#there's not a clear answer about his fixation on earth

[stump-not-found]

ONE more question. if the nightmare realm is able to access other realms, why is bill so intent on conquering earth especially?

i'd ask alex hirsch that tbqh

[kuamiru]

There was a private ask to write about a platonic yandere Zhongli with twin children, where the reader has a female perspective.

I hope you all like it and consider forgiving my long absence :)

It's almost 6k words! What a read!

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The Tale of the Rocks, the Sun and the Moon

Having power means you also have enemies who desire it. An evil god set his sights on Rex Lapis' extension of power, and the Geo Lord weeps.

Warnings: Death and child death, blood, eating somebody alive. Beware that the start is pretty dark.

It was strangely quiet. Morax was accustomed to having the wind blowing against his face, the earth trembling due to every step he gave, even having the skies raining down on him after a particularly difficult battle. He always took the latter as a form of repent, as if nature was trying to wash away his sins and bury them down in the ground.

But the skies were clear, and the only thing looking down on him was the blazing sun. The true storm raged inside his heart, his blood imitating the tears from the sky as he found himself unable to cry.

“We fear there are no survivors, my lord.”

If he acknowledged the words of his adeptus, he didn’t show it. His eyes were fixated on the desolate landscape before him, feeling the sorrow in his chest consuming him more and more each time he discerned a new body below the fire and destruction.

“What about—”

“We found the remains, should you wish to see her.”

“Show me.”

The adeptus nodded. She started walking away, carefully traversing a path previously cleared of death and debris. It didn’t take long before they were standing in front of a particular corpse; it had been laid carefully against the broken wall of what was left of a house, now burned down to the ground. There was another adeptus already there, fixing the body so it wouldn’t be such an horrific sight for anybody present.

Morax didn’t say a word. He stood still for a few seconds, simply watching the distressing scene before approaching and kneeling before the remains, reaching out to cup the cold cheek in his warm hand.

The two adepti remained silent while he mourned. They shared a look between them, and the woman left to help recover whatever bodies they could find.

“There’s only one of them here,” he said after a moment, looking at his surroundings looking for something. “Where are they?”

“That’s…”

It was obvious from the pair’s faces that they were debating internally on how to approach the topic.

“Back with the evil god that razed the village.”

A wounded adeptus approached the scene, using the broken wall to support his body and try to approach his master as much as he could.

“You fought here,” Morax noted, looking him up and down. “Tell me what happened. Now.”

“It was that evil god’s doing, my lord. It took us all by surprise, we had no time to react,” he answered. “He didn’t just burn this village; he knew this is where you concealed your children. They… he was after them.”

His heart felt heavy, his chest started to hurt. The reality of the situation was finally dawning down on him. He didn’t even realize that he had walked all the way to the adeptus, looking down on him with a dangerous look in his eyes.

“He… ate them. Oh, Celestia, we couldn’t do anything but watch as he swallowed them. That god wished to gather power to defeat you and steal your new place as the Lord of Geo. We— we couldn’t save—”

The boy finally broke down, letting his own body fall as wept at the memories of the early fight. Rex Lapis simply watched him, feeling the deep, boiling rage in his veins threatening to take over him. His hand ached, desperately urging him to summon his polearm and destroy anything that was still standing just to quell his anger.

His family, his children, his two beautiful treasures… He wasn’t able to protect them; it was his fault this happened, he didn’t foresee this attack, his adepti didn’t have enough power to win. Useless, useless, useless.

The ground started to tremble. Faint, almost unnoticeable. The men that were with him quickly became alerted, and the crying adeptus tried to compose himself as fast as he could.

“We have him sealed, still alive.”

The pair wanted to breathe a sigh of relief when the earth finally quieted down. Morax’s eyes returned once again to his subordinate, and he didn’t have to say anything to get his message across:

Take me to him.

.

“The great Rex Lapis, the new and almighty Lord of Geo, standing before me. To what do I owe such honor?”

Oh, how he wished he could smite that god out of existence. To make him swallow that smug smile by dismembering his body piece by piece and be witness to how his wretched soul dragged itself right into hell.

And it destroyed him knowing that he wasn’t able to do so.

“Silence, you fiend! You have no right to speak to our lord like that.”

The god only scoffed, amused by the situation.

“Did you come here to finish me off, Morax? To take revenge on me for killing your spawn?” He taunted. “Or perhaps, would you like for me to tell you how those two screamed and cried, desperately calling for their dear father to save them?”

The sound of a polearm hitting the rock wall filled the room. The small cut on the god’s cheek only let a drop of blood escape, before retracting and slowly closing itself. Just as if nothing had wounded him at all.

Morax’s heart sank even deeper at this. He knew where those powers came from, didn’t he? A fleeting memory came to him in an instant: a wound, two small children crying, and a woman consoling them. He slowly retreated his arm back to his side, not bothering to summon the weapon back. He didn’t have the strength to do it.

The creature laughed maniacally. It was elated to see the powerless figure of the Lord below him, feeling as if he had won before the fight even started. “You’re weak, dragon. Maybe these powers aren’t enough to slaughter you, but I have taken something from you. Something you will never be able to take back.”

.

“So? What happens next?”

“It’s obvious! Morax defeats the evil god and avenges his children, right?!”

The woman closed the book with a smile, finally looking up to see her children tucked in each one’s bed. “Well, what do you wish for it to happen next?”

“Rex Lapis kills the god! And, and- he finds out his children aren’t dead! And they all live happily ever after, fighting all the evil gods that come after them!”

She couldn’t help but laugh at her son’s words.

“You two have such a wild imagination sometimes.”

“But how does it really end?” Both the woman and the young boy turned to look at you, who had a hopeful look on your face. “Does it really have a happy ending?”

"Well, you'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out. Right now it's time to sleep." She put the book away before giving each kid a kiss on their forehead. "Have a good night, my treasures."

It only took a few seconds for her to turn of the light and close the door, disappearing into the hallway of the house. Both siblings remained in silence for a moment, before one of them shifted uncomfortably.

"Are you feeling okay, 妹妹?" Came the words of your brother, turning to face you. "Are you cold?"

"No, I just can't sleep. I'm thinking about that evil god… What if he breaks free? And attacks our village?! He'll hurt mom and dad!"

He got up from his bed, careful not to make any noise that could alert your parents, and slowly walked up to your bed, getting inside the sheets with you.

"It's just a story! That god probably doesn't even exist, and I doubt that Rex Lapis has had any children in the past." As expected of your older brother, such mature thoughts! He took great pride in the fact that he was able to comfort you.

"Really? So it's not real?"

He took your tiny hands between his. "Yeah! Plus, there's no one Rex Lapis can't defeat. He's our Geo Lord, after all."

You couldn't help but chuckle. Your brother was always right.

None of you said anything after that. The light of the moon illuminated the room through the window, barely letting you see each other's faces. It felt safe, knowing that your brother was there to guard you.

It was always safe.

.

"Here, try this sweetheart."

A red-colored drink was put in front of your face, hanging there barely a second before you grabbed it with both hands.

"It's strawberry, your favorite."

You smiled at your father, hugging him by the waist as a 'thank you'. He only chuckled and ruffled your hair, which in turn made you groan and quickly separate from him so he wouldn't mess it even more.

Your brother was busy clinging to your mother, who was in turn busy paying for the drinks your family had. The market was filled with all sort of people walking along, stopping by the various stands and buying all sort of things that you were sure no one would ever need. These were times of peace, your parents always reminded you two. As the war between gods finally came to an end, every creature was eager to go outside and celebrate, even if that celebration just meant going to the market and enjoy the afternoon with your family.

Without the ever-present danger of a stray attack of a divinity striking you for being in the wrong place at wrong time, it wasn't such a wonder everyone was feeling pretty happy.

"It's a statue of Morax!"

"What a marvelous piece of work!"

Your father had to grab your free hand when people started to pass by you in a rush, eager to reach the center of the street, just behind you both. Your eyes followed the multitude and lingered on, finding the statue they were fawning about. The sculptor was startled by the sudden noise of people gathering around her, momentarily separating her chisel from the stone before any irreparable damage could be done. She breathed a sigh of relief and brushed her forehead, failing to notice the bucket full of utensils at her side and inevitably pushing it down the stairs she was sitting on.

The metal resonated a few times before hitting the ground, spreading every instrument on the floor. The few onlookers that were close enough were quick to get out of the way, simply watching the artist groan in frustration at the thought of going down and retrieving all her stuff.

You were quick to leave your father's side, the sound of his voice calling out for you being drowned by the gasps and exclamations of surprise from the crowd around the square. You left your drink on the ground, opting to collect all the scattered items in your small hands. The woman shouted a big "thank you" from where she sat, waving her arm so you could notice her. You waved back, although you could barely move your right hand without letting every utensil fall from your arms. She used a rope to lower down a hook, stopping when it reached your waist so you could reach it without any inconvenience.

Just as you were just about to make haste to reach the rope, a metallic sound caught you attention. You looked back, finding a small hammer on the ground. It must've fallen from your hands. You looked at it for a couple of seconds, debating whether you should try to pick it up or just come back to retrieve it after sending back the bucket, with the possibility to have everything fall if you tried to grab it. Just as you were deciding to come back for it, a pair of black shoes stood next to the hammer, a gloved hand picket the small item up before handing it to you.

"I believe this is for the lady up there?" A deep, masculine voice asked. You looked up to find a pair of gold, glowing eyes.

"Thank you, mister!"

You did a small bow before quickly making your way to the statue of the Lord of Geo, using the rope and hook to hang the bucket with all the utensils inside. It wasn't long before the sculptor pulled the rope and retrieved her materials, waving once more just to show how grateful she was. This time you waved back accordingly, bidding farewell to the lady up there.

When you turned around to go back to your father, you only found strange faces walking along. Even looking all around the square proved to be in vain, as none of the men there looked remotely similar to him. Starting to feel nervous, you took a step forward and retracted almost immediately. There was a red puddle on the ground and an empty cup just a few centimeters away from it. This must've been your drink, you thought, and somebody must've kicked it accidentally from leaving it on the ground. Oh this was bad, your mom would surely scold you for being so careless! But, you had to find you dad first-

Your little eyes started scanning every inch of the plaza, feeling more and more anxious every time you failed to notice a familiar face.

It was then when you suddenly found one.

"Are you okay, little one?"

It was the man from before, you realized. He stood in front of you once more, slightly bending so you could see each other eye to eye. He must've seen you panicked and came to your rescue.

You noticed it the first time, but it really felt like the eyes of that man did glow. Such a nice golden color he had. It briefly reminded you of the landscape surrounding your village, the countless afternoons you spent with your brother playing around while the mountains watching over you from afar. It brought a feeling of peace along with it.

You wondered how long you were looking at them, for when you came back to yourself, he had his head tilted with amusement.

"I- I can't find my dad", you confessed, looking down in shame.

Oh, how he didn't like the loss of visual contact. A dangerous glint flashed before his eyes, quick enough to disappear just as you were raising your head again.

"I see," he said, smiling gently. "What does he look like? That way I can help you look for him."

It should be okay to tell him, right? Your mother always told you not to talk or go with strangers, but this one was trying to help you get back to your family's side. He had such gentle eyes, he surely couldn't be a bad guy.

The man nodded his head as you described your father's appearance. Though he maintained an amicable expression, you didn't fail to notice that his smile suddenly became strained. It was almost like he was feeling more disappointed as you rambled on.

"I say we look for him. He must be very close still." He extended his hand for you to take, and you didn't think twice. As you were just about to grab it, a voice calling your name made you stop. You turned to see the little figure of your brother calling your name and running straight to you, and the man closed his fist tightly.

"Where were you? Papa was worried when you left his side, mama scolded him a lot!" Your brother fussed, taking your hand in his as he started to make you follow him.

"Ah, wait!" The man at your side let his panic show for a moment, grabbing you both and making you stop in your tracks. He had his left hand on your shoulder, and his right one in your brother's arm, just above your linked hands.

The pair looked at him quizzically, but he refused to take his eyes off you both. You though they were glowing before, but now they were shining. They went back and forth between you two, and it was starting to get uncomfortable to be held by this stranger.

The hands grabbing you started to tremble.

The moment your sibling made up his mind to ask the man what did he want with you, the voice of your mother startled you. She came up running, your dad following her just behind. "I told you both to not get separated from us! Something could've happened!"

In an instant you both were set free. The man took a step backwards, as if he was suddenly shook awake from the trance he subconsciously put himself in. Looking back at him for barely a second you found him glaring intently at your mother. He seemed to assess her, looking up and down her appearance as if looking for something specific. Alas, he didn't find it, for his mood soured even more.

"Mister was going to help me find you, dad!" You exclaimed with excitement.

Your father turned to look at him, "Is that true? Well, thank you sir..."

"Mo- Zhongli. My name's Zhongli."

Neither of your parents realized that he was going to say another name. You and your brother looked at each other. At least he caught it too.

"Say goodbye to mister Zhongli children." Your mom ordered, patting your backs. "And remember to thank him."

You looked into his eyes once again and a chill ran through your whole body. His cold gaze was fixated into your mom's touch for barely a second before turning to you two. When he caught your gaze his mood changed so suddenly that it left you wandering if you imagined the previous hostility. He now smiled warmly and offered a shy wave of his hand. His expression was one of pure bliss at your acknowledgement of him.

"Goodbye mister Zhongli. Thank you." You shyly waved at him, hiding behind your mother due to the sudden weird feeling you were getting from him.

"Bye-bye. Thanks." Your brother imitated your action and ran to grab your father's hand.

The hand of your mother rested on your head, giving you a slight ruffle. You all started walking away from the market heading for home. Purely by curiosity both your brother and you looked behind you and had to quickly advert your eyes with a shiver running down your spines.

That man, Zhongli, was still looking at you two.

And the look he had was one of pure madness.

.

The curtain in the bedroom did nothing to stop the moonlight from barely illuminating the room. It was still pretty dark, the dim light only served to highlight the outline of the furniture, the walls and, most importantly, the two small figures resting in one bed.

The sight of the two kids hugging each other while sleeping made his heart ache with longing. It brought forth a deep sadness that was hurting his chest. He was staring right at them and he still couldn't believe he was seeing them.

Morax reached with his left hand and moved a wild strand of hair off your brother's face; all the while with the other he cupped your cheek and ran his thumb alongside with nothing but delicacy and love.

Oh, how he had missed them. His children.

It had to be fate, right? There was no other explanation for this.

He thanked Celestia time and time again, repeating it like a silent prayer. It must've been thanks to the kingdom in the sky that his children were allowed to reincarnate, albeit human but another life nonetheless. His mind wandered briefly to the memory of his long lost family, and especially to his late lover. How disappointed he was to find that neither your father nor your mother held her spirit. But it was okay, he told himself. There was still time. If his kids were given another chance at life then that meant he would see her again someday.

Until that happened he would make sure to properly protect you this time.

Your lazily opened your eyes. Even half asleep, you still had that uncomfortable feeling of being watched. You quickly scanned your room, finding nothing out of the ordinary and certainly no human, ghost or spirit watching you while you were sleeping. Your brother gave a soft groan and turned around, continuing his dream.

You must've imagined it then.

Your hand reached out to touch your cheek. For some reason it felt warm.

.

"Remember not to wander too far, okay kids?"

"Yes 妈!"

The two siblings ran along the busy street, chasing each other and laughing all the while. A group of kids passed by playing among themselves too. Your brother took notice of them and immediately approached what seemed to be the leader, asking for you both to join their game of tag. None of the children had any problem with it, they even seemed happy to have a few more people to play with. Giving a hand gesture to your parents indicating that you would be with them, the both of you started to follow the other kids.

A couple of hours passed. In the middle of the fun the game changed a few times, ultimately deciding to play a few rounds of hide and seek before having to return to their homes. It was your turn to hide. You took your brother's hand and made him follow you, going inside an alleyway to sit behind a few wooden crates. You giggled at each other, thinking that this was the perfect hiding spot. You were sure the girl counting wouldn't be able to find you-

"Found you!" A voice above startled you both.

Your brother stood up with a jump. You turned around, confused as to why it wasn't that girl's voice what you heard.

Gold filled your vision.

You were staring again at the gleaming eyes of the same man that helped you yesterday.

"It's... you again." You muttered. He brightened up at the thought of you recognizing him.

"Go away! We're playing hide and seek! You're going to give away our hiding spot!"

Even though your brother rudely tried to shoo him he remained in his place, a gentle smile resting on his face.

"Are you playing, then? Can I join?

Your brother and you stared at each other.

"We'd have to ask the others... I don't think adults are allowed to join."

He seemed to ponder over this.

"Don't mind the other kids. Let's play just the three of us."

Even though your brother was about to refuse something made him stop right in his tracks. You followed his line of vision and found yourself entranced by the dim glow of Zhongli's eyes. Suddenly they felt very familiar. It was exactly like those times that by cleaning your room you ended up finding a toy you really treasured but didn't know you had lost at one point. A sense of longing and love, the sensation of reuniting with something you believed was lost to time.

Overwhelmed by this strange feeling, you ended up giving in to his demand. "I... I- Sure..."

It was clear that at your side your brother was feeling the same way, for he didn't refuse a second time.

Two gloved hands extended in front of you. You hesitated momentarily, thinking that this wasn't a really good idea. The sudden memory of the first meeting with Zhongli flashed through your mind.

"I think that-"

"Yeah, let's go."

Your brother was quick to take one of the hands, letting the man pull him closer to him like your father would do.

They both turned to look at you. "Are you coming, 妹妹?"

If your brother thought that it was fine then it should be, right? You nodded slowly and decided to also take Zhongli's hand.

.

"兒子! 女儿! Where are you?"

Zhongli stopped walking. The distressed voice of your mortal mother managed to miraculously sour his whole mood. He was having such a good time with his children, how dare that woman interrupt him!

Your sleeping figure in his arms started to wake up at the familiar sound sound of her shouting. You looked above his shoulder, waking up even more once you recognized her figure wandering along the street. "妈!" You called for her.

Your brother, who was walking alongside Zhongli and being guided by his hand, also turned to look at her. He rubbed the sleepiness off his eyes and waved to get her attention.

"Kids! There you are!"

It took all of Morax's willpower not to turn and smite her right there and then. He wanted nothing more than to take his children away, hide them where no one could find them ever again. It was bad luck that he was found by that woman as he was planning to leave the city; Morax believed that he wasn't such a violent god, now that the war was over. His displays of power were limited to deities and other mystical beings, never a human was a victim to his wrath. It would reflect badly on him if he decided to eliminate this human in front of his children. It could frighten them, make them scared of his power.

The last thing he wanted was the two of you fearing him.

"Thank you for looking after them!" She exclaimed, running up to him and taking you from his arms onto hers. Rage flashed through his eyes. He stilled his right hand that ached for the blood of the person that dares take his kid from him. Be calm, he told himself. He needed to be calm.

"It was no problem, madam." He forced a smile at her. "It was getting late and I found them wandering again, I just wanted to make sure nothing bad happened to them until we found you."

She seemed to believe that he was helping you again just like yesterday. This would do. The boy let go of his hand and ran up to his mother, hugging her from the waist. His fist clenched tightly.

"We played all day, mom!" Your brother said with enthusiasm.

She gave a soft laugh. "Is that why you two are falling asleep standing?"

Morax faked a laugh. She turned to him.

"I have no words of gratitude. I was getting really worried when I saw that they weren't coming home once their curfew arrived!"

Such an irresponsible mother. If it were him he wouldn't take his eyes off his kids. He would make sure to stay besides them all day, forever...

"It's my pleasure to help." He gave a small bow. "They're lovely kids."

"Why, thank you!" She smiled brightly at his kind words. Your brother tugged her cheongsam to get her attention. She immediately got the massage and bowed to Morax. "It was a pleasure, mister Zhongli. Thank you again for your help."

She turned around and started walking heading for her home. Morax didn't bother to responder her goodbye. He only looked at her fading figure, one child in her arms and the other walking besides her.

It was okay.

He has waited all this time for them. He could wait a little more before bringing his children home.

.

A week had passed since then.

Your parents made sure to keep you both close to them or at least, somewhere they could keep an eye on you. During all this time you didn't encounter Zhongli, at least not directly. There were moments where you would spot his golden eyes in the middle of the crowd, or see his figure leaning against the wall, completely in silence with his gaze fixed on your brother or yourself. It would be for merely a few seconds; as soon as your mother or father got close to you he would disappear.

Those strange sightings plus the uncomfortable sensation of being watched all the time were starting to make you pretty nervous. It didn't feel like you two were actually in danger, but the hazard was still there nonetheless. It made you anxious not know where the danger actually was.

You eventually stopped going outside to play, preferring to stay and home with the company of your parents. They didn't complain, of course not, but you knew they were worried by the sudden change of attitude. Could have something happened?

Clouds covered the entire sky. It wasn't raining yet, but it was obvious that it would rain pretty soon.

You looked at the sky trough your bedroom's window, letting out a sigh.

"Feeling sad, 妹妹?" Your brother asked from the door before approaching you and standing at your side.

"Well, we weren't planning on going outside and play anyways. Maybe we could just read something?"

"We've been reading all week! Let's do some other thing. What about drawing?"

You pondered over that.

"Sure! Let's grab some paper from dad's study and-"

Your next words died in your throat. The ground started to shake violently, making your whole house vibrate with it. Stuff started to fall all around you, and parts of the ceiling crumbled before crashing to the floor.

"It's an earthquake!" You shouted, hugging your brother instantly.

"We have to get out!"

Nodding at his words, you quickly ran out of the bedroom. You clashed with your father while crossing the door, undoubtedly he was rushing in to help you. He grabbed you both from your arms and ran out of the house, your mother following just behind you.

Outside it was pure chaos. Not only buildings were crumbling on themselves, there were two dragons fighting as high as the clouds were. The adepti tried to guide the crowd as well as they could, signaling where to evacuate to escape from all the destruction.

You tried to hold onto your father's hand, but the swarm of panicked people didn't stop crashing against you, eventually weakening his hold and forcing him to release you with a horrified gasp. You both heard him call your names and try to reach you but the people didn't stop pushing you away from him.

You two just hoped you would be able to escape to reunite with your parents once you were safe.

.

Oh, how good it felt to quell his thirst of blood.

He looked at the inert body of the other god, watching as the blood flowed from where his polearm was thrusted in his back. This wouldn't kill him, no, but how good it still felt to try.

He briefly looked up to the mountains, glazing over the enormous hole the tallest had. He always knew that that evil god would break free from his seal, that all this time feigning sleep were only for the sole purpose of gaining his strength back.

But Morax had an advantage. The god had power that didn't belong to him, thus every time he tried to use it he would become unstable, open to attacks. It was a hard battle that's true, but it didn't matter to the Geo Lord. He would take him down as many times as it was needed.

He would protect his children this time. This and all the upcoming ones.

With one look around, all his adepti started working right away. A group of them focused on restraining the fallen god before he awakened, while the other, the physically stronger, helped the humans trapped below the rubble and destruction that was left behind.

Morax turned on his heels and started walking away. None of the presents said anything to him. Their master was emanating an ominous aura, a warning for them to stay away from him and just focus on their task ahead.

The streets that were once full of life now served as a cemetery for all the corpses laying everywhere. A few of them were barely clinging onto life, crying out due to their wounds or the fallen debris that imprisoned them against the floor.

But Morax didn't have time to waste with them. He closed his eyes and focused on breathing. If he concentrated enough, the earth beneath him would answer his demands. He felt each pulsation like a beating heart; the earth was always carrying life, and if he tuned with it he could feel any being connected to it. Be it plants, animals or humans.

Two particular beats made his body tingle and suddenly Morax could breathe again. They were alive. They were safe. He protected them this time.

As soon as he mentally followed their life force located away from the city he was ready to go to them, but the sudden tug of the fabric of his torn hanfu made him look down.

A delicate hand was trying to get his attention; the woman trapped below a cart was weakly tugging his clothes, and he couldn't help but smile with nothing but insanity.

That was your mother right there, bleeding profusely from the head. The body of her husband laid barely a meter away from her. He didn't need to check his pulse or try to hear his breathing to know that that man was already dead.

This couldn't be better.

"Mis... Zhong... help..." She only managed to say, her voice barely louder than a whisper.

He crouched in front of her, tilting his head as he assessed her wound.

"Poor thing. You would surely die if left alone in such condition."

His smile surely didn't convey the fake empathy from his words. A chill went down from the woman's spine, who just by looking at his eyes immediately knew that she wouldn't be getting out of there alive.

"You... them..."

"Ah, yes, them." He shrugged nonchalantly. "You don't have to worry about them. You can go in peace knowing that my children will be in safe hands, right where they belong."

He stood up as she started to trash around to try to break free. He only walked a few steps before a thud behind him made him look for a second. Her wound finally caught up to her and fell unconscious. How happy he was; he didn't even have to get his hands dirty to get rid of the false parents of his children. They were just... sad casualties of war.

He walked on.

.

A faraway temple was serving as a refuge for all the people running away from the city.

Alongside your brother, the two of you remained in a secluded group with all the other lost children, one of the locals comforting you and assuring all the kids that they were doing everything in their power to find their relatives. Your brother gripped your hand tightly, and you rested your head against his shoulder, numbly watching ahead for any sign of your mother or father.

You were expecting the gentle smile of your mom or the soft eyes of your father, but what instead stood before you two was gold.

Morax saluted the woman in charge of the group, and from where you were sitting you couldn't exactly hear what they were saying. She let out a relieved sigh and let him enter, following him with her gaze as he approached you two. He crouched to look at you in the eyes and extended his hand.

"Let's go home, my dears."

You both hesitated. It should be okay, you thought shyly. Mister Zhongli wouldn't do anything to hurt neither of you.

You looked at each other before accepting the hand that was offered. Morax let a small laugh. He helped you stand up before giving a nod to the woman as a thanks, exiting the temple shortly after.

With each step you moved farther and farther away from your village. You glanced at it as it smaller and smaller, feeling like this would be the last time you would look at your home.

[mattsenthusiast]

𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠~ Matt Sturniolo

Summary: You finally decided to get your first tattoo. But what if your tattoo artist senses your nerves and tries to make you feel better?

Warnings: smut, unprotected sex (wrap it up guys), exhibitionism, hand kink, breath play if you squint, needles, pet names, degrading and praising, Dom!Matt, fingering, oral (female receiving), p in v

Word count: 2k

——————————

I looked into the small mirror one last time to make sure I looked presentable before exiting my car.

Today is the day- I was about to get my first tattoo. I’ve been looking forward to it since I was 13, maybe even younger, and my dreams will finally come true.

My legs were shaking slightly from excitement and nerves as I entered the building and made my way upstairs.

The arrangement of the main room was rather dark. Long curtains were covering huge windows that were spread all the way along one wall, and the black drawings decorating any free space on the walls were a perfect finish to the whole vibe.

My eyes scanned the room for a few more seconds before landing on the main desk- specifically on a person sitting behind it.

The man’s gaze was fixated on the computer screen as his fingers swiftly clicked the keyboard. He was wearing a black sleeveless shirt that exposed his slightly toned arms covered in tattoos. His hair was a perfect length, long enough to sit gently on his forehead but short enough to not cover his vision. Dark, circular glasses were sitting on the bridge of his nose. The sight alone made my heart skip a beat and I knew that I’ll be fucked until the end of the appointment.

I approached the desk and that’s when he looked up at me with his blue eyes. I swear I could see them wander down my body for a moment before he cleared his throat.

,,Hey, what can I help you with?”

,,Hello, I actually have an appointment for 6:30. I figured I’ll be a few minutes earlier just in case” I offered him a smile which he returned.

,,oh yeah! You must be y/n, nice to meet you. I’m Matt and I’ll be taking care of you today” he straightened his hand into my direction. I shook it and couldn’t get over how soft and big they are ,,why don’t you follow me to my station and we’ll get to work, sounds good?”

Before I could start my answer he already stood up from the chair ,,yup sounds great!” he smiled at me once again and led me to a different room.

His work room was no different than the lobby- dark and fancy looking. The nerves that were rooting inside of me were showing more and more. I started to play with the hem of my skirt and balancing from one leg to another.

,,Okay so you can make yourself comfortable while I pull up the project from my shelf. Where’d you like to get the tattoo again?”

,,Right under my collarbone. It’s cute and minimalistic so I thought it’ll be a good idea you know” I tried to keep the conversation going.

,,I got ya. Do you have any other tattoos or is it your first one?” He asked while preparing the equipment.

,,No, it’s my first one. I’ve always wanted one so now that I’m finally able to I decided to fuck it and come over here. Now that I’m about to get it done I’m scared” I laughed slightly after realizing that I’m rambling from my nerves.

Matt offered me a soft smile and got closer to me. He started to slide the straps of my top and bra to get a better access to my collarbone. His hands were slightly grazing over my skin and the rings he was wearing left a cold feeling over me. A breath got stuck in my throat at his action, but I tried to cover it up with a cough.

,,Alright, I’m just going to put a stencil on your skin so there’s nothing to worry about. Just try not to move to much, alright sweetheart?” He spoke softly while clearing my skin with an antibacterial gel. His voice as smooth as butter. I wonder if his tongue would also be this smooth on my pu-

,,Earth to y/n, are you okay? I asked if you’re ready for me to start tattooing you?”

,,I- yeah you can start please” I looked away from him, my cheeks burning from the image that my mind just put me in.

,,thank you, I’m just gonna get into it, if you need a break just let me know. First tattoos are always scary. Been there, done that”

He put his left hand dangerously close to my boobs. He had to stretch the skin for a better access, but it still made me wet. The veins that ran through his hands were right at my sight now and I couldn’t get enough of looking at them.

That’s when I felt it. The sensation of a needle with ink being stabbed into my skin. To my surprise the pain was not the only thing I could feel. There was also something else, was it a pleasure? I moaned at the two sensations mixing together and my eyes widened.

,,Sh sh shhh, you’re doing so good princess, so good for me” Matt whispered- almost whimpered- the praises to me. I could feel the hand that was just holding my skin crawl down to my thigh, really close to my dripping core since my skirt as ridden up. He started rubbing small circles on my leg and his other hand was tattooing me like nothing was happening. Like the sexual tension and filthy activity and thoughts were absent.

I could help myself though. I kept squirming in my seat and groaning every time he pressed the needle into my skin.

,,I think I should distract you from the tattooing. A good orgasm would do it for you, wouldn’t it baby? Do I need to touch you or can you cum just from the pain? I know you’re enjoying it, you’re just a little slut”

,,I mmmmm, please touch me Matt, please” I whined and looked straight into his eyes.

,,Good girl, asking me so nicely. How can I say no to such a pretty girl” he smirked darkly and his hand started going further under my skirt, finally reaching my dripping core.

,,Really? No underwear? Such a whore, you’re practically begging to be fucked. Now, you’ll let me finish the tattoo for the next 10 minutes and don’t you dare to cum. Understood?”

,,Yes sir” my mind was already going foggy and him slightly rubbing against my pussy, so when he put two of his digits into me and I let out a loud moan, he wasn’t surprised at all.

The 10 minutes felt like hours. Matt kept mindless thrusting his long fingers inside of me while being focused on his work. Not cumming was a real challenge to me considering that a wet dream of a man was sitting in front of me and touching my body.

,,Okay, and you’re all done. Normally I’d give you a mirror to see the tattoo right away but I’m so desperate to make you come so you’ll have to live in a mystery for a bit longer” with that being said he removed his fingers from me and licked them clean.

Before I could even say a word, his face was already pressed to my pussy, eating me out as his nose perfectly bumped into his clit.

I was a moaning mess. My hands made their way to his hair, pulling him deeper into me. He was like a starving man that hasn’t eaten for the past week. As my orgasm was approaching I closed my legs around his head, definitely cutting his access to air. It was so unbelievably hot, especially since his eyes never left mine. It only took him a few more licks before I was squirting all over his face and the chair I was sitting in.

,,SHIT I’m so sorry oh my lord I didn’t mea-“ I was cut off by his lips being pressed to mine, tasting myself off of his tongue.

,,no need to be sorry sweetheart, that was the sexiest thing I have ever seen” he gave me a cheeky wink and pressed his lips to mine once again.

,,I’ve got a deal for you. I get to fuck you right now and you can walk out with a free tattoo and my number. How does that sound hmmm?”

I actually couldn’t believe my ears, but who I was to resist a hot man who wants me? So I wasted no time and started rubbing his bulge through his pants, as a sign that he can do whatever he wants to me.

,,that’s what I wanted to see” he groaned at my action and placed his hands under my shirt. His palms playing with my boobs and twisting my them.

He definitely noticed that it’s my sensitive spot because soon he was taking my shirt off and throwing it across the room, his plump lips attacking my nipples.

The feeling was unbelievable, but I couldn’t help but want more. I took the matter into my own hands and started to unbuckle his pants, taking it off right with his boxers.

,,you’re a needy slut holy shit. If you want to act like this then fine. I’ll fuck you like one”

The next thing I know is that I was turned around and my whole body was pressed into one of the big windows. It was already getting dark and the studio was on the second floor, but it didn’t change the fact that the street was still busy and if someone looks up, they can easily see what’s going on here.

It only thrilled me more though. I swear Matt was making me learn so much about myself tonight.

His hands found their place on my body, one was on my hips when the other one wrapped right around my neck. The hem of his shirt was in between his teeth and his glasses were slightly fogged.

Wasting no time, he pushed his dick into me, stretching my walls to an unbelievable level. I let out a scream, but he paid no mind to this and immediately started thrusting deep inside of me.

,,I know you like it rough so take it like a good girl. Take the pain of my cock drilling into you. What would all of those people think if they saw you right now? They’d probably take you for a slut and they wouldn’t be wrong”

I couldn’t say anything at that point. All of this was too much for me to think straight and all that was on my mind was that I was already close. Matt could feel me clenching around his cock and brought his hand to rub my clit.

His peace never slowed down and before I knew it, I was cumming all over his dick. His thrust didn’t stop after this thought. He kept going and going until he reached his high and came on my back.

We were both panting from exhaustion and bliss. I couldn’t help but let out a slight chuckle at the whole situation.

,,So, now that you fucked me senseless, can I get your number that you promised me so we can go one a date?”

The silence was broken by our laughter.

——————————

Tattoo artist Matt has finally made an appearance!!! Next up we have that youtuber dating thingy so bare with me😚

Not proofread sorry!!!

Tag list (lmk if you wanna be on it!!!!): @st7rnioioss

[reidbae]

DAY 12: In For It — glove kink w/ semi-dom!spencer reid

KINKTOBER 2023: masterlist

summary: When an unexpected coworker causes you to develop a kink for gloves, you find yourself needing to take care of your dying urge as soon as possible. What you don't know, is that the same coworker finding you in the act will prove to be more pleasurable than you realize.

pairing: semi-dom!spencer reid x sub!fem!reader

warnings/mentions: mentions of blood/crime scene, implied age gap, use of y/n and sweet girl, obv glove kink and mention of latex, no lube is used which is prob unrealistic but ignore it, fingering, choking, vaginal sex, breeding kink, unprotected piv sex (no, no, and no), fondling and ass grabbing, lmk if i missed anything!

wc: 3.2k

a/n: sooo this was supposed to be semi-dom spencer but the sub in me failed miserably :,) and yes this is day 12 on day 15 shush i'm inconsistent

tags: @nalycandy @prettyboydrspencerreid @mega-kittyglitter-1

You were kneeling near the floor of the crime scene that you were at, with Spencer and Derek above you, discussing the scene around you.

You were on a case in a small town in Vermont regarding an unsub who was leaving very bloody scenes behind him. Needless to say, you and the team were getting your hands dirty.

Well, not literally.

Your gloved hand was pointing at what looked like scratch marks on the floor of the living room you were in, which you assumed to be signs of a struggle. You voiced this to the two men.

Derek, who was hovering over you, nodded his head in agreement with your idea. "Yeah, looks like it. This victim must've really given the unsub a hard time, then."

"Yeah, and he wasn't happy about that," you said pretty obviously, because it didn't really take a profiler to see that. "Hey, Spence, what do you...

...Think."

You cut yourself off as you looked up at your other coworker, Spencer Reid, who was pulling the same gloves you had on onto his own veiny hands. It took all of a few seconds for him to turn to you, raising an eyebrow at you.

Spencer was older than you, and you had always found him attractive. Who couldn't, really? Tall, handsome, brunette FBI profiler, and a nice personality to add to it.

He was flawless.

But you had never crossed that humongous line between being friends and being more. While it was nice to think about, you didn't think he could see you in that way, and you preferred to remain friends anyway for the sake of your relationship.

Which is what made the blood that rushed to your cheeks, and the feeling that ran down to your cunt, all the more confusing.

"What were you saying, Y/N?" asked Spencer as he tilted his head, looking down at you.

It didn't help that from where you were looking, you were almost at eye level with his belt.

Fuck.

"Oh, um, I was just wondering what you...Think? A- About the case? I mean, like, do you think there was a struggle?" you could barely stutter out, shaking your head at yourself. Spencer kneeled down next to you, examining the same marks you'd been looking at with his hands.

You watched as his gloves hands traced circles over the hard wood floor, then moved to nearby blood splotches on the ground.

You had never wanted so badly to be an inanimate object.

Spencer gave you a brief synopsis of what he believed. From what you could gather, he agreed with you and Derek, but you were struggling to listen to him as your eyes remained where they were.

You weren't sure how or when this newfound thing for gloves had developed, but it was driving you crazy. You had to clear your throat to snap yourself back into reality, getting up from the ground.

"We should get back to the station. I want to see if they got anything out of the fingerprint we found," said Derek, to which Spencer nodded in agreement.

When you didn't answer, eyes too fixated on Spencer's hands as the gloves came off of them, the genius spoke up. "Hey, Y/N, are you okay?" he asked in a worried voice.

The sound of your name on his lips tugged you back down to earth, and you looked up. "Huh? Wha—Yeah, I'm good. Let's go," you said nervously.

Spencer, still concerned, put a hand on the small of your back as you all walked out of the house you were in. Spencer had always been very protective of you, and you weren't quite sure why, but you liked to assume that it was because he was older than you, and felt the need to do so.

What you did know, though, was that it was not helping at all.

—

You all but leaped out of the car when the three of you got back to the police station, muttering some nonsense about paperwork and overtime as an excuse to Spencer and Derek.

When you finally got to the bathroom that you'd been longing to go to since earlier, you closed the door quickly behind you and gave a long, slow sigh.

Because the town you were in was so small, the station wasn't really the most up to date. The bathroom was tiny, leaving little to no space to walk around. Plus, it was unisex, and there was only one of them. It was probably hell on earth for the police officers who worked here on a daily basis.

But that was the least of your worries.

You leaned your hands on the sink of the bathroom and tried to slow yourself down, trying so hard to ignore the growing wetness between your legs as you closed your eyes.

And all for what? Spencer Reid's gloves? The one you'd seen him touch blood with so many times? The one you’d seen him touch blood with today?

Really?

But, God, you just couldn't deny it.

A flushed, rosy face looked back at you in the mirror, with you looking as if you had just seen a ghost. Your chest was heaving up and down at a rapid pace, your hair messy over your forehead.

There was only so much of this you could take.

It was a dumb idea. A terrible, terrible idea. But you figured, if you worked this sudden want for your coworker out now, you wouldn't have to stare it in the face ever again.

You shook your head for what you were about to do, but took a seat on the low counter, your back pressing onto the mirror behind you. Slowly, you undid your own belt, then yanked your work slacks down and out of the way.

You had to take a few seconds to really think about this before you went through with it. Could you really do this in a police station, the one coworker you'd always seen as no more than a friend on your mind?

Fuck.

Yeah, you could.

You closed your eyes and followed through, moving your hand down to your clit and rubbing yourself in slow circles at first. You began to think about Spencer and the way his blue gloves had fit so nicely on his hands earlier. God, it felt ridiculous just thinking about it.

But it was true.

A knock sounded on the door when you were just about to stick a finger inside of yourself, but the sound was so muffled, you couldn't quite process that you were being called.

"Y/N? Y/N, are you okay?"

You couldn't hear a thing over the sound of your own whines, way too far gone now to think about much else.

"I'm coming in there."

...

Now, you heard it.

You were too late in jolting your hand away from your body before Spencer's tall figure stood in the doorway, a concerned look over his face, that soon turned to one of surprise.

The view he was met with was one of your hand quickly moving away from your cunt, your undone belt and open slacks enough for anyone, let alone a genius, to figure out what the hell you'd just been doing.

While he hadn't gotten you in the act, the scene that was laid out in front of him was very much enough.

The door was already closed for the most part when Spencer walked in, and he shut it all the way so no one could see the two of you. His cheeks were red as his eyes roamed over your body, the man at a clear loss for words.

"Spencer, I—" you said with a face as hot as his, your eyes wide with fear. "I'm sorry—I was just—It's not what it looks like," you said dumbly, shaking your head at yourself.

"A- Are you sure, Y/N? Because, from where I am, what you were just doing is quite obvious," Spencer told you, crossing his arms as he did, like he was reprimanding a little kid. You sighed.

"I just needed to—Work it out before we got started with the case again. I'm sorry. I- I know it's unprofessional, and—" you began.

But he cut you off.

"It's fine, Y/N. You have needs," Spencer shrugged, like this was something people saw on a daily basis. "I was just a little, um—Surprised."

You let out a breath you hadn't realized you'd been holding and nodded, the heat never leaving your face. Spencer took a step closer to you, looking at you curiously.

"I have to ask, though," Spencer chuckled, looking you up and down. You nearly missed it when he did, too bewildered by the fact that he could laugh at what was happening. "Why the sudden urge?"

You tilted your head, looking away from him and then back again, unsure of what to say. When you didn't answer, Spencer went on.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I'm just curious," Spencer said.

You took a very long pause before opening your mouth to speak again, cursing yourself for the words that were about to leave it. "Uh, well—I just—It's kind of dumb, and it's going to sound really weird, b- but, um," you were stuttering as you played with your hair, sighing. "Yourgloves."

Your words came out so jumbled that Spencer raised an eyebrow at you, giving you a confused look. You weren't sure if he hadn't heard you, or if he had, and he was just weirded out. "What did you say?" Spencer asked.

Turns out, it was the former.

"Y- Your gloves," you told him more clearly, looking away from him. "I don't know. I saw you with them earlier at the crime scene, and—Well, I know we're just friends and stuff but—God, I just don't know," you said in annoyance of yourself. Even you had no idea where this sudden need was really coming from.

"I don't know," you said again. "I just like the way they look on your hands, okay?"

Spencer took a second to think and consider your words. Then, instead of walking out of the room, or giving you a look, or calling you a mean name, Spencer just laughed again. He laughed. At you.

He seriously found this funny?

Spencer reached into the pocket of his work slacks, and pulled out the very thing that had caused you to be so worked up in the first place. The pair of blue gloves that he now had in his hand couldn't be the same pair he had used earlier, because these ones weren't covered in blood.

"These, Y/N? This is what's got you so worked up?" Spencer asked in a nearly teasing voice, smirking at you as he walked even closer to you. You furrowed your brow.

"Maybe," you said, a bratty tone behind your voice. You refused to look at him, turning your face away from him. But out of the corner of your eye, you could see Spencer putting the gloves onto his hands.

You knew you were in for it now.

Spencer tilted your chin up to meet his eyes, bottom lip in his teeth as his eyes moved down to your lips. "Most kinks are easy to develop, in case you didn't know. They usually develop when a specific stimulus is paired with sexual notions or behavior."

"Meaning, for one, that you don't need to be so shy about this. And, two, I don't have to understand it fully to please you. So," he said in a low voice, leaning in, so that your faces were mere inches away from each other. "Tell me where you want my hands, Y/N."

You were way too dumbfounded to process all of what he was saying to you. Your breath was heavy, and before you even knew it, you moved one of his gloved hands to your neck, and the other to the hem of your slacks.

Spencer nodded, and, without even a word more, pressed his lips to yours. Before touching you, he grabbed you by the ass and pulled him in closer to you, so that he was standing in the middle of your legs.

Your tongues were all over each other in your kiss as Spencer began squeezing your neck, clearly attempting to gauge how hard you wanted him to go. His gentle hold was cute: But you needed more.

You pulled away from him for just a second to whisper, "Harder. Please," in the neediest voice you had ever put on. Spencer chuckled at you again, obliging as soon as you had asked, and roughened his hold on your neck.

Now, you were happy.

If it weren't for the fact that you were already soaking wet, the latex of the glove may not have felt good, or even let Spencer's finger slip past your throbbing cunt at all. But you were happily surprised to find that his finger went inside of you with ease, causing you to moan out.

"Shhh, sweet girl, none of that," said Spencer in a teasing tone of voice, moving his hand from your neck to cover your mouth. "We wouldn't want anyone else to hear us, would we?" he asked.

You shook your head, cheeks flushed with heat, and that was enough for Spencer. His gloved hand closed around your neck again while he pumped his finger in and out of you at a quick pace.

While having a glove kink was more like a fantasy before all of this, you couldn't believe how good it really made you feel. The rough latex on your cunt provided you with a sort of friction that you had never been able to get when touching yourself in the past, and it was beyond what you were looking for.

"Is this what you wanted?" Spencer asked in a caring voice, bringing his hand to cup your cheek as he fingered you all at once. "Or is there something else I can do for you?"

"A- Ah, Spencer," you moaned out, feeling dizzy with bliss as you answered him. "Please, I just—I think I'm going to need a little more than your fingers," you whined.

Spencer didn't waste a second more and picked you up, holding you gently in his arms. You wrapped your legs around his torso for a beat, and quickly missed the feeling as soon as he put you down to your feet.

Spencer softly pushed your head down and bent you over the bathroom counter, so that you were looking directly at yourself in the mirror. You could hear the sound of Spencer's belt unbuckling from behind, and watched through the mirror as he allowed it to clatter to the ground.

"Spencer—" you said in surprise, mostly of how willing he seemed to do all of this for you.

Maybe you hadn't been the only one keeping your feelings pent up after all.

"What is it, Y/N?" Spencer asked. You were about to answer, when he then took his throbbing cock out from his boxers, giving you a front row view of how hard he was. You shook your head, mumbling to him to forget it.

Spencer pumped himself up and down a few times, and the view was goddamn mesmerizing as he groaned behind you, releasing drops of pre-cum onto your ass. You watched in anticipation, eyes looking at him with a hungry desire to feel him inside of you.

Spencer guided his tip to your aching cunt, then slowly pushed himself inside of you. Already knowing what your response to this would be, he covered your mouth, quickly stopping a moan from leaving your lips.

His other hand gripped your ass again as he moved into you at a pace that was somehow soft and rough at the same time. And then, when he was sure you would keep yourself quiet, he moved his hand back to your throat again.

"Does that feel good, sweet girl?" Spencer cooed, brushing your hair out of your face. You nodded in a little bit of embarrassment at the manner in which this scenario was unfolding.

"Y- Yes. You feel so good, Spencer. You're...So big," you admitted to him, shutting your eyes closed. Spencer's smirking reflection looked back at yours.

"I'm glad you think so," Spencer chuckled, hardening his grip on your bottom as he moved into you, now going at a slower pace. You whimpered at the sudden change of speed, causing Spencer to say, "What, Y/N? What is it?"

"I...Can you go faster? Please?" you croaked.

Spencer pressed a few kisses to the back of your neck and nodded, smirking. "As you wish," he obliged, quickening his pace once more.

"Look at you, sweet girl. All fucked out for me," Spencer whispered, moving you by your hair, so you could gaze at yourself in the mirror. "I'm going to have your legs shaking by the time I'm done with you," he rasped.

Like that wasn't already true.

Spencer pulled you towards him so that your back was flush against his front, and he took each of your tits into his gloved hands as he continued to fuck you. His thumbs ran circles over your hardened nipples as he fondled you, causing a series of broken, whiny moans to leave your lips.

At this point, neither of you gave much of a damn about who heard you.

Spencer could feel your cunt tensing around him, and he knew then and there that you were close. One of his hands roamed down your body, over your chest and stomach, before finding your aching clit and rubbing it the same way he had your nipples.

Once again, that feeling of the latex drove you wild. You felt your climax bubbling up inside of you, threatening to spill over at any given second. "Spencer, please, fuck, I'm so close, I'm so close," you muttered over and over again, biting down on your lip.

"I know, sweet girl, I know," Spencer cooed, pressing rough kisses to your neck. "Are you going to let me fill you up, Y/N?" Spencer asked, looking into your eyes now.

How could you do anything but nod?

"Y- Yes, Spencer. Please do. I want to feel all of you," you begged him.

"You will," he assured you, running his fingers through your hair. "I'm going to fill you up so good," he said. He then looked at you through the mirror, so he could watch you come undone. He finally moaned, "Come on, sweet girl. Come for me."

You didn't need much more than that.

You let yourself go, forced to look at Spencer through the mirror as he held your face in place. Your names left each other's mouths, each in a moan, causing Spencer to cover your mouth as you cried out in pleasure.

Spencer pressed butterfly kisses to your neck as you came down from your high, whispering sweet nothings into your ear as you came back down to earth. Holding you like you were the most fragile thing on the earth, he then kissed you on the mouth, soft and slowly so.

Spencer chuckled, and you turned your head to look at him, a small smile on your lips. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," the genius laughed, nuzzling his nose with yours. "Just thinking..."

"...Maybe I should wear those gloves more often."

—

reblogs are very much appreciated <3

—

please let me know if you want to be added to my tag list!

—

[leeehye]

a dare after all…(C.S)

“…I will show you how crazy you actually make me sweetheart…”

Summary ~ Y/n’s crush on her bodyguard, Choi San becomes known after a mischievous dare at a party. What she doesn’t know is if he feels the same.

warnings ⚠️ ~ mentions of alcohol, touching, language, mentions of sex, suggestive 🔞

a/n ☁️~ I am just loving San right now with Ateez new comeback I had to write this for him! 🔥 its kinda short in my opinion. Might have a pt2 ?

🎶MAKE IT BOUNCY 🎵

The music boomed around the place as I danced with Jia, my best friend, giggling while drinking some more. Not gonna lie the alcohol was starting to kick in.

“Girls! Come join we’re playing truth or dare!” Wooyoung yelled from the livingroom as some of the guys started to gather and Jia and I looked at each other before making our way to them. Before I could get to them I felt a strong hand grabbing my arm. Turning my head I caught the eyes of Choi San, my bodyguard. He had been working for me and my family for some months now and I had started to see him as more than a bodyguard, his broad shoulders, and the way his long sleeves were rolled up exposing his veiny arms sometimes made me go crazy or the way he always cared for me. But it would be so wrong to say I had fallen in love with my bodyguard, my father would kill me.

“Miss Y/n…you should stop drinking and it’s getting late…your father—” he started but I cut him off.

“San…my dad is on a business trip, he is barely at home, and I’m not even drinking a lot…” I said smiling nodding my head assuring him that I would be fine. He let go and I sat down on the floor next to Jia and Mingi.

“San! Dude come on join us! Drop the professionalism at least for tonight!” Wooyoung yelled at him laughing. San just shook his head and took a seat on the couch watching, Wooyoung shrugged and looked around at the group of people.

Wooyoung started the game, starting with asking Seonghwa, who chose dare and Wooyoung made him eat a spoonful of chili pepper paste. I kind of felt bad but it was a bit funny at the same time. Some minutes into the game Mingi decided to ask me.

“Y/n! Truth or dare?�� Mingi asked making me giggle as my cheeks started to blush for some reason. I was nervous for both choices.

“Um…Truth” I said making it come out as a question from my lack of confidence in this game. Mingi chuckled and thought for a few seconds.

“Hm, would you sleep with a person in this room?” Mingi asked as Wooyoung started laughing seeing my shock face.

“Mingi! Shut the fuck up!” I yelled laughing nervously before clearing my throat.

“Yes” I finished off drinking some more of my alcohol feeling hot.

“Oh! Who?” Wooyoung asked quickly, I shrugged my shoulders.

“I am not answering that! It’s not part of the question!” I yelled, throwing him my empty red cup.

Wooyoung laughed and wiggled his eyebrows at me, making a gesture to look behind me. Turning my head slowly I see San’s gaze fixated on me and I quickly turn back after we made eye contact.

I tried my best to hide my face that showed that San was the person I would like (love) to sleep with. I couldn’t just say it though.

Wooyoung seemed to notice and showed a mischievous smirk and continued the game. After having to do some dares and say embarrassing truths. Wooyoung cleared his throat and asked me

“Truth or dare y/n?” He said still with a smirk and I looked at him confused.

I thought about it for a few seconds, not all dares were bad and truths were getting kind of boring. I laugh softly before looking at him.

“dare…”

He bit his lower lip while laughing. He nodded before speaking

“I dare you to kiss your bodyguard” he said and I felt like just killing myself right then wanting the earth to swallow me whole. My eyes widened and my heart started beating fast. Hearing the people around starting to make teasing noises made it worse.

“I…but he’s not even playing” I said trying to avoid the dare but Wooyoung wouldn’t budge he made an annoying “nah-ah” sound and started making kissing noises to annoy me and Mingi started to push me up on my feet.

“I’m helping you out Y/n” he said winking at me playfully as he waved his hands for me to stand up. I slowly stood up hitting Mingi in a playful yet embarrassed way, and made my way to San who was just as shocked as I was. The only difference was that I actually did want to kiss him and him on the other hand, I wasn’t sure what he felt. I slowly sat down next to him on the couch and moved my hand on top of his. His eyes moved down to see my tiny hand on his large one. Before he could look back up at me and say anything I decided to risk it all. It was a dare after all. That could be my excuse.

“I’m sorry…” I whispered only for him to hear.

I gently crushed my lips on his soft ones staring to kiss him gently, not even a second later he returned the kiss. His hand gently moved to the side of my neck. His touch was so magical it did something to me. It came back to me that we were being watched and I slowly broke the kiss. I hesitated to make eye contact with him, slightly noticing the bit of my gloss still on his lips. I blush hard and got up nervously going back to my spot.

My legs and hands were shaking. My cheeks were probably so red but I could blame the alcohol. I had to admit kissing San was a dream come true.

“Should I dare you to go into a room with your bodyguard next Y/n?” Wooyoung said laughing making me come out of my thoughts and I quickly slapped him on the back of his head with some force but still playfully.

“Yah!” He yelled at me jokingly. The game went on and my mind couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss. His lips, his touch was just so sweet just like I imagined it would be.

God. I have really fallen for my hot bodyguard. And my body wanted more of him.

“Hey Y/n come have some more shots!” Wooyoung yelled at me, serving some more drinks kicking me back to reality.

“No thank you, I…I’m getting drowsy and I want to go home now… I think I drank enough tonight ” I said seeing San in the corner of my eye getting up, making my thoughts come back. God I couldn’t imagine what San was thinking. Did he like it? Did he hate it? Was he comfortable? God.

Wooyoung showed a pout and took the shot he had served me.

“Okay well you’re right, I think you both need to go do things huh?” he said laughing. I widened my eyes and made a face at him to shut up.

“Um…Let’s go San… Bye guys!” I said quickly walking out of the house before Wooyoung could say anything else.

- - - - time skips

The ride home was quiet and neither of us spoke. Even if I tried the alcohol was now hitting and I started feeling sleepy, my head slowly hanging as I fell asleep in the car. Minutes later I felt the car come to a stop. My eyes were half open, while I looked around I failed to recognize my own house. I turned my head gently hearing the door open and close and San opened my door.

My drunken self still managed to recall the kiss we shared a few hours ago. He pushed his body into the car ondoing my belt. His neck was on full display for me, he smelled so good, I just wanted to throw myself on him and actually show him how I felt, and just melt into his warmth. He slowly looked at me, our faces close to each other. His strong arm made its way under my thighs and the other one behind my neck and he took me out of the car slowly. My head fell on his shoulder and I kept admiring him with half open eyes.

Good thing I was kind of drunk and that I might forget tomorrow but tonight I wasn’t in the right mind and was willing to risk it all when I asked him the following.

“Did you like it, Sannie?” I mumbled drunkenly. Sannie?! Y/n! Shut up!

After my question I felt his body tense up against mine, his strong arms slowly left my body as he sat me down on the big couch in the living room. My hand quickly pulled him down with me from his shirt.

His eyes widened, quickly holding himself up with his hands to not fall on me completely.

“I asked you a question, San?” I whispered moving his little hairs off his face smiling, his cheeks turned a tint of red as he cleared his throat.

“Miss…I…I don’t think I should answer …I mean it was a game you were playing I don’t—” he started but I cut him off.

“Should I do it again Sannie? It wasn’t just a game to me…” I whispered cupping his face with my hands. His eyes glanced at my lips as he seemed to crave another kiss. I blushed and I started leaning in but he caught my eyes when I saw him leaning in, grabbing my face gently. He now is the one to connect his lips to mine. He was a completely different person from earlier, his tongue slowly licking my bottom lip entering my mouth as our tongues moved against each other. My hands slowly traveled down his chest earning a soft groan from him down to his abs and close to the part where he started to need me most.

He slowly pulls away from the kiss, his breath heavy and a bit fast while he admires me pushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Miss Y/n…As much as I want to…I can’t” he whispered softly resting his forehead on mine as if he was trying his best to not do anything wrong. I looked at him and understood his hesitation. I gently cup his cheek with my hand.

“San…I know you are worried about my father…but how about we keep this a secret? I have feelings for you…I would do anything to be with you” I told him shyly looking down.

San showed a gente smile and raised my face with his thumb and index finger.

“As long as you're comfortable with this my princess…” he said before going back to kissing me gently. His other hand slowly went down to touch my thighs gently moving his hand under my skirt. “I will show you how crazy you actually make me sweetheart…”

“S-San…” I moaned against his lips and he slowly pulled away slowly looking at me with his eyes filled with love and desire.

“let’s go to my room…” I whispered and he chuckled, kissing my jawline.

“If we go to your room, I won’t contain myself anymore darling” he whispered, making me widen my eyes slightly. His hand slowly coming up to the spot under my boob.

“you’ve contained yourself?” I whispered softly shyly and his hands gently moved down to my waist gripping it gently with his fingernails and he slowly nodded his head.

“and you don’t know how hard it's been,” he whispered gently against my neck starting to kiss it and marking me.

“Good thing I’m not telling you to contain yourself right?” I whispered into his ear before he kissed me again. This time harder and passionately as my arms swung around his neck. His hands explored my body in a sweet way slowly touching my thighs making a moan escape from my mouth. He slowly pulled me closer, picking me off the couch. I felt his mouth form a smile making my cheeks heat up.

He made his way to my room with me in his arms . Entering my room he kicked the door gently closing it without breaking the kiss slowly moving down to my neck. His touches are so soft and full of love.

He walked us to my bed laying me down as he comes down with me between my legs kissing down my collarbone. While my hands gently touch his muscles on his arms. I feel a smirk form against my skin and he slowly takes me hands and pins them above my head.

“Tonight is all for you my princess…” he whispered and started to unbutton my blouse. My breathing was heavy and slow and watching how he undid a button one my one made me realize he was the man I wanted to take my virginity not because I had a crush on him but because he was my safe place. If I was going to be with someone for the first time…

It had to be Choi San.

Update: PART 2 - POSTED PART 2

(please don’t be a silent reader I take any opinion or requests I need ideas! 💡)

[madhatterbri]

It All Fell Down | D.P. Part 2

Summary: The fallout costs Damian and Y/N their relationship.

Author's Note: Saw him last night after Smackdown in the last dark match. He went against Jey Uso. 😮‍💨 so fine.

It All Fell Down Part 1 | Damian Priest List | Main List

"Are you ready for our match tomorrow?" Rhea asked happily. She sat next to you at the hotel bar. The two of you decided to go late that night to avoid people calling her Mami that night.

You sat on the stool fixated on the bartender as he counted money from the register. Your mind so far in space, it was like you were visiting ET in his home land. All you could think about was Damian and the look on his face when you broke up with him. A nudge to your arm brought you back down to Earth.

"You okay? Is it a full moon? I swear between Damian ignoring my texts about us being here and you being a bloody space cadet tonight, it's like I'm stuck in the twilight zone," Rhea complained and took another drink.

"Damian isn't going to come," you whispered. Guilt ate at you, and you bit your lip.

"Why? Is he feeling sick?" Rhea pressed.

You were unsure if you should tell her and leave it up to Damian, but she was your friend too. "We broke up,"

"What? When?" She asked and scrolled through her messages. Rhea wondered if she missed anything in her chats with Damian. Tonight was the only night that something was off.

"About three hours ago," you answered. You frowned and started to cry. The pain was worse than you could have ever thought possible with dating someone for a few weeks. He was with you for everything. It felt like a dream, but now you were living a nightmare.

"What happened?" She asked and rubbed your back. You cleared your throat and told your side of the story.

💜🖤

You first thought about breaking up with Damian the night Finn found out. Continuing the relationship felt like a dig at Finn. The way he looked at the two of you lived in your mind rent-free. Every time you closed your eyes, you can see his hurt face. Damian convinced you that things would get better and decided not to split.

The relationship was going strong until you finally cornered Finn to talk to you. It was in an elevator, and it was a happy chance. He tried to ignore you, but you cornered him. Finally, he let you have all of it.

He didn't appreciate your broken promise to him or Damian for almost letting Finn ask you for another chance. The betrayal of you two sneaking around instead of telling him was brought up. Now, he was upset because you messed with his career. That conversation made you feel worse. You knew what you had to do.

"Break up? Take it easy. Finn will eventually come around to us," the archer of infamy shrugged. His arms crossed over his chest as you sat at the foot of the bed. Your hands rubbed together nervously.

"No, he won't," your voice cracked. "This was all a mistake. I cost us our friendship to Finn,"

"Our relationship is many things, but it is not a mistake," he defended. "Why are you so willing to throw us away for a man having a temper tantrum?"

"I'm not throwing us away, Dam. We are just going back to being friends," you tried to explain. You knew it would be hard to break up with him, but you never expected such a fight. He told you he didn't know if he could just be friends with you.

The argument didn't get much better from there. There was no yelling, but there was a lot of hurt. Finally, he threw his hands in the air and took a few steps back. There was no changing your mind about all of this.

Before he left your hotel room, he turned to look at you. "I love you, Y/N. I just wish that would have been enough for us,"

💜🖤

The air in the bar was thick. Rhea bit her lip and contemplated on what to say next. All this drama had gone on long enough. For the most part, everyone kept it professional, and it was contained between you and Judgment Day.

"It's late. Why don't you get some sleep? I want you to be good for tomorrow. Here, I will help walk you to your room," Rhea offered. You gladly took her up on her offer. She helped get you settled back in and left.

She stood outside your door and grabbed her phone. Finn's name lit up her phone screen. She hit the message button.

"You and I need to talk," the message simply stated. She hit send and waited for his response.

[poptimus-prime]

Here's my piece for the To Be Gentle Zine hosted by @allsparkzines! It features TFP Optimus and the human kiddos meeting a rather prickly little critter.

I did my best and that's what matters.

Title: Nature Walk

Word Count: 950

It was a warm evening in early summer, and Optimus was grateful for a wave of peace. He continued on, making sure the children were still nearby. They were scaling the hills beside him as he walked, the slope not too steep and eventually leaving them at around eye level to him. 

He smiled to himself as he watched them all chatter among themselves, and how Jack and Miko would walk slowly to allow Raf to keep up on his little legs. Something about the mundane nature on Earth spoke to his spark; it refreshed him and made him more resolute to fight for it. 

He wished it didn’t take the war to get here, but he wouldn’t trade these moments for anything.

He pauses to take a look at some flowers on a tree, slightly wilted as they prepare to become fruits. He finds himself fixated on the mottled pink petals that are now dry and wrinkled, and he wishes his hands weren't so big that it would be nearly impossible to touch them.

“Hey, Optimus, check this out.” Jack interrupted his train of thought. He looked over to see the teen pointing at a tree in the near distance, though upon further inspection it was clear that he wanted Optimus to see the bird perched on one of its strong branches. It cawed out loudly, flapping its wings to resettle.

It was a beautiful bird, Optimus thought, noting its striking burnt orange tail. He racked his memory for the name of this bird, this hawk more specifically.

“I believe this one is called a red-tailed hawk.” He responded with a small smile, watching Miko take pictures on her phone. “Though, it seems to be a bit of a misnomer, because I have never seen one with a truly red tail.

“Seems pretty red to me.” Miko hummed out her observation. 

“You’ve seen lots of them?” Raf asked Optimus with wide eyes, flapping his hand a little. 

“Of course, I frequently come out to this part of this landmass. This is where many of them live.” Optimus explained. “I haven’t seen many of them in Jasper.”

“Yeah, they don’t live out there.” Raf sighed. “Unless the zoo counts.”

“I understand.”

Optimus and the children continued on, talking about the various animals Optimus had run into—polar bears and penguins, tigers and elephants, and his favorite—the moose. 

“I hope we’ll see a moose.” Miko said to Optimus. “I heard they’re so big and kinda epic.”

“I believe we are a little too far south to see a moose.” Optimus admitted. “But we will see.”

“Why is that your favorite animal?” Jack asked, more curious than anything else.

“…I’ve never really stopped to think about that.” Optimus admitted. “Do I really need a justification for why?”

“No, not really.” The teen answered back. “People just have different reasons for how they define a favorite animal. Sometimes that’s interesting to hear about.”

“Hm…” Optimus thought hard as they walked. He remained quiet for a few minutes before speaking again. “I suppose I appreciate how protective they are of their offspring.”

“You would say something like that.” Miko snorted a little, delighted in how much of a softie this giant robot was. 

“Well, it's the truth.” Optimus insisted, pausing as he heard the rustle of the bush nearby. His audials slowly turned back, almost apprehensive. The children took note, barely peeking out from the edge of his shoulder as he stood in front of them. 

After a painful minute of rustling, interspersed with yowling, a small bobcat ran from the brush, many quills sticking out from it. Optimus almost went after it, but by the time he registered the quills, it was already gone.

“Poor thing…” He laments, guilty that he couldn't have helped the cat.

“He'll be fine later.” Jack assured Optimus, patting his plating. “He probably won't tangle with whatever got him again.”

“Was it a hedgehog? Do you think a hedgehog is nearby?” Miko asked, very pleased at the thought. “I didn't know there would be hedgehogs here!”

“Hedgehogs don't live here, Miko.” Raf informed, a little disappointed at the fact.

“Another quilled creature does, however.” Optimus turned his head to them and brought his finger to his lips. The children obeyed, quiet and still. Optimus could feel tension build in his frame as he held still, waiting.

A rather frumpy looking creature covered with the same quills that cursed the bobcat emerged from the same bush, making its way to a nearby tree. It sniffed in Optimus and the children's general direction, and then began to scale the tree.

Miko in particular was transfixed, watching as the animal shimmied up the tree, using its tail as almost a fifth limb. She had her phone out to record video, but she found herself…not doing that.

“What a rare sight.” Optimus’ voice curled lightly under his smile. “A North American porcupine. I have heard that most humans who go out of their way looking for one never find one.”

“And we got to see one without even trying.” Jack caught on to what Optimus was implying, a smile on his face.

“It's so cute!” Miko giggled. “I wanna hug it.”

“I wouldn't. Didn't you see what it did to that bobcat?” Raf cringed a tiny bit.

“Right.” She sighed. “That would hurt.”

Optimus couldn't help but allow a chuckle to bark out of the back of his throat. Of all the things he found curious about humanity, the fact that they could look at dangerous animals and want to hug them was rather amusing. 

Though, he questioned how dangerous a porcupine actually was. Perhaps he would have to do more reading later. 

[literaryavenger]

Captain America: The Winter Soldier - 2

Summary: You meet Sam and get a closer look at your enemy. Maybe a little too close...

Pairing: platonic!Steve Rogers x F!Reader, platonic!Natasha Romanoff x F!Reader, platonic!Sam Wilson x F!Reader

Warnings: Language. Rumlow being a dick. Mentions of death. Mentions of fighting and fire arms. The Winter Soldier, he's a warning. My poor attempts at being funny. Idk, everything else in the movie?

Word Count: 3.1K

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

By the time you arrive at your destination it’s morning and Natasha’s awake, a little worse for wear but she assures you she’s fine. You help her as you walk up to the door and Steve knocks on it.

“Hey, man.” the man Steve informed you is named Sam answers the door.

“I'm sorry about this,” Steve says “we need a place to lay low.”

“Everyone we know is trying to kill us.” Natasha adds.

“Not everyone.” he says after looking at all three of you for a few seconds, then he lets you in and closes the door after taking a quick look outside.

You stay in the kitchen with Sam as Natasha and Steve clean up. “So, how do you know Captain Spangles?”

You ask him as he cooks, making him laugh. “I met him a couple of days ago on a run. What about you?”

“We work together.” you meet his eye and he raises an eyebrow at you, willing you to go on. “I guess you might as well know, after all you are harboring two fugitives.”

“Fugitives? Who is Captain America running from?” he turns around, giving you his full attention.

“SHIELD. Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.” That's obviously not enough information for him, so you keep going.

“it’s an espionage and security organization that defends Earth and its people from groups that pose advanced technological, and sometimes supernatural or extraterrestrial, threats. I’m an Agent of Shield, currently working for the STRIKE team which happen to be the very same bad people that are looking for Tasha and Steve.” you end bitterly, looking away from Sam and shaking your head, disappointed in yourself.

“Well, you don’t look like a very bad person, why are you working with them?” Sam surprises you with this question, clearly he’s a very good judge of character.

“I was assigned when I became a pawn to an asshole’s psychotic plan to rule the world.” you deadpan.

“Don’t worry, it happens to all of us one time or the other” he says with a smirk, making you laugh.

He then goes to inform Steve and Nat that breakfast is ready. When he comes back you give him an amused look, raising your eyebrow in question. “If you guys eat that sort of thing?”

“I don’t know what supersoldiers and spies eat.” he shrugs and laughs with you.

“You two are getting along great.” Nat wiggles her eyebrows at you as she takes a seat at the table.

“Down, girl.” you tell her with a fake glare, which she merely smirks at. “So, Captain. Care to fill us mortals in about what you found at the camp?”

“Hydra.” he simply says, sitting down “We found Hydra.”

“Hydra? So you’re telling me that Pierce, STRIKE and who knows how many other Shield agents that we’ve been working along with for decades are Hydra?!” you try to wrap your head around it, but how can you? You knew they were bad dudes, you just didn’t think they were this bad.

“Yeah…” Natasha says, clear from her face that she’s feeling as betrayed as you do.

“Do you know anything about who killed Fury?” you ask quietly, eyes fixated on your plate. “Did Pierce have anything to do with it?”

“It was the Winter Soldier.” Natasha says, and your eyes snap to hers. 

You weren’t there on her mission in Odessa, but you and Clint were both there for her afterwards and she told you all about it. You tried to stop her from going after him, resisting the urge to say ‘I told you so’ when her search concluded in nothing.

“The Winter Soldier?” Sam echoes. “Who’s that?”

“A Hydra supersoldier.” Steve answers.

“There’s more of you?” Sam asks, a little surprised.

“How do you know he’s a supersoldier?” You ask at the same time, just as surprised. “What does he look like?”

“He’s strong. Too strong.” Steve says, “tall, dark long hair, metal arm-”

"Wait," Sam interrupts, looking as dumbfounded as you're feeling at that last detail, "He has a METAL ARM?!" 

"That's really not the important part here." Steve says, like it was a normal thing to be discussing. 

"Easy for you to say, supersoldier serum." you interject quickly, "A hit with that and we're worse than useless" you say while pointing to yourself and Sam.

Nat is snickering and looking at Sam, probably waiting for him to disagree, but apparently he has as much self-awareness as you do.

"No, she's right." he says "I might be a badass, but I'm certainly not metalproof."

“Exactly.” you nod.

“Ok, we can worry about that later.” Steve dismisses you with an eye roll. You and Sam share a concerned look, but let it go.

“So, the question is: who in SHIELD could launch a domestic missile strike?” Nat asks.

“Pierce.” Steve promptly answers.

“Who happens to be sitting on top of the most secure building in the world.” you interject.

“But he's not working alone,” Steve says “Zola's algorithm was on the Lemurian Star.”

“So was Jasper Sitwell.” Natasha ends. There’s a moment of silence before Steve asks the next obvious question.

“So, the real question is: how do the two most wanted people in Washington kidnap a Shield officer in broad daylight?”

“The answer is: you don’t.” Sam says, dropping some files on the table and looking at you, you narrow your eyes on him in suspicion when you meet his gaze while Steve picks up the files.

“What is this?” he asks.

“Call it a resume.” he says cryptically as you move behind Steve to look at the files.

“Is this Bakhmala? The Khalid Khandil mission, that was you?” you ask and he nods as Natasha looks at Steve.

“You didn’t say he was a pararescue.” she says, looking at the photo he was holding.

“Is this Riley?” Steve asks Sam.

“Yeah.” Sam confirms.

“I heard they couldn't bring in the choppers because of the RPGs. What did you use, a stealth chute?” Natasha asks him now.

“No,” he says, handing Steve another file “these.”

“I thought you said you were a pilot.” Steve says, a little shocked.

“I never said pilot.” Sam smirks.

“I can't ask you to do this, Sam.” Steve reasons “You got out for a good reason.”

“Dude, Captain America needs my help.” he says, obviously feeling very proud “There's no better reason to get back in.” you snort at his patriotism and he’s smirking again.

“Where can we get our hand on one of these?” you question him.

“The last one is at Fort Meade, behind three guarded gates and a twelve-inch steel wall.” he promptly says and you narrow your eyes at him in suspicion again even if you can't help but grin. Why does he even know that?

Steve looks at Natasha who shrugs and then at you and you nod, so he turns back to Sam. “Shouldn’t be a problem.”

-

You end up getting paired with Sam so you find yourself sitting with him at a cafe near the stairs Sitwell should be coming down any minute now.

“There he is.” you discreetly tell Sam as you see him walking with Senator Stern and a few bodyguards. You watch them talk and then the senator starts walking away.

“Call him now” you tell Sam. Sitwell says something to his guards and when they walk away he answers the phone.

“Agent Sitwell, how was lunch?” Sam says casually “I hear the crab cakes here are delicious.” you giggle and Sam grins at you. 

You can’t hear the other side of the conversation, but can guess what Sitwell asks when Sam says “The good looking guy in the sunglasses with the pretty girl, your ten o'clock” you roll your eyes at Sam and you see Sitwell turn the wrong way.

“Your other ten o’clock. There you go.” he says when he spots you two. Sam raises his glass at him while you simply wave at Sitwell.

You can see his lips moving while talks and then Sam says, “You're gonna go around the corner, to your right. There's a grey car, two spaces down. The three of us are gonna take a ride.”

He says something else and Sam answers with “Because that tie looks really expensive, and I'd hate to mess it up.” you smirk as you see him look down at the red spot on his tie and then look around him, clearly panicking.

“Consider him convinced.” you tell Sam as you both make your way to the car and he laughs.

Once you enter the vehicle, Sitwell in the back seat, his eyes almost pop out of his skull when he finally recognizes you.

“Agent YLN?!” he all but yells.

“Sir.” you say sarcastically, saluting him.

-

You get to the building Steve and Nat are in and escort Sitwell to the top of the stairs while Sam suits up.

“All yours, Captain.” you tell him, shoving Sitwell towards him. 

Steve pushes him aggressively through the door to the roof. “Tell me about Zola’s algorithm.”

“Never heard of it.”

“What were you doing on the Lemurian Star?” Steve tries.

“I was throwing up, I get seasick.” you try to hide a smirk, you have to give it to him, dude is funny.

Steve keeps pushing him until he’s on the edge of the roof, but Sitwell simply smiles. “Is this little display meant to insinuate that you're gonna throw me off the roof? Because it's really not your style, Rogers.”

“You’re right. It’s not.” Steve says calmly as he straightens the agent’s suit, then nods toward Natasha. “It’s hers.”

He stands aside and Nat simply kicks Sitwell and he goes down screaming.

“Oh wait, what about that girl from accounting, Laura…?” Natasha trails off, and you think of who she could be talking about.

“Lilian” Steve corrects her “Lip piercing, right?” she nods.

“Oh yeah” you say when you place her “She’s cute” you add, looking at Steve.

“Yeah, I’m not ready for that.” He simply says and you roll your eyes and share a look with Natasha.

You suddenly see Sam flying up towards the roof with his Falcon jet-pack, holding Sitwell and then throwing him on the roof. “That’s cool” you say quietly as you get closer to Sitwell.

He holds his hands up in fear, then starts talking. “Zola's algorithm is a program...for choosing Insight's targets!”

“What targets?” Steve says.

“You!” He yells “A TV anchor in Cairo, the Undersecretary of Defense, a high school valedictorian in Iowa city. Bruce Banner, Stephen Strange, anyone who's a threat to HYDRA! Now, or in the future.”

“The Future?” you’re all thinking the same thing “How could it know?” Sitwell simply laughs.

“How could it not? The 21st century is a digital book. Zola taught HYDRA how to read it.” You all look at him while frowning in confusion “Your bank records, medical histories, voting patterns, e-mails, phone calls, your damn SAT scores. Zola's algorithm evaluates people's past to predict their future.”

“And what then?” Steve says, worry all over his face.

“Oh, my God.” Sitwell says, more to himself while looking at the ground “Pierce is gonna kill me.”

“What then?!” you all but yell, your patience running out fast.

“Then the Insight Helicarriers scratch people off the list.” He looks back up at Steve before finishing. “A few million at a time.”

You all look at each other, the same worry written on all your faces. This is definitely not good.

-

You’re all in Sam’s car directed towards the Triskelion while Sitwell’s still freaking out. “HYDRA doesn’t like leaks.”

“Then why don't you try sticking a cork in it.” Sam answers from the driver's seat and you snort in amusement, before trying for the millionth time to get more comfortable.

“Why do I have to sit in the middle?” you almost whine, meeting Steve’s eyes in the rearview mirror and pouting like a child while he glares at your antics.

“Insight's launching in sixteen hours,” Natasha says, leaning into you to look at Steve, completely ignoring your little temper tantrum. “we're cutting it a little bit close here.”

“I know.” Steve says “We'll use him to bypass the DNA scans and access the Helicarriers directly.”

“What?! Are you crazy?” If you thought he was freaking out before. “That is a terrible, terrible idea-”

He gets interrupted by a thud in the roof then a hand breaks through the window on Sitwell’s side and throws him into the next lane where he gets hit by a truck, instantly killing him. 

You have no time to process anything as the person on the roof starts shooting, narrowly missing you and Natasha as you both move to the front of the car, Nat on Steve’s lap and you on Sam’s. 

Steve pulls the brake handle, and the person gets thrown down onto the street.

“That’s a cool move” you say while you see the Winter Soldier slide to a stop with his metal hand and then get up.

“Seriously?” Sam glares at you.

“I’m just saying-” you cut yourself off when you turn to face Sam, seeing an armored truck coming towards you. 

A second later the vehicle that you’re now sure is being used by the STRIKE team smashes into the back of Sam’s car and pushes it, you can feel Sam holding tight onto your waist at the impact and you can see Natasha dropping her gun. 

The Winter Soldier jumps back onto the car and you all look up, Sam pushes the brakes, but a metal hand smashes through the windshield and you let out a high pitch scream as you hold onto Sam tighter, burying your face in his neck to protect your face from the glass as the steering wheel gets pulled out of the car.

You can hear Sam scream “Shit!” then Natasha finally gets a hold of her gun and starts shooting at the roof but the Winter Soldier jumps onto the vehicle behind you that taps the back of your car sending it towards the divider on the road. 

Steve holds on to the car door and yells “Hang On!”

Natasha holds onto him and he grabs Sam while you hold onto Sam as if your life depended on it, which it kind of does, his hold on you just as tight. 

Somehow Steve breaks open the door and you all slide through the street as Sam’s car flies through the air, the truck with the Winter Soldier on top of it going a bit further before stopping.

You and Sam slip from the door and roll on the street while Natasha and Steve stay on it and slip closer to the bad guys.

Before you can comprehend what’s happening you get pulled behind a car by Sam, bullets flying towards you. 

You barely register Natasha hiding behind the car next to you before Sam’s pulling you further away to hide behind another car. Once they stop shooting at you and Sam, you take a minute to catch your breath.

“Thank you” you tell him and he turns your way.

“Anytime” he says, then he chances a look towards the armed guys before turning back to you. “Ready?”

You nod, and as you both discreetly make your way closer to them you silently hand a tactical knife to Sam and then take one out for yourself.

As you get closer you hear the Winter Soldier order the others in Russian to find Steve while he takes care of Nat, then he easily jumps off the bridge onto a car. 

Damn. He may be lethal but it’s impressive what he can do.

The others use ice axes with ropes to rappel down and then start shooting the bus that Steve fell into. 

As the last two agents are about to jump down, you and Sam sneak up behind them. You stab one of them while Sam cuts the gun strap of the other and then kicks him down the bridge. 

You look towards Sam a little shocked but he merely nods and then the both of you bring your attention back to the street below and proceed to help take out the guys shooting at Steve.

“Go, we got this!” Sam yells down when Steve looks up and sees you shooting the guys that are now focused on both of you and not the Captain. So he takes the opportunity to run after the Winter Soldier.

Just as you finish shooting the last guy, you see an explosion coming from the direction Steve just ran to and you share a worried glance with Sam.

“Let’s go.” he says and you don’t need to be told twice.

You follow him to his car where he manages to open the trunk and get his wings then he puts them on before turning back to you and putting his hands on your waist. “You better hold on”

You barely have time to put your arms around his neck and he’s taking flight “I don’t like this!” you yell in his ear and can hear him chuckling.

You get closer to them just in time to see a now maskless Winter Soldier aim his gun at Steve, the idiot frozen for some reason. 

“Let go!” you tell Sam and he does, basically throw your on the supersoldier assassin. Not the best plan, but you get him away from Steve.

When you get up and see the face of the Soldier, your eyes widen in shock as you recognize the soldier from the numerous black and white photos you've seen of the Howling Commandos.

“Sergeant Barnes?” you say, but his face has no recognition of the name.

He stops for merely a second to glance at Steve behind you before bringing his gun up again, but before he can shoot there’s a sound behind you. You duck instinctively and then a car near the sergeant blows up.

You look behind you and see Natasha with Barnes’ gun leaning on a car, Steve’s face as shocked as you feel. When you turn back around where the soldier was, he’s already gone.

The four of you get surrounded pretty quickly, Rumlow’s stupid face coming into view as he screams at Steve to drop the shield and get on his knees, kicking Steve’s leg and then yours as you’re next to him now.

“You made the wrong choice, Agent.” he tells you and you roll your eyes.

“Shut the fuck up, Rumlow.” He presses his gun against your head and almost growls, annoyed that even with a big ass gun pointed at you you’re not even a little bit afraid of him. 

His attention gets taken off of you when he looks up to a news helicopter and then the idiot holding Steve Rogers at gunpoint and says, “Put the gun down. Not here. Not here!” 

Rollins finally puts his gun down and then they take you, Steve, Sam and a bleeding Natasha into custody.

[avocado-writing]

(1/2) 8 anon here! Your the place where the pages meet post is so good! I love it especially you realise the chances are half & half because it probably will rain 🌧️, you scolded yourself for being too ambitious 🥺, your shop is small but cozy 😌, just their friendship with Charles & Proto are so wholesome 🤭, you did ask who to expect 👍, he only said you would know when you see him which is mischievous of him 😁, just how grateful you are to Charles for how much he has supported you 🥲, you heard a pickup truck & went out to check 🛻, your thoughts when you saw Logan is definitely what I thought when I saw him for the first time 💯, you did ask him if it's Logan which he did answer 👍, how neutral his expression is 😐, you asked if he's here for Charles's books which he also answered 👍, their brief conversation about books being stolen 🤣, you saw his smile briefly 👀, you also called him a jerk in your mind 😂, it's heavy for you but not for him 💪, you try to ignore how your fingers touch his 🙂‍↔️, he thanked you 👍, you told him to be careful of the rain 🌧️, you get to see his smile a bit longer ☺️, you didn't want to see him again....until you changed your mind next week XD, he's a welcome change in your life 🤭, how strong your denial is 😁, you didn't expect to hear a motorcycle 🏍️, you're obviously distracted but you tried to act like you're engrossed in your book 📖, how you like that he smells of leather & tobacco 👃, you mentioned how he should wear a helmet which I agree 🪖, he doesn't need it but appreciates the concern 👍, you tried to hide your blush by looking for Charles's book 📖, you managed to find it 😤, you told him to tell them if Charles would like the sequel too which he did answered 👍, you just wanted him to stay longer 🥺, what you were trying to ask were fine 👍, what you asked instead XD, even he's baffled 🤣, your brain apologising to your mouth for not stopping in time 🧠, you did try to explain yourself 👍, he replied softly as if he's putting you out of your misery which you wish for it 😖, you apologised to the authors for wanting to burn the place down with the books out of embarrassment 🔥, he actually bought a book 📖, he said see you next week... Which he did (⁠゜⁠o⁠゜⁠; you're surprised you managed to say something to him 🗣️, the weather isn't the only thing that's hot 😏, how fixated you are about his biceps & veins despite trying not to 💪, you didn't expect him to be so close (⁠☉⁠｡⁠☉⁠)⁠!, you found him sliding his sunglasses up his hair hot like me 🕶️, he just pointed out that you're reading but you were defensive like me 😅, he made it clear that he wasn't trying to offend you 👍, you're clearly excited to talk about books while he's engaged in it ☺️, you force yourself to cut yourself off because others found it absurd 🥺, he asked about the book you're reading 📖, how much you loved your book & the author of the book 💕, you tried to stop talking 🛑, both of you didn't expect your question ❓, your brain still tried to stop your mouth 🧠, how both of you didn't expect you to ask him on a date 📅, you wanted to throw yourself to a passing garbage truck like me 🗑️, he genuinely smiled & accepted ☺️, you praised your mouth 👄, you made sure to give him the details 👍, HE'S the one who said it's a date (⁠゜⁠o⁠゜⁠; he was waiting which you misunderstood 😅, he wanted the book 📖, you wanted the Earth swallow you like I do 🌍, you really thought he wouldn't turn up so you were shocked to see him (⁠☉⁠｡⁠☉⁠)⁠!, how both of you are dressed 👍, how obvious that both of you want this date 🤭, he let you talk & answer your questions ❓, both of you didn't mention about being a mutant 🤫, you kept quiet as you like him for him 😤, he bought the tickets & refreshments 🎫 🍿🥤, you're felt inadequate next to him that you looked around if anyone is staring 👀, you nearly missed the fact he's holding your hand (⁠・⁠o⁠・⁠), he asked gently if you're here with him which you managed to nod 🙂‍↕️,

hehe thank you darling!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 😊🩷🩷

[ryverbind]

Faceless Fixation {Sal Fisher}: Fingertips and Fishnets [9]

As if on cue, Sally walks up to us with a slightly puzzled look in his eyes. He slows his pace once he gets closer, looking between our huddled group with a bottle of Budweiser in his right hand. Ew.

Then his eyes narrow as he scoots around us and sits on the stairs leading up to the stage. Our eyes follow him, but Larry and Ash are painfully obvious about it.

"What?" Sally murmurs softly, looking between his friends and purposefully trying to avoid me from what I can tell. Do I make him nervous?

If that's the case now, then it's bound to change once he finds out I'm VioletViolence.

"Uh," Larry drags out, tapping his fingers together. "Um."

"No," I cut Larry off. "Sally's playing the game, too. We'll see if he can figure it out for himself, but," I watch Sally carefully as he looks down at his beer, avoiding all of us. "That also means he has the opportunity to get the same treatment you all did."

I feel like I'm going to vomit when Sal's oceanic gaze clashes with mine. It's like his eyes alone have knocked me off my feet. The eye contact makes my heart race, makes my knees weak, and makes me tense up like I've just gotten jostled around a bit too much. But I don't turn away from him. I watch him.

And karma is sitting on my shoulder, asking if I'm ready to get kicked in the ass for this somewhere in the near future. 

And my answer to her is yes.

"Sally," I say, a bit more confident than just seconds ago despite my raging physical reactions to his attention on me. "I kissed Ash. I kissed Larry. I hugged Todd," I start, watching his eyes grow a bit wider. I have to contain a smirk from ruining this entire charade for me. 

"Can I kiss you too?"

Everyone is dead silent to the point that the music blurs out in the background. We wait for an answer with bated breath, no one able to truly process what was just said.

No, Todd didn't ask. Neither did Sally. Those words came from my mouth and the bluenette was the sole receiver of that question.

I'm honestly a bit shocked by the question myself. I don't know what possessed me to ask him that. Is it curiosity? A desire for revenge? Why the fuck did I say that?

I can't see his face, but I can tell, without a shadow of a doubt, that Sally is hardcore gaping at me. It shows in the pink tint growing under his eyes and his wide, blown out pupils. I can't even see the edges of his eyebrows right now.

"E-Excuse me?" he squeaks out, clearing his throat. "I'm sorry, I won't take my prosthetic off," he gently says, surprising me.

My nose scrunches lightly as I force a smile onto my face despite my shock. Is he really this soft and bashful? He was incredibly confident with Lexi, then an ass to Vi and y/n. So what is going on here?

"You don't have to take your prosthetic off for me to kiss you. I won't do anything you aren't comfortable with. Would you be okay with that?" I ask him, taking a hesitant step forward.

Will my mouth ever stop? And can my feet pause? Please?

My brain is fighting a losing battle with my body. I scream at myself to stop, to walk away, but I can't. I can't stop everything that's happening and the longer it goes on, the more my mind... doesn't want to stop.

Sally's rings scratch across glass as he tightens his hand around his bottle, never breaking our tense eye contact. "U-Um." He blinks at me, cursing beneath his breath. "I mean, you-- you can do whatever you want, I guess."

I flinch, trying to hide the action as a shiver. But, in truth, I'm flabbergasted. Does he find me attractive? Is that why he's so nervous but open to a kiss regardless? I don't know what to think of this guy. I've met and experienced so many sides of him, but he ends up having more fucking sides.

Will these discoveries ever stop?

"Okay," I finally push out, pinching my lips together for a moment. "One condition. It's the same condition I gave Ash. Is there anyone on this earth that you would not want to kiss you?" I'm going to be fair with him. I'm not an asshole-- if he says he doesn't want VioletViolence to kiss him, then I'll keep my distance.

Honestly, he's probably going to spit my name out in a minute here. Even if we do have some sexual attraction to each other-- even if he owes me an orgasm-- I won't kiss him without consent.

"No, there's no one I wouldn't really want to kiss me. Not that I can think of." Sally surprises me with his words again, lightly shaking his head as he speaks, still staring into my eyes.

"Are you absolutely sure?" I ask again, trying to give him the hint. Maybe he'll catch on.

But all he does is nod, his gaze taking on a yearning glint that makes me want to turn and walk away. He wants this bad, and gosh, why does he want it so badly? I almost feel like I can hear his voice in my head, on his knees and begging me so prettily. 

Why him? And why am I pushing to kiss him?

Dangerous as always.

My feet move on their own again, dragging me over to where Sally's seated until I'm staring down at him, his face just a few inches below mine. And he simply watches me, waiting patiently on the outside, but fidgeting and foaming at the mouth on the inside. I can see it in his captivating eyes. He's incredibly easy to read.

My breath comes out in shattered pants that I try to quiet down as I gently lift my hands, gaining the opportunity to slide one over the tattoo on his neck. My pulse is racing and I can feel it in every inch of my body. My heart thumps so aggressively that I'm afraid he'll feel it in my fingertips.

Sally's Adam's apple bobs as he gulps nervously, the action stealing my attention. I watch the way his throat moves, then take note of my fingers brushing over his tattoo. I can instantly feel heat pool between my legs, so I drag my thighs together to contain some of my dignity, if at all possible.

I look into Sal's eyes again, mapping out a scar in his left eyebrow and another directly under his eye. They aren't deep, but they were probably deep enough at some point if they're still here. I don't know the magnitude of his injury, but I'm an understanding person. I see why he chooses to cover himself, though I wish he wouldn't. He may be an aggravating prick, but I wouldn't miss a chance to admire his beauty.

I still ache to touch his skin and see what's hidden beneath the prosthetic just inches away from me. Part of me thinks I'll always ache this way.

I push one hand through his soft cerulean hair, nearly groaning at the contact. I thought this would be hard for him, but it's even harder for me. To contain myself even though I want to just sit on his lap and kiss him senseless-- when I want to steal his breath away so badly. He still has some restraint, but I'm holding onto mine by a worn thread.

My hand drags through his hair to the nape of his neck, then I pull gently. Sally closes his eyes momentarily, and when he opens them again, they're hooded-- like he's accepted his fate and is adjusting to the tense air around us. He's embracing our situation.

Cool hands brush over my thighs and I nearly jump in surprise, but I manage to keep myself rooted in place. I don't have to look down to know that Sally's weaving his fingers through the holes of my fishnets, his fingertips digging into my skin.

I take a deep, shuddering breath when he spreads his legs, using his grip on my thighs to pull me closer, letting me walk into the space he's created.

Sally's in control now, watching me confidently and lustfully, unassuming but expecting. He's ready, and I'm far from it. This is going to change everything for me, but I can't seem to stop myself. I can't make myself step away.

His painted fingernails scratch softly against my heated skin, a dull stinging feeling following the action. He squints his eyes, like he's trying to tell me to hurry up. That he doesn't want to wait anymore.

It's a snapping point for me. Just the little bit of skin-to-skin contact makes me lose all sensibility, though my ability to play the long game is still intact. Somehow.

I bring a hand up, running my palm over the rough material of his prosthetic. It doesn't feel how I imagined it would. It looks smooth, but feels more like plaster. So I use my hand to pull him toward me a bit, then I lean down the rest of the way.

I gently press my lips against his rough prosthetic lips and shut my eyes. They aren't his lips, but I'm close enough to him for now. I'm able to hear the deep, muffled breath he takes with our proximity.

Sally's fingers leave the holes of my fishnets and wrap around the back of my thighs instead, his full hand enveloping my skin tightly, making my heart race at an uncomfortable and slightly concerning rate.

His hands squeeze around my legs, the edge of his fingers brushing against the end of my skirt as he yanks me a little closer despite our lips never being able to touch. I suck in a breath through my nose at his actions, gently scratching at the tattoo on his neck.

Then, I pull away. I'm not entirely sure how I've managed to do it, but I find the willpower and separate my lips from his prosthetic ones. 

He's still gripping onto my skin, my chest pressed to his-- when did that happen?-- and he's breathing hard, nearly panting. To think that I have such an effect on him. Then again, I'm in the same exact disheveled state that he's in. I can't say shit.

I release a shaky breath, looking into his intense icy eyes that stare back at me confidently, but still a bit shocked.

I bite my bottom lip. I need to put an end to this before things escalate and I put myself in a hole I can't dig my way out of. "You wouldn't even mind if the person you hated most in the world kissed you?" I breathe out, watching his brows furrow a bit.

"I don't hate anyone," Sally rasps in his deep voice. My heart skips a beat and I wish he'd squeeze me tighter. Touch me more. Run his hands over every inch of my body. I don't even care that we're on a rooftop full of people.

He smells like bergamot and leather-- just like the first time he and I met. And he must use some type of musky, masculine shampoo because I can't help but gravitate closer to him to try and drown in his scent.

"I think that's a lie, Sally," I say softly, watching him glance back and forth between my eyes and mouth. He looks like he's thinking what I'm thinking-- that he wants this prosthetic off and our lips to actually meet. "What about VioletViolence? Don't you hate her?"

Sally gulps again and I squeeze the side of his neck, running my thumb over the soft skin of his neck and wishing I could trace the outline of his dagger tattoo.

"Are you trying to piss me off?" he murmurs, his grip loosening on my thighs. Ah, he's catching onto the hints I'm giving off even if he doesn't understand them yet. He knows something's up, though.

I snap myself out of the spell I so desperately want to stay under. But, I do indulge in the opportunity a bit more.

My fingers drag from the side of his prosthetic and down the length of his neck-- over his Adam's apple and just under the collar of his shirt. "I'm not trying to piss you off. I'm trying to tell you something." I look into his eyes, practically screaming for him to read between the lines without words. "Put it together, Sal." His name falls from my lips like a carnal plea before I can even stop myself.

But his name seems to snap him to reality and he narrows his eyes at me.

My hands fall from his body as his pull away from my thighs. I don't move from between his legs though, I just watch the gears visibly turn in his head.

And I enjoy the moment he walks through each stage of grief. Fuck, it feels damn good.

I can see the second he suspects me, but thinks that it's not possible. Then, he physically grows angry at the audacity of VioletViolence thinking she can kiss him. After, he tries to think of ways he can escape this situation or get me away from him. Next, he's struggling to understand how he was able to fall victim to my vice-like, hypnotizing words. And finally, he accepts the fact that I'm standing before him.

It's gratifying to watch him regress to the anger stage. I witness the exact moment he snaps, his glaring eyes connecting with mine like a depraved animal breaking out of its cage and meeting its aggressor.

He jumps to his feet, beer bottle smashing to the ground beside us.

His face is mere centimeters from mine and I can hear his harsh, panting, angry breaths as he glares into my soul. Any normal person would be petrified, but I'm elated.

My smile makes him even angrier, especially since its wide and beaming and I can't contain it.

"What the fuck," Sally seethes, his hand slapping onto my wrist and gripping it like he's trying to strangle his most hated enemy.

Let's be honest, he's definitely imagining my arm being replaced with my neck.

Sally and I simply stare at each other for a moment, neither of us saying a word. 

He's fuming to the point that I can see his red cheeks even with his prosthetic hiding his face from me. It makes no difference-- he wouldn't be able to hide this anger even if he was hidden by a wall of cement. It's in his stance, in his eyes, in his white knuckles flexing tighter around my wrist.

"How the fuck are you even here," he mutters quietly, tilting his head down as the words fall from his lips like the sweetest wine laced with venom. 

In any other situation, I'd shudder, but I'm full of adrenaline. I just got to kiss the guy who's been driving me nuts (in a good and bad way) for at least two weeks now. And he's positively falling apart over my well-thought out, meticulous, and frankly, very last minute deception. 

Sally Face is but a small, delicate, and fragile withered leaf in my hands right now. He's painfully aware of the fact that I could crush him immediately, but he's still fighting with all his might.

Part of me thinks he wouldn't mind being crushed by me to begin with.

"Simple," I reply to him, my voice airy and melodic just to rub in whatever shitty emotions are taking hold of him. "I was invited."

"Clearly," he sneers, slightly tilting his head to the side. He gives my wrist another tight squeeze, narrows his eyes, then rips his hand away from my arm so quickly that anyone else would think I'd stabbed him.

Which would be valid considering he stabbed me during that game a couple nights ago. I have yet to get my revenge.

Sally watches me, his slightly taller stature looming over me like some kind of demonic shadow. I never cower though, I simply stare into the eyes of personified evil and smile, relishing in the way his eye suddenly twitches. And what's more damning for him is that he doesn't say a word.

"Hm?" I hum, tilting my head menacingly, giving off the most impressive display of passive-aggressiveness. "Still can't talk to me?"

I can picture the moment Sally's reminded of the moment he betrayed his deepest desires with me two nights ago now. He blinks, eyebrows suddenly rising. If he didn't have the prosthetic, I just know his lips would be parted, trying to come up with something to say. 

A choked sound leaves his throat before he quickly recovers and slaps the intimidating glare back onto the small percentage of his face that I can actually see. 

Uh huh. Not your best moment, huh?

"I can speak perfectly well," Sally manages, taking a step away from me with malice practically radiating off of him. "The issue is that you can't. Hasn't anyone ever told you to use your words? You won't get anywhere without them."

I raise an eyebrow, a little offended by his claim. He doesn't know a single thing about me. Who is he to tell me that I don't talk enough? Does he have no recollection of the plethora of times he and I have bitched and bickered?

"Excuse me?" I force out, furrowing my brows. I want to know what he's trying to get at with that stupid phrase.

Sally shrugs, glancing around at the puddle of beer at his feet. "No one knows what you want if you can't communicate. It's an incredibly easy way to lose something you desire." His eyes connect with mine momentarily, the fairy lights above catching his irises and illuminating them in such a mesmerizing way. The unnatural blue of his eyes clashes with mine and I feel stuck for a moment, replaying his words in my mind and trying to deduce the meaning behind each syllable.

Once he looks away from me again, it finally clicks in my head. 

I pinch my lips together and ponder over what facial expression I should make to mask the embarrassment coursing through my veins.

The audacity he has to hint that I'm on thin ice has me reeling. I don't know what to say, much less what to think. 

To be as confident as he is in this moment suggests that there's a very clear reason as to why he hasn't brought up our little... adventure, of sorts, in two days. Why he hasn't spoken to me at all.

Not that I want to talk about it. But we have to work with each other for a while and based on how everyone else feels about me, this won't be that last time he and I have to meet or interact. I don't want shit to be awkward.

Hell, I don't even need him to handle up on the promise he made. I'll be perfectly happy with forgetting that it ever happened.

But, his words suggest that he's still up to honor the proposition he made that night. He hinted that he's ready to drop me and the thought of continuing whatever that was, but he hasn't yet. He made that very clear.

Suddenly, a bottle of Budweiser is shoved over my shoulder. I stare at it with wide eyes, looking up at Sally who looks from me, to the bottle, then over my shoulder.

"Here, man," It's Larry. "Ash and I went to grab you another beer. Thank Ash though, not me. I made her come with me because I have no more cash."

Ah, so that's why it's been so quiet. The two troublemakers ran off and left Todd to awkwardly watch Sally and I's showdown.

Sally snorts, unamused, simply performing the action for the sake of the moment. "Where's Ash?" he asks, his voice nowhere near as soft and kind as it was just a few minutes ago. He's completely changed tactic and even Larry raises his eyebrows at the attitude change when I look over my shoulder at him.

When Larry notices me, his eyes fall to mine and he fixes his expression, wiggling his eyebrows at me with a little grin on his pretty lips. 

Oh no, look away.

I throw him a little smile before looking forward at Sally again. Yikes, gotta get used to how ridiculously hot Larry is. 

Sally's watching me with a contemplative and suspicious look in his electric eyes. He reaches a hand up, his tattooed arm mere inches from my mask as he takes the bottle from Larry. 

The sound of his rings clanking against glass makes me flinch and I lose a little bit of my resolve before I can think otherwise. I glance to the side, getting a close-up look at the ink on his skin. Each stroke is perfect, straight. Not a single error whether the markings are thin or straight.

I gulp down whatever feeling is clawing its way up my throat and make eye contact with Sally again. 

It pains me to watch a smug look cross his stupidly pretty eyes. He watched me ogle his tattoos and I fucking hate that he knows that I'm interested in them in some way or another. 

He pulls his hand away from beside my head just as quickly as he put it there. The beer dangles between Sally's fingertips as he watches me for another moment before looking up at Larry again.

"Lar?" He rasps in his sickeningly addictive voice. The sound nearly makes me choke and I have to remember to get used to attractive friends all over again. I cannot fucking stand this compromising position I've been put in.

"Huh?" Larry chirps from behind me. He throws his arms around my shoulders then leans a bit of his weight against my back, laying his head on his forearm beside my face. I swear I could vomit when his strong biceps flex around my neck, not tightly, but to the point where I can feel it. Then, his head lightly taps the side of mine and I hear an amused little hum leave his throat, the feeling of his chest vibrating against me making me want to run for the hills. He must be doing this on purpose.

He has a very specific scent. It mainly consists of some kind of musky note, but there's just a hint of cinnamon that would overpower the other smell had there been anymore added to it. It's a tantalizing combination that's enveloping me a bit too much considering the way I'm about to fling myself out of his grip like a catapult from hell.

Sally looks unimpressed as I gaze up. There's no doubt in my mind that my entire face is red. Even if most of it is hidden, it wouldn't take much for anyone to see my blush. It's quite obvious by the way Sally rolls his eyes. "I asked you where Ash was," he says, jutting his head up toward Larry who lazily sways us.

Larry's grip is unforgiving in the sense that I feel like I'm suffocating under the weight of all his hotness. Literally. There's no romantic feelings involved, nor are there any sexual ones, but it's just the fact that someone this hot is so comfortable with me. If Sal were to do this, I think I'd be reacting even worse. 

Thank God I'll never have to worry about being placed in that position.

"Oh," Larry perks up a bit, nuzzling his cheek on the side of my mask like a cat would. The only thing missing is purring. "Kieran caught her, but she should be back any minute."

"She better hurry. I don't plan on staying much longer," Sally's eyes flicker to me again and I automatically glare at him, pursing my lips in a bit of a second nature response. All I ever do in his presence is glare, so I'm used to it. "And she's not coming," he continues, narrowing his eyes at me.

Larry groans behind me, the sound reverberating through my entire body. "So you've found out who she is?" Larry complains. I blink in response, trying to catch my breath as the man takes a step closer to me, his legs touching the back of my thighs. "We got here like an hour ago, man. We have to stay a little longer," Larry tries to reason. "And Vi's definitely coming with us. Leaving doesn't mean you'll escape."

The harsh look that Sally directs at Larry makes me want to shiver. It's cold, calculating, a little devilish. Poor guy. He really isn't in the mood-- but I couldn't care less.

"I came here just to see you, Sally. Why would I let you leave now?" I pout, batting my lashes at the slightly taller man who scowls.

"Fuck, you're so damn hard to be around," he nearly snarls in response, aggressively raking a hand through his fluffy hair and never taking his angry eyes off of me.

"Funny you say that," I say, excitement ripping my veins apart as I spit out a witty reply. "I'm a connoisseur of hard things. Wanna find out which ones?"

"Oooouuuu," Larry loudly pronounces the sound, seemingly impressed. I look toward him and he looks at me, his dark eyes shining with mirth and pride. "Good one," he snickers, poking my collarbone as he flashes his teeth in a sweet smile. "And yes, I would very much like to find out which hard things you are referring to." He raises his eyebrows almost as if he's offering me the opportunity to show him what I'm talking about.

I pinch my lips together to contain a grin as I turn away from him, scrunching my nose up in a nearly failed attempt to hold back a laugh. Larry is so awesome. 

Sally grunts in front of me. "You could be a bit more inconspicuous about wanting to dick her down," he murmurs. "Don't know why you'd want to in the first place," he adds, but this time it's much quieter and I think I'm the only one who was able to hear. 

I take a breath, hoping to quell the fire coursing through my body in response to Sally's words. Clearly, he doesn't even believe what he said about me, but I still feel the urge to prove him wrong regardless. Maybe it's just my mind trying to give me an excuse to have another moment with him. I don't really know.

"Why would I be inconspicuous?" Larry exclaims, his voice perfectly portraying how appalled he feels. And just like that, I feel much better about myself. "No one ever got laid by being inconspicuous, man. Not a single fucking person in history. I'd get on my knees and explain just how badly I need pussy to survive if it meant I'd be guaranteed a fuck." Larry snorts and nudges me with his forehead so I glance over at him, borderline shaking in his grip from trying to fight off the world's most ridiculous giggles. "Do you want me to get on my knees, Vi?"

I watch Larry's sharp eyebrows pinch together lightly, his chocolate eyes glinting in the low lighting as he suddenly turns serious, though the ghost of a smile still shows in the way his lips twitch.

It takes everything I've got to keep myself together as I lift a hand and pat his warm, toned forearm. My fingers wrap around his skin despite knowing that I should lay off the touching. After all, Larry did call me out on it earlier. 

"You are such a fucking creature," I spit out, smiling goofily at the man hanging onto my shoulders. Larry can't fight off his grin anymore either as his gaze flits over my face before he looks into my eyes again.

"So..." he starts, slowly rolling his eyes to add a bit of dramatic flare. "you'd still fuck a creature then, right?"

A bellowing laugh leaves my lips and I have to close my eyes and look away from him. I don't know how he manages to come up with rebuttals like this, but it makes him dangerously hilarious. I'm honestly shocked he doesn't have a girlfriend. 

"Get off of me, you fucking hooligan," I giggle, squirming in Larry's grip. He chuckles with me for a moment, squeezing me a bit tighter and laying his head on top of mine before finally releasing me from his clutches. 

I stumble forward, nearly into Sally who flinches away like I'm some kind of infectious disease. The fun moment is cracked for a moment as I look up at the guarded and almost disgusted look in his eyes. But I force myself to stand up straight and take a step away from him.

The smile on my face never falls away as I spin on my heels, finally getting Sally out of my direct line of sight even though I'm standing beside him (with a good five foot distance between us, mind you). 

Larry smiles with me, crossing his arms over his chest.

I look to the side, making quick eye contact with Todd who's smiling fondly at me. He winks discreetly and I wink back before looking past him and to Ash who's elatedly skipping over to our group.

A beaming smile envelops my face once Ash finally notices me. I watch her eyes grow as wide as saucers, then the way she nearly trips over her own feet while fighting to get over to the group faster. 

She's so excited. I feel as though I could burst with joy and adrenaline that honestly hasn't died down even a bit since I finally made contact with The Faces.

"Ash," Sally calls from beside me, his deep voice attracting the attention of a few other party-goers around us. 

I'm about to open my arms for a hug from Ash as she draws closer, answering Sally with a loud and piercing, "What!?" when my phone buzzes. 

My eyebrows draw together as I struggle to pull my phone from the waistband of my skirt without dropping the drink in my other hand.

Normally, I'd let whatever message that just came in rot on my lock screen until I found the time and energy to reply, but I'm in another state and the text might be from dad.

I finally get my phone into my hands and try to maneuver it around until the screen is upright, using my hip as leverage. At some point, I can finally see who's messaged me and I huff out a relieved breath, blowing a strand of hair out of my face as I look over my phone.

Nate :P im home.

Oh, shit. My fucking neighbor. I forgot about him and I know exactly why he's texting me.

Nathan lives next to dad and I-- he and I are the same age and we went to high school together, so we get along pretty well. The guy's nice and doesn't talk much-- he drops by to play Mario Kart sometimes or to share his homemade brownies. He's been gone for over a month, something about traveling for school. I think he went to Colorado?

Me hey nate! glad to hear ur back :)

Nate :P i want my screwdriver back.

I was genuinely hoping he'd forget.

With a little frown marring my features, I shift my cup so it's clutched between my ribs and my arm as I use both hands to try and explain my situation to my neighbor. I can hear Ash and Larry chirping back and forth to each other excitedly while Sally and Todd pitch in here and there. I'll get back to them in a moment.

Me i figured as much :,) i'm uhhhh not home rn

I use his damn screwdriver to fix my headphones from time to time. Yea, I should just get my own screwdriver or a new set of headphones, but why would I do that when I have an awesome neighbor who lends me his tools since I don't have the money to replace my things?

Nate :P is that another excuse to keep it for longer.

Wincing, I type out a reply quickly, feeling nervous over how quickly he was able to see through me. That's impressive, especially since he was able to do that over text. 

Me okay, yes, but i wasn't kidding when i said i'm not home, i  swear :(( i'm literally in vegas rn. i'll be back tomorrow!!

Nate :P i'm holding you to that, y/n. i want my tools back or no more brownies. ever.

Me okay, okay!!!!!!! gosh :(((((( you will have your screwdriver back tomorrow night i SWEAR!

Nate doesn't answer immediately like he previously had been, so I chew on my lip anxiously as I wait. I really hope he doesn't take away my brownie privileges. I've never eaten one quite as yummy as his.

"Vi, you good over there?" Ash's sing-songish voice pulls my attention away for a moment and I look up, noting the way she's wrapped up in Larry's arms just like I was earlier. Except she's fighting it hard, scowling as he cackles.

I grin, nodding. "Yep, just handling up on some things back home."

My gaze gravitates to Sally who has the bottom of his prosthetic unbuckled and pulled up so he can drink his beer through a straw. The sight makes me want to giggle, but at the same time, I'm able to get a view of the scars on his chin which automatically quells any and all bubbly thoughts I previously had. 

Fuck, I know he's hot under the prosthetic. 

I peel my eyes away from him and look back at my phone one last time. 

Nate :P one chance. if i don't have the screwdriver in my hands tmr you can kiss the brownies  goodbye for a full month and  no less.

I can't help but smile and snort out a laugh at his response. 

Me gotcha. :P

With a shake of my head, I tuck my phone back into my skirt and focus in on my friends again, taking a quick sip of my fiery drink.

I watch as Ash throws an elbow into Larry's stomach, making him grunt in opposition before finally letting her go. Clearly it didn't hurt him at all, he just decided to let up for her sake. The man is built like a five layer brick wall. I don't even think I monster truck could lay him out.

Honestly, the only think that could bring Larry to his knees is a pretty girl. He said it himself-- he'd get on his knees and beg for pussy. Other than that, he's got every advantage in the world as far as I'm concerned.

With a faux frown, Larry leans down until his face is right in front of Ash's, which he didn't have to lean down much, by the way. "I just love hugs, Ash. Why won't you let me hug you?" he asks.

"Because you're you, you horny fuck!" Ash scoffs, shoving Larry away from her with a manicured hand to his face and a small, amused smile on her glossy lips. "Anyway," she continues, turning her head to me. "We're about to leave because Sal is being grouchy. You're coming with us, right?"

My lips part as I glance between my friends who silently wait for my answer-- aside from Sally.

"She's not coming anywhere with us," he instantly says, his tone biting. He never looks at me.

A smile grows on my face as I look back to Ash. "Of course I'll come with you guys," I say excitedly, completely ignoring the icy look that Sally throws me. "Where are we headed?"

_____________

A/N::::::: I LOVVVVEEEEE THE BEGINNING OF THIS ONE ISHFOIHVFEFEHI it gets me so excited :3

anyway, hi honey's!!! i hope this chapter is as pleasing as i pictured it being! i've had part of it written for a while, but just had to add the rest. it surprisingly flowed easily once i started writing again which is fucking awesome cause i always want to give you guys my best!

as always, i'm sending all my love and positive vibes. thank you for being here and thank you for the continued support. you're all so awesome <333

P.S. to my babies who are reading/have read maybe today-- I'M COMING!!!! i'm lowkey manic right now and need to be feeling a specific way to get the next chapter out LMAO. soon, i promise <333

[justmenoworries]

Smith is depicted as someone with powerful, intense desires, who repeatedly settles for less because he believes what he actually wants is impossible. Cartoon heroes aren't real, so he pilots the realistic military mech. When it turns out they are real, the super robot chooses someone else. He can't pilot Superbia, either. He clearly dwells on this stuff and gets his feelings hurt– he has nightmares about being rejected by Bravern, what a nerd– but it never festers or becomes toxic envy. He's unrelentingly positive and determined to make the best of things. "A relationship with Isami is obviously impossible, but I can be his friend, and I can protect him with the Brave Knights." Smith is also passionate and brave, but he's reckless with his own life. He "dies" during the training mission in the first episode because he disobeyed orders and rushed in on his own. He dies for real fighting Cunus, essentially sacrificing himself for everyone else. But he's brought back from death by his mutual love for Isami– a character who is essentially the inverse of Smith, in that he is not necessarily traditionally brave, but has a strong desire to live and protect the lives of others. They each have what the other needs to learn. Cunus' relationship to Smith is what Bravern's relationship to Isami superficially appears to be in the first two episodes, but with a more antagonistic lens: a powerful alien robot watches a human from afar and fixates on him. She knows his name, but from his perspective they've never met. He is terrified of her, but she doesn't take no for an answer. She chooses him because she can sense the intensity of his hidden desires, and once he becomes Bravern he makes it very clear what those desires are. This guy isn't just enthusiastic and friendly, he was so in love with Isami that the physical embodiment of desire was drawn to him over literally everyone else on Earth. I can only imagine that initial experience of becoming Bravern was euphoric, as the perfect realization of all his desires that he had given up on. It's his childhood dream. It's another chance to save the world. It's metaphysical proof that Isami loved him and wanted him to come back! Bravern can be openly gay with none of the fear or embarrassment that comes with attaching those desires to his human identity. But oh, wait. Isami is scared of Bravern. Isami doesn't know why Bravern chose him. Isami is going to fall in love with Smith, and then Bravern is going to have to let him die– and he also knows that Isami doesn't trust Bravern, because he said it to Smith's face before that final battle. It's a really interesting contradiction to navigate, and it's obviously part of why Bravern chills out and becomes much more reasonable over time. He cares about Isami's feelings, and he wants to form an actual relationship with him as Bravern, not just selfishly steamroll over him. ...But he's still not able to connect the two identities. I think it's very telling that the love confession happens while he's a robot, and that he only ever admits to his identity indirectly when he's literally about to die. Bravern is the representation of Smith's love for Isami in the most literal sense, and he's also the only thing that allows Smith to express that love openly. He's still settling, even as a super robot. "I can't touch Isami the way I used to, but at least now I can connect with him as my pilot. I can't have the same relationship we had before, but I can make a new one." I think this is the biggest reason they had him return to his human body in the end. It was a moment of him having to face Isami as himself, without a mask. He "came out," so to speak. I think it would have been cool to let him keep the robot body, but I get why they ended it the way they did (and honestly, if they ever make more, I fully expect them to give him a way to henshin into being the mech again.) Thanks again. I hope my thoughts make sense and were interesting or clarifying as to the appeal for other viewers, and that I didn't come off as combative. (2/2)

They made perfect sense, no worries!

I'm about to answer with my own thoughts on this and they're probably gonna be controversial.

I think Smith becoming Bravern actually lessens his character arc. Smith is introduced as basically a bait-and-switch. He's someone the viewer can almost instantly relate to: He's a young reckless guy with dreams of becoming a hero, inspired by the Robot Hero shows he watched when he was a kid. These shows that gave him hope in difficult times and inspired him to become a hero like the robot pilots in his shows.

And he's already half-way there, he's the pilot of a TS, that's as close to a super-robot he'll get in "real life".

Or so he thinks.

But then here comes Bravern. A seemingly one-to-one copy of every perfect mecha hero you've ever seen. And he doesn't choose Smith. Smith, who has been dreaming of this moment since he was a little boy whose parents died tragically. Smith, who's chosen to become a Titanstrider pilot because it's the closest he'd ever get to being like the characters he looked up to so much. Smith who might as well have "Shonen Protagonist" burned into his forehead with how many typical characteristics of the ideal hero he embodies.

And as you said, what does Smith do?

He accepts it.

He accepts that it's not him. He's not the Hero. He's not the Protagonist. Someone else is. Isami. The guy who already proved himself Smith's better during the training exercise. Who, in literally any other setting, would probably be the stock rival character.

So instead, Smith accepts that he can't be Bravern's pilot. But he's still a pilot. Just because he's not in the flashy mecha doesn't mean he can't do anything to help.

Then Lulu comes along and Smith finds a new purpose: As her guardian. He realizes, through her, that there's still people who need him. Including Isami and Bravern.

And then comes Superbia. The proverbial final nail in the coffin. Seemingly a second chance for Smith to step up to the plate. Nope! Superbia also cannot be piloted by Smith.

Here's where it finally clicks.

This is war.

There's no such thing as The Protagonist.

Everyone here still needs to work together to protect the Earth they love. A supporting role isn't suddenly unimportant just because a giant robot manifested a flaming sword. That's what Smith realizes.

So he forms the Brave Knights. He co-pilots with Lulu to help Bravern and Isami in any way that he can.

Enter Knuth.

A twisted facsimile of what Smith wanted at the beginning of the show: a super-mecha who is focused on him, only on him. And she's completely unhinged. Dangerous. Selfish.

But Smith has grown past her. Past the desire to be The Protagonist. He's accepted that he's still important. That super-mecha or not, he's still a hero protecting Earth.

...Except no, Smith was actually always The Protagonist. He was always destined to become Bravern and all his development until now? Doesn't matter anymore. Wish fulfillment fantasy ahoy. What are themes?

[skylarmoon71]

Harry Wells (Flash) - Earth 2 - Chapter 1

Love and Hate. 

There’s a fine line between the two. Maybe that’s where you stood right now. 

Because the situation couldn’t be more unclear. 

You never thought it would become like this. You’d been so naive when Team Flash first started out. It was just the five of you against the forces of evil. 

At least that’s what you thought. 

The very man you cared most about in the world turned out to be the big bad you’d been hunting for months. It was a hard pill to swallow. But Barry’s time travel and Cisco’s dreams, it became clear that this was not the Harrison Wells you knew. 

So standing face to face with him as he taunted Barry, hands running over the back of your head as you refused to move a muscle, he just smirked. 

“You lose Barry, now you’re going to watch as I cut down everyone you care about. '' 

Cisco and Caitlin stood helplessly at the side. You could see the pain reflected in their eyes. Barry was defeated. 

Eobard leaned in pressing one last kiss to your lips. You didn’t even fight. Your brain is still processing it all. Just as he pulled away, that dangerous red glow sparked in his eyes. 

Maybe if he hadn’t been so fixated on revenge he would have understood the repercussions that came with Barry resetting the timeline. 

One breath. 

It was one staggered breath and he looked down at your hand that was actively vibrating and rammed right into his chest. 

One more and you removed your hand. 

His body dropped, nothing but dead weight. 

The room was quiet. 

So quiet. 

No one knew what to say. Joe lowered his gun and Iris was frozen in place. In a way, they all were. Barry couldn’t believe that the man who pledged to kill him was now dead on the floor. 

You sank to your knees, unable to hold back the tears. 

“I’m…sorry..” 

It was all you could get yourself to say. 

After that nothing was the same. 

Team Flash was safe. It was a win, but ultimately you lost. You no longer had the love of your life or faith in your own humanity. 

Eobard was right, he did win. 

The weeks following, you finally announced that you were leaving Central City. You could see that they didn’t want you to leave, but no one knew what the right words were to say. It just hurt to be there. The way they looked at you, it wasn’t the same. 

In the span of a month you were gone. You started in a quiet little city in Portland working a regular desk job at city hall. You couldn’t get yourself to go back to the force. Not after you’d broken the one rule. 

To protect and serve. 

It was too painful a reminder. 

They never lost contact. You got constant postcards from Cisco. Every few months Caitlin would send you a sample of a new exotic plant she found with a little care package and a letter attached. Iris came down to visit a few times to see how you were doing. 

Barry…

He never visited, never texted, barely called. You knew why. To him, you were a killer. Regardless of Eobard’s crimes, Barry was against it. He couldn’t even look at you and a part of you thought you deserved it. 

For three years you lived a pretty normal life. 

No superpowered villains constantly attacking the city. Bad meta threatening your family. Just you and your thoughts. 

Everything is calm. At least you think it is.  

When you see the caller ID on your cell phone that morning you’re a bit shocked. You don’t answer immediately. You hesitate, just for a second. You finally get yourself to pick it up. 

“Barry?” 

“(Y/N) we need your help Barry’s hurt!!” 

Iris’s voice sounds panicked and your body moves on its own. The curtains in your apartment beat against your windows and the force of the wind. It takes possibly a minute. Your feet skate into the lab. Had you not been ready for anything, you probably would have charged right into the beam that was aimed in your direction. You bend at the last second, watching as it moves past your head in slow motion. Time speeds up, and the first thing you see is dark hair and those blue eyes. 

It triggers a negative reaction and you grab the man by his collar, hand already vibrating ready to drive it right into his gut. 

“(Y/N) STOP!!” 

Cisco’s scream echoes and you stop when you’re inches away from impaling the individual. His weapon had fallen the second you grabbed onto him and you can see the slight fear behind his gaze. 

It doesn’t make sense. 

“It’s not him, that’s not Thawne.” 

Cisco approaches cautiously, because your hand is still raised, but thankfully no longer intended to run through his body. You finally release the man when Cisco takes your hand in his. You mean to say something, explain yourself. Cisco merely shakes his head, pulling you into a hug. You stand there a bit unsure. Slowly, you return the embrace, holding unto him as you bury your face into his shoulder. 

It’s been too long. 

The reunion came after. It was a bit melancholy. This wasn’t under joyous circumstances. Barry is unconscious in the med bay, Iris by his side. Cisco is looking a bit worse for wear and Caitlin appears as though she hasn’t had a good night's sleep.

“We weren’t sure what to do, he’s been like this since yesterday. We were attacked by a meta that knows how to manipulate reality. We already administered an antidote. It worked on the other victims but Barry won’t wake up and that maniac is still out there.” You keep your eyes on Harrison Wells as Cisco updates you. 

“We don’t have time to be going over notes, we need to stop that meta before he hurts more people. “

You glare at the scientist and Cisco looks at him, shaking his head. 

“Harry relax, she’s on our side.” 

“It didn’t look that way a while ago.” 

His hand grazes his gun. You know it’s a secret challenge. 

“You’d be on the ground before you even got your finger to the trigger.” Your remark makes his jaw clench. 

“Would you like to test that theory?” He threatens. 

“Gladly.” You retaliate. 

“This isn’t helping. Barry’s hurt. We can’t stay here babysitting.” Joe intervenes.

Your hardened gaze is still trained on him. You finally look away with a sigh. 

“Fine. Tell me how you got the others to wake up?” 

Caitlin nods. 

“We made an antidote to counteract hallucinogens. His powers mimic those often used in standard drugs. We did the same for Barry, we even safely doubled the doses but he’s still comatose. Nothing is working.” 

It’s not like you all haven’t been in such a position before. Harry moves to Caitlin's side in what you can only assume is comfort. Joe is patting Cisco on the shoulder. Iris is still looking at Barry’s form. In some weird way, it feels like old times. 

A painful reminder. 

You move to the table, grabbing a pair of gloves and a vial from in the cabinet. The second you begin shuffling around the room, you can see them move closer. 

Harry’s brows furrow, and you pull the plastic off the needle as you slip it into the small bottle. When you begin drawing the liquid in, you can see the uncertainty in his eyes. 

“What are you doing?! That could kill him!” 

“Wrong, this amount would kill a normal person. But Barry isn’t normal is he? He needs a jolt and this is going to help him. Because of his abilities he metabolizes faster. If this meta has some kind of drug inducing abilities, it must be through physical contact. His skin. If that’s the case then it’s possible Barry is having a negative reaction to it because of his speed.” 

“Like an allergy..” Harry mutters. 

“Exactly, and how do you treat sudden allergic reactions?” 

“Epinephrine!” Cisco jumps up. 

You take the needle, cleaning his arm as you slide it into his vein. When you draw back, you discard the items, checking his pulse. 

“Normally you use an epi pen in the thigh to disperse the medicine better, but I needed a larger dose. I’m hoping that his body picks it up faster regardless of where it was administered. Now we just have to wait and see.” 

All eyes turn to Barry. There isn’t much of a reaction, not at all. The machines are beeping steadily, but Caitlin looks over when his heart rate picks up. Harry moves closer and Barry jolts upright, gasping for air. They all begin to rush him. You can practically see the light return to Iris’s eyes. You smile as they frantically check him. Bombarding him with questions. Barry is still trying to get his breath back, but he’s smiling. Hugging Joe and Iris, grinning at Caitlin and Cisco. His eyes finally find you standing at the back. You hold it for a few seconds before you turn your back and walk away. 

You find a nice quiet place, admiring the upgrades that have clearly been made. So much has changed, not that you’re surprised. 

“You’re a great doctor.” You turn at the statement. 

It’s Harry. 

He’s abandoned his weapon. 

“I’m a cop.” 

Correction, you were a cop. 

“When I first got here everyone treated me like the enemy. It made sense after I heard what he’d done. They all had reasons but no one talks about you. Before today I didn’t even know you existed.”

“That’s probably for the best.” 

“What did he do to you?” 

“Let it go.” 

“If you’re going to be working under this team again I want to know everything.” 

“Who says I was planning to come back.” 

Harry’s eyes narrow. 

“Did he break your heart?” 

That makes you freeze. You’re no longer standing there confident and in control. 

“Now when you see me you’re reminded of that love that you so tragically lost.” 

“Stop it...” 

“Why? Am I wrong? He walked all over you like everyone else. He was a manipulator, it’s not surprising that you fell for his ruse. Do you think sulking about it is going to change what happened? You have a talent, instead of sitting around feeling sorry for yourself you should be using it to help. Or is that it? Did his betrayal change your perspective? Maybe you’re just like him!” 

“I AM!!” 

The change in octave doubled with the red hollow glow of your eyes was not what Harry was expecting. 

He barely gets a breath out, because the wind hits his face and you’re standing right in front of him, tilting your head menacingly. 

“I loved him and he tried to kill us, so I stopped his heart myself.” 

You lift your hand slowly, tauntingly and Harry swallows. 

“He turned me into a monster, just like him. A killer.”

It’s become clear that he’s overstepped. 

“If it turns out that you’re not who you appear to be, I’ll make sure that you feel every ounce of pain before I finally take your last breath.” 

Your hand is right over his heart, but you don’t make contact. 

The light in your eyes finally disappears and you casually slip your hands into your pockets. 

“Enjoy your stay Harry.”

It’s an underlying threat. 

One that he doesn’t take lightly.

[twilights-800-cats]

<< Prologue || Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || From the Beginning || Patreon >>

Chapter 1

“You haven’t answered me,” hissed Tinystar. He drew forward on his branch, his thin claws flashing in the moonlight. “What happened to Onewhisker?!”

Mudstar glowered at Tinystar. The entire clearing held its breath, waiting for him to speak. An owl hooted somewhere in the distance.

“Onewhisker is dead.”

For a long moment, Shadepool wasn’t certain whether what she was hearing was stunned silence, or if the crowd had burst into so much of a sudden, raging cacophony that she was struck deaf. Her ears felt stuffed to their limits, her mind racing so fast that she had to dig her claws deep into the hard, cold earth to keep herself steady.

Onewhisker is dead.

She felt the other medicine cats beside her bristling with alarm. Sound was slowly creeping back into Shadepool’s ears. Poor Ryewhisper was rounded upon immediately, shrinking into his pelt as Mothwing, Brackenfur, and Littlecloud all demanded to know what was happening all at once, all of them desperate to know where Barkface was, and what had happened.

Shadepool could only stare at the young medicine cat helplessly. He looked so scared. She wanted to tell them to stop, to leave him alone – but she couldn’t summon the strength. Everyone was so loud, so angry, so incredulous, and it felt like Shadepool was drowning beneath a roaring tide of ice-cold water and being smashed to bits by its unrelenting power.

“Enough!”

Russetstar’s thin, railing screech brought silence.

Shadepool, ears flat, looked up at the ShadowClan leader gratefully; but she soon took her relief back. Russetstar was coiled on her branch of the Great Oak like a cat about to spring, glaring at Mudstar with fury in her pale eyes, the moonlight striking her shoulders such that they looked like talons.

“What do you mean, Onewhisker is dead?” she hissed. Shadepool saw the glint of her claws, the shine of her teeth. “What in StarClan's name is happening in WindClan?!”

“Did you not all agree that Onewhisker was to be leader?” Leopardstar, spurred by Russetstar, meowed on. Her dappled head was lowered in the moonlight to meet Mudstar’s stony expression from her higher branch. Her eyes were like a hawk’s, sharp and direct, yet Shadepool could see that she was shaken, too. “Did he choose you to be his deputy before he died?”

It was a very simple question, really, and one that could quell so much of the outrage. Shadepool gauged the crowd – every cat wore an expression of shock or anger or suspicion, some all three at once - and she noted that the strongest emotions were coming from her own Clanmates. Onewhisker had been a friend to ThunderClan for a long time, and they had fought the hardest and bled the most for his bid to be the leader of WindClan.

To find out that it had all been for nothing...

Onewhisker is dead.

Shadepool feared looking at her father, but she had to. Tinystar was a small black void, curled up tight on his branch. His tail was hanging ominously still, his eyes wide to their whites and fixated intensely on Mudstar, two stars burning with cold flames.

Shadepool felt fear trickle down her spine at the sight of him – her father was famous for his barely contained temper, and his viciousness in battle. She couldn’t possibly imagine him breaking the full-moon truce between the four Clans, but if Mudstar’s next words pushed him too far...

Mudstar met the challenges of the RiverClan and ShadowClan leaders with his chin held high, however, as if their aggression meant nothing to him: “Onewhisker did not choose a deputy before his death,” he stated plainly.

The whole of the Gathering listened in rapturous silence. The unease in the air was like a thick fog. Shadepool wanted to bite her paw, to wake up from this horrible, uncomfortable dream; to be in a world where this had not happened, and never would.

Mudstar’s gaze was level as he meowed on, “The night after the battle was decided, he set off immediately to the Moonpool to receive his lives and name. Barkface went with him.”

“He hoped StarClan might send him a sign about a new deputy, but... They did not return the next evening,” rasped Ryewhisper, who lifted his head from where he cowered. Shadepool glanced back at him. He was trembling as he went on: “The journey there is long - we t-thought that perhaps they were just taking their time.”

“They were not.” Mudstar’s voice was sharp. He curled his lip. “When it became clear that something was amiss, patrols were sent to search for them.” His eyes were hard on the crowd, but there was a tremor in his mew: “Onewhisker was swiftly found, left as food for the carrion birds in a hollow on our side of the Divide, just outside our territory. By our estimates, he never made it to the Moonpool to claim his lives.”

“Great StarClan!” gasped a cat from RiverClan, the old she-cat Brackenflight. “A leader killed on their way to the Moonpool?!” She looked faint.

“That’s against the warrior code!” seethed Dustpelt. His eyes were narrowed to slits, the fur of his neck bristling. “No cat from any Clan is to stop another from seeing StarClan! Especially not would-be leaders!”

“It had to have been rogues!” agreed Cedarheart of ShadowClan. He stood up beside his mate, Finchsong. “No Clan cat would be so fox-hearted!”

“Don’t be too sure,” Mudstar growled. His expression was dark and dangerous, and it made Shadepool want to wail. Fear-scent rose in the crowd, strong and thick, and cats mumbled worriedly. Only the WindClan cats in the crowd stood still and solid, eyes downcast to their paws, not a one saying a word out of turn.

Shadepool's pelt prickled. Even Crowflight was keeping his jaws firmly closed. Whatever Mudstar's story was building to, not only did he know it, he wasn't going to speak against it. Somehow, that made things even worse.

Brackenfur stood, bristling. “What of Barkface?! Where is he?”

Shadepool’s heart fluttered. She didn’t know Barkface very well, but he was the eldest medicine cat in the four Clans, and he had always been kind to her during her training. He’d felt almost like a distant grandfather. If any cat could calm a storm, it was him.

“Is he alright?” Littlecloud demanded, worry gleaming in his eyes.

Shadepool's legs trembled. Attacking a warrior on their way to the Moonpool was one thing, they were trained to defend themselves, to expect death in combat; but if some cat had hurt Barkface, a medicine cat...

“We found Barkface huddled deep inside an old badger's den.” Crowflight’s voice astonished Shadepool – she leaned in close, wanting to draw all the information she could from him, this cat that she loved. He was the only bright spot in this dark, furious storm swirling around the Clans.

The black tom’s gaze wavered. When Mudstar nodded for him to continue, Crowflight meowed, “He had been there, injured, the whole time. We think he must have escaped during the fighting – perhaps... perhaps Onewhisker had used himself as a distraction to save him.” Crowflight took a shuddering breath. “We took him back to camp to treat his injuries, but...”

“He’s not doing well,” Ryewhisper reported. He was staring at his paws. “He’s barely surviving. His wounds are deep, and a terrible infection has set in.”

Shadepool’s heart dropped. Would this ever end? No, oh no! How could it all have gone so wrong?

“After they were found, the Clan came together and decided that I would be their leader,” Mudstar rasped. His voice was resolute, firm. “Some days later, after one of the blizzards, Ryewhisper and I took the journey to the Moonpool, with a few warriors for our protection. I spoke with StarClan, and they gave me my name and my lives and advised me on how to proceed, suggesting Crowflight be my deputy.”

“Mudstar! Mudstar! Crowflight!” cheered the WindClan cats, their voices ringing loud and true in the cold leafbare air. Several scattered cats from the other Clans joined in, while the quiet ones still looked uncertain and confused. No cat in ThunderClan joined in the welcoming chorus, and Shadepool saw Dustpelt’s eyes turning to slits toward Mudstar.

Shadepool couldn’t bring herself to cheer, either, even though she should have. The grief was too much, balled up in her throat like a tough bit of fresh-kill. Her eyes stung not from the bitter cold, and her stomach curdled uncomfortably. This waking nightmare was making her head hurt. 

“Who did this?!” hissed Tinystar. His voice was so quiet, so very dangerous. Shadepool saw his claws sink deep into the bark of his branch.

“Yes, we must know who!” Leopardstar insisted. The fur along her spine was bristling to its ends, her ears pinned flat to her skull. “An animal? A pack of rogues?”

Russetstar’s tail lashed, her eyes flashing. “They will be made to pay!”

The whole Gathering clamored, now:

“Injuring a medicine cat is a crime against all the Clans!” snarled Falcontail of RiverClan. “Against StarClan!”

“Will they strike again?” fretted Ferncloud, her voice trembling. Beside her, Snowstep rested his muzzle against her shoulder, his ears twitching a calm assurance that he would protect her.

Finchsong, Cedarheart’s mate, was nodding beside the other queens. “We must defend ourselves! If they attacked a would-be leader, where will they stop?”

The theories sprang up, each one wilder than the last: a horde of badgers, BloodClan’s return, the ghosts of Bluestar and her LionClan, even. A ShadowClan warrior suggested kittypets, only to be hissed down by his Clanmates as a frog-brain. Another cat from RiverClan suggested Twolegs or dogs, but that, too, was dismissed as a foolish notion.

Shadepool’s ears buzzed. The island felt like it was full of bees, all trying to reach their hive. She could feel something prickling at her pelt – the press of the crowd, the noise in the air... It wasn’t just pressing down onto her, but her brother as well, who was deeper in the throng of cats, and utterly surrounded by the clamor. Shadepool struggled against the feeling, trying to push it up and away from them both; but even Nightfrost seemed too overwhelmed to help her.

“Settle down!” a voice yowled over the rest. Shadepool’s ears pricked – it was Mistyfoot! The pressure in Shadepool's mind eased, just a little. Her Clanmate’s head glowed silver in the moonlight as she raised her muzzle. “Speculating is going to get us nowhere. We need to listen to our leaders, and stay calm!”

That seemed to settle the crowd for the most part, but Shadepool did not miss more than one WindClan cat glaring at Mistyfoot, as if they were offended by her daring to silence them. Shadepool tipped her head in confusion. Mistyfoot was a chosen cat, respected in all the Clans after leading them to the lake - wasn’t she?

“Well?” pressed Russetstar. “Have you any leads on who might have done this?”

Mudstar’s eyes flashed at the ShadowClan leader. “We do.”

“Tell us!” Leopardstar hissed.

“Yes,” Tinystar meowed harshly, leaning forward. “Tell us. Onewhisker’s death and Barkface’s injury must not go unpunished.”

Mudstar’s eyes narrowed. “No, they should not.”

The entire Gathering fell quiet once more. Every cat had their ears pricked, now, anticipation tingling in the air like cold rainfall. Shadepool swallowed around the huge, solid lump in her throat. Whatever Mudstar named as the threat, the four Clans could face it together – they could do anything together. The Great Journey had proven that without a doubt.

“At the scene, it was unmistakable,” Mudstar announced. “A scent that any cat here would recognize - and though we could not identify an individual, we know where they came from.”

The air grew thick again as cats began to speculate in hushed tones. Shadepool’s pelt prickled – why was Mudstar making this such a dramatic announcement? His gaze was panning over the crowd, his expression unreadable.

Just say it, and let it be done!

“It was ThunderClan!” Mudstar yowled, finally. Bristling from ears to tail, he ground his claws into his branch as he glared at Tinystar. “ThunderClan killed Onewhisker!”

[gebrochener-adler]

Security

The atmosphere in the hallway was far more tense than it should have been as the man stared warily at the double doors in front of him. This job was meant to be relatively easy. There were no immediate threats as far as he had been briefed. Still, the very nature of what he would be guarding was something that invited wild flights of imagination and conjecture. Before today, Kurt would have never thought himself as one prone to anxiety or alarmism. Though, he never would have imagined he would be working in such a position either.

It had all been very secretive and aggressively serious. There had been a deep scope background check, intense questioning, a polygraph, even a requirement to write an essay detailing how he felt about his own country. Kurt was almost convinced the government knew more about himself than his own mother did by this point. All of this, simply because he had been chosen as a candidate to guard 'the very soul of the nation itself', or so it had been described to him. He still was unsure of how to interpret such a statement.  

One of the doors shifted and it almost acted like a shock to his system. Kurt's spine straightened and his grip on his wrist behind his back grew tighter as the door was pulled open. The first thing he noticed were grey eyes, almost icy as they fixated on him. No, they were not merely grey. A flicker of blue was present there around the pupils like a drop of water fallen against the stone. A sign of spring in the alps as ice melted off the pines and dripped onto rocks below, eventually flowing down deep into the earth to revive the streams and lakes in the valleys below.

The image was so vivid that Kurt had to blink and shake his head a little to clear it. The action finally seemed to clear his head enough to get a proper look at the man who was currently leaning out into the hall and peering at him. A stern looking austere fellow with brown hair slicked back, a few strands loose here and there, round black glasses perched on the end of a prominent nose, a dark blue three piece suit that was well tailored, black gloved hands, and an expression that was exceptionally difficult to discern. The man sighed softly through his nose after a moment before stepping out into the hall and giving Kurt a once-over. 

"Kurt Ortner I would presume?" The man asked and he adjusted his glasses once he received a nod in response. "They informed me I would have an escort going forward. I suppose they believe I would benefit from the extra security. That or they believe I am not entirely trustworthy." The idea obviously annoys him. Kurt can see a subtle twitch in the man's brow at the words.

"Well, if it helps I'll try and give you as much space as the job allows." The response came so readily it almost took Kurt himself by surprise and he cleared his throat. "They just said I had to make sure nothing happens to you." Whatever that meant. A lot of the details had been vague. It came with being the first to the position. The man raised a brow, before seeming to lose a little tension he was holding onto. His shoulders dropped a centimeter or two.   

"Well, I would, appreciate that." He seemed to contemplate something then, bringing a knuckle to his chin. "I do not suppose they even bothered telling you the name I go by?" He asked abruptly, giving a sharp glance down the hall where he knew a few of his parliament members were most certainly waiting. 

There was a strange sensation again. Imagery of an eagle glaring across the vast woods in annoyance at a lack of success in hunting for the day flickered across Kurt's mind. This time, he was more aware of it as a memory. The first eagle he could ever remember seeing. His father had explained what it was, and how even such great predators could face a day of failure. "No sir-" He managed to answer the question even as he tried to grapple his thoughts back to the matter at hand. 

There was just such a strong sense of nostalgia even standing around the man. It did not even feel right to call him a man though. The being before him felt like a well of memories and familiarity that defied all rational explanation. 

"Roderich Leopold Franz Schmelzer, currently. Although I suppose it is the name I have kept the longest outside of my formal title." He barely seemed to notice Kurt's struggle to comprehend what he was standing in front of at first. The corner of his mouth crooked upward briefly however, betraying his amusement. "Try not to get too lost in the past, yes? You are meant to be watching me." The words worked to anchor Kurt sharply back to the moment and the edges of his ears turned red as he watched Roderich turn and stroll down the hallway.

 Apparently he was fully aware of the effect he had.

Kurt muttered to himself before following after. He was going to have to get a handle on that fast if he wanted to do this job right.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been a few months since Kurt had started this position, and he was getting very familiar with Roderich's schedule. The man liked to sleep in until around 9:30, and when he woke he took his time. Nothing short of an emergency stopped him from having his coffee, enjoying his breakfast, and practicing an instrument for perhaps an hour or two. The choice of instrument never seemed to be consistent, but it did seem to have something to do with his mood. The most relaxed days often started with a violin or cello, the average with the piano or maybe even a trumpet, and the foul days seemed to start with the harpsichord.

  Today, it was the harpsichord. Kurt leaned against the doorframe as he listened to the fast paced notes, seeming like they should trip over each other for their speed and yet keeping in line to form the almost chaotic melody. He was certain he knew what had put the nation in a poor mood. Protests in the streets tended to do that. Roderich had muttered something about ill memories the evening before. With even a basic knowledge of history, Kurt could readily guess what he had been referring to. He turned his head and dared to sneak a glance into the music room.

He should not, as he knew full well. Watching Roderich perform brought those flashes of memory and emotion like nothing else. The temptation was a fierce one however, and it only seemed to grow worse the longer he spent around him. Roderich had not exactly been helpful in Kurt's attempts to avoid it either. He swore he could feel that gaze on his back at random periods of the day, and it was not a cold or uncomfortable feeling either. It rushed from the back of his neck down his spine to his toes in a blaze of heat that felt like a wildfire had flicked down his nerves.

Whenever he snapped his head to look however, Roderich would be seemingly busy speaking to someone else. He knew he was not imagining things however. The man would occasionally permit a little side glance back at him. Once he had even seemed to chuckle. A subtle quickening of the rise and fall of his ribcage had given it away. 

That was another thing. Kurt was intensely aware of almost every little motion that Roderich made.   He had even startled the man by asking if he needed an aspirin. Roderich tended to give short huffs through his nose when he had a headache, subtly different from the ones he gave when annoyed with a situation. It did him no good to wonder why he was so in tune with such things either. Everything led to him having an "issue" with the other. That was not the right word for it, but he was afraid to call it anything else.

Stuffing it down, he instead let his eyes drift over the harpsichord keys to the bony fingers that skated across them. They moved swiftly and without hesitation while their owner leaned forward, eyes closed. For once, as Kurt looked at Roderich's face, he was not pulled anywhere else. He was right there in the moment, enraptured by the intensity of the music and the elegance of its creator.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This was getting out of hand. Ever since Roderich had caught him watching him perform a month ago, he had been acting differently. The gazes from before were no longer pulled away when Kurt noticed. Instead, Roderich had seemed keen to hold eye contact whenever he could without the notice of others. The look in his eyes was clear as well. Each prolonged stare came with an intense pull, an obvious meaning. "I want you over here." Kurt had obliged. Instead of wavering outside of rooms or across halls like before, he stood a little behind and to the side of the man on most occasions.

Whenever he approached, Roderich would give an approving hum that sent a shiver down Kurt's spine. Then there was the matter of Roderich broaching his personal space quite purposefully. At times it would be to straighten Kurt's tie, or to dust a bit of lint off his shoulder. Every time was deliberate, and he could tell by the way Roderich let his fingers linger. That unnamed issue from before was becoming a well defined problem and he could tell he was going to be unable to ignore it much longer.

This morning had been the worst instance so far. Roderich had actually nudged a strand of hair off Kurt's forehead and tucked it gently behind an ear. "Mustn't look too unpresentable hm?" He had muttered, and the fondness in the tone had nearly given Kurt a heart attack.  How was he meant to be some detached guard by this point? He felt as though he would let Roderich get away with nearly anything if it meant this would go on. A groan escaped him as he rubbed his temples, face red. 

"What have you gotten yourself into now?" He muttered.

"Hopefully not any trouble." A voice chimed in right by his left ear and Kurt nearly jumped out of his skin before whipping his head around to see Roderich, who looked quite amused with himself. "Last thing I need is them attempting to swap you for someone else." 

Kurt attempted to calm himself, clearing his throat. "No, no, nothing like that sir."

"Then what might you be murmuring to yourself about in my parlour?" Roderich quickly followed, looking very much like a cat that had cornered a tired bird. Kurt had to shake his head to prevent any errant memories from surfacing before struggling to come up with an answer that would prevent further questioning. He had already lost the battle though, he could tell by the glint in Roderich's eye. 

Of course the aristocrat was aware of his little problem. He was trying to egg it on with every heated stare and every brush against him. Something Kurt had learned quickly was that Roderich did nothing without well thought out intent which meant-

Which meant that he was being pursued. He simply had not wanted to admit it to himself.

Such feelings would very much compromise any impartiality of reports he was meant to be making on Roderich's mood or plans. The silence stretched on before Roderich stepped closer, leaning down a tad and side eyeing Kurt with unmitigated curiosity. There was, something else there though that gave Kurt pause. A hint of uncertainty, perhaps nervousness even? Yes, Roderich was, unsure. His thumb was fidgeting against the rest of his hand restlessly. Perhaps he thought he had pressed too far.

Kurt grumbled something inaudible, causing Roderich to furrow his brow before he found his hand abruptly held. Gently, Kurt rubbed a small circle on the back of Roderich's hand, and his thumb stilled. "I think you probably already guessed what it was." He finally said, stubbornly keeping his gaze down. 

There was a moment of silence, before Roderich visibly relaxed before actually chuckling. It was the first time Kurt had heard a laugh louder than a breathy exhale from the other. "Well, no one has ever accused me of not being astute." Kurt finally glanced up and met his gaze. Good Lord he could get swallowed by it. There was so much there. Relief, amusement, care, and an unmistakable determination. There were no protests when Roderich pulled him in and crashed their lips together.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ One could never mistake Roderich's fondness for certain members of his security detail over the decades. Often when they departed his service, he made quite sure they were well provided for and his parliamentary leaders could do little about it. In spite of their best efforts, the nation seemed to seduce at least half of the people they sent his way and the ones that were immune he often tried to escape from or aggressively bickered with until it became a risk to their health. Something about being drawn to protect him in the first place seemed to attract those more susceptible to his advances. The flings were intense, passionate, and left almost no bitterness when they parted ways as to be in contact meant to understand the temporary nature of oneself in comparison. For a brief moment, they knew each other, and that was worth much.

[oddree13]

Restless Year - Chapter 10

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Chapter 10 - Story of My Life

As much as Eddie loves having D&D on Wednesdays, he’s happy to have an evening to just write a campaign instead of running one. Dustin had roped him into the idea of a New Year's Day one-shot because it originally sounded like a good way to kick off 1990. But with the chaos of the week, he's been too busy to think of his home brew let alone write it out. He has half a mind to call Dustin and order him to DM if he wants them to play so badly. God his past self would punch current Eddie right now for that thought. But that’s what growing up is, isn’t it? 

Steve had teased him weeks ago for admitting to growing up. And sure, it’s not a thought he likes to dwell on. Honestly, it still makes his skin tight to think of himself as an actual adult, but it’s reality. He’s 24 and, for once, has priorities beyond getting high and rolling dice - like getting home around sundown to light the menorah with Steve. It’s funny how lackadaisical he was in the past about holidays beyond Halloween. But when that first Christmas with Steve came around he knew he’d do anything to rewrite all the shitty Harrington holiday memories, including watching Steve try maror like a champ. And now with the prospect of them adding to their family, it wouldn’t be the worst to have more than a few traditions to call their own.

The apartment is oddly quiet when he gets home. Eddie knows Steve and Max had plans to go to the movies this afternoon. He thinks some Disney film about a mermaid, but it's odd they aren’t back yet. He walks to the fridge to check for a note, but there isn’t one. Just as the worry in him starts to build, he hears muffled voices coming from the hall. It only takes a few steps to realize the voices are coming from the bathroom and wonders what on earth the pair could be doing in there together. 

“Hey I'm home,” he announces, knocking lightly. “What are you two up to?”

It takes a few seconds but the door opens in answer. He sees Max and Steve on the floor, both their eyes red-rimmed as if they'd been crying awhile. Eddie's mind runs through a million scenarios. Did someone get hurt? Did the upside-down reopen? Is someone dead? Is this the reason for Max's visit? 

Eddie scans the pair hoping for a clue when his eyes fall on the plastic stick in Steve's hand. "Sweetheart, is that yours or Max's?" 

Max looks more amused than offended at Eddie’s question. Steve glances down at the stick, as if he’s worried the results would change, before passing it to Eddie. “Mine,” he offers, as Eddie’s eyes fixate on the little plus sign. He’s never had to take a pregnancy test before but he’s seen enough movies to know what that sign means. Steve is pregnant. Steve is pregnant, which means they’re having a pup. Eddie is having a kid. 

A million things run through his mind. When did this happen? They’re going to need a bigger place. How long until a kid can learn guitar? Steve has definitely drunk alcohol recently. Do dads have long hair? I need to stop smoking. Do dads have tattoos? I should stop cursing so much. Can I take tattoos off? I need to build a crib. Can I take the baby to work with me? Can babies listen to metal? I hope the baby looks like Steve. Can the kid look like both of them? I’m going to have to hide my dice sets. How young is too young for a character sheet? Do they even live near good schools? Holy shit Steve is still in school. Holy shit I’m not in school anymore. Should I go to school? How am I going to help with math homework? Wheeler can tutor. Robin is going to kill me for knocking up her best friend. Wait, no, Steve is my mate. I can knock up my mate. His mate is pregnant. Steve is pregnant. 

His brain keeps populating questions and worries until Max clears her throat, snapping Eddie out of his trance. He looks from her stern face to Steve who isn’t looking at Eddie but rather at the floor again. He realizes he’s been quiet for too long. He tries to form a sentence, but can’t get his brain and mouth to connect. All he can manage is a manic sort of laugh because just moments ago he was walking home thinking of the day they’d grow their family only for it to be happening right now. 

Eddie leans against the door jamb, trying to compose himself as he just stares at the stick in disbelief and excitement. He can’t stop giggling, and fuck if this isn’t a way to end the decade. 

“Please tell me that laughing means good news?” Steve asks him, his voice a little strained and watery. 

“Great news, baby,” Eddie assures and sinks down to join his mate on the floor. He leans over to kiss Steve, pulling back eventually just to look at the stick again. “I thought we agreed on no gifts this year.”

That finally pulls a laugh from Steve. “In my defense, it was delivered around Halloween.”

“Nope, I’m out. Let me out,” Max declares, and starts climbing over the two of them to make her way out of the bathroom. Eddie scoots over just enough to let her leave and then closes the door. 

He leans into Steve’s space, tangling their legs together. He pulls Steve into another kiss, needing to get his hands on his mate. They probably shouldn’t be sitting on the bathroom floor, but all Eddie wants to do is touch Steve and the location isn’t going to stop him. He let his hands slide down to Steve’s waist, his fingers gliding over the exposed skin, grinning once it hits him that his pup is in there somewhere. He breathes Steve in, his change in scent making more sense now. The last few weeks make way more sense in context.

“How are you feeling?” Eddie whispers as he shifts around Steve so he’s shoulder to shoulder with his mate, giving into his desire to scent him. Something about the gravity of this moment makes him keep his voice low, as if talking at a normal volume would wake him from this dream. 

“So many things Ed. So many things. I was making breakfast when Max started asking all these questions… And a part of me knew, but a part of me thought there was no way. We hadn’t planned on it. I was on birth control. But Max kept insisting there was no harm in a test. So after the movie, I went to the store.” 

Eddie can imagine Steve just sitting through the movie, vibrating in his seat while he tried to pretend everything was alright. A part of him wonders if he would have told Eddie if the test had been negative and he hadn’t come home at the right time. Sure it’s unplanned, but Eddie knows how much Steve wants kids. He knows that planned or not he’d be crushed by a negative test, and Eddie hopes that they’ve grown enough that Steve would share his disappointment regardless. 

“How much of the movie did you actually manage to take in?”

“None of it,” Steve laughs, resting his head on Eddie’s shoulder. “Which is fine. Suzie will definitely want to see it and I doubt her family will let her watch it over the holidays.”

Eddie hums in agreement as his hand trials back to Steve’s waist, plucking at the edge of his shirt for permission. Steve lifts the fabric, and smiles as Eddie’s hand splays over his abdomen. “Nothing to see there yet babe,” Steve mumbles, eyes closing as he relaxes. 

“Doesn’t mean there isn’t someone there.” In a matter of moments, Eddie’s whole world has changed. The last time his life changed so quickly, he’d been thrown into a world of chaos that left him on the run and with missing chunks of skin. And while this is definitely preferable to the upside-down, it’s no less terrifying. “So what do we do now?”

“I guess go to the local clinic just to get started and then find an actual doctor. Fuck do we even have health insurance?”

Eddie perks up at that. “Yes! Yes, we do. I actually get it through work and put you on it. Holy shit was that a responsible decision? Don’t expect that again anytime soon.” 

They sit on the floor a bit longer until Steve starts to shift against Eddie. “Eds, love, we’re going to regret being on the floor very soon. And honestly, I need water.”

Their location suddenly hits Eddie and he feels very dumb for keeping Steve on the tile. “Right, bathroom floors are for revelations, not celebrations.” Eddie stands up first and helps Steve up, nuzzling him as soon as he’s upright. “I’ll get you water. Just go to the sofa and relax.”

“I can get myself water Eddie,” Steve tries, but without thinking Eddie rumbles. Any normal omega would maybe demure or obey. But not Steve. Steve just laughs and kisses Eddie’s cheek. “Sure thing Alpha, you can get me water. Bring Max some too if you want.” Eddie scents Steve again before letting him walk to the sofa and is about to follow when he spies their open bedroom door. He rummages around a bit to find what he needs and tosses it to Steve as he walks to the kitchen. 

“Will you ever hand me clothes like a normal person?” Steve calls out as the sweatshirt leaves his face. Max finds it amusing, and Eddie only half listens as Steve tells her all the time Eddie has just thrown clothes at him. “It always happens when his alpha is in control,” Steve mumbles, pulling off his shirt, and swapping it for Eddie’s worn-in sweatshirt. 

From the kitchen, Eddie takes in the view of Steve in his clothes curled close to one of their adopted pups. Out of all the kids, Max isn’t one of the most tactile, but it seems that the emotions of the day have gotten to both of them. If the polaroid didn’t make so much noise he’d chance a snap.

“Water for both of you and take out menus. We’re ordering in tonight,” Eddie announces as he walks back to the living room. He can see that Steve wants to argue, but when Max starts shuffling through the options he deflates. 

“Can we have pizza?” Max asks. “Dustin keeps saying the pizza here is like pie and I sort of want to try it. Sounds better than the pineapple pizza El and Will keep trying to force on me.”

“Pizza sounds good. Definitely, no pineapple,” Steve seconds, leaning into Eddie who settles in behind his omega. As he listens as the two debate through topping choices, Eddie finds his hand drifting back to Steve’s waist, his fingers splaying protectively over his stomach. It’s barely been a half hour but he’s suddenly aware that there is something there to protect. Eddie’s never been one to give into instinct and he prides himself on it. But he can definitely say that if Max wasn’t in their pack, he would have shoved her out of the apartment and barricaded Steve in their bedroom. 

“Munson. Eddie. Dad,” Max calls, waving the menu hand in front of his face. He snatches the paper from her and rolls his eyes at her smirk. “Order a cheese and a pepperoni, and some garlic rolls. Steve also wants cannolis.”

“Does he want cannolis or do you want them and are using him as an excuse? Also would please actually kill you?”

“No, I actually want cannolis. Max doesn’t know what they are and apparently ‘cheese is not dessert’,” Steve parrots back. 

“Almost a year at college and you’re still eating like you’re in Indiana? Disappointment, Red. What do they teach you at school?” Eddie taunts and reluctantly gets up to order. “You two pick something to watch that isn’t sports. Pregnant or not, I’m not watching basketball.” 

*

“Do you think they can hear me?” Eddie is settled between Steve’s legs, resting his head on Steve’s thigh so he can look up his omega’s body. 

“I genuinely don’t know. I wasn’t in the omega development class when we had it in high school and my parents for sure didn’t give me more than the basics. I’ll go get a book or something tomorrow. Why do you want to know?”

Eddie stares at the strip of exposed skin between Steve’s pajamas and worries his lip. “Dunno. Kind of want to chat with them. Tell them how excited I am to meet them. See if they might enjoy the Hobbit while they chill in there.”

“Are you using this pregnancy as an excuse to finally get me to read Lord of the Rings?”

“Nah, you don’t even have to be awake while I read. I’m perfectly fine giving a performance to an audience of one.” Eddie presses a kiss to Steve’s stomach before moving back up the bed to lie next to Steve. 

“You think we’re ready?” The question hangs heavy between them because there isn’t a good answer. 

Eddie plays with the ring on Steve’s finger as he thinks. “I don’t think anyone is ever really ready, but I’m down for another adventure with Steve Harrington. I know I never thought I’d make it this far so it’s not like I ever pictured this beyond the abstract.”

“You have baby names picked out Eds,” Steve counters.

“One name, Steve, and I guess teenage me was hopeful. I mean past me certainly didn’t actually think I’d find someone to like me let alone have a kid with me.” 

“What would teenage you say if you time travelled to tell him?”

Eddie has to laugh at that image. “He wouldn’t believe me. Hell, I think he’d hate me in some ways. Fourteen year old me was a prick. But then again what fourteen year old isn’t? He’d punch me for cancelling D&D, call me a sellout for getting a job, but he’d be floored to know I bagged Steve Harrington.”

“Was I even on your radar at fourteen?” 

“You were on everyone’s radar back then Stevie. Not even I was above notice. You were a pretty boy then and you're still a pretty boy now. Prettier really.”

“You’re just saying that because I have your pup in me.”

“That you do Stevie, that you do. But that only adds to how gorgeous you already are.” Eddie pulls Steve into his arms, curling protectively around his mate. “Thank you,” he whispers, half wishing the lights were already off so Steve wouldn’t see his face. 

“For what Eddie?” 

“Giving me a family to call my own.”

***

They manage to keep the news quiet for three days. 

If Steve thought a baby would be the impetus for a bigger apartment, the four college freshmen invading his living room floor just confirmed it. With classes starting on January 2, Suzie and Dustin had to be back in the city. On his own, Lucas opted to fly out of O’Hare back to DC, hitching a bus ride with Dustin at the last minute. 

Dustin has his notes for tomorrow laid out in front of him as he helps  Lucas and Suzie make character sheets. He’d been so ecstatic at the chance to run a campaign that he didn’t question why Eddie was handing over the reins. 

“Why aren’t you in there with them? You should go hang out.” Steve is whipping cream as Eddie cleans the dishes from dinner, the radio filling the kitchen with a companionable din. 

“Because I feel like you’ve been cooking non-stop since Thanksgiving, and I need to do something. Besides I could say the same for you - they’re your kids too and you should be resting.”

“Eddie nothing has changed in the four days since we’ve found out. I will be fine making mousse. So go help Dustin and send Max in here. I’m sure she’d appreciate the break. We’re all going to sleep tonight with the sound of dice rolling in our dreams.” Eddie pokes Steve’s side before acquiescing and walks to the living room, a few cans of beer in hand. 

“Are you actually letting us drink tonight or are you relegating us to sparkling apple cider,” Dustin asks, eyeing the beers in Eddie’s hand.

“That all depends, are you going to have a hangover for Dungeons and Dragons tomorrow if I let you drink?” Eddie’s threat is empty as he tosses Max a can. “Besides, the cider isn’t for you.”

“I know it’s for Suzie,” Dustin supplies, and Steve snorts at the assumption from the kitchen. For all of Dustin’s deductive abilities, he has a blind spot for the glaringly obvious. Like when he kept trying to get Robin and Steve together.

Lucas walks into the kitchen in lieu of Max, and awkwardly waves at Steve to check if his presence in the kitchen is welcome. 

“Hey Lucas, come to help me wash up?” When he gets a nod Steve has to ask. “Is Max playing tomorrow?” 

“No, no,” Lucas laughs, “she just told me to earn my keep. Which thanks again for letting me crash here for a few days. I’m sure you’re regretting your decision already.”

“Not at all. It’s nice to have visitors. You’ll get to see the shop tomorrow, and the staff will be thrilled to meet another one of Eddie’s kids - especially because you’ll be nicer than Max.” Steve had heard about her spat with Jamie - not from Eddie but from Max herself who was very proud.

Lucas smiles fondly at that, looking out of the kitchen towards the redhead. “She’s just protective of you. I mean we all are but Max cares about you. A lot man. Don’t tell her I said that though because she’d kill me for telling you.”

“My lips are sealed, but I’d like to remind you all that I am older than all of you and can handle myself.” Steve looks over and sees Lucas drying the same plate over and over again as if he’s thinking something through. Steve is about to ask Lucas to spit it out when the younger man beats him to it. 

“Thank you for letting her stay here.” The statement is barely above a whisper but Steve knows it’s because he doesn’t want the living room to hear. “I don’t know if she’s told you why, and I barely know all the details, you know how Max is. I should probably be jealous or upset that she doesn’t come to me with this stuff but we’re complicated - what’s new,” he sighs. 

Steve just listens as Lucas continues, moving around the kitchen to give them some plausible cover. “I’m glad she has you. I know we all do,” he assures when he sees Steve try to interject. “I think most of us were worried that once you and Eddie left you’d sort of move on from your babysitting role. But when you first called me at school to ask me for my game schedule I knew I was dumb for worrying.”

“I haven’t missed a game,” Steve preens and gestures to the fridge where Lucas’ game schedule is pinned. 

“I know. Dustin tells me you make him listen sometimes.”

“I do. If I can learn the difference between a d20 and a d12, he can learn what a free throw is. But I’m not going anywhere, and neither is Eddie. The pack might be spread out now but we’re still a pack.”

“We’re your pups?” Lucas teases, to which Steve just nods. 

“Yeah my first ones,” Steve agrees, earning a raised brow from Lucas. The music on the radio is interrupted by a reminder that they were fifteen minutes to midnight and Steve glances at the clock to confirm.

“Right, break out the champagne and cider and take that to the living room. Tell Eddie to put on the ball drop. I’m just going to pipe this really quick.” Steve finishes decorating the mousse in a few minutes, just in time to watch Eddie argue with Dustin over the drinks. 

“I know how to count Eddie. It’s five glasses of champagne, one of cider,” he bickers, trying to slap Eddie’s hand away from tossing back the extra champagne glass.

“Henderson I know you’re used to being one the smartest people in the room, but I think for once I know more than you,” Eddie chides and pours out a glass of cider for Steve, passing it to his mate. 

“We aren’t driving anywhere tonight, why aren’t you drinking?” Dustin questions, eyeing Steve suspiciously. Lucas looks between Dustin, the cup, Steve, and then Eddie who is looking smug. Steve watches as the gears turn in his head and when he looks at Max she just nods. 

“But you were drinking at the wedding!” Lucas worries. 

“They just found out,” Max supplies, trying to assuage his concern.

“Found out what?!” Dustin whines, not enjoying being left out of the loop. His exclamation makes Suzie gasp, bringing everyone but Dustin into the know. 

“Oh my goodness that is so exciting! Congratulations!”

“Congratulations to what? Can someone tell me what is going on!” 

As much as Steve likes watching Dustin flounder on his curiosity voyage, he figures someone should take pity on him lest they miss the start of 1990.

“It’s your turn to be the babysitter Henderson.” Steve watches as everything clicks into place for Dustin. He’s pretty sure that if he wasn’t sitting on the sofa, Steve would have been on the floor from the force of Dustin tackling him. 

“Whoa, whoa, easy Dustin, that’s my kid in there!” Eddie scolds, causing the younger man to panic at his action, which only makes Steve laugh. 

“You’re fine, Eddie is just in full protective mode. But yeah we just found out a few days ago.”

“I found out first,” Max crows, clearly trying to needle Dustin who is reeling from the news.

“What?! Why did she find out first?” Steve isn’t sure why his pregnancy would be the exception to Dustin and Max’s constant one-upmanship but he’s putting a stop to it before it starts.

“Alright enough everyone, we’ve got a minute to midnight and I want a moment of calm before our phone starts ringing,” Steve calls out, settling the room down, even when Dustin shoves Max playfully. “Get your drinks and watch the damn ball.”

“Yes Mom,” everyone mutters and when he hears Suzie’s voice in the chorus he quirks a brow at her.

“What? It’s not a bad title,” she shrugs, walking over to soothe Dustin’s ego.

Eddie takes the vacant spot next to Steve and winds an arm around his shoulder. “If you thought this was bad, wait until Robin finds out she’s not the first to know.” 

“Just shut up and kiss me, Eddie.” “With pleasure. Happy New Year, baby.”

[hakhub]

Tag Game- 9 People I'd Like to Know Better

Took from @exmeowstic (hi how are you I haven’t heard from you in 6 months! Drink water, have a good one)

last song: Angel- Massive Attack Definitely one of the newer fixations. Love their sound tho. Pls hmu if you have album recs for triphop/industrial!

currently watching: rewatching Utena with some friends once a week and other than that binging MST3K when I’m chilling out at home.

currently reading: Going Clear (Lawrence Wright)- EXCELLENT nonfiction read on the insanity of Scientology and by extension LRH. Buck wild so far. Also got a copy of Leviathan Wakes (James SA Corey) waiting to be cracked open.

Comics wise I’m reading Aliens Earth War when I can.

(bonus!) currently playing: coming back to Monster Hunter World! Also FGO on the side.

current obsession: Many things!

Trigun (AAAAA Stampede has made a fandom renaissance and I finally get the opportunity to info dump inappropriately on the new fans about how much I love TriMax. LIV/RAZ PROPAGANDA MACHINE LEGGO)

Dead Space (anyone that lets me rattle on for 100 years about space horror probably knows why and this is one of them lol)

Street Fighter 6 (I literally do not have enough money to find a copy and the game is sold out everywhere I look but someday I’ll get to play it instead of watching Daigo and Higuchi clips auughhh)

My Big Dumb OC Project (War/Cry)

anybody who wants to can write up answers! Random frens: @ayyydra @beetlebrownleaf @halite-reblog @leastofallourselves