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moonyswritinq · 3 days ago

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black swan — killian jones x male reader

❝ BLACK SWAN ❞

SYNOPSIS ➢ Killian Jones was no stranger to using his charms in order to woo beautiful women, Emma Swan being no exception. You couldn’t stand the sight of him flirting shamelessly with your sister, purely for brotherly reasons, so you decide to tell him off. What you didn’t know, was that his eye had been drawn to you the moment he saw you.

PAIRING ➢ killian jones x brother!Swan male reader

CONTENT WARNING ➢ season 2 & 3 spoilers, sort of one-sided rivals to lovers, tension, kissing, making out, harsh language, guys flirting, insults as flirting, threats

WORD COUNT ➢ 2.4 k

AUTHORS NOTE ➢ I wrote this because I read another similar fic and, no hate to that author, but I wanted to write it better and so that it would be more to my satisfaction. Also, I am well aware of all the requests I still have yet to do, but I fell into a OUAT hole and now I’m here.

MASTERLIST, TAGLIST

Killian Jones finding a woman attractive was nothing special. He’s had his fair share of dalliances over the years. Ever since what happened to Milah, Killian was in no hurry to find the so-called “true love” and settle down. His never-ending adventures at sea kept him plenty occupied—and so did his hunt for his Crocodile.

It was no surprise then that the woman named Emma Swan would draw his eye. She was just his type: bold, determined, and a natural leader. His interactions with her in the Enchanted Forest left him intrigued, and his curiosity of her only grew when they returned to Storybrooke and defeated Cora together. He expected his infatuation with Emma to grow the more time he spent with her, but what he was not expecting, was you to catch his eye instead.

The son of Prince Charming and Snow White, brought to a world without magic together with Emma as babies, put into a foster home. Despite all your bad luck as children, your inability in finding a place to call home, at least you managed to stay together. And as Henry brought her back to Storybrooke to break the curse, you followed with. You weren’t a Saviour like her, not by a long shot. But you did have your own skills and abilities, something that came with being a devilishly cunning detective. However much she hated to admit it, Emma would oftentimes turn to you for help in hunting down a bounty. A difficult bounty for her meant an afternoon of idle searching for you.

You never turned down an opportunity to tease her about it and she never hesitated to roll her eyes at you. Nonetheless, you felt incredible protective of her. You may just have been a few minutes older than her, but that didn’t stop you from putting on the big brother act—something she didn’t always appreciate.

Which is why, when you saw a certain pirate unashamedly flirting with her, those brotherly instincts kicked in immediately. You knew Hook was helping your family in getting Henry back from Neverland, providing passage on his ship, the Jolly Roger, and offering his being a guide on the island. But those facts did not give him the right to flirt with your sister.

You had already been at odds with the man when, at your arrival to the island, the ship was attacked by a school of mermaids. Hook had stumbled in your direction and taken hold of the most stable thing closest to him—which happened to be you. His hand had gripped your waist, his hook coming to your chest as he fell against you. The closeness of his breath stirred something within you, something not entirely uncomfortable. Of course, it was not his fault that the ship veered to the side and that you had been closest to him when he stumbled, but that didn’t stop you from pushing him away from you the moment the ship steadied.

“My apologies,” he said, quite out of breath. His blue eyes were remarkably clear in the moonlight. “I usually offer a drink before getting so close to someone.”

Your glare was your only answer.

“I don’t believe we have been properly introduced.” He extended his hand for you to shake. You looked at it uncertainly.

“I’m Emma’s brother,” you said simply.

His eyebrow raised. “So you must be the infamous town sheriff y/n Swan. I s’pose good looks do run in the family.”

You began to scoff, but then your brain was able to fully comprehend his words. “I never told you my name.”

Hook glanced away, his confident smirk faltering. He cleared his throat. “I may have, er, asked someone for it.”

You shifted your head to meet his eye. “Someone?”

He let out a sigh. “I wanted to know who the handsome man that was traveling with us is, so yeah, I asked around. Really, you should be flattered.”

You scoffed at the grin that flashed across his face and turned on your heel. Like you’d said—shameless flirt.

Later, while searching Neal’s hideout, you watched him flash that same grin when talking to Emma. He stepped much closer, leaning towards her. You couldn’t stomach watching it. And you told yourself it was because she deserved better than a good-for-nothing scoundrel like him. No other reason.

So you watched from afar, leaned against the cave walls, as Hook winked at your sister. Emma glared at him, unimpressed. At least you wouldn’t have to worry about her falling for his charms. She was much too clever for that. You saw her walk away from him, away from the hand that he had reached forward to her and you smiled with grim satisfaction. But before you could step forwards, out of the shadows, David had approached Hook.

“Let me give you a bit of advice, Hook,” he said. “She’s never gonna like you.”

Hooks eyebrows shot into the air. “Is that so?”

“How could she?” David’s voice was laced with venom. “You’re nothing but a pirate.”

He seemed to want to reply, but nothing came out, and David walked away. Hook’s gaze followed him, his hand running down his face.

“He’s right, y’know,” you said, stepping forward.

A low growl slipped from his throat, Hook turning to face you. He looked almost crestfallen. “Can I not get enough of your bloody family?”

It was your turn to raise an eyebrow. “And here I was thinking you’d be glad to see me.”

Hook let out a dry chuckle. “Oh, I am very glad, love.”

“There’s that charm of yours,” you remarked humourlessly.

He smiled cheekily. “Doesn’t seem to be working on your sister, though.”

“Yeah,” you hummed. Step after step brought you closer to the pirate. You watched him closely, noting the way his eyes jumped over your figure. “Speaking of, we need to have a chat.”

He nodded absentmindedly, raising his finger to rub against his lips. The movement drew your eye to them. You knew he had noticed your gaze before you managed to tear it away when his lips curled into a smirk. You rolled your eyes. Goddamned pirate.

“If you’re going to stare at me like that, I’m going to get some mixed signals, love.” His voice was as smug and sweet as honey, only managing in irritating you more.

You were not known to be calm and level-headed. Anyone who was close to you knew to keep away when your anger threatened to burst, like an erupting volcano. Emma had once stolen one of your favourite pencils as a child and you had gotten back at her by spilling ink all over her favourite stuffed animal. But Hook did not know you well enough. He smiled sweetly.

Two steps forward and you were stood right in front of him, pressing against his chest. Rum and leather and sea salt filled your nose. The smell of him was overpowering and intoxicating all at once. You pressed one arm against his throat, pushing him back against the cave wall, the other bracing yourself against it. He grunted at the impact, groaning in displeasure, before meeting your gaze steadily.

“And to what do I owe this pleasure?”

The words growled out of your throat, through your gritted teeth. “Stay away from Emma, got it?”

“You may have gotten the good looks of your family. Not the manners, though,” he said lazily.

You cocked your head. “No, that is more my parents’ style.”

“You do have more of a bite than them,” he said. Then he tilted his head, as if in thought. “Huh, well, aren’t you a dark Swan, love? Or do you prefer Black Swan?”

Your brows knit together but you chose to ignore his words. Instead, you said, “I do agree with David that Emma will never fall for you, so you might as well give up now.”

Hook’s eyebrow raised. “If you’re so sure she won’t fall for me, why even bother threatening me? Surely, my flirting must be harmless.”

Your brows knitted together in suspicion. His eyes were annoyingly blue, piercing straight into yours. “Just leave her alone, Hook.”

“Does it bother you?”

“Does what bother me?” you asked, rolling your eyes.

“My flirting with her.” He leant forward a bit, throat straining against your arm. “Swan, are you jealous?”

You opened your mouth to protest. You? Jealous? Ridiculous. Then you noticed that his lips had curled into a cheeky smirk. “No,” you bit out.

Hook blinked, raising an eyebrow. “You sure?”

“Yes.”

“Heard you were quite the detective out in the Land of No Magic.”

Your head cocked to the side. “Yeah, so?”

He simply hummed, head falling back against the stone walls. His eyes traveled across your figure before jumping up to meet your gaze through his lidded eyes, something unintelligible in those swirls of blue. You ignored the warmth that pooled in your stomach at the sight of him like that.

“I will leave her alone,” he said calmly. “You have my word.”

You tried to detect the mischievous thoughts that were surely lying behind his eyes, but came up empty. You had no idea if he was telling the truth or not, but you let him go and stepped back in one swift moment. He cleared his throat, rubbing one hand across his collarbone.

“Fine,” you said, glancing away from his steely gaze. You weren’t sure what to do with yourself then, and you cleared your throat uncomfortably.

“Shall we?” Hook asked, gesturing to where the others had gone.

“Yeah,” you said simply, walking past him briskly.

You didn’t know what had suddenly overcome you or why you were now so uncomfortable in Hook’s presence. For the rest of that day, every time you glanced in his direction to make sure he was heeding your words of staying away from Emma—to which he did—you felt as if your nerves were standing on end. And on occasion, when he happened to be glancing your way as well and your eyes met, you felt shivers travel down your body, forcing you to break his eye contact. You thought you could see a smirk playing across his lips in those moments, but you chose to ignore him.

That same evening, you had found out David and Hook been ambushed by the Lost Boys. Apparently, Captain Hook had risked his life saving David from a poisonous arrow with Nightshade on it. You almost wanted to laugh at the idea of Hook doing something so heroic, but at the sight of David’s serious face you merely took a swig of the offered flask, like the others. You caught his eye right before he turned and stepped away from the others. You followed him behind a tree.

“I heard what you did for David,” you said. He stopped and turned to face you. “Thank you, Killian.”

His smile didn’t seem to reach his eyes. “I wouldn’t leave your father to perish on this island.”

You nodded, glancing away for a moment before meeting his eye. “I must ask, did you do it to get in my sister’s good graces?”

“I thought you weren’t jealous.” His eyebrow raised.

“Answer the question,” you bit out.

His smile dropped as he met your gaze. “No, I didn’t do it for her. I did it for you. And because it was the right thing to do.”

You couldn’t help the scoff that escaped you. “So now you’re all righteous, huh?”

Hook cocked his head. “I’ve always been chivalrous,” he said. “And, well, it doesn’t take a genius to know that getting your father killed would not help my courting you.”

You chose to ignore those last few words, your smile holding no warmth. “You’re right. You are no genius,” you said.

“This doesn’t sound like a thank you,” Hook remarked, raising his eyebrows.

You let out a sigh, looking down at the ground beneath your feet. “I’m sorry.”

He scratched the nape of his neck. “Perhaps you could show me some gratitude to make it up to me.”

His gaze was dark underneath his eyelashes, his lips curling into a smirk. You thought you knew what he was implying. You wouldn’t let him get off that easily, though.

“Uh, yeah,” you said, the corners of your mouth lifting. “That was what the ’thank you’ was for.”

“Mmm,” Hook hummed. He took a step closer, so close now you could count his eyelashes. “Is that all your father’s life is worth to you?”

You rolled your eyes. “Please, you couldn’t handle it.”

“Perhaps,” he whispered, face leaning much closer to you. You could feel his breath against your skin. “It’s you who couldn’t handle it.”

Your eyes jumped between his, then to his lips. Those damned lips, curled into that damned smile. Oh Gods, why did you have to be attractive to a pirate. Without leaving any time for you to think your actions through, you took ahold of his jacket and pulled his face towards yours.

Hook let out a surprised gasp, which you swallowed into the kiss. He dragged himself closer, hand clinging to your waist. You felt his chest press hard against you as his lips moved against yours. It was harsh, quick, and angry—just like your feelings for him.

The warmth in your stomach deepened as you pressed yourself impossibly closer to him. One hand made its way into his dark hair, pulling lightly against it. He let out a deep moan at the movement, his eyes shooting open and lips pulling away for a moment.

You smiled at the sight of him, red-lipped, cheeks flushed and eyes full of desire. “Too harsh for you, captain?”

He groaned at your words, capturing your lips once more. His hook was pressing your waist against his as his hand grabbed your neck, bringing you into him. He was truly and well intoxicating.

Hook pulled away again, breath coming out in short bursts. “So I’m not good enough for your sister, but I’m good enough for you.”

You cocked your head and shrugged. “I’m not as good as she is.”

He smiled into the kiss when you pulled him closer again. His teeth captured your bottom lip lightly, but the feeling made a smile of your own erupt across your face.

“I don’t know,” Hook said. “I think you’re pretty good.”

“Killian.”

“My name has never sounded sweeter.”

“Shut up.” You rolled your eyes, smile still playing across your lips.

“With pleasure,” he murmured while pulling you close again.

Tag list: @a-gay-dumbass @eunxhan @loverclear @shobolanya @edit-me-prettyplease @bookholichany @scriblezz

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olderthannetfic · 1 day ago

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Hi OTNF and everyone,

I am finding that it's harder and harder and harder to get into anything - book, show, movie... most things seem, you know, to just not be doing it for me, be it fanfic or original stuff.

In part, I think, it's a general restlessness and that it's become harder to give anything enough time to get into the stories, the characters, the settings, the narrative voices... I guess you can call it attention deficit on my part, just a need for stories to deliver those sweet, sweet hits quickly, but they're not.

I'm not currently ficcing but I did for years (might again in the future, who knows), and it's made reading, specifically, harder. It's like I've become more aware of what goes on behind the scene, I guess? I feel like I can see the writer giving up on a sentence, skipping a scene because fuck this, trying hard to not repeat a word although it's the only one that fits, etc.

Or maybe it's just the *everything* around us in the world that is weighing on me too much? I could say it's adult life, but then again I have more free time than most (and boy do I need hours of doing nothing to survive the other hours), and no family/partner (all that would put even more pressure on me): what is wrong, to make everything so UGHHH?

I feel like I'm stuck in a rut with a brain moaning feed me, feeeed me, and whatever I try to give it, it spits everything out. (Yes, I've tried hobbies, and nothing sticks there either. I've never really found rewards or satisfaction there, so...)

Decades ago as a kid, I was a voracious reader, although studying literature took the pleasure of it away from me. It took time and discovering fanfic that brought me back to reading, but at the time the internet was starting to be a thing, too, and it can't have helped the attention thing. AFAIK I'm not ADHD but then again, I couldn't get a proper diagnosis (the therapists I saw were either dismissive or just about The Talking, which was pointless for me).

I just wonder how it all disappeared, you know? Sometimes I find something that catches my attention for a while - a book (but I read quite quickly when motivated), a fandom... but it's been a while now, and it's just so frustrating! When is it going to come back? Will it ever? *gulp*

I know that books were escapism when I was a child, and then fandom was escapism, but at the moment I find myself grabbing at air and my empty hands are mocking me. Give me my escapism baaaaack!

So, uh. Anyone here with me?

Yes.

I felt like that during part of lockdown. Anhedonia is common in those kinds of circumstances.

Getting your mojo back is certainly possible, but you may need to go see a professional about depression and have some chemical assistance (yes, even if you don't feel sad per se), or you may need to change your lifestyle to one that doesn't have the thing causing you to need eleventy billion hours of downtime.

Aside from serious interventions like that, you can consider a social media detox. Remove every source of doomscrolling and time wasting of that type. When the attention span is zero and nothing brings joy, the tiny and useless hits from finishing a game of solitaire or seeing one more instagram post become very attractive. This is a trap. It will suck what little energy and joy you have and make your muscles flabby for the work of getting into an in-depth book/hobby/experience.

I know the feeling of being able to see how the sausage is made, but... well... first, being in a better mental state will make that matter less, and second, reading prose that is more competent will make that less of an issue. A lot of mainstream tradpub genre fiction is not, in my opinion, very well written these days. Obviously, people are still enjoying it, and that's fine, but if you're noticing writers fumbling around, it might be time to check out some literary fiction or some other category known more for prose quality than anything else.

It's also important to have some structure and some things to look forward to. Even if you feel tired, overwhelmed, and busy, sometimes, the answer is to do more... But it must be things that are distinct and significant and that get you off of the couch, like going to one museum every weekend.

I saw some advice once about this kind of thing that phrased it as "One big adventure; one small adventure."

Every week, you should have those two things to look forward to that matter. Check out a new coffee shop. That could be the small one. Go to an event: a gallery opening, a concert, whatever.

Physical exercise and doing some things that aren't as verbal and conscious thought-involving is important too. Painting is a better hobby for zoning out than writing is. Taking long walks in nature is good for most people.

The kind of intense, obsessive love I had for reading as a child and that I sometimes have for fandom requires a lot of attention and some time. It's escapist, but that masks how much work it actually was. It didn't feel like work only because we were in training.

If you've filled your brain and your day up with a thousand petty annoyances or minor and useless attempts to feel something, you won't have the capacity for those deeper things.

Because you are already at a point that's equivalent to a bad sprained ankle, trying to get back to running right now won't work. You have to stay off of the ankle for a bit, then build your strength and stamina back up.

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sincerelyriize · 22 hours ago

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cotton candy | p.wb

“so we just have sex to solve all our problems”

💿now playing: cotton candy by yungblud

❯ summary: Your boyfriend, Wonbin, is so fucking stubborn that he never knows when, how or why he should apologise. Good thing he’s good at hot, sweaty make-up sex though.

❯ pairings: wonbin x fem!reader

❯ genre: established relationship, angst, smut

❯ words: 1.3k

❯ tags: 18+ minors dni!, swearing, make-up sex, pretty arguing for like a second, wonbin is insufferably stubborn, mention of marking, unprotected sex, lowkey a toxic dynamic oops

an: this fic has absolutely nothing to do with cotton candy, or the song really lol, i was just inspired by this one lyric.

Park Wonbin is stubborn—but not as stubborn as you.

He never thought he’d meet someone who could rival him in that department, let alone end up dating them. It’s a mess, really. Maybe even toxic. Because while he loves every single part of you, when the two of you argue, it’s like fire meeting fire.

It gets nasty. Personal. Downright vicious. Honestly, your friends can’t figure out how you’ve lasted this long—especially since neither of you ever wants to be the first to back down. Apologising? Yeah, no.

Wonbin doesn’t apologise.

But this time, he really should.

It started the same, always does, over something petty like the dishes, or jealousy or when he works long hours and forgets to schedule you in but always seems to have time for the boys. That last one was oddly specific because it’s the exact reason you’ve been screaming at each other in his apartment for the past twenty minutes.

You’d jabbed at his chest with your finger and he’d swatted it away. The fury in his eyes lit aflame, and you weren’t sure you saw an end in sight.

But then he said it.

“If you don’t like it, you can leave.”

That was the end. Because stubborn might as well have been your middle name, and you were ready to make good on his threat—if only his apartment wasn’t so far from yours.

“Fine, I’ll be gone first thing in the morning.”

“Fine,” he spat.

Without another word, you turned on your heel and stormed off to the bedroom, your footsteps heavy with anger. You didn’t bother slamming the door—too cliché—but the sharp click of it shutting was enough to drive your point home.

You busied yourself with grabbing whatever you’d brought over—a spare set of clothes, your charger, a few toiletries—but the more you moved around the room, the more frustrated you became. Your hands shook as you stuffed items into your bag, biting the inside of your cheek to keep from yelling.

Yelling would give him too much satisfaction, and satisfaction was the last thing you wanted to give him right now.

You throw yourself onto the bed, glaring up at the ceiling. The covers feel cold, they always do when he’s not there to cuddle you asleep, not that you’d want that right now, you’d technically just broken up—maybe—ugh, you don’t know. He’s too complicated to work out.

Instead, you curl up on your side, the pillow barely softening the tension in your neck. And sleep doesn’t come easily—your mind replays every word, every jab, and that final, infuriating sentence: “If you don’t like it, you can leave.”

Asshole.

Hours pass, the silence of the apartment punctuated only by the occasional creak of the floorboards and the low hum of the city outside. Your phone screen glares at you from the nightstand, but you ignore it. You weren’t about to scroll through social media for comfort—not tonight.

The doorknob turns with a faint click, and the door opens just enough for him to slip inside. The soft rustle of his clothes and the weight of his footsteps tell you exactly who it is.

You don’t move. Don’t look. Just stay still, pretending to be asleep.

And then the bed dips—but it’s not like you can be mad—this is his house, his room, his bed.

Just…why did he have to be so goddamn stubborn? You’re not going to apologise. You’ve done nothing wrong.

And like you said, Wonbin doesn’t apologise either.

Well…not verbally, at least.

Because within minutes, the shift in the mattress goes from tentative to deliberate. His hand slides across your waist, pulling you flush against him, and before you can even protest, he’s pressing into you—pinning you to the bed, his actions saying everything his pride won’t.

Because when Wonbin knows he’s wrong, he’s bad with words. Instead his body moves against yours, wordlessly pleading for forgiveness the only way he knows how—telling you he regrets what he did.

This is the exact reason he doesn’t apologise. Why should he when he can just fuck you silly and make up?

It’s always from the back after you fight, and you’ve come to understand that it’s because Wonbin doesn’t want to look into your eyes and see any lingering hurt. He's not supposed to be the one that hurts you, he hates it actually.

His hands wrap around your wrists, smashing your palms against the mattress as his slender frame rubs against your back, allowing you to feel every inch of his hot, sweat-soaked skin as he thrusts.

His face finds his favourite place, buried in your nape, because there’s something so possessive about it; and he needs to mark it because he doesn’t want you to leave. He might have said it, yes, but he didn’t mean it. You have to know he didn't mean it.

Your nails dig into the sheets as he licks and sucks, leaving his signature purple love bites across your flesh. You practically mewel into the pillow you’re chewing on when he dips between your shoulder blades and marks there too.

He’s really drilling it home, and you can feel all of the passion and love he has for you poured into his fucking, but it’s almost not enough.

It’s too easy. He’s too easy to forgive considering he hasn’t muttered the word ‘sorry’ since you met him.

But as you turn around to try and even attempt to reprimand him, one look at the crimson tint on his pale complexion and the heavy lidded haze on his eyes has you clenching around his cock. And then the fucker had to go and whimper, the sound so faint and vunberable it was impossible to be mad at him.

“Binnie—” you moan, arching your back to give him a better angle, pushing yourself into his fervent rutting.

Your head rolls against your shoulders, tilting back, needing a better look of him. His unruly black hair damp and sticking to his own face, his lip chewed from biting down. He nuzzles close to your cheek, panting and grunting in your ear and it becomes your undoing.

“Baby, kiss me…” you plead with him for just a little taste, your lips parted, jaw hanging slack and your eyes dazed.

You can’t believe you’re the one begging him right now.

Instead of answering you, Wonbin only grunts and nests his face into your neck, where he kisses and sucks and nibbles on your pulse point as his hips slap against your ass in rapid, needy thrust. He keeps uttering your name, whining it in between his ragged breaths, squeezing both of your wrists until your fingers are tingling.

You can tell that he’s right on the edge, chasing his elusive high deep into your cunt, his sensitive tip twitching and throbbing as it daubs at your inner nerves. Your stomach knots up.

“Oh, fuck, Bin—!”

Wonbin wraps a gentle fist around your neck and guides your face back into the pillows, shushing you breathlessly as he does so. You know why— you’re so damn loud when he fucks you like this, and Wonbin is a jealous man. Your moans are his to hear—not his lousy neighbour who he has seen checking you out a couple of times.

That could start another argument on its own.

As you both settle, your body trembling with aftershocks and his twitching needily, you feel him pull out with a long, shaking moan. Your body reacts, missing the feel of him. You roll onto your back, panting whilst staring at the ceiling and he sits back on his knees.

You look at him and manage a small smile, though his face remains clouded with a frown. His eyes flicker to yours for a moment before darting away. You sigh, already knowing what this means—you’ll have to be the one to speak first.

“Baby, c’mere,” you say softly, opening your arms.

It’s all the invitation he needs. Without a word, he slides into your hold, his movements almost hesitant as he rests his head against your chest. He avoids your gaze, even as your fingers thread gently through his damp hair.

“It’s okay,” you murmur, your voice tender and low. “I forgive you. I love you.”

Maybe Park Wonbin was as stubborn as you.

#riize smut #wonbin smut #wonbin x reader #riize x reader #riize one shot #riize hard hours #riize scenarios #kpop smut

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skyfallscotland · 10 hours ago

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ink & mistletoe, chapter three

Want blooms in my chest and I try to resist the impulse to go down there and see for myself what has him so busy he can't spare an hour to bring his daughter up here. Curiosity killed the cat and all that. …but satisfaction brought it back.

#fw ink and mistletoe #fourth wing fanfic

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outerwilds-events · 19 hours ago

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For @owtechnolich

The Hatchling brought a present from space; Slate is delighted, Gossan is horrified.

Submitted by @wetratman

———

“Hornfels!” The sound echoed easily through the Hearthian village, the crater cool and shaded in the early dawn. “I brought you a present!”

The aforementioned physicist’s head popped out next to the observatory’s telescope, pupils dilated widely from the dim. “Hatchling? You did? You didn’t have to.”

Outer Wilds Venture’s newest member appeared from their ship, having landed nondestructively enough on the rim of the village crater. “Well, that’s good,” they said, smiling bashfully. “Because it’s honestly more for Slate than you. But I hope you like it anyways!”

“I just have to - thanks the stars Gabbro helped me put wheels on - get it inside,” they continued, having climbed back into their ship, just a voice and a pair of legs dangling. “Can you go grab Slate and Gossan? They’ll want to see it. Or, well, I want them to see it.” Gossan will be horrified, they thought, with the smallest amount of satisfaction.

It didn’t take Hornfels long to gather the other founders in the museum, all grouped around a cloth-covered, roughly cylindrical shape (a bit cramped between the other exhibits; Hal would have to help with rearranging later). The Hatchling grabbed the edge of the patchwork sheet concealing the shape beneath, did a stilted sort of flourish with their hands, winced, and finally yanked it away to reveal their little souvenir.

“You did not. Hatchling, you-“ Gossan sighed and buried their face in their hands.

The Hatchling beamed. “I present to you, Timber Hearth’s first live specimen of an anglerfish! Fresh from Dark Bramble.”

The tank was a mess of glass from an old terrarium (Before Outer Wilds Ventures learned to grow plants on other astral bodies, Hornfels thought them necessary to maintain morale) and strips of tape that, miraculously, maintained the pressure within. Inside, sheathed in pale fog, floated a malignant little creature with a reddish glow about its bobbing esca. Curved teeth, half the length of its entirety, jutted from a mouth pried permanently ajar, while listless black eyes stared forward.

“That,” Slate said slowly, squinting to examine their treasure. “Is an abomination against nature. I love it dearly, Hatchling, thank you!” They circled the tank, arms held frantically outwards as though they’d embrace the creature within.

“Of course. I think it’s a bit younger than the, uh, not-alive specimen we have. Here, lemme-“ The Hatchling slid the tanks side-by-side. “It’s smaller, at least.”

Gossan crouched and dipped their head close to the tank, brow creased in a frown. “Hatchling..” they began, “you can’t possibly expect to be able to keep this. How big do anglerfish even get? What do they eat?”

The Hatchling’s face brightened. “Oh, they get big! Like… significantly larger than my ship.”

“How did you even-“ Gossan cut themself off, face turning as hard as the stone they’d been named for. “Hatchling. Dark Bramble? Tell me you didn’t.”

They had the courtesy to look a bit sheepish, as did Hornfels and Slate to look the other way. “I might’ve.”

“No!”

“For science,” the Hatchling added helpfully.

Gossan pinched the shallow bridge of their nose, a gesture that Slate was well used to seeing after showing off a new ship prototype. “And you didn’t feel the need to tell anyone beforehand? Stars… come with me. We need to talk.” They led the Hatchling outside by the hand, while the younger Hearthian offered half-formed not-quite-apologies.

Slate, ever-sensitive, allowed the pair roughly two seconds to exit the museum before snapping their fingers loudly, the sound echoing off the wooden walls - like most of the Hearthian village, the building had been constructed with acoustics in mind. “Shucks.”

“You can say that again,” Hornfels huffed quietly. “Poor hatchling.”

———

“So, you’re telling me, anglerfish are meant to be blind?” Slate’s flashlight scattered in the tank’s fog, sending an unhearthly pale glow over the museum wall opposite the beam. “Like, all of them?”

After promising their flight instructor to bring the anglerfish back to Dark Bramble as soon as it outgrew its current tank, the Hatchling was finally allowed to help examine the creature. Hornfels had abdicated the project to the two, unable or unwilling to look at the awful creature for much longer, and Gossan stayed away out of principle. “Yeah, all of them. Even the Nomai say- said so.”

“Oh. Alright. You’re sure?” Slate’s brow ridge quirked upward.

“Yeah, why?”

“Well, it never does anything when I want it to, of course, but I guess I can try to show you…” They turned their flashlight right onto the anglerfish, casting its twisted, fanged visage into sharp, grotesque relief. As the light hit its eyes, something behind the filmy black cornea shone red. “Sometimes it moves when I do this.”

Very observantly: “It’s not moving.”

Slate smacked the Hatchling’s shoulder lightly. “Sometimes! It’s a stubborn little-“ they cleared their throat. “Anyway, you can see that it has normal… what’s the word? Eye structure things. Like a Hearthian fish does.”

“If we assume that we share an ancestor-“ the Hatchling shivered at the thought, “-it could just be some leftover structure. I don’t know why they’d even need sight. They hunt just fine without it.”

Silence settled over the museum, interrupted only by Hornfels’ footsteps overheard, the soft strumming of a distant string instrument, and the oddly loud rasp of the anglerfish. For something so small, it was loud, even just sitting passively - one would think that too many anglerfish would drive off one another’s prey.

“Hatchling, would you say that anglerfish are solitary hunters? Only one or two around in any given place?”

“From what I can tell, yeah. Why?”

“But they all hatch in the same spot, don’t they?”

“Again, yes. Why?”

Slate leaned forward to stare the museum pet exhibit in its ghoulish little eyes. “Maybe their hatchlings have some sense of vision, so they can find a nice dark little place to cozy up in, so they’re not competing for prey with all the other little beasties.”

The Hatchling frowned, a little crease appearing at the dead center of their four eyes. “They have such good hearing, I don’t see why they’d need sight.”

“I dunno. I’m no biologist,” Slate said, “and it would take a lot more observing to figure it out.” They grinned. “A lot more anglerfish, too.”

“Gossan will hate us.”

“Nah, I took out their eye and they like me just fine. Or, well enough.“ At the Hatchling’s hesitation, Slate continued, “If you bring me another anglerfish, I promise I’ll tell them it was entirely my idea.

“It was entirely your idea!”

“Then I promise I’ll tell the truth. Now go! And try not to die without bringing your ship back.”

#outer wilds events #quantum entaglement exchange #quantum entanglement exchange 2025 #outer wilds #outer wilds spoilers #submission #slate #hatchling #gossan #slate outer wilds #hatchling outer wilds #gossan outer wilds

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honeyfarts666 · 2 days ago

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A Party Most Vile

Lucius Verus x OFC

Mutual non-con, Slavery, Breeding, Angst, Aftercare, Shame (please check out all the tags listed on Ao3 for full content warning)

Part 1 on Ao3 or tumblr New! Part 2 on Ao3 or under the cut ↓

Excerpt: “I am giving you this lovely, young thing,” Macrinus said slowly, “and you reject my gift. Is there something wrong with her, I don’t know about?”

Lucius shook his head. “No!” he shouted a bit too emphatically. It took a surprising amount of restraint for Lucius to resist rushing forward and tackling Macrinus. He was amazed by the fierce protectiveness he felt for Naevia. She was not bound to him and she was not his responsibility. But she had caught Macrinus’s notice because of him. He could not let anyone else get caught up in the mess of his revenge.

@okyeeaaahhhh @writersrash @buttermilktea11 Thank you guys so much for commenting on the last one!! I hope you enjoy!!

Lucius gritted his teeth as he was escorted down the hall to Macrinus’s chamber. He had been taken directly from practice, and his bare chest glistened with sweat. He was certain he stank terribly, but he disliked his master, so there was some small satisfaction to be had. Yet, the meeting loomed large in his mind. It was their first since the disgusting party he had been forced to perform at. Macrinus’s displeasure at his behavior had been obvious. Lucius prayed that this meeting would be about something else. Even a conversation about his true identity would be more welcome than reliving that nightmare.

Macrinus was at his writing desk when the guards brought Lucius in. “Leave us,” Macrinus ordered with a wave of his hand. The guards silently left them and the door was shut. Macrinus sat back in his chair and appraised Lucius as he had many times before. Sunshine streamed though the window behind him, illuminating him like a deity from some distant land. Silence sang between them. Perhaps Macrinus hoped Lucius would crack and finally speak freely. If so, Macrinus would have to try harder.

Finally, after a long moment, Macrinus said, “The slave girl at the party…”

Lucius’s heart dropped into his stomach. There went all his hopes of a short, easy conversation. Macrinus wanted something. And he wasn’t a man accustomed to being denied his desires. Lucius straightened his back and replied, “What of her?”

Macrinus stood and walked around his desk to stand a few paces in front of Lucius. He repressed a smile as he asked, “Did you know her before the party?”

Lucius furrowed his brow. He hadn’t expected that. “No,” he answered swiftly, “I had never seen her before that day.”

Macrinus raised one brow. “Really?” he asked incredulously.

“Yes,” Lucius firmly answered. He didn’t understand what Macrinus was getting at, but the last thing he wanted was for Naevia to get in trouble because of him. Because he said something stupid or thoughtless. But it was the truth. He didn’t know her at all.

Macrinus leaned in slowly and asked, “Then why did you run away with her? Help me understand that, Lucius.”

Lucius stared into his master’s gleaming eyes. How could he possibly answer in a way that this savage man would understand? Certainly not the truth! The truth that, after the shame of fucking the girl in front of a crowd, all he wanted was to be alone with her. To get away from the staring eyes and cruel sneers. To touch her tenderly and let her know that he wasn’t a beast. That he hadn’t wanted any of it.

Lucius shook his head and glanced up at Macrinus’s waiting face. He grimaced and gave the best answer he could think of, “She looks like my wife.”

Macrinus’s expression softened. “Your wife, she died during Acacius’s invasion?”

Lucius nodded in reply.

Macrinus looked into Lucius’s face, studying him intently. Lucius tried to ignore it. He tried focusing on the floor, on the desk, the chair. But it was no use. Macrinus crowded his space, and Lucius was forced to look the older man in the eye. Suddenly, almost as an afterthought, Macrinus muttered, “You have the look of your grand-sire.” For the second time in as many minutes, Lucius was surprised. Macrinus smiled and took a step back to pick up his cup from the desk. “Although, that is to be expected when he is your grand-sire twice over,” Macrinus chuckled before taking a sip of wine.

Lucius gave Macrinus a darting look. “Twice over?” he asked cautiously.

“Ah!” Macrinus gave him a playfully pleased smile and leaned against the desk, “So, the rumors are true!”

“I don’t know what rumors you speak of,” Lucius replied, his features settling into a deep frown.

Macrinus chuckled to himself and then spoke with a wicked gleam of spite in his eye, “That Commodus was your true sire.”

Lucius couldn’t restrain the scoff that fell from his lips. Of course, Macrinus would believe the worst tales he heard! The most vile rumors spread the fastest. But it was actually a relief to hear. If Macrinus believed that Commodus was his father, then he hadn’t overheard any of the conversation Lucius had with Lucilla. Macrinus knew nothing of the coup that Lucilla and Acacius were brewing. Nor the revelation of Lucius’s true father. Lucius had many complicated feelings about his mother. But he sent a silent prayer of thanks to all the gods he knew. She would be safe, as would her secrets.

Macrinus inclined his head towards Lucius. “Oh, come now!” he teased, “Tell me the truth!”

Lucius let out a short laugh and said, “I cannot tell you. I wasn’t there when it happened!”

Macrinus let out a boisterous laugh and said, “True, indeed! But you must know?”

Lucius gritted his teeth but stayed still. He didn’t trust himself. He knew his temper. And he was growing tired of Macrinus’s prying. He didn’t care what anyone believed about him! The whole world could believe he was an inbred bastard and he wouldn’t bat an eye. Let the vermin think whatever suits them. Lucius lifted his chin and said, “The only father I have ever known, was the man for who I was named.”

Macrinus let out a disappointed hum. He tapped his hand on the table and took another sip of his wine. Another unsettling smile crossed his face as he swept his hand toward the door. “I have a gift for you.”

Lucius didn’t think the sudden change of subject could be a good sign. And he certainly didn’t want anything from Macrinus. Even supposed gifts came with their price.

Just then, a servant opened the door to the study and held it open for another to enter. Lucius’s eyes dilated and every last whips of air left his lungs as he saw her: Naevia. She looked much the same as she had upon their first meeting. She wore the simple garments of a slave and left her hair loose around her. As her eyes landed on his, he saw her take a shuddering breath. Clearly, she hadn’t expected to see him either. Lucius tried to remain composed. He tried to hide the tidal wave of emotion that ripped through him. But it was impossible. He felt his jaw twitch horribly before he managed to snap his mouth shut. Had Macrinus bought her? Or had she been his slave the whole time?

Once Naevia was inside, the servant left and shut the door behind him. Naevia jumped slightly at the harsh sound of heavy timber against metal.

Macrinus gave Lucius a long glance and then burst into roarious laughter. Only at that terrible sound was Lucius finally able to tear his eyes from Naevia. Macrinus, still grinning broadly, said, “I have never seen a man look so bleak after being given a woman!”

Lucius didn’t dare look at Naevia again, even though he wanted to. He wanted to reassure her. But Macrinus would use anything he observed to his advantage. He had to show him that he didn’t care about her. “I have no need for her,” he announced in what he hoped was a steady voice. “You can put her back wherever she came from.”

The smile faded from Macrinus’s face. For the first time, he seemed annoyed. He set down his cup and approached Naevia. He ran his fingers through her hair and tugged on a curl. She repressed a shiver and held still. She was clearly afraid. Lucius could see it even before she looked up at him with her huge, brown eyes. “I am giving you this lovely, young thing,” Macrinus said slowly, “and you reject my gift. Is there something wrong with her, I don’t know about?”

Macrinus let go of Naevia’s hair, and she and Lucius breathed a sigh of relief. But it was short-lived. Macrinus crossed the room to stand in front of Lucius. “Give me a reason why?” he asked with evident impatience.

Lucius was confident Macrinus had never experienced anything like the love that he and Arishat had shared. Nor anything as simple as the connection that had formed between him and Naevia. Macrinus would never understand. He was incapable! But Lucius had no other answer. So he spoke truthfully, “I have no desire for any except my wife.”

Naevia trembled at his confession. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her quiver and wrap her arms around her body. But there was little time for Lucius to notice it. Macrinus slammed his fist on his desk and shouted, “Your wife is dead!” Rage flashed through his features like a wildfire. But he quickly regained his composure. He breathed deeply and ran a steadying hand over his beard. As quickly as it had arrived, the rage left and the mask fell back into place. “In truth, I should have expected this from you,” he mused softly. After a moment of deathly silence, Macrinus turned back to Lucius. “Very well,” he said with a sudden confidence, “Since you will not take her as a gift, you’ll take her as a punishment.”

A deep dread pooled in Lucius’s stomach. He could guess Macrinus’s meaning, but he dared not even think it to himself. Macrinus gestured to a bright rug on the floor and said, “Lay her down there and fuck her.”

Lucius couldn’t restrain himself anymore. He could not play the part of the obedient slave. Not when his master was so needlessly cruel and foul. He let out a heavy sigh and said, “No.”

Macrinus cocked his head to one side. “You forget yourself, Hanno,” he mused with a barely perceptible fury. “You are not a soldier. You are not a free man. You are my property. My possession. I speak and you obey.”

Lucius gave his master a bitter smile. He had reached his limit. And he would bear no more. “No,” Lucius uttered again.

With a fluid motion, Macrinus pulled a dagger from somewhere in his robes. Lucius readied himself for a fight, but Macrinus didn’t approach him. Too late, Lucius realized that Macrinus reached for Naevia. Lucius started forward but froze as the point of the blade came to rest on Naevia’s throat. Macrinus used his other hand to wrap around her waist and hold her secure. In a steady voice, Macrinus said, “If you don’t want her, I’ll give her to my guards downstairs. I’m sure they would greatly enjoy a ripe, young thing such as her.”

Naevia repressed a gasp and Lucius made a great effort not to look at her. He could feel every muscle in his body tightening with every passing second as he glared at Macrinus. The worst part was that he couldn’t understand why Macrinus went through such pains to torture him in such a twisted way. “Why?” he asked with bitter despair, “What do you gain from this?”

Lucius expected Macrinus to reply with a shout and a retort. Something to put him back in his place. Something that would remind him he was a slave now. But no such reply came. Instead, Macrinus gave him that twisted smile again. “It’s not what I gain,” he replied coyly, “But what you gain.” After a breath of anticipation, he continued, “An heir.”

Lucius’s heart nearly stopped beating. He and Arishat had never considered having children. She always drank a special tea that prevented her from conceiving. Neither of them desired to bring a child into the world when the threat of war loomed so great. His feelings on the matter certainly hadn’t changed since losing his freedom. A child would mean only more pain and heartache. A child would only be a chain for Macrinus to bind him with.

Before Lucius could formulate a response, Macrinus pulled his blade away from Naevia’s neck. “Undress,” he commanded her. With a shaking hand, Naevia unfastened the ties of her robe and let the long garment fall to the floor. Her body was just as lovely as Lucius remembered. Without another word, Marcinus pushed Naevia forward, into Lucius’s arms. He caught her against his chest, and he finally felt like he could breathe. His mind knew that she was anything but safe. But he couldn’t help but feel relief. Naevia’s whole body was tense and she gripped onto Lucius’s arms for dear life. He ran his hand over her back, trying to comfort her.

“The rug, now!” Macrinus ordered. Lucius glared up at him. Macrinus gave no other response. He only twirled the dagger, with the point on the edge of the desk. It was a casually calculated image. A threat hanging in the air, ready to be made real at any moment. Numbly, Lucius walked to the rug, taking Naevia with him. She didn’t resist, but he felt her shudder in dread. He couldn’t imagine how frightened she must be. If anything, his fate would be easy. He would likely die in the arena soon. But she would be forced to live and bear a child, his child.

At the rug, he let go of Naevia to free the ties of his britches and drop them to the floor. Unlike at the party, the simple sight of Naevia’s nude body wasn’t enough to make him aroused. He glanced around for oil to help ease his way but saw nothing that could help him. Macrinus rounded his desk to sit in his chair and said, “Naevia.” She startled to attention and tightly clasped her arms to cover her breasts before turning to their master. Macrinus continued, “Get on your knees and help Hanno get ready.”

Naevia took a sharp breath before she nodded. Slowly, she sank down onto her knees. Lucius’s eyes followed her as she lowered down. He couldn’t deny the sight of her in such a submissive position was beautiful. He felt his cock starting to grow stiff just looking at her on her knees in front of him. His stomach twisted in disgust at the idea that he could enjoy this. And he regretted that he had not been allowed to bathe before the meeting. Everything about him must repulse her. But then he felt her soft mouth on him, and all the blood in his body rushed into his cock. She gripped his base in her hand and bobbed her mouth over his tip. Sucking him and then swirling her tongue over him in turn. Lucius swallowed dryly. He kept his eyes closed, not wanting to see Macrinus staring at him from across the room. His tight jaw relaxed just enough for his lips to part and a soft groan to leave his lips. Naevia seemed encouraged by the sound and took more of his length into her mouth. Lucius groaned again, louder this time. He ran his fingers though her hair and looked down at her as she took as much of his cock as she could. Unconsciously, he began to rock his hips into her.

“That’s enough!” Macrinus shouted, stopping them in their tracks. Lucius took a heavy breath as Naevia pulled her mouth off of him. He was fully erect and the top half of his cock glistened with Naevia’s spit. He caught her eye then. She was so beautiful on her knees. Spit dribbled down her lips and her eyes were wet from the effort of taking him. She gazed at him with a mixture of fear and arousal. “Go on!” Macrinus shouted from his desk. Naevia was the one who broke their gaze. She turned around on her knees so she faced away from Lucius. Then, she bowed forward, keeping her head down and putting her ass up high with her legs spread. Her pussy was on full display to him and he saw her lower lips glisten with her wetness. A ridiculous sort of pride filled Lucius’s chest. He knew it was childish, but the thought of her growing wet from having his cock in her mouth made him harder than he ever had been in his life.

He knelt down between her spread legs and readied to plow her. He notched his cock to her entrance and he felt a delicious shiver run through her body. He pushed in the head of his cock and a gentle moan fell from Naevia’s lips. He found a guilty satisfaction in her anticipation. The whole ordeal would have been so much worse if she resisted him. But to feel her arousal as he entered her was more than he could have asked of her.

Before he could sink into her further, Macrinus interrupted them and asked, “Don’t you want to see her face while you take her?” Lucius couldn’t help it, even though he knew it was a bad idea, his eyes shot to Macrinus’s expression of feigned curiosity. “Or,” he continued, with their gaze locked, “is it easier to pretend she’s your wife when you can’t see her face?”

Lucius felt his face twist in rage. But he also felt Naevia tremble under him. Macrinus was intent on driving this knife as deep as possible. Making sure that Naevia overheard talk of his wife. Calling out Lucius’s disassociation. It was all part of Macrinus’s plan, whatever that was. The last time he had fucked her, Lucius had been afraid to look at Naevia. Not because it was easier to imagine Arishat, but because it was easier to imagine none of it was happening. But now, Naevia would believe she was nothing to him. That she was just a warm cunt he could fill and toss aside. He couldn’t live with that. With a great effort, he tore his eyes away from Macrinus’s smirk and turned back to Naevia. He pulled his tip out of her core, and a trail of her wetness drew out between them.

Lucius put his hands on Naevia’s hips and encouraged her to turn. She flipped onto her back but kept her legs spread for him. Her pink folds glistening with her arousal. If they had been alone, he would have leaned into her ear and told her what a good girl she was as he filled her. But they weren’t alone. Instead, Lucius took in the sight of her silently. Her breasts shuddered with each frightened breath. Her hair was splayed out around her like a dark halo. And her eyes were on his. Her gaze never left him. It was as though the rest of the world faded away and they were the only two beings in all existence. Slowly, he crawled on top of her and loomed over her slight frame. He had been so afraid she would be repulsed by him. He wouldn’t have blamed her. Not after what he did to her. But she opened herself willingly and moaned as his cock brushed against her bud. He could scarcely believe it. He had raped her. He was about to rape her again. And for some reason, she chose to be nothing more than a delicate, obedient flower. So submissive and willing.

Without ever taking his eyes away from hers, he lined himself up to her entrance and pressed into her. Her lips parted in a soft gasp as he filled her all the way. Her hands flew to his shoulders and she clung to him with a fierce need. She took him so well. He watched with fascination as her pupils dilated, half certain his must be doing the same. Her mouth hung open in a silent moan as he pulled out of her and then plunged back in, slowly building his pace, snapping his hips into hers with growing force. He leaned all of his weight on one arm and used the other to grip her thigh, pinning her open. Her eyes fluttered closed as he pounded into her. The room was filled with the wet slap of their bodies joining again and again. The only other sounds were the gentle whimpers Naevia gave each time she was filled. She was so perfect. So soft. So wet. All for him!

Lucius couldn’t deny the jealous beast that grew inside of him. He couldn’t stand the thought of anyone else touching her. Macrinus said she would bear him a child. That was the purpose of this debauchery. To make him an heir. An heir to his grandfather’s line. Lucius imagined what Naevia would look like as she swelled with his child. The image only made him drive into her faster. He let out a heavy moan and rested his forehead against her shoulder. She smelled like bread and honey. He hated to admit it, but the thought of planting his seed in such a sweet girl only urged his need. A primal instinct burned in his mind. He needed to breed. He needed to create something before his miserable life was over. He needed to leave something behind. The animal drive to breed had activated somewhere in the distant corners of his mind, and he couldn’t control it. He felt how tightly her inner walls gripped his cock and all he wanted was to feel her pulse around him as she came. He moved his hand on her thigh between their bodies until his fingers brushed against her bud. Instantly, Naevia’s grip on his shoulder’s tightened. Her nails sunk into his skin and his gasped in response. Her grip on his cock also tightened. She pulsed in time with his ministrations. Clenching down on his length with each drag of his finger over her bud.

Lucius picked his head up from the crook of her neck. As much as he loved breathing in her scent, he needed to see her. He looked up just as she pulsed around him. Her mouth fell open with a tender moan and her head tilted back, arching her spine. The noise was the sweetest thing he had ever heard. But she wasn’t looking at him. He needed her to look at him. To see him. To know him. “Look at me,” he demanded between harsh thrusts. Naevia’s eyes fluttered open, but she was looking up at the ceiling. Not at him. “Look at me,” he demanded again, louder this time and with a harsher tone. Naevia’s eyes snapped to his and he felt instant relief. She was burning as much as he was. Every ounce of her essence pulsed with need. A need for him. Lucius gasped as he beheld her. He still couldn’t believe how open and sweet and willing she was for him. He didn’t deserve any of it. He was wholly unworthy. He deserved to feel overwhelming shame. But instead, she was gushing around his cock, making him feel in a way he thought he never would again. He was getting close and he could feel she was too.

Lucius pinched her bud between his fingers and her walls clenched down on his length. She became impossibly tight and let out a breathy cry. Her eyes were wide and wild as she came on his cock. Lucius let out a low groan as he surged into her as he found his own release. As his warm seed flooded her womb, his eyes fluttered shut and he wondered if it would take root. He rested his forehead against Naevia’s and tried to calm his hammering heart. His chest heaved with each breath but otherwise, he stilled.

Lucius quickly came down from the high of his orgasm as his mind filled with new anxieties. What if his seed didn’t take? How long would Macrinus force them to do this? Would Naevia be punished if they failed to produce a child? But even worse were the anxieties that came if she did conceive. Would Macrinus be angry if the child was a girl? Would he demand more children from them? If it was a boy, would he be forced to train as a gladiator? Would he be branded and marked? Would he spend his whole life as a slave? Would the boy look like him?

Lucius was vaguely aware of the sound of Macrinus pushing back his chair and walking toward them. But he didn’t fully become aware of his master until he was just a few paces away. Macrinus approached and then walked past them. He opened a cabinet on the far wall and proceeded to go about his business, content to ignore the naked slaves entwined on his rug. Almost as an afterthought, Macrinus mused, “It is a shame your mother never gave you a sister. Then I could have bred you with her! Kept the family tradition alive.”

If Macrinus had said such a thing to him earlier in their conversation, Lucius would have struck him, no matter the consequences. But now, with his cock buried in Naevia’s core and the haze of his anxieties dulling his senses, he couldn’t find the will to do anything about it. Perhaps if he really had a sister, he would have cared more. At least, it was impossible for Macrinus to make it real.

Lucius had been so desperate for eye contact in the throes of his passion. But now, he couldn’t bring himself to meet Naevia’s gaze. Her face was right below his, but he stubbornly refused to look at her. Even as she whispered his name, “Lucius.” It was so soft he barely heard it. But still, her voice rang like music in his ears. He closed his eyes, willing her to disappear from under him. Willing all his guilt and shame to disappear too. “Lucius,” she whispered again, slightly louder. But still, he couldn’t look at her. As Lucius pulled out of her, Naevia gasped and shivered. But Lucius wasn’t in a state to comfort her. He pulled away from her. He got up onto his knees and sat back on his haunches. Naevia was splayed out before him, her legs spread wide. He watched in a mixture of dread and fascination as his seed spilled from her lower lips. The instinct to spread his seed and reproduce had faded away with his climax. He felt a wave of nausea wash though him. It passed quickly, but in its place came a deep and biting shame. He never thought he’d be in this situation. He had heard many gladiators speak of the children they had fathered in whores and courtesans. And he had once believed himself to be above such things. Naevia shivered on the floor. She gathered her arms under her and weakly pushed herself up, closing her legs as she did. Lucius’s eyes were still locked on the juncture of her legs.

Macrinus threw an ornate robe over his shoulders and straightened the fabric. Without even looking at them, he said, “There is a wash basin in the corner for you to clean up.” Lucius followed the gesture of Macrinus’s hand and spotted a clay bowl on a table in the corner. Macrinus suddenly turned his attention back to Lucius and took a few steps toward him. Lucius, uncertain of what would come next, moved to stand. But Macrinus put up a hand to stop him. Lucius was caught down on one knee before his master. It was a submissive position, no doubt intended to be emasculating. Macrinus smiled casually and said, “I am expected elsewhere, but you may stay here for the rest of the afternoon. Someone will collect you at sundown.”

Lucius’s brow furrowed. They were to be left alone together?

“Help yourself to the wine and the fruit,” Macrinus continued. He turned toward the door but then, he had another thought and turned around again, “And Lucius,” he said with a harsher twist, “There better not be any trouble when I return.”

Macrinus waited expectantly, staring Lucius down. Lucius nodded, hoping that would be enough to pacify him. It was not.

“Well?” Macrinus demanded.

Lucius swallowed hard. He knew what was expected of him. But it was worse that Naevia should be a witness to it. He looked up at Macrinus with a blank face and said, “Yes, master.”

Macrinus nodded and without another word, he opened the door and left.

Lucius took a shuddering breath. He could scarcely believe any of what had just transpired had really happened. But most of all, he could not believe Macrinus had left them alone together. It felt… manipulative. Like Macrinus wanted them to form an attachment. He hesitantly glanced at Naevia and she was already looking at him. Her long hair wrapped around her like a veil, shielding the side of her face and her breasts from his view. She pulled her knees up to her chest, making herself as small as possible. Lucius’s eyes fell to the floor and his jaw tightened. He felt another wave of nausea pass through him and he swallowed back the bile.

In a quiet voice, Naevia asked, “Are you alright?”

Lucius looked up and saw the genuine concern in her eyes. He nodded quickly and broke their eye contact. It was too much for him. He stood stiffly and walked to the wash basin, a wide bowl with a cloth hanging off the edge. He dipped the cloth into the cool water and rung it out. He thought about cleaning his cock, but he had already been filthy before, so it didn’t matter much. Instead, he brought the damp cloth to Naevia and handed it to her. She accepted the small offering and cleaned between her legs. Whipping away the evidence of their coupling. Lucius turned his head away. It was foolish to think of privacy in such a moment. He had been openly staring at her cunt a minute before. And he had been inside of her the minute before that. But it was what a decent man would do. What a better man than him would do.

When she finished, Naevia stood. Lucius turned back to her and she met his eye. Only two paces separated them, but it felt like all the vastness of the empire lay between them. He was frozen. He couldn’t even breathe as she stared at him from under her long lashes. All he could think was that she might already be carrying his child. After a long moment of terrible waiting, Naevia reached for him. Lucius’s heart stuttered as she drew closer. With her free hand, she touched his chest, tracing over the bruises that painted his flesh. He let out a soft gasp as she touched a spot that was particularly tender. Her hand froze and she looked up at him with worry, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s alright,” he cut her off. And with a half-smile, he added, “I am unharmed.” He still couldn’t believe that she wasn’t afraid of him. He recalled how she had cringed when he picked her up at the party. How she had recoiled from his touch. He had imagined she would react the same way this time, even though she had let him hold her for hours after the party. He fully expected her to hate him. But she didn’t. And he was unprepared. “Are you hurt?” he asked her as gently as he could.

“No,” she whispered as she shook her head softly. Her hand on his chest moved to his shoulder and brushed away some loose sand that still clung to him.

“Forgive me,” Lucius told her, “He didn’t give me the opportunity to bathe before.”

Naevia gave him a soft smile and said, “It’s alright. There are worse things than a sweaty man.”

“Indeed,” Lucius murmured and returned her smile, though his was more of a grimace. With a heavy sigh, he continued, “What Macrinus said… about you bearing my…” His voice trailed off and his eyes fell. Another deep sigh left his body, and he looked to the heavens for guidance. The gods had no love for him. But somehow, he found the strength to look into Naevia’s eyes again and went on, “Macrinus would use a child to control me. To keep me in line. To ensure I would not rebel against him.” Naevia’s brow furrowed in worry. He wanted to reassure and tell her that he would protect her. But he knew that promise would be impossible for him to keep. “I do not wish for you to be entangled in this mess. If there is a way for you to…” He swallowed hard and prepared for the next words he was about to say. “If there is any way for you to stop it before it takes root…”

Naevia trembled slightly but she nodded. “I know of a way,” she admitted. “My former mistress, she would make me drink a tea. But…” She looked into Lucius’s eyes and he saw her fear, vivid and bright. Tears brewed in her eyes as she said, “I do not have any friends in this house. I don’t know anyone. And I’ve seen girls die because they didn’t brew it right! I don’t know-” She cut herself off as the tears came streaming down her face.

Lucius wrapped both of his arms around her and pulled her close, tucking her head against his chest. She clung to him as she cried. Her trembling body seemed so small compared to his broad form. She was alone and frightened and it was his fault. Because he had been too emotional. Because he had lost control of himself. “Shh,” he tried to soothe her, knowing he was pathetically out of his depth. “It’s alright,” he cooed as he stroked a hand through her hair, “I won’t have you put yourself in danger.” Naevia sniffled again and nuzzled her cheek against him. She had calmed down, but he could still feel her fear as it pulsed through her. It mixed with his own and pooled deep within him.

He was lost in his despair until he felt her fingers on his cheek, gently turning his face to hers. Her huge, brown eyes gazed up at him sorrowfully. Lucius wanted to reach into her and take away all the fear and misery she felt. He would take all of it if it meant she would be free. Tenderly, she brushed her fingers over his beard, feeling the coarse hairs shift under her touch. Then, she moved her hand to his brow and stroked the small bruises and cuts that marred his skin. He didn’t deserve her tenderness or her affection. He felt tears gathering in his own eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. What could he possibly say to her? What words could sooth his horrible deeds?

Naevia trailed her hand down his chest and took his hand. She led him across the room to the wash basin. She cleaned the cloth in the water and rung it out again. Lucius watched her the whole time, mesmerized by how calm she was. She turned to him and looked up at him expectantly. “Well,” she said, “I cannot reach you up there. So, you’ll have to kneel down.”

Lucius’s heart fluttered. “You mean to wash me?” he asked in disbelief.

Naevia nodded and a blush colored her cheeks. Lucius felt something strange and unnameable swell in his chest. He knelt down and held still while she bathed him with the cloth. She started with his brow, wiping away the sweat and grime that clung to him. She moved down his face and neck. The cool water caused goosebumps to form on his flesh. She knelt down with him and cleaned his shoulders and chest, only slowing as she reached his navel. She hesitated and looked up at him with an uncertain gaze. Lucius took her hand in his own. “It’s alright,” he said to her in a low voice, “I’ll finish the rest.”

Naevia nodded and allowed him to pull the wash cloth from her hand. She stood and retreated back toward the desk, where their clothes lay on the floor. Lucius washed his lower body quickly. The cloth was already filthy but he found a clean corner to scrub his cock with. He barely had the patience to wipe down his legs and feet. His hair was still unwashed but he would have to live with that. He turned back to Naevia and saw she had dressed. Her shy look from across the room sent an unexpected pang though his heart. They hadn’t chosen to be together. But she would be the mother of his child. And that bound them. That made her his responsibility.

With a hurried pace, he walked back to where his britches lay and hastily pulled them back on. He wished that he had been given a shirt. Maybe then he wouldn’t feel so exposed. Naevia looked as though she felt the same way. Her bare arms were pulled tight across her chest, holding herself. He could see her uncertainty. To a certain degree, it was endearing. But he hated that it was him that made her so uncertain.

With a heavy sigh, he sat down on a bench. His hands gripped his knees and his knuckles turned white from strain. He had much to consider. In the months since his enslavement, he had allowed himself to become consumed by revenge. He could live with bearing his own punishments. But if Macrinus were to pass them on to Naevia and the child, he would never forgive himself. He did not know how to calculate a child into his plans. Much to his surprise, Naevia sat next to him. She sat close enough that their legs touched. After a moment of hesitation, she placed her hand over his, soothing him. He instantly relaxed into her touch.

Lucius’s mouth went completely dry and he gulped down a heavy breath. “I don’t understand your goodness,” he confessed as he turned to her with awe in his eyes. “And I don’t deserve your tenderness.”

Naevia shook her head. “No,” she murmured, “It is you who have been good to me.”

Lucius couldn’t help the scoff that fell from his lips. “I violated you. I forced myself on you. Twice now.”

“But you didn’t want to!” Naevia protested. “I could see it from the moment we first met eyes. You’re not like the others.” Lucius raised his hand to her face and stroked her cheek. Naevia leaned into his touch and let out a soft sigh, “Every other touch I have known,” she continued slowly, “was cruel and selfish. You are the only man who has ever… made me feel good.”

A swell of pride flushed in Lucius’s chest. “My only solace in all this mess,” Lucius told her in a low voice, “Is that no other man will touch you now.”

Naevia opened her eyes and met his with a burning gaze. “I am glad for it,” she said with a smile. “You see? Why would I hate you when you have protected me?”

“I cannot protect you,” Lucius admitted sorrowfully. “I am but a slave. I will likely die in the arena before the child is born.”

Naevia took his hand in hers again and said, “Let us not think of such things.”

Lucius swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat and said, “I can think of nothing else.” Naevia’s face clouded with worry. But he continued before she could reply, “These past months, I have been driven only by revenge. For my wife and for my home. But now,” he let out a dark laugh, “I cannot continue down that road without endangering you.”

“Do not worry about me,” Naevia said gently, “I am not with child yet.”

“But you could be,” Lucius said with grave sincerity.

Naevia blushed deeply but she did not respond. She didn’t have to.

Silence settled between them. There was little they could say to each other without opening the floodgates of their emotions. Instead, they found a solace in touch. Naevia curled herself under Lucius’s arm and she rested her head against his shoulder. It was comforting to feel her weight against him. Lucius wrapped his arm around her and held her tightly.

All too fast, the afternoon sun fell low in the sky. The door to the chamber opened and two of Macrinus’s guards stood outside. It was time.

Lucius placed a kiss on Naevia’s brow. She clung to him as they stood and walked to the door. Only when they reached the guards, did they finally part. Naevia’s fingers lingered on his hand for a moment as they were taken in opposite directions down the hall. Lucius looked back over his shoulder and saw Naevia do the same. It wasn’t like the first time they parted ways; he knew he would see her again.

AN: I intended this to be a quick follow up, I really did! I intended to post this before new years. But then... well, it just kept getting bigger and more elaborate. I have really loved exploring Lucius's psyche. He's such a fateful character.

As always, thank you all for reading!! If you enjoyed reading this, please comment or reblog. It really means the world to me! And my ask box is always open to anyone who wants to talk about Lucius or writing in general!! <3

#gladiator ii #gladiator 2 #lucius verus #lucius verus smut #lucius verus x ofc #lucius verus fanfiction #gladiator ii fanfiction #angst #smut #myfic #mymoodboard

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st4rfckerz · 2 days ago

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Run | Negan x reader

word count: 2.1k

warnings: mdni 18+, noncon, unprotected sex, implied age gap, negan’s gross ofc, dddne

summary: after surviving another lineup, negan decides to have a little fun with you

Negan smirked as he observed all the frightened faces before him as he moved up and down the line. He'd been having problems with Rick's group for some time, and it was time to deal with it.

After attempting to fight earlier in the night, you were now exhausted, bloodied and broken. Your knees ached from staying in the same position for what felt like hours.

Negan watched as Rick completed the shocking task he had ordered, a grim smile spreading across his face. He couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of satisfaction seeing the once proud leader of this community brought so low. Turning away from the pitiful sight, Negan's eyes found you, kneeling amidst the crowd of terrified survivors.

Negan's grin widens, revealing a glint of cruel amusement in his eyes as he sees the fear etched into your features. He takes a step closer, the tip of his bat tapping gently under your chin to tilt your head back further.

“You know, I've got to hand it to you sweetheart, you've got somethin’. Most girls would be blubbering like babies by now, pissing themselves begging for their mama.” He leans in, hot breath washing over your face as he speaks in a low, almost tender tone that sends shivers down your spine. “But not you. No, you've got...spunk. I like that.”

Negan's free hand reaches out, calloused fingers brushing a stray curl behind your ear in an almost gentle gesture. The contrast between his rough touch and the tender action makes your heart race.

“Tell you what, sweetheart...you be a good girl and do exactly as I say. No funny business. And maybe, just maybe, you won't end up like that little shithead over there.” He jerks his head towards Rick, still trying to recover from being beat down.

Negan's eyes narrow as he points Lucille towards the dark woods behind you, a sinister glint in his gaze. “Now, I want you to get that cute little ass of yours movin'.” He takes a step back, giving you room to stand, but keeping the bat trained on you.

As you rise on shaky legs, Negan's eyes rake over your form, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. “You've got a real pretty walk too. Nice and slow, sweetheart. Don't make me tell you twice.”

He points towards the tree line, indicating for you to start walking away from the group. The night is pitch black beyond the flickering light of the campfire, the sounds of the forest, the rustling of leaves, the distant hoots of owls— taking on an almost ominous quality.

After a short distance, he suddenly stops, grabbing your arm in a vice-like grip. “Here we are.” He turns to face you, his features obscured by the shadows.

“Listen up, because I'm only gonna say this once. You've got exactly five minutes to run, sweetheart. Five minutes to hide. And if I find you…”

He lets the threat hang in the air, his grip on your arm tightening for a moment before he releases you with a rough shove. “Better start runnin' now, darlin'. Your time's a tickin'.”

With that, he steps back, melting into the shadows. The darkness engulfs him, but you can still feel his presence, the weight of his gaze on your back as he watches you.

Negan's voice cuts through the darkness, sharp and commanding. “Go!” At the sound of his bark, you spring into action, your legs pumping as you race through the underbrush. The trees loom over you, their gnarled branches reaching out like claws in the shadows. The air is thick with the scent of earth and decay, the dampness clinging to your skin. Behind you, the sound of Negan's footsteps fades for a moment, only to be replaced by an unsettling silence. The absence of his pursuit is almost more terrifying than the knowledge of his chase. It leaves you wondering if he's closing in on you from a different direction, lying in wait to ambush you in the darkness.

You stumble over a fallen log, your hands scraping against the rough bark as you catch yourself. The pain shoots through your palms, but you barely register it, too consumed by the fear coursing through your veins.

After allowing you a brief head start, Negan begins to leisurely walk in the direction you fled, a wicked grin spreading across his face, revealing the deep dimples that would be charming on any other man.

It's not long before you start to hear his mocking calls echoing through the dark forest, your heart clenching with dread at the sound of his voice drawing closer.

Negan's voice rings out, dripping with false cheer. “You can't hide from me, sweetheart. I'm gonna find you, no matter how far you run.” He pauses, listening for a moment. A branch snaps somewhere in the distance, and his lips curl into a smirk.

In a panic, you spot an old, abandoned truck nestled between two large oak trees, its rusted metal frame blending in with the dark foliage. Seeing an opportunity for a hiding spot, you quickly and quietly make your way towards it, your heart pounding in your ears. As you approach the truck, you notice that the driver's side door is slightly ajar. Holding your breath, you ease the door open just enough for you to slip inside, the hinges creaking softly in protest. You tumble into the cab, landing hard on the dusty, cracked leather seat.

You curl up in the tight space, trying to make yourself as small as possible. The musty smell of old upholstery and motor oil fills your nostrils as you hold your breath, listening intently for any sign of Negan's approach. Then, you hear it. The crunch of dead leaves and twigs beneath heavy boots, growing louder and closer with each passing second. He's getting closer, circling around the abandoned truck like a shark scenting blood in the water.

“You know, I thought you’d be a lot smarter,” You hold your breath as you hear his voice, squeezing your eyes shut as if that could somehow make you invisible. “But this— this is just pitiful.” Negan's footsteps stop abruptly just outside the old truck, and you hear him speak again.

“You gonna come out?” The silence stretches on for what feels like an eternity, your heart hammering against your ribs. He waits another beat, as if expecting an answer. When none comes, he lets out a low, dark chuckle. “No? Alright.”

With a sudden, violent motion, he swings the truck door open, the rusted metal screeching in protest. The door slams against the inside of the cab, and you flinch, pressing yourself back against the far side of the seat.

“There she is.” Negan's tall frame fills the doorway, his silhouette stark against the faint moonlight behind him. He leans in, his head cocked to the side as he peers into the dark interior of the truck cab. “Come on, don't make this difficult.” Negan's hand suddenly closes around your wrist in an iron grip, his fingers digging into your skin hard enough to bruise. Before you can react, he's wrenching you out of the cab, your body tumbling onto the hard-packed dirt and dead leaves below. You land hard on your back, the breath knocked out of your lungs, your head spinning from the sudden movement.

He stands over you, his head tilted to the side, a cruel smile playing on his lips. “Didn't I tell you not to make this difficult, sweetheart?” He takes a step closer, his boot hovering over your chest. For a terrifying moment, you think he might stomp down, crushing the air from your lungs. But instead, he presses the sole of his boot against your collarbone, pinning you to the ground.

You can't help but let out a soft, frightened whimper as Negan's boot presses down harder on your collarbone. The pressure makes it difficult to breathe, your lungs screaming for air. Tears prick the corners of your eyes as you stare up at him, your heart hammering wildly in your chest.

“Poor, stupid little girl.” His tone is mocking, dripping with false sympathy. He grinds his heel down a little harder, and you gasp, your back arching off the ground as you try to ease the pressure.

Without warning, he removes his boot from your collarbone, only to roughly grab your shoulders, flipping your body over and slamming you down onto your stomach. You let out a yelp of pain and surprise, your hands scrabbling at the dirt as you try to push yourself up. But Negan is quicker, his knee pressing down hard on your lower back, pinning you in place.

You lie there, dazed and struggling to catch your breath, you feel Negan's rough hand groping and squeezing your ass through the fabric of your pants. You try to squirm away from his touch, but his knee pressing into your back keeps you firmly in place. Without warning, his fingers hook into the waistband of your pants and underwear. With a sharp tug, he yanks them down to your knees, exposing your bare skin to the chilly night air.

“I bet this pretty little pussy is just aching for a real man's touch, ain't it?” You whimper and try to clench your thighs together, but Negan just grinds his knee harder into your back, pinning you open and vulnerable. He pulls your arms behind your back, forcing your elbows to bend at an unnatural angle as he pins your hands to the small of your back. You cry out at the sudden pain, but the sound is muffled by the dirt beneath your cheek. Tears spring to your eyes as Negan leans down, his weight now fully pressing you into the cold, unforgiving ground.

You lie there helpless, your pants and underwear around your knees, Negan keeps your wrists pinned tightly behind your back with one large hand. With his other hand, he makes quick work of his belt buckle, the metal clinking loudly in the silent forest. Your eyes widen in fear and revulsion as he unbuckles his pants and shoves them down, along with his underwear, freeing his hardening cock.

“Been waitin’ to get my hands on you girly.” Negan growls. He grinds his hips forward, the head of his cock pushing against your entrance. You let out an anguished cry as Negan thrusts his hips forward, pushing your head against the cold, damp ground.

But even as you sob and beg him to stop, Negan feels your body beginning to betray you. Your once-tight, dry walls start to flutter and clench around his pistoning cock, growing slick with a reluctant, shameful arousal.

“You’re clenchin’ around me like you never want to let it go,” Negan taunts, his voice a low, dark rumble. “You're fucking loving this, aren’t you?”

“Fuck you.” you grit through your teeth. Negan just laughs, a dark, cruel sound that sends shivers down your spine. Your pleas only seem to spur him on, making him thrust into you with even more brutal force. The wet, obscene sound of your arousal fills the air as you take him, your cunt growing slicker with each passing second.

“Come onnn, don’t act like I haven’t seen the way you look at me when you think no one's watchin'," Negan sneers, his voice a low, cruel murmur in your ear as he continues his relentless assault. “You could’ve just asked.”

You cry out, your back arching as a intense, unwanted orgasm crashes over you. Your inner walls clench and spasm around Negan's pistoning shaft. He follows soon after you, hilting himself deep inside you, thick ropes of his cum paint your insides, flooding your already dripping cunt with his seed.

“Fuck, thaaat’s it.” Negan snarls, grinding his pelvis hard against your ass as he empties his heavy balls inside you. His pubic hair, matted with sweat and the combined fluids of your shared climax, presses against your sensitive skin.

After a long, humiliating moment, Negan finally pulls out, his spent cock slipping from your abused, dripping cunt with a quiet, wet plop. He takes a step back, tucking himself away and refastening his pants with casual, almost bored movements. You remain lying there on the cold ground, your legs splayed open, your pants still around your ankles. The night air feels icy on your exposed, sticky skin as the reality of what just happened sinks in. Tears leak from the corners of your eyes, cutting trails through the dirt on your cheeks.

Negan looks down at your broken, used body sprawled in the dirt, a look of cruel satisfaction on his face. “I expect to see that pretty little face of yours in the morning,” he says, his tone almost conversational. With that, he turns and walks away, leaving you lying there in the dirt, half-naked, used, and utterly desecrated. The night closes in around you, the forest falling dreadfully silent once more.

#this is the last time i’ll write for him tbh #i was ovulating okay #nai writes ୨୧ #negan x reader #negan smith #negan blurb #negan drabble #negan twd #twd negan #the walking dead #twd #jeffrey dean morgan #st4rfckerz

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freshl6ve · 3 days ago

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𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒. 𝐒 | 𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐓 𝐔𝐏 & 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄³

⭑.ᐟ : 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞, my heart racing from the unexpected noise. It was still early morning, the sun barely peeking through the windows.

I sat up in bed, disoriented for a moment, trying to shake off the grogginess. Who on earth would be knocking so loudly at this hour?

I groaned in annoyance, still half-asleep as I swung my legs out of bed. The person outside knocked again, this time harder, and I let out an exasperated huff. “I’m coming, damn it,” I muttered under my breath.

I quickly threw on a robe over my pajamas and shuffled towards the front door, my bare feet padding against the cold hardwood floor.

I reached the door handle and pulled it open, my eyes widening in surprise. Standing on my doorstep was none other than Chris, his cocky smile and laid-back demeanor immediately recognizable.

“Morning, sunshine,” he greeted, his voice way too cheerful for this early in the morning.

I groaned at the sight of him, my voice groggy and still laced with sleep. “It’s too early for this,” I mumbled, starting to close the door in his face.

Just as the door was about to close, Chris quickly slid his foot in, stopping the door from shutting completely. He held up a paper bag, a cocky smirk on his face. “Hold on, hold on,” he said, his tone somewhat persuasive. “I brought breakfast.”

I paused, my eyes darting between the paper bag in his hand and his annoyingly charming grin. My stomach betrayed me, rumbling at the sight of food. Damn it.

With a grudging huff, I opened the door wider, gesturing for Chris to come in. “You’ve got five minutes,” I muttered, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of thinking I actually wanted his company.

Chris’s smile widened as I opened the door further, his confidence seemingly unshaken. “Five minutes it is,” he replied, casually walking past me and into the house.

As he entered my home, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of irritation at the fact that he had just invited himself in. But the enticing smell of food coming from the paper bag in his hand was hard to ignore.

I grudgingly followed Chris into the kitchen, the open layout connecting the living room and kitchen together in a seamless space.

I took a seat at the island, begrudgingly accepting the food he had brought. My stomach rumbled again, reminding me that I hadn’t even had a chance to eat breakfast yet.

Chris placed the paper bag on the counter, digging out containers filled with various breakfast items. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, pastries, and an assortment of other things that looked and smelled delicious.

“I didn’t know what you liked,” he explained, placing the containers on the counter. “So I brought a bit of everything.” He stood on the opposite side of the island, his gaze unwavering as he waited for my reaction.

I stared at the spread on the counter, my initial irritation slightly subsiding as I took in the impressive array of food. I had to admit, he sure knew how to pick a good breakfast.

“Impressive,” I commented, trying to maintain a cool facade. “Are you a regular to this whole bringing-breakfast-to-women’s-houses thing?”

He chuckled, a cocky smirk on his face. “Usually I’m gone before breakfast even crosses the minds of the girls I hook up with,” he said, his words slightly provocative. “So I’d say this is a first.”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at his comment, though a part of me secretly appreciated the honesty. At least he wasn’t trying to hide the fact that he was a player.

“Wow, I feel so special,” I replied sarcastically, reaching for a container of pancakes.

Chris chuckled again, seemingly unfazed by my sarcastic response. He watched as I opened the container, his gaze lingering on me for a moment. His eyes roamed over my pajama-clad form, taking in the sight of me without makeup or any effort put into my appearance.

“Gotta say,” he said, leaning against the counter. “I like this look on you. Natural and all that.”

I rolled my eyes once more, serving myself some food as I retorted back at him. “Shut up before I punch you in your throat,” I said, delivering the line so nonchalantly that it might have been a jest.

Chris merely smirked, not taking my threat too seriously. “Feisty as always,” he replied, his voice slightly amused. “Not complaining though.”

I started to dig into my food, the mix of flavors awakening my taste buds and momentarily distracting me from the unwelcome presence in my kitchen.

Chris, still leaning against the counter, watched me for a moment before asking, “So, what do you do? I mean, you’ve got this big ass house, a nice Nissan GTR in the garage, and all that. Do you come from a wealthy family or something?”

I paused, mid-bite, as he asked about my background. It was a question I usually brushed off, not keen on discussing my past with anyone, especially a guy like him.

I swallowed my mouthful of food before responding. “That’s none of your business,” I replied curtly, my tone making it clear that this was not a topic I was willing to elaborate on.

Chris raised an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with the shut-down response. He pushed himself off the counter and took a step closer, his casual demeanor still present.

“Oh c’mon,” he coaxed, a hint of challenge in his voice. “It’s not like I’m asking you to spill your deepest darkest secrets or something. Just curious, that’s all.”

Chris took another step closer, his eyes studying me intently. It was clear that my reluctance to answer his question wasn’t going to deter him.

“What is it that you’re hiding from me?” he asked, his tone slightly more serious than before. “What is it that you so badly don’t want me to know?”

I tensed slightly as he continued to press me for answers, my guard going up. “I’m not hiding anything,” I replied, my voice a bit defensive. “I just rather not talk about it.”

Chris leaned against the counter, his gaze unwavering. “And why not?” he asked, curiosity and a hint of challenge in his tone.

I paused, my heart tightening as thoughts of my past flooded my mind. I took a deep breath, trying to push back the memories that always seemed to linger at the edge of my consciousness.

“Because it’s something I’d rather keep quiet about instead of remembering again,” I said finally, my voice strained. “My past is not something I like to revisit, okay?”

Chris’s eyes widened slightly at my response, clearly surprised by the vulnerability in my voice. He seemed to realize that he had touched a sensitive topic, but he wasn’t about to drop it that easily.

“So there is something there then,” he pressed further, his tone gentler than before. “You’re just not willing to talk about it.”

I let out a frustrated huff, knowing he wasn’t going to let this go. “Can’t you just accept that there are some things I don’t want to discuss?” I said, growing more and more irritated with his persistence.

I clenched my jaw, feeling a wave of protectiveness wash over me. “Look, if your aim in coming here and bringing me breakfast was to get me to open up, let me make it crystal clear, it’s not working.”

I met his gaze evenly, my voice firm. “The only person that truly knows everything is Matt, and I intend to keep it that way, got it?”

Chris looked taken aback at my sudden shift in demeanor, his usual cocky attitude faltering slightly. He hadn’t expected such a firm response from me, my determination to keep him at bay clearly not easy to overcome.

“I understand,” he finally said, his voice somewhat subdued. He took a step back, giving me some much-needed space.

He couldn't help but add, with a sly grin, “But I’ll find out sooner or later.” Chris walked towards the front door, his confidence somewhat restored. “Enjoy your breakfast. And don’t be late for class, ma.”

As he left, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of irritation and begrudging respect at his persistence. I knew he wouldn’t give up easily, and the thought was both frustrating and intriguing.

As Chris left, I turned towards the clock on the wall, noticing how the time seemed to have vanished while I was arguing with him. With a jolt, I realized I had only a few minutes to get ready for class.

“Shit,” I muttered under my breath, quickly putting down my half-eaten breakfast and hurrying upstairs to get ready.

Time flew by, and before I knew it, the day was over. I was back in the garage, my laptop open in front of me as I focused on my homework.

Concentration was hard to come by, though. Every now and then, my mind would wander back to Chris and our interaction this morning. I tried to shake off the memory, but his annoying smirk kept replaying in my mind.

I was so engrossed in my work, my earphones blasting music to drown out any distractions. I didn’t notice the sound of footsteps approaching me from behind, too focused on the task at hand.

It was only when a hand landed on my shoulder that I jumped, startled out of my focus. I spun around, quickly pulling down my earphones.

I clutched my chest, my heart beating rapidly from being startled. I looked up to see Matt standing behind me, an amused smile on his face.

“Jesus, Matt,” I huffed, trying to catch my breath. “You scared me shitless.”

I closed my laptop and set my headphones down on top of it, a sarcastic remark springing to mind as I looked up at Matt.

“If it isn’t one triplet, it’s the other,” I joked, rolling my eyes in mock exaggeration. “How come you two always show up unannounced?”

Matt quirked an eyebrow, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. “Chris has been coming by?” he echoed, seemingly unaware of his brother’s visit earlier that morning.

I got off the stool, moving towards my car and opening the hood. “Yeah,” I replied, a hint of annoyance in my voice. “He was here yesterday and showed up banging on my door this morning.” I started checking over the car’s engine, making sure everything was in order.

Matt took a seat on the other stool, under the workbench. “Shit, I’m sorry,” he said, his expression apologetic. “It’s my fault he’s been bothering you. He told me he needed something fixed on his car, and I obviously sent him to you since you know everything.”

Matt let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I didn’t know he was over here bothering you,” he said, a hint of irritation in his tone. “I thought he was actually serious. I swear, Chris can be a pain in the ass sometimes.”

I looked up from the car engine, seeing the annoyed expression on Matt’s face. “Matt, it’s fine,” I reassured him, my tone gentle. “Don’t stress yourself out. Chris is just being his usual pain in the ass self. I can handle him.”

Matt’s expression remained slightly irritated, but his curiosity seemed to get the better of him. He looked up at me, his eyebrows furrowed. “What was he here for yesterday if he lied about getting his car fixed?” he asked, his tone laced with a mix of annoyance and confusion.

Matt’s expression hardened, a hint of protectiveness in his eyes. “Don’t tell me he tried to get at you,” he said, his tone now more serious. He seemed to know his brother all too well, well aware of the effect he had on women.

I paused in my work, taking a moment to consider my answer. I knew Matt would want the truth, but I also didn’t want him to worry unnecessarily. “He sort of tried,” I admitted, my tone somewhat reluctant. “But I shut him down quickly.”

I closed the car hood and then leaned against it, looking over at Matt. “He came by because he wanted to get to know me since you’ve kept me a secret for the last three years,” I revealed, my voice a mix of amusement and tiredness. “Can’t say I blame him for being curious.”

I let out a small laugh, a hint of sarcasm in my voice. “I mean, I would too be curious why a random girl was in my garage, working on my brother’s car,” I replied, shaking my head slightly. “But I’m not sure if that curiosity is enough to warrant unannounced visits and unwanted breakfast drops.”

I continued leaning against the car, a smirk forming on my lips. “Bringing breakfast so I’d slip and tell him my backstory,” I chuckled, rolling my eyes in mock annoyance. “He’s clever, but clearly not clever enough if he thinks that’s going to work on me.”

Matt smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes at my words. “He’s always been the smooth talker between the three of us,” he admitted, his tone a mix of annoyance and resignation. “But you’ve got him all figured out, don’t you.”

I quickly pushed away the thought of how I had scoured the internet for information on Chris, trying to play it cool. “I guess you can say that,” I agreed, shrugging slightly. “It’s easy to tell the type of person he is by the way he acts. He’s not exactly subtle about anything.”

Matt chuckled, nodding in agreement. “That’s definitely true,” he acknowledged. “Chris isn’t one to mince words or beat around the bush. He goes for what he wants, and he usually gets it.”

I raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in my expression. “So I’ve noticed,” I replied dryly. “But just because he’s used to getting what he wants doesn’t mean he’ll get it with me.”

Matt let out a bark of laughter, clearly amused by my determination. “I’ve got no doubt about that,” he said, still grinning. “You’re not exactly the type to back down without a fight.”

Matt changed the subject, seemingly eager to move on from the topic of his brother. “Enough talk about him though,” he said, his tone more playful now. “I texted you but you never answered since I’m guessing you were busy with homework, but there’s a meet tomorrow. Come along?”

“I don’t know,” I responded, leaning against the car. “I’ve got a lot of things to do.”

Matt, sensing my hesitation, didn’t back down. “Like what?” he prodded. “Homework? C’mon, Y/N. Live a little. You’re almost done with school and I know for sure you’ll graduate. Just come along. Please?”

I let out a frustrated sigh, but the temptation of going to a meet was too strong to resist, especially with Matt’s persistent persuasion.

“Fine,” I relented, a hint of resignation in my voice. “I’ll try to get everything done before tomorrow so I don’t have to worry about it.”

Matt gave me a knowing smile, hopping off the stool and walking over to me. “I knew you’d come around,” he said, his voice filled with victorious pride. “You won’t regret it, I promise.”

I crossed my arms, trying to maintain a neutral expression despite my growing excitement. “I hope not,” I replied, a hint of doubt lingering in my tone.

Matt’s phone suddenly vibrated, and he checked it before looking up at me. “I gotta go,” he said, his tone hurried. “Need to drop off something.”

I raised an eyebrow, a mixture of concern and curiosity in my expression. “You’re still dealing?”

Matt walked to his car and turned around, giving me a nonchalant shrug. “Anything to make some extra cash, sweetheart,” he replied, flashing me a cocky smirk before getting in his car and driving away.

I couldn’t help but shake my head as I watched Matt drive away, a mixture of exasperation and resignation coursing through me. He always had some sort of side gig going on, whether it was dealing or something else. It wasn’t something I approved of, but I knew trying to talk him out of it would be like banging my head against a wall.

I grabbed my belongings from the workbench and pressed the button to close the garage door. Then, I walked into the house and up the stairs to my bedroom. Once inside, I set my things on the desk and returned to my homework, determined to get everything done before the meetup tomorrow.

TAGS: @st6rify ✮⋆˙ @jetaimevous ✮⋆˙ @certifiedstarrr ✮⋆˙ @slvtf0rchr1s ✮⋆˙ @l3sbiancvnt ✮⋆˙ @wh0remikasas ✮⋆˙ @r0s3luvr ✮⋆˙ @emely9274 ✮⋆˙ @mimiluvzpicklez ✮⋆˙ @courta13

── .✦ MASTER—LIST ⭑𓂃 | ── SERIES HERE ໑‧₊˚.ꪆ

#★┊[𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒.𝐒] .ᐟ 🦌₊˚⊹#₊ 𖦹﹕𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐓 𝐔𝐏 & 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄 ₊˚꒰🏁꒱‧#chris sturniolo #christopher sturniolo #matt sturniolo #matthew sturniolo #nick sturniolo #nicolas sturniolo #sturniolo fanfic #sturniolo triplets #chris sturiolo fanfic #chris sturniolo x reader #chris x you #chris x reader #chris x y/n #freshl6ve #chris sturniolo series #street racing au #street racing

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itsnotnina · 4 months ago

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back-to-school thoughts

When I was a kid, the end of the summer holidays always brought around a wave of excitement. As much as I loved the six weeks we got off, going back to school was a whole new level of excitement. Going back to school meant a new start (I think my brain still functions on a September-to-September calendar), seeing friends I hadn't seen in all summer, and the opportunity to reinvent myself.

I would spend hours upon hours watching 'DIY stationery tutorials' and 'What's in my Bag' videos to try and recreate my image in the days leading up to the beginning of the year. I'd collect all my newest pens and pencils (which I would inevitably lose before the Christmas holidays) and pack my bag and anxiously wait for 8am the next morning so I could run off to school.

I couldn't wait to see which teachers I'd have, who was in my classes, and how I'd stack up against the milestones of getting older.

Now - as an adult in university who pretty much hated her last few years of school - the last few weeks of summer are rife with stress. The simplicity of childhood excitement has been replaced with a complicated cocktail of deadlines, money stress, and the pressure to constantly perform.

Yeah, university can be fun. I love my friends, I love my freedom, and I love the satisfaction of achieving my dreams. But the joy of learning that I felt when I was younger often feels crushed beneath an avalanche of essays, group projects, and the constant mental math of wondering where this takes me.

I sometimes think about the younger version of me - who read academic journals for fun - and wonder if I'll ever recapture the carefree excitement of a new academic year.

Maybe it’s not about recreating that feeling but reimagining it. It’s not about colourful pencil cases or new backpacks anymore (although, I love me a nice, new notebook or some cute pens). It’s about finding small joys in the chaos - coffee with friends, a doughnut during exam season - and reminding myself that growth, no matter how daunting, is worth it.

So here’s to all of us still navigating education, whether you are at school or university. I hope that this year is the best it could possibly be, no matter what your best looks like.

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chaotic-orphan · 1 day ago

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Whumpuary No.7

Unfair fight // Insomnia // “no one is coming”

This was a long one, hoi boi🫡 but she’s done…

“Hero…” Second in command said softly. Hero didn’t reply. She just kept walking after their team across the rocky terrain to the shelter that Navigator spotted a few kilometres back. “Hero.”

“What?” Hero asked. There was nothing sharp about the question. She didn’t snap. She didn’t sigh or demand an answer. It was empty. A sound that carried no meaning behind it. She was tired. She was beyond tired. She just wanted… she just…

“We’ll get them back.” Second told her. Hero didn’t reply. She just kept going. That’s all she could do. Keep walking. Keep breathing. Keep going until they somehow managed to rescue Vigilante from Supervillain.

Nobody that Supervillain took had ever been seen again, nevermind… nevermind— she buried that thought under a hatch in her mind and padlocked it down. Getting emotional wouldn’t get Vigilante back after all… no… she just put one foot in front of the other. It was easy. It was quiet. It was…

She was…

Leader, Navigator and Medic had dropped their packs and started setting up a camp, rolling out their bedding on the smooth rock. Rogue and Youngest were already gone, to fetch some wood for a fire no doubt when Hero and Second arrived.

Hero disengaged from the group and went to the cliff edge outside the shelter and settled her back against the rock of the cave. She heard the usual routine happening behind her, without her.

Then he appeared like an apparition in front of her. Translucent but full formed, a shadow of Villain with his self-satisfied smirk and gleaming eyes. Hero didn’t say anything as he approached her.

“Hello darling. You’re looking worn, drained.” Hero looked through him, literally, as he crouched down and pressed a phantom hand to Hero’s cheek. She wished she couldn’t feel it. She knew he was able to not let her feel it, but he was a sadistic fucker. “My my, have you been sleeping, pet? Your bags have bags,” he noted, pulling down her eyelid.

Hero batted his hand away, but her hand went straight through his projection and she huffed out a breath and looked away as Villain laughed.

“You know damn well why I’m not sleeping.”

Villain released her and sat in front of her instead. He tilted his handsome head to the side. “Is it Vigilante, hmm? The guilt of knowing you could have saved them but didn’t.”

“Fuck off.”

“Oh shush. You know how much I enjoy our little chats, Hero,” he said, waving her insult away. “Besides,” his eyes sharpened. “We both know what else I could spend my time doing if you don’t feel like talk—“”

Hero lurched forward a hand out that went through Villain’s visage. “No! No! I— I wanna talk.”

Villain grabbed Hero’s hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. His eyes danced with a gleeful satisfaction. “So desperate, Hero. So needy. But don’t worry. I’ll stay with you. We can talk all night long.”

Hero wanted to punch him. She wanted to cry and scream and wrap her hands around his throat because she didn’t know how much longer she could take this. The taunting, the teasing, every night, once the sun set, Villain would appear to her and force her to chat with him through the night so she couldn’t sleep. The first few days it was fine. She could catch an hour before and after Villain appeared, and she was fine. But they were travelling for two weeks now, and Hero had had to start sleeping by day to the annoyance of their teammates.

The worst part was she couldn’t even tell them about Villain, or Villain promised he’d make Vigilante pay and let Hero see all of the torture for herself.

How many times had she debated telling her team? How many times has she wanted to scream about it to somebody, anybody, but Villain somehow sensed that too after the fourth day.

He grabbed her by the hair and yanked her head back after she challenged him. “Maybe Vigilante’s life isn’t enough of a threat, hmm? You know… Youngest in your team seems quite—”

“No!” Hero screamed, struggling against a ghost.

Villain leaned down, craning Hero’s neck all the way back but she didn’t drop eye contact with him as he hissed: “then behave.”

Dinner came and went. Hero denied any food. She felt too sick to eat. Almost woozy from the insomnia, and when she did eat it was like she was pumped of adrenaline that only led her to crashing later.

“Hero… you should really eat. You’ll turn into skin and bones if you don’t,” Villain chided with a smile.

When it came time to sleep, Hero said she’d take first watch. Leader came out and stood above her. “Hero, no.”

“Oooh,” Villain cooed from behind Hero, twirling a lock of her hair around his finger. “Your boss is so forceful Hero. But tell him you insist.”

Hero shivered as the phantom hand settled on the nape of her neck. “I- I insist,” she said quietly.

Medic came out after Leader.

“Hero, get inside. We need to cover a lot of ground tomorrow and we can’t have you dozing off when the sun comes up again! We’re losing time to save Vigilante.”

“Don’t you think I know that?!” Hero cried, hands flying to her hair and pulling. “I— I want to save Vigilante more than anything.”

“She’s right you know,” Villain purred, standing behind Medic. He started whispering in Medic’s ear, loud enough for Hero to hear. “She wants to save poor Vigilante more than her circadian rhythms demand.”

“Please!” Hero cried. “I— I- I need to stay awake.”

Villain’s violet eyes flashed at Hero over Medic’s shoulder. “That’s right. Good girl. You tell them.”

Hero swallowed hard. Leader frowned and looked over his shoulder to where Hero stared, almost as if in a trance. Medic found his gaze, erudite eyes coloured with concern.

Leader looked back at Hero.

“Alright.” Leader said. Hero relaxed, breathing out a sigh of relief that seemed to be the only thing holding her up. She swayed as the world spun around her and would have fallen if not for Leader catching her halfway to the ground.

“Please,” Hero said with a breath, not entirely sure she didn’t blackout for a second. “Please, trust me,” she pleaded.

Leader nodded and sat her back against the rock. “I trust you, Hero. I know losing Vigilante has been hard on you, but there’s some leftover food and you will eat some of it if you won’t sleep, do you understand?”

“I—” Hero protested. Leader spoke over her.

“Or I’ll have Rogue take watch and ask Medic to force—”

“Okay! Okay!” Hero rushed out, panic seizing her heart. Leader smiled and tucked her hair out of her face.

“Good. I’ll grab you a plate. And you will eat it all, Hero.”

Hero nodded stiffly. “Okay.”

The two disappeared back into the cave. Hero could hear Medic berating Leader as they retreated but she didn’t really care about what they said anyways. Villain walked back in front of her and plopped himself down in front of her. His eyes alight with a dangerous amusement.

“You’re so good at taking orders, Hero.” Villain purred. “So pliant and malleable like this,” he said. He propped his elbow on his knee and his head in his hand. “Oh, if only I thought of taking Vigilante sooner. Maybe the heroes wouldn’t have given us as much trouble when you’re distraught and sleep deprived.”

Hero didn’t answer. A hot tear dripped from her eye onto her cheek. Maybe that was answer enough. She was going mad, she knew. Villain was driving her mad, making her seem crazy, torturing her for his own cruel enjoyment.

“Oh Darling,” Villain cooed as Hero started to cry silently, her shoulders shaking up and down and letting out silent sobs that sounded only like gasps of breath. He moved towards her and pulled Hero into his arms, his legs on the outside of hers as he pushed her head into his shoulder. She didn’t move. “Darling, shush. Crying will waste so much of your energy.”

Hero continued to cry. “Oh you poor sweet angel. There, there. I know it’s hard,” he said, patting Hero’s back. “I know, pet. But you’re just so stubborn, hmm? This can all be over if you like.”

Hero stiffened in Villain’s arms. “W-what?” She asked wetly, mucus clogging her words.

Villain pulled Hero back and smiled down a kind smile at her, but his horrible eyes betrayed him. “Darling, have you had enough?”

Hero nodded. Villain softened. “Words, doll.”

“Y-yes,” Hero sniffed. Then she jumped a little and shook her head. “But— but I don’t! I don’t want you to hurt Vigilante, please!”

Villain crushed her into his chest again. “Oh I know you don’t. I know you’d do anything for them, wouldn’t you?”

Hero nodded against Villain’s chest. “Words,” he said.

“Yes.”

“I know, darling. So how about we make a deal?”

Hero pulled back a little and stared into the monsters violet eyes. “A- a deal?”

It was a bad idea. Even in her state she knew it was a bad idea, but what else could she do?

“Yes,” Villain said, phantom fingers wiping away Hero’s tears. “A deal. A trade. You for Vigilante.”

All warmth drained from Hero’s body. She didn’t recoil or so much as flinch, she just stared at Villain who sat drinking in every minuscule muscle twitch across her face.

“What?”

“I asked Supervillain already. He said he was fine with the trade, and would put you under my care just like Vigilante is. But I wouldn’t torture you, sweet thing. We would chat, and be like this,” he said, as he tucked a piece of Hero’s hair behind her ear. “Together. In person. You won’t have to worry about a thing. I’ll release Vigilante and you won’t have that guilt plaguing your mind either.”

Hero’s mouth went incredibly dry, like she was inhaling glass. “Will— will you l-let me… will—” Hero fretted, “I- I need to sleep.”

“As soon as you’re in my arms, darling, my real arms I’ll let you sleep, hmm? Would you like that?”

Hero nodded. Her cries turned into a sudden sob she couldn’t catch. “Pl-please… please. I- I would. Ple—”

“Shush, shush, shush. Just tell me where you are, and I’ll do the rest.”

This time, Hero recoiled. “N.. no. You can’t— my team is… my team is here and—”

“Okay,” Villain mused. “Then pick a spot you know, where you can slip away and I’ll come pick you up.”

“And let Vigilante go?” Hero asked, hope colouring every word. Villain shook his head. Hero deflated.

“Once I have you we can talk about Vigilante’s release. I don’t want any nasty surprises in case you try to ambush me with your team.”

God, Hero didn’t even think of that… she was drained. Wholly and completely, her body on autopilot and her mind switched off.

“Okay…” Hero murmured. “Okay… I can meet you by the ruins to the old church in the black valley.”

Villain nodded. “I think I know that area. Okay. I’ll be waiting.”

Hero stiffened. “I- I won’t be able to go until they’re asleep.”

Villain chuckled. A warm, hearty sound. “I know, sweet thing. It will just take me some time to get there so I’ll trust you and leave you to find your way.”

Hero sat out of Villain’s embrace, pulling her sleeve over her hand and wiping her cheeks. “O-okay.”

When Hero arrived at the old church a car was waiting for her. A silhouette of a figure she knew too well was waiting, perched against the passenger side door. Hero froze in place.

Oh god.

What was she doing?

This man had… he had tortured her psychologically over the last two weeks, playing dirty, fighting unfairly, depriving her of sleep just so he could pull something as horrid as this… something she would never have agreed to if she was of sound mind.

And… oh god. She hadn’t gotten used to the cold feel of his fingers and hands on her, everytime he touched her it was like a zap of electricity, or an icy shock to her system that made her gasp but seeing Villain in person now…

He looked very much real.

Strong too. Stronger than he appeared when he projected himself to her mind and even then he could overpower her.

“You know,” his velvet voice called over the short distance between them. It sounded smoother in person, like melted chocolate in her ears. Warm and soothing. Not the voice of a villain. “In your state, I could always catch you if you tried to run.”

Hero couldn’t move. Her body wouldn’t let her step closer. A cold hand settled on the small of her back and pushed her forward. “There you go, that’s a good girl. Do you still have your bow?”

Hero swallowed. Nodded. “Words, darling,” he purred. Hero trembled.

“Y-yes.”

She was so close now. She could make out some of the features on his face, his long hooked nose, his deep set eyes and his dark hair that fell a little over his eyes she could feel more than see were focused only on her.

“Good. I will need to take that off you for now, but if you behave I will give it back so you can train. Keep your skills up. Would you like that?”

Hero didn’t answer.

Five steps.

Four steps.

Three steps.

Two.

Her heart screamed at her to run, to flee, pumping adrenaline through her body to get her to escape.

But it was too late. Villain put his hand on her cheek. It was warm. Hero couldn’t suppress the flinch.

“Oh you are just an angel, aren’t you?” He whispered. Hero didn’t answer. His eyes went to the road Hero came from. She had the good sense to go around the church so he wouldn’t know which direction her team was. That wasn’t part of the deal. “And any teammates follow you?”

Hero began to shake her head, but stopped, looked at him. Words. “N-no… it’s just me… no— no one else is coming.”

Villain’s smile cut into his face, exposing his white teeth. “Excellent, Hero.”

He took her quiver and bow from her shoulders and opened the door for her to the passenger seat. Hero climbed in. Villain shut the door and walked to the boot, throwing her weapons into the trunk before he climbed into the driver’s seat and shut the door.

He pulled out a pair of handcuffs. Hero bristled. “I… I won’t be any trouble, I swear,” she pleaded. “Please, I just… I just want to sleep.”

Villain smiled sympathetically at her. “I know, Hero. I just need to make sure you don’t get any ideas of escape while we drive back to base. Surely you understand?”

Hero’s bottom lip trembled. She bit it to stop from crying and nodded. Her eyelids threatened to drown her if she didn’t close her eyes soon. “Good girl. I’ll just cuff one hand, okay?”

Hero nodded again. Once she was secured and he was sure she couldn’t go anywhere, he nodded and started the engine. When they pulled off, out of the ruins and onto the main road he said: “okay, little Hero. You’ve been so good for me. And good behaviour gets rewarded.”

Hero’s eyes widened. “I can sleep now?”

“Yes darling,” Villain said with a smile in his voice. Hero settled back into her seat, resting her head against the soft, leather headrest.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Villain smiled into the darkness. “My pleasure.”

Hero was asleep before she heard the words, for the first time in two weeks, her mind, blissfully, switched off.

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