with readings she has of electronic pulses she managed to capture coming from the armor over his wings. She thinks she might be able to use it to track him if they can get close enough for her equipment to ping the signal again.

B makes a trip to Arkham since Freeze apparently hasn’t stopped producing the formula used to put Talons in cryostasis.

It’s not until Gotham’s power grid has a massive surge that O and the Bats can pinpoint a possible location, all of them invested in one hell of a fight to get the last rats still scurrying in the underground.

The plan of attack comes together smoothly once they’ve scoped out the location, seen the shady activity, and together, they make one hell of a plan.

**

And because, you know, Gotham, it is completely normal for the Court of Owl's headquarters to have a skylight.

Natch.

For this one, they've got Batgirl and Black Bat, Red Hood and Robin, Nightwing and B, a real family affair.

O's quiet voice over comms leading them through the maze of traps and empty rooms, abandoned libraries and spooky ball rooms. The laboratory isn't the most horrific they've all ever seen (because the Joker's summer place is literally the stuff of nightmares), but a few of them do gag on the smell alone.

The plan, however, goes horribly awry when the clear sounds of tormented screaming echoes from right under their reinforced bootheels.

Black Bat's fists clench hard, her breathing wheezes out when the tone, the utter agony goes right through her.

A shudder slides up Robin's spine as all of them turn toward the noise.

Without a flicker or a word, the Batman moves, strafing in the shadows toward the sound. He can't assume it's an innocent civilian with something the Court wants, but he's betting on the fact that scream will lead them to whoever is running the show.

The medieval room has bars and reinforced locks, implements hanging on the wall. The cement brick is stained rust colored with old blood, the vestiges of training, and the awful realization they've found another hidden niche in the city that always existed right under their noses is punctuated with the abrupt drop in temperature, with the sudden charge in the air, with the zzzzcrack snapping beyond the door, replaced with a muted buzzing Robin can feel in his back teeth.

B is already on his way to the roof, Batgirl down through the floor vent while Nightwing picks the locks with fast precision, knocking the tumblers around.

Robin and Red Hood stay close to the reinforced door, balancing on the balls of their feet, katana and .45s at the ready.

Black Bat takes the high road, ceiling tiles giving way under her Bat-a-rang. She gives a sharp nod before she's up and gone.

"All right. Ready?" Nightwing stands, cracks his neck, flips his escrimas in both hands, works his shoulders to prepare for the strain of each blow he plans to give.

"Ya betcha ass," Hood murmurs low, a cut figure with both guns at his sides, gloved fingers on the trigger guard.

"Don't disappoint," Robin snarls, "either of you."

"Nice pep talk, squirt," Nightwing snickers.

"Tt, back up your mouth with action."

"Better shuddap, Demon. Golden Boy ain't fuckin' 'round. Neither is the Bat. We get one more chance a' this asshole. We ain't gonna blow it again, ya feel me?"

"Finally, something we agree on, Hood."

"Other than N's shitty mullet?"

Nightwing swiftly glares at them both over his shoulder, unconsciously putting himself front and center of the trio, ready to be the first in once they get the signal.

– which is the sound of the glass raining down from the heavens.

Three booted feet kick the door hard enough to take it off the hinges, lying against the faded stains like a fallen body.

First step in the room is the complete opposite to what they'd all been expecting.

The two Owl masks aren't the usual, but a perversion of the originals, crudely drawn yawning mouths complete with fangs dripping blood.

But.

The boy on his knees, arms in a binder holding the appendages hostage at a painful angle, is dripping the real thing. Rivulets down his chest and where his back is partially visible. Some from the base of the wings going into the back of his shoulder blades where the skin is torn and raw.

The bar gag shoved in his mouth doesn't take away from the splatters on his chin, the bruising on his face, the swollen eye. But it's his wings that makes the Bats falter from the initial rushing attack.

His wings are without the armor, are bound straight up above his restrained body with hooks grotesquely puncturing through the downy softness, desecrating the beauty with blood and gore. The angle makes the pull to his back where the wings are part of him just another agony on top of atrocity.

"Fuck," from the first Owl mask, and a swift move frees the Talon's bound arms, the appendages flopping uselessly to the floor, only his trapped, tortured wings keeping him up on his knees.

The second Owl shoves the first back, "let him take care of them. Let's get out of here!"

The first Owl snarls out something low and foreign, the phrases rolling off his tongue.

The words lock into place, and the Talon's head snaps up, snarling around the gag in his mouth.

When his face is finally, finally visible, the protectors of Gotham are frozen in their tracks.

Familiar violet-blue eyes, too-long blue-black hair, cut jawline and pointed nose. Tiny scar on his right cheek from the time he caught Ra's al Ghul's ring across the face.

"Jesus Fucking Christ," is barely heard through the Red Hood's synths and in no way fully expresses his utter horror at what these dirty motherfuckers have done.

Robin wretches, bile burning the back of his throat once those eyes swing up to the masked parody of the Owls and his bare upper body is visible through the blood and sweat on his chest, when the scars peeking through on his collar bones form a half-visible Y-incision, when the coloring of the bared wings now makes sense (robin's wings, Damian Wayne thinks with his heart beating pitter patter fast, and his stomach in knots, they put robin's wings on him...).

And the hurt, agonized noise coming out of Nightwing's chest is the only noise he can make when those dimmed, dazed eyes swing from the Owls back to the vigilantes frozen in their spots, when there's no spark of joy or fondness or stubbornness he's so used to seeing staring him down.

The errant thought, the first instinct, is the only humane way to deal with this new Talon is to put him down for good wars with the man behind the mask that only wants to reach out, wants to pull the Talon into his body and curve over, to scream at the injustice of it all, to rail at himself for not even suspecting.

Another switch flipped and the hooks release his wings, blood splattering on top the old stains.

"Get them! Don't fuck it up this time or you won't get another chance," the second Owl shoves the Talon's injured shoulder in the direction of the horrified vigilantes.

They don't even bother to take the gag out of his mouth before setting him on his target.

A flap of wings, and the Talon is on his feet again, swaying only slightly. He's in the boots and pants from earlier, the rest of his uniform tossed carelessly behind him by his tormentors. A sweep of his feet and the knives glint in bare palms, a whisper of a sound.

The curved, clawed blade glints in the overhead light when the Talon raises it and cuts the strap of the bar gag in his bloody mouth, turns his head to spit it out without looking away from the vigilantes.

The Batman, grim and stoic in the face of this surprising turn of events, gives the barest nod. From her hiding spot behind the complex machinery, Black Bat takes off after the running Owl members, leaving the rest of the family to deal with their former third Robin.

The wings flinchingly flare out and their former bird hunches over, ready for the attack.

“Wait! Wait, wait, wait,” the Red Hood removes the helmet, leaves the domino underneath. He keeps one hand out in peace, slowly dipping down to put his helmet on the ground. “Is us, Tim. Timmy. Baby Bird. Is us. Yer family. Gotta lookit us, yeah?”

For the first time, the Talon speaks, “who’s Tim?”

And then he lunges.

**

The fight happens very differently this time.

The former power behind the punches is obviously dulled with the Talon’s identity reveal. He doesn’t hold back, is utterly ruthless with his attacks. He takes out B’s right knee, puts Hood down on the stained floor, knocks Robin into the wall with crushing force, and slams Batgirl’s head off the operating table.

He stands over Nightwing, wicked blade in hand and robin’s wings spread wide. He takes a knee, the sharp edge right above N’s adam’s apple, staring down impassively into the whiteouts.

“Timmy,” N spits blood, grunting when one knee pins his arm down. “Timmy, please. I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry. I love you and I’m sorry they did this to you.”

Those eyes don’t change in the slightest. “You should not have tried to oppose the Owls.”

“We beat them once,” Nightwing gasps, “and you helped us, Baby Bird. You were with us then, don’t you remember.”

“I was nothing before the Court perfected me,” the Talon replies emotionlessly.

“You were perfect before they ever touched you.”

“No,” and the Talon leans down, puts them a breath away. “The only thing you and those others do is put the criminals back in prison, back in Arkham for them to escape again, for them to kill and destroy over and over again. Like this, I can stop them permanently.”

“Oh Timmy,” and behind the whiteouts, Nightwing’s eyes spill over, his vision wavery. “Timmy–”

“Don’t call me that. Stop calling me that.”

“You know me, you know us. You have to remember–”

“Lies. All of it lies!”

Nightwing’s chest stutters, his fist clenching, “it’s not. None of it is. Not even this–”

And he’s fast enough to grab the back of the Talon’s neck, to lean up enough against the blade pressed against his throat, can bring their mouths together, can kiss him like he’s dying and the Talon is the only thing that can save him.

It’s sloppy and awkward because the Talon doesn’t know what’s happening, gasps against the vigilante’s mouth. The tongue sliding over his, the muffled moan in his mouth sparks something in the back of his brain where the Court of Owls could never touch.

When Nightwing pulls back, stares up at wide violet-blue eyes, when the blade falls away to clatter against the block, when the Talon’s mouth trembles and tears fill his eyes, when his wings flutter and falter, fold in on them both, when his voice goes hoarse with, “D-Dick?” Nightwing throws both arms around his waist and holds on.

[mcgnagallsarmy]

Spuffy style Reading Challenge - #15: Alphabet Soup Challenge Author Edition

A:

Baby it's Cold Outside by Addie Logan [NC-17]

Spike and Buffy stuck together for Christmas... (Season 4, post-"Hush")

B:

The Carnivorous Carnival by bewildered [NC-17]

In an AU season 5, a mysterious carnival has popped up on the outskirts of town – and Spike’s kittens are lost in it! Buffy and the Scoobies must navigate a maze of rides, animals, and deep-fried treats to help Spike capture all his kittens and repay his gambling debts. What happens in the story? It all depends on the choices you make. How does the story end? Only you can find out! And you can keep reading and rereading until Buffy and Spike have had not one but many incredibly daring (and possibly smutty) experiences! Choose your own adventure! More than 20 possible endings!!

C:

So That You Will Hear Me by cawthraven [NC-17]

In the aftermath of Spike's sacrifice in the Hellmouth, Buffy turns to the words of Pablo Neruda for solace, but she might just be spinning out. Set post-Chosen, post AtS Damage, and goes AU from there.

D:

Snowed In by Dorians Kitten [NC-17] - this is an all-human story

A particularly awful week sends Buffy Summers running for the remote family cabin she general avoids. She has every intention of spending a few days binge-watching bad movies and eating junk food...alone. The possibility of being snowed in is not a concern. Or at least it isn't until she parks her car and the only man she ever loved, the only man who ever broke her heart, steps out the front door.

E:

The Truth Will Set You Free by Enigmaticblue [PG-13]

Set in S4, after Something Blue. Giles does that truth spell on Spike after all, but what happens when it gets stuck? The truth is sometimes a very uncomfortable thing.

F:

Dancing by flootzavut [G]

Spike could never've imagined they'd get to this point.

G:

Best Served Cold by Girlytek [NC-17]

Willow takes D��Hoffryn up on his offer at the end of Something Blue. Now Buffy has a new roommate. And a really big waterbed.

H:

Tutor by Holly [NC-17]

Buffy has a certain set of skills: staking vampires, slaying demons, preventing the apocalypse, and chasing off men after a single night. That last thing could stand being crossed off her list. Fortunately, she knows just the man—err, vamp—to help.

I:

Wounded by incendie [NC-17]

When Buffy goes to Spike in the basement, she isn't prepared for what she finds. Can wounds be healed?

J:

Workaround by joycometh [NC-17]

Her Slayer Life and her Sex Life aren't always compatible. Still, there's a workaround if you really want it. (Set in a post-series universe where Buffy and Spike are in an established relationship.)

K:

A Better Way to Go by kats_meow [NC-17]

It's Buffy's twenty-first birthday - you know, the one she was supposed to be conveniently dead for - and some smartass has left a crumpled up poem on her porch.  Is it trash, a wish, or a chance for something better?

L:

All Quiet on the Summers Front by lex_hex [PG-13]

Spike reflects on the past year he's spent in Sunnydale as he reads Dawn's take on the same events. Set after an AU 'Who Are You'.

M:

Turning the Tables by MaggieLaFey [NC-17]

After the events of A Trip to the Store, Buffy is just too damn curious: what's it like to be on Spike's side of their games? To the surprise of absolutely no one, Spike is more than happy to show her the ropes of her new position. ;)

N:

What Goes Around by Ninereeds [NC-17]

The citizens of Sunnydale find themselves acting on their darkest desires, and the Scoobies' summer vacation hangs in the balance. When Spike turns out to be the only one Buffy can trust, her carefully constructed black-and-white world starts looking a lot gray-shadier. Set in the summer after season 4

O:

The Girl Who Courted Death by OffYourBird [NC-17]

Due to a misfortune of genetics, Buffy is never Called as a Slayer. Instead, she grows up in L.A. with a different set of challenges and trials, unaware of the supernatural world. That is, until a chance encounter with the Slayer of Slayers changes her life—and everything afterward—forever.

P:

Rock Solid by Passion4Spike [NC-17]

Buffy comes to some realizations about herself, the nature of her love, and her feelings for Spike on the eve of the biggest fight of her life, but will it be too little, too late?  Spoiler Alert: No, it won’t.

R:

Smoke and Mirrors by Rikki_oko [NC-17]

Season 4, goes AU after Hush.

S:

Someday by Sunalso [NC-17]

AU. The world is broken, but Buffy is given seven days to make it better. Does saving humanity mean letting go of the one thing she wants, or grabbing on to it with both hands?

T:

Naked by The Danish Bird [NC-17]

Her mom is out of the woods, her boyfriend is nice and attentive, the witches are working on some spell to confine Glory for a little while. Things should be looking up, really. But why has Riley slipped out of bed in the middle of the night? And why is Spike, of all annoying people, suddenly there, in her room, refusing to leave? And why are they suddenly stuck there together, on her bed? Buffy could really do with some witchy help right about now...and clothes, clothes would be of the good!

U:

The Space Between by untouchable [PG-13]

Instead of taking Psych 101 with Willow, Buffy decides to take a poetry class.

V:

Unconditional by violettathepiratequeen [G]

Spike dusts Drusilla at Buffy's request, but Buffy isn't prepared for the state she'll find him in after the deed is done.

W:

I Fought the World for Your Hand (Give My New Body a Chance) by williamthebloodied [NC-17]

On a scale of 1-10, Buffy’s idea for her Halloween costume this year probably fell on a precarious 5. It could be great, doing everything she hoped and more for both she and Spike. On the other hand, it could easily fall down the wrong side of the slippery slope into majorly bad, rehashing things best left demolished in the past. Also, recycling ideas was not the best look. But, if it worked the way she envisioned, with a hope and a prayer…it would eclipse that concern. or Buffy dresses up in 1870s fashion for Halloween and a whole lot of love ensues.

X:

Out of the Grey by xaphania [NC-17]

In the days following the Hellmouth’s collapse, Buffy finds herself craving time alone. A series of apparently random decisions draw her to the coast of England, where she has to deal with the possibility that Spike might not be so dead after all.

Y:

So Much Depends by yellowb [R]

All Buffy has to do is go back in time and grab the gem of Amara without being seen. It's a simple plan.

[blouisparadise]

Upon request, here is a rec list of bottom Louis fics where Louis is pining for Harry. We hope you’ll enjoy this list. We also have a mutual pining rec list here and we will have a pining Harry rec list eventually. Happy reading!

1) Down On Your Knees, You Don’t Look So Tall | Explicit | 3445 words

Louis and Harry are friends, and best ones at that. Louis loves Harry more fiercely more than he's ever loved anyone, so he doesn't really have a problem with it when they start doing this thing. this wonderful, wonderful thing.

2) You Had Me At Hello | Explicit | 4529 words

Louis works in the shop next to Harry's cupcake shop.   Louis pines after Harry until he goes into a heat and Harry finally catches up.

3) Just Like Live Wires | Explicit | 5427 words

Harry climbs into Louis’ bed when he’s cold. Louis pines.

4) Something To Live For | Mature | 5535 words

After over a century of waiting for Harry to realize they're mates,  Louis gets his heart broken when his friend announces he's found his 'one' in a human girl named Teresa. Wanting only happiness for Harry, Louis accepts that it just wasn't meant to be and decides it's time to let go of the immortal life.

5) Five Times Harry Styles Was Jealous | Mature | 6184 words

Harry's jealous all the time but there were five times that definitely stand out. Five times that changed Louis and Harry's relationship.

6) On My Mind All The Time, Say You're Mine | Explicit | 9261 words

“Dude, we’re inside, and it’s night time. Those don’t look as cool as you think they do.” Louis could kick himself, he sounded so stupid, but it certainly got the guy’s attention.

It was at that unfortunate moment that he noticed several other things about this hot asshole, that he hadn’t noticed just staring from afar. First, when Louis spoke to him, his gaze was kind of unfocused behind his sunglasses, and secondly, that he had a red and white cane folded up under his arm.

“I’m… Blind,” the man chuckled, awkwardly.  

Louis wanted to melt into a puddle out of pure embarrassment.

“I— am so sorry. I have to go.”

“Hey, wait, wait,” the man soothed, grabbing at Louis’ shoulders before he could get away.

“I’m sorry,” Louis repeated, looking down at his shoes.

“It’s alright,” He cackled. “I get it a lot. More than you know.”

7) Let The Beating Waves Come Drag Me Down | Explicit | 9447 words

“Just try it, the worst thing that could ever happen it’s that you won’t like it” Niall had told him. And there he was, on the way to one of these pubs created for perverts, willing to break up the routine to try something new, something that terrified as much as excited him.

One night to get swept up in passion, one night to let the devil get in.

"Tonight, I’m going to make you scream of ecstasy Louis,” he said with a raspy voice full of control, making him tremble with anticipation.

8) Got It Right Such A Long Time Ago | Explicit | 9699

There are a lot of people Harry might expect to find on his doorstep at three o’clock in the afternoon these days.

It could be the delivery man, come to drop off the pair of boots Harry impulsively ordered online last week. It could be one of his neighbors, dropping by to complain about how a party he’d thrown weeks ago had clogged up the street. It could also be any number of his friends in L.A., who stop by unannounced most days to mooch off Harry’s food or whisk him away to try some new yogurt shop.

As a rule, it definitely cannot be Louis Tomlinson, although Harry’s blinked at least three times now, and it’s still Louis standing there, a backpack slung over his shoulder and a duffel bag at his feet.

9) You Know What They Say | Explicit | 10232 words

Nice guys always finish last.

10) Call If You Need Me | Explicit | 10770 words

If anyone asks later on, Louis plans to tell them that it’s all Niall’s fault.

11) Love Is Like This; Not A Heartbeat, But A Moan | Explicit | 13150 words

Note: This fic is locked and can only be read by AO3 users.

In which Harry loves Louis, but Louis has been cold to him ever since he presented as an omega at age fifteen.

Eight years later, Louis approaches Harry with a request, and who is Harry to deny him?

12) Just Let Me | Mature | 14714 words

The party was going well. So well, Niall had already sworn undying love to one multi-tiered chocolate cake, two friendly corgi-poodle mixes, Zayn’s hair, and the entire population of Los Angeles. So well, Zayn had only laughed and ruffled Niall’s hair and not even twitched towards a cigarette. So well, nearly everyone had spilled far past the boundaries of the night’s original plans, extracting bottles of vodka from the cabinets and losing a lot of clothes. Harry had proclaimed that he was finally going to throw a small and very grownup dinner party and of course here they were three hours later, fifty people half-naked in the pool. Soon to be full-naked, if Louis had to guess. Everybody in LA loved a heated pool. Everybody loved Harry.

13) We’re the New Romantics | Explicit | 16054 words

Alternatively, a high school au where Louis pines and Harry is not who he seems to be. Featuring peanut butter banana milkshakes, motorcycles, and first times.

14) Wait For Me (To Come Home) | Explicit | 16066 words

A future fic of time stamps where Louis finally comes to grips with a love he'd denied for too long.

15) Deflower Me | Explicit | 20154 words

Louis is a proud virgin, and no matter how much society tries to make him feel like a freak for not acting on his natural urges, he doesn't suffer from his lack of experience. He has never felt drawn to someone in a way that made him want to get involved sexually with them, and he isn't planning on rushing himself so he can get some because people think it's what he should do.

In walks Fratboy, the Serial Haunter of His (wet) Dreams, who thankfully has a little business going on that might be just what Louis needs.

16) I Wanna Be More Than Friends | Not Rated | 20721 words

The one where Harry’s an alpha with no sense of smell, Louis’ an omega who isn’t allowed to scent his best friend, and that’s all they’ll ever be. Obviously.

17) The Way The Storm Blows | Explicit | 21649 words

Louis doesn’t have a habit of thinking about Harry’s dick.

That would be weird, seeing as they’re best mates, and they share a flat, and they’ve spent holidays at each other’s family homes. Their friendship hasn’t ever risen to a point where Louis should want to see his mate’s dick, and he’s happy to keep it that way.

Except, all that Louis can think about is exactly that. The size of it. The shape. The amount of people it’s been in.

Maybe it’s the tequila talking, or the fact that Louis’ just recently walked in to an eyeful of Harry taking turns on some slags that he’s never seen before, but. Louis’ mind can’t stop obsessing over the idea.

18) Ours Are The Moments I Play In The Dark | Mature | 30830 words

Jane Austen's Persuasion AU. Nine years ago Louis Tomlinson was persuaded to break off his engagement to Harry Styles, a poor sailor. Since then Louis has come to regret being so easily convinced to give up his one chance of happiness. Now Louis' family is in debt and his childhood home is being sold. In a complete reversal of fortune, Harry has returned to England a wealthy bachelor looking to settle down. Events conspire to bring them together once more though Louis is- must surely be- the last man on earth that Captain Styles would think of now.

19) If Ignorance Be Bliss | Mature | 30429 words

Uni AU: Harry is too experienced, and Louis just wants to get to experience him.

20) Where The Lights Are Beautiful | Mature | 31170 words

The accidental bonding a/b/o fic.

21) Mark My Word (We Gon’ Be Alright) | Explicit | 35524 words

"He’s always known that there would come a time when Harry would bond with some beautiful, quiet omega, and they would have lots of curly-haired pups and live happily ever after.

Knowing it and living it are two very different things, though. Watching the object of your affection desperately search for a mate and completely disregard you as an option is all sorts of painful, but it is what it is, and Louis is just going to have to learn to live with that."

22) Before We Knew | Explicit | 39831 words

Louis has been skeptical of soulmates for years so it seems like fate when he finally bumps into the owner of the obnoxiously large signature printed into his skin since age sixteen: Harry Styles, a human rights attorney who is firmly against soulmates.

23) Eyes Off You I Explicit | 39396 words

A Charlie’s Angels inspired fic where Louis is the brains, Harry is the charm, Liam is the muscle, and Niall drives the getaway car - and Zayn is there, too. sometimes.

24) Kiss Me On The Mouth And Set Me Free (Nut Please Don't Bite) | Mature | 42074 words

Harry is the CEO of Flora Corp, Louis is his new secretary.

"...Louis wanted him so badly. Wanted Harry to pick him up, bite him, and break him. Make Louis his, make Louis cry, make Louis a beautiful, plump, pregnant omega..."

25) Let Me Touch You Where Your Heart Aches | Explicit | 46625 words

A Friends with Benefits AU, in which Louis falls in love and Harry is jealous. There is some Karaoke singing somewhere in there, because how do you write a romantic comedy without a Karaoke scene?

26) Underneath The Moon | Mature | 46927 words

In five years’ time, Louis would be the one saying to his students about how he knew the great Harry Styles, in a time before he had ever put out an album or performed on a real stage. Harry fucking Styles had been his best friend and he still loved him, he always would. But they couldn’t stay that way.

27) The Sidelines | Explicit | 47078 words

Note: There are mentions of Top Louis.

Or Harry and Louis play hockey for Penn state and can’t stand one another, since they can’t keep their hatred off the ice their coach and team do what they can to keep their hard earned spot in the playoffs and their two star players from killing each other.

28) Waiting For The Tides To Meet | Explicit | 59873 words

Soulmate AU. Everyone is born with heterochromia — one eye is their own eye colour, while the other is the colour of their soulmate's. It's only when they meet their soulmate for the first time that their own eyes match properly. After a hazy night at a frat party, Louis wakes up to blue eyes and the shocking realization that he had met his soulmate, without any sober recollection. Seven years pass where Louis comes to terms with the fact that he'll never know who his soulmate is. Then one fated summer, a beautiful green-eyed photographer arrives at Louis' workplace, with promises of endless laughter and a familiar feeling in Louis' heart.

29) Pinkies Never Lie | Explicit | 83615 words | Sequel

AU in which Louis hates his job and loves Harry, Harry just wants a distraction, everyone else wants them to get their shit together, and Louis learns the hard way that new beginnings are only possible when something ends.

30) Inevitable | Explicit | 185917 words

AU where Louis and Harry used to be more than friends, but everything had to change the day Harry introduces Louis to his new girlfriend.

Check out our other fic rec lists by category here and by title here.

[horansqueen]

Stuck With You - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Empire

🡪chapter 1  🡪chapter 2  🡪chapter 3  🡪chapter 4  🡪chapter 5  🡪chapter 6   🡪chapter 7  🡪chapter 8  🡪chapter 9  🡪chapter 10  🡪chapter 11 🡪chapter 12 🡪chapter 13 🡪chapter 14 🡪chapter 15 🡪chapter 16 🡪chapter 17 🡪chapter 18

College Enemies To Lovers AU

characters // masterlist // instagrams // mood board

J'ai monté maintenant je descends J'ai déjà perdu trop de temps À me regarder partir À ne plus m’appartenir

J'ai un empire à reconstruire Des vides à remplir Un nom à guérir Empire à définir Je vois un monde dans mes décombres

J'ai des souvenirs indécents J'ai des désirs effervescents Et des promesses à tenir Un passé à laisser partir

Est-ce que je me rends? S-O S-O, est-ce que je me mens? Est-ce que j'ai perdu ma vie d'avant? Est-ce que je renais maintenant?

click here to be on the update list

NIALL

                                               When everything fucked up again, I really didn't see it coming. In the two weeks after we made that deal, Devon and I became almost friends. Of course, there was always a little more. Perhaps it was the way she glanced at me from time to time, or the electric feeling I'd get whenever we'd accidentally touch each other, but spending time with her, even if only a few minutes a day, brought us closer. I couldn't lie and pretend I didn't miss her presence in our room. It was now empty, quiet and cold, and I felt lonely, which was a feeling I was not used to have. I had placed her painting on the wall, making sure that every time I lied down in my bed, it was facing me. I spent way too long staring at it every night before I fell asleep, but I kept wondering who brought all these feelings inside her. It seemed intense, so intense that she had to throw all her emotions on the same canvas, and I was not sure if I wanted it to be about me or not.

I woke up on a saturday and stared at the ceiling for what seemed like an hour. The only thing that took me out of my thoughts and brought me back to reality was Lewis messaging me about his money. I licked my lips, re-reading his message a few times before finally getting up. I took a quick shower and got dressed, hoping that Devon would actually be there when I'd go and knowing she was a late sleeper, I knew I had a chance. I hated thinking that I was hoping to see her if only to get the chance to be close to her. It was sad and pathetic and it always brought me back to my past relationship. The truth was, Devon was nothing like my ex girlfriend, and I desperately wanted to see what would happen between us if I didn't close off every single time we got closer, whether it was physically or mentally.

When Lewis opened the door, he raised his eyebrows and sent me a small smile but what really caught me off-guard was hearing Devon laugh a bit farther. My eyes quickly roamed around and when Lewis snapped his fingers in front of my face, I looked at him again. He was sending me an amused smile and raised his eyebrows a bit before moving out of the way and letting me in.

"Oh, hey Niall!" I heard from the kitchen, turning as she sent me a smile. "What are you doing here?"

"Devie, hi!" I smiled more, ignoring Lewis as he chuckled low. "Oh Lewis wanted to see me."

"Y-Yea!" Lewis added, trying to stop himself from laughing. "We're working on a song, and I had an idea. So Niall rushed here, you know how he is."

I sent him mean eyes but he just smiled more before following me to the kitchen. Devon was washing the dishes and she blew on a lock her hair to take it off her face while both her hands were taken. It made me think about how I made an habit of pushing that lock off her face and place it behind her ear.

"Here, let me help." I just said, doing exactly what I had done so many times before.

My fingertips brushed gently on the skin of her face and I swallowed and when the lock was behind her ear, I took a step back, as if it would make my whole body stop throbbing. It didn't.

"Thanks, Niall." she replied with a small smile.

Lewis grabbed the last plate off her hands and rubbed a towel on it to dry it. "Okay, go, before you're late."

"You sure?" she asked, raising her eyebrows and looking at him.

"Mmhm, go." Lewis replied, making her lips curl more.

I held my breath when she got on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek and sent him a frown as she ran down the hall to her room.

"What the fuck?"

"Hey, relax." Lewis let out, his eyes getting bigger. "She's just an affectionate girl, okay!"

I was about to answer something but someone knocked at the door and Lewis sent me a smile before walking past me to go answer. I heard a voice I knew and sighed, closing my eyes as my friend came back with Louis, who crossed his arms on his chest.

"Is she ready?" he asked before noticing me. "Oh hey Neil!"

He held out his fist and reluctantly, I bumped mine against it before sending him a small smile.

"What kind of question is that? Of course she's not ready." Lewis joked, making me frown.

I looked at my two closest friends talking about Devon as if they had known her for years. How did they even know more about her than me? Louis could always pass for the simple reason we met her at the same time and she quickly became close to him but Lewis? He had met her about two weeks ago and I had lived with her for longer than he did... I felt my heart jump in my chest when I realized I was so busy finding new ways to push her away that I didn't even take time to get to know her more and I only had myself to blame. What crawled inside me was jealousy and I hated it for all the feelings it brought back inside me. Technically, though, I was jealous because of my own mistakes and Devon wasn't at fault.

"Wait, where is she going?"

They both stopped talking and turned to me, sending me an amused smile. "Work, of course." Louis let out with a shrug.

"It's her first day. She's a nervous wreck." Lewis added as it popped in my mind.

She had mentioned it a few days before, I remembered now, and I suddenly felt like shit for forgetting. I licked my lips and moved my chin in Louis' direction without answering them.

"Why are you here?"

"I'm her ride." he replied, shaking his keys in front of me before chuckling.

"You still own that jalopy?"

"Brings me from point A to point B, which is the purpose." he argued, sending me a smirk and making me roll my eyes before chuckling. "Mad that she didn't ask you?"

I didn't have time to answer, I just saw Devon appear and she stood next to Louis, playing with her hands. She seemed nervous and I sent her a small but fond smile.

"Hey, it's going to be fine, you'll do great."

Her lips curled and her head tilted, making something stir in my stomach. "Thanks, Niall."

"Okay, let's go, or you'll be late."

They said goodbye and left but I waited until I heard the door close behind them to searched through my pockets and take out my wallet. I grabbed the few bills and handed them to Lewis who took them quickly without counting and pushed them in his pocket.

"I'm lucky I have this modeling contract. College sent me a bill and now there's you I have to pay."

"Oh please, I'm sure you'll make enough with that contract." Lewis argued with a chuckle. "Besides, you're the one who wanted to pay Devon's other half of the rent, it's not-"

"You're doing what?"

I felt my heart jump so high in my chest that it threatened to come out of my throat. I didn't want to look back, I didn't want to see Devon's face now that she knew what I was doing. I just kept starting at Lewis who's lips had parted. He looked guilty and he finally glanced at me, making me close my eyes as I let out a low 'shit' under my breath.

"Did I really hear that you're paying half my rent?" she asked again, taking a step closer. I could feel her body close to mine and swallowed hard. "No fucking way!"

The anger in her voice was trying to hide the pain but I could hear it anyway. That was one thing I seemed to understand better than my two friends : her emotions. I had no idea why, but it was very simple for me to know how she felt. It was in the tones she used, the expressions on her face that I could easily decipher, the way she'd move her head or flutter her eyes... For some reason, when it came to feelings, we really connected.

"Devie, come on." I started, finally turning around as our eyes met.

The pain I could read in her face shocked me so much that I lost my breath as if someone had hit me in the chest. I had just hurt her again and this time, it was not even intentional.

"No! You wanted me out of that room so bad that you actually paid Lewis?" she yelled, making me frown. "Why do you hate me so much?"

"What? No!"

"Do you see me right now, Niall Horan?" she let out loud and rudely. "Because that was the fucking last time you did! Fuck off!"

I breathed in deeply when I saw her rush out, leaving the door open. Louis sighed and shook his head, frowning at me but I looked away. "Niall, seriously?"

He turned around to run after Devon and I looked back at Lewis with a sigh before closing my eyes. I didn't expect her to think that I wanted her away so bad that I would pay half her rent. It didn't make sense, knowing that I proposed her rides to school everyday. If I didn't want to see her, I wouldn't try to be close to her every fucking day, but I knew her mind immediately went there because of the way I treated her and once again, I couldn't blame her.

"What are you waiting for?" Lewis let out, taking me out of my thoughts again. "Run after her?"

I blinked a few times and shook my head slightly before turning around and rushing out. I used the stairs instead of the elevator, saving me a minute or two, and when I walked to the parking lot, I saw her and Louis walking quickly to his car. He was following her, repeating her name gently, but when she turned around a bit, I saw her crying and something inside me broke, something that seemed like my heart.

"Devie, please, let me explain."

"Fuck you!" she yelled, turning her back to me, probably to make sure I didn't see her cry.

Louis put himself in front of me and shook his head. He seemed sorry but at the same time, I knew he would take her side. That was what Louis did.

"Mate, no. Give her time."

"I just want to-"

"I know, but she needs to calm down first, okay?" he cut me, raising his eyebrows before I nodded. "I'll call you."

I watched them hop in his car and drive away, my hands in my pockets, as my eyes started to itch. It was ridiculous. It was just a big misunderstanding. But I couldn't stop the voice in my head that was telling me it was better this way. I couldn't stop that stupid fucking voice that kept saying she'd be better off without me, and that I'd be better off without love.

I don't know how long it took me to get back in Lewis apartment but I didn't even knock. I just walked back, making Lewis jump off the couch, his phone in hands. "I tried to text you, and I texted her too but neither of you answered!"

I didn't answer or look at him, I just let myself fall on the couch, leaning my elbows on my knees with my face in my hands. I knew I had hurt her and somehow, in the process and without wanting to, I had hurt myself too. It made me realize that I hated to see Devon hurt, and that I wanted to protect her even if I had done the exact opposite since I met her. I was an idiot, that much was obvious, and I couldn't go back in time.

"Did you explain to her?"

"No, she wouldn't let me." I finally replied after a few seconds. "Why isn't she pissed at you?" I asked with a frown, sitting back up and turning to my friend.

"Because it's not me she's in love with."

"Oh shut up."

"Look, she'll calm down, you'll explain the truth, and everything will be okay, trust me." he added, sitting on the other couch.

"I trusted you not to talk about that deal in front of her, too, but you still had to open your mouth."

"Hey!" he let out, making me jump slightly. "If you didn't act like an asshole all the time with her, none of this would have happened!" he made a short pause and started talking lower but still roughly. "If you just told her you love her, there would be no misunderstanding. For fuck's sake, this girl is not your ex girlfriend, she's a nice girl, and you're ruining it."

"Yea yea, whatever." I brushed it off with a frown, waving my hand between us. "I'm sorry."

"I'll stay mad until you do me a tiny little favor."

I moved my gaze up, noticing the smirk he was sending me and I sighed, rolling my eyes. I was not in the mood to do anything. All I wanted was a few shots of vodka to ease the pain, but I knew it was way too early.

"What do you want." I let out rudely, making him smile more.

"So I'm having this date with this girl tonight..."

"Why does that concern me? You want my car?"

"Eh, sort of." he admitted, shaking his head lightly. "She said yes, but she's bringing a friend... do you see where I'm going?"

"You're telling me to confess my feelings to Devon and then want to bring me to a blind date? Are you fucking serious?"

"You don't have to date the girl or anything!" Lewis argued, rolling his eyes. "We just thought we'd both bring someone so her friend won't feel like the chaperone."

I laughed, raising my eyebrows as I looked at him. "Did you just use the word 'chaperone'?"

Lewis raised his middle finger at me, making me laugh even more as I passed my hand in my hair. If there was one thing I didn't want, it was to meet a girl and have to entertain her the whole evening, especially when I would only be thinking about Devon.

"Who's the girl?"

"Wait, she told me." Lewis replied, grabbing his phone and scrolling through text messages. "Caroline, brunette, your type." he explained, looking up at me. "Well your normal type, I mean."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, let's just say Devon isn't really the type of girl you normally shag?" he tried to explain kindly. "Not better or worse, just different."

"I don't know, I don't want her to expect anything..."

"As soon as we all get comfortable, you can both leave. Together, or separately, I don't care." he pressed, raising his eyebrows. "Come on! I'll talk to Devon for you!"

My heart skipped a beat and I licked my lips, staring at him and letting out a sigh. "Tomorrow, you talk to Devie for me and you tell her about it. But you don't let out that bullshit about my supposed feelings, alright?"

"What feelings?" he asked jokingly, making me groan low. "Alright, alright, I promise."

---

I was torn between putting a dress shirt and nice pants, or just going casual with a t-shirt and jeans. I decided on a mix of the two, knowing I was going there reluctantly and hoping I wouldn't have to reject a girl on that night. It's not that I thought I was irresistible, but I had no idea what Lewis' girl had told her friend and I was really not in the mood for a date.

I honked a few times when I parked at my friend's apartment and smiled when he walked to my car and sat on the passenger's seat.

"Damn, mate, that girl's doing something to you."

"Fuck off."

"No really!" I argued, laughing again. "I've never seen you with your hair brushed and wearing nice clothes, who are you?"

I quickly put my hand in his hair, rubbing it as he groaned and pushed me away.

"I should have asked someone else." Lewis mumbled, making me chuckle again. "You're just gonna steal her from me."

"Most people in the art department think I'm a big-headed little shit, don't worry, you're good."

"You are a little shit." he pointed out, making me laugh once again.

"Is that how you're thanking me for going with you tonight?" I joked, sending him a smirk. "If you want I can just drop you to a bus stop and go back to my room to get pissed."

I started thinking about Devon, wondering what she was doing and wishing I could just ditch my friend to go join her. I wanted to tell her why I paid Lewis, and a part of me also wanted to tell her I was sorry for hurting her, and that I wanted her in my life. I didn't know if I would have the guts to do it, since just thinking about it made me nauseous, but I knew I was ready to do anything to make her smile. I had enough to hurt her, I had enough to hurt the sweetest girl I had ever met just because of something that had happened in my past. She didn't deserve to be hurt just because I was scared to love.

"Yea yea, you can get pissed after the date."

"You can bet I will."

We parked at a restaurant and got out of my car as I turned to him. "We could have picked them up don't you think?" I asked with a shrug. "Do they have a car?"

"Daxia does."

"Daxia?"

The only girl I ever met with that name was the girl with whom I had made a project with. Last time I had talked to her, she was not really pleased about the little argument Devon and I had had, and even if it had turned out to be interesting for us, I could understand why it had pissed her off.

"Yea you know her?"

"Mmhm."

I shook my head slightly, telling myself it was going to be a very long evening if Daxia was still mad at me, but it's only when we saw her and her friend waiting for us near the door that my heart completely stopped beating. When she turned our way, I blinked a few times as if she was in slow motion. She didn't even have to do anything, I could recognize her anywhere, even in the dark. What the hell was she doing here? Our eyes met, her lips parted as surprise appeared on her face, and I was suddenly scared she would just run away.

"Niall?" she breathed out so low I barely heard.

"Devie."

[metalbvcky]

2020 Fic Year in Review

I’m waiting for my Sims game to finish updating, so I thought I’d do this since I saw @kalee60‘s post about it :) 

Total number of completed stories: 

14 (15 if you include a short 1am-oneshot I orphaned haha) 

Total number of words: 

111,575 (and that’s not including stuff I scrapped/haven’t posted omg) 

Fandoms written in:

Marvel/Stucky but also Supernatural (on my main) just a tad because haven’t posted anything yet but I’m including it anyway haha 

Looking back, did you write more fic than you thought you would this year, less, or about what you’d expected?

Oh, absolutely! Heck, I never thought I’d write anything when it comes to fic because I’ve always kept quiet about my writing. (And I’ve been doing it since I was like 12 and it all started with my Club Penguin phase pffft)  But my interest turned into an obsession rather quickly and I honestly can say, without a doubt, that @buckybees​ is the whole reason why I even got the courage to post my first fic! I’m so glad I did because writing fic has given me a new perspective on fandom in general. And it makes me appreciate fandom/fanon even more. 

What’s your own favourite story of the year?

Pretty much all of them but Bucky's Got a Bun in the Oven? holds a special place in my heart. Not only was it my first published fic, but I never thought I’d write something like that. I go back and re-read it frequently since it’s so short. 

No lie: Sometimes I look back at that fic and it makes me wanna write a series of short oneshots with Pregnant!Bucky. Like, just Domestic Steve/Bucky living in the modern day with a baby on the way. Bucky shopping for baby clothes, decorating the nursery, having snack parties with Natasha, taking care of the baby after the birth, those sort of things. Oh, I think I just talked myself into another idea. 😂 

Did you take any writing risks this year?

Ehh, not really? However, I did write a series of crack oneshots lol. Some are crazier than others. 

Do you have any fanfic or profic goals for the new year?

Apple Pie Crumble Cake - This is my #1 goal. It’s a Bakery!AU Kid Fic that I’ve been planning for months. It’s gonna be multi-chaptered, and at least 50k. I have 10 chapters outlined and there are still more I need to get to, but probably won’t until I start writing the darn thing lol. 

I wanna start posting some smut oneshots on my secondary pseud, I have some done but I don’t think those will ever see the light of day since they’re just for practice- most of them were thought of on the spot without any outlining. I’d like to keep anything (totally) nsfw separate from my default pseud, just to be organized lol. And yes, this asexual read/writes smut. 😏 (my personal rule is as long as it doesn’t involve me, I’m good!) 

I thought long and hard on this in the past week or so, and originally I thought I’d join the Shrunkyclunks ‘21 Bang but the more I thought about it, the less I wanted to do it. It’d be my first bang, and while I have an idea, it’s just a little intimating to me lol. Soo, I’ll pass this year. Instead, I’m gonna look out for a Bingo whenever a new one starts up, since I’ll prob be more comfortable with that :) 

(Does this short lil Beach!AU count even though it’ll be done in 2020 but will be posted next year?? lolol) 

On my main, I’m writing a Supernatural + Spongebob crossover fic. Sort of like the episode, Scoobynatural. And I have a feeling that it’s gonna be turned into a series because I’m latched onto this idea- that started as a joke. 

Most popular story of the year.

Are we talking hits or kudos?? Hits, Buchanan Medical. Kudos, The Case of Bucky’s Wisdom Teeth. Eitherway, I’m so happy those two made it as my most popular stories. Buchanan Med is close to me on a personal level, and Bucky’s wisdom teeth fic is something I’ve always wanted to read but never existed :3 

Story of mine most under-appreciated by the universe, in my opinion:

I think @kalee60​ explained it perfectly when it comes to fics ‘flopping’ (I see this a lot on r/fanfiction) People will see it, they might like it, or won’t like it. And that’s okay! Not everything is for everyone, neither are tropes/genres. I know myself, I’m not a fan of A/B/O and the same could go for someone else who likes my personal favorite genre, hurt/comfort. And sometimes it’s kinda like an age old Tumblr saying: A post that took time and effort can get little as 10 notes but a spur of the moment post can get thousands. (Okay so, I made that up on the spot pffft) 

Most fun story to write.

Buchanan Medical, but Mercury In Retrograde was super fun since I added the whole ‘space puns/pickup lines’ aspect to it. They basically share the same AU, but they’re totally different and that’s why I love them.  

Most unintentionally telling story:

The entire Buchanan Med series. I wanted to explore Steve having asthma in a modern universe (because I too suffer from it- my whole life) and I really, truly, bled a little bit of my personal experience with the disease into the series. Having Bucky there, taking care of/treating Steve? It felt really comforting to me. And hey, write those self comfort fics!!! 

Biggest disappointment.

I hoped to finish the last oneshot of Buchanan Med this year but sadly, my motivation for it just tanked. I write hurt/comfort best when I’m in the right mood for it, and I’m still waiting for it to come back to me, whenever that may be XD. 

Biggest surprise.

The amount of reception I’ve gotten overall, the people I’ve met, the friends I’ve made, and new fandom experiences I’ve gotten to experience myself! Seriously, never in a million years did I think I’ve ever call myself a fanfic writer. But here I am, and I couldn’t be happier <3

~~~

My Sims game finished updating on the fifth question but I kept on rambling because I love taking about my writing!!! It made me realize that wow, I really did do a lot this year when it comes to fanon- especially since it was my first time delving into the world that is fanfiction writing <3 I have many hobbies, video games being the longest one, but I think I’ve spent more time writing/reading than playing games this year. My teenager-self WOULD NEVER believe that! But as the legendary Reggie Fils-Aimesays once said, "If it’s not fun, why bother?” 

I’m gonna tag you guys if you wanna do this! @buckybees​ @justice-for-plums​ @hbalbat​ @its-tortle​ @captainjanegay​ @greyhavensking​ @snarky-drabbles​ @joharvele​ @musette22​ @mysterious-marvel​ 

[sakuratragedy]

Emperor’s Consort | Chapter 1

Fandom: Genshin Impact Pairing: Zhongli / Childe, #Zhongchi Tags: R18, A/B/O Dynamics, Royalty AU Summary: aka "Emperor's consort doesn't know the difference between being a concubine and being a consort" Tsaritsa wants her child to have a good life after serving her on the battlefield for so long, so she makes a deal with an old friend. In exchange for her military might, he will marry her son. Childe who has no formal omega training has to do his best to cover up the fact he has no idea what he's doing. Do your best to be a good omega Childe!

“If we are the last two left, I’ll give up and let you be the Tsar.”

“‘That is only if we are the last two standing. We need to think of who to take down first.”

She had her back against the wall, listening to her brothers through the slightly open door as they sharpened their weapons while whispering quietly amongst themselves. The sound of blade being polished against whetstone echoed through the room.

“Yelena’s strike is the fiercest. She should be dealt with first.” she hears her brothers when the blade lifts from the stone before another sharp sound is heard.

The succession rites to become the next Tsar hosted by her father started tomorrow. The Tsar was an old and terrible tyrant, taking eight wives and will be making his children slaughter each other for the sake of tradition. She hated him and his rancid smell, the same stench he used to command his court by exerting his alpha pheromones and bringing them to their knees. She especially hated when he would use her mother as a means to torment her. She would feel the spikes of rage and the flash of red in her vision when he would threaten to humiliate her mother in front of the court to get her to do what he wanted.

The succession rite was a chance to change all that. She could fix decades of ugly rituals, dismantle the corruption and burn it to the ground, raising a new court from its ashes. She'll get rid of the corruption with her own two hands.

If she survives the succession rite as the true heir.

First, she had to survive the night. She moved away from the wall, making sure her footsteps were light so her brothers would not hear her.

-

The dawn came quickly with few casualties. Two of her eight siblings were missing during the morning ceremony. It was right to assume her other siblings had started early by eliminating some competition before the rites. They were surrounded by spectators from the court, their mothers cry and sob as their children were cut down and their father, watching them with a smirk on his face.

She was fast, she had to be to survive the slaughter. While her brothers and sisters were stronger, she was swift to cut deep and fast at their necks before avoiding the rest of the fight.

As she held her dagger to her dear older brother’s neck, his words echoed through her ears.

“Yelena’s strike is the fiercest.”  

She hesitated for a split second when he smiled at her and closed his eyes, giving up the fight and giving in to his death.

“I’ll give up and let you be the Tsar.”

Perhaps he knew that she was there that night. She frowned. She swore for her brothers and for her mother that this ugly methods of succession would die along with them. She landed a swift killing strike to make his death painless before a booming laughter filled the court. Yelena got off her brother's corpse and turned to face her father behind her.

“Who would have thought.” she turned to her father, who had a smirk on his face, overlooking his five dead children and his sole heir bathed in the blood of her beloved.

“My littlest won the succession rites all on her own. It is as true as the court says,” her scowl deepens at his show of pride. “You do have my good traits.”

-

That night she killed the tyrant that was her father.

-

It had been 40 years since she was 15 and living the nightmares of her succession rites. The ghosts follow her as she burns away the old world for her new one. One where her children do not have to cry from the heartache of losing their families. For 40 years, she had destroyed her fathers empire and built it back up with her own hands the way that she desired. Everyone in Snezhnaya are her children, as long as they were born in this frosty land of ice and snow they would be cared for by her.

Her children always did say that she loved too much. She loved too hard and that made her soft.

She had never been married, but she had adopted 11 children from different family situations to be her official princes and princesses, her Harbingers as they liked to call themselves when they assisted her in her endeavours. The fights are long and tiresome but after 40 years of fighting for her ideal world she can finally rest peacefully with her family.

Unfortunately, she had spent the last 40 years hardening her 11 children for battlefields and life in shadows, so suddenly wanting to have a loving relationship with her children was less than fruitful. Especially with her older children, which was understandable since Pedrelino and Dottore had been with her longest and since they were young she hadn’t been treating them like children. They were forced to oversee missions from the shadows, travelling Teyvat for her and lengthy battles away from home, so she understands when they couldn’t receive her motherly love very well.

Her younger children however were very welcoming to her attempts at affection.

She sat on her throne, she watched her only daughter approach her along with two fatui skirmishers by her side.

“Your majesty.” La Signora did a low curtsy before her. She nodded and the two skirmishers dismissed themselves, leaving her and her daughter alone together.

“Signora. How was your trip to Mondstadt? I trust you had a wonderful time.”

“It was alright.” she glanced over to the side, making a face the Tsaritsa couldn’t really read, but she could guess that it was distaste. The reason for the distaste was unknown, but according to the intel that reached her ears before Signora did, it could have something to do with that mysterious traveller and that omega bard she had encountered in Mondstadt as she was leaving.

“I’m glad you’re home.” she started before hesitating, clearing her throat behind her fist before shyly admitting. “I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Signora responds shyly, her neck and ears flushing red clearly unused to the outright affection. The red flush made Signora look like a young maiden in the moment, you could have forgotten that she was one of the Tsaritsa’s coldest killers. The Tsaritsa smiled behind her hand at how cute her daughter could look before she decided to move on to other matters.

“Signora, an old friend of mine would like support from our military might regarding a ghost from his past.” she started with a serious voice as she leaned into her throne. Signora’s expression changed immediately to her usual stoic expression as she listened to her mother speak.

“Don’t support him.” she says sternly without hesitation. She understands why her daughter feels that way. A foreigner having control over their old and great military might unsupervised would be an unwise decision for both Snezhnaya and her old friend. While the Tsaritsa knows that her fatui agents have good independent action and work in a team, sending them to a foreign land two weeks away from Snezhnaya without supervision for a friend could turn dangerous.

“He is a dear friend and I owe him a favour.” she continues. “When Pedrelino was very young and I was rebuilding Snezhnaya, he lent me a hand in terms of investigation of the court. I feel the need to return the favour.”

Signora still looked against the action, but Yelena was determined to convince her daughter.

“We both know how I feel for those who have ghosts.”

“Your majesty, I’m stepping out of line when I say this but you love too hard and too deeply. It is my job to make sure you don’t get hurt and by making such a bold decision to send our agents for this person... It is just unreasonable, especially if they are unsupervised.” Signora has her hand on her hips as she borderline lectures the Tsaritsa.

“We could send a Harbinger if supervision is your concern?” Tsaritsa says as she avoids her gaze. She knows her daughter is glaring at her. She hears Signora give in by her sigh and her fingers rubbing at her temple.

“Who is your friend? Let me get Dottore to run a background- ”

“He is the emperor from Liyue.”

“Tartaglia spent a year in Liyue, didn’t he?” Signora said as she thought out loud. Perhaps they could send a portion of their military might if it is under the supervision of their youngest Harbinger.

Then again… it is Tartaglia they’re talking about.

“Yes. Tartaglia is familiar with foreign languages to a certain degree as well, is he not? Perhaps we could send him as a consort?”

“Mother.”

“Yes?”

“Did you say consort.”

“Yes.”

A long silence filled the throne room.

“Your majesty.” she let out another heavy sigh. “Harbingers are not marriageable. Especially Tartaglia.” Signora knows her mother is a kind hearted woman, but attempting to marry off Tartaglia as a favour to the Liyue emperor was mind boggling. Surely, Tartaglia was the only omega of their siblings, but he was still a Harbinger. A nasty, cold hearted killer with blood on his hands.

Not to mention his pheromones that smelled too strong of withered roses, a result from years on the battlefield fighting through his heats by literally fighting enemies, muddying his scent by surrounding himself with bloodshed. No high class alpha let alone an emperor would be in their right mind to want to mate with him.

“Do not say that Signora.” Signora’s posture straightened at the appearance of her stern voice, perhaps automatically out of fear or respect, or something between those lines. Regardless her daughter had reverted back to actively listening rather than roasting her brother.

“Tartaglia has worked hard for years for this country. Nevertheless, he is an omega forced to live like an alpha for years on the battlefield for me. Snezhnaya is entering an era of peace, I would like him to start living like his age.” Signora still looked against the suggestion of sending Tartaglia to be married. She understands that perhaps it would be troublesome for her as well, since they were close in age and she would essentially be losing her closest sibling.  

“I think this would be good for him.”

“Mother… Tartaglia has no formal omega training for a supposedly ‘high class omega’, considering he’s a prince. If the emperor takes a whiff of his scent, he’d be sent back in a crate to Snezhnaya like an animal.”

“There’s no harm in letting Tartaglia try his chances. If he turns out to be the emperor's concubine, it would not be too bad, would it?” she says softly. She watches as Signora’s expression softens as well at her tone.

“Alright. I’ll let Tartaglia know and make the preparations.”

“Thank you Signora.”

-

“Childe! Be reasonable!” Signora yells as she chases her half naked brother through the palace gardens, passing by agents and maids who were forced to avert their gaze in fear of being beheaded for looking at the prince half decent.

“Advert your eyes!” Signora points at the oncoming squadron who were heading in their direction. Their faces turn to all different directions to avoid seeing the prince and princess racing each other through the palace grounds.

“Childe!” she lets out a shrill scream as she continues to chase him.

“No! I’ll never marry! You can’t make me!” he jumps over mother’s marble fence and lands behind an unfortunate fatui agent, making him jump from the scare. It doesn’t phase Childe and he continues running. Signora looked down from where Childe jumped and looked at the heels she was wearing ‘ah… my 500 thousand mora heels...’ and decided against it.

“Don’t treat me like a fucking omega!” he sneers at her. She rolls her eyes. In her vision Childe is nothing more like a hissing kitten.

“News flash genius, you are an omega.” Signora managed to catch up to him and successfully cornered him in his room after a long chase outdoors that lasted approximately two hours and forty five minutes, not that she was counting to spite him later. Her angry pheromones leak and overpower Childe, bringing him to his knees. If he were in his prime state, he would be able to resist her pheromones without flinching, but this version of Childe had taken a short break from the battlefield and has started to enjoy living the life of a spoiled prince.

“I’ll make him kick me out in a week if you keep this up.” Childe gasps with his mouth before pinching his nose, trying not to breathe in too much of her scent.

Signora rolls her eyes at how dramatic her younger sibling is being. In a palace full of boys and her being the sole princess, she lives in a house of stubborn alphas. Somehow, Childe being the only non-alpha had caught their terrible personality traits.

“Get up off the floor we have to start going through basic training now.”

- “Ow!” Childe whines when Signora pushes the dildo into him. His ankle rested on one of her shoulders as she stood at the end of the bed, monitoring how much slick he produced.

“Come on, you’ve got to be better at producing slick than this .” she says with a mixture of disappointment and irritation. Firstly, she had to chase her brother through the gardens and now she was in charge of his training?

Well, she did promise the Tsaritsa that she would handle it. But it doesn’t mean she couldn’t complain about it.

“It’s not my fault. You don’t turn me on.” Childe mutters into his pillow below his head, crossing his arms across his torso. Signora smiles, irritated before pushing the dildo further in harder than she should have. He flinches violently before sitting up.

“Ow!”

“The Tsaritsa wants you to go to Liyue and play nice with the emperor, and you know that whatever mom says goes.” Signora ignores the high pitched whine that Childe makes when she gently pushes the dildo further into his cunt.

“Mom just wants to marry me off to some old geezer. Isn’t the emperor supposed to be a 40 year old man.”

“Don’t call her mom. Refer to her as ‘her majesty’.” “You literally just called her mom.”

Childe feels a knot form on the base of the dildo, expanding uncomfortably against him while hitting all the wrong places that made him uncomfortable. One particularly hard thrust caused him to flinch violently again, arching up against the bed in discomfort.

“Ow, ow, ow! ” He complains as Signora finishes pushing the knot into him.

“You’re such a crybaby. How are you going to withstand those dreadfully long hours of mating when you can’t even handle a fake knot.” she pushes his ankle off her shoulder and they fall limp onto the bed below them. She throws her hair behind her shoulder before moving across the room and sitting on the sofa in his room, lying herself across it as if she’s done some terribly hard task. Childe sits up to look at her, irritated at how dramatic she looks.

“Mom should have gotten you a proper trainer years ago rather than this ridiculous last minute coaching.”

“News flash genius .” Childe bites back at her. “I was away on the battlefield ever since her majesty adopted me as a Harbinger? How long has that been, hmm?” he taps his chin, ignoring the shiver that ran down his spine from feeling so much of the knot against him.

“One? Two? Three years?”

“So you’ve been away for six years. Big deal. All of us travel around for her majesty’s missions.”

“None of you alphas need whatever this ‘formal omega training’ is.” he makes air quotations with his fingers. “Cause none of you are omegas.” he glares at her. He knows she can feel the glare, but it's making him angry how easily she ignores him in favour of closing her eyes and sinking her head into the plush pillow on the sofa.

“Most high ranking omegas from across Teyvat go through formal omega training. It teaches you the basics from how to control your pheromones to the importance of heats and proper mating rituals.”

“I’m not most high ranking omegas, if you haven’t noticed.”

“You’re right.” Childe feels some sort of pride with being agreed with.

“You smell like smelly roses and you’re not soft or cute at all.” He made an unhappy noise at his sister. How typical of her, unable to compliment him at any time. He feels the knot soften inside of him and thinks that it was the perfect opportunity to work the dildo out of him before aiming for his sister's head. The dildo misses Signora by two inches before falling on the other side of the couch.

“Tartaglia!” the shrill scream echoed throughout the palace.

- The day he was sent away, the Tsaritsa and Signora stood out at the front gates to bid Childe goodbye. He kisses her majesty’s knuckles before meeting her eyes.

“I promise I’ll do well.”

The Tsaritsa smiles at him, gentle and motherly while a step further behind her Signora is glaring at him with all her might. The wind blows harshly, little flakes of snow sticking to Childe’s red hair. He smiles mimicking the gentle one she gave him.

“I know you will. Even if he does not choose you to be his mate, as long as you are happy,” she hesitates and bites her lip. She knows that she would be lying if she continued. “I will be happy.” she finishes.

In her heart she is hoping that it does not come down to that and that her old friend would treat her son right, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to Zhongli. If he was similar to her image of him when they were younger, he would still be an unpredictable enigma, coming and doing as he pleases like an outdoor cat. Then again, Tartaglia was a hurricane in a human shaped shell, with the ability to sweep everything in his path off their feet, dragging the air from their lungs with the chaos he’s capable of leaving in his wake.

“Even if you come home, I’ll take you with open arms.” she says softly, unsure if he heard her over the harsh blowing of the Snezhnaya wind. He turns back to look at his mother (and his sister who caught his eye, and looked away) and the palace he could be leaving for the rest of his life before he boards his carriage that would take him to the docks to board his ship to Liyue, this time with no predicted date of his return.

If he would even return. He was unsure.

The carriage left the front gates of the palace, but the Tsaritsa continued to watch until it was out of their sight.

“I wonder if it was a good idea to send Tartaglia.” she puts a gloved hand to her mouth and another on her stomach. “He has no formal omega training. I’m afraid if he were to lose out to any other potential omega the emperor had his eye on.”

‘I literally told you that.’ Signora thinks, but she gives her mother a sympathetic look and places a hand over her shoulder, pulling the Tsaritsa close to her body. Tsaritsa’s eyes widen in surprise as she feels herself being pulled closer to her daughter's body. Signora is taller than her and blankets herself over her mother, sharing their warmth. While she’s proud that her daughter isn’t as afraid of her as she was years ago, she’s still worried about Tartaglia.

“You worry too much, your majesty. He will be fine.” Signora says as she brings a gloved hand to the Tsaritsa’s back and strokes fondly, comforting her.

[lightsonparkave]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LIGHTS ON PARK AVE! WE’RE OFFICIALLY A ONE-YEAR-OLD BABY (our birthday was on the 22nd). Join the celebrations by submitting a work! There’s one week left until Round 12 closes on August 31, and you have 80 prompts to choose from. There are no minimum work requirements or limit to how many works you can submit.

Not sure you can finish your work in time? Little messages are great presents too. What has the past year of Lights on Park Ave been like for you? Do you have a favorite prompt or round? A favorite LoPA work? Want to make a rec list of your favorites or wax poetic and show some love for a specific work and/or creator? Go for it. Let the Steve/Tony community know! The LoPA askbox is open or if you want to make your own Tumblr post or tweet, you can mention @lightsonparkave or tag #lightsonparkave. Whatever method you choose, I’ll make sure to share your message/post on here and Twitter.

Or maybe you’re not up to making anything this time. In that case, let’s take a walk down memory lane. Here are all 46 Lights on Park Ave works for previous rounds.

ART

3490 & 616

A comparison between 616 Civil War and universe 3490 where the war was averted by the marriage of Steve Rogers and Natasha Stark - @jarvisuanddumetoo​

ANY UNIVERSE

A framed portrait of a smiling Tony, drawn and signed by Steve - @hundredthousands

Steve steals his husband’s helmet and gives his king a springtime crown - @starksnack

AU

Tin soldier Steve and ballerina Tony dancing - @jarvisuanddumetoo

BATTLEWORLD

Steve watching Tony flying in on the battlefield - @thingexplainer

MCU

Old Steve holding flowers and seeing a blue butterfly after Tony’s death - @hundredthousands

So much of life feels like drowning... but when I’m with you my troubles recede like waves on the shore - @jarvisuanddumetoo

Stranger Things AU where Steve is the one who was experimented on in a lab and doesn’t understand pop culture and Tony is the guy with no powers who is still doing his best to fight these weird new aliens - @jarvisuanddumetoo

Steve and a dandelion that represents him weathering all his hardships over the years - @jarvisuanddumetoo

Tony on fire and Steve’s reaction - @jarvisuanddumetoo

Steve crying while holding Tony’s helmet after Tony’s funeral - @noririna

I wish you could see yourself the way I see you. You’re a hero. - @starksnack

ULTIMATES

Steve and Tony leaving marks on each other’s bodies that are only visible in the dark - @sirsapling Ults Steve and Tony are tragically bound to one another. They can always feel the trace of each others hands, it leaves an invisible mark they will cary with them till there is nothing left. Only a ghost of something lost in the chaos of the past.

FIC

1872

Say My Name - @citsiurtlanu Steve reminds Tony that there's more to him than the war his weapons were used in.

616

Snow Day - @captainneverever The Avengers think that Steve and Tony got engaged at the annual holiday party. It’s news to Steve and Tony.

Kiss me rough before you go - erde Tony is dying. His life is slipping away and Steve wants to be better than this, but he can't quite manage the feat. Tony's war has made a bitter man out of him, a lesser man.

Boys, boys, boys - Missy_dee811 (@viudanegraaa) (AU) Steve keeps putting off his oil change. Finally deciding to see the mechanic in town.

Without the rusty music of my machine - Missy_dee811 (@viudanegraaa)  Tony was lying on the hood of his car. He had taken off his leather jacket, gently folded it in half, and draped it across the windshield so he could rest his arms on the supple leather.

Muddy Waters - RossKL (@but-damn-is-he-lovable) (also on Tumblr) Tony bleeds. It's not real.

ANY

(A Dream is) A Wish Your Heart Makes - @helovedyou Cool evenings together and laughing free and all the nice things Tony never thought he’d get

Afternoon Off - Neverever (@captainneverever) Freedom is just another word for getting with your boyfriend on the downlow during a mission.

BULLET POINTS

Those We Were (For A While) - sadisticsparkle The blueprints hadn’t prepared Tony for the light bouncing off the battered metal, for the empty stare of its empty eye sockets or the dim circle in the middle of the chest. He traced its lines with his gaze, remembering every day he had spent hunched over the schematics picking its inner workings and every night he had spent sprawled under its pilot letting him take Tony apart.

MCU

border state - @areiton (also on Tumblr) They exist in the in between.

star crossed - @areiton (also on Tumblr) "The gods made the stars,” you whisper, a lifetime ago, a heartbeat ago, now, “and they were so bright, so beautiful and strong, that they ripped them in two. And half of ‘em fell to earth, and woke from the dust and walked as men.”

this is how - @areiton (also on Tumblr) This is how the world ends: Gaps in the code.

kiss me hard before you go - duckmoles​ & starxreactor (AU) “I love you, you know that?” Tony says just after popping another grape into Steve’s mouth. He watches as Steve’s jaw works, chewing and then swallowing. Steve smiles up at Tony with a bright, toothy grin. “I love you, too.” “I’m going to miss you,” Tony continues. “I’m going to call you everyday, okay? And—and, during the holidays I’ll show up at your house and we can—we can—sit together on the balcony, and—” The last day of summer, and it's time to hold on to what you might lose.

No Winter Lasts Forever - Fluffypanda (@ayapandagirl) Steve stopped, white breath clouding the air around him, to look at the little shoots of green and purple peeking out from the scant layer of snow left on the ground.

snippet of a post-apocalyptic A/B/O AU WIP - Fluffypanda (@ayapandagirl) Steve’s fingers traced the bite, a half-moon of red marks, from in front of the largest mirror he’d ever seen.

the first blush of morning - Fluffypanda (@ayapandagirl) (AU) The sun rises on the Atlantic ocean and Steve isn't alone - or is he?

Santa Paws - @heartsandmuses [I]f there were two things the public couldn’t get enough of, it was cute puppies and shirtless Captain America — and Tony, ever the philanthropist, decided to give the people exactly what they wanted, right on Christmas morning.

Philautia - @helovedyou Tony dies and Steve keeps on living. Well. He doesn’t die. Living might be a bit of a generous term

To the Victor - @helovedyou There are rainbows flying and people hugging and others ranting and raving, spittle flying, he thinks this. We have won this, this tiny victory.

Snippet of a WIP set post-IW - @ishipallthings The numbers keep climbing, for hours, in the aftermath.

Shuffle Off This Mortal Coil - jellybeanforest (@jellybeanforest-a-go-go) (also a Cap-IM Bingo 2020 round 1 fic) Tony hadn’t been a cruel man, but he had been a practical one. Or: In his twilight years, concerned about how his slow-aging possibly-immortal husband will adjust to his death, Tony builds an AI version of himself that he updates nightly, intending for it to keep Steve company after he’s gone. When the inevitable comes to pass, Steve doesn’t know what to make of the AI or whether its presence lessens his grief or makes it significantly worse. He’s leaning towards the latter.

Five Bells - @lazywriter7 (also on Tumblr) After returning the Stones, Steve takes a detour through time.

if we’re gonna heal, let it be glorious - @littlemissstark forgiveness. The salty air was intense enough to wake Steve up completely, snapping any left over drowsiness away. He was alert despite the sky still being a shade of navy that tapered into a purple at the sea’s horizon. The world was still dormant, but Steve couldn’t stay asleep – not when he woke to coldness on the right side of the bed and empty arms.

In My Hands and Gone Again - @nostalgicatsea (also on Tumblr) Memories were like fish, Tony had explained, or the tease of one. A flash of silver, and his hands would plunge down. Sometimes he would catch one; other times, it would dart out of reach. He wouldn’t be sure whether it had been real or just a trick of the light, after.

Leaving You Forward - @nostalgicatsea (AU) It would be easy, staying here like this with Tony. But Steve knew he couldn't—because he had never taken the easy way out and because he loved Tony.

i choose: me, you, us - @onlymorelove (also a Cap-IM Remix Madness 2020 fic) “We, uh. We’ve been together five years, and you’ve never— I’ve never let you see it. I told you I’d let you see it on our wedding night.” In which Tony and Steve marry, but Tony hasn't let Steve see the arc reactor—and the scars around it. Yet.

best of summers gone - rosycheeked (@lovelyisthedawn) Tony's favorite month has always been August.

when we all fall asleep - rosycheeked (@lovelyisthedawn) Tony wakes up and questions why Steve loves him. It's a surprisingly complex question for such a simple answer.

you anchor me (back down) - rosycheeked (@lovelyisthedawn) Steve still loves Tony, no matter what mask he’s wearing. He’ll never tell Tony that, though. He’s read enough books and watched enough movies to know that it only ends well when it’s just a story. Or, everyone needs an anchor sometimes, and Steve and Tony just happen to be each others’.

take me to the feeling - smalltonystark (@theotherwasdeath​) Steve looks gorgeous in the lights. He always looks stunning, but here, late at night, in the faint glow from the streetlamps underneath them and underneath the stars, he looks magnificent.

POETRY

A Toast to Cold, Hard Facts - @onlymorelove (also on Tumblr) The world is brutal and coarse, but...

Love was fading stars - @onlymorelove (also on AO3) Blackout poetry based on “Failing and Flying” by Jack Gilbert on top of an original print.

not married - @onlymorelove (also on Tumblr) Grief works in mysterious ways.

[ad1thi]

au masterlist

okay ive been meaning to do this for a while, and ive finally got the time to do it so here’s a list of all of my aus!! this is divided by ship for ease, and i do have a lot of pieces that don’t fit into any specific au - so this post is specifically for aus (this is a rly long post so im hiding it under a read more) (also please nobody comment on how similar the summaries are ive never had to think of how im summarising these aus before this post)

all my writing on tumblr // all my writing on ao3

buckytony

1. your pain (is my burden to bear) AU 

Summary: soulmate AU where you can feel your soulmate’s pain, and marks that originate from your soulmate’s injuries can be found on your body

2. target and assassin AU

Summary: The Asset has been tasked with the mission of killing Antonia Stark. Falling in love with her along the way was never part of the plan.

3. park bench AU

Summary: they’re both running from their past. in New York, they find each other.

4. taste of your lips AU

Summary: TVD au. Bucky wasn’t planning to stick around in New York, just drop in long enough to fix whatever his brother had fucked up and then leave. But then he meets Toni Stark, and against all odds - he finds himself staying in the one city he’d sworn never to step foot in for all of his immortal life. 

5. the second (love of his life) AU

Summary: greek gods AU, Aphrodite!Bucky x Hephaestus!Bucky . Bucky has spent over a thousand years resenting his marriage to Tony, content to ignore his husband in favour of his lover, Steve. but when he’s captured by Joann Schmidt and its Tony, not Steve who comes to his rescue - Bucky finds himself falling for the husband he spent so many years ignoring. Is it too late, or can he fix a marriage that was doomed from the start?

6. waste my time AU

Summary: Tony doesn’t do boyfriends. Tony has a boyfriend - Tiberius, or he will anyway once he convinces Ty that breaking up with him was a horrible idea. But then he meets James Barnes at a bar, and suddenly things don’t seem so black and white anymore

7. elite AU

Summary: a/b/o dynamics. Bucky isn’t planning on starting anything up in his new school, and would’ve been completely content to keep his head down until he graduates. But after a chance kiss with a bambi-eyed omega at a party in the beginning of the school year, things weren’t looking so simple anymore

8. 1000 lives (for you) AU

Summary: James hasn’t been subjected to the Chair in close to 3 years. After all, why would HYDRA use the Chair to control him when they’ve got his soulmate instead?

9. Secret Love Song AU

Summary: Marrying Steve wasn’t what Toni had in mind when she pictured the rest of her life, but it wasn’t any hardship. Of course, that was before James came into her life. (this au has been race and gender bent since the original post)

10. Dilwale AU

Summary: mafia au. Tony and Bucky used to be in love. Now they’ve sworn never to see each other again. ‘Course, MJ and Peter falling for each other puts a kink in those plans. 

11. K3G AU

Summary: desi au. As a member of the illustrious Barnes dynasty, Bucky is expected to undertake certain responsibilities; chief of which is marrying someone from a respectable family. Tony Stark from Chandi Chowk might just put a wrench in those plans.

12. buckytony teen wolf AU

Summary: when Tony and Rhodey went searching for a dead body in the woods, a rogue Alpha werewolf was not what they were expecting to find. Overnight, their entire lives change

13. undercover cop AU

Summary: After the events of Afghanistan, Tony can’t bear to work at Stark Industries anymore. Handing over the reins of the company to Pepper, he quits and starts working at Midtown High. but the US government isn’t about to let one of the country’s biggest assets work at a public highschool without even the smallest bit of protection. Enter Agent Barnes, or as Tony knows him - Midtown High’s new gym teacher

14. the K2 AU

Summary: Bucky just wanted to live his life without the Army ever finding him again. Saving Tony Carbonell at a metro station and getting sucked into the intricate life of the italian mafia was never on the agenda. 

15. Mara Dyer AU

Summary: fem! Bucky. Bucky was an extremely normal 16 year old girl - if you discounted the fact that her bestfriend and boyfriend died after an abandoned building collapsed on them; and that she was the only person to survive. Then bodies started dropping around her, people that she imagined dying who died in the exact grotesque way she pictured is. and suddenly, there’s nothing really normal about her at all.

16. ACOMAF AU

Summary: fem! Bucky. Bucky kills a wolf. Except its not a wolf, its a Faerie and the High Lord of the Spring Court comes collecting his pound of flesh. 

17. centre of his universe AU

Summary: The Asset is fascinated by the Stark Heir. 

18. one shot AU

Summary: highschool AU. nerd! tony x punk!bucky. Bucky has has a crush on Tony Stark for his entire highschool career, but he’s never thought he had a shot - choosing instead to pine uselessly while Tony dates what feels like the entire highschool body. Bucky’s resigned himself to the belief that Tony will never be his, until Tony breaks up with longtime girlfriend Rumiko Fujikawa, and suddenly - Bucky has one shot. 

19. 1000 lives (for you) AU

Summary: James Buchanan Barnes and Anthony Edward Stark are impossible soulmates - separated by time, distance and space but brought together by horrible pain and suffering. This is their story. Starts from TWS, and is largely canon compliant.

stevetony

1. student of the year AU

Summary: Steve was supposed to keep his head down, get good grades and get a scholarship to a university far enough away that he wasn’t even breathing the same air as his family. But then he becomes bestfriends with Bucky, falls in love with Bucky’s boyfriend Tony - and things get a bit more complicated along the way

2. just friends(?) AU

Summary: Tony did this, thing where he fell in love with his friends. All of his friends, except maybe Steve. (too bad nobody told Steve)

3. captain americana and the heartbreak prince AU

Summary: Steve Rogers has known Tony Stark for 10 years, 4 months and 11 days. He’s been in love with him for the exact same time. 

4. om shanti om AU

Summary: It should be noted, for the sake of posterity - that Steve usually wasn’t one to buy into the craze that surrounded celebrities. At the end of the day, they were still people. Tony Stark though, that was his exception.

5. stevetony lawyer AU

Summary: raising a 14 year old boy while juggling a demanding job at the DA’s office wasn’t easy, but Steve made it work. It wasn’t an easy life, but it was a good life. They were happy - and then Peter gets charged with the murder of his classmate Wade Wilson and everything falls apart. With his son facing life in prison, Steve does the only thing he can and calls the best defence lawyer he knows - his almost fiance Tony Stark.

6. schitt’s creek AU

Summary: David! Tony x Patrick! Steve

7. kidnapped! tony stark AU

Summary: Tony gets kidnapped and Steve loses his mind.

8. zindagi na milengi dobara AU

Summary: desi AU. in college, Steve, Sam and Bucky made a promise. 3 weeks, 3 activities, 3 boys and the country of Spain. 15 years later, Sam is getting married and its time for them to make good on that promise, to give him the send-off of the century. But between Sam’s conflicted feelings over his engagement, unresolved tension that threatens to break up the trio; Bucky’s secret agenda and Steve’s workaholic tendencies - it definitely promises to be a trip they’ll never forget

9. arranged marriage AU

Summary: desi AU. Steve has been in love with Tony for years. So when his mother asks him to settle down, he impulsively sends a rishta to the Stark residence; and thinks nothing of it. And then - they reply.

10. betrothed AU

Summary: Tony and Steve are princes of neighbouring kingdoms, promised to each other at birth. But the life of a royal is not as smooth as it seems.

11.  the salacious bisexual life of tony stark AU

Summary: As a journalist, Steve Rogers is expected to write articles on a great many number of things. He didn’t realise that could include his ex boyfriend.

12. Civil War AU

Summary: everything’s the same except: (1) Steve and Tony are dating, (2) Steve doesn’t know Tony is Iron Man

13. stevetony lucifer AU

Summary: Tony is tired of being the Devil, tired of following Howard’s order, tired of all the bullshit that comes with divinity. Malibu isn’t great but its a refreshing change of pace, a nice break from the screaming and the pain. And then he meets Detective Steve Rogers and Malibu suddenly has a lot more to offer.

Note: this AU was started by @imposter-human and all credits for it rightfully go to her. i just piggybacked onto it and added a couple of my own thoughts, but this AU is hers. 

rhodeytony

1. Dostana AU

Summary: Rhodey and Tony desperately need a new apartment, and there’s a brilliant one that’s close to where they both work. There’s only catch though, the landlord, Pepper (who is stunning) only accepts applications from couples. After a night drowning their sorrows in the local bar, they come up with the brilliant idea to pose as a gay couple for the apartment. They move in, and come up with increasingly stupid ways to impress their new landlord without exposing that their marriage is a shamNeither bestfriend likes to lose, and both of them have their eyes set on one person: Pepper (or do they?)

2. rajput tony stark AU

Summary: desi AU. Toni Stark comes from a long line of rajput royalty. (this au has been genderbent since the original post)

3. civil war rhodeytony AU

Summary: civil war scenes re-imagined with an established rhodeytony and a past stevetonyrhodey otv.

4. me and my bestfriend but make it rhodeytony

Summary: memories of me and LRP but re-imagined as Tony and Rhodey

5. meri pyaari bindu AU

Summary: To the rest of the world, he’s always be a Mr someone - but to Rhodey, he has and forever will be, his very first love, Tony.

6. doctor who AU

Summary: Doctor! Tony Stark x River Song! fem James Rhodes

7. female tony AU

Summary: Tony doesn’t like Rhodey’s new girlfriend. (he’s still trying to figure out why)

stevebuckytony

1. stephanie rogers AU

Summary: Steph Rogers was never supposed to find herself on the frontlines of World War 2. Then again, she wasn’t supposed to do a lot of things. - the mcu re-imagined with genderbent Steve. eventual stevetonybucky otv

2. on your knees AU

Summary: dom/sub AU. Tony is relearning what it means to be alive in a world where he’s not in the clutches of HYDRA, and misinterprets a scene between dom! Steve and sub! Bucky

samtonybucky

1. president tony stark AU

Summary: Tony Stark is sworn in at the 46th President of the United States. Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes are assigned to his detail.

buckytonynat

1. the Carbonell Family AU

Summary: Anthony Carbonell is the patriarch of the Italian Mafia, Natasha and James are his bodyguards (and lovers). Steve Rogers is the FBI agent who’s vowed to bring him down.

clarktony (superiron)

1. bound by blood AU

Summary: when Clark’s parents die, Howard Stark takes him in. Desperate to recreate the serum by any means necessary he starts experimenting on both his new foster child, and his own flesh and blood son in an attempt to create the next supersoldier. Years later, Clark has broken free of Howard and is now Superman; but he and Tony are connected in ways he couldn’t even begin to understand

gen

1. morgan stark’s villain origin story AU

Summary: Morgan Stark isn’t a normal girl. It might have something to do with the death of her father.

2. blind tony stark AU

Summary: Tony loses his sight when he’s 15 after a kidnapping gone wrong.

3. desi! tony stark AU

Summary: just a link to all pieces that have desi! tony stark in them.

4. slytherin! tony stark AU

Summary: just a link to all pieces that have slytherin! tony stark in them.

5. AU-gust 2020

Summary: a masterlist to all the AUs i did for AU-gust, spanning various ships and fandoms

6. sins of the father AU

Summary: Harley has always known who his birth father is. It just never occurred to him, that his birth father might not know who his son is. im3 compliant. slightly aged up harley keener (he’s in highschool not middle school)

[moonstruckbucky]

Come Over (5/7)

Summary: You’re new to New York City. Fresh out of post-grad and wanting a change of pace, and this change comes in more ways than one.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader. Neighbor AU.

Warnings for Chapter: There’s some fluff and a quick look into Bucky’s head.

Notes: We’re getting into the thick of it here, folks. There’s only two more parts after this and I can’t even believe it. Feedback is always appreciated! Enjoy x

P.S. - I almost forgot the goddamn Read More again.

Series Masterlist //  Main Masterlist 

The rest of October passes by in a chilly blur and in surprising quiet. It’s because, you learn, that Sharon is away again for work. You can’t help but notice the change in Bucky; he smiles more, doesn’t appear to walk on eggshells with anything, and you’re back to your regular coffee dates. You know it should set off alarm bells in your head that he’s so closed off when she’s around, but then you realize Bucky probably doesn’t have a lot of friends due to Sharon’s obvious insecurities and probable control issues. So you ignore it, allow yourself to feel bad that the only time Bucky can be himself is when she’s away.

The tension from the month before is gone, and so you choose not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Bucky’s apologized again and again for obviously upsetting you by being loud, and you find no choice but to accept each one when he looks at you with those goddamn eyes.

It’s during one of your weekend coffee dates that Bucky opens up a little bit more. About himself, his relationship, how Sharon went from being an amazing woman when they first started dating to now, where he barely recognizes her most days. 

“Her jealousy is out of control,” he sighs, shaking his head. He looks off to the window in your kitchen, lost in his head as if he’s trying to pinpoint the exact moment his relationship took a nosedive. Unthinking, you reach across the table and lay your hand on his and his eyes snap to first you and then your joined hands.

“Have you talked to her? See if you can find out why she’s started being like this? There has to be a reason…”

You can see the minute Bucky gets defensive; his jaw locks and he sits up, yanks his hand out from under yours. “I haven’t cheated, if that’s what you’re insinuating.”

You hold your hands up innocently. “I wasn’t insinuating anything, Bucky. I was just asking. Sometimes these kinds of issues are deep-seated and stay dormant for a while before coming out. When did you start noticing her jealousy spiking?”

He blows out a breath and shakes his head, his long hair hanging in his face. You have to clench your fist to resist reaching out and brushing it aside. Bucky leans forward on your small table, chin resting on his hands as he thinks. His eyes light up in realization and he seems almost bashful now. Your curiosity piques.

“A-About the time you moved in,” he admits quietly, and then hurries to add, “I-I-I mean, there were other, smaller instances, I guess. But it was just, you know, her arm around my waist or some sudden PDA. Nothing huge. But, god don’t take this the wrong way, but when I told her you’d moved in, it’s like some kind of flip was switched. We ended up fighting about it.”

“I...I heard,” you mutter, twirling your coffee mug. Bucky looks horrified and you hurry to placate him. “I couldn’t hear specifics. Just...just your raised voice, that’s all.”

Groaning, he slides a hand down his face. “Some neighbor I am, huh?”

You smile sadly and shake your head. “Bucky, you’re a great neighbor. People argue. It’s fine.”

He meets your eyes, gratitude shimmering within the blue depths, and his gaze holds you there. Heart beating erratically in your chest, you realize this is a moment. It’s magnetic, the pull between you, and it takes an exorbitant amount of effort to break the stare and shatter the tension. Bucky shifts in his seat and focuses on his coffee cup.

“More coffee?” you ask because you need to fill the silence with something. At his nod, you scoot back from the table and refill both mugs. Take your seat and try to bring back some lightness to the room. “So Thanksgiving is coming up. You and Sharon have any fun plans?”

He scoffs bitterly as he stirs his coffee. Body rigid and an eye roll barely suppressed. “She’s away for work so, I’m on my own.”

“For Thanksgiving? That’s unacceptable. You should come spend it with my family. Clint will be there, and maybe Sam. I’m sure they’d love to have you.”

The invitation is out before you can really think too much on it. It feels natural, asking him to join you. Feels too natural if you let yourself think on it, but you don’t. It’s out there between you and you watch Bucky for his reaction.

He’s surprised. But he wants to say yes, you can see it on his face, but he shakes his head. “I couldn’t intrude on your family like that.”

It saddens your heart to think Bucky would be intruding. For people who aren’t really that close, you’ve shared a lot of personal baggage between you, and the thought of Bucky spending a holiday meant to be spent with family alone hardens your resolve. You won’t accept ‘no’, can’t. Not when Sharon doesn’t seem to care about being home with him.

“You won’t be.” You’re sure of this. Clint loves Bucky, and you’re damn sure the rest of your family will too. “You’re coming with me. No ifs, ands, or buts. Got it?”

Bucky thinks better of arguing with you. Sighs and nods his head like an obedient child but with a quick smile that says he’s grateful for the invitation. The two of you settle back into your chairs, the air between you both light but with a lurking tension that bubbles just beneath the surface.

The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving are hectic, manic, whatever word that describes ultimate bedlam you prefer. Stark Industries is closing on a new deal to allow for human trials of a new “super-suit” Tony has dubbed it, and it’s crucial that all ducks are in their designated rows to minimize liability risks. It’s a tornado of paperwork, phone calls with lawyers and insurance companies, emails back and forth with the physicists assigned to the project.

It’s a mess, and it leaves you haggard, exhausted, and more than a little cranky. You’ve accidentally snapped at Wanda more times than you can count, and if you hadn’t been paying attention, Tony might’ve been at the end of one of your fits as well. Fortunately, you’d just managed to catch yourself after he’d reminded you—again—about the write-up due to the project managers before the holiday.

It’s late the Tuesday before the holiday when you return home—nearly eight o’clock, and you’re about ready to collapse. You feel drunk on exhaustion as you stagger down the hall barefoot, your stupid heels hanging over your index finger. Eyelids heavy, like two lead weights are weighing them down, you stifle a yawn in your elbow. One of your heels goes clattering to the floor.

“Fuck,” you hiss, groaning long and loud as you bend over to retrieve it and your back protests the movement. You don’t realize you’re in front of Bucky’s door until it opens, and your neighbor, in all his pajama-clad muscled glory, frowns down at you.

“Y/N? What the hell happened to you?”

You sigh and close your eyes, lean your head against your knee. “Thanks, Buck. You really know how to make a girl feel special.”

He rolls his eyes before stooping to wrap a hand around your arm. Gently he helps you to your feet, and you can’t help it when you stagger just slightly into his body.

“Whoa, easy there,” he coos, steadying you. His body is unnaturally warm where it presses up against yours and for a second, you let yourself bask in the heat. A moth to a flame. Wings scorched, but you’ll gladly burn.

“Sorry,” you sigh after a few moments, shaking your head, “it’s been a busy past couple of weeks and I’m about ready to collapse.”

“C’mon, gimme your keys. Let’s get you inside.”

He slides your keychain from your hand, opens your door, leads you in. You whine at the sight of your couch, but before you can faceplant into the cushions, Bucky’s steering you away.

“B-But,” you stutter on a whine, reaching out dramatically, childishly, for the piece of furniture.

“Mm, nuh-uh. First, comfy clothes. Then I’m making you something to eat. And then you’re going to bed.”

“Bucky.” You’re still whining, but you’re far too tired to care. Bucky sits you down on your bed, lunges forward when you tip backward in an attempt to climb under your duvet. He keeps you upright, and you pout. “Bucky.”

“Patience. Which drawer is your pajama drawer?” He sighs when he glances over his shoulder, sees you curling up in your blankets in your work attire. Averts his eyes when your skirt rides halfway up your thighs.

“Third from the top,” is your sleepy, mumbled reply paired with a half-assed lift of your arm. The drawer slides open then shut, and you grunt as fabric hits you in the face.

“Get changed and meet me in the kitchen.”

“You’re awful bossy,” you snark as you sit up, but he’s gone, and you can already hear him banging around in the kitchen.

When you’re finished, you step out of your room to see Bucky bent over the stove with a box of pasta in his hand. He dumps the entire contents of the box into the pot, stirs, and then glances up when you appear in his line of vision. He smiles softly. 

“You look exhausted.”

“Yeah,” you sigh as you sit at the island, dig your hands into your eyes as if to ward off said exhaustion. “We’re ready to move onto trials with one of the suits and Tony’s been running me ragged but fortunately he gave me tomorrow off because of the holiday Thursday so…”

“Good. You should rest a lot tomorrow.”

“You’re still coming Thursday, right?” you ask tentatively. You’re trying not to come across too eager, but Bucky’s sly little grin tells you you kind of failed.

“Of course. It’s definitely better than spending it alone.” There’s a bitter undertone in his voice, but he’s moving on before you can press on it.

You eat in the living room; Bucky throws on some true crime documentary that only holds your attention for about ten minutes. Between the comfy clothes, the blanket you’re under, and the warmth of the food in your belly, you’re out like a light, head cocked uncomfortably against the arm of the couch.

Bucky glances over, does a double take and smiles softly. Mouth open, eyelids fluttering. It shouldn’t make his heart race, yet he thinks it might give out with how fast it’s beating, how his chest vibrates with its beat. He gently grabs the nearly-empty bowl from your limp fingers, which curl up and into the blanket, tucking it under your chin as you roll over and shove your face into the back cushion of your couch.

It’s endearing, despite the deep circles Bucky can see even in the dimmed lighting in the room. Setting both bowls on the coffee table, he wipes his hands on his sweatpants; he’s nervous, has never been this close, much less in such a vulnerable situation. Your warm against him as he scoops you up; his conscience would never let him rest if he’d left you to sleep on the couch. He feels his heartbeat stutter when you curl into him like you’d curled into your blanket, nose buried against his chest. He hopes the rapid thudthudthud of his heart doesn’t wake you, prays you stay oblivious to the way you’re making him feel. Your nightshirt slides up and his fingers touch your bare skin. It’s like setting fire to flint—a spark, and then all-consuming flame as it slithers and writhes up his arm and into his belly, his chest. He knows his cheeks are a thousand shades of red; he’s never had such a visceral reaction to touch before, even when he’d met Sharon and still knew who she was. 

He side-steps into your room, avoids bonking your head or your dangling feet against the frame. Blankets pulled back, your soft and pliant body laid underneath. A soft sigh that slides between your parted lips, a content smile as you roll onto your belly, tug your second pillow to your chest, a visible deflate. Bucky’s immobile, feet planted so firmly into your floor he wonders if he’d grown roots there. He knows he should leave, knows he’s a creep for remaining unmoving, but he can’t look away from you.

Your eyelids still flutter, your mind lost in some dream that he’s yearning to hear about. How did he fall so deeply?

Like dragging lead through water, he begins to walk from your room, freezes when your lips mumble out something that sounds oddly like Bucky. He swallows around the lump in his throat, the rising guilt in his belly that burns like acid. He leaves the door open a crack, cleans your empty bowls, and leaves because he can’t bare the gnawing in his gut, the want, the longing, the absolute need for you to destroy him.

Chapter Six

[writteninsunshine]

Death Is A Beginning Not An End Chp 001/025 - Jerry Dandridge/Ed Lee - SFW

Title: Death Is A Beginning Not An End

Author: Reno

Fandom: Fright Night

Setting: Various

Pairing: Jerry Dandridge/”Evil” Ed Lee (Main), Charley Brewster/Amy Peterson, Past Mark/”Evil” Ed Lee, Charley Brewster/Peter Vincent/”Evil” Ed Lee

Characters: Jerry Dandridge, “Evil” Ed Lee, Charley Brewster, Peter Vincent, Mark, Amy Peterson, Jane Brewster, Adam, Ben, OC: Heather Charles

Genre: Romance/Adventure/Hurt/Comfort/Angst/Drama

Rating: E

Chapters: 1/25

Word Count: 2379

Type Of Work: Chapter Fic

Status: Incomplete

Warnings: Gay, Slash, Yaoi, MLM, AU - Omegaverse, AU - A/B/O, AU - Soulmates, AU - Canon Divergent, Vampire Typical Violence, Omega Ed Lee, Alpha Jerry Dandridge, Alpha Peter Vincent, Alpha Charley Brewster, Violence, Gore, Character Death, Cunnilingus, Blowjobs, Virgin Ed Lee, Vaginal Sex, Threesomes, Pack Mating, A/B/O Dynamics, Vampire Turning, Vampires Feeding, Underage, Charley and Ed are 17

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything except Heather.

Summary: "Every time I find you, I turn you. I won't make that mistake again."

AN: Hey guys, it’s me again! Just thought I ought to say, if you want vague updates and to talk to me more, I have Twitter and Tumblr, too! Twitter is Sunnywritings, and Tumblr is Writteninsunshine! I also have a writing Discord that is currently pretty dead. xD I can PM it to people who want it on FFN, for everyone else, it’s here: https://discord.gg/FyaWw25

So, there are absolutely no stories for my OTP for this fandom, so I have to feed myself content. Hopefully, someone will see it and also want to spread the love for these two. At any rate, I hope you guys enjoy this fic, it’ll be kind of long. I have no idea how long, but I hope that I can do them justice.

Fright Night Fic Masterlist

Chapter One: Bright Lights 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It had been weeks since the last time he’d heard from Charley, and Ed was starting to get offended. How could his best friend just up and abandon him like this for the popular guys? Mark and Ben were assholes, the worst kind, gaping, infected, disgusting. Ed couldn’t fathom hanging out with the two stoners, but he figured Charley saw something in them because he spent all his time with them and Amy.

Still, Ed was feeling left out. Charley had been so close to him and Adam, and now it was just radio static on his end. He’d decided that after school, he would try to go see if he could get a hold of Charley by going to his house. His parents had needed him at home, however, so he’d gone home to handle his chores and the family trip to Pizza Hut. After his room was clean, the garbage was on the curb, and his belly was full, the sun was already starting to set. Regardless, he was going to see Charley even if it killed him.

Perhaps he shouldn’t have had that thought.

As he walked, he listened to a playlist on his iPod that would hopefully give him the confidence to confront his friend. When he saw Charley’s house up the street, he pulled his headphones out and started to cross over the neighbor’s lawn, jogging lightly.

“Hey!” A rather muscular man snapped at him, standing in the shadow of his house, “Don’t run on my lawn!” The Alpha barked, using the tone he knew would make the Omega listen. Ed paused, staring at him for a moment, just standing on his lawn with wide eyes, not unlike a deer in the headlights.

“What did I just say,” His statement wasn’t a question, but a barked order, and he narrowed his eyes as he crossed his lawn with all the power and grace of a tiger stalking its prey, “Move, Omega.” He growled, finally close enough to touch the teen before him. He’d smelled the Omega on him from far away, but suddenly he was hit with a strong, desperate need to be close. It made him take pause, blinking a little.

He was the one. The one he’d been searching for.

Taking Ed by his armpits, he lifted him up like he weighed nothing and strolled to the sidewalk, placing him down gently on the concrete. Ed continued to stare up at him, somehow feeling safe with the glaring Alpha. It was strange, he didn’t know what was happening to him. Most Alphas made him feel flighty and skittish when they were older, and now he felt like he’d die if he left his presence.

“Stay off my lawn, okay?” The man’s voice was softer, now, a purr threatening to underline his words. “I’m Jerry, by the way.”

“Ed.” Finally, he found his voice, nodding a little, “I… Y-yeah, I’ll stay off it.” 

Ed couldn’t believe how strange he felt right now, drawn to this stranger like he’d known him his entire life.

“Nice to meet you, Ed.” It was hard not to call him something else, any pet name he could. ‘Precious’ came to mind and he had to shake his head to relieve himself of the thought. “Now, get.” He patted the Omega’s back, giving him a little push in the direction he’d been going.

“Yeah.” Ed nodded, still lost in the fog of being near Jerry. He started walking, hesitant to leave, towards Charley’s house, looking over his shoulder as Jerry started for his front door. “Fuck.” He muttered, rubbing at his hip a little as he took the steps to the door at a jog. Knocking on the door, he waited for a minute or so before ringing the doorbell. It hit him as he rang that he didn’t remember walking to the door.

Jane answered after another ring, and Ed smiled at her. Her return smile was tight, almost sad.

“Hey, Ed.” She offered lamely, “Looking for Charley?”

“Yeah, I, uh, I need to talk to him about something.” Nervousness and an odd sense of despair filled him and he closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, “Is he home?”

Jane visibly tried to sort out an answer and Ed knew that meant he was home but had asked not to speak to him. He sighed, shaking his head.

“Nevermind.” 

“No, no.” She sighed, unable to handle the sadness tinging his scent, “ He’s home, upstairs in his room. I don’t know if he’s asleep already or not.” She told him, stepping aside and opening the door up for him. “Come on in.”

With a nod, Ed entered the house, hands in his pockets to keep from fidgeting with them. 

“Thanks.” He smiled, though it was saddened, anxious, it didn’t meet his eyes.

“It’s no trouble, just knock before you go in.” She knew her son needed his privacy sometimes, and she didn’t know what he was doing up there at the moment.

“Yeah, I will.” He almost didn’t want to. Heading up the stairs, he sighed as he came to a stop in front of the other’s room. He knocked twice before entering without waiting for an ‘okay’, afraid he would lose his nerve.

“Ed!? What the hell, man!?” Charley exclaimed, eyes wide as he put down the book he was reading for class. He laid out on his bed, one leg bent up against the mattress., but he shot up when Ed entered the room, “You’re supposed to wait before coming in!” He added, eyes narrowing. “What do you want?” It was clear Charley wasn’t impressed with him just showing up unannounced. Even his mom didn’t warn him.

“It’s not like you’re masturbating, I don’t see the problem. I need to talk to you, asshole.” Ed snarled, crossing his arms and shaking his head, “What’s the deal? You’re just going to abandon me and Adam for those dickweeds?” 

“Man, you don’t get it,” Charley sighed, shaking his head. The Alpha smelled acrid like he was pained, but Ed ignored it the best he could. “I need this.”

“You need this? Why? I don’t think Amy cares who you’re friends with! Those assholes are gonna throw you to the wolves the second you fuck up.”

“They’re…” He wanted to say ‘good friends’, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it in front of the best friend he’d ever had, “Not so bad.” That was the best he could do.

“Not so bad? Not so bad?” Ed’s voice was shrill and it was clear he didn’t like to hear that. “Mark’s been bullying me since grade school!”

“I… I know, but he’s better, now.” He wasn’t actually better, if anything, his bullying had gotten worse.

“He’s just better because you aren’t a target anymore.” Ed huffed, growling a little under his breath. “I can’t fucking believe you. You can’t ever hang out with me anymore? Not even a little bit? Come on, man, this isn’t you.”

“It’s me, now, Ed.” Charley snapped, eyes narrowing, “Grow up, move on, it’s time we both did.” 

Ed had to hold back from another growl, taking a deep, steadying breath and trying not to lose his mind over this. Charley was pissing him off something awful and he was ready to go back to the good feeling he had when he was with Jerry. His thoughts strayed to him and he couldn’t help but bite back a smile. This was no time to feel soft and mushy over a stranger he’d just met.

“You’re a fucking asshole, Charley.” He growled, finally finding his ability to speak. “I hope you rot for this, it’s not fucking fair.”

And Ed was right, it wasn’t fair, and Charley knew that. But he had to keep up appearances. Amy wouldn’t want to date a loser like he used to be. He needed to be cool, and hanging out with Mark and Ben made him cool. It wasn’t like Amy would accept him being friends with Ed and Adam. He had to move on, and he was trying so hard. It wasn’t easy, especially with the scent of despair mixing with the calming scent of rosemary and fire filling his room. Ed was clearly upset and all he wanted to do was hug the Omega standing in his doorway. Soothing him with his scent and a firm hold sounded like the best option, but he went still and glued himself to his bed instead.

“I… Yeah, maybe I am an asshole.” He conceded, shaking his head and standing up. “But you know what? This is my life, now. If you can’t accept it, then I guess you won’t accept that I’ve moved on and that’s fine. I’m not about to abandon my life for you. We can’t be doing... Whatever this is.”

“You’re such a dickweasel, you know that? When they turn on you, and they will, don’t come crying to me. I won’t take you back.” Ed snapped, finally turning on his heels and storming out of the room. It was possible, he realized, that Ed was crying. There was a salty scent in the room, now, and he felt his stomach sink. Charley wanted so badly to call him back, but he heard the front door slam and knew it was too late.

Texting Amy, he hoped she would offer him some form of solace.

[Text To: Amy, 8:07 PM] Hey, what are you up to?

[Text To: Charley Barley, 8:09 PM] Just getting ready for bed, wyd?

[Text To: Amy, 8:09 PM] Ed came over

[Text To: Amy, 8:10 PM] I feel like shit. He’s pissed.

[Text To: Charley Barley, 8:14 PM] Oh shit, u ok?

[Text To: Amy, 8:18 PM] I don’t think so. It hurts

[Text To: Charley Barley, 8:20 PM] U don’t have to leave him u kno. He’s still ur bff.

[Text To: Amy, 8:21 PM] It’s too late now, I don’t think he is anymore. He called me a dickweasel and an asshole and stormed out of my house.

[Text To: Charley Barley, 8:22 PM] It’s not 2 late, apologize.

Her words rang true. He should apologize, but he didn’t think that he could. It wasn’t like Ed was going to respond. He was too angry, now. But he thought he’d try, anyway, at least he could send him a message. He spent a solid five minutes writing and rewriting his text.

[Text To: Evil, 8:27 PM] Hey, man, look, I’m sorry, okay? I just can’t do this right now. I can’t just up and leave, they’ll kill me.You think you have it bad but they would CRUCIFY me. It’s safer having them on my side than against me. I’m sorry they hurt you, maybe I can get them to leave you alone.

At least in his presence, he could help somewhat. Maybe if he influenced Mark and Ben enough, nothing bad would happen.

Ed turned on his read receipts on his phone, leaving Charley on read so he could see how angry he was. What else did Charley expect, an acceptance letter? There was no way after what had just happened that he’d do that. Still, the text on his phone kept him up most of the night, spending time browsing the web didn’t help, either. He ended up on Peter Vincent’s website, as he did, rereading something about vampires in California. It was always interesting to read about it, even if he’d reread this story a thousand times. Maybe he should check something else.

He turned to a forum he was part of, searching for ways to talk to Charley. No one was helpful, all of them told him not to accept the apology. Somewhere deep down, he wanted to. He picked up his phone several times, writing out responses before he ended up deleting them. 

Charley didn’t sleep well that night, either, thinking about what he’d said and how he could make it up to his friend. Maybe they could hang out after school sometime if Evil would even look at him.

The next day in class was horrible, with Ed shooting him looks that told him he wanted to talk, and then glaring daggers at him. If looks could kill, Charley would be full of knives in the back. Even after class, Ed turned his back on him, stomping out of class like it was the best thing he’d ever done.

“Hey, man, you look… Shitty.” Mark commented with a raised eyebrow, leaning on Charley’s locker, “You okay?” He didn’t really care, but it seemed like the right thing to do.

“Uh, yeah. I just didn’t sleep last night.” Not well, anyway. He’d had a nightmare that Ed had died, and he didn’t really know what to do with that.

“You gonna sleep during class?” Ben asked, though he didn’t really mind either way. It wouldn’t affect him. That was what Ben always did when he couldn’t sleep at night.

“I dunno, maybe.” He had social studies next, and that meant he’d probably sleep to the teacher’s droning monotone.

“Cool, cool.” Mark brushed it off easily, “You should get some sleep, and then we’re going out after school.”

“We are?” That would throw a wrench into his plans with Ed, for sure. But maybe it would give Ed time to cool off. With any luck, he’d come to actually accept his apology if he just gave him some time.

“We are. You, me, Ben, the car, some weed.” Maybe they’d troll the mall after smoking a bit. “We could go out somewhere, get some food.”

“Uh, yeah, sure. I’ll be there.” Charley needed some time to think, and maybe the weed would help his mood.

“Alright, see you then, man.” Mark and Ben started for their next class, leaving Charley to his thoughts. He spun the dial and opened his locker, getting out his book for his social studies class. 

He worried that Ed would never accept his apology, and that cut him to the core. All he wanted was for Ed to forgive him and for things to go back to normal, but he guessed this was his new normal, now.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

AN: Alright, chapter one is in the bag! I’m really feeling this story so hopefully I can get through it without any issues. I hope you guys enjoyed it!!

[lovesickjoon]

heart over mind - knj (m)

pairing: namjoon/reader

rating: nsfw (18+)

genre: werewolf au, alpha!joon/omega!reader

words:  4.5k

desc: namjoon comes back from visiting his family, and well... you go into heat earlier than expected.. knowing how stressed joon gets after long flights and dealing with his family for several weeks... well, you take heat suppressants and things go very wrong!

warnings: light smut, p much just oral, bestie/roommate!joon, oblivious!reader&joon, lots of talk abouts heats... light health scare bc drugs are bad, etc etc

notes: if you do not know what a/b/o tropes are, then you might want to go search up what it is before reading! bc it's... yeah. i hope this makes.. sense. i literally dk what i was doing while writing thissdjkfl

The airport was noisy and jammed full of people, young and old. You scanned the crowd, disappointment welling in your chest at every person you mistook for him. The numerous layers of clothing wrapped around your figure did little to stop the cold. The frigid, winter air circulating through the building wasn't helping in the slightest, it only made you tremble more.

Your breath caught in your throat when out of the corner of your eye, you captured a glimpse of him. Namjoon's arms lock around you, pulling you into a tight embrace. You try to twist yourself around to face him, but Namjoon's grasp is firm and resilient. Namjoon has your arms confined beneath his, and you find yourself awkwardly grasping onto his arms.

You said nothing, your mind racing now that your best friend was safely back home. Namjoon buries his face into the side of your neck, inhaling deeply. He tenses around you, and your heart stutters. Namjoon draws away, and you see his nose twitch. You force a smile, hoping the scent change wasn't too noticeable. Apparently, it is, so rather than a proper 'hello' you explain.

"Do I smell different?" you ask, letting out an awkward chuckle. "It's probably because I switched my body wash," you spit out, silently praying that would be convincing enough that Namjoon wouldn't bring it up.

It wasn't a lie, either. You made the switch the moment you realized you were going into heat. It just so happened to be one that blocked your scent. You had also, possibly, taken a few heat suppressants.

He would be pissed if he knew you were here, in heat. Namjoon would be even angrier if he knew you were using everything in your power to shove it away. Especially if it was for his sake and comfort. Your roommate had grown a little protective over you in the few months you had lived together. Namjoon was rarely affected or even bothered by your heats. Most of the time, he was lurking around the house, bored out of his mind and ready to fetch you whatever you desired.

You didn't want to ruin the first few moments of being back home.

"Oh," Namjoon says after a few moments of silence.

He doesn't say more than that, but you can sense the worry radiating off of him. You search his face and an unfamiliar expression flashes across it. It almost looks like a pang of jealousy, but you're sure you're mistaken. Namjoon could care less about what you were doing, right?

Namjoon shakes his head, and immediately you can tell that Namjoon doesn't believe you.

He searches for the exit and pulls you to it. He lets you lead him to your car, and the two of you make small talk along the way.

You ask him how his family was, what he did while he was away, and many more basic questions. He answered ordinarily, thinking a moment before speaking as he always did. He shot simple questions back at you, and you told him you spent the time doing the same as you usually had done.

Namjoon didn't bring it up again, but you were on edge. The weird scent was worse now that you were trapped in the car together. You kept your eyes focused on the road, trying not to think about it.

You clutched the wheel tightly, quelling the violent trembles racking your body. The time for you to take another dosage was near, but if traffic was good, you would make it. You turn up the volume on the radio, unable to stand the silence. You mindlessly let yourself sing, you're probably being obnoxious, but you're trying to keep your mind off of the aches.

Namjoon takes his phone out and tries to focus on something on the screen. You can tell the gears in his mind are busy trying to pay attention to anything other than you.

Namjoon probably was trying to figure out why you were lying and what was wrong. Your body was beginning to ache once more. You merely wanted to get home at this point. You could take another dose of suppressants and do your best to shy away from Namjoon.

Namjoon...

It seemed as if the man might pop a vein from trying to pay attention to his phone.

If he kept this up, you were going to have to tell him and let him be bitter. You couldn't take Namjoon worrying himself to death. Thinking about it now, this wasn't the best idea. It was a spur of the moment idea. An error.

When you first moved in with Namjoon, you had decided then to try to be the best roommate you could be. You were supposed to be roommates with an Omega initially, but that never worked out. You were in such a predicament at the time it was either Namjoon or the streets. Jin and Hoseok tried to explain to you that Namjoon was different, but you wouldn't accept it at first. After much convincing, you ultimately moved in with him. You had gone to the doctor and gotten everything you needed to control your heat. You decided then that you were going to break the needy omega stereotype. You weren't going to be annoying and in the way due to your biology.

Unlike what you expected, Namjoon made sure you were always comfortable. Those pills sat untouched in your drawer for months. You were never shoved in your room unless you wanted to be.

In the beginning, you thought that maybe you were just unattractive. Or something about your scent threw him off.  Namjoon was pretty vague when it came to explaining his reasoning, but according to him, it was because of his nose. He joked that his nose was broken, but you had a feeling it was something deeper than that.

Jin was the one who told you, rather than Namjoon himself.

Namjoon had been through... a lot, previously. Jin didn't give an incredible amount of details either. He summed it up by telling you it was a family friend who passed during her heat.

Turns out, Namjoon's nose wasn't as broken as he was playing it off to be, either. He could still smell everything, but it was dulled. Which lead to him being affected, but not harshly.

Abruptly, the music is turned down by Namjoon.

"Are you sick?" he asks, tilting his head to the side. Your mouth falls slightly agape, and you try to muster up an answer. Do you say yes? If so, will he be upset that you still came to get him? If you say no, then there's a chance that he will think you're lying and pressure you more.

The options are absolute shit, but you opt for the less suspicious option.  

"Yes," you mumble underneath your breath, not letting your eyes stray from the road in front of you. Being in heat could qualify as being sick. Right? Then that meant you weren't lying to him. Right? At least, when you were in high school, it counted as being sick.

You find the dial to turn the music up once more, but Namjoon's cool hand wraps itself around your wrist. Your heart flutters at the contact, and you draw your hand away from the dial.

Your heart always did this, regardless of whether you were in heat or not. You beat back your feelings with a broom every single day you woke up. It was a struggle.

Namjoon, you think, had dropped hints in the past that the feelings were mutual. You were never entirely sure, though. You weren't oblivious to it. Frankly, you were just... unsure.

Part of you figured you were only projecting your feelings towards Namjoon. He could be interested, but you didn't need to find out. You lived with him, and you didn't want to find a new place any time soon. If the two of you were to get together and then break up... Well, someone would probably want to move out. Considering Namjoon was there long before you... Well.

He was also your best friend, and you didn't want to lose that bond. Would he even be interested in remaining friends after all is said and done?

You knew the risks, but they entirely vanished and became irrelevant when Namjoon came into the picture. You repeated to yourself that you wouldn't date him, that you didn't have an interest in him, but deep down you knew that wasn't exactly true. If Namjoon were to admit feelings or want to try dating you, you would say yes. You had pondered the idea many times, and you always came to the same conclusion.

Your heart would win over your mind.

You place the hand back on the wheel. The beating of your heart is so loud, you nearly miss the words that Namjoon mumbles.

"Why do I feel like you're lying to me?

He lets his hand fall back to his lap and goes quiet.

You decide to ignore that, and let it roll off of you. Water off of a duck's back. You two of you spend the rest of the ride home sitting in silence, not daring to speak.

You step out of the warm car and into the frosty air. Although Namjoon refused your help, you took one of his bags to carry in. He followed you into the house, the traces of worry lingering in his expression. You set the bag down in the living room, and you can feel the heat symptoms creeping up faster and faster. The moment Namjoon makes his way into the kitchen, you take the opportunity to dash to your room.

You can't muster up a proper excuse for leaving, so you try to creep to your room as noiselessly as possible. You flick on the light and lock the door behind you. A wave of nausea hits you, followed by a stomach cramp.

Your rush to the suppressants, digging them from their hiding place. You open the bottle with shaky hands, trying to stop your heat before it could stop you. You pour out the maximum recommended amount into your palm.

Glancing around your room, you realize you forgot to get water. You would have to go and face Namjoon so you could get some. You bring your hand to your lips, ready to try and take them down dry. You double over in pain with a wince as another cramp rolls over you. There would be no disguising it now. It was too late.

Another spasm, and this time you drop to your knees with a groan, your lower half was becoming more and more drenched by the second. You gave up on latching onto the pills, dropping them and bringing your hands around your body. A noise caught your attention, and your eyes shot to the door. Footsteps.

Namjoon's muffled voice came from behind the door.

"Y/n, I brought you hot choc—"

For a moment, you think your heart is going to stop beating altogether. Namjoon is right outside of your door, and there was no way he didn't know. Fuck. That's what you were, fucked. You've just ruined his fucking day.

You inhaled deeply, trying to calm yourself down, but it backfired. The entire house smelt like Alpha. Your pulse skyrocketed once more. You expect him to say something or maybe ask you something, but he doesn't. You haven't heard the footsteps leave, so you knew Namjoon was still outside of your door. He was probably processing his next action or trying to piece together what had happened today.

You can't bite back the whimper that escapes you, and apparently, it makes Namjoon spring to life.  

"Y/n, baby. I need you to let me in. I know what's going on."

Namjoon's voice sounded rougher than usual. The pet name combined with the deep voice lit a fire in your loins. You felt your face heat up in embarrassment, no doubt Namjoon could smell that too. It was humiliating for something as minuscule as a pet name to set you off like that. You clear your throat before you speak, trying to keep your voice steady.

"I'm fine, Namjoon," you answer.

"You waited too long to take your suppressants, didn't you?" he demands. You gulped nervously, guilt clouding your mind. Namjoon continues, "I'll take your silence as a yes. I assume you know how risky it is to take suppressants in the first place. Thousands of Omegas die a year because of suppressants."  

You don't reply, tears building up in the corner of your eyes. You hear Namjoon sigh and something clinks on the ground outside of the door. Presumably, its the hot chocolate he was bringing to you.

"I also assume you know it's even riskier when you take them and then forget to continue with them. The pain relief fades almost an hour before you should use them again, so I assume you're in even more pain than normal. Most Omegas start hurting so badly they can't even move soon after that, occasionally resulting in death."

The words make your chest ache. You put the pieces together, and it makes sense then. They get trapped in their rooms, and can't get help. Fuck. How long do they lay in pain? Laying there, with the knowledge that you could possibly die... All because of some fucking pills.

You knew the risks. You fucking knew that you would be in pain if you forgot them. You knew that you could even die. Why the fuck weren't you thinking? You've ruined everything. The entire point was to not cause Namjoon trouble. In the end, you've caused him more trouble by mindlessly throwing the pills down the hatch.

The chances you would genuinely die from taking these are still incredibly low. You were keen on the idea of laying around in pain for a week, though.

"What can we do?" You croak out.

"I'm not trying to scare you, baby. I only want you to be aware. Before it gets too bad, I need you to unlock the door for me. I'm speaking from experience, Y/n. Those Omegas can't reach their phone a lot of the time to call for help. They get lucky if they have someone in the house with them to check on them," Namjoon states.

You know he's right, you can feel it. "What do we do after that?" You grit out, trying to push yourself up and stand.

"It depends," he mumbles. "Well, at this point, you definitely shouldn't take more. When it's too late, it's too late. You go to the hospital, and they find you an Alpha. If it's somewhat under control, then they'll work to get your fever down and will let you naturally deal with the pain."

Your eyes widen, and you freeze. Find an Alpha? No—

"Y/n?" Namjoon calls. "You okay?"

"I can't," you whine, not making a move. Your heart was racing. You couldn't do it. You weren't about to be touched by a stranger, especially not one that's an Alpha.

"What? Y/n, open the door," Namjoon orders.

You try to ignore the internal tug that wants you to stand and go to the door. An Alpha could get rid of the pain, but you... couldn't. You would just have to deal with the pain. There wasn't a chance in hell you were letting a stranger touch you... Just... You couldn't. No.

Namjoon growls from behind the door, and you can hear him getting more and more frustrated by the second. You feel something wet drip down your face, so you reach up to touch your face.

When had you started crying?

"Y/n, you will open this door. Now."

This time, it's a command.

You had never heard Namjoon use his Alpha voice until now. The effect is instant and you're scrambling to get over to the door. You quickly find that you cannot stand. You physically couldn't, your legs were like jello...

So, you crawled.

You would have been humiliated any other day.

As much pain as you were in right now though, you didn't care. You crept to the door and reached up to unlock it for him. As soon as he heard the lock click, he was squeezing through the barely open door, trying not to hit you with it.

He sank down to your level, and you cast your eyes down to his shoes. He hooked his arms underneath your own and began lifting you from the ground.

You shuddered in his arms, a jolt of arousal rushing through you. Your face flushed, but Namjoon didn't seem to pay any attention to it. He understood it was just your natural reflexes. The pain was already melting away, just from the slightest touch. "I don't want to go to the hospital, Joon," you whimper. He moves you from the floor to your bed. You try not to pout as Namjoon unhooks his arms from under yours and steps away from you.

"You have to, Y/n. I don't want this for you," he replies, searching around your room for your shoes.

Before you genuinely can think about it, the words come out of your mouth.

"Please, help me," you blurt out.

He halts. He has halfway turned away from you but can see his face tinted red. You instantly feel regret and shame. The last thing you had ever wanted was to come off as a desperate omega, yet here you were. The tears picked back up, and you used your sleeve to wipe them away. The reason you were crying was sorely obvious. A sliver of your heart hoped that he thought it was due to the pain. You totally weren't crying because of the rejection.

He didn't have to say anything, his face said it all. He was just as surprised as you to hear those words leave your lips. He had no interest in you, you knew it.

"Sorry, ignore me," you spit out. Namjoon's expression twists into surprise as he faces you, and you avert your eyes away from his form.

"Y/n, no— I—"

You cut Namjoon off, "I didn't, I don't... Just forget it, please? For my sake, forget I said that. Take me to the hospital, please."

"Let me speak," he snarls, startlingly hostile.

You can imagine Namjoon's head is running wild with emotions. Guilt, worry, and now here you were spouting shit to make him flustered. It seems as if he's expecting you to interrupt him again, or he's trying to gather his thoughts. Either way, you stay quiet.

When he's sure you're going to let him explain, he begins.

"Don't get me wrong, I was just surprised. I'm perfectly happy with helping you. Well... I am when you begin thinking with your upstairs brain, I don't want you to have regrets. That's the only reason why I would rather take you to the hospital before it gets too bad."

"I developed a massive crush on you about the fourth month of living with you," you scoff. The pain is rattling you, but you try to focus on the task at hand.

The hesitation on Namjoon's face is still there. Were you really going to have to convince him that you loved him?

"You're fucking with me right now, right? Is it not evident just how in love I am with you? Namjoon, I would fucking let you obliterate me in every way and I would be okay with it."

You almost don't recognize your voice. You sound so... broken. You feel so vulnerable and out in the open. You've built up all of these walls, only to let Namjoon break them. You had initially tried to hide those feelings, but you were certain that Namjoon could see through you.

Was this his way of rejecting you? Was he trying to let you down easy? You would rather him just outright reject you. He's accusing this of being from your heat, but the emotions that you're feeling have been bubbling up for so long...  The aches and hurt from your heat paled in comparison to what your heart was feeling.

"Namjoon... Take a moment, think about it. My heat brought on the outburst, yes... This is something that goes further and deeper than lust." .

You shake your head, realizing that there was no point in saying anything else. All of those moments you thought the feelings were mutual? Nope. That was nothing, and the little insecure voice in the back of your head was right. You were sure Namjoon accusing those feelings of being lust was just a cover up for him not wanting to reject you. But...

You couldn't shake it. 

You knew the line between infatuation and love, and it wasn't as thin as everyone thought. You could write down every single little flaw of Namjoon.  You could write down all the little personality traits of his that didn't match yours. You could make a long list of all the shit that Namjoon has done to piss you off... Despite all of that, you still wanted to be with him with your soul, mind, and heart. The pros always outweighed the cons when it came to Namjoon.

Of course, you found Namjoon attractive. That wasn't what you craved, though. Your favorite memories all involved Namjoon... Even if you were just doing things as simple as the laundry, if Namjoon was there it was the highlight of your day.

"I love you," Namjoon blurts, eyes wide. You glance up at him through blurry vision and tilt your head to the side. You wipe the tears away just in time to see Namjoon inhale deeply. He shuts his eyes for a moment to calm himself. When he opens them again, there is a determination in his eyes that you don't understand. He was just rejecting you, but now he feels so guilty that he is saying he loves you when he clearly doesn't?

"I can't imagine living my life without you. I don't know when this feeling came over me, and I've shoved it away for far too long... For the longest time, I felt as if a piece of me was missing. That hole has been filled, but I've only recently realized it was you who filled it."

The corner of Namjoon's mouth quirks upwards ever so slightly.

"Hoseok said I was head over heels for you, but I thought he was joking. I guess it's been clear to everyone... We have so much to talk about, and I have so much more to say, but... I don't know how much time we have left."

Namjoon pauses, and it's apparent that he doesn't know what to do next.

"Are you sure?" he asks.

You can't bring yourself to even whisper right now, so you nod instead. Your mind is racing, and you're trying to focus so you can work through all of this. Your body has other plans. At the mention of even being touched, a warmth spreads throughout you.

The determination in his eyes seems to shift into another emotion. They seem to glaze over, and cloud.

Specks of red began to appear in his eyes. Your eyebrows raise in shock as Namjoon's eyes bloom into a beautiful crimson. You were finally getting to see the part of Namjoon that he hid away so well. Namjoon approaches you, and it's as if he's a different person. There's a more smooth, and fluid way about his movements. There's an entirely different aura too.

Without thinking, you clambered your way to the head of the bed. Namjoon followed suit, making his way up to you. The ache of your heat begins to withdraw it's tendrils from you, vanishing slowly. There was desire pooling between your legs still, but the other effects from the heat were gone. It was as if your body knew what was about to happen, so it was prepping itself for him.

Then, Namjoon is directly in front of you.

On instinct, you bare your neck for him. You let your eyes drift closed, feeling Namjoon's hot breath against your neck. He brushes his lips gently across your skin, making your head swim. Namjoon doesn't mark you, just presses a soft kiss into the side of your neck. His strong hands tug and pull at your clothing until you are left bare against the sheets.

Namjoon strips down without your help, eager to get started.

He shuffles down the bed and parts your knees so that he can position himself between them. You want to close your knees and shy away from his gaze. Namjoon doesn't let you, instead, he makes a point to part them wider. He gazed up at you, and you were certain he understood the thoughts running through your mind.

He dips his head down and places a kiss on your inner thigh. "Perfect," he mumbles, pressing another peck onto your skin.

"You... don't have to... Oh, fu—!"

Namjoon doesn't let you have the chance to speak. He's already licking a strip along your center before you can get out the rest of your sentence. His plush lips parted and wrapped around your clit. Your sensitivity is through the roof, and just the smallest actions have you withering in pleasure. He locks one of your legs down by throwing his arm over your thigh. He shifts his weight down so your leg is motionless, and uses his free arm to move your other leg further up.

This way he has more room, and is able to keep you from flailing. You can't help but cry out when Namjoon's index finger slips inside of you. Your reaction apparently pleases him, because he hums around your clit. The vibration sends pleasure shooting up your spine, and you find your fingers wrapping themselves into his soft locks.

Another digit is added and it slides in easily. He works the fingers inside of you quickly, plunging in and out, searching for that one spot... It's when he curls his fingers upwards that he meets it, and a moan tears from your lips.

"Look at me, baby," Namjoon requests, voice hoarse with lust. You unclench your eyes just in time to see Namjoon move back to your core. He takes the sensitive bud into his mouth once more, swirling around it with his tongue. Namjoon holds your gaze, eyes still flooding in crimson.

Your abdomen is clenching and the warmth inside is ready to spill over at any moment.

"Joon, Joon— please—!" you whimper. Namjoon's teeth ever so slightly graze over your clit, and the sensation is enough to send your hurling towards your climax. He abuses the spot inside of you, letting you ride it out. Your limbs are trembling, but he still has your hips held down. He only eases off of you when you try to pull away from him, the sensations becoming too much for you to bare.

Namjoon plants a gentle kiss on your thigh, before moving up. He trails the kisses all the way up until he is met with your neck. Namjoon takes his time at your neck, making sure to leave a blooming mark there.

A few beats pass, and you're finally calmed down enough to speak.

...

.....

"So, Joon, are you secretly a wild lover or are you just being gentle with me?" you grin.

He cocks an eyebrow upwards, "Well, firstly, we weren’t done here. Secondly, you want wild? I'll show you wild—"

end notes: hello hi ty for reading this. im sorry this was really bad:’) i’m extremely stressed and this started off strong, but then i forgot the entire fucking point and said... weLl. lEt’s JuSt Write SmUt... but then i didn’t even finish the smUT JDLSKF its 4am gbYe