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penkura · 7 months ago

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last forever [8/13]

Summary: Zoro only offered to marry you to keep you out of an arranged marriage with a man much older than you. You agreed with the caveat of ending it via annulment once you received word from your parents regarding the original engagement, despite your growing feelings for your close friend.

Pairing: Zoro x Fem!reader, mentioned Sanami later (like epilogue later so chill)

Warnings: Marriage of Convenience, Fake Marriage, referenced sex (waaaaaay later on), mutual pining, Zoro is bad at feelings but what's new there, eventual romance I promise, mention of past attempted assault (I'll warn in that chapter), creepy older dude later on

Note: This is my personal favorite chapter I've written. That's all I have to say lol.

Taglist:

@misfits1a

[Ch. 1] ● [Ch. 2] ● [Ch. 3] ● [Ch. 4] ● [Ch. 5] ● [Ch. 6] ● [Ch. 7]

“Hey, Sanji. Do me a favor.”

Sanji's nearly unconscious as Zoro speaks to him, his favor loud and clear before the blond passes out, leaving the swordsman to face Bartholomew Kuma alone.

You thought Zoro was going to die, you had convinced yourself he wasn't going to wake up. You'd stayed by his side, praying, ever since Sanji and Chopper brought Zoro back into Moria's mansion to treat his wounds and let him rest. Sanji won't tell you a word of what happened, no matter how much you beg him to.

“Mosshe– Zoro wouldn't want you to know. I doubt he wants anyone to know. Least of all you and Luffy.”

Whatever Sanji meant, you don't know, and right now you don't even care about what had Zoro knocked out the last little while.

Finally he was awake, it felt longer than it really was, three (agonizing) days, he had freakish healing like Luffy did, of course. But seeing he's awake, you can't help it, you throw yourself at him saying his name over and over like a mantra as you cry. Of course it freaks him out a bit, once he bites back a heavy groan from the pain you've just inflicted on him with your tight hug, it takes Zoro a moment to register you hugging him before he's able to do anything about it.

And he returns your hug slightly. Loosely wrapping his arms around you, one around your shoulders, the other barely touching your waist, an attempt at comforting you while you cry.

Damn it, he's tried so hard to push your feelings away, get you to stop looking at him like he was your world, but now Zoro realizes he's only stoked the flames by doing so, only made your feelings stronger without meaning to.

But, maybe he doesn't mind. He'd seek you out each morning, mostly asking if you'd gotten anything from your parents about your little sham marriage, but he'd also ask you to train with him if you weren't busy, and even be the one to go into town with you whenever the Sunny docked for a day or two. You never asked, you just knew he was coming with you so you waited for him, waited until he was by your side and then you'd smile and lead Zoro into the town to shop for whatever your heart desired (and your wallet could afford). In the time he'd started doing that, Zoro noticed different things about you.

The way you laughed with store clerks as they told you about an item you were looking at, your eyes would sparkle with every new find, how you'd hold onto his wrist to make sure he didn't get lost, you staying beside him when he'd nap on Sunny, you making sure he had enough water during his workouts.

How you'll help anyone on the ship with anything they need. You'll bring Nami the supplies she needs to make maps, help Usopp and Luffy fish for dinner, wash the dishes after dinner despite Sanji telling you he'd do it. You've been learning from Chopper how to treat wounds, you'll sit with Robin and listen to her tell you about history, you've even started helping Franky with his projects and helping to perform maintenance on Sunny if needed.

Then with him. With Zoro you're content to sit quietly while he naps, or watch him while he trains, never expecting a conversation. You willingly bring him whatever he needs, whether it's water or sake, you fix his shirts if they get torn, you even stay up when he has night watch and share drinks with him. He never thought someone would want to spend all their time with him or that he'd accept someone being so close to him, what had changed that made him actually want company during times he'd normally want to rest and be alone?

You. Damn, it was you.

You whose inner demons would infiltrate your dreams, causing you to slip into his bed for comfort, stability, as he slept soundly which gave you peace to do the same, a silent promise after the first time of yes, I’ll keep you safe. You who he had saved from drowning more times than Luffy and Chopper combined. You who made him feel like he was on fire with the slightest touch, even a brush of your fingers against his at dinner. You who had stitched him up multiple times, the first one turning into a jagged scar that if asked he'd say was his favorite. You who cared enough to stay sober in bars to drag him back to the hotel or the ship when you knew he needed to stop and rest.

You who would tell him every detail about the books you were reading, the ones you'd purchased or borrowed from Robin. The one time you told him the main love interest of a romance novel reminded you of him, making his face burn red out of embarrassment before he told you not to say such things, especially in front of the others (mostly Sanji).

Even after telling you in Alabasta that nothing was going to happen, you two weren't going to become a couple, he wasn't here to play romance with you or anyone else. Even after all that, you still stuck to his side almost like glue and didn't let it change anything.

Even with your argument after Robin joined, nothing much changed between the two of you. If anything, Zoro felt more drawn to you than anything or anyone else. He wanted to spend more time with just you and him. What a change from just a few months ago, he just realized.

Even once you kissed him and he returned it in Water Seven, you attempted to apologize soon after, before he stopped you. There had been nothing to apologize for, not from you anyway. If he'd thought about it at the time, Zoro would have apologized for not giving you a proper response then. For making you go to bed alone that night.

Damn it all.

What has happened to him? Ever since your sham marriage began something has been creeping into his mind every time he looks at you and remembers "Oh yeah I'm married to her" that makes him want to pull you away from everyone and damn it, he wants to kiss you again. There's another feeling of wanting, needing to protect you, despite how strong you are in your own right. Everything about this is weird, yet somehow comforting as well. Who put this spell on him, who made him have feelings like this? Are you secretly a witch on top of a swordswoman?

"Zoro…?"

Zoro breaks out of his thoughts when you speak his name again, this time as a question, your voice shaking as you hold him tighter, trying your best not to hurt him again.

"I…” your voice shakes again, and you hide your face in the crook of his neck, briefly wondering if this was the smart thing to do, before the words fall out of your mouth, “I love you…"

He pulls you closer, just a bit, your whispered confession only loud enough for him to hear. He doesn't have a response, not right now, but you're fine with that. You'd accepted long ago he may never love you back, but you had to tell him. He had to know.

After nearly losing him, you had to get these feelings out.

So when he ever so quietly thanks you, pressing the softest kiss to your temple, it makes you cry even more. You feel there's a chance, however small it may be, that Roronoa Zoro may come to have feelings for you one day.

Chopper returns a moment later, not wanting to pull you two apart, but he's so happy to see Zoro's alive and awake that even he cries a little, before checking the swordsman's wounds as you release yourself from him, Zoro allowing you to continue holding his hand for comfort.

Not only for you, but for him as well.

“I probably won't make it out of this…so take care of her for me, got it?”

+!+

"I told Zoro I love him."

It becomes so quiet you can hear a pin drop after that. Nami had asked why you were so spaced out that day, she and Robin now both so surprised at your confession. Nami's jaw drops and Robin has a small smile, before they look at each other with one thought in mind.

Impromptu girl's night.

"I'm getting extra blankets and pillows!"

"I'll ask Sanji for some wine and snacks."

Once everything is together and all the pillows and blankets are spread on the floor, you have glasses of wine and small snacks, Nami demands to hear every detail and you tell her and Robin everything about your love confession.

"He…he thanked me and kissed me–"

"On the lips again?!"

You laugh and shake your head, taking a small sip of your wine. "No, just on my temple this time."

Nami squeaks a bit, Robin laughing lightly at her reaction and the longing look on your face. As soon as she joined she'd seen the love you held for Zoro on your face, anytime you spoke of him or someone else did, your eyes would light up and your cheeks would burn pink.

You were deeply in love with him, even though he showed no romantic feelings for you. Robin had given you a romance novel once specifically due to the fact the love interest even reminded her of Zoro, which you quickly agreed with and finished the book in nearly three days which surprised her.

Nami, knowing you and Zoro were married, wanted you two together from the start. Every time you told her something that made you fall more and more in love with him, she'd giggle alongside you which always got a strange look from Usopp and Luffy, who thought you were both insane. She'd push you two together so often, that when Zoro started following you off the ship she thought it was a good sign, since she didn't have to bribe him with reducing his debt or anything. He just went on his own.

"That's such a great sign!" Nami throws her arms around you in a hug, making you laugh while Robin nods. "He's starting to fall for you! Finally!"

"I wouldn't go that far, Nami."

"I would! After all these months, you guys could be a real couple!"

"Nami, let's calm down a bit," Robin smiles and puts a hand on your shoulder, "She and Zoro will need to talk things out eventually, but let's see if anything changes since she's confessed her love to him."

Sighing loudly, Nami nods but still holds onto you, seeing a strange look on your face. She's not sure if it's one of concern or what, but it makes her hug you a little tighter.

"I'm sure he loves you, maybe deep down right now, but, he's gonna tell you one day."

You smile a bit with a slight nod, hugging Nami back. You believe her, you really do. Even if it takes a while for Zoro to say anything back to you, it doesn't matter. You'll wait as long as it takes and not give up.

For Zoro, you'll wait a lifetime.

+!+

You're crawling into Zoro's bed a few nights later. Your nightmares had turned from your neglectful parents to losing him at Thriller Bark, waking you with tears and sobs that Robin tried to help you through, calming you down enough for you to tell her you were going to slip into his bed like you'd done every time before. She simply nodded and let you go, promising to tell Nami nothing about it, you didn't want her worrying.

Zoro's fast asleep, as always, as you quietly sneak into the boy's bunks and step over Luffy who had fallen out of his hammock. You hear him mumble something about meat in his sleep while Usopp snores and Chopper sleeps happily beside him, but you pay no mind to it. You feel lucky Franky's in his workshop, Sanji's still busy in the kitchen, and Brook is out on the deck playing his violin. None of them should cause you any problems this time, but does it matter if they do?

Your thoughts are entirely on Zoro and making sure he's okay. He's still injured, but you have to be certain nothing is wrong.

You quickly and quietly slip into his hammock once you reach it, wrapping your arms around him and burying your face in his back, hearing a slight groan from him due to his wounds still not being fully healed. You feel bad waking him, even as he turns around and throws one of his arms over you, looking at you as if asking what was wrong, even though he thought he knew. It's been a while since you've last done this, your nightmare must have been particularly awful for you to return to this habit he'd thought you'd stopped.

"You okay?" His brows are furrowed while he wipes a few of your tears away. He's never seen you this upset after a nightmare before.

You try to speak but all that comes out is a whimper and a quiet sob, making you grip his shirt tighter as you shake your head. You can't tell him, you can't get the words out that it was a nightmare about him dying after he’s told you numerous times he wasn’t dying until he became the world’s greatest swordsman. He came so close to death at Thriller Bark that you were just terrified deep down about it becoming reality.

Instead of inquiring further, Zoro just nods, pulling you closer in an effort to calm you down.

"You're safe here. Nothing's gonna get you while I'm around."

You feel the quickest of kisses on your forehead before Zoro tucks your head under his chin, closing his eyes to sleep again, and it's all so strange to you. You've not had time to sit and talk since you told him you love him, but he's treated you slightly differently lately. Still going into town with you, training with you, but now sitting beside you at every meal which pissed off Sanji at times, purposefully leaning against you while he napped as you read a book.

He let you hold his hand the other day in town, even stopping at a small café with you for lunch and refusing to let you pay for your own meal despite his own money problems.

Zoro may not be in love with you yet, but you can tell he definitely cares for you in how he treats you. He saw through your façade of acting like all was well while you were still nursing the pain from your parents treating you like property and trying to sell you off to someone nearly twice your age just for money, the pain your brother tried his hardest to lighten before he helped you run away. He'd noticed from the moment he met you that there was something you were keeping from him and when he got it out of you one night, he said he'd keep you from having to go back. That was why he married you, you had more to give and do than be someone's third bride, he'd help you achieve it himself.

"Thank you, Zoro."

He's still awake, but once you finally fall asleep, he opens his eyes and watches you, finally peaceful. He feels bad he doesn't have a true response to you yet, he’s still working things out in his own mind and heart. Telling you once before that he held no romantic feelings for you, but now realizing that his thoughts have changed, it’s hard to work through that without letting anyone know. He doesn't want to get your hopes up just to tell you he doesn't feel the same in the end.

But, Zoro thinks that maybe, maybe staying married to you won't be so bad. Maybe, once he works out his feelings, he'll try to properly court you, give you a relationship you deserve, he'll protect you from anything and anyone else.

And then, one day, you could revisit this being a married couple thing, maybe actually live as husband and wife.

+!+

There's a slight bit of teasing the next morning from Franky. He'd finally gone to bed at one point and was surprised you had snuck into Zoro's hammock, the swordsman having an arm around you as you both slept. Granted he's seen how close you two are, especially after the fiasco of Thriller Bark, but didn't think you were that close.

He's also surprised by none of the others, apart from Brook, saying anything about it either. Was this normal for the two of you, to share a bed like that? If it was, why didn't Zoro just join you in the women's bunks? Surely your bed was more comfortable than his hammock.

Your face feels like it’s burning all through breakfast, the same as when Sanji first caught you in Zoro's hammock and made a fuss about it. Zoro just sets a glare at Franky anytime he says something about you two getting cozy with a grin that tells him your shipwright is getting the wrong idea. You two hadn't done anything, you slept like the other times, there's no reason for this teasing.

Zoro eventually has enough and slams his hand on the table, frightening most of your crewmates, standing up and continuing to glare at Franky.

"Would you just shut up about it? She had a nightmare and came to me for help, that's all. Come on, let's go."

Luckily you're done with breakfast when Zoro tells you to go with him, nodding and doing so as you hear Sanji and Nami reprimand Franky, who's now wondering why Zoro, of all people, got so angry about a little bit of teasing.

"I don't get what the big deal is," Franky leans back in his seat, ignoring how Nami is still looking like she's going to smack him, "So what if they're together? Not like it's against the rules or anything."

"Except they aren't together." Sanji responds before Nami can, and all it does is make Franky question the situation even more. He's trying to diffuse the situation, making sure your arrangement with Zoro doesn't get out before you either annul or Zoro decides to stay with you.

Luffy nods, before saying "They're married though, but don't tell anyone else!"

"Luffy!!" Nami doesn't even wait to smack him over the head, making your captain whine and ask what that was for. "That's not our secret to tell!"

"Well they're gonna get an annulment thingy anyway, so why does it matter??"

"Wait what, what the hell?"

“I didn't know Zoro and [Y/N] were married!” Chopper sounds beyond excited, while Brook laughs.

“Yohoho, what a surprise!”

Franky and Brook try to question Luffy and Nami about the whole thing, while Robin smiles to herself.

She's heard you and Sanji talking about your marriage to Zoro every now and then, and knew most of the details already, but knowing your feelings for him, she’s sure it’s only a matter of time before you two actually became a couple.

Though, she’s also fairly certain that if you heard your marriage had been revealed, you'd crawl in a hole and die while Zoro would seriously consider throwing Luffy overboard, before saving him in the end.

+!+

"I don't think Franky was trying to be rude about it."

"He was being obnoxious is the point, [Y/N]."

Nodding in agreement, you keep your eyes on your book once Zoro comes back from showering after his morning workout. He'd gone straight to the crow's nest after leaving the kitchen, you running to get a book and joining him once you'd picked one out. You've been sitting there ever since, having small conversations with Zoro while he worked out, eventually leaving long enough to take a shower before coming back to you in the same spot. He didn't want to talk about the morning's events anymore, but you felt like you had to say something no matter how obnoxious Franky was about the whole situation.

Zoro sits beside you, and you barely glance over a few times, wondering if now was a good time to talk about your confession and what's next for the two of you, before he speaks first.

"Anything from your parents?"

Ah yes, that makes sense. He hasn't asked yet today, that's what was missing from this day.

Shaking your head, you close your book and lean back to stare up at the ceiling. "Not a word. Makes me think they forgot they had a daughter."

"We're three days out from having to divorce, right? So there's probably no chance of them responding in time."

You're not sure if you hear annoyance or concern in Zoro's voice, but again you nod.

You don't know how to voice that you don't want to annul or divorce, that your confession to him after he woke up at Thriller Bark wasn't a heat of the moment thing or simply crewmate concern. You really are in love with him, that was a fact you've come to know over the last few months but were only able to voice recently.

Why do feelings have to be so complicated?

"You meant what you said, after I woke up?"

He's very quiet, you almost miss him speaking, but your breath catches in your throat, and its all you can do to just nod, a small 'yes' coming out of your mouth.

Zoro's not at all surprised as he nods, trying to plan his next words carefully. He's not ready to say the same love confession to you, but he might be willing to try. Try a relationship with you and keep you safe, whether your parents ever reply to you or not. He's willing to give the two of you a shot.

It's strange, how just six months ago you were in tears to him about the arranged marriage and he quickly offered to marry you and keep you from going home, from leaving him. At first, he tried to convince himself it was because you were useful, you worked well with him when taking down bounty targets. You knew how to use a sword and could perform recon work on your targets, all of that was more than what he needed in a bounty hunting partner, when he'd never thought of having one before. Not until he met you in that dinky little bar when you were running away from home, nearly passing out when you ran into him because you'd had a fever and he kept you from hitting the ground. He lost a couple days of work taking care of you, a complete and total stranger, that you were so grateful to him you offered to help and he only let you do so after you sparred with him. You lost obviously, but Zoro was impressed enough to let you follow him if you wanted to.

The year and a half you had traveled and worked together was enough, he knew it when he told you he'd marry you. You didn't know it, still don't to this day, and Zoro would likely take the truth to the grave with him, but at this point he knew it.

He knew he had feelings for you, it was just telling you. That's the difficult part right now.

You'd said your side of it, Zoro just needed the right place and time to return your words.

"I want–"

There's shouting from down on the deck that snaps you both out of your little world you're in, and you sit up to look out the window, seeing what looked like a large fish tail and Sanji freaking out over something. You wonder what's going on, before looking at Zoro, who looks less than thrilled you two were interrupted.

"Something's going on! Let's go see!"

He doesn't fight or grumble while you grab his wrist and pull him up, there's nothing he can do about it now.

Maybe tomorrow I guess.

+!+

“What’s with the bird?”

You don’t even have the chance to untie the letter from your parents before Zoro asks, you just smile before petting your family’s carrier bird on her head, giving her a few scratches as she perches on your shoulder.

“My parents are wealthy, so they have their own carrier birds. We’ve had Chisa here since I was little, she brings me mail and letters all over, wherever I am she’ll find me.”

“Seriously? All of that just to flex their cash?” Zoro rolls his eyes when you nod with a small giggle, opening the latest letter you’d been sent by your parents.

Every one so far had been a demand to return home and “fulfill your duty” of marrying the man they’d chosen for you. It was ridiculous, you’ve let Zoro see a few of them, even though every letter says the exact same thing. The only one that had been different was a letter exclusively from Elias, telling you about his marriage because he knew you’d be happy for him.

You start to follow after Zoro as he attempts to lead you back to the town you’re staying at, not even sure why you’re reading the letter that’s most likely just their demands for you to come back, until you catch a new line in the letter that makes you stop in your tracks.

The second he hears your breathing pick up, Zoro stops and looks over his shoulder at you, eyes widening just a bit when he sees your shoulders shaking and it almost seems like you’re about to have a panic attack.

“Hey, hey, calm down,” he’s almost instantly in front of you with his hands on your shoulders, Zoro knows he isn’t good at this stuff, but he’s got to get you to calm down, “What’s wrong? What’s in the letter?”

“I…I’m eighteen.”

“Yeah…? So what about—”

“Shit, shit, they’re gonna,” Zoro can barely keep you from hitting the ground while you crouch down, still holding the letter but putting your hands on your head to try and calm yourself down, “They’re gonna find me and force me to marry him.”

Zoro takes the letter from you while you start crying over your fears of being forced back home, reading the letter himself to see there’s some caveat in the agreement between your parents and alleged fiancé, where you’d be legally married soon after turning eighteen whether you had a wedding or not. Scowling, Zoro starts to rip to letter up, watching you fist your hair and close your eyes tight. Whatever you went through while dealing with this arranged marriage situation, it’s left a bad impression on you, he’d be surprised if you ever chose to get married one day because of it.

After a few minutes, Zoro helps you back up, holding your shoulders again, before trying to speak to you.

“What—"

“I can’t go back, I can’t!” Finally looking up at him again, you’re still in tears and griping his shirt so tightly, almost desperate for some way out of this arrangement, some way to keep from being found and dragged back there. “I won’t go back, Zoro, please, help me!! I can’t marry that man!”

What is he supposed to do? There’s very little chance your parents haven’t sent people out to find you, or sent your name and picture across government facilities that honor small village traditions, no matter how dark or outdated they may be. He doesn’t know what to do, this is so foreign to him! How is he supposed to keep you from marrying someone?

“I’ll marry you then.”

“W-What??” This isn’t what you expected for help, not even in the slightest. You don’t even think Zoro knew he was going to say that, or planned to, it seems like it just came out with no rhyme or reason.

But, it would fix the problem. If you married someone else, your parents couldn’t rightfully force you to marry someone else, whether they had chosen the person or not.

“I…” You shake your head, not wanting Zoro to feel like he has to do something, it’s not his job. All you’ve done is follow him the last year and a half, he’s not supposed to be your protector or anything like that, just a friend that let you go with him so you didn’t have to go back home, back to what you’ve fled. “We can’t! I mean, we aren’t—"

“If I marry you, will that keep them from forcing you home?!”

“I…I think so?”

Nodding, Zoro takes your hand off his shirt, watching you for any signs of rejection or if you want to say anything else. There’s something in his eyes, you don’t know what it is, you probably never will. But he holds your hand so tightly, keeping you from pulling away before he says it again.

“Marry me, [Y/N].”

For a moment, you don’t respond, wondering if Zoro’s screwing with you or not. But that’s not like him. You’ve only known him for about eighteen months, but you know that he would never joke around about something like this. He might be a little closed off still, but he would never play with someone’s feelings this way.

After another minute or so, you nod.

“I’ll marry you, Zoro.”

+!+

You’ve not thought about how Zoro offered to marry you in quite a while, the memory waking you up from a dead sleep in the village you’ve been in the last eighteen months. After receiving Luffy’s message about when to meet your crew again, you ended up staying in a village that excelled in training swordswomen, working your hardest every day and improving to the point very few of the other women even tried to spar with you.

Now I can’t sleep.

Sighing, you get up from your bed and go to the balcony in your little apartment you’ve been granted use of. Remembering the proposal that’s put you in this situation still, where you’ve been legally married for two years, have told Zoro--who was supposed to be your temporary husband--that you’re in love with him, and it seems like he might be starting to feel something similar towards you. It’s still all so strange, but it makes you smile while you watch the stars for a few minutes, silent prayers for your crew’s continued safety, and hopes that you and Zoro can make things work out.

“Happy anniversary, Zoro.”

+!+

You’ll be surprised to hear, one day in the future, that Zoro had the same dream about his impromptu proposal around the same time you did. He even realizes that it would’ve been your second anniversary at the time, give or take a few days, Mihawk doesn’t have a calendar or bother to keep him and the ghost girl up to date on what’s going on outside the island.

The dream isn’t enough to wake him the way it does you, but it does linger in his mind the rest of the day, even as he trains. It gets to the point that Mihawk stops him, asking what on earth could be distracting the twenty-one-year-old so badly that he’s making beginner’s mistakes, and Zoro decides to tell him, just to get it out there. Maybe that will help him clear his mind.

“Just… thinking about my wife.”

This earns a raised brow from Mihawk and a shout from Perona.

“A wife?”

“You’re married and never told us?!”

“You aren’t my crew!”

Perona sticks her tongue out at him, demanding answers about you and your marriage, questions Zoro refused to answer right now, before Mihawk interrupts them.

“I care not that you’re married. You can think about your wife later, focus on training now.”

Though Zoro knows Mihawk is right, he should be focusing on his training, thoughts of you and your strange marriage don’t leave his mind, despite his nodding.

“Right.”

I’ll talk to you soon then…[Y/N].

#zoro x reader #one piece x reader #reader insert #last forever #fem!reader #roronoa zoro x reader

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dreamofbetterthings · 1 year ago

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"The things I can show you." Thomas Doherty x Reader

Prompt: “Oh, the things I can show you, little one.” Celebrity: Thomas Doherty/Walter Deville Movie: The Invitation Spoilers: None, this follows nothing from the movie. Summary: Filming for you and Thomas' new movie was a breeze… until he walked onto the set with fangs. Word Count: 4K

Warnings: 18+ choking kink, pet names (honey, sweetheart), biting kink, slight dubcon towards the beginning, dirty talk, slight impregnation kink?, begging, blood? I think that's all. If I miss any please let me know.

Minors DNI You are responsible for your own content consumption. I can tell you the post is not for minors, but if you choose not to listen, that is on you.

A/N I pulled this out of my head in the wee hours of the morning and could not lay back down until it was written and published. Reader is AFAB (assigned female at birth) I know my uploading schedule is shit. I am working on it. Also, chapter 3 of It's Been A Long, Long Time will be up soon. Until then, here's some slow-burn smut to keep ya nasties entertained. You're welcome.

You and Thomas spent nearly every day together on set. Even when he wasn't set to shoot anything that day, he was always hanging around the director to see every scene you filmed. The Invitation was a well-talked-about movie and based on what the folks on social media were saying, you were excited to let the world see the finished result. Thomas always managed to know when you would walk onto the set, and be the first person to speak to you.

"Good morning. I have a coffee for you." Thanking him, you took the coffee and all but chugged it. When you could hear his laughter, you pulled away from the cup.

"Oh come on. You act like you don't do the same thing when we've been filming all day." He puts his hands up in surrender and smiles.

"I won't deny that." Thomas grabs a script from a nearby table and flips through the sections of the script that are blocked in blue.

"Speaking of filming, most of the scenes look relatively quick for today. I think we're doing the last bit of scenes between the two of us and then we'll shift to the courtyard stuff after lunch." He shows you the script and before you can say anything, his name is being called into hair and makeup.

"And let the chaos ensue." He lets out a little chuckle.

"I wish you weren't right about that. I'll see you on the set?" Nodding your head you hear your own name being called. "Absolutely. Let's kill it today!" The two of you walk in your respective directions toward hair and makeup.

Run.

That was the only thing on your mind right now. Your feet hammered against the ground as you ran through the hallway. Your heart pounded against your chest, body aching. Your bag along with your phone was long gone as you ran for your life. Whoever that was, whatever it was that you were running away from, was not human. It looked like one, it sounded like one, but you knew better. An ominous growl came from behind and you could hear footsteps towards you.

You sprinted around the corner and took many twists and turns throughout the house, but every door you came to was somehow now locked, despite not being earlier. Running a few more feet down the hall you managed to find an unlocked door. You quickly ran into the room and silently closed the door before locking it.

It was another bedroom. The windows were barred and there were no other interconnecting rooms. You were screwed. The only places to hide were under the bed and in the closet. You decided against trying to fit your large dress under the bed and slipped into the surprisingly spacious closet. After what felt like an eternity of silence, there was a jiggle of the doorknob. A menacing laugh was heard on the other end of the door, before a large bang, and the door flew open.

Peering through the cracks of the doors, you saw him. You could see his shadow in the dimly lit room as he walked past your hiding spot and looked around. As he padded further into the room, you slid as far back as you could into the clothing, praying he wouldn’t know you were there. Through the thin slots of the closet door, you could see he was just standing there. Almost like he was thinking. Your eyes closed, and you silently hoped he would just go check somewhere else. That’s when you heard it.

"There you are."

Your eyes shot open. The door to the closet was pulled open, and he was staring directly into your soul. You quickly duck as he reaches out to grab you and somehow manage to make it to the other door. Just as your hand goes to turn the knob, a pair of hands reach around your waist, and you let out a scream you didn’t even know your voice was capable of creating. For a split second, you feel the wind around you, then the bed sheets violently connect with your back. You wished the mattress would just swallow you whole. Too afraid to look at the monster hovering above, you turn your face to the side. The creature finally speaks.

“Well, that took longer than expected. Had me thinking you’d actually make it out of here.”

“We had a deal.” There was nothing to hide how your voice trembled. The bed shook as he actually laughed.

“I don’t think you quite understood the rules of the game, honey. The rules were, if you managed to make it outside, I would let you go. But if you didn’t…” His hand finds its way around your throat and your shaking continues as he forces you to look at his face. The only thing catching your attention are the two abnormally sharp canines in his mouth. “Then you would stay here, with me.” He looks around the room and then back at you. “Last time I checked, you’re still in the house sweetheart.” He sees the tears running down your face and brushes them away with his other hand. “Don’t be so sad about it. Think of it this way. I try to be a man of my word. If you did find some magical way of making it outside, I would’ve let you go. No surprises, no tricks, nothing… but you didn’t. Do you know what that means?” His grip around your throat gets tighter and you feel a small amount of blood run as one of his claws scratches the side of your neck. He takes a deep inhale and groans. “That means we can have all the fun I had planned for you.”

Your eyes widen in fear and you want to move, but you can’t due to his grip around your throat. He turns your head to the side and you close your eyes. Not wanting to know what he’s going to do. Reaching down to your neck, he sticks his tongue out and licks up the bead of blood that gathered on your neck. Your entire body shakes. Moving his head, you can feel his fangs graze against your ear as he whispers. “Oh, the things I can show you, little one.”

“AND CUT!”

Thomas’ hand instantly leaves your throat and he takes your hands to pull you up so your back is against the headboard. “Are you alright? You were shaking really bad.” Not trusting your voice at the moment, you nod your head and laugh nervously. “Dude, you’re scary as fuck.” He laughs in response and wraps his arms around you in a hug. You do the same and the director, Oliver, comes over to the side of the bed visibly concerned. “Are you two okay?”

Looking over at Thomas, he gives you a smile and gives your shoulder a reassuring squeeze. You nod and smile. “Yeah, we’re good Oli.” He offers his hand and helps get the two of you out of the ridiculously large bed. As you straighten out your dress, Oliver speaks again. “I know we only did one take, but that was probably the best one we’ve gotten since filming started.” He turns and looks at you. “There was no point throughout the entire scene where I wasn’t genuinely scared for you. If the two of you keep this up, we might finish ahead of schedule.” The two of you thank him and walk over to his chair to watch the playback of the scene.

One of the assistants brings water for the two of you and you both thank her. Oliver plays the scene back from the beginning and instead of focusing on your own work, the second Thomas appears on the screen, and suddenly you feel the heat making its way through your body.

He looked really good.

And those fangs…

You could melt into the floor right about now. Oliver and Thomas are talking but you can’t manage to listen in on the conversation, let alone say anything. Your attention was on Thomas and how he managed to look attractive and terrifying at the same time. There were times when you swore the only reason he signed onto this film was because he liked being a bad guy. It was like he reveled in it, and he did it so well. Your eyes stay glued to the screen and you don’t notice Thomas watching how you respond to his presence.

You tossed your keys onto the counter of your hotel room, your shoes come off and you let yourself fall back on the bed. A loud sigh leaves your lips. There has never been a day that you wanted filming to end so badly. After a couple of seconds, you throw your phone on the charger and finally pull yourself up from the bed, grab your towel and clothes, and head for a much-needed shower. You quickly change and when the temperature is just right, you step in and immediately feel your shoulders relax.

As you wash your body off, you start to think to yourself, why were you so worked up today? After the first scene with Thomas, every slight brush of his hand against yours, or hand on your back sent a wave of heat throughout your body. Simple motions that are seemingly harmless in nature were reducing you to a trembling mess. Granted, you don't have a partner, so sexual frustration could definitely be the cause, but why now? You feel the heat spread to your core just at the thought. Shaking your head, you finish your shower and change into your shirt and underwear that you brought into the bathroom with you.

After drying your hair, the steam from your previous shower dissipates as you walk into the other room and you look around confused.

You could've sworn you kept the lights on.

Shaking your head, you cut on the soft light on your nightstand and reach for your phone.

Which was not on the charger where you left it.

Now you're starting to freak out.

Looking around the room, it seems like your phone is nowhere in sight. Almost like it disappeared. You check your bag, in case you didn't actually plug it in, but it's not there. Nothing in the clothes you wore that day, hell, you even checked your suitcase. Your phone is just gone. Going over to the hotel phone, you pick it up and try to dial your number, only to realize the phone cord is missing from the base. You stand there frustrated and a little scared for a couple of seconds before a voice snaps your head towards the front door.

"You didn't think I'd make it easy for you to call for help, did you?"

Slowly reaching for the heaviest thing closest to you, the shadow walks into the light and you let out a sigh of relief. "Jesus, Thomas. You can't sneak up on someone when they're fresh out of the shower!" Walking over to him, you ask. "So unless a crazed fan managed to break in, I'm assuming you have my phone?" He pulls something out of his pocket and you see the familiar case, indicating he did in fact, have it.

Flashing it in front of your face, you reach to grab your phone, but he leans away from you so you can't take it. "Yeah, I don't think you'll be needing it tonight." Giving him a "Really?" you go to get your phone and he pulls it away from your grasp once again. Letting out a frustrated huff, you put your hands on your hips. "Come on Thomas, give me my phone. I have to check my emails." You see him toss your device behind him, lucky that there was a couch sitting where it landed, and when he turns back to you, he speaks again. "Like I said. I don't think you'll be needing it tonight. After all, why would I make it easy for you to call for help?" Your eyebrows furrow, and you laugh, although slightly uncomfortable with how the air in the room seemed to shift. It felt, darker. Every bone in your body told you to leave. Turning around to look for a pair of pants, you mumble to yourself. "Alright, I did not plan on my night ending like this."

Turning around, you let out a scream and drop your sweatpants as a hand comes up and covers your mouth. He was standing so close you could feel his breath on your face. Looking Thomas in the eyes, they were dark, and you suddenly felt like you were no longer safe in his presence. "I don't think you quite understand the rules of the game honey." He stares into your eyes and the next thing you know, your feet are walking backward on their own until you are stopped by the edge of the bed. He remembers his hand is covering your mouth and speaks again. "The rules were, if you managed to make it outside, I would let you go. But if you didn’t…Then you would stay with me. Do you know what that means?” You struggle to get out a couple of muffled sounds when he brings his face closer to yours. “That means we can have all the fun I had planned for you.”

Your eyes widen as the lamp in the room shows his face fully, and that's when you see it.

He was in the outfit from the first scene you two filmed earlier that morning. You glance down at his mouth and you feel the heat pool at your legs.

He had the fangs in.

He leans his mouth down against your ear like he did earlier that day, and repeated the same line. “Oh, the things I can show you, little one.” Next thing you know you're being laid down on the bed, and the man you once knew as your friend was hovering over you. "What do you want with me?" Your voice was weak, and judging from the smile that never left his face, he was enjoying this. He was enjoying toying with you. He leans down and drags his tongue against your neck, earning a strained whine to leave your mouth. "I simply want what I've been waiting this whole time for…you. I've seen the way you look at me when you think nobody is watching. And it made me want to take you then and there, but no. I couldn't do it with so many people around. So, what better time than now? Your phone is off, the landline is disconnected, and as far as anybody coming to rescue you goes, they all think you're headed to sleep with the rest of the cast."

If there was any time to hate yourself for not wearing pants to bed, now was that time. Thomas moved your legs apart with his knee and ground his hips into you, showing you just how tight the bulge in his jeans had become. You let out a small gasp that he managed to catch, and he let out a smile. "Something tells me you're enjoying yourself more than I expected. I don't even think I'll have to compel you." His large hands lift up the bottom of your shirt, exposing your underwear, and you shiver as the cool night air exposes you in such an intimate place. He carefully pulls the thin fabric down and off your ankles with ease, and your body goes tense. He looks you in the eyes and asks the last question you thought could ever come out of his mouth.

"Do I have your permission honey?" You shift needily against the bed as you let out a small "Yes." That's the only approval he asks before his fingers gently reach down and feel the wetness between your folds and you sigh quietly. A groan leaves his lips. "Is all that for me baby? You like it when I touch you like this?" His slender fingers brush against your clit, sending a jolt of pleasure through you, making you unknowingly moan. "There we go. You're such a good girl for me." He does it again, and again until he's rubbing gentle circles on your clit at an agonizingly slow pace. Your body relaxes into the bed as Thomas continues whispering into your ear. "That's is baby. Relax. It's just you and me. I want you to enjoy this."

He was taking his time with you, and to an outsider looking in, it was almost sweet. Not long after, the fear left your brain and was replaced with nothing but bliss. He must've been able to tell when your last fighting bit of sanity faded because he became more eager. "There's so much I want to do with you, honey. I want to taste you until you cum on my tongue. Wanna feel you clench around my cock as I ravish you." His hand on your clit sped up a little. "I wanna see the look on your face when you come undone because of me. At first, I didn't think you could take it. But I know you can. I know you can take all of me. I know you can handle everything I give you because you're such a good girl, and I know you wanna be good for me. Right baby?" Your small whimpers have progressed to moans as you stop fighting the sensation and start to welcome it.

Out of nowhere, the feeling is gone as he removes his fingers from your clit, but quickly replaced them when he lays down and licks through your folds. Your breathing was fast and heavy as his tongue went to work. The sensation builds when he slips two fingers into you and easily starts pumping them in and out. You were almost there, and he could tell. He moaned against your clit and gently grazed it with his fangs, and that was all it took before you exploded. You threw your head back against the bed as you came, and Thomas latched onto your clit sucking on it to prolong your orgasm for as long as he could.

He finally pulls his fingers out of you and licks them clean before standing up and discarding his clothes in an almost superhuman nature, before he's back to hovering over you. His lips attach to yours and you eagerly kiss him back, tasting yourself on his tongue. "If you taste that good, I can only imagine what you feel like." Looking down at him, your eyes get wide.

He's not abnormally huge, but definitely bigger than any man you've been with to date. He rubs his cock between your folds and you moan at the overstimulation, still coming down from your high. He rests his hand on the back of your head and looks you in the eyes. "You're going to take all of me, yeah?" You can only nod as you no longer trust your voice. He leans down and captures your mouth in a kiss again as he slowly pushes inside you.

He releases your mouth to let out a moan, and by god… this was the moment you realized you were in over your head. Every time you thought he was fully in, he would slide in more, and more. He finally bottoms out and you swear you're seeing stars. No, fuck that. You were seeing galaxies. He only gives you a few moments to adjust to his size before he pulls himself almost all the way out, and sinks back in. Your eyes roll to the back of your head.

The pace was brutally slow but felt wonderful. You couldn't pay attention to anything but how he felt, and it felt ungodly. He finds his own rhythm within a few thrusts and it was like you died and went to wherever the hell you were currently. He brings his other hand from around your waist and slides it down to your leg, wrapping it around his waist and allowing him to sink in just a little deeper, and you cry out.

A smile forms on his lips and he keeps his hand on your leg, refusing to let you not feel the full extent of what this angle could provide. Noticing your hands are gripping your bedsheets, he moves his hand from behind your head and takes your own to grab at his body. He thrusts into you again, and again, over and over, the new angle allowing him to drag his cock against just the right spot that drove you wild. Leaning down to rest his forehead against yours, he pants out. "Fuck, baby. It's like this sweet pussy of yours was made for me."

You could feel your second orgasm building and lord help you because you were so close. Thomas seemed to notice as well, your walls practically trying to suck him in completely. He speeds up his pace ever so slightly and that's when you feel the pressure of his hand going around your neck. He leans down and talks into your ear. "I can feel you're close honey. God. I'm going to put a fucking baby in you. Would you like that? You want me to cum inside this gorgeous little cunt, huh?" You moan and try to nod as your nails scratch up and down his arms and back. "Yes, yes Thomas, please!" He laughs a little at how you answered him. "Aw, yeah? You're so cock drunk you're begging me to cum inside your pretty pussy?" He makes you look at him as your eyes keep closing. "Beg for it again, and maybe, if you're good for me, I'll let you cum."

Your voice is nothing but whimpers and whines as you plead with your eyes. A chorus of "Please." leaves your mouth and that satisfies him to the point where he is kissing and sucking on the side of your neck. "I want you to cum, and I want you to let everybody in this hotel know whose cock is making you feel this good. Can you do that for me?" You just nod as you feel your orgasm teetering on the edge. He applies more pressure against your throat, and that's all it takes. As your climax begins, he sinks his teeth into your neck, and you let out a struggling moan from the sensation as you cum. The only name on your lips is his over and over, like a broken record. Thomas moans against your neck and he starts to tense, holding you as close to him as possible. He seats himself as far into you as he can, and the warm feeling of his cock shooting his cum inside you only prolongs your orgasm.

After the two of you finally come down from your respective highs, he turns the two of you on your side and lies there. Giving you a chance to intake some form of oxygen. You pant out a weak "Oh my god." and you feel the rumble from his body as he laughs. "I told you, adding the fangs would be a great idea." It takes every ounce of energy in your body to raise your arm and playfully hit him. "Shut up, that was God tier even if you didn't have them in." He laughs again and as he agrees, you ask, "Where the hell did all that dirty talk come from?" Thomas shrugs his shoulders and smiles. "A master of his craft never reveals his secrets." Playfully rolling your eyes, a yawn escapes your mouth.

Thomas pulls out of you and you sigh sadly at the loss of contact, only for him to pull the blanket over you and get up off the bed to grab your phones. You watch as he plugs them both into the wall and climbs back into bed before cutting the light off. Cuddling into his chest, your legs intertwine and you both lay there in comfortable silence, until a thought pops into your head, making you laugh a little. "What's so funny?" You think about the situation and explain.

"Had I known it would've taken you stealing my phone from me to get you to put the fangs in, I would've let you take it a long time ago." The two of you laugh and he asks, "Is that your way of telling me you want Mr. Deville to peek his head back in the bedroom again?" He realizes that at some point, he's going to have to tell you that the fangs aren't fake. But that thought leaves his mind as he feels himself getting hard again at your answer "As far as I'm concerned, he can come back anytime he wants." Thomas lets out an "Oh really?" before flipping the two of you so he's sitting between your legs again. "Because I think he's still hungry." A moan leaves your lips as Thomas sinks his cock back into you, and you mentally prepare for the terrible time you're going to have to try and get up in the morning.

#the invitation #walter deville #walter deville x reader #thomas doherty #thomas doherty x reader #vampire #fanfiction #smut

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flyingwargle · 8 months ago

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bokuaka fanfic recommendations!

i am uncharacteristically nervous about posting this haha i read a lot of fanfic and always enjoy looking at other people's recommendations, so i thought, why not share some of my favorites?

all these recs are sfw!

oneshots!

banana bread by leuralo_1 gen. 2.1k words. bokuto pov. bokuto and his roommates have too many bananas and akaashi takes the train overnight to make banana bread with it. that's it, that's the fic. it's so cute, i'm begging you to read it.

spending all, spending all my time (loving you) by hyeyu gen. 3.4k words. bokuto pov. akaashi is a dimension traveler and gets nailed in the head by bokuto's serve, so he stays until he fixes his dimension travel device. one of my first bokuaka fics that i read, very cute and the pining is palpable.

in the same room, at the same time by quel_nightmare teen. 21.5k. alternating pov. marriage proposal fic! i read this all in one sitting and my heart was ready to burst by the end. very cute, i won't spoil anything other than that <3

astronomy in reverse (it was me who was discovered) by flumes teen. 22.1k. akaashi pov. a non-linear narrative about akaashi pining over bokuto from high school to the future. very poetic and lyrical, with the boys discovering their feelings for each other in the end. i also read this all in one sitting.

longfics!

background check by ghostystarr gen. 2 chapters, 8k words. msby4 changes bokuto's lockscreen picture for fun since he doesn't lock his phone, but the game changes when he changes it to a picture of akaashi. a very fun and cute fic with the msby4 gang helping their bro out.

truth is such a violent force by inaminute teen. 8 chapters, 41k. it starts with akaashi's 1st year at fukurodani and explores his dysfunctional family, growing relationship with bokuto, and deals with homophobia. i love the fukurodani boys in this, and how supportive they are of one another. there's also a sequel that is just as heart-wrenching as this one! (both have happy endings, don't worry)

flightless owl by volleydorkscentral teen. 31 chapters, 57.6k words. bokuto gravely injures his leg and has to sit the rest of his third year out. this fic focuses on his recovery, his relationship with akaashi developing, and overcoming the pain of his injury. has a happy ending, as well!

the way you look at me by mocaw teen. 36 chapters, 79.2k words. bokuto sees train guy every night on his commute after practice until he decides to take the first step and introduce himself. this fic is the reason why i ship bokuaka. it's slowburn, deals with anxiety and ptsd, developing relationships, and is just beautifully written (i am also extremely biased because this shaped my undergrad years). please read it, i'm begging you.

the death of our hands by bershlate teen. 25 chapters, 109k words. this longfic explores akaashi's ocd, his dysfunctional family, and an amazing oc older brother, along with his relationship with bokuto. i read this recently and finished it in a few days because of how gripping the story is <3

i'll let you shatter me with your pain by kuromantic teen. 23 chapters, 160.4k words. akaashi is an empath and when he brushes against bokuto, he gets the biggest shock of emotions of his life. this fic is very heavy, dealing with abuse, malnutrition, trauma, and homophobia. it has a happy ending, and our boys do get together <3

i'll reblog this from time to time to add more recs as i keep reading! of course, feel free to check out my own bokuaka fics >:3 i might post more?? for other pairings and general recs?? and for genshin too since i have a lot there haha okay enjoy bye!

#text #fanfic recs #haikyuu fanfic recs #personal #if you can tell what kind of fics i like to read based on my recs #its a lot of angst and fluff #i like to make sure both boys suffer equally #since they're in love and all #also i don't like reading about too dark themes #there's enough suffering in the world #let our boys be happy #bokuto koutarou #akaashi keiji #bokuaka #fukurodani

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climbthemountain2020 · 3 months ago

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time won't fly (it's like i'm paralyzed by it) - Chapter 7/Loop 33

I Know You, I Walked With You Once Upon A Dream

Summary: Every day, Rhysand wakes up next to Amarantha in her bed Under the Mountain. A prisoner, a weapon, a High Lord on a leash. He's been down there so long, it's starting to feel like time doesn't matter.

Until one day, it doesn't.

Feyre's death sends Rhysand back in time, waking up on the same day - over and over. Now, Rhysand must discover how to break the time loop, save his mate, and keep his sanity intact.

A "round robin" style fanfiction with different authors. This work is meant to be read from beginning to end, but each chapter is written by a different author with their own spin on the time loop prompt.

Warnings: mild canon-typical violence, NSFW, sexual content

Rating: Explicit

Chapter Word Count: 4k

Notes: Surprise! I am part of the hivemind! I am not subtle, lol.

I literally cannot tell you how much fun I have had with this wonderful group of people plotting and planning and cackling over all these chapters. @feysand-hivemind it’s been so fun to match your freak! I’ve had such a blast being a part of this. <3 Thank you @popjunkie42 @tunaababee @witch-and-her-witcher and @rosanna-writer for the beta help! <3

Tumblr Masterlist | Read on Ao3 or under the cut.

Dead again.

This time he hadn’t even known that something was wrong. He’d had a grand plan, a measured procedure for how things were going to go. Perhaps, he’d thought, if no one interfered at all, she would make it through the trials on her own and then the two of them might start with a cleaner slate.

He should have known that she wouldn’t survive without any interventions at all. She was so lovely and beguiling, so smart and scrappy, so willful and stubborn, that it was so simple to forget she was also so tragically fragile and human.

It had been two weeks since the last death, the reset having taken him by surprise, but he was biding his time now. Not intervening hadn’t worked, intervening too soon was equally disastrous. So instead, Rhys was performing his least favorite activity as he wiled his time away Under the Mountain: he was being patient.

Blessedly, Amarantha had been sidetracked. Two uprisings in Day and Winter had kept her furious and occupied since he’d last awoken in her bed. The silence and privacy he’d been given in her distracted absence had left him time to think about what other approaches he might take to see this through to a different end.

He sat on his bed in the darkness, the stress of the past two weeks compounding as he wondered where his little painter–where Feyre –might be now. He let his head sink into his hands, the pounding headache moving from his temples to the base of his skull. After fifty years, he thought he’d grow used to this living space, these bare, windowless walls, the stuffy and stagnant air. Normally, he could shove that claustrophobia, that need to breathe , somewhere deep down and far away. But today? Today Rhys had reached the end of his rope almost immediately upon waking, the walls closing in and sending his mind racing against the base need to feel open air on his skin.

How many times was he going to live this torture?

He had wondered more than once about the potential merits of writing all the details down, even just to see them there on the paper. Would it make it more real? Would it make it more tolerable? At the end of the day, he’d decided over and over that it would be no use. He took nothing with him when the loops restarted–nothing but memories and the ever-growing desperation that this might be the punishment he’d earned for a lifetime of idiocy.

And truly, he had earned this. He had done everything for the selfish benefit of keeping his home and his family safe. He would beg, barter, kill, and steal to keep them well and away from this, even knowing what torturous and questionable things he’d be required to do by Amarantha. He thought of his family as he so often did– Azriel’s brooding kindness, Cassian’s easy, teasing smile, Mor tossing her head back in laughter, and Amren’s harsh but loyal nature. He’d do it all again for them.

This time, though, the images didn’t end with them. They floated effortlessly into swirls of golden hair, freckles, and gray-blue eyes. They echoed with her taunting tone, her words–both sharp and curious–, her smile. Feyre was the key to this loop, somehow, and Rhys was going to figure it out even if it killed him. Again.

Tonight had seen Rhys plagued again by nightmares. He had awoken in a cold sweat, the guilt and nausea eating at him as he’d shot awake in the dark room. Every night, he’d relive the light leaving her eyes as she died, that bright spirit guttering out as she searched for him across a sea of faces.

Feyre. Feyre. Feyre.

He felt her name pulse through his mind like the beat of his heart.

He was overcome by a need to see her, to assure himself that she was alright and unharmed in Spring.

Without further time to hesitate, Rhys shot from the bed, tossing on clothes and sliding into the hallway. There were no sounds in the empty night, everyone having retired for the evening. The halls here were eerie even in the best of times, but Rhys hated the creeping feeling that was unique to this cursed place. He crept along the rock-hewn hallways, moving as silently as a specter and listening for even the smallest of sounds. There were no signs that Amarantha had returned, her quarters still quiet as the grave as he walked past. He sensed no thoughts from within, and hoped it meant that she was asleep or gone.

He walked through the last of the halls to the tunnels, easily finding the door where he’d released the bogge. It had only been days ago, but lost in these loops it felt like it could have been years, lifetimes. As soon as he left the stifling swell of the wards, he was winnowing, taking the short bursts to Spring. The closer he got, the clearer the air smelled, that comforting and familiar tang of moss and honeysuckle and grass prickling at his senses. Long ago, he’d considered this place another home.

He shook his head at the thought on his final winnow, arriving at the edge of the Spring woods, the magic of Tamlin’s wards shattering at a mere touch.

Tamlin still couldn’t be bothered to fix his shitty border magic, despite the circumstances. No loops ever seemed to change that. Rhys could see the manor up ahead, a towering mass of marble and vines in the moonlight. The air around him was so warm it nearly felt like floating in a still sea as he moved closer and closer, following that lively trail of lilac and pear to the window he remembered as hers.

That felt like years ago now, too, since he’d come here to find her and Tamlin embracing in their sleep. He shook his head again as if to dislodge the image as he materialized on the balcony’s edge. The security here would be laughable if it didn’t make him worried for Feyre’s safety.

She slept with the balcony doors flung open, the gentle breezes of Spring dancing over her skin. This time, blessedly, Feyre was alone in the bed. She was faced away from him, curled on one side with her hands tucked beneath her chin. He could see the freckles across the bare expanse of her shoulders, and just like before, he ached to touch them. Rhys released a breath he hadn’t been aware he was holding, the tension already allowing his shoulders to sink back down. Just the sight of her, her mere presence, worked like a balm on his soul.

He looked over to the door, laughing at the haphazard trap she’d rigged up for anyone daring to enter. By his calculations, she hadn’t been in Spring for long. She and Tamlin were clearly not together yet. An emotion flashed in his chest at the huntress’ rope and curtain contraption at the door, an odd flare of something at her audacity, her will. It was becoming harder and harder to not feel things for this ferocious human girl, the ache within him calling to her even when it would all be so much easier if it didn’t.

But there she was, sleeping peacefully and silently on the bed. She wasn’t dead, wasn’t broken. Her throat wasn’t ripped out, she was not being taken by wounds or choking to death, and Rhys could hear the steady thrumming of her heart from the open doors. It took every bit of his willpower to not slip inside the room, to inhale that sweet, light smell of her greedily like a man starved at his final supper.

Rhys knew what the right move was. Feyre was safe and dreaming and that should be all he cared about, especially since she wasn’t with Tamlin. But…

But…

No.

It was not Rhys’s place to be here. He had come to see that she was well, and she looked well. This Feyre didn’t know him, and even the Feyres that did know him wouldn’t have wanted him lurking in her bedroom while she slept. He had to admit he felt a little bad about skulking around Spring to watch her sleeping in the first place, and that creeping thought of truly being the creature of nightmares bit at him. But he’d needed to see her, assure himself that she was living and breathing and okay. Seeing her comfortable and at peace was enough for him. If all went well, he was sure he’d see her again soon enough.

After giving her one more look, committing the soft sighs and smooth lines of her face to memory, Rhys turned to go. But as he turned to step back through the balcony doors and take off into the night, her sweet voice permeated the air. He whipped around faster than a flash of light, worried he’d been caught, but Feyre still slept, turned towards him now, her eyes shut tightly and a murmur on her lips.

Rhys stood shell shocked, unable to draw his eyes away from her form, naked from the waist up. He couldn’t look away from her, even if he’d tried, his mouth suddenly dry and jaw slack. She moved again beneath the sheets, the seam of them dropping even lower down her waist against her writhing.

The smell of her arousal hit him like a brick, and suddenly he was grasping the door frame, cracking it beneath his hands in his grip before his mind could catch up. It was like getting hit with a tidal wave–a heavily perfumed, absolutely delicious tidal wave. Rhys wasn’t one to fall to his baser needs, but the scent was the most overwhelming thing he’d ever experienced. His grip on the doors tightened and the wood warped and cracked beneath his palms. He couldn’t inhale fast or wholly enough, filling his lungs greedily with the scent of her.

His Feyre.

He needed to leave right this second. He needed to get out of there before he did something he would regret.

Touch, claim, mine.

Turning from the room was the most difficult thing that Rhys had ever done in five centuries of living. Moving away from the delicious smell of her nearly broke him, but he needed to go before it was too late. As he turned to jump and winnow, her voice rang out quietly into the silence, so soft that he nearly questioned if he’d heard it at all.

“Who are you?” His eyes shot to hers, but he found them still closed, eyelashes settled on her freckled cheek. She moved her hand over her face, rubbing the heel of her palm into her eye as she sank down further in the plush down of the pillows. “Come back.”

Now that she’d beckoned him, called out as though just for him, he knew he couldn’t leave her, even if he should. He could deny his painter nothing.

She rustled beneath the sheets again, murmuring and moaning softly, and Rhys slipped quietly and gently into her mind, just for a moment, he swore to himself.

Rhys was immediately struck by the smell of her, somehow even more potent than before. In her dream, she was on the same bed, the soft light of the moon filtering in through the windows. She was no longer sleeping beneath the covers, but kneeling, her legs spread wide and naked save for a pair of lacy, navy underclothes.

There on the bed, there was a figure curled lovingly behind her, his hand over hers as it moved methodically within her underwear. The figure was blurred, features not clear in the dreamlike state they were in. It looked nearly like a watercolor, the purples and blacks and blues all running together and unfocused. Rhys walked around the bed, keeping his eyes on Feyre’s writhing frame. The realization struck him as solidly as her scent had, the equivalent of running straight into a marble wall. It was him who cradled Feyre in his arms, the raven black hair and violet eyes beholding himself like a mirror as the hazy image came into focus.

He hadn’t projected that–hadn’t gone into her head to touch her. Had she been dreaming of him as he'd dreamed of her? His little painter…had some memory stuck, or was she dreaming of him in all the loops before they'd met? Had it been him the same way that he'd seen her in his?

He wove those tendrils of power out into the fabric of her dreams, caressing the fragments of sparkling night over the mirror image of him that had hands on her. With a flick of his wrist, dream Rhys was gone, the open air suddenly cold behind Feyre causing her eyes to fly open and land directly on him.

Rhys stuttered a step, ceasing his motions. She shouldn't be able to see him here, not unless he'd willed it. But she was staring right at him all the same, a blush rising on her cheeks.

Rhys was entranced by her, his eyes darting across her freckles, her smile, her hooded eyes, too much and not enough of every little bit of her, as though he couldn't pick just one thing to behold.

Despite dream-Rhys’s removal, Feyre had not removed her own hand, keeping it pressed motionless to herself.

“Hello.” Her voice was thick and smooth as honey, and just as sweet, the sound coiling around Rhys’s ears and going straight to the base of his spine. Feyre looked at him from beneath lowered lashes, and his body itched to step closer. “You came back.” Rhys nodded, the action entirely out of his hands, still completely unsure of how she could see him in this dream without him willing it.

She stayed as still as a statue, eyes firmly planted on Rhys. “Will you tell me your name this time?”

“Rhysand,” he answered without thinking, without planning, cursing himself inwardly as the word left his mouth. But Feyre just smiled demurely at him, the motion lighting up her entire face.

“Hello, Rhysand. I'm Feyre.”

“Hello, Feyre darling.” The greeting purred out of him as naturally as anything, and he could see her breath catch. She sat back on her haunches, that beautiful blush creeping to her neck and decolletage, but still, her hand remained where it was.

“I've dreamed of you before. But you never interact with me. It’s always just flashes, but you're here now.” Her voice had dropped, the husky tone of it driving home that force of arousal building within him. She was so beautiful, so lovely. And in this loop, even if it was just a dream, she wanted him. “This is another dream, right?”

He shouldn't. This was wrong .

She thought it was just a dream, that there was nothing to it. But the way she was looking at him, the way she smelled. He inhaled again, even halfway into her mind the scent was overwhelming. The loveliest thing he'd ever had the pleasure of scenting.

“This can be whatever you want it to be, darling.” He saw her breathe in deep, nostrils flaring as her wide eyes fixed on him.

“Would you, I mean, if you–” Her words failed her, but the intent was clear as she began to move those fingers that had been stilled the whole time.

It was an invitation. She wanted him, her open blue eyes begging for contact.

Fuck it.

“Would you like a hand, love?” He could see the hitch in her throat as she inhaled, her eyes sparkling at the timbre of his voice. She was so responsive, her nipples tightening against the thin lace of her top and leaving nothing to the imagination, and he took a single unbidden step towards her.

She nodded eagerly. “Please.” He felt delirious with want.

Rhys bit back a groan. It wasn't like he hadn't thought about it in all these loops, what her skin would feel like against his, her soft warmth against the hard planes of his body. He circled the bed and watched as she took another deep breath, letting her eyes slip closed. He magicked his boots and tunic away, leaving him behind her in nothing but pants as he crawled into the bed.

It isn't a good idea, his thoughts whispered, but as he touched her shoulder and a crackle of something zapped through his veins, he knew he wasn't going to stop unless she asked him to.

She sighed languidly as his fingers danced over her shoulders and played up and down the sides of her neck. He pressed the length of his exposed torso against her back, her skin scalding against his at the contact. He swallowed back a sigh that seemed to emerge from him unbidden, but Feyre simply laid her head back on his shoulder, wordlessly expressing the level of comfort she already felt at his presence in her dreams.

Rhys ran his hands along Feyre's sides, watching as her flesh prickled in response. His fingers slowly crept higher and higher, the silky smooth texture of her skin driving him wild.

“Touch me.” Her voice was a whisper of smoke in the wind, but nothing had ever sounded clearer to him.

He didn't need to be told twice, his magic racing out to mist the thin layers of lace into oblivion. His deft fingers wasted no time in cupping her breasts, feeling the heavy weight of them in his large hands and tugging gently on her nipples as she let out the most delicious sound he thought he might have ever heard. Her soft sighs and gentle moans were like music to his ears, her whimpers a song that he’d been waiting for his entire life. He touched her chest, gently and playfully touching and circling them until Feyre was gasping and wiggling in front of him, her body rubbing against his like a cat in heat. He was painfully hard by the time she was begging and pleading for his hands to move lower, pulling them with her own until they reached her sex.

Rhys hardly managed to bite back a groan of his own when he ran his fingers through her wet heat. She was soaked entirely through, her arousal running down her thighs as he spread her open with his fingers.

“All for me, Feyre?”

“Gods, please .”

He grinned as he pressed hot, open mouthed kisses to her neck and shoulders, dipping his fingers barely into her and circling them around her as she cried out. Nothing has ever felt as good as Feyre trembling against him, nothing had ever sounded as nice as his name on her lips.

“Rhysand,” she gasped as he pressed a finger into her warmth.

“Rhys. Just Rhys.”

“Rhys,” she murmured, turning her face to his and capturing his lips with hers. When their mouths met, Rhys swore the world shifted on its axis, the arousal and emotion and feeling in his chest threatening to explode under the pressure. The light around them went soft and hazy as they moved together, the glow blurring around them like the dream was ebbing in and out with their shared breaths.

He added another finger as she undulated against him, each and every point of contact shooting sparks into his bloodstream as he gasped aloud. She responded by doubling down, reaching behind her to toy with the waistband of his pants.

He felt nearly embarrassed, reduced back to a youngling as he bucked forward into her touch, his rhythm momentarily stuttering.

He tried to pull back, resuming his own ministrations, but she wrapped her fingers into his waistband and pulled him back to her.

“I want to touch you.” He couldn't argue with that.

Rhys shoved his pants down, his erection jutting against her back. Feyre wasted no time in grabbing it with enthusiasm, Rhys's mind reeling with the pleasure of it as she began stroking up and down the length of him. The movements were somewhat jerking with the angle, and Rhys still thought as he brushed against the cheeks of her ass, that it might be the most magnificent thing he’d ever felt. Despite the angle, the rush of it all overtook them quickly, the natural back and forth of it seeming as easy as breathing. Before long, they were both a breathy mess, her head resting back against his shoulder and his forehead against her neck while they moved together.

“You're exquisite,” he whispered into her hair, the smell of her so potent and overwhelmingly lovely at this proximity.

He could feel her fluttering around his fingers, feel the echoes of her impending orgasm grasping at him desperately while she moved her hand faster around him. Rhys was glad she was close because he was losing control, the feelings thundering through his chest and threatening to burn him alive wrapping down around the base of his spine.

He pressed the heel of his hand into her as he pistoned his fingers in and out, the movements becoming more intense as she responded in turn, their touch reaching a crescendo.

“Come for me, Feyre.”

She clenched around him. “Only if you come with me,” she responded huskily, even as she herself tipped over the edge. Rhys followed immediately, his vision nearly blacking out for a moment as he did.

He wasn't sure when he'd eased them to the bed, their breathing evening out between their twisted limbs, sticky with sweat and cooling in the Spring night air. Rhys felt weightless, the dream or the satisfaction allowing the pull of the world to work differently around them. He brushed her hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ear and tugging her back to his chest tightly.

“That was incredible,” she whispered, and Rhys fought the urge to preen.

“It was. You are.”

She laughed softly, turning her head to look at him. Her eyes looked like the sky after a storm, the heavy clouds that used to roll in over the snowy peaks of Illyria. Home.

She pressed a soft kiss to his lips, and Rhys wondered if he'd ever felt so sated in his life. His time here was limited, but he was going to enjoy every single second he had allowed himself.

She had dreamed of him, recognized him. She had wanted him here.

“Will I see you again?” she murmured quietly as he brushed his fingers up and down over her thighs and hips. Her eyes were already beginning to flutter shut.

“I would be willing to put money on it.” His voice was tinged with relief, with laughter, with joy he had not felt in ages.

“Do you have to go?”

“I’m sorry, Feyre. I do.”

She was mostly asleep by now, sighing lightly as her eyelids finally shut and stayed closed. “I’ll see you soon, Rhys.” He smiled despite himself, brushing his fingers lightly across her forehead then placing a kiss there as her breathing evened out.

He carefully eased himself out of her mind. Outside of her dream, he was still leaning against the door to the balcony, the distance between them feeling near-painful now, a throbbing ache in his chest that demanded he step closer. Rhys resisted this time, knowing that the dawn would be coming soon and turning from the room with one final look at his painter.

As he winnowed back to the grounds, walking around the property to the woodline under the cover of remaining night, his thoughts were lighter than they’d been since all this loop nonsense had begun. She’d dreamed of him, his face, his voice, his touch. If she could seek him out in her dreams this way, think of him as a soothing presence instead of something evil, how might that change the future of the loop?

Next time, it could be familiarity and not fear or mistrust that guided their interactions.

Why hadn’t he considered this before? It changed everything .

Rhys rounded the final corner of the manor that bordered the woods, light on his feet and his spirit buoyed with this newfound, unfamiliar, but welcome hope.

The last thing he saw was the form of a sentry, the sword already flying through the air and aimed directly at his neck.

Well, fuck.

#feysand #feysand timeloop #feysand hivemind #time won't fly (it's like i'm paralyzed by it)#acotar fic #feysand fic

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phoebepheebsphibs · 4 months ago

Text

Double-Mutated Mikey

Chapter 45: Thanatology

Continued from the short story written by @boots-with-the-fur-club

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Leo has never moved with such panic and speed in his life, he thinks.

He cradles Mikey's body close to him as he runs down the halls, screaming-crying for 'April, Casey, somebody! Help us!!'

As soon as Mikey had crumbled, Raphael had created a ginormous hologram around him, Leo, and Donnie. Secure in his arms, Raph then jumped down the hole that had been created in the building not a five minutes ago.

The trio are now running frantically through the halls as Mikey bleeds out in Leo's arms, searching for the others in a panic. They need help.

"He's getting cold!" Leo shouts back to Donnie. "How are his vitals, will he make it?!"

Donnie -- who is literally hovering over them as they race down the corridors -- flips his goggles over and examines the dying child.

"...Not looking good, chief," Donnie states. "He's lost a lot of blood, the barb pierced his neck pretty deep. We have to hurry or else --"

Mikey suddenly starts coughing violently, spewing blood from his mouth as he lurchs in Leo's arms from the force.

"... He might choke on his own blood," Donnie groans.

"J-just hang on, buddy," Leo begs, readjusting his grip on Mikey. "Hang on..."

Mikey's eyes open and close. His eyes are clouded over, his vision far away and blurry. Leo thinks he hears Mikey mumble something, reaching up softly.

"...l....leo....?"

"I'm here, I'm here," he repeats over and over and over again. "I'm right here, just stay with me -- k-keep talking, just keep --"

"....leo......" he murmurs, hand still shakily rising to meet Leo. "...did i do.... d-did i do good, l...leo.....?"

"You did so good, buddy, you did so so good, and --"

Leo chokes on his tears. He bites his lip as he tries (unsuccessfully) to keep from crying, to stay strong.

Mikey's hand reaches up just enough to touch Leo's face. His hand is cold. His bloodsoaked hand leaves a sanguine fingerprint against Leo's chin, before slipping back down, dangling limply by his side. Leo keeps on babbling, talking on and on and on in a panicked ramble of instructions for both himself and his brother.

Mikey's head rolls to look back at Raph and Donnie, and he manages a bloodstained smile at them.

"...hhhhiiiiii, rraphieeeee....... heyyy, d....d....dee-dee...."

Neither of them can hear Mikey's ghost of a whisper voice.

"wh....why so...... scared, i-i'm not.... going any....where...."

His eyes lose focus.

".......................right....?"

They still don't hear him. Raph manages to meet his gaze and tries to smile back at him, though the smile is wobbly and his eyes are wet.

"Hey, king," Raph shudders, his voice cracking and breaking. "You'll be fine."

Mikey's eyes feel so heavy. He tries to nod or hum to show Raph he trusts him. He's not sure if he ever does either of those things...

He... he wants to say something.

He knows he wants to say something.

If this really is the end... then he has to say SOMETHING, right?

"....i....."

His eyes start to drift closed.

Say something. Anything. Hurry.

There isn't any time left.

"...i-i... i..."

Mikey tries to lift a finger, a hand... his whole body feels cold, staticy nothingness replacing every cell and bone and scale.

Apologize for leaving.

Apologize for dying like this and worrying them.

Apologize for allowing yourself to forget them, allowing yourself to believe that they wouldn't care about you to come back for you.

Mikey's breath is clogged in his throat, his heartbeat a flutter in his chest that is just about to fly away.

SAY SOMETHING, PLEASE! YOU WON'T GET ANOTHER CHANCE, MIKEY!!

Mikey musters up as much strength as his feeble and broken body has left. He wishes he could think of something cleverer... something more meaningful... something that would make up for everything.

In the end, there's only one thing he wants to make clear for eternity. Only one point that he wants to get across. Only one message that he needs them to remember...

"....i.... i l.... i lllllovvvve y...."

That'll have to do it...

Mikey exhales softly before his eyes close.

Leo looks down just in time to see Mikey's eyes droop closed as his chest falls.

"No... No, no! #%@& NO!! You can't just --"

Leo sees a door cracked open and hears voices from the room inside.

He makes a break for it.

Inside, several heads turn around and gape in surprise and utter terror as they see Leonardo scramble inside and drop Mikey's body onto a table.

"H-help me," Leo begs. "Please... please!"

April screams a horrifying and broken cry as she runs to her baby brother, taking his face in her hands and examining his wounds.

Casey is by their sides in an instant, mask pulled down so his Genius Tech™ built-in goggles can find what needs to be taken care of first. Leo's words spill out faster than he can process, desperately explaining the situation.

"...We need to make sure his airways are clear so he can breath," Casey announces. "Donatello, get me a... a-a a ventilator and a tube to clear his airways. N-next, we..." Casey starts hyperventilating, his hands shake as he tries to pinpoint what to do.

"Case?" Leo begs, reaching out for him. "Please, tell us -- "

"I-I don't know," he admits, trembling. "He... S-Sensei only taught me so much, I never got to Stab Wounds 101! I... I-I know that we shouldn't take the barb out, that'll just cause the bloodflow to... l-like a cork in a bottle, i-it's the only thing keeping the blood inside, but -- I, uh, we need to close the wound, s-s-so --"

Bishop runs over and Pulls Casey aside.

"You're okay, kid. Look, wounds this bad need immediate treatment. I know a few things for dealing with stabs, but... that might not cut it. He's lost a lot of blood and we'll probably need to perform a transfusion."

"I can do that," Leo nods, swallowing. "I know how."

"But w-who's gonna donate?" Casey asks.

All three brothers raise their hands at once.

"It should be me," Donnie announces quite seriously.

"Don, you can't stand stuff like that!" Raph argues. "I should be the one; Raph's the biggest, and I have more than enough blood --"

"I can do it!" Leo argues.

"You have to perform the actual transfusion process! You can't do that when you're giving --"

"It should be ME," Donnie reiterates very vocally. "Raph, yes you are the biggest and the strongest, which is why we'll need you to carry both Mikey and the blood donor home. Leo has to do the transfusion, so he can't do it. It needs to be me."

Leo and Raph exchange a glance before reluctantly relenting.

"I can try to treat the wound," Bishop says, looking at it carefully. "But... I'm afraid I'm not well-versed in mutant biology..."

"Meaning?" April asks.

"ᴍᴇᴀɴɪɴɢ ʜᴇ ᴅᴏᴇꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ʜᴏᴡ ᴛᴏ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ᴍɪᴋᴇʏ ᴀʟɪᴠᴇ ᴏɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴜɴᴅ ɪꜱ ʀᴇᴘᴀɪʀᴇᴅ," Honeycutt chimes in.

"So... s-so even if we save him..." Raph says, pausing for a dramatic and anxious gulp, "Mikey will still die?"

Honeycutt doesn't answer, except to hang his head in shameful defeat.

"NO," Leo snaps, slamming his fists on the table by Mikey's side. "There HAS to be a way! I'm not letting his rescue and weeks of recovery go to waste like that! Mikey is coming home, END OF STORY!"

The group exchange glances between one another.

"Leo... None of us can do anything. None of us know what to... how to treat him, or..." April tries, though the tears stop her midway through the sentence and she breaks down crying in Raphael's arms, who buries his face in her curls to hide his own tears.

Leo looks around the room with a determined fury before his gaze falls on a horror-stricken Cassandra... guarding Dr. Finn.

Leo storms over to her, feet stomping so hard against the floor that he shakes the room.

He towers over her, commanding every ounce of burning anger to make him look as intimidating as possible and not reveal himself as the terrified and desperate child that he really is.

"YOU," he growls, pointing at her face. "FIX HIM. NOW."

"Excuse me?" Dr. Finn scoffs. "Why should I?"

"My brother is about to die. You were one of the head geneticists here, right? I want you to save his life."

Abigail Finn rolls her eyes and smirks at him.

"I repeat, why should I?"

"If you save him, I'll let you go," Leo promises dryly. "Simple as that."

"Leo--" Raph tries.

Leo raises his hand, effectively silencing Raph. This negotiation is happening, and he's gotten Finn's attention.

"Intriguing," she chuckles. "So, I save your little runt of a brother, I get to go? What assurances do I have that you won't follow me or something?"

"I don't have time to make a thousand promises to you," Leo growls, grabbing her shirt collar and lifting her off the ground from where she sits. "I will only say this once. You WILL save his life, because if he dies, then so will you," Leo threatens. "I'm not playing nice anymore. I'm not being the hero today. I'm just here to save my brother. You can either keep him alive, patch him up, and then leave by yourself, or I WILL kill you with my own bare hands."

Abigail stares him in the eyes, her face going pale. She rises to her feet and nods. Leo cuts her free from the phone cord used as a temporary restraint, and drags her by the arm to Mikey.

"Now. Save him."

"By any means?"

"Just," Leo heaves, his breath a growl as he glares the fear of God into her, "Save. Him."

"Fine," she grumbles, "You get the other one ready for the transfusion. You, kid," she points to Casey, "go find one of those frost guns and fast."

"F-frost gun?" Raph contests. "You're not gonna freeze him, are you?"

"If we can get his body to enter a cryogenic state, it will assist with the injuries while also keeping him sedated. The mutations on his metabolism will cause all functions to essentially be paused while his body is in the diapause state, and his heart rate will also be on hold, which should be in our favour as well..."

"Should?" April grills.

"Look, do you have an advanced degree and PhD in biology, genetics, and mutations? No? Didn't think so. Now go make yourself useful and find me a syringe. We need to drain the excess blood from his throat and possibly his lungs..."

The room erupts in missions -- Leo prepares the tourniquet and blood bag for Dee's donation, and Raph helps mentally prepare Donnie. Despite his readiness, Donnie cannot hide his absolute displeasure at having his fluids drained from his body like a juice box.

April finds the medical equipment Finn needs just as Casey comes running back in with a frost gun.

The operation begins...

Dr. Finn blasts Mikey with the gun. He doesn't react.

That's not a good sign...

Mikey's skin ices over, his hands clench in place, his limbs go rigid.

"Will... will he be okay?"

"He'll have one heck of a headache once he wakes up," Abigail sighs as she tosses the frost ray to the side. "And he might have a slight case of hypothermia or frostbite, but he'll be okay. Provided he actually survives the surgery. We might be too late."

"Then get. On. With. It," Leo snarls.

Abigail nods and starts to work, directing Casey Jones Jr. and Agent Bishop on what to do when removing the spike from Mikey's neck and how to patch it up. Abigail gets several vials of goo from a medical freezer and uses them in her treatments as well.

She tells Leo when to start the transfusion.

Donnie looks away from the needle and tube as his blood is harvested. Raph tells him not to think of it as 'harvesting'. Donnie snaps in irritation and waits a beat before apologizing to Raph for the snippy remark. Raph forgives him and holds him close.

April paces back and forth as she watches, trying to offer medical advice she'd learned from her mother. Eventually she gives up and goes to help Dee, who is not handling the transfusion very well and looks quite peaky.

Casey works as the nurse, assisting Dr. Finn with whatever she needs. Leo is not allowed to help since he's too much of an emotional wreck. He instead opts to go into a different room and trash the whole place while screaming to let off some steam before coming back in, a bit calmer. But not by much.

As Abigail works to cauterize and stitch up the wounds on his throat and abdomen, everyone takes the opportunity to approach Leo about what he meant by letting Abigail go free.

"You didn't actually mean that, right?"

"You were just saying that to get her to cooperate..."

"Do you have some big plan in mind? Is this a Leo scheme? It's a Leo scheme, isn't it??"

Leo's answer is almost always the same.

"I meant what I said."

Raph seems to be the only one to focus in on the second half of the promise he'd made.

"Would you really kill her if she didn't help us?"

Leo stays silent. Raph reaches over and pulls him into a side hug as he continues to hold Donnie, who had fainted from the experience of giving blood. He's currently drooling on Raph's arm. Leo sees this and huffs an empty chuckle at the sight.

Raph smiles and rubs his back. Leo looks back to Dr. Finn as she operates on Mikey. His smile fades quickly.

"...I was mad," he whispers.

"I know," Raph whispers back.

"I... I know it would be wrong. It wouldn't help anyone. It would just make it worse. I'm not that kind of guy."

"I know."

"...But yeah. If she had said 'no'... I think I would have snapped."

Leo starts crying at the realization.

"I'm not a bad person, Raph," he whimpers. "I'm not a killer... I-I'm not a spiteful or vengeful guy, I mean sure I pull the odd prank and yeah I can hold a grudge longer than the average Joe, but... b-but I promise I-I'm not -- I'm not --"

"I know," Raph repeats, bringing Leo closer as he continues to hold a Drowsytello. "I know. And I know that even if she said no, you wouldn't actually kill her. You're not that kind of person, no matter how much it feels like the world wants to break you. You're not that kind of person, Leo."

"I just want Mikey to be okay," Leo weeps. "I don't want it to be for nothing..."

"I know," Raph cries cradling his family, all too aware of how incomplete it feels without the youngest. "I know... I want him to come home, too."

Mikey wonders where he is. It's kinda dark... the world around him feels like it's moving in slow motion. Trapped in a deep and dark abyss of sleepy nothingness.

He tries to move, to speak, to think. It's all so exhausting. His mind is tar, clinging to his arms and legs and tail and keeping him engulfed in the exhaustion.

His eyes open.

A light....

There's a light above him...

Mikey reaches for it.

The light gets brighter, driving away the darkness and the sticky sludge that encompasses his form. The light grows and evolves, the rays giving off beams of blue, purple, red, and orange.

The light blinds him for a moment. When he opens his eyes again, Mikey finds himself in a familiar place.

Though he knows he's never been here before.

It is warm, loving, bright, and spacious. The air shimmers with sunlight, and yet there are stars and galaxies that sparkle in the sky.

Flowers that he's never seen before blossom and bloom in the fresh green grass beneath his feet. The wind is cool, the sun is warm, the ground is soft. It feels like a dream... and yet too real to be a dream.

Mikey feels a hand take his.

He turns to see a middle-aged woman with raven hair and a storm blue robe smiling at him. He feels like he knows her somehow. He smiles back at her, unsure why he's so comfortable around her but accepts it regardless.

"Hello."

"Hello, dear one," she replies with a kind and rosy chuckle. "It's lovely to see you again. Would you me show you around?"

"Yes please," Mikey nods.

She gently pulls him along, directing him down the rolling hills to meet the others that wait for him...

Abigail Finn works under anxious stress as every single pair of eyes in the room watches her with anticipation and furious hate.

Well, she can hate them right back.

Once she finishes patching up Mikey's neck abdomen, she turns to Leo.

"How much did you get?" she asks, in reference to the transfusion.

"A pint," he says dryly.

"Let's get it ready, then," Abigail nods, pulling the blood bag close and having Leo assist with the tubing and needle. "But first we need to thaw the body out."

Leo nearly gags at her calling Mikey 'the body'. It makes it sound like he's a carcass, already dead...

W-which he isn't. Most definitely not. Mikey's going to make it.

"ɪ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ɪ ᴄᴀɴ ᴀꜱꜱɪꜱᴛ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴀᴛ," Fugitoid says, volunteering for duty to thaw him out. "ɪ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ꜱᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ᴋɪɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴄᴏɴᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴɪɴɢ ᴜɴɪᴛ ᴏʀ ʜᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴀᴅᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜɪɴ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴍᴏᴅᴇʟ, ᴀɴᴅ --"

"That's great, Tin Man, just hurry and warm him up please," Leo interjects.

Abigail and Honeycutt exchange awkward glances at each other before she backs away and allows him to heat up Mikey, melting off the permafrost that adorns his epidermis.

Mikey's body is pale, ashen scales and spotted skin shockingly desaturated. But little by little, as he warms up he regains colour.

His chest rises a microscopic amount as he weakly inhales. But his pulse is slowly falling.

"Once his body reaches a normal temperature," Abigail explains, "then you can administer the transfusion."

"Meaning you won't do it?" Leo spouts off, glaring at her.

"Meaning, I held up my end of the deal. Now I think you can handle it from here, right?" she challenges. "I want my get-out-of-jail-free card."

Leo inhales deeply. His hands clench into fists as he tries to control his rage.

He exhales deeply.

"Fine. Get out of here."

Abigail's eyes widen before she runs to grab her bag and jet. As she hurries out the door, Leo snags her by the elbow.

"But if I ever see your face again, I'll make sure you experience every pain you caused my brother. Got it? ¿Entiende eso, señora?"

Abigail nods slowly, her face dead-set but white as a sheet. She pulls her arm free from his grip and walks away, disappearing down the hall, never to be seen again.

"...Leo?" April whispers, nervous for her friend. "You okay?"

He slowly turns around, expression dark but determined.

"...Let's get the blood exchange started before his heart rate drops any lower... Oh, and someone should call Dad and Draxum."

Mikey is dazzled by the wondrous and simplistic beauty of this place.

It's so calming and pure. The woman shows him around the fields before bringing him to a tiny series of houses and cottages built in a traditional Japanese style. There are elderly people in cloaks and hoods, young men dressed as samurai, women and their families. There's even a few kids here, which makes Mikey sad for some reason.

His eyes fall on a young woman in green, her hair pulled back in a long ponytail. She's laughing with an older bald man, who holds her close and laughs with her. They turn and see Mikey, and wave hello to him. He finds himself waving back.

"Who are they?" he asks.

"Hamato Karai and her father, Oroku Saki," the woman explains.

"Oh." Mikey feels like that should clear things up, but it doesn't. "And... sorry, who are you?"

"My name is Hamato Atsuko," she replies with an airy giggle. "You wouldn't remember me anyways, so don't feel bad. We were never properly introduced. But I would recognize my grandson anywhere!"

"Grand...?"

"Follow me," Atsuko says gently, patting his hand and gently tugging him along the path.

Mikey wonders why everyone here is so familiar... why this place feels like home... Why he feels like he's dreaming...

"Am... Am I dea--"

"Here we are!" Atsuko proclaims, extending her arms and showing off a very beautiful minka.

There are vines of blossoms hanging from the roof, draping like curtains that follow the wrap-around porch. Multi-coloured lanterns adorn the pagoda. It's not a mansion or a castle, but it's still pretty big for just one person. Mikey notices that there are several doors around the house, each one painted a special colour.

Red. Purple. Blue. Grey. Even Yellow, a darker Burgundy, a deep Teal, and a Magenta.

Mikey approaches a bright Orange door with a symbol like a turtle shell and nunchucks carved into the door.

"This is our stop," Atsuko says, as Mikey places a hand on the smooth wooden aperture. "Go on, go inside!"

Mikey takes in a breath, and pushes the door open.

Another bright light engulfs him.

Prev || Next

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eydi-andrius · 1 year ago

Text

I Know You Don't (Nanami Kento x Reader)

Summary: The most painful heartbreak is realizing that you fell out of love

a/n: damn, i'm back writing something sad again. If you followed me a while back, you know I enjoy writing the most gut wrenching stories. I was playing with this story for a while but never had the heart to continue. This is Nanami after all. But I know this type of story is so Nanami coded. Anyway, when Taylor Swift finally dropped You're Losing Me. I just know I have to write this down and upload today.

cw/tw: angst, break-up, implied divorce, hurt with no comfort, no happy ending (at the moment)

💌 divider by: @/cafekitsune

The moment you realized that you don't love Nanami anymore was when he texted you that he won't be home today again on time for dinner due to work. There was no hurt, resentment or anger inside of you anymore. You felt nothing at all. You don't even feel the tears that run down your cheeks and were even wondering why your visions were blurry. Not even sure if it was due to happiness, sadness, or relief when you chuckled to yourself. The tears won't stop coming down, and you broke down on the sofa, which you two have bought, chosen and loved together. And even knowing that, you don't feel anything special about it anymore. It was just a sofa, a piece of furniture in a room, in this house you are living in with someone.

—------

When Nanami opened the brown envelope you were apparently adamant for him to receive and read that day, to the point that you personally visited his office, the place you curse every time he mentions he was busy, he admits he was confused and annoyed at the same time.

“What do you want this time?” Was the only question he had on his head as he carefully took out the papers and read the content written in those white sheets.

Your relationship with each other was spiraling downwards recently. It wasn't always like this. It was your anger that put your relationship in a rocky situation. Or at least he tried to reason out when he knew damn well that it was his lack of time and tons of unfulfilled promises that lead your anger to storm out and destroy everything it touches. He just doesn't like the fact that he was the only one to blame. He doesn't want to admit it. Because his feelings for you never change. He loves you, he still does, and there will be no other one for him. You will always be the one. But maybe you two have reached the end of your chapter. Patience and understanding have run out.

He had to read it a couple of times before the words “divorce papers” finally sinked in. He went rigid. The splash of cold water of reality woke up a fear in him he didn't know existed. The buzz of the crowd around him drowned out as his head repeated the same words over and over again: You’ve had enough. His wife is now leaving him.

He is losing you. No……he lost you.

—-------

“When was the last time you saw me still wearing my wedding ring?” A million dollar question you always wanted to ask of him.

When Nanami stormed back to your house, looking worse to wear, you admit that you feel bad at not being moved by it. There was a time where you imagined what you would do if he came rushing to you when you finally called it quits. Imagine different scenarios of heartbreak you could think of and words that can cure the displeasure. At this point, you were just sad not feeling THAT pain, to see the love of your life, begging you to come back to him.

“I- I don't understand.” He admitted, mouth agape, surprised and sad.

“I know.” You replied……rather at peace of knowing something about him for once. After all those days and months of fighting with each other. Nitpicking the wrongs and what could have been. His response only solidifies your resolve.

—-------

Too peaceful for Nanami’s care. He froze when you replied to his confusion with a smile and understanding. He is terrified. What could have happened inside your head for you to smile like that? He thought he would feel betrayed once he goes back and confronts you. But seeing you right now, his world shattered and his heart squeezed in sorrow of failing you. He thought a break up was the most painful experience, he is now understanding why no one was talking about this kind of heartbreak. No one has the heart to. It was that type of pain where you’d rather keep it in and die with it.

—-------

“No.” Nanami shook his head and you only titled yours at his response. Is there truly something worth fighting for when the other line already gave up and raised their white flag of surrender?

“Nanami, it's not for you to decide.” Feeling a bit frustrated and unheard, you decided that you’ve had enough of him. Walking towards the door and opening it up for him, you showed him the way out.

He remained seated, unmoving and never bothered to talk about his reasons for saying no. Of wanting to still be with you, despite the clear indication that you don't want to be with him anymore. Maybe it is now time to put the final nail in the coffin.

“Nanami……. I don't even remember when and why I loved you. Please, let me go.” You thought you wouldn't get choked up once you admitted the truth. But you did. You used to know the answer. You have talked about it with your family and friends, a couple of times, a million times. Yet, you don't remember. When was it? You don't know.

You watched as Nanami visibly flinched and you closed your eyes not wanting to deal with it anymore. There is no reason to torture yourself again, trying to find the very reason why you loved him.

“Please….leave.” Was your final plea, almost begging for him to go, for him to let you go. There was a pregnant pause, a sad atmosphere, before you heard his seat scraping the floor, almost ear shattering on how loud it was, he stood up and moved towards your way, where the door was located. He stopped in front of you, and you were not sure where you got the heart to look up but you did. You bit your lip when you realized up close that the rim of his eyes were red, his nose were the same.

“It was when you danced with the locals under the cherry blossom trees. You were so beautiful and carefree. I know at that point, I was ready to leave behind the life I thought was better suited for me. I decided…..I’d like to share my remaining days with you and beyond. I’m sorry….. I made you feel and experienced the most heart shattering pain ever known. You did not deserve……feeling as though your love for me never existed.” He stopped, bit his quivering lip and swallowed. “I love you. I will always do. But I know I don't deserve you at this time. However, I promised, that if fate decided we are still for each other, and a second chance was still given to me, even after what I did, I would do anything for you to live by my love. Please know that my heart will always choose yours. It was yours the moment you danced and smiled back at me. I love you…..”

When he called out your name in a softest whisper, right after he admitted his love for you, you almost stopped him from leaving. However, you know better. If your love is truly for each other, it will come back and you both will know it was time.

You watched his back and silhouette disappear. You prayed that you both will find peace

#nanami kento x reader #jjk nanami #jujutsu nanami #nanami kento #kento nanami #nanami x reader #nanami kento x you #nanami kento x y/n #jujutsu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jujustu kaisen x you #fic: I Know You Don't #eydi andrius

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morticiahumbertunderwood · 2 years ago

Text

Okay so I have a whole fanfiction in my head, I think maybe the first three chapters are already written and I am so fucking unsure...so much overthinking and changes and rereading and yeah I don't know if I'll ever post all of it but this part just wanders in my brain almost every day and I have to share it, so...here goes nothing I guess...

Warning: NSWF!, 18+, p in v, smut (and only smut), basically Price taking you as you are and as quick and sloppy as he can (yikes)

Summary: You had the chance to get to know Price for a few months now and the tension builds up. He surprises you with his actions. Less talking, more action ;)

Would love to hear some feedback...maybe the whole thing will be posted someday, I don't know...so yeah, bye for now!

°•°•°•°•°•° Tell me to stop °•°•°•°•°•°

"Hope she didn't cause you problems, John?" You look at him as he circles the small of your back. Farah smiling slightly at him. "Not at all, a charming presence in the passenger seat.", Price nodding to Farah as she's leaving through the door.

The moment the door shuts he turns to you, grabbing you under both armpits and kissing you aggressively. You gasp for air as he stops: "Shit, that was unexpected.", you moan into his mouth. He hums with closed eyes, breathing heavily: "I can't hold back any longer. You got me under some spell, birdie. I don' know what you do, but you should stop. Gets us both in trouble." You look up, grinning slightly: "What if I don't want to stop?" He grins back and picks you up. You wrap your legs around him as good as you can with all his gear attached finding hold in his gear belt. John looks right into your eyes. He hums and kisses you wildly, pushing his tongue over yours. Lovingly circling, entangling into your mouth, exploring every corner. You follow his lead and feel a hard surface under your behind as he sits you down. "We shouldn't…", you whisper, stroking his beard lovingly. "No, we really shouldn't…", he affirms. "Tell me to stop." He states before kissing your neck, biting and licking the hurt he just caused away. You moan and grab his back, him removing his chest rig and battle belt with one hand while holding you by your back close to him. The gear falling with a loud thud to the floor. "Tell me to stop, sweetheart…"

He unbuckles his pants while kissing your neck, you push yourself closer to him, after removing your shirt. He moves his head towards your sports bra, pulling it up and kissing your nipple before sucking it lovingly. You let out a sharp moan while pulling your head back in awe. "Come on…tell me…please…", he begs as he unbuckles your pants and you help him pull them off. "John…", you gasp. His eyes now fixated on you without moving away. You pull him in for a kiss by his neck and run your hand through his hair.

He pulls out his cock, you taking your fingers into your mouth after freeing yourself from the intoxicating kiss. His eyes widen. "Y/N…tell me to…" you reach down with your wet hand and start stroking him a few times before he pushes your hand away, picking you up and pulling you down in a firm grip. Down on his now throbbing cock, leaking of precum and twitching. "Tell me to stop, please…this is so wrong, in so many ways…you…argh fuck?!" He hisses as he starts thrusting into you and you start moving him in deeper and deeper, until his tip touches the sweet spot in your cervix.

"John…" 'He fits too good. It won't be long.' "Yes birdie? Talk to me…" he presses out before growling and picking you up slightly to push into you with more force. You moan loudly and hold onto his back, your head buried in his shoulder, the legs around his hips. "John…" "Y/N…" you both huff into each others mouths and rhythmically thrust into each other. You holding on by his back, him holding you by your behind. The sweet pain is almost unbearable, the sore muscles from the rather difficult position. "Just…tell…me…hnghn…tell me…to…" he groans out as his eyes roll back. His thrusts becoming sloppy and hard. Your climax nearing as well. "Oh John…" "Tell me…", he still tries. "Don't stop John, don't your dare…oh my…" you let out a moan before stopping your breath and releasing all the tension of the last months.

You come quivering and shaking uncontrollably. He follows with a low grunt under his beard. His eyes piercing blue fixated on yours. You stare back as he rides it out on you, as he breathes heavy and grips your sweaty body with his trembling hands. His gaze never leaves you as he puts you on the table. You both calm down, him still in you, getting slightly soft. You touch by the foreheads and breathe slowly, simultaneously. Your one hand fondling his neck, the other on his now sweaty chest. He caresses your upper left shoulder and holds you still by your right hip.

It's an almost tantrical moment you both drink up as if it is the last water on this planet. "You should have told me to stop my love…" he sighs. You look at his lips and he smiles and kisses you again. Slower this time, with a passion you never experienced before. You give in immediately and enjoy this tender touch. He frees your lips again and trembles a little. His cock still semi hard in you, his pants by his ankles, as he pulls out slowly and agonizingly. You let out a gasp and his fluid oozes out ever so slowly. "I…shit…", He gazes down to inspect his work. "Filled you up pretty good, eh?" You both chuckle and he takes his undershirt laying on the table to clean you up.

You do the rest and he gives you your pants. You both get dressed next to each other stealing glances of each other's bodies from time to time. After being finished you both stand in front of each other and he lovingly touches your cheek. Such a contrast to his thrusting a few moments earlier. Making you warm and wet again.

"That was too dangerous to ever happen again in such a surrounding. We should meet up at base birdie, what you think?" You blush and nod. "Just never tell me to stop…ever again." "Understood, sweetheart." You brush his moustache with your lips, closed eyes and a warm smile following. His eyes widen at this action and he wraps around you without a warning. "I look forward to it." You smile as he huffs into your shoulder. The knock on the door wakes you up from your moment.

#cod mw2 #cod #captain john price #captain price x reader #captain price smut #captain price #captain john price x female reader #john price #cod fic #cod fanfic #price call of duty #price mw2 #captain price x you #price x reader #oh captain my captain

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sygneth · 2 years ago

Text

Echoes of Elysium | Disco Elysium AU ...something?

Warnings

General warnings for my blog's content applies. Check here.

This AU is (rather) not very alternative. I am just trying to develop further events and some background for the characters, but even though I'm making research and I try to stay canon-compliant, only to fill in the gaps, I cannot guarantee it will never happen. Especially in this fandom, where many interpretations and paths are equally canon, we may not agree on some things, I hope you'll enjoy my point of view nevertheless. Some episodical OCs will appear too.

INDEX

EOE on ComicFury!

EOE on Tumblr:

Chapter 1: New Beggings -> START

EOE on AO3:

Main plot (uhh still in the process of uploading!)

Ficlet series (additional content)

LORE:

Precinct 41 plans and explanation

Plot outline

After Martinaise things are slowly getting back to normal, but the general atmosphere in the city gets thickens every day, La Retour is hanging in the air. Despite this, Harry is trying to stay sober and make amends. It's hard to say if Kim's appearance on the 41st is making things easier or harder between Harry and his old friends.

The Return happens. In the after-revolutionary mess, everybody tries to move on, but things are changing in almost every aspect of life. And on top of this, a particularly hard case drops and somebody has to take care of it.

The start of the project is directly after Martinaise, so forgive me this vague description, but I would hate to spoil the plot haha.

Okay, from now on additional info, still important but not crushial.

I want to focus on the relationship between the people of Precinct 41 and their internal experiences. Impactful events and thicker action will happen too, but mostly in the later chapters of this.

There are also some important premises of this AU I would like to highlight:

Kim was raised in an orphanage, presumably held by some Dolorian organisation (order?). Some of his old-fashioned manners and vocabulary are remainings after growing up in a religious environment (even if he's not very religious himself).

Eyes died around 9 months before the events from the game. Since then, Kim has been willingly working alone. His superiors were not very fond of that but somehow he managed not to get partnered with anyone.

Harry has no known family members left. At least as far as he and his friends know.

Jean and Harry's partnership started four, maybe five years ago. According to the game, it was "two years minimum" but personally I think those losers were stuck with each other for much longer.

Jean's years-long, unexplained depression has roots in some sort of personality disorder. Also, he is codependent on Harry, probably co-addicted too. He had problem with speed himself, however it's not nearly as serious as Harry's. I see him as more of a weekend/party drug user, as for now.

I assume that since the communist revolution gay relationships were technically legal in Revachol. Technically, because there are still no rights for same-sex couples and the social recognition is poor and rather negative (I got inspired by my own country in that matter)

That's all I can think of now. I will probably just add new information in the description of he pages.

Okay, cool, one last thing. What do you mean by "...something?"? Is this a comic? A fanfiction series? What am I looking at?

The answer is: I don't yet know. I am planning this to be mostly a comic, but I cannot say there won't be some written as fanfics parts or some kind of in-between media. I don't really want to limit myself to one medium only, but at this point, I have no idea what this will evolve into. I honestly just want to have fun lol

#let's bring it on #disco elysium #disco elysium fanart #informative #echoes of elysium #my art #sort of?

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bellaxgiornata · 2 years ago

Text

Safe Haven [Chapter Ten]

Pairing: Michael Kinsella x Fem!Reader Word Count: 5.9k [Series Masterlist]

Warnings/tags: 18+ for this series; contains violence, drug use, domestic abuse, smut, hurt/comfort, angst, mutual pining, friends to lovers

a/n: Okay I didn't intend to get this written and edited so fast, but here it is. Please do not expect chapter 11 so soon because I know it won't be ready by tomorrow. BUT I hope y'all enjoy this one and I expect y'all will be screaming about something when you're done with it.... Feedback is always appreciated!

Tag list: @loveroftoomanyfandoms @farfromstrange @rotscinema @1988-fiend @shouldbestudying41 @shiorimakibawrites @norestfortheshelbywicked @mattmurdocksstarlight @acharliecoxedfan @roseallisonparker @yarrystyleeza @dramaholic18 @mattkinsella @ms-murdockswift @theetherealbloom @24hflower @mattmurdocksscars @schneeflocky

Leaning against the kitchen table, your two packed bags of luggage sat at your feet. Your eyes were focused out of the window, waiting for the car you’d called to come bring you to Dublin Airport. It wasn’t even that long ago that you’d left that very same airport to come here, moving into your sister’s house. It certainly hadn’t taken you long to fuck this all up. This was the shortest stay you’d had anywhere, not even making it two whole weeks before you’d had to run.

Megan had no idea what was going on, either. You’d gotten up when she did early this morning to her surprise. You’d wanted to have a coffee with her one last time. Spend every last minute you could with her before she’d inevitably had to get ready and leave for her shift at the hospital. She’d left about a half an hour ago and you had called the car shortly after.

Eventually you spotted the black sedan rolling to a stop in the street just before Megan’s driveway. You sucked in a deep breath, holding it a moment before you sharply blew it out. Pushing off of the table, you turned and grabbed the handles of both of your bags. You dragged them both behind you as you made your way over to the front door, pausing to eye the house one last time. You could feel something clawing in your chest, begging you to stay, to send that car away, but you shoved it deep down.

You were doing this to keep everyone safe. There was no other way.

You unlocked the door, pulling it open and setting your bags just outside of it. The driver of the car stepped out, calling out a greeting to you. You sent him a wave and a tight smile before you closed Megan’s front door, locking it and hiding the key under a potted plant just beside it. Grabbing the handles of your luggage, you dragged them down the paved driveway towards the car. You wondered if Birdy was somewhere in her house right now, watching you with some sort of triumphant smile on her face.

“Beautiful day today, isn’ it?” the driver said as you neared.

It was a fucking awful day, actually.

Forcing another polite smile onto your face, you simply nodded. You pulled the bags around the front of the car, making your way to the trunk. The driver stepped towards you though, the movement causing you to pause.

“I can get those for ya, if ya’d like, miss?” he offered.

“It’s fine,” you answered. “Thank you, though.”

“Ahh, American, are ya?” he asked, his eyes lighting up at the realization.

“Yeah,” you replied.

You began dragging your luggage to the trunk, stepping aside as the driver hurried over to open it for you.

“Were ya just here on holiday then?” he asked.

You knew he was only trying to make polite conversation, but you truly were not in the mood to talk. All you wanted was to get this flight over with, settle into that little cottage in that small English town, and maybe get incredibly drunk on some wine to forget about literally everything.

“Something like that,” you muttered.

You bent down and picked up your first bag, hefting it up and into the trunk. Taking a moment, you situated it in the small space so that you’d have room for the second bag.

“Are ya sure ya don’t need some help?” the driver pressed again.

You paused, shooting him a look over your shoulder. “I’m going to be honest with you,” you began, tone flat. “I’m having a shitty day and I’m not really a chatter. I’m quite content to toss my own shit into the trunk of your car and have a quiet ride to the airport. Unless, of course, you want to watch me cry or scream? Because mentally that’s about where I’m at right now.”

The man stood there, his mouth gaping open at your words as he stared back at you. After the shock of your bluntness wore off, he quickly nodded.

“S-sorry,” he muttered.

You shrugged. “Just being honest,” you replied.

He gestured back towards the front of the car. “I’ll uh, I’ll just be waitin’ in the car then, when you’re ready,” he said.

You sent him a tense smile. “That’d be great, thanks.”

The driver scurried off and you turned, bending down to pick up your second bag. You felt a little bad for your rudeness, but really, you didn’t think you could take the entire duration of this ride listening to him prattle on about the sun shining this morning and wonderful holiday memories. With a grunt you managed to get the second bag in, but it didn’t fully fit quite right. Groaning, you realized you’d need to take a minute to adjust both of the bags to fit into the smaller trunk of this car. Vaguely you were aware of the sound of a car pulling up a little ways behind you, but you were too busy fighting to maneuver both of your damn pieces of luggage around in the trunk to pay any attention. Not until you heard your name.

“Grace?”

Your hands instantly stopped what they were doing, your eyes going wide at the familiar deep Irish accented voice behind you.

But that wasn’t possible because he was at the Garda station after having been arrested last night. He shouldn’t have been out.

“Grace what–are ya leavin' ?”

Your mouth felt like it had gone dry. This isn’t how you planned things to go. He wasn’t supposed to have been here for this.

Slowly you spun around, turning to face Michael behind you. He was standing there, his eyes focused on your bags in the trunk of the car. Soon they slid back up to your face, his brows pulling together as a deep crease formed on his forehead.

“What’re ya doin’?” he breathed out.

Your mouth opened and closed, tears forming in your eyes as you looked at the fear and the hurt quickly washing over his face.

“I thought–thought ya were stayin’ here? Talkin’ to me?” he continued, the sound of a car door closing behind him briefly registering in your ears. “Thought ya were waitin’ for me? Why’re ya leavin’?”

Movement over his shoulder caught your attention and you tensed. Birdy was stalking her way over towards the pair of you, a pleased look on her face.

“Let her go, Mikey, love,” she called out. “She shouldn’ be here.”

His face tightened in confusion as he turned, focusing on Birdy as she approached. She eventually came to a stop just a few feet behind him, her arms crossed over her chest.

“What d’ya mean she shouldn’ be here?” he asked her.

“I mean she’s a liar, Mikey,” Birdy told him, her eyes shifting to you. “Aren’t ya dear? Your name isn’ Grace, for starters.”

Michael’s brows somehow furrowed even further, the confusion only growing on his face as he looked back at you. “What’s she on ‘bout, Grace?” he asked.

Your palms began to sweat, your breath coming in short. She was going to feed him lies and he was going to believe every word of it, wasn’t he? Not only would you have to leave, you’d be leaving him with the wrong impression of yourself.

“That’s not my name,” you answered nervously. Licking your lips, you uttered your actual name, noticing the way the corner of Michael’s lips twitched. “I–I couldn’t use my real name because–”

“Because she’s tryin’ to help that bloody Serpent biker gang in Cork get close to Eamon, that’s why,” Birdy said, cutting you off. Her eyes flickered towards the driver in the car before they returned to Michael, her voice lowering. “They need a supplier. Apparently thinkin’ they can send someone to fuck a Kinsella and get in close.”

Michael instantly was shaking his head at her. “No, you’re wrong, Birdy,” he told her.

Birdy shrugged, her cold stare landing back on you. “If I’m wrong then why is she leavin’, pet?”

You sucked in a breath when both of them focused on you, your heart hammering wildly in your chest. This was your chance to tell them the truth. Maybe they wouldn’t believe you, but if you didn’t just get it out there you’d never know.

“Because you threatened to reach out to Victor,” you blurted, your focus on Birdy. “To tell him where I am. Lead him straight to my fucking door.”

Birdy’s eyes instantly narrowed back at you, her head tilting a little to the side. “Your fiance?” she asked.

“What?” Michael gasped.

“Ex -fiance,” you said firmly, eyes still focused on Birdy. “We haven’t been together in almost two years. I left him because he was–” your eyes closed, your voice quivering as you tried to continue “–violent. Outside of the Club.”

Neither Michael or Birdy spoke immediately. Your arms wrapped around yourself, gaze dropping down to your feet.

“You–you threatened to alert the Serpents to me being here if I didn’t leave,” you continued, feeling tears well up in your eyes. “And if you’d done that, he’d have shown up and killed me. And my sister. And probably Michael for ever spending any amount of time with me. And if any of the rest of you got in his way, he’d have gone after you all, too.” Your watery gaze flew up to meet Birdy’s quickly softening expression. “You didn’t exactly give me a choice. I had to leave to keep everyone else safe. Because I sure as shit didn’t expect you to hear me out.”

“Oh, dear, I didn’–”

Michael’s hands balled into fists at his sides, a sharp exhale falling from his nose that somehow alone managed to cut Birdy clean off. He abruptly turned towards her, his body tense and his eyes hard. You swore you saw Birdy visibly shrink back under the weight of his stare.

“Ya threatened her?” he asked, voice dangerously low.

“I was only lookin’ out for the family, pet,” she explained quickly. “I knew somethin’ was off the moment she arrived. I noticed she was spendin’ time with ya. Gettin’ close. I wanted to make sure ya were safe, Mikey, love.”

Michael took a step towards her, his shoulders squared and his jaw tight. “I can take care of myself, Birdy,” he growled. “I don’ need ya watchin’ my moves and who I’m spendin’ my time with. D’ya hear me?”

“Of course, pet,” Birdy said, a nervous smile on her mouth. “Ya know I’d never do anythin’ to hurt ya.”

Michael took another intimidating step towards Birdy, your eyes catching the slight half step she took backwards. He looked terrifying, all calm and angry like he was, a fire raging just beneath the surface of that calm exterior. Not that you felt afraid of him, no. If anything you felt like the man before you could hold his own against Victor if he ever came around. Michael had often come across as quiet and a little awkward when the pair of you had been together. He’d been sweet and gentle with you, even lowering his guard and letting you see just a glimpse of that vulnerable interior he kept locked up. But seeing him like this was something else. He was fearsome. Formidable. Someone quite obviously not meant to be fucked with.

And here he was defending you to his own family.

“I hope to fuckin’ hell ya didn’ reach out to her ex, Birdy,” Michael snarled, posture still rigid and tense as he stared her down. “Because so help me if ya did.”

“I didn’!” she exclaimed, her eyes darting over his shoulder to you. “I didn’ contact anyone. I–I was goin’ to, yes, if ya gave me reason. But I didn’ know he was… hurtin’ ya, dear. I’d have never made threats if I’d known what was really goin’ on.” Her eyes flew back to Michael, something vulnerable shining in them back at him. “And ya know I wouldn’, Mikey. Ya know that’s the truth.”

He exhaled a long breath, some of the tension easing out of his body with it. Turning over his shoulder, he eyed you for a long moment, his expression slowly becoming more subdued. His attention quickly snapped back to Birdy moments later, a firm finger pointing at her chest.

“Go back home, Birdy,” he ordered. “Don’t tell the others anymore ‘bout this shite story. Or ‘bout her. Ya hear me? I don’t need the others pokin’ around her, either. Not right now. There’s enough we’re dealin’ with.”

Birdy opened her mouth to say more, but Michael immediately leaned in closer towards her, cutting her off before she could begin.

“Now, Birdy,” he growled. “Ya made enough of a mess already.”

Her eyes slowly slid back to you, an apologetic look crossing her features. “I’m sorry, dear,” she said softly. “I had no idea.”

She made her way back towards her still idling car with less zeal in her steps than before. Michael turned on the spot, briskly walking back towards you without a word. He reached into the car behind you, effortlessly pulling both of your bags out of the trunk at the same time. He set them down on the street before roughly closing the trunk. Then he pulled the handles of your luggage back up before his eyes finally landed on you.

“Ya aren’t leavin’,” he stated simply.

You watched in surprise as he rolled the bags around to the driver’s side of the car, pausing beside the now very timid driver. He reached into the pocket of his dark brown jacket, pulling out a wallet. After a second he pulled out a few bills and then pushed them at the driver through the open window.

“Ya aren’t needed,” he said gruffly, gesturing down the street with his head.

You stood there stunned and speechless, watching as the driver quickly accepted the cash and then drove off. Your eyes were on the headlights until the car turned the corner and left the street. Slowly your attention shifted back to Michael. He was staring back at you, the handle of one of your bags in each of his hands. He looked vastly less angry now that it was just the two of you.

“Let’s get your stuff back inside,” he said. “Then we can talk.”

You nodded, making your way back up the driveway to Megan’s house, Michael pulling your bags behind him. Bending down, you retrieved the key back from underneath the pot and then rose to your feet, unlocking the door. You swung it open and stepped inside, Michael following in behind you. He made his way straight down the hall to the sitting room with your bags in tow as you shut and locked the front door. Then nervously you made your way down the hall after him.

You found him standing awkwardly beside Megan’s sofa, his jacket tossed over the armrest and a timid expression on his face. Something almost nervous. You stopped just in the entryway of the room yourself, your arms awkwardly crossing over your chest.

“Ya were just goin’ to leave without a word?” he asked, breaking the silence.

“I tried to talk to you last night,” you began, the words just pouring out of you. “I didn’t know you were going to be getting arrested. I was planning to stay up the whole night waiting for you to come back from whatever it was you were out doing if that’s what it took to talk to you. But then I saw you in cuffs being put in the back of a Garda car and figured I didn’t have a choice but to run. It’s not like I wanted to do this.”

Michael ran a hand through his hair, his eyes focused on the sofa. “That’s why I hadn’ heard from ya in a few days, yeah?” he asked, still not looking at you. “Because ya were plannin’ to disappear on me?”

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, tears yet again threatening to fall.

At the sound of your voice breaking on the words, Michael’s attention returned to you. Everything about his expression and his body language immediately softened in response. He crossed the space between you, drawing you straight into him without hesitation. Your arms eagerly encircled him in return, burying your face into his blue sweater.

“I’ve felt like an asshole all week,” you said, tears already falling down your cheeks. “I was going to leave Megan without a goodbye. And I’d been ignoring you– hurting you–and you didn’t deserve it. Especially not with everything you’ve had happening already.”

Michael’s arms held you tighter, his hands splayed wide over your back. He lowered himself to rest his chin along the top of your head.

“Ya were scared,” he murmured. “I understand why ya were goin’ to do it.”

“I wanted to talk to you last night,” you assured him. “I really wanted to. But then you had to leave, and you were arrested before I could have a chance after that.”

“Detained,” Michael muttered. “I wasn’ arrested. Was detained for questionin’ ‘bout a shootin’ last night.”

“Why’d they let you go so soon?” you asked softly. “Thought they would hold you the full twenty-four hours at least.”

Michael let out an amused snort, the sound taking you off guard and drawing the corner of your lips upwards.

“Barely been here that long and already know how the guards operate in Ireland, yeah?” he replied in amusement.

You shrugged, turning to rest your cheek against his chest. He still smelled like that smokey cinnamon scent and it was quickly relaxing you.

“Pretty sure they’re like that everywhere,” you answered. “So how’d you get released so soon? Or…am I not allowed to know that?”

“Seizure,” he said softly. “Or so they’re thinkin’. Guess ya were right ‘bout that the first night I met ya.” His hands began to soothingly run along your back as he spoke. “Need to see a GP to find out if that’s what’s goin’ on. But apparently they can’t question me after havin’ one, so I was released this mornin’. Have to reschedule their questionin’.”

“Mmm,” you hummed out, eyelids slowly lowering.

Despite the stress and fear of the past few days, and especially this morning, you found yourself feeling oddly content wrapped in Michael’s embrace right now. All you wanted was to stay like this, nothing more.

“Can we finally talk about what’s goin’ on with ya?” he asked gently. “‘Bout your ex-fiance and the fake name you’re usin’?”

A sigh fell out of you, your fingers tightening against the material of his sweater. You knew this was coming but you really didn’t want to delve into it.

“Ya don’ have to tell me everythin’ if you’re not ready,” he whispered, drawing his chin from off the top of your head and looking down at you. “But if ya have some sort of dangerous ex chasin’ ya down, I should probably know somethin’ to make sure I can help keep Megan and ya safe.”

You drew back from him, shaking your head at his words. “Michael, you don’t need–”

“Ya think I’m just goin’ to let some arsehole scare ya and keep ya in hidin’?” he shot back, eyes narrowed. “Not sayin’ I’m goin’ to be a reckless arsehole myself, but I’m not leavin’ ya to deal with him. Not while I’m still here.” His head gestured to the sofa. “So can we talk?”

Drawing your bottom lip between your teeth, you chewed it nervously for a moment before you nodded. Your arms released their hold around his waist, his own falling down to his sides as the pair of you made your way to the sofa. You sat down beside each other, your thigh brushing up against his as you focused on your fidgeting hands in your lap.

“I uh, I need to keep using the fake name still,” you began, nervously glancing up at him. “I can’t have Victor finding out I’m here so I can’t exactly risk using my real name.”

Michael nodded, a solemn expression on his face. "Who is he?" he asked.

"He's uh, what they call the Sergeant at Arms for the Serpents of Hell. For the Mother Charter–the founding charter," you explained. "They’re an outlaw MC. Running illegal drugs and guns across the US, but apparently they have a charter here that I didn't know about. Over in Cork."

"What's a…Sergeant at Arms?" he asked curiously.

Your eyes dropped back down to your hands where they were fidgeting in your lap. "It's a higher ranking position in the Club. There's the President and a Vice President. Then the Sergeant at Arms. He's like a bodyguard to the President and an enforcer of the Club rules." You swallowed hard, your focus still intensely on your hands. "Oftentimes a triggerman. President gives a name, he kills."

"How'd ya get involved with all of that?" he asked carefully. "With him?"

"That's…sort of a long story," you admitted, looking back up at him. "Maybe one for another day?"

Michael nodded, a gentle smile spreading on his lips. "Why's he after ya then? Can ya tell me that?"

"We–we were engaged," you admitted awkwardly. "Like Birdy said. He wasn't–wasn't like that with me. In the beginning, of course. But he eventually became possessive." Your hands curled into fists in your lap, fighting to keep the memories down. "Easily made jealous. And his temper eventually came to the surface. Especially when he drank."

You saw the way Michael’s jaw clenched at your words, the muscles twitching in his cheeks. He looked like he was barely containing his rage beneath the surface the more you told him. Just like when he’d been telling Birdy off a bit ago. You wondered what it would look like when he wasn’t containing it.

Eyes falling back down to your lap, you continued. "He took things too far one day and I–I ran the first chance I got. But he–he eventually caught me and dragged me back with him. A few times. And now I think I've finally pissed him off enough that he doesn't want to drag me back anymore." Your nails dug into your palms again, the cuts on your hands stinging in response. "I'm certain he's planning to kill me if he finds me again."

A shudder of fear ran through your spine, your eyes snapping shut. You were afraid of what might happen if you were to encounter Victor again, often having nightmares about it. You were certain you’d pushed him one too many times.

Michael's hand grabbed onto one of yours, tenderness in his touch. Your hands shifted until you were clinging to his hand like a lifeline in return, eyes still tightly closed.

"I won't let that happen," he promised. "I want ya to know that, Grace. I will not let him hurt ya."

You felt his other hand suddenly gripping your chin, carefully turning your face towards his. Eyelids fluttering open, you took in the warm and compassionate expression on his face as he gazed back at you. His hand slid up to cradle your cheek in his palm, holding you so gently like he was afraid one wrong move might scare you off. His thumb lightly stroked back and forth along your cheekbone as he held your gaze.

"And I want ya to know that I would never lay a hand on ya like that," he said firmly. "I'd never hurt ya. Never would want ya to be scared o' me."

"I'm not afraid of you, Michael," you replied firmly.

You saw a handful of emotions flash across his face so quickly it was almost impossible to catch each one. Eventually a frown was pulling his lips downward, something like guilt lingering in his eyes.

"Ya know what I did last night, don't ya?" he whispered.

You did, actually. You'd seen the news this morning. Someone by the name of Caolon Moore had been shot when he'd been out at a bar last night. A man had walked in and shot him five times before fleeing the scene. Garda apparently assumed it was gangland activity.

You weren't an idiot. You'd been around this sort of life enough. You knew it was Michael who'd shot him in retaliation for killing his son–though after the brief interaction you saw between him and Jimmy and Amanda last night before he had gone, you had a strong feeling he'd been guilted into doing the shooting.

"Yeah," you answered.

The muscles jumped in his cheeks as Michael ground his teeth together. His lips were pressed into a thin line but you saw something hopeful flickering in his eyes that he was clearly struggling to fight back.

"I did it," he admitted.

"I know," you whispered.

His lips were visibly trembling, his palm pressing further into your cheek. You leant into his touch, your eyes still locked on his.

"I didn't want to," he breathed out.

A sad smile slid onto your mouth, your own hand coming to rest over the top of his. "I know," you repeated.

He swallowed hard at your words. You saw that hope mix with something else in his eyes as he held your gaze. There was something softer in them now, something affectionate, and it was taking over his entire face the longer you looked.

“And ya still aren’ afraid of me?” he asked, voice barely audible with how quietly he’d spoken. “Don’t think I’m a monster?”

You shook your head slowly. “No,” you admitted.

There was a moment that passed between you both, one that felt like it lasted far longer than it truly had. Michael’s eyes were watering with unshed tears, his calloused thumb still brushing back and forth against your cheek. But there was a small smile slowly forming on his lips, one that was gradually spreading up to his eyes. You could feel the pounding of your heart in your chest as if his eyes alone were igniting some sort of fire in you.

Slowly he leaned in towards you, his hand on your cheek drawing you in towards him as he did. You let him, your body willingly being drawn to him like a magnet. Michael lowered his forehead to yours, his eyes closing. Your eyes dropped down to his lips, aware of how close they were to yours now, closer than they’d ever been before. It took every ounce of willpower in you to refrain from leaning up and just kissing him, your pulse quickening in anticipation at the thought alone.

“What ‘bout Saturday mornin’?” he whispered, your eyes still focused on his mouth as he spoke. “At nine?”

Brows drawing together in confusion, you quickly tried to backpedal and make sense of the question. But the question didn’t make sense with the previous topic of conversation.

“For–for what?” you asked.

Michael huffed out a laugh, his warm breath hitting your lips and raising goosebumps on your skin beneath your sweater. His nose gently nudged your own and you felt like you were about to lose that battle with your willpower.

“For that coffee, pet,” he murmured. “Can I take ya for coffee Saturday mornin’ at nine?”

“Yes,” you whispered.

His nose nudged yours again and your eyelids lowered partially. His lips were parted now, his breath falling into your own mouth with each exhale. The sensation was making you lightheaded, especially with the way your breath had started to come in shallower.

“Can I finally kiss ya?” he asked.

Your heart was slamming violently against its confines now, the anticipation of his mouth on yours feeling like a slow death in itself.

“I wish you would,” you breathed out.

Michael didn’t waste another moment, his head shifting just a bit so his lips could gently capture your own. They were softer than you’d have imagined. Gentle and warm as he carefully and hesitantly kissed you. Seconds later his lips released yours, but your mouth instantly chased after his, craving more of him.

His hand slid back from your cheek, making its way to hold the back of your head and pulling you more firmly towards him the moment your lips reconnected. Your own hand slid down his arm until you were grasping at his broad shoulders with both of your hands. Your fingers dug into his sweater as you held him, desperate not to let him slip through your own hands.

You were struggling to catch your breath between the increasing flurry of his lips on yours, gasping for air each time his mouth briefly left yours. The sound seemed to only further spur Michael onward, his hand soon lightly gripping the back of your neck and pressing you closer to him. Your arms wrapped around him in response, pulling yourself halfway onto him on the couch until your chests were pressed together. Fleetingly you wondered if it was your heartbeat thundering in your chest or his.

Michael’s tongue soon swiped along your bottom lip, wet and warm, and you eagerly allowed him to slide it into your mouth. Your own tongue greeted his, one of your hands snaking upwards to grip a handful of his dark hair. A moan slipped from your mouth straight into his own as you felt yourself quickly getting lost in him. His other hand suddenly grabbed your hip roughly at the sound, his fingertips brushing a bit of skin just beneath your sweater.

The scent of him was filling your nose as his tongue continued to lap so sensuously against your own. Everything about him was driving you wild, and fuck how you wanted him right here and now. To tear that sweater straight off of him and take things further on that very fucking couch, especially with how you’d almost fled and thought you’d never see him again barely minutes ago. You just wanted to feel his hands and his lips roaming every inch of your body. Wanted to memorize every inch of his.

But this wasn’t the time. Especially considering how long it had been since you'd last had sex with anyone. And now feelings were involved. You didn't want to do the wrong thing, to act before thinking things through.

Your hand slid down from his shoulder, pressing lightly against his chest. Reluctantly you broke your mouth away from his, gasping for air when you did. Michael’s shoulders were heaving as he tried to catch his own breath, his dark brows pulling together as he eyed you nervously.

"Did I do somethin' wrong?" he asked.

You shook your head, one hand still fisting his hair and the other still splayed over his chest. "No," you answered. "We just–maybe now isn't the time for… that ."

It was a moment before your meaning registered, your eyes watching his expression shift as it did. He was grinning back at you, his hand playfully squeezing your hip.

"Wasn’t plannin' to let things go that far with ya right now," he said cheekily. "But I understand."

You cleared your throat, heat warming your cheeks at his words as your hands gradually released their hold on him.

"Why don't I let ya unpack?" he suggested. Shooting you a sheepish smile, one hand coming to rub the back of his neck, he continued, "Because honestly I could use some sleep after yesterday and this mornin'. And I have a feelin’ once Jimmy is out I’ll be in a heap o’ shite with the family. So maybe we can continue this another time?”

You shot him a coy smile yourself. “The conversation or the other part?” you asked.

He chuckled as he rose to his feet. You followed after him, noticing the way his eyes followed your every moment, that delighted smile on his face only drawing one onto your own.

“How ‘bout I leave that up to you to decide, yeah?” he replied.

Nervously tucking a few strands of hair behind your ear, you ducked your head at his words. You definitely wanted to continue the other part later.

“How about I walk you out then?” you offered.

“That’d be grand, pet,” he said, his hand reaching out and grasping onto yours.

Fingers entwined together, Michael grabbed his jacket from the couch before you led him down the short hallway, passing the kitchen on the way to the front door. When you reached it, you came to a stop and turned towards him. He was grinning down at you already, that dimple visible just beneath his beard. You could feel your nerves swirling in your stomach as if a handful of butterflies had been released into it.

“I’ll see ya later, then?” he asked. “Ya aren’t goin’ to run off on me?”

You shook your head, smiling back up at him. “I’m not going anywhere now,” you told him. “So I’ll see you later to pick up where we left off.”

“Mmm,” he hummed out, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “And I’ll be curious to know what part of that you’re talkin’ ‘bout resumin’ later.”

You shrugged a shoulder innocently. “Guess you’ll just have to wait and find out,” you replied.

He laughed lightly, leaning down towards you and placing a simple, sweet peck to your lips. As he pulled away he whispered, “I’d happily wait to find out.”

He released your hand and opened the front door, your heart skipping excitedly in your chest as you watched him make his way down the front drive. When he neared the stone fence he turned, pausing to glance over at you. You smiled, leaning against the doorframe and shooting him a wave. The biggest smile you’d yet to see on his face spread across his lips, his hand returning the wave before he rounded the fence and made his way home.

With a sigh you closed the front door, making your way down the short hallway and back to the sitting room. You grabbed one of your suitcases and hefted it up into your arms, carrying it up the stairs and back to your bedroom. You set it down near the closet, wiping a hand across your forehead. Movement outside of your bedroom window caught your eye and your head darted in that direction.

Michael was standing at his bedroom window now, one hand on his curtains as if he’d been about to close them. But now he was smiling at you through the window. You grinned, taking a few steps towards your own window and shooting him a wave. He nodded his head at you before his hand released the curtains. You watched as both of his hands came to grip the hem of his sweater before he lifted it up over his head, tossing it somewhere in the room behind him.

Your brows rose up onto your forehead, lips parting in surprise as you took in the shirtless sight of him, the bit of chest hair covering his lightly muscled torso. When your eyes darted back up to his face, he shot you a wink before he laughed, and then his hand reached up and closed his curtains.

“I am so fucking glad I did not get in that car,” you whispered to yourself. “Fucking hell.”

#michael kinsella x reader #michael kinsella x you #michael kinsella x female reader #michael kinsella #kin (amc)#kin fanficiton

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overshelter · 1 year ago

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REVIEW: Married Thrice to Salted Fish

WARNING: It's full of SPOILERS, so CAUTION!

Well, about this one...

IT'S TOO CUTE, MY GOD! I REALLY CAN'T STAND IT!

Seriously! Despite how labored, painful and even harrowing the plot may be, MTSF is definitely a novel with a very, very cute and sweet plot!

This story is truly about love, development and how a relationship should be. The way Jiang Xing and Lin Qingyu fell in love little by little, and then got into a relationship, was definitely a sight for sore eyes, a pure delight for anyone reading! The author managed to write in such a sincere and natural way. You can clearly see the love growing between them with each reincarnation of Jiang Xing and you're able to fall in love with each interaction, as well as being fascinated by the changes in the way they treat each other with each one. I still can't get over the way they flirt! It's so sweet, funny and definitely daring that you can't help but smile with every paragraph of narration. I really love the way this author has developed them. I think I rarely come across novels where the relationship is written in a way that gives you that sense of reality, where you can feel that the couple are truly and intensely in love. And what's worse? It's not even toxic or intensely bad! It's just right!

I also love, ABSOLUTELY LOVE, Jiang Xing and his salted fish dream! I can totally relate! Too bad I'm a mere mortal and can't really reach the brain of our favorite slacker. I really wish I could, though... but even though I can't, I like having the privilege of reveling in the fact that he's still going to have to "work hard" for his Baobei for a long, long time! Anyway. Jiang Xing is also a beautifully developed character, with a captivating personality and way of thinking that easily draws anyone in. I completely understand Qingyu and why he is so enamored of this "mere student", even more so with how proficient this student is at appeasing and pampering our great beauty.

Apart from our Jiang, I obviously love Lin Qingyu, our cold and poisonous beauty, who could easily end your life with a single comment. Petty? Who cares! It's his great charm! After all, just like Jiang Xing, I can't help but get excited and anxious to see such a beautiful person poison his offenders to death and stomp on them. Honestly? If I were them, I'd even be grateful. After all, it's not every day that someone so beautiful and so prestigious is willing to pay attention to you, even if it's just to throw you in a grave. But anyway. Our beauty is not only cold, it's also unbearably cute and sweet. Of course, that's just for student Jiang and, later, a little bit for their adopted son, Shen Huaishi – another one I totally wanted to hold and spoil in every possible way! –.

Another point here is the narrative. It flows very well, and the writing doesn't leave you alone until you've consumed every chapter! I'm being honest! I finished one hundred and forty-seven of them in two or three days! I couldn't stop unless I finished it in one go and, if it hadn't been for the fact that I had obligations and had started reading in the middle of the week, I would definitely have finished it in one day after spending the night obsessively and psychotically involved with the story of these two. So believe me when I say that this is a poisonous novel that won't let you go until you have no more content left!

Well, I don't want to say too much because, even though I've already given away a HUGE spoiler just by mentioning "Jiang Xing", I still really want to preserve some things and experience before you read on. So I'm not going to say anything other than that this novel should be a must-read and high on your priority list. Especially if you're looking for a couple with real development, a compelling dynamic and a great story to tell.

In short...

READ IT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!! I'M BEGGING YOU!!!

#novel #danmei #novel recommendation #novel review #book review #books & libraries #books #yaoi bl #yaoi #gay #gay men #gay couple #lgbtqia #married thrice to salted fish #lin qingyu

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curiouswanders · 29 days ago

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Eris' Story Chapter 1

DISCLAIMERS:

I've never formally written stories of my own so there will be many mistakes (so I apologize but practice makes perfect right?)

I took bits and pieces of details from ACOTAR but it won't be accurate because I'm just putting my daydreams into words.

What to expect?

Not sure really HAHA

Ayne's discovery of her upbringing and where she really came from

Trauma bonding/Trauma healing? Idk how to word it but you'll catch on eventually (I hope)

Of course romance! But Idk how to label this trope hehe

Will this become spicy?

Most likely but not yet hehe

From the moment I began to understand who I was, there was one thing I knew that would never change about me. My pure hatred for the cold. The sharpness of the icy wind that stings any exposed skin on me, the dryness of my lips which yearns for even a hint of my saliva for moisture, and the constant fatigue felt because of the cold temperatures which slows the heart… I hated it all. I hate all of what the cold is and can be and yet, I’ve lived in the Winter Court for as long as I could remember.

I grip the straps over my shoulder and pull downwards to lift the drooping sack higher up to stop it from swinging onto the back of my thighs. I do this every 20-30 feet I walk as if it’ll make a difference considering the pack is so loose on me. The top of my thighs burns with each step I climb up the snow-covered hill, but I keep going. If I wanted to find any kind of shelter before nightfall, I needed to keep going.

My throat burns from the cold air I have been breathing in for two days and my mouth dried from not having water since then. My fingertips are numb now despite the wool gloves I managed to steal from Elida’s room before making my escape. I didn’t realize how small her hands were until now as I look at my fingernails, begging to rip through the tips of the gloves.

Elida’s hands were so small. So small and yet the torture and pain she did unto me went beyond the surface of those hands. Images of her torture erupts in my mind. Lashing my bare back, keeping my head in ice water long enough for me to pass out, giving me only linen clothing to wear knowing my shared room had minimal heat and the list could go on. She did this to me every day, even when I completed all the tasks given as if abusing me was a hobby to her. Even with her parents present, she did as she pleased and did not relent.

But when the news came that Elida was to be wedded and I was to live with her and her new husband, I knew that this would be my death sentence if I didn’t do anything about it. Elida was ruthless but under her parents, she had to follow one rule. That she would only call for me to tend to her during the day and the night servants would be the ones to tend to her at night. How thoughtful of her parents.

While Elida was bathing and just before the shift change with the servants, I slid the thick wool gloves under my dress and tucked it into the back of my undergarment. Soon after, the night servant came to relieve me and I quickly side stepped out of the door so she couldn’t see the possible protruding bump on my lower back. Although my heart was pounding through my chest, I steady my pace to avoid others from noticing. I deeply exhale in relief to see that my shared room was empty. I put on my only jacket and slide the gloves on my hands. I slip on my boot, and I hoist my pack filled with the very few of my personal belongs, a baguette that’s near to molding and 5 apples. I didn’t own a canteen and couldn’t manage to steal one. Water would have to be the sacrifice if it meant I’ll have a chance of living.

“Ayne?” I snap my head to the door to look at the person calling me.

Although it’s one of the younger servants, my chest rises for a few seconds too long before it drops to exhale, breath coming out of my nose. I force the fear in my face to fade and my jaw flexes as I try to think of something to say.

I didn’t know what to say but if I kept the silence any longer, it would be more than enough time for her to sound the alarms of my attempt to escape. I subtly shake my head and from there she knew what I was going to do. She knew how terrible Elida was and she knew that for some damned reason, I was Elida’s most hated servant. Without speaking, I look at her with a silent plea. Her face contemplates on what she wanted to say but she also had no words. Her back straightens and with sympathy flooding her eyes, she nods and steps to the side of the entrance.

I quickly exit, leaving her there. I escape through the doors that servants could only use when entering and exiting the mansion. With the servant shift change, it meant the guards were changing shifts as well. And knowing this, meant I had only ten more minutes before the shift change would end. I quickly exit and once I was in the shadows, I ran and ran. I ran until I made it into the woods that surrounded the mansion.

As scared as I was about venturing these woods, I knew that eventually, I would reach the village. Then once I get through the village, I would reach the never ending vast of the snow-covered court. The goal was to reach the Summer Court where I would find refuge. The Summer Court which is known to be the most welcoming for refuge.

Making this trip would risk my life mostly because I’ve never ventured further than the mansion. I was risking my life, but I knew losing my life on this venture was worth more than losing my life being with Elida. Whatever Elida wants, she always gets. There would be nowhere in the Winter Court to keep me safe from her. Especially when it comes to lesser faeri like me.

I didn’t know what to expect if I survive this escape or what dangers would reach me. But I learned enough from the older servants about direction. The Summer Court lies southwest of the Winter Court. Therefore, as long as I kept going west and then south, I would eventually get there. Or at least that is the hope.

The cold was brutal at night, but I knew this first part of my journey would have to be done at night. I was too close to the mansion. The only way I could feel safe traveling during the day, was knowing I was far, far, far away from this mansion.

I brace both my palms onto the top of my knees and squat once I make it to the top of the hill. Although it hurts to breath in the cold air, I breath in deeply and look forward. The blinding sun reflects off the snow on the downward slope of the hill. I squint my eyes to shield from the light and as my eyes refocus, I see a stream that has yet to freeze. Across the stream, trees line along the stream so far on both sides, I didn’t know where it ended. Regardless, relief takes over me and I practically run down the hill. I was so happy to see my first sight of water that I tripped on a hidden log underneath the snow and tumble all the way down. My body hits the ground, cutting my gasp short while I wrap my head with my arms. While rolling down the hill, I silently pray. Prayed I wouldn’t snap my neck down the hill or hit any oncoming boulder that can knock me out unconscious.

I wince as my face slides along the rocks and pebbles at the bottom of the hill. The gravity of rolling downwards made it hard for my hands to reach out for any surface to stop myself. Once, my tumble finally stop, my back slams flat onto the gravel. My head spins and my eyes flutter rapidly attempting to refocus vision. Theres a ringing in my ear as the growing pain slowly consume my body. It was only when I felt the icy cold wetness of the stream seep through my clothing on the left side of my body. I gasp and quickly roll to my side.

Grunting, I roll once more over onto my stomach and push myself up with all the strength I had left. I slide my knees inwards until I was propped on my hands and knees. My body begins to shiver violently as the shock of the cold subsides and my breathing quickens to a pant. I look around to see that I was still very much alone and lift myself up into a kneeling position. I take a few seconds to think of what I should now. Then the burning in my throat reminds me of how desperately I needed water.

I lean down with one palm to support my weight while my free hand reached for the stream. Quickly, I scooped water from the stream and carefully cupped my hand to my mouth to drink. I let the bite of the cold water sting my mouth, but I keep the water in my mouth until it warmed enough for me to swallow. I cupped water into my mouth three more times before going back to my kneeling position. The shivering overtaking my body once again.

I look forward towards the trees and decided I would have to go in and hope that there would be any kind of shelter so I can strip off my wet clothes and make a fire to warm my body. I take two deep breaths to calm myself and pull myself up to my feet. Thankfully, the stream was only ankle deep and my boots were well enough to keep water out. I quickly but carefully cross the stream and go deep into the woods.

An hour of wandering would past before finding an uprooted tree with enough space underneath for me to lay in. The woods lay silent and the only thing that could be heard were the chattering of my teeth. At this point, my entire left side was terribly numb. I was convinced it was already dead. However, the fact that my mind could still make it move gave me enough hope that I would be okay.

I manage to find some wood that was dry enough to use. I take the flint rock I found at the start of my venture and a pocketknife to create spark for a flame. After a few tries, I was able to make a fire. Once the fire was ablaze, I quickly strip my clothes. The cold bites every part of my exposed body but I quickly put on my second set of clothes. From being in the cold for two days now, the set of clothes did not hold warmth as it touched my body. I did not have another jacket so I knew I would have to remain by the fire until my jacket was dry enough to put on. Thankfully, I did bring a wool blanket. I pulled it out of my pack and wrap myself from my neck, letting the blanket drape around my body. Lastly, I re-braid my auburn hair down my back to keep the wetness from touching my neck.

My jacket added extra warmth along with my blanket. But since my jacket was drying, I did my best rotating my body to share the warmth of the fire. I looked up at the sun and estimated how long I had left before the sun would set and from the looks of it, I had about 3 more hours. I exhale deeply, hoping my jacket would be dry in time before dark.

As I waited, I ate the last half of my fifth and last apple. Anxiety starts to build as I think about what I should do now that I was out of food. How far had I gone? Was I even near the Summer Court? Did I even go the right direction? I shake my head as if to shake the regret creeping up my neck. You didn’t make a stupid decision, Ayne. I try to tell myself, but my breathing quickens, and all the worst kinds of thoughts swarm my mind. My throat feels like it could shut any minute and my eyes dart in every direction as if the solution to my problem could be found in these woods and –

Snap.

I dart my head to the noise and my breathing halts while the blood drains from my face.

From afar, I see a giant white figure move through the trees. I inhale deeply but don’t exhale. My body still as possible and –

Crack!

The flame crackles and the white figure stops. The figure’s head turns towards me and then I knew what was staring straight back at me.

A great white bear.

I’ve only read about these creatures but never had the chance to see one in person. The ones that are used by the sentries have been trained and taught to be loyal to the court. But the ones roaming freely will show no mercy to anyone who they deem as unwanted. And from the growl that ripples through the distance between me and the white bear, I was undoubtedly unwanted.

Without any more thought, I ran.

I didn’t know what direction I was running but I didn’t care. I was not going to let this white bear be the reason for my death.

My chest burns and my body begs for me to stop yet the adrenaline overdrives and I’m practically leaping with each step. As much as I want to, I don’t look back and quicken my pace as much as I could. The trampling sounds of the white bear seems to get closer, but I straighten my posture and keep running forward.

Only minutes has passed but it felt like an eternity of running. I kept running until a clearing can be seen and I pray that there would be anything to separate me from the white bear.

I try to stop myself from running once I reach the clearing of the woods, but the weight of my body pushes me forward and over the cliff. A scream rips out of my body only for a few seconds before hitting the slanted ground. I don’t have time to look up and measure the drop as my body begins to tumble down the slant of the drop. I wince and whimper with every impact of every poking branch or giant rock. My middle hits and rolls over a giant rock, ripping the breath out of me and my eyes water in response to the pain of the hit.

I gasp deeply and my eyes widen from the shock when my back finally slams on the flat surface. The shock still overwhelms me as I look from where I dropped. It was high enough to make the white bear halt from its pursuit to me. I stare at the white bear as it shifts from one side to the other in attempts to make its way down. I exhale deeply when the white bear retreats and sinks back into the woods. I turn my head away from the cliff and confusion falls in.

Red. Orange. Yellow.

Every single tree in my sight were covered with red, orange, or yellow leaves.

I was in the Autumn Court.

My body shakes and my chest rises and drops in an unsteady beat, panting for air. My eyes flutter rapidly, fighting to refocus my vision and fight back the tears that began to flood my eyes. I whimper softly, biting my lower lips tightly as a shooting pain is felt in my right shoulder when I try to move.

When the reality sets in me that my shoulder was most likely out of place, my breathing hitches and I cry out as if accepting defeat. The tears flow through the side of my eyes and my body slightly warms from the overwhelming emotions running through me. I shake my head to protest the defeat my body wanted to claim over me.

“No, no, no.”

I cry out. I didn’t want to die. Not like this.

I didn’t want to die like this but there was nothing I could think of that could save me from this. So, I continued to cry. I cried and cried until I choked on the saliva that dripped down my throat. My body jolts from the cough repeatedly which shifts my shoulder slightly. It moved slightly and yet the shoulder pain spreads rapidly through me. I screamed for a long second and then I was unconscious.

My body jerks and my eyes shoot open. I let myself lay on my back for a few seconds before I shift my head in any direction and notice I’m no longer on the rocky ground but on a cot that envelopes my body. I turn my head upwards again and see the ceiling of a deep brown tent draping over and I hear fire crackling from a few feet away.

It takes only a while to notice my right arm is in a sling and the shooting pain is now sore with a slight pinching feel. I roll to my good side and push my body up and away from the cot and loop my legs over letting my feet hit the ground which is covered by a deep red rug with gold swirls along the borders of it. I scan through the tent on my right side and see traditional camping gear such as lanterns, foldable tables and chairs, a few books and a half-finished puzzle.

“Took you long enough to wake up.”

I quickly turn my head to the left and the tent was wide open. Just a few feet away from the tent, was a roaring fire with a setting sun in the background. The orange and blue hues blended in with the Autumn trees which surrounded the grounds while the cool crisp breeze ripples through the tent.

By the fire, sat a man who seemed tall despite sitting. His warm red hair was long enough to droop over his forehead, his eyes were of an amber color, and his skin was pale. His face was undeniably beautiful despite not showing much emotion. He straightens his posture, one hand resting on his thigh while the other hanging to his side. He doesn’t say a word as if anticipating a response from me.

I let out the breath I held in my lungs, and I bite my lower trembling lip.

“The Autumn Court is to be feared. They never let anyone in. If anyone trespasses, you’re no better than dead.”

The reminder from a servant runs through my mind.

I swallow deeply and take in a deep breath before speaking.

“Are you going to kill me?” I ask.

Still no expression on his face but I can see that he’s studying me and then he scoffs. Not necessarily smiling but scoffs as if in disbelief.

“Why would I kill the people of my court?”

The fear in my face is now wiped away as confusion sets in.

“But I’m not – Your court? You’re the High Lord Beron? I expected him to look older.”

A laugh escapes his mouth but again, it’s a laugh of disbelief. But he doesn’t say anything. As afraid as I was for my life in this moment, I was also now frustrated with his lack of responding.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not from the Autumn Court and if you’re not the High Lord Beron then who are you exactly if you claim this court as yours?” I say, letting the annoyance fill my tone.

The man stretches out his leg towards the fire, kicking one leg over the other. Then folds his arms across his chest. He sighs deeply before responding.

“The intricately designed burn mark over your shoulder tells me you are of the Autumn Court. And as much as I enjoy torturing people, I would never harm my people.”

He continues to provide answers, yet they’re not fully answer. But my right arm folds up to touch my shoulder. I always forget that the burn mark is there. I don’t remember how I got it because I was too young then. No one ever thought of giving me any sort of detail either. So, I never paid much attention to it.

He tilts his head as if waiting but I can’t pull myself to respond.

He sighs deeply again, “I’m the eldest son of the High Lord Beron.”

His tone straightens as if expecting me to understand him, but I don’t. I only knew of each High Lord’s name but never knew their faces or their lineage.

He tilts his head again. Finally, emotions can be noticed on his face. Now he was the one confused as he tilts his head to the other side.

“If you’re not from the Autumn Court, then where did you come from?”

I hesitate and wonder if he’ll kill me instantly if I tell him, but I tell him anyway. If he wanted to kill me, he would have done it by now, right?

“The Winter Court. I’ve been there for as long as I can remember.”

His confused expression doesn’t change but he shifts his body. His feet are planted on the ground again as he leans forward to rest his forearms on his knees, twining his fingers together. He waits a few seconds before speaking.

“How did an Autumn Court faeri, end up over there?”

I knew it wasn’t a question directed towards me, so I don’t respond. I take in a deep breath and try my luck again.

“You still haven’t told me your name. And how did you find me? How did I get here? What am I doing here?” Words spill out of my mouth, but I don’t fight it because he’s taking too damned long to answer me anyway.

He grins. Finally. Another emotion I can read.

“You can call me Eris. And what you’re doing is interrupting my solo birthday trip in the woods.”

Answers, but not entirely also. But he doesn’t say more. What was this? What was he trying to get out of me?

As if I knew he would ask, I tell him, “I didn’t mean to be here. I was trying to make my way to the Summer Court.” For refuge, but that would be too much information to give.

Eris looks at me with disbelief, “You were trying to get to the Summer Court without anything on you?”

I immediately look over myself and realize I had left everything I owned when fleeing from the white bear. I shook my head, mostly directed towards myself. Disappointed that I did this to myself.

I look back up to Eris, “I left it when I was chased by a white bear.”

He doesn’t say anything and goes back to his emotionless face. What is up with him?

The silence lingers a little too long making me feel unsettled.

“If you point me to the direction of the Summer Court, I’ll be on my way so you can resume your little getaway.”

I try to sound confident, but my voice slightly cracks at the end.

Eris chuckles under his breath but keeps his eyes on me.

“If I let you leave on your own – let you roam the Autumn Court on your own, you will most likely be killed then. Not by me of course but the sentries because to them, anyone roaming these areas are immediately intruders in their eyes. Unless you want to go back up to that cliff and deal with the white bears instead. But even then, you are much further way from where you dropped.”

“Then what am I supposed to do?” I blurt out immediately in disbelief to know I had no options of leaving.

Eris maintains his calm demeanor and folds his arms against his chest again.

“Well, I refuse to let you ruin this trip by cutting it short. So, for now, you’ll let me enjoy my peace and when this trip is over, we’ll figure out where you’ll go.”

Anger fumes through me and now I was the one scoffing in disbelief.

“And why would I wait around here with you?”

“So, you’d rather be food for the white bears?”

I bite my lip to hold back words I might regret. I look at Eris, making sure he could see the anger in me but of course, he doesn’t react.

“I’m not holding you captive. Nor will I do anything to you. I just gave you your options and you are free to decide. So, if you choose to go, go. But if you want to be safe, then stay.”

Eris takes the fire picker that laid on the ground and picks the fire. His gaze finally turns away from me to focus on what he was doing – as if he wanted to end this conversation.

I sigh deeply and lay back down to force myself to sleep again. I lay there staring at the ceiling of the tent and let the many emotions sink in. I felt relieved knowing I wasn’t going to die but I also felt anxious not knowing what will happen to me despite Eris’ words of not harming me.

Silence fills our space for another thirty seconds until I ask, “And how many more days do we have of this trip?”

“About five more days,” he answers nonchalantly.

I shoot back up and wince at the pain in my shoulder, “Five more days? What am I supposed to do?!”

Eris doesn’t look up at me and continues to pick at the fire, blatantly ignoring me.

“Fine!” I say angrily and lay back down. Shutting my eyes tightly until sleep finally overtakes me again.

#acotar #eris vanserra #eris acotar #eris vandaddy #eris fanfic #acotar fanfiction

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thewhumpcaretaker · 2 months ago

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No because if Chad Stahelski doesn't drop the Impossible Task, I will write it myself and it'll be WickedSaint. I even have ideas, so Chad... gimme, but I'll still write my version bc yes. I need desperate Santino, I just need Santino feeling proud bc John Wick asked HIM for help (crush asked him out, date idea was killing ppl <3). Imagine, Santino was trying to prove himself to his father, who always had higher expectations, and apparently nothing was good enough, but then JOHN WICK THE BOOGEYMAN asked specifically Santino for help. His father must be rolling in his grave but fuck him, Santino was suffering. And the trust between Santino and John, you could see in the movie how much they trusted each other (until that trust got unfortunately broken). So something definitely happened, John doesn't just trust people. Yes, the marker and all that but still there was some level of respect. (And kissing).

I yapped a lot but I wanted to hear your thoughts on the Impossible Task AHAH

Soooooo I learned a little bit about how to write a film treatment (a kind of outline written before the script) and I went ahead and wrote one for The Impossible Task! I tried to make this completely canon-compliant and something that Chad Stahelski could actually make without breaking his franchise (even if he won't T_T). So, it's short and action-packed, and isn't exactly how I'd like to think things happened, but it fits better with the John Wick movies somewhat than what I usually write for wickedsaint. I have a lot of conflicted feelings about it, especially with how it compares Helen and Santino, but I did my best. This was fun to make!!

P.S. it also relies on some of the plot points from @mrssimply's story, because I'm not that good at coming up with what the impossible task was actually all about. I think she wrote that it was about killing all the crime lords in the area at once, and I reused that idea.

♥♥ The Impossible Task ♥♥

Log Line: John Wick asks his former lover to help him one last time in escaping the business, resulting in a nostalgic, heartbreaking postmortem on their doomed love affair.

TW: canon-typical violence, alcohol, homophobia from Santino's father, what could be interpreted as suicidal ideation from Santino but it's not overt

We open on a dreamy sequence, similar to the opening of John Wick Chapter One. It's cutting between a young John Wick in the Tarkovsky Theater, reading The Little Mermaid (the sad, Hans Christian Anderson version), and a young Santino reading the same book. Santino is dressed in all black, and so is John. Eventually we see that Santino is hiding from everyone at his mother's funeral. He is called away from his book to talk to important people. He refuses, but is dragged offscreen anyway. John is also called away, by The Director, who is scolding him that he should be practicing. He quickly hides the book and runs offscreen too. But we see both boys look back towards the places where the two books are hidden.

We cut to some five years before the events of the John Wick movies. We see John raise his head from under bloody bathwater. Helen is bathing him. She begs him to quit his work and come to her world. He agrees, and kisses her.

Next, we see John coming to Viggo, requesting to leave. He’s “dressed for a resignation.” Viggo thinks, and says that in return, he must kill every other crime lord in the New York tristate area. John protests that it would have to be done all at once, or they would warn each other and flee. Viggo shrugs and says that is the impossible task.

Realizing he can’t do this alone, John sneaks into the D’Antonio estate in Rome. It’s a reversal of the similar scene from John Wick 2. Gianna sees him and tells him that he shouldn’t be here, and to stay away from her little brother before he gets them both killed. John protests that it would be his own funeral, not Santino’s. Gianna says he knows better, implying how violent Giovanni (Santino's father) is, but Santino walks in at that moment.

John and Santino talk, with John explaining that he needs someone who the New York crime lords trust to gather them all in one place. It’s tense. We get the sense that Santino dumped John at some point, but we don’t know why. John doesn’t seem to know why either. John says that he remembers what Santino told him, to come back if he ever seriously needed help. Now he does. He wants Santino to gather everyone in one place, which he is trusted enough to do. Santino asks for his oath in blood.

The next thing we see is the two of them exchanging the marker back in New York, with Winston as their witness. The scene is intercut with flashbacks to a sex scene in a Continental hotel room (it’s fairly PG, but there are some very intense kisses and Santino begging and moaning). Santino’s dirty talk includes asking John to swear that he’ll always serve him when he’s needed. John swears, with “the devil” as his witness. Back in the present day, the two of them conclude the marker ceremony and return to their respective hotel rooms alone.

The two of them suit up for the day. It’s a classic “John Wick getting dressed” scene, except that we’re seeing the same thing for Santino as well. In addition to getting suited up, John buys weapons, including bombs, while Santino starts making phone calls inviting everyone to a boat party that will take place on the New York bay that night. We can see that the plan is to place bombs on the boat, and that Santino will not be onboard once the bombs detonate. He will leave via life raft. We also see that Santino can’t persuad everyone - John has two people to kill who declined the invitation. So he won’t be around while the boat party is happening.

While John is planting the bombs on the boat an hour or two later, we see that Helen is watching from a car nearby, with a medical kit in the vehicle. She is tailing John, presumably to protect him. She looks scared but determined. He doesn’t see her. Meanwhile, Santino shows up at the boat. John scolds him for being there - it’s important that it look like Santino had no involvement in the plot and that this is risky. But Santino just jokes around and hovers over John, seemingly wanting to take this last chance to be close to him. He says he is coming with John on the first kill, “for old time’s sake,” and he’s not bringing his bodyguards. John will be his bodyguard for now. There will be plenty of time to get back to the boat, he says. John reluctantly agrees. He looks painfully nostalgic - we can see that he misses Santino on some level. Finally, we see Helen watching them together, but we don’t see her face. Is she jealous, or no?

They attack the first target early in the day, around noon. The target works in a high end fashion design business as a front, and the store is full of wedding dresses (yes, we’re going full camp.) Things get complicated when the target’s guards get involved, chasing them throughout the building. John takes a lot of trouble to ensure that Santino’s suit is not damaged for the party later. There are lots of antics with the wedding dresses - white dresses covered in blood, white heels used as weapons, etc. Santino is getting increasingly manic throughout all of this as he contemplates John getting married to someone else and eventually ends up with a wedding veil over his head somehow, trying to joke about a situation that hurts him deeply. The fight scene ends. They’re both severely wounded but John has managed not to get much blood on Santino.

Helen comes in and reveals herself to give John medical supplies. John is very upset that she’s there, as he says it’s too risky. Santino seems to take this personally - it’s too dangerous for Helen, but it’s fine if he risks himself? Of course, that’s different because he has training with weapons and she doesn’t, but it doesn’t feel that way for him at the moment. Also, he and Helen are in the same room and it’s awkward. It’s clear that Santino feels threatened and insecure but Helen does not. She thanks Santino for helping to set her future husband free. Santino looks miserable and says something snappy. John gets mad at him - no one treats Helen like that. And it was Santino’s choice to give up on their love. Pretty rich of him to be jealous now. Frustrated, Santino leaves to get back to the boat. There’s not much time left.

John heads to the second target. He doesn’t bother to send Helen away this time - she’s coming no matter what, and it will be better if he can keep an eye on her. They double-team the second fight, which takes place in a butcher shop. Helen stays at a distance but she’s still very helpful. We see the contrast between John and Santino fighting together versus John and Helen fighting together. In both cases, John is protecting the other person and it’s distracting. But in Helen’s case, she seems to be protecting John in return. Instead of egging him on, she tries to minimize collateral damage. She brings an element of innocence to what’s happening and even apologizes to him that he had to do that. To Santino, John’s killing is a beautiful thing, a marriage of their skills as crime lord and assassin. To Helen, it’s butchering, it’s carnage, and she wants to save him. They are both drenched in blood at the end and he kisses her and thanks her for taking him away from all of this. She says she’s sorry his ex still has to be caught in that world. John says regretfully that it’s what he chose.

Then, John gets a call from Gianna. She says she did something stupid: she told Giovanni that Santino is planning something with him. Giovanni is being rash. He has sent people to kill Santino. John and Helen get back in the car and start rushing to the boat to protect him.

Santino gets back to the boat. He looks nervous as hell while greeting the other guests. He’s shaking, etc., but he’s doing his best to hide it. He has already started drinking before the other guests arrived. He’s ignoring his messages from John. We see a suspicious looking group of people board the boat just before it can launch.

John kisses Helen goodbye and leaves her on the shore - he insists she can’t come this time because the whole boat is rigged to blow up and anyway, he’ll be right back. Helen tells him to live for her, and that he can’t die with the old world. He has a new world in front of him. John steals a speedboat and chases the party boat out into the bay.

With the boat out at the center of the bay and detonation coming soon, Santino prepares to board the life raft. But the people sent by Giovanni corner him and prevent him from leaving. (They don't know about the bombs on the boat or exactly what Santino is planning.) It’s interspersed with flashbacks in which we see Santino being beaten by Giovanni after his relationship with John was discovered. This is the first time the audience knows for sure that that’s why he left John.

John climbs up the side of the boat and starts killing, just killing everyone. He ends up killing everyone who would have died to the bomb anyway as he tries to get to Santino. There are boat related fight scene antics (there’s a seafood table and he stabs someone with a crab claw, etc.). Eventually John reaches Santino, but he is so distraught that he refuses to go to the life raft.

There are only seconds left until detonation. John throws Santino overboard and drags him to shore while the boat explodes. Onshore, Santino breaks down. John tries to cheer him up, referencing The Little Mermaid rescuing the prince, and saying he will always save his prince, even if they’re from different worlds now. Santino says that he wanted to be John’s prince but he’s always been the monster, the sea witch, and whether he grants John access to a better life or not, his own life is damned. He tells John the truth about why he left him - to protect him from Giovanni. John cries with him, mourning their relationship and the way that the High Table tore them apart. He says that the real Impossible Task is to walk away from Santino after knowing all of this. He asks Santino to leave, and find love in the ordinary world. To find his “soul” (another little mermaid reference). He says he wants Santino to have a good life like he has with Helen. Santino says he can’t. He will wait for John to come back to HIS world instead. John walks away with Helen while the sun sets.

#wickedsaint #john x santino #john wick x santino d'antonio #john wick film treatment #the impossible task

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stevenblueniverse · 6 months ago

Text

Bellow selkie au Chapter 9

Summary: blue diamond makes a scene and forces yellow to buy music

Chapter 9 day 1 around people

"Here, take this", yellow said, throwing some clothes to blue, "what are these for?", blue asked, picking up a dark blue jumper yellow gave her. "theyre clothes, I'm going to be taking you outside today, we need to try and help your fear of humans, if you blend in no one will notice you're a selkie", yellow replied, looking for more clothes that would fit blue "should I keep my coat here then? Wouldn't that make me stand out?", blue began to take her coat off and try on the human clothes immediately after, "I was going to say that", yellow said, putting her boots on, "but I thought it would scare you, leave the coat on my bed, no one will touch it, I promise".

Blue nervously stepped outside, she was holding tightly onto yellows hand, she felt so weak without her coat in public, she was wearing dark blue pants, a dark blue jumper and a white shirt, all too big for her and not suited for the extremely hot weather outside. "This place is quite small, I've only been here a bit and already know around here, hopefully I'll be able to go here again I really like it here", yellow said, trying to cheer up blue and lead her around, as she was speaking a small feeling of dread appeared, she realised she won't be here forever and may never see blue again, she tried to keep her mind off it but now couldn't stop worrying about what would happen if blue was left alone, and if she'd face the same fate as her sister.

"Where will you take me first?", blue asked, trying to sound confident when really she was trembling, she'd flinch and look away whenever she saw another person, she was probably making quite a scene. "I think first we should get you some clothes of your own, you can't only wear mine, they're too big for you and it must be way too hot wearing those!", yellow said, slightly pulling blue to the small clothes shop, she really didnt want to go to anywhere where there would be a lot of people. "I like your clothes yellow! They smell very nice, like you!", blue loudly said, getting some nearby people to look at them, yellow blushed bright red from embarrassment, "erm...thanks!? You know people never say that, living as a sailor isn't the most hygienic thing", yellow tried to laugh it off but it was so embarrassing. "well I like it! Those who don't are just idiots!", blue was getting very loud now, yellow needed to very gently hush her, they probably looked mad to all the people nearby.

Yellow opened the door to the shop and lightly pushed blue in first, thankfully it was nearly empty. "Alright blue choose what you want, you don't need to choose what I would wear just anything you like, I'll pay for it", yellow said, as blue looked around, she decided to analyse every single piece of item at the store, bending down and staring at one each for a long time, yellow huffed, "no not like that, we'll be here forever! Just pick something you'd like to wear", she whispered to blue, the few people in the shop where all watching her and her strange behaviour. After some time and yellow begging her to be quicker, blue finally got some clothes, she got a light blue sun dress, a red version of that same dress, jeans, a dark blue jacket with diamond patterns on the inside, yellow cringed when she saw blue pick that up, it was one of her mother's designs, and a black shirt with "mr universe" written on it, thankfully I didn't seem to cost much, yellow was very worried she'd made a mistake letting blue pick anything.

Yellow and blue finally exited the shop after what seemed like forever, yellow was already tired and people where still watching them. "I think we should go home blue", she said, blue shook her head, "no I want to go, there!", she pointed over to a music shop, "you want albums!?", yellow asked, confused, blue probably didn't even know what that place sold, "really?", yellow asked, way to tired for this, blue looked up to her and nooded, she was too cute for yellow to say no to, so she let her look inside.

Yellow tried to explain to her what music was and how albums worked but blue seemed to already know, she immediately rushed over to look at the vinyls. "Blue I only have a player for those back home, are you sure you want that", yellow said, chasing after her, blue was really fast. Blue looked over to yellow and showed her a vinyl she had picked out, the cover was black and white with a woman in the middle, "I want this one", she told yellow, giving it to her to look at, "you want..", yellow looked at the text written above the photo on the cover, "a Lisa hannigan album..... Blue do you even know who or what this is?", yellow was way to tired to be dealing with this, she needed to get home and sleep, "please yellow, I really want to understand you humans, wouldn't learning your music be the best way? And maybe I can come home with you and we can listen to it together?" Blue's guilt tripping was amazing, a bit of sweat ran down yellow's face as she imagined trying to introduce blue to her mother, it would be chaos. "Fine", yellow sighed, knowing this was definitely going to be expensive, "maybe ill try and sneak you onto my ship when we leave", "you won't need to do that", blue smiled at her, "I'll just transform and follow after, did you forget how good seals are at swimming?".

They've been outside for much longer than expected, when they got out the music store it was already getting dark out. They exited the shop with blue holding all the bags full of clothes and the album she forced yellow to get. Yellow yawned loudly, "today was quite a day! How was your first day outside without your coat!", "it was okay, I still feel off without it, when we get home I'm definitely putting it back on", blue replied, looking around the nearby houses, suddenly she froze, and dropped the bags, yellow grabbed the one from the music store, "what are you doing! You couldve broke that! What are you looking at-", then yellow saw it, they where standing right outside the home of pink diamond and her human family, they could see the human who had trapped her getting out of his van and going into the home, he looked back at them, yellow gulped, "blue let's leave now!", she grabbed the bags and blue and rushed out of there as fast as she could.

#steven universe #blue diamond #yellow diamond #bellow diamond #steven universe au #steven universe fanfic #bellow diamond au #blue diamond x yellow diamond #blue diamond steven universe #yellow diamond steven universe #steven universe blue diamond #steven universe yellow diamond #bellow diamond fanfic

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staycalmandhugaclone · 1 year ago

Text

Sneak Peak!

31 of you voted for the poll. I wasn't sure if it was just meant to be votes specifically for that choice, or votes into total, and I'm far too lazy to do math to figure out just that option, SO while I've written more than that since the thing ended (sorry, I don't exist online much Fri-Sun, so it took me until now to pop on here), here's the first 31 sentences of Doc's next arc, "You'll have to go through me."

Full chapter now out!!

There was a rumor that the Kaminoan’s eyes could see colors humans simply couldn’t; that everything from the unblemished armor of shinies to the very reports endlessly updating on their communicators was overlaid with additional data invisible to those deemed a “lesser race.” That rumor left the identical, monotone halls of their cities feeling even more unwelcoming; as though secrets laid all around me, taunting my every step in some undeniable proof that their prejudiced beliefs held a merit I would never be able to fight, but I couldn’t bring myself to care about that anymore.

I roamed those immaculate halls aimlessly, purely for the want of letting myself get lost in them. The need to hide, to flee despite there being nowhere I could run drove me to wander endlessly through the most distant corridors, blindly staring at barracks that had long since been left abandoned as the production of clones lessened with every day that passed. Once, each of the countless rooms around me had been home to cadets too young to understand the horrors awaiting them, and I bleakly wondered how many of those children were now lost to the never-ending demand for sacrifice towards a goal that seemed just as distance now as it had during that very first battle.

I’d nearly walked past him, utterly oblivious to his present until his helm shifted just enough to catch my attention, and, with a sharp gasp, I was ripped from the illusioned reprieve of my thoughts.

“Kriff!” The curse hissed through clenched teeth, wide eyes locking on the lithe figure leaning silently against the tiny inlet of a doorframe. That silence lingered until my panic withered into that too familiar dread, air catching in my lungs as I stood frozen before him.

“We’re leaving in an hour. Hunter sent you a com.” He stated, and I nearly broke from the chill in his raspy voice.

“I… I haven’t read it, yet…” I finally admitted, jaw stiff. I’d remembered how my heart had dropped at the alert for the incoming message, certain I’d find orders detailing my reassignment lingering within, and I haven’t been able to bring myself to look. Crosshair said nothing for a long moment, and I had to fight the nervous dance of my fingers. Without another word, he turned and began to walk away, and a new panic overwhelmed me.

“Wait!” I gasped, body stealing a half-step toward him before locking up once more. He paused, but didn’t turn back, and I could feel something on the verge of shattering within me.

“I thought you said you didn’t regret it.” It was quiet, as though whispering those words might hide the hurt in them, and the air fled me in a shuttered exhale.

“I…” My throat locked around that choked word, and I cursed myself for faltering when I so desperately wanted to offer him some hint of reassurance, but I could only stare as his shoulders sank before starting through those sickeningly pristine halls once more. “Wait…” I begged, voice barely audible, but he didn’t stop, and finally, my body remembered itself. “Wait! Wait, dammit! I don’t regret being with you!” I shouted, racing forward to cut him off. He said nothing as he stared down at me, that emotionless visor offering nothing of the warmth with which he’d looked at me just days prior, and I could feel myself wilt beneath it.

Fun extra little teaser: Crosshair won't be the main clone in this one.

#star wars #the bad batch #tbb #tbb crosshair #crosshair #wip #sneak peak #teaser #fanfiction #doc #doc 99

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hyperfocusedcloneshipper · 7 months ago

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What's your top three favorite chapters? What about other fics?

Oh jeez. This is going to be difficult. Let me start with some of my favorite fics by other fic writers and then I can try to get to my top three favorite chapters

I have to start with this heart of mine and i am missing you because they really are the two fics that sort made me fall in love with w.bg fanfic. heart of mine was especially a source of inspiration for me. I basically read that and immediately wanted more. I don't know if I would've ended up writing fanfic if not for ace from the @solipsistful collective.

After that... god this feels impossible. But let's give this a shot.

I feel like everyone should read Doubled, it's a work of art and I am positively rabid for it. If you are a fan of MW it's such a great take on the character. ace is also responsible for Tether and Honeymoon

probablynotsafeforwork has been publishing some truly delightful and charming fics of the smutty variety. I highly recommend Playin' Pretend and Playing Favorites to get a start with especially if you enjoy Mike/Michael fics

A Lover is Someone To Be Silly With by @ty-bayonet-betteridge is so sweet and captures the voice of MDawg and MW so well. I revisit that fic often because it just such a gorgeous snapshot of what those two could be. A Very WOE.BEGONE New Year's is a wonderful fic that captures so many of the woe.begone characters and gives them all of them a happy new year. Also I adore their series Two Liars Lying To Eachother.

It's difficult for me to pick a fave from @felixcosm but I'm going to go with a normalcy i'm begging you to know and it’s like you wanna get caught. a normalcy i'm begging you to know captures really early Mike/Michael so well, balancing that tenderness and frustration that they have for one another. it’s like you wanna get caught is just so very hot and funny. I love the way OverMike and Mikey are written in that one and captures their voices so well.

@muppet-chaos manages to convince me of ships I never thought I would and one of the best examples of this is Employee Benefits which centers around Topher Evans (CANNONBALL). They also wrote one of the most heart breaking Mike/Michael fics with The Best You've Ever Had (Is Just A Memory). I come back to that one again and again for how well it captures Mike's sense of loss. In that same vein Was I Delicate Enough? is a poignant and tragic snapshot from MW's perspective that I reflect on often when I write my own MW centric chapters. Also @muppet-chaos is the genius that brought up Mike4Mike Month! We should be singing their praises!

@orchidbreezefc wrote Reflecting and it's one of those fics that had me holding my breath the entire time I was reading it because I was so caught up. The writing is gorgeous and lush. I am almost loathe to recommend Nostalgia because it absolutely gutted me, but I'd be lying if I said I haven't reread it dozens of times. It's a heart breaker be warned but it's a beautiful one and somehow takes the end of episode 107 and makes it hurt even more.

I never thought I would buy into a Mike/Mikey ship but almost like you never left by @falloutcoys made me a believer. It is sweet and hot and I won't even try to pretend I haven't reread it several times over. Also this house will never forget your name is a gorgeous fic that takes place while Mikey is staying with Matt and my heart just aches every time I read it. Please go give it a read, it's utter perfection.

I also highly highly highly recommend Teacher's Pet. Some really good fucked up shit in there and really captures Michael's desperation to be a sheepdog for the Mikes. It's also hot even as it's disturbing.

Okay. I've put off choosing my favorite chapters of Love in the Time of Iterations and Retrocausal Pockets as long as I could 😅. I will not be able to limit it to three, I am so sorry. This series is my baby and I really do put SO MUCH thought into it so I hope it's okay if I go a little overboard here.

I'll go in chronological order:

Chapter 8: Distractions

I love this chapter because its encapsulates the ways in which Mike and Michael try to protect one another and how they make sure that the other knows they are worthy of protection and love.

Chapter 13: Sheepdogging

I felt like I really nailed the argument between Mike and Michael towards the end of this chapter. Michael is furious with Mike but is able to be mature enough to recognize that now if not going to be a time when they can have a productive discussion about the shit Mike tried to pull.

Chapter 14: (Pair Bonding) Studies

This list would be incomplete without this chapter. I went into this chapter knowing it would have a lasting impact on the series going forward but it wasn't until I did my final edit of the chapter that I realized that it would forever change things for Mike and Walt (and as a result, Edgar and Michael as well)

Chapter 20: I thought that I could trust you

This chapter hurt me to write. I had planned out the MW arc and I remember feeling absolute dread the closer I got to writing this chapter. As soon as I hit publish on this one I wanted to write Mike and Michael back together. I'm glad I stuck to my original plan but it was extremely difficult. I ended up writing chapters 21, 22, and 23 all at the same time.

Chapter 25: Unwell

This chapter signals a real shift between Michael and Walt. I think it might be the first time that Walt is really truly vulnerable with Michael. It's a fairly quiet chapter compared to the others I chose but it is an important one for Michael and Walt's relationship.

Chapter 34: Bound: Part 3

I picked Part 3 because it's kind of the culmination of the entire Bound arc but those three chapters were originally one chapter. The Bound mini arc was important in that it solidifies the relationship between Michael, Mike, Walt, and Edgar. They spend all of Wedding Week essentially figuring out how they work together and for all intents and purposes make their quad official.

Chapter 37: Alive & Free

This Chapter was such an undertaking. I had to go back and revisit everything from Chapter 13 onward to remind myself what would have been going on in the background of this chapter. I had this chapter planned for a couple months and was very excited to write it because I knew if I didn't write this chapter, the OvEdgar Council would just come across as one dimensional villains and I really didn't want that. What I didn't expect was just how much I would adore these characters.

Chapter 46: The To Do List

This is not the first Edgar-centric chapter but it is one I am especially proud of. I adore Edgar so much and I loved having the opportunity to explore what it looks like when he is pushed to his emotional limits. And I loved being able to explore the ways in which he used his competency to avoid dealing with his grief.

I think I'll leave it there because the more I look at my AO3 page for IRP the more I want to add other chapters to the list and it's already so so long.

Thanks so much for the ask, this was a lot of fun and I ended up rereading a lot of my favorite fics from other fic writers to put this post together 💕

#woe.begone #woe begone #wbg #w.bg #wbg spoilers #woe.begone spoilers #latvia mike #mike walters #michael walters #edgar woe.begone #do not propagate

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