#stefano come back and hold my hand challenge

[mischievouslittlecreature]

Reb, this series continues to be absolutely amazing. The layers, character dynamics, and world building all feel so sophisticated and I can tell how much time and love you've spent on this story. Thank you so much for sharing it! 🖤

But Nina was not something he could take for himself. He couldn’t rob her of her freedom. Even he wasn’t that bad.

This right here just makes me want to squish him. He has such deep respect for her and her wants. He knows she doesn't want to get married and won't try to push her into anything she doesn't want. If only she knew that marriage to him would never be a cage.

They really can't stay away from each other. But oh, I can really feel the clock ticking between them now. Both for the building tension between them finally exploding, and for their time together. The idea that they may never see each other again he marries Agnese makes me wanna sob.

“This pain that you have,” he whispered, “share it with me.”

Tommy is so soft and tender with her. I can just feel the love radiating from him 🥺.

The full story of how Stefano has been stalking and harassing her for years is so horrific. I just wanna give this poor girl a fucking hug 😔. And then for her father to dismiss it and blame it on her...no wonder she's so reluctant to tell anyone else about it. I agree with Tommy that the idea of her marrying Stefano makes me feel sick...

When her lips started to move against his, his hand went to cup the back of her head, deepening the kiss.

Ahhhh I love it when fic writers include this little habit of him holding the back of his partner's head! There's something so tender and protective about it 🥰.

In that moment, she didn’t care at all. She wanted to be selfish. She wanted to be cruel. She wanted to be a traitor. For once, she didn’t want to think about anyone but herself.

I love it when characters do this! Selfishness is in a lot of way the most common human trait, and characters just saying fuck it and deciding to grab at whatever scraps of happiness they can get and dealing with the consequences later is a personal favorite trope of mine.

Seeing them finally give into their longing for each other was so beautiful! Your smut writing is phenomenal! I really loved how much you emphasized how safe Nina felt with him. Considering what she's been with Stefano, it's such an important aspect of her and Tommy's relationship.

And she was surprised to find out that it didn’t feel like a sin. It didn’t feel wrong. How could there be shame in that, when it felt so right? How could there be shame in being in the arms of someone she cared so deeply about, who made her feel so safe? Where was the shame?

This made me tear up. It's so, so beautiful, and such a wonderful way to challenge the views on sex that Nina was taught about all her life. The entire sex scene between them was absolutely amazing, but this was probably my favorite part.

The aftercare was so lovely, both grounded in reality but still so soft and tender. Neither of them being willing to leave their blissful little bubble yet was so sweet.

I'm absolutely terrified for what's about to come, considering this very much feels like the calm before the storm. It's well past my bedtime here, so I'll have to pick up the next part tomorrow! I can't wait!

Heart, Body and Soul || Tommy Shelby x OC

PART IX

Summary: Tommy learns something more about Nina as she opens up to him about her past. Unable to ignore the feelings they have for each other any longer, they reach a point of no return.

Warnings: mentions of arranged marriage, slow-burn, small age-gap (Tommy’s 30, Nina is in her early 20s), time-typical misogyny, references to past attempted assault, harassment, violence, no proofreading, English is not my first language. This is set between season 1 and 2. This chapter is 18+, smut (it’s a spoiler but I need to say it). This is my first attempt ever at smut cause it isn’t my cup of tea, so it might not be that good. Also I didn’t want it to be just porn but I wanted it to be ✨functional✨ to the story and tell something, so I hope I did that.

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Nina muttered a few curses under her breath as her elbow accidentally hit the bottle of milk standing on the table, spilling its content everywhere. She hastily grabbed some rugs, trying her best to contain the damage. Maybe deciding to bake so late at night hadn’t been her best idea. But she needed to keep herself busy or she would’ve lost her mind, because apparently sleeping was no longer an option for her.

She couldn’t sleep without having nightmares anymore, and all of them involved the same person. Stefano. Sometimes he had her pressed into the wall again, and no matter how hard she screamed, no one would come save her. Sometimes he was standing in her father’s study, arranging their marriage as if she weren’t there. Sometimes he was waiting for her at the end of the aisle, with a grin on his face and a glimpse of victory in his eyes. And every time she woke up feeling his weight on her again, and his breath on her face, and his hands up her legs. She told herself she was being dramatic, that she should’ve been glad nothing had actually happened and forget about it, but the feeling of disgust that had been pervading her since that fateful morning just wouldn’t go away.

What her father had said during the lunch had been the last straw. All that talk about leaving her free to make her own choice was nothing more than empty words, a way of keeping her sweet until he managed to persuade her. And she was scared, because she knew that if he made that decision for her, she wouldn’t have a say in the matter. Because the alternative would’ve been a break with the Spinietta family, and that was something they couldn’t afford.

She missed her nightly talks with Tommy. For almost a month, he had managed to take her mind off all the ugly things that were happening in her life. Talking came easy with him. She didn’t know how else to explain it except to say that they seemed to understand each other. It was surprising, to say the least. Sure, there were parts of him that stayed a mystery to her, and parts of her that she still couldn’t let show, but they felt more like something to discover rather than an obstacle. Still, that meant nothing. Those parts were not hers to discover, and he wasn’t supposed to get any closer to her than he had already done. So they had pushed each other away, and reduced their interactions to the bare minimum. But that didn’t make it any easier. She missed him, despite her attempts to keep him out of her head, and now that they didn’t talk anymore it was as if she was on her own again, trapped into a world that spoke a whole different language.

However, Nina wasn’t the only one who felt the weight of that distance. She was the one person who had made Tommy’s stay in Italy somewhat bearable, and her detachment had left him feeling… hollow.

It had also brought him back to the reality of his situation, though. There was a war going on on more than one side, and he needed to do what was necessary for him and his family. He was walking on a thin line that became more precarious the more he waited. He had two days left to propose, or else the deal would be off, and God knew what would happen then. The most absurd part of it all was that what rationally should’ve been his major concern was overshadowed by something else entirely. He was scared of what would happen to Nina once he’d be back in Birmingham with Agnese on his arm. He didn’t know what was exactly going on with Spinietta, but if there was one thing he had learned, it was that when a man there decided he wanted something, he’d take it, one way or another.

If he could’ve been sure it wouldn’t have started yet another war, Tommy would’ve taken his eyes days ago. And when It didn’t matter how much he told himself that it was the injustice that made him furious, deep down he was aware it wasn’t true. The truth was he cared about Nina. He cared about her in a way he wasn’t supposed to. He had no idea how it had happened, but she had managed to make her way into his heart with steps so light he didn’t even realise it until it was too late. And now thoughts of her filled his mind night and day.

He didn’t think he’d ever feel like that about someone again, after Grace. Grace had been the first person he had opened up to in a long time, he had allowed her to see those parts of himself he never let show, and he had realised there was still a small light inside of him, a sparkle that had survived the storm brought by the war. And he had thought that maybe there was still hope for him. When she betrayed him, the darkness engulfed him again, and any shred of hope he had left faded into dust. But just like a match, Nina had made that sparkle burst into a flame, showing him that it had never been extinguished in the first place. It overwhelmed him how much he wanted her. He could feel her in his bones, in his veins.

It would’ve been a lie to say that the thought of talking to her father hadn’t crossed his mind. But Nina was not something he could take for himself. He couldn’t rob her of her freedom. Even he wasn’t that bad. He could only be content with the little time he had with her, and carry it with him when everything would be over. Maybe that was the reason why he walked out of his room that night, in the hope that she’d be in the kitchen, making herself her terrible tea.

And there she was, except that - much to Tommy’s confusion- she wasn’t making tea. She was surrounded by bowls and pans, and there was flour spilled all over the table. Apparently unaware that she was no longer alone, she kept on stirring the batter with a whisk, with an aggressiveness that gave away her inner turmoil.

“What are you doing?” He caught her attention, earning himself a brief glance before she shifted her eyes back on her work.

“Baking,” she replied, her imperturbable expression clashing with her snappish motions.

Tommy frowned, walking further into the room. “It’s three in the morning, Nina.”

“I couldn’t sleep.”

Nina’s statement made him cock an eyebrow in disbelief. It didn’t take a genius to guess that she wasn’t baking in the middle of the night because she craved some sweet treat, and her short answers and dismissive behaviour were all Tommy needed to understand that there was, in fact, something going on in that mind of hers.

Slowly, as one would do with a wounded animal, he approached her, and he could’ve sworn her breath had hitched in her throat. “Are you alright?” He asked, coming to a stop next to her.

Her movements ceased, and her hand clenched around the whisk before she let it go. She swallowed, keeping her gaze on the table, and Tommy wondered whether that reaction was due to the question or their proximity.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” She recollected herself, sending him a sideward look.

Tommy knew better than to push her. Insisting would only cause her to shut down even more, and that was the last thing he wanted. So he pretended to believe her, and took a seat at the table without another word.

Silence fell in the room as Nina resumed mixing the ingredients, and a new feeling began to rise up inside her. It had been a while since they had spent some time alone, and she had started to surrender to the fact that it would never happen again. Yet, there they were. She would’ve liked to say that it was as if they had never been apart, but in truth it was different, now that she wasn’t lying to herself anymore. With the acknowledgment of her feelings, came the awareness that whatever was going on between them wasn’t destined to last, that the end was near, and that every moment they spent together could’ve been the last. And it didn’t feel right.

She had never felt that way about anyone. She didn’t even know she could be capable of it until she met him. He had made her question everything, even herself, and she despised him for it. She despised him for making all her certainties crumble, for taking everything she had ever known and turning it into an undefined mass of doubts, for making her feel things she was sure she could never feel for anyone else.

Nina could feel Tommy’s eyes on her has she put the chocolate cake in the oven, and that alone made her hands shake. Against all logic, his gaze on her was something she both craved and escaped, it made her feel uncovered and… seen. She wasn’t used to being seen.

Closing the oven, she pushed those thoughts away. There was no point in torturing herself over what could not be changed. She checked the time on clock on the wall. Forty minutes.

“I have to clean this mess,” she murmured, more to herself than to Tommy. One look at the disaster around her, and she already regretted her decision. She inhaled deeply as the thunderstorm of emotions she was trying so hard to contain threatened to slip out of her control, but soon tears welled up in her eyes. She turned her head away so that Tommy wouldn’t see them, but it was too late.

“Oi,” he furrowed his eyebrows, getting up from the chair. “What’s wrong, eh?”

Many things were wrong. Her family, Stefano, that. Whatever that was. “I have to clean this mess,” she repeated, her voice cracking.

“It’s alright, I’ll help you,” he said reassuringly, taking a few steps towards her, worry painted all over his face.

Nina shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. “No, no I can do it. It’s…” she trailed off, the knot in her throat making it difficult to even speak.

Tommy’s heart painfully squeezed in his chest. It was overwhelming, to see the suffering she hid behind her mask of fierceness and wit. It was never about the tiredness, or the lack of sleep, or the fucking dishes. She had things eating at her from the inside. Just like him.

“C’mere,” he gently brought his hands to her face, forcing her to look at him. A few tears fell from her eyes, then others followed, like incessant stream that could no longer be held back. “It’s alright,” he said softly, wiping them away. “It’s alright.”

Nina closed her eyes, letting herself be soothed by Tommy’s deep voice and the tender touch of his rough hands on her skin. His fingers traveled through her soft hair, brushing it away from her tear-stained cheeks, before resting on the sides of her face again. “This pain that you have,” he whispered, “share it with me.”

She brought her hands above his, looking up at him through her lashes. Her thumbs faintly stroked his skin, and he could read a hint of hesitation in her features. But when she guided his hands off her face and took a step back, he was certain that she had closed off again, leaving him outside of her mind.

As though nothing had happened, she started to clean up, and Tommy with her, despite her protests. For a while, the clinking of pots and the rush of water were the only noises that broke the stillness of the kitchen. Then, unexpectedly, Nina started to speak.

“It has been going on since I was fourteen,” she said, scrubbing a bowl. Tommy stayed silent, afraid that she’d change her mind if he even made a sound.

“I was in the..” she broke off, looking for the right word. “…ginnasio. I don’t know what it’s called in English. It’s after elementary school,” she explained. “Girls stop at elementary school, they don’t get a higher education. It’s not like it’s forbidden, but it’s just how things are. So as you can imagine, it caused quite the scandal.”

Tommy grabbed a towel, drying the utensils that Nina washed as he listened.

“It caught Stefano’s attention. He studied at the liceo, which is after the ginnasio. He always came to talk to me, asked me questions. My brothers had already finished school at the time, so he was free to approach me without anyone saying anything.” She paused, taking her time to properly clean the whisk. “It didn’t bother me, at first,” she admitted, and Tommy caught a trace of shame in her tone. “He was good looking, a bit older, and he was fairly nice to me. Most girls in the village were in love with him and his brother. I had no idea about what they did.” She handed him a spoon, keeping her gaze on the sink. “Then one day I saw them beating a man half to death in his own shop cause he hadn’t paid for protection. I didn’t even know what protection was,” a laugh escaped her lips, but there was no humour in it. “I have my way of finding out stuff, and people talk, words spread. And once I learned who he was, I decided that I didn’t want anything to do with him. I thought I just had to be patient, cause he was on his last year of school. He asked me to be his girlfriend, on the last day before summer break, and I said no. I thought he’d leave me alone after that,” her voice lowered. “He didn’t. Even when he finished school, he’d always find the way to come to me, to talk to me. He became insistent, he thought I was being difficult, that I was saying no because I didn’t want to say yes right away.”

Fucking bastard, Tommy thought.

“The more time passed, the more I saw, and learned,” Nina continued, her eyes darkening at some distant memory. “And I found out Stefano and his brother had a habit of dragging girls into their car. I didn’t know what it was that they did to them, back then. But it was scary. I stole my brother’s pocket knife, just in case, and always took it with me.”

Tommy almost felt sick. It was even worse than he had imagined. It had been going on for years, ever since she was a little more than a child. Years, and she had never said anything. A question burned on the tip of his tongue, a question whose answer he feared, but that he needed to ask nonetheless. For the first time since she had started telling the whole story, he spoke. “Did you… did you ever need to use it?”

She fell silent, and for a moment he thought he had screwed up. But then she nodded. “Yes.”

His stomach dropped at her revelation, and he stopped what he was doing to take a look at her. He could read the effort she was making to talk about that on her face.

“I was buying groceries with Agnese, and she had stopped in a shop. He came to me while I was waiting for her, tried to convince me to go with him in his car. I pointed that knife at his throat the moment he tried to grab me.” Her voice had hardened, her eyes burning with the determination he had witnessed so many times. “That scar he has, it’s because of me.”

Tommy exhaled the breath he hadn’t even noticed he was holding. Although enraged, he was relieved that Nina didn’t share the destiny of those girls before her, that she had been able to hold her own. Something really close to pride swelled in his chest.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t make him stop. If anything, it made him worse. The fact that our families do business together didn’t help. Soon he was everywhere. At church, outside my school, he even helped my mum with the groceries. I only had some rest when the war came. His father sent him and his brother to their relatives in New York, so that they wouldn’t fight. I hoped he’d stay there, but he came back. And he started again.”

Having finished to wash the utensils, Nina began to put them back in their place. “Recently, he went to speak with my father. He wants to marry me. That was why he was invited here for lunch.”

Tommy felt the blood freeze in his veins. He had imagined the nature of Stefano’s visits to the Ferrante house, but knowing it for sure was an entirely different thing. The thought of Nina being married to that fucker made him sick to his stomach. “What you just said to me,” he said, “tell your family. They’ll understand.”

Nina shook her head, the shadow of a sad smile growing on her face. “I tried.”

She kept herself busy with the last things that needed tidying up, the topic clearly being a raw nerve. “The first time Stefano followed me home from school I went to my father,” she elaborated, wiping the table. “He asked me if I had, perhaps, done something to… encourage that behaviour. To make him believe that I wanted that kind of attention.”

She finally put down the rag, then she went to wash her hands, dismissing the subject as if it was nothing. But that wasn’t nothing. That was a lot, and she didn’t deserve it. It was no wonder she always acted as if it was just her against the whole world. She had to protect herself for years.

“I’m sorry,” Tommy said truthfully. It was the only sentence he could muster up. What could he possibly say, after what she had told him?

Yet, those words had an effect on Nina. All that time, she had felt like it was somehow her fault, or something she had to get over. But that short sentence, said with so much sincerity, carried a meaning of its own. I’m sorry that happened to you. It was the recognition that something had indeed happened, and that it wasn’t something she had done, but something had been done to her. Maybe she was overthinking that, maybe he had only said the first thing that came to his mind, but she needed to hear it.

After that, she let the conversation drop. She would’ve probably regretted sharing that much in the morning, but for the moment she felt lighter. The burden that had weighed down on her shoulders for so long wasn’t as heavy, now that she wasn’t carrying it alone. And even if it lasted just for one night, even if that weight came crashing down on her again the next day, it was enough.

Ten minutes later or so, she took the cake out of the oven, then covered it with a clean tea towel. It would’ve been fun to explain to her mother where it came from. “It’s late,” she murmured, glancing at Tommy. He was leaning against the table, an indecipherable look on his face. Her gaze was captured by the way the muscles of his shoulders showed through his undershirt, then lingered on his forearms, exposed by his rolled-up sleeves. A warm flush crept up her cheeks, and she found herself taken aback by her own thoughts. She really needed to sleep. And Tommy, who she had kept up with her. A sense of guilt pervaded her. Things weren’t easy for him either, and he needed to rest as well. She cleared her throat, hesitantly getting closer to him. “Thank you,” she whispered, resting her hand on his arm. “For staying.”

Tommy turned to look at her, his body stiffening. That contact was enough to send a chill down his spine. Only the thin material of his undershirt was separating his skin from her fingers, yet her touch burned, awakening all the sensations he had been trying to keep at bay. She was beautiful, and mere inches away from him, and her scent was making his head spin. His eyes drifted to her lips. He still remembered how they tasted, and that only added to his yearning. As though it didn’t belong to him anymore, his hand moved to delicately stroke her cheek, the roughness of his knuckles contrasting with the softness of her skin. Her eyelids fluttered closed as she almost involuntarily leaned closer. With a burning desire clouding his judgment, Tommy tentatively pressed his mouth on hers, testing the waters. When her lips started to move against his, his hand went to cup the back of her head, deepening the kiss. It was different than the first time, when his eagerness was so intense that he couldn’t bring himself to be gentle. He kissed her slowly, delicately, as if she might break in his hands.

Nina did feel like she could break at any moment. Vulnerable, exposed. And the craziest part was that she didn’t mind, not even a bit. Because she felt safe, in his arms. However, once again, reality set over her like a dark mist. She slightly moved away, shaking her head. “We can’t do this, Tommy,” she whispered.

He nodded, closing his eyes shut. They were still close enough for their noses to brush, and the tried to imprint that feeling in his mind, in his soul. “I know,” he rasped.

Neither of them moved for a while. Neither of them wanted to. They had been restraining themselves for so long. But it was too late. Inhaling sharply, Tommy took a step back, and a feeling of coldness engulfed both of them.

Nina paced back and forth in her room, fragments of what had happened less than ten minutes ago in the kitchen playing in her head again and again. It felt as if she had reached a point of no return. She couldn’t lie to herself anymore. She couldn’t go against herself anymore. She wanted him. It didn’t matter how much she tried to convince herself that she didn’t, that she should step aside before it became serious, that she’d forget about him anyway. None of it was true. She had tried so hard to put an end to that, to push him away, but she hadn’t been able to. She felt selfish, and cruel, and a traitor for that. And the worst thing was she didn’t care. In that moment, she didn’t care at all. She wanted to be selfish. She wanted to be cruel. She wanted to be a traitor. For once, she didn’t want to think about anyone but herself.

Fuck it, she thought. She walked out of her room, her pulse racing. It wasn’t fear, she wasn’t scared of being caught. With her parents’ chamber being in the other corridor and her brothers being away on business, no one would see her entering Tommy’s room. It was the anticipation for something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. She stopped in front of the door, pondering whether to knock, just open it, or simply leave, feeling her courage already slip away from her. What if he didn’t want to see her? What if he was already asleep?

Determined not to let the whirlwind of thoughts and panic scare her out of it, she brought her fist to the wooden surface. The seconds stretched into an eternity as she waited, nervously fidgeting with her fingers, and when the sound of his footsteps came to her ears, she thought her heart could jump right out of her chest. Tommy opened the door, confusion painted across his features, but before he could say anything, Nina pulled him in and crashed her lips against his. It didn’t take much for him to recover from the surprise and wrap a strong arm around her waist, pulling her inside as he closed the door with his free hand. She found herself trapped against the hard surface, enveloped by the warmth radiating from him as their bodies pressed together. Her hands slid behind his neck, bringing him impossibly closer, eager to feel more. The feeling of his strong frame all over her made her knees buckle, and she was pretty sure she would’ve ended up on the floor hadn’t he been holding her. His smell, which had become now so familiar to her - a mixture of soap and cigarette smoke, with a hint of whiskey-, invaded her nostrils, making her head spin.

His hands roamed down her body, covered by the cotton nightgown. He gripped at the soft material, feeling the last shred of his self control drift away from him. It was too much. She was too much. God knew how much he wanted her, but he didn’t want her to do something she was going to regret. Once they had crossed that line, they couldn’t go back. “Nina,” he groaned, breaking away from her. “We have to stop now. I have to stop now.”

“Don’t.”

In the dim light of the room, Tommy examined her expression, only to see there was not a trace of doubt in her eyes. He gulped, gently stroking her cheek. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

He leaned with his forehead against hers, rubbing his thumb on the skin of her jaw. “Tell me to stop and I’ll stop,” he husked. “At any moment.”

She nodded, but when he leaned in to kiss her again, she put her hands on his chest. “Wait,” she blurted out, causing him to take a step back. “I’ve never…” Nina didn’t finish her sentence, but she didn’t need to.

Shit. Tommy had imagined it, of course, he was no fool, but having it confirmed… He shouldn’t. He really shouldn’t. But there was a part of him that didn’t care at all. The bad he couldn’t help.

“Do you want me to stop?”

Nina pondered her answer, the reality of the situation washing over her. Theoretically, she knew what to expect. Practically, it was a whole different thing. And she knew that if she said yes, she’d be ruined. Still, she didn’t care. And she was hit by the overwhelming awareness that she’d let him do whatever he wanted to her. “No,” she breathed out.

She felt like she could melt right there when he raised her chin to capture her lips again. What started as a tender kiss became more heated, and soon he was basically devouring her, unable to restrain himself any longer.

Tommy had thought about that moment more than he’d ever admit, and now that she was actually there in his arms, it almost felt unreal. Yet she was there, and she was trusting him. And as he grabbed her waist to press her against him, he noticed his own hands were shaking.

Nina tilted her head as he started to leave a trail of kisses down her neck. A gasp escaped her lips when he reached a particularly sensitive spot, and an unfamiliar ache spread between her tighs, causing her to unconsciously rub them together. Her reaction didn’t go unnoticed, cause she felt his lips twisting in a grin against her skin. He moved down to her collarbones, then perilously close to her breasts. His fingers travelled up to the straps of her nightgown as he pulled back slightly, a silent question in his eyes. When she nodded, he slowly slid them down her shoulders, uncovering her inch after inch, until she was standing in front of him with nothing on but her knickers.

Her heart raced as she saw desire burning in Tommy’s eyes. Except it wasn’t just desire, or lust. There was something more, something she couldn’t read. No one had ever looked at her that way. With trembling hands, she shyly took ahold of the hem of his undershirt. Her fingers brushed against his skin as she raised it, leaving behind a trail of goosebumps and making his muscles twitch. Once the clothing was lying on the on the floor, she allowed herself to look at him, and explore him. She delicately traced the bullet scar on his shoulder, as if she might hurt him by pressing too hard, then the tattoo on his chest, then the lines of his abdomen, everything that told the story of his life. It was like watching a masterpiece. A torn, tainted masterpiece, but a masterpiece nonetheless.

Her hands reached his trousers, but she raised her gaze on him before unbuttoning them. A glimpse of something that looked a lot like surprise crossed his face, almost as though he wasn’t expecting her to ask. Then he gave her a single nod. After helping her remove them, he gently guided her towards the bed.

A mixture of edginess and anticipation took over Nina as Tommy positioned himself on top of her, one hand beside her head to support himself, the other ghosting over her breasts. She arched her back as he ran his thumb over one of her hardened nipples, the new, strange sensation becoming more and more pleasant as he fondled her flesh. He leaned down to pepper her chest with kisses, his lips warm and soft, then he trailed down to her stomach, her ribs, her belly. That new attention had her squirming under him, eliciting a deep chuckle from Tommy that caused her face to flush. His lips travelled up again to meet hers in a slow, sensual kiss that fogged her brain so much that she almost didn’t notice his hand making its way down to her most private parts. Breath hitched in her throat as he ran his fingers over her clothed sex.

“Do you trust me?” he asked her, his voice reverberating in her own chest. He raised his head to look at her, studying her expression.

Nina’s hand found its place on the back of his head, the short locks tickling her palm. She didn’t even need to think about her answer. One look at his face and she knew. She did trust him, with all her heart. She pulled him down to press a tender kiss on his mouth. “Yes,” she whispered.

Still close enough for their lips to brush, Tommy delicately rubbed his fingers over her heat, stimulating the area while allowing her to get used to the sensation of being touched. When his fingertip found her clit, she let out an involuntary gasp, her fingers tightening around the nape of his neck. He then pushed her knickers to the side, caressing the wet folds before stopping at her opening. Slowly, he inserted one of his digits, and she winced at the foreign, mildly uncomfortable feeling. Tommy stilled his movements, giving her the time to get adjusted.

“Is this alright?”

“Yes,” she breathed out.

He began to pump his finger in and out, careful not to go too deep just yet. Nina let out a ragged breath, pleasure building up inside her as she gradually got used to the feeling. His thumb rolled over her clit, the unexpected move eliciting a whimper out of her. Her breathing became more laboured as he added another finger, stretching her further.

Tommy took in the sight of her under him, eyes closed, swollen lips parted, her eyebrows slightly furrowed in a frown. God, she was beautiful. And she was his, even if just for one night. He moved faster and deeper, working her open until he felt it was enough. A whine of protest left her lips when he removed his fingers, and he smirked at the reaction. “Be patient,” he playfully scolded her, earning himself a glare.

He got rid her now inconvenient last piece of clothing, then took off his briefs. Nina couldn’t help but let her gaze wander to the newly exposed part, and a wave of concern overcame her. It couldn’t possibly fit.

Tommy gently parted her legs more to settle between them and hovered above her again, but he must’ve read the apprehension on her face. “Do you want to stop?” he murmured, running his knuckles over her cheek.

His attentiveness warmed Nina’s heart, dissolving any fear she had. She was safe with him. He wouldn’t hurt her. “No,” she shook her head.

He cradled her head in one of his hands and leaned in to place a sweet kiss on her forehead, then lined himself up with her entrance. Nina braced herself for what was to come, her fingers ghosting over his shoulders in a soothing motion. Tommy inserted his tip, and she couldn’t hold back a stifled gasp at the intrusion. He stood still for a moment, reassuringly rubbing her waist with a hand, then pushed a bit further inside her tight slit. Nina squeezed her eyes shut, the burning sensation almost unbearable.

“You alright?” he asked, the effort he was making to restrain himself showing through the rasp of his voice. Her velvety walls were squeezing him in the most delightful way, and it took all his self-control to stop there.

She nodded, silently giving him the permission to go on. Pain and pleasure mixed as he carefully worked his way past her resistance, until he was buried deep inside of her. He stilled again, giving her the time to adjust to his size. That feeling of fullness took her breath away, it was intoxicating. He was intoxicating. She pulled him impossibly close, eager to feel every inch of his skin on her skin, to melt into him until she could no longer tell where she started and he ended. A low groan reverberated into her ear as she pushed her hips up against his, encouraging him to move. Tommy started rolling his hips, setting a slow, sensual pace that allowed both of them to feel everything with the outmost depth. His lips claimed hers in a searing kiss, stifling the moans that threatened to escape them. Nina’s hands went to cup his face, the softness of his lips enough to distract her from the last shreds of pain and help her relax, thus allowing him to go even deeper. His teeth grazed her bottom lip, further igniting the fire inside of her.

So that was what Nina had been warned about all her life. That was the sin she had been taught she should avoid at all costs, the sin that would bring shame and ignominy upon her and all her family. And she was surprised to find out that it didn’t feel like a sin. It didn’t feel wrong. How could there be shame in that, when it felt so right? How could there be shame in being in the arms of someone she cared so deeply about, who made her feel so safe? Where was the shame?

Tommy’s hands rested on the back her thighs, fingers squeezing the flesh as he felt her tightening around him. He wanted to take it slow, to savour that moment, but it was getting harder and harder as her warmth, her scent, her shaky breaths clouded his senses. It felt like being in a bubble. Nothing else mattered, nothing else was real. Time had stopped for them to exist in that moment.

Nina hid her face in the crook of his neck as he quickened his pace, feeling her muscles tightening in her lower stomach. Tommy guided her to wrap her legs around him, the new angle making her see stars. His thrusts became more erratic, more frantic, causing that strange feeling in her abdomen to become even stronger. “Tommy,” she whimpered, overwhelmed by that vortex of sensations.

“Let it happen, love,” he whispered in her ear, his length twitching at the way his name sounded on her lips.

With a few more thrusts, he pushed her over the edge, and she had to press her mouth over his shoulder to silence the sounds she couldn’t hold back anymore. It didn’t take long for Tommy to follow her, his hips jerking as he spilled himself inside of her.

The world stood still as they stayed in each other’s embrace, Tommy’s cheek brushing against hers. He buried his nose in her dark hair, inhaling her lavender scent. For once, his head was silent. No nagging thoughts, no shovels against the wall. Just peace.

Nina gently stroked the back of his head, breathing deeply as her heart slowed down to a normal rate. Fuck, she had never felt anything like that. It had been… intense. And it had tied her to him more than she could’ve ever imagined. It was scary, to be so connected to someone. To feel someone that much. That was the right expression. She felt him. As if he were part of herself. As if there had been an empty spot inside her soul, and she had lived with it all her life, only to find that it was him the missing piece.

A sudden blast of cold hit her when Tommy got up, depriving her of his warmth and weight. She watched in confusion as he disappeared in his private bathroom, wondering whether something had happened. She sat up on the bed, bringing her knees to her chest. Had she done something wrong?

However, she didn’t need to worry for long, cause soon Tommy walked back into the room, with his private parts now covered by a pair of briefs and a fresh towel in his hand. Without saying a word, he climbed back on the bed, smiling softly at the puzzled look on her face. Slightly embarrassed now that the disinhibition brought by the feverish state they had previously been in had faded, she felt her cheeks grow hot when he gently spread her legs apart. He delicately ran the towel over her sensitive skin, cleaning her up from the sticky mess between her legs, his eyebrows knitted in a concentrated frown. Once again, his attentiveness made her heart skip a bit, and she was amazed by how easy it was to let him take care of her. She never let anybody take care of her.

As Tommy discarded the towel somewhere on the floor, Nina’s attention was caught by the blood stain on the white top sheet. Shit. She got up to remove it from the bed, doing her best to ignore what she’d prefer would stay tomorrow’s problem. “I’ll have to take care of it in the morning,” she murmured.

Tommy laid on the bed again, then reached for the cigarettes on his nightstand to light one. He watched her as she looked for her nightgown among the mess of clothes on the floor, naked, with only her long, ruffled hair to cover her a little. She was quite the sight.

Much to his dismay, she soon found what she was looking for, and covered herself. He exhaled a cloud of smoke, motioning for her to get back in bed, having had enough of having her away from him. “C’mere.”

Nina gladly took her place back next to him, resting with her head on his chest as he draped an arm over her shoulders. She could’ve stayed there forever. But she knew that it wouldn’t be long before the sun made its appearance on the horizon.

They stayed in silence as Tommy smoked his cigarette, his fingertips mindlessly grazing her arm. He didn’t want to think about tomorrow, or about what would happen next. He wanted to stay in that moment while he still could, because he knew he wouldn’t get it back. That thought stung. But he was aware they needed to have that conversation. This time they couldn’t just pretend nothing had happened, and the sooner they talked, the sooner they would clear things out.

“Nina,” he whispered, but no reaction came from her. She had fallen asleep.

Tommy stubbed his cigarette in the ashtray, then turned the small lamp off. He didn’t have the heart to wake her up.

They would think about it tomorrow.

NEXT CHAPTER

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[the-darklings]

╱ i only love it when you touch me, not feel me.

pairing: jean & clara verse: npfh word count: 3.1k+ warnings: nsft, bathroom/mirror sex (because that's who they are as people), rough sex (but they're both so into it I'm not sure it even counts), cockwarming. notes: so this was written all the way back in January but it's the first piece of what I considered to be the real beginning of their dynamic (which I've expanded upon in ASE) despite writing them a lot prior to this point. it's also the first time I ever tried to write from jean's pov so enjoy. this is not super explicit and more character exploration because apparently smut is good for those. as always, any feedback is loved and appreciated 🌿 ✨

He’s never cared much for his name.

Or, more accurately, never cared what sentiment it was spoken with. He’s heard his name being called lovingly, with hatred, suspicion, fear, and hatred alike. Moaned desperately and worshipped—latter he’s always preferred the most.

“I'm not going to touch you unless you beg.”

Clara, however, has an infuriatingly persistent ability to make him crave his own name. From her mouth specifically.

Jean could fuck her until she’s barely coherent and it still won’t be enough. This woman fights and fights, and doesn’t give him an inch of ground. All liquid flame and viciousness, and he can’t help but wonder where the hell she’s been hiding all this time.

With Camorra, a sly voice reminds him, Giovanni De Stefano’s deadly little matchstick. So good at death.

She is. She's a master at death and maybe that’s what makes this so fun, so good, and addictive. Why he irritatingly finds his blood burning whenever he sees her. Why he looks forward to every occasion their bodies touch. Whenever those dark eyes fixate on him and pin him in place, a monster deep down stirs, purrs at her presence. His desire is a monster with its own life, its own insatiable appetite for her.

Jean prefers when she pins him with her lithe body—eyes flashing and teeth bared, a powerful but dangerous package of hunger.

He had expected her to be meek. Broken. Especially after Tokyo. She’s proven to be anything but. Even at her worst, she’s still a sharpened blade. A danger, a promise of destruction. Damaged, certainly, but unbroken and unyielding. The more he learns about Tokyo the more his head rings with but one downright greedy thought.

The Viper hasn’t taken another lover since then. No one has touched her or tasted her since her rebirth. No one has fucked her, brought her to the edge, made her moan and shudder. Given her an escape and a release. Satisfied her.

No one knows the scrunch of her nose or the way her lips part softly. A whisper of air slipping free with every slow, lingering kiss against her throat.

Expect him.

His hips stutter at that thought. It always makes him feel good. To know that he alone has claimed some tiny part of her. Jean knows full well it’s only because she allowed him to claim it but that’s its own kind of buzz. He likes how she burns. How she yields only when she wants to. Liquid flame melting into his body like she was made to fit in his arms.

It’s sex at the end of the day. It doesn’t have to or even need to have meaning—he would know—but she makes it mean something. Emotions aside, she challenges him with such acute precision, he can’t help but come and meet her in the middle; an unending battle of wills. For all the dullness and predictability of their world, she’s a tempest, utterly untamed.

“And would you prefer if I begged?” he whispers against the shell of her ear, watching their reflection—the way they fit, the way she leans into him, trust, trust, trust, that he won’t let her fall, and they exist in these tiny victories. “Mmh? Ma vipére.”

He hums with a wolfish grin, his words throaty, pressing another greedy kiss against the back of her neck, then side, his lips dragging over her soft skin. “For you, I might,” he adds slyly, meeting her stare in the bathroom mirror again.

He might be losing, but she's losing quicker.

Clara doesn’t answer right away—a clever, careful thing that she is, his viper—and they watch each other for a moment, his pace slowing.

The bathroom door is closed, secured with one of her blades, they don’t need to rush but Jean wants to. He can savour her later, in their bed, where she’s his and his alone, where he can do everything to her. If only because he knows she’s no better. Because any scrap of pleasure she will return with an intensity that will leave him bloody.

She has in the past. His back is a colourful tale of her ravenous hunger. The Viper likes to mark him. It likely pleases her, to know she has her venom in his system in the form of her sultry whispers, kisses and moans. Blazing eyes and coil of her limbs around his.

Clara’s stare is, as usual, burning—an almost physical thing. Even like this, with him so deep inside her—and fuck if she isn’t hot, and slick, and welcoming in ways he quite remember fitting with others, and there've been plenty—she doesn’t lose her proud edge. She enjoys it, getting under his skin. Pushing him. Melting the ice, she once murmured with her mouth pressed against the taut skin of his lower stomach and sinking ever lower. Testing his self-control with her mouth wrapped around him, and her tongue searing and wet; a viper delighting in her poison spreading so effectively.

It does say something about his self-control because, despite the temptation, he doesn’t simply fuck into her until they’re both lost in pleasure so deep they can’t get out of it.

The skin of her chest is flushed, her swollen lips parted, her expression slacker with pleasure but she still stares him down.

His fingers sink into the cut of her hip, pushing her harder against the cold marble of the bathroom sinks, rolling his own hips, and it makes her shudder in his hold. So Jean presses another hungry kiss to her pulse, lets his teeth scrape against it, sucking on it. Prodding at the weak spot masterfully. He can be mean, too. She likes it when he is. Just as much as he likes it when she lets those sharper edges of hers out.

Her strong legs hold her upright but she clenches around him in reply and fuck, fuck, fuck, what is it about her?

All he wants to do is bend her over this fucking counter and fuck her until she’s screaming his name. Not that it would do him much good. Clara is as likely to let him do it as she is to graze her blade across his throat for trying. He would be lying if he said the thought of that fight doesn’t thrill him, makes him want to try it anyway. He’s only managed to get a drop on her like this a few times. Sink himself into her from behind so deeply she hadn’t been able to shake him off till she was sated and panting with pleasure.

Then, of course, the viper had tightened her grip on him in return, paying him back in kind with her bite and her venom.

The bite he enjoys a little too much. The venom is becoming… a concern.

He’s worked for years to remove any ties, any weaknesses, from his life. No one can ever have anything on him. He’s the one with the web, he’s the one who controls others. Sly implication and whispers and they’re oh, so destructive but she…

Jean snaps himself inside her, pulsing and so hard he has to grit his teeth. Clara’s hand seeks purchase desperately, her fingers snapping behind herself. Breathing deeply, she lets her nails sink into the back of his neck—firm, near painful—and he hisses through his teeth, pulling away from the hollow of her neck.

“You would like it, won’t you?” he gasps into her ear, and her nails sink deeper, so he fucks her harder. His hips are merciless against the soft skin of her thighs. Yet Clara stands unmoving, near silently goading him with her resilience and coyness. She’s so fucking wet. He’ll need a cigarette after this, or three. “On my hands and knees, non? Vicious vipère. Give in first.”

“No.”

He almost laughs at that. At the caustic hiss of her voice. Of course, she won’t. It’s why even though he’s gotten her, it makes him wonder if he truly has. If he ever will.

The more he has her, the more he wants her. And it’s a dangerous thing. To want, to crave, to hoard her the way he does.

“Then I’ll just fuck you harder, chérie.”

He wraps around her tighter, nibbling on the shell of her ear, dragging his other hand between her thighs. He feels the muscle there, the strength, he likes those legs around his waist and head too. Usually when her taste is hot on his tongue and she’s a squirming, hateful mess above him, tearing at his hair as hard as she can while she grinds onto his face.

He sucks on the curve of her neck at the memory, nibbling, wanting nothing more than to mark her with his teeth as she marked him this morning. Crinkled eyes and a content smile when she curled around him after. A predator satisfied with her hunt.

She’s addictive.

Usually, it’s the other way around. Maybe still is. But he can’t let it go much further than this. A carnal need and nothing more than that.

If he knew about this, about her…

Jean doesn’t allow the thought conclusion.

She’s nothing, he repeats to himself with every push and every strangled exhale, just a means to an end.

She never once looks away.

Clara gazes at them, takes in the way he moves in her, her eyes hooded and intent. Daring him. Even after she confessed to him how that man used to watch her. How it made her abhor every touch, despise being watched. She watches him—them, joined, with his fingers hard against her clit, drawing more of those little gasps of pleasure that sound like music to him—and he can’t help but stare too.

He should take advantage of the weakness, prod it and scrub at it until he can bend her to his will, but he loves her fire too much. Covets it like a man starved—and they both are, aren’t they—starved for more. Each other.

He wants her. For more than just a quick fuck. More than just a means by which he can bury his problems. Just more, more, more. And it sickens him, but it also makes him feel strangely relieved as well, that realisation. The acceptance of it. He would never admit it to anyone but himself but he does. It forces him to feel raw, unbalanced. He hasn’t felt like this in years. He hates it but it also makes him feel high, alive.

In revenge, he sucks on the smooth skin again, lets his teeth bite and nibble, releasing her hip and burying his fingers in her pulled-back hair. Chestnut strands loosen in his iron grasp and he only does it because he knows for a fact she doesn’t have any sharp pointy metal hidden up there. He watched her get ready. Her graceful, supple body was an open invitation for him. A sight to admire, and he did. He worshipped her with his attention, letting her know without a word how every curve and every freckle of hers sang to him. Beguiled him further.

He pulls on Clara’s hair, forcing her chin upwards, at an angle, and she still defies him. Still glares and brims with power.

A strangled pant escapes her at the change of angle, in how he slams back into her, her nails slicing into his neck. Jean hopes she draws blood even if he would have to get creative about explanations later.

“Jean.”

It’s a breathy, bewitching thing—snaring him, pulling him deeper into her, and he audibly gasps a breath, feeling even more starved. Now he wishes to claim a litany of those tiny, appreciative exhales of his name. He feels the muscles in his lower stomach grow tauter with every thrust, with every taste of her skin, and the sounds of their shared pleasure.

They penetrate the air, echoing off the walls, and they are as animalistic and as intensive as the pleasure they create.

“What?” he groans appreciatively, their eyes still locked, and heat between them sweltering. She drives him insane. He’s removed emotional attachments from himself years ago—didn’t even realise he’s still capable of them—but nothing about her, them, makes sense. She’s the one thing he can’t predict or control. “What do you want? Tell me.”

Drive me to the edge, he wants to goad her, tugging on her hair again, and he manages to dislodge a moan from the back of her throat, push me, claim what you want.

“You,” she whispers in teeth-clenched defeat but to him, it’s a symphony. This time, he won. He knows she’ll get him back. Twice as badly most likely. But saints above, did he win? She’s so open and warm, the scent of jasmines and earth mixing with his cologne and musk of sex, and he pushes into her deeper till they’re completely pressed into each other. Moulded into one being. “You.”

He feels every tense muscle in her body, and his fingers slip from her hair, curving around her throat instead, and a flutter of a smile appears, coy and knowing.

Fuck.

The things this woman does to him.

He speeds the already merciless pace until she’s a shivering mess inside his embrace, clinging out of sheer stubbornness alone. Deeper, deeper, deeper—a cruel part of him is set on planting himself inside her very marrows, so she will never be able to feel or know another lover. Not even the Italian, a voice deep down snarls. It’s so wholly and truly selfish yet he craves it. If he is to lose this game between them, he will make her lose first. Make this need between them mutual until neither of them knows where one ends and the other begins.

Jean can’t look away from her, certainly not when pushes and pushes, not when he feels her throat bob under his hand as she swallows. Wanting and needing and trusting his touch. He feels her quivering, her muscles tightening, whispering to him that—

Her orgasm washes over her like a tidal wave—slow but so intense that for the first time, he feels Clara’s legs tremble. His hold on her constricts, steadying her, and his viper withers in his embrace, a beautiful undoing. He lets her ride her orgasm out, watching her mouth, her fluttering lashes, the bead of sweat clinging between the dip of her breasts.

It's then—watching her, memorising how she looks like this; relaxed and glowing—that his own orgasm finally overpowers him. For a moment, Jean finds himself robbed of sight because she washes everything away. He spills himself inside her, letting her feel his pleasure this time. He moans for her, splinters for her, lets the world fade away just for a moment.

This is his gift, he wants to tell her then, the fact that when it’s them, it’s just them alone. There’s nothing else outside of her and he’s never allowed another this close, not since…

But he can’t adequately put that into words for her, nor does he want to. She can’t know. He hopes there will never be a day when he has to explain everything to her.

If she knew him—saw all the festering darkness like a rotting carcass out in the open—she would hate him. It would be better if she did. Maybe her hatred would make it easier to let her go.

He can’t think of that right now.

Instead Jean sinks his teeth into the slim arch of her throat, savouring the appreciative gasp she releases, dragging her nails down the side of his neck. He promised her this morning he will return the favour sooner rather than later after all.

He laps at the bite with his tongue—heat, sweat, and remnants of her soap tingling his tongue—and looks up from beneath his lashes. Her eyes appear black with pleasure. He can barely see blue in his own.

Two monsters, a thought comes then, unbidden. It’s as pleasant as it is seductive. Mainly because he knows he’s right. Cut from the same cloth, sewn into being by similar hardships, and capable of such awful things.

He’s still semi-hard inside of her but his grip on her throat loosens—and the thought she trusts him enough to let him touch her like this is thrilling enough—his palm journeying downwards. Clara sighs quietly when his palm settles against her lower stomach, and he pushes gently, savouring the breathless gasp that follows. He has to choke one back himself. She feels like heaven. Or hell. A mix of both. Still, he keeps pressing, letting the pressure sit there, feeling himself twitching inside her. Them, joined together at the seams, and the heat between them overbearing. They could go again but he doesn’t want to move just yet. It feels good to be inside her like this; a promise of more gratification sitting snugly between them.

His nose drags up the length of her neck, and he buries his face in Clara’s hair, inhaling deeply. She’s wearing his favourite perfume tonight. Something warm and deep with jasmines blooming in his lungs. If it were her, she would go on a whole monologue, breaking each chemical ingredient down and every scent used in creating it.

He likes her distracted, mind-boggling dialogues. Then nearly scoffs at the mere thought. Since when? Since when does he give a shit about something like that? It serves no purpose to him and he doesn’t waste time on things that don’t.

Because it’s her, comes the sinking realization, because she says these things, so they matter.

Merde.

He tenses when her hand settles on top of his, pushing once, harder. Another soft sigh leaves her while Jean doesn’t bother biting back his groan of appreciation at the flare of fierce hot pleasure.

Clara’s mesmeric expression arrests something inside of him when he spots it. For a second, his vision blurs and the black dress drips into white, and she wears that same peaceful expression as she sinks into a river and doesn’t resurface. A dream that haunts him near-nightly now.

He blinks and then he’s back in the bathroom, his arms still around her. She’s here, with him, and his grip constricts further. He can make it work. He’ll find a way.

When has he ever compromised?

She means nothing, he tries to convince himself once again now that he’s back from his high.

But as he peers her—tiniest of smiles on her face, her freckles a roadmap for him to re-examine, loose strands of dark hair framing her flushed cheeks—a voice scratches itself from deep inside his chest.

A voice he hasn't heard in years, not since he called somewhere earthier and greener his home.

Liar.

an: head empty, just them. I could go on about them for five calendar months but hope you all enjoyed this little peek inside his head. ASE does contain Jean's pov so you'll def be seeing/learning more about him outside of just smut dfjhgdfg

[detectivesebcas]

Comfortember 2020 Day 30- Recovery

Warnings: mild references to past trauma

Universe: any post-STEM AU

We're at the end of Comfortember!  Thank you to every who has read, liked, reblogged, and commented.  This was a fun writing challenge, but it made it a lot better to know that you guys were on this journey with me.  Hope you enjoy the last installment, and I'm sure I'll be taking on another crazy writing project around this time next year.

----

When Sebastian wakes up in the middle of the night, he can tell immediately he’s not the only one having trouble sleeping.  He can hear Stefano’s breathing, but it’s not the deep, slow rhythm Sebastian has come to know from so many nights of sleeping next to him.

“Stefano?” Sebastian murmurs.  His mouth doesn’t seem to be as awake as his brain, and his voice comes out a little slurred.  He rolls over to face Stefano even though he can’t see a thing in the darkness of their bedroom.

“Yes,” Stefano replies.  His voice is quiet, but sharp enough that Sebastian suspects he’s been awake for a while.  “I am sorry.  I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t,” Sebastian says.  He pauses to clear his throat, then adds, “Is everything alright?”

“Yes, of course,” Stefano replies.  “Go back to sleep.”

Sebastian props himself up on his elbow, alert enough now to know that something’s up, even if Stefano isn’t volunteering any information.  He cautiously reaches out in the dark and places a hand on Stefano’s chest, and the pounding heart he feels there tells him what Stefano himself will not.

Warmth and sympathy wells up inside him.  He’s had the same experience more times than he can count, both before STEM and after.

“Did you have another nightmare?”

There is a pause before Stefano answers.  “Yes.  I am starting to fear they will never stop.”

There is a kind of sadness in his voice, a resignation that Sebastian hasn’t heard before, even in some of the very difficult times they’ve faced together.  He scoots closer, pressing his body along the length of Stefano’s and sliding his hand from Stefano’s chest to wrap his arm around him.

“It’s only been six months,” he says.  “Give it some time.”

“I have,” Stefano says, “and I am tired of it.  Why does my brain continue to torment me with memories that are not even real?”

Sebastian’s hand moves up and down Stefano’s side, absently caressing him as he speaks.  “STEM may not have been real in the usual sense, but it was real enough in the ways that matter.  Our brains don’t know the difference.”

In retrospect, the design of STEM seems particularly cruel in how thoroughly it deceived its subjects.  Of course, Mobius never intended anyone to leave the system, so Sebastian is sure the long term effects of exposure were never even considered, but it’s no wonder it has taken such a toll on him and Stefano.

“It is quite frustrating,” Stefano says.  “I am ready to be done with it.”

“And you will be one day,” Sebastian says, hoping against hope that he’s telling the truth.  “We’ll both be done with it one day, but you can’t rush things like this.”

One of the hardest things to deal with about the aftermath of STEM is having nothing to compare it to.  Based on what he knows about other kinds of trauma and the healing process, it could take months or years before things are truly back to normal, and even then there may be some lingering effects.

He understands Stefano’s frustration with every fiber of his being.  If he could heal Stefano with his will, with his hands, he would do it in a second, but he can do nothing to speed things along.

“I have always thought myself a rather strong-minded person,” Stefano says.  “And yet…”  His voice trails off, and he heaves a sigh of frustration.

Sebastian sympathizes.  He’s always considered himself to be strong-minded as well, but he learned the night he thought Lily was dead that mental strength has little part in that kind of situation.  He is just as susceptible to pain, to grief, to loss as the next person, and he is sure Stefano is as well.

“It’s really not about strength,” Sebastian says, continuing to rub up and down his side.  “I mean, you have to be strong to keep on trying- and you are- but that doesn’t protect you from trauma and it doesn’t make things go any faster.”

“You make it sound so simple,” Stefano says.

Sebastian sighs deeply and leans in to kiss Stefano’s forehead.  “It’s not simple,” he murmurs against his skin.  “And it’s not easy, but we’ll get there.”

Stefano’s palms come to rest on either side of his face, and Stefano guides him down until their lips meet in a long, slow kiss.  It’s not the passionate kind, but it is warm and affectionate, and by the end Sebastian is having a hard time maintaining it because he’s so close to breaking into a smile.

He pulls back a few inches, and Stefano speaks immediately.

“Promise me you will tell me if you grow tired of my nonsense.”

His tone is lighthearted, but it holds a note of vulnerability, and Sebastian understands that intimately.  It’s not uncommon for Stefano to make a joke or an offhand remark that suggests Sebastian might not be willing to put up with him any longer, and Sebastian has those same fears himself.  He leans in to kiss Stefano again before he responds.

“It’s not nonsense, and I’ll never get tired of yours as long as you’ll keep putting up with mine.”

“That seems like a reasonable arrangement,” Stefano says.

It’s all Sebastian can do not to laugh out loud at Stefano’s characterization of their relationship as an ‘arrangement’, because it’s such a Stefano thing to say.

“I’m not sure there’s any reason involved,” Sebastian says.  “It’s more like I fell in love with you, and now you’re stuck with me forever.”

Stefano draws him in for one more kiss, and when it’s over Sebastian rests his forehead against Stefano’s, enjoying the warmth of his body and the comfort of his arms until Stefano speaks again.

“As luck would have it, I seem to have fallen in love with you as well.”

After that, there are many more kisses and caresses, and for one night at least, the nightmares are over.

[fracturedmotivationwriting]

The battle was won, but Dexter knew this wasn't the end of the war. Gio and Mimi would attack again. They weren't going to let one battle loss deter them.

They may have lost the battle, but they had still managed to kill twenty sentries and injure many others. Twenty dead. Twenty young sentries that Dexter had failed to protect.

She knew, logically, that this wasn't all on her. She couldn't have stopped Gio and Mimi from attacking. But she couldn't help but feel responsible for the deaths or the injured.

Luca had checked everyone's injuries after the battle ended, deciding who needed immediate medical attention and who could stitch themselves back up at the packhouse. He'd taken the severely injured to the hospital. He had wanted Dexter to come too, but he'd known it was a losing fight with her. She promised to let him check her for a concussion at home.

She'd already sent the others to the packhouse, opting to stay behind debrief the soldiers who would be taking over border patrol for the rest of the night. She didn't think Gio and Mimi would try again so soon, but she couldn't be certain. And with so many injured sentries, she didn't have enough to properly defend the borders anyway. They all needed a night to recuperate before she gave them new schedules, new routes, and new orders. She was going to have to change a lot of their defenses now, but that would come in the morning. She needed to meet with Frankie first. The soldiers could hold down the fort so to speak in the meantime.

Dexter was headed towards the packhouse, wanting to confirm that everyone else was okay and didn't need to go to the hospital. Along her way, however, she spotted one of the young sentries leaning heavily against a streetlight. Approaching slowly, Dexter could see the sentry gripping her side as if she was in pain.

"Angelina? Are you okay?" Dexter asked, concern filling her voice. She could see a bit of blood seeping through the girl's shirt, but it didn't appear to be gushing. Hopefully, it wasn't a deep wound.

"I- I thought I was fine," Angelina murmured, avoiding Dexter's worried eyes. "But my side started to hurt and then I noticed the blood."

Dexter stepped closer, gently reaching a hand out to the sentry's arm. As soon as she did, however, Angelina straightened up. If not for her concussion, Dexter probably would have reacted sooner to Angelina's change of demeanor. But her head was a bit fuzzy, so by the time she tried to step back Angelina was already shoving a needle into her neck. Dexter tried to fight her off, but her movements were slow and clumsy. Her limbs felt like they weight thirty pounds each, and her eyelids involuntarily started to close. Dexter felt her body slumping forward as she tried to swing a punch at Angelina, but the other girl easily used the momentum to toss Dexter over her shoulder.

"And they told me you would be hard to capture." Dexter overheard the girl snickering. Dexter was too far gone to respond. Sleep overcame her.

****

The dull ache in her head was the first thing she felt. Next was the soreness in her neck and the sharp pain in her shoulder.

Dexter blinked her eyes open, squinting for a moment to adjust to the harshly bright lights. In addition to the ache, her head felt fuzzy. She tried to lift her hand to rub her eyes but nearly screamed at the pain. Her hands were cuffed behind her, and apparently, someone had stabbed her shoulder. Meaning that when she tried to move and was immediately pulled back by the handcuffs, her shoulder screamed in agony.

Her muffled cry, however, drew the attention of someone upstairs. She heard the sound of footsteps above her, the panic settling in her chest and clearing her head a bit. She quickly took in her surroundings, trying to find a way out of these cuffs and out of here. She appeared to be in a basement, handcuffed to a pole running from the ground to the ceiling. There wasn't much down here, except for a wooden chair in front of her and a single lightbulb hanging. She felt like she was in a horror film.

She couldn't see the stairs, but she heard someone descending them behind her. Schooling her fear, Dexter leaned against the pole and tried to appear as the definition of calm.

Kind of hard to do sitting on a basement floor, handcuffed and concussed with seemingly no way out.

The woman stepped around her, coming into Dexter's line of sight. Dexter watched as she took a seat, crossing her legs and leaning back casually. As if she hadn't just kidnapped someone.

The woman just stared at Dexter, seemingly sizing her up. Dex to the opportunity to do the same.

It didn't take long for Dexter to figure out who she was. Between the dark hair similar to the one she'd practiced braiding the other evening during a girl's night, to the square jaw so reminiscent of the one she admired during meetings, to even the gray eyes that neither sibling fully had, Dexter knew that this was her mate and best friend's older sister. The infamous Milena

Staring into the cold, gray eyes, Dexter couldn't help but think she very much preferred the blue-gray of Frankie's eyes. Despite their very cool-colored nature, they always held an element of warmth in them. Mimi's held none. Dexter knew it wasn't just because Frankie was her mate and Mimi wasn't -- V's blue eyes had never looked this cold either. This was purely something the oldest sibling had.

"So you're little Francesco's mate," Mimi broke the silence after a few minutes of silently observing Dexter. Dex merely raised an eyebrow, challenging the woman to say anything more. Mimi looked her up and down with disdain.

"I'm... Disappointed," she sighed. "I expected someone with a little more finesse. You were easier to capture than a newborn pup."

"Sorry to disappoint," Dexter muttered, smirking up at Mimi. "I was a bit tired after killing your soldiers."

Mimi matched her smirk, leaning forward in her seat.

"Sacrifices I was willing to give," she informed the younger wolf, shrugging innocently. "Bloodshed is necessary for war."

"Kidnapping isn't though," Dexter countered, tugging at her handcuffs for emphasis. Mimi merely chuckled.

"It is when you need information."

"You think I'm going to tell you anything?" Dexter snarled.

"Not at first," Mimi conceded. "But you'll crack eventually. They always do."

Milena stood, brushing the nonexistent dirt from her pants. She smiled down at Dexter.

"I'm sure you and Stefano are going to have fun together. I'll talk to you later, Dexter."

Dexter's senses must have really been dulled from the concussion. During her conversation with Mimi, she hadn't heard someone else descend into the basement. But there was a man standing before her with a steel baseball bat in hand. She assumed he was Stefano, and that he was here to convince her to talk.

"You're not going to break me, Milena," Dexter called out. She heard Mimi's steps falter.

"You keep thinking that, Dexter. But the longer you hold out, the more likely Francesco is going to come looking for you. If I can't get what I want from you, I'll just have to get it from him."

Dexter's heart sank to her stomach. This was a trap. Of course, it was a trap. Of course, Mimi was banking on Dexter talking or Frankie being dumb enough to try and save her.

Dexter prayed that Frankie wouldn't let his heart rule his actions. He'd been so good about letting other people fight their own battles, she prayed he'd let someone else fight this one.

She heard the door slam behind her. She raised her gaze to a grinning Stefano.

"Don't suppose you're gonna uncuff me so we can have batting practice?" Dexter asked, eying the bat warily.

Stefano shook his head, swinging the bat up before bringing it down on her leg. Dexter didn't even try to reign in her scream.

[shreddedparchment]

Colocataire Pt.02

The Surrender

06/29/2019

Pairing: Thor x Reader x Steve          Word Count: 7,138

Masterpost     Warnings: angst, drunk sex, smut, unprotected sex, cute Thor

Prompt: Colocataire - Roommate

A/N: This is for @cametobuyplums ‘s writing challenge. Okay...this was supposed to be two parts but I wasn’t able to fit in the other half of this on here so...three parts. That’s it! THREE PARTS! No more. New part coming soon. I hope you all like this one. I’m not sure how well the part at the end works. Hopefully it works okay. If you happen to reblog, thanks so much for helping me spread my work! xoxo

You’re all alone for two weeks.

Mr. Stark, or Tony as he insists you call him, puts you up in a hotel while he has your building rebuilt.

You’re not sure how he cuts through the red tape to get the site cleared for renovation, but he does.

Usually, as the building was the site of a crime it would have been roped off for months if not years.

Sleeping in a bed that isn’t yours but massively comfortable is confusing. You miss home but you’re grateful for the fancy room and the bed that helps soothe your aching body.

The golden silk sheets are soft and more expensive than anything you could ever afford. So, as you sit on the end of the large king-sized bed, you allow your hand to trail along the fabric, relishing in its cool and smooth texture.

The beige carpet and the gray walls are awash in the orange and pink flames of the setting sun.

You watch it, daring your eyes to burn and blind, as you attempt to feel something. Anything other than the internal pain in your chest. It’s not physical pain. So, you can’t really even heal it the way you’re healing the rest of your body with time and rest.

This pain comes from the keen absence of two very blue pairs of eyes.

“Y/N?” The voice filters in through the opening door.

Tearing your eyes away from the sunset you jump to your feet and scurry out into the sitting room and stop just at the edge of the small kitchenette.

“Hey, you look so much better.” Nat observes, shutting the door behind her.

She’s holding a bag of Stefano's. Your favorite Italian place. You can already smell the risotto and hearty meat sauce for the spaghetti.

Disappointment floods your system, making you slouch.

You have no reason to expect them. They didn’t even come see you in the hospital.

You’re nothing to them, remember? The mission is almost over.

“How’s your arm?” Nat wonders, pushing past you towards the small breakfast table by the shuttered balcony windows.

You haven’t spent a lot of time out of bed, so you’ve kept the sitting room in semi-darkness.

She drops off the bag and begins to pull out the recyclable boxes, setting it up for devouring.

“Fine.” You sigh. “My arm’s fine.”

You raise your left arm. You’re still wearing the sling for the sprain but it’s almost all better now.

Considering the fact that an entire building fell on you, a sprained shoulder is nothing.

Well, aside from the assorted cuts and bruises.

“Well, come eat. I didn’t stand in line for an hour to have you mope through dinner.” Nat gives you a knowing look.

You’re not looking forward to being seen through. Nat reads you easily.

You take the seat across from her and prop up your leg on the seat.

Wordlessly, Nat finishes setting the table. When she’s sitting across from you, only then does she spare you a knowing smile.

“What?” You ask, nervous.

“Your apartment’s done.” She says, popping open her own risotto tray while you sit in stunned silence.

“That's not possible. It’s been two weeks.” You’re stunned. Is this the power of money?

She tilts her head; a smirk thrown your way as she forks up some spaghetti and fills her mouth.

You stare at her, speechless, as she chews.

“Three weeks. You were asleep for like four days, remember? But Thor and Steve were highly motivated to get you back somewhere that’s not a hotel room and Tony was eager to help out. He feels guilty for asking me to ask you to borrow your place.” She lowers her hand onto the table, her fork nimbly balanced between her thumb and forefinger.

The mention of your blue-eyed boys makes your ears buzz.

In the last few weeks since the bombing, Nat hasn’t mentioned them once except to say that they’re out chasing the Late-Night Bomber.

“Have you heard from them?” You ask, maybe a little too eager because Nat narrows her eyes and tilts her head once more.

“Yeah. They’re out in California, still chasing the bastard that blew you up.” She grins at you but takes another bite. “They were both really upset about you getting hurt.”

“So were you.” You remind her.

“Mm, I was but not the same way.” She leans forward, elbow on the table, her chin balanced in her palm. “Something going on there?”

“What?” You ask, incredulously. “No. Why would you ask me that?”

“Just a hunch.” She teases but goes back to her food. “Please eat? It’s really delicious and if we’re gonna move you back in tomorrow, I need you strong.”

She allows you to open your own containers. As the rich scent of thick tomato sauce and the heady aroma of earthy mushrooms assault your nose, Nat gives you one final glance before she takes her final blow.

“Which one?” She asks, gently so as not to offend you.

You bristle anyway. “What?”

“If something was going on, between you and…those two…which one would be the one something is more likely to go on with?” Her green eyes glitter as she waits in tipsy anticipation.

She’s so giddy it makes you sick.

Are you really this obvious? Or maybe they’re the ones who…no. Not possible. The guys don’t…they’ve never actually…they’re not interested in you. Right?

“Ugh, Nat.” You put your fork back down and bring your hands to rest on your lap. Gripping your napkin tight to keep from giving yourself away.

“Come on!” She chuckles, “You have to have thought about it. You’ve been living with them for almost half a year.

Holy—has it really been that long? No wonder you’re so attached. And horny.

Fuck, you need a life.

“In passing maybe?” You relent, stuck thinking about how long it’s been since you’ve been with anyone much less on a date.

“I knew it! The moment you called me all flustered that first day. So, which one?” She presses, shoveling more noodles into her mouth.

Your mind thinks back to Thor’s heated hand. His fingers, affectionately laced around yours. The scent of his breath all tangy from the lemonade he'd been drinking before as it wafted towards you. It had grown closer and closer in the darkness with the promise of a kiss that never came.

Then there’s Steve with his hand on your knee. Those strong, roughly calloused fingers trailing up against the soft flesh of your thigh. He’d snaked them underneath the hem, pushing higher and higher so that you could hardly breathe as his eyes sparkled when you’d told Nat you’d have to thank him for being so helpful.

His touch was also not meant to be.

Both times you’d been interrupted but both moments fill you with the same thrilling excitement. The same possibilities burst forward fresh and your desire for them is renewed.

“I-" You start but you know you can’t finish. “I can’t choose.”

Nat nearly chokes on her Risotto. “Wait, what?! Okay. This is too good. If and I say this with as big an IF as I can fucking manage because I am well aware of how uninterested both of them are in forming romantic attachments right now, but IF you manage to wrangle them both, you’re gonna need to give me details.”

Neither of them has tried anything again and you haven’t even seen them since the explosion.

“With the mission almost over, they won’t be at my place anymore.” You hope you don’t sound as sad as this fact makes you feel but part of you knows it can’t be hidden.

“Oh, yeah. Damn. You’re right. Oh, well. Count yourself lucky. Steve never really got over Peggy and I think he sleeps around, but he doesn’t do relationships and Thor, well, this is the longest he’s ever stayed on Earth.

“You’re better off. They’ll both break your heart.”

The apartment looks almost exactly the same.

Tony walks ahead of you, pointing at certain things to bring your attention to them. As if you hadn’t noticed them yourself.

Your floor is still chocolate brown wood, walls a new midnight blue teal. Your new sofa is modern, in soft gray, your favorite armchair—to your surprise—is right here it belongs looking just as it did before it was blown to smithereens.

“Put in this island. Updated your counters. Appliances. I had to put in a much larger fridge.” Tony moves around the new modern island towards the dining area and then past it to where your desk resides, just as it did before.

“Had to?” Why did he have to put in a larger fridge?

“This is new.” He says, sliding a large glass door sideways.

Warm summer air drifts into the room negating the cool of the air conditioning. Sounds of the city greet you as you cross to the open doors and step out onto a wooden slat balcony with a dark steel and glass banister.

“There’s another door that leads to your bedroom…which is bigger.” He leads the way and your bedroom is indeed larger.

A beautiful lavender wall, deep plum cored sheets with black pillows and silver nightstands decorate your previously much smaller room.

The bed has to be twice as big.

“King sized bed.” Tony says, pointing at it before sauntering towards the bathroom. “And a nice big tub.”

“Mr. St-Tony,” You adjust with a throw of his scowl. “Why make it bigger? I didn’t ask for a bigger room or a bigger bed or a bigger tub.”

Your jaw nearly drops as you lean in behind him in the bathroom’s doorway to get a look at the large and deep smooth cement tub. It could fit four people! Or…two very large people with room to spare.

“Holy-"

Tony turns slightly to look at you, his brow knit in what must be exasperated confusion.

“What?” You ask, suddenly self conscious.

“Nothing.” He turns and walk to the door then points at your guest bedroom as he passes it. “Laundry's a little bigger too. Better machines. Guest room has more space. But most importantly, there’s a panic room at the end of the hall.”

You freeze and turn to look down your hallway which ends with a simple padded bench underneath a large empty picture frame, flanked by two thin modern sconces.

“There’s a button on the back of the sconce on the right. Press that, it reveals a small panel underneath the frame. You press your finger in there and it opens up the room.”

“A panic room?” You don’t want to admit it but it does make you feel better to know it’s there. “But why-?”

“They asked me to put one in.” He sounds exasperated again. “Do you notice nothing? Do you have no insight?”

“Hey,” You huff, offended.

“Where did you go to school again?” He cuts you off.

The question throws you off. “What?”

“You almost went down the same path Natasha did, right?” He shoves his hands into his pockets and turns to stare at you as he hover near the front doorway.

“Yeah.” You admit.

It’s not exactly a secret.

“Who pulled you out? I heard you narrowly escaped enrollment.” Even though he’s asking, it almost sounds like he already knows.

“Your dad did. And your mom. Howard and Maria, right?” You move closer to him, curious about the son of the people who’d given you a new lease on life.

“Why would they help you?” He asks, this time genuinely curious.

You shrug your shoulders and shove your right hand into the pocket of your oversized navy hoodie. One guess who it really belongs to.

Your other arm is still in its sling.

“They knew my grandma. She worked with Howard and Peggy during the war. My parents were…like me. They preferred to stay out of the fight.

“Dad did his part helping with bomb building. Mom too. Grandma introduced them all after you were born, I think? I don’t know. I don’t remember the story exactly.

“Only thing I remember for sure is grandma telling me how the world is out to get me and that I should make sure I have a Stark in my corner.” It feels weird that she’d been right.

Had she known all that time ago that you’d need Tony?

Tony stares at you, assessing your words before he clicks his tongue then gives you a quick smile.

“Smart woman.” He moves for the door and pulls it open. “Stay outta trouble kid. Panic room has a button that links up directly to my phone. Push it if you gotta.”

“Wait, Tony?” You call out and hurry to catch up.

He turns and stops with his left hand on the knob, waiting for you to speak.

“Thanks. For…everything.” Your cheeks burn. You’re very grateful even if you’re not so great at showing it.

Tony just makes you defensive for some reason.

He smiles and nods. “You should take a shower. You stink.”

With that he shuts the door and leaves you completely befuddled.

The first week after moving back in is quiet. You have no neighbors yet.

People are afraid to move into the building.

The usual stigma of tragedy in places of residence stick to your renovated building and those who hadn’t lost their apartments completely moved out anyway.

No one wants to live where someone has died.

It’s a sad time though you’ve been almost numb to it since Nat had you stashed away from all forms of media.

You’re finally able to enjoy the freedom of your arm without its sling but watching the nightly news reminds you of how lucky you actually were.

No one else that had been in the affected floors had escaped with their lives.

You’re dubbed the Oakstone Survivor, named after the building that had crumbled around you. Your face—or rather a picture of you off your office website—is plastered on every channel.

You feel exposed and vulnerable. And alone. Mostly you feel alone.

The next night, the news story changes. Finally, you aren’t on the screen but instead you find yourself watching your blue-eyed boys.

They look beautiful. Dirty, grimy Gods. Tired. This battle had been long.

They walk beside a man with graying brown hair, hazel eyes, and aging white skin.

Compared to your heroes, how did he give them the slip for so long? Alien tech.

The Late-Night Bomber Finally Caught the news reel says.

Your heart is in your throat as you wistfully wish they were here. However, now that the mission is over, they won’t be back.

There’s no need.

Your apartment was a cover. A ruse. A safe space for them to keep watch. Now they don’t need it.

They don’t need you. They’ll never be back. Ever.

The click of your front door brings you to your feet and you stare over the back of your TV as it swings open.

You’re sure you’re seeing things. There’s no possible way that Thor and Steve are stumbling through your doorway.

They look cleaner than they did on TV just now. Freshly washed. They bring with them a manly musk of sandalwood and oranges, clean laundry, and that familiar bite of ozone that you know can only come from Thor.

They’re chatting quietly. Thor chuckles at something Steve said as he lets him in and then shuts the door behind him.

There’s no air in the room. The chatter from the TV fills the large room as they stop and finally notice you.

Steve’s storm blues meet your eyes first. Then Thor’s electric sapphire. The atmosphere changes instantly. A stifling charge in the air makes your blood run hot.

Rage. That’s what it is. Utter upset at being abandoned for nearly a month.

They must see it because they exchange one of those loaded looks then move towards you, one down your left, one down your right.

By the time Thor rounds the TV stand he’s smiling again.

When he reaches you, his hands cup your cheeks and he stares down at you with what is clearly affection.

This is so confusing.

“Look at you. You look much better.” He states, and behind you, you can feel Steve’s hand caress the back of your head.

His hand trails down along your neck before coming to rest on the center of your back as he moves around your right to look at your face too.

“She does look less black and blue.” He says with a smile and it’s so heartbreakingly beautiful you frown at him, then at Thor.

“How do you know what I looked like? You didn’t even come to see me.” You tell them, irritated and confused.

“Yes, we did.” Steve says, slightly miffed. “We didn’t leave your side until Helen said you’d be alright.”

He caresses the back of your head again as Thor’s burning touch moves down along the sides of your neck then stop to rest on your shoulders.

“We wanted to wait until you woke up, but we had to pick up the trail. We could not let the bomber do to others what he did to us.” Thor’s soft expression shifts towards his own anger as his passion bubbles up. “We got lucky.”

“Yeah.” Steve agrees and they look at each other. This is a conversation they seem to have had before. “We need to get changed. You’re coming, right?”

He’s addressing you and you’re not aware of that right away. It’s only when Thor’s eyebrows shift up towards his hairline that you realize Steve’s asking you.

“Me? Coming? Coming where?” You look between them as Thor releases you and wanders off down the hallway to the spare bedroom, pulling his t-shirt off as he goes.

Your eyes linger over his exposed perpetually sun-kissed skin before he wanders out of sight.

You hadn’t even thought to go in there and rifle through the drawers to see if they had any clothes here. You could have saved yourself some heartache.

“Tony’s throwing a small party. Mission’s over, so it’s time to celebrate. It’s kind of a tradition.” Steve says, sitting himself down on the sofa.

Now that their greeting seems to be over, he crosses his large arms over his chest, bulging muscles of peach skin. He’s not going to touch you again.

Fuck. What does all this mean?

You sit beside him leaving the usual foot of space between you, but you sit so that you can face him.

“You want me to come?” Astounded, you look towards the bedroom as Thor’s voice chimes in.

“Of course! This is as much your celebration as ours.” He exclaims.

“He’s right. You have every right to party with us.” Steve smiles, a hopeful curve of his lips.

“I…I don’t know.” You hesitate, thinking about the amount of people that will be there.

Although you don’t want to admit it, loud noises are still a little hard to deal with. Crowds. Erratic music. Drinking.

You wrap your arms around yourself and shake your head. “I don’t think I can handle it yet.”

“Oh.” Steve’s face falls, his eyebrows gather in a pucker as he searches your expression for a giveaway.

Does he think you’re lying?

“I’m sorry.” You sigh. “I just…maybe next time. I kinda just wanna sit in here and get my bearings. Is that okay?”

Steve continues to stare at you, the sadness in his eyes growing larger and more pronounced the longer he looks at you.

You nearly choke out a Never mind. I’ll go. When Thor walks out of the guest bedroom buttoning up the wrists of a midnight blue dress shirt.

“Of course, it is.” He assures you, smiling at you widely. “You still need rest. It’s not easy what you went through.”

Steve looks at Thor before rising to his feet and wordlessly walking away towards the bedroom to probably also change out of his jeans.

Thor moves over to you and plops himself down beside you, taking up Steve’s spot. He sits closer however and his hand finds your knee.

“No worries, my princess. There are always more revels to be had and I will take you to every one if that is your wish.” He promises.

You almost smile but the look on Steve’s face keeps Thor’s words from settling your heart. A glance towards the bedroom has you biting your lower lip.

“Do not worry about Steve. He just hates to part with you so quickly.” Thor whispers.

Does he really? You’re not so sure.

“And you?” You ask him, hating that they’d been gone for so long and now they’re going to leave you again.

“I have missed you.” He says, deep voice nestling into your chest to warm it up.

Flutters roll around the base of your tummy as Thor’s smile burns into you. He gets up with a squeeze to your knee.

“Shall I prove it?” He asks.

“How-?”

With four large steps he’s at the light switch. With a flick of his finger the room plunges into darkness and you’re reminded of that first night under the stars.

Instinct drives your eyes upwards and you gasp audibly as your eyes meet a heaven of glow-in-the-dark starlight. However, this display is so much more brilliant.

It really feels as if you’re staring up at the night sky. Somehow Thor was able to find itty-bitty stars that he’s placed around larger ones. There are huge clusters in certain places and hardly any in others.

This had not been here all week. You know because while you’ve missed Thor you’ve come out to stare at your bare ceiling.

“How did-?” You ask, pleasantly surprised.

“I came by last night. After we got the bomber processed. You must really be exhausted because I kissed your cheek, but you did not wake. They’re in every room again. Just as you had them.” The appraising look he gives the ceiling shines with pride.

He’d been here and you’d slept through it?!

“Not just as I had them.” You point out, because this setup is more amazing.

“Well, I might have gone a little overboard.” Thor says.

You jump slightly as his fingers spread yours and he clamps his large hand around your own. He tucks you into his side and with a somersaulting stomach, you finally allow yourself a smile.

“It’s beautiful, Thor. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He whispers and his lips are on your temple.

You wanna kiss him.

You turn to look up at him, to meet his lips, but the light flares on and he releases you instantly.

“I’m ready.” Steve says, forlorn.

He’s not looking directly at you anymore but rather focuses on your feet.

“Right.” Thor says. “Let’s go.”

“Lock the door behind us, Y/N. And don’t open it for anyone. Thor and I have a key.” Steve assures you, sparing you a fleeting glance before he’s out the door.

What happened to that bold Captain who’d slid his hand up your shorts in the bathroom? Why is he being so cold?

“Bye, princess.” Thor waves and shuts the door behind him.

Once again, you’re all alone.

Sleep doesn’t come easy. You toss and turn. The soft cotton of your high thread count sheets does nothing to help you find rest.

No. You’re itching to see your boys again.

As soon as that door had shut behind them after not seeing them for nearly a month, you’d known that that’s what they are. Your boys.

Men.

Who are you kidding? They’re large as houses and perfect and confusing. You’ve seen them dirty and ragged, dripping with grime and sweat, smelling bitter and tart from days of fighting and hard work. Then clean and fresh. Soft patches of skin and free-flowing hair.

You’ve seen them eat like they’d never eaten a proper meal before in their lives and then clean up after themselves because they couldn’t bear to see you slave after them.

You’ve watched them toss their clothes on your sofa, uncaring and lazy. Then wrinkle their noses and smile bashfully when you’d griped and groaned about their lazy habits.

They’ve whined at you for leaving your books all over the place and glasses of unfinished tea on tables and the floor. Then teased you for not being as clean as you pretend to be after.

They’re complex and irritatingly confusing. Desirable and adorable. Soft and protective. You want to know them completely. You want to know them well. You want to know what they feel like in those most sacred of moments when desire becomes more than just wishful thinking. When their walls come down and they’re laid bare for you to worship.

At some point you drift off, dreaming about their supple bodies. Rock hard abs. Bulging biceps. Sweet smiles. Easy chuckles and teasing, shining eyes. You dream about Steve’s long looks out at the sun as it sets and paints the sky with fire.

You know then that he’s thinking about her and it makes you sad for him but also sad for yourself because you want him so desperately to think about you.

You dream about Thor’s sad smile, always a smile despite the pain and the tears that you see fill the brim of his eyes as he thinks about the home and family he lost. The mother he can never see again.

He’s so full of love to give and he’s showered you with his easy affection so many times that you want the rest. You’d gladly shoulder the responsibility of loving him back. He deserves soft caresses and tender kisses.

Small bounces shake you awake.

Despite the depth of your longing, you wake up normal. No tears. No sadness. Just a small ache at the center of your chest that you realize has been there since almost the moment they both moved in.

You’re on your left, staring at the center of the bed. You’d gone to sleep with it empty but now it’s full. One large bulky body settled on your large soft mattress, sheets pushed down towards the end of the bed and out of the way.

You’re still covered, your blanket having fallen to your waist.

“Hello.” He says, and you smile softly.

“Hi.” You adjust your head, shifting it against your pillow until you can prop yourself up to look at him a bit more easily.

His electric sapphires transfix you, silver gleams in the darkness of your room.

“Do you like your ceiling?” He asks, and you can smell the sweet tang of honeyed liquor on his breath. It’s sharp and it cuts through your sleep, alerting you to the easy flow of his words as he speaks.

“Are you drunk?” You ask, a chuckle passing through your lips as you adjust on your pillow some more.

You have never seen Thor drunk before and this is definitely something you want to be a conscious witness of.

“No.” He shakes his head, a little too enthusiastically but then he chuckles completely countering his flimsy argument. “Of course not. I don’t…I don’t do that thing. That. Drunk?”

He chuckles again.

“You’re drunk.” He tells you.

You laugh once and push yourself up onto your elbows, shifting onto your stomach so that you can look at him properly.

“You’re so drunk.” You accuse.

“No.” He protests. “I might be a little…what was it they were calling it? Tipsy?”

“Ah, I see.” You relent, allowing him to have his moment.

“You didn’t answer my question.” He accuses you, smiling with those drunk, twinkling eyes.

“What question?”

“Your stars. Do you like them?” He presses.

“I told you, Thor. I love them. They’re beautiful.” You shift onto your back, hating to look away from him and his disheveled long blonde locks, but you want to prove that you love the stars. “They’re better than mine were. It really does look like the night sky now.”

As you settle in beside him, shoulder to shoulder, he brings his arms up and crosses them over his chest. The two of you stare up at the fake sky in silence for five minutes.

When you can’t take not looking at him anymore, you turn away from the stars and you take in his form. He’s wearing those same dark gray slacks he’d been wearing when he left and that navy button up shirt. He looks so good though the sleeves of his shirt have been rolled up to his elbows and the top two buttons have been undone.

His dirty blonde hair had been laid in a low careful bun but now it’s spilling out, falling loose around his head with several strands framing his face.

He looks down to meet your gaze and does what you just did and gives you a once over.

Your neck burns, realizing that you’re in those ratty sweats again. A plain white tank top pulled on top. No bra.

His eyes linger there, and your ears are added to the burn of your neck.

“You’re wearing those pants you’d been wearing when we first came here.” He points out.

Fuck.

“Yeah. They’re…ugly. But comfortable.” You explain, hoping that they’re not too terrible on you.

Thor unhooks his right arm and reaches down to give them a small tug where they’re peeking out from beneath your blanket. “I like them.”

You clear your throat, trying hard to restrain the smile that desperately wants to curve your lips.

“Um…it’s a little early. Is the party over? Where’s Steve?” You throw the questions out rapid-fire style to try and distract from the way he’s still giving small tiny tugs to the thinning fabric of your sweats.

“No. The party was still going. I simply wanted to see you. I couldn’t stop thinking about you here alone at home. So, I came.” He smiles softly. “Steve could not come. He has obligations there that I do not have.”

Shit. Obligations? A girl?!

Thor reads the shaky scowl on your face and just grabs the fabric of your sweats up in his fist to pull you a little closer.

“Interviews for the news people. Reports to finish. He wanted to come but he could not get away. That’s all.” Thor explains.

Relief calms you but then you wonder why Thor would care to put you at ease about Steve. Before you can ask, Thor sighs.

“You have no idea how glad we were to find you alive and well that day. We’re both so sorry that we left you alone.” He admits, his smile waning.

“It’s okay.” You assure him, “You two had a job to do. And I’m alive.”

“We got lucky.” He says. “No. Next time, I will carry you on my back into battle if it means that I will know you are safe.”

Drunken ramblings. It has to be. You laugh again, feeling lighter.

“What?” He asks, smiling at the sound of your laugh.

“Carry me on your back?”

“Yes. Like the primates I see on the Animal Planet on TV.” He smiles wide. “You can be my little monkey. Cling to me tight and I’ll keep you safe, my princess.”

Holy fucking hell. You swoon.

With your stomach in tumbles and your chest burning, you push yourself up and let that instinctual pull in your chest take over.

Leaning over him, you rest your hands on his chest and he moves his arms to make room for you. He traces your arms from elbow to bicep, staring up into your eyes with those impossible blues.

“How drunk are you, Thor? Like, on a scale of one to ten on how aware you are of what’s happening, what are we looking at?” You ask, eager for him to say a low number.

“I told you, I am not drunk.” He insists.

“So…if I kissed you right now, would I be taking advantage? Because I don’t think I can wait anymore. I’m going crazy over here.”

His smile vanishes completely as he takes in your pained but determined expression. Calloused fingers dig into the soft flesh of your underarm before he trails the left one up the center of your back until it finds the back of your head.

With strong hands he pulls you down and your lips crash against his with a heated fervor.

“Mmph.” You moan against him, the hot flow of his lips as he parts them and tastes your own.

Something comes over you, passion? Need? The crazies? Something. Because you reach up and hold the sides of his face as you tilt your head towards the right and coax his lips open with your tongue.

He rumbles beneath you, pleased by the brazen move but opens up for you. You rush forward, tasting his tongue with your own. You’re nearly dizzy with the taste of the alcohol in his mouth.

It gets worse as he wraps you up in his arms, pulling you down into his chest, crushing you to him as if he’d been wanting this just as long as you have.

There’s a click. A shift. Something changes and you’re pulling back. You straddle his hips, blanket tossed aside as you continue to kiss him but work the buttons on the front of his shirt. The last two are annoying and you rip the shirt open, sending them flying. They clatter against the wall and then on your floor.

Greedily you roll your hands over the hard mounds of his chest, the cut muscles of his stomach, the slice of V on his hips.

Thor groans and you break the kiss as he pulls your shirt up and over your head.

“Take these off.” He pleads, meaning your sweats.

You sit back between his legs, pushing your pants down along with your underwear before tossing them behind you onto the floor.

Thor quickly undoes his belt, his button, his zipper and begins to push his pants off before you mount him and reach between his legs to hold his big and gloriously hard cock.

It’s hot, like the burning iron that had fallen over you during the explosion, caging you in.

You’re right on him, slick folds pressed against the long stiff shaft of him. You roll your hips, riding him bare. Coating him in your wetness.

Two swift strokes is what you get to give him before he’s grunting and thrusting up into your hand.

He comes undone at your touch and yes, he must have wanted this as much as you have been wanting it because he comes right then, splashes of his release settling onto your stomach and his.

“Oh.” You gasp, flattered and somewhat smug.

“Damn it.” He gasps. Startled by his quick release too.

“It’s…it’s okay.” You assure him.

He gives you an exasperated look and without ceremony wraps his arm around your waist and flips you over onto your back.

You squeak at the rush of movement as you settle into a small bounce on the bed.

“Don’t be ridiculous, princess. I am nowhere near finished.” He declares.

You laugh excitedly, watching with pleasure as he strips his shirt off and then his pants with you still pinned beneath him.

Slowly you trace the lines of his muscles, down to that delicious dip of his hips.

You squeak again when he catches your hand and pulls you up towards him. Moving you like you’re nothing but a ragdoll.

He sits, pulling your legs up around his waist before he lines himself up at your core. Both hands grabbing hold of your rear, he pulls you towards him, impaling you on his cock.

Nails dig into his shoulders as you’re rocked by the size of him. You shudder, not expecting to take him in so quickly.

It’s been too long and the fill of him is stupefying.

He growls at your nails. Though you know it can’t really hurt him, you pull your hands up to float by his head as he pulls you back and towards him again. Your hands shake, eyes shut tight as he fucks you hard.

Two more rough pulls where his fingers bruise your bottom and his cock spreads you wide then he stops, and his lips kiss tender circles between your breasts.

They trail all the way up to your lips where he kisses you softly. His tongue traces your lips before he pulls back to look at you, eyes searching.

“I’m sorry. Was that too fast?” He asks, worried at the way your body keeps twitching and trembling.

“No.” You assure him, your body adjusting to his girth. “It’s j-just been a while.”

“I’m sorry.” He repeats. “I’ll be gentler.”

“No!” You gasp, your yearning doubling. “No. Just-just like that, Thor. Just like that.”

He grins, a quick smirk of a smile, as he reaches down between your legs to flick your clit.

“Like this?” He asks, and you shudder.

“Yes.”

He gives your bottom a squeeze. “Move for me, princess.”

You reach back, hand on your mattress as you pull yourself up off his lap a few inches to give you space to move. You slide back then thrust forward.

Both of you groan, the stretch of him intoxicating as you move faster and faster.

He helps guide your hips forward, nipping at your breasts as you bounce on his cock.

After a while our arm, the right one thankfully, begins to grow tired. Thor notices this and he rolls your right breast in his left hand a few times before hooking his hand behind your neck to pull you in for a kiss.

He pushes you forward, laying you down on your back as he keeps you connected with his lips. He settles over you, then crushes you into the bed. He lays down on you, skin to skin, chest to chest. No space between your bodies as he lines himself up once more and thrusts his cock into your soaked core.

The roll of his hips as he plunges himself into you swirl around your clit, pounding against it as he fills you over and over.

“Sh-shit…” You gasp, reaching down to hold the toned curve of his ass, your legs spread and up in the air.

You pull him down harder, impossibly close.

“I’ve wanted you since the moment I saw you.” He confesses in the heat of his passion. “I’ve wanted you like this. Moaning beneath me.”

The two of you held back for so long that now the sex is crazed. Frantic. It’s a tangle of legs and arms and sweaty flesh. Your dripping pussy and Thor’s swollen cock. Rapid fucking in desperate need for release.

“Oh, Thor.” You moan, giving him what he wants.

“Do you like it?” He throws out, panting as he moves faster. “Do you like it when I fuck you? Have you wanted it as much as I have?”

“Yes.” You gasp, a keening cry as he rails into you harder. “Yes, Thor…never stop.”

He finds your mouth, tongue first, licking and tasting. Lips in a frenzy as his hips begin to stutter.

He slams into you and your body spasms. You’re hit with release. Your body twitching and shaking beneath him as he continues to ram into you despite your climax.

Your nails rake into his back again, pulling and dragging as he pulverizes your clit into another orgasm as he pushes himself up for more leverage.

He growls as he chases his own release, staring at your bouncing chest as he fucks you fast.

With a final thrust, your toes curl as his hands rip into your sheets, his hips quivering against you as he empties himself into you.

His collapse is expected, and you hug him close as he falls on top of you, holding his heaving, sweaty body against your own as the high makes you both feel like you’re foating.

You’re humming with satisfaction and Thor groans, a small chuckle escapes his throat as he trails his hands down along the sides of your body before wrapping you up in his arms.

He kisses your neck, your shoulder, your chest. He licks your nipple then trails back up to bury his face against the side of your head in the shampoo fragrant mess that is your hair.

With both hearts steadily thrumming, the two of you begin to relax.

“I’m sorry that took so long to happen.” Thor says, his deep voice so close to your ear that his whisper fills you up, making your chest burn.

“Why did it?” You wonder, swallowing as you catch your breath.

“Steve and I we…we wanted to see who you would choose. We swore not to do anything that might sway you in one direction or the other.”

Your heart beats rapidly again. Guilt and fear fueling it instead of passion.

Choose?

“I couldn’t wait anymore.” He confesses.

“Thor?” You ask, fearful but determined. “Do I have to choose?”

Thor’s chuckle shocks you and you push his large body up so that you can look up at him to see his face. He tries to shift off you, but you lock your ankles behind his back to keep him in place. You’re not done with him yet.

Inside of you, his cock begins to stiffen once more.

He stares into your eyes, reading something before he shakes his head.

“I know you want him too. I can see the love in your eyes when you look at him.” Thor says.

“I love you, too.” You tell him, reaching up to tuck his long blonde hair behind his ear. You scratch his scalp as you do, and he shuts his eyes.

“I know.” He whispers. “And I have loved you, since almost the moment we met. So, no.”

He opens his eyes and traces your side down to your hip.

“With me, you do not have to choose. You can love us both. It will not be the first time I have shared a love. However, I cannot speak for Steve.” He cups your bottom, reaching up higher between your legs to feel the slick of your folds.

He’s hard again, stretching you once more. Ready to go.

“He is more reserved. I do not know what he’ll do.” Thor admits and you know that he’s right.

“Give me more.” You plead and he leans down to kiss you, tonguing your mouth as he pulls his hips back and this time lovingly strokes into you.

You kiss him back and try to focus on only this love, his love. But the thought sneaks in as Thor shows you that he can make love as well as screw you silly.

Have you lost Steve by surrendering to Thor?

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[fanfictionized]

The Hating Game - Where It All Began (8)

Characters: Lance Tucker x Latina!OFC

Chapter Summary: The Reader has a hard time believing that people - especially Lance- can change. He’s about to prove her wrong...

Warnings: fluff, making out

Words: 3.4k

The Hating Game - Masterlist // Previous Chapter

Lucy couldn’t stop squirming in her seat, getting home and taking a shower and getting all dressed and ready half an hour before he would come to pick her up.

She sat back in her chair, tugging at the burnt-sienna-colored dress with the low cleavage she had decided to wear (because he deserved that much), a denim jacket bound around her hips in case it’d get cold because she still didn’t know where the heck he’d be taking her and those dark brown, knee-high leather boots so that she wouldn’t be having any trouble with being a lot shorter than him and kiss him more easily-

Oh, but her mind didn’t just stop there, no. She wanted to do so much more than that.

She wanted to fucking destroy him in bed which was weird since he had been suggesting to do the same thing to her pussy ever since the day they met.

And she’d probably not even keep up with her expectations and his because it had been so fucking long. She wanted to cry.

Because she wanted him so fucking much.

Even though she was still just the tiniest bit wary of him, or more clearly, his intentions, she couldn’t believe how intense her lust for him already was.

The reason she had been able to read him like a book was because he had always been a very open one.

Told her unashamedly how much he was into her so there shouldn’t be any fears technically, but that still didn’t keep her anxiety from making her insecure, biting her lips nervously as she looked at herself in the mirror.

She hadn’t overdone it with her makeup, she wouldn’t want to seem desperate or like she gave that much of a shit or that she actually took longer to get ready than she actually did…

Nothing about that really made any sense in her head, but anyways…

There’d be thirty more minutes of waiting before she could walk out into the world and into Lance Tucker’s arms.

Fuck, she wanted to touch those arms again.

Calm your tits, Lucia.

The voice in her head chimed in and strangely it wasn’t her own. Neither was the smug grin she could see in front of her closed eyelids as she took a deep, calming breath.

Before the loud hum of a vehicle’s motor came to a halt in front of their house and pulled her out of her thoughts.

She walked over to the kitchen to spy through the window, seeing the black car from a few nights before standing across the street.

It was dark outside, but not dark enough to hide his silhouette through the windows of his car. Him, smoothing his hair back nervously and thrumming his fingers on the steering wheel.

She giggled when she saw him acting all nervous and it made her believe that it’d somehow make this whole thing easier when she wasn’t the only one fidgeting.

She decided to do a little something to mess with him, ease the tension because she wouldn’t get into the car until it had escaped at least a little.

She dialed his number into her phone. She’s had it for quite a while. Emergency purposes, considering Ana of cause.

The phone rang and she saw him reach for it from his back pocket, staring at the screen for a few seconds until he picked up.

“Hey” His voice was strangely collected, but she smiled through it anyway because she saw his reaction when he heard her voice; grinning silently into the receiver.

“Hi, Lance.”

“You miss me already, darlin’?” He tried to be so cocky and she found it adorable, knowing how excited he sounded as he was talking to her.

“I could ask you the same thing.” She retorted, biting her bottom lip to suppress another giggle “Since you’re parking in front of my house.” She saw his mouth fall open before his head whipped over to the side, searching for her until he spotted her looking at him through the kitchen window, waving at him while his cheeks grew hot.

“Fuck” He whispered and hung up, seeing her laugh and walk away so he got out of the car, straightening the white dress shirt before he crossed the street to get over to her house.

The door opened slowly.

“’M sorry, I thought you wouldn’t notice-” He began before he saw her standing in front of him in her full glory. He stopped halfway to reaching her door and held his breath as he let his gaze wander over her form, drinking it all in.

She looked so fucking stunning. The hair, the dress, the heels…

His dick twitched in those dangerously tight pants.

“I- You…” He started before she cut him off.

“You look handsome.” She smiled as she eyed him as well.

“You do. I mean, you don’t look handsome, you- you’re hot. I mean-” He stammered.

Oh my god, what’s wrong with you?

She walked closer until she closed the space between them to press a kiss to his cheek, halting his actions like she’d just pressed the shut-down-button.

She pulled away with the cutest grin, keeping her hand on the side of his neck and he hoped to god she wouldn’t feel his pulse fluttering underneath her touch.

“Let’s go?” She asked sweetly while all he could do was nod.

.

.

.

“What’re we doing here?” She asked, raising a brow as she looked out the window, eyeing the gym hall from outside.

“I forgot something earlier.” Was his only explanation as he got out of the car, getting around to open the door for her and she could almost swear that he didn’t even have to think about doing so before he’d already done it.

The word ‘Gentleman’ laid on the tip of her tongue before she thought of who she was actually with, smirking at the thought.

“Thanks.” She mumbled, getting out while she walked alongside him.

The gears in her head turned when he saw him fiddling with the keys in his hands, seemingly on edge.

Her grin only widened.

“And why exactly do you need me to come with you…?” She bugged and made him roll his eyes at her for the very first time. He knew he wasn’t kidding anyone, but admittedly, he had never done this sort of thing before.

Something with a moderate amount of thought behind it.

“Just… trust me with this, okay?” He chuckled before pushing the doors open, both of them walking through the office until he had found the light switch in the dark, illuminating part of the hall to reveal a table standing in the middle of the room’s space with two chairs pushed to each side of it and food waiting for… the two of them she realized.

She bit her lip as she turned around, facing his boyish grin when he looked down at her. He seemed so proud of it, she couldn’t hold in her giggle.

“I’m not even sure what I’m supposed to say right now. This is awesome.” She admitted as she walked into the gym, her heels echoing off the high walls and ceiling.

“Right?” He asked excitedly “I fuckin’ aced this.” He drawled and she shook her head.

“Don’t ruin the mood.” She muttered until he sneaked up behind her, pulling out the chair for her to sit on.

“And which one would that be?”

“One where you just take the freaking compliment and don’t act like you’ve invented date ideas.” She raised a challenging brow at him while he sat down across from her.

“Okay, ouch.” He pouted “How ‘bout you fix your attitude, princess?”

She inhaled a sharp breath at the sound of his pet name for her slipping past his lips.

He grinned. She glared back at him.

“How ‘bout you do it for me?”

The risky question had shot out of her before she had even had time to think about it, making her eyes go wide with realization a second later.

He looked equally stunned before he let out a disbelieving laugh.

“Deal, sweetcheeks.” He chuckled darkly, winking at her as he opened two beer bottles.

“But for that you’re gonna have to take me out for a drink first.” He said sarcastically, raising his own bottle.

She scoffed and clinked their glasses together.

“Oh, so this is what then exactly?” She retorted, raising the bottleneck to her smiling lips.

He leaned back in his chair, the cockiness never having left him.

“This is me enjoying the view, darlin’.” He replied before taking a few big gulps, his head leaning back slightly, still maintaining eye contact as he grinned.

“You’re such a pain in my ass, you know that?” And the second she realized it could also have a very different meaning, seeing him inhaling to comment on what she’d just said she blurted out “Don’t even, Tucker. I swear to god- “

To which he only suppressed a laugh and shook his head in embarrassment as if to correct himself or rather his naughty thoughts being the first ones to fill his head.

“Realized it the second you said it.” He chuckled, making a motion as if to zip his mouth shut.

“Seriously, don’t mess this up.” She began, fidgeting in her seat as she was desperately trying to get the rest of the words out.

“I’m really glad I’m here.” She admitted, biting the inside of her cheek as she awaited his reaction and his cocky smirk changed into something softer- something she had only ever seen a few, rare times since she’s met him. Only ever when he was with her.

“Me too.” He smiled brightly and it made her loosen up, smiling back and moving her hair behind her ears.

“So…” She started “What’s on the menu?”

He laughed.

“Only the best pizza in town.” He chuckled, opening the cardboard box to reveal the pepperoni pizza that was laying in front of them.

“Classic. Beer and pizza.” She chuckled.

“If it’s not from Stefano’s I’m going to be very disappointed.” She sighed, smelling the still-warm food.

He scrunched his face up as he looked back at her.

“Girl… the best one’s from that pizzeria down the street.” He stated, making her scoff.

“And I thought you could be trusted when it came to food.” She gasped.

“I’ll make you a deal” He smirked “You don’t like it, we go straight to Stefano’s right the fuck now.” He raised a challenging eyebrow at her.

“Fine” She pursed her lips before taking a slice and taking a bite, chewing for a moment before shrugging.

“Meh.”

Lance almost jumped out of his chair outraged, hand gesturing wildly.

“Wh- What’s that ‘meh’? Do you not have any taste buds, woman?” He protested, making her grin as she continued eating. Making him the one lashing out once in a while was fun. She did that while chewing on the piece.

He only realized she was still eating when he was halfway through his clamoring. His mouth fell shut.

“You like it?” He asked, perhaps a little annoyed.

She nodded “It’s good.” She giggled with a full mouth, making him huff.

“But not as good as Stefano’s.” She shrugged after having taken another bite, making him let out a chuckle.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.” He muttered as he took a bite out of a slice.

She smiled as she looked at him and perhaps it was a little bit of everything;

The dinner itself in the gym where they first met, the fact that he’d brought pizza and beer instead of steak and wine, the way he looked in that white shirt and how they could joke around and tease each other without making it awkward…

But in that moment she realized that she really liked Lance Tucker.

And that realization didn’t make her shudder like it would’ve a month ago. No.

It rather filled her stomach with an indescribable warmth.

“Hey, uhm…” She began, the two of them already having finished two slices each as she wiped her fingers on the napkin lying next to her.

“I just wanna say that-” She started but as soon as she’d begun to make her confession, he’d shushed her, looking somewhere behind her with eyes wide open and terrified.

“What?” She stopped, turning her head to look over her shoulder.

The light in the room behind the back entrance had switched on, yet she couldn’t see anyone there, assuming that maybe it had been on the entire time.

“Lance?” She turned back to him in confusion, but before she could say anything else he had stood up and grabbed her hand, pulling her from her chair in surprise and walking them both across the gym.

“Hey!” She whined as they stopped in front of the storage room, fiddling with his keys.

“I’m not proud to say this” He began, pushing the door open before pushing her inside, following her into the darkness.

“But we gotta hide.”

“What?” She hissed loudly, the door clicking shut and her eyes took a few seconds to adjust to the little light that shone in through the small window, fresh air pouring into the room along with the brightness from the street lantern, illuminating them just enough to keep them from bumping into the utensils, ladders and shelves.

“I’m so sorry, god-” He muttered, taking her hand into his and stepping between two shelves which sheltered them and prevented anyone who entered the room from seeing the two of them.

“It’s security outside, but the new guy who doesn’t know me and would think we’re here illegally and call the cops on us, it’s- “

He huffed, running a hand through his hair.

“We’re kinda…” He mumbled, looking around the small space “Not allowed to be here right now?” He tried an awkward smile but even in the almost complete darkness he could see that she wasn’t amused, rather shocked and speechless.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” She sighed, holding a hand against her forehead as she closed her eyes in annoyance.

“I wish I were.” He said before a small laugh burst out of him.

“Don’t fucking lie to me Tucker, I swear if-” She started, just as confused as she was frustrated but she couldn’t let out any more of her anger on him before he had pressed a hand against her mouth to shut her up, moving her back against the shelf as his eyes were trained on the door and the light that was pouring in from underneath it, seeing the shadow of the security guys’ feet moving closer until he had stopped right in front of it.

Lucy’s breath came quick and hotly against his hand, staring up at him with big eyes as his gaze was so focused, brows knitting together while his shoulders tensed up.

She barely noticed the sound of the man rattling the door handle from outside to prove that it was truly locked, the pulse of her core thrumming through her entire body, deafening any potential noise that could distract her from looking away from his gorgeous face.

God, he was so fucking hot. And he cared. For her not to get caught, turning his broad back instinctively to shield her from anyone who might waltz through the door and ruin the scenery she was already making out inside her head.

He cared for his little sister. She had never witnessed any man as concerned for her as he had been that night a few days back, clutching the steering wheel as he had raced through the city, risking to lose his license and sanity to get Ana to the hospital and make her feel well again. Even brought her flowers.

Those damn flowers.

She regretted not having put them up in her own room from the beginning, enjoying their smell and let them take her back to better times back when she lived outside the city without all its smog and garbage.

Fuck, she wanted him.

She wanted him so bad.

“I think he’s gone-” He whispered, his gaze softening before he looked down at her, seeing her already dark eyes glinting somehow mischievously, but not smugly like she was about to throw a snarky comment at his head- more like desperately because there was so much lust pooling behind those eyes the sight of it made him forget what he was about to say, looking at her with such wonder and also puzzlement he couldn’t think of anything else but her.

“I, uhm…” He breathed, voice faltering and only then did he realize how closely they were actually pressed together. Against each other.

His hands were resting to each side of her head, having shielded her body with his own somewhat automatically and if he hadn’t lost his ability to speak before, he surely did as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to meet his lips with hers.

His eyes shot wide open, seeing the slight furrow in her brow as she kissed him deeply, her hands holding the sides of his neck while he could only stand there like an imbecile, his brain not quite yet registering and catching up with the information of what the fuck had just happened- was still happening.

But once her hand went into his hair, tangling her fingers through the gel-stiffened strands to make it softer and easier to hold onto, his eyes fell close in an instant, stiff body loosening and sinking into her embrace as his arms immediately wound around her to pull her even closer. There was no way he was gonna fuck something up he’d been waiting to do since the minute he first saw her.

A small moan left her lips when his palm pressed into the small of her back urgently, driving her closer to him and making her arch her back as she opened her mouth for him- his tongue already having slid across her bottom lip to grant him access and so she did with just as much fervor.

Of cause he was battling for dominance, how could he not, but she had no desire to deny him that when he was just so- so- good at it.

You wouldn’t regret a night with me, babe.

His words had floated in her head ever since he’d said them out loud and in that moment, with his hands feeling over the fabric of her dress, moving lower to grab a handful of her ass and making him groan at the feel of it, she suddenly couldn’t wait to make those words come true fast enough.

She jumped up when his hands held onto the backs of her thighs, wrapping her legs around his waist and feeling her calves against his ass which was driving itself forward to rub his denim-clad erection against her dripping core.

His hands just couldn’t stop exploring.

Feeling the swell of her hips and ass underneath his touch was fucking amazing.

But what made his cock really twitch in his pants was running his fingers along her neck, grazing the pulse point to make her inhale a sharp breath before he’d bury them in her hair to tilt her head back and attack her throat with sucks and bites, nibbling and kissing until he’d reached her collarbone, already having her writhing and gasping in his arms.

“Lance…” She moaned and his pelvis involuntarily thrust forward at hearing his name fall from her plump lips so beautifully, his clothed cock rubbing against the thin layer of her panties which were separating him from driving himself inside her.

Her back was bumping into parts of the shelves’ metal behind her, making them rattle and shake until packages were raining down on them, landing on the ground with a dull sound.

Lucy pulled back long enough to break their kiss and gasp for air, making him listen to her as he was trying to catch his breath.

“You wanna… uhm-” He started, stealing her words. She grinned happily before she simply had to interrupt him.

“Your place or mine?”

*

*

*

Taglist: @culturespark

[undsieverbrannten]

My memories be so buck wild compared to canon that I'm at a point in life where I'm like,,, its not possible to have canonmates it's very unlikely any of them are here with me

[ranger-of-estel]

I’d Know You Anywhere

Been doing a re-watch of Eureka and couldn't help but write a little something. ~Missing/Extended scenes from 3x10 (My face or yours?)~

When Zane finds out that one of the scientists at GD had found a way to turn herself into Jo it explained why she'd been acting so strangely. But when he chooses to face Julia Golden, he realizes that things are not as they seem.

Read it on AO3

Thanks to @stillthewordgirl for the Beta

              Zane steps into the room, the woman he’s never met laying on the bed. He absently notes the way she slides her fingers together then pulls them apart; Jo does the same thing when she’s on edge. He shakes the thought clear and opens the coms, knocking lightly on the glass to get her attention.

               She shifts, eyes opening as she pushes to her feet. “Zane, thank god you’re here.”

               He’s not sure if it’s the fact she knows his name, or how she says it that sets him on edge. “Julia, right?” He shifts his weight. “Allison told me what you did to Jo.”

               She’s looking up at him. “No. She’s Julia Golden.” She lifts one hand to motion to herself. “And I’m Jo.”

               “Ah.” He gives a half nod. Allison had told him the woman was unstable. “Psych ward, I’m Henry.” He jokes, because something still feels off and this is helping less than it should.

               “I can prove it,” the woman replies, one hand coming up again to motion between them. “Ask me something personal that only Jo could know.”

               He wants to leave, wants to forget he ever came in here…but that nagging feeling won’t go away, so he faces her once more and clears his throat. “Pet peeves?”

               Her hands have shifted to rest near her hips, and her voice is sure. “Small guns, big egos.” Her weight shifts as she gives him an almost scolding look. “And over-critical boyfriends.”

               Not enough. “Boxers or briefs?”

               Her chin raises a bit. “Me or you?”

               “Funny,” he deadpans. “Me.”

               “Boxers,” she replies, then continues with, “except on laundry day. Which, by my count, would be tomorrow.”

               He’s beginning to think that either Julia Golden has been spying on him, or his girlfriend really is the victim here. “First date?”

               The woman on the other side of the glass changes a little at that, softens. “Sunday brunch at Café Diem.” He can’t help but step closer, watch the vulnerability in the brown eyes looking back. “I was nervous.” She glances down, then returns her gaze to his. “You brought a rose, I wore a sundress.” There’s a catch in her voice. “You said something smart.” She pauses, eyes dropping shut and head dropping slightly. “Which made me feel dumb.”

               He remembers: he’d insulted her being at church…thought he’d screwed up his one shot with the most stunning woman he’d ever met.

               “But,” she draws him back to the present, a smile pulling at her lips, “you made up for it on our second date.” She falls silent, her eyes pleading with him as she offers a half smile and little shrug of her shoulders. It’s the most open she’s ever been with him.

               He shifts to his heels, turning to face the guard and making a quick motion that he wants a couple minutes inside. The other man nods, and he quickly punches in the code so he can step inside the cell with her. “So.” He moves so they are only a step apart, offering a small smirk. “Does that mean I said something dumb, or made you feel smart?”

               There’s a flash of relief as she gives a little shrug. “A little bit of both.”

               “And how’d the date end?” It’s more a challenge than a question of who she is.

               “Let me give you a reminder.” She closes the gap between them with Jo’s sauntering gait, then puts one hand on his shoulder as she leans onto her toes to press her lips to his.

               It’s a brief kiss, and it’s a little strange to have Jo kiss him but not have it feel like her lips. Still, the kiss itself is familiar, is enough. As she drops back down, he smiles. “That’s my Josephina.”

               She hits him in the shoulder, hard enough he shifts his weight slightly. There’s fire in her eyes now. “Now get me out of here, before I tase you for kissing another woman.”

               “Yep.” He can’t help the grin on his face, the relief that the woman he loves still picks him. “Definitely Jo.” He turns for the door, intending to have a chat with Allison and Henry before hunting down the real Julia himself.

               He stops as Jo makes a gasping noise behind him, turning to find her unsteady as she steps back toward the bed. “Zane, what’s happening to me?” She sounds a little breathless as he kneels before her.

               He doesn’t know, and it scares him. “Hey, we’ll sort this out.” He tucks hair behind her ear, offers the most encouraging smile he can muster and then rises to bang on the glass and motion for the guard to open the door.

               “Come on, Jo.” He helps her to her feet, taking most of her weight without actually picking her up…he doesn’t have a death wish. As soon as the door is open, he’s easing her through, giving the guard a stern look. “This woman is sick, I’m taking her for medical attention.”

               The guard nods, doesn’t question as they make their way into the halls of GD. Using his free hand, Zane pulls out his PDA.

“Allison,” the woman answers.

               “You’ve got the wrong one.” It’s almost a growl.

               “What are you talking about, Zane?” Allison’s voice fills with concern.

               “You got the wrong person. Julia switched their faces, the woman in holding is definitely Jo.” That woman stumbles and he curses. “And she’s suffering some kind of side effects.”

               “Oh no…” There’s half a second pause, then Allison adds: “Take her to Dr. Stefano’s lab. I’ll get Henry and meet you there.”

               “Copy that.” Zane clicks the PDA off, focus returning to the woman at his side. “Almost there.”

               She nods, and soon they reach the lab and get her into the scanner once more. Zane watches with his arms crossed over his chest as the blue light scans her from head to toe.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Dr. Stefano states. “Her DNA markers don’t match her original profile.” The man motions toward his computer. “They don’t match any profile.”

               “I’m so sorry, Jo.” Allison motions toward her. “I still can’t believe that’s you in there.”

               Zane grabs a tablet, running diagnostics of his own. “Trust me, it’s her,” he comments, stepping aside so the other woman can pass him.

               “Just fix me and all’s forgiven,” Jo replies uneasily.

               “We’re working on it,” Henry states, walking over to ask Zane’s opinion on something. It takes Zane longer than it should to answer, but his focus keeps being drawn back to Jo as her hands and jaw clench in an effort to hide the waves of pain.

               Allison’s voice catches his attention once more. “…her DNA to decompose, it’s like her cells are misfiring.”

               He shifts his attention to the other woman, that fear digging into his chest once more. “So if we can’t restart them again, that means…”

               He’s cut off by Henry. “…that being stuck in Julia’s body is the least of her problems.” The older man looks at him. “It means her cells stop functioning.” There’s something in his gaze, a pity Zane has seen before. “It means we could lose her for good.”

               It twists Zane’s gut, and when he looks back, Jo looks at him like she’s lost. “No.” Initially he doesn’t realize he’s said it out loud, but when attention turns to him, he guesses as much. “No, I won’t let that happen.”

               He moves to a desk, runs a hand through his hair as he runs calculation after calculation until between them, they have something solid to work with. He runs to Julia’s lab, tossing apologies over his shoulders as he knocks people and paperwork to the side. He returns at a slightly lowered speed, more in fear of damaging the complex chair  she’d used to swap faces, than out of concern for the people lining the halls.

               When he re-enters the lab, Henry is getting the small devices attached to Jo’s temples as he moves to hook in the chair itself. “I can’t believe my cells are misfiring?” she asks, sounding tired, drained.

               “Bodies regulate tiny impulses that allow our cells to function,” he answers, looking up from where he’s working. “Yours aren’t getting enough juice.”

               “Your DNA strands are essentially unraveling,” Dr. Stefano adds, carefully leading her toward the chair. “The genetic lines between Jo, and Julia, are getting blurred.”

               “I’ve been in a blur ever since you shocked me with your stupid scanner.” She scoots herself back in the chair.

               “Again,” the scientist puts his hands out before him, “really sorry about that.”

               There’s a pause, then. “What if we do it again?”

               Zane straightens behind the chair to look down at her, Allison beating him to a response. “One near-electrocution wasn’t enough?”

               Jo tries to sit up, and he moves around the chair to stop her with a hand against her shoulder as she speaks. “My cells are misfiring,” she says as she allows him to lean her back into the chair once more. “What if we give them a genetic jump-start?”

               “The scanner does have your original DNA profile.” Allison looks over at them thoughtfully.

               “Programming them into Julia’s device might restart the markers,” Henry continues. “It’s like a cellular reboot.”

               Zane is on his feet again, looking at the other two scientists. “But we need Julia to show us how.” There’s no way any of them are using guesswork to get the device working.

               “Well, we’re trying to pinpoint her location now.” Allison makes her way over to them.

               Zane is about to tell her that’s not good enough, but Jo speaks first. “If this is happening to me, it must be happening to her too.” He can hear the pain radiating from her voice. “Can we track her down the way you tracked me?”

               Allison shakes her head. “Not if her DNA is degenerating.”

               “It won’t match the profile in the system,” Henry adds from his post.

               Zane returns the tablet, intent on trying anyway. “Then,” Jo says, looking between them, “try searching for Fargo’s.”

               The moment she says it, Zane feels like an idiot, and with a quick motion from Henry, he’s sprinting over to help. Fargo was why this all started, it only figures that he’s part of the solution. They get the location, and it’s only Henry’s hand on his shoulder that keeps Zane from bolting toward the shooting range.

When they arrive, they find Julia, still looking like Jo, tucked into Fargo’s side on a bench. Seeing Jo’s face contorted in pain, even if it’s not really Jo, pulls some of the fury out of Zane’s veins.

               Still, he wants them up and in the lab as quickly as possible. The moment they arrive, he leaves Julia to Henry, grabbing the tablet and pulling a box up to the side of Jo. He keeps glancing up from his work at the woman beside him, and she offers a weak smile. He reaches up to cradle her face in his hand. “We’ll fix this.” It’s almost a whisper, but she nods a little all the same.

               “Okay, that’s it.” Dr. Stefano approaches them, pulling Zane’s attention up. “I’ve programmed her original DNA profile into Julia’s transfiguration device.”

               “All right.” Henry steps up. “She’s stabilized for the moment, we need to this now.”

               Dr. Stefano nods. “All right, let’s go.” He activates the device, and Zane watches as the headpiece folds in to frame her face with light.

               He can see the pain in her eyes, the way she tenses, and he instinctively takes her hand into his.

               “Her blood pressure is dropping.” Allison frowns. “Her system is too unstable.”

               “We stop this thing now, we may not get another chance,” Henry replies.

               “She’s getting worse!” Allison counters.

               Zane is standing, leaning forward with her hand still tightly in his. “Come on, Jo,” he says, keeping his voice low, afraid it will crack if he gets louder. “Don’t give up on me now.”

               She’s gripping his hand so hard he’s pretty sure there will be bruises, but right now none of that matters. He’d let her break every bone in his hand if it meant she kept fighting.

               “She’s still not responding.” Henry’s voice feels a million miles away.

               “We have to stop this,” Allison replies.

               “No, just hang on!” Henry snaps.

               Before Zane can comment, fuses begin to blow, sparks coming from most of the electrical devices in the room. He lifts the tablet in his hand to shield his face, gaze dropping to the chair the moment the sparks stop. He hears the generators kicking in, lights stabilizing, but the only thing he cares about is the way Jo whimpers under the lights.

               But he can see her facial structure changing, familiar features returning as she clings to his hand even more tightly. He returns to sitting on the box, watching in relief as his Josephina comes back. “Her DNA profile is starting to stabilize!” Dr. Stefano exclaims.

               Her eyes open, and she smiles at him. “Hey.” Her voice is breathless, but it’s hers once more.

               He smirks back, thumb brushing over her hand. “You had me worried there.”

               She reaches up, fingers moving across her cheek and neck. There’s a flash of uncertainty as she looks at him. “How do I look?”

               He smiles, fighting around the lump in his throat as he nods at her a little. “Perfect.”

               Her features soften a little, and he thinks she might be blushing just slightly. Normally he might tease her, but right now, right now he’s just glad she’s all right. He looks up as Fargo and Julia approach, bristling fractionally at the other woman as he rises to his feet.

               “Thanks.” Julia inclines her head, leaning heavily on Fargo.

               “It’s okay.” Jo gives a tired smile, her hand never leaving Zane’s as she gets out of the chair. They walk to med lab in mostly silence, and once she has a clean bill of health, and her uniform is returned, they make their way through the hall once more.

               They make it to Stark’s wing, and Zane watches the light reflecting from the water dance across her skin. “You know, it was fun to be Carter for a day,” she says, “but I’m really happy to be back in my skin.”

               He bumps her shoulder with his, tugging at their joined hands so she’ll turn to face him. “Well…” His free hand comes up to cover where hers is tugging him closer by his shirt. “You are perfect.”

               “No.” Her walls are back up again, and she’s shaking her head slightly. “I’m hyper-sensitive and over-reactive.”

               “Well…” His hand releases hers long enough for him to exaggerate a shrug. “My ego’s too big, and I’m overly critical.”

               She offers a half nod. “No argument here.” She tries to keep a straight face, but he just laughs.

               “Seriously though,” he holds her gaze, giving her hands a gentle squeeze, “I love you just the way you are.” He tilts his head slightly. “Flaws and all.”

               “Love?” She looks up at him, a smile blossoming across her face moments after she says it.

               Yeah, he doesn’t doubt it after today. “Can you handle that?” he smiles, leaning a little closer.

               “I think I could get used to it.” She’s so close their noses brush, and this all feels so right.

               “Good.” His lips brush hers with the word, and then he dips his head just enough to kiss her soundly.

               She reciprocates, pulling herself impossibly closer with the hand on his shirt, and they’re both a little breathless when they pull away. She lifts herself up for another, shorter, kiss, then pulls away with a regretful little sigh. “I really need to go meet Carter.”

               He nods. “All right.” He tilts his head. “Dinner later?”

               She smiles, eyes sparkling with life once more. “Dinner sounds good.” She gives their entwined hands one last squeeze, then turns to walk away.

              He watches her go, knows she’s swaying her hips entirely for his benefit. He’s still not sure how he caught such an amazing woman, even less sure how he keeps her…but, god, is he glad she’s his. And for the first time, he’s not afraid of being in love.

[tenebris-melodiam]

Stefano Valentini x Reader: Facade - Chapter 5

Pairing: Stefano Valentini x Reader/Female Protagonist (18+)

Warnings: Alcohol Consumption, Light Swearing

Current Time: December 24th, 2015

=2=

[Vinny]: Oh man, (Name). I’m tired of waiting in this line to get into the club. I’m thinking about just trying to sneak in around back with the guys lol!

[Me]: Mhm, we’ll see where that gets you, haha. I’d recommend not getting arrested tonight, Vincent.

[Vinny]: Awww, are you saying you wouldn’t come bail me out? You’re so mean, (Name)! Well, we’ll probably be standing out here for a while now… there’s still plenty of people ahead of us. Damn, I wish this place wasn’t so popular!

[Me]: That’s exactly why I’m not there right now. It’s too cold to be standing outside right now for hours on end… plus that means the place is packed!

[Vinny]: Yeah, yeah… it’d be more fun if you were here though! After all, today is the only day this club is open from 5 at night to 4 in the morning! It usually doesn’t open until like 9:30 on regular days. The guys and I made the horrible mistake of thinking people wouldn’t show up until later, though… hence why we’re stuck in this long ass line at 5:30…

[Me]: Shit, is it that late already? I lost track of time… Vince, I’ll talk to you later, okay? I have some stuff to do.

After finishing off your text message, you placed your phone upon the table and hastily finished wrapping up a mid-sized box that had arrived only thirty minutes ago, (thank God it actually got there on time) and then rummaged around in your bag for the black and white ribbon that you had bought earlier that day. You peeled the backing off of it, then placed it gently upon the center of now-wrapped box—hopefully this gift would be something your dinner partner greatly enjoyed. Once you made sure that the box was entirely perfect, you made your way into your bathroom to take one final look at yourself, then ran your brush through your hair to get rid of any stray strands. Finally, you were ready.

You made your way back to the front of your apartment, slipped your coat on over your shoulders, grabbed the gift and your keycard from the living room table, and then made your way out into the cold. It was already nearly dark outside, with only a sliver of light coming over the horizon as the sun bid the wintery city goodnight, but there were countless people out and about this evening. As you stood at the bus stop in front of your apartment building, you absentmindedly watched the various groups of bustling people wander their way around the snow-covered city, and you couldn’t help the smile that crossed your lips when you noticed a family of four walk past you—a husband and wife, and two young children… a boy and a girl. The children were giggling as they stooped down and tossed makeshift balls of snow at one another whilst they walked, and the parents were closely watching to make sure neither of them got hurt.

Your attention was tugged away from the family as the city bus came to a halt in front of you, and you greeted the driver as you made your way to the first empty seat (granted you could have sat anywhere if you wanted to—the bus was devoid of all life aside from you and the driver). You carefully set the gift you had been holding on the seat beside you, and then gave a soft sigh as you leaned your head back against the seat.

“Where you headin’ to, love?”

“Krimson Tower, sir.”

“Ah, that fancy place, eh? Ya got family that lives there?”

“No, sir. I’m just going to spend the evening with an acquaintance of mine.”

“Ah, I see. Always wondered what it would be like to be able to live in a fancy place like that, y’know? Heard the rooms there are huge! An’ that studio on the very top of the buildin’ is the size of a small house!”

You chuckled quietly to yourself as you listened to the bus driver talk—he was right, though. The studio that Stefano lived in was absolutely huge, and not to mention how gorgeous it was on the inside. You hadn’t seen any of the other rooms, but you knew they would probably be way over your budget to afford; Krimson Tower was known for being one of the most prestigious living buildings in the entire city, so it made sense that the other rooms would be rather large and accommodating.

You and the bus driver continued to make small talk throughout most of the ride around the city, and when it was finally time for you to get off, he bid you farewell and wished you a “happy holiday.” You gave him a wave as you got off the bus, and then sighed softly as you made your way into the large building in front of you. The sudden warmth of the building made goosebumps appear upon your skin, and you unzipped your jacket as you made your way over to the elevator. While you waited for it to reach the bottom floor, you completely took off your jacket and hung it over your right arm—it felt much better to have it off now that the air around you was warm. You heard the ping of the elevator as it finally reached its destination, and you stepped inside to begin your journey upward.

On the way up, you glanced down at your watch to see that it was now 5:54, so you still had a few minutes before you were considered late. You knew that it wouldn’t be much of an issue if you arrived a few minutes later than six, but you were the type to make sure you arrived on time to events such as these. You didn’t want to seem rude, after all. You felt the elevator come to a halt, and began to make your way down the hallway once the doors slid open—once you arrived at the door, you were surprised to see that it was already being opened by a very well-dressed Stefano.

“(Name), it’s lovely to see you again. I knew that you had arrived when I heard the elevator.”

“I was actually just thinking about that, you know?”

You slipped past him and into the studio, which was a bit different than it normally was. To start, the lights had been dimmed, and you noticed the living room had been rearranged into a dining area of sorts. A larger table had been placed in the center where the coffee table once was, and two chairs sat on either end of it—upon the top of the table sat four candles, all of which were lit and formed several dancing shadows upon the walls of the studio. There were also wine glasses on either end of the table, alongside dinnerware, which you would be using soon. The next thing you noticed was the scent of the studio itself. It was something that you hadn’t had the pleasure of smelling in quite some time, but you recognized the unmistakable scent of a roast. It was a wonderful aroma, to say the very least. And finally, you heard the beginning notes of 1812 Overture, performed by none other than Tchaikovsky, playing throughout the entirety of the studio.

“Wow, you did some rearranging, huh?”

“Indeed. I’ve been meaning to set aside a space for a dining area, but this will do for now. However, I am most curious as to what you have within your hands, (Name).”

“It’s a gift! However, I’m going to be mean and make you wait until after dinner to open it.”

You gave the man a mischievous smile, and this elicited a quiet chuckle from him as he walked further into the studio. You followed him and saw that he was making his way into the kitchen, where the scent of food only grew stronger and more enticing. You placed the box down upon the counter, making sure it was far enough away from the edge that it wouldn’t accidentally get knocked off, and then leaned your right arm against the wall to relax a bit—finally, you could no longer stand your curiosity, so you asked the question that was continuously on your mind.

“Stefano, do you mind if I ask what we’re partaking in for dinner?”

“Ah, of course not! I’ve prepared one of the traditional Natale dinners that is served back home in Italy. Brasato al Borolo, which is simply beef that has been braised in Barolo wine, complimented with some purè di patate, or mashed potatoes. I thought a nice Merlot would pair well with the meal, as well.”

Well, well… you’re quite the chef, aren’t you? That all sounds wonderful, Stefano.”

“Hmm. When one lives alone, you often tire of the same meals day after day. I challenged myself to find variety, so I began preparing various things for myself, and thus built my fondness for cooking over time.”

You smiled at his words as you watched him elegantly slice butter into the bowl of potatoes sitting in front of him upon the counter, then begin to mash them into a smooth mass once he had added several spices to them. It was mesmerizing to watch him prepare dinner, and you eventually found yourself moving to his side to get a better look. This caught his attention, and he gave an amused smile in your direction as he continued to fold the potatoes over themselves in order to make sure they were properly mashed. Once that was done, he opened one of his cupboards and grabbed two rectangular plates from within, which he gently set upon the countertop—he then grabbed two bowls, and placed them on the right side of the plates.

He turned his attention to the roast, which was wrapped in aluminum and sitting atop his cutting board, then gracefully undid the metallic covering and tossed it into the trash bin that was to his right. He took his knife and carefully cut the meat into thin slices, then placed an even portion within both of the bowls—to finish off the meat, he added a ladle of broth to each bowl, which made your mouth water. You watched as he then added a healthy portion of potatoes to the left side of each plate, and added a dash of parsley upon them to finish them off.

“Come, mia cara. Sit down at the table whilst I get our wine.”

You followed Stefano to the table, where he waited while you took a seat, and then placed a plate down in front of you and the other upon the opposite end of the table. He then walked over to a mid-sized cabinet, which housed his collection of wine bottles, and hummed softly to himself whilst browsing through to find the bottle he desired. Once he had found the bottle, he removed the cork from the top with ease, and poured each wine glass approximately a third of the way full before setting the bottle down in the center of the table with the candles and taking a seat opposite of you. He wrapped his fingers around the stem of his wine glass, and then raised it across the table—you smiled as you did the same, the glasses clinking together gently as you gave yourselves a toast.

It was quiet whilst the two of you ate, save the gentle music in the background and the quiet tapping of dinnerware against your plates. However, Stefano eventually decided to break this silence with a question that caught your immediate interest.

“(Name), have you ever had the desire to be with someone?”

You glanced up at him while placing a forkful of potatoes into your eager maw, and then took a sip of your wine before responding to him.

“Not particularly… I haven’t had a boyfriend since I was in tenth grade. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit this, but the most I’ve ever done was hold hands with a guy. Pretty sad coming from a twenty-five year old, huh?”

“Not entirely. Hearing the same circumstances from a thirty-one year old male might be a bit worse, hm?”

You stopped, your gaze turning away from the remaining food upon your plate to the man sitting across from you. His attention was on you, a smile that reflected both pain and longing sitting upon his lips. You had to admit, hearing that Stefano had never been with another person was rather surprising—it’s not like he was an unattractive man, quite the opposite, in fact. You placed your fork down upon the plate in front of you, then picked up your wine glass and took another sip of your wine before speaking.

“Is there a reason you’ve never been with anyone before?”

“Several. A vast majority of it comes from my love for photography, you see. Throughout my life, my beautiful creations were all that I ever needed. My longing for creating wonderous works of art far outweighed the longing I felt for a partner. Besides, not many women would be entranced by the art I create, and I couldn’t be with one who didn’t love it as I did.”

You cocked your head to the side a bit, becoming increasingly interested in what Stefano was saying. You were honestly quite relieved that you weren’t the only one who wasn’t experienced in the vast realm of romance—for the longest time, you had felt rather out of place since everyone else was already experiencing such things, but it was nice to share that inexperience with someone else now. You heard Stefano clear his throat, and he leaned back a bit in his chair before parting his lips to speak once again.

“Another reason stems from my childhood. I seldom speak of it, but I refuse to be a man like that of my father. I’ve never met him, nor do I wish to, but my mother told me stories of him. He was a man who sought only the physical pleasure a woman could offer him, and in turn, he hurt my mother deeply with such ideologies. My mother, you see, was my everything. And knowing how that bastard hurt her… well, it helped form my views on love. I’ve simply never found another whom I’ve connected with.”

“Well, perhaps you will someday, Stefano. That’s entirely up to you, you know?”

“Perhaps I will. Perhaps I already have. Only time will tell, I suppose.”

It was quiet between the two of you for a long while, and then you cleared your throat as you slowly rose to your feet from the table. You grabbed your plate, which had been picked clean by this point, and then smiled in Stefano’s direction before walking into the kitchen. He soon followed you, and as you washed your dish off in the sink, you looked over at him to see him in what seemed like deep thought.

“Stefano… I’d like to hear more about your mother. If I’m not prying, of course.”

Your words shook him out of his trance, and he gave a slight smile as he began to recall the days of his youth once more.

“I was a single child. My mother and I had very little money, and we lived in the underbelly of Florence. We stayed in a tiny house, which she worked hard to keep clean, and she worked two jobs—damn near twenty-four hours a day, each day of the week. There was hardly a time when she wasn’t working, come to think of it. But… it was all for me. So that she and I could have food upon the table. So, as I grew older, I wished to give my mother a better life than the one she had been forced to live.”

As Stefano continued to speak, he had made his way beside you and began to help clean the dishes. You never once took your attention off of him, however, since you were more than interested in the story he was currently telling you. It was the first time you had learned anything this personal about him, and it was something that you knew he was trusting you with.

“When I was twelve, I was given a gift by my mother—the camera that I take everywhere with me. She had been secretly saving any bit of spare money that she made just to get me that camera. I discovered my love for photography then and there, and between working my job to help her earn more money, I was taking pictures. When I turned eighteen, I went off to photograph the horrors of war and begin making a life for myself and my mother. Several months before I lost my eye… she stopped returning my letters. I came to find out that she had passed on while I was away.”

He stopped washing dishes for a moment, and the longer you looked at him, the more you could tell that he was hurting. Before you had a chance to do anything, however, he cleared his throat and continued to speak.

“My mother is why I am where I am today. I worked so hard to make a life for myself, mostly out of the guilt that I was unable to give my beloved mother the life she deserved. My love for photography, my current lifestyle… I owe it all to her.”

“Well, I’m sure that she’d be proud of you, Stefano.”

“Hmm… of that, I am not certain.”

You gave a soft sigh as you began to dry off the dishes that you had already washed, and then stopped when you noticed that Stefano was still in a trance-like state as he continued absentmindedly running his cloth over the dish underneath the running water. It took a lot of convincing to ready your mind for what you were about to do, but you eventually won it over and took a step towards him.

When Stefano felt a light pressure press against his back, it tugged him out of his thoughts and he looked down, only to see a pair of hands wrapped gently around his midsection. He glanced over his shoulder, just barely able to the top of your head that was leaning against his back—this brought a very light smile to his lips, and he cleared his throat before placing the dripping dish upon the countertop.

“(Name), let’s not worry about these for now. We’ve done enough already, and I’ll finish up what remains of them later.”

You gave a nod of your head as you moved yourself away from the man, a sheepish smile upon your lips as you did so. Had the room not been dimmed, the artist surely would have seen the clear embarrassment spread neatly across your cheeks—but to you, if it made him feel any better at all, it was worth it. It was then that you saw Stefano turn his attention towards his office, and he gave a small gesture towards the table.

“Ah, I nearly forgot. Would you mind taking a seat at the table for me, (Name)? I’ll be right back.”

You followed his figure as he made his way over to the door of his office, which he opened and promptly stepped inside of. As you took a step forward to return to the table, the black and white package that you had brought with you caught your eye, and you gently took it off the countertop before making your way back over to the table and taking a seat—after all, you had promised that you would allow Stefano to open the gift after dinner, and that time was now. Your gaze fell upon the shadows that were dancing gracefully along the walls, each one given life only by the illuminated candles upon the table; just before they were able to entrance you, your attention was drawn to Stefano as he returned from the depths of his office. You noticed that he now held something within his hand, and you hummed quietly to yourself in wonder. What was it?

He took a seat upon his end of the table, and then cleared his throat before gently sliding whatever he had previously held within his hand across the table. You carefully picked it up, and saw that it was a rectangular object covered in light red wrapping paper; from strictly holding it and eyeballing it, you assumed that it was some kind of book, and you gave a small smile as you began to tear away the paper that encased it. In order to keep it as much of a surprise as possible, you closed your eyes as you continued to tear bits of the paper off, and when you could no longer feel any more upon it, you opened your eyes to reveal what exactly Stefano had given you.

You had been right—within your hands was a mid-sized book, the front and back covers textured in a way that felt akin to what one might feel if they lightly touched the back of a reptile. Your (color) eyes fell upon the golden plaque that was embedded into middle of the cover, where Hidden Beauty was engraved in elegant cursive; the same cursive that you recognized in all of Stefano’s other works. You glanced up at him, only to see him give a slight nod of his head which seemed to say that he wished for you to open it. You flipped the book open, and the first thing that you saw was an image that you had been proud of whenever it was taken—it was a profile shot of your face, your head tilted back ever so slightly as several dark lines of liquid ran along the curve of your cheek. Your eyes were closed, your lips barely parted, and several droplets of the liquid had been captured as they plummeted from your jaw. Though the photograph was now monochrome, it was still beautiful—you honestly couldn’t believe the woman you were looking at was you.

You began to flip through the various pages of the book, each one containing one to two photographs that you had taken during the photoshoots that Stefano had conducted with you. On the second to last page, you found the same bust shot that Stefano had sent to you only a few days earlier via text, and you gave a small smile as you looked at it. This man really had such skill when it came to photography and making his models look perfect. Finally, you flipped to the last page of the book, which had a single photograph upon it. It was the only photograph that you had ever taken with Stefano himself, in which he was tenderly cupping your cheeks as the two of you stared at one another in a profile shot; however, the palms of his hands had been covered in the same substance he used to create his blood effects, and had left several dark streaks across your cheeks in the photograph. You remembered that during the course of his sessions, you had learned that the artist almost never photographed himself, but he had said this particular picture was an exception.

You closed the book and gave a soft sigh, then turned your attention to the man sitting across from you. You felt your lips curl upwards into a smile, and you held the book against your chest for a moment before speaking.

“Stefano, this is amazing. I’ve… honestly never felt beautiful in any pictures that have been taken of me before, and you somehow managed to make me feel and look beautiful. Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me, (Name). You’ve made my days much lighter by allowing me to photograph you.”

You hummed softly in response to his words, and then used your right hand to gently scoot your box across the table, just as he had done for you only minutes earlier. You watched eagerly as he elegantly tugged bits of paper away from it, and then saw him cock his eyebrow whenever he set eyes upon the object that had been hidden away beneath the paper. It was a black, flocked box, about the size of a small jewelry box, that had a golden latch upon the front to keep it shut. You grinned as the man carefully undid the latch, then opened the top—a look of surprise immediately crossed his face, and he turned his attention to you for only a moment before returning his gaze to the item within the box. There, nestled snugly within crimson red felt, was a lens for his camera.

“I had to do a bit of research to find out about that camera of yours, Stefano. You have quite a rare one, you know that? However, that lens should fit it, and it will allow you better clarity and zoom.”

“(Name)… a lens for my camera would have to be custom made at this point.”

“Yeah, I know.”

You gave the man a smile, and the look of disbelief upon his face only seemed to worsen. He gave an awkward chuckle, and removed the lens from its resting place with the softest of touches. He looked it over, then placed it back within the box and shut the lid.

“I honestly cannot believe you’d obtain such a thing for me. Surely the cost of this was-“

“Ah, ah… let’s not bring up numbers, okay? I was honestly kind of scared it wouldn’t get here in time, since, like you said, it had to be custom made. But the man who did it was incredibly hard-working, and even though it cost me a bit more, it made it on time and in perfect condition.”

=2=

Stefano leaned back in his chair, a long sigh leaving his lips. This was honestly the last thing that he had ever expected to be within the box that you had brought, but it was something that had utterly made his entire night. In fact, he was incredibly tempted to take this new lens out for a test run, and he already had several ideas in mind for how he was going to do that. However, it might be just a bit too early to do so—yeah, he’d wait a while before finding a new subject for his camera to photograph. He cleared his throat as he listened to you keep talking about the lens that you had given him, however that wasn’t what he was paying attention to. In fact, his mind was somewhere else entirely. Aside from thinking about how desperately he wished to create some new art with this lens, he was thinking about you. He was thinking about how you had gone out of your way to please him this holiday, and about everything else that you had done for him—you listened to him, you worked to make him happy, and you cared about his career and his artwork. Perhaps… just perhaps.

He was driven away from his thoughts when he saw you rise to your feet, and he glanced down at the watch that was hidden beneath his sleeve: 10:02 P.M. Had it truly been that long already? He rose to his feet and followed you to the door, where he watched as you put on your jacket.

“Stefano, thank you again for tonight. It made me so happy, and it was really nice to just… have an evening to ourselves, you know?”

He gave a nod of his head, then took your hand within his own and gave a gentle kiss to the back of it. This seemed to embarrass you, which made the man chuckle before opening the door for you to walk out of. He heard you tell him goodnight, and he gave a slight smile as you walked down the long hallway towards the elevator that would lead you down to the main floor of the building. The smile upon his lips, however, eventually began to fall once you were out of his sight, and he made his way back into his studio and into his kitchen. He looked at the few dishes that still had to be done, then slipped his hand into his pocket to remove his phone from within it. After a few minutes, he placed it down upon the counter, turned on the water of his sink, and began to quietly hum along to the tune of Dean Martin’s Return to Me.

=2=

Author’s Note (1): Congratulations, we’ve finally hit some fluff! Also, congratulations on learning quite a few head canons that I have for Stefano’s past! (Feel free to speak to me privately if you want more info. I know not everything is discussed in-depth here).

Author’s Note (2): Before you light your torches and grab your pitchforks, yes, I have an idea that Stefano isn’t experienced at all with intimacy or physical romance like many believe he is. This stems from my head cannoned childhood for him, and the fact that, canonically, he is shown to love his art above everything else. Am I going against a majority of what the fanbase believes? Yes, yes I am, and I completely understand and recognize this.

Author’s Note (3): I had to do a bit of research on Stefano’s camera, and I found that it closely matches the Canon P Rangefinder, which was only in production for 3 years (between 1958 and 1961) and only approximately 100,000 were ever produced. Hence why Reader had to order a custom lens for his specific camera, and why she made the comment that it was a rather rare one at that.

Author’s Note (4): Next chapter will be a rather large time-skip. I know I put dates at the top, but I’m just letting everyone know so it doesn’t take you by surprise.

Author’s Note (5): Please remember that, even though x readers are meant to have you inserted into them, Reader is also a character of their very own. Not everything Reader does reflects you specifically, (there’s no way on earth I could make a character to match every single human on this planet) so please remember that certain traits about Reader may or may not match up with you as a person (I.E. her being completely inexperienced with intimacy, or partaking in various types of alcohol).

[quietest-rebellion]

“His Last Masterpiece” Ch. 16: Followers

Chapter One

Previous Chapter

The white light faded around Sebastian and he found himself back in the observation room above “the pit.”

“What was that?” He asked himself. “It felt different than the others. More real… Like something changed… I feel...good.” he looked down to see that it wasn't his handgun in his hand, but his revolver. “Huh. My trusty revolver. Haven't seen you in a long time…” He put it in one of the many holsters he was wearing and grabbed the projector slide that was on the desk in front of him.

Sebastian made his way back down the hall lined with bodies and trashbags(still very ominous). He was greeted with the moans and groans of one of the tall lost like creatures. Or whatever it was. Not that it mattered, it'd be dead soon. The door he had gone through was partially closed, so he could see it, but it couldn't see him. He shot it a couple times and it went down for the count. Sebastian crawled under the gate and made his way to the exit he had seen Hoffman go through.

“Scanning for Unity Cerebral Chip. Please wait…” The automated voice told him. “Unity Cerebral Chip detected. Entry authorized.” The huge door swung open.

“About time. Hope I can still catch up with Hoffman and O'Neal…” Sebastian whispered as he walked through. He hopped over some gurneys that blocked his path and went on through the next door. The next room was large and dark. Divided by various curtains and shelves. Part of it obviously functioned some sort of science lab, with the “experiments” still on the tables. He could hear talking. “Huh. Voices…” Was that them? Sebastian found a door with lit candles outside of it. That was never a good sign. He went to open it.

“No!” Sebastian paused. Hoffman? He leaned in close to the door to hear better. “... Please stop! Don't let him control you!” Sebastian pulled away. What was happening?

“Just listen…” It was a deep voice. Unfamiliar, but familiar at the same time. “Listen… His voice will tell you…” Sebastian stood to the side of the door. Quickly he pulled the handle and aimed his gun into the room as the door opened.

“You’ve got to resist him!” Hoffman yelled. She was yelling at one of Theodore's men with the gas mask melded to his face.

“Hoffman!” Sebastian yelled, she turned to look at him. “Stand back!” Sebastian aimed his gun and Hoffman jumped between him and Theodore's henchman.

“No!” She cried. “He doesn't know what he's doing!” The man grabbed her by the shoulder and shoved her back, knocking her to the ground behind him. He ran forward and Sebastian fired. The man was unphased by the bullet and kept going. Sebastian ducked out of the way as the man tried to burn him with his flamethrower. He aimed again and the man did the same. Hoffman ran out and grabbed on to the man’s arm.

“Liam! Don't!” She yelled.

“What do you mean, 'Liam’?” Sebastian lowered his gun a little.

“Stay back!” The man pushed Hoffman back into the side room and set a barrier of flames between them. He looked towards Sebastian. He paused and grasped his mask, pulling it off of his face along with what looked to be some skin. Sebastian's eyes widened as he lowered his gun.

“Stay out of my way, Sebastian!” The voice had gone back to its normal tone. It was O’Neal. His face and head were horribly burned, one eye was damaged, and his glasses were gone. But it was him.

“O’Neal… What happened?” Sebastian aimed his gun again.

“Theodore showed me the way. I am His now.” He smiled. “I helped Him hide. And in exchange, He gave me a new life.” O’Neal began to walk forward. With every step he advanced, Sebastian stepped back.

“A life as a slave…” Sebastian told him. O’Neal raised and lowered his eyebrows, almost as if he was amused.

“You’ll never understand… For that, you’ll burn!” He turned on his flamethrower, and Sebastian was just barely able to jump out of the way. He quickly stomped out a small flame on his pant leg and ran around one of the shelves. “You’ll never escape me!” Sebastian ran until he found the nearest fire extinguisher.

“Getting too hot in here…Gotta put the flames out.” he pulled the lever and the sprinklers started up.

“You won't get out of here.” O’Neal told him from around the corner. “He demands I take care of you… You can either die… or change, like me…”

It was becoming obvious that Sebastian wouldn't be able to save him. Theodore's influence was too strong. Dammit. He ducked around another corner so that he could see O’Neal and shot him. Once again he seemed almost completely unphased.

“Argh! Damn you, Sebastian!” O’Neal shot a fireball at him and Sebastian jumped out of the way. O’Neal ran forward and swiped at Sebastian with the sword-like spout of the flamethrower. “You must be cleansed!” Sebastian aimed and fired again, getting O’Neal in the chest. He quickly ran behind some more shelves.

“Yes, Father Theodore, I told him…” When O’Neal started to get close again Sebastian ran behind another shelf. “Stop running! I’m sorry, Master. I won’t let him get away. I promise.” Sebastian jumped out from behind the shelf and fired again, getting O’Neal a couple of times in the chest. He was slowing down, but not by much. O’Neal pulled off his mask.

“That’s it. I’m done playing with you!” He burned all of the surrounding area and charged at Sebastian, who ducked out of the way and fired again. He ran and found cover. “You think you’re too good to fight me? I’m not weak anymore. I won't go down easy.” Sebastian ran and found another fire extinguisher and pulled the lever, turning the sprinklers back on.

“Shit. Is he ever going down?” He found O’Neal and fired again. He stumbled, but didn’t fall. Sebastian fired a couple more times. O’Neal finally fell back.

“Ahhh….” He made his way over to a wall and sat so he was leaning against it, coughing. Sebastian put out the flames blocking Hoffman’s path and they both went over to O’Neal, crouching beside him. “T-Thank you, S-Sebastian…” His every breath was a challenge. “F-Finally….Free. From his voice.” Hoffman was holding back her tears and Sebastian sat in silence taking in each one of O’Neal’s words. “From my fears…” O’Neal sighed. “I was so scared. You gotta stop him.”

“I can’t stop him if I can’t find him, O’Neal.” Sebastian told him.

“He phase-shifted… He’s not here. Not anywhere…” O’Neal whispered. He looked towards the door Hoffman had come from. “The machine in the room next door… You’ve got to destroy it…” Sebastian could tell it was taking his every breath to say this.

“What machine?” Sebastian leaned in. O’Neal looked down, ashamed.

“He made me build it. To hide him. Destroy it…” He took a breath. “So that you can destroy him…” O’Neal took one last deep breath and fell forward.

He was gone.

Hoffman wiped off her cheeks as the tears kept coming. Come on. She was used to this. She had to get over it. Sebastian closed O’Neal’s eyes and the two stood. They were silent for a couple minutes, the only sound in the room being the quiet sniffling of Hoffman. She may have used to people getting killed, but it hurt so much more this time.

“What happened?” Sebastian asked. “How did O’Neal get turned into that thing?”

“I don’t know.” Hoffman shook her head, wiping her face. She was done crying for now. “I’ve been locked in the Safe House with Y/N and Stefano since you left. When Liam called and asked me to meet him I was so relieved to hear his voice… But he wasn’t Liam.” She shook her head again, her voice shaking a little. “He was that… thing.” She sighed. “I tried to get through to him, but… You heard him. Theodore Wallace did something to him.”

“Poor guy.” Sebastian shook his head. “I didn’t want to have to kill him…”

“You didn’t have a choice. Theodore wasn’t going to give him up…” Hoffman looked up at Sebastian after glancing back at Liam. “So what now?”

“Let’s take a look at this machine O’Neal was talking about…”

“I think it’s on the other side of the room where you found us. Let’s go…”

~*~*~*~

           “You can't escape me.” Stefano grabbed his knife as his head started to ache. It was the Father. He looked back at Y/N, sitting peacefully watching their daughter. She couldn't hear him. “You can't protect them.” Theodore told him.

“I can.” Stefano whispered. He didn't want to alert her.

“You have nothing. You are weak. You cannot hide anymore.” Theodore continued. “Your betrayal will be your downfall, Stefano. All you had to do was bring me the girl. And you failed.” Stefano tightened his grip on his knife. “And you will be punished.” He looked over at Y/N as she grabbed her head, as if she were getting a headache.

“Leave her be.” Stefano whispered. “She is not the one who-”

“Kill Sebastian.” Theodore told him. “And I will leave her. I will grant to you your old ability. You can create your art. You can live out your life here with Y/N and your daughter. Safe, in your own domain.” Stefano was silent, watching Y/N relax again as her headache faded. “All you have to do, is kill Sebastian Castellanos.”

“Does Sebastian have the Core?” He whispered.

“No. But once you have killed him, I will gift you with the strength needed to find her.” Theodore explained. “But once you have located her, I will get her myself. You are very fortunate I am being so gracious.”

“Yes, Father Theodore.” Stefano whispered, looking down, tightening the grip on his knife again.

“Should you even think of betraying me,” Rozalia started to stir in her sleep, and Y/N picked her up as she started to cry. Stefano was losing feeling in his hand from holding his knife so tightly. “You know I can be a wrathful god.”

“Yes, Father.” The small pain in his head was gone. Theodore had left him. Stefano could feel the surge of energy as some of his power was given back to him. Dammit.

Stefano threw his knife at the door as hard as he could. You jumped.

“What was that for!?” You turned and asked him, rocking the crying Rozi in your arms.

“Target practice.” He told you as he pulled the knife out of the door. “I must practice in order to keep my skills the way they are.”

“A little warning would be nice.” You glared at him. Rozi had calmed down at least, whatever was bothering her was gone. Maybe she had gotten a headache like yours? Which was weird though. But you didn't think too much of it, random headaches weren't that weird. You looked back at Stefano. “Did you get a headache a second ago?”

“Yes.” He threw his knife again. “That's common here, is it not?” He pulled the knife from the door.

“Yeah. I guess.” You felt like there was more to it, but maybe you were just overthinking it. You watched Stefano practice knife throwing for a bit. “Sebastian came by when you were gone earlier.” He paused for a second then continued his practicing.

“Oh?”

“He told me to ask you about Theodore. He left right before you came back.” You explained, laying Rozalia back down on the blanket you had turned into a bed for her.

“Where did he go?” Stefano pulled the knife from the door.

“Back into the Marrow. To look for Hoffman and O’Neal.”

“Maybe I should look for him?” Stefano suggested. You were surprised. Him? Caring about Sebastian?

“Hey, come here.” You told him. He looked at you funny, but complied. You gestured for him to come closer and he leaned towards you. You placed your hand on his forehead. “You feeling okay?” He pushed your hand away.

“I know what you're thinking. But due to unfortunate circumstances, we have become allies.” He sounded like he was going to be sick saying that word. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend, si?”

“I guess. But it still doesn't seem like you.”

“There is a lot you do not know about me, darling.” Stefano gave you a small smile, but something about it didn’t feel quite right.

Next Chapter

[dpinoycosmonaut]

NADAL GEARS UP FOR FRENCH OPEN WITH VICTORY OVER DJOKOVIC IN ROME

by Bert A. Ramirez / May 17, 2021

                La Decima.  Ten championships.  Now, Rafael Nadal has completed double figures in championships won in four events in his career when he beat world No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 to win his 10th Italian Open title.

               The victory, completed after two hours and 49 minutes of riveting tennis, enabled Nadal to raise the total of ATP championships he has won to 88, moving him just six titles away from Ivan Lendl for third-most career ATP titles in the open era behind only Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.  He has compiled more than half of these in four events – 13 in the French Open, 12 in the Barcelona Open, 11 in the Monte-Carlo Masters, and 10 here in Rome – a phenomenal feat when others struggle to win just half of that in their entire careers.

               “It’s amazing.  To have this trophy in my hands for the 10th time, it’s just something impossible to imagine,” Nadal said after his latest victory, which came against no less than the player who has made it hardest for him to win.  Rafa also won in Rome in 2005 (the year he won his first of 20 Grand Slam titles in the French Open as a 19-year-old), 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2018 and 2019.  

               “I’m super-happy.  I can’t thank my team enough, and life for all these opportunities, and everybody’s support has been huge during all these years,” the always-grateful Spanish legend said.  “To have the trophy on this day, this year, it’s amazing.”

               The victory did not come without a struggle though, as it’s almost always been against Djokovic, whose edge in head-to-head battles against Nadal has been narrowed down to 29-28 in this their 57th meeting as they gear up for the year’s second Grand Slam event at Roland Garros at the end of this month.  

               As expected, this year’s clash for the Italian Open crown was a battle throughout, despite Nadal’s mostly lopsided win in his last match against his Serbian rival in the French Open finals last October.  Djokovic drew first blood by breaking Rafa to go up 2-0 in the first set, but Rafa broke right back, and the two titans exchanged holds for seven straight games before the Spaniard broke Nole in the 11th game to go up 6-5.  He then served out the set, clinching it with a sizzling inside-out forehand that was too far for Djokovic to reach.

               As in the two rivals’ last championship clash in the event in 2019, however, Djokovic would not go away, waiting for that break where Rafa would loosen his grip just a bit before pouncing to regain the advantage.  And this came with Nadal a point away from breaking Nole with the score tied at 1-1.  Once the Serbian survived that break point, he went on to break Rafa twice en route to winning the next five games to send the match into a deciding third set.

               That set had the makings of a humdinger as it started at 2-all and Djokovic then earned two break points on Nadal’s service game.  But instead of giving the game away to his arch-rival, Nadal found a way to hold in the end for a 3-2 advantage, then went on a four-point spree in the next game to break Nole at love for a decisive 4-2 edge, which he never relinquished until the end.

               The victory is almost poetic in terms of record as it gave Nadal his 36th ATP Masters 1000 title, which puts him level for the career record with Djokovic at that number, and also evened his head-to-head matchup with the 18-time Grand Slam champion in 14 Masters 1000 finals at seven victories apiece. And it looks like a virtual repeat of the 2019 finals between the two in the same event where the Spaniard beat Djokovic 6-0, 4-6, 6-1.  Rafa lost in the Rome event last year when it was played under pandemic conditions during the quarterfinals against Diego Schwartzman, who went on to fall to Djokovic in the finals.

               This year, however, Rafa reasserted his Rome dominance with the help of his lethal forehand.  In his championship win over Djokovic, he hit 26 forehand winners, accounting for the bulk of his 37 total winners in the match even as he committed 23 unforced errors.

               “Well, I think I have been playing better and better with my forehand the last couple of weeks, getting to the confidence point,” Nadal assessed. “Yes, today has been a positive day, but I think I could change more times down the line than what I did, something I can’t keep doing, and I can keep improving.”

               Both Nadal and Djokovic, to be sure, did not arrange their 14th Masters title showdown without going through their own battles.  Djokovic, for example, had to spend almost five hours on the court the previous day just to complete a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 quarterfinal win over Stefanos Tsitsipas and then hold off hometown boy Lorenzo Sonego in the semis 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2.  Nadal, meanwhile, had to survive the challenge of youngsters like Denis Shapovalov, who he had to overcome in a third-round bloodbath where he had to surmount a 3-6, 0-3 deficit in the first two sets and two match points in the third before prevailing 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3).

               “Well, I was lucky at some moments this week, especially against Shapo,” Rafa recalled when it was all over.  “I think I played a good tournament here in Rome this week.  I think I’ve been playing better and better, finding my rhythm on clay, and I think I had a very positive week, and I’m very happy.”

               All this, of course, still came down to his famed matchup against Djokovic, whom he has now beaten in five of their last eight meetings, including that decisive straight-sets victory in the finals of last year’s French Open.  Djokovic had beaten Nadal seven straight times between 2015 and 2016 during the latter’s worst seasons when he failed to win a single Slam, while Rafa had also beaten Nole six straight times between 2008 and 2009, and that makes up all the difference in their head-to-head career matchup.

               With his latest Italian Open victory, Rafa now has a 4-2 edge against Djokovic in their head-to-head clashes in the finals of this event, and has an overall 6-3 edge over the Serbian in Rome.  He also has 12 finals appearances in this tournament while Djokovic has 11, the most in the latter’s career in any event.  The duo, in fact, has won 15 of the last 17 Rome championships, with only Andy Murray in 2016 and Alexander Zverev in 2017 breaking that duopoly in the Italian capital.

               "I really wanted this title,” Nadal said after beating Nole.  “This had been one of the most important titles in my career.  I'd won 10 in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Roland Garros and really wanted it here too."

               It’s no doubt a momentum-building victory going into the French Open, where Rafa is gunning for a record-extending 14th title and a record 21st Grand Slam victory that will put him one clear of Roger Federer for the all-time record in this category.  Will he continue his dominance in a tournament that he loves and on a surface where he thrives most of all?

               We shall see about a month from now.

 Photo captions:

1) Rafael Nadal poses with the 2021 Rome Masters trophy with his trademark bite at the hardware.  (Photo from rafaelnadalfans.com)

 2) Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic shake hands after their tough finals battle.  (Photo from rafaelnadalfans.com)

[aion-rsa]

DCeased: The Secret Origin of DC's Zombie Horror

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The smash success of DCeased, the DC zombies comic is all in its emotional power.

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This article contains major spoilers for DCeased.

When DCeased was announced, it’s safe to assume it was met with more than a few eye rolls. Did the world really need a DC zombies book as the rest of pop culture seems to be putting a lid on the zombie phenomenon for another few years? “I'm not a zombie fan either, or a horror fan, like at all,” says Tom Taylor, writer of DCeased, in a chat ahead of the release of the sold-out hardcover collection of what ended up being a critical darling and a runaway train on comic shop shelves. “What I am is a DC fan, and I enjoy a challenge. So for me, it was actually something I hemmed and hawed about when [DCeased editor] Ben Abernathy contacted me about it. And then suddenly, I just had all these ideas running through my head. I'm like, ‘Oh my God, and then this could happen, and this could happen. And then we could torture this beloved hero in this terrific way.’”

And torture he did: the body count in DCeased was impressive, both in quantity and quality. Almost no one was safe, but it was the way that the deaths were used to tell the story that made it really shine. “I think I sold a lot of people on ‘Darkseid Was,’” Taylor says. The death of the dark opposition to the New Gods took a moment from beloved prestige series Mister Miracle and repurposed it as a grindhouse inciting event for the zombie plague in DCeased. It was the first of many perfect moments in the series and in fine keeping with much of zombie media culture: irreverent and over the top with more than a hint of satire. “As soon as I said, ‘Look, we're killing God in the opening pages,’” Taylor tells us, “that was enough to go, ‘Oh, okay, so this is happening.’”

From there, though, it was deep character work all the way. This isn’t to say there wasn’t gore or shocking deaths: by the end of the series, the entire Justice League has been remade. But the deaths so typical of zombie fare were used to give incredibly compact, efficient, moving character moments to both the dying and the survivors. By the end of the first issue, Batman is dead, his zombie put down by a shotgun wielding Alfred. Shortly after this horrific incident, the mantle of the Bat is passed to Damian, who had to listen to his father’s death on the phone. “No one ever gets to kill Batman,” Taylor says. “But that's the moment when anyone reading this going, ‘Oh, the gloves are off.’ Don't expect anything. Yes, Batman's going to die. And then Alfred's going to shoot him in the head with Damian on the other line. That was truly awful, I'm sorry.”

As anyone who has read Taylor’s work on Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man knows, it’s extremely likely that he will make the reader cry at some point in his run. DCeased was no different, but it was the book's status as a semi-Super Sons book that jerked the most tears from readers: first, with Damian reacting to Bruce’s death, and later with Superman getting infected saving the survivors from a zombie Flash, saying goodbye to Jon before the infection took hold, and finally with Jon fighting his zombie father to buy the survivors more time to flee. “I know my editor cried, he cried handing it to the letterer. Every time we read it, we all misted up a little, which is great that it was that effective,” Taylor says.

read more: The Horrific Return of John Constantine to the Sandman Universe

There were limits. “I couldn't kill the Super Sons. That just could not happen because my son was the one who asked me to include them. So I couldn't do that to him,” he says. “And he cried when he read the Batman fate. He's like, he wanted me to kill Batman, but he didn't want Damian to hear it. So he was very annoyed at me for that one.” Killing Damian or Jon would have robbed the story of most of its emotional center, as well.

Ultimately, the series landed as well as it did because the whole team - Taylor, artists Trevor Hairsine, James Harren, Stefano Gaudiano, and color artist Rain Beredo - were working at the top of their game. “There's this thing [Trevor Hairsine] did where Superman is trying to smile to reassure his son at the exact same second he's saying goodbye, and telling a little joke in the middle of that. And that's incredibly difficult, that sort of nuance for an artist,” Taylor tells us.. “You're not supposed to be able to show three things at once...But Trev can.”

In part because it was a smashing success, Taylor gets to come back to it. A sequel, DCeased: Unkillables starts in February, and takes a look at the villains and antiheroes left behind during and after the heroes’ retreat from Earth. It has Red Hood and Deathstroke leading a team to protect an orphanage full of kids, if that’s any kind of hint at the tone (spoilers: somehow more over the top). And on top of the typical characters one would include in a team led by Red Hood and Deathstroke (Vandal Savage, Cheetah, Lady Shiva, Ravager), there’s also one big surprise that should prove very popular: Cassandra Cain’s Batgirl. “Kelley Puckett/Damion Scott ‘Silent Running,’ [the first arc of their 2000s Batgirl run]...it was so good. It was just perfect comics in every way,” Taylor tells us. “In [Unkillables]you’ve got Deathstroke and Rose and Lady Shiva and Cass, there's lots of family ties happening across the whole book…[and] they end up in an orphanage man, you know, in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. Perfect.”

read more: The Question Bounces Through Time in New Series

DCeased: Unkillables starts during the events of the first series and run a bit past the end of the book, and Taylor gets to play around in the DCU proper soon. Murdering a planet full of heroes is perhaps the best preparation possible to take the reins on Suicide Squad, coming in December. “I'm renowned for killing characters in ways that actually mean something, or actually hurt the reader. And you know, I do enjoy doing that,” Taylor says of the new book. “Suicide Squad's got a lot of ridiculous in it and a lot of humor.”

As for returning to the DCeased universe after Unkillables ends, there’s nothing to report yet. “I would love to write in this universe more,” Taylor tells us. “ I think there's something really intriguing with this, and certainly where we find our characters at the end of the DCeased, and at the end of DCeased: Unkillables there's certainly potential for more.” One can certainly hope.

The hardcover collection of DCeased, including Taylor’s original pitch and all the variant covers to the books, including the classic horror homage covers, is in stores on November 26th. Suicide Squad #1, with art from Bruno Redondo, is out in December. Unkillables launches in February. Den of Geek’s best comics of 2019 will be out in December! No relation! 

Read and download the Den of Geek NYCC 2019 Special Edition Magazine right here!

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Feature Jim Dandy

Nov 25, 2019

DC Entertainment

Tom Taylor

Zombies

Superman

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[thisdaynews]

Stefanos Tsitsipas beats Dominic Thiem to win ATP Finals title

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Stefanos Tsitsipas beats Dominic Thiem to win ATP Finals title

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ATP Finals: Stefanos Tsitsipas beats Dominic Thiem to win ATP Finals title

A nerveless Stefanos Tsitsipas came from a set down to beat Dominic Thiem on a thrilling final-set tie-break and become the youngest winner of the ATP Finals in 18 years.

The Greek, 21, won 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 7-6 (7-4) to claim the biggest title of his fledgling career.

Thiem, 26, who edged a tight first set, fell away in the second and the start of the third before fighting back.

But Tsitsipas forced a tie-break, and then won it, at a raucous O2 Arena.

He collapsed to the floor after Thiem put a forehand return out on the first match point before the pair embraced at the end of a two-hour 35-minute battle, with the Greek kissing his beaten opponent on the shoulder.

Tsitsipas is the youngest winner of the season-ending championships since Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt in 2001 and claims prize money of just over £2m.

“It’s been a rollercoaster. Holding this trophy is amazing,” the world number six said.

“It is a dream come true and the best way to end this match.

“I did get nervous at some points in the match but I managed to forget about how I felt and I had momentum in the tie-break, which was really tight.

“My fighting spirit and me constantly trying to push myself to do better got me there in the end.”

Re-live Tsitsipas’ victory over Thiem

Live scores, schedule and results

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Tsitsipas takes advantage of Thiem’s lapses

Tsitsipas and Thiem are good friends off the court and shared a warm embrace after the match

Tsitsipas broke the hearts of many in London on Saturday in knocking out six-time champion Roger Federer and a day later backed that up with a performance that showed why he is regarded as a player who will be one of those at the top of the game when the Swiss and the other current greats move on.

He had been the better player in the opening set only for Thiem to take it on a tie-break but when the Austrian’s level dropped he was there to take advantage.

He did not panic and hit just one unforced error in the second set compared to eight from his opponent – going 4-0 ahead in 14 minutes and wrapping up the set soon after.

Tsitsipas’ entertaining game – full of powerful forehands, laser-like serving and a stunning single-handed backhand – improved further at the start of the third set and he looked set to power on to the title.

But Thiem, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, broke back and levelled as his crunching groundstrokes returned.

In the tie-break Tsitsipas saw a 4-1 lead become 4-4 before he held his nerve to take the match with three straight points.

Unlike against Federer, the Greek had the backing of the majority of the spectators inside the arena and he celebrated with his fans long after the match had finished, taking selfies and signing autographs.

Can Tsitsipas go on after stellar year?

A year ago Tsitsipas was celebrating winning the NextGen tournament – the end-of-season event for the best players aged 21 and under.

He has now ended his breakthrough season by winning the biggest tournament outside the four Grand Slams and has done so with an entertaining style and exuberant personality that will bring him many fans.

He became the youngest Grand Slam semi-finalist in 12 years at the Australian Open in January, beating Federer along the way, and won two regular-season ATP titles as he climbed into the world’s top 10.

The Greek is just the seventh man to win the season finale on his first appearance and the sixth-youngest winner in history.

He is the fourth new champion of the event in a row – following Andy Murray, Grigor Dimitrov and Alexander Zverev – and will now aim to succeed where Zverev failed this year in turning success in London into a Grand Slam win.

“This year was the best year I’ve had and I want to constantly improve,” Tsitsipas said.

“Things were great this year and I beat some top-ranked players which gave me confidence and I’ve won matches in Grand Slams and Masters 1000s. I think I can do well in the Slams.”

Agonising end to 2019 for Thiem

Despite defeat Dominic Thiem will rise to fourth in the world rankings

Thiem too has had his best year on tour but he ends it with very differing emotions.

He reached a second successive French Open final in June and won five ATP titles, the joint-most on tour along with Novak Djokovic, but a win here would have capped his season in style.

His collapse in the middle of the match allowed Tsitsipas back into the contest but the Austrian still had the momentum after levelling in the decider, and also at 4-4 in the tie-break.

His challenge ended with three errors in a row at the end of the breaker, however, and he described it as a “probably” the toughest defeat of his career – more so than his two defeats by Rafael Nadal in the final at Roland Garros.

“It is very hard to digest but I have had some amazing wins even this week,” said the Austrian, who beat Federer and Djokovic in the round-robin stage.

Despite the loss Thiem has progressed this season, becoming far more than the clay-court specialist he may previously have been considered to be, and will end the year as world number four.

French pair win doubles with perfect record

French pair Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut added to their growing title haul by beating fifth seeds Raven Klaasen of South Africa and New Zealand’s Michael Venus 6-3 6-4 to win the doubles title.

Herbert, 28, and Mahut, 37, won the Australian Open earlier this year to complete a career Grand Slam and now become the first French pair to win the season finale since 2005.

Last year’s beaten finalists did not lose a match – or drop a set – during the week in London.

Read More

[virginiamurrayblog]

What’s Coming (and Going) on Netflix Canada in September 2018

Storm Reid plays Meg Murry in A Wrinkle in Time (Photo: Netflix Canada)

If you’re a *maje* TV and movie junkie, you know that September is one of the best times to get your binge watching on. There are literally so many series, flicks and documentaries hitting your screen this month—no matter what you’re into. In the mood to bawl like a wee baby? Check out season 2 of This Is Us (*sobs*). Want to cry-laugh into your bowl of popcorn? Say yes to Bridesmaids. Desperate for a feel-good romcom? We recommend Sierra Burgess is a Loser. If you don’t know where to begin, we rounded up all the TV shows and movies coming (like Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time starring literal queens Oprah, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling) and going (like OG romcom How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) on Netflix Canada in September 2018.

September 1:

Bad Neighbors 2 

Synopsis: When a sorority with a progressive agenda moves in next door, parents Mac and Kelly must keep them at bay before closing the deal on their house sale.

Death at a Funeral 

Synopsis: When a Los Angeles family’s patriarch dies, his dutiful eldest son plans the funeral—which becomes a fiasco thanks to a colorful cast of attendees.

Family Guy, season 16 

Synopsis: In Seth MacFarlane’s no-holds-barred animated show, buffoonish Peter Griffin and his dysfunctional family experience wacky misadventures.

The Flash, seasons 1-4 

Synopsis: A forensics expert who wakes from a coma with amazing new powers squares off against forces threatening the city in this live-action superhero romp.

Hancock 

Synopsis: Will Smith stars as Hancock, a down-and-out superhero who’s forced to employ a public relations expert to help repair his image.

Maniac (Photo: Netflix Canada)

The Hollars 

Synopsis: A man returns to his small hometown after learning that his mother has fallen ill and is about to undergo surgery.

Kramer vs. Kramer 

Synopsis: Ted is a career-driven yuppie whose wife leaves him and their six-year-old son. As he adjusts to life as a full-time dad, she comes to reclaim the boy.

La Catedral del Mar (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: In 14th-century Barcelona, a serf’s determined climb to wealth and freedom incurs the disdain of the noble class and the suspicion of the Inquisition.

Labyrinth 

Synopsis: In Jim Henson’s fantasy, teen Sarah embarks on a life-altering quest to rescue her little brother from the clutches of a treacherous goblin.

Legend 

Synopsis: Identical twins and notorious gangsters Reggie and Ronnie Kray elude the authorities in 1960s London while transfixing and terrifying the public.

Quincy (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Monkey Twins (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Inspired by Khon dance drama and Thai martial arts, a fighter scarred by the past joins forces with a determined cop to battle an organized crime ring.

Mr. Sunshine (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: A young boy who ends up in the U.S. after the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident returns to Korea at a historical turning point and falls for a noblewoman.

Sisters (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Her dad’s deathbed confession leads Julia to discover she has more than 100 brothers and two sisters: troubled TV star Roxy and uptight lawyer Edie.

September 2:

Quantico, Season 3

Synopsis: When evidence in a deadly terrorist attack implicates FBI trainee Alex Parrish (played by former FLARE cover girl Priyanka Chopra), she must discover which one of her classmates framed her.

September 4:

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther

Synopsis: T’Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country’s past.

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther (Photo: Netflix Canada)

September 5:

A Million Ways to Die in the West 

Synopsis: After backing out of a duel and losing his girlfriend, sheep farmer Albert slowly rebuilds his self-respect with the help of a married woman.

The Adjustment Bureau 

Synopsis: A successful new congressman finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina, but mysterious forces are conspiring to prevent their love affair.

Bridesmaids 

Synopsis: When an underemployed baker becomes her best friend’s maid-of-honor, she almost ruins the big day due to her competition with the other bridesmaids.

Drag Me to Hell 

Synopsis: Christine is convinced that she’s been cursed after crossing paths with a Gypsy. Now, she has only days to keep her soul from being dragged to hell.

Fear 

Synopsis: A 16-year-old “good girl” goes to a party with her best friend and meets a handsome, enigmatic guy from the wrong side of the tracks.

The Good Cop (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Land of the Lost 

Synopsis: After uncovering a portal to an alternate universe populated by strange creatures, Dr. Rick Marshall must navigate a dangerous new world.

National Lampoon’s Animal House 

Synopsis: Dean Wormer puts the titular frat on double-secret probation, and it’s up to Bluto, Flounder, Pinto and the rest of the brothers to get even.

Neighbors 

Synopsis: After a rowdy fraternity moves next door to a couple with a newborn and changes the block into party central, an epic battle ensues.

Paul 

Synopsis: Two sci-fi freaks on quest to discover what lies at the heart of Nevada’s infamous Area 51 cross paths with an alien on the run.

September 6:

Once Upon a Time, season 7 

Synopsis: In this fantasy series, a young woman is drawn to a small Maine town and discovers that it’s filled with elements of the fairy tale world.

Atypical, Season 2 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

September 7:

Atypical, season 2 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: While Elsa and Doug face the aftermath of their marriage crisis and Casey tries to adjust to her new school, Sam prepares for life after graduation.

Cable Girls, season 3 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: After a tragedy, Lidia fights passionately for her family, Carlota finds her voice, Ángeles goes undercover and Marga reveals a talent for accounting.

City of Joy (Netflix Original documentary)

Synopsis: Women who’ve been sexually brutalized in war-torn Congo begin to heal at City of Joy, a center that helps them regain a sense of self and empowerment.

First and Last (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Filmmakers go inside Georgia’s Gwinnett County Jail to capture two days that define an inmate’s experience: the first and last.

Marvel’s Iron Fist, season 2 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: With the defeat of the Hand, Chinatown is left vulnerable to turf wars, and Danny must protect the streets of New York.

Marvel’s Iron Fist (Photo: Netflix Canada)

The Most Assassinated Woman in the World (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: In 1930s Paris, an actress famous for her gory death scenes at the Grand Guignol Theater contends with a mysterious stalker and ghosts from her past.

Next Gen (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: A friendship with a top-secret robot turns a lonely girl’s life into a thrilling adventure as they take on bullies, evil bots and a scheming madman.

Sierra Burgess Is A Loser (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: Smart high school girl Sierra teams up with a more popular girl hoping to win over her crush. Starring Shannon Purser (Barb on “Stranger Things”).

Stretch Armstrong & the Flex Fighters, Season 2 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Wrongly accused for the attack on Rook Tower, the Flex Fighters must protect their city as wanted men. Will Charter City ever trust them again?

September 9:

Wynonna Earp, season 2

Synopsis: The outcast descendant of lawman Wyatt Earp teams up with an immortal Doc Holliday to rid the world of demonic revenants from the Wild West.

Sierra Burgess is a Loser (Photo: Netflix Canada)

September 11:

Daniel Sloss: Live Shows (Netflix Original comedy)

Synopsis: The dark mind of Daniel Sloss is back, and he’s ready to find the funny in some very taboo topics, from the deeply personal to the highly irreverent.

The Resistance Banker (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: Risking his family and future, a banker in occupied Amsterdam slows the Nazi war machine by creating an underground bank to fund the resistance.

September 12:

Jane

Synopsis: The life and work of the renowned primatology scientist, Jane Goodall, especially on her research about chimpanzees.

On My Skin (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: Arrested for a drug-related offense, Stefano Cucchi suffers at the hands of Italy’s Carabinieri police and a broken legal system. Based on true events.

September 14:

American Vandal, season 2 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: In the wake of the first documentary’s success, Peter and Sam seek a new case and settle on a stomach-churning mystery at a Washington high school.

The Walking Dead, season 8 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

The Angel (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: While operating at the highest levels of Egypt’s government, Ashraf Marwan walks a dangerously thin line as a spy for Israel. Based on a true story.

Archer, season 9 

Synopsis: Suave, sophisticated spy Archer may have the coolest gadgets, but he still has issues when it comes to dealing with his boss, who is also his mother.

Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, season 1 

Synopsis: Get to know Barbie and her BFFs—including next-door neighbor Ken—in this animated vlog of adventures filmed inside her family’s new dreamhouse.

Bleach (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: When high schooler Ichigo is suddenly given reaper abilities, he really wants to give the powers back. But he’ll have to reap some souls first.

BoJack Horseman, season 5 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: BoJack’s back on screen as the star of Philbert, a new detective series produced by Princess Carolyn. But his demons are out in full force.

City of Joy (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Car Masters: Rust to Riches (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: The colorful crew at Gotham Garage overhauls an eclectic collection of cars, trading their way up to a showstopper they can sell for big bucks.

The Dragon Prince (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Two human princes forge an unlikely bond with the elven assassin sent to kill them, embarking on an epic quest to bring peace to their warring lands.

Ingobernable, season 2 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Emilia takes on the leader of a drug trafficking empire in her fight to reunite her family and reduce corruption in her country.

The Land of Steady Habits (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: After leaving his wife and his job to find happiness, Anders begins a clumsy, heartbreaking quest to reassemble the pieces of his fractured life.

Last Hope (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: After causing the near extinction of mankind seven years ago, genius scientist Leon Lau must now fight the ecological disaster he unwittingly created.

Norm Macdonald Has a Show (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Norm Macdonald Has a Show (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Comedian Norm Macdonald hosts this talk show with celebrity guests, unexpected conversation and a behind-the-scenes view into Norm’s world.

Super Monsters Monster Party, Songs (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Sing along and move to this groovy collection of music videos featuring monster friends Katya, Lobo, Zoe, Drac, Cleo and Frankie!

September 17:

The Witch 

Synopsis: Believing that a witch has cursed their family, pilgrims homesteading on the edge of a primeval New England forest become increasingly paranoid.

September 18:

D.L. Hughley: Contrarian (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Comedian D.L. Hughley riffs on politics, Black Panther, his upbringing and more in a rapid-fire stand-up show at Philadelphia’s Merriam Theater.

September 20:

The Good Place, season 2 

Synopsis: Due to an error, self-absorbed Eleanor Shellstrop (played by comedy queen Kristen Bell) arrives at the Good Place after her death. Determined to stay, she tries to become a better person.

The Good Place, season 2 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

September 21:

Battlefish (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Over the course of the fishing season, a group of fishing boats pursues the lucrative albacore tuna in the competitive waters off the Oregon coast.

Dragon Pilot: Hisone & Masotan (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Recently stationed Air Self-Defense Force rookie Hisone Amakasu is chosen by a dragon concealed within Gifu Air Base to be his pilot.

The Good Cop (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Honest cop Tony Jr. gets advice from his unscrupulous father, retired NYPD officer Tony Sr., about everything from his job to his love life.

Gotham, season 4 

Synopsis: Long before he was commissioner, rookie cop James Gordon takes on Gotham City crime and corruption to avenge the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents.

Gotham, season 4 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Hilda (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Join Hilda as she travels from a wilderness full of elves and giants to Trolberg, a bustling city packed with new friends and mysterious creatures.

Maniac, Limited Series (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Two strangers find themselves caught up in a mind-bending pharmaceutical trial gone awry. Starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill.

Nappily Ever After (Netflix Original film) 

Synopsis: Violet has it all: the perfect job, the perfect relationship and the perfect hair. Until she doesn’t. What happens when being perfect isn’t enough?

Quincy (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: The life and career of legendary music producer Quincy Jones are traced in this biographical documentary directed by his daughter, Rashida Jones.

September 23:

The Walking Dead, season 8

Synopsis: In the wake of a zombie apocalypse, survivors hold on to the hope of humanity by branding together to wage a fight for their own survival.

Nappily Ever After (Photo: Netflix Canada)

September 25:

Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time

Synopsis: After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, her brother, and her friend to space in order to find him.

Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 2

Synopsis: When an unscrupulous arms maker teams with a rogue Russian physicist, it’s up to Iron Man and his friend Lt. Col. James Rhodes to take them down.

September 26:

Lethal Weapon, season 2 

Synopsis: After losing his wife and unborn child, ex-Navy SEAL Riggs joins the LAPD, where his recklessness creates tensions with seasoned partner Murtaugh.

Norsemen, season 2 (Netflix Original series)

The sea road to the west has been found, but Norheim’s villagers must still cope with power struggles and the ever-present threat of Jarl Varg.

This Is Us, season 2 

Synopsis: A couple expecting triplets find themselves with a brood they weren’t anticipating, thanks to a twist of fate that shapes their future as a family.

This Is Us, season 2 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

September 27:

Grey’s Anatomy, season 14

Synopsis: Intern (and eventual resident) Meredith Grey finds herself caught up in personal and professional passions with fellow doctors at a Seattle hospital.

September 28:

Chef’s Table, volume 5 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: This season, meet four innovative chefs who are shaking up the food culture in Philadelphia, Istanbul, Bangkok and Barcelona.

Forest of Piano (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Kai grows up playing an old piano discarded in the woods; Shuhei’s father is a famous pianist. Their chance meeting transforms their lives and music.

Hold the Dark (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: Summoned to a remote Alaskan village to search for wolves that took a local boy, a naturalist soon finds himself caught in a harrowing mystery.

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father, Season 2 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: This season, Jack and his not-so-adventurous dad Michael tackle Europe, including the Bavarian Alps, Istanbul, Budapest, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine.

Chef’s Table, volume 5 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Lessons From A School Shooting: Notes from Dunblane (Netflix Original documentary)

Synopsis: Devastated by the school shooting in his town, a priest from Sandy Hook, Connecticut, bonds with a Scottish priest who experienced a similar tragedy.

Lost Song (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: War looms over the kingdom of Neunatia, where two young women are both burdened and blessed by the power of song.

Made in Mexico (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Get to know the opulent lifestyles and infamous dynasties of Mexico City’s socialites and the expats vying for a spot in their exclusive social order.

Skylanders Academy, season 3 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Season 3 finds Spyro and the Skylanders forging unexpected alliances, taking on new adventures and even straddling the line between good and evil.

The 3rd Eye (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: After the death of their parents, two sisters move back to their childhood home, where one sibling claims to be able to see a dark presence.

American Vandal, season 2 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Two Catalonias (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: The dark mind of Daniel Sloss is back, and he’s ready to find the funny in some very taboo topics, from the deeply personal to the highly irreverent.

September 29:

The Exorcist, season 2 

Synopsis: Two priests put their lives on the line as they fight to free a possessed girl from a vicious demon that threatens to destroy her family.

September 30:

Annihilation 

Synopsis: A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don’t apply.

Sherlock Gnomes 

Synopsis: Garden gnomes Gnomeo & Juliet recruit renowned detective Sherlock Gnomes to investigate the mysterious disappearance of other garden ornaments.

Last call! Here is everything leaving Netflix Canada in September:

September 1:

13 Going on 30 

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days 

Pitch Perfect 2 

September 14:

Disney’s Pete’s Dragon

September 17:

Star Trek Beyond 

September 30:

Jurassic World 

Related:

What’s Coming (and Going) on Netflix Canada in August 2018 Netflix’s Insatiable Is Not the Storyline We Need RN 13 LOL-Worthy Sitcoms to Binge on Netflix ASAP

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Erik Malpica Flores Erik Malpica Flores recommends: What is Coming to Netflix Canada in September 2018 |

The new Emma Stone/Jonah Hill limited series MANIAC is coming to Netflix Canada in September 2018, as is season 2 of the Netflix original series AMERICAN VANDAL and the first season of the Josh Groban/Tony Danza comedy THE GOOD COP. In terms of recently aired TV seasons coming to Netflix, Canadians will have a chance to binge season 2 of THE GOOD PLACE and THIS IS US, as well as season 8 of THE WALKING DEAD. You can also catch the mega-hit MARVEL’S BLACK PANTHER.

As for what’s leaving, you should check out STAR TREK BEYOND, JURASSIC WORLD, 13 GOING ON 30 and PITCH PERFECT 2 before it’s too late.

Related: What is Coming to Netflix U.S. in September 2018?

September 1

Bad Neighbors 2: When a sorority with a progressive agenda moves in next door, parents Mac and Kelly must keep them at bay before closing the deal on their house sale.

Death at a Funeral: When a Los Angeles family’s patriarch dies, his dutiful eldest son plans the funeral — which becomes a fiasco thanks to a colorful cast of attendees.

Family Guy: Season 16: In Seth MacFarlane’s no-holds-barred animated show, buffoonish Peter Griffin and his dysfunctional family experience wacky misadventures.

The Flash: Season 1-4: A forensics expert who wakes from a coma with amazing new powers squares off against forces threatening the city in this live-action superhero romp.

Hancock: Will Smith stars as Hancock, a down-and-out superhero who’s forced to employ a public relations expert to help repair his image.

The Hollars: A man returns to his small hometown after learning that his mother has fallen ill and is about to undergo surgery.

Kramer vs. Kramer: Ted is a career-driven yuppie whose wife leaves him and their 6-year-old son. As he adjusts to life as a full-time dad, she comes to reclaim the boy.

La Catedral del Mar – Netflix Original: In 14th-century Barcelona, a serf’s determined climb to wealth and freedom incurs the disdain of the noble class and the suspicion of the Inquisition.

Labyrinth: In Jim Henson’s fantasy, teen Sarah embarks on a life-altering quest to rescue her little brother from the clutches of a treacherous goblin.

Legend: Identical twins and notorious gangsters Reggie and Ronnie Kray elude the authorities in 1960s London while transfixing and terrifying the public.

Monkey Twins – Netflix Original: Inspired by Khon dance drama and Thai martial arts, a fighter scarred by the past joins forces with a determined cop to battle an organized crime ring.

Mr. Sunshine – Netflix Original: A young boy who ends up in the U.S. after the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident returns to Korea at a historical turning point and falls for a noblewoman.

Sisters – Netflix Original: Her dad’s deathbed confession leads Julia to discover she has more than 100 brothers and two sisters: troubled TV star Roxy and uptight lawyer Edie.

September 2

Quantico: Season 3: When evidence in a deadly terrorist attack implicates FBI trainee Alex Parrish, she must discover which one of her classmates framed her.

September 4

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: T’Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country’s past.

September 5

A Million Ways to Die in the West: After backing out of a duel and losing his girlfriend, sheep farmer Albert slowly rebuilds his self-respect with the help of a married woman.

The Adjustment Bureau: A successful new congressman finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina, but mysterious forces are conspiring to prevent their love affair.

Bridesmaids: When an underemployed baker becomes her best friend’s maid-of-honor, she almost ruins the big day due to her competition with the other bridesmaids.

Drag Me to Hell: Christine is convinced that she’s been cursed after crossing paths with a Gypsy. Now, she has only days to keep her soul from being dragged to hell.

Fear: A 16-year-old “good girl” goes to a party with her best friend and meets a handsome, enigmatic guy from the wrong side of the tracks.

Land of the Lost: After uncovering a portal to an alternate universe populated by strange creatures, Dr. Rick Marshall must navigate a dangerous new world.

National Lampoon’s Animal House: Dean Wormer puts the titular frat on double-secret probation, and it’s up to Bluto, Flounder, Pinto and the rest of the brothers to get even.

Neighbors: After a rowdy fraternity moves next door to a couple with a newborn and changes the block into party central, an epic battle ensues.

Paul: Two sci-fi freaks on quest to discover what lies at the heart of Nevada’s infamous Area 51 cross paths with an alien on the run.

September 6

Once Upon a Time: Season 7: In this fantasy series, a young woman is drawn to a small Maine town and discovers that it’s filled with elements of the fairy tale world.

September 7

Atypical: Season 2 – Netflix Original: While Elsa and Doug face the aftermath of their marriage crisis and Casey tries to adjust to her new school, Sam prepares for life after graduation.

Cable Girls: Season 3 – Netflix Original: After a tragedy, Lidia fights passionately for her family, Carlota finds her voice, Ángeles goes undercover and Marga reveals a talent for accounting.

City of Joy – Netflix Original: Women who’ve been sexually brutalized in war-torn Congo begin to heal at City of Joy, a center that helps them regain a sense of self and empowerment.

First and Last – Netflix Original: Filmmakers go inside Georgia’s Gwinnett County Jail to capture two days that define an inmate’s experience: the first and last.

Marvel’s Iron Fist: Season 2 – Netflix Original: With the defeat of the Hand, Chinatown is left vulnerable to turf wars, and Danny must protect the streets of New York.

The Most Assassinated Woman in the World – Netflix Film: In 1930s Paris, an actress famous for her gory death scenes at the Grand Guignol Theater contends with a mysterious stalker and ghosts from her past.

Next Gen – Netflix Original: A friendship with a top-secret robot turns a lonely girl’s life into a thrilling adventure as they take on bullies, evil bots and a scheming madman. Watch the Trailer

Sierra Burgess Is A Loser – Netflix Film: Smart high school girl Sierra teams up with a more popular girl hoping to win over her crush. Starring Shannon Purser (Barb on “Stranger Things”).

Stretch Armstrong & the Flex Fighters: Season 2 – Netflix Original: Wrongly accused for the attack on Rook Tower, the Flex Fighters must protect their city as wanted men. Will Charter City ever trust them again?

September 9

Wynonna Earp: Season 2: The outcast descendant of lawman Wyatt Earp teams up with an immortal Doc Holliday to rid the world of demonic revenants from the Wild West.

September 11

Daniel Sloss: Live Shows – Netflix Original: The dark mind of Daniel Sloss is back, and he’s ready to find the funny in some very taboo topics, from the deeply personal to the highly irreverent.

The Resistance Banker – Netflix Film: Risking his family and future, a banker in occupied Amsterdam slows the Nazi war machine by creating an underground bank to fund the resistance.

September 12

Jane: The life and work of the renowned primatology scientist, Jane Goodall, especially on her research about chimpanzees.

On My Skin – Netflix Film: Arrested for a drug-related offense, Stefano Cucchi suffers at the hands of Italy’s Carabinieri police and a broken legal system. Based on true events.

September 14

American Vandal: Season 2 – Netflix Original: In the wake of the first documentary’s success, Peter and Sam seek a new case and settle on a stomach-churning mystery at a Washington high school.

The Angel – Netflix Film: While operating at the highest levels of Egypt’s government, Ashraf Marwan walks a dangerously thin line as a spy for Israel. Based on a true story.

Archer: Season 9: Suave, sophisticated spy Archer may have the coolest gadgets, but he still has issues when it comes to dealing with his boss, who is also his mother.

Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures: Season 1: Get to know Barbie and her BFFs — including next-door neighbor Ken — in this animated vlog of adventures filmed inside her family’s new dreamhouse.

Bleach – Netflix Film: When high schooler Ichigo is suddenly given reaper abilities, he really wants to give the powers back. But he’ll have to reap some souls first.

BoJack Horseman: Season 5 – Netflix Original: BoJack’s back on screen as the star of “Philbert,” a new detective series produced by Princess Carolyn. But his demons are out in full force.

Car Masters: Rust to Riches – Netflix Original: The colorful crew at Gotham Garage overhauls an eclectic collection of cars, trading their way up to a showstopper they can sell for big bucks.

The Dragon Prince – Netflix Original: Two human princes forge an unlikely bond with the elven assassin sent to kill them, embarking on an epic quest to bring peace to their warring lands.

Ingobernable: Season 2 – Netflix Original: Emilia takes on the leader of a drug trafficking empire in her fight to reunite her family and reduce corruption in her country.

The Land of Steady Habits – Netflix Film: After leaving his wife and his job to find happiness, Anders begins a clumsy, heartbreaking quest to reassemble the pieces of his fractured life.

LAST HOPE – Netflix Original: After causing the near extinction of mankind seven years ago, genius scientist Leon Lau must now fight the ecological disaster he unwittingly created.

Norm Macdonald has a Show – Netflix Original: Comedian Norm Macdonald hosts this talk show with celebrity guests, unexpected conversation and a behind-the-scenes view into Norm’s world.

Super Monsters Monster Party: Songs – Netflix Original: Sing along and move to this groovy collection of music videos featuring monster friends Katya, Lobo, Zoe, Drac, Cleo and Frankie!

September 17

The Witch: Believing that a witch has cursed their family, pilgrims homesteading on the edge of a primeval New England forest become increasingly paranoid.

September 18

D.L. Hughley: Contrarian – Netflix Original: Comedian D.L. Hughley riffs on politics, “Black Panther,” his upbringing and more in a rapid-fire stand-up show at Philadelphia’s Merriam Theater.

September 20

The Good Place: Season 2: Due to an error, self-absorbed Eleanor Shellstrop arrives at the Good Place after her death. Determined to stay, she tries to become a better person.

September 21

Battlefish – Netflix Original: Over the course of the fishing season, a group of fishing boats pursues the lucrative albacore tuna in the competitive waters off the Oregon coast.

DRAGON PILOT: Hisone & Masotan – Netflix Original: Recently stationed Air Self-Defense Force rookie Hisone Amakasu is chosen by a dragon concealed within Gifu Air Base to be his pilot.

The Good Cop – Netflix Original: Honest cop Tony Jr. gets advice from his unscrupulous father, retired NYPD officer Tony Sr., about everything from his job to his love life.

Gotham: Season 4: Long before he was commissioner, rookie cop James Gordon takes on Gotham City crime and corruption to avenge the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents.

Hilda – Netflix Original: Join Hilda as she travels from a wilderness full of elves and giants to Trolberg, a bustling city packed with new friends and mysterious creatures.

Maniac: Limited Series – Netflix Original: Two strangers find themselves caught up in a mind-bending pharmaceutical trial gone awry. Starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill.

Nappily Ever After – Netflix Film: Violet has it all: the perfect job, the perfect relationship and the perfect hair. Until she doesn’t. What happens when being perfect isn’t enough?

Quincy – Netflix Original: The life and career of legendary music producer Quincy Jones are traced in this biographical documentary directed by his daughter, Rashida Jones.

September 23

The Walking Dead: Season 8: In the wake of a zombie apocalypse, survivors hold on to the hope of humanity by branding together to wage a fight for their own survival.

September 25

Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time: After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, her brother, and her friend to space in order to find him.

Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 2: When an unscrupulous arms maker teams with a rogue Russian physicist, it’s up to Iron Man and his friend Lt. Col. James Rhodes to take them down.

September 26

Lethal Weapon: Season 2: After losing his wife and unborn child, ex-Navy SEAL Riggs joins the LAPD, where his recklessness creates tensions with seasoned partner Murtaugh.

Norsemen: Season 2 – Netflix Original: The sea road to the west has been found, but Norheim’s villagers must still cope with power struggles and the ever-present threat of Jarl Varg.

This Is Us: Season 2: A couple expecting triplets find themselves with a brood they weren’t anticipating, thanks to a twist of fate that shapes their future as a family.

September 27

Grey’s Anatomy: Season 14: Intern (and eventual resident) Meredith Grey finds herself caught up in personal and professional passions with fellow doctors at a Seattle hospital.

September 28

Chef’s Table: Volume 5 – Netflix Original: This season, meet four innovative chefs who are shaking up the food culture in Philadelphia, Istanbul, Bangkok and Barcelona.

Forest of Piano – Netflix Original: Kai grows up playing an old piano discarded in the woods; Shuhei’s father is a famous pianist. Their chance meeting transforms their lives and music.

Hold the Dark – Netflix Film: Summoned to a remote Alaskan village to search for wolves that took a local boy, a naturalist soon finds himself caught in a harrowing mystery.

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father: Season 2 – Netflix Original: This season, Jack and his not-so-adventurous dad, Michael, tackle Europe, including the Bavarian Alps, Istanbul, Budapest, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine.

Lessons From A School Shooting: Notes from Dunblane – Netflix Original: Devastated by the school shooting in his town, a priest from Sandy Hook, Connecticut, bonds with a Scottish priest who experienced a similar tragedy.

Lost Song – Netflix Original: War looms over the kingdom of Neunatia, where two young women are both burdened and blessed by the power of song.

Made in Mexico – Netflix Original: Get to know the opulent lifestyles and infamous dynasties of Mexico City’s socialites and the expats vying for a spot in their exclusive social order.

Skylanders Academy: Season 3 – Netflix Original: Season 3 finds Spyro and the Skylanders forging unexpected alliances, taking on new adventures and even straddling the line between good and evil.

The 3rd Eye – Netflix Film: After the death of their parents, two sisters move back to their childhood home, where one sibling claims to be able to see a dark presence.

Two Catalonias – Netflix Film: The dark mind of Daniel Sloss is back, and he’s ready to find the funny in some very taboo topics, from the deeply personal to the highly irreverent.

September 29

The Exorcist: Season 2: Two priests put their lives on the line as they fight to free a possessed girl from a vicious demon that threatens to destroy her family.

September 30

Annihilation: A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don’t apply.

Sherlock Gnomes: Garden gnomes, Gnomeo & Juliet, recruit renowned detective Sherlock Gnomes to investigate the mysterious disappearance of other garden ornaments.

Last Call – Titles That Will be Rotating off the Service in September 2018

September 1

13 Going on 30

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Pitch Perfect 2

September 17

Disney’s Pete’s Dragon

September 17

September 30

View Source

Ver Fuente

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What’s Coming (and Going) on Netflix Canada in September 2018

Storm Reid plays Meg Murry in A Wrinkle in Time (Photo: Netflix Canada)

If you’re a *maje* TV and movie junkie, you know that September is one of the best times to get your binge watching on. There are literally so many series, flicks and documentaries hitting your screen this month—no matter what you’re into. In the mood to bawl like a wee baby? Check out the season 2 of This Is Us (*sobs*). Want to cry-laugh into your bowl of popcorn? Say yes to Bridesmaids. Desperate for a feel-good romcom? We recommend Sierra Burgess is a Loser. If you don’t know where to begin, we rounded up all the TV shows and movies coming (like Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time starring literal queens Oprah, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling) and going (like OG romcom How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) on Netflix Canada in September 2018.

September 1:

Bad Neighbors 2 

Synopsis: When a sorority with a progressive agenda moves in next door, parents Mac and Kelly must keep them at bay before closing the deal on their house sale.

Death at a Funeral 

Synopsis: When a Los Angeles family’s patriarch dies, his dutiful eldest son plans the funeral—which becomes a fiasco thanks to a colorful cast of attendees.

Family Guy, season 16 

Synopsis: In Seth MacFarlane’s no-holds-barred animated show, buffoonish Peter Griffin and his dysfunctional family experience wacky misadventures.

The Flash, seasons 1-4 

Synopsis: A forensics expert who wakes from a coma with amazing new powers squares off against forces threatening the city in this live-action superhero romp.

Hancock 

Synopsis: Will Smith stars as Hancock, a down-and-out superhero who’s forced to employ a public relations expert to help repair his image.

Maniac (Photo: Netflix Canada)

The Hollars 

Synopsis: A man returns to his small hometown after learning that his mother has fallen ill and is about to undergo surgery.

Kramer vs. Kramer 

Synopsis: Ted is a career-driven yuppie whose wife leaves him and their six-year-old son. As he adjusts to life as a full-time dad, she comes to reclaim the boy.

La Catedral del Mar (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: In 14th-century Barcelona, a serf’s determined climb to wealth and freedom incurs the disdain of the noble class and the suspicion of the Inquisition.

Labyrinth 

Synopsis: In Jim Henson’s fantasy, teen Sarah embarks on a life-altering quest to rescue her little brother from the clutches of a treacherous goblin.

Legend 

Synopsis: Identical twins and notorious gangsters Reggie and Ronnie Kray elude the authorities in 1960s London while transfixing and terrifying the public.

Quincy (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Monkey Twins (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Inspired by Khon dance drama and Thai martial arts, a fighter scarred by the past joins forces with a determined cop to battle an organized crime ring.

Mr. Sunshine (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: A young boy who ends up in the U.S. after the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident returns to Korea at a historical turning point and falls for a noblewoman.

Sisters (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Her dad’s deathbed confession leads Julia to discover she has more than 100 brothers and two sisters: troubled TV star Roxy and uptight lawyer Edie.

September 2:

Quantico, Season 3

Synopsis: When evidence in a deadly terrorist attack implicates FBI trainee Alex Parrish (played by former FLARE cover girl Priyanka Chopra), she must discover which one of her classmates framed her.

September 4:

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther

Synopsis: T’Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country’s past.

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther (Photo: Netflix Canada)

September 5:

A Million Ways to Die in the West 

Synopsis: After backing out of a duel and losing his girlfriend, sheep farmer Albert slowly rebuilds his self-respect with the help of a married woman.

The Adjustment Bureau 

Synopsis: A successful new congressman finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina, but mysterious forces are conspiring to prevent their love affair.

Bridesmaids 

Synopsis: When an underemployed baker becomes her best friend’s maid-of-honor, she almost ruins the big day due to her competition with the other bridesmaids.

Drag Me to Hell 

Synopsis: Christine is convinced that she’s been cursed after crossing paths with a Gypsy. Now, she has only days to keep her soul from being dragged to hell.

Fear 

Synopsis: A 16-year-old “good girl” goes to a party with her best friend and meets a handsome, enigmatic guy from the wrong side of the tracks.

The Good Cop (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Land of the Lost 

Synopsis: After uncovering a portal to an alternate universe populated by strange creatures, Dr. Rick Marshall must navigate a dangerous new world.

National Lampoon’s Animal House 

Synopsis: Dean Wormer puts the titular frat on double-secret probation, and it’s up to Bluto, Flounder, Pinto and the rest of the brothers to get even.

Neighbors 

Synopsis: After a rowdy fraternity moves next door to a couple with a newborn and changes the block into party central, an epic battle ensues.

Paul 

Synopsis: Two sci-fi freaks on quest to discover what lies at the heart of Nevada’s infamous Area 51 cross paths with an alien on the run.

September 6:

Once Upon a Time, season 7 

Synopsis: In this fantasy series, a young woman is drawn to a small Maine town and discovers that it’s filled with elements of the fairy tale world.

Atypical, Season 2 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

September 7:

Atypical, season 2 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: While Elsa and Doug face the aftermath of their marriage crisis and Casey tries to adjust to her new school, Sam prepares for life after graduation.

Cable Girls, season 3 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: After a tragedy, Lidia fights passionately for her family, Carlota finds her voice, Ángeles goes undercover and Marga reveals a talent for accounting.

City of Joy (Netflix Original documentary)

Synopsis: Women who’ve been sexually brutalized in war-torn Congo begin to heal at City of Joy, a center that helps them regain a sense of self and empowerment.

First and Last (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Filmmakers go inside Georgia’s Gwinnett County Jail to capture two days that define an inmate’s experience: the first and last.

Marvel’s Iron Fist, season 2 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: With the defeat of the Hand, Chinatown is left vulnerable to turf wars, and Danny must protect the streets of New York.

Marvel’s Iron Fist (Photo: Netflix Canada)

The Most Assassinated Woman in the World (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: In 1930s Paris, an actress famous for her gory death scenes at the Grand Guignol Theater contends with a mysterious stalker and ghosts from her past.

Next Gen (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: A friendship with a top-secret robot turns a lonely girl’s life into a thrilling adventure as they take on bullies, evil bots and a scheming madman.

Sierra Burgess Is A Loser (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: Smart high school girl Sierra teams up with a more popular girl hoping to win over her crush. Starring Shannon Purser (Barb on “Stranger Things”).

Stretch Armstrong & the Flex Fighters, Season 2 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Wrongly accused for the attack on Rook Tower, the Flex Fighters must protect their city as wanted men. Will Charter City ever trust them again?

September 9:

Wynonna Earp, season 2

Synopsis: The outcast descendant of lawman Wyatt Earp teams up with an immortal Doc Holliday to rid the world of demonic revenants from the Wild West.

Sierra Burgess is a Loser (Photo: Netflix Canada)

September 11:

Daniel Sloss: Live Shows (Netflix Original comedy)

Synopsis: The dark mind of Daniel Sloss is back, and he’s ready to find the funny in some very taboo topics, from the deeply personal to the highly irreverent.

The Resistance Banker (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: Risking his family and future, a banker in occupied Amsterdam slows the Nazi war machine by creating an underground bank to fund the resistance.

September 12:

Jane

Synopsis: The life and work of the renowned primatology scientist, Jane Goodall, especially on her research about chimpanzees.

On My Skin (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: Arrested for a drug-related offense, Stefano Cucchi suffers at the hands of Italy’s Carabinieri police and a broken legal system. Based on true events.

September 14:

American Vandal, season 2 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: In the wake of the first documentary’s success, Peter and Sam seek a new case and settle on a stomach-churning mystery at a Washington high school.

The Walking Dead, season 8 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

The Angel (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: While operating at the highest levels of Egypt’s government, Ashraf Marwan walks a dangerously thin line as a spy for Israel. Based on a true story.

Archer, season 9 

Synopsis: Suave, sophisticated spy Archer may have the coolest gadgets, but he still has issues when it comes to dealing with his boss, who is also his mother.

Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, season 1 

Synopsis: Get to know Barbie and her BFFs—including next-door neighbor Ken—in this animated vlog of adventures filmed inside her family’s new dreamhouse.

Bleach (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: When high schooler Ichigo is suddenly given reaper abilities, he really wants to give the powers back. But he’ll have to reap some souls first.

BoJack Horseman, season 5 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: BoJack’s back on screen as the star of Philbert, a new detective series produced by Princess Carolyn. But his demons are out in full force.

City of Joy (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Car Masters: Rust to Riches (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: The colorful crew at Gotham Garage overhauls an eclectic collection of cars, trading their way up to a showstopper they can sell for big bucks.

The Dragon Prince (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Two human princes forge an unlikely bond with the elven assassin sent to kill them, embarking on an epic quest to bring peace to their warring lands.

Ingobernable, season 2 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Emilia takes on the leader of a drug trafficking empire in her fight to reunite her family and reduce corruption in her country.

The Land of Steady Habits (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: After leaving his wife and his job to find happiness, Anders begins a clumsy, heartbreaking quest to reassemble the pieces of his fractured life.

Last Hope (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: After causing the near extinction of mankind seven years ago, genius scientist Leon Lau must now fight the ecological disaster he unwittingly created.

Norm Macdonald Has a Show (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Norm Macdonald Has a Show (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Comedian Norm Macdonald hosts this talk show with celebrity guests, unexpected conversation and a behind-the-scenes view into Norm’s world.

Super Monsters Monster Party, Songs (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Sing along and move to this groovy collection of music videos featuring monster friends Katya, Lobo, Zoe, Drac, Cleo and Frankie!

September 17:

The Witch 

Synopsis: Believing that a witch has cursed their family, pilgrims homesteading on the edge of a primeval New England forest become increasingly paranoid.

September 18:

D.L. Hughley: Contrarian (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Comedian D.L. Hughley riffs on politics, Black Panther, his upbringing and more in a rapid-fire stand-up show at Philadelphia’s Merriam Theater.

September 20:

The Good Place, season 2 

Synopsis: Due to an error, self-absorbed Eleanor Shellstrop (played by comedy queen Kristen Bell) arrives at the Good Place after her death. Determined to stay, she tries to become a better person.

The Good Place, season 2 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

September 21:

Battlefish (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Over the course of the fishing season, a group of fishing boats pursues the lucrative albacore tuna in the competitive waters off the Oregon coast.

Dragon Pilot: Hisone & Masotan (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Recently stationed Air Self-Defense Force rookie Hisone Amakasu is chosen by a dragon concealed within Gifu Air Base to be his pilot.

The Good Cop (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Honest cop Tony Jr. gets advice from his unscrupulous father, retired NYPD officer Tony Sr., about everything from his job to his love life.

Gotham, season 4 

Synopsis: Long before he was commissioner, rookie cop James Gordon takes on Gotham City crime and corruption to avenge the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents.

Gotham, season 4 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Hilda (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Join Hilda as she travels from a wilderness full of elves and giants to Trolberg, a bustling city packed with new friends and mysterious creatures.

Maniac,Limited Series (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Two strangers find themselves caught up in a mind-bending pharmaceutical trial gone awry. Starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill.

Nappily Ever After (Netflix Original film) 

Synopsis: Violet has it all: the perfect job, the perfect relationship and the perfect hair. Until she doesn’t. What happens when being perfect isn’t enough?

Quincy (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: The life and career of legendary music producer Quincy Jones are traced in this biographical documentary directed by his daughter, Rashida Jones.

September 23:

The Walking Dead, season 8

Synopsis: In the wake of a zombie apocalypse, survivors hold on to the hope of humanity by branding together to wage a fight for their own survival.

Nappily Ever After (Photo: Netflix Canada)

September 25:

Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time

Synopsis: After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, her brother, and her friend to space in order to find him.

Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 2

Synopsis: When an unscrupulous arms maker teams with a rogue Russian physicist, it’s up to Iron Man and his friend Lt. Col. James Rhodes to take them down.

September 26:

Lethal Weapon, season 2 

Synopsis: After losing his wife and unborn child, ex-Navy SEAL Riggs joins the LAPD, where his recklessness creates tensions with seasoned partner Murtaugh.

Norsemen, season 2 (Netflix Original series)

The sea road to the west has been found, but Norheim’s villagers must still cope with power struggles and the ever-present threat of Jarl Varg.

This Is Us, season 2 

Synopsis: A couple expecting triplets find themselves with a brood they weren’t anticipating, thanks to a twist of fate that shapes their future as a family.

This Is Us, season 2 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

September 27:

Grey’s Anatomy, season 14

Synopsis: Intern (and eventual resident) Meredith Grey finds herself caught up in personal and professional passions with fellow doctors at a Seattle hospital.

September 28:

Chef’s Table, volume 5 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: This season, meet four innovative chefs who are shaking up the food culture in Philadelphia, Istanbul, Bangkok and Barcelona.

Forest of Piano (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Kai grows up playing an old piano discarded in the woods; Shuhei’s father is a famous pianist. Their chance meeting transforms their lives and music.

Hold the Dark (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: Summoned to a remote Alaskan village to search for wolves that took a local boy, a naturalist soon finds himself caught in a harrowing mystery.

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father, Season 2 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: This season, Jack and his not-so-adventurous dad Michael tackle Europe, including the Bavarian Alps, Istanbul, Budapest, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine.

Chef’s Table, volume 5 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Lessons From A School Shooting: Notes from Dunblane (Netflix Original documentary)

Synopsis: Devastated by the school shooting in his town, a priest from Sandy Hook, Connecticut, bonds with a Scottish priest who experienced a similar tragedy.

Lost Song (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: War looms over the kingdom of Neunatia, where two young women are both burdened and blessed by the power of song.

Made in Mexico (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Get to know the opulent lifestyles and infamous dynasties of Mexico City’s socialites and the expats vying for a spot in their exclusive social order.

Skylanders Academy, season 3 (Netflix Original series)

Synopsis: Season 3 finds Spyro and the Skylanders forging unexpected alliances, taking on new adventures and even straddling the line between good and evil.

The 3rd Eye (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: After the death of their parents, two sisters move back to their childhood home, where one sibling claims to be able to see a dark presence.

American Vandal, season 2 (Photo: Netflix Canada)

Two Catalonias (Netflix Original film)

Synopsis: The dark mind of Daniel Sloss is back, and he’s ready to find the funny in some very taboo topics, from the deeply personal to the highly irreverent.

September 29:

The Exorcist, season 2 

Synopsis: Two priests put their lives on the line as they fight to free a possessed girl from a vicious demon that threatens to destroy her family.

September 30:

Annihilation 

Synopsis: A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don’t apply.

Sherlock Gnomes 

Synopsis: Garden gnomes Gnomeo & Juliet recruit renowned detective Sherlock Gnomes to investigate the mysterious disappearance of other garden ornaments.

Last call! Here is everything leaving Netflix Canada in September:

September 1:

13 Going on 30 

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days 

Pitch Perfect 2 

September 14:

Disney’s Pete’s Dragon

September 17:

Star Trek Beyond 

September 30:

Jurassic World 

Related:

What’s Coming (and Going) on Netflix Canada in August 2018 Netflix’s Insatiable Is Not the Storyline We Need RN 13 LOL-Worthy Sitcoms to Binge on Netflix ASAP

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