#then i looked up his age and went 'yeah no I'm not a creep have a nice life kiddo'

[lady-djarin]

on my radar

joel miller x f!reader (one shot)

warnings/tags: edited very little so sorry! dual pov, jackson era dark!joel, SMUT (oral fem receiving, p in v), stalker behavior from mr miller, age gap (50s/20s), joel is kind of a creep but reader is kinda into it, murder off screen, cannon typical violence, men harassing women (a guy is gross with reader/unwanted touching etc) NO R*PE, possessive talk and nicknames (mine, love, my girl, good girl etc), reader can be lifted by mr big man joel but otherwise no really specific details about readers body other than the usual fem. 18+ minors be gone!,

word count: 5.8k

* ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆　｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

YOU

You almost dropped it twice, your gloved fingers slipped around the smooth metal of the gun as you fumbled to pull the trigger. The clicker was quickly stumbling toward you even on its one and a half limbs. You and your patrol partner got separated when a small swarm of the dead caught you both off guard in a densely wooded area . As you were trapped in a corner of a hunting shed by the crawling thing, you felt your heart rate begin to rise and the feeling of dread set in that this might be your last moment.

You saw the blood hit your gloves before you even heard the blade hack into its head. Then the body hit the floor.

You looked up to find your patrol partner standing there with a machete clutched in his hand. He was looming over you with a look very close to anger creasing his brows and his chest heaving in exhaustion. He grabbed the gun out of your hand and grabbed your arm to pull you away from the writhing body. He hacked the large blade into the neck to fully decapitate the head then stabbed into the ear to finally kill it.

“Do you even know how to use this thing?” His voice had an edge to it, like he was mad, or scared as he held up the gun in your face.

You looked at him with tears brimming your lash line, the cold was seeming to freeze them before they tried to fall down your cheek. “Yeah, pretty much.”

“Have you ever been on patrol?” His eyes narrowed as they scanned your face, then your body.

“No.” Your mouth was so dry.

“Who sent you on patrol!? What the hell…,” he grumbled as he turned away. “I asked you a question.” He shot another nasty glare your way when you didn’t answer.

His statement kind of shocked you, not a lot of people are blunt like that.

“Uhm, I asked Tommy, I wanted to help.”

“Fucking Tommy, sticking me with a kid.”

“Hey I might be new to this but I'm not a kid,” you chased after him and that didn't help your defense.

“Jesus…,” he was grumbling again and marching away, toward where you hid the horses. The two of you set out on patrol a couple hours before, your first time outside the gates in Jackson. You had heard rumors about Joel, people said he was ‘rough around the edges but good people’. You had seen him around the community and wondered if he was someone you could get along with. He seemed like he was an outsider, kind of like you. When you learned you were partnered with him you figured it was going to be difficult, but this was a little much.

You were on your way through the state trying to get to where your dad lived in Sundance when you ran into some trouble near their camp and they took you in until you recovered. They stitched you up after they found a nasty gash on your ribs when you were discovered fighting off a pack of stalkers. After arriving at the Jackson community, you learned that Sundance was completely overrun. The sparse community there hunkered down in their homes after the outbreak but with the large swarms that came through the area, pretty much everyone fled and went their own ways. You could barely stand the thought that your dad was caught in the middle but he was strong, he could find his way out.

He had to.

So you remained in Jackson, becoming a part of the community, and everyone in the community had to help out somehow. You felt indebted to Tommy and the community for helping you and making you feel at home here after your recovery. That's why you wanted to go on patrol, you felt like you could help. Joel clearly didn't agree.

That last fucking thing he wanted to do was teach some rookie how to handle themselves on patrol. He was pissed and you could see it in the tense bunching of his shoulders as he rode on in front of you. You felt kind of bad for having Joel take care of you back there but he didn't have to be such an ass about it.

“Hey,” you rode up next to him. “Look I know I'm not who you wanted to be on patrol with but just give me a chance ok? I'm just trying to do a job here.”

He barely looked your way, he just kind of grunted before urging his horse over the final path into Jackson.

Alright then.

You didn't see those broad hunching shoulders for a couple days after, though he clearly had been talking about you. Tommy took you off patrol so Joel obviously made his concerns clear to his brother. When you did see him it was from across a room or passing in the street, but even in brief passes it felt like a tension was always present. His brows would bunch in the middle as he scanned you. It always felt like a judgment maybe, or some kind of disgust the way he would observe you. You quite honestly thought he hated you.

JOEL

You looked cute when you were mad, actually to Joel you always looked cute. Your cheeks were pink with the morning cold, your breath steamed in the air as you huffed through your nose. You were mad because he was ignoring you, and he was ignoring you because he was scared shitless when he came into that hunting hide and found you cornered by one of the dead. It scared the living shit out of him to think about how you were almost torn apart.

He doesn't remember the exact day that he started to care a little too much about you, it was a slow thing. It took over his life, watching you as you became integrated into the fabric of the town. The people of Jackson welcomed you and you welcomed them right back. People loved you and you got along with pretty much everyone. He started to notice you when he saw you and Ellie chatting about something girl related in the mess hall. He noticed how you seemed to genuinely invested in your conversation with Ellie, hanging on to her every word. Next thing he knows he's thinking about you every waking hour, and you haunt most of his dreams. It feels like you are a presence in his chest that he can't carve out and he has tried.

Joel had tried to occupy himself by relieving the tension himself, trying to dissolve the desire he had for you. It didn't work, of course, but he couldn't help himself.

He refused to actually make any kind of relationship with you, he felt like it would look inappropriate. He was a grumpy gray haired man and you were young and bright, he felt like he would be too rough for you anyway. He was a broken man, his hands were dirty with death and guilt and blood. He could see the innocence in your eyes, the way you smiled with your whole heart when talking to people, especially someone he cares for.

Maybe those were the moments he truly started to have real feelings for you, seeing the way you cared for Ellie. Everytime he would see you it made his heart skip a beat, it almost confused him at first, like his heart was waking up from a decades long nap. His chest hurt with how intensely he was starting to ache without you near, it only ever stopped when he saw you or felt you close or smelled your shampoo as you walked by. It was the same as everyone else as there was a lady in Jackson who made everyone soap but still when it lingered after you it smelled like heaven to Joel.

All that to say, Joel still felt like it was wrong to pursue you. You were and always will be the one that got away.

He needed to stay away.

YOU

It had been a couple weeks or so, maybe longer since you saw those grumpy brown eyes. You had started to miss him, as painful as it was to admit. Even though he was barely a colleague, definitely not a friend, you were missing the way… he was mean to you? No, that can’t be right. Why would you miss a man that is anything but nice around you?

Tommy had found you another job working at the local watering hole/dining hall, as the patrol thing clearly wasn’t going to work. He was walking you around the hall, introducing you to the people you would be working with when you heard a familiar voice.

“Hey Tommy, you here?”

“Yea Joel, in here.”

Shit.

“Oh hey Joel…” You wanted to keel over and die.

”H-hey.” He seemed… odd.

They chatted about something security related and you were introduced to the hall supervisor. As you talked on one end of the room, Joel and Tommy were on the other and it felt like neither of you could look away from the other. Your eyes kept finding each other, each time it felt longer and longer, like the world was falling away. It felt much different than the last time you spoke, like he might not actually hate you. It was an odd feeling, having his eyes on you, he was almost predatory.

Even as he looked over what felt like every couple seconds, he still had this pinched, angry look on his face.

But it was hard to look away. Joel was mesmerizing but you knew deep down he could never be interested the way you would want him to be. He was a grumpy older man that wanted nothing to do with the new young girl in town.

You didn’t see him for a while after that.

JOEL

Joel Miller was by no means a good man. A good man wouldn’t be watching you like this, following an unsuspecting woman around town. A good man wouldn’t watch you as you walked around the Jackson streets, minding your business, talking to your new found friends.

Ever since seeing you again at the dining hall he couldn’t rid his mind of you, as hard as he tried. He knew he would ruin you if you let him, if he even got one taste he would be addicted. Not like he wasn’t now, leering at you talking to patrons at your job. He felt dirty in a way, like he wasn’t allowed to look, not allowed to have the urge to bash in the head of any man who looks at you wrong. Like the guy you were helping now, Mike, every time you turned away to get him what he asked for, he could see his slimy gaze caressing your curves.

He felt like he was going crazy, not being able to be near you like he truly wants. He wasn’t sleeping well, barely eating enough to keep him upright and almost missed patrol on more than one occasion. His mind was playing tricks on him, he would find you in dreams, wake up to find you cooking breakfast in his kitchen or walking hand in hand down the streets of Jackson. The cruel reality that he would never have that always hit him hard in the morning when the sunlight came streaming over his bedspread.

He often found himself turning over, searching for you.

Sometimes they were nightmares, visions of you being attacked by the dead or one of Jackson’s very own.

That’s why he was here, making sure you were safe from the dangers of this world. It was his job.

He was there until you got off work, gathering your belongings and heading out the door when Mike popped around the corner. Joel was immediately on high alert, watching the man’s every move as he advanced on an unsuspecting you. He stalked after the two of you, staying just out of sight. His blood boiled when he saw Mike call after you.

She’s mine, he thought.

He stayed across the street, just in case things went sideways. In case he put his hands on what didn’t belong to him.

“Hey! Saw ya leaving work, how was your night?” Ok, nice enough but Joel knew he was clearly waiting for you to leave work.

“It was ok, just tired and ready to go home.” You were being polite but clearly trying to convey that you were going home, alone. That’s my girl.

“I’d like to talk to ya though, ya know i’ve seen ya ‘round and think you’re real cute. Come on, please? One chance?” He’s persistent, that's for sure. Walking the line there, Mike.

“That’s sweet but I’m not really looking for anyone right now, I just got here a few months ago…” You kept walking and you kept your eye contact away from him, smart girl.

“If you give me a chance I’ll show ya I’m worth it. I promise baby.” You were not his baby.

“I’m not your baby, Mike. Please, I just want to go home.” You turned towards him now with determination in your tired eyes.

Mike clearly wasn’t hearing you, or just not caring because as you tried to turn away he grabbed your arm and pinned your back against a wall.

He’s dead.

YOU

I’m dead. This stupid asshole is going to kill me. Your mind was racing as you looked for ways out. Mike’s front was almost completely pushed against yours now as he trapped you against the brick wall. You could now smell the alcohol on his breath now that he was on top of you. You tried to break free, maybe he was drunk enough where you could shake him off. You could tell that wasn’t the case when he groaned in delight.

“Mhmm, keep doing that baby. I like feeling ya move that pretty body.” You wanted to puke, his greasy beard and sour breath was assaulting your space. You froze your body in an attempt to get him off you but he leaned in, trying to capture your lips. You whipped your head to the side and squeezed your eyes shut trying to block out whatever he might do next. Only, when you expected his lips or something on you, there was nothing. His entire weight was gone and you almost slumped to the floor in relief. When you opened your eyes, there was nothing, no one in sight, not even a sound. Mike was nowhere to be seen, nor was anyone else. If you weren’t so relieved that the creep was gone, you’d be freaked out. It felt like one of those eerie horror movies you watched before the word turned into one itself.

You weren’t really sure what else to do other than go home. You walked the quiet streets towards your small house and barricaded your door that night, just to be safe.

…..

“Have you heard?! I can’t believe it!” Angela’s voice shook you out of your tired daze. No matter how you tried to occupy your mind or sleep last night you couldn’t shake what Mike did to you. “It was Mike! That’s who it was that was found behind the dinner hall.”

Mike? Did you hear her right?

“Wait, Mike, like creepy Mike?”

“Yes!” Angela never learned how to not raise her voice.

Mike was dead. He was dead behind where you worked after he assaulted you. That seemed… convenient. Did that make you a bad person?

“They are calling everyone to the town hall for an announcement.” This was the only time they have done this in the short time you’ve been here.

Everyone walked over and filled the hall wall to wall. Tommy, Maria and a few other members in charge of running Jackson stood on the stage of the building that looked to once be a school auditorium, including Joel. Your eyes caught him up there as soon as you walked in, recognizing his brown curls anywhere. Tommy walked up to the top of the stage and everyone immediately quieted down, they clearly respected him.

“Hey ya’ll… Uh, unfortunately it's not good news that calls us together today.” He was clearly nervous. “One of our own is gone, Mike Walton. Now I know in this world losing someone happens more often than we would expect but this one is different. It happened in our walls and we think, committed by one of our own.”

Murder. He was killed. Fuck.

The crowd was starting to murmur and quietly panic. You felt responsible somehow, like you being the last one to see him, you think, meant… something. You had to tell them what happened last night, if only to make sure they know now instead of finding out some other way. So they know you're not hiding anything.

You stayed after the crowd cleared, listened to Tommy assure everyone that they are safe and he is putting security measures in place. You went up to the stage and caught Maria’s attention, you felt comfortable with her and maybe she would be more understanding. She really helped you assimilate when you recovered and felt kind of like a sister in a way.

“Hey sweetie, how ya doing?”

“I need… I need to tell you something.”

She took you to a more private area and you told her what happened the night before. She listened dutifully as you recounted your story and it really made it strangely better to talk about it. It was by no means easy to forget but knowing someone was listening helped. After you finished and she gave you a reassuring hug, she brought you back to Tommy… and Joel.

“Ok hon, I will need to tell Tommy about this, I’ll only include the necessary things.” You nodded knowing you could trust both of them with the news. “Joel, would you be able to walk her home? I don’t want to take any chances here.” Maria did say to you privately that she was going to treat this as if you were in danger in some way, in case this turned out to be about you.

He only nodded in your direction, extending his arm, signaling you to lead the way. You walked the streets, the silent tall man trailing behind you. You stopped so abruptly that Joel backed up in surprise.

“I don’t need you walking behind me like a bodyguard.”

“Where should I walk?” His voice dripped with something dark.

“W-well…I don’t know, next to me like a normal person?”

All he does is silently walk up to you and nod forward urging you on. You kept walking, feeling Joel’s arm brush up against yours and the tension was building before either of you said anything. You arrived at your building in silence and he walked you up the steps, more than you were expecting from the distant man. You paused as you opened the door and realized something, if Maria is right and someone is after you, they could be in your house.

“Y’ok?” His voice was low and rough.

“Uh… actually, no. Joel, would you be able to come in… and uh, check it out? Just to make sure, I don’t know…someone’s not— not in there?”

You swore his eyes softened at your nervous request, maybe he felt bad. He followed you inside and had you wait by the door as he surveyed the rest of the house. He came back within only a few minutes and you were relieved it was quiet in the house.

“You’re all good here darlin’,” he stood by the kitchen counter almost like he was avoiding leaving.

But you didn’t want him to leave.

JOEL

He knew no one would be in your house, there was no one after you. Except him. He saw Mike put his hands and other parts on you and something flipped in his brain. He went feral and had been looking for an opportunity to take this guy out. He was a menace to the community but Tommy said there was no legitimate reason. Usually he wanted a blatant offense to take action or even exile someone. Mike was sneaky, that was the problem, he was good at hiding his deplorable behavior towards women behind being friendly with most of the male Jackson population.

Joel was so sick of it, and he likes to pretend that’s why he was there that night, not that he couldn’t keep his eyes off you. For weeks now he had been everywhere you were, coincidence of course. He needed to make sure that you were safe, that someone would be there for you. Even if he couldn’t have you, he needed to watch over you. You had completely consumed his life, every waking and sleeping hour he had his mind on you.

The worst of it he thinks was a few weeks into his obsession, he found himself across the street from your house, crouched in the bushes like a maniac. He watched your silhouette as you turned about the room, picking things up, gathering our belongings and just generally going about your home life. It was so magical to him to see you living your life unencumbered by the burden of how cruel people can be. He had to make sure no one took that from you.

He was pulled from his thoughts by your sweet voice. “Joel? You ok?”

“Y-ya sorry, what did you say?”

“I asked if you wanted a drink.”

“Oh, uh- sure sweetheart.”

He watched you go over to a cabinet and pull out a dwindling bottle of something dark that made his mouth water. You had good taste.

That's my girl.

You slid over the glass with a small amount of whiskey and you each sipped it slowly.

“Thanks for walking me home, I really appreciate it.”

“No problem darlin’, but I'm sure you’re safe. No one’s gonna hurt ya.”

“Sure doesn’t feel that way.”

YOU

“I promise you, no one will ever…ever hurt you again.” The way Joel said it, it was like he had murder in his eyes. He was so intense that you believed him, like he would protect you. You felt a thrill pass down your spine from his gruff voice. He was always a rugged man with his height, his broad shoulders and intimidating dark eyes but now, he looked downright deadly.

For a minute you worried that Joel could be responsible— no he would never. Even if he did, could you really be upset at him making this community safer? Did that make you a bad person?

He was looking at you like prey he wanted to devour. It made your pulse race, it made your core throb. The tension had been growing since the walk back and it was evident to both of you. Joel circled the kitchen counter to come right in front of you. Both your glasses forgotten, he caged you in with his hands on the counter bracketing your hips. Without a word he brought a hand up to cup your cheek, his calloused skin caressed your skin much lighter than you were expecting. The only sound in the house was your heavy breathing as he stared down at you. You couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something off about Joel. Not necessarily bad but just something sharp and scary, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care as he slowly leaned down to hover his lips over yours, asking for more.

Even if Joel was a bad man, fuck it.

You leaned up slightly to meet his lips and all self control went out the window. His hands were all over you in a second, hips pressed into yours as he slipped his tongue into your mouth. Your head spun as he licked into you and nipped at your bottom lip causing a whimper to escape your lungs. It all became very frantic as he lifted you up onto the counter and bit and kissed his way down your neck. You knew there would be evidence of it the next morning and it kind of excited you to know you’d have Joel’s marks on you. His greedy hands were groping and squeezing every inch of you and you couldn’t get enough. With your own shaky hands you tried to unbutton his shirt but Joel stopped you.

“R’ya sure baby girl?” You swore you felt slick dripping down your inner thighs. “Jus’ gotta tell me and I’ll stop, ’k?”

All you could do was nod.

“I need words.”

“Y-yes,” you practically moaned.

“Good girl.” Fuck, his voice. Your hips rolled forward on the counter, trying to gain any friction. Your clit was pulsing with need and both of you were getting impatient. “Thank god, otherwise I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.” He mumbled it almost to himself.

You gasped as he pulled off the counter and led you up the stairs in silence. Any other person would think he was angry but you knew, he was anything but. He led you to your bedroom and it briefly dawned on you that he was leading you there, he knew where your bedroom was. There was always something intense about Joel, you knew that from the start, it's one of the reasons you were drawn to him. But due to recent events you were starting to question just how depraved he might be. You hated to assume anything but you somehow knew deep down that he was the one who… saved you from Mike. That’s what it was, he saved you from being killed, or worse.

Once in your bedroom Joel turned and pushed you against the wall, attaching his lips to your neck.

He hummed deep in his throat, almost a moan. “Mhmm, darlin’ you are so sweet. Y’smell so good.” He was mumbling into your throat, half kissing, half biting. You were each pulling clothes off the other, desperate to feel skin. When Joel had you completely bare for him, you tried to cover yourself, mostly out of habit.

“You… you are perfect baby.” His eyes dark with desire as he pulled your hands up his mouth and kissed your knuckles. “Don’t cover up, I wanna see ya.” He pulled your hands away as he backed you up to the bed and gently pushed you back onto the soft quilt. You stared up at him, taking in his form, he was still in his jeans but bare from the waist up. You admired his graying hair that led below his belt, mouth watering at the bulge underneath. Before you could reach for his belt, he looped his strong arms under your knees and pulled your butt toward the end of the bed. With cracking knees he knelt in front of the bed and his face became level with your dripping core. His eyes were locked on you, his lips almost matching the way you drooled between your legs.

“Joel—,” you were unable to form words, the breath perpetually caught in your throat.

“Shhh, I know hon, I gotcha,” his voice was lower than you ever heard it, something dangerous simmering below the surface.

“Joel, wait—,” he moved up your body at your request. “I just… I’m confused,” you were shaking and out of breath but you needed to ask him. “I thought you didn’t like me… it’s just every time we would see each other you seemed to avoid me at all costs and now…”

“The only reason I was acting like that was because I liked you… too much.” His eyes hovered directly over yours, deep pools of obsidian overtaken with the desire. “I thought I was protecting you, from myself. But I… I,” he almost seemed nervous in a way, but there was still the underlying grumble of anger in his chest.

“What?”

“I see now that I have to protect you from everyone else.” He said it with such a darkness settled over his face, and it took you a minute to register what he was admitting.

He killed Mike. Holy shit.

Your whole body froze and you felt your eyes widen and breath pick up. But you also had this deep feeling in your gut, was that arousal? Were you attracted to this? That dropping feeling in your stomach told you that you were. Jesus, did that make you a bad person? Fuck it.

You grasped your fingers through his hair, pulling him down to you as you attached your lips to his.

JOEL

You were a vision, puffy lips wet from kissing, eyes blown wide as your chest heaved. “You protected me?”

Oh, fuck me.

“Of course baby girl,” he needed you to know this was all for you. He was yours and you were his. “No one will take you from me.”

He worked his way down your body, kissing and nipping his way to your center again. He spread your legs and stared into your dripping folds as he got onto his knees again. You whimpered and moaned his name and he relished the sounds, he loved hearing and seeing you react to his touch. He wanted nothing more than to hear you scream his name.

“I wanna feel ya’ cum on my tongue darlin’,” he loved the way your pussy drooled for him. Joel felt like a man starved, like he was finally seeing water after a year in the desert. He licked a broad stripe up your folds then sealing his lips around your clit and sucking. You screamed and he felt your thighs wrap around his head only spurring him on further. He pulled your legs in front of him and pushed to the mattress, opening you up further for his enjoyment. When he worked two fingers into you, he knew you were close based on your shaking and whimpering.

“I-I’m so close baby,” you sounded so cute, so desperate. “I need— please Joel.”

He wanted you to fall apart, speeding up his movements he knew it wouldn’t be long now. He curled his fingers while lapping at your clit, he felt your walls flutter and tighten around his fingers.

“Cum for me angel.”

You broke. Joel’s fingers were covered in your juices and you screamed his name as you came. He kept up his movements to prolong your pleasure, he reveled in the way your legs shook with overstimulation.

“Oh… my god,” you sighed as Joel crawled his way back up to your face, slotting himself between your legs.

YOU

He entered you slowly. You could feel every vein and edge of him and you were thankful he readied you with his fingers because Joel was not a small man. He started slow, presumably for your benefit, but soon his pace picked up and the crown of his dick was hitting a spot inside of you that made you see stars.

“Fuck— You feel so good,” he puncuate each word with with his hips, each time driving you up the bed. You grabbed onto his shoulders, trying to gain leverage but you were unable to do anything except take his brutal pace. He was past holding himself back now, you swore you felt him in places you never thought possible. You recognized somewhere in the back of your mind that letting the man who… murdered someone for you fuck you into your mattress might be a bad move. Too bad he was too good at it for you to care. You felt the coil of your orgasm tightening in your lower stomach as Joel leaned back, looming over you like a dark angel.

“I want you to touch yourself,” he pulled one of your hands towards your clit. “Cum for me baby.”

You pressed and circled your fingertips into the bundle of nerves, your pleasure just seconds from cresting. Joel must have felt it because he gripped your hips and pulled you into his lap, picking up his pace and punching into your g-spot.

“Oh fuck!— I’m gonna cum baby…plea—,” you couldn’t even get the rest of the word out as your orgasm crashed into you. You think you might have blacked out as your vision went blank for a moment and you think you heard yourself screaming. Joel kept up his pace and rode you through it all.

“Mmm that’s it, that’s my good girl…,” his voice was low and gravely in your ear when he leaned over, pushing almost all his weight on top of you while he chased his high.

“P-please Joel, cum inside m-me,” his harsh movements made it hard to talk, hard to breathe. You didn’t care though, you were desperate to feel him finish inside you.

“Inside you baby? Ngh, tha—that’s my good gi—,” he didn’t finish his sentence either as he almost collapsed on top of you. You wrapped your legs around his hips and held him there as he filled you up. He grunted and groaned in your ear as he came down, he pulled out slowly making sure you were comfortable and kissed his way down your neck and chest. “Stay here baby.” You laid there unable to move and watched his naked form as he found your bathroom with ease and came back with a warm washcloth. As he cleaned you, you recalled his words, ‘my good girl’. His.

“Joel?” He didn’t respond with words, only hummed at you to continue while he cleaned your inner thighs. “Did you mean it? I’m…,” you were hesitant to speak it, what if you were wrong? What if it was something he said in the heat of the moment. You felt the bed dip and he settled beside you, towel discarded.

“Use your words honey, what’s on your mind?” He moved a bit of hair out of your face and waited patiently for you to continue.

“I’m yours? Not just tonight.” You met his gaze with timid eyes.

“Yes, of course. Y’have been since I first saw you.” He kissed you deep, lips prying yours apart. “I protected you, remember? I wasn’t gonna let anyone hurt you, especially not him.”

He looked at you with nothing but truth in his eyes. He really did kill Mike, holy shit. He did it for you. In this world maybe you could rest easier knowing you had someone to protect you like that. Joel may be a scary man, but you had nothing to fear for yourself with him around. You slept that night more soundly than you had in ten years. wrapped in the strong arms of a man who chased your nightmares away.

[ashwhowrites]

Hi beautiful! I’m so happy you are back! You are the best writer ever!!💜

I was wondering if I could request a prisoner Eddie Munson x nurse shy reader. ( in prison for whatever reason you want) He gets beat up in prison and he goes to the nurse and finds her so beautiful and they flirt and feelings start coming up. He try’s to see her anytime he can, and maybe they have a kiss that leads to more like smut??

I love your writing! Sorry if this is bad!

I hope this is what you wanted (it leads to smut but not much of a smut scene )and that you enjoy it. Thank you for requesting!❤️ And it's not a bad request at all!! Prisoner Eddie is fun. Thank you for the love. Prisoner Eddie deserves the criminal love photo

Heal me, nurse

"BREAK IT UP!" An officer screamed as a fight broke out in the small cafeteria. Eddie ignored the officer as he continued to land punches across the other prisoner's face. The officers raced over to the brawl but didn't arrive fast enough to protect Eddie from the bash against the back of his head.

Eddie groaned as he fell over, his head pounding as three guys began to beat his body black and blue. He felt relieved when several officers pulled all the guys off of him. Eddie wiped his nose and realized he was bleeding. He could feel his eyes, ribs, and the back of his head throbbing. He was barely aware of what was going on as he was dragged to a room.

"All yours," the officer spat as he let Eddie's body drop on a chair next to the door.

"Dick," Eddie muttered to himself as the officer walked off. He held his body in pain as he looked around to see where he had dropped off.

"Let me help you to the bed," a soft voice spoke. Eddie blinked through his throbbing eyes as he took in the other person in the room. He groaned as the stranger helped him stand, he took the time to take her in.

She was insanely attractive, and he wasn't saying that because he'd been stuck in cells with random men and hadn't seen a female in ages.

"Where am I?"

"The nurses' office," she smiled, helping him sit on the tiny bed.

Eddie hummed, he didn't even know prison cared to have a nurse. "And you are my nurse?" He swore he's only seen attractive nurses in porn, and he couldn't lie he was imagining how she would look in a tiny nurse outfit.

"Well, I'm everyone's nurse. Now, what happened?" she asked. She sat on a small stool in front of him, her eyes waiting.

"Fuckers jumped me, and now my head, ribs, nose, and eyes are throbbing," he shrugged. Eddie was rough, and he could handle taking care of himself. He had done it a thousand times before. But the idea of this pretty girl having to check him for wounds? Yeah, he liked that.

She stood up and grabbed a small light, flashing it in his eyes as she directed him to follow it. She tried to focus on her job and not that this prisoner was insanely hot. He had captivating eyes, so dark and warm. She felt a blush creep up her neck as he stared right back into her eyes.

She stepped back as she felt the room grow hotter. She walked over to the small sink and wet a cloth. She walked it over to him and softly wiped away the dry blood.

"I'm sorry this happened to you and that the officers treat you like shit," she whispered, gently cleaning his nose.

"Nothing I can't handle, I'm a big boy," he shrugged, chuckling.

She tried not to shiver at his deep chuckle. She silently yelled at herself as her mind went elsewhere with his big boy comment. She dabbed his nose, his eyes never leaving her face. She felt nervous under his stare, trying to avoid eye contact, but she kept feeling this pull to look back.

Once she cleaned off his nose, she tossed the towel to the side.

"Could you..uh..unbutton.. your-" she shyly stuttered, her hands waving to his orange jumpsuit. She hated how nervous she felt around this stranger.

"Unbutton what, gorgeous?" he teased. He enjoyed how shy she was, and it was clear he was making her nervous. "This?" he asked, two fingers slowly unbuttoning the first few buttons.

She blushed deeply as his skin became exposed. She could see some ink on his pale skin. She moved without thinking, stepping closer as she took in the spider and demon. She held her breath as his fingers teased more buttons, but then his fingers landed under her chin.

She squeaked in surprise at the touch. Her skin was raised with goosebumps as she tried to sneak a deep breath.

"I don't think I heard an answer, darling," Eddie whispered.

"Yes," she coughed, "unbutton the top so I can see your ribs, please."

Eddie chuckled at her shyness, teasingly unbuttoning the top half of his suit. Y/N tried to make it seem as if she wasn't interested in what else was under his clothes.

She reached forward to softly touch the ribs that were becoming a darker color compared to his white skin. For the first time since she met him, she was focused on her job. Eddie couldn't help but twitch as her fingers trailed across his ribs and stomach.

"I think it'll just bruise," she said gently, tracing the small marks. She stepped back, "You can button up. I'll give you some ice to take with you."

~

Eddie was sent on his way, holding an ice pack against his ribs. He craved a hot shower, but he wasn't sure if he could even have one. He took the ice to his cell and prepared to sleep the pain away.

But only two hours later, his body was screaming, and the ice was melted. Eddie didn't know the time, unsure if it was early or late. Eddie decided to get more ice to help him get more hours of sleep. And the hope he'd get to see her again.

He turned the corner and noticed a small light coming from the office. He walked in and was pleased to see her sitting at the desk. He gave the door a soft knock to alert his arrival.

"Thought I should return this."

Y/N was startled by the voice, jumping out of her skin as she turned to see him.

"Oh! Thank you. Usually, the officers bring those back in the morning...are you even allowed to be out right now?" She asked, looking over his shoulder.

"And give those dicks a reason to see you? Nah. And look where I am, baby. Does it look like I follow the rules?"

She had to give him that. She stood up and took the melted ice bag from his hands and threw it back in the freezer. Eddie shamelessly checked her out as she bent over.

"What's your name?" He asked

"Y/N, and yours?" She asked as she turned around. He was much closer than before. His body was almost right up against hers.

"Edward Munson, but you can call me Eddie," he said, a charming smile on his lips.

~~~

It only took one day for both of them to feel something. Eddie constantly found ways to visit her. Sometimes he picked fights, letting them beat him as badly as they could so he could limp his way to her. Other times he pretended to feel sick or that he was going mentally insane.

She always greeted him with the same smile and gentle touch. He was happy the other prisoners always went for his ribs and chest because he loved watching her get nervous when his upper body was exposed.

He could easily tell she was attracted to him and he felt the same for her. Life in prison was just as hell as people thought, but she added some life to the dull building. She gave Eddie a reason to smile.

Y/N was a little worried about how much Eddie found himself in her office. Some days he didn't even heal from his last fight, bruises adding on to other bruises. She had to admit that he pulled off a busted lip and bruised eye very well. Selfishly she enjoyed his trips to her office. She liked his company, and the more he came, the longer he stayed. Something was forming between them, and it definitely wasn't allowed.

~~~

Eddie walked down the hall, clenching his stomach as he faked a horrible stomach pain. The officer dropped him off and left without a word. The door was closed and Eddie was a little confused. He turned the knob and welcomed himself in.

His girl was there, perfect as always. But she wasn't alone. She stood in front of an officer using a stethoscope on his bare chest.

"Breath in for me,"

Eddie watched as the officer seemed to enjoy the moment too much.

"Kinda hard when you take my breath away," the officer chuckled. Eddie couldn't help but scoff at the flirty comment, making his presence known.

"Oh, Eddie, hi!" She smiled, joy on her face as she turned to him. "Just one second!"

She turned back to the officer, eager to get him to leave. "Well we are all set. Everything seems fine."

"You'll think about tonight right?" The officer asked

Eddie slit his eyes, sending a glare to the man.

"Uh.." she looked towards Eddie, then back, "Yeah, I'll think about it."

Once the officer left, Eddie strolled into the room, closing the door behind him.

"Oh that's supposed to stay open," she said, her voice growing quiet as she heard it lock.

"Oh? Then why was it closed with him?" She shivered at the venom in his voice. Her stomach filled with excitement as a jealous look covered his face.

"He asked," she gulped, his heavy steps reaching her feet as she stood still.

"Yeah, what else did he ask for?" Eddie questioned, beginning to unbutton his orange jumpsuit. "Something about tonight."

Y/N ignored the burn between her thighs as he continued to unbutton his suit past his stomach. She cast her eyes down for a quick glance then back up to his face. Her eyes yearned to look back to his happy trail and see where it disappeared.

"He asked me about having dinner together,"

Eddie moved fast, softly gripping her hair as he yanked her head up. She whined at the burn, her knees getting weak. He slowly leaned in, teasing his lips over hers. She felt the room grow warmer as his breath hit her lips, her eyes begging him to close the gap.

"Are you wanting to?" He whispered

"No," she said instantly, "please Eddie," she begged

"Please what?" He asked, "you want me to kiss you?"

She licked her lips as she tried to nod her head through his grip.

"My pleasure," he said against her lips before he kissed her. She moaned as his lips worked against hers, firm and passionate. His hands gripped her hips as he deepened the kiss, his tongue softly moving into her mouth.

She wasn't sure if she was allowed to touch him, her hands burning to feel his skin as his tongue danced with hers. She nervously placed her hands on his shoulders as she tried to fight back in the kiss. It was no use, though; he had all the power.

He pulled back, smirking as she followed his lips. "Get on that bed, baby girl." He whispered, stepping back as he stripped out of his suit. She scrambled to the tiny bed.

She held her breath as he stood in his boxers, his hard-on caught her attention as she shamelessly stared. She felt herself drool when his hand landed over himself and softly rubbed himself. The sound that left his body made Y/N clench her thighs.

"I'm going to show you who's really in charge around here."

She felt locked in a trance as he walked over to her. His hands were on her in seconds, easily taking all the material off of her skin. She felt nervous about the idea of being naked in front of him but the way he looked at her made her feel like she had nothing to be shy about.

His hot mouth was on her skin as his hands trailed down her stomach. She shivered as she felt his hand growing closer to the wetness between her thighs.

Eddie sucked on her neck as his fingers slid in between her soaked folds. She moaned out as his fingers slid inside her, stretching her open.

"Think you can handle my cock, pretty girl?" He teased, his breath hot against her skin as she began to rock against his fingers. She whined in response, her thighs turning into jelly.

"Yes, please," she begged, throwing her head back his fingers sped up.

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @somethingvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire @whoscamila @stusdollface93 @gretavankleep37 @bellaisswagger @arlxt @ineedmentalhelp123 @emxxblog

[nemisuki]

Intertwined

Dating AU | He wasn’t aware such a small insecurity could affect your relationship that much. Lucky for him, she seems to know how to ease his worries away. 

᧔o᧓ || katsuki bakugo x f!reader, she/her pronouns, no manga spoilers, pure fluff, no smut, no angst, reverse comfort lowkey, aged up to third years, they're both whipped, two idiots in love, wholesome short oneshot, 821 word count

His brows furrow with frustration at the glistening skin - small droplets of sweat already beginning to form at the surface of his palms.

Bakugos mood immediately getting ruined at the sight of it.

He takes pride in many things in his life, one of them being his quirk, the ability to create explosions from mere sweat is truly an odd but valuable power.

One that needed proper training to get used too and eventually perfected. But there was always one problem that remained and perhaps is unavoidable.

Excessive sweating.

At first it was manageable, he simply wiped it away on his pants, not thinking much of it.

Though as time went on, it grew out of control. Perhaps it was a side effect of puberty now that their seniors in highschool, who knows?

What he did know was that it was beyond irritating.

Maybe this was his karma for being too cocky in the past. He assumed his quirk had no downsides he couldn't manage, but the gods just had to humble him.

For an over hygienic guy - this was probably his worst nightmare come true.

Especially now that he has a girlfriend.

"Cmon Katsuki, we gotta return to the dorms before curfew!"

She quickly grabs a hold of his hand, cheerful expression on her face, a bright smile that could battle the sun.

Oblivious to the swirling thoughts in his head.

Dating was a concept he never thought he would experience - til he met Y/N. As a new couple he didn't expect this personal issue to have such an effect on his relationship.

But here we are.

He flinches at her touch, swiftly extracting his hand from hers, simply praying she didn't notice his clammy hands.

Her face instantly falls, switching to one of worry and hesitation, "Katsuki? Hey what's wrong?"

The blonde didn't know what else to do but stay silent, avoiding eye contact with her as he tried to think of something to say, subtly wiping his hands on his school uniform.

Feeling embarrassed to tell her about this 'problem' he's been recently dealing with.

"It's nothing."

Noticing the clear shift in his demeanor, she tries connecting the dots and gives him an apologetic look, "I'm sorry if you were uncomfortable with holding hands! I should've asked first since you hate PDA." 

His head snaps back at her, realizing the careless mistake he just made, "No no that's not what I- uh"

He sighs as irritation begins bubbling inside him, directed at himself for making her worried over something so trivial.

"It's not that dummy. My hands are..." he looks away once again. Feeling self conscious all of a sudden - opening up has never been an easy thing for him.

She notices the tip of his ears burning with a pink hue, rare shyness creeping in his voice, "My hands get sweaty a lot because of my quirk."

A moment of silence passes between them.

"It's been out of control lately so-"

His words waver as he feels her pinky finger slowly wrap around his own. Her eyes soften as she stares up at him, a look of understanding on her face.

"Ah I see. Then this is fine right?" she smiles, tilting her head to get a better view of his face.

 ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ 

"...Yeah sure, whatever" he clears his throat, avoiding her gaze completely.

She giggles at his cute demeanor, not used to seeing him like this, just thinking how soft this blonde truly is under all the walls he put over his heart.

He doesn't say much as they continue their walk back towards campus. His heart doing somersaults in his chest at the contact.

"It doesn't bother me by the way" she mumbles, smiling up at him again, "I just want to be next to you."

"You're such a sap."

He pinches her puffy cheek with his other hand - making her whine in response, trying to distract the effect her words have on him.

A small laugh escapes him as he mushes her face to form pouty duck lips, rolling his eyes at her unintelligible words of plead.

"So fucking dramatic." 

Whether to shush her up or satisfy his own desires, he quickly leans down and presses a small peck to her puckered lips. Letting her face go a second after, making the poor girl flustered and silent with shock.

"What was that for?" she says, fidgeting with her sleeves like a love struck fool.

"Tch, can I not kiss my own girlfriend?"

He spins around to walk away - making her rush to catch up, a knowing look on her face.

"I know but in public? Katsuki you sly dog~" she cooes, trying to rile him up.

"Fuck off."

"Love you too!"

At her continuous laughter and teasing, all he could do was put a fake frown on his face, but only from her eyes - she could see the small smile underneath it all.

✦ ⎯⎯⋆ ˚｡⋆ ୨ masterlist || taglist || intro || socials ୧⋆ ˚｡⋆⎯⎯ ✦

a/n ||| im really sorry for not posting much u guys! i kinda lost motivation these past couple of weeks but im finally feeling better. i actually relate to this so much bc i sadly suffer from hyperhidrosis. If you don't know what hyperhidrosis is, it's "a medical condition in which a person exhibits excessive sweating". So im basically bakugo irl u guys! one side effect is that my hands are constantly clammy and it's so annoying, me and katsuki twinning fr. my apologies go out to fellow people like us, this condition sucks so bad *sighssssss* tags ||| @leleyro @zaiban2989 ໒꒰ྀི ´๑  ̫๑`  ꒱ྀིა

[pasta-in-the-pudding]

This just popped up in my mind and I just wnated you to picture this

So imagine a teen kid coming to the slendermanor and obviously they're a teen so everyone expects them to be loud and trouble in general because teens are teens at the end of the day. Just to find out that the teen is actually very mature because they were forced into a situation where they had to be mature at a young age and they're just quiet(but also have mad good murder tactics). Like i just imagine jeff trying to scare the child for shits and giggles and they just stare at him like 🙂

Summary: Quiet teen reader gets into shenanigans in the manor

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

A/n: The battle between Jeff and children is an age old war that I don't see ending anytime soon. ALSO SIDE NOTE, I'm probably gonna be changing up my format for writing majorly soon because im tired of looking at it lolz

Credits: Any Creepypasta characters used- Creepypasta, Divider- saradika-graphics, Picture- Pinterest

Creeps x mature!teen!reader

Generally when kids are brought into the manor, everyone's vibe is "Aw man that's really sad :(" even if they are a teen

Of course, once they get over the sadness, the anxiety starts peeking through

Like not even just teens, all kids are rowdy and annoying so no one really wants to deal with that

So when you get there and you're chill they're like "oh thank god"

No one likes rowdy kids

However, even that can have its hinderances

Like, it's definetly nothing as bad as you being crazy around the manor, but more so just concerning habits

For example, Brian can never do his job as a caretaker, because he'll be coming down the stairs only to see that all of his assigned kids are already out of bed

And when he finally finds them, they are watching T.V

He will ask "Are you guys ready for breakfast?" and they will reply "No thanks, y/n fed us!"

Or E.J, who as we know can't stand dirty things or unhygienic things, will be so confused when that pile of trash he commented on is suddenly gone only a few minutes later

Or his fridge will magically be cleaned out right when he was about to go and do it

Toby will be wondering where on earth his favorite hoodie and hatches went, only to find you out back sharpening and cleaning them, and his hoodie in the washer

Everyone is grateful for your help and all, but it's a little strange?

Like why do you feel the need to do these things? Do you just like helping out or do you feel you need to?

Then there's Ben and Jeff

No fucks given

So what if you're like 13? Jeff was being lit on fire at that age, grow tf up 🙄

Anyways, they both get a kick out of scaring kids

Jeff more than Ben, but it's a fun little friendship activity they do together <333

So when you are exploring the manor one day, suddenly Jeff bumps into you, being waaay nicer than usual

"Hey, y/n! I was just looking for you!"

"Oh, Hello Jeff. Did you need something?"

He'll grin real big and hold your shoulders "Yeah, I just need to test something real quick, so don't move. Just stay exactly like this, kay?"

You nod and do as told, but Jeff doesn't move either, he just stands still, still holding onto your shoulders and staring into your eyes

You then feel a chill go up your spine, and all of a sudden a horrifying warped face that looks as if it was straight out of an analog horror jumps right in front of you

You do jump a little, but other than that, there's no reaction

Jeff immediately drops the act and lets go of you "Ugh, really? Whatever loser, I'll go find someone else to scare"

And with that, he stomps off, but Ben stays for a little bit, his face still contorted into that scary one

He wiggles his fingers and makes an "Oooooo" sound before also walking off behind Jeff

They lose interest in you very quickly after realizing you won't give them a satisfactory reaction

[thatmonsterfuckerguy]

Male!Yander!Vampire X FTM!Reader

Warnings: He's possessive, he's creepy, he drinks your blood without consent, but the sex is consetual, he's a stalker, he fucks the reader rough, fast, and in a primal fashion, he bites, he leaves marks, he's an older man from the Victorian era

You decided to treat yourself by going to a cheap masquerade party this weekend with some friends. It was nothing too pricy, but still kept the fancy aesthetic. Unfortunately for you, your friends all wandered off and left you alone. You were sitting at the bar of the place, bored with a drink in your hand.

"Why the long face?" You heard a voice say. It was an older man's voice. His voice was bordering on reassuringly soft and creepily soft. You turned to face him slowly in your drunken state.

"My friends left me. I'm bored." You bluntly told him. His face was sunken in and his hair was graying a bit. His face was aged handsomely despite how skeletal it was. He frowned at your response.

"That's a shame, dear. Would you like me to keep you company?" He asked.

"Sure." You shrugged.

"Cain Ashdown, at your service, Sir." He smiled as he stuck out his hand for a shake.

"Y/n, nice to meet you." You introduced yourself back as you shook his hand. You both talked about your lives for a good half-hour. You did most of the talking. He kept his side of the conversation pretty vague. You felt like he was talking a whole lot of nothing. He was rather mysterious, you found it charming in a way. Suddenly, the music changed and caught his attention.

"Oh! I love this song. Would you care for a dance with me, Sir?" He asked. Something about him was so alluring. You couldn't get yourself to say 'no' even if you wanted to.

"Of course!" You found yourself smiling as you said it. You hoped he hadn't noticed your blush, but his smug smile told you he definitely did. He took you into a dance gently. He was very graceful as he danced. You were just trying to keep up.

"Watch me, dear, and try to follow slowly. Once you feel comfortable, I'll go a bit faster." He gently reassured you. Something about the way he said it made you blush as an involuntary shiver went up your spine. The way he was holding you, combined with the heads turning towards you two, and the alcohol you had, were making your body temperature rise greatly. You were thankful for your overcoat, it hid the sweat stains on your dress shirt. He was getting in closer and closer as the dance went on. You were trying your best to keep it together, but your legs were starting to shake with want for him. You nearly fell over, but he caught you. "Are you alright, dear?" He asked.

"Y-yeah, thanks, I think I need to sit down... Maybe some water..." You forced yourself to pant out.

"I'll accompany you." He smiled. You suddenly noticed how long, narrow, and sharp his canines were. You blinked and his lips were sealed again. You must have had more to drink than you thought. He helpfully guided you away from the dance floor. He could smell the blood flowing to the thing between your legs, fighting himself not to devour you right there, in public, right now, both literally and figuratively. He helped you sit down once you got water. He was like a bird of prey with his dramatic cape that was part of his costume, and you felt like a mouse. He suddenly felt your face. "You're burning, dear, are you alright?" He said almost teasingly. You leaned into his hand further, your nerves were calmed by the alcohol. "Oh my..." You looked up at him with want. "Come, lay on me, dear." He offered. You leaned into his chest. His hands were boney and chilled. You didn't mind, especially now. You felt very hot, the cold was welcomed. He played with your hair and caressed your skin. He slowly creeped down to your thigh. You gasped. He pulled away swiftly. "I beg your pardon, I didn't mean to startle you... Is it alright if I take you elsewhere? Maybe relieve you a bit?" He asked. You suddenly noticed something hard poking you from beneath. You knew exactly what he wanted.

"Yes... please..." You found yourself slurring without thinking. "B-but there's something you need to know... I was assigned female at birth, and I haven't gotten bottom surgery..." You stammered, worrying this handsome man would desert you upon hearing it.

"I don't mind one bit." He grinned and abruptly took you into a bridal carry. He smiled at you as your face flushed when you looked up at him. He was surprisingly strong for such a thin framed man. Once you both left the party, he began carrying you over to a fancy hotel nearby.

"Goodness, boy, the restraint it took not to devour you in front of all those people when you said 'yes'" He chuckled. A lovely shiver went up your spine again. You couldn't help yourself, you grabbed his face and kissed him passionately. He was a very good kisser. His tongue was very long and sharp. He indulged you for a good minute before pulling away to speak. "Now, now, not in the street, you silly boy." He teased. You felt yourself sort of swoon. He carried you up to a hotel room and practically threw himself onto you, on the bed. He waisted no time covering you in kisses and nips as he stripped you. There was no way you could suppress your moans. "God, you're handsome." He let out through his kisses.

"Please... in me..." You panted.

"Are you on birth control or do I need a condom?" He asked.

"I'm on... no need... please..." You panted desperately. He practically tore off his clothes, lubed himself up, and slid into you faster than a human could. You moaned involuntarily at the feeling of him sliding inside. You were in too much heat to care about how fast he went. He started off slow to ease you onto him. You looked up at him. He looked very predatory in the dim light. He looked like a hungry beast with the wild look in his eyes, his long, sharp teeth, the way he pinned you down... A tinge of fear and arousal built up in you. You could swear he looked more like a skeletal beast than he did before. He barely looked like a man anymore. You held him closer to your body. He was fucking you fast and rough like an animal and you loved it. He slid his long tongue up your neck. You shivered with a moan.

"May I bite?" He panted.

"Yes!" You moaned. He grinned slyly. He positioned himself right above your neck, kissing and licking it first. He slid his hand down to your t-dick and skillfully stimulated you. You let out louder moans than before.

"Ready?" He asked.

"Yes!" You panted. He suddenly bit down. A sharp, icy pain corsed through your body combined with the most intense orgasm you had ever felt. You practically screamed. He covered your mouth, not to alert the hotel staff. Your hole was gushing more than it ever had while you were on testosterone. You quivered under him. He retracted his teeth as you came down from your high. You felt weaker than before.

"Do you need a break, dear?" He asked.

"Uh-huh..." You panted. He pulled out slowly. He kissed you where he bit you softly, lapping up the blood that was spilling. "Am I bleeding...?" You asked in a daze.

"Only a bit, dear, no need to fret. I'll treat your wound before I let you go anywhere." He told you in a hushed tone as he held you in his arms. Your eyes focused on him. He did look more beastly than before.

"W-what are you...?" You quivered. He smiled sympathetically at you.

"I'm a vampire, dear, but nobody will believe you if you said a word of it." He bluntly told you.

"Am I gonna become a vampire too?!" You panicked.

"No, no, don't worry, I meerly drained you a bit. You're still human, just, with less blood for the time being." He grinned.

"You could have asked me." You let out.

"I technically did." He grinned, trying not to laugh at his own stupid joke. You rolled your eyes while begrudgingly smiling.

"I mean you could have told me you would drink my blood." You corrected yourself.

"If I asked properly, you wouldn't have let me bite." He explained.

"Yes, I would have." You told him.

"Most people wouldn't have." He corrected himself. "Considering the fact that you let me feed on you this time, does that mean you'd let me do it again?" He asked. You thought for a moment.

"Are you gonna keep seeing me and fucking me every so often?" You asked. He grinned.

"Yes." He chuckled. "I'd love to. You're such a fine, young man." He flirted as he gently caressed your face.

"Then yes, I will." You smiled back. He grinned.

"Would you like another round without me draining you this time? I'll fill you instead." He flirted. You impulsively pulled him back onto you. He wasted no time slipping back inside you. "Now that you know what I am, I don't need to hold back anymore." He teased. He gradually quickened his pace until it was faster than a human's. He chewed on your skin leaving marks all over you, though not as strongly as when he drank your blood. It was a pleasant pain. He held you close, possessively. "Mine..." He panted. His claws dug into your back. He was pressing against your t-dick with his other hand, making damn sure he felt your hole pulse tighter around him every few seconds. He flipped you around and began fucking you from the back, while staying in the same hole. He manipulated you with such ease like you were a ragdoll. He was so animalistic in bed compared to the dapper, but slightly unsettling gentlemen you met earlier that night. He was panting quickly into your ear as he pounded into you. You could hear him frothing at the mouth behind you. "Mine. Mine. Mine!" He kept whispering obsessively. He suddenly let out a beast-like bellow as he slowed his pace, overfilling you. His grip on you softened as he caught his breath. "Forgive me, dear, I tend to get a little... possessive... when in heat..." Despite sounding and appearing confident as he spoke, couldn't bring himself to look you in the eyes.

"That's alright." You said softly as you played with his hair. He smiled warmly at you. "So, how long have you been like this anyway?" You asked.

"Since 1887." He admitted.

"Yeah, that checks out." You laughed as you messed his hair playfully. He chuckled with you. You kept seeing each other since. You also discovered that his meeting you was no coincidence. He had seen you before the night you met and he pulled various strings to get you to meet him. He's a little obsessive, sometimes creepily so, but nothing too crazy... You think anyway.

[organic-bloodbath]

Not really a request but imagine braiding Dae-ho’s hair during the games (or outside of it) to keep it out of his face. I bet it’s so soft ..

Bad hair day

Dae-ho x Reader

Summary: As above.

A/N: This is very very short, just a little something i drabbled when i was getting bored to death at work 🫠

☆☆☆

Dae-ho always had his hair tied half up with a hairtie, but this morning his hairtie snapped and became unusable, forcing him to keep his hair open.

You had noticed that Dae-ho was constantly brushing his hair off his forehead during the game.

"Can i braid your hair?"

"What?" he asked, even though he had heard you loud and clear. Dae-ho hadn't been prepared for a suggestion like that from you.

"I could braid your hair to keep it away from your face. It's clearly bothering you," you suggested, looking at him with a sincere and kind expression on your face. You wanted to do his hair?

"Really?"

"Yeah, of course. It's no problem."

"Oh, well, alright," he nervously chuckled.

Dae-ho sat on the floor, his back against the edge of the bed while you sat on the bed behind him, your legs crossed on the mattress.

You started dividing his brown hair in a few different sections. The strands of his hair felt so soft against your fingertips that you had the urge to ask what kind of products he used on his hair but kept your mouth shut.

Dae-ho loved the feeling of your nails gently scratching his scalp and fingers brushing through his hair. He secretly wished he would have longer hair, just to keep you brushing his hair at least a few minutes more.

"Has anyone ever braided your hair before?" you asked to fill the silence lingering around you.

"No, not that i'd remember." The only person touching his hair had been his mom when Dae-ho was a little kid and a hairdresser in his adult age. "It feels nice though."

Dae-ho had an urge to close his eyes but he didn't want to look like he was enjoying this too much in case other players looked in your way. Your touch on his head sent chills down his spine. Dae-ho let out a quiet wince, making you stop for a second.

"Did i hurt you?" you asked, worry in your voice.

"No, it's alright," he assured you, wanting you to just keep going.

"Tell me if i'm pulling too hard, okay?"

"I can tolerate a little pain."

"I don't mean to make this a painful experience, alright?" You didn't want to give him a headache when you'd be done with him.

You continued braiding his hair, concentrating more on the amount of force you were putting on his scalp, sure that Dae-ho would just stay silent even if it started hurting.

"Alright, all done," you said when you were finished. "Go have a look."

Dae-ho went to the bathroom to check himself out in a mirror and see your handiwork.

"You must be a trained hairstylist, right?" Dae-ho asked when he had arrived back to you, impressed by your detailed work. He would have never been able to do his hair so well and now he would never want to untie his hair again.

"No, i just have three little sisters. Our dad can barely do a regular ponytail on a girl," you explained, letting out a laugh. You were mostly raised by your father, only occasionally meeting your mom every other weekend, but you weren't going to start explaining all that to someone you hadn't known long.

"I see," he replied. "I have sisters too but they never did my hair."

"How thoughtless of them," you scoffed, keeping your hand on your chest.

"Right?" he agreed, acting all excited that someone finally understood the mistreatment. "I was feeling so left out."

"Looking good there, Dae-ho," Jung-bae commented and nodded his head in your way as he walked past the two of you, shooting a quick thumbs up to you.

Dae-ho couldn't help but blush a little, a flattered smile creeping on his face.

"So, if i mess this up at night," Dae-ho started shyly. "Will you do it again before the game?"

"I'd be glad to," you promised, smiling. "I just wish we had some hairspray here but no can do i suppose."

"Do you ever braid your own hair?" he asked, only having seen you with a simple ponytail while being here.

"Oh, i can't do anything fancy on myself, i don't really care either," you replied and shrugged. "I just like to style other people."

Dae-ho wanted to do a favor in return and braid your hair as well but he wouldn't even know where to start – it would only end up looking horrendous, making you undo everything he tried to pull on you.

"Well, i think you'd look really good with a braid too," he suggested. "You should practice it more."

"You think so?"

"Of course," he agreed, giving you a smile.

"I'll keep that in mind."

[gardenladysworld]

Starbound hearts

Status: I'm working on it

Pairings: Neteyam x human!f!reader

Aged up characters!

Genre/Warnings: fluff, slow burn, oblivious characters, light angst, hurt/comfort, pining

Summary: In the breathtaking, untamed beauty of Pandora, two souls from different worlds find themselves drawn together against all odds. Neteyam, the dutiful future olo'eyktan of the Omaticaya clan, is bound by the expectations of his people and the traditions of his ancestors. She, a human scientist with a love for Pandora’s wonders, sees herself as an outsider, unworthy of the connection she craves.

Tags: @nerdylawyerbanditprofessor-blog, @ratchetprime211, @poppyseed1031, @redflashoftheleaf, @nikipuppeteer@eliankm, @quintessences0posts, @minjianhyung @bkell2929

Part 19: To carry

Part 20: To suffer

The morning air was crisp, carrying the lingering scent of damp earth and vegetation as you crouched beside one of the large growing containers outside the outpost. The artificial sunlight panels above hummed softly, casting a warm glow over the rows of Pandoran plants that had been carefully cultivated in controlled conditions.

Kate was kneeling beside you, fingers gently brushing the bioluminescent leaves of a newly sprouted specimen, her datapad balanced on one knee. Brian stood nearby, arms crossed as he squinted at another batch of samples, muttering under his breath.

“These are growing way faster than I expected,” you mused, running a gloved hand along the delicate fronds of one plant. “We adjusted the nutrient mix last week, right?”

Kate nodded, clicking the end of her stylus against the glass of her mask. “Yeah, but I didn’t think it would have this much of an effect. Look at the root system—completely different from the control group inside.”

Brian snorted, nudging the edge of a container with his boot. “Probably because they like it out here better. I mean, who wouldn’t? Stuck inside that sterile lab or out here in fresh air, under actual sunlight.”

Kate rolled her eyes. “Brian, they’re plants. They don’t have personal preferences.”

Brian shrugged. “You say that, but I’ve seen enough weird shit on Pandora to believe these things have opinions.” He gestured at a vine creeping up the side of one container. “Like that one. It was barely a sprout last week, and now it’s trying to escape.”

You snickered, tapping a few notes into your datapad. “Maybe it heard you talking and decided to make a run for it.”

Kate laughed. “Yeah, that checks out. Brian does have that effect on people.”

Brian gasped, clutching his chest dramatically. “Wow. Betrayed by my own team.”

You grinned, leaning back on your heels. “If it helps, I think the plants tolerate you.”

Brian sighed. “I’ll take what I can get.”

For a while, the three of you fell into an easy rhythm—checking growth rates, documenting leaf pigmentation changes, and comparing data with previous readings. The work was familiar, grounding, a welcome distraction from the weight of everything else in your life. Until Kate casually dropped, “So. Last night was fun.”

You hummed in agreement, not looking up from your datapad. “Yeah, these samples are doing great.”

Kate snorted. “Oh, no, I wasn’t talking about the plants.”

You glanced up, catching the glint in her eye, and immediately felt a sense of impending doom. Brian crossed his arms, shaking his head with a long-suffering sigh.

“Oh, she doesn’t know,” he said, voice dripping with exaggerated tragedy. “Poor thing. Completely oblivious.”

You frowned. “Don’t know what?”

Kate placed a hand over her heart. “While you were off frolicking in the village with a certain warrior—”

Brian cut in, voice grave. “—we were fighting for our lives.”

You blinked, confused. “What?”

Kate sighed heavily, as if recounting a harrowing tale of survival. “The power grid had a massive failure. Outpost systems glitched so hard that the air filtration went down for an hour. An hour, where we had to wear exo-masks inside. Inside, like a bunch of stranded idiots in a tin can.”

Brian groaned. “Do you know how stuffy it gets in there when the ventilation cuts out even with masks? It was like slow suffocation.”

Kate clutched Brian’s arm dramatically. “We barely made it.”

Brian nodded solemnly. “Norm had to manually override half the systems to get them back online. Max looked like he was five seconds from a nervous breakdown. People were panicking.”

You stared at them, your brain slowly catching up. “Wait, seriously? The air system actually failed?”

Brian threw his hands up. “YES.”

Kate narrowed her eyes at you. “And where were you while we were suffering, hmm?”

The pieces clicked together, and warmth immediately crawled up your neck. “Oh, come on—”

“Oh, no, no,” Kate interrupted, pointing an accusing finger. “Don’t you dare try to act innocent.”

Brian scoffed. “She wasn’t just ‘in the village.’” He made air quotes, giving you a pointed look. “She was in Neteyam’s kelku. The brand new one he built with his own two hands. Probably wrapped up in some stupidly romantic nonsense while we were gasping for air like dying fish.”

Kate groaned. “God, it’s so unfair. We were in full-on survival mode, and she was—”

Brian cut in, raising his voice. “Oh, Neteyam, take me in your strong warrior arms!” He clutched his own chest in mock swoon.

Kate joined in with an exaggerated breathy voice. “Oh, ma yawntutsyìp, I’ll keep you safe in my big, muscular Na’vi embrace!”

Brian fake-gasped. “Oh, mighty warrior, you’re just so big—”

You wheezed with laughter, shaking your head. “Oh, fuck you two.”

Kate wasn’t done. “Meanwhile, we were actively perishing, and she was probably getting dicked down into the next plane of existence.”

Brian nodded sagely. “It’s true. We were barely hanging on, and she was experiencing spiritual ascension through alien dick.”

“Okay, okay! I get it.” You trying to catch your breath.

Kate smirked, raising an eyebrow. “So… you admit it?”

You gave them both an exasperated look behind your glinting exo-mask, but the smirk pulling at your lips gave you away. “I’m not denying anything.”

Brian groaned. “Unbelievable. We suffered. Suffered. And you—”

Kate gasped suddenly, grabbing Brian’s arm. “Brian, what if she was the reason the outpost almost died?”

Brian’s eyes widened in mock horror. “Of course! It all makes sense now!” He turned to you, shaking his head. “You must have broken some kind of Eywa rule. She was like, ‘oh, you wanna spend the night with the olo’eyktan’s son? Boom. Power outage. Choke on CO₂, humans.’”

Kate nodded solemnly. “It was divine punishment.”

You threw your hands up, still laughing. “Alright, that’s it. You both deserve to suffer.”

Brian placed a hand on his chest. “The betrayal. After everything we’ve been through.”

Kate wiped a fake tear as she swiped the glass of her mask. “We risked our lives, and she doesn’t even care.”

You snorted. “Norm let me stay in the village! It’s not my fault the outpost almost killed you all while I was gone!”

Brian huffed. “I’m just saying. Suspicious timing.”

Kate smirked. “Very suspicious.”

You shook your head, still grinning as you turned back to the plant samples. “You two are the worst.”

The morning sun was rising higher now, casting soft golden light over the outpost’s growing containers. The three of you had settled into a comfortable rhythm again, carefully checking the plant samples and logging observations, though the teasing hadn’t completely died down.

Brian was frowning at a particularly stubborn vine that had wrapped itself around the edge of a container, pulling at it like it had personally wronged him. “This thing’s got a death grip,” he muttered, wrestling with it. “I swear, everything on Pandora either wants to kill you or claim territory.”

Kate smirked. “Well, that’s nature for you. Survival of the fittest.”

Brian shot her a look. “Yeah? Then why is this thing trying to fight me? I’m clearly superior.”

Kate snorted. “Debatable.”

You chuckled, setting down your datapad as you inspected a leaf sample. “It’s probably reacting to environmental changes. The humidity’s been fluctuating more than usual. Maybe it’s compensating by clinging to something solid.”

Kate hummed thoughtfully. “That does sound like a logical explanation…” Then, she gave you a sly look. “Or, maybe it’s just possessive. Like a certain warrior we all know.”

You froze for a split second before sighing. “Kate.”

Brian perked up instantly. “Ohh, we’re back to that conversation, huh?” He tossed the stubborn vine aside, suddenly much more invested in what Kate had to say.

Kate grinned. “I mean, it’s only fair. She got to spend the night in the newest, most talked-about kelku in the entire village.” She elbowed you playfully. “Soooo… how is the place?”

You blinked, momentarily thrown off. “What?”

Brian grinned, leaning against one of the larger growing containers. “Oh, don’t play dumb. You know exactly what we’re talking about.”

Kate smirked. “Neteyam’s kelku.”

Your stomach did a little flip—whether from nerves or excitement, you weren’t sure. You should have known this was coming. Of course they were going to ask.

Kate rested her chin in her palm, watching you with amusement. “Sooo? How was it?”

You focused very hard on documenting one of the plant readings, pretending like your face wasn’t getting warmer. “It’s nice,” you said casually.

Brian scoffed. “Oh, come on. That’s it? ‘It’s nice’?” He gestured wildly. “The man spent weeks building the damn thing, and all you’ve got is ‘it’s nice’?”

Kate sighed dramatically. “Disappointing. Truly.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t fight the smile tugging at your lips. “What do you want me to say?”

Kate grinned. “Uh, everything? Details, woman!”

You exhaled through your nose, shaking your head. “Fine. It’s… beautiful.” Your voice softened slightly as you thought about it, the image of Neteyam’s home still fresh in your mind. “It’s in the upper levels of the trees, close enough to the village but still secluded. The main structure is woven from thick branches and vines, reinforced with thatched roofing—sturdy but open, so there’s plenty of light. And at night, the bioluminescent plants make it look like it’s glowing from the inside.”

Kate let out a dreamy sigh. “That sounds so much better than this metal shoebox we live in.”

Brian nodded. “Honestly, jealous. Dude really built himself a whole nature penthouse.”

You laughed as you started to revive the last night. “Yeah, pretty much. He even made sure there was a spot for his ikran to land nearby if he needed.”

Kate raised an eyebrow. “A private ikran parking spot? Fancy.”

You exhaled, coming back to the present, a small smile tugging at your lips. “Oh and he was definitely nervous,” you admitted. “Kept watching me like he was waiting for me to say something bad.”

Brian snorted. “As if that’s even possible. What, were you gonna be like, ‘ugh, Neteyam, what an ugly handcrafted home you built with your bare hands’?”

Kate laughed. “Exactly. Like, what was he expecting? A bad Yelp review?”

You shook your head, chuckling. “I don’t know. But when I told him it was beautiful, you should’ve seen the way his ears perked up. He looked so relieved.”

Brian snickered. “Man was literally on edge waiting for approval from his tiny human girlfriend.”

Kate waggled her eyebrows. “Aww, our big strong warrior just wants your approval.”

You shrugged, feeling a fond warmth spread through your chest. “I guess.” You smiled, shifting slightly. “And, uh… he also made some adjustments to certain areas. You know… for me.”

There was a brief silence before both Kate and Brian snapped their attention to you, eyes wide with instant realization.

“Oh my God,” Kate gasped.

Brian’s mouth dropped open. “Are you saying…?”

You hesitated, then shrugged. “I mean, he made sure some of the ledges weren’t too high, added extra footholds on the climb up, and even adjusted the hammock ties so I wouldn’t have to jump to reach them.” You tilted your head. “I didn’t really notice at first, but… yeah. He definitely considered my height when building it.”

Kate let out a high-pitched sound that could only be described as pure delight. “You adorable, stupid little human.”

Brian pointed at you like he’d just cracked a major conspiracy. “He built his house with you in mind. You.”

Kate threw her hands up. “That’s, like, peak mate behavior!”

Your stomach twisted at that, though you weren’t sure if it was panic or something softer, something that made your chest feel too full. Because, really, they weren’t wrong. Na’vi didn’t build separate homes unless they were preparing for the next stage of life. Neteyam had never had his own kelku before, not even after passing his rites. He had stayed with his family, partly because of his siblings and partly because of duty. But after his argument with Jake one month ago, he had decided to step away. And in the Omatikaya’s world, that decision meant one thing:

He was ready to choose his mate.

Your throat tightened. No one in the clan knew about the two of you, save for his siblings. And yet, when he had woven his new home together, he had instinctively accounted for you. Your size. Your comfort. Like it had been second nature to him.

Kate must have caught the look on your face because she groaned loudly. “Oh no. I see that overthinking expression. I see it.”

Brian sighed dramatically, rubbing his temples. “God, here we go. She’s spiraling.”

Kate mimicked your voice, making an exaggerated face of deep contemplation. “‘But what does it mean? Does he actually want to be with me? Or is this just, like, a coincidence? Does he even like me—’”

“Kate,” you hissed, smacking her arm as she burst into laughter.

Brian joined in, shaking his head as looking at Kate. “I bet she spent half the night just staring at the ceiling, trying to figure out if this was a symbolic gesture or not.”

You opened your mouth to argue—then immediately closed it because, well… they weren’t wrong.

Kate clapped her hands together. “See? I knew it!”

You sighed in defeat, rubbing a hand over your face. “Look, I know I’m overthinking it, okay? It’s just… it’s a big deal. And I don’t want to assume—”

Brian cut you off, deadpan. “Oh my god, just assume.”

Kate nodded. “Right? The man built a house. For himself, yes, but also for you. I mean, who do you think he imagined living there with him? His ikran?”

Kate grabbed Brian’s arm. “Brian, I’m going to scream.”

Brian put a hand over his heart. “I—Kate, I’m actually feeling a little emotional.”

Kate whirled on you, her eyes wide. “He customized his kelku for you.”

You buried your face in your hands. “Stop.”

Brian exhaled, shaking his head. “Damn. Imagine a guy literally restructuring his home to fit you. Couldn’t be me.”

Kate smacked his arm. “Because no one wants to live with you, Brian.”

You peeked at them through your fingers, laughing despite yourself. “It’s not that big of a deal.”

Kate gasped. “Not that big of a—oh, my Eywa, this girl.” She turned to Brian. “She’s too far gone.”

Brian nodded solemnly. “Hopeless.”

Kate groaned. “He’s literally nesting for you, and you’re just sitting here like, ‘oh, no big deal, just my giant blue alien boyfriend building us a love nest in the sky.’”

You rolled your eyes, but you couldn’t stop smiling.

Kate squinted at you. “What else?”

You hesitated again, the warmth in your chest spreading. “He… picked the softest pelts for the bed. For me—so I wouldn’t get cold at night.”

Kate grabbed Brian’s shoulder and shook him. “I’m going feral.”

Brian rubbed his temple. “Yeah, okay, even I gotta admit—that’s some husband behavior.”

Kate pointed at you. “Girl, you are so married already.”

You groaned, shaking your head. “We aren’t married.”

Kate scoffed. “Yet.”

Brian grinned. “This man’s literally out here setting up your future home while the whole clan still thinks he’s single.”

Kate crossed her arms. “Honestly? Power move.”

You sighed, leaning back on your hands. “I knew you two would be like this.”

Kate smirked. “Oh, don’t act all exasperated—you love it.”

You rolled your eyes. “Not as much as I love watching you two overreact to everything.”

Brian grinned. “Hey, it’s not overreacting when it’s true.”

Kate sighed dramatically. “Our little human is being courted and still refuses to admit how insanely cute it is.”

You shook your head, but warmth still lingered in your chest. Because, deep down, you knew they were right. Neteyam had built his kelku for himself. But, in so many ways, he had built it for you, too. Kate nudged you again, grinning. “So. When’s the housewarming party?”

Brian laughed. “Yeah, when do we get a tour?”

You snorted. “Never. You two would never leave.”

Kate gasped. “How dare you?”

Brian shook his head. “Unbelievable. We cheer you on, support your forbidden intergalactic romance, and this is the thanks we get?”

Kate crossed her arms. “See if we ever cover for you again.”

The conversation was still brimming with teasing laughter when Brian suddenly perked up, as if a thought had just struck him. “Oh! Speaking of big, important things happening—did you hear about a new Venture Star that just arrived?”

Kate’s eyes lit up. “Oh, hell yes I did.” She turned to you, practically vibrating with excitement. “We’ve got a fresh shipment in orbit, baby! New supplies, new equipment, maybe—” she wiggled her eyebrows dramatically “—some actual food that doesn’t taste like chalk.”

Brian groaned, stretching his arms behind his head. “Finally. I am so sick of those flavorless ration packs. One year of waiting for a resupply, and if I have to eat one more ‘nutrient-dense, efficiency-optimized’ protein bar, I’m gonna lose it.”

You snorted. “Oh, please. You’re acting like it’s Christmas. It’s just a supply ship.”

Kate shot him a look. “Are you kidding? It’s been six years since this shipment left Earth. That means everything on board is practically ancient history, but it’s new to us.”

You smirked, amused by their enthusiasm. The Venture Star was a marvel of human engineering—a massive interstellar vehicle that ran supply loops between Earth and Pandora, ensuring Pandora remained connected to the homeworld. The trip took six years one way, meaning that whatever had been packed on board had been sealed away for just as long. It wasn’t the first time a Venture Star had arrived since you’d been here, but it never failed to cause a stir among the humans.

Kate grinned. “I swear, if we get actual coffee this time, I might cry.”

Brian laughed. “Please, real coffee? In this economy? We’ll be lucky if we get the same freeze-dried sludge they sent last time.”

Kate groaned. “Ugh. Don’t remind me. That stuff tastes like someone ground up despair and disappointment and stuck it in a tin.”

He smirked. “Oh, and you drank it anyway.”

“Damn right I did,” Kate admitted. “Because I have no choice.”

Brian crossed his arms. “And if we’re lucky, a Valkyrie will actually land at Hell’s Gate sometime this week with our shipment.”

You snorted softly, amused at how quickly their focus had shifted. “You two are way too excited about this.”

Kate crossed her arms, looking thoughtful. “Oh! And I swear, if there’s no real chocolate in this shipment, I will riot. Also, if they actually sent new datapads, I’m replacing mine.” She held up her current one and wiggled it in emphasis. “This thing is basically being held together by sheer willpower.”

Brian snorted. “Good luck with that. If they sent any, the higher-ups probably hoarded it already.”

Kate groaned. “Ugh, corporate greed.”

Eventually, Brian turned to you, still fired up. “Okay, and you? What are you hoping for?”

You blinked, caught off guard. Truthfully, you hadn’t really thought about what you’d want. When you first arrived on Pandora, you’d clung to anything that reminded you of Earth—real coffee, small comforts that made the transition easier. But now? The idea of waiting eagerly for six-year-old supplies didn’t hold the same appeal.

Kate, of course, immediately picked up on your hesitation. Her grin turned downright wicked.

You shrugged. “Nothing, really.”

Both Kate and Brian stared at you. “…Nothing?” Brian repeated, like he had just misheard.

Kate squinted. “Not even a small request?”

You shook your head. “I mean… I can’t really think of anything I need.”

Kate gasped. “Oh, Eywa, it’s worse than I thought.”

Brian shook his head, looking at you with exaggerated disappointment. “You’ve gone native.”

You rolled your eyes. “Oh, please.”

Kate grinned. “No, no, Brian’s right. Look at you, all humble and self-sufficient. You’re basically Na’vi now. She doesn’t have to suffer with powdered eggs and freeze-dried meat. No, no. She gets fresh yovo fruit and grilled yerik meat, probably hand-fed to her by her mighty warrior.”

Brian smirked. “Neteyam probably makes sure you don’t have to eat those god-awful ration meals.”

You snorted. “First of all, I still live at the outpost. I eat here just like I always have. It’s not like I’ve completely abandoned human food.”

Kate shrugged. “Yeah, but do you have to? Or is Neteyam just keeping you so well-fed you could live off whatever he brings you?”

You felt heat creep up your neck.

Brian’s jaw dropped. “Oh my god.” He pointed at you. “He does.”

You groaned. “I hate both of you.”

Kate smirked. “I mean, it makes sense. A Na’vi mate would never let their partner go hungry.”

Brian shook his head in mock amazement. “Woman, you are set for life.”

You shrugged, glancing up at the sky again. “I guess I’m just more interested in the people than the supplies.”

Kate raised an eyebrow. “The new recruits?”

You nodded. “Right now, there are people waking up on that ship, coming out of cryo-sleep after six years. They’re getting ready to come down here, just like we did.”

That thought stuck with you—the idea that, right now, there were dozens of people groggily adjusting to consciousness, their bodies still stiff from the long journey. You had been in their shoes once, stepping out of cryo and onto a planet you had only seen through data reports and holovideo feeds. It had been overwhelming, terrifying, and exhilarating all at once.

Kate considered that for a moment. “Huh. I guess I hadn’t really thought about that.”

Brian, however, just sighed. “Well, don’t get too excited. We probably won’t even meet them.”

You frowned. “What do you mean?”

Brian gave you a look. “Come on, you know they’re sending them to Bridgehead. We’re just a tiny science outpost in the middle of nowhere. Hell’s Gate is just a landing site now—it’s not like we have room for new people.”

You hated that he was right. Bridgehead was where the real human operations were now. A massive city, heavily fortified, brimming with RDA forces and corporate infrastructure. It was where all the major personnel transfers happened, where the actual newcomers would be processed.

Here, at the outpost? There were only twenty of you. And you were already at full capacity.

Kate made a face. “Ugh. I hate that he’s right.”

Brian smirked. “I usually am.”

Kate smacked his arm. “Don’t ruin this for me.”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “Still, it’s kind of surreal, isn’t it? Knowing that, right now, there are people on that ship experiencing Pandora for the first time?”

Kate nodded. “Yeah… I remember what that was like. It’s weird to think we were in cryo for six years before even getting here.”

Brian groaned. “Don’t remind me. That was the worst nap of my life.”

Kate snorted. “Same. Woke up feeling like I got hit by a space truck.”

You smiled faintly, staring up at the sky one more time. Six years of travel. Six years away from everything familiar. And now, a new batch of humans was about to step foot on this moon, just like you once had. They had no idea what was waiting for them.

The storage room was a mess of crates, inventory lists, and half-packed supplies. The air was thick with the scent of old metal and sterilized packaging as you moved between the shelves, reorganizing to make enough space for tomorrow’s delivery.

Kate and Brian were working alongside you—sort of. Kate was more focused on making sarcastic comments about the state of the supply room, while Brian had taken it upon himself to dramatically announce every box he moved, as if he were performing some heroic feat.

“And here we have the last-known ration packs of the Dark Age,” Brian declared, holding up a box labeled Emergency Protein Supplies. “Careful! If you breathe near them wrong, they might turn to dust.”

Kate snorted. “Please. Those things have more preservatives than actual food.”

You smirked, adjusting a stack of storage bins. “Yeah, and yet, you two are still excited for whatever garbage food the Venture Star brings us this week.”

Brian pointed at you. “Hey, those garbage snacks are a taste of home.”

Kate huffed as she shoved a heavy container into place. “You know, for a science outpost, we sure do a lot of heavy lifting.”

Brian grunted as he hauled another crate onto a shelf. “Welcome to Pandora. Where even the nerds have to do manual labor.”

You snorted, wiping the sweat from your brow as you double-checked the inventory list. “Come on, it’s not that bad. We’ll be done soon enough.”

Kate shot you a look. “Easy for you to say. You’ve got an extra incentive to work fast—someone is probably waiting for you in the village.”

Brian smirked. “Yeah, shouldn’t you be out there enjoying your Na’vi luxury lifestyle instead of sweating with us lowly humans?”

You rolled your eyes. “Oh, shut up.”

Before they could tease you further, the sound of the airlock opening made all three of you glance up. The familiar, heavy steps of someone much taller than you echoed through the hall, and your heart skipped a beat before you even turned around.

Neteyam.

He walked toward you with that easy, confident stride of his, his golden eyes scanning the storage room before settling on you. His face softened, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he approached. Without hesitation, he crouched down in front of you, one knee on the floor, and leaned in to press a soft kiss to your lips.

When Neteyam pulled back, golden eyes flickering with quiet affection, he gave you a small, knowing smile. “Oel ngati kameie, ma’yawne.”

The warmth of it spread through you instantly, but before you could react, he pulled back slightly and murmured, “I brought you something.”

Curious, you watched as he reached into the small satchel strapped to his side and carefully placed a few delicacies on the crate beside you—fruits, nuts and some meat, things he must have gone out of his way to gather. Before you could even form a response, Kate and Brian burst into laughter.

“Oh my Eywa,” Kate wheezed, clutching her stomach. “We called it! The prophecy has been fulfilled!”

Brian grinned. “What did I say? She doesn’t even need Earth supplies—her big blue boyfriend is out here delivering fresh jungle snacks like some kind of Na’vi Uber Eats.”

You groaned, feeling your face heat up. “Would you two shut up?”

Brian pointed at Neteyam. “Dude, you literally just proved our argument from this morning. We said she doesn’t need rations because you keep her fed, and here you are, hand-delivering gourmet meals!”

Kate wiped a fake tear. “It’s beautiful, really.”

Neteyam’s ears flicked in amusement as he glanced between them, then back at you. And then, because he was a menace, he casually said, “She does not ask for these things, but…” He tilted his head, golden eyes gleaming with mischief. “I take care of what is mine.”

Kate choked.

Brian gawked. “Wait. What?”

You turned your head so fast you nearly pulled a muscle. “Neteyam!”

He blinked at you, innocent as ever. “What?”

Kate’s jaw dropped. “Did he just—? Did you just claim her in front of us?!”

Brian looked torn between horror and awe. “I don’t even know how to process this.”

You groaned, covering your face with your hands. “He’s joking.”

Neteyam smirked, clearly enjoying himself. “Am I?”

Kate swatted your arm. “Woman. If I were you, I’d be panicking right now.”

You shot Neteyam a glare, but he only looked amused, his tail flicking happily behind him. He totally did that on purpose. Taking a deep breath, you shook your head and focused on your actual job. “Alright, you two, enough. We have work to do.”

Kate still looked like she wanted to dissect Neteyam’s statement under a microscope, but thankfully, she let it go—at least for now. Neteyam chuckled softly, clearly entertained, before nudging the bundle toward you again. “Eat,” he said simply.

And damn it, you couldn’t resist. The first bite of fruit was so sweet it nearly made you groan, and Kate’s knowing look only made the moment worse. You ignored them both, focusing instead on Neteyam, who was watching you with quiet amusement. You huffed but didn’t argue. Instead, you turned to Neteyam. “What brings you here, besides bribing me with food?”

His ears flicked slightly. “I was hoping you’d come to the village tonight.”

The question made your heart skip a beat. And oh, how badly you wanted to say yes. You hesitated, fingers still curled around a piece of fruit.

Eywa, you wanted to. The thought of returning to his kelku, curling up beside him, letting the rest of the world fade away—it was tempting in a way that made your chest ache.

But…

You sighed, shaking your head. “I can’t.”

Neteyam frowned slightly, his ears twitching. “Why?”

You gestured around the outpost. “We need to clear space before the supply drop. It’s going to be chaos this week when the Valkyrie finally lands at Hell’s Gate.”

His ears twitched, and his gaze flicked toward the stacked crates before returning to you. “You work too much.”

You huffed a quiet laugh. “Says the warrior who never takes a break.”

His lips quirked, but then he asked, “More humans are coming?”

You hesitated. “Probably.”

Neteyam’s expression didn’t shift, but you could feel his unease. And you understood why. More humans meant more problems. The Omatikaya were already wary of the few remaining humans allowed on Pandora. The only reason this outpost still existed was because of Jake Sully’s leadership—because he had allowed it. Beyond this, for a few hundred miles in every direction, no other human settlements remained.

This outpost was the last true sanctuary for humans anywhere near this part of Pandora. If it weren’t for Jake, they wouldn’t even be allowed to stay here. Neteyam’s tail flicked in irritation. “Father has spoken of this before. He says the Sky People do not stop coming.”

You sighed. “They don’t.”

Neteyam exhaled, clearly mulling over your words. He had grown up knowing the tension between his people and the humans, and he understood better than most how precarious that balance was. The Na’vi only human allies was this outpost with a few selected people. Before he could respond, a familiar voice chimed in from behind him. Norm.

You turned as he approached, arms crossed. “They’ll be sent to Bridgehead. That’s where the real operations are. Hell’s Gate is just a landing site now.”

Neteyam’s expression didn’t change, but you knew he wasn’t surprised. He had heard about Bridgehead from his father before. A human stronghold built near the ocean, far enough from the Omatikaya to not be an immediate issue. But even so, as the humans continued to come back to Pandora after the Great War, it was unsettling.

For a long moment, nobody spoke. You exhaled, rubbing your arms as you glanced at Neteyam. “I know,” you murmured. “I know it’s not… ideal.”

Neteyam studied you for a moment, then shook his head slightly, as if brushing the thought away. “It does not matter,” he said simply. “Bridgehead is far.”

It was true. Bridgehead was far.

But…

It was still growing.

You could see it on his face, the same thing that had gnawed at you ever since you heard about the Venture Star’s arrival.

The humans weren’t leaving. They were coming back. More than ever. And what would that mean for the Na’vi? For this outpost? For you?

You swallowed, pushing the thoughts away before they could spiral. Because the thing was, despite everything, when you were with Neteyam—when he looked at you the way he did, touched you like you belonged at his side—he never let you feel different. Never let you feel like an outsider. Even now, as his golden eyes settled on you, there was no hesitation. No doubt. Only that quiet, unshakable certainty. That you were his.

The steady hum of the outpost filled the air as you continued working, shifting crates and clearing space for the incoming supplies. Neteyam had stayed beside you, helping where he could—though helping was a generous word for what he was actually doing.

At first, it was simple. He handed you items when you needed them, moved heavier equipment with ease, and brushed his fingers against yours every chance he got. But then, he started making it difficult. Lingering touches. His large hands resting against your lower back as he leaned over you to pass your datapad. The warmth of his body as he crouched beside you to lift a crate, his tail flicking idly against your thigh.

You had tried so hard to ignore it, but Kate and Brian had definitely noticed. “I can’t watch this anymore,” Kate muttered under her breath, nudging Brian. “Come on, let’s go clear the storage bay before I start gagging.”

Brian smirked. “You’re just mad no one’s being this soft with you.”

Kate scoffed. “I’d rather die than deal with whatever this is.”

You shot them both a glare. “Goodbye.”

Kate grinned. “Have fun, lovebirds.”

And then they were gone, leaving you alone with Neteyam in the quiet hum of the outpost. You sighed, standing up and brushing dust off your hands. “You should go back to the village.”

Neteyam hummed, clearly not taking you seriously as he crouched casually next to the crate beside you. “I am fine here.”

“You have work to do.”

He tilted his head, golden eyes flicking over your face. “So do you.”

You huffed, crossing your arms. “I mean actual work. Na’vi things. Not hanging around here distracting me.”

He gave a low chuckle, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. “I am distracting you?”

You leveled him with a flat look. “Obviously.”

His tail flicked behind him, his amusement only growing. “Maybe you are distracting me.”

You rolled your eyes, turning back to your work. “I’m serious, Neteyam.”

He didn’t move. Instead, he took the datapad from your hands before you could protest and placed it on the crate behind you. Then, with deliberate slowness, he reached out, his large hand brushing your waist as he crawled closer. You inhaled sharply, tilting your head up to meet his gaze. “Neteyam—this only will take a few days.”

“Alright. I will leave,” he murmured, dipping his head slightly, not quiet please by the few days fact, “but you are not making it easy.”

You let out a soft, breathy laugh. “I’m not making it easy?”

He smirked, the corner of his lips lifting in that infuriatingly charming way. “No.”

You exhaled, shaking your head fondly. “I swear...”

He only smiled, waiting. You bit your lip, considering your options. Fine. If he wanted to play this game, you would win.

Stepping forward, you tilted up onto your toes, your hands gliding up his arms—over the hard muscle of his biceps, past the strong curve of his shoulders—until they reached his neck. His breath hitched as your fingers trailed slowly along his skin, finally circling behind his head, pulling him just a little closer. His ears flicked forward, curious. You leaned in, your lips brushing just beneath one of them as you whispered, “If you leave now, I’ll stay with you in your kelku next time for a whole day.”

His entire body went still. You smirked, pressing the softest kiss just under his ear, feeling the way his muscles tensed beneath your fingertips. His tail twitched, curling slightly at the tip. For a long moment, he didn’t move, didn’t breathe. Then, finally, he let out a slow exhale, his voice low and full of something unreadable. “You fight dirty, yawne.”

You pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, smiling innocently. “Is it working?”

He studied you, golden gaze smoldering, before he sighed—reluctant, defeated. “…Fine.”  His gaze lingered on you for a moment longer before he let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “Kanu hì'i vrrtep.”[Smart little demon]

You grinned but your face heated up from his words. “Good.”

He brushed his nose against yours—a soft, fleeting touch—before stepping back. “But next time,” he said, voice smooth as silk, “I am keeping you for much longer.”

You shivered, heat curling in your stomach at the way he said it. Before you could respond, he turned, heading toward the exit. But just as he reached the door, he glanced over his shoulder, his smirk returning. “Try not to miss me too much.”

You rolled your eyes, fighting back a laugh. “Get out of here, mighty warrior.”

His chuckle echoed through the hall as he disappeared, leaving you standing there, heart still racing, already counting down the hours until tomorrow night.

The late afternoon air was thick with the scent of damp earth as Neteyam adjusted the strap of his bow, the fading sunlight casting long shadows across the dense Pandoran jungle. He had spent the past few hours hunting alongside the young warriors of the clan, guiding them through the thickets, teaching them patience, precision. Neteyam’s movements were swift, precise—his arrows flew true, finding their mark with practiced ease. The hunt was over quickly, their kills clean—six yeriks taken down.

As the others began the process of field dressing the animals, Neteyam wiped a small trickle of blood from a shallow cut on his arm. Nothing serious, but he knew it would need salve. He sighed, already knowing where he would need to go next before returning to his kelku.

Even as he congratulated the others, even as he carried his share of the game back to the communal storage, his mind was elsewhere.

It was foolish to let himself be so distracted. But Eywa help him—he could not stop.

The scent of burning herbs and medicinal paste filled the air as Neteyam stepped inside the Tsahik’s tent. Mo’at sat in her usual place, grinding some fresh herbs in a small clay bowl. The soft glow of bioluminescent fungi illuminated the space, casting her sharp features in a warm light.

She did not look up as he entered, but she did not need to. “You are hurt,” she said simply, her tone carrying that knowing edge that always made Neteyam feel like a child again.

“Only small wounds, grandmother,” he assured her.

Despite the gentle flickering of the flames, the space felt cool, shaded from the late afternoon heat. She didn’t look up as she spoke.

“You walk as though your mind is elsewhere, ma ‘itan.”

Neteyam hesitated mid-step. He had hoped to be in and out quickly, but of course, nothing got past his grandmother.

“I am just tired,” he said smoothly, moving closer. “Long day.”

Mo’at finally lifted her gaze, studying him as if she could see right through the words. She motioned for him to sit. “Come.”

Neteyam obeyed, kneeling before her as she reached for a clay jar, her movements slow and deliberate. She scooped out a bit of the salve with practiced fingers and began to apply it to his wound. The cool, earthy scent of the paste settled over him as she worked.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Neteyam focused on the way Mo’at’s hands moved with steady precision, her touch familiar and grounding. But then she tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“You are troubled.”

Neteyam let out a slow breath. “I am fine, grandmother.”

Mo’at made a quiet sound—half amusement, half disbelief. “I may be old, ma ‘itan, but I am not blind.” She wrapped a strip of cloth over his arm, tying it off neatly before fixing him with a look. “Your body is here, but your spirit is not. Where does your heart wander, Neteyam?”

His throat tightened. He forced himself to keep his expression calm. “Nowhere. I only think of my duties.”

“It is good that you take your duties seriously,” she said. “But you have avoided this conversation for long enough, ma’itan,” she said, her voice calm but resolute.

Neteyam stiffened slightly, though he tried to keep his expression neutral. “…What conversation?”

Mo’at gave him a look—one that told him she was not in the mood for games. “Do not play foolish with me, child. You know of what I speak.”

Neteyam exhaled slowly, already knowing where this was going. He had heard it many times before, always managing to sidestep it, to push it away with excuses. But this time, he could feel it in his bones—there would be no avoiding it.

Mo’at continued as she spread the salve over a long scrape on his shoulder. “The time has come. You are no longer a boy. You have built your own kelku.” She paused, letting the weight of her words settle between them. “It is time to choose a mate.”

Neteyam clenched his jaw, his hands instinctively curling into fists against his thighs. He lowered his gaze, focusing on the woven mat beneath them rather than the knowing look in her eyes.

"I am still learning," he had said when he was sixteen. "I must focus on my duties," he had said at eighteen. "I will know when the time is right," he had said at twenty.

“I am not ready,” he murmured, the excuse feeling weaker than it ever had before.

Mo’at clicked her tongue, her fingers stilling against his skin. “Neteyam.” Her voice softened, but there was no mistaking the authority in it. “You have been saying this for years.”

Because it was easier to say he was not ready. Easier to pretend that his path was still unclear. That his heart had not already found its home in the arms of someone the clan would never accept.

Mo’at continued, dipping her fingers back into the salve and continue to apply the ointment on his other small injury. “The elders have chosen a few fine young women—strong, skilled, and wise. Any of them would make a good Tsahik to stand at your side. Any one of them would make a fine mate for you.”

Neteyam swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. He knew this was coming, had always known. Ever since he completed his Uniltaron at fourteen, the women of the clan had waited, watching, hoping. Over the years, many had tried to get close to him, to make themselves worthy of his attention. Some had been gentle in their affections, others more persistent. But he had never chosen. Never wanted to.

Back then, he had resisted simply because he did not want to choose. He had never felt the pull toward any of the women around him, despite their attempts to get close. And over the years, as his father, his mother, even the elders had tried to push him toward a match, he had always refused.

Not then. And now… now, his heart was no longer his own to give.

Mo’at pressed the last bit of salve to his skin, but her gaze was no longer on his arm. She was watching him now, her sharp golden eyes studying his face, searching deeper than he was comfortable with.

“You hesitate,” she noted.

Neteyam exhaled slowly. “I have not yet decided.”

Mo’at’s lips pursed slightly. “Strange. A warrior who is ready to lead, yet cannot make a choice.”

He had no answer to that.

She watched him for a long moment, and then, something shifted in her expression. Her gaze softened, just slightly, her keen eyes seeing something even he had not realized was visible.

“You remind me of your mother,” she murmured.

Neteyam blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

Mo’at sat back, folding her hands in her lap. “Neytiri was meant to be Tsu’tey’s mate,” she said, voice calm, measured. “It was decided by the elders after your aunt’s passing. He was to be Olo’eyktan, and she, Tsahik. It was the future the clan saw for her.” She tilted her head. “But her heart did not belong to him.”

Neteyam swallowed thickly, his throat suddenly dry.

Mo’at nodded. “She chose a man who was not of her people. A dream-walker. A man who, at the time, was not even truly Na’vi.” Her gaze did not waver from his. “And despite all expectations, despite all tradition, she chose him anyway.”

The air between them was thick now, charged with something unspoken. Neteyam looked away. “That was different.”

“Was it?” Mo’at’s voice was patient, but there was a knowing edge to it. “She followed her heart, even when it was difficult. Even when others did not approve. And now, you sit before me, looking very much like your mother once did when she, too, was being told to choose.”

Neteyam’s jaw tightened. He knew that she was beginning to see the truth—one he had tried to keep hidden. Neteyam forced himself to breathe evenly, but his mind was racing. Did she know? Could she see it in him?

Mo’at wiped her hands clean, tilting her head slightly. “You are your mother’s son, Neteyam. I see it in you.” She studied him, eyes sharp with quiet understanding. “Your heart is not hesitant because you do not want to choose.” She reached forward then, placing a gentle but firm hand over his chest, right where his heart pounded against his ribs. “It is hesitant because it already has.”

His breath caught.

Mo’at exhaled softly, nodding to herself as if she had just confirmed something. “I see now.”

Neteyam’s throat tightened. “See what?”

A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “Your heart belongs to someone already.”

He felt his entire body go still. His mouth opened, but no words came.

Mo’at merely raised a knowing brow. “And yet, I do not see you walking among the young women chosen for you. I do not see you speaking of them, or seeking their company.” Her gaze softened, just slightly. “No. Your heart is not here.”

Neteyam swallowed hard. His pulse was a steady drumbeat against his ribs, his hands curling slightly against his thighs.

Mo’at reached out, her aged fingers briefly brushing against his cheek in a rare moment of tenderness. “Tell me, ma ‘itan. Who is she?”

His lips parted, but no words came out. Because what could he say? How could he admit it? That the one who had claimed his heart was not Na’vi, not one of the women the elders had chosen for him, but a small, stubborn, brilliant creature of the sky?

Neteyam inhaled sharply, his mind a whirlwind. For so long, he had kept this hidden, had carefully shielded it from everyone but his siblings. But now, sitting here under the weight of Mo’at’s gaze, he knew there was no use in lying.

She already knew.

But before he could say anything—before he could even begin to form the words—Mo’at chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Ah,” she murmured, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “You need not say it. I already know. It is not the way of our People to give their hearts lightly. The Great Mother chooses for us.” She tilted her head. “You have always been an obedient son,” she mused, her voice thoughtful. “Always followed the path set before you.” She paused, then added, “But the heart… does not always listen to duty, does it?”

Mo’at’s smile was small but understanding. “You have your mother’s heart,” she whispered. “Stubborn, loyal… and foolishly in love with a human.”

Neteyam’s stomach twisted in anticipation of judgment, of reprimand. But none came.

Instead, Mo’at simply sighed, her eyes distant, as if remembering something from long ago. “Fate has a strange way of repeating itself.”

His throat tightened. He had feared this moment for so long. He had imagined the disappointment, the anger, the judgment.

But it did not come.

Instead, Mo’at’s gaze softened, a knowing warmth in her expression. “It is a heavy thing, to love beyond what is expected. But I have seen this before.”

Neteyam swallowed hard. “And you do not judge me?”

Mo’at let out a quiet breath, shaking her head. “What is there to judge? Love is not something to be chosen from a list. It is not something that can be forced.” Her hand, still resting over his chest, pressed gently. “If your heart has chosen, then it is not my place to tell it otherwise.”

Neteyam exhaled shakily, a weight he hadn’t even realized he was carrying suddenly lifting from his shoulders. “I…”

Mo’at pulled back, her sharp gaze returning. “But you must be sure,” she warned. “A choice like this is not without difficulty. You know this.”

Neteyam nodded slowly. “I do.”

She studied him for a long moment, then sighed. “Then I will not ask again.” A small smirk tugged at her lips. “But do not think the others will stop.”

Neteyam huffed out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “I would expect nothing less.”

Mo’at chuckled softly. Then, with a final pat to his arm, she rose to her feet. “Go, ma ‘itan.” Her eyes twinkled with something unreadable. “You have much to think about.”

Neteyam stepped out of the Tsahik’s tent, the warm afternoon air wrapping around him as he inhaled deeply. The weight that had been pressing against his chest all morning had lightened, replaced with something unfamiliar yet welcome. Relief.

For the first time in a long while, he didn’t feel like he was hiding. Mo’at knew—really knew—and she had not scolded him, had not judged him. Instead, she had simply understood.

It was more than he had dared to hope for.

He had barely taken a few steps toward the village before he spotted Lo’ak leaning lazily against a thick tree root nearby, arms crossed, his ever-present smirk firmly in place. Neteyam knew that look.

It meant trouble.

Lo’ak pushed off the root, strolling toward him with an easy swagger. “Damn, bro,” he drawled. “That was a long talk with Grandmother. Thought she was gonna keep you in there all night.”

Neteyam rolled his eyes but couldn’t fight the small smirk tugging at his lips. “She had… a lot to say.”

Lo’ak’s sharp golden eyes flickered over him, his smirk widening. “Yeah, no shit. You looked like you were carrying the weight of the whole clan when you went in there. But now?” He tilted his head, inspecting him. “You seem… different.”

Neteyam’s ears twitched. “Different?”

Lo’ak’s grin turned positively wicked. “Yeah. Like a guy who finally woke up with his woman next to him.”

Neteyam stiffened for half a second before schooling his expression. “Lo’ak—”

“Oh, don’t even try it,” Lo’ak cut in, waving a hand. “I know she was with you last night.”

Neteyam exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Keep your voice down.”

Lo’ak snorted. “Relax, bro. No one else is listening.” He grinned, nudging Neteyam’s arm. “But c’mon, you gotta admit, this is huge. First night in your own kelku, and you actually let yourself have what you want for once.” He let out a low whistle. “Bet that felt good.”

Neteyam sighed, shaking his head. “It did,” he admitted, quieter now. His voice softened, a small, unguarded smile playing at his lips. “I… I like having her there. Waking up and knowing she’s next to me.”

Lo’ak groaned dramatically. “Ew, bro, keep it in your head, I don’t need details.”

Neteyam huffed out a laugh, shoving his brother lightly. “Shut up, Lo’ak.”

Lo’ak smirked but then took a step back, his teasing expression shifting into something a little more serious. “Listen, I’m happy for you. Really, I am.” His tail flicked, ears twitching slightly. “But… you do realize you’re not exactly subtle, right?”

Neteyam tensed. “What do you mean?”

Lo’ak raised an eyebrow. “I mean, if I can tell just by looking at you, then Grandmother sure as hell picked up on it, too.”

Neteyam’s stomach twisted. He had barely said anything to Mo’at, and yet, she had known. Had Lo’ak really seen it that easily, too?

Lo’ak crossed his arms. “I don’t think she’ll say anything to Mom and Dad… but if you don’t want an argument with them, you should be more careful.”

Neteyam’s jaw clenched. He knew Lo’ak was right. He knew that if their parents found out, it wouldn’t be as simple as it had been with Mo’at. Jake, especially, would have a lot to say.

But…

His mind drifted back to last night—to the way she had looked in the soft glow of the bioluminescent plants that lit his kelku. The way she had curled up beside him, her warmth seeping into him as she slept. The peaceful rise and fall of her breathing, the delicate weight of her resting against him.

How could something that felt so right be so wrong in the clan’s eyes?

Neteyam shook his head. “I don’t want to hide, Lo’ak.”

Lo’ak’s expression flickered with something unreadable. “I get that,” he admitted. “But you know how they are.”

Neteyam exhaled heavily. “I do.” His gaze flicked up to meet Lo’ak’s. “But I also know that I want this.”

Lo’ak sighed, shaking his head with a chuckle. “Yeah, no kidding. You’ve wanted this for ages.”

Neteyam smirked. “And now I have it.”

Lo’ak grinned, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “Yeah, yeah. Just… don’t get caught yet, bro. ‘Cause if it were me sneaking around with a human girl, I’d already be getting the lecture of a lifetime.”

Neteyam snorted. “That’s because you make terrible choices.”

Lo’ak gasped dramatically. “Wow. Betrayed by my own brother.”

Neteyam chuckled, shaking his head as he started walking toward the village paths. Lo’ak fell into step beside him, still grinning.

As they walked, Lo’ak glanced at him sideways. “So… you really like waking up with her, huh?”

Neteyam’s ears flicked. His lips curled slightly, gaze distant but warm. “Yeah,” he murmured. “I do.”

Lo’ak rolled his eyes, but his smirk never wavered. “Damn. You’ve got it bad, bro.”

Neteyam didn’t even deny it.

The steady thrum of the SA-2 Samson’s rotors vibrated through your seat as you peered out the open side door, the thick Pandoran air rushing past you in a humid blur. Below, the jungle stretched endlessly, the deep green canopy occasionally broken by winding rivers and towering rock formations. But up ahead, the dense wilderness gave way to something different—something you hadn’t seen in a long time.

Hell’s Gate.

Or what was left of it.

As the Samson approached, you leaned forward, eyes widening as the ruins of the old RDA compound came into view. Once a sprawling fortress of metal and concrete, the years of neglect had turned it into something else entirely. Rust and vegetation fought for dominance, creeping vines twisting around steel beams, shattered windows glinting in the midday sun. The towering security fences that once stood impenetrable were now collapsed in places, swallowed by the relentless jungle.

But for the first time in years, it looked alive.

Your Samson swooped in low, circling the outskirts of the landing zone before finally descending toward an old clearing, the last functioning helipad still intact.

You barely felt the impact as the landing skids met the ground. As soon as the side doors slid open, you stepped out onto the platform, the rush of fresh air carrying the distinct scent of damp earth and old metal even through the filtration system of your mask.

The scene before you was almost surreal—dozens of people moving in hurried yet precise motions, some in exo-masks, others already adjusted to Pandora’s atmosphere. Avatar drivers hauled heavy crates with ease, towering over the human workers who worked in sync beside them.

Norm was already there, standing near a group of Avatar pilots who were manually sorting cargo. He looked up as you and your team approached, lifting his datapad with a nod.

“Finally,” he called, glancing at the crates still being unloaded. “We need all hands on deck if we want to get this inventory logged before nightfall.”

Kate snorted beside you. “Yeah, yeah, Norm, we’re here. Keep your socks on. Blame our ancient Samson,” Kate quipped, shouldering her bag. “I think it lost a few screws on the way here.”

Norm snorted. “I’ll put in a maintenance request. Maybe we’ll get it fixed in, oh… never.”

You chuckled, then glanced at the towering stacks of crates being unloaded from the Valkyrie. “How much are we looking at?”

Norm rubbed the back of his neck. “A lot. More than we expected.” He handed you a datapad loaded with inventory logs. “We’ve got rations, medical supplies, field equipment… looks like they even threw in some updated research terminals.”

Kate let out a low whistle as she skimmed her own datapad. “Shit. This is actually good stuff.”

“Yeah,” Norm said, then grinned. “And before you ask—yes, there’s coffee.”

Kate gasped, looking up at the sky. “Eywa bless.”

You know Brian, who had stayed back at the outpost, was going to be so mad he missed this.

The group quickly split up, working alongside the others to catalog the shipment. The Valkyrie’s cargo bay was a maze of metal crates, each marked with serial codes that had to be logged before transport. You moved between them, checking your datapad as you double-checked the manifests.

Not far away, a few Avatar drivers were hauling heavier supplies to the storage area, their movements fluid and efficient. One of them—James, a former RDA scientist who had defected—grinned as he carried two massive crates like they weighed nothing.

“Need a hand, shorty?” he teased, nodding at the much smaller box you were lifting.

You rolled your eyes. “You offering, or just showing off?”

“A little of both.” He smirked, easily placing his crates down before taking yours and stacking it on top. “There. Now you won’t throw your back out.”

“Appreciate it,” you said dryly, making a note on your datapad.

Norm rolled his eyes but smirked as he waved you over. “Yeah, yeah. Come on. We’ve got a ton of stuff to go through, and the last thing we need is for this crap to get mixed up with Bridgehead’s shipment.”

You jogged to his side, eyes flicking to the mountain of supplies being sorted. “Damn,” you muttered. “Did we really order this much?”

Norm handed you another datapad. “Six years’ worth of backlog finally catching up with us. We’re getting stuff that was meant to be here ages ago.”

Kate whistled as she skimmed her own list. “That explains why half this shit looks like it was packed by someone who thought we still had the old lab running.”

You flicked through your datapad, quickly calculating the loads. “Okay, we’ll need to prioritize the perishables first. Anything with medical supplies gets packed separately—Max is going to want a full inventory on that.”

“Got it,” Kate said, already typing.

A sharp whistle cut through the air as one of the Avatar drivers—Liam, you thought—waved from a hover cart. “We’re loading the heavier crates onto the western platform. Give me a list of what needs to go first.”

You nodded and tapped quickly on your screen. “Sending it now.”

The next hour passed in a blur of movement—checking manifests, hauling supplies, redirecting mispacked items that were supposed to go to Bridgehead instead. The noise of machinery and voices blended together, the work fast-paced but efficient.

Norm handed you a datapad. “Start checking crate IDs and matching them with the manifest. We’ve got to separate what’s going back to the outpost from what’s staying here.”

Kate took one look at the endless list on her own datapad and groaned. “God, why did I come here?”

You smirked. “Because you wanted to see if there was chocolate.”

Kate pointed at you. “And if there isn’t, I’m burning this place down.”

Shaking your head, you scanned the first set of crates. The work wasn’t hard, just tedious—checking serial numbers, cross-referencing supply lists, making sure nothing was missing. As you moved through the organized chaos, you couldn’t help but marvel at how much life had returned to this place.

Later the storage bay was a war zone.

Stacks of crates towered like haphazard city blocks, lining the walls and filling every available inch of floor space. The entire outpost was a hive of movement—scientists, technicians, and Avatar drivers —now without their Avatars— hauling supplies back and forth, checking lists, arguing over mislabeled shipments, and generally cursing the logistical nightmare that was the latest supply drop.

You sat cross-legged in the middle of the chaos, back hunched over a datapad as you furiously logged inventory. The harsh glow of the overhead lights reflected off the screen, numbers blurring together as you tried to make sense of the mess.

Kate flopped onto a nearby crate with a dramatic groan, swiping her sleeve over her sweaty forehead. “I swear to Eywa, if I have to log one more serial number, I’m going to throw myself into the sterilization unit.”

Brian, hunched over a different stack of boxes, let out a dry laugh. “Make sure you put that in the inventory log before you go.” He tapped his screen. “One human researcher, fully incinerated. No refunds.”

Kate groaned, tilting her head back. “We’ve been at this for three days. Three days.”

You sighed, flicking through the latest shipment manifest. “Yeah, and we’re still not done. There’s at least a dozen more crates in the eastern bay that haven’t even been opened yet.”

Brian dropped his datapad onto his lap. “Whose brilliant idea was it to send this much crap all at once?”

“Blame Earth,” Kate muttered. “Apparently, six years of backlog means we get everything dumped on us at once.” She sat up, rubbing her temples. “And you know what the worst part is?”

Brian gave her a flat look. “Please, enlighten me.”

Kate pointed at the crate beside her. “This entire box? Expired protein bars.”

You winced. “Seriously?”

“Yep.” She patted the crate like it was an old friend. “Some poor soul packed these six years ago thinking they’d be useful. Now they’re basically astronaut-flavored cardboard.”

Brian snorted. “Honestly, that describes half of our rations anyway.”

Kate leaned forward, smirking. “And don’t even get me started on the medical supplies. We found a crate of syringes that expired before we even left Earth.”

You groaned, rubbing your hands over your face. “That’s just great. Max is going to love that.”

Brian clicked his tongue. “Yeah, we should probably tell him before he tries using one and gives someone a eight-year-old infection.”

Kate sighed, flopping back again. “At this point, we might as well just let the Na’vi take over. They have better medicine anyway.”

You exhaled sharply, your fingers tightening around your datapad. The mention of the Na’vi sent your thoughts spiraling back to something—someone—who had been on your mind for days now.

Three days.

Three days since Neteyam last visited.

He had never gone this long without stopping by—not since you’d started spending more time together. He was always there, whether it was dropping by with fresh food, teasing you in that quiet, knowing way of his, or just sitting with you in comfortable silence. Even when he was busy, even when his duties kept him occupied, he always managed to find time.

But now? Nothing. No visits, no messages relayed through Norm or Max. Just… silence.

You tried not to let it get to you. You tried. But you were failing. Kate nudged you suddenly, snapping you out of your thoughts. “Uh-oh. I know that look.”

You blinked. “What look?”

Kate waggled her eyebrows. “That look that says, ‘Where is my tall, blue boyfriend? Why hasn’t he visited me? Does he not love me anymore?’”

Brian smirked, leaning against a crate. “Damn. She went straight for the throat.”

You rolled your eyes, ignoring the heat creeping up your neck. “I’m just wondering why he hasn’t been around, that’s all.”

Kate gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “Oh my Eywa, you miss him.”

Brian clicked his tongue. “Tragic. The great warrior has abandoned his tiny human.”

You groaned, rubbing your temples. “I hate both of you.”

Kate grinned. “No, you don’t. Now, be honest. Have you been staring at the sky every night through the windows like some lovesick idiot, waiting for him to swoop in on his ikran?”

Brian cupped his hands around his mouth, mimicking a desperate call. “Oh mighty Neteyam, please return to me! My heart cannot bear the distance!”

You threw a rag at his head. “Shut up.”

Brian dodged it, laughing. “Come on, admit it. You’re on edge because he’s been gone for three days.”

You exhaled through your nose, turning your attention back to your datapad. “I’m not on edge.”

Kate snorted. “Oh yeah? Then why did you just re-log that same crate three times?”

You glanced down at your screen. Shit.

Kate cackled. “Busted.”

You groaned, setting your datapad down and rubbing your face. “Fine. Maybe I am a little restless.”

Brian smirked. “A little?”

You shot him a glare.

Kate leaned closer, voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “You know, if you really wanted to see him, you could just hop on the Samson and make a quick trip to the village.”

You scoffed. “Oh yeah, let me just abandon my post and fly straight into the arms of the Olo’eyktan’s son. That won’t cause any issues at all.”

Brian snickered. “Honestly? I’d pay good money to see that.”

Kate sighed dramatically. “Tragic. Separated by duty.” She pressed the back of her hand to her forehead. “How will she ever survive?”

You groaned again, but there was no real annoyance behind it. Still, you couldn’t shake the growing knot in your stomach. Because the truth was, you did miss him. And you were on edge.

Not just because you hadn’t seen him, but because there was no way to find out what was going on. You were stuck here, buried in supply crates and datapads, unable to sneak away even if you wanted to. So you waited. And you hated it.

Kate must have sensed the shift in your mood, because she nudged your foot lightly. “Hey,” she said, her voice a little softer. “I’m sure he’s fine. Probably just busy with clan stuff. You know how it is.”

You nodded, exhaling slowly. “Yeah. I know.”

Brian stretched, cracking his back. “Besides, if something was wrong, Lo’ak or Kiri would’ve sent word by now.”

That was true. If something had happened, you would’ve heard about it. But that didn’t stop the nagging feeling in your gut. Kate smirked, back to her usual self. “So, until your warrior comes to sweep you off your feet, I suggest you distract yourself with more back-breaking labor.”

Brian groaned. “Ugh. Do we have to?”

You smirked, grabbing your datapad. “Yes, we do.”

Kate sighed, hopping off the crate. “Fine. But if Neteyam does show up, I’m taking full credit.”

Brian grinned. “And I’m charging him for emotional damages.”

You laughed, shaking your head as you got back to work. Still, as you scanned the next crate, you found yourself glancing toward the small window.

Waiting.

The fourth night was the hardest.

You lay on your cot, staring at the ceiling of your cramped quarters, listening to the steady hum of the outpost’s ventilation system. The small room was dimly lit by the faint blue glow of your datapad, which lay abandoned on your stomach, the screen dark. You had tried to focus on some research notes, something—anything—to keep your mind busy, but it was useless.

Your thoughts had drifted again.

To him.

To golden eyes that watched you like you were the only thing in the world. To the way his ears twitched whenever you teased him, how his tail flicked when he was amused. To the quiet strength in his voice, the warmth in his touch.

It had been four days. Four whole days since you had last seen Neteyam. Since you had last felt his presence, his steady, grounding warmth.

It wasn’t that long, really. You had spent longer apart before. Before you were a thing. Sometimes he was out on long hunting trips, or busy with the clan, or helping his father patrol the surrounding forests. You had spent entire weeks apart when you first came to the outpost, when your presence in the village was still something new, still uncertain.

But it was different now.

Because for months now—almost every day—he had found you.

Even when his schedule was tight, even when the village kept him busy, even when you were stuck here, drowning in work, he had always found time to come to you. Even if it was just for a few stolen moments, a brief visit, a lingering touch before he had to go again.

And now?

Nothing.

You inhaled sharply, shifting onto your side, gripping the edge of your blanket as frustration curled hot and tight in your chest. You hated how much you missed him. Hated how restless you felt. What the hell is wrong with me?

You scoffed, running a hand over your face. A few days ago, you were the one shooing him away, telling him he was a distraction. And now? Now you were lying here like some lovesick idiot, staring at the ceiling, waiting—hoping—that he would walk through the airlock doors and find you.

But he hadn’t. And what if he didn’t want to?

The thought sent a sharp, unwelcome pang through your chest. No, that’s ridiculous. Neteyam wouldn’t just ignore you. Right?

He was probably just busy. His responsibilities were endless—hunting, patrolling, training the younger warriors, helping his father maintain order in the village. You had always known that. You had always respected that.

But… what if there was another reason?

What if he had chosen not to come?

The thought lingered, sinking its claws into your brain, no matter how much you tried to push it away.

You exhaled, rolling onto your back again, staring at the tiny cracks in the metal ceiling panels.

Ache coiled tight in your chest, heavy and suffocating.

You missed him.

You missed him so much it made you angry.

This was his fault. He had made you need him. He had spoiled you, coming to you whenever he could, making himself a constant presence in your life. And now, after four days of silence, you felt like something was missing.

You groaned into your pillow, hating yourself just a little bit. It wasn’t supposed to feel like this. But it did. And you didn’t know what to do about it.

The morning started like the ones before it—filled with work.

The outpost was still buzzing from the chaos of the supply shipment. The last of the crates were being moved into storage, equipment was being set up, and everyone was running on whatever caffeine substitute they could get their hands on.

You were running on nothing.

You hadn't slept well, mind tangled in frustration and thoughts of him. The weight of it sat heavily on your shoulders as you worked alongside Kate, sorting through the new field kits. The two of you were in the middle of debating whether one particular box had been mislabeled when a familiar voice rang through the outpost’s main hall.

“Norm! Max!”

Your hands froze.

Kate perked up. “Was that—?��

Before she could finish, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the metal corridors. A second later, Kiri burst into the outpost, her braid swinging over her shoulder, a wide grin lighting up her face.

Norm and Max were already rushing toward her, their expressions shifting from surprise to pure joy.

“Kiri!” Norm beamed. “Eywa, look at you! You’ve been avoiding us, huh?”

Max grinned, stepping forward. “Two months. You disappeared on us, kid.”

Kiri laughed, looking down enough to give them both an exasperated look. “Oh, come on, it hasn’t been that long.”

“It has,” Max deadpanned. “We were starting to think you forgot about us.”

Norm chuckled. “It’s good to see you, kid.”

Kate nudged you playfully. “Well, look at that. The jungle princess returns.”

You should have laughed. Should have stepped forward and greeted her. But you couldn’t move. Because you were frozen—your breath caught in your throat, heart thudding in your chest. Kiri was here. And suddenly, all you could hear was Brian’s voice in your head from days ago: "Lo’ak or Kiri would tell us if something happened to Neteyam."

Your stomach dropped.

No.

Your hands went clammy.

No, no, no, no.

Your heart started pounding, a horrible, suffocating weight pressing against your ribs. Kiri was here for you.

Not just stopping by, not just visiting the outpost. She had come for you specifically.

Your fingers clenched into fists. You barely registered Kate pulling you forward, her voice light and teasing as she called out, “Alright, don’t just hog her for yourselves! Let us say hi too!”

You followed, but your feet felt like lead. As you stepped closer, Kiri’s sharp eyes flicked toward you—her smile faltering slightly the moment she got a good look at your face.

And then—

Flick!

A sharp tap against your forehead snapped you out of your spiraling thoughts. You blinked, eyes refocusing just in time to see Kiri grinning at you, arm still raised from where she had flicked you.

“Breathe,” she said simply.

You stared at her.

Kiri smirked, tilting her head. “I’m here for you.”

Your mouth opened, but no words came out.

Kiri let out a dramatic sigh. “Oh, Eywa. You really thought something happened to him?”

Your throat was so tight it hurt.

“…Didn’t it?” you croaked.

Kiri blinked at you, then let out a bark of laughter. “Oh, Eywa, no! He’s fine!”

You didn’t believe her. You couldn’t believe her. Because if he was fine, then where the hell had he been for the last four days? Kiri must have seen the doubt on your face, because she shook her head with an amused huff before crossing her arms. “My brother is insufferable.”

That caught you off guard. “…What?”

Kiri smirked. “That’s why I’m here.” She shot you a pointed look. “We figured it out—he needs to see you.”

Your brain struggled to keep up. “What does that even mean?”

Kiri rolled her eyes. “It means he’s been moping for days. Walking around like a storm cloud. Snapping at people. Being dramatic.”

You opened your mouth, then closed it. “…What?”

Kate snickered beside you.

Kiri turned fully to you, hands on her hips, looking entirely too pleased with herself. “My dear, hopeless brother has been miserable.”

You stared.

Kiri grinned. “It took all of us about two days to figure it out.” She crossed her arms. “It’s you. You’re the problem.”

You blinked. “I—excuse me?”

Kate snorted, barely holding back her laughter.

Kiri rolled her eyes. “Not in a bad way. I mean, you are the reason he’s like this.”

Your heart stuttered. “But… but I thought—”

Kiri waved a hand. “He’s been gone because my father dumped a ridiculous amount of duties on him. Patrolling, escorting, hunting—basically keeping the warriors busy after the Valkyrie landed, just to make sure that every humans left the forest.” She huffed. “He’s been running around nonstop, keeping the borders secure, making sure none of the new Sky People wandered anywhere they shouldn’t.”

You inhaled sharply.

Oh. That made… sense. More sense than the ridiculous idea you’d convinced yourself of—that Neteyam hadn’t wanted to see you.

Kate was grinning. “So what I’m hearing is… he’s been sulking because he hasn’t seen her?”

Kiri smirked. “Bingo.”

You were still processing. Still trying to make sense of it. Kiri rolled her eyes and flicked your forehead again. “Ow—!”

“Stop overthinking!” she scolded, looking way too entertained. “He’s been suffering, and you’ve been suffering, and honestly, I’m sick of it.”

Kate snorted. “Wow. True sibling energy.”

You barely heard them. Because Eywa, the past four days had been hell, and the entire time, you had thought— You had thought he didn’t care. But he did. And now?

Now, you needed to see him.

The journey to the village was a blur of rushing air and Kiri’s constant, relentless teasing.

She had barely given you a moment to react after her “I’m sick of it” declaration before practically hauling you onto her ikran. There had been no time to argue, no time to second-guess. You had barely managed to settle yourself before her, because Kiri immediately took off, the jungle whipping past in a blur of green and gold.

“You better appreciate this,” Kiri had shouted over the wind. “I don’t just escort humans for free, you know.”

You had rolled your eyes but held onto the tiny saddle’s edge anyway, heart pounding—not from the flight, but from the knowledge that you were finally heading back. Back to the village. Back to him.

By the time you landed, the sun was high, casting dappled patterns through the thick canopy. The village bustled with midday activity—hunters returning with the morning’s catch, children darting between woven huts, voices rising and falling in easy conversation. It smelled like roasting meat, woodsmoke, and the faint, fresh scent of the flowering vines that clung to the high tree trunks.

And the second your feet hit the ground, something inside you settled. The tension you hadn’t even realized you’d been carrying for the past five days melted as you inhaled deeply, filling your lungs with the humid air of the Omatikaya’s home.

Kiri must have noticed, because she smirked. “Huh. You already look better.”

You huffed. “Shut up.”

Kiri just snickered and grabbed your wrist, pulling you along. “Come on. Neteyam’s not back yet, which means you stick with me. I don’t need people getting the wrong idea.”

You frowned, glancing at her. “The wrong idea about what?”

Kiri shot you a pointed look. “About why you’re here.”

You opened your mouth, then closed it, heat creeping up your neck. “I—I’m here to visit. To see everyone.”

Kiri’s smirk deepened. “Sure, sure.” She gave you a slow once-over, her tail flicking in amusement. “You know, if I were a random villager, I’d probably think you were some love-drunk human girl flying in for her Na’vi warrior boyfriend.”

Your face burned. “Kiri!”

“What?” she laughed, her sharp golden eyes gleaming with mischief. “I’m just saying. You’re kinda radiating desperation right now.”

You gasped, scandalized. “I am not!”

Kiri cackled, clearly enjoying herself far too much. “Oh, you so are.”

You groaned, throwing your head back. “Eywa, why am I friends with you?”

“Because I’m great.” She grinned, giving your arm a tug. “Now, let’s go see Grandmother. She’s been experimenting with new salves, and I wanna show you the ones I made.”

You let yourself be dragged through the village, rolling your eyes but smiling despite yourself.

The scent of burning herbs and dried flowers greeted you as you stepped into Mo’at’s tent. The cool shade inside was a welcome contrast to the heat outside, the air thick with the rich aroma of medicinal pastes and freshly ground plants.

Mo’at sat near the center, a bowl resting in her lap, her sharp eyes flicking up as Kiri led you in. “You return,” Mo’at mused, voice steady as she ground a handful of dried roots into a fine powder.

You dipped your head in greeting. “Oel ngati kameie, Tsahik.”

Mo’at made a small sound of acknowledgment but said nothing more, her gaze lingering on you for just a moment longer than necessary before returning to her work.

Kiri, oblivious to her grandmother’s quiet scrutiny, flopped down beside her and pulled a bundle from her satchel. “I made new salves,” she announced proudly, unwrapping the cloth to reveal several small jars of smooth, dark-colored paste. “I tested them on Lo’ak, and he didn’t die, so that’s a good sign.”

You snorted. “That’s your quality check?”

Kiri grinned. “Obviously.”

Mo’at hummed, setting aside her own mixture as she took one of Kiri’s jars. She removed the lid, bringing it to her nose and inhaling deeply. “Mm.” Her sharp eyes flicked to Kiri. “What did you use?”

Kiri straightened, tail curling slightly in anticipation. “Crushed yutrel leaves mixed with tsah bark and a little bit of kali’weya poison. I wanted something stronger for deep wounds, something that would speed up clotting without causing irritation.”

You listened intently, stepping closer. “That’s smart,” you murmured, already thinking through the ingredients in your head. “But won’t the tsah bark make it too astringent? That stuff stings like hell on open wounds.”

Kiri’s ears perked. “Yeah, it would, normally. That’s why I balanced it with yutrel—it neutralizes the sting without messing with the clotting effect.”

You let out a thoughtful hum, intrigued. “Huh. I never thought of that.”

Mo’at watched the exchange in silence, her fingers still idly swirling the paste inside the jar.

You hardly noticed. You were already reaching for another one of Kiri’s jars, your curiosity getting the better of you. “And this one? It smells different.”

Kiri grinned. “That one’s for burns. I used a yovo fruit base to keep it hydrating, but I infused it with dried hìrumwll petals to speed up healing.”

You leaned in, fascinated. “Hìrumwll? Isn’t that could be toxic if used raw?”

Kiri nodded. “Yup. But once it’s dried and ground, it’s perfectly safe. It’s actually got insane healing properties—I tested it on my own arm after I burned myself on hot coals.”

You gasped. “When did you do that?”

“Last week.” Kiri shrugged. “I barely have a scar now, though, so I’m calling it a win.”

You rolled your eyes. “You are so reckless.”

Kiri grinned. “And yet, I’m still here.”

Mo’at let out a soft hmm of amusement but said nothing, her gaze flicking between the two of you as you continued your discussion.

Her aged golden eyes followed the way you moved, the way your fingers traced over different herbs with familiarity. The way your brows furrowed in concentration, the way your lips moved as you and Kiri debated the differences in Pandoran medicinal properties versus human antiseptics.

Mo’at had met you many times before. Had seen you in this tent on multiple occasions.

But today… Today, she saw you differently. She saw what Neteyam saw.

A human girl, small and fragile by Na’vi standards, but with a mind that absorbed knowledge like a sponge. A girl who had no true place among them—yet had spent years trying to carve one out for herself anyway.

She had always tolerated your presence, had even respected your curiosity. But after her conversation with Neteyam just days ago… Now, she looked at you through his eyes.

She saw how you eagerly leaned in when Kiri spoke, how your fingers twitched like you were mentally cataloging each new piece of information. How you wanted to learn.

And suddenly, Mo’at understood. Understood why Neteyam had chosen. Understood why his heart had strayed outside the boundaries of their world.

Because you sitting before her now—the one who spoke of Pandoran plants as if they were as familiar to you as the sky—were not just a human.

You were something more. And for the first time, Mo’at truly saw you.

The sky was deepening into twilight, Pandora’s bioluminescent flora beginning to glow with soft pulses of light as the village settled into the evening. The faint hum of conversation and laughter drifted through the air from the communal fire, where the Omatikaya were gathering for their meal.

You had no intention of joining them. Not after last time. Not after the way Neytiri had looked at you.

Kiri nudged you with her elbow. “Come on. You’ve been working yourself to death for days. You should eat something.”

You hesitated, shifting on your feet. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Kiri raised an eyebrow. “What, why?”

You exhaled, glancing toward the gathered Na’vi. “Your mother wasn’t exactly thrilled the last time I was here.”

Kiri scoffed. “Please. That was weeks ago. She doesn’t hate you.”

You shot her a flat look.

Kiri winced. “Okay, maybe she strongly dislikes your presence sometimes, but she’ll survive.”

Kiri must have seen the hesitation in your eyes because she groaned loudly. “I swear, you’re impossible. I brought you all the way here to see Neteyam, not to have you freak out and run back to your lab.”

You frowned. “I’m not freaking out.”

Kiri scoffed. “Then prove it. Wait for him.”

You hesitated, glancing toward the paths leading out of the village. “I don’t know…”

Kiri rolled her eyes. “Fine, if you won’t come eat with me, then at least go wait for him in his kelku.”

You blinked. “What?”

Kiri shrugged. “He’ll go there eventually, and you’ll already be waiting. Perfect solution.”

Your stomach twisted at the idea. Being alone in Neteyam’s kelku, waiting for him? That felt… different.

More intimate.

More real. “I don’t know if I should—”

Kiri groaned. “For Eywa’s sake, just go.”

You exhaled, shifting your weight. “What if—”

Kiri’s sharp golden eyes pinned you in place. “Nope. No ‘what ifs.’ No more excuses. You’re staying.” She gave you a little shove. “Go.”

You swallowed hard but finally nodded. “Fine.”

Kiri smirked. “That’s more like it.”

With one last glance toward the glowing fire in the distance—where the rest of the village was gathered—you turned away, heart pounding as you made your way toward Neteyam’s kelku.

By the time you reached the large tree where Neteyam’s home was perched, the village around you had grown quiet. The laughter and chatter from the communal fire were distant now, muffled by the thick foliage. This side of the village, where many of the warriors had built their homes, was mostly empty at this hour—everyone had gone to eat.

Your heart pounded as you approached the base of the tree, craning your neck to look up. It was exactly as you remembered it. The woven structure sat high above, the bioluminescent flora casting a soft, ghostly glow against the thatched walls. A thick branch jutted out just beside the main entrance—a space for his ikran to land when needed. The climbing path up was built into the tree, reinforced with strong vines and footholds.

Taking a deep breath, you reached for the first one. Climbing was easier this time. The first time you had done it, Neteyam had been behind you, guiding your steps, making sure you didn’t slip. Now, you moved with careful ease, finding your footing quickly.

When you finally hoisted yourself onto the platform, you paused, catching your breath. The kelku was silent. Tentatively, you stepped inside.

The interior was just as you remembered—crafted with careful hands, strong yet open enough to allowing the night air to move freely through the space. Woven mats covered the floor, and the central fire pit was unlit, leaving only the glow of the surrounding plants to illuminate the space.

Your gaze drifted to the far side of the room. The bed. A soft nest of woven fibers, layered with thick pelts. Your stomach twisted at the sight of it.

Memories of that night came flooding back—the way his arm had been draped over your waist, the warmth of his breath against your hair, the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath your hand.

You swallowed hard, pushing the thoughts away. Slowly, you walked further inside, taking in the small details. The way the space still smelled like him—woodsmoke, earth, something distinctly Neteyam. The way everything seemed lived in now, as though he had finally settled into this place as his home.

A quiet sigh left your lips as you sat down near the edge of the bed. Now all that was left to do was wait.

The night air carried the distant murmur of the village, a rhythmic hum of laughter and conversation from the communal fire. But here, high above the forest floor in the quiet sanctuary of Neteyam’s kelku, you were alone.

And you had been alone for the past hour. You had told yourself you would wait for him. That you would stay until he returned, just as Kiri had said. But now, as the time stretched on, doubt crept in.

Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. Maybe you shouldn’t have come at all.

You sat curled up on the thick pelts in the farthest corner of the room, your legs tucked beneath you, fingers absently fidgeting with the edge of your sleeve. You had tried to be patient. But the longer you sat there, the more ridiculous you felt.

What if he wasn’t coming back tonight?

The thought made your chest tighten. You had spent the last few days convincing yourself that Neteyam was simply busy, that his absence wasn’t something to worry about. But now, sitting here in his home—his space—you felt like an intruder.

With a quiet sigh, you braced your hands against the bedding and pushed yourself up.

You should leave.

Even though your heart ached to see him, even though you had spent every night longing for the warmth of his arms around you, this… this was foolish. You had come here uninvited, desperate to catch even a glimpse of him after nearly five days apart. But what if—

The soft rustling of movement outside made you freeze.

Your breath hitched as a shadow moved across the entrance and you ploped down back to the pelts. And then, he stepped inside.

Neteyam.

He hadn’t seen you yet. His tall frame filled the doorway, his broad shoulders tense with exhaustion. His usually neat braids were slightly disheveled, a fine layer of dust coating his skin. He moved with the careful precision of a warrior returning from a long patrol, his every muscle taut from hours of vigilance.

Your heart clenched at the sight of him.

He was so tired. Neteyam exhaled deeply, rolling his shoulders as he stepped fully into the kelku, his movements slow and weary. He had been pushed hard these last few days—you could see it in the stiffness of his body, in the way he moved like every step carried a weight unseen.

You opened your mouth to speak, but before you could, he finally turned. His body went completely still. Golden eyes locked onto yours.

He froze, lips parted slightly, his breath caught in his throat. For a long moment, he simply stared at you, his expression unreadable—like he wasn’t sure if you were real or if exhaustion had finally broken him.

Your chest tightened. And Eywa, you had missed him. A slow, hesitant smile pulled at your lips. “Hey.”

The moment the word left your mouth, something shifted in him. His entire body seemed to release all the tension he had been holding for days, his shoulders dropping, his ears flicking forward. Relief flooded his golden gaze, his exhale unsteady as if he had been holding his breath for too long.

“You’re here,” he murmured, his voice rough from fatigue.

You nodded, stepping closer. “Yeah.”

For a brief moment, neither of you moved. You just looked at each other, drinking in the sight of the other like you were afraid to blink and lose this moment. Then, without thinking, he closed the distance between you and quickly crouching down before your sitting form, your hands reaching up to cup his jaw.

Neteyam sucked in a sharp breath. And then, he melted. His arms wrapped around you instantly, pulling up into an almost awkward standing pose, crushing you against him as he buried his face in your hair. His hands splayed across your back, holding you like he needed to anchor himself to something solid. His entire body trembled slightly, his exhale warm against your temple.

“You have no idea how much I missed you,” you murmured.

Neteyam let out a quiet chuckle, but there was something raw underneath it. “I think I do,” he murmured, his voice thick with something unreadable.

You stayed like that for a long moment, wrapped in his warmth, breathing him in. The steady, strong rhythm of his heart beneath your palm was soothing, grounding you in the reality that he was here, that he was safe.

Eventually, Neteyam leaned back just enough to meet your gaze. A smirk ghosted across his lips as he brushed a strand of hair from your face. “So… you were waiting for me, hmm?”

You rolled your eyes. “Shut up.”

His smirk widened. “No, no. I like this.” His tail flicked playfully behind him, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. “I come home after a long day of being away, and what do I find? My little human, waiting for me in our kelku.”

Your stomach flipped.

Our kelku.

You swallowed hard, your face heating at the way he said it—so casual, like it was obvious, like there had never been a question in his mind that this place belonged to both of you. Neteyam’s ears twitched, his smirk deepening as he took in your flustered expression.

You tilted your head with a slight blush, studying him. “Are you okay?”

He let out a deep exhale, rubbing a hand over his face. “Now? Yes.” His sharp gaze softened, tail flicking. “I needed to see you.”

The weight of his words settled deep in your chest, warm and steady. He needed to see you. Eywa, you had needed to see him too. Every part of you ached with it.

Your breath hitched as you stared up at him, at the tired lines around his eyes, at the way his shoulders had finally relaxed now that you were here. You wanted to ease the tension from his body, to erase the exhaustion written in every inch of him.

And so, without thinking, you took a deep breath, fingers reaching for the seal of your exo-mask.

Neteyam’s eyes widened slightly, his body stiffening as he realized what you were about to do. His lips parted as if to speak, to protest— But then you pulled the mask off.

The rush of Pandora’s air hit your face instantly, cool against your skin and then, before he could say a word, before he could stop you—

You kissed him.

It was immediate, desperate. The moment your lips met his, Neteyam inhaled sharply, his hands tightening on your waist like he was grounding himself in the reality of you. And then, he kissed you back.

A low sound rumbled from his chest, something between a sigh and a growl, and it made your knees weak. His hands slid up your back, pulling you impossibly closer as he angled his head, deepening the kiss. He was starving for you, drinking you in like he had been deprived of you for too long—because he had.

His lips were soft but urgent, moving against yours with a kind of longing that made your heart clench. His sharp fangs grazed your bottom lip, and you shivered, fingers curling into his braids as you let yourself sink into him completely.

Gods, you had missed this. Missed him.

His lips moved against yours with a quiet urgency, warm and firm, drinking in every second of this stolen moment. His grip tightened as he deepened the kiss, pulling you closer, tilting his head just right so he could claim you fully, completely.

Your lungs burned, but you didn’t care. All you could focus on was the way he felt—the press of his lips, the warmth of his body, the quiet, shaky exhale he let out when you ran your fingers through his braids.

But then, as if sensing the growing need for air, Neteyam gently broke the kiss, his forehead resting against yours. His voice was a whisper, breathless and soft against your lips.

“Put it back.”

His words were tender but firm, and you barely managed to nod before you quickly secured your mask back in place. The first inhale of filtered air filled your lungs, but your chest still felt tight—for a different reason entirely.

When your gaze met his again, Neteyam’s expression was soft, full of something deep and unspoken. His hand came up, his fingers grazing your jaw, then trailing down to rest against your collarbone, like he needed to feel that you were here, that you were real.

“You didn’t have to do that,” he murmured, his voice low.

You gave him a small smile. “I wanted to.”

His ears flicked at that, something warm flickering across his features. For a moment, neither of you spoke. You just stood there, wrapped in the quiet of his kelku, in the space between heartbeats.

Then, his fingers brushed along your waist, his voice quieter now. “Stay with me tonight.”

Your breath hitched, and his golden gaze searched yours, waiting. A slow smile curled at your lips. “I will,” you said, voice soft. “I promised.”

Something in his expression melted at that. And as Neteyam pulled you against him once more, tucking you beneath his chin, his arms wrapping around you in a way that left no space between your bodies, you knew. No matter how many days apart, no matter how long the wait—

You would always find your way back to each other.

I still don't understand why I'm making the whole story sooooo slow burn.

Part 21: To expect

[semperama]

AHHHHHH will you write me buddie for 56 "it brings out your eyes"????????? 😃😃😃

“It brings out your eyes.”

----

"Okay, which one?" Buck asks, holding up two different t-shirts, one sky blue and one salmon-y pink.

Eddie sighs and scrubs his hands over his face. He's been perched on the end of Buck's bed for what feels like an hour, watching him fuss with his hair and then rifle through his closet. "I don't know, Buck." He lets his gaze drift down Buck's body for what feels like the millionth time, trying to ignore the way it gets fractionally harder to breathe each time he does it. "The blue, I guess. It brings out your eyes."

Buck snorts. "I'm going to a club. No one'll be able to see what color my eyes are." He tilts his head to the side and grins. "Not that they'll be looking anyway."

"Oh my God." Eddie looks up at the ceiling and says a silent prayer for mercy. "This is why I told you I wouldn't be much help. What do I know about clubs?" Much less gay clubs.

"Come on, man." Buck tosses the salmon shirt down on the bed and starts peeling the blue one off the hanger. "I'm freaking out, okay? Are you sure you can't come with me?"

Can't? Maybe that was a lie. With Chris gone, he has no good excuse to stay home these days. But the last thing he needs is to watch Buck get hit on by random strangers--especially not if alcohol is going to be involved. He wouldn't even have come over to help Buck get ready if he hadn't begged him. It'll be the first time I've gone out since me and Tommy broke up, Eddie. I could really use a pep talk.

"I don't even understand why you have to go," Eddie says. He watches Buck pull on the shirt, tries not to linger too long on how it stretches around his biceps, over his chest. "Is this really a good way to meet guys? At your age?"

Buck gasps with exaggerated affront. "At my age?"

Eddie raises an eyebrow at him. "Last time we went out with Hen and Karen you puked in my front lawn and then complained about your hangover for two days."

"I did a bad job pacing myself that night," Buck says, his mouth twisted into what could almost be a pout. "Karen holds her alcohol better than I do. And anyway, they're older than us, so if they can go out--"

"They go out like twice a year. Together. As a couple. Not to meet people."

Buck's expression darkens. "Yeah, well. I'm not part of a couple, so." Okay. So Eddie fucked up with that one. He sighs, but before he can apologize, Buck spreads his arms out and swivels his torso a little. "Just...how do I look?"

He looks good enough to fucking eat, of course. The shirt hugs him in all the right places. His jeans make his ass look great. He must have found some new product for his hair, because his curls are perfect and soft-looking, begging to be touched. Eddie wants to drag him in by the belt loops and beg him to stay.

"You look great, Buck," he says quietly. Because Buck asked him for a pep talk, and so far he's failed the assignment. The least he can do is try to turn it around. The least he can do is be a good friend, not a selfish, jealous asshole. "Seriously, you're going to have guys falling at your feet."

The smile that creeps its way across Buck's face make it all worth it. He ducks his head, shrugs his shoulders up, and Eddie is stabbed by a longing so intense he's halfway to his feet before he realizes what he's doing and stops himself.

"I'll let you get going then," he says, shoving his hands in his pockets do he doesn't give in to the temptation to touch. "Let me know how it goes?"

"Yeah," Buck says. His gaze is searching Eddie's face. For what, Eddie doesn't know. "Yeah, of course."

Eddie makes it to the door, breath painful and ragged in his chest, before he hears Buck's feet pounding down the stairs behind him. He turns to look, to ask if there was something else, but he barely opens his mouth before Buck is there, one hand on Eddie's neck, the other wrapping around his waist, pulling him in so close it knocks the air out of his lungs.

Then, Buck is kissing him. Desperate press of lips, tongue licking into Eddie's shocked mouth. It's an electric shock, white heat spreading through him, painfully good.

But then as soon as it started, it's over, and Buck is staring at him, wide-eyed. Eddie wants to dive into that blue gaze and drown there.

"I'm sorry," Buck says. "I just--I had to try. I had to know, before I--"

"Buck." His fingers are curled in the back of Buck's shirt, and he curls them tighter, presses Buck closer. "Don't go," he says. "Stay here. With me."

"Okay," Buck says breathlessly. He looks like he has no idea what's happening, and Eddie knows the feeling, but they can talk later, figure it all out later.

"Good," Eddie says, and pushes his fingers into Buck's hair, pulls their mouths together again.

[jenniferjareauwife]

hi hi i love ur writing sm😇do you think we could get an imagine where jj and r have an established relationship, and somebody (an officer wherever they are for the case or smth) is flirting with r but she’s oblivious, and jj gets a little anxious. then r has to reassure jj, and maybe you could add just a smidge of angst before that and have jj ignore r and r doesn’t realise why until jj brings it up. also if you’re comfortable w it you could add some smut at the end, preferably w some body worship (jj receiving) thank you sm🙏🏻🙏🏻

He Was Flirting?

pairing: jennifer jareau x reader

category: slight angst, smut

warnings: smut, scissoring r & jj, body worship jj, switch jj & r

word count: 988

summary: you're on a case and an officer is flirting with you, your girlfriend notices but you don't when leads to the silent treatment and some sexy time 😏

JJ, Officer Hicks and I walked through Boston's Back Bay, observing the nearest crime scene. The victims all had y/h/c hair and y/e/c eyes, same height and my age exactly. It kind of freaked me out a little bit but I knew I wasn't in trouble. No one would mess with an FBI Agent and anyone who knew Ms. Jennifer Jareau would not want to mess with her girlfriend.

"Pretty girls like you better stay safe around here." Officer Hicks said, both hands on his waist as he looked at me with a small smile. I just gave him a small nod, feeling a bit creeped out about the crime scene.

We got back to the station 20 minutes later and I went to the break room for a coffee, hoping to spend some time with JJ after this tiring day. I walked up to her to go talk to her but as soon as I opened my mouth she pushed past me and walked away. Oh. That sting a bit. I turned around to follow her but was stopped by Hicks when he walked into the break room. "Hey hon." He said with his lopsided smile.

"Hi." I looked over his shoulder at JJ who looked completely pissed off. "Hey do you um-"

"You should smile more. It looks good on you." I nodded. I didn't really smile a lot and it was something my friends always told me to do so I took it lightheartedly.

"Thanks." I froze as JJ and I made eye contact. She looked like she was seething with anger. I turned to Hicks and gave him a smile, trying not to to look anxious.

"Sorry to interrupt. Agent Y/l/n and I have to get going." She grabbed my hand with an iron grip. "Come on babe let's go." She kissed me passionately on the lips, making Hicks's jaw drop. Once she pulled away I was left speechless, feeling a familiar heat burn in my lower belly.

"Yeah...yeah let's go." I agreed, letting her drag me out of the station.

Once we got back to the hotel room she was all over me. Her hands were on my ass and her lips were attacking my neck, leaving hickeys and marks everywhere she could reach. "Jayje...JJ." I pushed her away slightly, wanting to see her face. She looked down at me with lustful eyes while gnawing on her bottom lip. "I wanna see you."

"You've gotta earn it after flirting with Hicks sweetheart." She pushed me down onto the bed, making me whine.

"What...what? I wasn't flirting...was that flirting?" I was panicking right now, was she mad at me?

"That was most definitely flirting." Her eyes had a hard look to them again. "Don't try to get yourself out of this."

"I'm not trying to get out of anything just please...please." I tugged at the collar of her shirt, wanting to kiss her all over. "JJ please." I pulled her down on top of me and pulled off her shirt quickly so she couldn't protest. My eyes widened once I saw the swells of her breasts. She didn't protest when I unclasped her bra so I took that as a sign to flip her over, kissing ever inch of her skin that I could reach.

I cupped her breasts in my hands and moaned against her skin as I started to rock against hers, our clits bumping against each other. "JJ...JJ fuck you're so pretty." I couldn't get enough of her, just wanting her to know how pretty she was. I looked up at her though my lustful eyes and saw her blush. "I love you so much. You're so pretty- fuck." My eyes rolled to the back of my head as my hips bucked forward.

"You look so hot on top of me like this." She said with a soft laugh, reminding me of her dominance over me. I kept grinding against her and leaving kisses all over her body. She deserved it, she was so beautiful.

She gripped my waist in a bruising grip so I kept my pace. I could tell she was reaching her high, the way her muscles twitched under my lips. I could get off on her cumming, she just looked so fucking hot while doing it and I never hesitated to tell her that. "Fuck...fuck JJ I'm gonna cum."

"Me too baby." She held me close to her as I left sloppy kisses over her breasts. I kept my body as close to hers as possible, just wanting her to feel how much I loved her. "Y/n...y/n I'm coming!" I lifted my head up so I could kiss her as she rode out her orgasm. My eyes rolled to the back of my head as I climaxed, kissing all over her face and neck, not caring where I kissed just caring that I was kissing her.

"I love you I love you I love you." I chanted, pulling away once I got too sensitive. I left sloppy kisses along her jaw before dropping my head to her shoulder.

"You ok?" She panted, dragging her fingertips over my back. I gave her a small nod and snuggled up close to her.

"I'm sorry for flirting with him...I didn't know." I whispered, tracing shapes on her belly. I felt her inhale and exhale sharply, trying to get the air back in her lungs. "I really love you...and I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize...I'm sorry for getting jealous. You weren't even flirting, it was just him."

"I didn't like the silent treatment." I told her quietly. I felt her chest cave in a bit.

"I'm sorry honey. I won't do it again, ok? I really should've communicated with you better. I'm really sorry."

"It's ok." I kissed her stomach. "I love you so much." I mumbled against her skin thinking maybe she would absorb it. It was silly but I wanted her to know how loved she was.

"I love you more baby."

[aussiexlovexaffair]

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨ Roommate!Luke Headcanons ୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

- moving in with Luke happened by chance

- he was pretty keen on staying with Liz for longer, but seeing as he was moving away to London to continue making music with the band, he couldn't do that.

- it didn't help that the label he was signed to, though the band was getting popular slowly, didn't have enough money for an apartment for the boys. they could only provide the studio.

- so he started looking online and around bulletin boards of the coffee shops he went to for adverts

- and lucky you— he saw yours ;)

- he didn't catch the name on the sign, just quickly taking one of the numbers from the bottom of the poster

- he reached out very kindly, saying that he was working in the area and he would have a stable-ish source of income

- and you, desperately needing some company and someone to help pay the bills, immediately suggested you get together over coffee to get to know each other better

- but he didn't expect you to be a girl— let alone a hot one.

- "hello, sorry to bother you, but do you mind if I sit with you? i'm waiting for someone." "oh of course, I am too, anyways!" "oh, neat!.. who are you waiting for?" "i'm meeting someone who is looking to room with me." - "....me too." - he just stares silently, blinking every once in awhile until you have to ease the awkward energy in the air, "are you Luke?" - "yEah." he cringes as his voice breaks

- but instead of making fun of him, you giggle at the red creeping up his neck and tell him it's alright

- and suddenly he's starting to think that taking that number was totally worth it. - he totally finds himself texting the boys groupchat after you two meet like "i just met the love of my life and i'm gonna be living with her 0-0"

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚Living with Him˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

- he makes a mess in the shower

- he wasn't a "making potions in the bath" kid but he does make them now with your skincare and haircare products in the shower

- his room is relatively clean, but it gets messy occasionally when he finds himself, like all boys his age, getting lazy

- he likes to split chores up evenly but he will try to convince you to do his

- one of his favorite things to do is jam out with you

- he likes having speakers around the house so no matter what time it is or where in the house you are, you two can listen to music and sing along

- he has stuffed animals given to him by fans all around the house because he can't find it in himself to toss them— and about a hundred get donated to you

- like all of the boys, he can be a bit of a perv

- especially when the boys are around and you walk out of the room because you can hear calum call him out for staring at you as you walk away

- but somehow he never gets yelled at by you because he does that thing when he gets caught making a suggestive joke or gesture when he goes all wide-eyed

- but the minute you do the same thing, he's gone completely red and he's rubbing the back of his neck softly as he tries to wrap his mind around the fact that you did that.

- he thinks about it for the next week at night.

- speaking of which, he's a very peaceful sleeper, but if he's really tired, he sounds like a foghorn

- luke is the type to wash his dishes and do yours too, but if he gets mad at you, trust the next time you go to the sink, all you will find is your own plates left to clean

- he's petty like that— especially when you bring home another person.

- he's got a bit of a temper and his reactions to them are more passive aggressive than straight on— and everything is whispered under his breath

- he'll bring it up over breakfast when he's having his bowl of cheerios, "...'saw some new shoes at the door last night..." "yeah, i brought someone over last night." "they looked cheap." "oh!.."

- and he'll do it to them too.

- and he'll interrogate them if he can.

- "so, d'you got a job?" "ah... no." "looks it."

- if he has a moment alone with them, the side eye he gives is INSANE

- "are you happy in your relationship, y/n?" "uhm.. yeah?" "...huh."

- but he's also incredibly sweet if you ignore his pettiness

- if he doesn't have anywhere to be and you have the night off, he'll insist you two do something

- at first when you suggest facemasks and doing each other's nails, he has an internal battle.

- he likes you, of course, and doesn't want you to see him as girly or like just a best friend, but after a bit of convincing, he's got a strawberry peel-off on his face and he's trying to stop the shaking of his hands as he delicately brushes on nail polish over your nails with a chick flick in the background

- but he's holding your hand, so it isn't that bad :))))

- he cannot cook for his life, but if you need help with something, he'll try his hand at anything

- he nearly burnt the apartment cooking soup at one point and from then on you decided he'd just be reading off the directions and cleaning up

- but he could make a mean mac and cheese, so if you ever get sick, trust he'll be making you some

- he's kinda icked out by sick people, but he ignores it because he's got a thing for you, so he comes into your bedroom with tea and mac and cheese while holding his breath.

- "Luke?" "..mmph?.." "are you holding your breath?" ".....mhm." - he isn't afraid to stand up for you though

- if you go to a bar, he'll insist on coming with you.

- he doesn't want a creep making a move on you when you're intoxicated

- if you get up and dance, he's a little more hesitant to follow you because while he might do it at the apartment, dancing in front of so many people his age seems like social suicide

- but seeing a guy coming up behind you and dancing with you has the most pathetic whine leaving his lips as he drags his hands through his quiff and he finds himself dragging a very intoxicated roommate back to the house

- "you shouldn't flirt with people like that, i don't know why you'd do that really." "but they were cute!" "so am i!" - and now he's gotta stop you from stumbling as he walks you to your room and brushes your teeth for you and helps you change— all the while he's staring at the ceiling and you're making fun of him for it. - but he can't leave you— you're drunk! - so now he's curled up at the foot of the bed, fully dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, converse and beanie still on, and laying on top of the blankets because he doesn't want you to get the wrong idea when you wake up.

- btw there's an aspirin and a bottle of water on the bedside table— courtesy of Luke Hemmings

[heartcereql]

a/n: i'm a slut for this man.

war!tommy shelby x nurse!reader

chattering in the background. the faint smell of alcohol. but not that alcohol. not rum, not scotch. clean alcohol. hospital alcohol. more voices. cloth against his forehead. it was cold. ice cold. and then he remembered. the fire. the wound.

tommy's eyes shot open, upper body lifting slightly from the sudden action, though it was mere seconds before he fell again on his back, his body tired and hurt, unable to support him.

and then he saw you. his eyes must have been blurry from the time they spent closed because he could have sworn there was a glazy halo surrounding your figure, all dresses in white, hair pulled back from your features, allowing him to gaze upon your features. you looked like an angel.

before he could even process the woman before him, said woman was approaching where he laid.

"you're awake! how are you feeling?" you spoke in a sweet tone, a smile softening your face.

he just gaped at you for a moment. you were even more beautiful up close. how was he feeling. all the better now that you were here, certainly, but even in his shocked and dumbfounded state he could distinguish that he couldn't tell you that. he tried to check if his body hurt. he felt a bit numb, probably he was on some sedatives; besides a light headache, he didn't feel much.

even though all these had happened in a few seconds to him, you were getting worried at his lack of response. maybe he was worse than you thought.

"sir?" you called his attention, a frown clouding your expression.

this seemed to bring him back to earth.

"yes, i'm alright, yeah" he nodded, giving you a smile of his own.

adorable. sharp cheekbones, the most beautiful eyes you had ever seen, he was certainly delightful to look at. and he seemed like a sweetheart.

"that's great. let me check this..." you put your hand over his forehead to check his temperature. you were short on thermometers so you had to do it the old fashioned way for now.

his world stopped. breath caught in his throat, eyes widening in the tiniest bit- so that you couldn't notice, heart picking up its rate. your touch was feather-like, but lasted enough for him to feel the softness and warmth of your skin; the trace of your fingers still lingering on him when you pulled your hand again.

"not bad; the fever's going down... i'm going to change the bandages now, okay?" you said. you couldn't explain it, but you couldn't cease to smile.

he mumbled in agreement as your hands found his wounded arm, untying the now stained cloth. as you unwrapped his pained arm, your hands steadied on his bicep, making goosebumps arise on his skin.

once the wound was uncovered and fresh air hit the injury, tommy winced. you gave him an apologetical smile before turning to find a wet towel to clean the dried blood. his eyes never left your figure, studying your every move. when you returned and started washing the blood off, he forced himself to look away. he didn't want to creep you out.

but, on the other hand, nurses came and went easily; what if he never saw you again? so, on second thought, tommy's eyes returned to you, savouring every second.

as you finished, you looked at him, only to meet those enchanting icy orbs. you both smiled again, soft laughs, looking away shyly to hide your embarrasment.

you started to bandage his arm again. he wanted to ask you about yourself, find out about you. though knowing he was the reason you kept smiling made him feel all the better.

"um, so, you've been a nurse for long?" he asked, voice unsure, testing the waters.

he immediatly regretted it: you looked his age, 'been a nurse for long'? please.

but you didn't seem to share his thoughts, as your eyes glimmered a bit before answering.

"not really, no, but my mother and grandmother were nurses for the better part of their lives, so i know my way around" you answered, eyes suddenly too timid to meet his.

as the both of you engaged on a pure and warm conversation, bandages finished long ago, you lost track of time. your only focus was on him.

“y/n!” you were pulled out of the conversation as someone called for you.

“shit, uh, that’s me. i- i have to go.. but it was lovely to talk to you!, um…” you trailed off as you still hadn’t caught his name.

“tommy. tommy shelby” he replied with a smile.

“well, tommy shelby. you get better. and when you do, you look for y/n y/l/n” you offered him one last grin before sprinting off to where the voice came from.

y/n. oh he would definitely look for you. granted.

© heartcereql, 2023 || thank you for reading ! 𓆩 ♱ 𓆪

[coolprettyleo]

fit my poems like a perfect rhyme - everything has changed au

wc: 3k

tw: talks of sex. angst. drinking. lmk if more!

gabe perreault x oc

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

rachel summers was a girl everyone around her was drawn too. she was the cool it girl who seemed to be blessed, in just about every aspect of her life; she was.

she was born and raised in california, where her hobbies included surfing and hanging out with friends. in high school she was the popular girl who dated the star quarterback, and of course they won prom queen and king.

she even had her two best friends, that too the average eye; were her minions. together they were the hottest trio in school, it was iconic in a way. sadly, those minions chose to have a mind of their own, and stay on the west coast.

whereas she did not. Rachel. who of course went by the name 'summer', committed to a school on the easy coast; boston college.

she had flowy blonde hair that fell to her shoulders and a heart of gold that made her easy to love by just about anyone who met her. so when she moved into a new city, knowing no one but her beloved cat, she wasn't all too nervous.

"no I dont want to know who he got with tonight mary" rachel rolled her eyes as she face timed one of the minions, who she wanted to call a friend, but wasn't. mary was across the country at college and it happened to be the same college as said quarterback boyfriend, who was now her ex.

mary felt the need to update summer on just about everything he did. of course including the fact he got with a new girl every night.

at least he's finally getting what I couldn't give him.

"i'm not telling you this to be evil summer! I'm telling you this so you don't feel guilty, to go live a life. don't be a nobody, its gross" mary's voice said on the phone seeing as she was in thought. she had a bit of a point.

"I dont feel guilty to go out!"

"then go out!"

rachel thought for a moment, she could go out.

she had a neighbor, who seemed to love going out. that is, if she had been observing right, her neighbor would go alone? maybe she wouldn't mind a companion? they seemed to be around the same age and she seemed cool.

"anyways, I gotta go. love you babe" mary said before kissing the camera and hanging up, not even waiting for summer to mutter a goodbye.

it's like mary only called her, to rub in how much fun college had been going for her. summer on the other hand, was going through a nasty breakup for the beginning of it.

I do need to enjoy it

rachel was left nervously juggling the idea of whether or not she should ask her neighbor.

what do I even say

"wanna join me for drinks?" summer practiced pacing in her living room.

"hey! were neighbors can I join you?" too forward.

"lets have a blast tonight!" what's wrong with you?

what if her neighbor liked to go out alone? or what if she didn't go out alone, and just met up with friends? no summer was sure of the fact she did these activities alone. maybe she's just an alcoholic.

she decided to man up and shake off the nerves and just ask. the worst that could happen, would be she says no, and they go about their lives.

while we awkwardly avoid each other for our rest of co-existency.

summer decided to just go ahead and knock on her neighbors door.

"in a minuite!" she heard rustling and things knocking down on the other side for a minute, before the door swung open and there stood a brunette girl with going out boots. she is going out

the girl seemed to be surprised and confused. summer deciding start the conversation, before the girl thought she was just some creep.

"hi! were neighbors, my names rachel, but like everyone calls me summer" she nervously smiled.

"yeah! I've like seen you in the hallway and stuff sometimes" the neighbor nervously rambled.

"yeah me too. look, I don't know if this is weird or anything, but I was wondering if you would be down to get some drinks some time?"

yes summer! you sounded cool and chill!

the neighbor had not been expecting that. she had thought she was going to open the door to her situation ship , ending things with her, for the crap she pulled last night. but when she opened the door to find summer, she thought she was going to get confronted for the fact she had sex in the middle of said hallway last night. she wasn't proud of that fact either.

"oh! uhm. yeah, that sounds nice! -actually, i'm going out right now, did you want to join?"

"yes!- I mean- yeah sounds cool. super cool" summer cringed, realizing she scream 'yes' and seemed far too desperate.

"let me just get changed real quick" she added.

"okay slay! wear something cute! oh! and by the way my names frankie" the brunette smiled.

"sick name!"

"thanks I was gonna say summer's sick too!" the two girls told each other excitedly. this really felt the start of something new and good for the both of them.

____

the two girls hit the town with a sense of belonging. frankie had been searching for the feeling of a girl friend since she moved in, and summer was the ultimate coolest person you can find.

summer was finally happy she built up the courage to talk to her neighbor, that frankly intimidated her.

"wait so that guy from the beginning of the year wasn't even your boyfriend!?!" summer exclaimed as they got off the uber. she remembered seeing a tall boy in the hallway alot.

"nope. i thought he was gonna fall in love with me over time, news flash, I was wrong"

"he's a douche and love is fake"

"got that right" frankie said smiling.

"so... you got a love life?" frankie asked curiously, she was excited to have the bond of girl hood.

"not really, its kinda dead at the moment. I had a boyfriend, but college happened and everything" summer said kinda sadly.

"im sorry, but I mean we can get you laid?" she smiled wiggling her eyebrows.

summer wasn't the type of girl for hookups. she knew frankie was, she often saw them, but she didn't know if she could throw all her eggs in one basket like that. no-hate but she didn't even let her ex-boyfriend do anything to her till it was the summer of their senior year, ad even that didn't go all too well.

frankie saw her in thought and rewinded.

"oh my god! are you a virgin? i'm sorry. we'll find you just love, then!" frankie said hoping she didn't weird out the poor girl.

"no- I mean- well... kinda. its complicated" summer said, red in the face.

"you dont have to tell-"

summer cut her off by whispering something in frankie's ear. something that made her eyes go wide.

"your half a virgin!" frankie whispered yelled.

"oh shut up franks" summer said as the girls got giggling and gave the bouncer there very fake ID's. frankie knew they were going to be a duo.

___

the bar was frankie's favorite and summer soon understood why. it was a cool vintage bar that kind of resembled a dive bar.

the girls ordered themselves some shots and quickly downed them, needing to feel the feeling sooner than faster.

"oh my god, the boys hockey team just walked in" frankie said, turning and facing away from the door.

"why does that matter, their kinda cute" summer said tilting her head as the filed in sipping on her vodka cranberry.

"the douche guy is a hockey player" frankie told her.

"ohhhh. now I get it"

"I also have a little thing with one of his friends" frankie guilty told her.

"the guy from last night?"

"you saw that!" frankie said, embarrassed as hell.

"please. your not exactly quite either" summer told the girl as frankie wanted to die.

"it's not the guy from last night" frankie told her overall guilty as summer gasped.

"I slept with a BU guy last night. but I mean ryan keeps saying were not anything" frankie said shamelessly as summer had her hands over her mouth.

"do the guys know you" summer asked seeing as alot of them kept looking over at the two.

"yes" frankie said scared to ask why she was asking that.

"oh god four of them are coming over" summer said to her wanting to run away. she hated confrontation.

"your staying with me" frankie said grabbing her shirt before she tried to leave her.

"frankie! missed you at the game tonight" will said being petty, they were pissed at her.

frankie turned and looked at all of them, and by the look of their faces they were mad at her. ryan's face made her want to crumble. they weren't together, he made that very clear, but a girl like frankie had needs.

"it was meaningless" frankie told them, avoiding eye contact with ryan.

"he brought it up on the ice" ryan said to her, frankie now noticing he had a light black eye and busted up lip.

"ry-"

"we need to talk" he said, looking the most serious frankie had ever seen it.

frankie turned to look at summer who saw how frankie wanted to fix things between them. she wasn't going to get in the way of that, just because she was afraid to be left alone.

"go" summer urged her. as she gave her a sorry look and walked out behind a fuming ryan, leaving her with three boys.

"well that was uncomfortable" summer joked to the three boys. all of them eyeing her trying to figure out who she was, frankie didn't have friends.

"i'm her neighbor by the way, summer" she added, not wanting to seem like some nosy person as they nodded.

"jacob" a ginger haired guy said

"will" the blonde one said.

"gabe" a boy that summer found unbelievably handsome said.

"you go to BC?" a gabe asked.

"yeah... I know you guys do, good game today " summer said. she had been watching it on ESPN before she went to frankies apartment. they all smiled and thanked her as they got to talking. even though they looked intimidating they were overall nice goofy guys.

"you think lenny's letting up?" jacob asked as he noticed they were still outside.

"I don't know, he was pretty pissed" will said looking at the door.

"did he get in a fight over her or something" summer asked feeling like she was missing out on something.

"yeah. she has him on a leash and they're not even dating yet" gabe said chuckling.

"well they're not official" summer defended.

"they basically are, they hang out everyday" will said

"she said he's made it very clear, that they're not together" summer said.

"that doesn't give her the green light to sleep with other guys though" gabe argued.

"guy. just one. i think you guys are just mad it was with a BU guy" summer said to them.

"I mean obviously! before the champion ship game is crazy too. he was just trying to get in our heads too, especially lennys. hughes is smarter than that" will said while the other two nodded.

they have to be full of themselves, for them to think this is about them!

"all that over... hockey?" summer said confused. hockey was the not a big deal in the oc, where she grew up. but then again, she remembers the quarterback from the cross town rival school, claiming to have her nudes; he didn't.

so I mean they could be right... but that seemed very high school to summer; this was college.

"why'd you say hockey like that" gabe said to her, not liking she said 'hockey' with a tone of disgust.

"I just don't think it's all that serious" summer said, trying to not offend them. obviously still getting under ones skin though, specifically gabe.

"hockeys not important?"

"no! I mean it is for people like you guys-" summer said trying to save herself but failing horribly.

"like us? what's that supposed to mean?" gabe said. he felt summer was some stuck up girl and even though he had found the girl to be quite attractive he didnt know if he liked her all too well.

"not like that. i mean it's important to hockey players and stuff, but like its not someones whole life, you know?" summer didnt even know if she knew exactly what she was trying to say.

"so now you think we have no life?" gabe said honestly just wanting to pick on the flustered blonde.

"oh my god, im just going to shutup" summer said taking a sip out of her vodka cranberry as will and jacob laughed. they decided they liked the girl, gabe not so much.

"do you even know anything, hockey related?" gabe asked still wanting to bicker with the girl.

"not really. I honestly forget its like a real thing out here" summer said.

"you don't think hockey's a real sport" gabe said as will and jacob rolled their eyes. they knew their friend and if they didn't know any better, they'd say he was flirting?

"who doesn't think hockey is a real sport!?!" frankie said, as her and ryan rejoining the group, seemingly on good terms. gabe pointed to summer.

"nice! I knew I liked you!" frankie said giggling as the boys rolled their eyes.

"I didn't even mean it like that, its just I grew up in california. and over there, the closest ice rink is probably three hours away"

"isn't there hockey in california? they have three NHL teams" jacob asked.

"californias big. where'd you grow up?" ryan asked the girl as he had an arm wrapped around frankie.

"the oc. newport beach" summer answered. god she missed her hometown.

"can you surf?" will asked her,

"yeah, pretty well actually. when I was sixteen i got a silver medal for it too" summer answered casually.

"OMG! you have to teach me I've been trying to learn for so long now!" frankie said excitedly, remembering the memory of her and her brothers failing miserably. it wasn't like wake boarding on the lake.

"you guys are free to join us anytime. my parents are traveling across europe, for like a year, so the house is just sitting there, its on the beach too" summer told them as the boys and frankie agreed.

gabe on the other hand just couldn't stop his thoughts of thinking summer was some stuck up girl. everything that came out of her mouth, just now, wasn't helping either. 'its on the beach by the way' who says that! gabe thought.

the night went on, frankie and summer unknowingly becoming the best friends they've always needed, ryan finally happy that him and frankie made it official, and the other three boys creating a friendship with the two girls, it was all just so college.

right now though, the night was close to finished and the boys were taking the two very drunk girls back to their apartments. girls who thought everything in that moment was the most hilarious thing in the world.

the group stumbled on a large hill and it didn't take long for the two girls to want to roll down it.

"frankie and summer don't you dare!" ryan said speeding up, seeing as the boys had been walking a couple meters behind the two girls.

the two girls ignoring his please and giggling. ryan turned his head to look at his friends as if he was giving them the mom look for help. gabe huffed and went to help him, with summer.

"one-" frankie started off as the two girls sat side by side holding each others hands

"two" summer said giggling

"GO!" frankie screamed seeing as the boys were right behind them.

the girls began to slide as ryan missed his attempt to lunge at frankie, while gabe not so much. he attempted to grab summer but lost footing and down he went along with them.

only causing the girls to laugh ten times more, at gabe. summer was laughing loudly, a sound that gabe didn't know if he hated or loved.

"you good gabe?" she said as she held a hand out to him, trying to hold back a giggle.

gabe obviously holding his pride, ignored her hand and got up on his own.

"you are absolutely insufferable" he huffed as he walked past her.

"c'mon perreault! don't be mad at summer! she's just a girl" frankie said as she saw gabe began to walk back up the hill towards the group.

"yeah! its not my fault you ate shit!" summer said, before the two girls unleashed laughter, once again. both taking breaks as they walked up the hill.

"you guys pissed gabe off, him and jacob left back to the dorms" ryan told the two as will began to hold summer up.

"I don't think he likes me very much" summer told them.

"well, your lucky I like you enough to help you" will said as she began to slump herself onto him.

"gabes just being like that because he thinks he's flirting" frankie said against ryans back as he decided to haul her up over his shoulder.

"ewwwww" a drunk summer let out. as the group laughed.

it had been a great night for them, except gabe of course.

[daryltwdixon]

The Ruins of Us: Chapter 3

Summary: Drama continues at camp, following almost directly along with S1 E3

Relationship: Daryl & Reader, Shane x Reader

first warning of this multi-chapter series: Age gap relationship (not Daryl & fmc)

other notes: By now if you're still reading this, you've probably noticed I'm a heavy dialogue writer. I love dialogue. That's just my style and I don't plan on changing it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Lmk your thoughts :)

The guys at camp are packing up the car, getting ready to head into Atlanta. Glancing over your shoulder, you catch the women at camp staring at you from the RV. Huffing, you turn back to Daryl. "What's the deal with everyone here?" you ask.

Daryl shakes his head, mumbling that he doesn’t care. You shift your gaze to the firepit, absently digging your boot into the dirt.

After spending a few hours around camp, it’s clear to you who’s close, who’s just friends, and who’s on the outskirts. You glance up and spot Carol sitting with her husband and daughter. Her husband gives you the creeps—something about the way he looked at you earlier. Carol, though, seemed sweet, even if she was quiet. You figure in time, she might open up to you. The sisters, Andrea and Amy, were fine, but Amy’s remark about Merle left a bad taste in your mouth. You couldn’t really blame her, though. Merle was a jackass, the way he spoke to people was downright unbearable at times. But you and Daryl knew a different side of him, as much as Merle let anyone know him. He wasn’t always like that. As a kid, he’d been funny, even sweet. But their father ruined him. Then, Merle left, abandoning you and Daryl to face that monster on your own. Your mom was so absent even when she was in your childhood home, so you found sanctuary in the Dixon house. Or maybe it was just a sanctuary wherever Daryl was. 

The person at camp you couldn’t quite decipher was the woman you found out was Rick’s wife. You were never really around Shane’s friends or spent much time around anyone he knew when you two were together. You might have seen a photo of Lori somewhere with their son Carl, but you never met them. She was…distant. Friendly to your face but short and tense from the few minutes of chatting with them while things got packed up. 

Rick calls out to Daryl, causing you to get up and brush off your pants, following him over to the van.

“You’re stayin here,” Shane says as you approach.

“Like hell I am,” you shoot back, crossing your arms. “Merle’s as much my family as he is Daryl’s.”

“You are not leaving this camp for a douche bag like Merle Dixon,” he growls at you, pointing at Daryl with an accusatory finger. 

“You better choose yer words more wisely,” Daryl snaps.

“No, I did. Douchebag is what I meant,” Shane retorts.

You can’t help but feel a smile tugging at the corner of your lips, though you quickly stifle it.

Daryl grunts. “I don’t want ‘er outta my sight again, Walsh.” His voice is rough, full of warning.

“Oh yeah, out of your sight, Dixon. When’s the last time you saw her anyway? How many years has it been? When she left for college?” he spits.

Daryl bristles, charging at Shane with his fists clenched. You quickly step between them, holding your hands up.

“Daryl, please,” you say softly, locking eyes with him. “It’s fine. I’ll stay. It’s not a big deal.”

But you’re lying—to Daryl and to yourself. The last thing you wanted was to be left behind. It had been so long since you’d seen Daryl, since you were partners in crime. Truth be told, you didn’t want him out of your sight either. But you knew going to Atlanta was dangerous. You weren’t good with a gun, and you’d only hold them back if things went sideways.

Rick approaches as the others start gathering to leave. You turn away from Daryl, facing Shane.

“I’ll stay. But you,” you jab your finger in Shane’s chest, “you’ve got some explaining to do.”

As the group heads out, you feel the weight of unresolved tension settling over camp. Shane is clearly frustrated with Rick taking such a big part part of the group into Atlanta, while Daryl is with them, fuming about something—whether it’s you, Shane, or just the world at large, you can’t tell.

“Them walkers are gettin closer and closer to camp,” Shane sighs, running his hands over his face.

“Walkers?” you ask, in stride with him. 

“That’s what we’ve been callin’ ‘em,” he says, not looking at you, his tone gruff. He stops walking for a moment, hands on his hips, staring out into the distance. Then, almost reluctantly, he glances back at you. "Alright, spit it out."

You blink, caught off guard. “Spit what out?”

“How’d you end up here? With Daryl?” you demand, your frustration bubbling over. “No one’s telling me anything. I’m just some redneck girl who walked out of the woods with an angry Daryl Dixon, and everyone’s acting like that’s all I am.”

Shane looks at you, then away, clearly uncomfortable. “Can we do this later?” he mumbles, his eyes already darting elsewhere.

Before you can press him, a young voice cuts through the tension. “Shane! Show me how to find the frogs!” You both turn to see Rick’s son, Carl, wiping his eyes as he comes out of his tent. His mother stands in the doorway, her own eyes red and puffy.

Shane’s expression softens as he looks at Carl. A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth before he looks back at you. “I’ve got a date with some frogs,” he says, walking away without waiting for a response.

・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・❥・・❥・・❥・

x flashback x

Your first date with Officer Shane was the most romantic date you’d ever been on. Not that he had much competition—most of your dates had been with high school boys taking you to the lake, their grubby hands creeping under your shirt after a couple of beers. Or they always ended up fleeing once they realized your best friend was Daryl Dixon, who was always nearly in Merle's shadow back then. But Shane was different. He picked you up at 8 p.m. on a Saturday, that shy smile playing on his lips. You could’ve sworn there was a twinkle in his eye when he looked at you. His truck was the cleanest, shiniest vehicle you’d ever stepped foot in, and the new car smell hit you the moment you slid into the passenger seat. Shane leaned over, gently grabbed your hand, and pressed a kiss to your knuckles, his eyes glancing up at you.

“I’m happy you came out tonight,” he said, his voice low and gravelly.

You blushed, shrugging, “Got nothin’ better goin’ on.”

He chuckled, putting the truck in reverse. “I’m sure you and Dixon would’ve gotten up to some kinda trouble.” You smiled at the thought as he backed out of the driveway of your childhood trailer home.

Shane drove you into the heart of Georgia farmland, where the night was quiet, the air crisp, and the sky clear. The truck eventually pulled off the road into an open field, and you glanced over at him, curious. He just smiled, that broad, confident grin of his, and stepped out. You watched him round the front of the truck, opening your door with an old-fashioned charm no boy had ever shown you before. He extended his hand, and you slid out of the passenger seat, your hand in his, warmth spreading up your arm from his firm grip.

Okay, a hot gentleman, you thought, fighting back a grin.

He didn’t let go of your hand as he led you around to the back of the truck. Your steps faltered when you saw what he’d set up. A wide smile spread across your face. The truck bed was transformed—a soft blanket laid out, pillows scattered around, snacks arranged neatly, and a bottle of wine nestled in a basket. Two glasses sat nearby, everything perfectly strapped down with bungee cords. You turned back to Shane, your heart swelling at the thoughtfulness of it all.

He was watching you, his warm gaze never leaving your face, his hand still holding yours.

“What do you think?” he asked softly, his voice almost a whisper.

“I love it,” you whispered back, beaming up at him.

An hour later, you found yourself sitting between Shane’s legs, leaning against the back of the truck. His arm rested around you, his fingers absently stroking your hair while his other hand held a glass of wine. The night was peaceful, the air cool, and the sky scattered with stars.

“What’s your job like?” you asked with a playful smile, looking up at him.

He chuckled. “My job?” He paused for dramatic effect. “I’m the deputy for King County State Police, little lady.”

You laughed, nudging him gently. “So what’s it like?”

He thought for a moment, taking a sip of the deep red wine. “A lot of it is pretty boring,” he admitted. “The serious stuff? It’s just about good judgment—keeping people safe.”

“I can’t wait to get a real job. A career ,” you sighed, staring up at the sky.

Shane glanced down at you, curiosity in his eyes. “What’s your plan?”

You thought about it, your mind wandering past the obvious desire to get out of this town. When you really pictured your life in the next few years, it was more than just leaving.

“I want to help people,” you said quietly, feeling the weight of those words as they hung in the air. Shane’s hand stilled in your hair, and you felt his gaze on you, waiting for you to continue. You took a deep breath. “I’d love to be a part of the Red Cross. Be sent out to disasters, help those who need it the most. But first, I want to go to college… if I can.”

“You can,” he said softly. “You will.”

You leaned your head back against his chest, looking up at the stars, then back at him. The sky was lit with a million specks of light, vibrant colors streaking through the black night. It took your breath away.

“So beautiful,” you breathed out, marveling at the sight.

“Yeah,” he whispered, his eyes locked on you instead of the sky.

Before you could say anything else, his lips were on yours.

・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・・❥・❥・・❥・・❥・

x flash forward x

You walk down to the quarry, the crystal blue water glimmering under the sunlight. Thoughts of Daryl leaving angrily in the van flash through your mind—he barely looked at you today. Something was different. The last time you’d seen him, things hadn’t exactly been good between you two. Back when the world was still normal, you hadn’t spoken for months, maybe longer. But even then, Daryl would never turn his back on you. Today, though, it was like you were just some nobody he found wandering in the woods.

The women are gathered by the water, washing boards in hand, while Shane and Carl splash around near the rocks, laughing. The women talk about the things they miss from before—cars, coffee makers…

“Hey,” you greet quietly, stepping behind them.

Carol glances up with a warm smile. “Hey, come join us,” she says, waving you over. Jaqui, a slender woman with short black hair, dark skin, and kind eyes, scoots over to make room between her and Amy. Carol hands you an extra wash basin and board, her smile soft but welcoming.

You sit quietly with them as they chat, lost in their conversation. Your eyes keep drifting over to Shane, and every once in a while, you catch him glancing back at you, his expression unreadable. You watch as Lori also makes her way down the hill into the quarry, hands on her hips, visibly annoyed. You shake your head, but your ears prick at the sound of the women giggling around you.

“I miss my vibrator,” Andrea says, breaking the quiet. Laughter erupts from the group, and Carol looks around sheepishly. “Me too,” she admits, and the laughter intensifies. You all dissolve into giggles.

Then, heavy footsteps approach from behind, and Ed’s voice cuts through the laughter. “What’s so funny?” he asks, his tone laced with irritation.

“Just swappin’ war stories, Ed,” Andrea replies smoothly, her eyes flicking to yours before returning to her washing. You sigh inwardly—Ed’s not exactly the company you were hoping for. You glance back over to Shane, who’s now deep in a hushed, heated conversation with Lori. She’s pushing at him, clearly angry about something. Your brow furrows. What’s going on between them? You’d think they’d be in better spirits, now that Rick’s back, not to mention Shane’s girlfriend standing right here.

Shane watches Lori turn and head back up the hill, and you watch him, your thoughts spinning. The voices of the women around you escalate, drawing your attention back to them as they crowd around Carol, now standing. Ed’s mood has shifted from irritation to outright anger. He’s yelling something about "prodding the bull," and before you know it, he slams his fist into Carol’s face.

You lunge forward, catching Carol as she crumples into your arms. Shock surges through you, but before you can react, Shane is suddenly there, ripping Ed away from her. His fists crash into Ed’s face, over and over, each punch landing with a sickening thud.

“Shane, please! Shane!” you shout, grabbing his shoulders. He hesitates, pulling back, his breath ragged as he wipes his bloodied knuckles across his sweat-soaked forehead.

You stumble back, wide-eyed and shaken. Ed’s moans mix with Carol’s sobs, the air thick with tension and fear.

[cheynovak]

The plan   

Russell Shaw x F/Reader Y/N            

Warnings: Age difference not too explicit.

Words:  1650 

*Does not follow Tracker’s storyline * 

I finally started writing about Russell, it took me a while, but I hope you like it! Let me know what you think!

-- --      

Russell is ready to start his ‘retirement plan’ like he used to call it. He saw an old brewery on one of his jobs and went back to speak to the owner, an old man named Frank.  

Frank also owns a bar close to the brewery, his granddaughter Y/N works there as a bartender. Russell liked her immediately, realising he had to overcome two impossible tasks. One, to try and win Frank over to buy the brewery, two win Y/N over to go on a date with him.  

-- 

Russell had seen it all. His years working as a mercenary for the Horizon Group had taken him to every corner of the globe, exposing him to the darkest sides of humanity. Now he was ready to leave that life behind and find some semblance of peace.  

His plan was simple: buy an old brewery on the outskirts of town and live out his days crafting beer, a craft he had fallen in love with during his travels in Belgium. The brewery he had his mind set on, an aged brick building with ivy creeping up its walls, had been owned and operated by Frank Miller for the past forty years.  

Frank was well-known in the community for his craftsmanship and the warmth of his pub, which had become a beloved local spot for ex marines. However, convincing Frank to sell was proving to be more challenging than Russell had anticipated. 

It was late afternoon when Russell stepped into the pub, the scent of malt and hops mingling with the aged wood of the bar. The place was cozy, filled with the hum of low conversations and the clinking of glasses.  

As he approached the bar, he caught sight of a younger woman, her eyes sparkling with life, her movements graceful and assured as she served a group of regulars. She could easily be 10 to 15 years younger than him, a striking contrast to the pub's worn-in charm. 

"Can I get you something?" she asked, her voice cutting through his thoughts. Her nametag read Y/N. "Uh, yeah, just a pint of whatever's on tap," Russell replied, trying not to stare. She had a disarming smile, one that made the lines of his past seem a little less heavy. 

As she poured his drink, he couldn't help but notice the ease with which she moved, the way she seemed to know exactly how to engage each customer. When she handed him the pint, their fingers brushed slightly, sending a surprising jolt through him. "First time here?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as she wiped the bar down.  

"Yeah," he admitted. "I'm actually looking to buy the place." She laughed, a light sound that made him smile. "Good luck with that. My grandfather's pretty attached to this old place." "Your grandfather?" Russell echoed, a sinking feeling in his chest. "Yep. Frank Miller," she confirmed. "I'm Y/N." Russell took a long sip of his beer, trying to gather his thoughts. "So, you work here often?"  

"Pretty much every day. I've been helping out since I was a kid," she said, leaning on the bar. "So, why does a guy like you want to buy an old brewery?" He glanced around the pub, then back at her. "I've spent my life in a pretty rough business. This place... it feels like the kind of peace I've been searching for."  

Y/N studied him for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. "Well, you're going to have a hard time convincing my grandpa. He loves this place more than anything." Russell nodded, appreciating her honesty. "I'll keep that in mind." 

Days turned into weeks, and Russell found himself visiting the pub more frequently, ostensibly to discuss the sale with Frank, but in truth, he was drawn to Y/N. They began to talk more, sharing stories over the bar, finding common ground in unexpected places. 

Despite their age difference, there was an undeniable connection between them. One evening, after closing time, Y/N found Russell sitting at the bar, nursing his usual pint. "You really don't give up, do you?" she teased, sliding into the stool next to him. He chuckled. "It's not just about the brewery anymore."  

She tilted her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Really?"  

"Yeah," he said quietly, meeting her gaze with a flirty look. Her smile faltered for a moment, replaced by a look of surprise and then something else, something deeper. "Russell, I..."  

Before she could finish, the door creaked open, and Frank walked through, his presence instantly commanding the room. His eyes, sharp despite his age, zeroed in on Russell. "Look, buddy, I don't know how many times I need to let you down, but I'm not selling." Russell raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I'm just here for a beer, Frank." 

Frank's gaze softened slightly but didn't lose its edge. "Y/N, you need to look out for this man. He's ex-army. You never know what kind of trouble that can bring." Y/N laughed, a sound that lightened the tension. "So are you, Grandpa."  

He grumbled something under his breath, but a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He turned back to Russell, his eyes assessing. "So, you're here for the beer, huh?" Russell nodded. "And the company."  

Frank looked between Russell and Y/N, and Russell could see the wheels turning in the old man's head. Finally, Frank sighed. "Alright, just keep away from my granddaughter." Y/N grinned, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she refilled Russell's pint. "You heard the man." She winked at Russell. 

As the evening wore on, the pub emptied until it was just the three of them. Russell found himself opening up in a way he hadn't expected, sharing stories Frank, in turn, told tales of his own army days, and Y/N listened with rapt attention, occasionally interjecting with her own memories of growing up around the brewery.  

It was late when Frank finally stood up, stretching his back. "Alright, time for this old man to hit the sack. Y/N, lock up when you're done." Y/N nodded, watching her grandfather leave before turning back to Russell. "He's a tough nut to crack, but he likes you."  

Russell raised an eyebrow. "Could've fooled me." She laughed softly. "He sees a bit of himself in you, I think." Russell looked down at his drink, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "Y/N, about what I said earlier..."  

Y/N interrupted, her tone gentle but firm. "Listen, Russell, you're a nice guy, and I get it. I'm a younger woman who's been friendly and serving you with a smile, but that doesn't mean there's anything going on here, okay?"  

Russell laughed, the sound echoing softly in the nearly empty pub. "That's one way to break a man's heart." Y/N knew he was joking, but she couldn't help but smile. "I know a lot of men, and one thing I can tell you, you don't strike me as the kind of guy who gets his heart broken by a woman." 

He chuckled, appreciating her candour. "You might be right about that, or maybe I haven’t found the right one yet." He leaned in closer.

She tapped his hand on the bar, signalling the end of their conversation. "Now, pay up so I can close up." Russell reached into his pocket and pulled out some cash, placing it on the bar. "Keep the change." Y/N raised an eyebrow. "Big spender tonight."  

"Just trying to stay in your good graces, might need it to win Frank over." he said with a grin. She shook her head, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Good night, Russell."  

"Good night, Y/N," he replied, standing up and giving her one last look before heading for the door. 

-- 

The next day, he found himself back at the brewery, ready to face whatever came next with a renewed determination. Whether it was winning over Frank or getting to know Y/N better, he felt ready. But when he arrived, something was off. The brewery was closed, and a couple of police cars were parked out front.  

Russell’s heart sank as he spotted Frank talking to the police. He quickened his pace and approached the small group. “Frank, what’s going on?” he asked, trying to keep the anxiety out of his voice. Frank turned to him, his face lined with worry and suspicion. 

“There was a robbery last night,” he said, his voice gruff. “And Y/N’s been missing ever since.” Russell felt a cold wave of fear wash over him. “Missing? What do you mean, missing?” Frank’s eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer to Russell.  

“She closed up last night, didn’t she? You were the last one here. Now she’s gone, and you show up again this morning?” Russell raised his hands in a placating gesture. “Frank, I swear, I left shortly after you. I haven’t seen her. You have to believe me.”  

One of the officers stepped forward. “Mr. Shaw, is it? We’ll need to ask you a few questions. “When was the last time you saw Ms. Y/L/N?” Russell recounted the previous evening, explaining how he’d paid his tab and left shortly after Frank had gone to bed. “I went straight back to the motel and didn’t see or hear anything after that.”  

The officer nodded, taking notes. “We’ll need to verify your alibi. In the meantime, if you think of anything, please let us know.” Russell nodded, feeling a mix of helplessness and frustration.  

As the police continued their investigation, he turned back to Frank. “I want to help find her.” Frank’s gaze softened slightly, but the suspicion lingered. Russell pulled out his phone. "I might know a guy who can help us." He said with his phone to his ear. He turned away from Frank.  

"Colter?... I need your help." 

--

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Tag list:-> If you want to be added let me know what you like to read! If anyone feels like you're tagged too much, also let me know please. :)

@suckitands33

@mostlymarvelgirl

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@jackles010378

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[jr-acrux101]

Meeting Abby -

(Extension of Carousel - prequel)

Summary: What Mike didn't know was the two of you had already met, and Abby wholeheartedly approved.

Word count: 2.3k

Tags: pre-established relationship, fluff, dates

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This was your 3rd date since the carousel meeting. Mike was still well Mike, the more quiet, nonchalant, and tired type.

Mike really was interested in you but his mannerisms did leave you questioning if he did or of he was trying to get a quick fuck.

The two of you sat at the diner, it was 1 in the morning. It was an odd ass hour to have a date but Mike said it was because of his work hours. Though there was a tinge of fear that maybe you were a side chick or he was trying to land some action.

You were wide awake, you had a nap after class so the sleep wasn't creeping on you but it was slowly on Mike.

Every so often he would nod off and blink himself awake, hoping you wouldn't know; you did.

"Do you want to schedule this for another time?"

He furrowed his eyebrows and shook his head 'no.'

"You look tired Mike."

He liked it when you said his name, and showed concern.

"S fine. I have a semi-normal shift tomorrow."

"Then you should be sleeping then. I don't mind waiting. "

Mike didn't want to say so he shrugged instead. "S fine," he repeated.

You gave a sigh but nodded. You noticed the book by. "What's the title?" You asked, cutting the country fried steak to eat.

"Oh um it's called dream theory. It's … hmm.. it's about how every single thing we see is stored in our brain in like this deep vault and dreaming subconsciously unlock those tiny details."

"Hmm. I think I've something similar to the whole we remember everything subconsciously but I never really looked into it. Though I guess it could explain my art."

"Your art?"

"Yeah about half my paintings are landscapes, but I don't really remember any of those places when I was too small. Like um when we went to see snow the 3rd time around when I was a little older and able to grasp some things, I remember I dreamt this oasis of cold in the redwood forest, a tree had fallen down and was mostly covered but some red was showing. Anyway, I dreamt it but don't remember the actual day, just that one scene and when I painted it my mom was shocked I even remembered that specific place. I was still small, she even showed me pictures."

"What made it stick out that you mom knew it was the place you guys went too?"

"Oh um hehe yeah, there was this small grave with flowers on it. It was in the painting as well."

"How old were you?"

"Maybe anywhere from 3 to 5."

"And you remember that detail."

"I'm assuming so, the picture my mom showed was when I was like 1 but we revisited again about that age range. There were no pictures at that spot again because of the grave. We recently started going again and I leave flowers."

"That's nice, I mean to leave flowers for someone you don't really know."

"Yeah, I guess. It was such a lonely place for a grave though so I guess maybe that's why I leave flowers, so they're spirits can know someone else enjoys that spot too. They must have really loved it to be buried there."

"You believe in spirits and the afterlife and all that?"

You hesitated, "I don't know. Do you?"

"Maybe," was his short reply. The conversation came to a stop as the two of you ate quietly.

Glancing at the time, you say it was 1:30 a.m. now.

You quickly finish as Mike finishes his. "Come on l, get up." You leave $25 on the table for the food and tip. Mike protests but still allows himself to get dragged away.

The moon is full, and the asphalt is wet from the earlier rain. You jump on the bed of the small beat pick up truck, patting the seat next to you. Mike took the offer and sat next to you.

With the dead of night and few lights, the two of you stargaze. Mike listens as you ramble on and on about the constellations, giving a nodded and humm of acknowledgment to show he's following along.

He looked at you. As you talked and talked, he loved how your hair frames your face, or how he noticed you fret about your mascara even now and then especially if you laughed a little too hard you'd cry a bit, he liked how passionate you got, and he really liked how kind you were.

While he would get praised for taking care of his sister from strangers, for being kind and self-less. He still felt selfish in a way.

He looked at your headband, shiny black and small. Abby popped into his mind. He knew that after texting for a day he was already too deep to let this be a fling.

It became silent after you were done listing the constellations, now just appreciating the night.

Mike cleared his throat to talk, and you turned your attention to him.

"Would…," he breathed out, "would you want to meet my little sister Abby?"

Your eyes widened in shock. While Mike didn't say much, he said even less about his sister. Another reason why you thought this was maybe just a fling, or trial run before he really got out there.

You opened your mom to speak but nothing came out.

Mike sighed and got up. "It's fine. I gotta go-," "Wait!"

Mike stared as you went up, "I wanna meet her! I do, really. It's just I was shocked since you've never like well talk about her."

Mike stared at you still not really knowing what to say. "Look Mike. What do you want out of this? Before asking if I wanted to meet your sister I was kind of getting the impression this was like a fling. And I'm not really interested in a fling right now."

"Oh."

"Oh?" You questioned.

"Well what made you think this was a fling?"

Mike looked down, not really wanting to look you in the eyes. "I don't know, I just got the feeling you weren't too interested. Mike, well we've only been together for about 3 dat3s. I genuinely can't recall anything you like or dislike or memories you've shared. Even when I text you it feels a bit one-sided."

"Oh."

You hummed as you continued to look at the stars, giving Mike some time to collect his thoughts.

"I'm not really a big talker if you haven't noticed. To be honest, I like to listen to you talk. You have a nice voice."

"Okay."

He gave you a look, "Okay?"

"Okay I can work with that. I just needed to know if it was disinterest or if that's just how you are."

"So it's fine? If I don't speak a lot most of the time."

"I guess we'll find out together, but between you and me I like that whole stoic, "bad boy" look / attitude you have."

Mike laughed and smirked. "Bad boy?"

"Mike every now and then you look like a genuine degenerate."

Mike raised his eyebrow. He closed the distance between the two of you. "Yeah? Isn't that what you like though." He whispered before he gave you a chaste kiss.

You blushed and gave a small laugh. "Yes, yes I do."

You brought out your phone and the time read 2:30 a.m.

"What time do you have work?"

"11 a.m. to 5 p.m."

"Mike!"

He had an amused look on his face, "What?"

"Oh my god! Go home already you have work in less than 12 hours ! You still have to sleep!"

"Don't sleep much to be honest." You huffed air out of your nose.

"Well you should."

Mike grinned, and he put his arm around your waist, pulling you closer. "I like the color green."

You smiled back. "Green? Hmm…"

"Hmmm… what?"

"It fits you."

"Is that a good thing?"

"Yeah of course, green is a very strong but soothing color."

"It is."

The two of you sat in silence before Mike's phone rang. He looked at it and rolled his eyes.

"Hello. Yeah. Yeah, got it. Okay I'm on my way."

He gave a sigh, "Sorry that was my aunt. I asked her to babysit but I guess something came up at her place."

"Oh okay that's fine. Text me when you get home so I know you made home safe."

He gave a tired smile, "Isn't that my line to you?"

"It would be if you weren't running on minimal sleep."

"Fair enough. But text me too okay, in case I forgot while talking to my aunt or you get home first."

You gave a nod and he gave you another chaste kiss. You blushed again, and smiled. He hopped off the truck and waved bye. You waved as he left the parking lot in his beat up car.

You rushed inside your car and towards home, excited to tell your friends everything.

With texts of 'I'm home,' and 'goodnight' s, the two of you feel asleep dreaming of each other.

A week had passed before Mike brought up meeting Abby again. This date was way earlier and on his day off.

"Do you think she'll like me?"

Mike paused. "I'm not sure to be honest. Not ! Not that you're unlikable or anything like that! She's just a timid kid, hell she barely likes me."

"I'm sure she likes you Mike."

"Yeah well you haven't met her," he grumbled.

You gave an amused look but relented. "So she gets out in an hour right?"

Mike nodded.

"Okay and you said she likes art right? To draw and such?"

Mike nodded again. "Okay, perfect. I'll be back here at 3!"

As you started to slide out the booth, Mike stared at you confused. "Wait where are you going?"

"Don't worry I'll be back." You practically dash out the door to your car.

Mike gave a frustrated sigh and got up after paying the bill. 'I guess I'll just have to wait until 3 too then.' He ran a hand through his curly hair and hopped in his car.

Mike parked at the diner, looking back at Abby. "Okay we're gonna meet a friend of mine okay Abs?"

Abby furrowed her brows, "Your girlfriend?"

Mike nodded. Abby stayed silent. He got out of the car as did she. He held her hand as they entered, he spotted you immediately.

You h/c shining from the sun, you were drinking water while reading a book. Lost in your own world Mike cleared his throat. You looked up at him and then down at the little girl.

Abby recognized you as you recognized her. "Hi!”

Before you could get another word in, Abby motioned you forward. You raised an eyebrow towards who gave a shrug reply but you went with her request.

“Don't tell Mike about Mr. Bunny.” She said in a hushed whisper.

You stared at her then at Mike and then at her again. “Okay. Got it. But why?”

Abby looked at Mike, shoved him slightly to get away from their secrets. She cupped her hand, “Because I want to have a secret between us. I like you, you gave my Mr. Bunny when you didn't have to.”

You gave a warm smile, “ Okay deal. Pinky promise, and seal the deal.”

As you pinky crossed and thumbs stamped together, Mike gave you an expectant look.

Abby slid in across from you and Mike sat next to her.

“What?” He rolled his eyes.

“What were you two whispering about?”

“It's a secret!” Shouted Abby.

Mike looked at you again. “Sorry can't see, those are the secret rules and it's backed by a stamped pink promise. You'll never know.” You have a sad look and shrugg. Abby laughed at your expression and Mike shook his head.

“Well I guess it can't be helped.” You and Abby nodded.

You remembered a thought, “Oh yeah!” You rummaged through your bag and got the present for Abby you bought.

“Here you go Abby. It's a sketchbook for your private drawings.”

“Private drawings?” She turned her head to the side.

You smiled at her, “Yeah, drawings for yourself. I have a lot of them that I don't wanna share because they're private and for me.”

“You draw!”

You nodded and hummed. “Can you draw me something?”

“Uh sure. Is it fine if it's in your book?”

She nodded vigorously. “Okay what do you want me to draw?”

She pondered the question. “Oh! A bunny!”

“A bunny? Hmm okay like a realistic bunny or a cartoon?”

“Cartoon.”

“Yeah sure.”

Mike smiled. “Yeah she's been obsessed with bunny's after some girl won one and gave it to her instead.”

You fought off the smile as you drew, and Abby giggled. Mike gave her a questioning look but all Abby did was stick out her tongue, which Mike did back, only for a split second though.

Mike and Abby watched as you sketched out the cartoon bunny, erasing and redoing the line a couple of times. You finished the outline as food came, Mike ate and watched as you stuck your tongue out slightly finishing up the little details. It had a top hat and a bow.

“Alright Abby, here you go!”

Abby squealed in delight. “Thank you!” She stared are your drawing as she ate, it did resemble Mr. Bunny. Mike noticed that too but thought it was a mere coincidence.

The meal went smoothly, with Abby begging for a shake and Mike giving in. Sitting here, you thought it was nice, maybe something to get accustomed to. In fact, you hoped it was.

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Y'all I can't stop writing im procrastinating 😩 anyway enjoy!!

Taglist: @stinkii-boii @hellothisisprincesskitty

[unspeakable-imagination]

Cigar Smoke and Sleepless Nights || Part 7

Cw: fighting/sparring, language, use of tabacco

1.5k words. My requests are open, my Masterlis is here

It was nearly midnight and you sat in the library, hunching over one of the bulky computers. You were working on one of the projects you’d been assigned. It was stupid science project that Hank shoved upon you, explaining that you had to spend your time learning just as every other student, no matter the age in the mansion. You supposed you were grateful for the fact he was giving you something to do, aside from cleaning and beating the bags downstairs.

The blue light casting from the screen was giving you a headache. You leaned over the desk and rubbed your eyes, groaning in a mixture of frustration and irritation. “I hate screens,” you muttered as you pushed your chair backwards. You winced at the sound of the metal scraping on the floor and abruptly stood “Fucking chairs.” You left your items at the desk as you paced towards the library door, deciding to go outside for a smoke break. Maybe you could return with a cup of tea with rosemary to cure your poor feeling head.

The trip to the back door was fairly easy, and, just as you'd seen before, Logan was outside, leaning against the wall in his usual spot. His cigar hung loosely from his lips as his gaze casted downwards. His expression was far, as if he was zoned out. He looked lost, just staring at the walkway. You went to your place on the opposite side of the door, grabbing your cigarette and newly-refilled zippo. You were able to spark up your vice and leaned against him. The moment you took a drag and exhaled the smoke, he shook and his head snapped up. His eyes zeroed in on you and he blinked, returning to reality. You hesitantly waved.

“Hey… you good?” His lips smacked as they parted, the seal around his cigar breaking. “You seem kinda out if it?” he pulled the cigar away from his mouth and aucked on his teeth, blowing the last if smoke out his nose.

“Yeah, I'm okay. I was just thinking. Didny even hear you come out.” You nodded, apprehensive of his response. You were unsure if he was telling The truth just because of how uncharacteristically quiet he'd spoken. It was a stark contrast to his usual abrasive tone.

“Yeah, okay. Okay.” She sighed watched your smoke blow in he wind. You both fell silent, listening to the owls and the other night creatures calling into the night. You lifted you head, your neck bearing as you stared at the moon, the slim cresent seeming to call to you. You closed your eyes and swallowed, relaxing into the wall. You'd been unconsciously continued smoking your cigarette, like you were on autopilot, your hand routinely lifting and dropping with each breath.

You hadn't noticed that your cigarette was burnt out till you took another drag and felt the heat creep against your finger, startling you. You jumped and dropped the butt, then looked at the tiny red marks between your fingers where you had burned. It was really a burn, but it was enough to spook you back to the present.

You pursed your lips and stepped on the filter, Snuffing out any other heat or amber that it may have had before picking it up as your garbage. You glanced at logan as you shifted and twisted to the door. You walked inside, placing the filter into a hallway garbage can, making your way to the kitchen.

You were able to make your tea and return to the library as planned, the drink on a stool. You didn't place it on the desk out of a worry that you'd knock it over and ruin the computers. You wrinkled your nose just at the thought. Since you were much more relaxed, you were able to focus on your project and got back to work. It was reliably easy to get a good portion of the work done, spending another hour and a half on it until you decided you should take your time to clean the halls that you're paid for.

That too, passed fairly quick and you found yourself in the gym. Kicking and rolling against the light-weight punching bag, you were panting. You paused your movement and huffed. Lifting your hand to still the bag and reset it to start again. You took a deep breath while rolling your eyes up to the ceiling, trying to find a center and motivation to keep going.

The loud, banging and mechanical sound of the door opening made you jump and you smelled the familiar adamantium scent. Your head snapped to Logan and he nodded towards you, acknowledging your presence.

“Do you want to spar?” You blurted. “I don't get enough socialization with other people and you're the only person I see awake. It would be easier to fight a human that moves than a punching bag on a chain, right?” you'd clearly Caught him off guard. His eyebrows raised and his head tilted A little.

“Uh, yeah?” he shrugged his shoulders and then shook his head, wiping the look off his face. He pointed a finger towards the sparring ring on one side of the gym and turned on his heel to walk to it. Quickly. You slid out of the way of the bag you'd been at and beeline to the ring, getting a little excited that you'd finally get to have some real human interaction.

Smoothly, he ducked under the rope and into the ring, you quickly following suit. You gravitated to the opposite edge of the circle That he went to and your turned to face him he put his arms up and you mimicked him, poorly. When he looked at your arms, his head tilted and he scoffed.

“That's how you think we're gonn’ fight?” She put his arms down and strutted the few paces forward. Embarrassed you put your arms down,

“I don't know how?” You explained. He clicked his tongue and grabbed your arms, pulling them up and closer inwards, and your throat went dry. You stared At his hands as he readjusted you, his drip moving to your hips to readjust your stance. Your arms faltered and he looked back up through his brows and grabbed your arms again.

“strong, keep them tense don't let them falter. This is a pretty basic stance, if you're going to fight me, You're going to do it right.” You hastily nodded, and he stepped back and looked you over. He shrugged and gave a face that said ‘that'll do’ before he went back to the opposite side of the ring And stood there.

“Come at me, kid.” You dropped your arms and gave him a look.

“What?”

“Arms up,” he snapped. You quickly put Your arms back in front of your torso and tensed them the way he told you. “Come and hit me,” he said.

“I- uh, okay. I can fight without the stance though.” Slinking forwards you quickly tried to punch towards his ribs, but he sidestepped you and grabbed your wrist, yanking you further forward into the roping of the ring. You bounced off of it and spun around to poom at his mildly amused expression.

“Can you, now?” You turned red and stepped forward, doing something similar jutting for his ribs but faking him out and putting out your foot To trip his sidestep. He stumbled and the smirk fell from his face as he caught his balance. He Twisted and looked at you as you swung a leg up to kick towards him. He caught your ankle and pushed it to the opposite side, pulling you off your stable leg towards the ground. You put your palms out and sprung yourself up, doing a handspring and landing on your feet next to the edge. Your lips involuntarily pulled back and you hissed out of reflex.

He let out a breathy chuckle. “Impressive, not something I can really do,” he said. He stomped forward and you ran towards him and slid under, between his legs. You popped up behind him like a gopher and swiped his leg, and he fell, but twisted quick enough that when he grabbed your triceps, that you fell with him. You landed ontop of him, and took the opportunity to headbutt him, forgetting that his skull was made of adamantium. Your head rang, your sight went blurry and your ears were singing. You wobbled And he pulled himself out from under you. He sat up smoothly and grabbed you by your shoulders to brace you. Faintly you heard him talking. You swallowed and blinked, your hand shooting up to grab your temple. You heard him curse, and slowly, theringingg subsided and your vision focused in.

“Hey, hey you okay?” you looked at him, blinking away the shock.

“Yeah, i- I'm good? I just have a hounding headache. I forgot you're bones are metal. Really rattled my brain,” you muttered.

He chuckled. “You've got balls, girl. You've got big fuckin’ balls.”

“Actually, I don't. I think I need to go take some tylenol and go to sleep,” you saw him smile as you turned your head, crawling off of your knees and leaving the ring.

Taglist: @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @callsign-ember