#the way all these millionaires kept talking to my boss like I wasn’t there

[elscottie]

I had to cancel my week of vacation so my mental health continues to be ??? but at least I got to do some fun theater stuff

[forsakenmis]

After the snap

Summary: Wanda was snapped away. You, on the other hand, remained and had moved on. You moved out of the country, started a new job, and had even gone on a few dates. Then everyone came back and suddenly a familiar witch was knocking on your workplace door.

Pairings: Top!Wanda x Reader

Warnings: dark!wanda, oral (r receiving), strap, public sex, posessive wanda, mummy kink

You’d long put away the shield (so to speak) and were at a point that going back to everyone just seemed so jarring. Maybe you didn’t want to believe it wasn’t true. After five years of grieving, of building a new life, and suddenly everyone’s just….back.

Wanda was back.

You knew it was wrong to have not contacted her. For her, it must seem like yesterday that you were whispering your plans about eloping, but that was five years ago. You moved on. Found someone else. She was nice, sweet, normal. She worked as a custom officer but she could spend hours and hours talking about all these topics that fascinated you.

She also was very predictable and normal.

Admittedly, your relationship hadn’t quite been defined. You suspected she was seeing other people, keeping her options open, and you weren’t sure how long you two were going to last but you were enjoying the time that you had together.

On top of that, you had a job at a bookstore that paid your rent. Sure, it wasn’t as flashy as it was back then but you liked being surrounded by all the books, some new and some falling apart. You spent a lot of pride restoring the latter in the back. You never had much of a chance to read before everything happened, your life was mostly spent trying to make sure everyone didn’t die.

Your abilities were healing based and that was more useful than you had initially thought when you first met them all. In fact, you thought you were awfully inadequate compared to people like Steve Rogers, Thor and Wanda Maximoff. But your time was kept filled to the brim.

Your only time to relax was your time with Wanda.

It had started off innocent enough. She used to stay with you after you finished up in the medic bay. She’d have dinner with you. Admittedly, you were pretty sure she didn’t have many other friends in the complex. Then it grew until she was fucking you every chance she could get. How else would either of you relax?

But that was a long time ago. You were done with that life. You weren’t the same person anymore. You ran and started a new life and not even the idea of Wanda could make you go back and maybe she was just that–an idea.

You were confident none of them would find you. Natasha couldn’t. You knew she had been trying to track you down like she had for Clint but no one came knocking on your door. So if they couldn’t, you were pretty sure she wouldn’t be able to find you either.

You’d just closed shop, the sunset streaming through the shutters covering the windows, and were taking stock. It had been a quiet day, but it was always quiet on a Tuesday so you had easily reached the predicted quota. The one downside was your boss, but he was only around once a week.

He was the kid of some millionaire who was trying to be hip and all that. So he opened some urban bookstore but he was too busy partying to actually stay on top of the business. Which is fine-you liked that arrangement. You’ll keep the shop running and he’ll never be up in your business. It worked without a bump in the road.

You were nearly done for the day, all you had to do after was–

The bell attached to the door trinkled. Someone had walked in. It was nearly half past, well past closing, so surely your boss would understand if you told whoever it is to leave. You were behind the shelves, you couldn’t see who had walked in. They weren’t making a lot of noise. Some people just had that soft touch, usually women.

Coming out to the front, your mouth already opening to ask them to leave, your words died in your throat.

Wanda.

Your eyes were frozen on her face, her eyes, those big doe eyes that always drew you in. She was smiling, an expression full of relief, and she was taking you in, grazing your body, before she moved forward to close the distance.

You stepped back.

Frozen with the air changing. Heavier, like you could feel the gravity pulling you down. Her light, happy, expression melted off and confusion replaced it.

“Wanda,” you said, wanting to cut her off, you couldn’t do it. You couldn’t listen to her. She’d want you to come back. Five years for you, a few days for her. “You shouldn’t be here.”

You may as well have slapped her.

“Shouldn’t be here?” Wanda repeated and you closed your eyes. For the first time in years, you heard her voice. That voice that whispered to you in your dreams. A voice you thought you could hear every time you were alone. “I think I’m exactly where I need to be.”

When you opened your eyes again, you jumped, she was right there. You didn’t even hear her footsteps. “Wan–” you began but then her lips were on yours, her tongue sliding into your open mouth and you grunted in shock. You didn’t kiss back but you didn’t push her off either. You froze. You let her tongue be pushed down your throat as her hands slid onto your cheeks.

Her thumbs beginning to rub small circles into your skin pushed you back into action, your hands going to hips to shove her off you hard enough that she stumbled back a few steps.

“Wanda, I can’t,” you hissed out. “It’s been five years. I…”

“Why aren’t you happy then?” Wanda asked, bewilderment splashed across her face and almost instantly did guilt wash through you. Like you were betraying her somehow. “I was gone for five years, and now I’m back. Why didn’t you come back? Surely, you didn’t move on that easily?”

With that, the guilt was gone.

“Easily?” You hissed out, your hands balling into fists, “don’t come into my shop and–”

You stopped. It was no use getting angry. Your sentences always fumbled into one elongated word that no one could ever understand. “You have no idea what the five years have been like,” you snapped and she tilted her head, just slightly, but enough that a cold chill went down your spine. “You shouldn’t have looked for me. I’m not interested in going back to the avengers. I moved on.”

With that, you turned on your heel to go behind the desk, tapping away at the register. Maybe if you ignored her, she’d get the hint and leave.

“So you developed an attitude?” Wanda remarked and slid her hands into the woollen cardigan that...you knitted her. You frowned when you made the connection. You spent hours labouring away at it. It wasn’t that good, the colours were awful, but she rarely took it off. “Seems we have to start at square one again.”

You frowned. You seem to be doing that a lot. You could already see the wrinkles beginning to form on your forehead. Why wasn’t she listening to you? “I’m seeing someone,” you blurted out as the cash register popped open loudly and Wanda’s face went blank as she registered what you just said. “A girl. She’s nice.”

You weren’t sure if you just signed this girl’s death certificate.

You kept eye contact with the Sokovian and even when her face morphed into a cold fury you hadn’t seen since the civil war. Her expression was tight and it almost looked like she was trying to hold herself back.

“I see.”

“I’m sorry,” you whispered after a moment, “I...I know this can’t be easy for you either. I know it must seem like last week that...well. You know. I just...that life is over, for me at least. I hope you can understand.”

Wanda was silent. She was being too silent. She didn’t say anything, she stood there watching you, and you were too nervous to say anything else or make the next move. Maybe, hopefully, Wanda wouldn’t even say anything else, just walk out. Resent you for the rest of her life. It was better that way.

Instead she walked around the register and your heart dropped to your stomach.

“Wanda-”

“Shut up,” she hissed, her hand whipping up to grab your jaw. Your hands shot up to her wrists and she dragged you forward, closer to her face. “Do you really think I’d let you give up on us this easily? That I’d let you whore yourself out to some girl off the street?”

You didn’t say anything but your glare said enough.

“I trained you so well. I spent years breaking you in, years loving you, and you treat me like this? Like I’m just some common bitch you can throw onto the street?” Wanda’s tone didn’t match her words. Her tone was soft, almost a coo, sounding more disappointed than angry. You almost wished she was more angry than disappointed.

Her lips were on yours again and her hand moved to the back of your head, her teeth biting down into your lips and you groaned at the sharp pain, giving her entrance back into your mouth.

A hand went down between your legs, rubbing, and you instinctively opened your legs. Your body remembered her. Remembered her scent. Everything.

Wanda hummed in approval and soon you were being pushed onto the counter. She broke the kiss, pulling back to look down at you, her hands beginning to rub the inside of your thighs. “Just one night,” she whispered, her expression already having smoothed out, as if that kiss, your touch, was all she needed. “One night with me and if you still want me to leave by the end of the night...well, I’ll leave you alone. Forever. Even if you change your mind. Even if you come crawling back, begging.”

You doubted her. Something in the back of your mind didn’t believe her. On anything. You were pretty sure she wanted you to beg. Your hands were shaking and you gulped. Everything about this reminded you of when you were last happy. Like you were back in the avengers tower where nothing was going wrong.

Her lips were on yours again and her hands soon began to pull at your skirt, ripping them off you with ease, to find nothing but your bare cunt for anyone to see. You jerked up when her hand slammed against it, slapping it. Once, twice, three times, four. “You dirty little whore,” she whispered, “you let anyone and everyone see this, didn’t you?” She slid a finger into your folds and your bottom lip trembled.

“Wanda…” you whispered, feeling your own walls beginning to crumble. Maybe one night wasn’t so bad. One night. One indulgence.

“It’s mine tonight,” Wanda confirmed before suddenly her hands were on your waist and flipped you around and your stomach slapped onto the desk, taking away your breath, leaving you gasping. “You said I didn’t know what happened. In the past five years. You’re right, I don’t, but you’re going to tell me. Tell me everything I missed. If you leave anything out, and I know when you do sweetheart, I’ll stop. Understand me?”

“Yes,” you breathed out as you felt her mouth in between your legs, her tongue lapping at your clit and your back arched as you tried to push more of yourself into her. Soon, it started spilling out. What you did the first few months, how you struggled to get out of bed, how you travelled the world. Therapy. Everything. Her tongue didn’t stop, in fact the more you spilt, her tongue sped up, making you wetter and wetter by the second. “I couldn’t get you out of my head,” you mumbled by the end of it, “I found her. She was everything you weren’t. Mundane. Boring.”

Your stomach was tightening, that tempting release building and building, so expertly brought on by the way Wanda devoured you, the way she breathed onto your throbbing clit, the way her tongue teased your gaping entrance. When you stopped, she pulled away and you bit down onto your bottom lip to stop yourself from cursing.

“Such a good little whore for me,” Wanda purred, her hand falling in between your slit to rub your clit and the moan that left your mouth sacrificed any and all self respect that you might have been clinging onto. “This is where you belong isn’t it? Bent over for mummy. I treat you so well, don’t I?”

Two fingers dipped into your already gaping entrance pushing them in and out. “I think you deserve a little reward,” Wanda hummed out, “for being so honest with mummy.”

You didn’t have much long to prepare before you felt a strap push into your entrance and you gasped in a sharp breath, your eyes bulging and your body pressed forward. Wanda didn’t push into you completely, only pushed the tip in and out, focussing on the one area.

In truth, that was worse than if she shoved into you completely. You were forced to focus on that one area, not get that relief if she were to push in deeper, and it was as if she was grabbing at every inch of your mind, forcing you to feel nothing but that tip dipping in and out of your body.

“Tell me…” she whispered, her hands coming onto your waist to grip them, nails digging into your skin, “tell me where you belong, baby girl. Who you belong to. Look at you, five years without me and you still get so wet for me. I go in so easily. Don’t worry, baby, I’m not going to leave you again.”

“W-w-” you choked out and you took in a breath, trying to contain the moans slipping out of your mouth, “you said one–”

Her hand slammed down onto your bare ass and you jerked forward. Still, she didn’t go deeper, didn’t give you what you wanted. Still, you didn’t verbalise this. Your skin was stinging and your fingers reached up to hang onto the edge of the desk.

“Answer my question, don’t make me treat you like a common whore,” Wanda hissed, pulling out completely just to thrust back in, shoving more of the shaft inside of you, ripping your walls open, but then she pulled back to just the tip again.

Then the doorbell rang again and it was as if someone poured a bucket of ice cold water all over your body. Your vision was already blurring by this point but you could see her outline, the blonde hair, standing at the door.

Wanda slammed into you, bottoming out, and a scream shot out of your lips, whilst her hands were in your hair, pulling your head back until your neck was straining. She could see your face, see every expression you pulled as Wanda began to fuck you without restraint.

“If I were you,” Wanda’s voice broke through your moans and screams, icy cold and calm despite the way she was beginning to thrust inside of you, “I’d leave and never come back. If you knew what was good for you, you’d wipe my girl from everything. Phone, address, memories.”

You couldn’t hear what she said, you could hear her voice, but unlike Wanda, it was all a garbled mess. Even in this state, Wanda’s words were in absolute clarity. You watched her leave. The door clicked shut and you swore you could see red mist at the door, locking it.

Wanda bent over you, pressing down onto your back, lips pressing against your neck, sucking and nipping, her hips still pushing inside of you, pushing you closer and closer to an orgasm that was tightening at the base of your stomach.

Then her movements slowed until she was completely still, her strap still inside of you, your walls wrapped around it, clinging to it.

“Much better, just us,” Wanda whispered as she nipped at your earlobe and you moaned. “You take my cock so well, don’t you? No, I couldn’t dream of letting you go, not when you’re such a good girl for me. I’ll take you with me and I’ll give you the life you want. A normal life, where no one will ever hurt you. You can read all you want. Forget the world outside. Just us two, together.”

“Mummy,” you whispered and you could feel her body vibrate as she hummed in approval. “Mummy, please.”

“Tell me where you belong,” she whispered back as she began to move her hips again.

“With you, mummy, under you. I missed you so much,” you whispered, “I belong to you. I always have.”

“I know, sweetheart, I know you did,” Wanda whispered before she stretched up and her hands went to your elbows, pulling you up from the table before she began to rail you. Sharp thrusts, slamming into you again and again, and tears began to burn the back of your eyes as pleasure began to roll through you. “You're going to cum for me like a good girl. Then you’re going to lie on this table to wait as I go pack your bags. You live above this, don’t you?”

“Y-yes, mummy,” you choked out as your orgasm was already threatening to flow through you. You could feel your own juices dripping down your thighs and you knew that your boss would be walking in to find an absolute mess.

“And then we’ll leave. Together.”

“Together.”

It wasn’t long until you felt like you were choking on your breath, your stomach twisting and churning, your legs trembling, and it was Wanda keeping you up. Otherwise, you would have collapsed onto the table, even the ground.

Soon, you felt it. Felt that blissful euphoria that often put you to sleep wash over you in intense waves that made your toes curl. Wanda was laughing, quietly, as she felt you come undone around her strap. “That’s it, baby girl, let it all go. Good little whore.”

She slid out of you with a pop and you groaned, the disappearing sensation already sorely missed. “Mummy, please, I still need you…” you mumbled, your words drowsy and reality was folding inwards around you as you felt your body hit the table again.

“I’ll be back, in just a moment,” Wanda whispered into your ear before her warmth disappeared and you could hear her moving through the store and up the creaky stairwell. Then your eyes slid open and you took in a deep breath as you began to move. Pushed off the desk, your legs sore and shaky but stable, and you looked for the skirt, long discarded. You knew you only had a small amount of time before she realised or, god forbid, heard you. Pulling the skirt up you grabbed only your wallet, didn’t even dare grab your phone and risk being tracked. You can get a burner if need be. You knew it’d be difficult, if she found you here, then she’d be able to find you wherever you went but...maybe she’ll give up.

You didn’t go through the front door, not with the bell, but there was a small door leading out to the back. Your footsteps were silent as could be, and your heart was beating in your chest. One wrong step and she could hear you. You could hear the banging doors, even her humming, but she didn’t stop.

Soon, you were in the back alley, with nothing but overflowing bins and a motorbike there. Yours. The only thing you kept from Stark. Faster than anything you could buy in a store. You hated riding with a skirt, let alone with these shoes, but what choice did you have?

You only had so much time to run.

[cricketnationrise]

san jose summer

“Chowder. Come on.”

“What?”

“You’re a literal millionaire, the starting goalie for the Sharks, you flew us both all the way out here in first class, and you’re seriously going to feed us Kraft Mac and Cheese right now?” Dex asks.

“Chill, Dex, KD is great.”

“Plus, and I cannot stress this enough, it’s like the only thing I know how to make,” Chowder admits.

“Respect,” Nursey says, bumping Chowder’s fist.

“Don’t they make you learn how to feed yourself in the NHL, like at least simple meals?”

“Meal kits are a real thing, Dex, and they are god’s gift to me personally,” says Chowder. “Just don’t tell Bitty.”

“You’re lucky I love you, Chowder,” Dex says, shaking his head, “Well, mostly I don’t need to hear about how he failed ‘his son’ so badly every time I see him if I did tell him.”

“Bet,” Nursey says.

“And like, I agree Nursey, KD is delicious, but you could have just gotten  take out.” Dex says as he crosses to the fridge and then the pantry, assessing what’s inside. 

“You just got off a really long flight! I wanted you to have something that was made with love!” Chowder protests.

“If we want something made with love, but also protein, you’ve got enough stuff for lasagna.” Dex goes to the sink to wash his hands.

“You can make lasagna?” the other two chorus.

“Please make us lasagna,” Chowder adds.

“Dude we live together, how come you’ve never made me lasagna?” Nursey asks.

“Mostly because it’s a lot of food for two people, and it never tastes right if you have to freeze and reheat it, and I like variety too much to eat the same thing for a week,” says Dex, gathering ingredients and a casserole dish.

He gets cooking, with some help from Chowder, and some play by play commentary from Nursey. (They all know better than to let Nursey actually help cook - it’s safer for all of them.) It’s actually pretty great being all in one place again. Ever since Chowder got traded from the Bruins to the Sharks two years after they graduated, they’ve been making do with quick visits when Chowder plays local teams and lots of Skype. But nothing beats the real thing.

He and Nursey are visiting Chowder for a whole month this summer. Perks of a renegotiated contract include being able to fly your two best friends out and feed three hungry Frogs for a month without breaking a sweat.

He gets the lasagna in the oven and talk turns to catching up on the last couple months since their last video chat. Chowder tells them more in depth about Farmer’s master’s program. He misses her, but she’ll eventually be moving out here, into Chowder’s ridiculously large house even - they just have to get through one more year. Nursey tells Chowder about how editing his latest poetry collection is going - it’s not. 

And Dex fumes about how his boss expects people to always be available on weekends and to be checking their email even after they clock out for the day. He’s been looking at other jobs pretty seriously lately. It’s only here in Chowder’s kitchen that he finally admits he’s been looking at starting his own company with a few of the people from his current job. It would be a fuck ton of work, but being able to create the atmosphere he wants would be more than worth it. 

It’s not until they’ve caught up on each other’s lives and have devolved into insulting each other with love and the wine bottle is almost empty that Dex thinks to ask:

“All that time in the Haus with Bitty, and you really didn’t learn anything? I spent about the same amount of time with him and learned plenty.”

“Well...I wasn’t super interested in actually learning? So I have some vocabulary and I like, know how to make scrambled eggs and grilled cheese and stuff like that, but mostly I just nodded in the right places and got to lick the spoon and Bitty always kept some back for me special if I wasn’t around.”

“Delightfully devious, my friend,” says Nursey.

The oven beeps, drawing their attention, and Dex checks the lasagna. It’s perfect. They’ll have to wait a bit for it to cool enough to eat, but their suitcases never made it past the entryway. By the time they finish unpacking the basics, the food will be ready. The next month is going to fly by, Dex knows, but right now he’s content to bask in the presence of his best friends.

[canyouhearthelight]

The Miys, Ch. 144

After much demand, Kink Night at the Undine has arrived. This chapter is really fun, was informative to write, but if you need to skip it, you won’t miss out on the overall story. So, trigger warnings on this chapter for:

- Bondage (mentions of)

- Pegging (possible mention of?)

- Impact play (discussed, both done wrongly and demonstrated correctly)

- Topping and bottoming

To be clear: These are all mentioned from the perspective of a non-participant, non-voyeur. I would probably overall rate this chapter appropriate for 14 years and older, but your mileage may vary. However, kink in general can be very healthy if done correctly, and this chapter was double beta-read, not only by @baelpenrose but also by @charlylimph-blog for accuracy of the scene.  This actually prevented a PROFOUND mistake from making it to queueing, so I am super grateful for their help.

Once I was released from medical after an unnecessarily long lecture from Noah, I found I had a message waiting from Charly with a date and time to meet at the Undine.  Right below that was a message from Sebastian with a uniform-slash-dresscode of sorts.

Aw nuggets. I had forgotten what night it was. 

There wasn’t time to grab clothes from my quarters, but my office was on the way to the bar, so I stopped by to change.  Socks and shoes were a bit of a challenge, since I generally didn’t wear either, so I had to find a vendor to help me fill in the gaps.  Granted, shoes weren’t specified in Sebastian’s list.  However, there was exactly a zero percent chance that I was going to lend a hand at a kink party while barefoot. Just… no. Nope. Not happening.

I wiped my palms nervously against my slacks when I arrived, not sure exactly what to expect.  Charly and I had talked about it, but none of that knowledge wanted to make its presence known at the moment, apparently.  Instead, my mind kept drifting to what in the actual hell she had roped Arthur into doing.  The door opened entirely too soon to reveal a smiling Charly, who grabbed my arm and dragged me behind her to the small group already gathered.

All of my nerves were forced from my body by the sputtering laughter I fell victim to when I saw Arthur - I still had no idea what he would be doing, but he looked like someone took a post-apocalyptic movie hero and hit a button labelled ‘make him a villain’ a few too many times.  The leather jacket and motorcycle pants were fairly innocuous, since I knew he actually owned both and neither were terribly uncommon on the Ark.  Same thing held for the boots - they were just practical in the After and several people held on to that preference with a death grip.

“Cloak’s a nice touch,” I snorted, trying desperately to ignore the campier bits of his outfit.

I was dangerously close to losing it when he scowled and adjusted the laurel crown - I mean, really? - resting on his head. “I knew I shouldn’t have cut my hair this morning,” he muttered. “Damned thing won’t sit right anymore.”

Charly clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, one more run through of what everyone will be doing!”

Sebastian nodded seriously and flicked a towel over his shoulder before handing me an apron. “Sophia has kindly agreed to prep the snacks, while I serve and clean behind people. She’ll clear any dishes in between batches, and one or the other of us will do a lap of the floor every fifteen minutes to ensure everyone is hydrated and there’s no need for medical attention.” He winked at the relief on my face.

Cooking, clearing plates, and momming people into staying hydrated. I could do that.

Arthur brushed off his pauldrons, only forcing me to confront the fact that they were shaped like skulls again, before straightening with aplomb. “I will be Dungeon Master, keeping an eye on everything from there,” he pointed to a scaffold that had been put into place over the bartop, “And intervening as needed if things get out of hand.” Without so much as a twitch of question from me, he explained. “Charly and Coffey can’t be everywhere at once, so I get to perch on high, look ridiculous, and play bouncer if Coffey can’t get there first.”

“Yep,” Charly nodded seriously. For all that she normally seemed built out of chaos and energy, this was Boss Lady Charly. “Let’s keep it safe, sane, and consensual across the board. Speaking of!” She pulled two badges from seemingly nowhere. “Soph, Bash, these are for you.” I took one and immediately grinned when I read it. Staff Only - I Do Not Consent. “If either of you want to play, go for it, but otherwise, probably wear those.  Sexy librarian and millionaire CEO are tropes that exist, so ya know - no confusion for anyone.  Any questions, concerns, cries for help?” When we all shook our heads, she clapped again. “Okay, off you go! Thanks everyone.”

Sebastian tilted his head toward the kitchen and I followed, wiping my hands on my legs again. “Thank you for agreeing to help with snacks.  I know Charly already told you, but I am not the greatest at finger foods that don’t make a mess or won’t be too heavy.”

I hummed for a second before making a few suggestions. “Macaroni and cheese bites, they’re about this big.” I made a circle about an inch and a half across with my fingers. “Just pop and go. Pigs in blankets, the kind with cocktail sausages… meatballs, but probably with lamb instead of beef.  Dumplings.” I shrugged. “Charly swears people actually bring food to these, so once that stuff starts coming in, it would just be portioning it and sending it back out.  We shouldn’t have too much actual cooking to do.”

He nodded and started grabbing ingredients. “So that leaves drinks, plates, and utensils.” When I reached for a rack of glasses, he stopped me. “No.  If one of us drops anything that can break, people can get injured.  I’ve been stocking up on fiber-based plates, forks, and spoons.  Drinks are going to be in those corn-starch gel pouches.”

“Dude,” I groaned. “Those things get so gummy.”

“Straws are real and do exist.”

“Besides, I can already tell someone is going to find alternative uses for those,” Arthur called from behind us. I swear, I could hear him smirking. “You can’t put humans, sex, and flavored liquid in the same room and not expect that.”

I shook my head with a smile, but he had a point. Once we shooed him away, work on the snacks went pretty quick.  Judging by the sounds coming from the main room, it was a good thing, too - furniture being dragged, then Arthur’s voice ringing out to welcome everyone.  Soon, Sebastian was swinging out of the kitchen door with the first trays, and true to Charly’s word, he came back carrying a plate of neatly stacked fudge, followed by Arthur carrying a covered container.

“Scratch the meatballs, someone brought an actual mountain of sausage balls,” Arthur grunted as he slammed the container on a flat surface before retreating.

“Not even a joke?” I mused.

“Must be slipping,” Sebastian grinned. “I mean, he said ‘balls’ twice…”

“Low hanging fruit!” a voice called from the main room.  It must have seemed entirely out of context to the crowd, but Sebastian and I were laughing as we started plating so he could carry more food out to the spots Charly had designated.

A timer went off, so I took the mac and cheese bites out of the oven, snagged a tray of drink-blobs, shoved a fistful of straws into my apron and took off to do my lap of the event.  There were already people taking a break, reaching gratefully for hydration.  Several times, someone would reach for one and pour it in a partner’s  mouth, and on one occasion, a woman offered it up like a gift to a bound man, both biting into it and drinking greedily.

I almost stepped on someone before I realized there was an actual pile of people on the floor. I diverted my eyes quickly from what I thought was an all-out orgy before my brain registered that I wasn’t hearing sex noises - just whispers.  Snapping my eyes back up, it took a moment to figure out that I had nearly stepped on the largest cuddle pile I had seen since my apartment on Insert Winter Holiday.  Crouching, I balanced what was left of the drink blobs on one hand while holding out the straws with another.  In no time at all, the tray was empty and I was heading back for more.

This time, food on one hand, drinks on the other, I exited the kitchen to see Charly wrapping up her rope-bondage safety lecture before starting to demonstrate different knots on a volunteer, with Charly in the role of the top for this scenario. Watching her calmly contort and restrain another human being while calmly explaining the psychology behind it was… kind of terrifying.  I had to constantly remind myself that this person volunteered and that Charly was experienced on both ends of the rope.  

One more sweep of the room landed me with only a dozen or so drinks left on top of a pile of empty trays.  I backed into the kitchen to sanitize and re-load the trays, only to hear Sebastian swearing. “Who the hell brought chili!?”

“Apparently someone thought it was a good idea,” I shrugged, baffled. I mean, it didn’t seem like a good idea to me, but this wasn’t exactly my area of expertise.  “Maybe we put it in bowls, set up a little station in one of the break areas, with toppings? Let people help themselves?”

“Bondage potlucks and chili…” He shook his head. “Trying to remind myself that I’ve seen weirder things, but…”

“I can promise you, they are having fun. And they’re hydrated!” I shook my mostly empty platter of blobs at him.

Sebastian went out to retrieve more food from the people who brought it, and I kept rolling sausages in dough.  “More fudge!” he crowed. “I snagged a piece of the first batch, and it was amazing.”

“You clearly do not see the irony,” I muttered where he couldn’t hear me. “Oh, heavens, no chili! But fudge… fudge is fine…”

The next time I was able to break free and take my designated lap, a slight bit more chaos had descended as everyone had gotten more comfortable.  Several of the more experienced were examining and complimenting each other on their knots and arrangements of their subs. Ivan and Jokul were doing…. Something… that involved Ivan in a gorgeous evening gown and Jokul with a gag in his mouth.  I was almost done with my circuit when a thud reverberated behind me and a black cloak whipped by.

“For the love of…” Arthur growled. I thought he was going to dribble the cowering man he was glaring at like a basketball, but instead he brandished a marker and made two quick X’s on a bare pair of buttocks. “Here and here. Only here and here.” With an irritated flourish, he wrote NOT HERE across the small of the attached back. “This will give someone kidney damage.  Specifically you if I catch you doing it again.” Ducking around to the face of the person he had just used as a whiteboard, he shook his finger. “And I’m not even going to apologize, because you have a safeword and you need to use it. First, last, and only warning, you two. If that hit had been any more than a nervous first tap, you wouldn’t even be getting that.”  Without a word, he snagged the cane sitting on the table nearby and took it with him. “They aren’t getting anywhere near the cane, fucking idiots. Gotta talk to Charly about those two…” he muttered as he blew back past me, so angry he didn’t even acknowledge that I was standing there.

I almost dropped the stack of empty platters when the Imperial March started playing while Arthur stomped back into his position over the bar. “Attention, Deviants!  Courtesy of some poor practices I’ve seen, I would like to invite Sir Coffey and his pet fae Charly to give us a tutorial on safe and proper impact play!”  Applause started as he beckoned them forward, Sebastian theatrically adjusting the lights to center in front of the stage.

I ducked back into the kitchen as Coffey’s voice rang out over the crowd, explaining yet again safewords and consent before launching into what toys were used how and where.  A little public humiliation never hurt anyone, I joked with myself. At least not for some of the people out there.

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[insomnicpickle]

Mafia!Rengoku x Reader pt 1

Warning: slightly NSFW

~~~~~~~

Rengoku hated this feeling. The feeling where he can feel the atoms in his body buzzing as he watched someone he liked-no, LOVED-talk to other people that weren’t him. The feeling where he can see his own body clench and twitch as he watched other men touch her hips or her hands. The feeling where he wanted to punch and knock their teeth out.

That feeling is jealousy.

Rengoku Kyoujurou was a mafia leader. A big on at that. He knew everything and everyone like the back of his hand. He loved (Y/n) (L/n), someone who he was with in love with. She is an owner of her own little cafe, which is where he met her. He thought she was so beautiful. He remembered when he first met her.

“You are very attractive! Can I take you on a date?!” He asked, a smile on his face as he had a look of confidence. (Y/n), of course, blinked and chuckled at his straightforwardness that she agreed. Of course, just to know him more. They kept going on and on until he asked her to be his.” Be my girlfriend!” He said with a smile. She chuckled.” Sorry Kyo but I’m not looking for a relationship right now.”

He understood of course and he promised to be friends. For now. She knew the stubbornness he had and how much he was going to try and win her. And she let him. She wanted to see how far he would go. She was giving him a shot.

And yet she doesn’t know that he’s a mafia leader. She doesn’t know if he killed anyone or not. Of course, he has in the past. She thinks he’s just a man who works for a rich company. She doesn’t know the pure strength and fire he has. And she doesn’t know when to stop teasing. And by god did she love teasing him.

Testing him is playing with fire. And she knows yet. But she loves it. Playing hard to get is the one thing she loved doing to him. He felt like he was being tortured, watching her hanging out with her friends, talking to other boys there. He knew they were mafia members as well but he wasn’t going to start anything. Kyoujuro had an idea of meeting up at a club and having a night of fun for (Y/n), who’s cafe is about to get expanded around places thanks to a millionaire who really likes her drinks and food. (Y/n) invited her friends and they all met up. Kyoujuro had brought a few of his men but for now, he was alone.

‘Why can’t I get her?’ He thought, upset. One of his right hand men, Tengen, came back with some drinks and stared at him. He followed his gaze and chuckled.” You have it hard for the cafe girl don’t you boss?” He asked. Kyoujuro snapped out of his thoughts and looked over.” Huh? Oh yes. (Y/n) is so amazing and beautiful…but-“ he said.” But?” Tengen asked.” But she’s playing hard to get. She’s being stubborn.” He said with a pout.” Boss, you’ll just have to show her how much she means to you.” He said. He looked up at his right hand man.” And how do I do that?” Tengen sighed.” You’re a mafia boss and yet you can’t think of how to show your love for a girl?” He asked. Kyoujuro pouted.” Yes!” Tengen chuckled.” Sorry boss. But that’s your call.” Kyoujuro looked back at (Y/n), watching her laugh and dance with her friends.’ I guess I should try and relax.’ He thought.

(Y/n)‘s p.o.v.

‘Is Kyoujuro watching?’ I thought as I danced with my friends. I do have a crush on Kyoujuro but I want him to make the first move. For some reason I feel like he’s hiding something. Something important. And I want him to snap and show it to me. And teasing is the only way.

I kept dancing, feeling his eyes on me. I want him to watch me. I want him to take action. I looked up from my (h/c) hair and saw him gone. I sighed and stopped dancing. I looked around.’ Where is he? Maybe he went to get a drink?’ I thought.

Suddenly I felt something grab my ass. I froze and turned my head and saw some creepy dude in shady clothes with his hand on my ass. I felt so uncomfortable and scared.’ What the hell?’ I thought.” Hey girlie~” he said.” I saw you teasing me with your moves~ we can go back to my place and “dance” some more~” he said, his hand moving up and grabbing my waist, pulling me closer, his other hand, sneakily trying to go under my dress. I whimpered and grabbed his wrist.” N-no thanks..” I said nervously.” Oh sweetie. Let me rephrase~” he said. A clicking sound came and I looked down and froze when I saw him holding a gun against my stomach.

“I wasn’t asking.” He said with a shit eating grin.

I gulped and nodded with a whimper.” Good. Now follow me.” He said as he nudged me with his gun. I looked around.’ None of my fiends know at all. They’re too drunk or making out with strangers.’ I thought. I looked around and didn’t see Rengoku. I saw the exit and walked out. I looked around and saw it was an alleyway.’ I’m alone….I’m scared….’ I thought as the man closed the door.’ Rengoku….please help me…!’ I thought.

The man walked toward me with a smirk, beginning to unbuckle his belt. I whimpered and leaned against the wall. He slammed his hand next to my head and I whimpered and closed my eyes tight.” R-Rengoku!” I whined.” Who?” The man asked.

“Me.” I heard a loud crack and opened my eyes. Rengoku had the most furious face I’ve ever seen. The man fell to the ground, his face bloody. Mostly his nose. I gasped and looked at Rengoku. He was glaring at the man.” Rengoku!” I said, relieved fo see him, tears forming in my eyes.” I believe you touched something of mine that doesn’t belong to you.” He said. The man groaned and sat up, holding his nose.” I’m sorry you have to see this.” Rengoku said as he looked at me, his eyes softening. I blinked confused before he came behind me and covered my eyes. I heard Rengoku snap his fingers. I heard the man panic as I heard footsteps head toward the man. I held onto Rengoku’s hand to try and pull it away from my eyes. I stood there for a while before it clicked.” Y-you’re part of the mafia aren’t you?” I muttered, holding onto his arm. I felt him tense up.” I am..” he said.”….Why didn’t you tell me?” I muttered. He uncovered my eyes and I turned to him. His eyes looked down, as if afraid to meet my eyes.” I didn’t want to scare you off.” He said, feeling guilty. I gently touched his cheek, his red and yellow eyes snapping up to meet mine.” While I don’t agree with it, I’m sure you have you’re reasons for joining the mafia.” He gently smiled.” You know im the leader right?” He said. I chucked.” Does that mean Ill have minions around me?” He laughed.” Yes i guess it will.” He said. I smiled gently.” Thank you for coming to my rescue.” He blinked and smiled. I jumped when thunder struck and it suddenly began to rain. I sighed and held myself from the cold. I looked up when I felt the rain stop hitting me. I looked up and saw Rengoku holding an umbrella over us. He had the smallest yet proudest smile.” Does that mean I get to call you mine?” He asked. I chuckled.” Yes. I guess so.” I said before I leaned up and gently kissed him.

“ABOUT TIME BOSS! GET SOME-!”

“TENGEN SHUT UP!”

[snelbz]

The Ranch {5}

An A Court of Thorns and Roses, Nesta x Cassian, Modern AU, fanfiction.

Collaboration: @tacmc x @throne-of-ashes-and-beauty

The air was thick in the kitchen as Nesta stirred the sauce she was simmering in the skillet on the stove top. It was her secret recipe, one that won her the hearts of many overseas.

Feyre was seated at the kitchen table, sipping a glass of wine, staring daggers into Nesta’s back.

Nesta could feel her sister’s stare and she didn’t want to turn around to meet it.

Elain was supposed to be there.

She was running late.

“So,” Nesta began, clearing her throat. “I’m glad you came.”

Feyre said nothing.

Nesta stared into the skillet. “I plan to have a reopening for the B&B. Hopefully near the end of the summer. I was hoping you and Lainy could help.”

Still nothing.

Nesta’s jaw clenched as she dumped a stack of noodles into a pot on the back burner before turning over the breaded chicken on a separate burner. 

She could keep trying, but she would only be wasting her breath. Feyre and her hadn’t talked for years, Nesta knew it would be rough. But, she couldn’t live in Velaris without trying to reconnect with the only family she had left, which was why she had invited her sisters over for dinner.

If only Elain would hurry the fuck up.

Nesta reached for her own glass of wine and took a full swallow, turning and staring out the window.

She’d taken to cooking in the main house with its gorgeous up-to-date kitchen. It was the best way for her to still have a little piece of her old life. But the only problem with that meant that she couldn’t get away from him.

And as she gazed out over the pastures, the sun setting on the other side of the farm, she caught sight of his tanned, inked, muscular back as he led his horse back down towards the stables.

He’d shown up at the main house the day after their conversation, asking to talk to her. He had been almost bashful and seemed apologetic, but she’d barely slept the night before.

The last thing he’d said before he’d walked out kept repeating in her mind.

And to think I thought your own sister was wrong about you.

Nesta sighed, not meaning for it to be quite as dramatic as it was, and took another drink of her wine.

“So what made you decide not to fuck him?”

Nesta stilled, wine glass still lingering in front of her open lips. She cleared her throat, “What?”

“Cassian’s more open with Rhys and Az than you are with your own sisters,” Feyre said, hostility lacing her tone. “And, contrary to popular belief, he’s not the best at keeping his feelings hidden.”

Nesta slowly turned to face her youngest sister. She was sitting at the table, golden-brown hair high in a pony-tail. Her arms were crossed, her chin raised high, those gray-blue eyes that mirrored her own full of distaste. 

“That’s none of your business,” Nesta replied, shortly.

Feyre scoffed, shaking her head. “You wanted me to come over so we could start over. Well, I’m here, and I’m asking questions. You’re not off to a very good start in mending our relationship.”

Nesta wanted so badly to tell Feyre to fuck off, to get out, but she knew it was just the sudden rise in emotion talking. As her body filled with discomfort, Nesta turned back to the stove, nodding slowly. 

She continued to stir her homemade sauce as it simmered.

“It wasn’t right,” Nesta said, simply, words clipped. “I was drunk and got carried away.”

Feyre snorted. “Blame it on the alcohol-.”

“I was as drunk as I was because my sister slapped me in front of a fucking bar full of people,” Nesta snapped.

Feyre kept silent, and Nesta didn’t dare look back over her shoulder. It was true - true enough, anyway. Nesta had deserved to get slapped, no matter what she had told herself up until that point. But, it didn’t erase the fact that it left her embarrassed in a room full of people and shamed among her own family and friends - if they could even be considered friends, which, Nesta was pretty sure they couldn’t. 

“I’m sorry I slapped you,” Feyre said, at last, “but, I’m not going to apologize for being pissed.”

Nesta nodded, curtly, staring into the skillet.

A minute passed before Feyre asked, “Wanna talk about it?”

This time, Nesta did look over her shoulder, brow raised.

With tight lips, Feyre shrugged. “I’m trying too.”

After a deep breath, Nesta decided that she should take the opportunity while it presented itself. If she didn’t, the opportunity might not come again. 

“He intrigued me,” Nesta began.

Feyre snorted. “Yeah, he has that effect on people.”  

Shaking her head, Nesta leaned back against the counter top. “It wasn’t just the alcohol. Maybe some of it, but he did….I was intrigued. He’s handsome, obviously, and he was being kind. And we were alone, and I haven’t been alone with a handsome man in a long time, Feyre. But, then it all started, and I… Everything came back to me.” Her voice had become hushed, and she was staring at her crossed arms, at her index finger drawing circles around a freckle on her elbow. “The last time I was with a man was in college, and everyone knows how that turned out - including, apparently, Cassian, judging by the self loathing in his eyes when he tried to come in here to talk to me this afternoon.”

To Nesta’s surprise, some of the tension faded from Feyre’s shoulders and her eyes softened. “Cassian is a good guy, Nesta.”

“I’m his boss,” Nesta said. “Nothing good ever comes from that.” 

“He does this work so he can keep his house and do something he loves,” Feyre began, cocking her head to the side as she watched her sister. Nesta felt bare and vulnerable beneath that gaze. “He makes the money he lives off of elsewhere. You’re hardly his boss.”

Nesta disagreed, but she kept the comment to herself. Instead, she asked, “What does he do?”

Feyre hesitated. “That’s not my information to give out.” There wasn’t any rudeness to her voice, just fact.

Nesta tried to keep the frustration from her tone, but the small laugh that left her sounded bitter even to her own ears. “Yeah, all I keep getting told is that it isn’t illegal, and with all the secrecy, I’m starting to wonder.”

Feyre sighed. “Does he seem like the type to sell drugs, Nes?”

Nes.

Hearing the familiar nickname from her baby sister’s lips melted whatever ice had hardened between them at the change in subject and Nesta turned, sitting down in the barstool next to Feyre.

“We should...talk,” Nesta said, carefully.

Feyre, eyes wary, took another drink of her wine. Nesta could practically see the shields raising again. “I thought that’s what we were doing.”

“I know, we are, but I just-.” Nesta sighed. “We need to talk about me leaving.” Feyre clearly wasn’t expecting her to bring it up so directly, because she physically flinched. Nesta pressed on. “We need to talk about why I left, and how you felt, and what exactly happened. It’s been almost ten years. We’re big girls now, and I-.” Nesta hesitated again. “I want my baby sister back…”

Feyre’s eyes, the twin to Nesta’s own, softened and she opened her mouth to reply, but the back door burst open.

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” Elain said, eyes darting between them both, a look of sheer panic on her face.

Feyre looked at Elain, at their sweet sister who was so concerned with their relationship, who just wanted to see her sisters back to normal, and turned back to Nesta. A soft smile graced her lips. “Let’s get coffee one day this week.”

Nesta nodded, a breath leaving her body as she said, “Okay.”

“What did I miss?” Elain asked, pulling out the stool next to Feyre’s.

“Everything,” Feyre assured her.

Elain frowned as she sat. “Even the Cassian thing?” she whispered, even though she was fully aware that Nesta was sitting right there and could hear perfectly clearly.

Feyre grinned as Nesta rolled her eyes. “Yes, and I’m not repeating any of it.”

Nesta pushed herself out of the chair and went back to the stovetop. Behind her, Feyre said, “We’ll blame Azriel, I assume it’s his fault you’re late.”

Elain’s cheeks had reddened when Nesta turned back around. “He came home on his break. He works late tonight.”

“Thought you both had the day off?” Nesta asked, reaching up into the cupboard for a mix of seasonings and spices.

Elain sighed. “Low man on the totem pole once more. They had two mechanics call out, so they needed him to come in and cover.” Feyre poured her a glass of wine and she nodded her thanks before taking a healthy sip. “On the plus side, it’s all overtime. So, we’ll take it.”

“Was Az hammered when he got home last night?” Feyre asked.

Elain snorted. “No, but he smelled like a frat house.”

“Rhys did, too!” Feyre laughed. “I made him shower before he could get back in bed.”

The two girls giggled and Nesta couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. At the familiarity, at the ease of conversation, not just about their relationships, but with each other.

All at once, Nesta was hit with just everything she’d missed.

She felt guilty, as she had a thousand times before, but it was different now, being with them as they chatted about their lives. Meanwhile, Nesta didn’t know Rhysand or Azriel, didn’t know anything about either of her sisters' relationships - just that they were in relationships with good men.

She cleared her throat and turned. She smiled and said, “Dinner is ready. Help yourselves and I hope you enjoy.” Both Feyre and Elain looked at her with their brows raised. “What?” She asked.

Elain said, “That was so…”

“Formal,” Feyre finished for her.

Nesta chuckled. “I’ve been cooking for prime ministers and dukes and millionaire CEOs. It’s a habit.”

Nesta felt a little lighter as her sisters grabbed a plate and filled them high. Once she had her own, Nesta sat with them at the table and asked, “So, tell me about Rhys. He proposed? How?”

“In our backyard,” Feyre said, chuckling as she swallowed a mouthful of pasta. “Holy shit, this is delicious.”

“Thanks,” Nesta said, grinning, “Now continue.”

“Right,” Feyre began, setting down her fork and clapping her hands together. “In our backyard, which may not seem very romantic, but I definitely sobbed. I got home from work and I could hear him playing in the backyard, he’s a musician. Well, in his free time, anyway. So, I follow the music to the backyard and he has the porch lit up with string lights. He was already down on one knee, playing his guitar, then he started singing. I was crying before the song was even finished, and it was a full on ugly cry by the time he asked me to marry him.”

Nesta chewed, slowly, eyebrows raised. “That’s incredibly romantic.”

Elain just rolled her eyes, but she was grinning. “That’s the story we all hear, anyway, but we’ve known Rhys for a long time….”

Feyre laughed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Azriel swears it’s all made up,” Elain said, piling her fork high with noodles. “He swears Rhys doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body.” 

“Either way,” Feyre went on, “it happened and Azriel and Cassian have given him shit since. They also beg to hear the song he wrote that he sang when he proposed, but that would only force them to give him more shit.”

Nesta laughed, quietly. “He sounds great. Rhys.”

“He is,” Feyre said, eyes growing soft as she took another bite.

“And Azriel?” Nesta asked, turning her attention to Elain.

“He’s great.” Elain said, smiling, repeating what Nesta had just said.

“I know he’s great, but tell me about him.” Nesta laughed. “I have ten years of things to catch up on.”

Feyre blinked a few times and said, “You really don’t remember any of them, do you?”

Nesta blushed. “I don’t. I feel awful, but…” She sighed. “You both know how I was in high school. I paid no attention to the people around me unless they were you two-.”

“Or Tomas Mandray?” Feyre cautiously asked.

Nesta’s teeth clacked together as her jaw hardened.

Before she could respond, Elain said, “I think there may be a few yearbooks in my closet. Let me look!”

“Please, don’t-.”

But Elain was already hurrying up the stairs, to her old bedroom, where her stuff was stored in a stack of tubs in the closet. Nesta let out a long breath as Feyre, completely humored, continued to eat her pasta. 

Elain had come back down the stairs a minute later, the yearbook from Nesta’s senior year held tightly against her chest.

“Okay,” she said, sitting back on her stool, plate forgotten for a moment. She flipped through the pages, to where the freshmen were listed, and displayed Feyre’s picture proudly.

Nesta laughed as Feyre groaned. “Bangs were not my thing.”

“I thought they looked cute,” Elain grinned, turning the page. “Ah, and here is Rhys, before he got all bulky and tattooed.” 

Nesta looked at the picture closely and huffed a laugh. “Ten years did him well.”

Feyre didn’t disagree.

Elain flipped through the book and a wide grin spread across her lips as she pointed to Azriel.

“He wears glasses?” Nesta asked.

“Contacts,” Elain said, nodding. “He doesn’t like his glasses.”

“I think they’re cute,” Feyre said, perching her chin on her fist atop the table as they all looked through the book. “Especially on prepubescent Az.” 

Nesta snorted as Elain flipped to the next page. “Ah, here’s Cassian.”

Nesta took a good look at the boy on the page. She could tell it was him, he was definitely familiar, but she didn’t remember him from then. His hair was a lot shorter, not at all close to the shoulder-length it was now. His face was clean, he probably couldn’t even grow facial hair then. But those hazel eyes were still full of mischief, even at seventeen as he stared into the camera. 

She didn’t remember any of them, though.

She had been too busy living in her own little world. 

The back door to the kitchen swung open, and as if he had known she’d been thinking of him, Cassian entered through the doorway.

He paused, hand still on the doorknob, as three sets of eyes shot his direction. Nesta’s heart began to thump wildly against her chest.

His chest, however, was bare, as Nesta assumed was the norm, and glistening with sweat. His hair was shoved back, tied behind his head. 

He blinked, and cleared his throat, “Uh, sorry. I just...was going to grab a bottle of water.”

“Do you ever wear a shirt?” Feyre asked, no doubt, Nesta assumed, trying to break the tension. 

She could hear the cheeky response before he said it, knew it would be something that would rag on her little sister as if she were his own. She’d bet, at this point, she practically was.

Instead of saying anything though, he pulled open the larger of the two fridge doors, and grabbed a couple of cold bottles of water. His eyes fell on the six pack in the door and as he turned, his eyes caught Nesta’s.

She couldn’t describe the emotions she saw roiling inside. Regret. Shame. Sadness. Anger. Frustration. Longing.

He looked like he wanted to say something, looked like he was going to ask her to talk. Nesta opened her mouth, to ask to do just that when he turned and said, “I’ll start on the stables tomorrow,” and left the kitchen without another word.

“So…” Elain said, sliding the yearbook to the middle of the kitchen table. “You want to tell me what’s going on between you two?”

Nesta stood, taking her still near full plate and scraping the contents into the trash, walking to the sink as she said, “Nothing. There’s nothing going on between us. He’s a ranch hand and I own the ranch.”

She didn’t turn as she turned on the water and began rinsing the plate.

There was a pause. “Doesn’t mean you two can’t be on friendly terms, right? I mean...that was…”

Elain’s words faded away, but then Feyre supplied, “Awkward as shit.” 

“Yeah…” Elain muttered.

“That’s not necessary,” Nesta said, opening the dishwasher and putting the plate inside. It was clear he didn’t want to talk to her, didn’t feel the need to discuss what happened that night, or the day before when she blew up at him in the kitchen.

Which, she shouldn’t have. She threatened to take away a job he loved, the home he lived in, and that wasn’t fair, no matter how pissed and mortified she was. 

“So, you’re just going to go along working together, and every time you’re in the same room, that’s going to happen?” Feyre asked. 

Nesta sighed, her face falling into her hands, her elbows leaning on the counter. “I don’t know,” she muttered.

Elain had hopped off her stool and was walking up behind her big sister. “Cassian’s a reasonable guy, Nesta. He obviously feels just as awkward about it all as you do. You should talk to him.”

She would rather stab herself in the eye.

Although, if she did that, she couldn’t see him riding through the pastures without a shirt on, and that would be a damned shame. 

“I don’t know,” Nesta sighed, leaning her hip against the counter and crossing her arms. “We both said some pretty bad stuff. I mean, sure, I want a civil relationship, especially if he’s going to work for me. Sure, I wish I could take some of the things I said back. Sure, I-.” Sure, I’d love to see if the rest of him is as delicious bare as his chest is.

The final thought slammed through her, and she cleared her throat before she could voice it out loud. “The point is, not only did I say some stuff out of line, but so did he and-.”

“And he came and apologized.” Feyre said, looking at her as she refilled her wine glass. “Can you say the same?”

Yes, she should apologize, but she really, really didn’t want to. “Apologizing has never been a strength of mine,” she muttered.

Neither sister said a word.

Nesta groaned, again. “I don’t know-.”

“Bring him a beer,” Feyre suggested, taking a sip from her wine glass. “Beer is his love language. Oh, or whiskey. Yeah. Do that if you’ve got it. A nice bottle of whiskey goes a long way with that one. But do that later, you’ve got the beer now.”

“I can’t-.”

“Come,” Elain said, pulling on Nesta’s hand, dragging her toward the backdoor.

“I can’t!” she yelled, trying to pull her hand away.

Elain rolled her eyes, but now Feyre was standing in front of the backdoor, arms crossed.

“Cassian is one of our closest friends, we can’t have the two of you bringing that shit into our circle,” Feyre grinned. “Lainy, fix her boobs.”

“My wh- Elain!” Nesta cried, as Elain fixed her bra so that her breasts were pushed up, peeking out from her tank top.

“What?” Feyre blinked. “Beer and boobs. Two things you’ll have that Cassian can’t stay mad at.”

“I’m not going out there,” Nesta protested.

“Yes, you are,” Elain went on, hands on her hips. “And you’re going to apologize, because you want to, and because you should. And, because we want you back in our lives, Nesta...and Cassian is a big part of our lives. He’s a good man. Things need to be set straight, and made right.”

Feyre held up a can of beer from the fridge, where she was slowly walking back from. “The beer of peace.”

Nesta decided that Feyre was a little tipsy if she was being this nice, no matter how much progress they had made that evening. Either that, or she knew Nesta apologizing would be a disaster and she wanted to watch the show. 

“This is a conversation the two of us need to have by ourselves, I’ll stop by his cabin later-.”

“No, I don’t trust that one bit,” Elain said. “I won’t believe it if I’m not here to witness.”

“I’m the oldest,” Nesta snapped. “I don’t need you two treating me like a fucking child!”

Feyre just grinned wider as Elain looked at her older sister with big, pleading eyes. 

“Fine,” Nesta said, the word clipped. “But if I make things worse, I’m coming in here to kick both of your asses.” 

“Oh, we’ll be waiting,” Feyre assured her, although Nesta didn’t feel reassurance, whatsoever.

She snatched the beer out of Feyre’s hand, half tempted to shake up the can as she walked out towards the round pen he'd headed for when left. As she approached the half open gate, she glanced down at her chest, and toward the vast expanse of skin, ink and back muscles in front of her as Cassian brushed down one of the horses.

She set the can down on top of one of the fence posts, and listening to Elain and Fayre’s advice, adjusted her bra, lifting her breasts until they were damn near falling out of her top.

She wanted to fix them, to stuff them back down into her tank top, put on a hoodie, go back to the house and crawl in her bed. But even without turning around, she knew that both of her nosy, couldn’t stay in their own business sisters were currently staring out the window at her. And Cassian had noticed her and was heading this way.

Nesta picked up the beer and cleared her throat, stepping through the gate and into the pen.

His boots kicked up the dirt of the pen as he walked towards her, stopping just a few feet away, and Nesta did her best not to watch the bead of sweat that ran between his pecs and towards his abdomen.

She held out the beer. “This is for you.”

Cassian blinked. “Is it cold?”

Nesta rolled her eyes. “Does it matter?”

He huffed a laugh, although it didn’t meet his eyes. He walked closer to her, then, and took the can from her outstretched hand, just as Nesta leaned into the railing.

As he popped the can open, his eyes had stopped on her overly-exposed breasts. They lingered, for a second too long, before he brought the can to his lips. 

“Thanks,” he said, after a minute.

He turned to walk away but Nesta blurted, “Do you need a hand?”

Cassian froze, one thick eyebrow raised. He slowly looked down at her feet. “You’re barefoot.”

She hadn’t had a second to put on her shoes before her sisters pushed her out the door.

Nesta shrugged. “Daisy’s calm enough.” She looked at the nearly all-white mare that Cassian was brushing. “I’ll be careful not to step in shit.”

Cassian chugged the rest of the can and set it back on the post before saying, “Why are you out here, Nesta? Have I done something else to make you disapprove of me?”

She rolled her eyes, frustration filling her. “I don’t even know why I came out here.” She turned to go back into the house.

“So you run?” Cassian asked, the volume of his voice raising slightly. “When something happens that you don’t like or you can’t control, you run.” Nesta paused where she’d been taking a step to go back to the house. The window where there’d been two nosy heads moments earlier was blessedly empty now. “Apparently you’re real good at it. This is the first time I’ve gotten to see it, you know, since you snuck out while my back was turned last time. But it seems to be your go to.”

Nesta had turned back to him, not speaking, just letting him get whatever this was off of his chest.

“What are you going to do when you decide you want to run from the ranch again, Nesta? Huh? Cause you’re coming out here, offering your help, tits out, no shoes, but I don’t even think you know the first thing about this place. What are you going to do when you have to help me bury a still born calf at four in the morning? What about when we have another year where we have to burn the entire field of crops?”

He grabbed the beer can and threw it across the pen. It bounced off the wooden fence with a ping!

“I’ve run this ranch on my own for the past four years. If you’re going to up and run out on me one day, I need you to go ahead and tell me now so I can decide whether or not this is the future for me.”

Nesta hesitated for a moment, unaware he was going to blow up on her like that. Although, she shouldn’t have been surprised. And she shouldn’t blame him. “And if I’m not?” 

Now it was Cassian’s turn to hesitate. “If you’re not what?”

“Going to leave,” she said, simply, chin raised. “Because I’m not leaving. My dad… Well, he left me this place and I intend to do my best to ensure that his legacy lives on. So, no, you giant ass, I’m not leaving. And, you’re right, I have no idea what I’m doing. I’ve never been iinterested in ranching, and now that I own this shithole, I suppose I should, shouldn’t I?”

Cassian was watching her, perfectly still, as the the words poured out of her.

“I have no idea what I’m doing,” she continued, shaking her head, but she wasn’t looking at Cassian, not anymore. “I have no idea what I’m fucking doing!”

She knitted her fingers into her hair and leaned forward, groaning as she did. “I’m in so far above my head that it’s not even funny.”

Cassian stood there, watching as this woman who’d done nothing but plague his thoughts, day and night, proceeded to break down inside the round pen.

He didn’t know what to do. Whether he should leave her be or step forward and comfort her.

This strong, beautiful woman, who was more frustrating than any horse he’d tried to break and more confusing than them either.

He took a tentative step forward. “Look, we-,” he paused and scratched at the back of his neck. “Nesta, we got off on the wrong foot. Let’s- Can we start over? We’ll forget my stupidity and the other night and the times where you were a bit of a bitch…”

He looked at her to gauge her reaction to his joke. When her head snapped up and he saw a spark in those stormy eyes, he knew he’d struck home.

“When I was a bit of a bitch?” She laughed. “What about when you were a complete and utter dick?”

“I was going to leave that part out of my argument,” he murmured, but he was grinning, because the second she laughed, he couldn’t help himself. “You’re right. I was a dick, and I’m sorry.”

“I am, too,” she said, quietly, a small smile lingering on her mouth. “What I said out of anger and embarrassment….well, I said a lot that I shouldn’t have, and didn’t mean. I know you love this job, Cassian, and you’ve made a home here. I wouldn’t take that away from you. You know, unless you really piss me off.”

Cassian laughed, quietly, looking down at his boots. “Fair enough.” 

Nesta nodded, slowly, then looked back over her shoulder, where Elain and Feyre were once again watching through the kitchen window. She scowled.

Cassian noticed, too, once he looked back up, because he shook his head and laughed. “Alright, city girl,” he began, handing her a brush. “You wanna help? If your sisters are watching, at least give them a show.” 

She grabbed the brush from his outstretched hand and took a step toward Daisy, but Cassian was laughing, quietly, as he watched.

She froze. “What?”

Cassian just shook his head. “We’re going to have to get you some boots.”

[somethinginthewayiam]

What happens in New York... Part 1 - Central Park

(this is a continuation of the stories Nightcap and The universe can be a bitch)

Pairing: Sebastian Stan x Anna (OFC)

Warnings: language, (smut in future chapters)

Words: 4655

Summary: It's been 2 months since the Wizard World in Philadelphia and Anna somehow managed to not run into Sebastian Stan since, until that one saturday morning she was at Central Park with her niece and nephew. After that it seemed that New York wants Anna and Sebastian to run into each other on a constant basis...

(picture found on Wattpad, credits to owner; this picture actually inspired me for this chapter all these years ago, so that’s why it fits so perfectly)

„Is that man homeless?“, Becky asked and pointed towards a man sitting on a bench nearby. “No, he’s not homeless”, Anna said after a quick look at a man in a normal shirt and jeans, talking on his phone. Anna was spending her morning with her niece Becky and her nephew Nicky at Central Park. She had agreed to babysit them for the weekend as her sister and her husband celebrated their fourth anniversary with a little weekend vacation.

“And is that man homeless?”, Becky asked again and pointed at a man sitting in the grass just a few feet away from them with a group of friends. “No, sweetie”, Anna said with a sigh. This sounded like her sister had her typical “New York is full of homeless people”-rants before she had brought the kids over. “Not everybody in New York is homeless, sweetie”, Anna explained. “But my mommy said that…”, Becky started but got interrupted by her aunt. “I know what your mommy said, but it’s not true, okay? I live here and I can assure you there are not as many as you think”, she said. Becky actually looked disappointed. “But if we see one, I’ll point him out to you, okay?”, Anna offered and Becky’s face lit up again. Anna shook her head at her sisters prejudice against New York. Melissa had lived here with Anna for a few years and actually had met her husband John at a party Downtown.

“Eat your ice cream, sweetie. It’s melting all over your hand”, Anna said to Becky and pointed at the Popsicle in the little girls hand she had been begging for the whole way to Central Park and now was totally ignoring it. “Do you want something to drink, buddy?”, Anna asked her 15 months old nephew who was sitting next to her on the picnic blanket, chewing away on his little zoo animal cookies, dried up crumbs around his lips and on his cheeks. Anna handed him the little baby bottle filled with water and he happily started drinking.

“Come here, buddy”, Anna said, pulled him in her lap and started to caress the little boys hair. Moments like these made her wish she had kids herself. And Becky with her little pigtails on each side of her head and the red mouth from her Popsicle looked so cute. Anna couldn’t believe this little angel was about to turn three in just a month, how time flies…

“And is that man homeless?”, Becky said again and Anna grunted internally.“No, sweetie. Can you please stop calling everybody who is sitting on the ground or just being at Central Park homeless?”, Anna begged her. Becky shrugged her shoulders and took a lick of her Popsicle.

Anna got ripped out of her thoughts as her phone buzzed next to her. When she picked it up, she could see that her sister had sent her a text, asking if everything was alright with the kids. “Everything’s fine, don’t worry. And PLEASE stop telling Becky New York is full of homeless people. You know she can’t control the volume of her voice”, Anna typed and hit sent.

Just as she was about to put the phone down, it started to ring. For a second, Anna thought it was her sister but then she saw a number from her office. “Hello?”, she asked. “What do you mean, red napkins?”, Anna asked a bit louder after she listened to what Sandra, her assistant, had said. “It’s a black and white party, what the hell do I do with red napkins?”, Anna asked again and started to sweat.

She had finally gotten the chance to plan her first very own event, a black and white party for a high-society couple who wanted to collect donations for their charity. That’s what Anna always had wanted to do, to plan her own event, putting her thoughts and ideas on the table and bringing them to life. Hosting and taking care of celebrity and/or important guests was just a stop on her way to her own event planning company. Her boss Clarice had finally seen her potential and given her the chance to plan the event for her good friends, the Hastings, a multi-millionaire client.

So Anna had put a team together and was lucky enough to get Sandra as her assistant, someone who she could trust and Anna knew that Sandra would work her ass off, just like herself. To being fully able to concentrate on just the party planning, Anna had gotten together with Theresa, who was responsible for the guest list and their special requests. Just for once, Anna didn’t want to have anything to do with the pampering of the guests. The only VIPs this time for Anna were Clark and Emilia Hastings.

“Did you talk to the vendor?”, Anna asked loudly and Becky turned around because of her aunty yelling. Nicky didn’t let that bother him drinking water out of his little bottle. “You gotta be kidding me. Wait, I have the folder with me, just a second”, Anna said and took Nicky off her lap. She gently placed him on the blanket next to her and put the little box with his zoo animal cookies in his hands. It would keep him busy getting himself as dirty as possible with chewed up cookies.

Anna reached for her bag and pulled out a well-filled folder. She tucked the phone between her head and her scrunched up shoulder and started flicking through the pages. “Wait, wait, I almost got it…”, Anna said and looked for the order she had sent the vendor weeks ago. She always kept a copy of everything, just in case stuff like this happened.

Becky was bored. Aunty Anna was almost constantly on her phone. Normally she was more fun and Becky had been really excited to spend the weekend in New York with her, but this right now was not fun at all. She took a look around Central Park. Becky had never seen such a big park before. Oh, a butterfly!

Becky loved butterflies. Her grandma always told her that those were garden fairies looking out for her. Maybe they would bring some fun to this day. So Becky started following a pretty yellow one. She wanted to catch it but she also didn’t want to drop her Popsicle because she wasn’t sure if she would get another one.

Becky followed it until it flew so high that she got blinded by the sun and lost sight of it. When she looked back down, it took her a few seconds to see properly again. When she looked straight forward, she spotted a man lying in the grass, topless and it looked like he was sleeping. Furthermore, he looked a lot like her daddy and Becky was happy that it seemed like her parents hadn’t decided to spend the weekend away. “Daddy!”, she said out loud and started to walk towards him. Daddy was always lying in the garden at home when the sun was out so it made perfect sense to Becky that he would do that here in New York since it was so sunny outside.

The closer Becky came, the less he looked like her daddy, but Becky got really close just to be sure. She stopped at his head and looked down at his face that was upside-down. It certainly wasn’t her daddy. The man didn’t have a shirt on and was sleeping outside. Maybe he was homeless…

Sebastian noticed that the bright sunlight in front of his shut eyelids was somehow covered up which caused him to open one eye to see what was going on. He saw the face of a little girl hovering above his. It was upside-down because she stood above his head. Her head was slightly tilted sideways and her brows were a bit furrowed, like she was thinking about something very hard. “Hello?”, Sebastian asked and took one of his headphones out of his ear. “Hi”, the girl said and took a lick of her Popsicle. Big drops of melted ice cream had gathered at the bottom.

“Can I help you?”, he asked. She shook her head so hard that her little pigtails flew through the air and the motion that went through her whole body caused the drops of melted ice cream to fall off and right onto his forehead. “Oops”, the girl said and looked at him with big eyes. “Don’t worry about it. I was getting hot anyways”, he said as he sat up and wiped the liquid off his forehead. “Where’s your mommy?”, he asked and looked around to see if anybody was looking for the kid. “My mommy and daddy are gone for the weekend, I’m with my aunty”, she explained and Sebastian noticed that her mouth was surrounded with the sticky red ice cream. With that, her blonde pigtails and those green eyes, she looked very cute.

“And where is your aunt?”, he asked. The little girl started to look around with a searching look, her tongue out to lick the rest of ice cream off the corner of her mouth. “I don’t know”, she said and her voice sounded shaky. The little girl looked like she was about to cry. Sebastian had to do something before everybody was looking at him, thinking he made that girl cry.

“Don’t worry, we’ll find her”, he said, grabbed his shirt and put it on. “I’m Sebastian”, he said and shook her little hand that was not holding the melting Popsicle. “Becky? BECKY?!”, they heard a woman screaming just as the girl opened the mouth to tell him her name. Sebastian stood up, looked around and found a woman in jeans, a top and with sunglasses on, basically sprinting towards them with a little boy on her arm.

A second later, the woman spotted Becky and came running straight at her. “Are you alright, sweetie? Are you okay?”, the woman got down on her knees and searched the girl for any bruises or scars. As the woman gripped her by the arm to pull her closer, the Popsicle fell out of the girls hand into the grass. The girl just nodded, too choked up to say anything because of the pure panic that radiated from her aunt.

“You scared me to death, sweetie! Never, NEVER do that to me again, do you hear me?”, Anna said and pulled the girl in for a hug. “I could never forgive myself if anything happened to you”, Anna mumbled at the girls ear and gave her a kiss on her cheek. As she pulled Becky an arm length away, she saw that Becky had tears in her eyes. Anna had to calm her down, she looked like she was scared enough for one day but she needed Becky to remember to never ever run away again, especially not at Central Park!

It took Anna a second to realize that someone was standing behind Becky and as she looked up almost fell backwards. This could not be for real! “Sebastian?”, Anna asked and took off her sunglasses. That was the moment when Sebastian also recognized Anna and his eyes went big. “Anna?”, he sounded equally surprised but also kind of happy…or maybe Anna just wanted to hear it that way. She stood up straight again and took Becky by the hand which was sticky and wet from her ice cream but Anna didn’t even notice.

“So, you’re the aunt?”, Sebastian asked. “I guess…”, Anna shrugged her shoulders which made Nicky jump a little on her arm. They both just stared at each other in awe that they somehow managed to run into each other after 2 months.

Nicky started to whine on Annas arm and pulled her out of her stare down with Sebastian. “I-I probably should get back to my stuff before someone steals it, so…”, Anna said and turned around to walk away. “Aunty, look”, Becky pulled at her arm and pointed to the half eaten Popsicle lying in the grass. “I’ll get you another one, come on now”, Anna said. She just wanted to go back to her stuff. Her purse, phone and folder were left there alone when she had jumped up for a quick start after she had noticed that Becky was not around her picnic blanket anymore. God, if her sister found out about it, she would not see the light of day again!

“Wait”, she heard Sebastian behind her who grabbed his backpack off the floor and quickly came up the few steps she had managed to walk way. “Let me buy you guys some ice cream, this rounds on me”, he said with a wink and smiled at the three of them. Becky looked up at her aunt with a big smile, her eyes still shimmering with tears of scare from before. Anna really didn’t want to but how could you say no to such big, begging eyes?

“Alright”, Anna gave in with a sigh. “I think the ice truck is still around”, Anna said and started to walk towards her blanket. “Come on, I’ll show you”, Becky said to Sebastian, pulled her hand out of Annas grip and took Sebastians hand. Anna wanted to protest but on what grounds? Sebastian clearly wasn’t a stranger after they had recognized each other by name, so the “don’t go with a stranger”-card won’t work here. Sebastian looked back over his shoulder to smile apologetically and kind of ask for her permission. So Anna just nodded in a defeated way and followed them with Nicky on her arm back to her blanket.

She sat Nicky back down on his spot in the middle of his cookies, his water bottle and some toys he had played with before. Anna could see the ice truck from her spot and watched how Sebastian and Becky bought the ice cream. He had picked her up and rested on his hip so they could both look at the menu together. Something about that sight felt like a punch in the heart and the gut to Anna.

She couldn’t believe that after two months she suddenly ran into him again. She had lost count of the many times she had looked over her shoulder when she was walking on the streets of New York, on her way to work or at the grocery store or when she was out with friends. Of course it happened when she least expected it and of course it happened that way, when she had just lost her niece in Central Park. Could she look any more like a bad aunt?

Anna had no time to figure out how she wanted to handle this situation and how she wanted to survive meeting Sebastian again after the last time she had seen him because Becky and he were approaching her picnic blanket. “We got you cookies n’ cream. Becky said, you’d like it”, Sebastian said and handed her the ice cream. “I actually do, thank you, sweetie”, Anna said and smiled at her niece who was happily licking on a Jolly Rancher. “You’re welcome, sweetie”, Sebastian winked at her and sat down on the blanket.

“I was talking to my niece”, Anna said to him with an eye roll. “But I paid for it”, Sebastian countered. “But I told you what to get”, Becky got in on the discussion. “That’s right”, Anna said with a chuckle and pulled Becky on her lap to place a big kiss on her cheek which made the little girl giggle. “I didn’t know if I should get anything for the little guy”, Sebastian said and looked sorry. “Don’t worry, Nicky’s all happy with his cookies”, Anna smiled at the little boy next to her, munching away on what used to be a giraffe.

Sebastian looked at the two with a big smile, his own Jolly Rancher in his hand. He just couldn’t take his eyes off them, especially Anna. This probably was the purest and most honest smile he had ever seen on her. That’s why Sebastian liked kids so much, they could bring out the best in people.

“Are you a friend of my aunty?”, Becky asked Sebastian in the little breaks of licking her Popsicle. Instead of answering, he looked at Anna with a questioning look, like she should decide if they were friends or not. Thinking back at how they had parted ways the last time they were together, it kind of was on her to answer that question. “Yes, he’s a friend”, Anna said and played with one of Beckys pigtails with her free hand. “Where did you meet?”, Becky asked and looked up at her aunt. Anna shot Sebastian a glance as he tried to cover up his laugh with a cough. “We met on a plane when I was away for work”, Anna explained and hoped that her niece would be satisfied with that answer.

“Is he your best friend? Like Emma is mine?”, Becky asked. “You know my best friend is your mommy”, Anna said and caressed the little girl’s hair. “And you?”, Becky asked Sebastian who just took a lick at his Popsicle. “I don’t know your mommy”, Sebastian said. “I meant, who is your best friend”, Becky said and rolled her eyes just like Anna which made Sebastian chuckle to himself. “My best friend’s name is Chase and we’ve been friends for many years now”, Sebastian told her.

“Emma is my best friend from kindergarten. She walks next to me when we go to the park and we play tea party in my garden and she is the only one who is allowed in my tree house”, Becky was talking very fast and it was a bit hard to understand everything she was saying but Sebastian tried his best.

While talking, Becky just got up from Annas lap, walked the three steps over to Sebastian and sat down next to him. Little traitor. She already had fallen for his steel-blue eyes, Anna thought to herself. She was just a woman after all, even if she was still a very small one.

Annas phone was buzzing again. She picked it up to find a text message from Sandra. There seemed to be trouble with another vendor and the napkin-disaster had not been solved either. Anna sighed frustrated. “Everything alright?”, Sebastian asked and made Anna look up. “Just some trouble at work”, she waved it off. “What’s up?”, he asked and something in his voice made Anna want to tell him. “It’s just, I’ve finally gotten the chance to plan my first own event and after weeks of hard work, I just needed this weekend off to babysit the kids and my phone keeps ringing and buzzing with all sorts of problems”, Anna sighed.

“Then just turn your phone off”, Sebastian suggested. Anna rolled her eyes at him. “I can’t just turn my phone off, what if my sister calls? If I don’t pick up, she would freak. It’s just, I said yes to babysitting long before I got the chance to plan my own thing and I would have handed them over to my parents but of course they’re on their third cruise this year. Their retirement is not really working for me”, Anna explained and she felt bad to admit that she would have just handed the kids over to her parents. Normally she loved spending time with them but it was just really bad timing this time around.

“But everybody needs some time off from time to time and what are two days?”, Sebastian said with raised eyebrows like it was no question at all for her to stay away from work. He clearly didn’t get what a big chance this was for her career. “Hey, I’m talking. Look at me”, Becky pulled at Sebastians shirt, causing him to laugh out loud before he put his focus back on the little girl. “I’m sorry, little lady. I’m all yours”, he said with a big smile which made Anna smile as well.

Nicky reached out to grab Annas phone out of her hands to play around with it. She figured she could try to forget about work for at least another hour. “Okay, you can have it, but try not to work too many cookie crumbs into it, alright?”, Anna said and kissed him on the head. The next second Nicky had it in his mouth, chewing away on her phone case. “Knock yourself out, buddy”, she said with a smile and caressed his soft hair. Anna looked up to watch Sebastian and Becky chatting away, eating their ice cream. Becky was all over him. Who could blame her?

Annas phone started ringing again and she had to pull it from Nickys hand, who wasn’t too pleased about it. Therefore she quickly replaced it with one of his toys and answered the call. “Hey, Sandra. What’s going wrong now?”, she asked and leaned back a bit to stretch her back. “I know, I promised you the weekend off, but it feels like everything’s falling apart when you’re not here”, Sandra said and sounded very sorry but also very helpless. “No, don’t do this to me”, Anna whined and sat back up again. “I’m so sorry. I probably just need you to bring over your folder with your notes and I can handle it for the rest of the weekend. I know you’re busy with the kids, just a quick stop and you guys get on with your fun weekend”, Sandra said and tried to sound as positive as possible but Anna knew her better. She was barely keeping it together.

It wasn’t just Annas big chance, also Sandra could prove her value to the company. She’s been with the firm for short two years in comparison to Annas long six, so practically a newborn and she was obviously very nervous to get everything right.

“Please?”, Sandra asked since Anna hadn’t said anything for at least a minute. Anna looked down to Nicky on her lap and over to Becky still talking to Sebastian. “Alright, alright. We’ll stop by. But do me a favor, get something from McDonalds for lunch to keep the kids entertained”, Anna gave in with a sigh. “Thank you, thank you, thank you”, Sandra cheered at the other end of the call. “Yeah, yeah, see you in a bit”, Anna said annoyed and hung up.

“Bad news, you guys. We have to stop by the office”, Anna said and took Nicky off her lap to be able to stand up. “What? Why?”, Becky asked with a pout and a frown. “They need my help, sweetie, but I PROMISE I’ll make it quick”, Anna said and patted Becky’s leg she had stretched out towards her. “No!”, Becky whined. “I’ll wait here with Sebastian, okay?”, Becky suggested and held on to his arm. “Oh, no no”, Anna almost shouted out and started to pack things into her bag.

“Why?”, Becky asked again. “Because…I’m sure he’s busy too. We’ve kept him long enough”, Anna said and shot Sebastian a look that should make him agree to her and not play his stupid games as usual. “I actually am busy, I’m afraid”, Sebastian said with an apologetic expression on his face towards Becky. “See…and now be a good girl and help me pack up our stuff”, Anna said to her and pointed towards Nicky’s toys. “Don’t pull that face, young lady. If you behave now, we’ll have McDonalds for lunch, okay?”, Anna suggested. She was the aunt, bribing was her thing. Also she didn’t have time to argue now.

Anna picked Nicky up and put him in the stroller while Becky grudgingly collected his toys and put them in the big bag. “Let me get that”, Sebastian offered as Anna wanted to bend down to pick up the picnic blanket. Together they folded it to an even, handy square and Anna put it in the basket of the stroller. “Oh, wait a second”, Anna said after taking a good look at Becky’s face where she still had melted ice cream all over her mouth and probably still sticky hands. Anna pulled out the baby wipes and started to clean up her niece.

“Here, you might need one too”, she said and handed the box over to Sebastian. He took one out and cleaned his hands. “And now you, lord of the dirt”, Anna turned to her nephew who was already sitting in his stroller, dried up crumbs sticking to his mouth, cheeks and fingers. “Let me help you”, Sebastian offered and while Anna cleaned Nickys face, Sebastian took care of his little hands.

“Thanks, but you didn’t need to do that”, Anna said, suddenly unable to look at his face. He was so close that it made her heart beat faster. “Don’t worry about it, it was my pleasure. He’s really cute…he got it from his aunt”, Sebastian said and made Anna look up eventually. He shot her a bright smile and a wink which made her blush.

“This was fun. It was nice running into you”, Sebastian said as he put his backpack on and put his hands into the pocket of his training shorts. “Yeah”, Anna said, unsure how she really felt about them meeting again. “Where do you have to go?”, Sebastian asked. “Where do you have to go?”, Anna asked a little suspicious in return. Sebastian’s head dropped forward with a little laugh. She had her defenses back up again.

“I have to go to the eastern entrance, my gym’s on 65th and Lexington”, Sebastian said and nodded towards the park entrance. “Well, we have to go west, so…that’s goodbye here”, Anna quickly said, happy that they could part ways here, so she could pull herself together before she had to be her best at the office.

“Becky, say goodbye to Sebastian”, Anna said to her niece while she hung all the bags onto the stroller and stood behind it to have some sort of barrier between Sebastian and herself. Seeing him with kids and how good he was with them did something to her that was not healthy. Especially after it took her the last two months to get him out of her head and just when she was fine, there he was again, looking better than ever. His hair was a bit longer than the last time…stop, Anna, don’t list all the things that made him look incredibly handsome!

“Bye, Sebastian”, Becky said and stuck her little hand out to shake his goodbye. “Goodbye, little lady”, Sebastian took it with a chuckle and a hint of a bow. “Goodbye Nicky”, he said and shook the little guys hand who just looked at him with big eyes. “It was really nice to see you again, Anna”, he said and wanted to lean in, but Anna stuck her hand out instead. Sebastian grabbed it, but instead of just shaking it, he pulled on it so Anna fell a bit forward and he could hug her goodbye and press a kiss to her cheek. Anna just looked at him with big eyes, just like Nicky.

“Don’t look so scared”, Sebastian whispered to her. “I didn’t get one the last time it meant goodbye”, he said with a low voice and stepped back with a devilish grin on his lips. Anna swallowed hard and felt her cheeks burning.

“We need to go now. Becky, give me your hand”, Anna said and cleared her throat. Becky held on to the stroller just like she did when she was out with mommy and ignored Annas hand. She waved at Sebastian as they were quickly walking away. It seemed like aunty Anna really wanted to go to the office. “Look, Becky. That man there is homeless”, she heard her aunt and her head shot around. Finally, yes!

[vs-redemption]

From Cindy: This is the fourth out of seven pieces I wrote for a week long Discord event. Enjoy!

Hawks Week Prompt Four: Alternate Fandom (Millionaire Detective)

(Hawks x GN!Reader) Day One Day Two Day Three Day five Day Six

Working as a glorified security guard for the Modern Crime Prevention unit was not the career you’d pictured yourself having when you were dreaming up perfect jobs as a child. It wasn’t too far off though. Your original goal had been to work as a division one detective for the city police, and you’d actually made it into the program until certain personality issues caused you to be reassigned to your current position. It was frustrating to have been so close just to fail at the finish line, but your rigid commitment to your morality often had you breaking protocol and butting heads with your superiors.

“I’m assigning you to the front of the train station today,” your boss taps his fingers on the same desk you had to share with several other coworkers. “There’ll be a lot of traffic going in and out today because of the festival, so be vigilant.”

“Yeah, of course.” You stand up and throw your jacket on. You imagined it would look much cooler to have an official police force badge, but instead you just wore some lame lanyard around your neck. It felt degrading to have to do silly jobs like this when you’d gone through so much schooling and training.

“Also, you’ll be working with a new partner to our division today.” Your boss adds on, sounding about as enthusiastic as you felt.

“New partner?” You ask, but before he could explain the person in question comes strutting through the door. Your eyes go wide in shock as you take in the feathery blonde hair and fierce golden eyes you’d seen plenty of times on the cover of magazines. “Keigo Takami?!”

The man barely spares you a glance before launching into a conversation with your boss over the details of the collaboration. You continue to stare, wondering why one of the country’s most well-known millionaires was standing in your stuffy little office. He looked very out of place in his expensive suit. His whole outfit probably cost more than your entire monthly salary.

“Good luck today, Takami.” Your boss nods his head at the fancy man who turns and struts back out just as quickly as he’d entered, forcing you to scramble to follow after him.

“He told you we’re going to be teamed up today, right?” You ask while trying to match his long strides. You extend your hand and introduce yourself. “Nice to meet you.”

“Show me a map of the city,” he says abruptly while putting on a pair of sunglasses and ignoring your attempt to shake his hand completely.

“I… okay?” you tilt your head and grab your phone, preparing to pull up your GPS but Keigo was already moving ahead with the conversation.

“Dabi, can you access the security and traffic cams in and around the train station?” You turn to look at him as if he were crazy, only to notice a blinking light in the earring he was wearing. He apparently had some sort of communication device. It annoyed you already that he got to use technology like that, while you were stuck with a basic cell phone.

“There’s no way you’re going to be able to…”

“Access granted.” The robotic voice that responded took you by surprise and Keigo glances at you just long enough for you to see his arrogant smirk.

“Who is Dabi?” You ask, curiosity getting the best of you.

“My butler.” The answer made you even more irritated.

When you arrived at the station, there was already a bit of a commotion. A few of the station attendants were standing outside some coin lockers with a crowd of people around them looking distraught. Before you can say a word, Keigo is pulling out the badge you’d always hoped to have.

“I’m with the city police, can you tell me what happened?” he asks smoothly.

“Someone must have hacked the computerized locking system and opened all the lockers,” one of the train station staff members explains. “All these people had items stolen from their bags” The group of people immediately go into a frenzy of explanations about what had been taken. Laptops, cameras, credit cards, phones, jewelry; basically anything worth a decent amount of money. You felt a little overwhelmed but Keigo kept calm and went back to talking to the device in his ear.

“Reimburse all stolen items at double the value,” he says casually and you turn to him in disbelief as the robotic voice replied.

“Transaction complete. Balance: unlimited”

The people in the train station all take out their phones to check their bank accounts, gasping in surprise and excitement to find the money had actually appeared. You weren’t even sure how to react as you listened to Keigo explain that he’d definitely find out who had broken into the lockers by the end of the day. Sure, it was nice for the victims to get that compensation, but it didn’t sit right with you to solve problems by throwing money at it. That wasn’t how police work should be conducted in your opinion, and you knew right away that being partnered up with Keigo Takami was going to be quite a challenge for you.

[heyheyloki]

Slow Down

Summary: After a case, the survivor throws a party in honor of the BAU team that saved his life. 

Aaron Hotchner x M!Reader

Word Count: 3014

It was supposed to any old case. Catch the bad guy, save the next victim and or victims, then go home to do it all over again. That’s what it was supposed to be. Everyone should be home, sleeping, or even taking another case and sleeping in the jet while it takes everyone to the next state that’s got a killer. None of you, not even Reid thought everyone would be stuck here in California for a party. A party that celebrated the team, nonetheless.

The potential victim was young, a millionaire, and a bit of a playboy. It was obvious how much of a jackass he was, and all of you were ready to get him out of your hairs. Especially when he kept on being flirty with you around everyone on your team. The dude was an all around narcissist.

When he suggested the idea of a party only Morgan was really for it, but Hotchner tried to shut down the idea right away. He knew everyone had to go home, and honestly, he rather not allow this guy to make you anymore uncomfortable than he had for the entire three days you’ve all been here. Long story short though, the guy didn’t listen. It was like the words went one ear and out the other, it was like talking to a wall. 

You all couldn’t get out of it without being rude, and everyone knew that the FBI couldn’t be seen as rude to the public. The FBI need the public. They need that trust and respect. Still, even though you knew you couldn’t get out of it, Hotchner still asked if you were okay with going. Everyone knew you lied when you said you’d be fine, but they also knew you were one of the most logically people on the team besides Reid. 

You were currently in your hotel room. One was given to every member of your team to rest up after work, but instead of your sleeping body draped over your bed in a messy way, you were in front of the mirror. Your hair was neatly combed and done instead of the mess you usually leave it in, your body hugged by an expensive tux you only rented this afternoon for the event tonight.

Your tux was exquisitely cut and a perfect match for your suave manners. It was something that brought out your handsome features more than before, if anything, you looked like you weren’t a guest, but hosting the party. 

As you began to fix anything that needed to be fixed, a knock was heard at your door. Your hand weaved through your hair once more before your shined shoes began to travel over towards the door. When you opened it, you noticed Penelope there. She was dressed up in a red dress, her makeup did, and her blond hair straightened down. It took you a moment to register that it was actually her and not someone else, especially since you’ve never seen her dress up like this before.

“And here I thought an angel was at my door.” You teased, a charming smile inching up to your face as you watched the ends of her lips curl upward. 

“Thank you, handsome.” She said with a cheeky tone. “Ready to go?”

You nodded your head. With a swift movement you grabbed your key card and phone before heading out to the party for your team and yourself.

When you arrived with Penelope, your eyes traveled around the large rented out hall you stood in. The people that you saw weren’t anyone you knew personally, but, there were way more souls that existed in this one room than you’ve meet in your lifetime. It was almost like all of San Francisco decided to attend, at least, the high-end members of society. Yanno, the people that have jobs as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and probably other millionaires like the host tonight.

That wasn’t even the end of them since more people began to walk past you, pouring in by the dozens. Everyone here wore newly bought suits, dresses, and had this aura around them that made them seem so uptight in this environment. Competitive to the point where you noticed some eyeing others with disgusted glares as they talked sinful and hatred filled words to their company that laughed in reply.

Even so, you didn’t mind all that much. You just wanted this night to be over with as soon as possible, even if the music was good and the drinks were only better, those things were probably the only thing that were keeping you from walking out the door. Well, that and the fact that you can’t disobey orders. 

“I’m going to go find the others.” Penelope said, the hand that brushed your upper arm the only thing pulling you out of your own mind.

You nodded in response as you watched her leave your side and into the large dance floor that was flooded with unknown souls, eventually losing sight of your only company. You knew it wouldn’t be good if one of the honored guests just stood around the entrance, so, you went towards the food stands instead. Though, you did grab a glass of champagne on the way.

Your ears were filled with a sweet melody that filled the busy air as you watched some couples and complete strangers dance hand in hand with another. You found this the only sweet thing here, and it actually let a soft smile dance across your soft lips. That was only for a second though before a scowl regained it’s control over your mouth when you noticed a familiar face. 

The man that strolled up to you was none other than the host of this occasion. He wore a classic black and white suit, his hands clasped in the other behind his back with an all-to-obvious happy smile across his pale skin. He straight blond locks that were pushed to the side, his hues that of a dark forest. He wasn’t the most unattractive guy, sure, he was handsome, but he had an ego. You knew that having one of those wasn’t the worst thing in the world, everyone had one to some extend, but you could only handle so much before it got tiring.

“I’m happy you came,” he said with a calm expression, “Though, I didn’t expect you to be alone.”

“My team is here as well, just not with me at the moment.” You explained. You didn’t mind being by yourself, but you wished that you went with Penelope to find the others right now. 

The man stepped closer, his distance easy for him to pull you into for a hug if he wished. You normally would back up at times like these, but with the food table pressing against your lower back, you that wasn’t going to work this time.

“Well, I guess I’m lucky, then.” He chuckled softly, his shining white teeth showing off to the world around him. 

“I guess,” You hummed before your lips gently pressed onto the glass rim of your drink as you took a few sips, all watched by the man in front of you.

The two of you sat in silence for a few seconds, and even if it was that, it was the most awful and uncomfortable seconds of your life. It was awkward, the kind of silence that makes you just want to walk out of so you could breath fresh air. But, he broke the silence first when his hands came up from his back, palms up as he looked around the hall before saying, “Do you like it? I mean, it only cost a few thousand dollars. Plus, I mean, wine, woman, and dancing? What else could a party need?”

Your eyes moved to the floor for a moment as you mumbled under your breath, “some men.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.” He said with a chipper smile.

You mirrored his expression quickly, expect, unlike him, your smile didn’t reach your eyes. You shook your head in a dismissive manner when you spit out, “Oh, I was just thinking of how nice you clean up.”

You caught some heat spread about his face, his eyes taking its sight off of you for a split moment as his smile turned bashful. “Thank you, I try my best when I know I’ll be seeing men like you here.”

You let out a dry chuckle that you tried to come off across as shy, but you knew weren’t a very good liar off the job than on it. You took another sip of your champagne, your eyes breaking contact with him. 

Your gaze moved around to the many faces before falling on one, a very familiar one. It was your boss, Aaron Hotchner. Your brows furrowed a bit as you noticed his frantic eyes, almost like he was searching for something. It made something in your stomach churn uncomfortably seeing him like that, but when he turned and laid his chestnut brown hues directly on you, your chest felt like a 100-pound weight was suddenly crushing your ribs. The next thing you knew he was jogging up to you, his pace getting slower as he got closer before standing firmly at your side.

His gaze was hard, cold almost on the man in front of you. To normal people, this was Hotch’s usual face. You were one of the only people that could actually tell the difference, and right now, he seemed almost protective to you. 

“Sir, may I borrow my agent?” Hotch asked in a neutral tone.

The man in front of you both moved his gaze quickly between the two figures in front of him, a small frown on his features as he said in a disembodied tone, “Of course.”

“Thank you,” Hotch said as he placed a hand against your shoulder. The light hand began to press against you as he began to walk, beckoning you to follow. You obeyed him willingly, your eyes trying not to travel down his body that was encased in a tailored suit. You saw him in one almost everyday, but for some reason it was different now, but you just blamed the atmosphere and booze in your system.

Neither of you spoke until you were both a comfortable distance from the shameless playboy flirt. On Hotch’s call, both of your bodies stopped. He didn’t speak at first, but instead looked over into the crowd. Curious, you looked in the direction his eyes traveled only to notice the man before watching both of you carefully with envy filled eyes. 

“Are you okay?” He suddenly asked, his voice full of concern. “Penelope told us you were alone, Reid and Morgan got worried when they noticed our victim leave the area we were in.”

“I’m fine, I can handle a few flirty guys.” You uttered, though, your natural playful nature came out soon after. A small smirk rest on your features as you looked up at Hotchner and cooed out, “And you were worried about me, huh?”

“I was.” He admitted, the mischievous film in your eyes burning away as you felt your heart stammer against your chest. 

“Thanks,” you muttered under your breath.

Hotch nodded his head, his eyes moving across the room once more before saying, “He’s probably going to keep trying to talk to you for the rest of the night.”

“Yeah,” you huffed out. 

The words between Hotch and you soon fell, the only noise entering your sense of hearing was the music changing into another soft melody. A idea that may be the solution to your little problem popping into your mind quickly. When you called for Hotchner’s attention he gave it to you in an instant. Your gaze was serious, your expression not one that could be seen as joking when you said in a flat tone, “Dance with me.”

“What?” He quickly questioned.

“If he thinks I’m into you, or you’re into me, then maybe he’ll stop. It’s a gamble, but I think the chances of this working is pretty good.” You said, your mind praying that your voice didn’t go higher or crack. It would be a lie to say you weren’t a bit excited to dance with him if he agreed, though, the thought of his hands on your body made your heart want to explode like a bomb.

Hotch stayed silent for a moment, studying you to make sure you weren’t tricking him in any manner. When he was sure, he didn’t say a word but instead take a step back and extend his hand forward, palm up. An offering.

A soft smile stretched over your lips as you took his hand in your own, following his lead as he lead you to the dance floor. Both of you didn’t need to look at the flirty playboy, when you heard stomping footsteps fade away, you knew it already worked. Though, neither of you acknowledged that fact, both basically having it their minds that it didn’t happen as an excuse to continue. 

“I’ll follow your lead.” You said as you placed your left hand against his upper arm, close to his shoulder while your right held his, his left ghosting your upper back under your left arm. The way he didn’t fully touch you sent a small shiver down your back that made you beg for more.

Aaron nodded before he started, you following like you stated. It was calming, peaceful even as the both of you danced against and with one another. It felt like you were the only two people on the floor, the others that circled around you both fading away into nothing. 

“I’m surprised you can dance with well,” Aaron said with a soft smile that threatened to grow wider. You weren’t a fool, and you felt everything his hand that rested on your back did. As he spoke, it began to pressed harder against you, bringing you closer to his body. You weren’t mad, but you couldn’t help but feel a bit offended that just his smooth and charming voice was enough to distract you. 

In an attempt to get him back, you began to move your hand that rested in the middle of his upper arm and shoulder down towards his bicep when you said in a charming and low voice, “I learned from my parents, but I never put it to use before until now.”

Aaron nodded, his chestnut brown hues almost going rouge from their normally cool and collective manner. Instead, you saw something that could match to affection, desire. You knew that couldn’t be it though. No, the stare that went right through your soul couldn’t have possibly been real. You were sure that you were just imagining things, your normal daydreams that were so wrong in your mind. Not cause Aaron was a guy, no, it was cause he was your boss. 

You went about it like you didn’t even notice, not even trying to search for it. It was bad enough the fantasy made your heart pound loudly in your ears and make your palms sweaty. Afraid Aaron would start to notice you quickly asked, “Anyone catch your eye tonight?”

You watched as Aaron cocked his head to the side, his brows furrowing i confusion upon the said question that bursted out of your mouth before you could think. It was a dumb question, and frankly one you didn’t want answered. But, it was too late to take back anything now. All you could do was pray that he said no.

“One.” He simply put. In one single word you felt something in your chest crack just as easy as a piece of glass. It was an odd, painful feeling. You weren’t physically hurt, and you knew logically that a heart can’t actually crack. But when you heard that, it was like your brain just shot your heart with all the pain you’ve felt over the years and burst it around your nerves all at once. 

You knew you had to play it off. “Oh?” You asked in a teasing manner as you cocked you head back a bit with a smirk. “Who is she?”

“Well, he’s a good dancer.” Hotch suddenly corrected, your breath quickly getting caught in your lungs. 

“Oh, yeah?” You asked gently, more casual this time around. “Point him out to me, I wanna see who caught the Aaron Hotchner’s attention.”

It was painful to watch as Aaron’s eyes scanned the room in a reaching manner like you saw before.You prayed hard that the guy that got Aaron’s fondness wouldn’t be in sight. You weren’t in the mood to see someone who you would compare yourself with in more ways than one. But, when his eyes landed back into yours, you froze. You knew it was coming.

His thin lips parted, the way your brain started to slow everything down as your anxiety raised was something that made you want to run out the door. But it was all over in less than a few seconds contrary to your belief.

“He’s right in front of me.” Aaron said directly, his tone flat yet some underline shakiness was found if one was looking hard enough. 

You didn’t notice it. Instead all you could do was stare into space as you repeated those words over and over again in your head like you were watching your favorite movie. When it finally registered with you, your lips couldn’t help but stretch upward, the ends of your eyes crinkling. A bashful chuckle left your throat before saying, “you took my lines.”

As soon as you spoke those words a sigh full of fear past Aaron’s lips, his face now fully relaxing as he got more daring that he knew you reciprocated his feelings. He pulled you closer with force yet gentle at once, getting only inches from one another’s faces. 

“Maybe this whole thing wasn’t so bad after all,” you uttered uncontrollably, truly, you felt like you were on a different planet all together.

“Guess not.” Aaron hummed softly with a smile. His gaze kept locked with yours as the two of your danced in each others arms for the remainder of the song and the next few after.

[toothyleech]

𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐠 + 𝐁𝐚𝐚𝐥 | 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟 + 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐮

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟐

»»———————— ♔　———————-««

Before Baal, Ningguang felt as if her life had been boring. Although she was painted as the enemy, the one everyone hated, she too had feelings just as everyone else did. On top of that, she taught a college criminal justice class, so of course her life was meaningless. Dedicating her life to teaching stupid college kids was not something Ningguang had planned on doing with her life. She intended on being a millionaire, spending her days deciding who lived and who died in the money world. She wanted to be the one to count her money every single day to make sure that there wasn’t a single cent missing. While others might call her a gold digger, or selfish, Ningguang was far from greedy though. If she was greedy, she wouldn’t be teaching a class full of cocky brats trying to become lawyers. If she was greedy, then she wouldn’t put up with the absolute bullshit that some of these kids spouted. Potential lawyers always thought they were amazing, hence why Ningguang went extra hard on them in class.

There was one person she couldn’t stand though. One person in this god forsaken place that she felt somewhat understood her. And that person was Baal, although she heard rumors of her students calling her the so-called “Raiden Shogun”, which amused Ningguang to no end. The Raiden Shogun taught Humanities, which was simple enough in theory, but considering who taught it—the class was almost as hard as Ningguang’s herself. The two boasted the reputation as having the hardest classes on campus, and although they shared that in common, they hadn’t met until relatively recently.

It was a cold winter's day when the two had first ran into each other. Ningguang was bundled up in her outerwear, sipping on a warm hot cocoa since she didn’t fancy coffee. She had more of a sweet palate surprisingly, given who she was. Nevertheless, she was walking through the campus, watching the snow fall in clumps off of the trees and hit the ground. Ningguang, in fact, was so distracted by this that she hadn’t been watching where she was going, and bumped into a certain woman who had only heard rumors of.

The Raiden Shogun was a tall woman, almost taller than Ningguang herself. And when she bumped into her, the glare Ningguang received was almost…electric. There was an air of power around Baal, an air of power that nobody dare defy lest they wish to receive punishment. Ningguang found herself almost…admiring that sort of power that Baal gave off. Despite the initial shock of running into her, Ningguang‘s eyelids fell into a glower once she realized the challenging look that Baal was giving her. She wouldn’t back down easily, not even if Baal was a real Shogun.

“Watch where you’re going,” Baal said icily. She was donned in her own warm outerwear, her hair pulled into a thick braid that tumbled down her back in a lovely manner. In all honesty, Ningguang could admit that Baal was beautiful. Even if she was being a bitch right now. “Next time, maybe look in front of you instead of walking aimlessly.”

Ningguang was taken aback. Nobody had ever spoken to her like this, frankly. She had always been treated with the utmost respect before this meeting, and it was a little shocking to be treated like some sort of peasant in the eyes of Baal. “Do you know who you’re talking to miss…shogun.” Her lips quirked up into a faint smile upon watching Baal’s eye twitch vaguely at the nickname. “Or do you act like this with all of your fellow staff members?” She cocked her head to the side slightly, putting a finger on her chin. “I wonder…how long would it take for you to get fired if you treated everyone like this?”

Baal looked annoyed, shifting idly as she glared at Ningguang sharply. “I suppose that’s none of your concern, given that I speak to everyone in the way I wish. Nobody challenges my authority, not even prissy women like you who think they’re the boss.” The shogun took a step forward, a small sneer on her face as she looked down at Ningguang, who merely looked up at her with a somewhat bored expression. She had dealt with far worse than some teacher who thought she was the best thing to have ever existed. Ningguang wasn’t afraid of Baal—not in the way everyone else seemed to cower in her presence.

“Oh, yes, I do suppose you have free reign to speak to people in whatever way you wish,” Ningguang agreed with her, although it was somewhat backhanded. “But that doesn’t account for the fact that you, just like I, have superiors. As much as you wish you were in charge, you’re not.” Ningguang puckered her lips, reveling in the way Baal’s face changed from mildly annoyed to furious.

“You’re going to regret the words you have spoken,” Baal rumbled, taking a few steps away from Ningguang and smoothing out her coat. Snow had accumulated on both of their coats since they had been standing still, and the chill from the outside was beginning to set in. Whether the chill was from the weather or from Baal’s glare, however…that Ningguang was unsure of.

“Is that a threat?” Ningguang challenged in response to her words, taking an idle sip of her drink.

Baal turned away, not bothering to answer. Her heels made crisp clicks against the pavement as she walked away, making imprints in the snow as well.

And as Baal walked away, Ningguang had the satisfied feeling in her chest that she had won, along with a strange emotion she couldn’t even begin to identify.

From then on, every time they had met had been followed by some sort of argument. A power struggle, per se, ensued every time they had met, which seemed to become more and more frequent as the days passed. Ningguang was unsure as to why Baal kept visiting her classroom with her overly defensive TA Sara, but she could safely say that the distraction was a welcome one. Today, however, Baal was visiting unaccompanied.

Ningguang could tell that Baal was about to visit when the air shifted. It was almost crackling with electricity as she entered the classroom, which was now empty. Her class had long since been over, and her next one wasn’t for a while. In fact, Baal had perfect timing. Even when she entered the room, she looked impeccable as ever, dressed to the nines in her professional outfit that made her look powerful in a scary yet sexy way.

“Good evening, your highness,” Ningguang greeted her in a cool, sarcastic manner. Her tone was condescending and somewhat rude, although still airy enough to come off as faux polite. “Is there something you needed?” Despite Ningguang’s hatred for Baal’s attitude, she still enjoyed her presence somewhat. Not that she’d ever admit that to the woman, of course, but the sentiment was still there.

“Nothing that you can offer,” Baal huffed, making her way closer to Ningguang’s desk and folding her arms across her chest. “What have you been up to?” She asked begrudgingly, a small flush high on her cheeks despite her hostile words.

Ningguang raised an eyebrow, sipping on her drink of choice while she stared up at Baal, purposefully not answering to make her squirm. “Why do you care?” She finally asked, cold and precise as always. When she put down her drink and went back to her paperwork, she could see Baal’s annoyed expression in her peripheral vision. “I thought the Shogun didn’t entertain peasants’ activities.”

Baal’s expression scrunched up into something that was somewhat bewildered, although it smoothed out a second later. “You know that’s not what I mean.” She sounded annoyed, her eyebrow twitching for a second before she smoothed off her outfit, brushing off any nonexistent dust. “You know exactly what I mean.”

Ningguang stood up from her desk gracefully, approaching Baal with a neutral expression before she cupped her cheeks in a surprisingly gentle manner. Baal stiffened for a second before she seemed to melt into the touch begrudgingly, still looking bothered despite it all. It was then that Ningguang pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, satisfied by the way that the other woman looked shocked for a moment before her eyes fluttered shut.

“Yes, we’re still on for tonight if that was what you were wondering.” Ningguang said once she had pulled away from the kiss, brushing off her own clothes before she went to sit back down at her desk. The two had planned a date for tonight, but it seemed as if Baal was having a bit of anxiety about it. It was almost endearing.

Ningguang’s lips quirked up into a faint smile as she turned back to the copious amounts of paperwork that she needed to get up, not even bothering to look up at Baal as she uttered her next words:

“You’re dismissed.”

[sopxhiea]

Reckless

Alfie Solomons X Reader

Sabini makes an appearance.

| Prompt

“You’re going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters, animal abusers and people who talk at the theatre.”

He was humming a low melody, one you recognised but couldn’t exactly pinpoint. It could’ve been something from the station for all you knew but you couldn’t put your finger on it, it was ought to bug you today.

The weather was quite lovely, spring was upon the city and the weather seemed to chirp up all the creatures that took shelter in the usual state of the city. You’d seen too many people around in the morning, just walking or playing around more than usual commotion, summer would come along soon.

You shifted your weight between your feet, leaning back on the wooden wall while the bulky man watched you. They’d told you that he was for protection, you didn’t need protection. He was the biggest guy you’d seen in a long time but something about him was familiar, strangely close to your heart. Your gaze traveled across his at first, finding a blank canvas of nothingness.

He was supposed to be here.

Alfie had called you in for a meeting with another gangster. He hadn’t told you who the other man was but you trusted him enough. You’d worked with him on numerous occasions and you knew he wouldn’t go so far as to pull something behind your back, he knew you’d kill him if he did.

You’d hesitate but you’d still cut his throat if he betrayed you.

You walked towards the heavy doors while the bulky man followed you, calling you ‘miss’ and telling you to stay where you were. He should’ve known better than to order you around. You turned towards him in one swift motion, eyes cold as ice while his gaze escaped yours. 

After successfully scaring him off, you kicked down the door to Alfie’s office. He had told you he’d be with you in a few moments after greeting you at the door but he had also been the one to disappear into that office of his. His eyes looked at your figure when the loud noise of the door hitting the wall filled the spacious room.

Ollie’s mouth was agape.

It wasn’t the first time you’d kicked down a door, certainly not the first time you’d kicked down his door. You scoffed, seeing him knees deep in paper work. You had things to take care of, people to chase but there he was making you wait. He didn’t say anything but got up instead, you gave him a mocking smile as he talked.

“What’s got ye bothered, woman?” he spoke, getting his jacket.

You were supposed to meet the other guy an hour ago but he was far from being present. You scoffed again, a sarcastic expression on your face as he stared at you. 

He knew how to get you fired, the sparks beneath your pupils were glistening. He mostly did it because it was amusing to him, entertaining to a point of slight arousal for the tall man.

“Where the hell is the men?” you said, following his built form through the corridors of the distillery. “You said the meeting would take place an hour ago!” you raised your voice while stepping in front of him, he stopped when his much bigger form towered above your small one. 

“’m takin’ ya’ to the fuckin’ spot.” he said, calm and clear. You rolled your eyes before stepping out of the way with a loud sigh. He was so frustrating sometimes.

You were an agent of sorts, gathered information and killed when the occasion occurred. You stole for millionaires and accompanied rich man to dinners, only to hog information from their daft minds. You’d done business with Alfie more than a few times til now, he had hired you and worked with you on robbing some very powerful people and he said he had a new proposition for you and that explained your being in his distilliery.

The man was rough on the edges, blunt and way too stubborn. He was mostly agitated and didn’t like to negotiate but you’d managed to bring him down a little and snatch a few terms of your own to every work you did together.

He also happened to be brilliant, he was sharp and undeniably handsome. You overlooked the last fact most of the time, mostly because it had nothing to do with business and you didn’t intend on getting distracted by the tall man walking in front of you.

He also happened to be the only man able to fight the fire you had inside.

You had a quick wit, playful banter and cutting words were your specialty. You did your job well because you could speak your way into anything. It was sometimes an old man’s secret box or a classy event, you always got your way.

Your appearance helped, too.

Alfie knew you were smart, way too devious and rather sly compared to a person your age. You were younger than him but he was sure you’d had more experience killing men than he did, including his war memories. He enjoyed battling with you when it came to it, you were quick on your feet and a word he said would never go unanswered.

But you were also extremely captivating. Your look was one out of a dream, it helped you in your line of business. He’d expected a skeleton looking woman in her older years when they’d told him about all the things you did, he thought they were simply too many to fit in a young life out of logic.

Instead, he’d met an alluring young woman who held her chin high. 

Ollie opened the door to the storage space rather loudly while you followed Alfie’s bigger form, right behind his side. Your eyes met the men inside, there were about fifteen young ones dressed in grey suits, one older man dressed in a creamy suit.

You hated his face.

You made a sour face when your eyes met his, he was the boss for sure but he had something unlikeable about him, you didn’t know what it was. Alfie walked in front of you, not shaking the man’s hand when he was about to sit but instead, showing him the seat with his hand while the other rested on his cane.

You watched them sit as many other males stood standing. The room was tense but it didn’t affect you. You sat down loudly, crossing your legs in a not-so-ladylike manner while everyone else looked at you, not Alfie.

He was used to it.

You offered the man a smile as Alfie cleared his throat, his attention brought to Alfie once again while you threw your arm around the chair you were sitting, it was a comfortable position but definitely not appropriate.

“‘ello, Alfie.” the boss of the other party spoke, his voice was more dreadful than you’d thought it would be.

You shook your head.

“‘ello, mate.” Alfie greeted back as Ollie stared at the man before him.

The boss turned to you, eyes scanning your rather awkward sitting position while you offered him a sheepish smile. Your first impressions were always a favourite of Alfie’s.

“Who’s the lady?” he spoke, sarcasm apparent in his voice while you stared right back at him. Alfie was about to speak but he knew better than to not let you have a go at Sabini.

“Why are you asking?” you spoke, eyes half closed while Sabini watched you sit up on the chair.

“I wouldn’t want word to get ou-” he spoke, you cut him off after understanding the point of the unfinished sentence. It was supposed to a be secret meeting and you were a stranger.

“I’m Alfie’s friend.” you spoke, Alfie’s amused eyes met yours and you winked at the familiar face.

Sabini seemed dumfounded until Alfie spoke, his eyes motioning at you while his voice filled the room. “My friend.” he almost smiled.

Your daring eyes met Sabini’s and instead of dwelling on the peculiar subject, he moved on to talk about the details. You listened intently but the tone of his voice started to get boring after the fist twenty minutes. You shifted on the chair again, throwing one leg on top of the other and moving your foot up and down.

Your foot remained on its own for a while until it hit Alfie’s much larger one. He didn’t react as he listened to the man before him so you nudged his foot again, making him move in his place. You touched his foot again once more, a little more persistently this time which made him turn to you with a low smile.

“...pet..” he said, warning you.

It was a wonder that you still hadn’t slept with him, you thought to yourself.

You’d come close, almost had him have you in dinner parties right then and there but you’d somehow gotten out of it. You knew how to tease him and he loved to tease you back, you were still wondering how his plump lips tasted after holding yourself back for the past two years of working with the man.

He recognised your gaze, lust swimming in your orbs as his lips parted. He mirrored the expression in your eyes, going from casual business Alfie to a hungry version of himself. 

You were fire and he liked to play with fire.

You both held each others’ gazes for more than a minute and some more before Sabini spoke up. He was unable to read the energy between you and Alfie, unlike Ollie who had flushed cheeks from the intense stares you were giving Alfie.

“What the fuck is going on?” Sabini raised his voice after his last two questions were ignored. You didn’t even know what he’d asked.

You both turned to the man but you were quicker than Alfie in terms of action. Standing up, you inched closer to Sabini’s face with hands on the table. He leaned back when you got all over his face, you were seething with anger. You spoke into his face as he watched you fire up.

“You’re going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters, animal abusers and people who talk at the theatre.”

He chuckled weakly at first, not realising that you had a small blade right under your finger that was inching closer to his throat. All his men got their guns out in the next second, everyone was standing up now that guns were out except Alfie who kept on watching you.

The contract was long forgotten.

You let Sabini’s collar go and leaned back, you were still standing when you fixed your hair a little and spoke. All the guns were pointed at you except the ones on Alfie’s men had on their hands.

“I’m not gonna kill you..” you said, a smile on your lips Alfie was too familiar with. “..not today, anyway. I’m wearing a new dress.” you chuckled at the end of your sentence and the last remark made all men look at you once more.

You looked like you were meant to be reading poetry under a tree, not dealing with dirty old men and their meaningless words.

Alfie chuckled at your words, his eyes sparkled with admiration and lust. You sat back down and put your elbows on the shared table as Sabini’s assistant kept his mouth open.

“The contract will be signed by Alfie and me.” you spoke, letting the man know of the participants of the deal.

“And I think it’s fucking underwhelming for someone with your reputation..” you shook your head as he stared at you with shock on his face. “I’m not signing it..” you smiled innocently before finishing your sentence. “...because it sucks.”

You leaned back on the chair, letting the man absorb the weight of your own words while Alfie chuckled at you, he loved seeing you like this.

He stuttered at first, found it hard to speak because he felt insulted, and he was. You watched as he screamed at you, anger and frustration evident in his eyes as he spoke the words a little too loudly. You let him unleash the feelings, watching him get up and throw a couple punches. He then started screaming at Alfie, calling you all sorts of things and blaming him for such a bad scene.

He wouldn’t let the words go but he knew you were just warming up so he let Sabini be.

He sat down with a heavy chest while you watched him calm down. “You’re done?” you asked, he didn’t say anything.

“A bitch?”  you asked, talking about his latest remark about you.

“How original!” you gave him a smile while Alfie watched you dig your finger on his knee, the small blade went all the way through while his men just stared at the scene, guns ready in their hands but they just froze.

You got up, Alfie watched you as you straightened down your dress and gave him a smile.  You would see Alfie soon about all this but you were too tired for this. He was glad you could even come, the blade on Sabini’s knee was the perk of it. Your hand rested on Alfie’s shoulder while you said your goodbye to him, turning Sabini not too long after for the final farewell.

“I’ll see you in hell.”

[peeterparkr]

OMG FINALLY! Dick Grayson one where his bff who he’s in love with is attacked by some guys in an alley and he saves her but is so worried that he removes his mask without thinking etc ... you can do whatever you like with it really! Xxx

omg I don’t know how this came out of that but I hope you like it! This is literally my first time writing for him so pls be kind. I’m sorry it sucks

warnings: assault, fighting, probably swearing. 

word count: 2k idk HOW

My hero. Dick Grayson x Reader

Gotham was a handful. Never safe. You’d always walk around fearing your life. But at some point you didn’t want to be that way. You always tried to prove everyone wrong. You could take care of yourself, and most times, you did. But whenever someone would tell you to take care, you’d get mad. It was— stupid, maybe.

Maybe Dick Grayson was who you were trying to prove. Maybe. Your best friend who’d become a bit of an asshole lately. You’d grown up and grown apart with that. Maybe it was because of his new life. 

You missed him at Haly’s. But of course, he wouldn’t miss you. As if he’d love to have the life you had by now. Life in your 20′s still working for a circus and now your second gig as a waitress in a bar. It wasn’t that bad. 

Millionaire Grayson, that’s how your old friends used to call him. Everyone who ever knew him would call him that. You didn’t. You knew Dickie became distant for other reasons. He wouldn’t tell you which, but he had them. 

He wasn’t that distant to you. You’d see him every now and then. There were a lot of things to Dick Grayson that you’d keep to yourself. Like being your first kiss, first love. First broken heart. And you remembered the first kiss, you were young, stupid. And he had saved you from falling down the trapeze. 

‘My hero’ you had said and without a warning you had kissed him. 

Ah, and without a warning, years later he’d broken your heart. 

That’s when you drifted apart from him. But he’d come back every now and then, if he ever gave himself time to visit you. Sometimes he’d visit Haly’s to say hello after a show.

But he had left Gotham, and with that, he had also left you. 

You didn’t expect to see Dick Grayson walking into that filthy bar you worked at, one would think you’d see him at fancier places, or not at Gotham at all. But there he was with a black coat, soaking from the rain. 

You felt your stomach hop as you saw him. His dark eyes searching the room. You knew he probably was there because of you. From time to time you’d talk, text, and you had told him you’d work there now. 

“Hey angel, bring me another beer,” one very drunken guy told you. You rolled your eyes as you walked over to get it. 

Dick sat by the counter, alone. You walked past him. “Grayson,” you greeted him. It was weird, seeing him like this.

“Y/N,” he smiled. “Uh, I was just around the neighbourhood and uh-“

“No, you weren’t,” you chuckled. He couldn’t lie to you. You knew he’d come to say hi.

He blushed. “No—but I thought- I’d say hi.”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s… it’s nice to see you, how have you been?” You blushed yourself.

“I’m good, I—I well-“

“Hey, angel, my beer, sweetheart, give that pair of legs a good use!” The asshole yelled.

You closed your eyes. “Duty calls.”

“Don’t talk to her like that,” Dick warned them. 

“Or what, pretty boy? What you’re gonna do? Throw your fancy coat at me?” The guy laughed.

Dick quickly stood up and stormed to them. 

“Dick, dick,” you said, standing in front of him. “I can handle them myself.” 

“Oh, you’re a Dick,” the guy mocked. 

Dick rolled his eyes. “Really funny, haven’t heard that one.” 

Dick stepped in but you pushed him back. “Please, Dick, not tonight, we’ll catch up some other time, okay? Please, it’s alright..” 

“Y/N-” 

“I can take care of myself, Dick,” you pushed. 

“We just called her an angel, suits her, anyway,” The bearded guy continued.

Dick glanced at you and opened his mouth. 

“Please, don’t make a scene,” you begged him under your breath. You brought the guy his beer. 

“Thank you angel,” he grinned as he basically undressed you with his sight. 

“You better leave soon,” Dick warned them again standing in front of you , and they laughed. 

“Dickie, please,” you begged him again, knowing damn well your boss wouldn’t like someone defending you. He was a bigger jerk than this guy. 

Dick sighed and sat back down. You kept waitressing for a while, ignoring Dick’s stare. Always protective.  

“Bye angel,” the man said to you before leaving. You stepped back and gulped. You decided to switch position with the bartender. 

“You know I could get you a better job than this,” Dick intruded. “I—Bruce has several places where you could work at, I’m sure I could find you a spot somewhere.”

“Always helping, Dickie,” you shrugged. “I’m doing alright.”

“I—yeah, but—“

“I don’t want any sympathy, Dickie,” you told him. “It’s alright. I can take care of myself.” 

“I just thought it could be so we can see each other more, like old times,” he pointed out. “We’re not kids anymore, are we?” He chuckled.

“Not really,” you smiled. “But we belong to different worlds, that’s okay. You deserved it, the fancy life—after what happened.”

Dick gulped and looked away.

“What do you do now, Dick?”

“Here and there,” Dick shrugged. “Complicated.”

You smiled. “They miss you, you know, everyone at Haly’s.”

“Everyone?”

“Mostly everyone.” You took a deep breath. You did miss him. 

He sighed. “Yeah, I miss… I miss you too–I mean, I miss them,” he cleared his throat. “I miss them, too.” 

You smiled to yourself as you turned to other customers. You were supposed to be waitressing. 

“You shouldn’t be in a place like this,” Dick told you. He was probably right. But you hated when he got all protective on you, it’s not like he cared, anyway. 

“I can take care of myself,” You reminded him. “It’s no better than any other place here in Gotham.” He knew you were right. “Besides, if something were to happen, I’d like to see one of those heroes get in here, they don’t really care about people like us.” 

Dick stared at you. “How so?” 

You chuckled dryly. “I don’t know, I don’t know,” you looked at him. “Or at least… Not the new Robin one. The old one, he… he really helped me out sometimes.” 

Dick took a sip from his beer. “He… he did?” 

“Yeah, it was weird, it’s been for a long time, Clay said Robin was my guardian angel,” you chuckled. “But you know how he is,” you smiled, looking down. “Haven’t seen him in a while, though. And guess Batman never gets to this part.” 

Dick sighed, as he looked away. “Have you… have you needed help?” 

“No, as I told you, I take care of myself,” you said. “You look different,” you pointed out. “Heard you left to Detroit.” 

He nodded. 

“What brought you back to this hell place?” You questioned him. “Anyone who gets a chance to leave Gotham should never come back.” 

Dick looked at you. “Unsolved business.” 

You clicked your tongue. “Well, hope you solve them quickly.” 

He grinned. 

“So… uh, how about we… we go out for dinner after you’re out or-?”

“Y/N, need you to take out the trash,” your boss came in. “And bring in more ice.” 

You nodded. “I’ll… see you in a bit,” you excused yourself as you went to do as told. The old bar had an exit to the alley, where’d you take out the trash. It was dark and you never liked going there. You knew that you being sent there was a punishment of sorts, your boss liked to see you as a way men would buy alcohol if they ever spoke to you, however since Dick only had had one beer in his hand, it meant you’d failed at your job. Very indecent and degrading, really. 

But you did as so, you took out the trash, it was still raining, and sadly, you were not alone. As soon as you had walked into the alley, there were men waiting for you. You tried to ignore them, but they closed the door for the bar. You tried to hide your shivering as they whistled. 

“Look what we got here, it’s the angel,” The voice said, and you turned to see the bearded guy from before, his odour could be smelled from where you were standing, throwing away the trash. 

You frowned and ignored them, trying to get back into the bar. 

“Oh no, no, you don’t have your pretty boy to help you here,” he laughed. “C’mon angel.” 

You tried to walk past him but he was surrounded by the other three that were once in the bar. 

“I need to go back,” you said, firmly and tried pushing your way through. 

“I don’t think so my angel,” the guy said. You feared everything and you knew this was too late. “And that was a wrong move,” he said, taking your arms and pulling you to him. You felt more hands on your body. 

You screamed as loud as you could and tried to kick your way out but the other three surrounded you, the guy covered your mouth. 

“Now, you’re going to cooperate, alright, you listen to this,” the guy hissed at you. You kicked him again and he pushed you against the wall. “Stop, now.” 

You saw it as a lost battle. But before you could feel or see the worst, a shadow had appeared from the roof. 

“Leave her alone,” the shadow warned and jumped right behind him, and then you covered yourself. The shadow kicked down the drunk horrendous guy as he easily took down the other three guys, fighting against them with no difficulty as he threw punches and kicked them to the ground. He kept punching them and you knew this was Robin. Even with the rain, you saw him. 

He was Robin. The Robin you once knew, the one who had protected you before, not the new, young one with crazy hair. This was your Robin. 

You fell to the ground, scared, as you saw now the four guys that were just surrounding you and touching you. You let out a sob, but Robin kneeled by you. 

“Y/N, y/n, are you–are you okay?” Robin asked, and you looked up. And saw him, his eyes. His dark eyes. He had taken off the mask

“I–” 

“It’s okay, you’re okay, they can’t hurt you.” 

“Dick.” That was the only thing you’d managed to say. He panicked. 

“What–?” 

“You…” You cleared your throat. “Your mask.” 

He saw his hand, he had taken off his mask. “I’m… I’m… shit,” he sighed, “I’m not a monster. I swear.. This… this is the reason why I left Gotham,” he admitted as he looked at the passed out men. “You must think I’m a monster.” 

“I never said you were,” you whispered as you watched him, cupping his face. “You… It was you who was protecting me.” 

He nodded. “I never really left you, back then” 

“No, I guess you didn’t,” you admitted. “But then you did.” 

He looked at you. “Are you… are you okay?” He asked, helping you stand up. 

“Yeah, yeah,” you cleared your throat. “Guess I can’t… really take care of myself after all. But I guess I don’t… have to,” you coughed. “Thank you,” you said, kissing his cheek. 

He put on his mask again. “Yeah.” 

You stayed there, under the rain, watching him. Expectant of everything and of nothing at the same time. “Not only for tonight,” you pushed. “But for… always keeping an eye on me.” It was like you were transported to when you were younger and you’d stand in front of him, all childish and nervous. 

He looked away. “Yeah, yeah–Look,, I’m… I’m not proud of whom I’ve become that’s why…” 

You shook your head, taking his arm. “I don’t care, you’re always going to be Dickie for me,” you whispered as he got closer. “You always had it, the hero type.” 

“I’m not sure if I could be called a hero,” he admitted. 

“You saved my life,” you shrugged. “My hero.” 

He bit his lip, and gulped. He remembered, and he understood it now. Without a warning, he leaned over to kiss you. And this time it was different. Maybe you’d grown up, but definitely, you hadn’t grown apart. 

this sucked

[darkmulti]

Boss

CEO!San x assistant!fem reader

⚠️Warnings: dirty talk, light bondage, chocking, degrading, cheating, angsty, spanking, slapping

——————————————————————————

“Y/N did you get my coffee?”

Your boss, Mr. Choi called out to you and you scram, picking up his coffee and papers and bringing it right to the office.

“Here you are your coffee and the daily report on the company’s stocks.”

“Ah thank you.”

“You’re welcome sir, I have to go on and see how the design department is doing sir. If you need anything else call me.”

He nodded and you left his office. In reality you just wanted to see your crush/best friend Wooyoung, who worked in the design department.

Little did you know San was watching you through the security cameras. Without you knowing obviously. San has developed a little crush on you. Although he was married, he hated his wife. But she also just happened to visit right at that moment.

“Sannie!”

She yelled out running toward San’s desk expecting him to get up and hug her. But he didn’t move. Instead he turned off his computer and started reading the report you had given him earlier. He didn’t even look up.

“Yes?”

“Baby. I’m bored. Let’s go somewhere.”

“I’m at work, I can’t go anywhere.”

“Come on, you’re the CEO. You don’t need to work.”

“I don’t know who told you that, because that’s the furthest thing from the truth. I have to do a lot of work to make sure this company doesn’t fall apart. So I can get money. A simpler way to say it, is that you can get more Louis Vuitton bags. You can only get it, if I work.”

“You’re right. Well what about a date night? I’ll wear your favorite lingerie.”

She whispered the last part looking San right in the eyes.

“No thanks. I’m too busy.”

He said immediately, denying her.

San didn’t like her one bit. Yeah he had sex with her but it was the worst. She would cum so quickly and fall asleep. She didn’t satisfy San at all. San wouldn’t even be near and she would already be asleep. So he ended up jerking off since she couldn’t please him.

He could’ve gotten any other girl and cheating wasn’t a problem for him either. The only problem was you. He wanted you.

You on the other hand, if you weren’t working, you were usually partying. Having sex, drinking, enjoying your life. You were still young.

San knew all this, he saw your social media, and heard co workers talking about it at times. Yes it angered him. He wanted to fuck you hard, to let you know who you belong to. He would kill just to punish you. You were everything he was looking for in a lover. The definition of perfect. But sadly couldn’t have you because he didn’t know how you felt, and had a wife.

“Hello? San? Baby? Did you hear what I said?”

His wife called out.

“Uh, no. Uh sorry can you repeat that.”

“I said that we have to attend my dad's business party this evening.”

“Okay. Can you please leave now?”

She looked at San.

“Do you not enjoy my company?”

“No, now leave.”

She took her purse and went over to San and kissed his cheek. Right then you walked in.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I’ll leave you two alone.”

You said embarrassedly

“No, y/n wait she was just leaving.”

San’s wife looked at you with a stern expression. She walked to you and stopped by your ear.

“Don’t touch my husband with your dirty whore hands.”

“Wasn’t planning to, he’s all yours and I respect that.”

You mumble out and look up to see San staring right at you.

“Good.”

She then pushed you out of the way and left.

“I’m sorry about her, she’s just mad I asked her to leave.”

“How come? She’s your wife.”

He looked at you with an almost disappointed expression.

“Yeah but it was arranged you know. I didn’t actually want to get married with her.”

“Sorry to hear. Anyways, I came to tell you the design team is doing well and they actually made a new logo for the next season collection. I thought you might want to take a look.”

You handed the sample container and pictures of the design to San.

“They look great. Nice patterns and durable design.”

“Great, I’ll let the design department know.”

“That won’t be necessary. I need you to go pick up my dry cleaning and take it back to my house. I have an event to attend. And don’t worry it’s prepaid.”

“Okay.”

You go to your desk, and grab all your things and head down to the parking lot.

You were looking for your car until Wooyoung had appeared and called out your name.

“Oh hey Woo, what’s up?”

“I have to ask you something, but what’re you doing? Are you going home? Are you feeling sick? What’s going on?”

“No silly I have to go pick up San’s dry cleaning and drop it off to his house. Then I’m off. Why what happened?”

“Oh, well I wanted to ask if you wanted to come with me to this event that my dad was invited to. He said I can bring a plus one and I was wondering if you would-”

“I would love to Woo.”

You said suddenly cutting him off.

“Oh really, great! I’ll pick you up at 8, dress in a classy dress. Look good for me doll.”

You roll your eyes and smile at his words.

“Yeah, whatever you say king. I have to get going now. Bye!”

You left work and went to go get San’s dry cleaning. You picked it up and were on your way to his house. You ring the doorbell and his wife answers.

“Hi, Mrs. Choi. Here’s Mr. Choi’s dry cleaning he asked me to grab for him.”

“Why did he ask you?”

“Because I’m his assistant?”

“But I’m his wife, I could’ve gotten it for him.”

“I- I don’t know anything about that, he just asked me to pick it up for him and I did. I’m just doing my job.”

She rolls your eyes and takes it from you. Then proceeds to slam the door in your face.

You scoff and think what a salty bitch.

But hey, not my problem. (-Johnny nct)

You walked back to your car and headed back to your house to get ready since it was 6pm already.

Time skip

You had finished getting ready and had put on a new dress that you got for Mr. Choi’s birthday. You ended up not going to his birthday party because his wife had told you not to come and so you didn’t. However the next day he wasn’t talking to you and avoided all contact from you. You then told him that his wife uninvited you and you didn’t want to ruin the party so you didn’t show up.

But this dress was absolutely beautiful. It was a blood red formal dress, that was off the shoulder with a little cleavage showing. It has a slit on the side and to top it all off your black Louis heels.

Soon enough the door bell had rung and you got out of the house where Wooyoung's jaw dropped.

You chuckled at him

“You look stunning doll. Now stay close to me, I don’t want anybody looking at you.”

He intertwined his hands with yours and walked your to the black Porsche parked outside. He drove you to the event and helped you out.

Damn this was a very elegant event. Everyone was wearing designer clothes and all looked like millionaires.

Wooyoung kept you close with him and whispered in your ears that mafias were here. Some of the girls were actually sold to them and forced to put on a pretty face and not cry. You looked at the younger girls with the older men and saw how terrified they were.

You couldn’t help them, which made you upset.

“Don’t be upset doll, here’s a drink. Warm up a bit, it’s just business I suppose.”

“Not very nice business.”

You mumbled out. Other than that incident, Wooyoung made sure to keep you by his side. He got you drinks, danced with you and entertained you the entire night. Wooyoung dragged to the dance floor once again, and you two were slow dancing. And everyone was watching.

You hated the attention and tried not to focus on it too much. It was just you and Wooyoung at that moment. Until you made eye contact with really familiar eyes. It was San. You didn’t realize this was the same event that he was going to. But at that moment you didn’t care. More people started joining the dance floor with their lover. You two were dancing until Wooyoungs father called us over.

“Hey love birds, I want you guys to meet Mr and Mrs. Choi.”

It was San’s parents and San was standing right behind them with his wife.

“Hey you guys work for my son San, right.”

“Yes, I’m his personal assistant and Wooyoungs the manager of the design department of the company.”

You spoke, with a bright smile.

“Yeah, when I retire I’m giving my business to Wooyoung, but for now he’ll still be working there. And he looks like he’s found a wife to accompany him when I make him the ceo. Then you can be Wooyoung's personal assistant.”

Wooyoung's father spoke, patting Wooyoung on the back and winking at you. You chuckle and Wooyoung looks away blushing.

San on the other hand looks like he can rip someone’s head off their body. He stormed off towards the bar letting go of his wife’s hand. She followed behind San like his little tail.

“What’s his problem?”

You mumble out.

“I don’t know?”

Wooyoung says and squeezes your hand.

“It’s not our problem anyway. Do you want to go home now?”

“Yes please.”

Wooyoung then took you out of the loud and crowded place and took you back home. He dropped you off to your door and before you went inside, he pulled you into a deep kiss and thanked you for coming with him.

“Anytime Woo.”

You went inside and turned on the lights only to be scared by San.

“What’re you doing here? How the hell did you get in?”

“I have a master degree in picking locks.”

“Huh?”

You look at him confusedly.

“I’m just kidding, if you’re such a powerful person like me and you don’t know how to pick a lock, it’s pathetic. I’ve been picking locks since I was 8.”

“Nice to know, now get out. I’m your assistant at work but outside of work, I don’t know you.”

“So you wanna be a brat with me now?”

He started backing you up against the door.

“San seriously get out of my house.”

“You’re calling me by my name now?”

He had backed you up against the door and tilted your chin up to look at him.

You cleared your throat and looked away, slightly pushing San off of you.

“You have a wife.”

“So?”

He wrapped his hands around you and pulled you into a deep kiss.

You didn’t respond and weren’t going to respond until San slapped your ass, startling you and making you gasp.

He slip his tongue slipped into your mouth and pushed you against the wall harder making the make out session more intense.

He picked you up and brought you to your room laying you on the bed.

“Mmh, San we really shouldn’t.”

“Shh, let me show you I’m the only man who can fuck you.”

He stripped you from your dress and took your panties off.

He rubbed his cold fingers against your hot, wet lips and you moan out softly.

He took his tie off and tied your wrist to the bed frame with it.

“San, no. Let me go, I want to touch you~”

“Look at this whiny baby.”

He took his shirt off, revealing his hard abs. Then removed his pants and boxer, showing off his hard, veiny, long cock.

He opened your legs and spit on your pussy, then slapped it making you flinch.

He hovered over you and covered your mouth pounding himself into you. You sob into his hand and he lifted you legs to his shoulder and started fucking your pussy and rubbing your clit.

He started picking up his speed and uncovered your mouth, and you start to let out soft moans.

“Sannie, faster.”

He laid a short slap on your face, grabbing your jaw, making you look right at him.

“It’s daddy to you.”

“Daddy, please go faster.”

San pushes you a little up on the bed so he can put his knees on the bed and started going faster.

“Good girl, take all of daddy.”

He slapped you on the ass, feeling himself getting harder because of how vulnerable you were under him.

“You didn’t want it before, but look at you begging daddy to go faster.”

His words made you wet and squirm underneath him.

San finally grabs your neck pounding all the frustration and desire he had on you. He wanted this for a very long time. He finally got it.

You moan louder pulling on the tie, craving to touch him.

“Daddy please I wanna touch you!”

San quickly removes the tie and lowers himself down so you can touch him.

“You like it baby? You like my long cock pounding into your dripping pussy? Bet you do whore. My whore.”

He leaned down kissing your neck and face, while you wrapped you legs around him wanting more friction.

You scratch his back and you feel yourself cumming, giving san a sign.

“Wait, just a little longer baby. I want you to cum with me.”

You hold in your orgasm waiting for San.

Sweat dripping down his face and body was the hottest thing a person could witness.

“Okay princess, cum for daddy.”

You cum around his now soft cock and he shoots his cum inside you and pulls you into a passionate kiss.

He ran to your bathroom and brought a towel to clean the both of you. He then picked you up and snuggled into the bed with you in his arms.

“I’ve loved you for a very long time you know.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Yeah, cause you blind. I tried getting with you since the day you entered my life. Did you not notice the flowers?”

“That was from you?”

You ask in shock.

San giggles at your reaction.

“Yes, that was me. But I love you so much. I wanna be with you.”

“What about your wife?”

“I can get a divorce. I just hate seeing you with a different man.”

You laugh at his jealousy.

“Well if you say so boss.”

“That’s right, I’m your boss”

——————————————————————————-

Yeah, I’m still writing bitches!! This was a request and I’m just clearing out my drafts as well. Sorry for any mistakes and I hope you enjoyed❣️

And thank you guys for being so supportive in the last 48 hours. It really means a lot having you guys with me while going through in these tough times❣️

Also my step brother San smut got removed.

Edited 🔐

You guys are my family and I love you❣️

[leigh-kelly]

The Nanny-Chapter 2

Defeated by her inability to sell any makeup, and her total failure at faking her way into a job as a nanny, Brittany returns to her parents’ apartment in Flushing. Her mother is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and she feels exactly twelve years old as she sinks down onto the couch. This definitely isn’t where she saw herself at nearly thirty, and when she looks at her phone to see text messages from Sugar complaining about working with Quinn, she just throws it to the side. Her life is in total shambles, and all she needs is some dose of good luck to turn it around.

“Ma, what am I supposed to do? I dropped out of college to work in Dani’s stupid bridal shop, I have no real skills, no girlfriend, and I’m living with my mother.”

“It’s no picnic living with you either, kid.” Whitney Piece opens the doorway between the kitchen and the living room and holds a raw chicken in her hands. “You’re really butting in on mine and your father’s private time.”

“Ew, Mom, gross. I don’t need to hear about that. I’m having enough of a terrible day.”

“I say you march back down to that Ms. Lopez’s mansion and give her a piece of your mind.”

“What’s that even going to do? She didn’t do anything to me. If I’m going to give anyone a piece of my mind, it’s going to be Dani Fucking Harper for cheating on me and firing me. She’s the one that got me into this situation.”

“You’re the one that got yourself into this situation. I warned you about Dani when you started dating her. You wouldn’t let me look you up with Jeannie’s nice son Artie who would have married you and made you a millionaire. A millionaire, you hear me? He just sold his first tech company for five-hundred million dollars. But instead, you chose Dani with the bridal shop.”

“Why do you have to make everything worse? I went on a date with Artie, and he so wasn’t into reenacting my Lady and the Tramp fantasy and kept talking to me like he was some kind of rapper. It’s not like I expected Dani to cheat on me.”

“She was shifty, I would have expected it.”

“Gee, thanks Mom.” Brittany rolls her eyes, and then, from where it landed under the couch when she tossed it, Brittany’s phone begins to ring. She stoops down to pick it up, and she furrows her brow when she sees a strange 212 area code light up the screen. “I guess I should take this, it’s probably someone calling to tell me that I have to sell my kidneys in order to survive the next month.”

“Only sell one, or else you’ll die, and your father and I will be responsible for paying back that ten thousand dollars in student loans you took out.”

“You’re just full of hope today, aren’t you?” Brittany sighs and presses the accept call button on her phone. “Hello?”

“Hello, is this Miss Pierce?”

“Um, yeah, who’s this?”

“Santana Lopez, we met earlier.”

“Right, how could I forget the gorgeous millionaire with the big mansion?”

“Gorgeous millionaire, I’m listening.” Whitney sits down next to Brittany, and she shoos her away.

“I’ve reconsidered what I said earlier. You seemed to have a way with Tyler, and I’d like to hire you on a trial basis, assuming you can move in today and start immediately.”

“Move in? It’s a live-in position?”

“Well yes, is that going to be a problem?”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can pack my bags. Oh, thank you, Ms. Lopez, thank you! You won’t regret this.”

“I have some reason to believe that I will…but I’ll see you this afternoon.”

In less than an hour, Brittany packs up everything she owns and is in the back of a cab headed toward Manhattan. She thinks she probably should be nervous, but she’s not, she’s totally got this and she’s going to show Ms. Lopez that she’s totally wrong about thinking she’s going to regret hiring her. Kids absolutely love her, she’s sure that she’ll win over Tyler with his fake blood, Abigail with her whining and Valerie with her sad eyes. It’s going to be a total piece of cake, she just knows it.

“Miss Pierce.” The butler opens the door when she gets there and hurries out to the cab to go help her with her things. Most of the stuff in the apartment she shared with Dani wasn’t hers, so she really just has four suitcases chock full of clothes and a big Rubbermaid bin full of shoes.

Brittany looks around the house and it’s surprisingly quiet. Something about it reminds her of The Sound of Music, her absolute favorite comfort movie when she was a kid, and she eyes the drapes, hoping she doesn’t have to teach herself how to sew in order to make the kids play clothes. Shaking her head, she moves over to the side table and reaches out to touch what is probably a very expensive crystal vase when she hears footsteps and then retracts her hand.

“I’d appreciate if you didn’t touch the antiques.” Santana puts her hand on her hip and cocks her head to the side. “And I expect I won’t have to watch over you while you’re watching the children.”

“Why do you have antiques in a house full of kids anyway?”

“We taught them from a young age what was theirs to touch and what wasn’t. I’ve never had a problem before.”

“Even with Tyler?”

“Well—” Santana begins and then is stopped by the sound of screeching coming into the room.

“Mommy! Look at my dolly! Tyler ripped her head right off and put it in the toilet bowl!” Abigail cried.

“I did not!” Tyler tumbles into the room. “She’s a big fat liar. She did it herself just to get me in trouble.”

“A new doll for Abigail will be coming right out of your allowance, young man.” Santana furrows her brow and looks between the children. “Both of you, say hello to Miss Pierce.”

“Miss Pierce? No way, I’m just Brittany.”

“I’d prefer if the children called you Miss Pierce.”

“And I’d prefer if they called me Brittany.” Brittany challenges. “Listen, Abigail, I’m an expert doll fixer. Why don’t you come upstairs with me and we’ll get her all taken care of?”

An hour later, Abigail’s doll is fixed, Tyler is distracted with a new bucket of Legos that Kurt—the butler, now that Brittany has learned his name—brought out and Brittany is almost finished unpacking. She’s not sure where Valerie is, though she thinks she should probably be aware of that, and she wonders exactly how one nannies a fifteen-year-old. It’s not like she needs dolls fixed or lessons in not using ketchup as fake blood, but Brittany is sure she’ll learn on the job.

“Miss Pierce.” Kurt knocks on the door to her bedroom and Brittany cringes a little at everyone in this house and their formalities. “Dinner is served.”

Brittany makes her way down the stairs and into the dining room, but when she gets there, she realizes that there are only four places set. She wrinkles her nose a little and looks to Kurt, who is puzzled by her expression. He holds out his hand toward the kitchen, apparently assuming that’s where she’ll eat and Brittany’s eyebrows raise.

“The nanny normally eats in there on her own while Ms. Lopez has meals with the children.”

“Well that’s ridiculous.” Brittany goes into the kitchen and picks up the plate set for her, carrying into the dining room. “Isn’t a nanny supposed to be part of the family? I’ll be eating with them.”

Valerie comes into the dining room first and gives Brittany the same strange look that Kurt did. Brittany is in utter shock that any other nanny put up with this and she simply unfolds her napkin and puts it on her lap like she’s seen people do in movies. At home, she mostly used paper towels as napkins and can’t really understand why anyone would think cloth napkins were a better idea, but she guesses she may as well learn how to fit in with these rich people.

“You know you’re supposed to eat in the kitchen.” Valerie tells her, standing behind her own chair.

“Maybe that’s how it used to be, but if I’m going to spend all my time with you, I think I should at least be able to eat with you.”

“Miss Pierce.” Santana comes in, followed by Abigail and Tyler. “You’re—”

“Supposed to eat in the kitchen, I know. I—” Brittany tries to think of the most appropriate response to her new boss. “I think it’s better for the kids to see me eating with the family, then they know they should respect me.”

“Well. Alright then.” Santana sits down.

Dinner is the weirdest thing Brittany has ever experienced. Not a single one of them talk. She keeps trying to start a conversation, get everyone to at least pretend they’re at the table with other people, but no one takes the bait. She watches Tyler hide his broccoli in his napkin, watches Abigail obsessively sort her food, watches Valerie eat more slowly than she’s ever seen a human being eat and watches Santana look down at her phone every thirty seconds. Then, just when she feels like she’s about to explode, Rachel Berry barges into the dining room with a flourish.

“I just got off the phone with Brody Weston, he wants to have dinner with us tonight.” She shrieks. “This could be our chance to land Broadway’s biggest star. Lin Manuel Miranda doesn’t stand a chance against us if we get him!”

“Let’s go.” Santana stands up, pushing her plate away. “Miss Pierce, I expect you’ll be alright getting the children to bed?”

“You’ve got it. What, like ten o’clock?”

“No. More like eight o’clock. Valerie can stay up until nine-thirty.”

“Right…” Brittany shakes her head, thinking maybe Valerie is way too old to have a nine-thirty bedtime, but she’s not going to argue with her boss. “Uh, have fun.”

“Miss Pierce.” Rachel’s voice gets high and shrill. “We are not doing this for fun.”

They leave the dining room and Brittany looks around at the three kids. Abigail looks crestfallen, Tyler looks like he’s planning something and Valerie just looks completely aloof to the entire situation. Maybe it’s weird, but Brittany wants to know more about Ms. Lopez. She’s living in her house after all and if feels weird that they’ve exchanged maybe one-hundred words. But she’s not exactly about to ask, the woman was weird enough about her sitting at the dinner table with them and even weirder about the kids calling her Brittany, so she thinks if she actually asks something personal her head will explode.

“So…what’s up guys?” Brittany asks. “You know there’s no law that you have to be quiet at the dinner table, right?”

“Mom would rather we are.” Abigail pipes up. “She’s usually really busy doing work on her phone.”

“Well guess what, she’s not here, so talk away.”

Brittany isn’t surprised that she’s still met with utter silence, but she rolls her eyes a little. It’s clear that these kids have no idea how to just be kids and she thinks of The Sound of Music again. Maybe she does need to learn how to saw so she can make them play clothes out of the curtains, bring them to Central Park and let them run around and scream. It seems like it would do each of them good, probably Tyler, especially, since he seems to need to get into mischief to actually express himself.

After dinner is done, all three kids go to their rooms. Brittany is pretty sure that she hears Valerie’s door slam, but she can’t be sure. Figuring this is just what they do, Brittany goes into the kitchen to try and get some dirt out of Kurt. She could see a gleam in his eye when she met him earlier in the day and she just knows he’ll be willing to spill some gossip.

“So, what’s the deal Kurt? Tell me all about these people.”

“Miss Pierce—”

“Okay, let’s just put an end to that right now. Brittany, okay?”

“Brittany. Fine. But seriously, you’ve been here like three hours and you already want me to gossip?”

“I know you live for it.” Brittany laughs a little. “So, tell me everything there is to know about Ms. Lopez.”

“You got me.” Kurt rolls his eyes at himself. “Thank God I finally have someone to talk to, I wait all month for my butler’s association meetings to just gab about everything.”

“I knew it! So, what’s her deal?”

“She’s trying to be this big-time producer, she’s like, insanely jealous of Lin Manuel Miranda, you can’t even bring him up around her, she’ll go absolutely apeshit.”

“But Ms. Berry—”

“Yeah, she does it all the time, I think she thinks it motivates her, which, honestly, it probably does. But basically, they’re always having these investors fall through every time they think they’re going to have this big hit. They passed on Dear Evan Hansen, so, there’s that.”

“And Ms. Berry? Are they like…together?”

“Oh my God, disgusting.” Kurt feigns a gag. “But actually, Ms. Berry wishes. She follows Ms. Lopez around like a little puppy dog and is basically ready to throw herself in her arms at any given second. It’s so gross to watch, but it’s like a car wreck, I can’t look away.”

“And what about the kids’ dad?”

“Mama, actually. Do you have like no gaydar? I could sense you were one of us from a mile away.”

“Hey…I’m bi.” Brittany crosses her arms over her chest.

“Still one of us. And she died two years ago, she was hit by a car and it destroyed Ms. Lopez. Miss Abigail was only three, she doesn’t remember her at all and Mr. Tyler was four so he has a few memories. Miss Valerie is still angry.”

“I can see that. She has barely said two words to me.”

“She doesn’t want to get attached, you don’t even know how many nannies we’ve gone through around here.”

“So why did Ms. Lopez decide to hire me anyway?”

“Desperation?” Kurt chuckles. “And also, I may have planted the seed in her head.”

“Why?”

“Because you looked like a kicked puppy when you showed up here. So now that I’ve told you about her, what’s your deal.”

“I mean, I got dumped and fired on the same day…by the same person, so that’s pretty much how I ended up here. The only thing I know about kids is from hanging out with my little cousins, my mom is desperate for me to get married, that’s about it.”

“Hmm.” Kurt looks off into the distance and Brittany furrows her brow.

“What?”

“Huh? No, nothing, I was just thinking about something.”

“C’mon, you have to tell me!”

“You’ll find out in due time, I just know it.”

[another-sonic-blog]

Can I request a Shadow and Amy nutcracker au or roaring 20s au ficlet? I just love their dynamic haha

The Great Hedgehog

ShadAmy Roaring 20s AU

3K

.

"I remember when he used to be nobody."

"How did he get this rich?"

"Rumor has it that he sells alcohol."

"Can you both please concentrate on your job?"

Cream and Blaze looked at Amy, surprised and relieved that it was her and not a certain black hedgehog.

"If Mr. Shadow hears you, he will scold you."

1927, the economy was good for some and others not so much. Although the prohibition of alcohol angered the civilians, others saw this as an opportunity to become millionaires. Shadow the Hedgehog was not the exception, working all of his life with no results, he was finally given an opportunity to rise in the world of smuggling alcohol.

And in a couple of years, Shadow was the most wanted bachelor.

"Mr. Shadow must be tired from last night." Cream said. "He throws parties as if it was new years every weekend."

Blaze began to mop the floor as she added a small comment. "Or he is tired of attending all the ladies he brought to his room."

"Whatever it was if you want to keep getting paid 40 cents an hour then keep cleaning," Amy said she was cleaning one of the hundreds of windows the mansion had. Her eyes averted to the outside, she noticed a white hedgehog waiting outside the gates of the mansion.

"Guess who is here?" Amy looked at Blaze and teased her. "Loverboy if here for you."

"He is not my boyfriend!" Blaze looked around the room, not sure how to hide her embarrassment. "He is my friend ... besides, I can't see him right now. I need to clean the kitchen first."

Cream spun around the purple cat and smiled at her. "Don't worry, you go to your ... friend. I 'll go to the kitchen."

Blaze smiled shyly at her friends and whispered a 'thank you' to them. She left the two and Crea, was fast to go to the kitchen. Amy was by herself now. In what was one of Shadow's multiple 'resting room.' It was smaller than the others he had. However, Amy noticed that this room was Shadow's favorite room. The resting room consisted of a king-size bed, three windows that showed the outside of the house, a small sofa, and a vanity. Soft white colors and gold, and perfectly clean to show how rich he was. Amy was about to leave the room when she noticed she had missed a spot on the window. She grabbed her rag and as she was cleaning the dirty spot, she noticed a purple cat and white hedgehog.

Outside the gates, they whispered between each other. Sharing smiles and giggles. It was like this almost every day. Silver actually comes from a rich family but Blaze not so much. In one of Shadow's multiple parties, he met Silver and they clicked instantly. They became good friends and after coming to visit Shadow multiple times, Silver found himself falling in love with the purple cat.

But their love couldn't be.

Silver's parents would never allow him to be with Blaze, someone from the low class. For this reason, they could only meet in secret like this.

"It's wrong to stare."

His voice runs down her spine. It seemed like he had just woken up. His husky voice and his sleepy voice was something that Amy found oddly satisfying. Amy turned her body fully to face her boss.

"Good morning Mr. Shadow," Amy said.

"More like afternoon." Shadow walked towards the window and right away noticed the two secret lovers. Amy found herself close to the black hedgehog. She could smell his natural smell and cologne along with other types of expensive perfumes coming from the girls that were certain to be in his room.

"I don't know what is taking him so long to propose," Shadow said out loud. He wasn't meaning for that to be answered by his maid so when she did, he was surprised.

"If Mr. Silver marries Blaze, he will be disinherited." Amy added, "What kind of future will he provide Blaze if he doesn't have any money?"

"She won't be lonely ... they won't be lonely."

Shadow turned around to look at Amy. Within all of her maids, he trusted her the most. After all, she was the one who would arrange secret meetings with a certain white bat. "Just look at me ... I have all the money in the world and I am alone."

Amy felt embarrassed. She was aware of the undying love Shadow had for Rouge the Bat, the most beautiful female in all of Central City and wife of Knuckles the Echidna. One of Shadow's associates and owner of the mining caves outside the city.

Shadow and Rouge used to be in a serious relationship. Shadow was poor and the night he was going to propose to her, Rouge left him to marry Knuckles.

"My apologies Mr. Shadow. I shouldn't have-" Amy said but she was interrupted.

"It's alright Ms. Rose ... Please leave this room."

"Yes, Mr. Shadow."

Amy walked away and she slowly closed the door. Before closing it completely, Amy peeked through the door gap. She saw Shadow looking outside the window, sadness covered his face expression and melancholy was predominant in the air.

She closed the door, for some reason, she always found herself feeling the same grief as the black hedgehog.

.

"Come Shadow, I know Rouge and I know she won't leave Knuckles."

"But she loves me!"

"She loves the diamonds."

Sonic looked at himself in the multiple mirrors that surrounded him.

"I can give her that too!" Shadow responded.

"Exactly, if she has you both she will get double the diamonds. Sorry, but you know I think she is just using you."

Shadow looked at himself in mirrors along Sonic, he had gotten a new white suit imported from Italy and thought it would be good to wear it for tonight's party.

"Also, I don't understand how Rouge lets you be with other girls."

Sonic was one of Shadow's friends. He was honest with him, something that Shadow appreciated. Unlike him, Sonic worked hard to be where he is. A famous Olympic winner athlete and although he didn't have as much money as Shadow, Sonic already had a couple of business under his name. However, his main concentration at the moment was to create a new car brand.

"If I am with other girls, no one can suspect that she and I are secretly together." Shadow went outside his room, he looked around and like always he found Amy outside. She was there in case he needed anything. He invited her in, and she softly walked with towards the large closet room where enormous mirrors surrounded him.

Sonic noticed a pink hedgehog enter the closet, he stares more than he wanted but to be honest, it was strange to see a pink hedgehog.

"Believe me," Sonic said. "A girl who loves you would never want you to be with other girls no matter the circumstances."

Shadow sighed and went back to the mirrors. "Amy, pass me my suits as we talk."

Shadow began to undress and he was surprised when he didn't hear an answer from his maid.

"Amy?" Shadow asked again. He didn't hear an answer, he decided to turn and look at the pink hedgehog. What he found was actually interesting. A shy pink hedgehog staring at his blue friend with loving eyes.

Amy felt someone's eyes on her and she realized her position.

"Yes, Mr. Shadow!"

Shadow smirked at the pink one. Maybe it was time to pay off his debt.

"Sonic, Silver said he was going to be arriving around this time." Shadow said, "Would you mind checking outside the gate?"

"Sure," Sonic said and with the left the closet and the room.

Now, a shirtless Shadow and his loyal pink maid. Amy wasn't comfortable at all, she had seen Shadow shirtless multiple times. What made her uncomfortable, was the silence that surrounded them.

"The first time I asked you to arrange a secret meeting with Rouge, you didn't complain." Shadow said, "Everything was kept a secret and even know you never complained about it."

Amy stood quiet, waiting for her boss to continue.

"If you like Sonic ..." Shadow started, "I can help you with that."  

.

Amy has had the longest crush in Sonic the Hedgehog since she can remember. She remembers living in the same orphanage as him however they parted ways as the orphanages began closing in the country. They used to be close friends but it seemed like Sonic had forgotten about her.

After they parted ways, Sonic was recruited to run competitively and Amy was simply a sewer assistant.

She still remembers hearing his name on the radio as he won the gold medal for the in the Muigleb Olympics.

And here she was now.

Walking down the stairs to join the party.

Amy has been Shadow's maid since around 3 years ago and not once has she ever participated in one of these parties. She mostly went the day after, ready to clean the mess made by the elites.

Her long black dress accentuated her figure. It was sleeveless and she places her hands in front of her, making her long white gloves stand out, contrasting with the black dress. Beautiful golden patterns decorated the dress, up and down, around her waist and her chest area. Instead of her usual red headband, her hair was decorated with a diamond headpiece that placed itself on her forehead. Amy had always thought of herself as an average looking but she couldn't help and giggle as she felt the male's eyes observing her.

Who could have thought that Shadow had such a good taste?

However, Amy felt out of tone. The biggest party she had been to was Blaze's 21 birthday. They had music playing on the Radio, not live musicians. There was confetti, not all of these bright lights. They were drinking lemonade and of course no alcohol.

She was curious about the taste and of her goals tonight was to at least take a sip of that.

Her main goal was to have a decent conversation with Sonic the Hedgehog.

As soon she finished walking down the stairs, she was approached by multiple males. Asking her name. She had to tell lies, of course, she couldn't say she was a maid.

She was starting to panic until someone came to rescue her.  

"Excuse me, miss?"

She recognized that voice. It was the blue one. The males surrounding Amy opened up the space between him and the girl.

Sonic smiled at Amy and offered her his hand. "May I escort you?"

Amy didn't even think for a second and she held his hands. The other man backoff and Sonic took Amy and they began to walk across the gigantic backyard.

They walked around the pool, and across the water fountain where the buffet was. All class of food was on the buffet table, Amy always had pride in her cooking but the food here made her cooking look like trash. Or so, that she thought.

"You were in trouble back there, right?" Sonic added, "You are Shadow's maid correct? Don't worry I won't anyone."

Sonic offered Amy a glass of water which she accepted sadly. "How ... did you?"

"You are a pink hedgehog, you don't see that very often." Sonic decided to tease her a little. "There's a royal family in Muigleg that only consists of only pink hedgehogs. You know, the first time I saw you I thought you were a princess that decided to hook up with Shadow."

Amy felt the heat rise in her cheeks. Just the thought of Shadow and her ... no.

Sonic left out a few laughs and he was content with the results. The pink one, although she wasn't speaking much, had funny facial expressions.

"So ... what is your name?"

"Amy."

"Amy?" Sonic tilted his head a bit in confusion. "That sounds oddly familiar ... do you mind telling me your last name?"

"I am Amy R-"

"Mr. Shadow! Let's go to your room!"

Amy's attention was drawn towards the black hedgehog. As always, he was surrounded by beautiful girls.

But this time it was different.

"No, I want to be alone."

"Come one! You will have fun with us."

A girl came closer to him and began to kiss him. He tried pulling her away but she back to kissing.

"No, I said no," Shadow said again. He was having difficulty standing up straight and keeping his eyes open.

Amy looked back at Sonic.

"I think we need to help him."

"Shadow?" Sonic asked. "He will be fine. This is what happens every weekend. Shadow gets drunk, girls get all over him, he says no but they always convince him to go to his room."

"But he is drunk," Amy replied.

"Don't think about it too much, he is ok with it," Sonic walked towards Amy. He placed a hand on her shoulder, making her had her whole attention. "Let's not think about this ... Instead, let's spend the night together, shall we?"

Amy thought that she was willing to give up on everything if that meant she could spend a night with Sonic.

Seeing him smile once again was everything she needed.

But even with that, her answer was clear.

She didn't hesitate, it wasn't even a question. It was her priority.

"I am sorry ladies, but the bank's closed."

Amy interrupted the crow of girls who were dragging Shadow to his room. All of them stopped and looked at her, not wanting to go without a fight.

"And who are you?" One of the girls asked.

.

Amy was surprised that she came alive out of that one. One good thing about rich girls is that certainly, they didn't know how to fight. It was over soon, everyone was too into the party to even bother with them and my finish with a small scratch in her cheek.

She was victorious and her trophy was taking a drunk Shadow to his room.

She placed him on his bed and closed the door behind them. Shadow sat down on the edge of the bed, too drunk to know what was happening.

Amy examined him, his suit was tight making his strong physic stand out. Amy had to admit that it made him look very attractive but it wasn't very convenient at the moment.

She began to undress him. She took off his suit and Amy wanted to take off his shirt as well but Shadow stopped her.

"No," Shadow said.

"If you throw up, I don't want you to stain your shirt," Amy said.

"I have more."

"Oh yes ... looking at your like this makes me forget you are rich." Amy replied as she attempted to take off his shirt again. "But I don't want to be cleaning it tomorrow anyways!"

"Why you clean?" Shadow asked with a hiccup.

"That's what I must do," Amy replied. Shadow seemed more comfortable now. He was letting her unbutton his shirt.

"Why? Are you my wife?"

Amy let out a small laugh and replied. "Mr. Shadow, if I was your wife then you wouldn't be like this. That much I can promise you."

"Then marry me."

Amy knew that he didn't mean it but his voice showed so much sincerity that it scared her. She was in almost done unbuttoning his shirt. However, she stopped and looked at him in the eyes.

"I don't want to be like this," Shadow said as he grabbed Amy's eyes. "I don't want to be alone anymore."

Shadow may have gotten all of his money out of selling alcohol. He may have a cold personality but he was alone. Shadow felt alone all the time.

Even with that Shadow had a kind heart, he was caring and selfless. Amy knew this was true because in the three years she had been working with him, he had shown her that and more. Shadow was a great hedgehog.

"I can't promise you life but I can promise you this night," Amy replied. "Go to sleep, don't worry I will be here with you."

"You won't leave?"

"I won't, I promise-"

Blaargh

Amy looked disgusted at Shadow. Not only had he vomited on his pants, but he had also throw up her dress.

"MR. SHADOW! NOT ON THE CARPET!"

It had been hell bringing up Shadow to his room. But it was going to be a whole new adventure to make him shower.

But Amy was willing to that and more ... everything for Mr. Shadow ... the ‘great’  Hedgehog. 

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A.N: I am so sorry this took longer to write. However, I really hope you enjoyed this. It was fun to write and I had to re-watch the Great Gatsby. It's slightly based on that with some twists. Anyways thank you for the beautiful prompt!

[arteeztic-blog]

Secrets

Genre: spy!AU, a bit of angst? and fluff? Request: no  Warnings: swear words, violence, sexual harassment (not abuse)  Word count: 2.3k words

“I hate this stupid dress” You said, walking towards the man that was waiting for you. He turned around when he heard you and a hint of surprise on his face appeared on his face.

“I think you look wonderful” San replied. “Red really suits you”.

“You don’t even want to know how hard it was to hide my gun under this thing.” You replied annoyed while you were pulling down the cut from the dress that went from your ankle to the upper part of your thigh.

“Oh, I do wanna know” he said, smirking. “But maybe you can tell me later, once we’re done” he added, looking into his pocket and handing you a little earpiece and a brooch that was hiding a microphone.

“Seonghwa?” You asked once you turned on the mic. “We’re ready”.

“Perfect.” The man on the other side replied. “I’m already connected to all of the cameras so that I don’t lose track of you two once you’re in. Remember the plan: you get in, look for the boss, seduce him, take him into the room 54 on the 5th floor and we’ll take care of him there. Afterwards, you just get out of the hotel and we’ll be done. If you have any problem, make a sign and San or any of the other boys who are inside will intervene.”

“Sounds easy” You half smiled. After years of being a spy and going into an infinite amount of missions, it wouldn’t be too complicated.

“Let’s start so we can finish early and celebrate it” added San, rubbing his hands. “I’ll go first and you come after two minutes.” he said, and after you nodded he went to the entrance, passed the guards and got inside. You breathed deeply and waited until Seonghwa told you that you could get in.

Once inside you quickly scanned the place. It was huge, with really high ceilings and some beautiful chandeliers hang from them. Everyone there was dressed in their best dresses and suits, drinking wine, fake laughing and making business. You spotted Wooyoung next to the counter and Yunho talking with a group of men sitting in leather booths. The next person you spotted was him, playing pool and waiting for his turn. He was around his 50s, tall, overweight, nothing too special about him. His tie was untied, his shirt was wrinkled and he looked sweaty and drank. This last thing played in your favour. You scanned the scene one last time and in the process locked eyes with San. His usual goofy self had disappeared, and instead he had a serious look on his face and he was clenching his jaw.

“What’s wrong with San?” You whispered into the microphone, covering your mouth to not make it obvious.

“He was against the idea of letting you seduce that dirty old man. He’s scared he might do something to you.” You rolled your eyes.

“I’ve been fighting dirty old men for almost 6 years. I’ll be fine.” You assured, concentrating again on your prey. He was surrounded by men and young women who tried to seduce him, but for really different reasons than you wanted to. The guy was a millionaire, but what people didn’t know was that he was making so much money by trafficking with women.

You made sure your hair was in place and started making your way over the group, only stopping when you were right in front of him. Without saying a word you grabbed the billiard  stick he had on the hand that wasn’t holding his drink and leaned over the pool table, making sure he got a good view of your ass. You concentrated on the game and, without any effort, hit the white ball, making it collide with the other ones and you watched how all of them fell into different holes. You won. Smiling, your turned around and looked at the boss, who was already looking at you amused. Then, he scanned you from head to toe and broke into a creepy smile.

“What an astonishing young lady we’ve got here!” he exclaimed “Do you mind if I invite you to a drink?” you giggled and pretended to get shy.

“Sure, I’d love to!” You replied, pushing his shoulder slightly.

You two sat down and flirted for a while. You made sure his glass was always full so that he kept drinking as much as possible, giggled at his lame jokes and tried to show some cleavage to make things move faster. At some point you finally heard Seonghwa’s voice again in your ear:

“Okay, good. I think you can ask him to move to the room now.”

“Isn’t it too noisy and crowded here? Maybe we could get somewhere where we can have more... privacy” you let the last word slip from your tongue in a way he could get the double meaning. “I rented a room for the night; we can go there if you want to.” He nodded.

“Let’s go” he replied instantly, getting up and making you get up by holding onto your arm. As soon as you two started moving you felt a pair of feet walking behind you. You took a quick look over yout shoulder. It was San. He had the same look as before, but now he was also frowning. You wanted to say something to assure him that you’d be fine but couldn’t risk getting caught. Right then the man called the elevator and he started to talk, so you got my attention back on him.

“I’ve been wanting you all night” he said, low and almost in a whisper, and you just hoped San didn’t hear that. Then his hand went around your waist. However, the fact that his little finger was on your ass didn’t pass inadvertently to you.

“Oh, please, leave the comments to when we’re alone, someone could hear you” you laughed, pretending you were joking. The elevator doors opened and you got in. As soon as you pressed the 5th floor button, he almost threw you at the back of the elevator, making your back collide with the mirror and he started to pepper your neck with kisses. You closed your eyes and concentrated in not throwing up. The moment you opened them you found San standing on the other side of the doors with a look on his face that terrified you. If he hadn’t planned to kill the man already, he surely would by then. Luckily, the doors closed and you didn’t have to look at San anymore.  You tried to get distracted in order not to think about the old man sucking on your neck and you spotted a camera on the corner of the elevator ceiling. It half relaxed you the fact that Seonghwa was watching and wouldn’t let this man do anything to you, but it also disgusted you that he saw this part of you. Thankfully, shortly after the doors finally opened again.

You walked with him into the room 54, where Jongho had to be hiding to finish the work. Once you were in he closed the door and pushed you into it before locking it. Suddenly, he stopped kissing your neck and looked at you in the eyes. His face had changed drastically. He didn’t look drunk at all. He was frowning and his eyes had turned black and cold.

“Did you really think you and your friends could fool me?” He asked and you freezed in the spot. Shit. He knew.

“What are you talking about?” You giggled, trying to play the fool.

“Did you really believe this childish trick would work?” your hand went to your heart, trying to feel the microphone, but it wasn’t there. “Are you looking for your brooch? I threw it away in the elevator. And my men have already turned off the earpiece you’re wearing and the cameras.” A chill runs from the top of your head until the end of your spine.

“Jongho!” You screamed. He was supposed to be hiding somewhere.

“Don’t scream. It’s useless. My men kindly took him out minutes ago so that we could be alone. Just like you wanted. It’s just you. And me.” He said coldly, but then a creepy laugh came from his throat. “Well, you, me, and my 20 men outside with their guns loaded in case your friends want to come to the rescue.” You tried to get the gun that was hiding under your dress, but he held your wrist tightly and slammed it against the door. You whined in pain.

“Don’t you even try, sweetheart”.  The pet name made you want to throw up. “Now, let’s move onto the bed, shall we?” he pulled your arm with force, making you trip and dragging you a few steps before you could recover my balance. Then, you stepped back until the back of your knees hit the end of the bed.

“I’m not one of your girls.” You tried to sound threatening, but your voice was shaking a little. That man was more dangerous than what he looked like.

“Oh, no, you’re not. I’m not going to sell you like I did with the others. After I’m done with you I will kill you.” He replied, still with that creepy and disgusting smile plastered on his face. “If you resist now your death is going to be painful later.” he whispered in my ear. You didn’t know why you pronounced your next words when they could have been your last ones, but you did anyways:

“San!” You screamed at the top of your lungs. Suddenly, a loud noise resonated through the whole room. The moment the old man turned around to look you took the opportunity to free yourself and get your arm around his neck, ready to choke him, but you saw the person who trespassed.

“Are you okay?” San asked you with the sweetest voice he had ever used. His actions, however, were not sweet at all. He had a gun pointing at the man you had a hold on and had blood coming out of his eyebrow. You nodded while your eyes filled with tears of relief.

“How did you get it in here?” asked the man with trouble since you weren’t letting him breathe much.

“Through the door, obviously.” San replied with a cocky smile. “Oh, are you asking because of the men that were in the hall? We just.... took care of them” he approached you. He made a sign for you to let him go, so you did and at that moment San held the man by the collar of his shirt with one hand while with the other he pointed with his gun at the man’s head.

“Did he hurt you?”  San asked me, more serious this time. You were careful with your answer.

“I’m fine”

“Good.” Our little conversation was interrupted by Jongho, who you were thankful to see alive. For how he looked like, he was okay, but he had a bruise on his right eye.  He told San and you that he would take care of the dude since his men were a bit rude with him earlier. San and you nodded and left the room. Thank god, everything was over. You walked through the halls that were now empty but full of blood.

“Are you sure you’re fine?” he half whispered, not looking into my direction. “If that asshole did something to you I wouldn’t have been able to forgive myself.” You gulped, not knowing how to take in his words.

“I’m fine. He just hurt my wrist and my arm, and, well, I had to feel how he kissed my neck, which is the worst part, but I’m fine.” You assured him “How are you?” You asked.

“Well, I’m really happy now” He smiled, walking ahead of me.

“And that is because...?” You asked, curious. He turned around, walking backwards to look at you.

“Because I heard you call my name when you needed help.” You stopped on yout tracks and you eyes opened wildly. Instantly you started to feel how your face got burning red.

“Please tell me you’re joking.” You plead, walking towards him until he stopped walking, too.

“Don’t worry, your secret is save with me.” He brought his index finger to his lips in a “shht” way and winked at you. You jokingly went for a punch on his shoulder but he stopped you and intertwined his fingers with yours instead. He then took a step forward and got so close to you that he could probably hear your heartbeat going crazy. He looked into your eyes.

“Y-your eyebrow is bleeding” you mentally face-palm yourself for saying it when he was probably about to kiss you.

“I’ll be fine” he said. You pulled your free hand up and with your thumb went for a touch as light as a feather on his cheek, where you had just become aware that a bruise had appeared. San put his hand on yours, making it flat against his cheek and leaned in, crashing his lips into yours. The kiss was soft and gentle, which contrasted with the whole situation and place that you were in.

“Dude, it was about time you two kissed.” You jumped to the sound of the voice coming from behind you, where Jongho was standing outside of the room after he had done his job. San and you looked at each other and laughed. It was about time, indeed.