#the eye colors were the hardest bc most of the time their eye are just black dots but i use zombie island for reference

[kazuaru]

Scooby Doo Where Are You !?

[ravenlking]

𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐆𝐄

𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐌 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 (𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐘, 𝐉𝐀𝐃𝐄, 𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋, 𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐊, 𝐋𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀) Darling, what is, oh my, you're learning a new/my language? Of course I will help, now see here...

gender-neutral warnings: - does duolingo count? - in jamil's, the reader is implied to have a crush on him. also, to make it as inclusive as possible, i mentioned how the reader flushes dark. i researched and for POC (Edit: I changed it from colored people bc from feedback, it isn't the appropriate term, sorry if I had hurt anyone!), that's apparently the equivalent of blushing red (?) i hope it makes sense and doesnt hurt anyone's feelings! - a bit of fighting in lilia's, but not too gory. just self-defense. also be prepared for a lot of swearing in his. the reader is also implied to be in a relationship with him :) genre: fluff a/n: - pictures don't belong to me, they go to their original owners! - btw, can y'all tell me where and how do you get your banners for the characters? trying (and failing) to do so as you can tell. - watch me panic as i publish this because i know there might be some people out there who will bully me over this. i'm just gonna say that this is a work of fiction meant to bring smiles to people's faces, not to mock any languages - please give me feedback :)

Let me know if you'd like more!

𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐘 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 + 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐄

Trey was busy baking for the Unbirthday party, measuring with professional precision and practicing ease. He's been doing this for years so he considers himself beyond average (honey, stop being modest, you're doing great)

Enter you. Swinging your seat around the Heartslabyul kitchen island chair, you rotated yourself with glee, glued to your phone. Trey could faintly make out your disgruntled mutters and curses as he worked.

When he set the tarts into the oven, pressing the appropriate buttons, curiosity got the better of him. What had you so frustrated and upset? As the vice dorm leader of Heartslabyul, Trey should help you out! He propped his head in the crook of your collarbone, earning a squeak and causing you to almost fall off the chair. He quickly caught you, grabbing your wrists and pulling you back into your seat.

"Really Trey?" You deadpanned.

Trey only shrugged sheepishly, a dust of red crawling up his neck. He had only wanted a peek at what had ensnared your attention for the past few hours.

"Congratulations on passing this level, Y/N!"

Huh?

Trey looked so helplessly confused that you laughed.

“It's Duolingo!" You explained, showing him the app. Trey's eyes widened at the progress you have made.

"I've been wanting to learn a language, but unfortunately," You pouted. "I chose one of the hardest. Chinese."

Trey snickered, drawing out a seat and sitting next to you. He didn't notice the way your cheeks flushed from your close proximity and his warm breathes caressing your skin.

"I've learned it before," Trey admitted, watching your eyes widen before laughing. "Let me help. So here, you're missing this stroke..."

a/n: before y'all start to bully me, i've been learning chinese since i was born. i know how hard the language is, so watch me self-project in trey's short fic. bro- if trey was teaching me, you can bet that i'll be more focused on trey than chinese lmaoo

𝐉𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐂𝐇 + 𝐊𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐍

Jade noticed you coming to the Mostro Lounge very often these days. He was on shift most of the time (no thanks to Floyd's spontaneous disappearances) so he got the perfect chance to observe you at your table. The other customers were boring to look at as he cleaned the bar's glasses but you drew his attention.

You periodically took a sip from your drink before scribbling in that notebook of yours, the green glow from your phone illuminating your face in the dimness of the lounge.

Jade was naturally curious of course. You had been there for more than three hours, what would have consumed your attention for so long?

"Jade?"

He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice your eyes on him, raising a hand to get his attention. He put on a smile and came over, menu in hand.

"What would you like to order-"

"Congratulations on passing this level, Y/N!"

Jade's eyes narrowed upon your phone, staring at the obxonious bright green owl that interrupted him. Jade hated being interrupted. For your sake, he kept his polite facade.

"What would you like-"

"Would you like to move onto the next level?"

Again?

The urge to break your phone and throw it into the nearest body of water was growing stronger.

Jade heaved out a heavy sigh and you chuckled.

"I'm learning a new language," You slid over your book as Jade eyed it. "It's called Korean."

"Oh?" Jade raised an eyebrow. "What are these little squiggles? They remind me of ocean waves or mushroom patterns."

You shrugged helplessly. "Mind helping if you could?"

Jade laughed. Most people would be afraid to get tangled up in a deal with Azul...but you? You were fearless. And Jade was delighted with it.

"I shall do my best."

a/n: any koreans reading this, pls don't kill me. kill her instead! *holds sign with directions to riddle's mother*

but on a serious note, i did not mean to offend anyone, it's just for comedy purposes!

𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋 𝐕𝐈𝐏𝐄𝐑 + 𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐂

Jamil was tired from school and taking care of Kalim, so when he stumbled into the Scarabia lounge, the last thing he wanted was you two together, with bright grins on your faces.

It only spelled out trouble for him.

With a sigh, Jamil approached the duo quietly, a mischievous plan to spook them before Kalim's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Now, you say it!"

"أحبك [Uhibuk]," You said slowly, pronouncing the words with your accent twisting it slightly. Kalim grinned and clapped his hands excitedly.

"Perfect! Now, say everything together!" The dorm leader encouraged you as you blushed bright red/dark.

"Shh," You hissed. "Not so loud, Kalim!"

Kalim chuckled before gesturing for you to speak. You took a deep breath in before saying the entire phrase.

"أحبك [Uhibuk] Jamil," You muttered, your entire face flushing red/dark.

"Perfect! The pronunciation is amazing!" Kalim grinned brightly at you. "Now all you need to do is say it to Jamil! He'll love the confession!"

"Kalim, keep your voice down!" You spluttered. "What if he's nearby?"

From behind the pillar, Jamil's face was practically burning. The Perfect, aka you, had a crush on him? You didn't fall for Kalim's charm, but his nonexistent charm? Oh, Prefect, you've managed to ensnare Jamil's heart just fine.

"انا احبك ايضا [Ana ahibuk aydan]," Jamil murmured into your ear as you jumped from the couch, flopping onto the floor before wincing. You were about to shout at the attacker before realizing it was your crush and your face was burning.

"He says 'I love you too'," Kalim helpfully translated before laughing. "I better leave you two alone!"

With that, the boy dashed away, leaving you two alone in the Scarabia lounge. Jamil managed a smirk and leaned in, closing the proximity between you two.

"Next time, you can ask me for help. I'll certainly do my best."

a/n: anyone who speaks arabic, please don't kill me again. i genuinely don't know if it's the correct words (glares at google translate) so i'm sorry if my small oneshot offends anyone!!

𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓 + 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇

"Bonjour, ma cherie!"

Rook practically skipped towards you, a bright grin on his face and sparkles emitting from his aura. As expected of Pomefiore students.

"Bonjour, comment ca va?" You stumbled over the words, making mental notes to make your 'j' sound more like a 'zh' in the future.

The blond hunter was frozen in his steps before tentatively replying. Could this be his dreams coming to life? His heart fluttered at the thought of it.

"Ca va bien, merci. Et toi?"

"Ca va bien."

You replied awkwardly, trying your best to keep the same pace as Rook's fluency in French. Fortunately, Rook was quick to drop the language upon seeing your tentativeness and hesitance in replying.

"Oh ma cherie, you made this poor hunter's heart burst with joy! Why, this day must have been blessed by the Sevens, because it has been a wonderful morning!" Rook exclaimed, grinning at you. "Your accent and pronunciation were perfect!"

"Really?" You muttered in disbelief. "I literally only started a month ago."

Rook laughed before nodding eagerly. "Mon amor, let me hear those divine words again!"

"Bonjour?" You muttered in confusion before Rook dramatically fluttered his eyes, a hand pressed to his forehead as he practically collapsed in your arms. You were quick to catch him, although Rook was sure to put the least amount of his body weight in your arms.

"Rook!"

Rook smiled at you, patting your arm before straightening up. He grinned brighter, his sparkling white teeth blinding you. "If you are eager to learn, then this hunter would gladly take on the role as your teacher!"

"Please do," You nodded frantically. "French has been nothing but words in cursive. It's a world of pain for me."

The vice dorm leader of Pomefiore laughed.

a/n: all my french knowledge comes from duolingo guys, please don't come after me. btw, i know 'ca va' has that squiggling thingy in the C but idk how to type it on my device so *shrugging helplessly*

𝐋𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀 𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐄 + 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍

"Ma che cazzo?!"

Lilia certainly did not expect such foul words to leave your mouth. It's too early in the morning, it's still 7:55 Y/N! Curse them out later in six minutes okay? Otherwise, the old fae might wash your mouth out with water.

"Chiudi il becco, idiota."

Lilia chuckled, drawing attention from Malleus, Silver, and Sebek. He simply told them that he was going to check on you before he mysteriously teleported away, following the echo of your voice. He reappeared in the courtyard, watching amusingly as you swore and cursed at the Savanaclaw beastmen who decided to pick on you today. The one time Leona wasn't napping away here, his own followers decided to bully you.

"Miserabili pezzi di merda, I have seen more personality in a rusty hoe handle," You spat out, growling at them. They laughed back but you held your ground.

"What does this little prey trying to do?" One roared out in a fit of laughter. "Trying to fight back?"

His hoarde snickered. "Pathetic!"

"Lurido porco," You shook your head before calming yourself. "Just let me pass through."

The beastmen took one look at look before scoffing.

"Why would we listen to you? You just a twig we can snap in half!"

"Merda," You swore. You had completely forgotten them in your rage the fact you were outnumbered by three to one. The beastmen were stupid, but not that stupid. They completely knew that they could beat you in both a physical and a magical fight.

"So what is it going to be?" A panther beastman punched his fists togehter, growling. "A fight?"

You lunged at him, growling. Despite the odds against you, you weren't going to go down with a fight. Your arms stinged as you punched his rock-solid face.

"Fottiti!" You screamed, before being punched in the stomach. You groaned on the ground as they came closer. Pitifully, you inched backwards before your savior stepped in.

"Ma che?" Lilia scowled, a dark shadow covering his face as he stepped out from the darkness.

"Mia colombia [my dove]," Lilia crounched near you, hands fluttering over your wounds. You withhold a painful scream as he mended your wounds. "Carissima, are you hurt anywhere else?"

You whispered out a painful 'No' before Lilia gently smiled at you.

"When we get back, I'll teach you better words than just swears," Lilia promised you before standing up, smirking menacingly at the cowardly bullies. "No one touches what's mine, and you're going to learn that the hard way."

a/n: i'm just using translations from the assassin's creeds books lol. btw, i did my best to search but does anybody know why i can't find any lilia vanrouge dorm uniform card images?

[rnebbie]

Omgg okay sine you are doing platonic asks I have a request. They are all in Jackson and Ellies steals or something like that some alcohol and she and readers drink it and get drunk and Joel catches them and goes all dad on them and grounds them? <3

Half empty (request)

Requested by: anonymous

Pairings: Ellie Williams x platonic!reader, Joel miller x platonic!reader

Warnings: vomiting, underage drinking, mentions of abuse but no abuse is written. Insecurity in relationships and just sadness yassss

A/n: I wrote something omg! This might need a second part? I wanted to get it out as soon as possible bc I’m going away for my friends bday and wanted to put it out yesterday but I’ve been busy af. So sorry if this is rushed it’s not proof read and I can do another part if it’s necessary! Anyway I love Ellie and I got drunk last night so I’m really fucking hungover rn and sleepy so I’m sorry if this is shit but yeah I had a little Ellie moment underage drinking yusss ianyway enjoy yusasssssssssssss:)):):):)::)

“No, Ellie. Absolutely not,” You say, turning your back to her. You two are usually on the same wavelength and agree to do the same things, but sometimes Ellie’s naivety becomes too much for you. You’ve seen more than she has despite being the same age as her. And much to Ellie’s demise, though she would never admit this, you know better.

“C'mon, y/n! It's Friday night! We never do anything fun anymore. We always just sit and do the same thing. Read dead people's journals, play board games, or sometimes go to the movies. God, last week you even did your homework on Friday night! You’re becoming too accustomed to domestic life. Don’t you miss it being a little crazy,” Ellie questions you, the way she always does. Sometimes you can’t even keep up with what she’s saying.

You narrow your eyes, looking dumbfounded as you turn to face her, “miss it being a little crazy? What, like when we were almost devoured by clickers? When we were almost murdered by raiders? When we had to aid Joel back to life-“ you begin to list off the things that had happened in the past few months just to remind Ellie, but she cut you off with a waving hand in your face before you could continue.

“Not that. Like…” she pauses to sigh, “when we played soccer with Sam in that bunker. All the cool things we saw when we were traveling, the stars when we slept under the open sky, or when Joel let us try his whiskey,” she shrugs.

You don’t want to admit it. You don’t want to say you miss that, because it was the most exhausting thing you’ve ever done. It was the hardest thing you’ve ever done, and you lost so much because of it. But you couldn’t help feeling a little nostalgia for that portion of your life. You, Joel, and Ellie, were all each other had. And as much as it was hard having only each other to rely on, with this weird dynamic going on, it was nice only having each other. It was a simpler time and a part of you missed when things were like that.

But you wouldn’t say that to Ellie. Some part of you always told yourself you had to be strong around her. You couldn’t be vulnerable with Ellie or Joel. You’re Ellie’s best friend, and she’s something of a little sister to you despite only being a few weeks younger than you. You always felt the need to protect her, especially since the whole point of the trip that changed your life was to deliver her to make this vaccine.

And with Joel, well, you didn’t know what to make of your relationship with him. You wanted to seem strong and mature around him, so as to be respected by him, and it’s gotten you this far, so why show your true colors now? He sees you as an equal somehow. You see how he looks at Ellie, with some sort of paternal love in his eyes. But you tried to treat him as a peer instead of someone you needed to look up to.

You felt selfish for that little part of you that missed being out in the open world with Ellie and Joel. You were safe here, and happy. You had enough to eat, you got to learn, and you even have a healthy comfortable home, and friends your age. You’re not fighting for your life, so what’s there to miss?

So you shrugged in response to Ellie. “I’m thankful for how far we’ve come.”

“Bullshit. You used to be fun! What happened to you,” she pushed you. You sighed deeply as an older sibling would. You partly agreed with Ellie, you did use to have more fun with her. You two got into trouble all the time when you first got to Jackson. But you felt bad making Joel parent the both of you, so you eventually stopped agreeing to do things with Ellie. You did become accustomed to domesticity. But it was a good life.

You look up at her and smile softly, “what’s your plan, Ellie,” you say slowly. A part of you is excited to let loose a little. She smiles the biggest, toothiest grin you’ve seen from her in a long time. She looks how she did before everything happened.

“Okay, Joel is in town, so his stuff is unguarded. And I just so happen to know where he keeps his whiskey,” Ellie says in a mischievous voice, your mouth immediately falls agape.

Before she had time to continue with her master plan, you cut her off, “Ellie, are you fucking crazy? I thought you would want to go for a night walk or like, I don’t know, play a prank on the kids in town watching a movie. Stealing Joel’s whiskey,” you breathe out sharply, unable to compute. You couldn’t imagine doing that to Joel. You could only imagine the pressure that he’s under with the two of you and you would never purposefully add more to his plate.

“Y/n, please? He wouldn’t even notice. He’s been so busy lately that he’ll probably just forget about it altogether, and he can go get more now,” she says, giving her infamous Ellie puppy dog eyes. It’s hard to say no to her, especially when you feel so much for her and your mind automatically goes back to Everything that she’s gone through.

You shake your head and look away, “what if he notices,” you say quietly, allowing yourself to slip out of that fearless front for a quick moment.

“Y/n, he’s like seventy years old, also if he does notice anything, it’s just Joel,” she says with a shrug. Yeah. Just Joel. Just Joel who you’ve spent so much of your energy trying to impress. Just Joel who brought you two across the country safe and alive, somehow. Just Joel who you owe your life to.

You look up at her emotionlessly and nod slowly. “Go get it.”

Ellie returns to your room a few minutes later with Joel’s whisky bottle which has half of its contents left. “It’s half full, this will be enough to get us drunk, right,” she says as she tears the cap of the bottle off.

“Half empty,” you say as you examine the bottle, before taking a hefty swig of it. “Jesus!”

“How is it,” Ellie says with her classic naive and interested expression on her face. “It’s whisky,” you say stubbornly, before handing her the bottle. She takes a sip and tries her hardest not to cough, but it’s too strong for her. After she swallows what’s in her mouth, she starts coughing like a maniac and you cringe, patting her on the back. “Get it together, partner. There’s more where that came from.”

-

After twenty minutes, you two are sitting on your bedroom floor chatting normally. Or boringly, as Ellie put it. This whiskey was taking forever to kick in, you almost wanted to pull your homework out of your bag and start to do it right then and there. Suddenly, Ellie exclaims loudly.

“What the fuck is taking so long! I’m putting my tastebuds through hell just to sit here sober,” she says with an exasperated voice. You smile at her softly and take a breath, just feeling tired, “I’m bored,” you say.

“Me too,” she says, throwing herself back onto the floor. “Should we go do something?”

You shrug, “it’s better than sitting here doing nothing,” you say. The alcohol must be affecting you because otherwise you would have thought logically about this. The two of you got up and exited your room, and then the house. It was a bit of a walk to the town from your house, but with the bottle of whisky coming along for the ride, it was definitely entertaining.

On the walk to the town, you definitely started feeling it. Your vision became gradually more blurry, you had to focus on walking straight, and for some reason, Ellie’s loud mouth was a lot funnier to you than it usually is.

“What do you call a chicken who crossed the road?”

You look up into the night sky, focusing on the stars as you try to guess what the punchline of this joke is gonna be. Before you’re able to guess, Ellie corrects herself, “Fuck, I messed it up,” she snorts as the two of you start laughing uncontrollably as you’re walking up the uphill road.

“Ellie, you’re so funny,” you say between chuckles, as you wipe the tears of laughter off your cheeks. “You make everything so funny and fun. You're so funny,” you smile as you messily gush over her. You feel so much love for her, but when in your everyday life while you're sober, you don't know how to tell her that. The two of you aren’t very expressive about your emotions with each other.

You look over at her and see her smiling softly and looking down. You can’t tell if she’s embarrassed or if she’s just taking in what you’re saying. You wonder if you’re going to remember this in the morning as the town lights come into view.

Ellie sighs, shoving her hands into her jacket pockets. “Where are we going,” she turns to look at you. You shrug, “tipsy bison?”

You guys head for the restaurant, unsure of what your plans are for when you get there. You’re not thinking very far ahead. You’re just living in the moment talking to Ellie about things that don’t even make sense.

Walking into town on a Friday night made you remember why people always wait for Friday. Why people always rave about Friday. The lights on around the buildings in town and the quiet chatter coming from people with busy, happy lives is a beautiful sight to see. And you miss going out as much. You miss interacting with people. You miss live being unpredictable, or even having a little bit of fun. It makes you sad to think about, so you wrap your arm around Ellie’s shoulder.

She puts her arm around your figure and you push the door to the tipsy bison open with your foot. Most people stay engaged in conversation, but some heads turn to you. You’re not worried though, you just continue your conversation with Ellie as you walk up to the bar, “I don’t understand how it works, like, yeah, atoms or whatever but it’s just weird that we grow and expand into nothing… like it’s just air I don’t-“

“Y/n? Ellie,” You hear a familiar voice question from behind you. You abruptly end your not very intellectual conversation and turn to Ellie and widen your eyes dramatically before turning to face the figure behind you. It’s Joel and he doesn’t look that surprised to see you.

“Hi Joel,” Ellie says with a big smile as she waved to him. You wave awkwardly after you see Ellie do it, figuring that’s the appropriate thing to do. He narrows his eyes, walking closer to you guys. He lifts his hand up slowly to wave but something in him decided against it, he only lifts it halfway before dropping it.

“I thought you guys said you were staying in tonight,” he says looking between the two of you who are awkwardly standing like puppies who have obviously done something wrong. Ellie shrugs, looking to you to respond this time.

You take a moment to collect your thoughts, “we were hungry.”

He squints his eyes at you slightly but corrects himself soon thereafter. “Do we not have any food left at the house?”

You shrug, this time looking to Ellie to answer. Maybe you should’ve just taken this one, because Ellie bursts out, “please don’t be mad, Joel!”

You let your mouth fall agape at her sudden outburst and quickly scan the room to see if everyone heard that, surprisingly not a lot of people are phased by Ellie, which is weird because she sounds like the loudest person in the room to you. You try to read Joel’s expression but somehow his face remains blank. After maybe five seconds of silence, Joel suddenly pushes the two of you towards the door, you kick it open once more, quickly shuffling out the door.

After the three of you are out of the restaurant, he walks in front of you both, as to get a good look at your red, hot faces. “Are you guys drunk,” he asks in a panicked voice.

“No,” Ellie says.

You stay silent.

“Y/n?”

Suddenly feeling bile rise to your throat, you lean over into the bushes in front of your favorite restaurant. You violently vomit onto the ground. You don’t focus on much except for the burning in your throat. But you can feel someone’s hand on your back and someone pulling your hair back out of your face. You’re guessing that’s not Ellie, because the only other thing you can register is her voice getting rapidly further away as she exclaims, “ew! Gross! Holy shit!”

You just keep throwing up. It’s painful and you can feel tears running down your face. Suddenly the sick feeling in your stomach feels like something similar to guilt and shame. You try to not feel this often. You used to be someone who put yourself in bad situations because you wanted to be helpful or respected. But long before you met Ellie or Joel, you changed your ways and tried to be someone who didn’t have anything to regret. Someone who made mature decisions, since you didn’t have anyone on your side to defend you. In this moment, you know you’ve become too comfortable.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” you sob between gags. You hate yourself for crying in front of them. You can hear someone telling you it’s okay. Saying over and over again it’s okay, it’s okay y/n. You don’t expect to look up and see it coming out of Joel’s mouth. Even though he’s reassuring you that you’re okay, his expression says otherwise. He looks mad. He hasn’t looked this mad in a long time. This makes you cry harder as the vomit forces it’s way out of your stomach.

You continue to apologize while vomiting and don’t even know where Ellie is, until at one point you hear Joel yell at Ellie to sit in the snow and not move. This brightens your mood a little bit, as you think it’s funny that Ellie’s getting told off. You can’t help but giggle, followed by a hiccup as you bring your hand up to your mouth, subconsciously begging your brain to let you have a break from the vomit.

“Hey, fuck you, y/n,” Ellie yells at you loudly through her slurred words as you continue to giggle. “Ellie,” Joel forcefully says back at her as she sits motionlessly in the snow. She doesn’t react, just sits there with an angry look on her face. She doesn’t seem like a fun drunk.

“Are you finished,” Joel says softly, leaning down to your level as you’re breathing heavily. You burp quietly before saying, “I think.” The owner of the tipsy bison comes outside and throws his hands up in the air, scoffing at Joel. “I’m sorry man, I’m sorry,” he says, taking your shoulders and leading you back towards your house. “Come Ellie.”

-

At some point on the walk back, Ellie started crying too. She just kept saying she was sorry, she was stupid, she was sorry, she wouldn’t ever do it again. Joel stopped answering a while ago. Helping you walk and yelling at Ellie to keep up when she fell to far behind. That made her cry harder.

“What did you drink,” he asked at one point, his voice staying steady and strong. Ellie starts to answer, but you cut her off before she get the two of you in more trouble than you already are in. “It was my idea. I traded with my friend from school.”

Ellie just looks at you. The two of you make eye contact for a long time, silently, only hearing your footsteps under you. Joel doesn't answer. He doesn't say anything for the rest of the walk. Ellie keeps sniffling and complaining about her legs hurting, despite the house being in your view at this point.

Once you arrive home, you sit on the couch motionlessly. In your mind, you feel like if you’re still enough you could disappear into the couch cushion and wake up tomorrow in a reality where none of this ever happened. Hoping you won’t have to face the consequences of your actions.

You hear Joel sigh as he pulls the door of Ellie’s room shut quietly. You follow his dark shadow with your eyes slowly. You accidentally sniffle and through the dark, you can see Joel’s figure jump. He quickly clicks on the lantern on the side table.

“Jesus, y/n,” he says, rubbing his eyebrows together, wearing a tired expression.

“I'm sorry.”

Joel starts to say something but stops himself. Taking a deep breath and standing still for a moment. Before coming closer to you. You expect him to hit you, you would even understand if he beat you senselessly and threw you out of the house.

But he just stands above you as you sit on the couch for a few more seconds before taking a deep breath and starting. “You're smart, y/n. You know better.”

You try not to react. You try to keep a still, blank face like you usually do. But it's difficult this time. You already failed once tonight and you feel like you're on the verge of breaking again. You don't say anything.

“I know you care about Ellie, so why would you put her in this situation,” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest. You wish you could be honest with him, you wish you could tell him everything that's going on in your mind, but something is keeping you from doing that. This man isn't your father, and he obviously doesn't want to be. It's hard for you to connect with him, and you don't think he has any interest in doing that anyway.

“You know, my birthday was yesterday,” you say emotionlessly. There's no way for him to have known that, and you don't feel upset that he didn't know. You don't feel upset that Ellie didn't know and you don't feel upset that no one knew, because that part of your life is over. Your parents are gone and so is anyone who loved you before, so you don't have a reason to hold what happened to you against anyone. You just want him to know.

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have put her in this situation, and I do know better.”

You don’t know what to make of this situation. You don’t know how to connect with him.

You just keep crying. You want to stop crying but you don’t know how. You don’t know what you’re trying to say, you just wish he knew. You shake your head. “You’re right,” you repeat yourself.

He sighs and rubs his eyes. Seemingly tired from the long day, or week, or months that he has had. Maybe even years. You know you and Ellie aren’t helping and that makes you feel worse. But he draws a long breath in. “Get up,” he says with the same blank face. You get up, not wanting to make anything worse than it has to be.

When he moved his hand you expect him to reach out and hurt you, but he wraps his arms around your small figure and gives you a long hug. This was your first hug. You two barely talk, the only thing the two of you had in common was ellie. Sometimes you felt so out of place. You felt like you didn’t belong and you were tagging along with the two of them. But you tried to brush those feelings off so you didn’t have to think about it.

“Go to sleep. We can talk about this when you feel better.”

He pulls out of the hug and doesn’t look at you. Instead starts to walk to his room, but he stops and says one last thing before going up the stairs.

“Wake Ellie up in the morning and tell her that you two are going to the tispy bison to clean the flower pots and planters first thing. And you're apologizing to the owner.”

-

Let me know if I should start a the last of us tag list and if u wanna be added

[sp1rit-realm]

༻¨*:· 𝐈 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐓𝐨𝐨 ·:*¨༺

𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟏

༻¨*:· summary ·:*¨༺ you and remus are just friends. with benefits.

༻¨*:· notes ·:*¨༺ 𖦹 fem!reader 𖦹 mutual pining 𖦹 idiots in love 𖦹 a sprinkle of angst 𖦹 mature themes, nothing graphic 𖦹 shitty writing/ending 𖦹 i did not proofread this bc i'm lazy ⎝(ˊᗜˋ)⎠

༻¨*:· word count ·:*¨༺ 𖦹 725

Satan is all about temptation, right?

'Temptation is a trial in which man has a free choice of being faithful or unfaithful to god.'

Remus was pretty sure it was something like that.

All he knew was that you were a trial of temptation, and he would gladly choose to go through that trial any day of the week. Because fuck, the way you said his name and the way you felt around him was so goddamned erotic. It was pornographic, and he couldn't get enough.

But he also cherished those small moments with you. He would never tell you, though.

He adored seeing you apply makeup or brush your teeth. It was all so domestic, and he selfishly wished he was the only one to see you like this. He prayed that your other hookups didn't get to see you do the most mundane things, like washing your hair. He rationally knew they also saw you like this, but, in his greatest fantasies, you were just for him to see. Only he got to see you laugh at something stupid on the TV while eating crisps. Only he got to see you fluff the pillows on the bed.

With blown pupils, he watched your chest rise and fall, "What the fuck?" He murmured.

The words caused a wave of confusion to crash into you; it turned into a weird feeling of hurt.

"Hm?"

Remus went rigid, for just a second, before speaking again, "Nothing about you, Lovely. Nothing about you," He opened his arms and mumbled: 

"C'mere, baby."

Baby.

That stupid pet name rang in your ears each time he said it.

Baby, baby, baby.

Each syllable was more deafening than the last.

You crawled into his lap and basked in the sensation of his chest against your back, hands roving along your body like he could never get enough of how your skin felt.

"So pretty."

You detested how his lust-slurred words were laced with tenderness.

Still, you let your body melt into him as he praised you.

"I would never talk about you like that, my lovely girl." 

Then, he let out a breath colored by the ghost of a laugh, "I s'pose I'm talkin' like that 'cos of you, though."

"Why?" Your voice was quiet and lazy.

"'Cos, what the absolute fuck did you do?"

His calm tone only confused you more. "Hm?"

He closed his eyes and spoke into your hair, "Did you lace your lips with a fuckin' love potion?" He took a breath, articulating during his exhale, "You make me crazy. Absolute fuckin' insane. I want to kiss you silly."

He hugged you tighter against him.

You closed your eyes and tried your hardest to disguise the sigh you let out as bliss rather than despair.

Remus, ever so observant, could tell.

"What's wrong?" He frowned at the idea of him hurting you.

"Nothing," You dismiss. Remus is having none of it.

"No, it's not 'nothing,'" He rests his head on your shoulder, "Something's wrong. What is it?"

"Let it go, Remus," You sigh and try to get up. He doesn't let you.

"You're staying here," His breath tickles your neck, and he smiles at the giggle you let out.

You fall asleep with his arms around you, hoping he'll wake you with chaste kisses. He did; you fell just that much more in love with him.

When you went over to Remus's the first time, you didn't intend on getting ruined, but he made a suggestive comment, and then you were in his bead screaming his name. When a man like Remus Lupin comes knocking on your door, you don't turn him down. But maybe you should have ended it a long time ago because your feelings for him only grew with each hookup. Still, you kept returning because having some of him is better than having none of him, right?

You tried to convince yourself that your feelings were just faulty. A boy was giving you attention, so you thought you liked him. But your mind knew better than to listen to you. Your brain remembered all the times you cried when he was with someone else in school, when your eyes lingered on him for a little too long, and how your heart skipped a beat when he was around.

You were so, so screwed.

༻¨*:· thank you for reading, my lovelies ·:*¨༺

Mutuals ଘ(੭ ˊᵕˋ)੭*༺ ♡‧₊˚ @forourmoons @sw34terw34ther @innerloverpainter @evergreenlover @nyxxxxxxxx @masivechaos @puppy-coded @youre-so-lovely @lucasnclair @woahlifehitsyahuh

[sasoxichomoshi]

thinking a lot about goddess hunter and how it is somehow implied in the game, it's such an important concept for me you know

[spoilers ahead]

when fashioning this new look for hunter the things i kept in mind were silhouette, aesthetic and storytelling

silhouette

looking at the characters of the game all the humanoids, esp godslayer and hunter, have simple yet solid outlines, nothing wow but get the job done (godslayer is very strong in this point since he's always present with a high character/background contrast)

when doing this kind of study i just block the format of the character from different perspective poses, but for my surprise hunter already had one ingame and it has very helpful to see not how i could read hunter, but how the devs see her

she's basically boots, "skirt" and a long ponytail, pretty simple

aesthetics

this part is actually more intertwined with storytelling than i give credit for but i want to make storytelling about another more specific topic,in short the aesthetic is already established ingame

hunter is undoubtedly sided with the tall ones, so it would not be strange if her godly appearance resembled the many priests we see dead all over the island (hunter is in fact pretty much a priestess if you think about a bit, wears the spirit mask, communicates with the tall ones, is a spirit walker, and there's another aspect to it that i will discuss later)

some of them have a circular plate on the head with an eye in the center; they wear the spirit mask and have head and all face covered; they wear some kind of robe, baggy pants and simple shoes and have most part of the body covered as well with hands as exception, they also use jewellery near the mask/head and (im not sure if all of them or just some) wear a cape

(also idk if it is just a impression of mine, but the priests models feel big compared to let's say the working/simpler people, they feel >tall< which, if true, would highlight even more their proximity to the divine, the tall ones, and even explain why they are represented taller than other humans in murals)

this is where i start expanding the closet, it's a bit straight forward when thinking about what to adapt to hunter, the robe reads very similar to hunters silhouette and she also wears the spirit mask, another important aspect is that she also covers her face, the jewellery has also a nice touch

the eye plate on top of the head unfortunately dont read well nor i think speaks to hunter, the cape is no novelty and doesnt help hunter particularly (and i had a cooler idea for her hehe)

storytelling

i want hunter to reflect who she is and what she's part of, ofc most part of the aesthetic part already does this, but there's another essencial aspect, her color palette

it's has been the hardest topic so far for me cause hunter base colors dont reflect a lot? (probably i just didnt get what they mean just yet)

she is mainly black/red on what i think is a 45/45 perhaps too even proportion and white/blue on a 5/5 proportion

for my goddess hunter i take the idea of godslayer and hunter being parallels to each other very serious, so they partake in similar aspects almost all the time and "differences" occur because of correlative nature between the two (example: if godslayer has this orange accent, then hunter's should be blue (complementary))

another aspect that i consider is how divinity is seen in the island: if you give another look at the priests, you can see they are quite similar to godslayer, but plot wise what happens is the inverse

godslayer is the one that looks similar to the priests bc that's HIS (and the people of the island) reference of what is considered elevated, but he also is distinct because his divinity is distorted, just look at his head, it is twisted compared to the priests, probably based of his own view of what was godly

another little but interesting fact is the face covering, it's something that commoners dont do (not even godslayers "priests", probably because the only holy one was godslayer himself and no one else), the only ones that cover the face are the tall ones priests, godslayer... and hunter

(*cough cough* remember when i said she was implied to be a goddess? i told you)

objectively all of this represents godhood and so i wanted it to make it a big part when thinking about my hunter

eventually i reached this take (but it could have gone anywhere really): i made hunter very similar to godslayer, for a couple of reasons (ba dum tiss)

i will be totally honest to say that it was an easier approach to it cause most of the idea is already settled in an established character, so you can just take it and make small transformations, but i had other reasons too

most important, narrative parallels between godslayer and hunter, they are two characters that fundamentally are not that different, tho in the surface being almost opposite forces, and this is precious to me, so their appearances should reflect that

less relevant but also impactful is that, no matter what, this human godhood is portrayed as bad, even if it's a good person, in hunter's case; it's unnatural and should not happen (and when it happens it's an exceptional occurrence), by making hunter look like godslayer i also include a bit of this meaning too (and that in the end not even hunter is immune to corruption)

at last, all this rambling got me this result

there's still a lot of room for improvement but for early explorations i think they are enough

in short, i redistributed hunter color palette, making the black/red proportion around 15/80 and the other 5 are split between white and blue (just in the eye really) and her clothes are mostly based on the priests (bc after all she's the tall ones frend :D) and the rest is just godslayer 2.0 really

all of these fill the silhouette topic but the cherry on top came when i had the idea of using a piece of cloth to replace her long ponytail cause it's one of her main marks >:3

now i need to draw her with the moon bow to make the complete package

[novadreii]

Goodbye, Lemon.

My heart is broken. Lemon, my beloved companion of 14 years passed away yesterday. I couldn't be with her, as I moved across the country recently and temporarily left her in the care of my brother who loves her as I do.

We were making plans to bring her to me next month, but she became ill a few days ago and didn't make it. It was very sudden and traumatic for my little brother to deal with on his own. She breathed her last in his arms, in his bed that she slept in with him each night.

I am ridden with guilt, that I should have brought her to me sooner, addressed some minor health issues sooner, etc. I thought I had time, a year or two more, maybe. She was energetic and eating right up until the end. I hate that my brother had to go through the pain of losing her alone. I hate that when I said goodbye to her two months ago, it was my last. I cried and cried when I left, because a part of me felt it might be the last time I saw her, but I didn't want to believe it.

She was my first cat as an adult. I rescued her from a co-worker's backyard when I was 19; she was the first of her litter to dart out from under the deck for the food we had laid out, and she inspired her siblings to venture out after her. I liked that she was either very brave or just a glutton, so I decided she was the one for me.

She had a beautiful unique coloring I've never seen in a tabby cat before; grey with undertones of brown diffused through her midsection. She looked particularly striking in sunlight. She had huge green eyes that she would stare at me with. She maintained solemn eye contact in a way that made me feel she was trying to understand me. I may be projecting, but I truly felt an intelligence and connection in her gaze that I've never felt with other cats before.

Despite her seriousness, she was gentle and kind. She was with me for my twenties, the most painful and turbulent years of my life. Each night around 9pm, I would hear light scratching at my door, her request to be let in. I'd open the door and she would dart in and spring onto the bed, settling in a lower corner. Whenever I'd settle into bed myself for the night, she would crane her little head around, assess me for a moment, and then get up and make her way up right next to me on my left side, where she would promptly flop down, purring like an engine, with her belly up to the ceiling.

She would get her pets, kisses, and cuddles, and then we'd fall asleep together. I'd snuggle into her fur; she always smelled like freshly baked bread. I was always a shitty sleeper, but her purring and scent would soothe me into rest eventually. Whenever I'd wake up, she'd still be purring. I'd reach a hand out to her belly in the middle of the night, feeling the warmth and softness of her, and she'd respond by purring louder and rolling over more as if to give me as much belly real estate as she could.

She was there through the hardest nights of my life, nights where I shook from anxiety or sobbed from depression. She would press herself into my side and purr. She knew I was hurting, and she wanted to make it better.

She met my partner right before we left for BC in June. She was timid and anxious by nature, but I've never seen her warm up to a stranger the way she did him. She let him pet her just a day or two in. She walked across his lap, and asked him for water in her strange little way (staring balefully at him while sitting next to her bowl). She trusted him. I felt like she was telling me it was okay, I could go and start my life with him.

Thank you, Lemon. Thank you for the unparalleled joy you brought to my life. I am sorry that the timing didn't work out, that I couldn't do better by you in your final moments. I hope you know that I didn't abandon you. I thought of you everyday since I left, and I missed you so much it hurt. Thank you for seeing me through my darkest days. I am so sorry I couldn't bring you with me to the next, and happier chapter of my life. When I left you, I sobbed into your fur because a part of me feared it was the last time. I have the memory imprinted in my mind forever. How you smelled, how you looked lying on the couch as I walked away. I will never forget you. You are my daughter.

I hope you are at peace and you didn't suffer. Please forgive me and know I did not abandon you. You were meant to die in my arms, but life had other plans. Know how loved you are by us. I hope you felt my brother's adoration as he held you in your last moments. Know that you will remain in our hearts forever. I will look for you one day, if the laws of this universe allow it.

[mdpikachu]

List of hc’s concerning a clown (mephi fgo) as requested

(Not ordered in any way, old hcs and new ones intermixed.)

-Do not put your clown in direct sunlight for extended periods, he will sunburn SO fast.

--Jeanne’s interlude? Where she thanks Mephi for helping her and his response is, open quotes, “Reeeally? I’m not used to this sort of thing, so I’m not quite sure how to respond to that. But as long as you enjoyed yourself, that’s all that matters. Even better if it made you smile!” Please praise your clown. Clowns require praise to function. Hell, just speak to him. Acknowledge him.

-In Chibichuki, Mephi is shown as a hairdresser, so make that Chaldea occupation #3 under Clown and Alchemist. Wait, no. And makeup artist. he’d 100% help james/moriRuler/what have you, with his goofy makeup. edit FORGOT ABOUT THE CASINO DEALER TOO. At this point mephi’s just talented way outside the expected perimeters that aren’t combat. he does a LOT. buttling/butlering if he HAS to. etc. etc. etc. etc. talent clown.

--His eye color is startlingly inconsistent- Sometimes they’re blue and pink, and sometimes just plain Purple. I think in life they were blue without the pink. here’s a visual complaint. i do like the purple but it’s not... correct?

-There is a joke around here somewhere concerning what it means to have an “ego”. There is also a comment regarding clown gender around here somewhere. Spoilers: it’s a bomb down there. for emergencies. trans rigs. local baby homun goes to dad and says “im boy”. situation over. his ingame bio says ♂? you cannot fight me here. if he really needs to prove it, he’ll let euryale shoot him. for science.

--For the longest time I thought the make-up was permanent markings. In this house they’re permanent markings except when they’re not. 

-Santa Mephi could potentially lead to a Krampus situation, especially if he ends up in half again. I would accept this. I’d also accept getting a costume and being an elf for someone else. I just want him to get into a christmas event for more than 1 seconds. as cute as a lily mephi would be, his spirit origin wouldnt be strong enough to be on it’s own. these are less HCs and more commentary

--I drew mephi in his lab coat once here, take it, and yes that Is an alchemy circle on his neck. Tattoo from Papa Faust. That’s kept covered up 100% of the time. no touchy. (DID DRAW HIM AGAIN RECENTLY BUT NOT DONE YET)

-bc of his panicked reaction to the large ghost in knk, secretly a bit scared of ghosts. a “bit”. only a “little” (BLATANT LIE)

--the tiny horns he can hide at will and are from innocent monster. two of his tails are from the same source. one tail he’s always had.

-this is the absolute hardest take on here, but i dont think he (mephi the homunculus) killed faust. the innocent monster mephi (the demon) would take CREDIT for it, but he’s just acting in accordance to the myth that he caused it, like how salieri’s totally fucked up. who actually killed faust? idk. the church probably. stop summoning demons and making shit. thats not very churchgoing of you. unless faust himself asks, in which case mephi is free to say “no, i didnt!”. cause he didnt and he liked dad outside of the whole “killing people” thing. (which i did NOT know about when that was decided. kept outta spite and it being too late to fix.)

--isn’t mephi gay in at least one version of Faust. I’d need to research that one. highest honor, slaps with both ace and bi labels and then leaves without explaining myself. 

-mephi cares. mephi cares so Fucking Much and probably genuinely struggles with it. the one i write figured it out, kinda, but he’s lucky. canon mephi and generally accurate mephis have Issues with this.

--the mephi i write for is Lucky. the guda that summoned him (her name is Minako, mink for short) is a horror fan and as soon as she saw his name she was like “oh fuck yes”. in hindsight this is hilarious knowing now that Most People in Chaldea or In General do not like him. no wonder her mephis doing so well. Immediate Acceptance. i wrote that in fucking 2017 with a base knowledge of him. im not fixing it. im not linking it either bc i do need to rewrite a small segment. the og rp that came before that is from even EARLIER. mephi betraying his betrayal nature SPEEDRUN ANY % bc mink yelled “YES I LIKE YOU” immediately. again not changing this.

-hates being Not Clowny, esp. in public. he can tolerate it for short bursts, if its to fuck with everybody, or if he’s allowed to be an Absolute Menace the entire time.

--need a read on his emotions? cant trust his face? look at his tails. his hearts on his tails [i am booed off stage for the pun, and i shout “BUT ITS TRUE!” on the way out].  they wag, they wave, they curl up or go still. sometimes they all do different stuff. i know they’re meant to be one splitting into three but consider;;;; no?

-im like 90% sure he called mash his sister once as a joke in the knk event... he’s not far off. shes a designer baby (that hadn’t been revealed yet), hes a homunculus with an ego. hes like... the prototype to most homunculi and to mash. hes absolutely her older “brother” and if u fuck with her, he gets to kill you for free. from this, he absolutely accepts jokes about Lancelot being his dad. He thinks its Very Funny.

--his SERVANT name is Mephistopheles. named after the contract demon (NAME EXPUNGED). as a Just a Little Guy his name was Philetus and No One is allowed to use that. One of the few things hes serious about. (i don’t remember where i go that from. i think bc it sounded good. I genuinely don’t remember. something between the Pheles part and Philos (which is a name for a type of love, and also the name of a completely unrelated oc that has 0% to do with fate or any of this but. i think it was just bc it sounded good next to Faust or Faustus.)

update on above:  Philetos means beloved so THATS also probably where it came from. faust cared him so goddamn much.

-since he’s very much not human, getting sick is a bit easier for him than the average servant. he also doesnt drink booze for the same reason. 0 to 100 speedrun of a clown eating SHIT.

--Something about being good at witchcraft so hes aware of the witching hour. local fake demon can just. abuse a magical extra hour.

-Always knows the time (HES ALWAYS COVERED IN CLOCKS, CMON). ... actually, even without the clocks. thats his Thing.

--Can and will loophole. Someone call a place Hell? Sure, that’s a hellscape now! He can now appear.

-I DID give a rough design for the contract demon and faust but not putting here.

[bernraccnt]

little red and the wolf (wolf x afab! reader)

dm requested:  HI!! can i request a NSFW/smut mr. Wolf x fem reader if thats ok and thanks!! 😁😁

i literally had the hardest time writing this but I DID IT

before u read: smut (+18), switch wolf and switch reader, reader and wolf are brat coded i don’t make the rules, still using they/them 4 reader, 2nd person pov, i really enjoy this reader’s characterization if you can’t tell, i also tried not to take it super seriously bc im not a big fan of serious sexy times, i suck at describing things my b

you once heard someone say that nightclubs bring out the most primal instincts in people. and sitting here, at the bar and being blinded by the lighting in the dark, crowded space, you felt inclined to agree with that.

when you were dragged out to the club by an old friend of yours, you wanted nothing more than to drink yourself into a coma and force them to drag your drunk ass home. hell, you were planning on throwing up on their shoes just to make them reconsider ever asking you to do this again.

but, when your eyes trailed along the partygoers, sweat and musk heavy on your nose, and you saw a slim figure already staring back at you, you decided to stop thinking about your future victim and take in how fucking attractive this man was.

even in the shadows of drunk people and a shitty remix of lady gaga’s telephone and shakira’s hips don’t lie blurring your senses, you could tell this guy was a wolf. long grey snout, golden eyes, and a row of teeth-- oh my fucking god, you were nearly salivating over those teeth.

you darted your eyes away before you could be considered a creeper, frantically bringing your glass of whatever bitter drink your friend forced you to order to your lips and chugging. god damn, either you are really thirsty or that man is really fucking hot.

you buried your head into your arms, trying to hold yourself together. even with liquid courage, you could never build up the balls to go over there and lay it thick on him. hell, even if your life depended on it, you’d probably still coward out.

“your outfit’s really nice.” the four words were spoken from a deep voice, one you didn’t recognize. picking your head up, you turned to your right and blanched upon seeing the wolf man leaning against the bar, now a foot away from you. he gave you an almost knowing smirk, “i’m digging the red.”

oh, of course you’re wearing red and talking to a wolf. next thing you know, you’re gonna watch him swallow your grandma. “eh, just threw on the first thing i saw.” you played off, swirling your drink and reeling back your panic. “though, it’s quite ironic that you’re talking to someone in red, ain’t it?”

he seemed to like this connection, let out a chuckle that you found attractive as well. god damn it, why couldn’t he have an ugly laugh? “what can i say? i seem to like the trouble that comes with the color.” fuck, why was that attractive? or were you just drunk? “my name’s wolf. it’s my first time comin’ here and honestly this place is a little too rowdy for me, but if you’re a regular, i feel like i’d reconsider.”

“shit, you think i come here regularly?” you guffawed in his face, smiling far wider than was probably socially acceptable for strangers. you then told him your name, “my friend dragged me here tonight, i don’t go clubbing.”

he mirrored your grin, showcasing a grin full of sharp teeth as he slid into the barstool next to you. “more of a homebody, eh? yeah, i get it.” wow, this guy was speaking your language. “i used to not go out much either. not many people are a big fan of me, y’know how it is.”

the dangerous glint in his eyes made you flustered, but also nagged at the back of your brain. somehow, you knew this guy from somewhere. the mannerisms, the ego, all of it was familiar to your tipsy brain.

but, you chose not to address it, only kept smiling. “that’s surprising! you seem pretty alright to me.” you took another sip of your drink. “what brings you here? i hope you’re not a poor soul like me.”

“eh, wanted to see what all the hype was.” he shrugged, resting both arms on the bar. he waved over the bartender and ordered some fancy drink, something you didn’t care for. “my friends would never drag me anywhere, i do all the dragging.”

“ah, a leader type.” you hummed before you could even stop yourself. “hot.” fuck, why do you say the things you do?

wolf took it in stride, in fact, he even seemed to be elated in your blatant attraction. “glad you think so. you’re not too bad yourself.” he leaned in, as if he was about to tell you a secret. “though, i’d prefer seeing the full masterpiece you are, without clothes that is.”

if this was any piece of shit in this club, you would’ve socked the living hell out of them. but wolf wasn’t exactly ordinary in your standards, so instead, you felt your stomach clench in excitement and had to school your expression.

“we’ll see where the night goes, wolfy.” you teased with a playful wink.

the next few hours of your night was spent sitting right on your spot on that barstool and laughing it up with your newest stranger turned acquaintance. you were so entranced by the charming wolf that when your friend came over and said they wanted to go home, you did a double take.

“ay yo? what time is it?” you fumbled for your phone, eyes widening when it showed you it was nearly four in the morning. “oh shit, we gotta go get an uber.” you grunted under your breath, turning to wolf with an apologetic smile. “hey, man, i’m sorry to cut this short but this dumbass behind me can’t even walk straight.”

“fuck you.” your friend muttered, slurring and swaying as they stood to your left.

wolf let out a hearty laugh, waving you both off. “it’s alright, i’m just sad it couldn’t have been longer.” you physically perked up when he pulled out his phone and tapped on the contacts app, creating a new one before your eyes. “is it alright if i get your number?”

“fuck YES it is.” your mouth spoke before your mind could come up with an actually alright response to his question and you snatched up that phone like it was the last piece of candy on halloween. wolf had trouble hiding his snickers as you frantically typed out your number, made your contact name “hottie at the club”, and took a blurry selfie with flash as your contact photo. that made you giggle so hard it hurt your stomach.

wolf watched with the widest grin as you left the bar, dragging your friend by the back of their hood. never before had he been treated so nonchalantly, so nicely, by a stranger. it was odd that you didn’t recognize him, but he chalked it up to your own drunkenness getting in the way of the fear that consumed most people.

and despite all the signs that he probably shouldn’t shoot you a text, lest you become a suspect by the m.p.d. or if you report him to the m.p.d., he did so anyways, only less than two days after your first meeting.

xxx-xxx-xxxx: hey! it’s wolf, the guy from the club on friday, i hope you were successful in throwing up on your friends shoes

while he was mulling over his decision with mild anxiety, you were sitting on your couch, rewatching your favorite movie for the day. when you saw the text, your eyes popped open, and you choked on the chips you were munching on. your fingers rapidly pressed against your phone, movie forgotten.

hottie at the club: OH FUCK I TOLD YOU ABOUT THAT???

wolf let out a loud cackle that startled the other bad guys at the kitchen table around him. if he tried hard enough, he felt like he could hear you shrieking that with a panicked expression.

you added xxx-xxx-xxxx as furry!

furry: sure did. all the way down to which alcohol you were planning on chugging to get the grossest effect

hottie at the club: i am so sorry you listened to me scheme against my friend

you let out a long groan, burying your head into the couch cushions and screaming as hard as you could. you even threw a few punches in there for good measure. god, you were such an idiot.

furry: dont be it was funny

furry: anyways i was wondering if you wanted to do something sometime soon? 

him. you wanted to do him.

furry: like a movie?

hottie at the club: sure! i don’t really like movie theaters but we could do something at one of our places if you want!!

oh fuck, wolf thought, it’s like you were made for him. he breathed a sigh of relief, as he was dreading being seen in public. he didn’t want to scare you away now, not when he’s just started getting to know you.

furry: yours might be better. my roommates are kinda nosy lol

and speaking of nosy, webs peeked over wolf’s shoulder with a huge grin. “oohhhhhh” she drawled, laughing at the glare she got from the bad guys’ leader. “who’s the ‘hottie at the club’?”

“mind your fucking business, that’s who.”

hottie at the club: how about this friday at 8?? i can pick u up if needed :)!

aw, he mentally cooed at your use of emoticon. that was kinda cute.

“oh, wolf’s gotta partner now?” and now shark had joined in peering over wolf’s shoulder, eyes wide with curiosity. “oh, is that a date?” meanwhile, webs had looked at the number listed next to the contact and was now looking up the person wolf was texting discreetly.

furry: works for me! i’ll text you my address then

furry: excuse me for a second i have some heads to bash in

wolf had sent that last message and quickly pocketed his phone before webs and shark could relay any more information to the others. “not a word--”

“WOLFY’S GOT A DATE!” shark gushed like a teenager, balling his hands against his face. “are they cute? when did you meet them? do we know them?”

“pfft, as if.” snake sneered, but wolf didn’t take it seriously. it was his way of joking. “you think wolf can reel in any person?”

“like you could, boomer.” webs retorted before wolf could. he was mildly thankful for her interjection and gave her a small smile of gratitude.

which quickly fell when webs turned the computer around and showed your citizenship file and everything else related to you, ranging from social media to past jobs.

“what-- webs!” he was utterly scandalized when he saw a glimpse of what looked to be a private twitter account, with many retweets of porn related things. “knock it off!”

“oh, and they’re freaky.” piranha was impressed, reaching forward and clicking on the tab with your twitter, scrolling through it. “lots and lots of sex stuff here, chico.”

“eugh, don’t turn the computer this way.” snake gagged, hiding the computer screen from his eyes. “i don’t wanna see this.”

“piranha! snake!”

“they seem to be a keeper.” shark took over the trackpad from piranha and clicked open your instagram, looking through the far and few photos of yourself on there. “really good looking. good job, wolf.”

“shaaark.” this one came out as a groan.

the group of four snickered at the puddle their boss was melting into. it was oddly hilarious to see the typically cool and calm wolf was dying at the sight of his friends discovering his future date.

“so, what? you hoping to fuck or...?” snake decided to ask the question of the hour, quirking an eyebrow over at his friend as he buried his face into his hands. “because, no judgement here, man.”

“shut up, for the love of god.” his deadpan tone caused a domino effect of laughter at his expense.

unfortunately, wolf didn’t stop getting teased all the way up to the actual date, where he took the car and drove it to a nicer part of town, partially to escape his friends and partially to not give away where his homebase was. he let his fingers drum against the light pole he was leaning against, waiting patiently for your “bunk ass car” (your words, not his) to make its appearance.

he was surprised to see that your car, was in fact, a bunk ass vehicle. not exactly the best condition and there were dents here and there, but he couldn’t complain. not when you had that adorably large grin from your spot in the driver’s seat.

“what’s up, wolf?” you hummed, happily bobbing to a song on the radio. wolf recognized it as something webs enjoyed listening to. “you ready for this sick ass movie date?”

he buckled himself, trying his hardest not to sniff aggressively. the car had a uniquely you smell, it made his mood brighten instantly. “depends. what’re we watching, red?”

you gave him a sideways glance. “red?”

“like the thing you were wearing when we met?” he explained, glancing over. his eyes caught onto your shoe against the gas pedal and smirked. “and apparently the same color as the crocs you own.”

to your credit, you didn’t immediately crash your car as you leaned down and frantically ripped off the red shoe wear, throwing them over your shoulder and into the backseat. “fuck you, i’m just gonna stop wearing clothes around you at this point.”

wolf’s grin turned evil. “i wouldn’t mind that.”

“of course you wouldn’t, you pervert.” you scoffed, but your grin was an exact mirror to his.

wolf turned so his upper body was fully facing you and leaned over the center console. “you can call me a pervert, but i think you’d probably enjoy it too.”

you had stopped at a red light, giving you the opportunity to reached over and tug him by his plain shirt’s collar, now inches apart. “fuck around and find out.” all the breath in wolf’s lungs escaped him as he saw the power trip you currently were taking.

shit, you were his equal in every single way. he laughed, your lips brushing against one another. “i have a feeling we’re not gonna be watching anything when we get to your place.”

the only thing that stopped you from making out with him right there was the light flashing green. you released your grip on his shirt and returned to being a safe driver. “like i said, fuck around and find out.”

when you were about five minutes from your place, wolf reached over and set his hand on your thigh. everything but that part of your body tensed up and you had to fight the urge to pull over in a random parking lot and fuck him right there.

needless to say, as soon as you walked inside your apartment, you snatched wolf by the shirt and shoved him up against the wall next to your door. he gave you an equally eager grin, grabbing the back of your head and smashing your lips against one another.

it was a clumsy kiss, teeth bumping and with way too much tongue, but neither of you really cared. your hands wrapped around his neck, entangling your fingers into the fur on the back of his head, while his own hands shoved themselves up your hoodie.

his nails lightly scraped your stomach, dull enough not to scratch you, but also sharp enough to hurt if he grabbed you too hard. he leaned back against the wall and moved his hands down to your ass, giving it a quick squeeze.

you could feel him smile into the kiss as you jumped, then shivered at this motion. “asshole.” you muttered against his mouth, still jumping when he prompted you to. his hands caught the underside of your thighs and he pulled back, panting. you both looked equally roughed up.

“where’s your bedroom?”

“furthest door down the hall.” you instantly responded, moving to press kisses against his neck. wolf wasted no time, speed walking across your messy apartment and all but kicking your door in when he reached it.

one moment, you’re mouthing at his neck, and the next, you’re flying through the air and onto the bed. you let out a loud shriek-laugh, smiling widely when wolf dove to land on top of you. you both still were smiling at one another.

once again, you guys found yourselves kissing, your crotch moving to slot against his and you grinded as hard as you could. the reaction was instant, a groan coming from his throat as his hips jerked.

he pulled back, giving you a playful glare. “hey, now.” he grunted, even though he was returning your motions with his own. you both sighed in pleasure when his dick rubbed you in just the right way, your head falling back. “fuck.” he whined.

“that’s what we’re doing.” you cheekily replied, still smiling the entire time. wolf, in retaliation, leaned down and started pressing his teeth into your neck, leaving bite marks. you sucked in a deep breath of air in response a rough bite, arching your back and gripping at the hair right underneath his ears.

“shit, you’re gonna be the death of me.” he said under his breath, pulling back far enough to start tugging your hoodie off. “take this off.” he demanded.

thankfully, you didn’t have a smart comment waiting for him, instantly sitting up and ripping off the article of clothing.

wolf’s jaw dropped when he realized that you weren’t wearing anything else underneath it, eyes zeroing in on your boobs. “you-- where’s your shirt?” he ears tilted back and he swore if he was capable of blushing, he would be neon red.

you shrugged with no explanation, tilting your head. “you were gonna see them eventually, might as well give you easier access.” you could’ve burst out laughing at how flabbergasted the poor guy was. one pair of boobs and he’s gone.

then you suddenly stopped smiling and looked at him with wide, fearful eyes. “wait, are you a virgin?”

he immediately started shaking his head frantically. “nononononono! i would’ve said something if i was.” he reassured you.

“oh.” was all you said.

and then wolf leaned forward, hands outstretched to your chest. you laughed at the mood shift and suddenly, you were back on track.

he gave an experimental squeeze and planted a kiss on your boobs before pulling back and taking off his shirt himself. he instantly was back to hovering over you and hand his fingers wrapped around the waistband of your pants and underwear. “normally, i’d take it slow, but i just wanna see you, red.”

“go for it, mr. big and bad.” you gave your consent, picking up your hips and allowing him the proper space to pull off the clothing. he gave you no time to adjust to the sudden naked state you were in, already tugging your thighs over his shoulder. his eyes zeroed in on your pussy, your slick glinting in the light of your bedside lamp.

you could’ve disintegrated when he started placing small nips and bites on your inner thigh, the pad of his thumb coming up and resting on your clit. you sucked in a hard breath as he stared at you, maw closing over the plush fat on your thigh.

he pulled back to tell you, “i can’t finger you with these,” he wiggled his fingers, more specifically motioning at his nails, “so you’re gonna have to do the hard work for me, sweetheart.”

you groaned as if he asked you to go do the dishes. “damn it, i was gonna have you do all the hard work--” you let out a choked moan, cutting yourself off as wolf pressed his finger back against your swollen clit. “alright, i’ll do it, shit--!”

you propped yourself up on your left elbow and shoved a few of your pillows under your shoulder to make it a little easier for you. lying back against them, you slowly dragged your fingers down your stomach, eyeing the way wolf’s eyes were locked onto them.

trying to hide your growing smirk, you traced the outside of your pussy with a finger, entertaining yourself with the way his eyes just wouldn’t look away. he did snap out of it when he heard you hide a snicker and glared up at you.

“sorry.” you muttered, pushing one finger inside of you and arching your back at how good it felt. “give me a sec, i’ll have it all figured out in no time.” from the way you were talking so casually, one might expect you to be doing literally any other activity.

wolf gave you a look you couldn’t quite discern. “no, go slow.” he demanded.

“what the fuck-- do you wanna fuck me or not?” you retorted, glaring as you pushed the finger in and out.

“i do, but i also wanna see this.”

“...fucking weirdo.” you grumble and flopped back, trying to move at a steady pace. wolf hummed in accomplishment, pulling one of his own hands away and using it to take off his boxers as he watched you with eager eyes.

when you pushed in a second a finger with the first was when it started feeling really good. curling them like the expert you were, you let out soft moans. wolf’s eyes took in how your hips rose to meet your fingers and how carried away you were getting as you tried to prepare yourself for him.

“yeah, just like that, baby.” he murmured, pushing your hips down and holding you to the bed. his thumb returned to your clit, with slow circles, and you let out a long whine, head falling against your pillow. “oh, you’re so pretty like this.” he beamed when you let out an embarrassed huff that melted into a groan.

“please just fuck me.” you whimpered, eyes squeezing shut from the mixture of yours and wolf’s motions. your fingers rubbed against a specific part inside of you and your vision went white for a second. “please, please, please!”

“alright, alright.” he spoke as if he was being inconvenienced, but you saw the way he moved to sit up immediately. he took his thumb off and then paused, leaning down and pressing a kiss to your clit, making you jolt from the sudden pressure. “sorry, just giving you a good luck kiss before i destroy your guts, little red.”

“yeah, yeah, whatever, loser.” you chortled, pulling your fingers out and pushing the pillows underneath you away. when you laid back down, flat on your back, you brought your legs up and presented yourself to him with a wicked smile. “now come over here and fuck me with your big bad cock.”

wolf didn’t even get the chance to fully comprehend what you had just said to him before he burst out into hysterical cackles, falling face first into your chest as he laughed and laughed. you were no better, tears streaming down your face as you let out a long wheeze.

“my WHA-HA-HAT?”

“BUAHAHA!” you both were losing your minds, clinging to one another like you were going to disappear if you didn’t.

and when you had cooled down and wiped your face dry, you and wolf stared at one another, trying to catch your breaths. you then snorted and that’s what started another laughing fit, with wolf’s laugh going super high pitched.

then, after recovering from that, wolf had picked out a condom from his pants and tore it open, rolling it onto himself with a chuckle. he looked like he wanted to laugh more about your comment, but the throbbing of his dick reminded him of the task at hand.

“you’re so ridiculous.” he muttered, returning to his position above you. both of his hands moved to hook your thighs over his and you could feel the tip of his dick pressed against your pussy.

your heart thumped with anticipation. “don’t go easy on me, wolf. i can handle a little pain.” you teased, making him roll his eyes.

“after all the shit you just pulled, i don’t think i even have it in me to consider going gentle on you.” and then he pushed in. both of your jaws dropped as he moved at a semi-slow but steady pace until his hips had met your own. the hands that held your thighs open were now gripping hard enough to hurt.

“oh fuck.” you moaned.

“ditto.” he agreed, eyes fluttering shut. “shit, this might become a regular occurrence.”

“fuck, if your dick feels like this every time, i might make it a daily one.” you spoke in a breathy tone. your back arched and you shimmied your hips up, attempting to set a pace.

wolf met your motions with his own and soon, you both fell into a steady movement. every time you fell down and the tip of his dick rubbed against your sweet spot, you felt like you were going to pass out. he wasn’t like anything you ever had before, his dick shape unique enough to make just enough of a difference.

wolf, meanwhile, felt like he was in heaven. every clench and every sound that left you made him reach the edge far faster than he’d like to admit it. he was holding back with all of his might at every thrust, snarling to himself. fuck, he was about to start paying to be around him all day if it meant he got to do this whenever and wherever.

he leaned down, still thrusting at a consistent pace, and started marking up your body, wherever he could. one hickey on your stomach, another few on your boobs, and more littering your neck. he couldn’t get enough, he needed to be smothered in you.

so, he stopped thrusting and held you close to him, chest to chest. “what, why’d you stop--” you let out a surprised shriek when he flipped you both over, with him now at the edge of your bed and you straddling him.

“ride me.” he gasped, looking up at you with such desperation. “god, fuck, ride me.”

you didn’t even bother trying to act smart, using your knees as leverage and bouncing up and down on his cock. from this new angle, you felt him even better, his tip rubbing against your gummy walls at just the right pace. fuck, now you were embarrassingly close.

“shit.” you two cursed in unison, making you both snicker through the moans.

“i’m-- fuck-- i’m already close, red.” wolf murmured in disbelief, returning to his task at marking you up.

“glad to know it’s mutual.” you sighed, eyes squeezed shut and thighs beginning to tense uncontrollably.

it was like a wave of static crashed over you after a particularly good thrust, your entire body losing feeling except for in your pussy. you squeezed harshly and that’s what made wolf let out a broken moan before he came as well. he fell back, grabbing your back and dragging you with him.

you moaned into a rather clumsy kiss, riding out the waves of pleasure that felt like they would never end. eventually, you both had to pull back and while panting, you calmed down from the sensitive high.

wolf stared up at you like you were a god, smiling when you swiped the sweat off of your forehead. “pretty good, right?” he asked, both joking, but also making sure you enjoyed yourself.

you nodded rapidly, dispelling whatever worry he had. “oh yeah, i enjoyed that.” your voice was now gravelly, over-exertion from all the moaning and groaning ruining it.

you then moved to sit up, hands planted against his chest. “pretty good fuck for a criminal, i gotta admit.”

wolf blanched, eyes popping wide. you let out a half shriek, half laugh at his reaction, covering your mouth and leaning away.

though he probably should be shitting his pants, wolf just let out a long groan, wiping at his face. 

fuck, you were lucky your pussy was talented, or he would’ve ran out the room.

[obislittleone]

House Of Memories (36/?)

Obi-Wan Kenobi x Padawan!reader

Warnings: angst, darth maul (again, a warning in himself)

Summary: After the death of Satine, it is up to the rebelled team of rogue Death Watch members to help Obi-Wan escape, but there's just one problem... you're with Darth Maul.

A/n: i don't like this, like, at all... it is 5 am and i have so much to do tomorrow and i hate myself for staying up but i gotta stay on the HoM grind bc it makes me feel like I have at least the smallest bit of control over my life... anyways enjoy this disaster of an episode i'm gonna go sleep through Independence Day

also y'all if you like the story, maybe consider buying me a coffee :)

Words: 1.8k (yes, i'm disappointed in myself)

Obi-Wan never made it to a cell, his transfer was vastly interrupted by a group of rouge Mandalorians. They wore blue and white armor, and though he did not understand the significance of those colors, he was able to identify them as the cult called death watch. He'd had several run ins with them before, although now they seemed to be running to his aid. It was a stark contrast from his usual interactions with the group. Last time, if he remembers correctly, he was being shot at by three members, dodging the blasts and trying to get Satine to cover. She was always a stubborn one, Satine. He supposed now she was gone he may find himself missing it.

Over anyone else, he felt the most guilt, as a heavy weight on his shoulders. It tried to crush him, along with his anxiousness over your current situation. Satine had been killed, and you'd been left, alone nonetheless, with his arch nemesis, Darth Maul. He thought he was headed straight for a cell, but this coincidental clash of Mandalorians was perhaps in his favor after all.

A girl wearing the Convor markings on her helmet flew over, and when she landed on the platform, taking out a guard and ripping Obi-Wan's lightsaber, it became clear to him they this was not just a brush of the death watch, but a ploy to get him out.

She ripped her helmet away, revealing short, flaming red hair. She held a certain confidence about her that reminded him of you. You were always very sure of yourself in battle. She looked vaguely familiar, like someone he'd met before, but couldn't place.

She approached him with a sway in her hips, her smirk appearing as she inspected the lightsaber.

"I don't believe we've met; you are?" he questioned, watching as she ignited the lightsaber and helped him out of the restraints that he'd been placed in.

"I am Bo-Katan, I'm here to rescue you," she told him, taking a jetpack from her ally and holding in up to him. "That's all you need to know."

"As long as I can get out of here."

Obi-Wan turned and allowed for her to attach it to the armor he was wearing, tilting over upon receiving the weight.

"Do you know how to use this?" She inquired, raising a brow. He seemed like he was going to fall out of the sky, although he would try his hardest.

"In this case, I'll be a fast learner."

They all moved to leave, but there was a detail he was still not quite clear on. He held his hand up to grab their attention, accompanied by his words.

"Wait, we cannot leave yet," he explained, and all helmets turned to face him. Bo-Katan was confused, obviously, but stopped to listen to his reasoning. She had wanted to be in and out, close to boarding a ship by now, but Kenobi had other plans.

"Why not?" She asked, annoyed at yet another stint in her original plan. Her hands mounted her hips, as she stood by for his answer. He knew he probably wouldn't receive any help, but he wasn't leaving this planet without the thing that mattered most to him in the whole galaxy.

"My Padawan is still being held hostage in the palace. I need to find her."

He heard several modulated sounding sighs of exasperation, and he could practically feel the eyes being rolled beneath the hiding space of the helmets around him. This was a very unpopular idea, but he wasn't going to budge on it, and he doubted they would just leave him to fend for himself, since they'd risked their own lives to save him only moments ago.

"If she's in the palace, then she's with Maul."

She was contemplating it, that was evident, but her decision was made slower than anticipated. She knew about some Jedi traditions. A Padawan learner to their Jedi Master was the complete priority. She could see just by the look in his eyes that this learner of his meant even more to him than most would.

"I will not leave without her," he said firmly, and it was now she understood the extent of his devoutness. This learner of his was the only thing that mattered to him, this she could clearly see.

"Then you must find her. We can only take you so far, and though we can have an escape prepared, but the rest is up to you."

He sighed in relief, nodding his head and readying a plan in the battlefield on his mind.

"I will do what I must."

-

"You're a consular," Maul seemed intrigued, by igniting the saber that had been plucked from you upon capture. "The force made living, the wisest among the Jedi."

You had not spoken a word to him since you'd been separated from your Master. You knew that the more you spoke, the more you fed him to feast on. Your mind would not be manipulated again, and you were convinced that he wouldn't be taking any sensitive or otherwise private information pertaining to you, or Obi-Wan.

"You were wiser when the darkness filled you," he paused, and upon seeing a quick flash of fear in your eyes he chuckled darkly, realizing he had hit a nerve, but he wouldn't stop until he had severed it. "Oh yes, I can sense it... buried inside of you like you are its tomb."

You moved your eyes to the ground, refusing to show him any emotion henceforth, because as most force sensitive beings could, he saw more than most people did in even the slightest expression you wore.

"You keep it in a grave as if it is dead, but you know it is not. It waits for you to let it arise, to let it take control. It desires to give you all you've ever wanted and more, if you should only choose to accept its power. I know you've let it consume you before, don't think I missed the lovely streak in your saber blade. The markings of a healed crystal... it means that before it was there, you bled it."

He held his hand up in a fist, pulling you towards him in one swift motion. Now you stood, inches away from the Zabrak Sith, awaiting his next move. You needed to find a way out of here, this had gone on far enough and you only wished to be in the presence of one being this instant.

"Such a pretty face," he said, tracing a finger over the bridge of your nose and down to your bottom lip. He parted your mouth while watching with a narrow-eyed grin. "I can feel that the mind sitting behind it is far more interesting."

His hand moved to the side of your head, and he closed his eyes.

This was it; this was your escape. It was a half thought out plan, with very little confidence that it could actually work, but like most things you did, you refused to hesitate, not even once, before enacting it.

You opened your mind to him, giving him everything, or at least, everything you wanted him to see. Everything about Obi-Wan and the relationship you had with him, all the small details and memories you could fit into your thoughts at once.

You let him focus and dwell on those things, being so deep inside your mind that he'd forgotten all about the saber that was now only loosely clenched in his other hand. You pulled it to your hand in a moment of confidence, tearing yourself from his hold, and leaping back into a battle-ready stance. You knew you were foolish for this, and having figured out he'd been fooled, he seemed indifferent. Perhaps you'd let him see too much, things that were supposed to be for your mind only.

"I suppose I killed the wrong woman today," he reasoned, not even reaching for his saber, or the dark saber for that matter. "It seems you are the one his affections lie with..."

"How do you know those thoughts weren't just my diversion?" you were certain you could perhaps fool him again, but he was not a child, nor was he as brainless as your normal enemies. He laughed darkly, and did not even consider your suggestion, for he knew it was false.

"Oh, what a shame... Kenobi's young love shall be my dark apprentice, it will be my greatest revenge," he announced, sitting back in his throne with a shake of his head. "I've seen in your mind, he watched you cross paths with the darkness before. The pain, and the fear in his eyes was undeniable. When he sees you standing by my side, enraptured by the darkness, it will obliterate him."

"As long as he lives, my path is set. Nothing can derail me from his teachings," you stood strong, hoping to make him realize there was absolutely nothing he could do to persuade you. You didn't realize the real horror of what you had done until it was too late.

You gave Maul the most precious outlet for his vengeance, without even meaning to. You gave him yours and Obi-Wan's relationship. Now, he knew what Kenobi held dearest to him, he knew what would cause him the most pain and suffering. You were the key to it all. Even if you'd managed to escape today, he would never quit, never stop until he's satisfied himself on account of the man he hated so much.

He would have given a reply, had the glass of the roof not broken above him, falling on the ground around him as the Death Watch rebels flew in. You were thankful for the distraction and started running away to let the scene play out. They shot at him in a random pattern, giving him no time to think as he did his best to deflect the shots. You had almost reached the doors when you were grabbed from behind and lifted into the air.

You weren't afraid of heights, more so of falling, and it made you cling to your master as he took you out of the palace a moment after.

"You're late," you remarked, trying to avoid looking at the ground. It seemed irrational, considering you'd flown so many times before, however you entertained the fact that this was far different, as one sudden move could send you hurdling towards the planet's surface.

"You'll have to forgive me; I was a bit tied up."

As you saw the other members of the Death Watch follow behind you, you realized this was a set intention. They were there to help rescue you.

"I'm not very fond of this planet," you commented, turning to see the ship that could lead you off of it. This was a planned escape, and you thanked the Maker that there would be no more bumps in the road. You could not wait to be drifting in the abyss of space once again, as long as it meant you would be out of harm's way.

Obi-Wan cracked a smile at your statement, for he had just been thinking something along the lines of it.

"Trust me, I know."

-

@spencerrxids @sawendel @fandomstanner24 @i-shall-abide @officialjellydoughnut @whatshxrname @darkened-writer @superavengerpotter @cutiepoo16 @hypnoash @softlymellow @howlerwolfmax @mephistominion @honestlywtfisgoingon @anakinskywalkerog @mandiiellen @je--a-n @guyinachair27 @avenger5-a55emble @amelia-song-pond @kaminanii @the-abyss-of-fandoms @queenofnightdreamland @world-dominating-kitty @mandowhatnow @ella-error505 @annahalo @infinity-witch @beetlejuice-stuff @liueski @solarbxby @sirianisrock @lxdyred @endless-warrior-always-fighter @iloveinej @msjb2002 @shoochi @itsilvermorny @gingerrosecosplay @sebschicken @loversjoy @argentinemango @1-800-vader @house-of-kolchek @marierg @graciexmarvel @ttzamara @truly-madly-nerdy @molieux @majahu @dyzlks @pancakefancake

[anicyz]

Y’all I haven’t played Ocarina of Time in a while and my brain just reminded me that Link got eaten by a whale. Or like a very large fish.

What even is Lord Jabu-Jabu?

Anyways Link got eaten. You know the other time this happened? Bc yes, it happens twice in the Legend of Zelda franchise. Oracle of Ages! Which, if I’m applying my linked universe lense, and I always am, means both Legend and Time have been eaten by the same(?) whale/large fish deity.

Thus I give you- fisherman tales under the cut(cause I finally figured out how to do that)

Laying on the grass at the edge of the lake Hyrule pillowed his head on his arms watching Twilight cast another line out into the gently rippling blue. This was kinda boring. Normally he would have gotten up and left by now but he was on Wild watch. Keeping the champion from launching himself into the lake at any sign of a fish shadow was a bit like wrestling a very stealthy, very wiggly, very stabby, octorok. Doable, but not necessarily worth it. Glaring him down before he could even think about making the leap? Much more time and energy cost effective. That being said, this was kinda boring.

“Twilight” Hyrule called softly “Is fishing ever not boring?”

Twilight jerked harder than he meant to on his line, a sharp snapping telling him he’d lost the fish. “What? Fishing isn’t boring!”

“Looks pretty boring to me. Give me something as evidence that it’s not and I’ll consider believing you.”

The rancher hummed, head tilting to the side in thought “Alright, most exciting thing I’ve ever caught…I believe that would be the Hylian Loach, hardest catch I ever made. Took me a good few months of hunting to even find the thing. Another day to catch it. We were locked in combat me’n that fish! Had to be real patient but the waiting paid off. I lifted it up and it was-“ Hands raise up to gesture the size only to stop mid motion when a tug on the line reminded him of his current task.

Chuckling Twilight returned to the rod, “It was a legendary catch and an even greater battle”

“I’ve fought a fish once or twice!” Wind tumbled to a stop against Hyrule’s side from the momentum of a throw, he’d been wrestling with Wild and was covered in dirt and grass.

Hyrule reached out to brush a few twigs out of the younger boy’s hair, “And what was this fish like?”

“Huge! Bigger than anything I’d ever seen before, bigger than I’d ever heard of before even!”

Wind went on to describe varying aspects of this fish, the color, the number of fins, the smell of its breath, the sound it made as it moved through the water. Each aspect a little more grandiose than the one before, this was after all, a true fisherman’s tale.

“How did you defeat it?” Wild slumped his way into the middle of the conversation, covered in mud and grass stains as usual.

“Ah…” Wind glanced away, gaze skittering off the small waves lapping against the shore and dancing away from Twilight’s interested expression. “Technically I didn’t defeat it so much as played a very annoying game of hide and seek. I went all the way out to it’s island only to discover it had relocated to my home island.”

“Aaaaannndd?”

“And I found it! And then it talked all this mumbo jumbo only my boat could understand.”

Wild seemed to slump further, enough that Hyrule started to eye him in case this was a ploy to reach the water. “So there wasn’t a fight to the death.”

“Not really, but he was big! And he helped me on my journey in the end”

Wind started to bristle under Wild’s unimpressed face. Hyrule was already despairing the lack of fish they’d be eating tonight should he be unable to keep them out of the water. He should have just stayed bored.

The stare-off likely would have led to a continuation of the previous tussle had a voice not cut through the rising tension. “Not every battle has to be fought with a blade as you well know champion.”

Hyrule glanced over his shoulder to view his saviors, Time and Legend, walking towards them from their patrol along the perimeter of the lake.

The speaker, Time, reached down to ruffle Wild’s hair and further redirect attention away from any arguments. “I myself had a bit of a run in with a fish once.”

“You did?” Pleading eyes begged for elaboration, Time rarely told stories about his own exploits. Even the rancher had dropped the pretence of fishing and was twisted sideways to listen in.

“Yes, he ate me.”

Time turned his face towards the setting sun to take in the way the light painted fiery tones across the lake’s surface. The cloud’s provided a nice contrast to the deeper purple hues just starting to show at the edges.

“….. and then what!?”

Time blinked back at the group surrounding him. “Oh then I cut up some rather important bits and went on my way.”

Wild stared up incredulously at their leader, “You just said not every battle is fought with a blade and then you tell us how you killed the fish who ate you.”

“Oh I didn’t kill him, I was there for diplomatic reasons, that would have been counter productive.”

“What?”

As per usual all eyes inevitably shifted to Twilight who simply reeled in his line and cast again. “You should know by now that I don’t know.”

Wind whipped his head back to Time and scowled “There’s no way you got eaten by a fish, cut up it’s insides, and it didn’t-“

“I can see that happening.”

More than one pair of eyebrows raised as each hero now focused in on Legend. A dull clang sounded as Wild smacked his hand against Time’s armored shin. “Why are you surprised?”

The old man glanced down at Wild who had shifted to lean against the front of his legs. “It’s very unlikely that-“

“Lord Jabu-Jabu yeah? Big fish, weird looking forehead.” Legend jumped in once more, eyeing Time with a considering look.

“Yes, actually, how did you know?”

Legend smirked “I’ve met him.”

“Impossible, he died.”

The smirk widened, “Which time?”

The armored man opened his mouth, and slowly closed it. After a moment of thought he started chuckling.

“I suppose there could have been a time where he made it”

Wind and Wild just about rioted, standing up and unsuccessfully attempting to shake responses out of the other heroes,“Give us a straight answer-“ “-even got Legend being vaguely detailed now”

Hyrule buried his face in his hands to hide the laughter. Not that he wasn’t also confused about how Legend of all people knew the same being Time did but he hadn’t quite expected this attempted shake down to be the result of his original question. Twilight sloshed over to set his catch down, head tilted once more to take in the angle at which Wind was dangling off of his long suffering mentor.

A minute of standing there revealed the spirited boys in blue weren’t going to let up any time soon. “Well there’s the best evidence you’re ever going to get,” the rancher said.

Hyrule spread his fingers to side eye him. “What?”

“Fishing’s never boring”

[enjennie]

In The Limelight [chenle x reader]

Summary: Tutoring the CEO’s son, when you’re barely interested in business. And falling for him, when you knew nothing about love.

Genre: Fluff. Rich kid!Chenle Tutor!Reader

Warnings: None

a/n: not proofread! I’ve been in a slump lately ☹ my works haven’t been satisfying me but I hope you enjoy this! btw omg this is a reupload bc the first time... somehow, the paragraphs were jumbled up? 

 “Y/N, there are flowers on your desk,” your classmate gestures behind them to the classroom you were headed to before quickly passing by. You could only nod, a little taken aback by the sudden information you received. Flowers? As far as you know, Valentine’s had passed, so has white day and it’s definitely not your birthday.

But as you enter your classroom, the bundle of flowers catching your eyes, you knew one thing for sure was from who it was. As you approach your desk, you lift the thoughtful gift and inspect the small card attached to the string that tied it beautifully together. ZCH, it read in cursive.

 “How was your day?” Chenle’s voice can be heard from the other line, the smile on his face almost something you can hear along with it.

“It was great! Thank you for the flowers, by the way. They’re delightful,” you beamed, eyes landing at the arrangement that now sat on your vanity. Chenle chuckles, his laughter sending serotonin to run through your body.

“Not a problem, I’m glad you like them,”

“Though I’d appreciate if you gave them to me yourself,” you cheekily continued. Chenle could only smile, his face softening at your request. It was a simple request. Yet, he couldn’t do it.

When you notice the silence that follow, you immediately regret what you said. You desperately try to backtrack, sputtering out words. “Well- I mean-, It’s fine- Thank you, still! I love them,”

Chenle hums, “I know. Don’t worry. You’ll wait though… right? It won’t be long,”

You plant your feet to your carpeted floor and nod, even if he can’t see you. “Of course, Lele,”

 Zhong Chenle is the son of the most respected CEO of one of the biggest corporations in Shanghai the entire world. Chenle was the next in line to the company. After his brother had expressed how the business world didn’t interest him, the responsibility immediately fell into Chenle’s hands. And even if music was his love and calling, he had to let it go as to not disappoint his father.

Chenle had accepted it some time ago, going to school only for the degree so he could be eligible to own the business. He accepted the fact that he was going to be living the life his father made for him, not one he made for himself and it was the hardest pill to swallow. But things changed when he met you. There was more purpose to the things he does, it wasn’t just for nothing. Life had gone from monochromatic to colorful.

 “Miss, Y/N. Mr. Zhong just moved and he has to take this class to pass the semester. I trust you can fill him in with our module? Mr. Zhong, this is Miss. Y/N, she scored the highest during midterms,” your world economics professor had marched towards you after class, a tall boy following behind her. He looked just as oblivious as she did, to the sudden weight and pressure being put on you.

You merely nod and say a simple hello, not being able to say anything else. It wasn’t a question, this was a demand. Jeez if I was gonna teach your student I should get a portion of your pay. You thought bitterly. At the time, you were struggling to juggle a part-time job at a café while also maintaining your grades to keep your scholarship.

When your professor left you two, the boy kept his hands buried in his pockets. His clothes were semi-casual and his hair was styled nicely. Who the hell moves halfway through the year?

“So, Mr. Zhong-“ you take your books into your arms and lazily sling your bag over your shoulder, heading towards the door with him trailing behind you.

“Chenle-, You can call me Chenle,” he finally spoke, startling you a little with how cool and soft his voice is as opposed to his striking visual that intimidated you at first.

“Nice to meet you, Chenle,” you give him a smile.

You were gonna be around this guy for who knows how long, might as well try to be his friend. Maybe it’ll make the teaching less of a chore.

  “Wrong,” you huffed, marking his essay and adding in annotations. “Chenle, remember there is a specific way to start these essays and that’s by defining the terms you’re using,”

The boy sat opposite of you, arms crossed and back against the couch comfortably. You were in a café. The café you worked in, to be precise. Your schedule today overlapped with Chenle’s and as much as you didn’t want him to see you slaving around, you also couldn’t miss this paycheck at the café. You gave him an essay to write just to check on his phrasing and structure and left to buss some tables and serve orders. But when you came back, Chenle barely wrote anything and could care less about it.

“Can we not study today?” he whined.

You and Chenle have been meeting each other for a month now, and you’d soon learned about the type of boy he is, the life he led. In ways you didn’t expect to.

 The first time you found out about Chenle’s reputation was through the newspaper. No, not the school newspaper. Not even the local newspaper. But on the Wallstreet Journal, when you had to grab material from any recent article for a class. Chenle’s name floated along with the words ‘Young entrepreneur’ and their company’s name. You gasped so loud you had to excuse yourself from the library and leave in a hurry. That afternoon you smacked him on the shoulder with your thick world econ textbook.

“You’re from a family of business corporates and you’re learning world economics from someone who crammed the exam?” you exclaimed. He stared at you blankly, book in hand and pen in the other.

“And you don’t pay me!” you added. The fact that you’ve been tutoring someone as rich as Chenle just didn’t make sense to you. Why not go to a professional? Instead, he was here with a sleep deprived college student who sometimes mixes up business terms just because she couldn’t care any less. World Economics was a mandatory for you. You studied to pass, sadly.

“I could start paying you, name the price,” he said easily. But you shook your head.

“I didn’t mean it that way, sorry. I actually don’t care about the money,” You led him to the picnic bench with the table outside school grounds and propped your book on it along with your bag before taking out your bento box. “Just blows my mind how you won’t just pay for the classes. I don’t teach that well-” you continue.

“I like you, though,” Chenle calmly interjects. You look up at the boy, movements being halted by his bold statement.

“Pardon?” you felt the need to have him clarify what he said.  The boy leaned across the table, over your textbooks and notes. “I like you,” Chenle repeated himself, but the impact it had on you was just as powerful and hit you hard. Your heart was doing somersaults.

Chenle’s eyes grew thin as he smiled, backing away from you and sitting back down.

“So, chapter 12,” he starts flipping his book nonchalantly, leaving you out of breath with a heart hammering in your chest.

  “What do you mean not study today? You have an upcoming quiz with Mr. Byun this Friday and mind you, that man searches for wrongs, not rights,” you raised a finger at him, shaking it matter-of-factly.

“No, let me help you. Do you usually run the café on your own?” he closes the book and takes his essay from your hand. You’re left slack jawed.

“No. I- Johnny couldn’t come in today,” you explained. Suddenly, you were stammering as if explaining to your boss. At first, you were doubting if it was the same Chenle you were reading about in the articles. The boy you were tutoring didn’t come off as someone who would be running corporates and buying stocks or whatever. He was more laid back and relaxed. Aside from the way he dressed, nothing gave it away that he was indeed the CEO’s son. But there were times where you got a dominant feel from him. Times when he stood with much authority and didn’t accept no for an answer. In those moments, you realize how Chenle’s presence alone demanded respect.

Soon enough, you found yourself behind the counter with Chenle beside you tying the apron to himself. He looked cute, somehow. The way he smiled at customers and tried giving them their recommendations set butterflies run free in your stomach, you almost swooned. He didn’t get much studying done that day, but you surely did. You learned the fact that you falling slowly but surely with Zhong Chenle.

  There were two chapters you’re left to cover. In the short month and a half, you managed to teach Chenle six month’s worth of topics. Seeing him every other day made Chenle a familiar face to see around. Of course, you never actually got to see him around campus when you weren’t tutoring him. It left you wondering if you were actually teaching a ghost. But all doubts went away when the girls in your class started whispering about the cute boy waiting outside class. You quickly found out it was Chenle who they were talking about, and he was there for you. It was safe to say he wasn’t a ghost and is in fact real.

Carrying his book bag, he was stood against the wall with reading material under his arm.

“Chenle, we don’t have a schedule today,” you walk up to him, trying to avoid the dozen pairs of eyes that watched you. Chenle nodded, “Sorry, I won’t be here tomorrow. My father is bringing me on a business trip,” he states.

It wasn’t new for you to hear this coming from Chenle. Just the other week, his father brought him along to Japan for a company deal and Chenle came back with a little keychain souvenir for you. The same keychain dangled from your bag now as you both walked to the exit of the building. “Are you free?”

“Yeah, but I didn’t bring my book with me tod-“ you begin searching in your bag, even if you knew it wasn’t there. You were just trying to ignore the way his question made your heart jump.

“I mean… for dinner. Are you free for dinner?” he places a gentle hand on yours, stopping you from looking further in your bag. Chenle’s bold movements sometimes took him by surprise as well. He quickly retracts his hand, shoving it in his pockets. You let go of your bag, placing your hands on either side of you.

“Why?” you squinted at him suspiciously.

Chenle’s smile is small, but doesn’t go unnoticed by you as he turns his head towards his car then back down at you. “Listen, you don’t have to overanalyze this. I just want to treat you,”

  Chenle had thought about it a hundred times or more, before finally making a decision. Although you’ve been seeing each other in cafes and libraries for some time now, he didn’t want to consider those as dates. Sure, it gave him time to admire you up close and get to know you but he wanted you to know his true intentions. The only problem was boy, was he a wuss. And were you oh so dense!

Despite the subtle and not so subtle hints he’s given you, you remained clueless about his feelings. Unsure, confused and just downright oblivious. From the way he looked at you to how he vocally told you he liked you. You shoved everything under the rug, afraid that this boy was just toying around with you and having a laugh. He found it cute.

 It didn’t matter that you were in your school clothes, carrying about three thick books in your shoulder bag. He thought you looked stunning. You ate at a pizzeria just in town and he expressed how it tasted just like pizza from Italy. You said you wouldn’t know the difference since you’ve never been, and had a laugh about it.

The walk from his car to your apartment wasn’t that far, it’s just that he had to park a little further since there was no more space left in front. As you walked together, you noticed how the vibe and atmosphere between you two that developed as the night deepened, was different. More lax, comfortable. Like friends? You were both silent, until Chenle piped up.

“I lied, I didn’t just want to treat you,” he muttered, looking into the distance of your quiet street.

You turn your face towards him and you catch a glimpse of his face in the moonlight before looking away. He’d taken your bag from you and had it around his shoulder now. Him in his white polo shirt and brown suit jacket. He was always dressed like he was attending some kind of formal event. That’s Chenle for you. Mr. CEO’s son.

“Then?” you prompted him to continue.

Chenle averts his attention towards you as you finally reached the front of your apartment. You both stop walking, facing each other with the moon as your spotlight. You look at him from the light of the moon, it illuminated Chenle’s features perfectly. You would be able to inspect him when he studied, but each look at him made you breathless every time you had to look away. Much like right now.

“I wanted to take you out. Like, on a date,” Chenle confesses.

You could never wrap your head around how bold Chenle could be. Always leaving you flustered after saying such things, this boy was your weakness. But you didn’t give in. At least, you tried not to.

“Oh,” was your only response as you put your hands together, looking up at the tall boy. You hoped it wasn’t obvious that heat was rushing to your cheeks and ears by now. You could practically feel your blood flowing through your body, making you feel warm all over. “It was fun, I enjoyed it,” you shyly admit.

Chenle takes a step forward, raising his hand to palm your cheek gently. It’s the first time he’s ever gotten this close. “But I’m not sure you’re ready for my world yet,” his voice is lower, cool. Like wind.

You part your lips slightly, willing yourself to breathe. Your breath is unstable, shaky. This time, you take a step forward. “Are you underestimating me?” You don’t know where the surge of confidence came from, but you were thankful for it. The look of surprise is quickly melted into amusement as this was definitely the first time you ever made the second move to the dozens of times he’d left you flustered.

Chenle dips his head down close to your face. Eyes trained on each other, you tried to get yourself to breathe. He looked alluring, and you watch his eyes drop to your lips. Your head had become blank, nothing in mind. Just him. Chenle, and nothing else. His calm eyes, button nose and plump lips that you so very badly wanted to press against yours. “Are you sure?” he whispers.

You close the space between you and Chenle, lining your lips with his and connecting them together. The sensation almost sending you on your knees, you grab onto his shoulder for support and he holds you up by the waist, swiftly wrapping his strong arms around you. It felt like such a big relief, you almost sighed.

When you pulled away, Chenle’s smile comes into view as you fluttered your eyes open. He places his hand at the back of his head and scratches, suddenly becoming shy. You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.

“You’re something else,” you giggle, smacking his arm before snatching your bag from his shoulder and turning on your heel to leave. You feel his hand against yours, forcing you to stop. “I’ll see you after my trip?” he asks.

“Same time… for class,” you reply, looking back at him with a cheeky smile. Chenle lets your hand go, a smitten smile on his face and a warm feeling in his chest. Zhong Chenle wished things were simpler. He wanted to give you the world.

 “It’s just a black tie party and my dad’s forcing me to come with a date,” he fixes himself in the mirror. He looked handsome, as always. In an all-black suit that fit him perfectly. Dressed like he had someplace to be, people to meet.

You sat on your bed behind him, arms folded and face scrunched up into a frown. A date. Probably someone from a rich family, better than you, his future spouse. They’d have perfect little babies together. All these bitter thoughts were flooding in your brain. When he notices your unusual quietness, Chenle turns to face you and gives you a goofy smile.

“What’s on your mind?” he approaches the bed, placing either hands on the side of you and leaning in close. Chenle could tell when you lied and knew exactly how to make you crack. You pull your knees to yourself and don’t bother hiding the scowl forming on your face. You couldn’t do anything about it. After several talks with Chenle, he explained how much pressure he gets from the media and his family. How dating even became a hassle because of how the pressure would then be shared with his partner.

For years, it wasn’t a problem. He didn’t find anyone that sparked his interest, and only had meaningless one night stands. He was fine with it, really. But all of that changed when he met you. For once, he wanted to go after something he loved. Not let it go, unlike what he did with his own passion for the sake of his father’s dream and business.

You shook your head, ridding the thoughts in your head and throwing them out. “Nothing. I know it’s just business. Message me when you get home?” you didn’t need to ask, but you still do. Chenle always kept you updated, whether if it was how the party he’s in has a chocolate fountain or if the bathrooms have automatic toilets. It was always bizarre hearing about his stories and taking a peek of what his world is like. The world of corporates. You weren’t ready for it, and Chenle knew.

 The secrecy of your relationship didn’t last very long, soon enough it’s got media questioning who Chenle was seeing and your status. After a few run-ins with the paparazzi, you both decided it would be best if your meetups were more discreet. Luckily, the cameras hadn’t captured your face yet, but it was only a matter of time until they did.

To top it all off, the news had spread across campus. Girls left and right claiming they were the one dating Chenle, it didn’t bother you too much. You had a scholarship to keep and a job to go to. Sometimes, you’d find a single rose and a letter waiting for you in class, or at the café. Of course, you and Chenle had wrapped up the tutorial classes and he was able to pass the exam. He was one step closer to his degree, but happy wasn’t the word to describe him.

He yearned to be with you, have you in his arms and spend hours together just like you used to before things got complicated. Chenle grew lonely without your presence as months passed. Nonetheless, you hung onto the string of hope that maybe one day people wouldn’t care so much. That you could take all the criticism, the heat.

 It was around 2am when your phone rang, disturbing your slumber. It was a Friday night and you took it upon yourself to catch up on some sleep after the horrendous exam week you just faced. Chenle had said goodnight hours ago. You wondered who could be calling at such an ungodly hour.

You pick up without checking the caller ID.

“Hello?”

“Y/N,” Chenle’s voice filled your ear. Your eyes snap open and you shot up from your bed, pulling the phone away from your ear. Sure enough, it was him. Lele, with a little heart beside the name.

“Hey, are you alright?” You ask worriedly. His voice sounded slow and there was rustling behind him.

Chenle lets out a groan, and your heartbeat picks up its pace. You knew better than to think Chenle would cheat, but it was definitely worrying hearing this without any idea what was going on. “I miss you,” he breathed, voice raspy and low. You couldn’t keep the smile from appearing on your face. In the darkness of your room, your heart swelled with joy. “I miss you too, Chenle,” you whispered back.

Distinct voices come through the line, and you make it out to be Jeno and Jaemin. They’re bickering and you hear a guitar in the mix. “We’ll leave you here, Chenle,” Jaemin calls to his friend before you hear a door close.

“Why did you call?” you ask but you were happy that he did.

“Because I can’t be there with you. Even if it’s all I want right now,” he confessed. Your smile faltered and a hint of sadness falls upon your face as he continues. He was obviously drunk, but Chenle has always been really honest because he couldn’t lie. These days however, you haven’t had the time to talk much and you knew there was a lot on his mind. It hurt to know that it’s been this, and you couldn’t do much about it. “I just want to tell everyone about us. Screw what they think, YN. You’re perfect to me,”

Hearing his words gave you a glimmer of hope. You wished he was right, you wished you could believe it.

“Chenle-“ you sighed. “I want that too,”

There was a moment of silence before his voice came through again and you thought he’d passed out drunk already. “I love you, Y/N. I’ve sacrificed so much for my father, but you’re not going to be one of them,”

His words brought the smile back to your face, tears welling up in your eyes from how happy you were to hear them. It seemed at this moment that you could battle anything, because you were with Chenle. Everything would be alright. He was here and you are too, it’s the two of you against the world.

“Tomorrow, let’s make it official,” Chenle proposed.

You bring your hand up to your lips and bite on your nails, now fully awake more than ever. “Okay,” you agreed. Chenle grins, getting up from his bed. “I’m coming over,” you can hear him walking around now, keys jangling and shoes on his wooden floor.

“You can’t drive-“ you hurriedly try to stop him, keeping in mind his state.

“I don’t drive a Tesla for nothing,” he chuckles. “I’ll be there soon,” The outgoing beeping of the call followed afterwards as he ended the call. The realization hit you a moment later.

 The next day, you and Chenle arrived in school together. He stayed the night, carrying a change of clothes in his bag. For someone who was smack drunk, he sure did pack well.

From the moment you stepped out of his car, many students were around to watch. Exchanging whispers and staring, your cheeks set aflame when Chenle pulls you by the arm, your hands connecting between you and threading together naturally. It drew the attention of many onlookers and you chewed on your bottom lip, not used to the attention.

“They’re staring,” you whisper close to him.

“Let them,” He responds. Chenle tilts your head up to meet his gaze before planting a lingering kiss on your lips, confirming people’s already forming suspicions. “You’re my girl, aren’t you?”

[its--fandom--darling]

baby blues

captain syverson x fem!reader, Famous Last Words Universe

word count: 1,242; rating: G; warnings: FLUFF, talk of pregnancy and morning sickness

a/n: while I mention chip and joanna gains in this I really don’t know anything about them beyond that they have a home improvement show and a bunch of kids.  I mainly just picked them for this bit bc I knew the name.

divider by @firefly-graphics​

You were grateful for the long weekend; your ankles were already swollen most days just from being on your feet for an extended period of time but now paired with your pregnancy you normally tiring day to day life was exhausting. You were almost three months along and you had yet to move past the morning sickness stage. If you could still call it morning sickness when it followed you through most of the day. It was hardest at the office, where you couldn’t control who brought who wore awful perfume or what people brought for lunch that had you lunging for the nearest trash can. You were still waiting to look like you were obviously pregnant, and it was something that Sy was eagerly awaiting as well. You took daily pictures for him and smiled when he’d in return text you about what the baby was the size of this week.

While you missed him terribly you, you would say that in general you got along quite well besides the morning sickness, Gigi and Willa kept a close eye on you and offered their much-needed advice from time to time. All in all, you didn’t mind being pregnant and you were so close to the stage where morning sister usually stopped so you willed yourself to hand in there just a little bit longer.

You were waiting for a skype call with Sy as you lounged in the living room, your feet up on the coffee table, Marmalade curled up behind your head, purring, as you tooled around on the internet for a bit. Browsing the Baby Gaps website for more onesies. As you and Sy had decided to wait to find out what you were having you’d agreed to keep the colors more neutral although you were quite partial to the little yellow baby clothes. They are just sooooo cute! You’d cooed at Sy on more than one occasion. Sy himself was partial to the pastel blues and olive greens, which thankfully were more popular for both baby girls and baby boys now. You added a few packs of onesies to your cart, as well as some cute bear socks and a shirt that prominently featured an orange cat the bore some heavy resemblance to your sweet furbaby, who when she was not sleeping soundly behind your head, was usually on your lap with her face smooshed against the small swell of your bump as if she was listening for any sign of her incoming sibling. You smiled at the thought and checked your cart once more before checking out.

Just as soon as the confirmation popped up on your screen, the skype jingle began to chime. You smiled happily and answered the call.

              “Hey Bug, how are you and the little one holding up?” he asks, beaming at you.

You could tell from the ruckus behind him that he was still on the worksight, very likely on his afternoon break.

You tenderly touch your bump, “We’re holding up, I’m grateful for the long weekend. I don’t know how many more days in a row, I could handle Victoria’s diet lunches,” you murmured, shuddering at the thought of the odd and smelly lunches that your coworker insisted on bringing in and then eating in your general vicinity.

              “Morning sickness still giving you trouble?” he asks, wiping his forehead with a bandana.

You nod admiring the curls that were finally long enough to fall across his forehead from time to time. “It’s all day sickness, baby, I’ve tried everything that willa and Gigi have recommended and they sometimes but I feel bad constantly lunging for the trash cans at work when I get a whiff of something that turns my stomach.

              Sy shrugs, “Don’t feel bad, Bug, you told your coworkers that you were expecting and whether or not they decide to accommodating is their fault not yours.”

You sigh, “I guess so.”

              Sy smiles as someone greets him, “Bug, I’ve got a surprise for you.”

You smile, “Really?”

              He nods, “Hold on.” His phone is jostled for a moment and the speaker is filled with static before a smile face appears.

              “Hi! You must by (y/n), I’ve heard so much about you.”

You blink a few times as your mind tries to register that Joanna Gains is speaking to you. “You’re, you’re Joanna Gains.”

              She smiles and laughs, “Last time I checked.”

“Oh my god, I love your show,” you murmured, excitedly.

              “So I’ve heard from Sy. He also mentioned that you’re expecting your first little one. That’s exciting!”

You smile and look down at your bump, “It was scary at first, but you’re right it is exciting.”

              “I’ve also heard that you’ve been dealing with some pretty bad morning sickness.”

You nod. “It’s been rough,” you admit softly, “nothing I’ve tried really seems like it’s working.”

              “Well, if you’re interested I’ve got a few things I could suggest. I had awful morning sickness for my first three babies.”

“I’m all ears,” your murmur, pulling out your phone to take notes.

You chat with her for about 20 minutes before she hands you back over to Sy.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out if you ever need to talk, alright hun?” she murmurs, before she hands the phone off.

“Alright, thank you, for all the advice and encouragement,” you say, feeling more relaxed than when you began talking to her.

              She gives you one last smile and then Sy’s face appears. “So how did you like your surprise?”

You smile at him, “I loved it, thank you.”

              He shrugs his shoulder, “I figured since I’d been getting some very solid parenting advice from Chip that talking to Joanna might both cheer you up and set you at ease a bit.”

“Well, it worked,” you say with a smile.

              “I can’t wait to come home in a few weeks. I missed sleeping next to you.”

“I’ve missed that too. You’re so comfy,” you tease as you adjust slightly, making Marmalade meow at the disruption.

              “Can’t believe that Baby Bug is only the size of Kidney Been right now and that in a few months they’ll be a flesh and blood baby. It’s amazing.”

You rub your belly. “It is hard to believe that I’m growing a human sometimes.”

              He smiles, “you’re amazing you know that?”

You shrug, “I try.”

              He chuckles and then checks his watch. “I gotta get back to work, Bug. I’ll be home 5 weeks.”

“5 weeks,” you repeat, trying to keep the tears at bay as you go to say goodbye to him once more.

              “The baby will be almost the size of a lemon by the time, I’m back,” he murmurs, softly.

You smile at him reassuringly. “I promise you that you’re not missing much yet and Willa is taking good care of me. Don’t stress about me, baby.”

              He nods, “Right, I know you can handle yourself. I love you.”

“I love you too,” you reply, blowing him a kiss.

              He pretends to catch it, like a dork and you shake your head at him as he gives one last wave and hangs up.

You sigh and close your laptop, reaching for the remote to click on the TV, adjusting so that you’re laying down. You rub circles on your bump as Marmalade stretches and then makes her way down to curl up in your lap as you settle in for a much-needed afternoon nap.

[helnjk]

Snowed In - C.W.

Charlie Weasley x fem!reader

Requested: yes! by my love @lupinsclassroom

Ah HA I finally came up with a Charlie request. Okay, of course it’s professor reader because I’m obsessed with them but like....Charlie visits hogwarts, and then (I know logistically this isn’t possible bc ✨magic✨) but he gets snowed in and has to stay in the castle for the weekend and it’s just cozy and soft 🥺

Word count: 2.6k

Summary: sometimes, it takes just the right circumstances to get what you want. 

Warnings: meal mention, reference to/implied sex (blink and you’ll miss it), winter fluff! 

A/N: this took me so long to get done aaaaaaaa 😩 but yay ! more COMC professor & charlie 🥰

– 

Christmas at Hogwarts was always a spectacular sight. The professors always loved to go above and beyond with the decorations, but even without them, the grounds and the castle looked, well, magical. 

“Professor L/N?” a voice from across the room mumbled. 

Y/N looked up from the stack of papers she was grading to see Eloise Abbott, wrapped in her cloak and her Hufflepuff scarf, standing at the entrance to her office. A neatly wrapped present was clutched in her gloved hands as she waited for her professor to invite her inside. 

Athena was perched on her stand behind Y/N, resting after a long afternoon of delivering various Christmas gifts. Her sleeping figure seemed to appease the student’s apprehension slightly as she called out, “Come on in, Eloise!” 

“Isn’t the train supposed to be leaving soon? What’re you still doing in the castle?” Y/N questioned, stashing away the stack of parchments on her desk, that way her attention would be fully on the Hufflepuff. 

“Yep!” Eloise replied quickly, “I just wanted to drop off a present for you before I go! I know that you’re staying here for the holidays, right?” 

“You’re right.” Y/N smiled. “Thank you for thinking of me, Eloise, that was very sweet of you.”

A swift nod was her reply, and as quick as she had come, Ms. Abbott turned on her heel and darted out of the room. Thankfully, she remembered to yell a hasty, “Happy Christmas!” over her shoulder before she was fully out of hearing range. 

Y/N shook her head with a soft smile on her lips. Even after being her professor for nearly six years now, Eloise was still a shy little thing when it came to communicating with professors or any sort of authority figure. Still, the gesture warmed her heart greatly. 

The thought of gifts and spending Christmas alone, well, not exactly alone, but not with the Weasleys this year put a slight damper on her mood, though. Minerva had asked her if she could spend the holidays at Hogwarts this year since they were running short of staff who could chaperone the students. Of course, Y/N could never say no to her favorite teacher turned cool boss. It was the least she could do. 

With a sigh, she stroked Athena’s soft feathers and came to the conclusion that she was too distracted to continue her grading. 

Despite her attempt for some alone time, Minerva managed to stop her in the hallway. 

“Ah Y/N, just the person I wanted to see,” the older professor smiled.

“Anything I can do for you, Min?” Y/N replied.

She nodded, “I need your help with a particularly odd creature in my office. It doesn’t seem to want to leave.” 

The two professors briskly walked towards the Headmistress’ office side by side, their winter robes swishing around their legs. Professor L/N’s brows furrowed at the lack of concern Minerva had shown at the fact that there was a creature in her office. Of course, the older witch was highly skilled and educated, so maybe it wasn’t that big of a problem. What did she need Y/N’s help for then? 

“Er, Minerva,” Y/N began as they turned a corner, “What creature exactly is in your office? Do you think we need backup?” 

“I didn’t exactly get a good look at it, I just saw that it had orange-colored fur.” 

“Minerva.” 

The sly grin that she was met with did nothing to help the situation. Y/N simply rolled her eyes and went along with the all too obvious scheme the Headmistress had hatched up this time. 

The pair said nothing else as they continued their journey to the Minerva’s office, save for the password–’panthera leo’–once they reached the gargoyle statue. Y/N’s curiosity got the better of her as they ascended the spiral staircase, especially since the older witch hadn’t stopped grinning. 

���So, you’re not going to tell me what’s going on despite the fact that you’re grinning at me like a cheshire cat?” Y/N probed, raising an eyebrow. 

“You’ll see, dear.” 

The younger professor had to push down the urge to roll her eyes. Thankfully, they had reached the top of the staircase, and the words she was about to say got stuck in her throat as she saw what, or rather who, was in the office. 

“Charlie?” she gasped, after pushing the door open. 

Leaning against the large oak desk with his legs crossed in front of him was Charlie Weasley with a shit-eating grin. Y/N paused at the entrance to the Headmistress’ office, her eyes darting between the redhead and her boss. 

“He’s the orange-furred creature that you can’t seem to get out of your office?” 

Even as she spoke the words, her head couldn’t wrap around the absurdity of the situation. Charlie let out a loud laugh at her question, his eyes moving his former professor and head of house, who had just slipped past Y/N and into her office. 

“I asked Minnie here to help me out some with surprising you,” he grinned cheekily. 

He pushed off the desk and took a few short strides. Faster than she could comprehend, he was standing in front of her, soft eyes staring down at hers and rough hands grasping at her arms. 

“Hi,” he spoke softly. 

In an instant, she practically melted in his arms, “Hi Charlie.” 

The sound of someone clearing their throat brought them out of their little bubble and their heads turned in Minerva’s direction.

“Alright Mr. Weasley, I helped you surprise Y/N,” she smiled knowingly, “Now off with you two! I’ve got a school to run.” 

With a shout of thanks, Charlie took Y/N’s hand and practically dragged her out of the office. Biting her lip to contain her grin, she felt like she was a student again, laughing through the deserted hallways as she and her boyfriend ran towards her quarters. 

There was a lot of tripping over their own feet and a lot of giggling, but she hadn’t felt this elated in a long time. Whenever Charlie would turn to look back at her, the edges of her lips would turn upwards automatically, as if he was the source of her happiness and her laughter.

Which, in a lot of ways, he was. 

Y/N had never been so glad to see the castle empty. It meant that she could let her professional professor facade down and let loose without having to think too hard about the repercussions. 

“So,” she started as they reached the hallway containing her room, “Care to tell me when you planned all of this?” 

The sparkle of mischief and delight in Charlie’s eyes nearly made her swoon, “I can’t stay long, unfortunately. Mum’s expecting me at the Burrow tonight, but I got an early portkey so that I could see you before Christmas.” 

Pushing up on her tiptoes, Y/N kissed him softly, “You’re wonderful, do you know that?” 

“Careful there, love, we don’t want to boost my ego too much.” 

–

“You all set?” Y/N asked, smoothing out the creases in Charlie’s scarf and trying to busy herself in an attempt to distract her mind from the thought of not spending Christmas in his arms. 

With a deep sigh, he answered, “Yep, just about.” 

Majority of their afternoon together was spent in bed, much to their joint amusement. In Charlie’s defense, he had come to do whatever it was that Y/N wanted, and well, that was what she ended up choosing. In hindsight, it was probably their best option anyway, since the weather outside the castle had slowly begun to worsen. 

By the time they had stumbled out of the warmth of Y/N’s bed and had gotten dressed once again, it was practically dark outside due to the snowstorm that rolled in. 

“It’s looking pretty rough out there,” she noted, as the pair of them walked hand in hand down the deserted hallways. 

Now and then, a student staying at Hogwarts for the holidays would pass by them and try their hardest not to stare at their hot Care of Magical Creatures professor and her equally hot dragon tamer boyfriend. 

Each time a student rushed past, Charlie would wait until they were out of sight before making eye contact with Y/N and smiling so big it shouldn’t have been humanly possible. 

“You’re insufferable,” she grumbled after the third student they encountered disappeared around the corner. 

“You love me,” he shrugged. 

The bickering pair paused mid step when they heard a new set of footsteps approaching them. For the second time that day, Y/N watched as Minerva approached. 

“I’m afraid your journey to the Burrow has to be put on hold, Mr. Weasley,” she spoke as she reached the pair. 

“What?” Y/N and Charlie said together. 

“The storm outside is much too harsh for anyone to walk past the apparition wards, even with impervious charms,” she explained.

“What about your floo, can’t he use that to get to the Burrow?” 

As Y/N spoke, she couldn’t help but feel a little guilty at the pang of excitement she felt at the thought of being able to spend more time with Charlie. 

“Ministry’s just gotten back with word that the Floo Network is under maintenance until further notice.” 

Charlie’s eyes flickered from Minerva’s solemn eyes to Y/N’s slightly confused ones, before he nodded, “Alright. Seems like I’m spending the night at Hogwarts then.” 

–

Dinner that night was amusing to say the least. As most students were at home with their families, those who stayed behind all fit in the long table that was usually the Head Table. Minerva, Charlie, and Y/N tried their hardest to contain their smiles at the incredulous looks that some of the students had. 

For some, it was their first time being in such close and intimate proximity to their professors. Others were wary of the attendance of the non-Hogwarts staff member, partly because he was a dragon tamer and mostly because he was Professor L/N’s boyfriend. 

Y/N’s heart had melted, however, at the sight of Charlie having a chat with the younger students. She had a flashback of summers at the Burrow when his younger siblings still weren’t old enough to attend Hogwarts, and how they looked at him with wide eyes and thought everything he said was gospel. 

“And then he opened his mouth so big I thought I was done for,” he spoke with such a tone that even Y/N was drawn in, “But turns out the old bugger was just going in for a yawn.” 

The end of his story elicited a giggle from the youngest student at the table and Y/N was sure that her heart was positively a pile of goo.

As discreetly as she possibly could, she placed her hand on top of Charlie’s thigh and grinned cheerfully as he took the signal and placed his larger one on hers. 

“Is it bad if I said that I’m glad you’re going to be here tonight?” she whispered when most of the attention wasn’t on them anymore.

“Absolutely not.” Charlie grinned and squeezed her hand. “Don’t you think the Floo being down sounds a little odd, though?” 

The pair glanced at each other and then their eyes drifted towards the Headmistress. As if she could read their minds–which was entirely possible–Minerva caught their eyes and smirked from behind her goblet as she took a sip from it. 

“Honestly, who knows what Minerva can come up with,” Y/N murmured, “She could tell us that there was a rogue Ministry gryffin creating potions in the dungeons and we would believe her.” 

The nonchalance of her statement choked out a loud laugh from Charlie. The stilted noise coming from him as he tried to contain his amusement ended up making her giggle as well. As the group finished up with their meal, the pair of them would catch each other’s eyes once in a while and another round of trying to repress their laughs would begin. 

They waited as everyone shuffled out of the Great Hall, stomachs full and eyes slightly droopy from the big meal. Their hands found each other as they walked down the chilly halls, providing a source of heat and comfort in the midst of so much cold. 

Once they reached Y/N’s quarters, Charlie flopped down on the bed with a sigh, stretching out on the comforter with a groan. 

Y/N couldn’t resist the urge to crawl onto the bed, tucking herself at his side. The familiar warmth of Charlie’s strong arm wrapping around her was enough for her to sigh contentedly, closing her eyes and succumbing to the gentle pull of sleep. 

“Wait, wait…” she heard him mumble, feeling the words vibrate through his chest. 

A groan escaped her lips as she felt him shift, pulling the both of them into a seated position. 

“Can’t, ‘m comfy here,” she grumbled, refusing to open her eyes. 

Instead of replying, Charlie carefully maneuvered them so that she lay back on the cold sheets and he slipped off the bed. It was silent for a few moments, save for the sound of his footsteps echoing through the room. Y/N was tempted to crack open her eyes just to see what he was up to, but the comfort posed by the bed was too strong. 

She knew he would eventually come back, and he did, the bed dipping as he kneeled on the space next to her. 

“Love,” he whispered, his hand brushing her cheek softly. 

“What’s it?” she mumbled, finally easing her eyes open. 

Beside her, sitting on the backs of his heels, Charlie held out a wrapped gift. The sight of him with a sheepish smile on his face, hands fidgeting nervously with the ribbon wrapped around the package, was enough for Y/N to sit up quickly. 

“Charlie?” she asked, tentatively taking the gift from him, “What’s this?” 

Her boyfriend cleared his throat before speaking, “I, erm, I was going to wait to have this delivered to you on Christmas morning but, I figured I’d rather see you open it in person.” 

Y/N didn’t need any more explanation as she tore open the wrapping. An intricately designed box opened to reveal the most beautiful necklace she had ever laid her eyes on. It was fairly simple, the design, a single pearl-like object in the center of a silver chain. If it weren’t shifting through iridescent hues of pink then blue then green then purple, she would have thought it were a pearl.

Tentatively, her fingers glided over the small round thing and it was warm to the touch.

“Oh it’s gorgeous,” she breathed, her eyes flitting upwards to meet Charlie’s.

“You like it?” he rubbed the back of his neck. 

“I love it!” she grinned, “Will you put it on me?” 

For having such large and calloused hands, Charlie was nimble and quick with the clasp of the necklace, his fingers sending shivers down her spine as he placed the necklace on her. 

“It’s made out of the shell of an Antipodean Opaleye’s egg,” he explained when she turned to face him once more, “I asked a friend of mine back in Romania if he could fashion it onto a necklace. I saw the shell and thought it would look stunning on you, I was right.” 

With a soft smile, Y/N’s arms snaked around his neck and she pressed a soft kiss on his lips, “It’s perfect. You’re perfect.” 

“Love you.” 

“I love you too.” 

The couple stayed in each other’s arms for a long time, relishing in the warmth and comfort of the other. When they finally managed to get dressed for bed and Y/N was tucked under Charlie’s arm for the night, their hearts were full. 

“Happy Christmas, my love,” he whispered as they were lulled to sleep. 

–

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[haikyuu-scenarios-drabbles]

Shower Friends (Miya Atsumu x F!reader)

The dorm you live in has co-ed bathrooms. Why that’s remotely a good idea is beyond you; and recently, your precious shower time is being interrupted by a certain blonde haired setter for the volleyball team. When he lies to his teammates that he has a girlfriend, somehow you get roped into his scheme.

genre(s): college!au, fake dating, angst, fluff, mutual pining, enemies to lovers (kinda), eventual smut (maybe)  words: 3.5k

a/n: ah the sweet sweet smell of mutual pining. also 3 more chapters are planned, not written yet though bc i just decided i’d be writing them lmao. hopefully can get started on that this weekend and post them next week 🤗

taglist:  @apollochjld @kurosarium @vicassa @carbs-need-more-love @underratedmage @idek-at-thispoint @wtfeverbrandi @food8me @yikes-buddy @ntimacy @nyxiie @oikawasbooty @chocolate3010 @sugawarabby @greenyiplier @kritiiiii @tokyosdawn @youstydiaa @h3llok1ttygirl 

one | two 

Chapter Three

“You want me to help you with what?” You ask, a bit stunned when he showed up at the door, a terribly annoying but also cute pleading expression on his face.

He groans, his shoulders hunching forward in exasperation. “Ya really gunna make me repeat it?”

You peer closer at the top of his head and see that he’s being serious. The roots of his hair growing in are a dark brown and it had never even occurred to you that he dyes his hair the blonde color you’re so used to. “No, but why do you need my help?”

This is so embarrassing. Normally his roommate or a teammate can help him but none of them are available today and he’s already let the roots grow longer than he likes. But when one of them suggested you help him out instead, something inside him rebelled. For some reason, the thought of having you dye his hair for him made him uncomfortable, like he’s showing you an intimate part of him. This hair has been a part of him so long he can’t remember the last time he’d let it grow out.

“I can’t see if I got everything,” he admits. It took a lot of pacing around his room and staring at his roots for him to get up the courage to come over here to ask you. He can’t really explain why he was so against it, especially since you don’t seem to mind after you got over the initial shock of realizing this isn’t his natural hair.

A wave of relief washes over him when you sigh, conceding, “Alright. Just let me change into something I can get bleach on. I’ll meet you at your dorm.”

While he waits for you, he busies himself with mixing the dye together so it’s ready for you, and when you arrive in a t-shirt and shorts with paint splatters all over them, he mentally kicks himself for thinking about how even wearing something so simple you still look better than anyone he’s ever seen. Crossing your arms, you motion for him to take a seat at his desk. Before he does so, he reaches behind his neck to grab at the collar of his shirt and pull it over his head.

You stand there dumbfounded for a moment, it taking you a second to process that he’s now standing before you shirtless and you’re free to ogle his muscular chest and arms to your hearts content. He doesn’t pay any attention to you, knowing if he meets your gaze, he won’t be able to stop the heat threatening to crawl up his neck. Instead, he wraps a towel around his waist to protect his shorts and sits in the chair to wait for you.  

Except now, you have free reign to stare at his back, which is just as defined as the front of him and you need a few more seconds to reel your thoughts back.

“Whaddya waitin’ for darling?” He drawls, throwing you a glance over his shoulder, not expecting you to be standing there frozen, eyes pinned to his now bare chest.

He opens his mouth to tease you further, but your eyes snap to his and you practically shout, “Do you have another towel?” He just cocks a brow and then points to his closet where another towel is hanging on a hook. Snatching it, you return to him and drape it over his shoulders, hiding most of his annoyingly toned body. “Don’t want to get any bleach on your skin,” you explain, no way in hell ever admitting to him that you’re finding it hard to focus with him on display like that.

Absentmindedly, he hands you one of the clips he bought a long time ago, one that’s almost completely bleached itself and you start running your fingers through his hair to section it. He closes his eyes, focusing intently on the soothing sensation of your fingers on his scalp, doing his best not to groan out loud at how good it feels. With anyone else, this isn’t anything special, normally he sits as patiently as he can whilst trying not to annoy whoever is doing his hair (lest they decide to ‘mess up’ as punishment). But with you, it’s a different feeling entirely.

It's jarringly intimate as you clip his hair back and reach over him to grab the plastic gloves that came with the dye. Lathering up the applicator brush, you start slathering it onto his hair, trying your hardest to make sure it’s evenly distributed and surrounding each strand. As you do so, you ask, “How long have you been doing this?”

He resists the urge to shrug, not wanting to jostle you, replying, “Osamu and I started in middle school.”

“Osamu dyes his hair too?”

“Yeah, he goes for gray. But I’d heard blondes have more fun so—here we are.”

He grits his teeth as your fingers skim over his scalp, glad for the towel you wrapped around him to hide the goosebumps skittering along his bare skin.

“Let me guess,” you muse. “You guys did it because people couldn’t tell you apart?”

“That,” he laughs, “And we thought it would look cool. The first time we did it, it looked like shit.”

Your answering laugh warms his heart as you unclip a section of hair and keep working. “I can’t imagine your mom being too happy about it.”

“Livid. We got bleach everywhere.”

You laugh, continuing to move through his hair methodically. It doesn’t take very long as you’re just dying his roots and they weren’t that bad to begin with, contrary to what Atsumu thinks. When you finish, he gives you a sheepish look and has to swallow his pride to ask you to help him wash it out. Every time he’s tried to do it himself, he always ends up leaving a huge chunk of bleach somewhere.

You oblige, following him to the bathroom, not bothering to care about the looks you get along the way. If they want to stare at a shirtless Atsumu and then glare at you for having that all to yourself, that’s their prerogative. It does wonders for your confidence, regardless that all of this is a ruse.

Luckily, the bathroom is empty and Atsumu dutifully bends over the sink to let you start washing the dye out of his hair. He’s immensely grateful his eyes are shut, and his face is shoved into the sink to hide his flushed cheeks as he thoroughly enjoys your fingers running through his hair. The sensation of your fingernails lightly scraping over his scalp makes him ball his fists as he has to bite his lip to keep from making any sounds.

You’re unbothered, until you notice the towel has slipped from his shoulders and with the way he’s bracing himself against the counter every muscle in his back and arms is on display for you to see. It’s an effort to continue your task as if nothing is wrong and force yourself to look off into the distance instead of eyeing him up.

It’s no easy feat. Especially when you finish and he rises, scrubbing at his face with the discarded towel before moving on to his hair. You press your lips into a firm line and let yourself indulge just a little bit looking at the way his muscles flex with the movement, droplets from his damp hair trailing down the planes of his chest towards the waistband of his shorts and—your attention is broken at the sound of him chuckling and you snap your gaze to his.

You find him staring at you with mischief sparkling in his eyes, so you speak before he can tease you. “Is that it?”

“We have to actually dye it now.”

“Oh.” You turn on your heels desperate to escape his gaze. “Let’s go then.” A smirk plays across his lips, but he refrains from teasing you, solely because he very much enjoyed the way you were looking at him and doesn’t want you to stop.

And yeah—sue him if he thinks about your hands in his hair for the rest of the day. In the end, he might be a little grateful no one else was available to help him.

When mid-semester break arrives, it comes as a surprise that you actually miss each other. What surprises you even further, is that he’s the one to bring it up. Within the first night, he video calls you, a sheepish expression on his face, explaining he needed someone to complain to.

“What do you mean?” You teased. “Sounds like you’re getting stuffed with good food from Osamu and you have plenty to brag about.” You winked, smiling devilishly at him and pointing to yourself. You’re only joking. Slightly. You aren’t sure what will come about if he tells his family about you, or if that’s even a good idea. It’d be much easier to break this off cleanly without the involvement of each other’s families.

He sighs, flopping down on his bed and scrubbing his face with one hand. “They’re just dyin’ to meet you now.”

Your brows lift, half-expecting him to have tried to keep this a secret. “You told them?”

“I wasn’t gunna,” he explains. “But apparently some college sports news channel caught um—,” he coughs awkwardly, remembering very vividly this day, yet the two of you haven’t acknowledged it since. “Our—uh—celebration.”

Eyes widening, you stare at him a moment before the both of you burst out laughing. Between your giggles you manage to say, “Oops.”

Laughing alongside you, he grins, despite the pang in his heart at the voice in his head desperately trying to remind him all of this isn’t real. You aren’t his girlfriend and the moment all of this ends, you probably won’t bat an eye at him ever again. He hates how much that hurts.

Forging onward towards his demise he discloses, “I am now a very proud owner of a very jealous brother now, so thank you.”

That only makes you keep grinning, setting a hand on your cheek and dramatically saying, “What? Of little ol’ me?”

He fights the urge to tell you that yes—jealous of little ol’ you. The girl who is slowly becoming the girl of his dreams. The beautiful, funny girl who deals with him and everything that comes with him. He swallows all that, keeping the mood and saying, “He refuses to let me try any of his onigiri. A crime, really.”

“Of the highest caliber,” you agree, stifling your laughter. “Though I’m sure you steal some when he isn’t looking.”

“Yeah, but he caught me and hit me on the head with his spoon.”

“How dare he. Lucky for me, my family is clueless.”

“What do they think yer doin’ right now then?”

Shrugging you say, “I told them I had a project to work on with a classmate. Which isn’t entirely a lie, I do have a project to work on. But someone interrupted.”

He smirks. “Wonder who that could be.”

“Beats me.” His responding grin does something to you that’s been happening a lot more frequently lately. Making you feel like all the air has been punched out of you and like your heart is going to beat out of your chest. Though, you’ve gotten quite good at hiding it.

In the distance, you hear someone calling his name. He panics, it’s bad enough his family knows about you now, but he isn’t sure if he’s ready for them to meet you. Especially Osamu, who he has the sinking feeling is already suspicious of this. It’ll be a miracle if he can slip this by him.

“Gotta go!” He says quickly, and before he ends the call, he hears you chuckle and say, “Beware the spoon.”

Every day his situation only gets worse.

The next night he can’t get Osamu off his back. Enough that when he tries to retreat to his bedroom to give you a call, pathetically missing you again, Osamu bursts in when he’s about two minutes into the video call with you. He tries to shove him out, embarrassed and afraid Osamu will see straight through him. But Osamu is stubborn, and he hears you laughing on the other end of the call before saying, “Aww, Atsumu won’t you at least let me try to charm the pants off him?”

He grits his teeth, the thought that he wants you to charm the pants off of him, not his brother flitting through his head before he can stop it. But he relents, letting Osamu sit backwards on his desk chair to join the conversation.

He isn’t sure how, but somehow you get Osamu to believe this is real in a matter of minutes. You have him laughing and talking about culinary school and he almost feels jealous that your attention is now on Osamu instead of him. It’s a ridiculous notion, he knows it, but it doesn’t stop him from keeping the camera on him as much as possible.

When the call ends, Osamu looks at him seriously, and for a moment Atsumu thinks he’s just been pretending to believe you this entire time. However, he breaks into a smile and smacks him on the back saying, “Got yerself a keeper, there.”

Atsumu tries to grin with as much sincerity as he can. Yeah—he knows he does. But that isn’t going to stop this from ending.

That night, both of you go to bed feeling like you’re getting in too deep.

And as per usual, when school starts back up again, neither of you bring it up. You’re happy to keep ignoring it, hating yourself for liking this arrangement and him more and more every day. It sad really, how much time in your day is spent thinking about him. Wondering if there’s any possibility that the two of you could just transition to a real relationship. Because to you, that’s already what this is. Nothing would change, but at least you’d stop feeling guilty every time you enjoy his hand in yours or the soft press of his lips to the top of your head.

A few days after returning to school, you find yourself alone with him in his dorm room studying. He’s sitting at his desk, hunched over a textbook while you lay on his bed, head propped up by an elbow. You can feel your eyes drooping, the words blurring together, it becoming harder and harder to stay awake. His bed is too comfortable and smells overwhelmingly like him, a scent you’ve come to enjoy every time you’re pressed up against him. A mixture of his body wash and the ever-present faint smell of the volleyball court. Eventually you’re powerless against the solace of sleep.

When Atsumu notices you, his heart jumps into his throat. You look so serene and peaceful, your chest rising and falling ever so slightly, part of him wants to crawl in beside you and press his face into your neck and fall asleep right along with you.

But he too has begun to feel like this game has gone too far. The moment he had to tell his family, lie to Osamu, he knew he’d crossed a line. It isn’t fair to you. No longer does he need to pretend for his teammates that he can have a serious relationship, there isn’t a reason to torture himself and keep you tied to him anymore.

Yet, thinking about not being without you, no longer eating lunch together, studying together, or having you in the stands at his games wrenches his heart in such a way he actually feels like it’s crumpling inside his chest. He hasn’t been able to admit it, but at some point along the way, he thinks he fell in love with you. And it just hurts too much to keep pretending. Especially when you’re only doing this for peace and quiet during your showers.

For you, he shouldn’t drag this on any longer.

So, a couple days later, you texted him telling him you were in the library and can join him anytime if he wants. A harmless text, one you’ve sent him many times since this whole thing started, but this one makes his heart sink. Knowing this is the opportunity he’s been waiting for to talk to you. He tries to not think about it, trying to let volleyball take over his thoughts, but it’s futile. All he can think about is saying those words to you, and how it’s quite possibly going to utterly destroy him.

But you take it well, as he expects, squashing the hope that you might feel something for him too.

That night in the library feels particularly lonely. There’s no quick-witted remark from the boy who carved himself a place in your life, no one there to make you laugh when you’re struggling with a problem. Instead, you’re met with nothing but the darkness and silence of the library. It’s almost too much to bear, and once the silence starts closing in on you—you force yourself to leave, refusing to let yourself wallow.

The next weeks are hard. He never imagined that he’d think that after all of this was over. He keeps showering in the mornings to avoid you and uphold the deal you two struck months ago. He ignores the empty hole in his chest when he eats lunch without you, or studies late alone. The most jarring thing is your absence at his games. He constantly finds himself searching the crowd for your face, before remembering you won’t be there. He misses that intense gaze he could always feel on his back, the one that kept him awake at night when he let his thoughts run wild.

He feels as though something has been ripped from his life, leaving nothing but a gaping hole behind that seems intent on devouring him whole.

The same can be said for you.

Who knew you’d ever miss his teasing remarks while you shower? Or miss how you could complain to him endlessly about classes and then have him comfort you in the warm solace of his arms? Even the little things like walking to class together, now that you do it alone, it feels like there’s something missing.

The two you go on like that, thinking of the other every night before sleeping, tossing and turning with the thought of what could have been.

And eventually, you reach the point where you’re over it. Over pining after him day after day, peering out your door to make sure he isn’t around, or taking detours just to avoid him in the hallways. You’re over it. Enough that you’re willing to swallow your pride and confess to him, even if he doesn’t feel the same way—maybe you can fucking move on then.

Before you can talk yourself out of it, you stomp to his dorm room, his roommate opening the door; his eyes widening upon seeing you. Immediately, he grabs his keys saying into the room, “I forgot I need to go to the store Atsumu, see you later.”

He leaves no time for Atsumu to protest, out the door in a matter of moments, leaving you standing in the doorway. Atsumu is just sitting in his desk chair, looking dumfounded at you, having fully expected to never see you again.

The gears in his head grind to a halt as you say, “This is stupid.”

He gives you a bewildered look, unsure what exactly you mean by that.

You steel your courage and press on. “I like you. And you like me. I think. And all this pretending that we don’t is stupid.”

After a few moments, his lips curve into a smile, the mischievous one you used to hate but now feel relief seeing. He can’t help the joy building in his chest at your confession. How many sleepless nights thinking about this very moment did he endure?

“You said it,” he teases.

Despite giving him a look, you do nothing to stop the grin rising to your lips. “Well, it didn’t seem like you were going to.”

His smile only widens, and he motions you into the room. “Get yer butt over here already.”

You move on instinct, striding into the room and climbing into his lap, settling your legs on either side of his you wrap your arms around his neck. The overwhelming sense that yes—this is exactly where you want to be, washes over you. He smirks up at you, his large hands resting at your waist, waiting for your next move.

“I can’t believe I actually missed that stupid smirk,” you say, lowering your lips to his, fingers slipping into the short hair at the base of his neck.

His smile hasn’t faltered, muttering against your lips teasing, “Does this mean I can shower at night again?”

A laugh bubbles out of you, but he smothers it in another kiss and refuses to let go.

[loth-wolffe]

You ever heard the song "you are my sunshine?" The angst of Clone and Jedi lovers, I'm crying

BY JOHNNY CASH?????????? because it is I ABSOLUTELY HAVE AND ANON OMG.

it's one of my favest johnny cash songs and i just. i never thought about it between clone and jedi lovers but dude some galaxy brain here!!

i couldn't resist so i wrote a tiny piece based on it because im mean and you sent this ask to me which makes me teary and my heart full so. a this is a lil gift to you<3 (sorry it's so angsty u literally asked for it)

ALSO. I've heard a few people get mad when it's the sort of 'with ur fave clone fic' bc "you're taking their individuality away and u don't give them their place" and all. and i thought of rex while writing but you can think of whoever you like. not because they're the same, but because I think this scenario can be for everyone. just like the word you can be applied to millions when reading a fic, i guess him can be also applied to any clone without taking their nor our individuality away. still. if you don't like it don't read and that's cool too.

sad times under the cut

waking up was always the hardest part of it all, his hand always tried to reach out for you, but he could never find you, the cold spot where you used to lay always greets him.

it's always like this now. his new normal. without you.

sometimes he pretends you're there and tries to nuzzle into your warmth, tries to find the smell of your shampoo on the pillow and the lingering warmth of your body in the covers.

he never finds you, even when his mind plays him tricks and he dreams about that exact moment of you cuddled in his arms and his cheek on your head, and you give him a sleepy smile and kiss his lips.

he misses you.

mostly when he watches you walk through the halls, sometimes towards the bridge, or the mess hall, or the medbay.

it's hard when he sees the blue picture of you during transmission, talking to his general with and never to him, your eyes doesn't even spare him a glance and it breaks his heart ever so slowly, so softly, so quietly it's until he has to sleep that the lump in his throat tightens so that he can't breath.

life feels gray when you painted it with your colors, bright shades of yellows and pinks and blues and you, and when you left you took your colors too, his surroundings –no, his heart,– going back to the same shade than before meeting you, a cold gray, a few shades close to white, one that reminded him of the shuttles, and blasters. that was like dust and clouds.

clouds, for his days became less bright each day, for you were the sunshine that always cleared the sky. him a lost flower that flourished with your arrival.

he still waits for you.

he loves you still. he always has, he supposes, since he saw you, with your dirty robes and your face covered in smoke, lightsaber hold so tightly one would thought it might snap in half, your eyes fierce, unyielding, ready for a fight, to survive and make sure he survived too.

even when he remembers your teary eyes, puffy and bit red, your broken voice telling him you "can't keep doing this –not like this." not with secrets, not with worry. not when your rank is higher and not when there's so much to lose.

you could lose him, you had said, and that was what scared you the most.

"if someone finds out–"

"no one will." he interrupted. his last resource was to beg you, to plead you to stay. he has never been one to feel desperate and hopeless, but with the conviction in your eyes, he knew it was a fight he lost even before he knew it had begun.

"I'm not willing to risk that."

he knew the consequences since the beginning, but how foolish it was for him to think it would be enough to love you.

it wasn't, he should've known. in the middle of war, love is never enough. so you broke his heart instead.

[olivinesea]

In the Golden Dark

a/n: Having never done any ship writing before I’m just going to jump feet first into the deep end with a little Hotchreid for you today. It’s nice. No warnings except maybe some angst because we are who we are. Probably the softest thing you will see from me so enjoy the moment. Completely unnecessary disclaimer that I would find this relationship wildly inappropriate in real life but thank god we’re out here in the lawless fiction of the internet. And you’re getting full on song lyrics bc Hotchreid is nothing if not decadent af. There’s more but I’m impatient so here’s the first bit. ~ 2.7k

what the hell am I doing here in the golden dark? feeling like I’m someone else who looks the part I built up barricades to block my heart cause I don’t wanna fear you

He leaned back in his chair, reaching his arms up and clasping his hands behind his head, arching his back slightly. With his eyes closed it could be any time of day. He inhaled deeply and pretended for a moment that he was nowhere. He even gave himself a few extra seconds, indulging in the quiet that was the office at night. If only he could feel so peaceful in the right moments—before sleeping perhaps. When he opened his eyes all he could see was the reflection of his office light in the black windows. There hadn’t been daylight for hours. He’d switched off the overhead lights in favor of the small desk lamp that pooled the light only in the area of immediate relevance. Everything beyond its reach faded in and out of existence as his focus fell deeply into the forms in front of him.

He pressed his elbows back as far as they would go, pulling up slightly on the base of his skull, stretching out a day’s worth of stress, countless hours spent bent over report after report. He never could have imagined that saving people would require so much paperwork. Reducing the chaos of the lived experience, the searches and the takedowns, the intricate patterns of dozens of personalities layering choices upon one another; it turned out to be quite difficult to do. It took him hours to wrap up cases, even with everyone doing most of their own reports. Which, through no fault of their own, wasn’t always the case. He usually ended up siphoning off a fair number of those reports in addition to his own.

He didn’t mind, he needed to go over everything, needed to make sure that any possible negative feedback that came back would fall to him and he would be prepared if it did. His team were his responsibility, he would be neglecting his duties if he didn’t ensure that things were handled properly. None of them needed the headache of administrative errors. He was good with details, good with forms, good with protocol. He would happily be the filter that saved them all the trouble of little errors even if it hadn’t been part of his job.

But that didn’t change the fact that it was eleven o’clock on a Wednesday and everyone else had gone home hours ago. Only the late night janitorial staff wandered in and out occasionally, nodding at him in silent greeting as they reset the offices to give the illusion of an endlessly renewable supply of fresh starts. People that didn’t stay late never gave this transformation a second thought. They left the office with full trashcans and small debris scattered on the old carpets, only to return the next morning to find a place untouched by human presence, metal fixtures shining and glass doors free of oily fingerprints. That was just how the world worked for them, generous with new beginnings. People who lingered knew better, that effort was put into the effect. Beginnings were never easy, never flowed so inevitably as the set and rise of the sun.

Hotch had been working late for many years, long before he was even in the BAU. He had learned in law school how to brew the coffee strong enough to stay up all night if need be. How the indoor lighting changed without the support of daylight, tinting the world a thin sickly green color without the natural light to round out the fluorescence. He only got worse about it once he joined the Bureau, the stress of the job causing old habits and old secrets to float to the surface. He compensated by working the hardest, doing the most, never allowing anyone to see him need things that other people needed. He could handle this job, this was all he ever wanted after all. To save the world. Or maybe, more modestly, to save the world of a few.

Now, with Haley gone, Jack with her, somewhere well out of his disastrous reach, there was no reason at all not to fully give in. No reason not to let his insomnia at least be productive. To let the latent self destruction that fueled his actions at least have a positive impact on the people he cared about. He could do that at least.

He rubbed his face with his hands, he was getting loopy. There was no reason to be letting his mind wander so far, there were still reports he could get through. Perhaps, as unlikely as the idea felt, he could even get ahead. He looked back down at the paperwork, letting his feet settle flat on the floor. The letters swam in front of him and he sighed, rolling his pen beneath his thumb, considering. He could probably make it another hour. He could get another pot of coffee into himself. He cast about for his mug, finding it empty on the shelf behind him. He sometimes kept it there to prevent his reports from acquiring telltale dark rings. Rolling back from the desk, he hooked the handle with two fingers and headed out to the kitchenette.

Wrapped up in making plans for what he could finish tonight and what could be left for the morning he was startled to find a light still on in the bullpen. He was certain everyone had gone home long ago. They’d each passed by his office, offering him an out as they made their ways home—perhaps their exit could be the motivation he needed to break out of his office, to head towards his own home. What they didn’t realize was that home was not better for him. Work was far better, far safer, with tasks to complete, a purpose. If he was smart he would stay at work forever.

So he waved to them as they checked out, giving them small smiles that, though imperceptible to strangers, they recognized as both apologies and well-wishes. He knew they worried, that they didn’t like to see him tied to his desk late into the night. They thought it was one of his many methods for making himself suffer but he didn’t have the heart to tell them that this was him making a good decision, this was him trying his very best. In his experience, nothing good happened at home.

He thought he remembered everyone leaving, each goodbye. But every day was the same and they all bled together so he must have missed one because he cannot deny the light down below. As he walked down the stairs, confused by the discovery that he was not as alone as he had been imagining, his tired vision focused better. He could make out dark blond curls and a darker sweater hunched over the desk in the middle of the room.

“Reid?” The name came out as a croak, he hadn’t spoken in hours and probably hadn’t had any water in that time period either. He cleared his throat and said it again, louder and closer to the other man than before. Reid’s head snapped up, expression as guilty as a child caught out of bed.

“S-sorry,” he stuttered, eyes wide.

Hotch frowned, not because he was upset but because he was still a little disoriented and his muscles fell back into the most familiar actions.

“I—“ Reid ducked his head and started pushing papers together on his desk, shoving them haphazardly into a file folder. “I was just…” he trailed off, not really having intended on explaining himself. He was simply also startled and reverting to the familiar.

Reid explained compulsively, able to handle the world when parsed down to facts and numbers. He didn’t have a fact for why he had stayed so late, only a feeling and that he didn’t know how to explain. Nights had been particularly lonely recently so he had allowed himself to stay later and later, getting lost in his thoughts at his work desk. Even without people around there was a sense of occupancy, their faint impressions lingering in the air. Plus there was always Hotch up in his office. He didn’t actively think about him or what he was doing but he liked knowing the man was nearby. Hotch’s solid presence always made him feel more secure, less concerned with whatever might jump out at him from the shadows overlapping the world and his mind.

He couldn’t tell Hotch that, was far too embarrassed to admit that sometimes, even with all the lights on, it was too dark in his apartment. No matter the illumination, he couldn’t quite dispel the unease of the night when he was alone. It wasn’t always like this, sometimes he had enough brightness to spare. Recently, however, things had been hard. So much had been going on, he couldn’t quite pinpoint why but he knew he felt uneasy. Too much had changed, there was too much risk that the floor could still fall out beneath him at any moment. And it hadn’t been so long since he’d escaped the consequences of his kidnapping, his addiction, that he trusted himself to be able to manage too much more uncertainty. Backsliding was always a risk and right now the world tilted at a frightening grade. So he let himself stay late in the safety of familiarity, sometimes working but more often not, idly rereading the books he had brought in and forgotten around the office. Tonight he had actually started to doze off, which contributed to his shock upon being discovered.

Hotch continued to frown at him, watching as the thoughts raced across Spencer’s face. He noticed how deep the shadows were beneath his eyes, the way darkness pooled in the space below his cheekbones, as if they were concave impressions filled by seawater. He knew Spencer didn’t eat enough, was all too familiar with the ways too much coffee and not enough calories pinched the skin and exposed the fine lines of capillaries beneath the surface.

“Sorry,” Spencer repeated.

He looked genuinely ashamed and it made Hotch a little sad. Couldn’t Spencer see that he was just as guilty of whatever it was he thought he was doing wrong by being here? He made a conscious effort to soften his expression, to show the warmth he felt for the younger man. After having spent his entire life masking his emotions, protecting himself one of the only ways he could, it wasn’t always easy to show his affection. Especially not at this time of night, when all he could do was cling to his walls and hope to find himself still on solid ground when the sun rose. Spencer wasn’t looking at him, too caught up in his own maze.

“Let’s go get something to eat,” Hotch said, trying a different tactic. He was smart, he knew not to make it a demand or a comment on Spencer’s health. It was only an invitation, firm enough for Spencer to know he meant it, that it was not just a pleasantry or an obligation he’d rather avoid. A hand extended, an offer of easy company to pass through a little more of this unwanted time. Spencer looked up from where his fingers were worrying at the corner of the file in front of him and smiled shyly. Hotch smiled back, a real smile that scrunched up his dark shining eyes.

“Give me five minutes to close up,” he said and turned back toward his office. As he packed his briefcase, his heart felt like it had been wrapped in a soft blanket. He didn’t bother questioning it—who didn’t like finding someone to commiserate with when they’d only expected more of the lonely dark?

*

Their late night meals became a regular occurrence. Not every night but once, maybe twice a week, they found themselves the last ones in the office. They fell into a rhythm, each learning to read more from the other’s subtle cues. They almost always went to the same place, a 24-hour diner near the office with deceptively strong coffee and a seemingly endless variety of pancakes. Hotch rarely ordered food, though he encouraged Reid to get anything he wanted. He accepted bites of whatever the younger man ordered, happy enough to reciprocate the excitement over strawberry rhubarb or cinnamon blueberry pancakes.

They talked about inconsequential things, mostly Hotch listening as Reid spun out information on whatever topic was on his mind that day. Reid, for his part, made mental note of the things Hotch responded to and had opinions on. Spencer sought out more information in that vein to bring up. He loved to talk, sure, but what he loved more was to discuss. During the day there was rarely time to let his thoughts wander so freely. It was a dream to have someone there, following along and challenging him with questions, building up new conclusions.

On the nights that followed difficult days, when they were both too stubborn to order anything of substance, they drank their coffees and avoided looking at each other too directly. Those nights they were both tied up in their own thoughts, islands separated by more than just distance, but there was something undeniably pulling them together. It was probably just the natural consequence of having opposite dominant sides but they mirrored each other perfectly across the table. Once, they both happened to reach for their mugs at the same time and the backs of their hands brushed against each other. They each noticed but responded differently. Hotch repressed any reaction, pretending the quick touch of bony knuckles and cool skin hadn’t registered. Maybe it hadn’t. Reid, on the other hand, jumped as if shocked, sloshing the hot coffee into a puddle on the table. This only flustered him more and he yelped at the sting of the liquid and the sting of embarrassment. It wasn’t like they’d never touched before. But here, in this nowhere time they’d constructed, it felt different. In his mind that brief touch became nails dragging across his skin, impossible to ignore. But he pretended the mug was too hot and Hotch didn’t argue, quick to assist with napkins and sounds of agreement to accompany Spencer’s half-coherent excuses.

When their meals were done, mostly cleaned plates of syrup and crumbs stacked to one side, they hesitated before standing up. Hotch always offered to give Reid a ride home, Reid always declined, insisting he could get there himself. This led to Hotch giving him a doubtful look and insisting that it was no trouble. Reid, secretly wanting a ride the whole time, struggled to argue for his self-sufficiency a little longer before giving in. It became a silly thing, both of them knowing exactly how the argument ended but they held onto it for some reason. It was a part of their ritual now, an important piece of the night. It kept this, whatever this was, contained, strictly occasional, random even. Not something they planned for, not something they looked forward to.

Hotch waited for Spencer to get in the door of his building before driving away. He knew it wasn’t necessary, Spencer was a grown man and a trained FBI agent with a weapon. Still, it made him feel better to see him safely inside. Sometimes he thought he would feel even better if he could walk Spencer all the way to his front door. But he knew that would be asking too much. As it was, the nights when they shared this extra hour or two together, extended further by the drive home, had been giving him more than he could have imagined. He wouldn’t dare impose himself further. The brittle excuse of safety would crumble if he were to start following the other man inside. He was not ready to find out what that would mean. He smiled unconsciously as he drove to his apartment. For now, it was enough that he had found companionship on these late nights when he would otherwise be slowly, meticulously, working his way into the grave.

~Part 2~