#that they knew him when he was just a boy and this all powerful facade he puts on for the supernatural world doesnt work on the family

[nerdie-faerie]

Something kinda funny about the Mikaelsons constantly referring to Klaus as their indestructible brother

[lizthewriter]

mattheo riddle headcanons - how you got together ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

WARNINGS kissing, fluff, slight violence

Mattheo Riddle × fem!Reader

• mattheo was never really interested in girls - he couldn't understand why his friends were so obsessed with crushes and stuff . . . that was until you came along

• he always hated the "they were different" trope, but you were different

• he couldn't understand it (he had never been very in-touch with his emotions, except for maybe anger) but he knew he loved you

• it started out with stolen glances - in the great hall, in the corridors, in class, in the library; everywhere he saw you, he took the opportunity to fully observe you, to take in every inch of your face and body; he had never been one for studying, but he memerized you like a notecard

• blaise was the first to notice mattheo's sudden change in behavior sometimes and immediately linked it to you; like the good friend he was, he didn't tell anyone else, but teased mattheo about it relentlessly

• blaise still encouraged him to talk to you - the only reason mattheo actually spoke to you first was in hopes that it would end blaise's incessant nagging (spoiler alert: it didn't)

• he found you in the library, scouring the bookshelves, and built up the courage to speak with you

• of course, the clumsy idiot he was, got distracted and bumped into you, the books held in your arms tumbling to the ground

• he bent down to pick them up for you, offering a sheepish apology and smile and he thought "this was it" . . . until your friend called you from one of the studying tables and he lost his chance

• he didn't talk with you for a week after that

• not until he saw you in the courtyard, talking with a one zacharias smith; it was obvious you were trying to brush off his advances; you had seemed so uncomfortable as he continued to pester you

• mattheo didn't know what had happened until he did it; zacharias was thrown onto the floor with the power of a punch and you stood, shocked

• for a moment, he thought that maybe you'd be impressed, like he was the knight in shining armor you had been vying for

• but you had only scoffed and stormed away from both boys, obviously distressed

• he felt a little angry about that . . . why hadn't you been impressed? or at least glad that he stood up to the guy?

• he was in a bad mood for a few days . . . and got detention for punching zacharias in the face, even after he had told the professor that he had been bothering you and he was only trying to defend you

• he thought that you'd never look his way - but little did he know that you started watching him; he intrigued you . . . why had slytherin's very own bad boy defended you? you didn't even know him!

• that's when you saw not the bad boy facade, but the sweetheart interior; you caught him feeding stray pets in the hallways, volunteering late at night in the library when virtually no one was bound to be there, doing little things for his friends when he thought no one noticed

• you even caught him doodling in class once, small little flowers - he was actually quite good!

• and that's how you started to fall in love with mattheo riddle, bit by bit - not a bad boy, not just some slytherin, not the dark lord's son, mattheo

• you didn't know how to approach him - given his usual uncaring facade and the gang of slytherins surrounding him all the time, you'd feel too embarrassed to talk to him

• but blaise noticed that you too had your eyes on mattheo

• one day, when mattheo had skipped class, blaise caught you after potions

• he asked if you had a crush on mattheo - of course, you were hesitant to admit it, but it was obvious enough that you had to eventually

• blaise gave you a note that he said mattheo had told him to give you - it said to meet mattheo in the astronomy tower late that night

• you did not know, however, that blaise had taken a glance at your notes, memorizing your handwriting, and went to his dorm; he did his best to copy it, and gave mattheo a similar note, stating that you had asked him to pass it on

• mattheo was doubtful, but it was definitely your handwriting

• you arrived early, a bundle of nerves - why had mattheo called you there? you wondered - what made you so special?

• you sat down on the floor and gazed at the stars

• then you heard footsteps behind you and whipped your head around to see mattheo holding a piece of parchment

• he stood awkwardly for a moment before sitting on the floor next to you, your shoulders brushing together

• "you called me here?"

• you furrowed your brows at him - "no, blaise gave me this -" you handed him in the note "- said you told him to give me this"

• mattheo poked his cheek with an irritated tounge - "bastard," he remarked, a bitter smile on his face

• you had never been so close to him before - you could see all the little, invisible freckles dotting his face and scars from his many fights

• then it suddenly came to your attention that blaise had lured both of you here under the impression that the other had asked and cursed in your head

• you both sat in silence for a while

• mattheo didn't know what to do - you would never love him the way he loved you

• that was when you said, "i know you were only trying to help when you punched zacharias - and I admit that it was quite satisfying to watch, he certainly deserved to be punched but . . . i don't think it was necessary to be so violent. you could've just threatened him and he would have weaseled back to his common room in fear of the big bad slytherin"

• mattheo barked out a laugh, especially at the last part, which you had spoken quite sarcastically - "are you trying to suggest that i'm not a big bad slytherin?"

• you told him all the things you noticed about him

• he grinned widely - "have you been spying on me?"

• you flushed - "of course not - it was just an observation"

• "multiple observations," mattheo responded teasingly

• you flushed even more, sputtering - he thought you looked adorable trying to worm your way out of this

• he felt perhaps a little more confident - maybe you did like him . . . to an extent; after all, when had anyone paid that much attention to him before? his mind started to whirl at the idea of you possibly liking him back

• he gently grabbed your chin, turning your face to meet his; he tilted his head, smiling softly

• "it's okay to admit that you like me, love."

• you felt like your entire face was on fire - "really, riddle, what nonsense are you talking?" you sounded much more nervous than confident

• mattheo suddenly got much more serious. his eyes lingered over your lips - merlin, how he had longed to kiss them

• "if you want to leave, go. i won't stop you. if you feel that, at any time, you want to stop, you can shove me away, merlin you can punch me and leave. but i want to kiss you." his face had leaned gradually closer, so that by the time he finished speaking, his lips had ghosted over your own; he glanced at you, noticing how your chest had suddenly stopped it's usual rise and fall

• you made no move to leave

• mattheo closed the distance between you, kissing you softly - he panicked for a moment, when you hadn't reciprocated but he could boil it down to shock or nerves because you threw your arms around his neck, pulling him in deeper after that first moment of hesitance

• when he returned to his dorm, a smug smile on his face, blaise knew

• blaise would force mattheo to forever admit that you two never would have gotten together were it not for him - mattheo told him no way, so they agreed to let blaise be the best man at your future wedding and blaise was content enough with that

TAGS @m00nagegaydream @rilakeila @xftyhjmnfdsdfgjn @s1ater

Please like, reblog, and leave a comment! I would really appreciate it ^^

[purpleph4se]

devotion

armand x reader

warnings | smut, afab!reader, dom armand, fingering, praise, possessiveness, one mention of cheating sorta kinda? (we all know louis and armand’s relationship i mean would u call it cheating if it was open idfk)

a/n | 70s armand save me, save me 70s armand. so i finished iwtv in the span of one week and i can say i forgive armand for all his crimes, he’s just a girl <3 there is such a devastating lack of fics for my botticelli angel im here to mend that !!! i know i made that little post a while ago and i finally finished the fic i hope yall enjoy <3 crossposted on my ao3

“show me,”

his voice was a purr loud enough just for you to hear. you sat between his legs, chest pressed against the handsome stranger you met at the bar who managed to lure you into his home. “please yourself for me..” he usually doesn’t play with his food but the sight of your lips hung open, and the sound of your moans, he couldn’t help himself.

mesmerized by his voice, you trail your hand over your clothed sex finding the fabric had been soaked through. you shift to slip them off, a twinge of embarrassment making your face burn. you forced your legs apart, your head lolling back onto armand’s shoulder as your hand glided through your slick cunt.

“just like that, my love, make yourself feel good for me,” he whispered as he traced the curves of your body, stopping right at the dip of your hips. his grip on you was firm, as his lips left warm kisses on your neck. his touch was so precise yet so desperate to feel as much as possible of you.

“pl-please, touch me” you begged between whimpers, your legs were trembling as you could feel pleasure starting to bubble up uncontrollably. it was so overwhelming to feel like he was devouring you with his eyes, and touch. his praises were like fire flowing throughout your body as he consumed every cell of your body.

he hummed at your words, the utter desperation that he could feel seeping out of you made him want to fuck you without restraint, but he denied himself just to torture you.

“just my fingers, nothing more..”armand offered, he felt you tremble in anticipation forcing his hard cock against your lower back. you craved to feel him inside you, and he knew. 

armands breath tickles your ear as he slides two of his fingers over your slit. you squirm a bit as he ghosts just over your clit, his voice mumbling something about you being dripping for him. 

“thank y-you,” whispered again as his fingers slowly traced your skin, until they reached your folds. you were pushed closer to him, so he could effortlessly reach your sopping cunt as he kissed the dip of your shoulder. he could devour you if he chose.

his skin was cold to touch as you laid against him. “so breathtaking” He murmured as his elegant fingers barely touched your clit, your hips buckled to meet him “so sensitive,”

when he finally dipped his finger in you, that’s when his facade cracked. the way your warmth enveloped his finger, swallowing it hungrily and clenching around it, made his breath hitch. if armand concentrated enough he could picture what you would feel around his cock.

your small whine of 'more' causes him to smile against the nape of your neck as he inserts a second finger. he drags them in and out of you, slowly and gently before increasing the power behind them.

his other hand kneaded your chest, he wanted to worship every inch of you. you, kind stranger, distracted him from the boredom that was his life, his partner once again enjoying a young vulnerable boy.

you gasp grabbing onto his forearm feeling your body bounce a little as he did so, he pulled his head back to look down at you— his golden eyes dilating in either love or something sinister, you couldn't tell. "that’s it beloved, taking me so well”, his fingers curling up to search for that particular spot you liked “like you were made for me..” you whined in agreement before letting out a sharp moan, there he thought, abusing that certain spot.

armand pumped his fingers into you relentlessly as his thumb rubbed circles on your clit. for just moment he didn’t care about anything but the way you begged him for more, the way you would tremble in his arms as he added another finger, the way you desperately chased your orgasm. he could feel the desire rushing through your veins.

your hands dragged up his body until the settled hooked behind his hand, pulling him closer as you felt a third finger gently split you open. your back arched, your chest hitting his as you felt that coil, that certain feeling in your stomach rise, ready to break.

"'m gonna cum— don't, don't stop, please please." you babbled, to which he listened, telling you to cum that he was right here for you. he pressed his lips against your jaw, the sweet kisses and soft worship a distinct contrast from his onslaught on your poor cunt. and then you heard him, like he was inside your head “cum for me”, armand invited you to let go of everything, to allow the ecstasy to eat you alive, and you did. ‘cumming', you repeated— his name being slurred as you called out to him, eyes shut tightly.

you were hit by everything all at once, your senses blurred as you could barely control your body. armand’s name was the only thing you whine out through the overwhelming pleasure that took over you. he burned the sight into his brain, warm juices coated his hand as he slowed his movements, still overstimulating you just a bit.

you slumped against his chest, your blissed out state warming his abnormally cold one, he didn’t let go of you. you were out of breath, you stayed like that for a moment before he glanced at his fingers.

your pleasure dripped all over his pads, down to his palm, and he couldn’t help but take a taste of you. he took his time savoring each finger like it was ambrosia.

"messy little thing.. let me clean you up."

[vibingandsimping]

More random intimate positions/scenarios! Pt.2

Morally grey/villain characters this time!

Forewarnings: Dark content… including things like ownership, stalking, gore + obsession. Some pure fluff though :)

(I apologize for this being considerably longer compared to the others. I have been playing some more plus researching the lore. I feel more confident in my understanding of the characters and my writing.)

Gortash had his fingers wrapped around your chin as he beckoned you to look at him. You’re sat in his lap with your hands rested atop his shoulders. His expression is content with how closely pressed you are to his body. He could savor your warmth and read you so intimately. His brown eyes meet yours with a certain warmth laced in all the unwavering dominance. His lips quirk into a smirk as he watches your poorly built facade begin to crumble. His spare hand runs along the small of your back slowly… beckoningly. He'd be the hero of Baldurs Gate soon. He'd have all the power he dreamt of as a boy. Don't you wish to share that with him? His chest purrs when you keen into his touch. Good. He knew you could be a pretty thing for him. Such a formidable foe and he’d have you right by his side.

Minthara had her arms wrapped around your frame protectively. No matter how large or small you were in comparison. She was determined to hold you and plant some sort of reassurance into you. The way she regarded you was not that of any other. No, you were special to her and the woman realized it may not be so clear. She may be a cruel and a standard "drow", but beyond that there was an affection for you within her heart. She plants a kiss against the back of your shoulder-blades and it draws a shudder. Her muscles tighten around you as she presses her face into your shoulder, hot breath washing the junction of your neck and the flesh of your shoulder. You resist a second shudder. Unbeknownst to you, she’d follow you even if it was fruitless. Nothing was shaking her now that she was wrapped around you.

Orin's blade travels down your chest. It was gentle yet sharp... she wasn't particularly aiming to harm you but the thin streak of blood was enticing. The wound was so shallow it barely bubbled- just enough to alert her she broke the skin. Everything about the way she gazed at you was unhinged. You knew if she had pupils they'd be dilated. She draws her face downwards and laps at the tender flesh while you draw a shaky inhale. The whispers of praise and wishes for more barely reached your ears beyond the thrum of your heart. The slimy feel of her tongue worming it’s way up to your collarbones hitch your breath and you watch carefully. Each movement breeds more anticipation- she was soaking in your torment. She was wicked, truly, she devoted herself to you. You’d never understand her… but did you have to?

Ketheric’s hand laced with yours as you walked to his side. He was laid on his throne with open thighs as he acknowledged your presence. The man was aged and once a father. Well, technically still but Isobel regarded him with disowning. He long burned that bridge from his desperation and despair. You entered his life and turned things around. Everyone in Moonrise had never seen him so soft since he lost his daughter and wife. You took a seat on one of his thighs as he drew your hand to his face. His lips planted a gentle kiss on the back of your hand and then along your wrist. His beard tickled and caused you laugh, struggling against his hold as he stubbornly refused to let you go. When he finally did his lips were quirked upwards and there was a twinkling in his eye. He never thought he’d take a lover again… so he was glad when you broke down his walls. He’d once curse you for being persistent but now he’d praise you for it.

Raphael tugs on the invisible leash that was wrapped around your neck. You jerk forward on the bed as you kneeled with palms balancing you on the lush fabric. His wings were on grand display as his typically slicked hair tussled ever so slightly. Expression dark and expectant as you slowly crawled toward him. His brows furrowed as he tutted impatiently, a leg swinging out to hook around your thigh and jerk it underneath you. You collapsed as he drew you towards him with little patience. You now sprawled across his lower abdomen and crotch as his chest rumbles in amusement. Your skin burned with a mixture of pleasure and embarrassment. The hold he had on you, literally and figuratively, elicited a deep part of your brain. One that wished so carnally to be claimed… to be owned. Raphael would see to that, he promised, with one hand stroking your hair. You were such a sweet thing… and if you weren’t so persistent he’d lock you up for himself.

Kar’niss thought of you as a blessing. Truly, a drider like him didn’t deserve such an angel. He was supposed to be punished for all eternity for his shortcomings. He failed once and will never see to being a normal drow again. That’s why it didn’t make sense for him to be rewarded- but who is he to look at a gift with ungratefulness? He always holds you so tenderly… his body shockingly cold. He’s restless today, you note, as his eight legs skitter and his hands curl at you. There’s a flittering look in his face. A hunger he tried to conceal. When you question, he answers truthfully, drider need to feed on blood to survive. Every four days or he’d succumb to weakness and eventually die an empty husk. You offer yourself and he checks you for any hesitancy before diving in. He pierces the flesh with his sharp nails before indulging in the crimson that flowed. Between suckles and licks, he praises you for your generosity. Endless ‘thank you’s’ flow as much as your blood. He’s sure he’d never fallen deeper in love… or was it infatuation?

Haarlep knew their affection for you was essentially forbidden. Raphael handed you as a toy to them. Nothing more and nothing less- they should regard you only for his entertainment. They somehow found themselves wanting to indulge in your mind rather than your flesh after some time. It was your softness that first stunned them and foiled their pure-desire. Raphael never touched themself with such… they could barely find the word. Gentleness? Regard? They’d lay with you after your shared bliss and inch their nails down the side of your hip as you detailed your life. With a hand propping their head; they seemed enchanted. Mesmerized by how simple yet complex of a creature you were to them. Haarlep was a succubus and spent their life serving that purpose. They almost felt jealous of the freedom you held in life. They couldn’t help but find themselves fantasizing a life where you two lived in better circumstances. It was all a fantasy, though, they knew it with a bittersweetness.

Durge had always watched you from afar. Stalking, following and admiring. You caught their gaze amongst the crowd as they deliberately chose their next victim. You would’ve been easy. You didn’t hold yourself with a particular air in the ranks of Baldur’s Gate. Another citizen lost to the crazed killings of a maniac. It wasn’t until you’d noticed you had a secret admirer did your hackles raise. You could feel a pair of eyes on you at the most inopportune times. Then, came the letters at your doorstep detailing how they defied their nature. You could’ve been another hung corpse but instead they wished to wrap their mind around your heart and their lips amongst your neck. A shiver ran through you… a mix of disgust and a strange intrigue? Surely it was the way the letters were so detailed and deranged. You would’ve ignored it all until the stalking emboldened. You saw their figure in the window at night and through the alleyways. It was only a matter of time before they struck and claimed you as theirs. You’d simply have to keep an eye over your shoulder and hold a dagger close. If you could even strike them, that was.

[doremimosasol]

𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 - 𝐇𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐟𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 ✧

Ravenclaw!reader here

Slytherin!reader here

Gryffindor!reader here

warnings: none

word count: 1,2 k

requested

he was never interested in the Hufflepuffs

he saw them as stuck-up people

boring

people pleasers

and he thought they were absolute goody two shoes little did he know about the Hufflepuff parties they kept a secret from the rest of the houses

they were everything he didn’t like

they were also too nice for his liking

but even for their friendly nature, most of them didn’t like Mattheo after all

most of them actually hated him, and held grudges against the boy for whatever reason

no one except his closest friends liked him and the ones who seemingly did, just put on an act

or they just were too scared to go against the son of the Dark Lord

it made him feel extremely powerful, on top of the world

not being liked, not even by the kindest house in the school

except for you

it drove him absolutely insane, he was hated by all except for you?

at first, he even thought it was fake but you were actually being genuine

you always smiled at him when you crossed each other’s paths in the hallways

you voluntarily sat next to him in class when people would rather sit on the other side of the classroom, as far away from him as possible

you never distanced yourself when you two accidentally stood a little too close

you were comfortable around him?

it threw him off completely

ever since first year he tried everything to make you hate him too, like everyone else does

you were that one loose end

that one loose he’d so desperately try to get rid of

he’d throw insults and you’d just laugh it off

he’d make you trip and you’d apologize for walking in his way (really?)

he’d write scribbles on your paper and you’d laugh at the cute gesture

he even once locked you up in a classroom all alone and even then you forgave him

nothing worked, you’d never hate him

you’d never fear him

after 7 years he eventually gave up, as school was almost finished he didn’t see the use anymore

he’d just let you be

let you be kind

that’s where everything went downhill for him though

when he started to let you be, he started to look past his goal of trying to make you dislike him

he actually finally acknowledged your sweet heart, the absolute kindest student in the whole school

no one was like you

he grew a small soft spot for you, and at that moment he knew he had to protect you at all costs

he knew he fucked up by admitting to these feelings to himself but something about it made him feel warm

it melted the cold layer around his heart, which was never meant to be melted

he’d notice all the little things you did

you’d regularly help first years around school

you’d help around in the Three Broomsticks when it was busy on weekends, sacrificing your precious free time

you’d even help Hagrid with his odd creatures

feeding them almost daily; even when it rained, when it was early in the morning, and during dinner

you’d rather spend time with the creatures than eating together with your friends

it wasn’t that you didn’t have any friends though, you were one of the most popular Hufflepuffs

but was it due to your kindness or did people just take advantage of it?

you were too blind to see through people’s acts though

but Mattheo saw how people put on a nice facade in front of you to get something out of you

it was always when they needed something for themselves

you gave and gave and gave but never received anything

when he noticed this he wanted to do anything to make you feel appreciated for all the giving you did

that’s when you frequently started to receive anonymous gifts

you’d find notes in between the pages of your books, just a few kind words

you’d find roses in front of your door, never a bouquet, always one

one single red rose

it kept going for months, never knowing the real sender

it put a smile on you every single day, and Mattheo loved to see you smile

every time he left one of those roses at your door, he made sure to figure out your schedule to pass by you in the hallways and see that smile of yours

because it also made his day every single time

you appreciated the gesture so much

it made you feel all warm and fussy

you dried all the roses he got you and put the leaves in a special box

there was not one you threw away, always keeping them

forever

as the months progressed he started to leave small notes with the roses too, signed as “MR”

you never tried to figure out who it was, liking the mysteriousness of it

though, the initials could obviously only belong to one person

one specific Slytherin

on the day before graduation you finally got more than initials: “Meet me where the earth swallows the sun.”

the Black Lake…

it was the perfect time

the last day of school ever

the last day before graduation, leaving your second home behind after all

he wouldn’t have to explain his actions ever

because after this day he’d leave school behind, which meant also leaving you behind forever

excited but a little skeptical you approached the Black Lake at sunset, seeing the back of a well-known Slytherin boy

the one you could never hate

Mattheo Riddle

he turned around to meet your eyes, with no emotion to reveal his true intentions

he called you closer to him and when you stood in front of him, he put your hair behind your back

not without softly stroking your cheek, making it look accidental

you froze at that moment, completely lost in his warm brown eyes

you wondered how people could hate him when his eyes told a whole story

it was like coming home to a fireplace after a day in the snow

the browns hugging you like the warmth of fresh warm chocolate in your hands

he took something out of his pocket, hiding it in his hand

“Close your eyes”

you didn’t immediately comply, unsure of what his intentions were

“Trust me…”

you closed your eyes and you felt his fingers slightly grazing your neck when you heard a click behind it

he stood behind you, brushing your hair to the side for his lips to meet the back of your neck

the softness staying there for a few seconds

you felt his breath on your ear when he pulled away for a moment, his lips grazing your lobe

“Thank you, y/n…”

the whispering and his deep voice echoing in your ear

just when you decided to open your eyes, the touch disappeared

you turned around and he was gone…

around your neck was now a silver necklace with a beautiful silver rose hanging as a pendant

though you never gave him anything, you finally received something

but to him, you gave him everything…

kindness

[empressgetou]

A GIFT

husband poseidon x wife goddess reader

posiedon may be called as the most fearsome god or the god of gods or the tyrant of the sea, but all these titles meant nothing when it comes to his wife. y/n would call it as a facade considering that his attitude is the complete opposite of what the gods known him for.

the king of the seas had met his better half way back when he was still a boy. whenever he would visit the library of valhalla he somehow catches her just around the corner reading quietly all alone.

days turned into weeks that turned into months of visiting the library, he never misses her innocent figure by that very corner who seems to be on her own world. then one particular day, she finally approach him making his heart skip a beat by her voice.

"excuse me, lord posiedon. i don't want to interrupt you but i wanted to borrow the book you have got there since i wanted to finish the novel i am currently reading." she asked politely. little did she know, posiedon has taken interest of what the girl has been reading these past few days and have read in advance to finish the book first.

her voice it sounds alluring, as if the sirens were to hypnotize the humans in the ocean. he thought.

he nodded in response and gave the book. well he already finished the novel might as well let her borrow it.

"it is quite a surprise that my lord has taken interest in these types novels?" she then closely leaned into his side.

"would you mind if i seat here beside you? i'd like to know what your thoughts on this right after i read."

"no, but are you comfortable being with me?"

"hmm? why shouldn't i, my lord? as long as you're not feeding me to your piranhas back at atlantis then i dont mind." she innocently giggled as if there were no rumours of the young prince going around. not that she knows about those, the young goddess is too busy to gossip with the other young ones her age.

and with that interaction started their romance. with millions and millions of years have gone by and the gods have been happily married to each other, they are also known to be one of the most powerful couple in valhalla. with the two of them working together nothing seems to stop them. y/n being the goddess of healing and peace and poseidon being the god of the seas and waters sounded terrifying for the humans even for the gods. and with y/n's every step bringing happiness along the way there will always be poseidon following closely to him who keeps other gods or humans especially intimidated which results to y/n scolding him back at their place.

and just like any other day in the kingdom of atlantis, y/n all by herself in their very own library reading peacefully was cut off when a knock was heard.

"i'm home." said by a gentle voice.

"you're back home early, my beloved. did something happened?", y/n replied as she rose from her seat and greeted his husband with a light kiss.

"that half human happened. the gods have agreed to that filthy woman to have a fight between humanity and us gods, a ragnarok." he said full of frustration in his face.

she guided him to seat and ease his anger.

"i'm sure brunhilde has her reasons as to why she had done this, after all she is still a part of their kind."

"what made you upset?"

"i do not wish to participate in their foolish games. i am a god that is nowhere near a humans ability to reach and they dare try and compete with me? that is unacceptable!"

"you could withdraw from it if you don't wish to join them"

"the pantheon has already decided. no matter. i shall win of course those humans will not be in my way."

currently, zeus and adam fighting in the arena with a time of 5 minutes now. y/n seated beside his husband watching from the booth with hermes and other gods. they were informed beforehand that poseidon were to battle after his brother. y/n was anxious, not because of the fight she knew his husband was capable of defeating them, it was actually her secret that she may have been keeping from his husband a little while now. he looked at her and this made poseidon think that his wife was worried about him.

with now adam defeated by zeus, poseidon stood up and y/n following him by the back door.

"i'll be back this won't take long, my love." he said while cupping her face and his voice with no trace of arrogance but rather a soft one.

"i'll cheer you on, husband. and when you are done, there is something i'd like to tell you." this made poseidon curious.

is this why she had been spacing out lately? he thought.

she then kissed him good luck and said her i love you's.

during the battle y/n remained uneasy, kojiro sasaki is indeed a good swordsman with his skills and speed no doubt that he would've defeated a god. but not this god, posiedon managed to be much quicker to attack than sasaki's. and with that it ends as the god of the seas declared winner of the match. making it a score of 3 and the humans 0.

y/n stood up and rushed down into the doors going to the arena meeting his husband on the dimmed alley. posiedon caught by surprise his wife rushing towards him with open arms.

"i was worried about you! i glad it is over now!" she hugged him tight as if the world depends on it.

"i told you i would be back, though it did took me a while to finish." he could hear her quiet sniffles and decided to just walk off to the infirmary still holding her like a baby supporting her back with his right hand and her bottom with his other hand.

as soon as they were inside the room, he seated her beside him while the aids have come to heal the injured god.

"leave us, my wife shall take care of this." declared the god and were left to be alone with his spouse.

y/n did not hesitate and began her healing magic while doing so she could not help whether it is the perfect time to tell his husband of what she have been keeping these days. poseidon knowing his wife like the back of his hand can feel her uneasiness and decided to ask.

"there is something you wanna tell me." that made y/n taken aback a bit. no doubt that his husband would notice much sooner. she is not the type that keeps secrets after all, the goddess is more of an open book to poseidon.

"remember, i have something i'd like to tell you after you have finished your fight?" he nodded urging her to continue.

"i only found out recently and had been trying my best to keeping it for myself." she giggled.

"hera has spoke to me the other day when we were at the pantheon. she told me that eileithyia has informed her that i am with... a child." that made poseidon's world stop.

a child? he thought. they both have been trying for an offspring quiet some time now. he would always watch merfolks back at antlantis with their young ones. with their cute little fins and soft features and loud laughter's, no wonder the king of the seas would want one his own.

he pulled her towards him and hugged her tight depending his massive size into her delicate body. he would've bursted into tears if it weren't for her chuckle.

"i'm guessing you are happy with the news i brought, my love?"

"happy? no, no not just happy, dear. i am thrilled that we are finally able to have a child on our own." he looked deep into her eyes and kissed her passionately.

"thank you. this is the most precious gift that you have given me." he continued while still holding her close to his chest.

"we have been trying my husband, i'm glad that the goddess of labour has bestowed us such gift."

"although you are still horrible at keeping such secrets, i keep noticing you fidgeting from time to time." he smirked making y/n lightly smacking his chest.

"i love you, my dearest. and our child as well." he said with with full adoration while trying to hold his nonexistent baby bump.

"i love you much more, my husband."

masterlist

"now, let's fix that hair of yours hmm? it does not look too good after that swordman cut if off unequally." she laughed when she noticed it, that's because his hair can and only be touched by his wife and no other beings. that is when poseidon realized his hatred with humanity once more.

[outromoony]

"Let it once be me"

Wolfstar microfic | Word count: 984 | ttpdmicrofic

@my-castles-crumbling

Sirius was crying in his bed.

Remus could hear him quietly sobbing beneath the covers. He usually couldn't, not when the other boy was always so careful to cast silence charms when he was having a bad night, but he could hear him now, and the sound of it was threatening to tear him apart.

Remus had never seen Sirius cry, at least not openly. Sirius never let him see him in that state; he always tried to run away from him to James or even Peter to comfort him when something happened. It was usually family matters, or at least that's what Remus thought, since Sirius would never open up to him. It hurt him, knowing that Sirius was in any type of pain, knowing that anyone had the power to make him look so vulnerable, and it hurt him that Sirius never trusted him with his secrets the way Remus trusted Sirius with his; he trusted him blindly with his secrets, with every single thought that made him who he was. Yet Sirius seemed to be breaking apart too often lately, and he couldn't even stand to look at Remus right in the eyes when it happened.

He got out of his own bed and followed the sound of Sirius's tears. They stopped instantly, and Remus knew Sirius must have heard him.

"Sirius?" Remus whispered close to the curtains. A noise close to a choke came out of them, and then Sirius emerged from behind, not meeting Remus's gaze.

"Sorry I woke you up," Sirius sniffed. Remus knew that the reason he was trying to look in the opposite direction was because Remus could see perfectly in the dark, and he didn't want him to see his red eyes and swollen face. "I was just—"

"What's wrong?" Remus asked before Sirius could finish, trying to be as gentle as possible. What if the reason Sirius never talked to him was because he was bad with words? Because he was too cold? "Sirius, please talk to me."

"It's nothing, just..." Sirius swallowed, closing his eyes. "I will just talk to James in the morning."

That was like a punch in the stomach to hear, because Remus was right there, yet Sirius preferred to wait hours to speak with James about it, and if he couldn't, Remus knew he would prefer not to talk about it at all.

"I—am I too harsh? Do you think I wouldn't understand? That I would judge you?" Remus couldn't wrap his mind around what Sirius might think of him, and maybe that was his own fault for trying so hard to keep a facade for everyone else. "I know you don't trust me, and that's fine; you don't have to, but just please—"

"Fuck, Remus, I trust you with my life," Sirius finally looked at him, and the only thing Remus could see in his beautiful blue eyes was pure sadness. "I trust you with everything I am; this has nothing to do with trust."

"Then what?" Remus almost shouted, almost forgetting it was three in the morning and the rest of his friends were sleeping peacefully. "Why do you always push me away when you're feeling down? Why would you never talk to me? Why is it always James, Peter, or even sometimes the girls? Sirius, please, just... let it be me; let it once be me."

Sirius was looking at him with wide eyes, and when he finally spoke, his voice sounded so small it almost made Remus cry.

"It has always been you," He said those words as if they were the secret of the creation of the universe, as if that was the answer Remus had been waiting for. "It has always been you; everyone knows it but you."

"What are you—"

"You're the reason I try to be strong, the reason I try to stop the tears from falling and the heart from aching, because you once told me I was the bravest boy you've ever met, but I am not, Remus, not anymore, and I cannot stand to look at you when I am a bloody tangle of sadness for something so fucking stupid."

"Siriu—"

"And you're so... you, and in everything I do, in every decision I take, there's always your name in the back of my mind, and I want you to love me so fucking bad, but how could you ever do that when I'm just a pile of disaster and sadness?"

"I love you," Remus responded almost immediately without even thinking about it, meaning every word. "I love you—the brave you, the sad you, the disaster you. That's not changing, Sirius, ever; there's nothing you could do or say that would make me feel different about you; you dont need to pretend with me, to hide. I thought we stopped hiding from each other a long time ago."

"You just—you don't understend, Remus; you would not be saying this if you knew how I feel about you. You don't love me the way I love you; you don't—"

"I do," Remus whispered softly. He bent down slightly to remove Sirius's hand from his face and took it between his own, kissing his knuckles. "I really fucking do."

Sirius held his breath the moment Remus spoke those words, his hand almost shaking when Remus lifted it to touch his lips. His eyes were mostly full of something like surprise and disbelief; but behind all of that, Remus could see love—oh, so much love.

"So..." Remus spoke when Sirius didn't. "Can it be me? Please? Just this one time."

And then Sirius finally smiled, a tender expression crossing his face. “Maybe it’s time we let it be us.”

[lecsainz]

PICTURES

parings: harry styles x actress!reader

request: Hey, saw u write for Harry Styles! Can u do a oneshot where y/n's parents r famous actors, she n Harry got somethin' goin' on but ain't makin' it official. He's on the Take Me Home tour when she calls him to sort things out 'cause paparazzi pics with other girls surfaced, but he didn't actually cheat.

authors note: OMG haven't written anything about harry in years, like seriously, this brought back sooo many memories 😭

☆. . . masterlist !

Y/N Aniston was the daughter of a renowned actress, yes, Jennifer Aniston herself. She grew up with the media at her feet, and just like her mother, she chose to follow a career in acting. Little did she know that due to her fame, she would end up meeting a singer from one of the biggest boy bands of 2013, who would bring her a lot of headaches.

Harry and Y/N crossed paths during the VMAs, in line for the bathroom. They don't remember when exactly, but at some point during the night, they found themselves in her limousine, having a quickie. However, that quick encounter became a regular thing whenever they met up.

And Y/N developed feelings for the green-eyed boy. She liked him a lot. Maybe she even loved him.

Harry had embarked on the Take Me Home tour, and some photos of him with other girls had been taken by paparazzi. Even though they weren't officially an item, her heart shattered nonetheless. Those pictures felt like daggers to her heart, and they hurt like hell.

And here she was, sitting on her bed, heart almost racing out of her chest, waiting for Harry to appear on the screen.

"Y/N!" Harry's face popped up on the screen, lying on the tour bus bed with a sleepy yet adoring smile.

She managed a small smile, her nerves getting the best of her. "Hey, Harry."

His eyes sparkled as he looked at her. "Missed you."

Y/N felt her heart skip a beat. Despite everything, the sound of those three simple words from him still had a powerful effect on her.

"Missed you too," she admitted, her voice soft.

They talked about everything and nothing, the conversation flowing as naturally as it always did between them. But as the minutes ticked by, Y/N knew she couldn't avoid the elephant in the room any longer.

"Harry, about those pictures..." she trailed off, her heart racing.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Y/N, I'm so sorry you had to see those."

She looked down, feeling a mix of emotions. "It's just... hard, you know?"

Harry's expression softened. "I know, love. They're not what they seem."

She raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, they're not real," he confessed, his voice earnest. "It's all a publicity stunt, arranged by Simon."

Y/N's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why?"

"He wants to maintain that image, make me appear as the 'ladies' man' for the fans," Harry explained, frustration evident in his voice. "But it's all a facade. I hate it."

Y/N felt a mix of relief and anger. Relief that the pictures weren't real, and anger that she had been hurt by something so manufactured.

"I had no idea," she admitted, her voice softer now.

Harry's eyes bore into hers. "Y/N, you know I care about you, right?"

She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, I do."

"I'm not looking for meaningless flings, Y/N," he said, his voice determined. "I want something real."

She felt her heart race, hope stirring within her. "Harry..."

Just then, the atmosphere on the tour bus shifted as the other members of One Direction appeared on the screen, grinning widely.

"Hey, is that Y/N?" Niall's voice chimed in.

"Y/N!" Louis exclaimed, waving enthusiastically.

“Our favorite girl!" Zayn added.

Y/N chuckled, her heart swelling with fondness for the boys. "Hi, guys! I miss you all."

"We miss you too!" Niall exclaimed.

Y/N's cheeks turned slightly pink as she greeted the rest of the band. She had known them for a while now, having met them through Harry. They had always been incredibly welcoming and friendly towards her.

"Long time no see," Liam said with a warm smile. "How've you been?"

Y/N chuckled. "Oh, you know, just taking over the world."

Harry rolled his eyes playfully. "As if she hasn't already."

Zayn smirked. "You're in good company, Y/N."

Niall leaned in closer to the camera. "Harry talks about you all the time."

Y/N shot Harry a teasing look. "Oh, really? What kind of things does he say?"

Harry's cheeks turned a light shade of pink. "Just good things."

Louis wiggled his eyebrows. "We can all tell he's smitten."

Y/N couldn't help but laugh, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the guys. She had seen them at their goofiest and most genuine moments, and she was grateful for the bond they shared.

"Well, Y/N, if Harry doesn't treat you right, you know where to find us," Zayn said with a wink.

Y/N playfully rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Zayn. I'll keep that in mind."

"We saw those pictures, by the way," Louis said, his tone slightly teasing.

Y/N's cheeks flushed, but she managed a sheepish smile. "Yeah, I guess they're making quite a buzz."

Niall rolled his eyes. "Don't take those too seriously. They're just playing with ya."

"Yeah, Simon probably thought it was good for marketing," Liam added.

Zayn nodded. "It's all part of the game."

Y/N let out a sigh of relief, feeling their genuine support. "Thanks, guys. It's just been a bit overwhelming."

"We know, love," Louis said, his eyes softening. "But remember, you're stronger than the headlines."

Zayn chimed in. "Harry's been a mess ever since those pictures surfaced."

Louis nodded. "Yeah, he's been moping around like a lost puppy."

Y/N's lips curved into a grateful smile. "Thanks, guys. Your words mean a lot to me."

"Anytime, Y/N," Niall grinned. "Now, you make sure to keep our Harry in line, okay?"

Zayn chuckled. "Yeah, we can't have him causing any more trouble."

Harry pouted playfully. "Hey, I'm a changed man."

"Sure you are," Louis quipped, earning a laugh from everyone.

Harry leaned closer to the camera, his voice soft. "They adore you, you know."

Y/N's smile grew warmer. "I can tell. And I adore them too."

The connection was beginning to falter, the image on the screen slightly pixelated as Harry's voice crackled. "I wish I could hear your laugh properly right now."

Y/N chuckled, the sound distorted by the poor signal. "We'll have to fix that soon."

Harry's expression turned more serious. "Y/N, I've been thinking... I want to talk about this face-to-face. This distance between us, it's not fair."

Her heart skipped a beat, hope and apprehension mingling in her chest. "Harry..."

"I mean it," he said with determination. "I want to have an honest conversation, in person. No screens, no miles between us."

Y/N nodded, her own resolve strengthening. "Okay, Harry. When?"

"I'll be back in a few weeks," he replied. "After this leg of the tour. We can find a place to meet up."

She felt a mixture of emotions, excitement and nerves intermingling. "I look forward to it."

"I do too," Harry said softly. "I want us to have a proper conversation, Y/N. No misunderstandings, no miscommunications."

Y/N smiled, her heart swelling with anticipation. "I want that too."

As the signal continued to weaken, Harry's voice grew fainter. "I'll see you soon, Y/N."

"Can't wait," she whispered, her voice barely reaching him.

And then, with a final wave and a promise in their eyes, the call disconnected, leaving Y/N with a renewed sense of hope and a countdown to the day when they would bridge the physical and emotional distance that had grown between them.

[charleslee-valentine]

The Lost Boys name etymology:

As the leader of the group, we’ll start with David. The name David means ‘lover.’ His approach to vampirism is somewhat romantic. The ritual and the wine mixed with blood, takes on an erotic edge for example. Their lips touching the same bottle and the exchanging of fluids, and the haze that follows. His role as the leader could be violent given his power, or indifferent like Max’s way of running things- but he chooses to genuinely savor each member of his little pack. The tears he sheds for Marko are shed with love. The words he whispers to Michael, conscious or not, are endearing and soothing. Whether these bonds are more than platonic to him, or even approached in an acceptable way, he still has loving and sharing that love deeply in his nature, amplified by his powers.

Following him is Dwayne. Dwayne can mean ‘dark.’ Not just referring to his hair among the group obviously, his name could give a tiny glimpse into his character. Being less than a main character his screen time and thus his analytical depth is limited, but something about Dwayne is he can go from smiling with the group, to taking on a very stoic or cold expression fast. The ‘darkness’ inside Dwayne could be festering more than the other boys and making the whole -slightly irritating but mostly harmless teenager facade- a lot harder to keep up for him. Notable especially around Max is that stoniness. Part of his depth, it seems, is distrust for anyone outside of his boys, even his own sire. Dwayne’s edge (and weakness, actually) is his quickness to hold those dark and bitter feelings.

Marko involves some mythology to understand his meaning. The name itself stands for ‘dedicated to Mars,’ and Mars is the God of a few things, prominently war and feral nature. What this means for Marko is possibly strength and power. Of course, he is the smallest and that’s why he’s picked off first, but had the fight been between an awake Marko instead, his name hints at him possibly being the most brutal of the pack. It would make sense, that smaller stature equates to speed, in addition to the heightened vampire powers. Marko probably strikes like a feral animal. His tendency to drift to David and, in the words of Alex Winter himself, serve as something of a lap dog to him, is also possibly because of this nature. The idea being that he sacrificed some of his humanity to the brutality of vampirism and turns to David like a handler of sorts.

Finally is Paul. Maybe unexpectedly, the name means ‘humble.’ Where this personality trait can most prominently be seen is in Paul’s treatment of Star, Michael, and Laddie. He seems to be the only one to empathize with how unsettling vampirism can be and offers gentleness to each, at least in the novelization. There are also still distinctly human traits to him like his substance use, his more enthusiastic expressions, and turning on the radio, which he initiated out of the group. Even refraining from harassing (though affectionately, as we know from the deleted scene) Maria the video store worker. It seems that Paul uses being a vampire to intimidate humans and half vampires much less than the others. This makes him a branch towards humanity. Where he loses his humbleness is when he dies. He takes the time to brag about the stupidity of the Frogs and it costs him time. In his grief he gave up a trait that was so woven into him, and thus became reckless enough that he gets killed.

That’s the case with all of the boys really. Their rage and grief over Marko’s death meant letting those qualities either amplify or disappear to the point of losing themselves, and then losing the fight. In Dwayne’s case, he embraced the violence in himself and targeted Sam even when he knew it wasn’t safe because of Michael’s proximity. The ‘dark’ quality of him took over the common sense. As for David, he trusted in Michael so blindly that he was still trying to coerce him to their side. Even after Marko was gone and now the boys were dropping like flies, it was too hard for him to just stop loving someone. It only becomes clear too late, and then Michael has the upper hand and David’s the one dying.

[hughiecampbelle]

The Boys Preference: Being A Spy

Requested: Hi!! i love your content, i wanted to request maybe a preference how the boys + homelander would react if reader turned out to be a secret spy. for example, for the boys reader would spy for homelander and vice versa. i hope i worded it okay. Thanks 💓💓💓💓 - anon

A/N: This is such a fun idea!!! But it also hurts my heart lol. I hope you like it my love!!! Feedback is always appreciated 💜💜💜

Butcher wants revenge. He trusted you. He trusted you with information about Vought and Homelander (of which you already knew), but also about Becca and Ryan and Lenny. Things he wouldn't have shared with anyone else. They don't do tracking chips like Vought, though now he wishes they had. The second they find out you're working for Homelander, Butcher sees red. He's furious and yelling and ordering everyone. He feels out of control. As if raising his voice and making others listen to him will take all their secrets back. Will give him his power back. It won't. It doesn't. He makes a promise that if he ever comes face to face with you again, he'll kill you. He'll do it with his hands, not a knife or gun. He wants to take back his power.

Hughie is heartbroken. He opened up to you. He talked to you about Robin, and his parents, and even that night at Teks party. You knew every embarrassing story about him and all the songs he listened to and his complicated relationship with Annie, especially in the past few weeks. You weren't a threat or another Vought Supe, you were different. You were supposed to be different. When he finds out you've been working with Homelander he feels humiliated. You've seen every side of him, no matter how silly or stupid or whatever, and you still turned your back on him, on everyone. You never really cared in the first place. He doesn't fall into total denial, but a small part of him insists this isn't true. He doesn't say it, he doesn't vocalize it, but an even smaller part of him wishes you'd come back and explain. He just wants to know why you did it.

Annie knew something was up. She couldn't put it into words, she couldn't describe it, it was just a feeling. The feeling like, from season two, she describes walking around the tower feeling like there was a loaded gun in her face. You were the most powerful Supe she'd ever met. You were powerful and dangerous and that made her feel uneasy. You smiled when you were supposed to and laughed and you said all the right things, but there was just something off. After her time with Stormfront, she's gotten better at seeing people's true intentions. Or, at least, nor trusting the facade they throw on. She blames herself for not realizing, for not saying anything. Maybe if she had, it would have saved the team from all this heartache.

M.M. hates that he ever trusted you in the first place. You are a Supe, after all, and he never would have let a Supe near him or his friends. But you were so convincing, so sweet, so thoughtful. You really had him fooled. You had them all fooled. When it comes out that you were working for Homelander, he doesn't retreat into himself like Kimiko or seek revenge like Butcher. All the feelings he has, all the anger and hatred and shame, it all turns on himself. He blames himself. He should have seen who and what you were, your intentions. He should have been the one to realize what you were up to. But even looking back on it now, going through everything, he still can't pinpoint the red flags. You were just that good, just that believable.

Frenchie is in denial. You? Working for Homelander? That can't be. You worked together, you laughed together, you scraped off blood and guts together. This cannot be. M.M. and Butcher get especially angry at him when he vocalizes his denial. Even Kimiko will yell-sign at him, begging him to come to terms with it. You were a part of the team, you were his friend. He can't turn his back on you just like that. Whatever information you had given Homelander, it must've been a mistake. He really cared about you. He thought you cared about him. All this time, though, you were working for them. You were reporting back to them. If he can't trust you, who can he trust? For now, he's in denial. It's easier this way. It makes him feel better about the while situation.

Kimiko retreats into herself. Like after her fight with Stormfront, after losing Kenji, she hides under that table and watches TV and doesn't talk to anyone. You and Kimiko were close. You were almost as fluent as Frenchie. She told you about when her and him kissed, she told you about being scared from the virus, everything. She never thought you would have been part of Vought. She never would have suspected it. Ever. You were a Supe, but that wasn't enough to make you a bad person. Now she's hurting all over again. She's angry and sad and ashamed. She's furious and she can't take it out on anyone or anything. She yells at Frenchie who's deep in his denial, which makes everything worse. It just makes everyone else angrier.

Bonus! Homelander is furious. He's lethal. You disappear long before he realizes, taking out your chip and going into hiding with The Boys. It's been days since you were even in the tower and he uses everyone to look for you. The Deep and New Noir are absolutely fucking useless, so it's up to him and Firecracker to track you down. Sage rubs it in his face that she knew the whole time, which isn't helpful either, but it's part of a larger plan she's had, but does not disclose fully. Homelander wants you dead. He trusted you. He let you in on his life, his secrets, and you were just using him. No one uses Homelander. He's not going to let you get away with it. He's not going to let you see another day. You fucked him over. That's unacceptable.

[desi2go]

Beneath the city lights

pairing: mafia! Changbin x reader

warning: angst with a happy ending, weapons, blood, death

author's note: HAPPY BIRTHDAY BINNIE!!!

Seo Changbin sat in his dimly lit office, a glass of Gin in his hand. He was a ma of power, the undisputed mafia boss of the city, feared and respected by all. His life was one of control, calculated decisions and iron-fisted rule over his territory that even extended over the border of the city.

But there was one thing that he cherished more than his whole empire. You. You were his light, the one person he could turn to when he felt down. Only you could see behind his facade of his cold and composed demeanor. He never thought he would meet a person that could bring back his soft personality, yet, you came into his life like a summer breeze, gently but impossible to ingnore. Your laughter was the melody he saught after a hard day of blood and betrayal, your touch was the warmth he craved in a world of cold shadows.

But tonight, Changbin's world was on the brink of chaos. It started with a phone call. The voice on the other end was calm, almost to calm.

"We have her, Changbin" The words were like ice water down his spine. He knew who was on the other end of the phone. It was his enemy who tried for years to take over the reign.

"You heard me? We have your girl and if you want to see her again alife, you will do as we say." Before he could even reply something, the line went dead. For the first time in years, he felt a chill of fear running down his spine. You were everything to him, his whole world. He would do anything for you even this meant that he needs to give up his control. He felt like nothing without you. Like a small boy, all alone in this big world.

Without wasting a second, Changbin called his most trusted man - Chan, his right hand and best friend since the first day. He explained the situation quickly, his voice a cold whisper, filled with anger and distress that boiled beneath the surface.

"They have taken Y/n. We are getting her back" he described what happend briefly.

"What's the plan, Boss?"

"Tell Han that he needs locate where they are keeping her. Fast. I want to have her back before sunrise" Chan agreed, already contacting Han, the most skilled hacker of the group.

"He will dig up everything on our enemies. We will find her" Chan added promising.

Hours passed like years as Changbin waited for the informations from Han. The others were already contacted and ready to get you out as soon as possible. His mind raced through scenarios, but one thing remained clear. He would tear the city apart. Brick by brick if it meant saving you.

Finally, Han send him the location where you were supposed to be captured. It was an abandoned warehouse at the edge of the city, a place where deals were made lives were lost.

He let out a long breath, some weight was lifted off his shoulder. It meant that he was just a small time away to finally hold you in his arms again. Changbin put his knive and gun in his pockets, walking to his car and drove to the address. During the whole ride there was a total silence, just the rhythmic tipping of Changbin's fingers against the stirring wheel could be heard faintly.

Finally, he and his men neared the warehouse and he ordered them to spread out and take positions. With all cost, he didn't want to risk a shootout. Not, when you, his most precious thing, was in danger and could possibly get hurt. But he was still prepared for one in case his enemies threatened you too much.

He entered the warehouse, a house made of old bricks that slowly fell apart, followed by Chan and Felix, his best fighters for such missions. They moved within the shadow in silence, not daring to draw the attention of the enemy to them. The interior was dark, the air thick with the smell of dust and decay as they walked through the maze of crates and metal beams, always on high alert for any sign of movement.

Then, they reached a large open space in the center of the building. Your front was facing him, sitting in the middle of the open room. Above you, the upper floor was demolished and changbin could see some of his enemies men patrolling. You were tied to a chair, your hands secured with a rope to the back of it. All he could see was that you shook, propably from the cold air and mostly fear.

Changbin's heart ached at the sight of his beloved, but he needed to be focused. When he was unwary now that would mean that he would most definitely loose you completly.

You, on the other hand, were unknowing to your lover's presence in front of you. Your head hurt due to a hard hit to knock you out. Dried blood stuck on your temple and your lip was slightly chapped.

You knew that Changbin was about to save you. It was just a matter of time. Despite that, there was a fear within you that makes your body shake. A fear that he might come to late or that these people will hurt you further. It was the first time that someone tried to control Changbin with capturing you after all. You never have thought that perhaps somebody will hurt you because you thought that they all were afraid of your lover's merciless and wouldn't touch you.

Changbin spotted his enemy right beside you, a smirk on his develish face.

"Seo Changbin" the man sneered. "Nice to see you here. I wondered how long it would take you to get here" You turned your head so that you could see your boyfriend. Changbin walked out of his hideout while Felix and Chan stayed there, still unnoticed.

"Let her go, and I will consider letting you walk out of here alive" He replied deadly calm.

His enemy laughed, a cruel sound that echoed in the empty hall. "You are in no position to bargain. Remember, I won't hesitate to hurt her"

Changbin's eyes flahed with anger. He had never been one to negotiate with threads. With one swift motion, he pulled out his gun, already aiming at his enemy. However, his rival had expected this reaction and held a knive against your thoat, lightly cutting into your skin so that some blood ran down your neck.

A high whine and a crie escaped you due to the pain and it fueled your boyfriends anger even more but he knew that he couldn't shoot now. Not, when your life is in danger.

"I can't believe it. The great Seo Changbin is brought to his knees for a woman" the man behind you laughed loudly with a growing smirk present on his face.

"Let her go, now" Changbin growled, eyes darkening.

That fueled the laugh even more. "Why should I? You can't shoot me now. Not when you don't want to hurt her"

Changbin lowered his gun, smirking. "You're right. I can't shoot you. But my boys" A shot ringed out before the man could react. The bullet found its mark and his rival crumpled to the ground, the knive fell clashing to the ground in front of you. The shot was precise, executed by Seungmin, his best sniper, who sat on the upper floor, shooting through the hole when the time was right.

Chaos erupted as the rest of his enemies' men opened fire. Chan, Felix and the rest of his men who had invaded the warehouse responded immediatly, a violent dance of bullets and blood. Changbin moved with lethal precision, his only thought was to reach you.

Finally, he was beside you, cutting through the ropes to free you. You looked up to him, tears of fear rolling down your cheeks but your eyes were filled with relief.

"You came for me" you whispered as he ripped some fabric from his shirt, pressing it gently on the wound of your neck to stop it from bleeding.

"Always", he replied, pulling you into his arms. "I will always come for you"

The gunfire had ceased, the rivals either dead or fleeing. Chan approached, completely drenched in blood but with a kind smile on his face.

"Let's get out of here" he said and Changbin nodded, helping you on your feet. You leaned on him, your body trembling from the ordeal. Tenderly, he slipped out of his jacket and placed it around your shoulders. He guided you out of the warehouse, his arms protectively wrapped around you.

As they stepped into the cool air of the night, Chandbin knew that he needed to find all of his enemies' men and there would be retaliation. But that was a task for the future. For now, you were save and that was all that mattered.

You drove back to Changbin's estate in complete silence. You were sitting on his lap, your head leaned on his shoulder, exhaustion overtaking you. He held you close, his mind already planning the retribution that would come. No one threatened what was his and lived to tell the tale.

When you arrived, he carried you inside, laying you gently on the bed. With sleepy eyes, you looked up at him with a softness.

"Than you" you whispered softly.

Changbin brushed a strand of hair from your face, his expression tender.

"I will always protect you, Y/n. No matter what"

You smiled, a small, tired smile, and closed your eyes, finally allowing yourself to rest with the knowledge that your beloved will protect and watch over you. Changbin sat beside you, holding your hands in his. The storm inside him was far from over but for tonight, he was at peace. He had you back and nothing in the whole world mattered more than that.

[marvelfanfn2187a113]

Bullies

Dean Winchester x little sister!reader, slight Sam Winchester x little sister!reader

Requested by Anonymous

Synopsis: your big brothers are there to pick up the pieces after bullies come after you.

New schools were hard, and usually you dreaded walking into one. Not today, though. Today you were excited.

Why the change?

Well, this time, you were going to be able to stay at the school, maybe even for the whole year and beyond. Your brothers and you had moved into the Man of Letters bunker, and it seemed like you were there to stay. That meant no switching schools every few weeks. You would actually be able to make friends and keep them. You’d get a life here, you had a home now.

Needless to say, you were on cloud nine.

You didn’t know then, but you were about to be knocked off it.

…

In your anxious/excited hurry to get to your class on time, you weren’t paying as much attention as you should have been to where you were going, and in your rush your shoulder jostled a large boy at least two grades older than you.

“Oh, sorry,” you called over your shoulder, too intent on your forward motion to bother stopping.

“Hey!” You felt a large, meaty hand grip your shoulder and before you knew what was happening you were thrown back into the row of hard metal lockers.

You gasped in surprise, looking up to see the boy sneering at you.

“How about you watch where you’re going?”

Your good mood deflated a little in your annoyance.

“I apologized, there’s no need to get pushy,” you tried to walk away from him, but he wasn’t having it. He shoved you back against the lockers, and you winced when your head hit the cool metal.

“How about you show some respect here, you runt,” he growled.

“Who do you think you are?” You scoffed. This mouth breather had no right to go around demanding respect from his peers.

“What did you say to me?” You were shocked to feel your feet rise off the ground as the guy lifted you by your collar. “I’m the guy who can make your life a living nightmare, that’s who. I run this school, runt, and you’d do well to remember that. You’re just some new brat, you got no power here, understand?”

You stayed defiantly silent, lifting your chin and barely resisting the urge to spit in his face.

He raised one meaty hand, and before you knew what was happening you heard a harsh slap, followed by a ringing in your ears. Your cheek stung where the guy had slapped you, and you were dazed for a moment.

“I asked you a question, runt,” he pulled you away from the lockers only to slam you against them again. You were just starting to think that maybe you should give up your “normal” facade, and show this guy how a Winchester fights, when you noticed a whole group of boys, just as big and brawny, if not more. They were right behind the guy, and they all wore identical jerseys.

The football team.

Of all the douchebags you could’ve pissed off at this school, you had to get the guy who had the whole football team at his back.

“I understand,” you mumbled.

Your cheek burned when he slapped you again.

“What was that, runt? Speak up!”

“I said I understand!”

The pressure at your collar disappeared, and you dropped to the ground. You were just turning to go when your books were slammed out of your hands by one of the boy’s friends.

You know those scenes in movies where the bullies walk away, and some mysterious new friend helps the victim pick up their books?

Yeah, that didn’t happen.

Instead, the bullies lingered, and you felt your face burn hot with shame as a few of them laughed as you knelt to pick up your books. They got bored after a moment or two, and one of them even kicked the side of your head as they walked past you, still laughing.

Your hands were shaking, and you sucked in a breath when you saw a few tears drip onto your fallen books. You gathered your stuff quickly and rushed to your classroom, and your heart sank when you saw that all the back row seats were taken. You desperately needed to find a corner to hide in, but it was impossible.

You settled your stuff in the middle of the front row and ducked your head down, determined to stay below the radar for the rest of the day.

“Hello class,” the middle aged male teacher greeted, and he was rewarded with a few mumbled responses. Unperturbed, he continued. “We have a new student today. Y/N Winchester, would you like to share a bit about yourself?”

Crap.

Without another option, you rose unsteadily to your feet, keeping your head ducked low just in case your beating had left marks on your face.

“I-I…um…” you fumbled for the right words. In the melee of the past few minutes, you had forgotten the speech you had rehearsed just in case this moment came. You couldn’t exactly tell your life story, at least not most of it. “My-my name is Y/N.”

Come on, say more!

You were thrown off even more when you heard a couple of students giggle as the teacher said-

“Yes, yes we know. Anything else?”

“I-um…I live with my brothers,” you took a deep breath, fishing for anything else to say. “We moved around a lot, but we-we’re here now.” You cringed inwardly. Of course you were here now, they knew that!

“Alright, well we’re glad to have you,” you were relieved at his clear invitation to sit back down, and you took it without hesitation. The rest of class, and even the next few classes, passed without incident.

The day could not continue that way, unfortunately.

Came lunch time, the guy—Brock, you learned was his name (how cliche)—returned to torment you, and he’d brought four buddies with him. Thankfully, he didn’t hurt you this time, but he did steal the few dollars you’d brought to buy lunch.

You didn’t doubt that you could’ve stopped him, you probably could’ve taken out one or two of his friends with him, but not the whole group. So, you let him walk away, your money clutched triumphantly in his massive fist.

You thought about going to the lunchroom, but the idea of wandering around with no food and no friends to sit with was too exhausting to even think about, so instead you found an empty classroom and worked on homework until the bell rang.

You ended the school day exhausted, hungry, and completely defeated. If this was how the first day went, how would the rest of the year be? Just more of the same torment? You couldn’t imagine a silver lining to this, and the constant thrumming in your head was a constant reminder of how the bullies weren’t afraid of the consequences of physically hurting you.

The moment the last bell rang, you snatched up your bag and made a beeline for the parking lot. You figured the team must be busy with football practice or something, because you didn’t run into them in the hallways on the way out.

Dean was already waiting in the Impala when you arrived, a big grin on his face as he waved casually at you.

You ignored his greeting, sliding into the passengers seat and closing the door, making sure to keep your head down and facing the window.

“Was the first day ok?” He asked, not yet noticing your mood.

You simply nodded. You were pretty sure you hadn’t spoken a word since this morning, and you were too exhausted to speak now.

Dean finally noticed your silence.

“Cat got your tongue?”

At your shrug, he frowned.

“Kid come on, what’s up?”

You continued to stare in silence out the window, biting your tongue so hard that you tasted blood. You knew that if you tried to talk, you would cry. The best you could hope for would be to keep the tears at bay until you could hide in your room.

The second the Impala pulled up to the bunker, you rushed out, not looking back as you made your way to your room. When you got there, after brushing past a confused Sam, you locked your door and tossed your backpack on the floor, heading straight for your bed where you pulled your pillow to your chest and finally let your tears fall.

Once you started, you found it almost impossible to stop, and before you knew it you were finding it hard to breathe as you choked on your sobs.

…

“Where’d she go?” Dean asked as he stepped into the bunker. Sam, still confused, gestured to your room.

“She just ran right in there, didn’t say anything. Do you know what’s up?”

Dean shook his head, frustrated.

“She didn’t say a word the whole ride home, I don’t know what happened.”

“Should we…” Sam glanced at your locked door.

“Worth a shot I guess,” Dean stepped up to your door, knocking gently. “Sweetheart? Hey, can you let me in?”

It was silent for a long moment.

Dean frowned, “Kid, if you don’t answer me I’m gonna think something’s wrong, and I will pick this lock.”

Nothing.

“Wait, do you hear that?” Sam leaned closer to the door, and Dean followed his lead.

“Is she crying?” Dean whispered, not that he had to ask. The sound coming from your room was self explanatory.

“That’s it,” Dean said, pulling out his lock pick kit and going to work on the lock. Sam grabbed his arm.

“Are you sure-“

“She hasn’t said a single word, Sam. I think it’s about time we find out what’s-“ the click of the lock silenced them both.

“Honey, last chance. I’m coming in.”

Silence.

“Ok,” Dean sighed, and eased your door open.

The sight in front of them broke the brothers’ hearts.

Dean was the first to approach you, head buried in your pillow as you struggled to breathe between sobs. When he saw how much you were struggling, he abandoned his slow approach and rushed to your side, pulling your head away from the pillow to give you more room to breathe while his other hand came up to rub your back.

“Baby, you’ve gotta breathe, ok? Just take a deep breath, you can do it.”

Slowly but surely, your sobs subsided, and you were able to take full, deep breaths. Dean was so busy worried about your breathing that it took Sam pointing it out for him to notice the bruise forming on your cheek, and the small cut on your lip.

“Honey who did that?” Dean spoke the words through gritted teeth, and regretted it when he saw you flinch at his sudden change in tone.

“I fell,” you whimpered, burying your head against your pillow again.

“Don’t lie to me,” Dean struggled to control his anger. It wasn’t you he was angry at, after all.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“What? Of course it matters, you-“ Dean broke off when Sam pulled him out of earshot. “What?”

“Look, now’s not the time for an interrogation. We can ask her about that after, but I don’t think this is what she needs now.”

Dean glared at his brother for several seconds, before taking another glance at you and relenting. You looked exhausted, and this conversation could wait. For now.

“Fine, but-“

Dean stopped again when he heard your stomach give an angry grumble. He returned his attention to you, coming to stand by the side of your bed.

“Honey, did you eat today?”

You shook your head, and it took all of Dean’s restraint to keep from asking questions about that.

“Sam, can you…”

Sam just nodded and walked away to find you some food. As soon as he was gone, Dean climbed up on your bed next to you and pulled you into his arms.

He was relieved to feel you finally relax, releasing your tension and sinking completely into his embrace.

“Not a great first day, huh?” He said quietly.

“No,” he could hear the way your throat caught, and you hiccuped as a few more tears slid out, wetting his shirt.

“I’m sorry, baby,” he started to rock gently back and forth, and was rewarded by you burrowing further into his chest. He cradled the back of your head with one hand, rubbing circles along your back with the other.

“How about we just stay right here tonight, ok? Sam can bring us some ice cream, and you can pick out a movie. How’s that sound?”

He felt you moving around in his arms, and he smiled as one of your hands shot out and grabbed a book by your nightstand.

“Can you read this to me?”

Dean hesitantly picked up the book. He wasn’t big on reading, and he wasn’t sure if he was the best narrator, but if that’s what you wanted…

“Yeah, of course baby,” he settled back against the headrest, and you positioned yourself on top of his chest and closed your eyes.

“Hey, honey?”

You hummed.

“Will you please tell me everything that happened today, later?”

Your eyes popped open, and you stared at him for a long moment before slowly nodding.

“Later,” you promised quietly, and he smiled.

“Thank you, baby. You know I’m only asking because I wanna help, right?”

You nodded again, and settled back down, staring expectantly at the book.

Dean wrapped his arm around you and began to read.

When Sam returned a while later with food, he found the two of you fast asleep, your book resting on Dean’s chest as it slowly rose and fell, his breathing in sync with yours.

[fernandopiastri28]

don’t be jealous ~ oscarmark

little ficlet for no other reason then that i’m bored

Possessive Mark wants his protege all to himself

wc: 1.1k || cw: feminisation, age gap, power imbalance

Mark shouldn’t care, and if he’s completely honest, it’s really disturbing that he does.

He’s a 47 year old man- he shouldn’t care about a 23 year old in the way Mark does, specifically the one he’s the manager of.

Oscar’s barely a kid, one with a voice that’s only just dropped and who can barely grow facial hair beyond a few stray bits of golden brown hair along his chin.

There’s something very interesting about Oscar, his pure intelligence and raw talent. He’s a smart kid, perfectly competent and easy to take care of. He hardly feels like someone Mark needs to micromanage or guide, rather someone he can work alongside.

That’s what makes it so difficult, because Oscar isn’t that. He is someone that Mark is supposed to look after and help out, not someone who he should be drinking beer after beer to ignore the fact that Oscar’s paying too much attention to Lando Norris.

Lando, unlike Oscar, is quite a pain. Despite being in his 6th year of F1, he’s immature, uncalculated, and a poor presenter of himself.

Mark reckons Oscar was much better suited as teammates with someone like Robert, who had a good head on his shoulders, or even Fred, who was capable and determined.

But Lando? Lando makes Mark’s blood boil. His arrogance, whininess, lack of self awareness- he’s a fucking Sebastian Vettel reincarnate, just without the world championships to justify it.

Mark needs to get Oscar out of there, fucking get him away from the influence of Lando. The two boys already hang out enough as it is in the paddock, occasionally on the weekends.

Mark needs to come up with something that will ensure he gets to have more time with Oscar. Oscar’s is his, he has been ever since he signed that contract back 2020.

Four years ago, Oscar had been a 19 year old with close cropped hair, perfectly crooked teeth, a slightly higher pitched voice, a boyish sense of eternal youth and big dreams and aspirations for the future.

He’d just been a kid back then, boneless and malleable for Mark to shape into the world champion he’d never quite gotten to be.

Yet, in 2024, Oscar was a man. Broad shoulders, thick neck, defined muscles, undeniable talent. He simply oozed silent confidence and sensibility.

Oscar was possibly the most impressive young man that Mark had ever encountered. Yet, Mark knew Oscar could still be better, he still could improve.

Mark narrows his eyes, watching across the large event room, scattered with all different F1 personnel and sponsor teams, yet Oscar stands out like a sore thumb. He doesn’t deserve to be stuck at such a mundane and unrewarding dinner ‘party’ like this.

He also doesn’t deserve the obvious way that Lando preyed on Oscar’s politeness. After Lando cracked what seemed like the thousandth joke that night that Oscar seemed to double over in laughter over, Mark stood up, walking away from his table towards the teammates.

“Oscar,” His voice was soft, endearing. “Lando,” Sharper, bitter. Mark didn’t bother to put on a kind facade for the brit, nor did he look at him.

“Hey Mark,” Oscar turned to look at him, bright eyes and a slurred voice. Oscar’s lips were pink and puffy, shiny from spit and wine.

Tipsy Oscar was a sight for sore eyes, that was for sure. “Enjoying yourselves?” The question clearly directed towards the younger Australian.

He swears he watches Oscar’s cheeks turn pink when Mark stares at his pretty lips. “Yeah,” Oscar’s voice is quiet, girly in a way.

Oscar is a bit like a girl anyways. Beyond the short hair, broad figure and, well, the obvious boy feature of his crotch- he’s got naturally peachy and full lips, long curly lashes, thick muscular thighs, pecs that basically look like breasts.

Mark feels shameful that he notices those things so intensely, and even more ashamed that he’s so into it. “Barely seen you tonight, y’been hiding away?” Oscar asks, his voice breathy.

Mark laughs, and Lando does too, and then it’s not that funny to Mark. He wishes Lando would just leave, go talk to Zac or something. “Lando,” Mark turns to him, no shame in what he’s about to say. “I think Jenson mentioned something to me about wanting to talk to you about something the other day. He’s over there if you’re interested,” He’s vague, pointing across the room to where he’s pretty sure Jenson isn’t.

It’s not a lie, Jenson had mentioned Lando once in a passing comment a few weeks prior. He hopes Jenson will find something to talk to Lando about if the younger brit finds him. “Oh, thanks Mark,” His eyebrows flicker upwards as he stands up, walking straight off without another word.

Mark turns his attention back to Oscar who instead of watching Lando as he walks away, just stares at Mark. “What’s up, kid?”

Oscar gets all bashful, red down to where his shirt collar squeezes around his thick neck, probably even to where the white fabric pulls taut across his chest.

“Drinking,” His voice disappears into his wine glass, forcibly quiet. He’s so shy and blushy being around Mark.

“I know that,” Mark smiles, rather beguiling to be fair. “What else though? You seem a bit.. on edge,” He likes taunting Oscar like this, watching him squirm in his seat.

“ ‘m not on edge,” He looks up, his eyes meeting Mark’s from where they’ve been wandering just about anywhere else. Splodges of heat appear on the boy’s face, like he’s about to break down in a nervous panic.

God, Mark feels so awful. He just wants to make Oscar happy and warm inside, not scared. He takes the seat that Lando had previously been in, intentionally moving it so that one of his knees slots in between Oscar’s legs. “Are you sure, Oscar?” A hand rests on the back of Oscar’s seat and he can feel the heat radiating off Oscar’s neck.

Oscar bites his bottom lip, adorable bunny teeth hooked over glossy, girly lips. “I- I,” He stammers, trying to find his way out of this.

Oscar. Nonchalant Oscar. Future World champion Oscar. Unaffected Oscar. Emotionless Oscar.

Oscar who’s completely whipped for his manager. “Please help me, Mark,” His voice is whiny, like Lando’s always is, but not annoying at all. It’s so cute- desperate.

His voice is like honey, thick and sickeningly sweet. Mark’s been addicted to it for years. Mark looks down at Oscar’s lap where his suit trousers are tented.

Holy shit, Mark’s got himself in such a bad position right now.

ft. what Oscar & Mark are wearing AND literally the trio dynamic :p

[lostbetweenvampiresandmusic]

Changes

Series masterlist

On the edge of Santa Carla, at the other end of town, was a small wooden cottage. Inside the cottage, you wouldn't find much. Just the absolute necessities. An old, rather uncomfortable bed. A table with a large crack in it, with two chairs surrounding it. An old stove that was only held together by hope and wishes, a small bathroom where it wasn't a question if there was warm water but if there was water at all. It didn't sound like much, and it truly wasn't, but for Miss Johnson, it was exactly what she needed. She didn't have time of luxuries. Ever since her husband died, she had felt a new freedom growing inside her. She had used it to learn the things she had never dared to learn before. Magic.

Every single night, she became better. Every time she practised, she became stronger. But still, to actually see something when laying out the tarot cards - that was new. As she sat at her broken table, placing the shiny new cards in front of her, she couldn't focus on the true meaning of the cards. Instead, she saw flashes. Flashes of horrors she wouldn't dare mention to anyone. She saw how her beloved Santa Carla would burn, how everything in this town would be destroyed. And she also saw - and this terrified her the most - how most of the citizens lost hope.

On the other side of town, at the end of an old road, was an old, white house. It had a porch, a white picket fence, beautiful flowers growing in the garden - everything about this house seemed to say 'the person living here is very normal, I promise'. And yet, if you took your time and stopped to look, you would notice weird things. There were scratches on the wood holding the porch roof up. Deep scratches as if someone had hold on for dear life. Then, by one of the windows, you could see the faintest light pink streak going down to the ground. Someone had done their best to scrub it clean, but still on must wonder: had that been blood? And what about the small white flowers growing in the garden - why did some of them have brown spots on them? Yes, if you truly looked, you'd conclude that this house wasn't that normal. It just tried really hard to be.

Inside the house, there lived a man. No one had ever seen him during the day, but most people didn't question it. He was rich, and yet he had still chosen to move to Santa Carla. He had chosen to set up a videostore here, giving the people something they didn't have before. No, pretty much everyone in town knew of him, had spoken with him, and had decided that they liked the man. Max had always enjoyed that facade. Let people trust him, let them complain to him about how bad the town is getting with all those tourists, and let them think he's just a kind gentleman. The more they believed he was totally normal, the longer the killings of him and his boys would go unnoticed.

As he went into the kitchen, grabbing a flash with blood out of the fridge, his eyes fell on the old yellowed calendar hanging on the wall next to it. March second. A small smile appeared on his face. Even though he didn't remember exactly how old he was, he did remember the day he became what he was now. The change had been painful and could only be described as bad - but he was grateful for it. He certainly made the most of his undead life. As he sat down with his cup of blood, contemplating whether he should mix it with coffee again but deciding against it, he couldn't help but think about the strange yet wonderful thing it was to become a vampire.

Getting changed into a vampire was something unique for everyone. Sometimes, a change went smoothly, the newborn embracing their immortality as if it had always been a part of them. Often, this happened between mates, when the former human knew what they were getting into - and more importantly why. Love was a powerful motivator to turn someone into a successful vampire.

Sometimes, the person changed had some issues, often of the moral kind. It meant they didn't mind being a vampire per se, but they didn't necessarily like to deal with the side effect - they did not want to kill. This happened when they were lured into the change, tricked and frightened - or when they were only promised the gloriousness of immortality and not shown the harsh reality of the price one needed to pay for it.

Those kinds of changes were rather usual. Often, when someone was changed, they responded to it by one of those two ways. But, sometimes, a change brought more challenges along. He himself had not had an easy change, being forced to do so after almost being killed. The lack of life left in him had meant that the change was torturous for him and that when he awoke as a vampire, he was more bloodthirsty than anyone could have predicted. He needed to make up for the blood he lost, so to speak.

The same thing happened with his boys, one of them almost dying of an accidental overdose. It had been in the early sixties, and some malintended drug dealer had sold his boy some bad stuff. He'd taken the drugs, and he quickly realised something was wrong - but as a human, he couldn't do anything about it. Luckily, Max had saved him just in time, but the change had not been easy. Far from. There was a reason Santa Carla was known as the murder capital of California, and this was why. A bad change. It always happened when someone was in a stressful, hurtful, and dangerous situation, being forced into a dark unknown.

Yes, Max knew all about changing. He knew the best ways to do it, the worst ways. Above all, he knew how to deal with freshly changed vampires who had a difficult transition. In one way or another none of his boys had faced an easy change, and he had helped all of them through it.

He looked up as he finished his cup, seeing Thron enter the house, his tail wagging lazily. In his mouth, he held a letter. Max smiled, stroking the dogs head.

"Thank you, Thorn."

Putting his cup down, he decided to go upstairs to the study so he could truly focus on the letter. He had recognised the handwriting, and he assumed it wasn't a friendly check-up. The study was different from the rest of his house. It was a dark room adorned in an old-fashioned victorian wallpaper. Where his downstairs floor was modern and filled with modern curiosities, upstairs, he focused more on the times that had passed. Times he had lived through, and times he could still appreciate - style wise anyways. He was staring at the letter in front of him. An old friend of his, a man named Lucien whom he had helped through the change, had written him. He opened the letter, his eyes scanning the page.

She's in need of help. Help I can't give her. I'm not even sure you can, seeing how horribly she was forced into this. It was different for her. She couldn't fight it. She couldn't even try to resist. As little choice as we had, she had none.

He sighed. His friend had not given him the full details, but it sounded serious. The words played over and over in his mind. As little choice as we had, she had none. He didn't know what it meant. Was she tricked more horribly than his boys had tried to trick Michael Emerson? Was she force-fed the blood? If he allowed himself to think about it, he could come up with horrible scenarios, none of which would be helpful. He thought for a moment before sighing deeply. Yes, this girl, whomever she was, absolutely needed some help. He picked up the phone, dialled the number of his friend, and waited for it to ring.

"Yes?" A gruff voice spoke from the other side.

"Is she with you?"

"Yes."

"Bring her here. I'll see what I can do for her."

He hung up the phone, not waiting for a response from the man on the other side. He looked at the clock, noticing the time. He had to go to work, tell his boys about the new arrival in town, and make sure the new girl would have a room to comfortably call her own.

The night passed by slowly. The store was a little distraction for the task he would have later on. He had talked with customers and talked with his employees - telling them all that he'd adopted a girl and that they wouldn't be seeing as much of him as they did now. It was not really the truth, but it was close enough. It would erase any questions anyone would have when they'd see him with a new girl. The word would spread around town, and hopefully, no one would bother them and give them time to deal with their own personal affairs.

As he closed the shop, at one in the morning, he felt the presence of his boys. As much as they despised each other and could literally drink each others blood at times, there was an understanding between them. The boys didn't like control and commands, but they understood the value of a facade. Max allowed them to do what they liked and didn't use his powers as a sire on them unless it was absolutely necessary. Besides, they knew that if Max was serious about something, it was bad. Even though they would never consider Max as their father - a subject that was a little touchy for the older vampire - the boys would realise at times that his seniority also came with wisdom and knowledge, causing them to sometimes ask him for advise. In turn, Max would help them get out of legal trouble - and more often than not, prevent it from happening in the first place.

"What girl?" David stood beside his car, smoking a cigarette. Paul was dangerously balancing on his bike, and Marko and Dwayne just looked at him, probably waiting for him to fall. Max knew it was all an act. In reality, they were listening. They too wanted to know more. Apparently, the boys had been close enough to the store to hear Max explain to Maria or a customer that there was a new girl coming to town,

"She's a fresh one and had a bad change. I've been asked to help."

"When does she arrive?" Marko asked. Even though he looked bored, Max sensed a certain exitedness in his voice.

"Either today or tomorrow. I'll leave it up to you if you want to get involved or not, but-"

"We'll give her a chance to settle." David nodded. He looked at the boys, who agreed with him. A bad change also meant that one would be dealing with intense fears. Every single sense was heightened, and to be overwhelmed while in such a state wasn't pleasant. They'd all experienced that.

"Good. Make sure to stock up on some blood. If she happens to stop by, she can feed without endangering herself or us."

"One time," Marko mumbled under his breath, earning him a friendly shove from Paul. "A guy goes on a killing spree one time-"

"We all did that, just not in this town."

Max chuckled at Paul's answer, before cutting in. "It's just better to be careful."

With that, the vampires went their own way. The boys back to the cave, and Max back to the house. He had to make sure he had a sunproof room ready.

"I found someone who could help you."

The young girl, who couldn't be older than nineteen, looked at him. Her hair was on the wavy side but tangled. There were some dark bruises on her skin that were now turning a dark green mixed with a near, invisible yellow. Her dress was covered in dirt, and some of the fabric around the hem had been ripped. The man in front of her, Lucien, had saved her. Or at least, got her out. That was two days ago now, and in that time, he had tried to get her to talk to him. She didnt, talk that is. She didn't know why she didn't. All she remembered was a voice commanding her not to ever use her voice. Still, even if she could speak, she didn't know what had happened to her or why. She didn't know why she felt different, why everything hurt, why the sun had burned her hand, and why she could hear everything now. It was frightening.

"Did you hear me? I found someone who can help you."

Her gaze was questioning. If he had found someone, it meant she had to go away. What if that someone would also hurt her? What if it didn't help? What if he couldn't explain to her what was happening and -

"He's a good friend of mine and lives two hours from here. You will still be able to see me if you want. If you don't, that's also okay. You need to feel safe, alright? But he can help you, help you understand, and help you come to terms with what you are. I know it scares you, but it will help you."

The girl nodded, biting her inner cheek.

"I know you don't like the idea."

She sighed, turning away from him. She grabbed the things she owned - a leather-bound notebook and a pen he had gotten her - and looked at him as she scribbled something down on the pages. He refused to listen to her if she just motioned toward something.

Can we go?

The man nodded, leading her out of the crypt they'd been staying in. "Yeah, let's go."

Next chapter >

[musicalmoritz]

terukane headcanons? (⁠゜⁠o⁠゜⁠;

I’ve been waiting to answer this one all day, I needed to give it all my brain power

• They met when Akane joined the Student Council in his first year of high school, meaning they haven’t known each other too long

• They were aware of each other before that, of course. Teru knows everybody, especially the Seven Mysteries. And it’s impossible NOT to know who Teru Minamoto is

• They actually met in passing before Akane joined the Student Council but Teru was in a rush so he brushed him off, with little concern for his manners since Akane is a Mystery. This gave Akane a pretty sour impression of Teru to begin with

• Their first proper encounter was rather hostile. As soon as Fuji was out of the Student Council room, Teru drew his sword and tied Akane up. He confronted him about his stance as a Clock Keeper and revealed himself as an exorcist. They agreed to work together so long as they kept an eye on each other, and neither of them broke the other’s trust. Another poor impression

• While Akane “hates” Teru, Teru doesn’t hate Akane. He wants to be his friend but he has no concept of social norms so he goes about it all wrong. There’s also the element of him hating supernaturals AND being a sadist so ofc when he has a supernatural on hand it’s easy for him to relieve stress via bullying and torture…somebody save Akane

• But Akane is really good at reading people, so he doesn’t hold it against Teru as much as he claims to. He recognizes that he is the only person Teru gets to be completely himself around, the good and the bad with no facade. So he complains, but he puts up with it

• We’re making this a mutual au because as we all know, one-sided ships are the only thing I’m too emotionally mature for

• Teru has liked Akane ever since he met him, although he repressed it. A cute boy with brown-blue eyes and auburn hair…then he turns out to be someone Teru can be completely comfortable around…an exception to his cruel lifestyle…someone he can trust…someone who puts up with all his worst flaws…it would be weird if he didn’t fall for him, tho Teru’s classic internalized homophobia won’t let him see it that way

• Akane’s moment was chapter 79. He’s pretty smart when it comes to love so he didn’t panic about it, but it did confuse him. He also felt guilty for it, he thought the only person he could fall for was Aoi. Falling for Teru felt like a betrayal to her, so he put those feelings on the back burner. He had to figure out what was going to happen with him and Aoi before he thought about Teru (let’s just say Aoi wasn’t ready for a relationship or smth, I don’t want to completely write her out I’ll put her in therapy instead)

• Before he got resolution with Aoi tho he had to get payback for all the torment Teru put him through. Duh. So he starts flirting with him when Teru least expects it. It’s funny to watch the way his brain short-circuits when he’s flattered by someone he’s actually interested in. He gets a good few laughs out of it but once Teru realizes what’s going on he adapts and starts flirting back. They’re both good at catching each other off-guard tho, making each other flustered is simply another part of their rivalry

• They both knew the other liked them long before they actually got together. They had multiple conversations about it but they both had their own hesitations. Teru was the last one to give in because once Akane realizes he wants something, he’ll stop at nothing to get it

• Their first kiss was very spontaneous and unconventional, it probably happened in the middle of a supermarket or smth. Fans tend to write it as a quiet, personal moment but nah, I think they both romanticized the hell out of something that was objectively awkward

• When Teru gets comfortable with his sexuality, there is no stopping him from the PDA. He makes a big scene out of greeting Akane every morning at school, and clings to him whenever Student Council meetings get boring. It’s partially to annoy him but he’s also Just That Clingy. Everyone knows they’re dating and while some students have a problem with it, Teru learns not to care

• They go on lots of “childish” dates so Teru can experience all the childhood things he missed out on. Playgrounds, arcades, amusement parks, Build-A-Bear, you name it. Remember when Kou took Mitsuba to a sandbox?? Yeah that’s an ideal date for Terukane. Though Akane doesn’t get as much out of it, he still enjoys himself. As long as he’s with Teru he doesn’t really care what he’s doing

• They plan their future together a lot so Akane can lecture Teru about retiring from exorcism. It’s an ongoing argument between them, but not in like an aggressive way. Teru knows that Akane just wants him to be happy, but he’s unwilling to open himself up to happiness

• Tiara calls them Mama and Papa. Teru is the mama (I am absolutely not trying to call him the girl in their relationship or feminize him, this is just a silly little joke pls don’t cancel me they’re both on the same level of masculinity; Teru just has big Mom Friend vibes to me)

• Most people were surprised when they got together because everyone assumed they hated each other (except Kou, who Teru told before they were official)

• They become a package deal, whenever one of them is alone someone will ask where the other is at

• My brain is too fried to continue but uhhhh yeah, they kiss

Hope you enjoyed these!! Thank you for the ask, I had fun making this <3

[thesamoanqueen]

Blackwater XVIII

Raiting: 16+

Warnings: at this point its just drama.

A/N: a chapter before my trip to Philly and the month’s end. The situation doesn’t improve, let’s say I apologize in advance for the next chapters. I left some clues, not too hidden but it’s pretty clear something is not working since for the first time Y/N and Paul are on the same side.

There were kids running everywhere, jumping off the stands, chasing each other in the field and parking lot where their parents' cars were. It was hot, air full of dust, smell of sweat, grass and mexican food cooked at the nearby kiosk. It was all exactly as his boys had left it a few days earlier, as if their family war had not touched that place, as when he was the boy running around on an ordinary afternoon and not a pop with drinks. And as in those days now long gone, Jey had seen him before even intercepting the scent of him among others, standing next to the fence to caress his son head and a shiver had crossed his chest.

Even when they were the ones playing, he never took the field unless it was time, but everything still seemed to revolve around him, collapsing against him in a vortex in which Jey fought not to drown. All his life he had followed Roman flow, but now he was tired and had had enough of those mob games.

Leave him. Dont.

He saw him raising his head, shift attention from his son who continued chatting, happy he didn’t have to change his whole life, put hand back in his pocket with his perfect smile and anger began to burn in Jey chest.

- Find your brotha, bring him this – Jey pushed him away with an excuse, ignoring any electrified story in which Jeyce had tried to involve him too.

His little boy didn't pay much attention, he was used not poking his nose into family affairs, he wasn't old enough to do it yet and after saying goodbye, Jey watched him run away to look for his brother who had ended up who knows where with his former school friends. He had done everything he could to not move Jeyce from the community in which he had grown up, but Jaciyah was almost a man, there had been no way, Roman had already done everything possible to burn any possibility for him. When the youngest was far enough away and Jey turned back, his cousin was still standing there looking at him, relaxed, but he knew it was a facade, he knew it.

And he knew the reason he was there.

He feels threatened now. Threatened where he cares.

- So you finally decided. What you've always wanted… it's a challenge bigger than you, beyond your capabilities, sure you can handle it lil Jey? – he asked provocatively, as if he was the grown ass man and Jey the unconscious and stupid boy.

Three months apart but he was the big one talking sense.

- You forced me. I never wanted it – he replied seriously, refusing to give in once more.

He would have forgiven him anything, he had always forgiven him anything. Even when they were kids, he was the one who made excuses, he was the one who took the blame and got in the way if him and Jimmy argued. He loved him, like a brother, his brother, he loved him even now, but they were no longer kids fighting in the backyard, Roman had crossed the line. He had been willing to talk, to put his head down again and find a solution. He didn't care about power, about the alpha title, about being the head of the table and taking on the weight of their dynasty, he had never wanted it, he had never aspired to that much. He just wanted to do his part, to show that he wasn't just a hothead, provide like every father, husband, son and Roman had hit him where he knew it hurt, but that time Jey hadn't been able to forgive him. He had hit back and knew he had hurt him.

- You've always been like this and that's why they didn't choose you as the alpha, as the tribal chief. That’s the reason why you will always be back in line, not on top. You can't even admit you always wanted to have what is mine – he laughed, venom on his tongue, looking at him as if Jey was nothing.

- I wanted to keep my head high with you. I wanted to be with Jimmy, next to you. I wanted a family, a real one, as they taught us, as it was before.

Our pack.

- You ruined everything, it's on your hands. I'll kick you out after our combat, you know that? And I'll kick Jimmy out too and both your families, no more Bloodline, no more home for your boys. You’ll leave and never step here again and neither will them - he threatened again, with that blind anger covering his gaze.

And if the inevitable hadn't happened by now, Jey would have fallen back into line, as he always did, he would have pretended that he was the one who provoked him, that he was really guilty, that he could endure for a taste of peace, but after so many years , that afternoon Jey looked at him as he had done a few times in their lives, seeing him for what he was.

He attacks 'cause is scared.

- If I lose – he replied without growling, impassive and Roman seemed to tremble, taken by surprise.

He had never wanted to lead the family, Roman did. Roman had had a dream before the title and had chased it, but when life had closed the door in his face, leaving him without hope, sitting at the head of the table had become everything for him. Jey had seen him work like no other, sweat blood to prove himself worthy, do anything, even in the wrong ways, to get it and he had succeeded, because there was nothing his cousin couldn't have if he decided to take it. His world, his life, was having the ulafala around his neck and holding his alpha title, it was an obsession he could no longer live without. He had lost contact with reality, with truly important things, with people with whom he should have shared burdens and joys, he was corrupted by power, by the hunger and it didn't even helped finding his mate to bring him back to earth. The man in front of him had no longer been his cousin for too long now, he wasn't even his Tribal chief, he was a stranger and Jey had finally had to agree with Jimmy: help him, support him so as not to hurt anyone, wasn't the solution, it just made things worse. The only way to solve now was to take away the only thing that really mattered to him.

- We've already been through this, nothing will change this time, im still better than you and anyone else – he tried again, his face serious, his gaze dark.

He remembered it, how he could not? He saw it in his nightmares, flashing before his eyes every time Roman raised his voice and threatened to explode, in the looks he gave Jey if he held his head too high or took a step too far, in the kind words he said to convince him to do something. Years had passed, but Jey still felt his teeth around his throat ready to open it, hands that had slammed him against their family tree until his head bled, that growl filling his ears threatening to kill him, the pure, visceral, suffocating hatred with which he had looked at him even when he was crying and Jimmy begging for mercy. He remembered everything, every detail of that day and it was precisely because he remembered that he would not have given up that time. He wouldn't collapse, he wasn't the same man anymore, he no longer hoped that things would go well the same, the stakes were too high, they both knew it and Roman's almost desperate attempt to scare and push him back into line one last time, it already showed that it wouldn't go like that day at all.

- If you're so sure, then why you here? – he asked, looking him straight in the eyes and saw him growing mad, offense now visible behind his facade.

He will never admit it. He will never take it back.

- You made your choice – one that hurt, both, but was necessary.

He loved Roman, he was his blood and he would have sacrificed himself for him, it had been like that all their lives, but it was no longer Roman he had in front of him and he had to get him out of the way now, for the sake of his family. Once and for all.

- You said that I need to take my responsibilities. I’ll do it when and where the elders decide, get ready. – he ended it, looking at him one last time before walking away to his boys.

He had never dared to turn his back on him voluntarily, he had never left him behind. Jimmy had dragged him away at the border, but now he was the one doing it, with intention, fighting the instinct to go back. And he knew that Roman stood there, he knew he hadn't moved, if he had only looked back he would have met his gaze, to do so however would have meaning give in, lose himself once again. So he crossed the entire field, breaking the pack bond that had united them for as long as Jey could remember.

He would no longer acknowledge him as family. They were nothing now. No more pack, no more brothers.

***

He had looked him straight in his eyes and turned away. Jey had done it without second thoughts or doubts, without anyone to push him to do so. He had abandoned him once and for all, he had broken their bond. They were no longer a pack, no more righ hand man and chief, no more brothers, they were no longer anything. Roman had felt it in his bones, more painful than a wound, burning his chest, confusing his wolf and the emptiness of the previously full field, had fallen on him.

He left us alone.

Taking care of his family, leading the Bloodline, providing for everyone, being the alpha, had always been everything to him. It was a responsibility for which Roman had been ready for anything, a sentence that he had willingly accepted, because only him had showed that he could handle it, because it was in his nature, his destiny, because he loved his family more than anything else. Yet more time passed, more the weight of them became too much and the pain that was inflicted on him by wearing that ulafala triggered something in his mind. Every now and then, like in that moment, he just wanted to repay the harm he received in exchange for his sacrifices.

He had offered Jey another opportunity, the last one to acknowledge that he had made a mistake, stop that challenge. But after everything they had been through, Jey had chosen to no longer be around him and not want to have anything to do with him anymore, he had betrayed him in the worst way possible for their pack. Nothing would have been able to heal the breakup, no demostration of submission, no promise would have been enough. There was only one thing left to do and with anger rooted in his heart, Roman went back into the suv ready to do so.

- My Tribal chief... - the wise man called him softly, sitting at a safe distance, his voice already worried.

Tribal chief. Provider of the pack. Leader of the Bloodline. Head of the table.

They wanted to destroy his world, crumble it, but he wouldn't be the one to fall in misery. He would rebuild again. Something new, something better. He had already done it years before, he would have done it again without Jey and his ingratitude. Another pack, another future, a higher level. He could replace him, everyone could be replaced, he hadn't lost what he needed, what mattered. He still had a family, a pack. Him and Y/N would have filled seats at their table, he would choose another right-hand man, pass the title to his true blood in the future.

- Call the elders. Tell’em to make it – he announced, his gaze pointed out the window, numb.

Enough is enough.

He couldn't afford any weakness. He couldn't give in. He would think about feelings later.

The wise man hesitated for a second, fidgeting in his seat, leaning in his direction as the SUV was already moving, one hand reaching out to him as if to shake him, but not daring to touch him.

- There's still time to make things right, you two can talk, we can try again, maybe he need more time, it's not- he insisted, his tone soft as when he was trying to direct him and Roman growled a deep warning in his throat, without turning.

They were well beyond trying now and even if there was still room, he wasn't about to take it any longer. Now he just wanted to hurt Jey, to really show him what he could be capable of if he wanted. Ready to teach a lesson to the world that watched him waiting for his downfall.

- Do what I said, I didn't ask your opinion.

Heyman immediately lowered his head, closing his mouth, returning to his seat. Just as it should have been, just as it would have been for everyone.

In the silence of his suv, they left the city outskirts where his cousin and his family lived until a few days before, taking the road that would take them towards the reserve, on his land, his property.

***

She had spent part of the morning on an estate just outside their reserve, a plot of land on the opposite side of the road leading to the border where the owners had opened a small market. She had been there other times months and months ago, when going to town was still an almost impossible task for her, the twins had raided freshly baked waffles at that time, while Naomi browsed the shelves for her, but that day it had been different. She had gone there to distract herself and look for a gift, in an attempt to thank Lisa for the company she had kept her during Roman's trip, but she had ended up trying to make both owners relax. The woman, with chubby cheeks and a nose perpetually red from the sun, hadn't seemed happy to see her as soon as she entered and she hadn't continued to be unfriedly even when Y/N had politely made small talk. Her husband stood behind the register like a soldier, his gaze fixed on Solo who was guarding the door in religious silence, one hand on the phone as if he had to call the police.

Y/N immediately understood the reason for that reaction. By now people knew who she was and they certainly knew what had happened on the border with the Bloodline. She had wandered among the shelves for a while, but in the end she had given up and left with a forced smile, returning with the only certainty that things were getting even worse in an endless spiral. A short time had passed, just for her to have a shower, and Roman had also returned, more tense than when he left, to give her yet another proof.

Not his scent.

- Why you smell like him? – she asked immediately, her eyes fixed on him as he was already getting rid of the clothes he had worn that morning with his head down.

He had left early, saying he had business to settle with partners who had refused to sign extensions of agreements for some territories now behind the lost border and a meeting with Pearce in the afternoon, but none of those scenarios included his cousin and Y/N had been pretty clear when she told him and Jimmy to stay away from them.

- Nothing has happened yet, don't worry.

- Yet – she repeated confused, but even then Roman didn't make a move to turn around, too busy looking for a change of clothes and avoiding explanations.

He wasn't physically hurt, nothing out of place, but wasn’t enough to reassure her.

- We'll solve it once and for all soon, face to face, decision is made.

- Yup, it’s a wonderful idea, lemme know when so I'll warn the doctor to keep himself free – she complained ironically and heard him breathing heavily, his bare chest expanding in an effort of patience in which she too was having difficulty.

He had come home covered in blood just a few days earlier, his forehead open, his mood shattered and the previous one she had witnessed firsthand the attempt to repeat the feat. She wasn't the kind of woman who was easily suggestible, she had seen and been through enough to be able to put up with more than most of the alphas out there, but that kind of approach didn't help.

- Don't start Y/N. It's official.

- Official, what does that even mean?! What happened to cutting them out of the family business?

Cut them out. Turn away and forget them. For her or for himself, it had been the decision he had made returning from the border, he had told her reluctantly, he had repeated it, she hadn't imagined it. What had changed? Why so suddenly and talking like it was something he couldn't come back from, some kind of blood pact?!

He's hurt. He's angry.

She felt it too, not just her wolf, she saw it too without her bond and it was for that exact reason that she didn't like that change. He wasn't thinking, he was acting under too much pressure.

- It's not enough – she heard him explain, as if that should mean everything.

- But tearing each other apart would it be?! – she replied in disbelief and at yet another reply Roman stopped to clench his fists with annoyance.

- I tried, I left a door open, it didn't help, I did it - he complained and she felt the weight of his frustration - when I get Jey out of the way, we'll start again. No one will challenge my role. Solo will take his place as my right-hand man in the Bloodline, everything will be good again, I’ll regain control of the family and after them I’ll take care those bunch of idiots out there, first the family business and then’em.

Standing in the doorway of the walk-in closet, she listened to him rambling, his gaze going from her to something far away only in his head that made his brow furrow and his teeth gnash. His plan, his big plan.

He had really tried, she knew it, she believed him. It hadn't worked, it hadn't been enough, but the solution couldn't be to tear each other apart, fight to hurt each other even more and make the situation worse. It shouldn't have even become a possibility, and yet it had happened, everything kept crumbling, falling apart and she felt more and more dizzy. She trusted Roman, she knew that he really could take back control and that he would do so, but now it all felt strange and wrong and dangerous. It wasn't paranoia, doubts or her mood swings at the wrong times, but the ease with which he was talking about those enormous changes, those drastic solutions, he was alarming her.

- Are you really planning to solve things like this? – she asked and the flash that crossed his gaze as he felt hesitation in her voice, doubts, caused a shiver down her spine.

- I'm planning our future. Mine and yours! – he exploded, as if he was ready to fight at that very moment and her confusion made him furious – they are nothing, Jey is nothing! I dont need’em. The elders want a leader for the Bloodline who represents the family and I’ll give them that, I’ll teach everyone a lesson and remind them why its my role!

He was snapping more often than usual lately and like every time, Y/N saw him grit his teeth, inspire to regain control and swing his head almost shaking off his own wolf when she watched him with wide eyes. She didn't like that attitude, it was the kind of alpha behavior that she had always avoided in the past, but she knew why it happened, it wasn't completely unmotivated and contrary to what she would have done in the past, she once again found herself reaching for him to caress his arm and calm him down.

He’ll never hurt us.

It was his nature to attack in order to defend, and the way they raised him, what he went through to get what he wanted, had only made that side worse. Roman mind had been programmed to provide, attack if necessary and keep the indispensable, it was his wolf taking control due to stress. He talked about real dangers and imagined others, he exaggerated things and was incited by speeches that he shouldn't have listened to, he was worried, pressured and scared probably at the idea of losing his family even if he didn't admit it. He needed someone ready to keep him grounded, to make him think and she had promised to stay by his side.

- Whatever the elders said you need to do for the Bloodline and prove yourself, it could be a problem if those men you were talking to yesterday – she tried to explain and Roman stopped her before even getting to the point though.

- Stop defending the twins, stop doing that Y/N – he growled, as if he hadn't heard.

After what she had seen, defending Jey and Jimmy it wasn't something she would have done instantly like a few weeks ago, but she really wanted to hope that blood was thicker than tears. They had other enemies, strangers, people who had no family bond to any of them roaming their territory, attacking each other was a move that could spell the end of them all.

- I'm not doing it, Im with you, I told you… I just don't want you to get hurt for nothing – she tried again, running her thumb over his tattoo, but once again Roman watched her up and down still angry.

- It's my legacy, it's everything, we have no future without it, nothing – he growled seriously, his gaze hard and Y/N found herself with an empty hand, while he grabbed a hoodie and disappeared back downstairs, leaving her in their room alone.

***

Their date night was spent apart, but that wasn't important. Y/N had never hoped to have a perfect romantic movie relationship, those childhood dreams had never belonged to her and she hadn't started having them even with Roman, she kept things real. He had locked himself in the gym for hours, occupying his mind with physical exercises, silencing doubts, second thoughts, feelings, anything. She couldn't feel anything through the bond, just the fatigue of his big body pushing past its limits to prepare, nothing more. And Y/N was worried, alarmed by the way he had decided to go down that path, to go through with it without looking at the consequences. Jimmy's words had come back to her by chance, while she was preparing a tea to drink in the living room in front of a book, seeing the amount of food still filling the pantry, when months earlier him and his brother would have cleaned up the same day in which it had been filled. It hadn't happened in a while now, but more time passed, more it seemed to her that their house was getting colder.

"We're fine as long as we do what the great Tribal Chief wants and when it doesn't happen it's over"

Whatever Jey had said, it hadn't gone the way Roman wanted and now he was ready to end it. Their relationship wasn't normal, it had probably never been the healthiest, but Y/N knew right away that they had a special bond in that big family. Jey had smelled her even before Roman, he had recognized her at the bus station, as if he was an extension of Roman. The thought he had now decided to end his bond with his cousin, that he no longer wanted to have anything to do with him, explained why Roman thought he would go that far, but not why he actually planned to do so.

He's not a monster. He’s hurt.

Sure he was, Jimmy's lies had nothing to do with it, her wolf was right. She had to put that thought out of her head and focus on what to do. He was in panic, attacking because he thought it was the only solution, driven by the crazy approval of the elders, by the pressure at the border and she couldn't allow him to sink or make the situation worse.

- Y/N – Paul called softly, almost whispering, but she gave no sign of having heard him, staring at the lit fireplace.

Her ears could hear the most imperceptible noises, she was trained, but when it came to him they closed. It was selective listening and they had selected him as the person absolutely not to listen to, evidently Paul was not of the same opinion however and Y/N saw his fingers drumming on the coffee table in front of her in a discreet attempt to attract attention.

- … can we talk? – he asked, sitting down without permission next to her, refusing to let go.

- No.

She didn't turn, she didn't even look at him, but was absolutely certain that he had curled his head into his expensive suit like a plump, pale turtle, as he always did when something wasn't right the way he imagined and she seemed to be incredibly good pushing him to that kind of reaction. Usually just a word was enough to keep him away, he had learned the lesson after the threats months before, yet this time, defying opposition and fate, Paul cleared his throat anyway.

- It's about what's happening, I was hoping we could discuss... collaborate maybe under the circumstances – he started again and she finally looked at him with disgust and exasperation.

He had stayed after dinner to do who knows what, without an invite, but even now that it was time to finally go away, disappear for a few hours, he refused to leave.

- Open a couple of buttons, there's no blood getting to your brain and I won't call anyone if you faint.

Them working together was like freezing hell, it was already a miracle that they managed to tolerate each other at Roman's behest, but it would have been impossible more than that. There was something about Paul that Y/N didn't like, a suspicion had never found proof of and yet her she-wolf sensed. It could have been down to past experiences, betas like Paul whispering into alphas'ears to get a taste of power were never trusty, it could also have been down to the fact that he breathed the same air as Roman in a shameless display of fetishism.

- Y/N I know we don't have a good relationship and we've never done anything to improve it-

Or it could depend on the way Paul had treated her from the very first time, going from preaching her to submit without shame to his tribal cult to treating her like a dumb trophy mate. She didn't care, she didn't like him and he needed to stop making advances.

Bite him.

- Stop these diplomatic speeches with me Paul, ain't eating a single word running out of your mouth and I've already advised you to stay away from me, would you like a lil reminder?

She watched him adjust his blue suit in a classic nervous tic and despite everything force himself to reach out, inviting her to calm down and continue the conversation peacefully.

- It won’t be necessary, I'll get to the point. I'm worried about him - he hastened to explain, alluding with a discreet nod of his head to the side hallway that led to the gym and Y/N raised an eyebrow in disbelief - I have full faith in his abilities, he's extraordinary, but I was there when it happened the first time, time has passed now… things have changed, it might not go well as he thinks and there are more dangers besides the twins, Jey… a violent fight now is too big of a risk for him.

She'd probably never find out exactly what happened when Roman became the family's alpha and tribal chief, but she had an idea. Remaking such a scenario was something she didn't want, it was enough for her to see them fighting in the parking lot and even if they were doing everything they could to get to that point again, she was convinced that in the future they would regret it as much as they did then. A confrontation wouldn't have calmed anyone down and wouldn't have resolved problems, she didn't even understand why the elders who were supposed to be the wise men of the family were authorizing and encouraging everything. For the first time, incredibly, she found herself agreeing with Paul, even if she was still convinced his motivations were different.

- You’re worried about him... or about your job? – she pressed him and he nodded, cashing her shot.

- There will be nothing left if they will go down this way.

Again that nonsense, again that motivation. All of the Bloodline's business, all of their problems, everything, revolved around what they owned and could lose. It was an obsession that she couldn't swallow and she didn't fully understand. Y/N knew that it was important, that it had cost Roman blood, sweat, sacrifices, it was his will and somehow represented the future for the next generation, stability for the current one, but it was also a weight that was dragging them all to the bottom and for sure, not everything like Roman thought.

- And I must have given you the impression of being the least bit worried about the loss.

- Well, I should probably admit you proved to be different from what I thought, it rarely happens and Im sure that you would be able to survive without anything anyway, you’re used to it. You don't care about all of this, but you care about them, about him... I saw it… it matters to me too whether you believe it or not. We both want the family to survive Y/N. I've never seen him like this.

Maybe that desire wasn't the right choice after all, maybe it would have been better for everything to end, for them to completely turn the page to get rid of that cancer born from power. Maybe it was simpler and more painless to let them destroy everything, but seeing with how much anger and ardor Roman defended his empire, feeling what burned inside him through the bond, seeing that shadow in his eyes when he talked about it, prevented her from being sure. For him it was everything, it was his world, the reward behind years of dissatisfaction, it was so important that it pushed him to face someone he loved, to give it priority before his own blood. Y/N didn't want to watch Roman get hurt for it, but she couldn't turn away or fight him.

We’ll stay by his side. He’d do the same for us.

Thoughtfully, she studied Paul who was watching her with pleading eyes and blew in exasperation.

- So what do you want? Ain’t gonna start plotting with you, you heard me.

- No please, no. I’ll try to make the twins think about the whole situation, making a deal if we’re lucky, they’re hotheads but they grew up together, they’re a family. I'm just hoping for some support if needed. An extra voice of reason is useful and if that isn't enough, you know how to get them back in line.

He had smeared honey on every single word, a perfect lawyer and counselor already trying to calm things down to save his throat, whether from her or from Roman was not clear at that moment. She didn't like Paul, she would never like him and she would never trust him, but for once he was being a wise man. Whatever his reason was for not letting them get to the fight and even if she doubted he would be able to get Jey and Jimmy on their side again, maybe, the combat could be avoided. They had already done enough.

- So are we on the same side now? – he dared to ask, looking at her with a fake friendly expression that that Y/N struggled to bear for the first time.

- Roman can count on me. Not you. – she said clear, seeing anyway him immediately nod, satisfied with his incredible, miraculous victorious exit from the scene.

She couldn't believe she had gotten to the point where she even had to tolerate Paul. Things were bad for real.

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