#the slack jaw look of surprise just fit better

[jadeazora]

Y'know, I'm pretty sure at least one reason that the RR bosses don't interact in USUM was because whoever came up with that storyline probably realized they would all be trying to kill each other if you just left all of them together in a room for five minutes.

Archie and Maxie were ready to go on-sight. Cyrus would loathe Ghetsis if he found out about N. (I would like to see him punch the old man's lights out, but he'd probably just sit there and quietly stew instead.) Giovanni and Ghetsis are driven by greed, and that's what Lysandre hates most, alongside people who treat Pokemon like tools, and those who throw their power around. But the "eventually the world will be consumed by greedy fools" was basically his reason for attempting genocide in the first place. It'd probably be on-sight for him too. Masters made it 100% clear, but I always knew Gio wouldn't fall for Ghetsis's bull. Those two were looking to stab each other in the back from the moment they met.

The player and Lillie would have arrived to all-out brawl. No wonder Gio and/or Faba gave them their own rooms 😂

[major-toast]

Rosekiller Microfic - Lobster 2.0

nsfw // mdni - 894 words

Right there, told you "Meet me at the spot", I’ll be right there Hands, hanging out the window, feel the night air.

Barty takes a deep drag, the spliff lazily hanging off his thumb and pointer. Every muscle in his body feels slack, his mind stuffed to the brim with cotton and every word he speaks sluggish in his mouth. He looks over to Evan - his eyes dragging out the movement. Nodding along to the song coming from the stereo and playing with the volume, he looks just as much out of this world as Barty feels.

Shit. Barty forgot how potent the pot is Evan grows.

"All good?" his friend asks, raising a brow at him. Barty nods slowly. Only now does he realise how hard his eyes burn from the lack of blinking.

"You?"

Evan grins. "Never better."

He flops down onto the bed beside him. Barty turns his head, watching him get comfortable on his back by tucking one arm behind his head. Not looking back at him, Evan demands for the spliff to be passed over. Barty hands it to him without protest.

Humming, his friend raises the pot to his lips, inhaling deeply. Entranced, thanks to his more than lethargic state, Barty observes the way Evan's lips wrap around the paper, how his cheeks hollow out as he takes a drag, and how his chest slowly rises and sinks.

Put a finger to your lips, blow this money, blow a kiss. Diamonds dancing on her body, made somebody throw a fit.

Barty's mouth runs dry.

"Have you ever shagged a bloke before?" he blurts out, much to his own surprise.

Evan only throws him a puzzled sideways glance.

"No", he answers, blowing rings of smoke into the air.

"A bird then?"

Evan sighs. "No, B. You know I haven't."

He's right. Barty would know if Evan had. They're best friends, after all. Why can't he stop thinking about it then?

"Is it because of the trans thing?" he wants to know.

"Yup."

"You could fuck me if you want. I wouldn't mind."

Evan's eyes snap towards him. Barty grins.

"C'mon, Rosie. As if you haven't thought about it."

For a second, Evan remains quiet. His nostrils flare and his jaw clenches. A sore spot, apparently. Barty can already taste the fist bashing in his teeth.

Another second passes. Then, a third.

"Fuck it", Evan suddenly huffs.

Before Barty can register it, Evan has straddled his hips, glowering down at him. Suddenly rather intimidated as those consuming, dark eyes drill into him, Barty swallows. His hands are sweaty as he places them on each of Evan's thighs. Not wasting another moment, Evan sheds out of his jumper.

He raises the spliff back to his lips, his gaze now daring as Barty's eyes instinctively wander over the bare skin of his upper body and the scars on his chest. This time, Evan blows the smoke right into Barty's face. He breathes it in immediately, his mouth agape from the building tension.

"You're an annoying cunt, Crouch. Once you have set your mind on something, you won't leave it alone. I know how you are. So, yeah, use me to get off if that helps you. But I won't fuck you! That's gay."

Barty blinks at him dumbfoundedly. Usually, he'd argue that what they are doing right now is rather gay in itself. Yet, he is too high out of his mind to even form a coherent thought. All he can grasp is Evan sitting bare-chested in his lap.

"O-okay", he breathes back.

I'm seeing red, now, I'm running these lights. Hands off the wheel and I'm letting you drive.

Carefully, he bucks his hips upwards, his hardening cock pressing against his friend's crotch. Biting his lower lip, Barty waits for Evan's reaction.

At first, nothing happens. Evan glowers at him just as darkly as he did before. However, after the second and third try, the mean look twists into something more akin to pleasure. Hot blood creeps into his cheeks, his breath growing more ragged. Soon, he loses his composure entirely, catching his slumping body by bracing himself against the headboard. Barty's head is already spinning, his cock achingly hard. He cannot help himself but imagine how it would feel to be inside of Evan right now.

Only in his dirtiest dreams, he dared to think about that.

Feel like you are daydreaming inside a nightmare. Don't wake me up, we hiding from the sunlight. Right there, told you "Meet me at the spot", I’ll be right there.

Groaning, Barty grabs Evan by the neck, pulling him down for a needy kiss. He bites and nips at the blonde one's lips, painfully aware of how his body responds to him still rutting against his crotch. Almost as hungrily, Evan reciprocates. He licks into Barty's mouth, tasting his tongue, the desperation in his moans. Barty can feel the building edge with every scratch of Evan's nails against his skin.

Tell me how you want it, babe. Sweeter than some lemonade. Hot just like a summer day (All right, all right). You just wanna ride the wave; You just wanna ride the wave.

Barty comes in his pants, having not even touched Evan aside from his chest. A disgrace, he'd scoff under different circumstances. But not now.

Now, he's definitely too high.

[ethereousdelirious]

Sicktember 2024 Day 3 - Con Crud

HEE HEE this is my favorite fill I think.

Malva gets stuck babysitting Siebold when he comes down sick on the last day of a summer camp

I meant to interpret "con" as "conference," and that sort of morphed into "giving speeches to kids at a nerdy summer camp for high-achievers."

Anyway.

Six days.

Six days of snot-nosed kids (no, literally) and Siebold's smarmy smiles, six days of getting sneezed on and drooled on and stared at. Six days of chain-smoking behind the latrines so she didn't snap at the next little delinquent who open-mouth coughed on her leg, and now the plague has reached her door.

Malva took a drag of her cigarette and blew the smoke in Siebold's face. “Don't stand so close to me.”

Siebold coughed and sputtered, his face going red, red, red. But he backed off, dabbing at his eyes with an honest-to-god handkerchief.

“I don't need your germs all over me,” Malva added, and took another drag. Silver-gray smoke curled in the air, warping her view of the placid waters sparkling outside the Kalos League castle.

Siebold pressed his fingertips to his chest, perfect nail beds on full display. “Germs?”

“I can hear you mouth-breathing from here.” Malva turned to him, the better to let him see her roll her eyes. “I'll venture a guess: you woke up with a sore throat and a stuffy nose, but you thought it was just your allergies acting up. So you took a pill, and you're just now starting to think ‘my, that’s strange, why do I still feel like Toxic Sludge?’”

Siebold blinked, jaw falling open in picture-perfect surprise. “Well—”

“Ask me how I know.”

He eyed her warily, tugging at his jabot. “How do you know?”

“Because—” she stubbed her cigarette out on the castle wall and tossed the butt in a nearby ashtray— “about a hundred sniveling little children have told me the exact same story over the course of this week.”

Siebold was quiet for a moment, looking her over like he was worried she might burst into flames. “I do have allergies.”

Malva pulled out her lighter and flicked it, and the little orange flame danced in Siebold's eyes. “And be assured, I wish you the best of health.”

—

Siebold fell asleep in the car. Malva stared at him, slack-jawed and snoring and no less handsome for it. Siebold embodied the kind of bland, blond beauty that smiled benignly out at the world in eternal passivity. He was safe. He was boring. And he was definitely sick.

His body was stiff in the backseat, legs splayed and knees bent awkwardly to accommodate the divider separating them from the driver. His pure white smock wrinkled against the cold black leather seat.

Clean, all of it.

Malva leaned over to better study her own reflection in the tinted divider. A beauty on the edge— audacious beauty teetering on the verge of ugliness. That was the only beauty worth pursuing.

Siebold awoke with a gasp and leaned forward, burying his face in his hands. “Oh.”

Malva smirked, though he couldn't see it. “Welcome back.”

“Malva.” Siebold sniffled and shifted his hands so he could speak without uncovering his eyes. “I'm afraid you were right.”

Of course she was. And now she'd have to deal with his whining for the rest of the trip— for the rest of the day. She settled back, leaning away from Siebold as much as she could lest he grab onto her hands in a fit of passion. “Well, it's only closing ceremonies. You can handle a little speech, can't you?”

“Not just a speech,” Siebold moaned, and indeed listed to the side like he wanted to rest his head on her shoulder. Instead, he flopped against the armrest, rattling the untouched bottles of water in the cupholders. “There's the battle, too.”

Malva squinted. “Battle?” Had anyone said anything about a battle? Maybe she'd read the word somewhere on the informational flier before the flames had fully engulfed it…

“That's the grand finale.” Siebold looked up at her with red-rimmed eyes. “You and me in a—” his breath hitched and he swallowed with visible discomfort— “in a glorious, 3v3 battle on the main stage. Ugh.”

Malva eyed him, flopping around on the armrest like a Magikarp. He really did look ill. Somewhere in the hours they'd been trapped in the car, his face had gone as pale as his smock. When he spoke, his consonants stuck together in the back of his palate, a sure sign of a dry mouth. “Drink some water.”

“Malvaaa.” Siebold, to his credit, heaved himself up and reached for one of the bottles. “What am I going to do?”

She turned away to look out the window. Red rock stretched out before her, reaching out toward a clear blue sky. “We're coming up on Coumarine City. I think you should beg me to buy you a to-go coffee from JavaJolt while you consult with a pharmacist.”

“Very well.” Siebold pressed the glass bottle, not to his lips, but to his forehead. “If I survive the trip.”

—

By the time they reached Coumarine, Siebold had gone red in the face and started to shiver and sniffle.

He got out of the car like every motion hurt him, and leaned against the door without shutting it. “I… I really don't feel well.”

Malva crossed her arms. The longer they spent here, the greater the chance she might just abandon the whole summer camp and check herself into the seaside spa for a day or three. “I can see a pharmacy right over your shoulder.” Siebold gave her a pathetic look under heavy lids before straightening up and shutting the door. Malva just stared at him. “Well?”

“Dearest Malva,” he began, and had to stop to cough. “Dearest, most esteemed Malva. Won't you please do me the favor of purchasing me the finest to-go swill from JavaJolt? I should be ever so grateful.”

She could keep pushing. But the sea breeze ruffled her braids and cooled the temper simmering under her sun-warmed skin, and Siebold truly did look like he was about to keel over. It was probably an act, at least partially— she'd seen him moved to tears over a hangnail. But she could hold the favor over him, maybe shame him into silence the next time he started whining.

“What's your order?” she asked, studying her fingernails.

“Oh, um.” He stifled a cough behind his lips and seemed to lose his patience for the game. He pressed a palm to his forehead and slumped against the car, smearing red dust up his sleeve. “I don't know. I don't— Whatever won't make me nauseous. Please.”

Malva gave him her best Holocaster smile. “As you wish, Duke Siebold.”

She turned her back to him and sauntered for the waterfront. Lysandre would drop dead if he ever saw her set foot in a JavaJolt. She'd have to send a gift card to the prison. One of the especially twee ones that featured the little Jolteon mascot making Baby-Doll Eyes up at nothing.

She pushed her way into the coffee shop's interior and walked straight up to the counter. Siebold needed espresso, a shot of DayQwil, and a gag over his mouth.

…Maybe she could withhold the coffee until they reached Shalour. A good dose of decongestant ought to knock him right out.

Something to consider.

—

Siebold slurred his way through his closing ceremonies speech, his JavaJolt cup held lazily in one hand. He leaned hard into the shaky wooden podium and didn't bother to swipe his hair out of his eyes when the wind blew it out of place.

He finished and Malva gave her own speech, shorter and absent of the cloying sentiments in Siebold's.

When it came time to battle, some of the drugged haze lifted from Siebold’s eyes. He leaned hard into his Type advantage, but— Right at the end, the color drained from his cheeks. He gave commands seconds too late, choked on his words, staggered.

It lost him the battle.

Malva smirked and crossed her arms, recalling Pyroar with a lazy motion. “And that’s precisely why a bad Type match-up isn't the lost cause you might think it is,” she said, turning to the crowd.

Dozens of bug-eyed kids clapped and cheered and stamped their feet in the grass. Malva curtseyed, and somewhere in the corner of her eye, caught the tell-tale white sweep of Siebold’s apron. He staggered down the steps at the side of the stage and ducked behind a wide oak tree, just out of sight of the kids. Clutching at the trunk, he doubled over like he was about to be sick. His complexion, white as ash, corroborated the conclusion. Malva grinned.

There was her ticket out of here. No more Camp Junior Genius, or whatever it was called. She took her time down the steps, subtly bypassed her seat, and reached Siebold just in time to watch him faceplant into the dirt.

Oh. Wonderful.

Siebold stirred a few seconds later, mumbling and clutching at his chest, and Malva shushed him, staring out at the lake with her tongue between her teeth.

She needed a fucking cigarette.

“No ambulance,” Siebold muttered. “Don’ wanna scare the kids…”

“I had no intention of calling an ambulance.” Malva flicked her lighter open and shut, open and shut.

“Mmh.”

Malva stared into the tiny flame. She'd have to get Siebold out of here somehow, and he clearly needed a doctor.

Below her, Siebold got to his knees and coughed, and burying his face in his arm barely muffled the sound.

“Get up.” Malva looked down at him, red-faced and teary-eyed, his apron all stained with dirt. With a sigh, she extended her hand. “Come on. Before you frighten the children.”

—

Six hours.

Six hours waiting in the emergency department of the Shalour City Hospital while Siebold sniveled and coughed and burned, six hours of corralling herself with threats of Diantha's lecturing if she left Siebold alone here. Six hours of torture, and now Siebold had cost her a night on the town.

He shivered beneath the blanket some nurse had brought him, appraising Malva with dark, narrow eyes. “I suppose you want to leave,” he said, not for the first time that evening.

Malva crossed her legs, settling back in the vinyl chair she occupied. “Diantha would have my head if I left you here alone.”

“I'm in good hands,” Siebold said. Malva looked around at all the nothing. No doctors, no nurses. Siebold alone with his IV and his fever of precisely 39°. He bristled. “It's a hospital.”

He stared at her under dark, heavy lids, eyes dull and face slack. The ugly fluorescents only washed him out further, tinted him chemical green and blanched the pink on his cheeks and eyes to a cold lavender.

Malva sat up, heat raging into her face. She'd spent all day babysitting Siebold, and this was the thanks he levied at her? A tepid declaration of freedom, only nine hours too late. “Here's how this is going to go,” he said, clenching her hands on the chair's plastic armrests. “I'm going to stay right here until you're cleared to leave. Diantha is not going to give me another lecture on ‘bettering myself’ and ‘paying my debt to society.’ And you are going to spend the entirety of your recovery coming up with a way to thank me. Understood?”

Siebold hiked his blanket further up his shoulders, shrinking back into himself. He nodded and swallowed thickly. “I— Yes. I understand. Thank you, Malva.”

She smiled sweetly at him, so wide her eyes scrunched up. “That's more like it.”

[scythesms]

Edmund visited his wife in the sickhouse several times a day. His visits were guaranteed in the morning before eating breakfast with the children, at noon before leaving for the bank or railways, and after returning home just before the sun went down. With each stay, he tried his best to uplift his wife, which proved to be more challenging as time went on. It was only a matter of time before he’d get lost in his thoughts.

Rosalyn didn’t mean to pull him away from his concerns when reaching for him. She disliked it when he concealed his emotions for fear of passing on the dread. She was more than aware of the cloud that followed their family around and only wished he’d talk about mourning his father or his lingering fear that his mother would soon follow due to her dormant state. 

He moved from the stool to sit by her side, where he marveled at his wife. His heart ached with how much he adored her. Even in recovery from a year of affliction, she was as lovely as ever. Every time he’d tell her of her beauty, she’d feign no surprise.

After several years of marriage, eye contact with her was as piercing as ever. He never wanted to look away and prayed he’d never have to. In contrast, her concerns rose to the surface as she stared into his. Edmund noticed the shift in her attitude when her smile dimmed and her eyes lowered focus. 

“I need to speak with you.”

While he sensed the severity in her tone, there was next to nothing he could assume as serious as her current state.

Rosalyn spoke quickly, in fear of her lips maneuvering away from the truth as she’d impulsively done so many times before. “I’ve mentioned my old gardener once or twice. Franklin. His boy… I wasn’t entirely honest with you about…” She paused to gauge his reaction or lack thereof. “We weren’t friends, but more.” 

There wasn’t a twitch in his jaw or a subtle shift in his eyes. His features remained slack as he waited for her to continue. 

She gradually delved deeper into her immature relationship with the gardener’s son. They’d been friends longer than they hadn’t, but their relationship progressed soon after her sixteenth birthday. Just before her seventeenth, the couple planned to run away together. Strangely, it’d been the same week her father summoned her to seek Edmund’s hand in marriage. When she cried to her lover over her father’s demands, he begged her to leave with him at once. She objected, terrified by the haste. By the time she changed her mind, he was already gone. Her only reach to him was through the letters he sent his father. She admitted to reading them as if they were written to her, up until they stopped arriving.

The week she’d learned of his sudden death, Edmund appeared at her door and agreed to marry her.

Edmund reeled the new information in. He assumed she’d had a few suitors before marrying him. The secrecy and look of shame that came with the reveal troubled him most.

He asked, “Why have you never told me about him?”

“In the same sense that you never speak of her.”

Edmund’s arm around her went frigid.

“We’ve both loved before this marriage,” Rosalyn confessed.

“I don’t understand-”

“The woman you couldn’t quite speak to at the flower stand, just before our wedding. You loved her. I knew as much.” 

Edmund stared at Rosalyn. It’d been so long ago. He assumed she’d remember the encounter with her as well as the woman who tried to sell them flowers. He should’ve known better.

“What I couldn’t distinguish was her name,” she admitted.

Edmund shook his head. “It doesn’t matter.”

“It does.”

“It doesn’t,” he disagreed. “I haven’t thought of her in years. This doesn’t-”

“Edmund,” Rosalyn pleaded. “What was her name?”

He pondered for a moment. “Imogene.”

“Fitting,” she hummed. “Names hold importance.”

…“You haven’t said his.”

Rosalyn glanced at the ceiling, proving her response to be the answer he’d been looking for since she first asked to speak with him - the reason behind her uneasiness. 

Finally, she confessed, “I named our first son after him.” 

Her eyes snapped back to his, but he’d already looked away as he took in this revelation that left him disoriented. “I don’t understand.”

He remained quiet for some time. 

Rosalyn asked him to share his thoughts, whether or not they were loud and bitter. She sought to know if he wondered about the life he could’ve had if not for her intervention. 

Edmund looked at her, once more. He had no desire to yell or let out spiteful lashings, nor did he consider what life would be without her. He wished she wouldn’t, either. He asked her to withhold her apologies. By no means was he pleased with what she’d done, but he was quick to accept the fact that there was no use in getting upset.

“I won’t accept that,” she argued. “I owe you a thousand apologies.”

“I forgive you a thousand times.” He ignored her angst. “I don’t want you to bear any more guilt from this matter. Every decision we’ve made led us to each other. Our past lovers are just that - past lovers, not to be forgotten or repented. We both fell victim to living for our parents - I see that now more than ever. Moving forward, what I want most is for you to recover so we can watch our children live the lives they choose.”

previous ➺ next

[defectivevillain]

schoolyard shenanigans

pairing: donnie x reader

reader’s pronouns: unspecified but masc-intended

summary: April and you have tackled far worse things than a school dance. Surely, things can’t go that badly... right? Unfortunately, the universe seems intent on proving you wrong. 

“We’ve fought monsters, destroyed robots...” You trail off, after noticing the worried expression on April’s face. The two of you stop just before the doors of the school and stare up at the building. A large Homecoming banner is draped over the front. You’re slightly nervous, but you’re sure the feeling is nowhere near April’s stress. She’s been dreading this dance for weeks, from what you can remember. 

“School dances are way worse than all of those things,” April responds, crossing her arms over her chest. You put a hand on her shoulder in sympathy. She takes a deep breath and clenches her fists at her sides, before turning to look at you. “Let’s go. We’ve got this!”

“You know, this whole thing feels a bit fishy,” you remark as you walk. April seems to be too distracted to notice the statement, however, as she stares at the parade float and other decorations with wonder. You’re about to bump into her shoulder and repeat yourself when you see Dale walk over to you both.

“Hey guys,” Dale says, greeting the both of you. He’s wearing a purple dress shirt and slacks. He looks a bit flustered and discombobulated. You can’t help but compare his outward stress to April’s—she seems to know how to hide it better. “Say, have you seen Taylor anywhere around here?”

“Taylor?” April asks, her eyes lighting up. “No, we’re looking for her also. She invited us to sit with her!” April’s enthusiasm is nearly contagious, and you have to resist the urge to match her smile. Truly, you don’t give two shits about Taylor, but you know that April wants to get to know her in order to fit in better. 

“Hey, she invited me too!” Dale chips excitedly. April freezes and glances at you. You grimace. Indeed, this whole Taylor situation feels incredibly strange. Something must be going on here. April sighs deeply and motions for you to follow her into the building. Together, the three of you enter the gymnasium. To your surprise, there isn’t a single person making eye contact. They’re all looking down at their phones with hypnotized gazes. 

Dale is quick to join in on the madness, as he downloads Hippo Crush—the game Taylor is raving about—and sits down at the table. You and April exchange worried glances before turning down to look at your phone. To your surprise, when you go to look at the application, a miniature Donnie avatar appears on your screen and tells you off. You look at April and grimace. 

“There’s definitely something wrong here, April,” you say, pulling her to her feet after you. The two of you enter the hallway, only to find a weirdly organized formation of students walking in a line with their eyes glued to their phones. You take a deep breath and decide to follow after them. April is quick to join you. The two of you join the line of people and walk into the auditorium. Moments later, the entire group is seated. Thankfully, April and you sit next to each other. Trepidation coils in your chest as you look at the empty stage. Almost as if on command, a confident voice breaks through the tense silence. 

“Everyone, put your hands together for... Hypno-Potamus!” To your horror, a mutant hippopotamus stands on stage. He glances about the audience with greedy eyes, as if soaking in the attention that everyone is giving him. It takes everything you have not to gasp out loud as he continues speaking. April seems to be in a similar state of shock, as her jaw is nearly wide open. 

Hypno-Potamus summons a mascot of sorts and prattles on about a disappearing act. April and you are quick to jump up from your seats and bolt to the nearest exit. Unfortunately, the hippopotamus seems to notice your departure and spotlights focus on the two of you with bright intensity.

“Oh, what’s this?” The magician remarks, staring at the two of you. April tries to pretend to be under mind control, but she breaks character within a few seconds with a disgruntled mumble about it being whack. You huff out a laugh and grab at the door, quickly running out into the hallway. “Get them!” Hypno-Potamus’s voice can be heard echoing throughout the auditorium. 

What follows is the weirdest ten minutes of your entire life. April and you race through the halls, running from a hypnotized mob of students. You duck and hide in a classroom, some lockers, anywhere that you can hide. Unfortunately, your classmates are rather adept at following after you and, after a few minutes of chasing, the two of you are cornered. The group’s pink eyes burn into your skin, as they hold up their phones and try to enchant you into getting the game. Thankfully, Mayhem—the strange creature that seems to have taken a liking to April—appears before long and you are whisked away to safety. 

As if things aren’t weird enough, Leo and Donnie burst through the wall on the parade float from earlier. They grab the two of you and together, you escape from the crowd of enchanted teenagers. April and you leave Leo and Donnie to fight Hypno while the two of you collect all of the magician’s top hats. Mayhem comes to save the day and teleports Hypno away from the school. April drives the golf cart around the grounds in a pseudo victory lap. Leo and Donnie join the two of you moments later, wicked smiles on their faces. 

“So, April, I was wondering if you had a date for the next dance...” Dale breaks off. April doesn’t even let him finish that sentence. You let out a strangled laugh disguised as a cough. Leo looks throughly amused at the lovestruck expression on the boy’s face. Donnie has his arms crossed over his chest and his eyebrows are raised. 

“Not now, Dale,” April sighs. This time, you can’t quite hide a smile. Somehow, Dale doesn’t look too put out by her refusal. Instead, he turns to look at you of all people. There’s something in his gaze that makes your stomach turn. He takes a step forward, which you quickly match with a step backwards.

“How about you-?” Dale tries to say, only to be interrupted once more. This time, April isn’t the one to interrupt him. Instead, it’s Donnie that places a firm hand on his head. 

“Absolutely not,” Donnie says, firmly turning him around with the grip he has on his head. Dale obediently follows and swivels around to walk away. You watch him walk away, unable to shake the feeling of relief coursing through you. 

“Thanks for that,” you grin at Donnie. There’s a momentary flicker of irritation and annoyance on Donnie’s face as he stares at Dale’s retreating figure, but it quickly fades when he returns your gaze. 

“No problem,” Donnie responds quickly, suddenly averting his gaze. You hear Leo snort out a laugh at April’s side. You’re not quite sure what his amusement is all about. Donnie seems significantly stressed. “You... look nice, by the way.”

“Thanks,” you respond, looking down at your clothes. You’re wearing a dress shirt and slacks—similar to Dale—but, thankfully, it’s a comfortable outfit. You decided to take inspiration from April and wear sneakers to complete the look. April was thrilled about that, you recall with a smile.

“Say, um,” Donnie stammers, breaking you out of your thoughts. He seems uncharacteristically nervous about something. You raise an eyebrow at him and he takes a deep breath. “The next dance, if you wanted, I could go with you.” You look at him in surprise. 

“Just, you know, to protect you. Well, no, not that you need protecting. It’s just...” Donnie shakes his head in evident disbelief. For a long moment, you watch as he buries his face in his hands and mumbles about something. The tense silence drags on for a seemingly infinite amount of time. Eventually, clarity passes over Donnie’s face and he sighs. “Never mind.” 

“What?” You ask, but Donnie seems thoroughly embarrassed. He doesn’t explain anything, instead deigning to bury his head in his hands once more. You turn to look at Leo and April for help, only to find them wearing twin expressions of mischief on their faces. Thankfully, the awkward tension doesn’t last too long, as Leo proclaims that the four of you should go for pizza. Together, all of you walk away from the school. The two brothers walk a bit ahead, and you watch with confusion as Leo thumps Donnie on the shoulder in what must be a reassuring gesture. Donnie simply groans. You glance at April for some answers, but she just sends you a knowing smile. 

[jinmukangwrites]

I found a key with LU Hyrule?

Hey don't cry, AO3 down drabble prompts

---

"Remind me to never go in strange caves with you again," Twilight grumbled while he ran his hands over the door that sealed shut behind the two of them. They had found themselves trapped, inexplicably, in some random dungeon while looking for some water suitable for bathing.

"Honestly I'm just surprised you agreed to follow me in the first place," Hyrule shugged, walking to the opposite side of the stone room while Twilight released a halfhearted growl.

There was another door at the end, one that he found easily slid open with some force. Twilight swore behind him. "What are you doing?!"

"Clearly, the only way out is forward," Hyrule said.

"That doesn't make sense."

"Usually works for me?"

Twilight looked up at the ceiling of the cave like Hylia herself was up there to shrug and apologize.

He poked his head into the neighboring room, then swung a fire spell off his sword. He grinned as he got a lucky shot on a pier at the center of the room, alighting a small fire and illuminated the area.

It also activated a series of spikes built into the floor, they rose and fell with deadly force, creating a promised dance with risk itself. He poked his head in further, then yanked himself back as a ball of spikes slammed across the wall, stopping right at the beginning of the doorway, before slowly retreating back to the corner it had been hiding in. Finally, there was a chest at the far side of the room.

"Nope," Twilight said. "Nope. We can dig ourselves out."

"It doesn't look too hard," Hyrule replied, studying the room, the patterns, the risk verses reward.

"Don't even think about it. I'd go gray and Wild will kill you for making me gray before he can."

Up. Down. Up. Hyrule placed a foot back a bit. Down. He took a deep breath, ignoring Twilight's worried ranting. Up.

He dashed.

He could hear Twilight shout his name, his voice cracking at the rule part. He didn't pay much attention to it, however, he had to quickly get away from the walls before the spiked balls slammed into him. He jumped on some spike traps as they went down, then sprinted to a different set as those went up and the new ones went down. He went diagonal, backtracked a bit, hopped across what was obviously some sort of trapped tile. Honestly, it was childsplay.

Eventually, he made it to the chest and jumped on the pressure plate before it. The spikes gave one final shink, then sunk into the ground. Hyrule sung a victorious tune to himself before reaching into the chest and grinning at his prize.

He turned. "I found a key!"

Twilight stood staring at him, still within the doorway. His jaw was slack.

Hryke paused. "What?"

Twilight, then brought his hands to his hair and started looking through the threads. "Here! Gray!"

Hyrule laughed, walking casually back toward his companion, swinging the key around his fingers. "Only one hair? I was aiming for more than that."

"I am sure there's more. I'm going to have nightmares about that."

Hyrule shrugged, grinning, as the two of them went back to the door, fit in the key, and stood back as the door opened. "Hey, if it makes you feel better, there was also a blue ruppee in the chest."

Twilight brought his hands to his face and groaned. "Never again. I am never going into a cave with you again."

[readingadream]

Be The Light

Chapter Five

2,213

4 | 5 | 6

Master

Seonghwa POV

Stepping out of the shower, I quickly grabbed my hair towel to dry off my hair quickly so water wouldn’t drip all over the floor. I’ve always been kind of a neat freak, but since joining Hongjoong I’ve learned to relax a bit more. I remember when I first joined and deep cleaned the whole place, Joong had just bought the place. He and Mingi had only just moved in a month before and had been planning to renovate the place. For me, it took a while to adjust, I’d been so spoiled growing up and was basically fed with a golden spoon. I was truly thankful for how calm and patient the two were at the time. Thinking back to the day’s right before I joined made me grateful I left home when I did. 

• Past •

“My son, make sure to dress your best, okay? Mr Lee and his wife will be coming over. If  this goes well, I’ll hopefully get a lot more help for my election.” That’s all my father cared about right now, was that his family was perfect and that he’d win the presidential election. Smiling at my father, I nodded before leaving to my room. 

My father had been stressed due to the rise of activists. They were demanding change and the rise of a new era. Father had hated it, believing that the younger generation, aka my generation, would ruin so much. Father had believed children should have less privileges, wanting the military to be more active and even had mentioned working with North Korea and trying to end how things were and open the borders to those to travel back and forth more freely. Now, working with the North wasn’t a bad idea, but their leader was stern on his beliefs just like my dad was. Leaders all around the world had tried to negotiate with the North as it was. My father also believed that men should be paid more, that females should only work in offices and never be allowed to lead. I never truly understood his hatred for women to actually have a say and power over a man. Especially when a woman could do just as much hard work as a man could.    

I liked the ideas they had, but of course I’d never be able to tell my father. Pulling out a cotton black long neck sweater, slipping it over my head and adjusting it so that it was a bit more comfortable for me to wear for the next couple of hours. Slipping on the black slacks quickly I walked to the bathroom, pulling out my small flat iron so that I could give my hair just a bit of volume plus it would fit my facial features just a bit better. Lastly was makeup, just a small amount to hide the redness and the small bruise on my jaw. 

“Mr. Park, it’s nice to see you. Seonghwa, oh my dear, look at you, you’ve grown up so much in just a year. Tell me, sweetheart, are you seeing anyone? I have a daughter—“ 

“Mrs. Lee, my apologies, but I’m taken already. Thank you, though, for even considering me to be with her. It’s an honor.” Cutting her off quickly because I knew my father would have loved the idea of us together so I did what I needed, lying to the wife of my fathers friend. I knew this would lead to punishment for multiple reasons, but honestly, at this point I’d been planning on leaving soon. Once my father won I’d planned my great escape. 

Watching her face, I knew she was surprised, so I continued with my lie, “We met in school, though right now she’s overseas in America doing an exchange program so she could better her english. Her goal is to be a translator for international affairs, so learning a few languages would help her.”

My father cleared his throat, placing his hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “Seonghwa has felt a bit sad since she left, so we haven’t mentioned her much. Though her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. A stunning young lady. Now, I believe everything is set in the dining room if you’d like to follow.”

Walking to the dining room I noticed all the fine and expensive dishes being used, traditional Korean food such as Haemul Sundubu Jjigae, also known as Seafood Soft Tofu Stew and even some foreign dishes like spaghetti, and even smoked pork and rolls just to impress the family. How dumb was it to just waste money to impress people just to be higher class. Sitting across from the guest family I zoned out as my father did his speech he’d been working on for about a week now, my mother stayed silent and just smiled or nodded her head as she was just there to be the perfect house wife. 

There were times when I felt bad for my mother. She suffered so much and was basically forced to marry my father at 20 years old. She never truly got the chance to live her life. Now I understand how she felt because now here I was basically in the same situation  but unlike her I’d leave before I get trapped in this life forever. Zoning out of the conversation, I ate my pasta and thought about how I’d leave mom a letter apologizing that I left her with the self entitled asshole she was forced to marry. 

A week later I’d left to visit the beach, the rare freedom I had where I wasn’t exactly being followed by my fathers men. Going to an old hiding spot near the beach I sat there to write my letter. Usually, not many came on this path, so it was a good spot for me to just think as I wrote. Honestly, it was hard not to cry, mostly since I felt guilty leaving my mom. I was such a shitty son for leaving her.

Clearing my throat as I looked up to the sky, trying my best to hold back my tears when suddenly a shadow next to me caught my attention. Looking to the left, I saw a shorter man with a book in his hands. Something about him was familiar, but honestly, I wasn’t exactly sure why.  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you. I usually come here to read since it tends to be quieter, but I can leave.”

”No no, uh it’s fine, honestly. I’m just surprised, is all, because no one usually walks in this area. Um, you can stay, though I don’t mind. All I’m doing is writing a letter to my mom.” Shaking my head, I point to the notebook in my lap.

Watching as the stranger leaned over a little bit, “Is she gone or overseas or something like that?”

Shaking my head, I gave a small sigh. “No, not exactly… I’m running away from home, but I am apologizing for leaving her behind.” 

I don’t know why, but the stranger looked disappointed. He sat down, patting my shoulder. I don’t understand why a stranger would try to comfort me for being selfish and leaving my home, but here he was. 

“Ah, I’m sorry. I’m sure that is difficult. Do you have a place to stay already? Many people these days tend not to, which leads to difficult situations. Uh, if not… I know this sounds crazy but my friend and I have a spare room if you need somewhere to sleep. Him and I work from home most days unless there are political events.”

”God, are you also involved with that? That’s the whole damn reason I’m trying to runaway-“

”No. Well kinda. We are against what they want and have been creating small disturbances recently. Though Mr. Park is difficult. He keeps things very secure, so we’ve had some issues trying to get to him.” The stranger shakes his head before letting out a huff of annoyance. 

“Yeah, that sounds like my dad, alright. He hates the groups that have been trying to ruin his damn election. Everything is fake, his wife is suffering, I’m suffering. We have to act so much and look like we are a perfect family to everyone he meets privately. Even though I don’t go to public events like my mom, the people still know he has a son. I wanna escape before he makes me... well, it forces me to be in the public eye. Possibly use me to get the younger generations' votes.” I can’t believe I was basically outing my father to someone who was trying to fight against him.

”You are right. Him using you would get votes. You are rather good-looking, ya know. Maybe I can help you? Maybe get back at him?”

”I would love to see everything he’s worked so hard to crumble…” I mumbled under my breath.

Smiling, he holds his hand out. “I’m Hongjoong, by the way, the leader of the rebel group called Ateez. Let me help you, and in return, you can possibly help us.”

Did I want to trust a rebel group? I’m not sure. Then again, I believed in the same things, I want to help change how the government is right now. “Seonghwa, it’s nice to meet one of the few leaders who’ve been attempting to bring down my father.”

~~~~

Walking up to the address Hongjoong had given me just over a week ago, I noticed that it had been an old abandoned warehouse that needed a lot of work done to it. Walking inside, I noticed Hongjoong sitting on an old ripped up leather couch. “I hope you know that you suck at giving directions, Joong.” I waited a moment to speak, watching him jump slightly, grabbing his chest.

”Jesus Hwa, trying to kill me already?” Watching as he laughs to himself , standing up and walking over to grab one of my bags. “Is this all you brought? Doesn’t seem like much…” Hongjoong looked a bit worried that I’d only had my backpack and a suitcase. 

I shook my head and followed as he guided me to a makeshift room. He’d already told me that he and his roommates whose name I’ve learned is Mingi were planning to renovate the building soon but they needed to save more money since repairing a place like this was going to be a lot of work and that they’ve even thought about doing most of the work themselves. So far, the two had managed to get the septic system fixed and replace all the electrical inside. That was only because this place needed to be actually livable.

”Like I mentioned before, this place isn’t the best. For now, we all share a room, and you’d gotten us beds, which we truly are thankful for, by the way. Uh, but soon we will get our own rooms, and as more members hopefully join, then we will continue to expand. I know this is going to be a difficult change, so I will give you space and time to adjust as for anything else you wanna bring here that is completely fine.” Hongjoong set my bag on my bed before walking over to pat my shoulder.

”I wasn’t sure what to bring. Honestly, I’d been slowly moving my things to a storage unit and then pulling out money little amounts at a time. Right now my father just thinks I’m staying with a few friends in Jeju for a week since they were visiting from Japan so during this week I’m going to make it look like I’ve just pulled out money to spend since many old shops don’t take cards.” I explained my idea as I walked towards the bed, placing the suitcase down at the end of it. Looking around, all I could think about was how long this place was going to take me to clean up. Obviously, 3 boys are now living together you’d expect the place to be a disaster, but I honestly couldn’t handle it. 

Walking towards Hongjoong's room, I smiled, remembering the day I first came, so much had changed, and we lived in a much cleaner, happier, and safer place. Since leaving, I still kept in contact with my mother by sending her letters with no return address. Mom never got upset with me when she learned I left. She’d actually been helping me since then with money or information about how my father was doing. Unfortunately he’d won the presidential election so her life has been more miserable than she'd ever been. Though with her help we’ve been able to make a few events happen during his speech. Never showing our faces but making sure things happened with a bang. Fliers handed out, interrupting his speech by having Hongjoong speak over him. 

• End Of Flashback •

Walking inside, I made my way over to his bed where he’d been laying and watching videos on his phone, crawling under the cover. I carefully pulled his smaller body to mine and kissed his shoulder. “Do you ever think about how much has changed for us? My dad’s re-election is coming up in a year… That means we’ve been together for 3 years almost.”

[georgemackayhey]

Hello! I love your content! Could you do some Bo Cash stuff? Preferably the fluffy, romantic stuff?

Bo Cash content incoming ..... I've always kind of had this blurb in the back of my mind so thank you for giving me a reason to bring it to life! Keeping it short bc I'm pressed for time but if yall want follow up to this blurb pls let me know!

___

You'd saw him stretching toward the afternoon sun, contorting his figure into poses by the pool side. He was lean and fit and striking, too beautiful to be in a rundown place like this. Too beautiful to be in your presence, you thought.

"Bo! I stole dinner!" I voice little and far off called, and the man you'd been admiring turned at the sound of what must have been his name. You peered on as the man stretched to stand and shuffled out of your sight.

Sipping your tea, you pretended to occupy your time with the laundry on the line, and counted down the days until you were meant to leave here. You'd applied to university and had just received an acceptance letter in the mail a day ago. One piece of paper changed the direction of your life, yet your day went on the same as so many before it.

No matter why you'd wound up occupying the little camper van on the dullest side of the city, your days there finally became numbered, and nothing thrilled you more to know.

///

Bo cursed Rell, he'd only just gotten started stretching his limbs that day. And he'd barely gotten a good glimpse of you, the only reason he started yoga by the pool was so that he might have seen you out, that day. But Bo's stomach grumbled, so he turned toward dinner and hoped he could find a way close toward you by next sunset.

///

You sat out by the pool after a long night of planning your future. Planning what to pack and who to tell and how to make enough money to get you to where you planned on going. There was a book in your lap and a drink in your hand and a quiet in the night. The pool was far enough away from most campsites that it felt like a retreat, and close enough to yours that it wasn't a trek to get to. So the quiet was expected. Aside from the croaking of tree frogs in the distance, and a few cars rumbling down the far off freeway... nothing. So when the sound of the pool gate clattered, you turned in surprise.

Your jaw slacked ever so slightly when you saw him. Bo, the man you'd been staring at from across the campsite for a day or two now. He was finally right where you'd hoped you'd find him, alone with you.

///

Bo wasn't thinking when he stormed off, only trying to find space to clear his head. His frustrations and fears fogged his thoughts as he stomped toward the usually empty poolside. And when he looked up and saw you there, every worry and wonder faded from his head. All he saw was you. Finally.

///

"I'm sorry to interrupt I-" He stood awkwardly by the pool gate, assessing the way you sat. You snapped the book in your lap shut, and sat up perhaps too eagerly.

"You don't have to leave." You noted quickly, watching no change in the man's stance or uncertain expression. "It would be nice to have some company, for once." You boldly declare, letting a blush get the better of you all the while.

"Okay." He seemed to decide after a moment's consideration. You watch the man you'd been admiring move toward you, a caution in his step, an intensity in his gaze. His eyes fell too your lap and he asked what you were reading.

"Oh just some biography about a pianist. Glenn Go-"

"Glenn Gould?"

"Yeah, actually."

The man gleamed, seemingly enchanted. "I love him." He admitted. You sat there grinning just as wide, trying to comprehend just how divine this interaction felt. Like life had been leading up to this moment. Like life had been leading up to meeting...

"What is your name?" You wondered. Because you thought you knew it but didn't want to seem like some sort of creep that had been watching him from across the park for a handful of days...

"Bo. Yours?"

And after you'd told Bo what to call you, the floodgates slammed open and were torn off their imaginary hinges. The two of you didn't stop conversing for what felt like hours and hours on end. You were impressed by his vast knowledge, the shreds of it he shared in just this short time alone. You were taken aback by his honesty, listening with respectful intensity when he told you the exact events that led him and his family here tonight. You spoke assuredly when he asked you questions, because you could tell he was really listening to your answers.

There was a desperation to your interaction. Like you had only this one night to get to know Bo, and one chance to make an impression on him. But conversation flowed so easily, and the man sat so relaxed in the chair beside yours that time seemed to stall, and the air felt easier to breath all the while.

Then you asked Bo exactly why he'd come to the pool to escape at this odd hour of the night.

And he told you he'd gotten accepted into university, and had a big fight with his father about the ordeal. And then you asked him which university. And Bo revealed he'd been accepted to the same place you had been.

"I don't know what I'll do. How I'll get there. Or if I'll even be a realistically good fit. I just don't know..."

"Well one fact is for certain," You smiled at him. "If you wind up there, you'll have a friend waiting."

When you told Bo you had been accepted into the same school, he locked his stunning crystal eyes on yours and let his smiled grow wide as you'd seen it yet.

"Divine intervention. It must be." His words were softly spoken, and caused your body to buzz with excited wonder.

"If you need a way there, I leave in three days."

"I-I couldn't pay you. I wouldn't be any help at all." Bo sighed. He spoke a bit more about how frustrated he'd become with his parents for failing to prepare him for the real world. For how lost and hopeless he believed himself to be, despite quickly proving himself to be one of the more remarkable being you'd ever encountered.

"Come with me. Three days from now it won't matter what we do or don't know. It'll be a fresh start. Wanna?"

"But I-"

"Bo, yes or no. That's all you need to say." You smiled, leaning in closer toward his chair as he shifted there. The man you'd been shortly but intensely fascinated with started to nod, like he was winding up to answer for real.

"Yes. I'll go with you." Bo smiled and it was grin so stunning, it could've knocked you dead.

"I could use the company." You called back, making the both of you chuckle.

"Me too." Bo said. You soon gathered your drink and book, and let Bo promise he'd meet you poolside in three days' time. This new start just became all the more exciting.

[angel-0f-verdun]

4 Lone Wolf

Previous Chapter

"Alright, beautiful, now moving swiftly along." The lieutenant said, nodding to the personnel near the door to turn the lights off. They did so and closed the blinds to prepare us for a film. My eyes adjusted to the darkness quickly and I pulled out a small pocket-sized notebook just in case it would be required for notes. Unlike Maverick I took pride in my studies and enjoyed the opportunity for learning.

"During Korea, the Navy kill ratio was 12 to one. We shot down 12 of their jets for every one of ours. During Vietnam, that ratio fell to three to one. Our pilots became dependent upon missiles, they had lost some of their dogfighting skills. Top Gun was created to teach ACM, air combat maneuvering. Dogfighting, if you will. At the end of Vietnam, that ratio was back up to 12 to one." The lecture he gave was quick, but he showed examples of dogfighting on the small TV at the front of the classroom. I smiled knowing that this was what we were going to be perfecting here with the program.

"Blinds, please. Now I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our commanding officer at Top Gun. The very first man to win the Top Gun trophy. You will not find a finer fighter pilot anywhere in the world. Commander Mike Metcalf. Callsign, Viper." The doors we had come through not 30 minutes ago reopened to reveal a grizzled officer probably in his mid-50s by now. He walked through the aisle looking at every one of us with an intensity that I couldn't describe. When he got to the front, he turned towards us.

"Gentlemen," He paused looking directly at Doe and I.

"And ladies… I apologize, it is the first time we have had women in this program. Though I'm certain you will live up to your callsigns." He continued with a bit of discontent in his tone. I actively stopped my jaw from dropping at his remark. I had been expecting this, but not from a commander. Well, it was no real surprise to me that we would have to prove ourselves to everyone who did not want us here. It was a brand-new concept for many of the old command.

"All of you are the top one percent of all naval aviators, the elite, the best of the best, otherwise you wouldn't be here. We'll make you better. You'll fly at least two combat missions a day, attend classes in between, and receive evaluations of your performance."

"Top Gun is not an opportunity to slack off, get drunk, and go on romantic outings." He added as he saw Iceman grinning ear to ear. The smile was quickly wiped from his face, his head snapping back to his notes as his fingers twirled the pen he held.

"It is an opportunity, that your commanding officers thought you fit to journey on. Now, in each combat sequence, you're going to meet a different challenge. Every encounter is going to be much more difficult. We're going to teach you to fly the F-14 right to the edge of the envelope. Faster than you've ever flown before and more dangerous. Now, we don't make policy here, gentlemen, elected officials, and civilians do that. We are the instruments of that policy." He paused, I saw Maverick look at Iceman and they locked eyes, glaring at each other.

"And although we are not at war, we must always act as though we are at war." I'm sure he felt he made his point among everyone present as he started walking again towards the back of the room. I turned to face where he was.

"What are you doing?" Goose leaned over to Maverick asking him the question in a whispered tone. I rolled my eyes knowing this could only lead to my annoyance growing.

"The tip of the spear." Viper continued.

"I'm just wondering who's the best," Maverick answered Goose's question with an arrogant remark.

"In case some of you wonder who the best is, here, they're up here on this plaque on the wall. The best driver and his RIO from each class has his name on it." Viper turned back around facing the front and walking towards the whiteboard. He had no doubt heard Maverick's question and answered it amused.

"And they have the option to come back here to be Top Gun instructors. You think your name's going to be on that plaque?" He turned to face Maverick who was tracking him delicately with his eyes now, no longer distracted.

"Yes sir." He answered him quite confidently.

"That's pretty arrogant considering the company you're in," Viper replied to him, gesturing around the room at all the other pilots that were now in competition with each other.

"Yes sir." He said again looking briefly down towards the floor and back up to Viper.

"I like that in a pilot," Viper said, a trace of a smile on his face.

"Remember when it's over out there, we're all on the same team. Gentlemen this school is about combat. There are no points for second place. Dismissed." He said finishing his monologue, and letting us go about our business. I gathered my things again, putting my notebook and pen away in my front pocket. I got up quickly ready to leave the room with Doe right behind me. Maverick and Goose following, I couldn't stand the testosterone that was practically oozing from these feral pre-pubescent males.

"The plaque for the alternates is down in the ladies' room." Iceman joked with everyone, Goose let out a hysterical fake laugh. I continued forward not wanting to stay and came up with a witty reply. I let out a breath when I exited the room standing off to the side with Doe as we waited for Maverick and Goose.

"Oh Jesus, oh you kill me, you really do. But watch out for Reaper, man, she'll put you down fast and hard. Make no mistake, these ladies have balls bigger than you've got hanging between your legs." Goose told Iceman and the others, who immediately quieted upon hearing his remark. When Maverick and Goose walked out they immediately started leading the way. I was almost positive that Stinger had put in our applications for housing ahead of us leaving the ship.

"So where are we heading?" I asked the two men ahead of us.

"Stinger pulled some strings and got us a house we can occupy for the months that we're here. Seems like we'll all be together since he couldn't find two separate houses. It's 4 bedrooms and 2 baths so we all get our own room. He specifically mentioned no funny business, Mav." Goose replied to me, calling Maverick out. Maverick let out a light-hearted laugh shaking his head as we traversed one of the parking lot keys in hand. He walked up to a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle, sticking the key in the ignition. I watched as Maverick loaded his bags to the back of it, securing them down tightly so they wouldn't budge.

"You bastard, you had your bike delivered?" Goose asked him.

"That I did, you jealous?" He asked him, as he retrieved his aviator sunglasses and put them on. Goose simply stood there in awe of his friend and retrieved his own keys clicking the button to reveal his car a couple of rows away.

"Sounds amazing." I smiled happily as Maverick started the engine of the bike.

"You want a ride?" He asked me pleasantly surprised I had taken an interest in his mode of transportation. I nodded but stopped myself.

"I would, but let's get back to the house first, and then we'll talk about that later… Maybe you can take me down to the coast?" I asked him, just wanting to get to the house and relax for a bit. I left his side and went back towards Goose and Doe. We walked to Goose's 1985 Ford Bronco. When he unlocked it I opened the door and looked inside, I immediately wondered if I had made the right decision, there was not much room in the back for me.

"Goose, did Stinger get me a car? I can't help but notice there's no room for me." I told him, he smiled at me and took out another set of keys from his backpack throwing them to me. I caught them with ease.

"The arrangement had been made to have your Corvette brought out." He said, I smiled pushing the button to locate the car. It was a few spaces over from Goose's. I tried to contain my excitement upon seeing the car again. It was a sleek black model that I loved dearly and had in storage because I didn't need to use it much because I flew planes for a living. But it got me around in style, that's why I bought it.

"I'll follow you and Maverick over," I asked Goose but expressed it as a statement. He nodded as he and Doe entered his car.

I threw my things inside and got in, started the engine, and let the car warm up. I saw Maverick pull out of his spot and wait for all of us to get the show on the road, I pulled out next to him and Goose was behind me. I smiled as I shifted, and we got out onto the highway that led away from the base. I saw Maverick wanted to weave in and out of traffic so I let Goose in front of me so he could lead me instead. Once he got in front of me it was a very smooth ride to the house, we were only one exit off the highway to the base and a few turns away from the highway.

The house was in a very nice neighborhood, surrounded by almost identical houses. It was a two-story Victorian house, beige in color with a slate gray roof. I parked myself in the driveway next to Goose, looking at the wrap-around porch that had been decked out with a porch swing, sitting chairs, and a small table. I shut off the engine, got out of my car, retrieved my duffle bag from the back, and closed the door marveling at the house.

"Wow, it's beautiful." I breathed out, pressing the button on my keys to lock the door to my car. I left my flight things in there as I would not be needing those anytime soon unless I was on base or studying.

"I was not expecting Stinger to get us something this nice. I thought he hated us." Maverick said as he got all his items from his bike.

"Hates you guys maybe, he loves us," Doe said to him matter of factly. I let out a small laugh. It was true, he loved us because we actually followed instructions and listened to him when he gave us orders. Maverick always disobeyed him and Goose being his RIO carried that reputation with him as well, even though Goose was level-headed about most things and kept his pilot in check.

"Well let's see the inside, shall we?" Maverick said, bouncing up the stairs to the door unlocking it with the key attached to his bike keys. I followed his lead as we walked through the door the stairs were off to the right in front of us, the kitchen straight back, the living room to the left, and the dining room to the right. I walked into the kitchen it was minimally decorated but perfect for what we needed, to the right was a washer-dryer tucked in a small room near the backdoor. Goose and Doe went up the stairs to claim their rooms as Maverick and I explored. I opened the backdoor to reveal a backyard with a smoker and grill on the patio with a small hot tub. It was quite honestly paradise.

When I grew up my parents tried their best to be good role models for me. However, the family background was shrouded in addiction and secrets. I yearned to get away from it and I managed to quite easily when I applied to the Naval Academy. The rest is history, I took a deep breath closing my eyes. I reached my fingers into my hair and pulled down the ponytails that held it in its bun. I felt fingers push the hair from the front of my face to the back tucking it behind my ear it brought me back to the present moment. Maverick was standing behind me I could feel his breath hitting my neck as he moved my hair to the side. I cleared my throat as his fingers wandered to the base of my neck gently massaging the skin.

"Everything you ever dreamed of having?" He asked in a soft voice.

"It's more," I smiled relaxing into his touch. He was getting bolder, it seemed as if he was trying to touch me every opportunity he could. I was still getting used to accepting him this close to me. I flinched as his fingers traced quickly over my scar and down to my lower back. The movement reminded me of the pain of getting the scar, the searing blinding pain, wet blood soaking the uniform I was in. I internally begged Maverick to pull me from the memory. He noticed the stiffness of my body and spun me around putting his forehead against mine so I could hear his calm breathing, before pulling me into a hug.

"I don't know what you're going through, I wish you would just tell me, so you don't have to suffer through it alone." He whispered into my ear. His sentiment to my welfare had me struggling to keep my well-adjusted composure.

"Maverick, maybe I will someday. But you have to stop pushing." I told him unhappily, lightly pushing myself from his grip and moving to go back inside the house.

"I'm sorry Maeve." He said switching back to real names rather than callsigns so I knew he was serious.

"Wait…" He started, grabbing my wrist before I could get much further, I turned around to look towards him wondering what else he wanted to say to me.

"What?" I asked him looking curiously into his eyes as if I was going to find the answers there. I could tell he wanted to say something more but he was struggling within himself to do so.

"I know we've only just started the program… But I want you to be careful flying with these guys. I don't trust them. I know you can handle yourself but please be cautious. We've all heard the rumors of how you got your callsign. I just worry." He said to me, I nodded contemplating his request.

"What're the rumors?" I asked him curiously; I hadn't heard any new ones recently. There were a couple that assumed I had killed a lot of people in a certain deployment, which wasn't entirely far off from the truth. Maverick had only met me a few years ago, the talk of how I got my callsign had died down since then, or so I thought.

"I heard that you killed your RIO, murdered actually. I've heard that you were engaged to him. I've heard so many different versions but they all end with him dead." He said to me looking skeptical, judging my reaction. My bottom jaw clenched involuntarily, and I let out a chuckle.

"It's interesting how people twist stories after some time has gone by." I smiled through the wound he had just reopened. My body itched to leave the conversation as quickly as I could.

"Fine, I'll be careful, but you need to heed your own advice Mav," I told him, he let my hand go and I walked back inside and up the stairs to see where Crystal had set up her bedroom. I got upstairs and heard her and Nick laughing about something or another. I would say I was the more serious one out of the group of us because I knew the dangers we faced all too well. I went into the empty bedroom furthest away from the laughter that filled the house. I deserved to be this way, alone, I was better off this way.

Next Chapter

[masquenoire]

@gnarledbite​ found you HERE...

Well, tonight had been a real shitshow. What was supposed to have been a quick clean-out turned out to be more than Roman had bargained for, the group of thugs encroaching on his turf backed up with some real killer artillery. Definitely not some run-of-the-mill gang looking to pick up some parking meter change; it had been a trap and Roman charged in with all guns blazing only to end up against a firing squad himself. Kind of impressive actually, the simplicity of the scheme in which to draw Roman Sionis onto the street for an easy kill. Targeting his dealers and disrupting the flow of narcotics had been one thing but the joy of making an example out of the culprits, now they knew he'd find that irresistable. Roman would have smiled had he still had the strength. Scarface knew him better than he knew himself, the vicious little wooden bastard. However, Roman could only swallow, feeling oddly thirsty despite the strong taste of blood upon his tongue. He’s bleeding out fast and knows it, unable to repress a shudder at his impending demise. Then again it might have been his body beginning to convulse - already he could feel the cold, dark fingers of death reaching out for him like so many others had been claimed tonight. Speaking of Death, the bastard was already hovering over his corpse. It wasn't Scarface, much to his surprise. The odd, scratching voice that reached his dimming ears didn't carry the gloating words he'd been expecting, of luring him out onto his own turf that would now belong to him. Similarly the dark frame kneeling above his corpse wasn't chubby like the Ventriloquist Scarface had dubbed his puppet - this newcomer was thin and lanky, their silhouette so tall that overhead lights were blotted out, fanning behind the top of their head like some sort of nightmarish halo. He'd never put much stock into religion but in that moment, it looked like an awful lot like the Angel of Death had come for him. Or so he'd thought. Death didn't ask how badly you wanted to live, saying that your luck hadn't run out just yet. Roman swallowed again, coughing wetly as he struggled to get a better look at his saviour's face. It wasn't Batman or any of the other morons stupid enough to try saving the crime lord's life and with a bullet lodged in his lung, even the Bat wouldn't have been able to perform any miracles at this point. Well, fuck. What else did he have to lose? Roman figured the other person wasn't asking out of the goodness of their little heart, that payment would be involved one way or the other but right now he didn't have the time or energy to lay out the terms of any contracts, the fires of his hot blood now growing cold and dim. "... F-fuck it. Do what you c-can, n' I'll m-make it w-w-worth your w-while..." Roman spits, his words trailing off as a violent hacking fit overcomes him. The crime lord sighs as his strength gives out, jaw going slack as he fights bitterly to maintain eye contact until his last breath. He wasn't ready to leave this life yet, especially not by the hand of some two-bit chump he didn't even know the name of.

[hiraethwrote]

ASK ME ABOUT THE MARKET

✧ pairing: satoru gojo x f!reader ✧ summary: lights, camera, action. the handsome and talented satoru gojo is finally offered the opportunity to expand his career outside of japan, now blessing hollywood - a life long dream of his. but a demanding schedule in the states calls for a house. in comes a hotshot realtor, keyword: hot. ✧ cw: [MDNI] actor!satoru, realtor!reader, f!reader, afab!reader, non-sorcerer au, very minor office drama, profanity, brief Nanami cameo, unprotected sex, p in v, fingering, light hairpulling, petnames, just pooorly written nsfw, i kinda gave up at the end, if there's more lmk, somewhat proofread, no use of y/n ✧ word count: 5.1k

Buyer!Satoru who has pretty much become Japan’s sweetheart, blessing the big screen with his striking good looks. Not to mention his bubbling and charismatic personality that shines so brightly in every interview he attends. But Satoru Gojo is more than a pretty face with a sharp tongue — he is actually an incredibly talented actor as well, which has finally landed him a major role in a big American blockbuster.

Buyer!Satoru who is ready to take Hollywood by storm, and his manager, the esteemed Kento Nanami, predicts that this will be his big break and from now on he’ll have countless projects lined up for him in the states. To nobody’s surprise, Nanami is correct. His first Hollywood movie is a huge hit, both loved by fans and critics alike.

And so his career is set to skyrocket, headhunted by respected and critically acclaimed directors and producers from every corner. This will require Satoru to have a base in Los Angeles, as his career now demands he spends more time in the states.

Nanami quickly came to the conclusion that Satoru would need a house in the states, something permanent so he didn’t have to live his life from hotel room to hotel room, never having a sense of home, (ask him if it’s because he cares about him, and he’ll deny it to the day he dies).

Buyer!Satoru, who believes he has a billion other things better to do on a Friday evening in Hollywood, than sit in some boring meeting for hours with Nanami and a realtor to talk numbers all night.

“I don’t understand why I have to be here,” Satoru grumbled, head falling back in frustration.

Nanami withheld the nth sigh he had choked back just that evening. “Just get through tonight, let her know what it is your looking for and then we’ll let the buyer’s agent take care of it all. You can even make a blind offer if you care so little. Sound good?”

“Fine,” Satoru answered with a dramatic exhale. “But can we at least try and wrap it up quickly?” Nanami completely ignored his childish restlessness, taking a quick glance at his wristwatch; fifteen minutes until you were supposed to arrive.

Buyer!Satoru who became slack-jawed, nearly drooling at the sight of you walking gallantly over to them, looking nothing like what he had imagined.

For some reason, he had already created a picture in his head that the realtor Nanami had approached couldn’t be anything but absolutely boring. That you would be in your fifties, looking forward to the glorious days of retirement as your draining job had tainted your face with wrinkles. You were supposed to be wearing a modest, dull pencil skirt with a gray blazer, a matching briefcase in your hand — not like this.

The first thought that struck Satoru was how good you would look on his arm at a red carpet event.

You were wearing a sexy silk dress in a deep maroon with spaghetti straps that showed off your collarbones, hugging you so sinfully he suspected it could have been sewn to fit you perfectly. Eyes travelled down your figure, drawn to the enticing slit in your dress that teased the soft skin of your thighs, while your legs were wrapped in some lace-up heels that provided at least an addition four inches to your height.

But as good as your body looked, your face was definitely the price winner. The perfectly applied makeup only added to your beautiful glow, lighting up in the atmosphere of the fancy restaurant. Then there were your eyes — something hypnotic about them that could lure any poor soul into your grasp.

“Well, the two of you must be Mr. Nanami and Mr. Gojo,” you said sweetly. Clearly, Satoru wasn’t the only one speechless at your beauty, when even his incredibly strict manager was staring at you in awe. Luckily for him, the businesswoman in you came to the rescue, not letting the silence settle and evolve into awkwardness before you stretched out an arm and introduced yourself politely. “Such a pleasure,” shaking Nanami’s hand first.

“Nice to finally put a face on the voice,” Nanami chuckled, returned to his steady work mode.

“Likewise,” you said with a small nod before turning your attention to Satoru. “And Mr. Gojo. What an honour!”

“Honour’s all mine.” He firmly grabbed your hand, never breaking eye contact with you, even as you sat down in the high chair directly opposite Satoru.

While you ordered a drink from the waiter that had joined the table, Nanami gave Satoru a quick look, a stern message for him to behave. The sly smirk that danced on Satoru’s lips only had the manager prepare to intervene if any inappropriate comment would come spilling out.

“So, Mr. Gojo-“

“Please, call me Satoru,” he interrupted suavely, the cheeky tone lingering in every word.

“Satoru,” you nearly purred, tilting your head slightly forward, giving him a look through your lashes that had him pull his cheek between his teeth to hold his tongue. “You’re finally ready to conquer sunny L.A.?”

“You think I’ll be able to?” Satoru asked, swirling his glass of white wine that he’d only ordered so he could appear sophisticated, despite hating the taste of it.

“Oh, easy,” you gushed. “You’ll have America in the palm of your hand.”

“You flatter me.”

You chuckled at the very clear flirtation in his voice, not unfamiliar with clients putting on their best charm when meeting you. However, you were a professional, so you only entertained their antics enough to keep them on their toes in order to secure a sale.

Affably thanking the waiter as he handed you the drink, you smoothly shifted the focus to the task at hand. “But I’m here because you want a home.”

“So I’ve been told.” Satoru leaned back in his chair, carrying himself a lot differently than he did half an hour ago. There was no evidence of his tantrum anywhere in his body anymore.

“I’m very excited that Mr. Nanami chose to bring me onto your team, it’s truly a privilege.”

“The privilege is all ours,” Nanami jumped in. “You have a great reputation. I was recommended your brokerage by another manager.”

“I’m glad to hear it! I’ll be sure to find just the house for Satoru,” the glint in your eyes ever present.

“You sure you can find the perfect house for me?” Satoru challenged playfully.

A self assured smile lingered before you opened your mouth to answer. “I’m really good at what I do.”

“Oh, I’m sure you are,” it tumbled quietly out of Satoru’s lips, his cheeky comment having Nanami subtly jab his elbow into his side as a stern warning.

“Say, Satoru,” you teased, not really acknowledging his comment even though you heard it. You diligently placed an elbow on the table, placing your chin on the back of your hand. “I find you the perfect house, I get to attend your next premiere?”

You knew it was only a part of the business banter you always preformed in the relation with your clients — however, that didn’t stop the excitement from washing over Satoru.

“You have yourself a deal.”

“Perfect,” you exclaimed. “Now, why don’t you tell me what it is you’re looking for?”

For the next two hours, the three of you were in deep talk about his likes and dislikes when it came to architecture and interior design. Everything he said, you wrote down, determined to get this sale. If you performed well here, you could have a foot in the door for future foreign clients in his circle, looking to set root in Los Angeles.

As much as Satoru was mesmerised by your appearance, he definitely saw the hardworking and determined woman they were partnered up, rapidly tapping your fingers on your phone.

“I think I have what I need for now,” you breathed happily, standing up from your chair. “Mr. Nanami, you have all my contact information if you have any questions or if you come up with anything that I should know.”

“I’ll let you know,” he smiled as both of the gentlemen got on their feet as well.

Approaching Nanami first, you gave him a modest hug and begging your farewell before stepping over to Satoru. “I’m looking forward to doing business with you,” you said to Satoru as you leaned in to hug him too, only for it to be a lot more intimate as he shamelessly pressed his hand against your lower back to deepen the embrace.

“I can’t wait,” he spoke softly as he let go, before they both let their gaze follow your every step out of the restaurant. “Ken?”

“Don’t call me that,” Nanami groaned, the frustration Satoru caused finding its way back to his body now that you weren’t there to motivate the suppression of it.

“Forget the blind offer. I’m seeing every house she has to offer.”

Buyer!Satoru who is childishly excited as he is pulling into the driveway of his first showing with Nanami. If he’d had it his way, he would have attended alone but Nanami insisted on joining, at least for the first house.

Just like the first time he met you, he was moonstruck when you stood in the doorway to welcome them. Your outfit was walking a fine-line between being professional and inappropriate, capturing his attention instantly, casually taking in your figure.

“Gentlemen,” you greeted them with a delightfully sweet tone before pulling Nanami, then Satoru in for hugs. “So nice to see you again. Traffic wasn’t too bad, I hope?”

“All good,” Nanami smiled before letting his attention roam around the entryway leading to the open solution floor plan, introduced to a kitchen, living room and dining area. “This is gorgeous.”

“I’m glad you think so,” you smiled before turning to Satoru, he was the one supposed to look for a house after all, only to catch him staring at you.

In all honesty, Satoru didn’t care all that much about the house. Sure, it was nice and all, but no sight compared to you. The way you walked throughout the luxurious house, one leg elegantly placed in front of the other, the clicking sound of your heels against the hardwood floors having his dick harden against his pants.

“This is a three bedroom, four baths, just over 5000 square feet, so there’s plenty of room. I understood it that you’re looking for a house just for you, correct?” You said softly, breaking Satoru’s intense stare to give you an answer.

“As of right now, yes.” The underlying seduction to his response didn’t go unnoticed by anyone, Nanami instantly groaning as he pinched the bridge of his nose — you however, only entertained his comment with a small snicker, letting your gaze flicker bashfully to your feet before continuing towards the terrace door as if no words had left his mouth at all.

“I just have to show you this view first,” you gushed, walking over to the floor-to-ceiling window that covered the wall, pulled the door open and introduced them to a triangular terrace. “Particularly at night, the city lights up the sky with magnificent colours. Just imagine yourself sitting here in the evenings, a blanket around you as the air gets chillier.”

Oh, you were good, Satoru thought to himself, because he was almost about to make an offer right then and there until he realised it wasn’t necessarily the house itself he felt like he would be bidding on — it was you.

His mind traveled to filthy places, imagining the scene you’d planted in his mind, but he also pictured you. He thought about how he’d quickly rip the blanket you’d mentioned in the scenario off your shoulders, only to have his way with you on the couch, legs wrapped around him as the cool air surrounded you.

“But a view like this is not enough to buy a home, so let me show you the rest of the house.”

The tour continued, showing every room of the house which really seems to have everything a man could ask for.

But Satoru couldn’t stop picturing stuffing you full of his dick in every room of the house instead.

“What does the gentleman think?” You asked, having just ended the tour in the master bedroom.

Some part of Satoru thought you’d done it on purpose, fully aware of the affect you had on him and the tension you created by positioning yourself in front of the king sized bed in his potential bedroom would secure you the sale seeing as how horny he was right now. If it wasn’t for Nanami, he would have had you pinned down on the mattress, moaning his name in the matter of seconds.

Satoru licked his lips, trying to regain his composure. He quickly cleared his throat before answering. “How much did you say this was again?”

“Seller’s asking for 8,995,000, and it’s sold as-is.”

He put his finger on his chin, pretending as if he was deep in thought. Lucky for him it seemed like you believed him, he was an actor after all. “I don’t know,” he mumbled, looking some more around the room.

“You don’t know?” Nanami asked, suspecting something might be up.

“I mean, it’s only the first house, right?” He shrugged, returning to look at you with a playful expression.

“I totally understand. But I would like to inform you that there’s a limited number of houses for sale at the moment within the price range you requested.”

“And if I up my budget?”

“Satoru,” Nanami said in low voice, narrowing his eyebrows strictly.

“Well, it obviously depends on how much, but it is sadly seller’s market right now, so it would definitely give you a lot more options,” you smiled. If you were honest, this was only good news for you.

There was constant competition in your office for selling the biggest and most expensive houses, the once that often stayed on the market for months until the right buyer came along. And the hunger to prove yourself to your coworkers was strong.

“Satoru!” Nanami said again, having him turn to his manager only to be met with a scowl.

“Uhm,” Satoru stuttered weakly before turning to you again. “We’ll take a look at it and get back to you.”

“Absolutely no problem,” you smiled sweetly.

In reality, Satoru could definitely picture himself living in this house as it would provide him with everything he needed. But he needed to see you again, determined to have you under him eventually.

Buyer!Satoru who after two months had you almost pulling your hair out in frustration, because he’d seen nearly every house you had to offer and still he found some dumb excuse to why it wasn’t the right fit for him.

And it wouldn’t have been the worst thing, hadn’t it been for the judgemental looks the other women at the office gave you. Belittling you because you could not for the life of you secure that one deal.

“Honey, you’re losing your touch,” one of them snickered, while you massaged your temples so you could remain calm. “It shouldn’t be this hard to sell a house.”

“You’re telling me,” you sighed in return. “But you wouldn’t believe how difficult this client is being.”

She scoffed. “If he’s so difficult, how about you hand your secret client over to someone who can get the job done?”

Your hands fell from your head, turning to shoot her a deadly glare. She only fuelled the fire inside you when what met you was a wide grin and innocent eyes, eager to have you fail.

“You watch me close the fucking deal,” you muttered to yourself through gritted teeth.

Buyer!Satoru who noticed your mood was a lot different today. It lacked the spunk it usually had, the smiles you flashed him a lot less genuine than he liked.

“This is great and all, but-“ he was unable to finish his sentence before an involuntary sigh slipped out of you. “Is anything wrong?”

He watched as you reached within yourself to find the determination in you to plaster on a friendly smile. “Mr. Gojo-“ shit, this wasn’t good. Since the start, when he had requested you use his first name, you had never failed to do so. “I genuinely admire your desire to find the perfect house. Obviously, as a real estate agent, I will never undervalue the importance of finding the home that is just right. I am just scared that I won’t be able to provide you that service as I am sadly running out of houses to show you.”

He folded his arms over his chest, staring intently at you with a hint of sympathy in his eyes. “I see.”

That familiar heat started to spread throughout his body when you slowly began to step closer, the same clicking of the shoes against the floor as always. “This is a 25 million dollar mansion! It has everything one could dream of and then some. It’s definitely more house than one man needs,” you teased, the smirk you gave him sending the blood razing straight to his dick.

“There’s still one thing it’s missing.”

“Do me the pleasure of telling me what it is, and I’ll find it for you.”

Satoru didn’t miss a beat.

“You.”

The scoff that escaped you was out of your control, your reaction slightly wounding his ego. It hadn’t exactly been what he expected, let alone wanted.

“Flattering,” you chuckled, catching him off guard when you accepted the eye contact instead of turning flustered. “But I take my work seriously, and it would be highly damaging to my career if I were to pursue your advances.”

“So what you’re saying is you would have gone for it had it not been for your work?” You stood firmly in your spot while he was now the one to daringly take a step forward, his closing presence seemingly having no added affect on you. That was only on the outside, however, because he was now starting to have your heart razing.

“You only hear what you want to, don’t you?” You tilted your head at him, eyes betraying you for a split second as they flittered to his lips. “Mr. Gojo-“

“Told you to call me Satoru,” he whispered, crossing a line when he reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. You knew you should take a step away, reject his small gesture, but something about this feeling had you planted in your place. “Tell me you’ve never thought about me”

You’d be lying if you said no.

Because, truth be told, despite being a massive thorn in your side when it came to buying a house, the fantasy of Satoru had crossed your mind from time to time.

When his lustful eyes rested on you during showings, it wasn’t like your other clients. They were simply slaves to meaningless desire — while Satoru always stared at you like he so desperately needed you on several aspects, and you couldn’t say it didn’t make you feel good.

And when the girls from the office had gone out for an evening on the town, you always bumped into all sorts of actors and celebrities. And somewhere inside you, there was the tiniest sliver of hope Satoru would be the one you’d accidentally crash into in a crowded club.

Or lonely evenings in your own house, that felt way too big for one person. When you were sat on the couch with a wineglass in your hand, his face would suddenly appear in your mind, wondering what he could be up to at that hour.

You had tried telling yourself it was only because you were so immensely dedicated to your work and determined to find him a house that was a perfect match — it would make sense you always thought about him.

However, you couldn’t use that excuse at night when you lied in bed and you rubbed your thighs together as you dreamed of his big hands exploring every inch of your skin.

“I suppose you’ve crossed my mind every now and then,” you shrugged nonchalantly. “But that’s because I’ve been working overtime to find you a house that accommodates your wishes.”

He instantly threw his head back with an eye roll before returning his attention to you, his eyes swimming with playful lust. “That’s what you tell yourself, huh?”

“Maybe,” you trailed off as his hand left your face to slowly let his fingertips brush down your bare arm, your confidence washing off along with his fingers.

“Hmm, maybe,” he mocked, before his hand firmly grabbed your hips to tug you closer, feeling his hard bulge press against you right away. “You know, I’ve pictured fucking you in every single house you’ve showed me.”

His voice was drenched in needy seduction, his hot breath fanning against your lips making you realise just how close he was. You wanted to lean in, feel those soft lips against yours just to see what he was capable of, but you also knew it was so wrong.

“Satoru,” you said, the same purr as the first time you uttered his name which had the smirk grow on his face. “I take my job seriously-“

“So I’ve noticed.” Oh, god, he was so dangerously close, yearning growing stronger by the forceful pull he had on you. His fingers had reached the edge of your short skirt, teasingly starting to hoist them higher and higher as he gracefully had you walk backwards.

Weak. He had you absolutely crumbling, his sparkling eyes drilling into you in a way that had your chest raise rapidly with hot anticipation. What was it about him that had you cave at his touch that other clients did not possess?

Your breath hitched once you felt Satoru had finally pulled your skirt high enough to expose your ass, his eyes instantly drawn to your thong.

“Line’s already crossed, sweetheart.”

Fuck it.

He saw your shoulders slope in surrender. He didn’t need any further signs for him to collide his lips with yours. He poured all built up hunger from every meeting into it, teeth crashing, tongues swirling.

“Those short skirts,” he muttered between wet kisses. “You can’t tell me you didn’t want this too.”

Your mind ran rampant, not really comprehending what was happening when he spun you around, hand gently but assertively pushing you forward until you instinctively leaned on the massive window in front of you. His other hand came smoothly sliding around the curve of your hips, quickly tugging your panties to the side and not hesitating to sensually rub on your clit.

“And these shoes,” he breathed, “been driving me crazy since the moment I saw you.” With ease, he place one of his feet between yours and swiftly helped guide them apart for better access, his fingers never slowing down on you nub, each breath coming out more shallow than the last from each motion.

A low hum carried to his ears, reactively starting to grind his hips against you at a slow pace which quickly amplified the pulsing you felt against his touch.

You tried to wrap your head around what was happening, if you were actually doing this, when the sound of your underwear ripping caught your attention, followed by the sound of his belt buckle. Slightly out of breath, embarrassingly so as he had barely started, you catch a glimpse of him — his eyes were glued on your face the second he noticed your attention on him, that photo perfect quirk of his lips greeting you.

Any smart comment died on your tongue, smothered by the way he was looking at you with a sense of interrogation turning you uncharacteristically speechless. You were a seller after all, talking was supposed to be your strong suit.

“Feel that?” You sure as hell felt that, because he had now quickly exposed himself to have his dick spring free, smacking up between your legs, hitting your cunt that was gradually getting wetter. “You’ve had me this hard since the start.”

Your hands had turned sweaty and clammy against the glass, growing ever more needy. “Satoru,” you mewled quietly, igniting the last bit of restraint Satoru had left. He grabbed ahold of his dick, gave it a few pumps before he slowly began to slide it between your wet folds. “Been waiting so long.”

“Please-“ you stuttered, the shape of his sick teasing your entrance making your head fall back.

You didn’t need say more — your word was his command, shoving his dick between your walls in one swift motion, causing your back to arch in a perfect curve.

He filled you so perfectly, his impressive size reaching places you didn’t even know existed as he now bucked his hips into you with a steady rhythm. The raw force of his thrusts quickly had you moan in delightful pleasure, feeling your slick slowly soaking the inside of your thighs around him.

The sight of you bent forward in front of him was just as beautiful as he had envisioned, letting his palm slide up your beautiful curve and succumbing to his desire to entangle his fingers in your hair. The sweetest music of your desperate whimpers was pulled from your mouth; his grip on your hip tightened when his thrusts somehow managed to grow deeper — even more pleasurable.

Husky, low grunts from him was barely audible to you, drowned out by the sounds of every jolt against your ass, mixed with the squelching of your pussy.

With one hand neatly entangled in your hair, and the other circling back to stimulate your clit, he had you completely at his mercy as the sensation was about to overcome you.

“Hmm, fuck fuck fuck,” you panted to every jolt, eyes starting to roll to the back of your head.

“‘S right baby,” he groaned. Your knees threatened to give out under you, the orgasmic shiver lurking to spread through you if he just kept-

And just like that, you gasped loudly as the climax washed over you. His movements, however, didn’t turn sloppy. You were still wallowing in the in the overwhelming haze of his dick, only exhaling sharply when you suddenly felt him pull out.

Strong arms eagerly turned you back around to face him only to quickly sweep you into his embrace, knotting your legs instinctively around his waist to secure yourself.

He didn’t waste any time, tracing a series is open mouthed kisses down your neck while he carried you over to the kitchen island. With grace, he gently placed you in front of him before all tact disappeared yet again, when he ripped open your silk blouse, the buttons scattering around the room.

“That was expensive,” you whined breathlessly, putting on the faintest frown. It only seemed to amuse him before he leaned forward, hovering over you.

“I’ll buy you a new one.”

All your senses were blending together as his dominating presence alone was about to have you orgasm for the second time under him. His low voice that burdened such a seductive weight, the smirk that could be heard in his sounds of pleasure and how it felt like his eyes were unable to get enough of you. He had you feel absolutely worshipped.

His scorching body heat enveloped you when he once again closed the gap between you by leaning forward as he simultaneously repositioned himself at your entrance. When he pushed himself into you again with a grunt, you reactively clutched your nails into his muscular shoulders, leaving dainty little marks shaped as crescent moons.

The lewd and sweet noises that rolled from your tongue was intoxicating, especially when he knew they were a result of his relentless dick moving within your gummy walls like it was second nature to him. He could definitely get used to the symphony ringing in his ear — squirming and pleading beneath him like he said he would.

Digging your heels into the back of his thighs, trying to hold onto a sense of reality, because the way he was satisfying every inch he was in contact with nearly had you ascending.

“Fuck, it’s even better than I pictured, baby,” he moaned. “Make you forget any dick before mine.”

With one hand squeezing your thigh to ground himself, he had his teeth grazing your neck as he too was about to come undone.

You were just too perfect; your perfect body sprayed out below him, the harmonic tune of your voice moaning his name for each impact, your beautiful pussy that was nearly moulded for him specifically.

For each impact he rubs against your clit, enough for you to reach your high again. His name echoing through out the massive house, so incredibly fucked out, he gives the last few thrusts he needed — deep and fast — to push himself over the edge, pulling out just in time to get a look of his white liquid painting your stomach.

A fat droplet rolls down the side of your stomach as you pant, brushing your hair out of your face.

Still so beautiful, he takes all of you in, that smirk of his never wavering. “Was well worth the wait.”

Such a stupid comment, causing you to scoff only for it to turn into a small laugh, maybe a little smitten by his endless charm. “Glad you think so.”

He cleared his throat and went to get the dish towel from the sink, the one hung up for decoration, before he repositioned himself between your legs to clean you up.

“Now, about the house-“

Buyer!Satoru, who posed with his best smile to the dozens of photographers flashing their cameras at him, occasionally pulling his hand from his pocket to give an elegant wave.

His other hand? Oh, that hand had a firm grip around your waist, tugging you close to him.

All the faces blended together, unable to distinguish one voice screaming your name from another. But it was an experience, nonetheless.

When you’d jokingly made the suggestion of being invited to a movie premiere, you’d expect if he even were to play along, he would simply hand you a VIP pass for a random seat in the crowd — not to accompany him on the red carpet on his arm.

Satoru, on the other hand, had this idea planted in his head the moment he spotted you walking up to him in the restaurant. And right now, you were beaming up at him with the flashes from the audience reflecting in your eyes.

And when the premiere was over, he’d get to fuck you for as long as he wanted to, in his new mansion.

tags @sad-darksoul a/n i hate this, i hate this, i hate this... well, half of it. i hate the nsfw part. the first half i like, as a result of me binging selling sunset

[izmooi]

🎥 izi's Random Movie Reviews 🎞

Donnie Darko 👤 dir. Richard Kelly

This post contains spoilers.

"There were moments I predicted to happen (more so towards the end of the film) that left me disappointed at my lack of surprise, but that was made up for through the surprising elements that connected the events of this film."

(At the time I'm writing this, Donnie Darko is available for free, with ads, on multiple platforms!)

One of the first things I learned while studying for an art degree was that time is a tool. This movie utilizes subverted expectations about time and Donnie's perspective of himself and the forces around him to keep the audience slack-jawed at the screen. There were moments I predicted to happen (more so towards the end of the film) that left me disappointed at my lack of surprise, but that was made up for through the surprising elements that connected the events of this film. Some moments happen so quickly that they allow further doubt to the concept of time. While I'm finding a fascination for environmental time shifts and differences, the mysterious details of the connection between people in this film influenced by directions of time are what really captivated me throughout.

I appreciated that the viewer can't always tell what a person thinks. It is not just Donnie; I greatly value his mother's perspective on how she interacts with her son, the folks influencing his life, her options in deciding her fate and that of her family, etc. I appreciate that this movie for a teen demographic has relatable parents who demonstrate dynamic humanity rather than being two-dimensional slates out to get their kids like other films might.

I dock quite a few points off because the soundtrack, while individually has nice ambiance sounds, works so incoherently in the film and doesn't fit at all. This movie would have been better without songs in it. I also dock points for the sexy teacher trope with Drew Barrymore. She was cool in the film, but I think there was a bit too much flaunting. I understand her perspective as another person in Donnie's life, but a lot of her didn't have much meaning overall. Major points are also docked for the variety of -phobic remarks made by teen boys (and before you say it's because it was a movie of its time, that makes no damn sense because this was only 2001, and those comments were never okay in the first place. Quite literally, they serve no purpose to the plot).

Overall, this film is a definite catalog in my collection, and I will look for a disc version next time I go thrifting.

6/10

[beyondspaceandstars]

That Black Tee

Relationship: Bucky Barnes x Reader Warnings: SMUT, NSFW, penetrative sex, fingers, slight metal arm kink, sex against a wall, semi-public sex, dirty talk - 18+, minors DNI. Summary: It was such a simple thing. Just a simple black tee-shirt. But the way Bucky wore it had you practically melting -- and he seemed to realize it, happily granting your needs A/N: idk guys there was just something about that black tee-shirt bucky wore in episode 4 of TFATWS. it got my mind wandering. and i love practicing writing smut i hope im getting better at it lmao

Masterlist

You knew you absolutely, utterly fucked the second Bucky took off his jacket, revealing that damn black tee.

So simple yet so fitting, so accentuating. He looked casual and cool yet incredibly powerful and dominant with that metal arm fully on display thanks to the short sleeves. Between that damn shirt and the hard expression he wore, you were pretty much done for. It took all you might to not march over to him right that second.

Bucky appeared to be aware of all this as he turned to you, feeling your eyes wandering shamelessly over him in that shirt. He just looked so… him. Not a soldier, not some asset, just him. And he was hot.

He shot you a little smirk, making your eyes widen, suddenly unreasonably worried your boyfriend could read your mind.

You two must’ve been too caught up in your silent communication because the next thing you heard was Sam asking if you were okay.

You jumped and forced yourself to look away from Bucky. "Yeah, Sam," you nodded, "I’m fine."

He hummed, suspicious. "Are you sure?"

But before you could answer, Bucky felt it was his time to chime in. "She’s a little distracted."

Your eyes widened again, this time sending a signal to your boyfriend to shut the hell up. He wouldn’t look at you and instead just laughed to himself.

"Distracted?" Sam questioned.

"I- I’m fine, really-,"

Bucky cut you off, "Actually, I need to talk with her about something."

Your jaw went slack as you tried finding some words of explanation, something to save yourself from this situation as you could see Sam’s concern growing. But nothing was able to come out before Bucky was grabbing your hand.

"You can’t talk to her out here?" Sam asked.

Bucky shook his head, profusely. "It’s a very private matter. Incredibly serious. Just between me and her."

"Bucky-," you just about yelped as he started walking to one of the off-shoot rooms from the living space. Sam tried asking more questions but Bucky promptly shut him down by slamming the door. Hard. It was a miracle the thing didn’t just fall right off its hinges. For whatever reason, that suddenly turned you on even more.

You stood there in the middle of the room watching as Bucky slowly turned to you. He had a playful glimmer in his eyes as he took in your nervous yet needy state. Your thighs were practically in pain from how hard you were trying to squeeze them together, wanting some relief to your core that was set ablaze by him. Him and that damn outfit. That damn hair. His damn face- God, you just needed your boyfriend right now.

Bucky walked towards you slowly, intensely. You tried averting your eyes to save yourself from crumbling but he stopped you. His fingers came to your chin, forcing you to look him in the eyes. He appeared to be just as eager.

"What happened back there, doll?" He asked just barely above a whisper. He held your chin firmly.

"What- What do you-,"

He chuckled. The fucker chuckled at your flustered state. "What do I mean? I mean that look you were giving me. How those eyes were peeling off my clothing piece by piece. Made me want to take you right there."

Bucky’s words went straight to your core. The wetness was pooling profusely, practically soaking through your jeans. You let out a little whimper as his thumb brushed over your lip.

"It’s your tee-shirt," you whispered, surprised that you could even find any sort of words in your dazed brain. He was way too intoxicating.

Bucky’s face shifted in surprise. "My shirt?"

You nodded. "It just… looks good on you."

He couldn’t help but let out another chuckle. You pouted at his reaction which he took as the opportunity to quickly place a kiss on your lips. You tried moving into him, grinding your body with his to beg for more, but he stopped, forcing you two apart.

"Oh, doll," he mumbled as his hand left your chin and slowly made its way down your body. Over the curve of your clothed breast, down your stomach, to your hips… the hand finally dipped under the waistline of your jeans. Without much warning, two fingers traced your folds, dipping slightly in to collect the wetness. He gave a few thrust, teasingly. Bucky groaned. "You’re this wet just from how I look in my shirt?"

You gasped, nodding. Embarrassment wanted to coarse through you but the pleasure from Bucky tracing his fingers to your clit was too much. Slowly, he started with circular motions, making your body jolt. You squealed in surprise. Bucky smiled down at your reaction.

He kept it up, adding pressure every now and then as he continued. Your legs began to shake forcing you to grip his arms in support. Bucky noticed this and brought his metal hand to your hip, steadying you.

He picked up the pace, his eyes boring into yours intensely. You let out a breathy moan at the sight of him, looking at you so hungry and aroused.

"Come on, honey, cum for me," he mumbled, still working on your clit. Every now and then he’d stop to dip a finger in as if gaging your wetness. In those moments you’d groan, waiting for the contact to come back. He never let you suffer long, though, finding his way back to your clit quickly, keeping the pressured motions. "Be a good girl and cum for me, doll, and I’ll fuck you real nice against the wall just like you deserve."

That was the final straw. His words alone practically sent you over the edge. Your body shook as the first orgasm pulled through you, lighting fire throughout your body. Your hips bucked and twisted uncontrollably, almost trying to get away from the touch but Bucky didn’t lighten up. He worked you through it, whispering sweet praises in your ear, making you lose it even more.

Once you came down from the high, Bucky wasted absolutely no time gripping your hips and pushing your back to the nearest wall. You yelped in surprise before his lips attached to yours, rough and demanding.

He lifted you up and grabbed your legs, circling them around your waist. You took the opportunity to grind into him feeling his erection hit your covered core. It lit a new fire in you making you gasp at the feeling.

Bucky moved his lips down your face to your neck, kissing and nipping at your skin. You whined and grabbed onto that fucking tee shirt, still trying to push into him, wordlessly begging him to speed up.

"Eager, doll?" Bucky asked. You could practically hear the dumb smile on his face and it made you want to slap it off. But all you could do in response was nod.

He placed one more kiss on your lips before his hand made its way back down your body. This time he popped the buttons of your jeans open. Briefly, he placed you back down to pull your jeans to your ankles. When that task was done, you were back wrapped around his waist, now feeling the erection more prominently. You let out a deep, uncontrollable moan when it hit.

As if he understood your annoyance, Bucky quickly undid his own jeans. In your dazed state, you must’ve zoned out because the next thing you knew, your panties were just pushed to the side and his cock was breaching your walls. You two were in sync letting our moans and groans at the warmth, the wetness.

His arms held you tight as he began his thrusts, so precise and strong. You were backed into the wall forcefully, enjoying the pressure and pleasure combining into one. Your boyfriend groaned above you, sounds going right to your core which was made evident by the squelching sounding in the room.

Bucky kept his thrusts up as his metal hand left your hip and made its way to your clit. His body held you up with his other arm, giving you a second to marvel in his strength. It was always such a treat when it came out in the bedroom. How he could hold you down or hold you up had your mind spinning half the time.

As his thrusts began to pick up, his metal hand started with the circular motions again on your clit. The coldness meeting your warmth was enough to drive you crazy. Your hands fisted his shirt, trying to keep yourself grounded. You let out a surprised moan at the whole sensation which Bucky seemed to like as he gripped you harder. Your brain was going fuzzy, drunk even, as he pounded you into the wall flawlessly.

"Bucky… B-Bucky…" you choked out.

"Hmm?" You could tell he was staring at you despite your eyes being fluttered shut. He was taking in every inch of your face contorting in glorious pleasure. It seemed to drive his thrusts faster, the circular motions on your clit picking up as well.

"I- I’m gonna-,"

"You gonna cum again, doll?" He asked, a little mockingly. You would’ve bit back if you weren’t in this state but you couldn’t do anything, just take what he was giving. You nodded weakly. "Alright, honey, that’s it… Cum for me, come on. I got you."

It was like Bucky flipped that last switch as his strength and speed picked up. You yelped, clinging to his shirt even tighter.

One final push on your clit was all you needed before you were crumbling in his arms. Your body shook as your orgasm flooded you with ecstasy. Bucky didn’t want to let up with the trusts, though, chasing his own orgasm and thoroughly working you through your second. He kept pounding, his hand opting to leave your clit to grope at your breasts under your shirt. The metal hitting your skin in a new place made you squeal again.

The sounds and motions were it for Bucky as the next thing you knew, he released inside you, coating your walls and thrusting in and out, letting it leak onto your skin. You moaned at the sensation.

Bucky gave a couple more weak thrusts before he let out a final groan and stilled inside you. Both his arms now were around your waist, pulling you close as you two panted, coming down from the pleasure.

Bucky leaned forward, his head resting on your shoulder. Your hands left his shirt and came up to his hair, where you ran them through his short locks.

"Was that what you needed, doll?" He asked, voice breaking through the heaviness of the room.

You giggled, "Exactly what I needed."

"Hmm," he sighed and straightened back up. He pecked your lips. "Guess I gotta wear this shirt more often."

You gasped, slapping his chest lightly as he laughed. But you couldn’t totally disagree. "I wouldn’t complain if it made an appearance every now and then."

Bucky shook his head, "I don’t understand how a black tee shirt can get you going, doll."

After he spoke, he slowly removed himself from you, letting you down from the wall. Warm wetness began soaking your thighs feeling so intimate, so hot, it almost made you almost suggest round two right then and there but that didn’t seem on the table after Bucky handed you some tissues to clean up. Not to mention the fact there were people in the living area.

You shrugged, readjusting your shirt and pulling your jeans back on. You watched as Bucky also readjusted his appearance. "It’s because it’s on you," you insisted. "You could walk around in the most ridiculous outfits and I’d still beg you to jump my bones."

Bucky let out the most joyous laugh at that. He walked back towards you, securely wrapping his arms around your waist. You placed a kiss on his lips, which he hummed happily into.

"I’m flattered," he mumbled. The light blush across his cheeks confirmed his words.

You smiled, "What can I say? I got a hot boyfriend and he should know it."

Bucky placed another kiss on your lips. "Oh, trust me, I think he knows it now."

You let out a giggle and pulled away from his grip, despite a little protest. "Come on," you said and motioned towards the door, "we should probably leave this room before we get any shit from them."

"Oh, you’re getting a lot of shit once you come out of that room," Sam called from the other side of the door, making both you and Bucky jump. "Might as well stay in here."

You groaned at the words, your face and neck suddenly becoming hot in embarrassment. Bucky just chuckled, somehow finding everything amusing, and wrapped an arm around you.

"Worth it, though," he whispered before placing a kiss on your cheek. You rolled your eyes playfully but couldn’t at all argue. Just glancing between the wall and that black tee made you suddenly hot and bothered all over again.

Bucky picked up on your gaze, once again practically reading your mind. With a suggestive smirk, he asked, "Round two?"

You bit your lip as his hand began running over the curve of your ass.

"Fine."

Bucky didn’t waste a single second before whisking you off your feet

[atsukawolfcat]

Recurring Dream - Part 1

Notes: Something random cuz why not?

Warning: Angst, little comfort, gender-neutral reader, torture mentioned, death implied, let me know if I missed anything!

Part 1 (You are here) | Part 2

Masterlist

"I believe in you, guys. We can kick this big guy down!!" You said with a bit of conviction as your team dealt damage to the last enemy in the domain you were clearing to get the primogems. Finally getting the enemy down and getting the completion rewards, you sat back in your chair and sighed. 'I should probably go to bed, it's late now, and I have stuff to do early tomo- HOLY SKITTLES' You got up quickly at seeing your clock reading 1:19AM, hitting the heels of your feet against the legs of your chair and painfully doing the dance around your room. Once the pain faded, you inhaled and looked at your bed, pondering over if you could maybe do one more domain run before bed. Groaning, you decided it wasn't worth being late. After making sure your electronics were charging, and you brushed your teeth, you begrudgingly got into bed and made yourself cozy. 'After I get everything done and come home, I should get a couple more domain runs... in...' You nodded and fell asleep, unaware of the glitching effect on your electronics after you closed your eyes.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

You felt a bit uncomfortable, the bed seemingly being very stiff and like it was made of a mix of materials, like straw and feathers. After the sharp pain of something poking your legs, you got up with a start. You were startled by the room before you since it wasn't yours. 'Who.. where? Where am I? The style looks familiar..' You looked down and noticed you were not wearing the clothing you had on before falling asleep; now, it was replaced by an outfit that even you were pleasantly surprised at the comfiness and the style fitting you. It reminded you of the clothes of Genshin Impact, more specifically, the characters of Mondstadt. Wait...

"Hello, your Grace. I am glad to see you have awoken." Jean and Diluc entered the room, almost giving you a heart attack. 'faligbthablifuef WHY ARE THEY SO BEAUTIFUL? AM I DREAMING? THIS HAS TO BE A DREAM' You were practically screaming internally as they slowly approached you and bowed. "We had found you in the outskirts of our town and were worried you were hurt. Luckily, Barbara has not seen any injuries on you, but we are happy that you are safe." 'Welp, if this is a dream, very vivid. It must be because of all those awesome SAGAU fics I found on Tumblr that I binged in a week...'

You coughed, trying to get rid of your anxiety that was quickly piling up, and smiled. "Uhm, thank- thank you? I just have a question." They both looked up, their beautiful blue and ruby eyes expecting the question and looking like the so-called loyal 'acolytes' as the fics called them. You chilled at the thought of that, now beginning to see the possible harm. " Where exactly... am I? And who are you two?" You knew the answer, considering it's Jean and Diluc, but even if this was a dream, you were no fool after realizing what possibilities there were and how highly likely it was for you to be chased around and hunted like an animal. 

Their eyes widened, and they quickly looked at each other. Clearing his throat, Diluc was the one to respond first. " You are in Mondstadt, your Grace. In the world of Teyvat, or in your previous world, better known as Genshin Impact... a game." He gritted the last part out as if disliking the fact he even had to say it. Your eyes widened, and your jaw slacked open. 

Did he just confirm self-aware Genshin Impact???? What?? 

This is a dream; there was no way a game character could be self-aware like these two in front of you. Diluc smiled gently, a blush forming on his cheeks and the tips of his ears, and continued, "Yes, Your Grace. We could hear you and how much you wanted some of us to drop when an event banner updated and how much fun you had completed the side missions and special events with some celebrated people." He coughs, seemingly aware and now shy from your unending stare. "And we also heard you... erm... beg for some of us to show ourselves when you pulled. When you used your special currency to wish for us." You quickly felt a warmth surfacing to your entire face.

Jean was smiling, also seemingly getting redder, as Diluc explained. "We are aware that we were mere dolls or characters to you and many others. Our world is that of a game. Perhaps it was," she looked into your eyes, sincerity deep within her eyes, "however, we are not. We are aware of your presence and kindness. Your anger, sadness, and desperation when things do not happen as you wish. So... we thought.." She coughed, Diluc glancing between you as if telling Jean to continue. 

"We wish to show you... the other side of your screen." They both straightened and, in sync, continued. "Welcome to Teyvat, our dear Creator." 

What?

Nope.

Nope.

Nope.

You felt your skin crawl at the sound of that last word. Your face paled, and you quickly looked away from them while placing your hand over your mouth to stop gagging. The soft rustle of clothing was heard from their direction, but you didn't care about that with one single word ringing in your head.

Imposter.

Imposter!

Imposter!!!

You held back a scream as the ringing in your head suddenly felt like it was about to crack open. It felt as if a sledgehammer was hitting your brain, from all sides. Diluc and Jean were talking to you and between themselves, and you were able to hear them both order other people to get medics here ASAP.

Imposter! Traitor!

Traitor!

How dare you take their place!

A crash could be heard from the window behind you, but you weren't paying attention.

You

are

not

our

CREATOR!!

The voice sounded livid as if they were trying to scream into your soul and burn their anger into you. With each word the pounding in your head grew worse and worse, making you scream in agony.

You shall not take their identity!

You shall not!

Imposter!

The voice grew only louder and more familiar. As you clutched your head, you felt someone gently place their hands on your shoulders, and over the noise in your brain, could faintly hear someone tell you to focus on your surroundings.

"Ahhhhh!!!!!! I can't- can't! It's too loud!!! Make it stop!!!!!! MAKE IT STOP!!!" You yelled and whimpered, still holding your head as the voice suddenly multiplied to several voices.

Imposter! Imposter! Thief! Liar!

You are no great Deity!

You shall die for your sin.

Your vision blurred, and black spots slowly appeared. They multiplied until finally, all you could see was darkness. You sobbed, panic enveloping your entire body as your heart raced at the possibility of your eyesight being taken from you.

Then faintly, a light appeared, growing in size as you finally tried to feel around you and ground yourself. As it grew, you noticed it wasn't just a light.

They were images.

Of yourself and your favorite characters, including Diluc and Jean. Cold gazes pierced you as you were on your knees, shackles on your hands, feet, and neck. Tears were flowing from your eyes, as they reflected both sadness and fear.

More images flashed before your eyes, and you finally clicked two and two together. Memories flushed into your mind, each a painful stab into your heart and mind. You heard Diluc ordering someone to bring a syringe to administer. Survival instinct took over as you grabbed everything and anything near you, the slice of their weapons fresh on your skin once more, and threw the items in their direction.

"NO! NO! NO! GO AWAY! GO AWAY!!! PLEASE!!" You stumbled as you tried to get up from the plush bed and finally opened your eyes again to see their guilt-ridden faces. You scrambled to place as much distance from them as possible, and when you looked at your body once more...

It was marred with golden scars.

You got to the further corner of the room, staring with wide eyes at the culprits behind the scars decorating your body. The almost healed bruises of your wrists and ankles told you it wasn't that long ago that they had done all those... things to you. You gasped at the last memory you received.

It was of you, your head lowered to the ground by force from someone's foot. Then, from the corner of your eye, you see Diluc and Ei raise their weapons. Ei aimed for your heart, while Diluc aimed for your neck. You closed your tear-stricken eyes as you felt both of them slash down to their targets. The pain was too much, and the last you heard was multiple gasps of surprise.

You were sobbing and hiccuping, your hands trailing over your chest and neck to feel the thin lines that their weapons had made. Your throat tighened as you hyperventilated, and although you tried to ground yourself again, it was far too late. You had a hard time breathing and gasping for air as your hands came up to your throat and tears spilled down your cheeks.

You lost consciousness as Jean raced over to catch you. Diluc grit his teeth as his fists tightened by his side. "This has been the 4th time... I am so sorry, Your Grace", he said, voice full of remorse and sadness. They had witnessed you wake up and go unconscious for days since the "trial", and the scars they had made were permanently on your skin, taunting them over their wicked deeds to you. The person who had done nothing but give them happiness.

And they repaid your kindness with despair.

[frogtanii]

your palms were sweaty as you adjusted your slacks, making sure the pleats were where they should be with not a wrinkle in sight. you wanted to look professional and put together, at least on the outside, because you knew you were actually about .2 seconds away from falling apart.

your palms were sweaty as you adjusted your slacks, making sure the pleats were where they should be with not a wrinkle in sight. you wanted to look professional and put together, at least on the outside, because you knew you were actually about .2 seconds away from falling apart.

a quick glance to the boys at your sides notified you that they weren’t faring much better. atsumu kept fidgeting with his cufflinks, sakusa was so stiff you could knock him over with your pinky, kenma looked like he was about to pass out, bokuto was debating on squeezing under the table in front of you, kuroo was tapping a pattern on his pants (akeelah and the bee style), and akaashi kept reciting ominous poems under his breath.

the only people in the room who looked even remotely fine were osamu, oikawa, sugawara, daichi, and, surprisingly, yachi. osamu was munching on some peanuts that he pulled from... somewhere, while oikawa and sugawara were holding their own conversation by the window. daichi seemed to be minding his own business but you could never really get a proper read on him anyway.

well, you supposed yachi was okay because she knew what to expect. i mean, you were meeting her boss.

after you and kenma had posted your “exposing the hype(r) house” youtube video, an email had come to the both of you, inviting you to visit the “big boss” along with the rest of the crew.

you weren’t necessarily afraid of losing your job; the hype(r) house was already being dissolved and you were (finally!!!) getting to move in with makki and mattsun until you found your own place. you were genuinely excited to put the drama and literal hell behind you and begin to live your life again but...

that didn’t mean meeting the Man™ wasn’t terrifying. it was like being called into the principal’s office, complete with the existential dread and occasional bouts of gassiness.

the door opening made you flinch as you quickly moved out of the way to let the newcomers enter. while they walked past you, you couldn’t contain the shock that overtook your face, your jaw practically on the floor.

the man was massive.

built like a brick wall, the man who you assumed to be the “big boss,” had a chiseled jaw, broad shoulders, and massive fucking pecs, his white button up barely closing around them.

beside him stood a tall, lanky man who was dressed suspiciously un-office-like with a red buzz cut and wild eyes that seemed to cut into you as he took his place at the table.

the final man seemed a bit awkward in comparison to the other two, but he was trying to seem unaffected, his purple bowlcut, despite being rather juvenile, fitting perfectly with his slim but toned build and bright complexion.

yachi hurried to greet them, giving all three a blinding smile before motioning for everyone else to take a seat. you ended up between the redhead and atsumu, the former being way too entertained by just your general being. his eyes rarely, if ever, left your face sending shivers down your spine. the remaining members all hesitantly took their seats and “big boss” began.

“it is an honor to meet you all. i am ushijima wakatoshi but you can call me ushijima or wakatoshi or ushiwaka or toshijima or just ushi or just jima or just waka or just toshi.” for a moment you thought he was joking but his face never moved, not even with the awkward silence that followed. redhead seemed rather amused by the whole display and bowl cut looked like he was on the verge of spontaneously combusting.

it took an uncomfortably long moment for ushijima to proceed but he did as though nothing had happened. “these are my associates, satori—” redhead gave you a mischievous grin “—and tsutomu.”

“goshiki,” bowl cut interrupted, his voice wavering but his eyes gleaming with righteous indignation as though he was challenging wakatoshi to say something in defiance. instead, ushijima just gave him a nod and he visibly deflated back into his seat.

“goshiki is the social media manager for imla and satori is... satori,” big boss continued, not a hint of emotion on his face. the rest of the table perked up at his comment but atsumu was the only one who apparently had the balls to say anything.

“so yer the one who wrote that shitty among us tweet?” goshiki flushed horribly and sunk further into his plush leather chair, his body language showing he must’ve already gotten an earful about it. “thought it was a good idea,” he muttered while averting his eyes, completely ignoring satori’s cackle from across the wood.

ushijima put up a (massive???) hand to calm the both of them and it instantly worked. satori quieted down though he never lost the mirth in his expression and goshiki straightened up, a new wave of determination crossing his features.

you sat up as well, feeling the shift of energy in the room but you were startled to realize the boss had decided to focus his energy on you, his deep baritone voice calling your full name. “i am extremely sorry. we have failed you as a management team and as men. i have failed you.”

he sounded remarkably remorseful, his brown irises conveying heavy emotion and guilt. you had no idea what to say but he wasn’t done.

“although i do not have full control of the decisions that have been made here, i should have fought harder for what i believed was right and for that, i will forever be sorry.” you shifted uncomfortably under his weighty gaze, not that he noticed because his attention was swiftly taken by kenma at the opposite end of the room.

“who is in charge then? aren’t you like the ceo or whatever?” he asked. ushijima took a moment before nodding very slowly, his attention clearly on something in his head.

thankfully, satori rapidly took over the thread of conversation before the room could fall in tense silence yet again. “there’s a board of old, stuffy guys who basically kicked miracle boy wakatoshi to the curb and make all their decisions without him.”

...miracle boy? what did he have to do to earn that kind of nickname? you shook your head and tuned back in, just as the ceo spoke up once again.

“because i have not succeeded in doing my job properly, i have something to give to you,” ushijima deadpanned, sliding a thick envelope towards you. you carefully grabbed it and opened it up to reveal a thick, thick, wad of cash.

a gasp caught in your throat, words not coming to you as you thumbed through the money. there had to be at least $60k in there, your eyes filling with tears while you took in his generosity. “thank you,” you whispered, not trusting your voice to speak any louder.

wakatoshi nodded at you before addressing the rest of the table about something but you weren’t even listening.

you were so overwhelmed. for the longest time, you’d hated whoever management was for ignoring your pleas for help and trying to placate you with nice dresses and fancy dinners so meeting ushijima was quite the welcomed surprise.

despite everything that occurred, you could tell he felt horrible for letting things slide even though it was technically out of his hands and you couldn’t even articulate how much that meant to you.

the fact that he had gone out of his way to pay you extra, assumingly without the permission of the board, was heartwarming, confusing, shocking, and staggering all at once.

i mean, you could probably describe the past few months as exactly that. so much had happened, so much had changed, and while you could do without some of the life adjustments (the nightmares, spare trauma, and fear of public bathrooms to start), you felt blessed with new friends and the experiences that helped shape you to the person you were now.

the boys didn’t hate you anymore (well, not all of them at least and none were actively antagonizing you), you were seeing dr yamada again, you were getting to move in with your two best friends, you were just given enough money to expand your channel drastically, and you were finally feeling good. better than good.

meiko was behind you and though you missed the person she once was, you were so glad she was out of your life in a way where she couldn’t harm you or the boys any longer.

a grin spread across your face, your cheeks nearly burning from the intensity of it. things were definitely looking up.

a soft call of your name jolted you from your thoughts, your eyes landing on all the boys already standing as they got ready to leave the room. you could sense their worry and you shot them a genuine, reassuring smile before standing yourself.

you waved goodbye to the three men at the table, thanking ushijima profusely for his kindness but he shook you off, insisting that he had just been doing what he should’ve done a long time ago.

what a nice guy.

as you followed the boys out of the building, you took a moment to observe them together with fondness written all over your expression. they were laughing and joking around, the happiest and most carefree you had ever seen any of them. bokuto was begging yachi to get them ice cream, the rest of them piling on until she gave in with a playful roll of her eyes, giggling at the cheer that went up from the group.

atsumu seemed to notice you lagging behind, falling back to join you. “ya okay angel?” he asked, eyes focused on your feet as he slowed down to match your pace.

you didn’t answer for a while, instead focusing on the sun warming your cheeks, the cool breeze messing up your hair, and the sounds of pure joy swirling above you.

“i’m absolutely perfect.” you replied and you actually meant it. “race you to the van?” you sent him an impish grin before taking off, his yells of indignation making you laugh freely as the rest of the boys joined in, right on your heels.

this is it, you thought. no matter what, i’ll have this moment and i’ll be okay.

you’d been through hell and back and you’d survived. you’d been cursed at, choked out, hospitalized, and been beaten at mario kart more times than you could count and you had still made it through. you were resilient and strong and you’d never given up, despite how badly you’d wanted to, multiple times over.

things weren’t perfect, they rarely are, but you knew that if you could make it through all that, you could get through practically anything, especially with the boys by your side.

yeah. i’ll be just fine.

ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

bonus!!

“told you it sounded stupid as hell.”

“gah, stop talking about it!!”

“you sounded sooooo old ‘shiki, what are you, 92?”

“AAAAAAAAAA!!!”

“satori...”

“what’s up miracle boy?”

“...what is ‘sus’?”

℗ poker face

i’ll be just fine

series masterlist

(●’◡’●)ﾉ

an - AND THATS A WRAP FOLKS 🥳 wowowow did the ending give me trouble but that’s ok SISJSK the endings will be coming shortly but they might not be daily just cs they may take more time, who knows lmfao i’ll let y’all know :3 AAAA ANYWAYS ILY I HOPE U GUYS LIKED KITH KITH don’t forget to feed me <3

taglist - if your name is in bold, i cannot tag you

@boosyboo9206 • @geektastic84 • @elianetsantana • @trashy-simp • @infinitebells • @6mattsun9 • @suhkusa • @katsulovee • @kotarosbabygirl • @fucktheworlddude • @insomniacwreck • @calumsfringe • @saltylettuce • @chai-blu • @al3x1ss • @hawksyoongi • @jooleuuh • @loubells • @kissungjae • @liberhoe • @tetsurocore • @animeoverdosee • @duhsies • @saiKishaircLip • @afire24 • @premiyagi • @kit-kat428 • @doctorspencereid • @daphnxy • @kyomihann • @maer-333 • @sinoflust19 • @peteunderoos • @peachiikichu • @iidanotlida • @yongboxerrr • @kac-chowsballs • @tanakaslastbraincell • @memorableminds • @risjime • @starry-magicshop • @sugavwara • @smuttyanimeslut • @kiwibirbs-library • @haijkk • @airybnb • @crybabygumi • @iwaisa • @decaffinatedtealover • @notameera • @kawaii-angelanne • @rintarovibes • @urlocalsimp • @keiarma • @shrimpypenis

the rest of the tags will be in the replies!!

[forgivenpunishment]

'You mattered to me just as much.'

'I should've been able to save everyone like you showed me was possible.'

... Are things that he nearly says with parting lips and a clenched jaw, before he decides dropping the topic is likely better for both of them. Continuing that line of thought will only drive them in circles, playing a blame game that no one wins.

Besides, he gets too distracted by Vash to continue the self-deprecation. Still focused on needlessly kneading the bundle of shirts, slacks, clean socks, and sock garters, he only watches the blond from his peripheral as he comes closer and closer before lying down. The moonlight drenches him in an otherworldly glow and it's...

He's beautiful.

Not that he can afford to think things like that—no—no. Wolfwood knows that he's failed Vash once, and he'll fail him again, surely. Maybe not on this journey, but the next, or the one after that—

—He pinches his own thigh to stop himself from thinking about 'next times' or 'tomorrows' or anything that implies he's worthy of being in Vash the Stampede's shadow.

Clothes. New clothes since Vash had seen him those years ago. Better fitting clothes. Clothes that actually make it look like he knows how to fucking dress himself—because he does. He keeps a couple more buttons on his dress shirt undone now, on account of a broader chest and definitely not personal preference. Definitely not because he thinks it makes him look cooler. Nothing like that.

Wolfwood runs out of the realistic amount of time he can spend bundling a small amount of clothing and smooths his raised emotions over. Nicholas the Punisher can't afford such fleeting—

"You dreamt of me?"

His voice nearly cracks in surprise as he quickly turns around, hovering cross-legged over Vash's horizontal body, "I mean—um. When you couldn't remember anything, you had dreams of people you knew before? That's interesting."

Okay, now Vash is just teasing him...

"Man of your—Blondie, you're something else if you think I'm the man of your dreams. Quit teasin' me like that—you know what that phrase means."

Unfortunately his prodding works as far as flustering him is concerned. Nicholas's cheeks burn, and he's grateful for the lack of reliable lighting in the tent. Vash doesn't need to see the dusting of vermilion crowning his cheekbones.

What kinds of ideas were floating in that needley head of his? Did he remember that one night, where Wolfwood admitted feelings that he definitely should've kept to himself...? Ugh...

"You're unbelievable," he shakes his head, "Barely been traveling a few days and you're already coming onto me."

He's joking. He's joking? Yeah, joking.

Vash recalls at least a few very distinct lessons from their short time traveling together. When it comes to Wolfwood, silence is either not a bad thing at all or, in fact, a very bad thing. As evidenced by the taut stretch of muscle from shoulder to shoulder, ‘Thank you, Wolfwood’ was not the right thing to say.

There ought to be a word that can describe what it must be like to understand another person so well, yet at the same time be completely incapable of communicating with them without also calling upon disaster.

Silent, Vash stares down at his knees. Their outline is faint. The black, formfit underlayer beneath his trousers is almost indistinguishable against the floor of the tent. In the darkness, sound becomes amplified. Two tomas grinding their beaks contentedly while they rest, the whisper of sand as the breeze carries it up to the walls of their tent, the sound of their own breathing. Even his own thinking feels loud.

“Alright.” Vash cants his head to one side, considering the hunch of Wolfwood’s shoulders in the gloom of the tent. “I won’t thank you then.” 

Vash scuttles forward on his knees and good arm until he can seat himself cross-legged beside Wolfwood. He hums softly, drooping down to peer up at Wolfwood’s face at an angle.

“You protected what mattered to you most. You tried to do right.” He could go on, attempt to drill into Wolfwood’s thick skull that there are choices that are not choices at all, and that breaking the illusion is more important than believing in it.  

The monster in the tent is not Nicholas D. Wolfwood, because Wolfwood is one of the most human people Vash has ever met. Then, withdrawing and teetering back, Vash splays out on the floor of the tent. Through the canvas of their tent they cannot see the map of stars stretched out beyond, but the faint light from the moons is enough to make out through the material. “I dreamt of you. Thought you weren’t even real for the longest time. Ah, now here you are.” Vash lifts his head to grin at Wolfwood. “The man of my dreams, walking me Home.”

He does still need a haircut and a new prosthetic, after all.