#thinking about the time i was at a hotel and trying to get into my room

[dynamo-of-fake-twin-brother-fame]

So my brain doesn't make the chemical that gets you to SIT STILL while asleep. Or at least.... It does make it, but not nearly enough. So while some people with the same sleep issues as me need railings to keep them from rolling out of bed, I just kinda... Wiggle. Rotate like a rotisserie chicken. Burrito myself. Un rotisserie chicken. Un burrito. Wiggle. End up (sometimes) with my feet up where my head is supposed to be. This is why I tend to collect a lot of stuff down around the foot of my bed. Boxes of magic cards, clothes I've only worn once so far, for an hour, so they're still clean, extra blankets and coats, boxes of mtg cards, journals.... They trick my brain into not flipping around the wrong way when I'm sleeping. I'll still curl and uncurl like a demonic pill bug, but I don't end up with my feet on my pillow.

And for the longest time, I didn't know that was a thing. I just thought that's how people slept. Evolution's way of keeping us safe at our most vulnerable. Cuz if you keep moving around when you sleep, things that want to eat prey in it's sleep will think we aren't. It wasn't until I went on a trip with a young girls group back when I was still in it and we shared beds in the hotel that my bedmate (I think her name was Angela. Or Amelia? I can distinctly remember her face and the dress she wore for meetings) mentioned I 'moved around a lot in my sleep'. Like, I noticed she DIDN'T move around a lot, and I thought that was something humans tried to do when they shared a bed (I'd never had to share a bed with anyone before, that I can remember, outside of maybe sleeping with my parents when I was really small and had a nightmare) so I did try to stay... More still. Until I fell asleep properly and lost control of the unconscious urge to spin.

I'm wiggly when I sleep. I wobble. I spin. I rotate like a jpeg in a PowerPoint presentation animation. And this means that during the time your brain is supposed to be recharging... Mine just kinda half-asses it. Like a charging cable that's old and bent so you gotta hold your phone *juuuuuuuust* right to charge it. And I have found out (with some outside help) that the anxiety (that crazy anxiety that's so bad I have to medicate) makes it worse. If I'm anxious, I'm more wiggly than usual. If I'm calm, I'm less wiggly. I also find I'm less wiggly in the cold months when I've got eighteen pounds of blanketry on me.

(I do think it's kinda funny that the original state of our brains is WIGGLE. Like, our brains evolved to produce a chemical that stops WIGGLE, but if you've had a traumatic brain injury or your brain just doesn't produce that chemical, it'll reset to WIGGLE MODE. And WIGGLE MODE is the less optimal setting. Humans were badly designed in a high school engineering class, and the four students keep having to fuck with the code to fix things, but every change to the code fucks up something else.)

But all this to say -- there are some days I wake up, and I'm just bone-tired. I want to immediately go back to bed. Because the wiggles were with me the night before. It sounds funnier talking about it like it's some sort of old-timey affliction like Victorian wasting sickness rather than saying my brain is more caveman-y than normal. Because that's... Kinda what's going on. The original, caveman brain had WIGGLE MODE ACTIVE. And it's exhausting. So it's understandable why life expectancy wasn't as long back then. Our bodies just... Ran outta juice faster back then.

Whenever I take a long car ride I end up exhausted afterwards, and I’m always like “why am I so tired? I was just sitting around doing nothing all day.”

But the answer, it turns out, is I was doing something. Riding in a car jars your body in many directions and requires constant microadjustments of your muscles just to stay in place and hold your normal posture. Because you’re inside the car, inside the situation, it’s easy not to notice all the extra work you’re doing just to maintain the status quo.

There’s all sorts of type of work that we think of as “free” that require spending energy: concentrating, making decisions, managing anxiety, maintaining hypervigilance in an unfriendly environment, dealing with stereotype threat, processing a lot of sensory input, repairing skin cells damaged sun exposure, trying to stay warm in a cold room.

The next time you think you’re tired from “nothing”, consider instead that you’re probably in situation where you’re doing a lot of unnoticed extra work just to stay in place.

[kunareads]

bed chem interlude

actor!satoru x popstar!reader

in which you write the song

prev / next

series masterlist / full masterlist

wc: 0.8k

some surprise context before the last chapter (friday). i love them so bad!!!!! comment for taglist <3

content: FLUFF and some implied smut (nothing explicit)

18+ please i block children <3

+++

your body still hums from last night. a dull ache between your thighs, the lingering warmth of satoru's hands. reminders of the way he touched you like you were his, how he made you tremble.

you shift under the weight of it, stretched across the bed in your soft pajamas. your notebook rests in your lap, a pen twisting between your fingers, and it feels like the page is filling itself.

i was in a sheer dress the day that we met

your lips part, smiling faintly as you remember the way he looked at you that night, the undeniable electricity of it. the way you both wanted to take it further but let the anticipation marinate for an entire week instead.

it's almost embarrassing how easily the words come. but then you think about him—the smirk, the way he said your name—and you know you're not changing a thing.

+++

it's not even 1am before satoru's making up an excuse to leave the premiere. something about an early call time, a meeting, jet lag—whatever gets him out the door fastest.

the second he's free, he's already texting you.

satoru [12:48AM]: meet me in the hallway?

and before you know it, he's pulling you into the dimly lit corridor, grinning like he's just pulled off a heist.

"god, i missed you," he murmurs against your jaw, leading you toward the elevator. his hand settles low on your back, fingers pressing into silk, teasing.

your eyes flick up to him, unimpressed. "it's been, what, four days?"

"seventy-eight hours." his lips curve. "not that i'm counting."

the second the hotel room door clicks shut, he's on you. fabric slides away like an afterthought, and then you're breathless against the door.

he takes his time with you, slow, indulgent, like he wants to memorize every reaction, every sound. you don't say it, but he feels it—the way your body melts into his, the way you let him hold you like this once you're done.

how you pick me up, pull 'em down, turn me 'round, oh, it just makes sense

you hum softly against his shoulder, half-awake, half-lost in thought.

+++

your phone buzzes next to your pillow, and you know it's satoru before you even check. you fumble to answer, voice thick with sleep when you mumble, "hello?"

there's a pause, and then—"shit, did i wake you?"

you smile. he sounds awake. you exhale a sigh, curling deeper into your blankets. "what time is it?"

"a little late for me," he says, "a lot late for you,"

you roll onto your back, blinking at the ceiling. "then why are you calling?"

"’cause i'm not in your timezone," he says, a little too smooth, a little too fond, "but i wanna be."

you roll your eyes with a force only he can bring out of you. "you wanna be in my timezone?" you repeat. "that's the line you're going with?"

"mm, i think you liked it."

said you're not in my timezone, but you wanna be

there's a silence as you make that mental note—not awkward, just easy. the kind of quiet that settles warm in your chest, like an arm slung around your waist.

"go back to sleep," he murmurs eventually.

you hum, eyelids heavy. "stay on the phone."

and he does, until you fall asleep to the sound of his breathing.

+++

it's late. the kind of late where the whole world is asleep except for the two of you. the tv hums low in the background, playing some show neither of you is really watching.

satoru shifts, pressing in closer, breath warm against your shoulder. his fingers trace small, tentative circles against your hip. you can feel the cheesy pickup line about to leave his lips. but he surprises you.

"can i be your boyfriend?"

he's watching you, half-lidded, loose, but not joking.

you study him, waiting to see if he'll crack a smile, try to make you laugh. but he doesn't. he just looks at you softly, a little hopeful.

how you're lookin' at me, yeah, i know what that means, and i'm obsessed

it's an easy answer. obvious, even. "yeah. okay."

he exhales, like he was holding his breath, and tugs you closer, nuzzling into you. you let him, let yourself sink into his warmth.

"yeah?" his voice is softer now, like he can't quite believe it.

"yeah," you murmur, playing absentmindedly with his hair.

he stays quiet for a moment, then breathes out something small, something you almost don't catch—"thank you," like you handed him something fragile.

it tugs at your chest, makes you tilt your chin and press a kiss to the top of his head. "you're cute."

he only hums, his hold on you tightening, his breath evening out, like he could fall asleep just like this.

tags (ongoing): @moonchhu @httpstoyosi @lavnder311 @harryzcherry @perkypeony @katecupcakekate @hellicify @oh-my-god-donald @jupiterbinnie @i88b0nten @satxoru @chuuminn @moncher-ire @r0ckst4rjk @flwerie @raendarkfaerie @pinksdump @blkmystery @pearlessance @satoruxsc

[maretinelli]

TRAINING IN PAIRS

Lewis Hamilton X fem!reader

Summary: When Y/n thinks she can keep up with Lewis's hard workout, but in fact, after the first exercise she is already tired.

Words: 1.6K+

Warnings: Mentions of Y/n's profession, mentions of F1 teams, names of gym equipment, suggestive (?? I don't know, because no one talks about it, but I think it's understandable somewhere)

Author: English is not my first language, so apologies for any spelling, grammar, and slang mistakes that may be in the story. You can request stories on my profile, in questions.

MASTERLIST

Y/n and Lewis met when he was still at Mercedes. She had just finished her postgraduate studies and received an offer to work with the team as an assistant to the drivers' fitness coaches.

During this time, the two developed a strong friendship, although they both knew there was something more there. Neither of them had the courage to make the first move, for fear of ruining their friendship and professional dynamics.

However, everything changed when McLaren made Y/n an offer to become the head fitness coach for one of their drivers. It was an opportunity she couldn't refuse, so she accepted and left Mercedes. Despite the distance, she and Lewis kept in touch, and over time, what was once just friendship turned into something more.

Today, they have been together for a few years and balance their relationship with the intense routine of Formula 1.

"You know I can keep up with your training, right?" Y/n said, walking down the hotel steps next to Lewis.

He chuckled, looking at her sideways. "You can't even handle putting weights on the equipment, love. Let alone training with me."

"Funny." She rolled her eyes. "I train every day, I work at it, I know the exercises better than you. Of course I can do it."

"Knowing doesn't mean being able to do it." He teased, opening the door that led to the hotel gym.

Even though she had a degree in the field and experience as a fitness trainer, Y/n knew that Lewis's level was far above hers. He had been training at maximum intensity for years to withstand the physical demands of F1, and trying to keep up with him would be a near-impossible mission. But she was determined to prove that she could do it.

Upon entering the gym, Y/n looked around and noticed that the space was completely empty.

"Great, no witnesses when I humiliate you in practice." Y/n teased, jumping excitedly in front of him and waving her arms as a warm-up.

Lewis laughed, shaking his head. "The only one humiliated here will be your breath, and fast."

Y/n raised her chin defiantly.

"Let's see!!"

Lewis knew she was just teasing herself, but he decided to join in. "Okay then. Same routine as I do."

He went over to the treadmills and programmed his own machine before setting Y/n's to the same time and speed.

"You're kidding, aren't you?" Her eyes widened at the intensity.

"Of course not." He replied, stepping onto the treadmill. "This is just the warm-up."

Y/n looked at the machine's display and then at him. "What did Angela do to you?"

Lewis laughed. "Just turned me into a workout monster. Now get up there, no excuses."

Y/n took a deep breath and stepped onto the treadmill, starting to run alongside him. For a few minutes, she kept up the pace without complaining, chatting absently about the weekend's race and post-GP commitments. But as time went on, she began to feel the impact of his training.

Without Lewis noticing, she discreetly slowed down the speed on her own console and held onto the front bar of the treadmill for a few seconds, trying to relieve the tension in her legs. He seemed distracted, talking about a dinner they wanted to have with friends, so she took the opportunity to catch her breath.

After a long 10 kilometers on the treadmill, Lewis pressed the button to slow down the treadmill and got off. Y/n followed him, but as soon as her feet touched the ground, she felt her legs tremble.

"Is everything okay in there?" Lewis asked, crossing his arms and looking at her with a mischievous smile.

"Great!!" She replied, trying to maintain the pose as she placed her hands on her knees for a few seconds.

He laughed. "Are you sure? Because you look like you're about to fall."

Y/n snorted. "I'm just building momentum for the next part of the workout."

Lewis smiled, shaking his head, and leaned in to kiss the top of her head, brushing his lips against her two tightly tied braids.

"I know you can do it, love. You just don't have to pretend you're not dying."

She rolled her eyes but smiled slightly, letting him take her hand and lead her to the bench press equipment.

Y/n looked at the bench and sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she quickly looked at herself in the mirror.

"I hate this exercise. Whenever I can, I skip it in my workouts."

Lewis laughed out loud. "That's why you're so weak."

"Hello??" She turned around immediately, her eyes narrowing. "Say that again."

He took a step forward, closing the distance between them. Before Y/n could react, she felt his arms wrap around hers in a firm grip.

"Newbie!!" He whispered close to her ear, laughing.

Y/n laughed and tried to get free. "Let go of me, Lew! I'm not a newbie!" She tried to imitate his voice.

"No?" He teased, holding her for a moment longer before kissing her cheek and releasing her.

She stepped back and adjusted her workout shirt. "My workout is tough for someone with a degree in the field, okay? I'm just not a gym junkie like you."

Lewis laughed, shaking his head, and began adjusting the weights on the bench press bar. "Let's split the sets. Ten reps each."

Y/n nodded and stepped back a little, starting to stretch as he laid down on the bench and started the first set.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she muttered to herself, amused and holding back a laugh: "You can do it. It's not that hard. Just get up and-"

"That's it, love! You can do it!" Lewis interrupted, laughing as he placed the bar on the rack.

Y/n rolled her eyes, but laughed along, preparing for her turn. She lay down on the bench, positioned her hands correctly on the bar and began to lift. The first few reps were bearable, but by the end, her arms were already protesting.

On the tenth lift, she let out a heavy sigh and placed the bar back on the rack, staring at Lewis in disbelief. “This is insane.” She muttered breathlessly.

Lewis just laughed and got into position to do his second set. As he lifted the weights with ease, Y/n felt her muscles start to complain. The workout had barely started, and she was already feeling the fatigue building up.

Y/n tried to keep a calm face as she did the sets, but with each repetition, her muscles screamed in protest. Beside her, Lewis watched with an amused smile, giving motivational comments to encourage her.

"That's it, love! You can do it!"

"Look, you're almost stronger than me."

"Focus, Y/n, focus! Don't kill me with that look!"

She took deep breaths between each repetition, trying not to laugh at his words. Deep down, she knew Lewis was enjoying her efforts, but she also enjoyed seeing him supporting her every move.

After the bench press, they moved on to other exercises. On the leg press, Y/n struggled to push the weight, feeling her legs tremble, while Lewis watched with a smile. On the pulley, she held the cables with determination, but needed small breaks to catch her breath. When they reached the pelvic thrust, Y/n did her last set with all the strength she had.

Once she was done, she slid across the floor and lay on her back, exhausted.

Lewis chuckled, taking her gear and leaning over to look at her tired face. "Babe, you look like you've run two marathons."

"I FEEL like I've run two marathons." She replied dramatically, covering her eyes with her arm.

He crouched down beside her, chuckling. "You're sweating more than you should for someone so 'used' to training."

Y/n let out a tired laugh and sat down on the floor, rubbing her forehead.

Lewis poked her nose lightly, smiling.

"We still have a few more exercises. Just one more effort."

Her eyes widened as he listed the upcoming challenges. Without hesitation, she lay down on the floor again and sighed deeply. "I give up, love. Leave me here."

Lewis chuckled and grabbed her hands, pulling her up. "Come on, love. If you finish everything, I promise to reward you later."

Y/n looked at him suspiciously, but before she could ask, he leaned in and whispered something in her ear. His eyes lit up, and a mischievous smile appeared on his face.

"Deal." She said excitedly.

With new motivation, they moved on to the next exercises. Y/n took longer than Lewis in her sets, which made him laugh, but he remained by her side, encouraging her.

When they reached the last exercise—the squat—they began to do it together, in sync. On the third one, however, Y/n lost her strength and simply sat on the floor.

Lewis burst out laughing. "Giving me a show, huh?"

"If I finish this last exercise, you'll do something for me, okay?"

He smiled and walked closer to her. "Of course, love. You know I keep my promises."

Y/n smiled and nodded. Taking a deep breath, she stood up and finished the squats with him. At the last one, however, she collapsed on the floor again while Lewis took a sip of water.

"Okay, I'm weak anyway," she admitted, laughing. "That's embarrassing for my profession."

Lewis laughed and sat down next to her. "You're not weak, Y/n. You trained with me, you did F1 driver training. That's not for everyone."

She smiled tiredly and turned to him. "Next time, let's do Yoga or Pilates, something lighter."

He laughed and stood up.

"Now that's motivation, huh?"

Before Y/n could react, Lewis grabbed her waist and placed her on his shoulders as if she weighed nothing.

"Hey! What are you doing?!"

"Official transportation for those who fail training." He joked, grabbing the water bottles before starting to walk.

Y/n let out a loud laugh. "That's so unfair! But honestly... I think I'll accept it."

Lewis laughed along, leaving the gym with her on his shoulders, both enjoying the light and fun moment, even after such a tough workout.

[empressdede]

The Secretary - 2

Chapter two

Previous

The next day, Roman sat in a private lounge in WWE’s headquarters, a cup of coffee in his hand, but he hadn’t taken a single sip. His mind was somewhere else - someone else.

"Yo, Uce, you good?" Jey’s voice cut through his thoughts.

Roman glanced up to see both Jey and Jimmy watching him with raised eyebrows.

"You been sittin’ there quiet for the last ten minutes," Jimmy added, nudging him with an elbow. "What’s up?"

Roman exhaled, running a hand over his beard. He wasn’t the type to talk about this stuff, but if there was anyone he could trust, it was his cousins.

"I almost kissed Serena last night."

Both Usos went silent for about two seconds before Jimmy let out a sharp "Damn." Jey, meanwhile, smirked like he’d just won a bet.

"Knew it," Jey said, shaking his head. "I knew something was up with you two."

"Ain’t nothin’ up," Roman muttered, staring down at his coffee. "It didn’t happen."

Jimmy leaned forward. "So why didn’t it?"

Roman clenched his jaw, replaying the moment in his head. The way Serena had looked at him, the way she’d almost leaned in, and then - the way she’d stepped back, leaving like it never happened.

"She stopped it," he admitted. "Said she had to go."

Jey let out a low whistle. "Damn, Uce. She shut you down?"

Jimmy chuckled. "That’s a first."

Roman shot them both a look, and they sobered up real quick.

"Look, man," Jimmy said, leaning back. "You’re the boss. You think she’s just scared of losing her job?"

Roman shook his head. "Nah, it’s more than that. She’s…different."

Jey and Jimmy exchanged a glance.

"Different how?" Jey asked.

Roman sighed, setting his coffee down. "She’s not like everyone else around here. She’s not trying to impress me or get something from me. She just does her job; better than anyone else. She knows what I need before I even ask. Hell, she keeps my schedule tighter than Heyman does."

Jimmy grinned. "Sounds like wifey material."

Roman shot him another look, but this time, Jimmy didn’t back down.

"I’m just sayin’ Uce. If she’s got you all in your feelings, maybe you should figure out what you really want."

Roman exhaled, rubbing his face. That was the problem - he did know what he wanted.

But he also knew Serena wouldn’t cross that line. And maybe she was right. Maybe he was the one making a mistake even thinking about it.

Jey, ever the instigator, leaned in with a smirk. "So what you gonna do, Chief?"

Roman didn’t answer right away. He didn’t know.

But one thing was certain; Serena wasn’t just another secretary. And after last night, there was no way things were going back to normal.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Serena kept her head down all morning, focusing on her work as if her life depended on it. After last night, the only thing she could do was act like nothing had happened. Like she hadn’t almost made the biggest mistake of her career.

She had no idea where she stood with Roman now. Would he act differently? Would he fire her?

Her heart pounded as she gathered her tablet and notes, heading toward his office for their daily briefing. She inhaled sharply before knocking.

"Come in."

His voice was as calm as ever, but when she stepped inside, she immediately noticed the way his eyes flickered to her - just for a second, just enough to make her breath hitch.

"Good morning, Mr. Reigns," she said, keeping her voice steady.

Roman leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Morning, Serena."

Okay. So far, so good.

She cleared her throat, forcing herself into professional mode. "You have a meeting with Triple H at eleven, media interviews at two, and a production meeting before SmackDown. I’ve already pushed back the sponsorship call to next week."

He nodded. "Good. What about the travel schedule?"

"Finalized. Flights are booked, hotels confirmed. Everything’s in your itinerary."

Roman was silent for a beat, his fingers tapping the desk. "You always handle things before I even think to ask."

Serena glanced up, surprised by the warmth in his tone. "It’s my job."

His gaze held hers a little too long. "Yeah. It is."

A tension settled between them, the air thick with everything they weren’t saying.

Serena shifted on her feet. She needed to get out of there before last night repeated itself. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll-"

"Serena."

She stopped. His voice was softer now. She didn’t dare turn back, but she felt his presence behind her; closer than before.

"About last night…" His tone was careful, hesitant, like he wasn't even sure what he wanted to say.

Her hands clenched at her sides. Don’t do this, Roman.

She forced a smile, turning back slightly. "Nothing happened, sir."

His jaw tensed at the way she called him sir. He knew exactly what she was doing.

"Serena…"

"I should get back to work," she cut in quickly. "You have a busy day."

Roman’s expression darkened, but he didn’t stop her.

She left before he could say anything else, closing the door behind her with careful precision.

Once she was out in the hallway, she let out the breath she’d been holding.

Nothing happened. She had to keep reminding herself.

But the way Roman looked at her as she walked away?

She knew…this wasn’t over.

•

Next

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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[somuchforahobby]

what didn't stay in vegas

Summary: Ever since your arrival at the BAU Derek had been constantly flirting with you, but not his usual Garcia-sweet talk, he was all in. You had gotten used to it and actually rehearsed your comebacks. But there was someone who wasn’t so fond of it. Tags: Secret relationship / Derek is a flirttt / Hotch is jealous Warnings: once again I did not dare to write s m u t Words: 1.5K GIFS belong to: @hqtchner Read on AO3

“Hey, babygirl, how about we head for some drinks to relax after this?” He asked you as the team walked out of the precinct. 

“Oh, that’d be great! Spence can give us some tricks to survive in his hometown��� You actually were interested in the offer.

“I meant in my room, sweetheart.”  He winked at you.

“Nice try, Morgan.” You laughed on his face. “We’re in sin city and I ain’t no saint.” You turned to see your secret boyfriend for a second before anybody could notice. His eyes darkened and a small smile appeared on his face.

“Sin with me, darling. I swear it’ll be worth it.” His hand landed on your waist but you removed it with your elbow.

“Those who brag are never good.” You answered over your shoulder.

“There’s only one way to find out.”

“My God, get a damn room.” Emily broke the tension, tired of the exchange, and the rest of the team went quiet.

~

“It’s starting to get annoying” Aaron said against your lips once you were alone in his hotel room. “I will suspend him” he punctuated every word with a kiss.

“Don’t be so resentful, he doesn’t know I’m yours” 

“He doesn’t know what?” He pretended not to listen so you’d repeat. You laughed.

“That I’m yours” You gave him a peck on the lips.

“Besides, you can’t blame a man for trying” You kissed him again and your hands quickly worked his tie to undo the knot. A soft moan left his mouth.

“No, I can’t” he pushed you against the wall to attack your neck, while unbuttoning your shirt.

“Just because you got there earlier” 

He stopped his way to your chest to stand back and looked you in the eyes.

“Is that the only reason why?” His hand was on your jaw, holding your face upwards to maintain eye contact. He was analyzing you.

“Of course not” you bit your lower lip aware of the effect it had on him but with his thumb set it free by pulling your chin.

His eyes dangled through your face, not certain of what he was looking for.

“Oh, come on, honey, just fuck my brain’s out.” Your hands were working on his buckle but he grabbed both your wrists, lifting them above your head, holding them with one hand while the other returned to cup your cheek.

“Mmm” his furrowed brows accusing you of a crime you didn’t commit. “I don’t think you’ve earned it”

“I was real’ good today!” He smiled at your attempt. “I did not tease you in front of the team and I almost didn’t look at you.” Your innocent eyes were driving him mad.

“But you flirted with other men.”

“No, I rejected the flirtations from other men.”

“Mmm” he kept you in the same position, examining your micro expressions.

After a few seconds in silence he kissed you devotedly and softly. “I’m not really in the mood for a role-play today, honey.” He let go of your wrists and wrapped his arms around you, “I really need you.” He’d barely separate your mouths to talk. You just followed his lead to the bed, mimicking the same tenderness he was applying on your body.

~

“Is everything okay?” You asked after you finally came down from your high, head resting on his chest.

“Yeah, it’s just—“ he yawned, “not in the mood to tie you and spank you after all we saw today” he kissed your head sweetly. “Rest, you need it.” He tickled your ribs before turning your body sideways to spoon you.

As it was usual, you fell asleep in his arms.

~

His lips tracing your spine woke you up.

“What time is it?” You asked, still half asleep.

“5:45” He answered and kept kissing your bare back.

“Time for my walk of shame” you turned to see him and placed a peck on his lips. You adored the sight of him in the morning, without stress, without furrowed brows, all half lidded eyes, disheveled hair and warm skin.

“What if I steal this for today?” You asked, trying on his discarded shirt from last night.

“Why would you?” He asked, amused, still lying on the bed.

“So I can brag about the amazing man I spent the night with.” You teased him.

“It has my initials embroidered in the cuffs, I don’t think it’s a good idea” 

“I can fold them”

“No.” It was an order. “I wore it the whole day, it’s dirty.” You smelled the arms.

“It smells like you.”

“So, sweat” He laughed.

“Lotion,” you started walking round the bed “soap”, another step, “manly”, another step and he laughed, “smells like amazingly hot man” you straddled his lap and his hands quickly found your legs.

“I don’t approve”

“You’re not my boss in here.” You leaned down for another passionate kiss.

~

“Why have you chosen to punish me today?” Derek asked you the minute you crossed the precinct door.

“What you mean?” You asked, puzzled.

“You are hiding your body, babygirl, that’s just mean.” His face was filled with fake pain.

You ended up styling the shirt with straight jeans and converse, folding the cuffs to your elbow. It almost looked like a normal oversized shirt.

You took a glimpse of Aaron and he was reading some files in front of him, completely ignoring the conversation.

“That’s a man’s shirt” Spencer pointed out and the edges of your boyfriend’s mouth curled up.

“Is it?” Emily grabbed your shoulder and looked in your eyes. You only nodded. “You dirty girl.” She clapped and smiled.

“I also take trophies from my victims.” You gave the team a proud grin. Derek sighed in frustration.

When you looked up again, Aaron still had a proud smile on his lips.

~

You ended up wrapping the case that day and flying back at night.

“Now that we’re free, let’s talk about your victim.” Emily asked, she was in the seat in front of you.

“Well, he is great in bed.” You started off strong and saw Aaron blush on the other side of the plane as he read the newspaper. “A true gentleman, can’t wait to see him again.”

“Too bad you left him in Vegas” Derek interrupted your conversation.

“Yeah, maybe he could’ve given you some tips on how to treat women.” You answered, amused.

“And, where did you meet him?” JJ continued the interrogation after Morgan walked away.

“Uh” You struggled finding an answer and saw Aaron smiling even harder. “In the hotel.”

“What? Where? How?” Emily was yelling at this point. “You always get laid with random guys on the way and I never understand how you even meet them.”

“I’mma tell Hotch you’re not focused on the cases but on crossing all the states off your list!” JJ threatened.

“We eyed each other during dinner in the hotel, after you guys left to the Casino we got to talking, one thing led to another and that’s that.” You were a great storyteller and even better liar.

“Damn, you. Maybe I’m getting old and rusty.” Emily was analyzing you.

“I happen to know that it is not a problem” you teased. 

“How old?”

“I didn’t ask, my guess is around 45” 

“Single?”

“Mmm” you certainly had not thought about the civil status of your fake fuck buddy. “Yeah, he wasn’t wearing a ring.” 

“Nobody wears a ring in Vegas.”

“Baby, you out there fucking married man instead of staying home, ts ts ts” Derek scolded you.

“Fuck, it’s freezing here.” You wanted to shift the conversation & started unfolding your cuffs to cover yourself but you remembered the embroidery and decided to stand up and get a sweater from your bag. When you passed through Derek, he caught your wrists screaming.

“It has his name embroidered!” You freed yourself before he could read it.

“Leave me alone, Derek.” You were getting upset and Aaron raised his eyes from what he was reading to check on you.

“Morgan” he alerted, bossely.

You were opening the luggage compartment trying to reach for your bag, Derek chased you trying to read your cuffs.

“Derek, leave me alone” You were squirming under him while reaching for your bag.

“Babygirl” him laughing was the only thing avoiding him to restrain you. “Let me read it!”

“Get over it!” He grabbed your wrist and brought it close to his eyes.

“Morgan!” Your boyfriend’s voice made him drop your wrist and take a step back. Aaron was already standing next to you two with his usual frown. “Leave my girl the fuck alone.” He put an arm around your waist while the other got your bag and handed it to you. All while maintaining eye contact with Derek.

Derek showed his palms in surrender and walked away, the rest of the team all had their mouths open in shock.

Once you were alone enough you turned to see Aaron, surely surprised as well.

“I had enough of hiding” he said before leaning down to kiss you.

“Well that didn’t stay in Vegas” you heard Emily’s voice chuckling in the back.

[httpknjoon]

say goodnight and go | myg

plot | that time when everyone seemed to be doing something on valentine's day and the popstar and her bassist have all the time with their single asses.

w.c | 3.3k

pairing | bass guitarist!yoongi x popstar!reader

genre | enemies to lovers, popstar x bassist, fluff, angst

note | wrote this last-minute today, just something short n sweet for valentines. enjoy!

main masterlist | series masterlist | want to request?

DAY 93: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

Your fans from South Korea are one of your most active fanbases, always showering you with praises and support through social media. You even heard one of your songs becoming a trend on their online platforms, with celebrities and big local personalities doing it. So to show appreciation for them, you and your management decided to stay in the country for a longer amount of days.

So far, you have done your back-to-back concerts, variety show appearances, and media interviews, making sure that your fans will get a lot of content. You also got to do some shopping in Myeongdong with Cal and Paul in your first two days in the country since you know how great everyone's skincare products are.

"Are you going out?"

It's your last day before you leave for another country tomorrow. You sat on the nook near the big window of your hotel room, overviewing the busy streets of Seoul, when Cal came in and checked on you.

"I would love to, but I don't like to see couples eating each others' faces on the street." you shuddered in exaggerated disgust, Cal laughed in response.

Tearing your eyes off the scene, you see your assistant all dressed up. From her usual jeans and dark-colored hoodie, she wore and pastel green coat dress and white boots. She also wore white fuzzy gloves, tights, and a scarf for the winter weather outside. Her hair is also styled in soft waves.

"You are so, so pretty." you smiled as she gave you a twirl. "Where are you and your fiance heading?"

She looks up, recalling her agenda for the day, "We're going to Nami Island, I think. I don't really know. Art planned the whole thing."

"Sounds nice."

You tried to smile before looking back to the window. A sense of heaviness sits on your chest as you hug your knees closer to your body, resting your chin on it. The feeling you have been trying to avoid today, Valentine's Day, cannot help but revive itself in your system. But it has been looming over you for a while now, especially in Seoul, where there are a lot of lovely, cute couples everywhere.

"You okay?" Cal asked, sensing your aura shifting.

"I am, I am!" You turned to look at her again, smiling to reassure her. "Now, go on and enjoy that date. We know Art has a low tolerance for waiting."

She chuckled before giving you a quick hug that you know means well. As soon as the door closed, you were back staring outside the glass. You watched the cars move in different directions, and people walked around places. You watched almost twenty-two stories over them, but your mood cannot keep up and remained low ever since you woke up today.

For the first time in years, you are alone in this day of romance. You tried to stay optimistic about it, thinking that you should be grateful you got out of that toxic on-and-off relationship. But man, wouldn't it be nice to be with someone in this cold, cuddly weather outside?

You sighed, combing your fingers through your unstyled hair, before getting up to your bed. You thought of just taking advantage of your free time to rest in the midst of your ongoing world tour.

"I don't think I can bring this with me, Juwon."

Yoongi let out a sheepish chuckle while holding a brown bag of Tupperware filled with kimchi, braised potatoes, lettuce, rice, and marinated uncooked bulgogi. His cousin laughed.

"Not my problem, man. Mom saw one of your videos online and said you looked thinner. She wanted to make sure you're eating a lot, especially now you're in the country."

It has been more than a decade since Yoongi visited his birth country. Unlike his parents who come and go to South Korea yearly, he never got to visit since he moved to LA. When his mother learned that you would be taking your tour to Seoul, she called up every family member to let them know Yoongi was coming. Everyone was delighted to see him after a long time. His grandma even handed him an envelope money, just like when he was a little kid. Yoongi tried to decline it shyly, but his heart warmed when she told him to keep it as it was for all the Lunar New Year he missed.

"She really wanted to see you, but she and Dad are celebrating their anniversary in the UK right now," Juwon told him while they sat in one of the cafes just on the outskirts of Seoul. "She always told everyone how her nephew is a celebrity in the US."

Yoongi laughed, cheeks warming up, "I'm not a celebrity. I'm a bassist for one."

"Eh, it's the same." his cousin shrugged, making both of them laugh. "You know, a lot of YN's fans here think you two are dating."

Yoongi's jaw tenses at the mention of you. Considering that you two are barely talking right now, being tangled in such gossip with you is a little startling for him.

Juwon continued, "Like, I would scroll on social media and I would see edits of you on stage made by your fans here. There are talks about her performances and gimmicks with you on online forums."

Yoongi knows. His father even asked him once about his relationship status with you during the holidays. When he was on his way to the cafe, a young student recognized and asked him if you two are together after asking for a selfie. And he answered the same thing.

"We're not dating. I'm just her bassist."

Juwon seemed to not really care about Yoongi's relationship status with you, just wanting to share the growing popularity of the topic. They went on talking about life and everything big happening to them. Yoongi appreciated his cousin not mentioning his failed engagement or asking him personal questions about you (since that is something other people do). A couple of hours later, Juwon had to go.

"I'm taking the missus out. So, I really should go," he explained, smiling sheepishly.

Yoongi smiled before they shared a quick hug, "Of course. I'll try to visit again after the tour so I can meet everyone."

It was only afternoon and Yoongi was already on his way back to the hotel. Love is everywhere, he can feel, hear, see, and even taste it with how sweet the heart-shaped candies he sees from the street vendors. On the bus, he cannot help but feel outcasted by how everyone comes and goes in two while he sits alone in the farthest seat. He tried not to be a bitter hater about today's event. But how can he be single right now and there are middle-schoolers holding hands in front of him?

He rolled his eyes as he walked past the young couple who was walking too slow for his liking. Just a few distance from the hotel, he stopped when he got a call from someone.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Yoongi. Are you in the hotel right now?" Art, who's on the other line, asked.

Yoongi continued walking, "Yeah, just arrived. Why?"

Today is meant to be their free day before flying to Thailand tomorrow. He recalls any possible reason why the tour manager would call him today.

"Yeah, uhm, can you check on YN? Callie has been trying to contact her, but she's not answering any texts or calls. She just wants to know how she's doing."

His heart dropped, making him pause near the elevators. He has not really talked with you alone these past few days. You two barely had conversations after that little argument the week after the holiday break.

Yoongi scratched his brow, "Uhm, how about Noah or Akio?"

"They are still on their way to visit Busan. Fred is out of town too," he replied.

Knowing there were no other choices, his shoulder slumped like the whole world fell on it, "Okay, I'll check on her."

"Okay, thank you, Yoongi!" Art sighed in relief. Yoongi heard Cal's relief in the background, thanking him too, "Thanks, Yoongi! Please tell her to text me back."

After saying where your room is, the call ended. Why can't you answer the calls? Yoongi tried contacting you himself when he got in the elevator. Although he knows that you might ignore him, he still tries just to avoid knocking on your door again. But you did not answer. So he got to the floor higher than his and immediately looked for your room.

He felt his heart beating faster when he stopped in front of Room 2202. Chewing on his lip, he raised his finger before the doorbell. He wished he had the same determination when he knocked on your door months ago. He held his breath when he clicked it.

But he got no response. It took him three more tries before hearing footsteps inside and by that time, he was more worried than nervous.

"What— Yoongi?"

Instantly recognizing the person who interrupted your movie marathon, your creased forehead softened up as your shoulders slowly tensed down. Yoongi didn't speak immediately, causing you to just stand there while his eyes scanned your face with lines forming between his brows. You felt like shrinking again under his gaze, wondering if other people feel the same way when your bassist looks at them.

"Were you crying?" he asked since he quickly took notice of your tear-stained cheeks, puffy eyes, and lips.

When you look away, Yoongi can read the embarrassment on your face. He thought you looked cute even though you just cried, but still he was worried by what was the reason behind it. But he didn't want to ask, to cross the line like you said that night. So he didn't.

Instead, he cleared his throat, "Art called me. He said you—"

To see you open the door wider as if you are inviting him to come in is a surprise to him. Your eyes meet, communicating with no verbal words in between. But when your sight starts moving from his eyes to his nose then to his lips. Something in your stomach twists. Before anything happened, you spoke, moving your eyes back up.

"Please, just come in. Someone might see us in the hallway."

Always careful. Yoongi stepped in with the same brown bag in his hand. He waited for you to close the door before speaking up again.

"Art called me and he wanted me to check on you. Cal is worried you were not answering her calls."

Your lips gaped as you forgot where your phone was. Since you were left alone hours ago, you spent your time watching rom-com movies, including the one you were just crying about before Yoongi knocked.

"Wait, I'll look for it."

Yoongi watched you rush to your messy bed. He still has not moved from the same spot near the door, like his feet were nailed to the ground. Not less than a minute later, you came back with your phone in hand.

"Just texted her back. I was on DND since last night, I didn't notice," you explained and why were you explaining to him? You don't know.

He didn't say anything and just looked at you blankly. What was to say anyway? You noticed him not really speaking much when you're around. You mean, Yoongi does not really speak a lot, but you observed how quieter he got when the holiday break ended. The eye contact lessened and so did the small bickering you two do in every rehearsal. It feels wrong to annoy you like before again. There are so many times you want to, but you just can't.

You were chewing on your lower lip unconsciously while looking down at the paper bag in his hand, and could not bring yourself to look up. Yoongi silently wondered what was going on inside your creative head.

"What's that?" you broke the silence, referring to the bag.

"Oh... uhm... it's food from my aunt," he replied, lifting the bag. He pulled out one of the Tupperware. "She wanted me to eat more, said I'm getting thinner."

You don't know why, but that made you chuckle. Yoongi smiled upon hearing your little laugh.

"Have you eaten?" he asked, even though it can be a risk over the line you spoke about before.

But instead of reminding him about that stupid line, you replied, "Ice cream is food, right?"

Yoongi clicked his tongue, shaking his head like you were a great disappointment. He pulled out each Tupperware one by one and placed it on the nearby marble counter.

"Have you had these foods before?" he asked and you simply shook your head. "Then, you're going to have them now."

Yoongi didn't care if he crossed that imaginary line because his mom would kill him if he didn't make you eat lunch. Heading to your kitchenette, he looked for a pan and turned on the stove.

"I will just cook the meat. Then, we'll eat this with rice and the side dishes." he explained while putting the meat on the hot surface.

"What... What should I do? Should I help? Do I have to do anything?" you asked, heavily confused.

Yoongi chuckled at your innocent questions, "You can just watch, YN."

And you did while being intrigued and amused at the same time by the unexpected scenario. Just twenty minutes ago, you were crying over Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler. But now, you have your bassist cooking before you.

Yoongi cooked all of the meat since he could not really bring it with him tomorrow. He will make sure to eat them all if you do not enjoy it anyway. There are no plates in the hotel room, so you two had to improvise and use the lids of the Tupperware as plates. It was also a relief that his aunt included chopsticks in the bag.

He noticed how your eyes lit up as he explained the side dishes, particularly the potatoes. He picked one and placed it on your 'plate'. You hummed as you tasted the sweetness on your tongue.

"I love this. So much better than room service!"

He smiled before getting you some kimchi on your plate too. That's when your expression dropped, he noticed.

"It's kimchi. Don't worry, it's good."

"What does it taste like? And how should I eat it?" you asked, staring at the very red dish.

"It's spicy and sour. It can be sweet too. Depends on who made it. But my aunt always preferred it spicier." he explained before eating some. Yeah, it's spicy. "Do you eat spicy food?"

"I like spicy foods, but this one looks really spicy. It's very red."

He laughed, "It's good. Taste it! You can eat it alone, with rice, or meat. Like this."

Yoongi pulled his chair next to yours, simply to make you a lettuce wrap like in a local Korean barbecue place. He didn't sit too close, but sensing his familiar scent once again made your heart jump as you watched him make you a lettuce wrap.

"Here. Say 'ah'." Yoongi opened his mouth demonstrating.

You tried not to smile, your head messing with you again, as you followed his order. He helped you with the lettuce wrap. Immediately after chewing it, there's a burst of flavor in your mouth. The kimchi is spicy, sour, and maybe a little salty. But you liked it.

Yoongi smiled when he saw you nodding your head, "See? It's great, right? You should really listen to me more."

You glared at him before picking up your chopsticks to eat. Eating in comfortable silence, Yoongi quietly observed how you enjoyed the meal he brought, specifically the kimchi. He was pleased to see you munching on the dishes.

"Slow down on the kimchi." he teased you at one point, but you just scrunched your nose at him.

"I should have added matching couple-shirts in my merch during the concert. I would have earned millions here."

After having your late lunch, you and Yoongi found yourselves in the same nook you were sitting at earlier today. You two sat on each corner, looking down on the noisy and busy city moving below. It felt like the events after the afterparty were forgotten for the meantime as you two chatted about 50 First Dates, the movie you were crying about, and how he preferred The Wedding Singer more. There was a debate for a whole twenty minutes about it and you were sure Yoongi just let you win, so you can move to another topic.

"Yeah, on my way here earlier, every couple who will get on the bus wears the same thing. I looked like a sore thumb." he quipped, earning another laugh from you while you took another bite of kimchi.

The side dish was almost completely consumed by you alone, much to Yoongi's surprise.

"I told you to slow down on the kimchi." he teased you again.

"But it's good. Tell your aunt it's good, send her flowers for me," you suggested.

He scoffed, "Oh, my aunt would love hearing that and will probably send you five more Tupperware of this."

"Well, sign me up. I wouldn't mind having stock." you grinned before taking the last piece of radish.

He shook his head, laughing, "And you finished it all."

You carefully placed the empty Tupperware in front of you, raising both of your hands like you were a suspect caught, "Not guilty at all."

"She would really love you." he chuckled, leaning back on the wall of the nook.

"Well, that just means she has a very great taste." you quipped, looking outside.

Mirroring Yoongi, you rested your back on the wall while still looking outside. In contrast to your full and contented stomach, your heart feels light at someone's unexpected appearance in your hotel room. You were so ready to watch movies all day and maybe call for room service for food. A small smile forms on your lips.

Unbeknownst to you, Yoongi feels the same thing. Mainly, he was happy the food his aunt made did not go to waste and he got to eat it with someone, who obviously enjoyed it. He tried not to chuckle when he saw a spot of the red sauce near your lips. Before he could even stop himself, his thumb gently wiped it off your face.

You held your breath at the sudden touch with your eyes flickering to meet his. He was frozen on the spot, still in the leaned-in position. For a second, the city noise is drawn out. Until he pulled back and you noticed his cheeks have a very slight tint of red.

"Uhm... there was sauce." he mumbled.

"Hmm..." you awkwardly responded looking away.

Silence joined the room again and Yoongi felt like he had gone past the line already. He slapped his head mentally with what he did. The silence reminded him of a scenario that happened at the end of last year. As he feels it getting into him, he gets up.

"I-I should go. We have an early flight tomorrow."

You looked back at him and were always easy to read for him. But, he didn't want to assume that you wanted him to stay based on your eyes alone. But you did, you really did. Maybe for a companion for tonight? You cannot tell, but you enjoyed this casual conversation with him. You can just hope he did too.

"Okay," you replied, almost a whisper.

You watched him gather the Tupperware back into the paper bag, not moving an inch in the nook. You waited for him to look back at you before he leaves, but he was too focused on the fucking Tupperware. So, you just turned your head outside, letting out a sigh.

And just when Yoongi is about to turn the doorknob, he takes one last look at you. His shoulders depleted, seeing you alone while watching the city outside.

"YN?" he called your name and he was unsure if he saw a glimmer of something in your eyes when you turned around. "Good night."

You forced a smile on your lips, "Thank you, Yoongi. Good night."

note | a little preview for the tour's second leg too...

SERIES TAGLIST

kindly check out my taglist rules on my pinned post :)

@busanbby-jjk @jimingirl95 @treacherqus @jajabro @marnz1990 @ktownshizzle @notarshia @m00njinnie @thelilbutifulthings @tarahardcore @livisdoingfine @jungshaking @eridanus-lynx @enthralled-bandit @goodnight-n-go-home @ronyiboniyy @jimeg629 @lveegsoi @madussthoughts

PERMANENT TAGLIST (CLOSED)

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[honeypiehotchner]

The Gambit (Hotch x Fem!Reader) -- part ten

Not to randomly air out my business but getting my heart viciously broken a few days before Valentine's Day was not on my 2025 bingo. Jesus Christ. Lmfao, anyway! Here's a new chapter!

Warnings: Rossi once again knows Hotch too well, Hotch makes A Decision (a choice is certainly made...whether or not we agree with it is tbd), these two bickering their hearts out

That night, Hotch agrees to Rossi’s offer of a drink at the hotel bar, albeit with an ulterior motive.

They’re barely two sips into their whiskey when Rossi reminds Hotch that he’s smarter than him. “So. You heard us talking.”

Hotch almost laughs as he hangs his head. Nothing will ever get past David Rossi, will it? Honestly, Aaron should know better by now.

“Yes,” Aaron replies, thumbing at the condensation forming on his glass from the ice. “And…” He sighs, figuring he might as well admit what he’s done. What Rossi told him not to do. “I had Garcia pull her file.”

Rossi freezes. “Aaron…”

“I know,” he says before Rossi can even start. He raises one hand in surrender. “I know.”

Rossi shakes his head. “I told you to let her come to you.”

“Well she hasn’t,” Hotch argues. “And she won’t, Dave, I know she won’t.”

Rossi hums, like he’s having the strangest sense of deja vu. “You think she needs help?”

“I think keeping this a secret is impacting her ability to do her job.”

Rossi scoffs. “Don’t tell me you’re blaming her because we haven’t found the guy yet.”

“What?” Hotch reels back, clearly offended at even the thought of that. “No. What makes you think that I am?”

“You two get under each other’s skin, Aaron,” Dave laughs. “You’ve said multiple times, to each other, even in front of all of us, that you don’t like one another and would rather work with anyone else.”

Aaron scoffs. “Yeah, but we don’t actually mean it, it’s…” It’s how we’ve always communicated. We don’t know anything else.

“Don’t you?” Dave asks, that damn knowing look on his face. “If you don’t mean those things, you should probably tell her.”

Aaron’s eyes widen slightly. “Did she say something to you?”

“Nothing I’m going to disclose,” Dave shrugs. “And before you ask, no, it's not impacting her ability to do her job.”

Aaron hangs his head for real this time. “Alright, I walked into that one.”

Dave takes a sip of his whiskey, leaning onto the bar. “You’ve got to trust her, Aaron.”

“She doesn’t trust me.”

“She does,” Dave says. “Even if she doesn’t like you.”

Ouch. Walked right into that one, too. 

Hotch straightens up, sipping his whiskey before hitting Rossi with the next thing. “So you met her when her father was caught.”

Rossi smirks. “I was wondering when you’d put the pieces together on that one.”

Hotch shakes his head through a laugh. “You could’ve just told me.”

“With how you’ve been about her? No, no I couldn’t,” Dave says with a incredulous laugh. “I wasn’t positive until yesterday, and I didn’t need you to confront her about it before I even had a chance to ask her. And I wasn’t so sure you wouldn’t turn that same anger on me.”

“Sorry,” Aaron grimaces. “I’ve been trying to…cool it.”

“Hm, good luck with that,” Dave says, tilting his head with a sigh. “If you two are on good terms now, you better cherish it while you have it. The second she finds out you pulled her file behind her back, she’s not going to be happy.” He pauses, fixing Aaron with a look. “And I can’t help you there.”

Aaron knew already that it wasn’t his brightest idea, but surely it’s justified. When the safety of an agent is at risk, that has to be worth something?

After talking with Rossi, he’s not so sure anymore.

+++

The unsub never strikes again. 

The BAU stays in town to further investigate and chase down any leftover leads, but all have dead ends. You wait for an entire week. Nothing.

“It’s…It’s pissing me off!” Garcia’s frustration can be felt through the video screen. She squeezes a stress ball so tightly you’re worried it’s going to pop. “It’s like this guy doesn’t even exist!”

“I know, babygirl, I know,” Morgan sighs.

You lean into frame, almost resting your head on Morgan’s shoulder. It’s been a long week and you’re bone-tired. “At least we’re coming home this afternoon.”

“I know,” Garcia says, dropping the stress ball to prop her chin in her hand. “I just wish it was because you caught the guy.”

“Me too,” you murmur, finally giving in and dropping your head onto Morgan’s shoulder.

Through the blinds of the conference room, you see Hotch and JJ talking with the other detectives, giving them the inevitable news. The BAU will continue to be just a phone call away should they need anything, but there’s nothing else they can do. They can monitor things just as well from headquarters in Quantico, and, unfortunately, there are more pressing issues to return to.

The “pressing issues” are just the usual mountain of paperwork, Morgan says. You hope that’s all it is, but something in your gut is telling you otherwise. Your meeting with Strauss flashes in your mind, namely a certain prisoner who seems set on speaking to you again one day.

You still have no idea what to do about that one.

“Travel safe, my loves,” Garcia blows a kiss with a sad smile. “I’ll be here when you land.”

“See you soon,” you reply, waving as she signs off.

You close your eyes as Derek shuts the laptop, letting out a sigh.

“I know,” he says, leaning his head onto yours. “I know.”

You practically jump when Hotch’s voice sounds out damn near right next to. He somehow walked in here without making a single noise, and of course Derek couldn’t warn you.

“We’re heading out,” Hotch says, eyeing you from your seat next to Morgan. “Got everything?”

You nod silently. You and Derek were already packed, your bags loaded into the trunk of the car that you’ll take to the airstrip in town. Your plan is to curl up on the plane and pass out the entire ride.

You and Hotch have gone back to your speaking-non-speaking terms. When you have spoken, it’s been about the case. When you’ve argued, which hasn’t been as much as you anticipated, it’s about the case— you blame your lack of sleep for your lack of witty comebacks. He doesn’t ask any prying questions like you were certain he was gearing up to do, and he overall doesn’t bother you.

Except when he, you know, breathes too loud in your general area.

Or when he looks at you too much, like he’s doing right now.

“What?” you don’t mean for it to come out as forcefully as it does. “Do I have something on my face, or…?” You touch your cheek, expecting to find pen ink there.

“No,” Hotch says, but he doesn’t look away.

You roll your eyes, standing up from your chair. “Then take a picture or something. And blink like a normal human being— thank you.”

He looks away from you then, after you thank him for blinking, of all things.

Hotch has tried his hardest to “cool it” as he told Rossi he would, and it has seemed to do absolutely nothing to calm your attitude toward him. It’s a losing battle, and he has no idea why he’s even bothering to try.

As Hotch watches you and Morgan finish gathering the last remaining things from the conference room, he spots Rossi taking an evidence bag from a detective.

A moment later, Rossi comes into the room with the bag in hand, giving Hotch a look he doesn’t see often. Alarm.

“This was left in the mailbox outside the door,” Rossi explains. “They’re checking the cameras now.”

“What is it?” you ask, ears perking up when you hear Rossi’s tone. He’s never sounded…startled like that.

You stand a little too close to Hotch on accident, apologizing when your shoulder brushes his arm as you try to get a good look at what was left.

It’s just a simple card in a white envelope, except where the addressee’s name should be, it just says Behavioral Analysis Unit. The note inside only has one word: gambit. Hotch flips the bag over to read the back of the card: Are you ready to play a game? 

In the bottom corner, in tiny script: see you soon.

You take the bag from Hotch, blaming the spark you feel in your hand as your fingers brush on the chills you feel when reading the words before you. 

Morgan reads the words from beside you and scoffs, “Oh, so he’s taunting us now?”

“We don’t know,” Hotch says.

“We can’t just leave,” you argue. “Not after a note like this. Leaving is what he wants us to do.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” Hotch replies, like it’s the simplest thing in the universe.

“Are you serious?” The anger is back, always simmering just below the surface when you’re this close to him. “He’s going to strike again the second we’re gone.”

Hotch levels his gaze on you. “You don’t know that.”

“Hotch, I don’t like the sound of this,” Morgan chimes in, holding up the note. “This guy doesn’t do anything for a week, and then just drops this off?”

“We don’t know that the unsub dropped the note—”

“Who the fuck else could it have been?” you nearly yell. Judging by the detectives who turn their heads, you aren’t as quiet as you hoped. You try again, lowering your voice, but keeping your glare focused on Hotch. “Who would do that, if not the unsub?”

“We’re leaving,” he says firmly, looking both at you and Morgan. “My decision is final.”

You look to Rossi for help, but find none. He doesn’t look like he particularly agrees with Hotch, but he doesn’t disagree either, and that’s just as bad.

“You’re making a mistake,” you say.

“I’m sorry you see it that way,” Hotch deadpans. “But I won’t let my team feed into this unsub’s delusions.”

“It’s not—”

“This is not up for debate, Y/N,” Hotch cuts you off. “We’re leaving. End of discussion.”

He turns and holds his hand out in front of Morgan, silently asking for the note. Morgan looks about as delighted as you feel as he hands it over. He shakes his head after letting it go, grabbing his bag and heading out of the room. Rossi follows behind him.

You wonder if either of them realized what they were doing. Leaving you alone with Hotch once again. If either of them realize the inevitable.

“I’m not finished,” you say, catching Hotch’s attention when he tries to leave. You cross your arms over your chest. “Give me one good reason why we can’t stay.”

Hotch shakes his head. “I’m not arguing with you about this.”

“Tough fucking shit, Hotch. All we know how to do is argue, so you know damn well that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Tell me.”

For a second, you think he’s going to turn and walk out of there without answering you. Leave you standing alone in your irritation. He takes so long to answer, so many seconds stretch out of him staring at you, looking down at the note, then back to you.

“If we stay, the safety of this team might be at risk,” he starts.

“What about the women in this town?”

“He hasn’t struck in a week,” Hotch fires back. “Before it was every other day.”

“I know the facts of the case, Hotch.”

“I didn’t say that you don’t,” he replies, unusually calm. “But we can’t stay. We need to return to Quantico. They’ll call if they need us.” He pauses. “And this note? The unsub is trying to taunt us. If we unpack everything now and change our plans, we look scared. We can’t look afraid. We have to leave, like we’ve planned to do, and we’ll continue to monitor the case from Quantico.”

“That’s not good enough,” you murmur, voice unusually quiet. You don’t like this — not the leaving, but the way you’re both talking. It’s not like either of you to not get angry, to not yell, for one of you to not storm off. 

“I’m sorry,” he says, only this time, he sounds genuinely remorseful. “We can’t stay.”

When he walks away, he pauses just outside the door to glance back at you, nodding for you to follow him.

You don’t know why, but you do. You admit defeat, and you follow him out of the precinct.

+++

On the jet, you sit toward the back by yourself, not caring that you must look like a child pouting because they didn’t get their way.

Maybe half of that is true. You didn’t get your way because you wanted to stay. But that’s not what you’re upset about — not really. Sure, it’s a piece of it, but it’s nowhere near the biggest piece. Not even close.

The biggest piece, though, you can’t say. Not out loud. 

You can’t help feeling like it’s somehow your fault, that this unsub wasn’t caught. The same way Lila’s kidnapper got away, too. Even with the sketch artist’s drawing — because Lila’s mom did eventually convince her to speak with one — there haven’t been any new leads. It turned into a dead end, just like this one.

Aside from the cryptic note, there’s nothing to go on. The precinct’s cameras don’t show anyone dropping the note off on its own. The best they can assume is that it was mixed in with the regular mail, but there’s no way to trace that. Another dead end.

You curl up into the seat, looking out the window as the clouds fly by. The first two cases you work on with the BAU, and both end with the unsub getting away. You must be a bad luck charm, or something. There has to be some explanation, but clearly you can’t see it yet.

Distantly, over the whirring of the engines, you can hear Reid rambling about the note and what it might mean. No one seemed nearly as confused and upset as you and Morgan about leaving right after the note appeared. 

Granted, it’s not like Hotch gave them much choice. He didn’t bring out the note until the jet was already in the air.

You aren’t even angry with him. Not really, you guess. You don’t know what’s eating at you exactly. When it’s too many things at once, it’s hard to pinpoint.

Reid goes on and on about the definition of a gambit, specifically in chess. How they’re used, why they’re used. To get multiple steps ahead of your opponent.

You’ve never liked chess when you’ve played it, but you especially don’t like this feeling you have now — because it seems you’re in the middle of a game you’re inevitably going to lose.

[cluedoenthusiast]

Big Autism Post

(I'm not calling him autistic. These are just some autistic traits that I've noticed that he has that neurotypicals can also have)

This is a list of ND traits, each with a few examples of instances or whatever:

Like to lead conversations and provide extensive information on the specific topics you are interested in.

Find it easier to talk ‘at’ people, rather than engaging in a two-way conversation.

“Oh… I forgot to bring my cheat sheet. I’ve got a folder with notes, which I planned on bringing with me. But it also feels a little know-it-all and self-conscious to start giving a lecture from my own notes here. My best line… I wouldn’t know! I simply don’t know all the lyrics by heart yet. [long pause] I think ‘Big Ideas’ as a whole is a very accomplished song.” [X]

Have your own unique phrases and descriptive words.

“A bone-coloured gentleman” - him describing a spider [X] [+post I made a while back about him and words]

Find building and maintaining close friendships and relationships difficult in a range of environments.

hmm 🤨

May use facial expressions and make gestures when speaking with people that others find unusual.

This whole interview is just him stimming but specifically watch 1:46 in the video when jamie mentions it

The Zane Lowe The Car Interview where he’s doing the same hand stim over and over again

He makes a pained expression sometimes when he’s just talking about normal things but there’s too many examples to get

Autistic individuals are often perceived as controlling. + Have a strong desire to set and follow rules, whether in the classroom, work or social situations.

“…but I'm quite a control freak." He grins. "There's a bit of that." [X]

Would you describe yourself as a control freak in the studio? “Yeah, probably… (Laughs) well, definitely. I think somebody needs to take the reins and I’m happy to do that. I’m sure it’s quite annoying for other people at times, but I think they’re glad that someone is… not exactly in charge but has a vision.” [X]

Alex Turner is not satisfied with the light of the room chosen to serve as the basis for our interview. It is a small and cozy hipster hotel in the neighborhood of Los Feliz, in Los Angeles, of those who are above a cafe with tables occupied by young people on the computer and without queues at the cash registers that do not accept cash payment. The leader of Arctic Monkeys, the largest rock band to leave the United Kingdom in the last 20 years, moves the switches until he finds the perfect balance of luminosity. "Is that okay with you?" he asks, but doesn't seem to care much about the answer. Turner likes to have full control over his environment. "Where do you want to sit? Here will be the best place, right?" he asks, with coffee in his hand, already standing in front of a small beige table below the lamp that insisted on not releasing the proper light. Shy to the point of never completing an entire sentence, as if the mouth did not accompany his fast brain, Turner is fully aware of his obsession with control and attention to detail, something that has become greater in recent years ahead of the band. [X]

Have intense conversational focus on subjects that interest you, combined with a minimal interest to engage in conversation on other topics.

This interview (2:08 - end) where he kept talking about wrestling (+finger flicking) while the interviewer kept trying to steer the conversation back to the question.

This TBHC moment where he got excited about something Zane said.

May speak in a monotone, with an accent, in a very proper and formal way or not at all.

I’m very excited. I want to just… y’know, jump up and down on the bed :|

Zane Lowe bullying his “nice one”

Making repetitive body movements, such as hand clapping, hand flapping or rocking, making noises, or frequently clearing the throat, also known as stimming.

Hair + Head/Neck hold

Rocking

His shoulder tappy thing + the shoulder hug thing he does when he’s nervous like when he met Julian Casablancas

Eyes

Jaw

Fingers + finger biting + finger biting (gay)

Arm rub

Legs

The Car 

Prefer hanging around on your own, rather than joining in with others.

“I like to feel foreign, alone. That said, I probably live far too much inside my head, it would be good for me to have more relationships with real people.” [X]

There are fan stories about them seeing him eating alone at like 2am or something but those don’t count everyone does that

Anxiety in social settings

“[very long pause] I just don’t wanna get it wrong in front of everybody” (when asked about his favourite dessert)

Him apologising for calling Batman’s butler Albert instead of Alfred (I lost it ): ) (update: [X] thanks slippy)

His ipod suddenly playing T-Rex

“It’s gonna be alright…”

…The next day, Turner sends me an apologetic email. “I sat myself too far away from my internal cue cards and few sentences made it to the finish line,” he admits. [X]

I would fire a question at them and Miles would respond at length while Alex would emit, perhaps, a tiny smile and draw back a little further in his chair. If you address a question directly to Alex he clams up. If you ignore him then, bit by bit, he comes back because Alex clearly thinks Miles is amazing. [X]

"I was racking me brain for this," he admits in his undimmed Northern accent, holding up a little piece of paper covered in hand-scratched recollections. (Mistaking the hotel lunch menu for his notes at one point, he even cracks a self-deprecating joke; Tuscan kale, he knows, is not the answer we came for.) [X]

Ability to “hyper-focus” on work or a specific interest

“I’d just gotten obsessed with cardboard.” (not a great example but it’s funny)

Experiencing emotions more intensely than others

- “He just feels a bit…. I don’t know… Fragile”

Often accused of being rude or blunt.

no need for example 

May have perfectionism in certain areas.

Find that others don’t understand how you are feeling and say that “it is hard to know what you are thinking”.

I can’t find a good example for these two, but it’s been mentioned before.

Masking, where specific behaviours are consciously or unconsciously concealed to fit into social norms or to avoid negative responses from others.

"You know how Shakira's hips don't lie? Well mine are incredibly good liars. A mask if you like." (I looked everywhere for the video I had it saved a few years ago but I can’t find it)

Echolalia and vocal stims

“Stupid slow dirty PC” & “The year is 1965” [X]

“Ipswich”

“In the big room”

“Spectrum section spectrum” (was not a stutter, he just liked those words together)[X]

Stealing peoples accents and mannerisms

Andy: “…he soaks accents up a lot, ‘cause when he started hanging around with Miles quite a lot, he started to get a bit of a Scouse twinge to his accent.” [X]

His Americanish accent in that SIAS interview (I can’t find it, but he says the word “pretty” in an American accent)

Dino hands: This unique posture, colloquially known as "autistic T-Rex arms," is commonly observed among autistic individuals.

Dino hand compilation

While not every neurodivergent person reports high justice sensitivity, and many people with high justice sensitivity are not autistic or ADHD, this can be an autistic or ADHD trait.

The Green Book: Everyday Guide to Saving The Planet [you can also spot “The Abortion” and “Natural cures and gentle medicines”]

Recycling (4:00)

Telling the interviewer that it’s wrong to say “The Gays” [X] (5:06)

“I once stole a ‘Dip Dap’. I walked out of the shop immersed in thought and when I came to the next crossing, while I was enjoying my lolly, I suddenly realised that I hadn’t paid for it. So I walked back to the shop and kindly paid for it.” [X]

May struggle with eye-contact (either too little or too much)

“Alex Turner on the other hand is an inveterate fiddler with keys or phone while he talks. Otherwise he has the slightly unnverving habit of staring at you unblinkingly with his dark brown eyes, like a curious young horse.” [X]

Some autistic individuals struggle with being on time

“Matt: He's always late. He's like clockwork in his lateness. Yesterday in Southhampton, the bus was picking us up at half 12 at the hotel to go to the venue, and [tour manager] Timm phoned him, goes, 'Al, where are you? The bus is here.' Everybody knew what time they had to be down there. He said, 'I'm watching Danger Mouse'. He was still in bed.” [X]

Obsessive interests

Whatever show he's currently watching (The Sopranos, The Wire, Breaking Bad, True Detective etc…): “[Staring] Sorry, I’m just thinking about True Detective” [X] (17:53)

Space

Films (maybe this interview the most) + this clip “Man, Alex was really into this whole sci-fi thing, Man…” [X]

etc…

Zoning out/taking a long time to think

“Well, everything has changed. [2 minutes of silence while you can almost hear a movie playing in his head] …” [X]

Cluedo Enthusiast interview!

Distracted Compilation

Zoning out compilation

People describing him:

‘With Alex, I knew this was someone unconventional, a little bit different, with a brightness and a cleverness that would serve him well. He had a very original sense of humour, as you'd expect, but he was always quite reserved. I remember giving a class a bollocking once, and he was sitting there like Gromit from Wallace and Gromit – mute, but with these incredibly expressive raised eyebrows, as if he was saying sarcastically: "Ooooh – we've really cocked it up now."’

Alex was never particularly vocal, but you could sense when some pieces of poetry moved him. [X]

I think one of the Gallaghers called him a weird guy but he likes him or smt it was a tweet (update: “Strange little chap but I like him” [X])

“…In fact I began to think that Alex (Turner) might be in touch with them (aliens) in some way, the way he works on his lyrics. If there was a line to hone or edit he’d step outside without paper or a pen, stare at the horizon for a few seconds, then walk right back in and deliver some majestic new couplet. Seeing him conjure these lines from nothing I wonder if he’s not at least part extraterrestrial himself.” - Josh Homme 

Other:

Doesn’t like hearing himself

“And yet, in person, Turner, a man acclaimed as the voice of his generation, is surprisingly tongue-tied. “Where am I going with this? Uh… I… Yeah… No… I’m sorry, I’ve completely lost it,” he says at one point. “I just hear myself talking sometimes and I’m like bleurgh!” [X]

Taking off Headphones Compilation

Characters/embodiment autism

How he changes looks, haircuts, voices, accents etc depending on where he is in his life at a specific moment. 

This Compilation

Twitchy Compilation + him twitching when his phone rings here

Taratata

how hes weird in fan photos idk (not that he’s always weird but yknow)

The one instagram post where the fan asked him to smile and said it didn’t work out (I can’t find it they were skiing and she was a waitress) all i have is this:

I think in the last gif they said he was shy (and smelled like cigarettes)

well he’s terrible at faking a smile in general:

stupid smile compilation

Something about change? He’s been wearing the same clothes until they’re worn out and he always uses that brown bag. I dunno he seems like he loves change but I don’t know him and it’s none of my business (I’m aware of how ironic it is that I’m saying this at the end of this post)

For more stuff on this topic just visit my featured tag thingy.

This post is sponsored by this ask

[cryptid-killjoy]

Promise him?

Piper wasn't ready for that. Would it be a lie if she promised?

She smiled, nodded, and sealed it with a kiss.

Close enough.

That one might get to her conscious later. Depends how deep she thinks about it. She was told Pierre is Pierre is Pierre in the grand scheme of things. Somehow they're all Pierre. So that was that and she was going to try and stick to it.

After the blaze in the forest a Fate was kind enough to wrap him in a blanket not having thought to bring him clothes. The plan was to take him back home straight away and deal with such things. His reaction however was just so... Pierre.

Zero jumped right up to volunteer. "Oh. Me! Me-me-me." He quickly grabbed up Pierre's hand like it was the most normal thing to do ready to head off anywhere.

Seven had his finger up in the air like he was raising his hand in a classroom when his mother, Lachesis stepped in between them.

"We're all very glad you're back, my dear and I'm sure you're very excited to break that body in as you say."

Clotho interrupted with a little shake of her hips.

"A little horizontal mambo never hurt anybody."

"BUT-" Lachesis glared daggers at Clotho, "-my son's been dead and a momma gets first dibs."

Seven's eyes went to Pierre with a little laugh. "I'll meet up with you a little later. Promise. Enjoy the pup. I will always be good to my momma. Allow me to break you in later."

Clotho kept shaking her hips as all three, Lachesis and Atropos started to head in formation in the same direction back home. Seven was still chuckling about breaking Pierre's body in. He wanted to break his own in too. At this point he had no idea it was a different timeline's Pierre. It looked Pierre to him. No one told him a thing. All Seven knew was he, himself felt good as new like he never died. He felt the same age as when he left. There weren't a lot of differences he could tell straight away. He felt like himself in the body he stole. He was feeling on top of the world and felt high on life, literally.

Lastly, there was Piper. She moved in towards Pierre. It was her responsibility to get Pierre stable and settled in this world, so she wasn't going to go anywhere. She understood the Fates wanting a moment with their lost son after she sprung that one on them out of the blue. It was probably extremely emotional for their family.

"Here." Piper put out her hand too. "Hotel time."

Piper was the only person with the ability to leave the fae circle. She'd pop Pierre and Zero to the inn, but that was just for a starting point. She had her special room there. Then she bounced them out. They left Feral. This Pierre was going to be given choices and freedom, a real life. Piper had it all planned. She had it all charted for him for later.

First, the room. It was already purchased and ready in hopes he said yes and she actually pulled this off.

She did.

So, as it would end up Pierre, Piper, and Zero were in the temporary room. Seven would be ported in later when he finished with his family.

This was Piper so the room was nothing short of luxury. She also stocked it with food for him.

"And there's a laptop. I already got it hooked up to the internet. I put a special charge card number in the drawer of the desk to use to start shopping. I didn't want to do it for you. I only bought a few essentials. Swim trunks in case you want to go down to the pool. Styling products, a little green, hair dryer, um, a couple shirts, pants, but I wanted to leave it to you. Most people like to dress themselves. If you really need a stylist to get started just let me know. Just whatever you need, use that card. Food. Whatever. I'll take care of it until we get you up and running in this life. I wouldn't leave you hanging like that. I'm just glad you're here."

"You get to stay here until you decide where you want to be. We can discuss all that whenever you're ready. Your choices. I figured you might just want to relax tonight."

"OH MY GOD. PIERRE! There's a whirlpool tub in this bathroom. It's as big as a swimming pool! Right here in the room!"

Zero looked between Piper and Pierre. "Sorry was I interrupting something? Seriously, you gotta see this."

This Pierre, in this alternate verse, chose Piper. It was his last night alive, he had an inkling of that, and was choosing to spend it with Piper. A sensuous, sexual, passion-charged night. He was still the Pierre that everyone knew and rolled their eyes at, no matter the universe he still had a wandering eye, but when it counted? He chose Piper.

This Pierre had gone with the Laveaus when his mother and sister had come to confront Phoebus and pick up their stuff. He hadn’t tortured Thomas with hours of trying to justify his decisions. He had still been a pest at the Laveau house, sure, but it wasn’t out of anything bad-natured. That’s just what happens sometimes. But he didn’t make an enemy of himself, the way that the Pierre standing next to Piper right now had.

So all of that could very much have factored into the decision that Piper was going to make very soon.

“I missed you too,” Pierre said, his dark eyes brightening as he looked at her in the dim lighting of the room. “You were always my number one girl, you know that, right? No matter what happened, no matter who I was with, my mind … it always went right back to you.”

Even now, he kept tearing his eyes off of the vision of himself and Piper in that bathtub, and looking back to the real one. And that was damn hard for him. He was never one to turn down free porn.

He moaned, his Adam’s apple bobbing as she was touching him in this enclosed space. It was hard to focus on the plan when she was looking at him like this. Touching him like this. His breath was coming out quicker. Real touch. Not what happened in Hell. But real. Honest. Touch. “Promise me - we’ll have lots of time for this in the future?” He whispered.

He even thought about turning back time to when they got here. Have her here in this closet. He was already hard as a damn rock, just from her touch. Just from hearing himself in that bathtub out there. And from the idea of having life once more.

He let out a small groan into the kiss, his hands on his hips, feeling the dip of her waist before it flared out into that. “You’re bringing me back, how can I say no?”

He never even questioned how this one was going to die. He just saw the lucky fucker in a bathtub. At least he was having a good last day right? And then the thump - thump - thump of heavy footsteps. It sent a shiver up his spine just hearing them coming. He was growing nervous now. He was trying to appear brave, for Piper’s sake but shit, he was still a bit squeamish. He almost wanted to stay in that closet but Piper’s pull brought him out of it and he went running. Jump and slam. Jump and slam. Easy peasy. Like - those stupid football games that Ronno’s dad loved to watch.

And he tried. But the slam was too hard. Too physical. And what he did was slam his way into Delta’s line of fire, and push the other Pierre out of the way, and Piper grabbed him and took him back to the alternate universe. The exact Pierre Renault that everyone knew and loved to hate, was gone in a vomitous, fiery spew.

And now this new Pierre Renault was in this other world, the ends of his hair still damp, naked with a towel, and trying to get his bearings. But his eyes settled mainly on Piper, someone familiar, someone who he had just been with, someone who was now somehow magically dressed. His eyesbrows were furrowed as he ran his fingers nervously through his hair, making no attempt to tighten the towel or cover himself up more. They had talked about this happening but - actually having it happen?

Much like how he had made other decisions that greatly affected his life, though they might not have seemed so monumental at the time, others had too. In this other life, New Orleans hadn’t been wiped out. There weren’t zombies walking around. Hence how the scribbles kept ending up at Delta’s door, there were still plenty of them around. These changes were going to have to be adjusted to, once his mind wrapped around everything.

But one thing that never changed across universes was these were his two dudes. A grin came across his face as he saw them. He was alive. Seven never died in his universe so he was still alive too. He still had his two best guys. “It’s - definitely me,” He said, because in a way, it was. He was him. Pierre Renault.

He looked down at himself and chuckled. “Man, I wish. That sounds so much nicer than what really happens,” He said, a shiver going down his spine as he thought about the way that he would have died if not for Piper’s interfering. It could very well have come from the cold as well. “Dragon fire.”

He took the blankets from mothers with a charming grin, cacooining himself in one. And then because some things never truly change - “Wanna get somewhere warm and give this body a spin?” Which one of them was he talking to? All, of course.

[hughesmuse86]

hi! it’s actually valentines already in my country. do you have any jack hughes thots abt valentines?? im honestly thinking of how he would react if he would be the recipient of flowers instead acccckkkk thank u in advance!

Awww I love this 💕 Happy Valentine’s Day bb!! I hope you have the best day. <3

+18 → smut | fluffy + a little suggestive/no smut. Jack just being the best boyfriend ever

unedited

𝓙𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓗𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓮𝓼 𝔁 𝓯𝓮𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻

So, I’m thinking about Jack already being a little in his head about being away from you this Valentine's Day, especially since he was with you last year, and it went so well.

But now, he’s far away and determined to make it special nonetheless. He knows where you’ll be throughout the day and is already on top of it. He hid a wrapped gift in his nightstand, texting you when he knew you woke up every morning.

Jack: Hey baby, Happy Valentine’s Day. I hope you slept well. I miss you so much. Look in my nightstand. I left something for you.

And, then you go to work, and he’s right there, sending you your coffee order.

Jack: Hope you're having a good day baby.

Then, at the end of the day, you walk to your front door and see your favorite flowers waiting for you.

Wish I was there holding these for you. Miss you like crazy, princess. Can’t wait to be home.

Love, Jack

Right when you’re about to call, you get a text on your phone that has you giggling because the man is so baffled.

Jack: Please do not tell me I sent these flowers to myself

Jack: Please tell me you got yours, baby. I’m losing my shit.

You: Look at the card jack 💕

Your phone starts ringing instantly, and his face lights up your screen, with a FaceTime. You accept it and he’s just staring at the ground, his brows pinched together, his pretty blue eyes blinking a few times.

“You—You bought these for me?” He asks, still confused. “Did you… Uh—Are you trying to tell me somethin’, pretty,” he asks as he picks them up off the ground, holding the delicate bouquet in his big hand.

“Tell you what?” You giggle.

“I don’t know,” he asks, studying the arrangement as he walks into his hotel room. “Maybe you didn’t think I was gonna send you some. And you were tryin’ to make it a point… Like, umm… ‘this is what I wanted you to send me earlier, Jack,’” he copies your gentler tone.

“No, baby,” you sigh, “I just wanted to send you something nice. I think you’ve taken care of me plenty today,” you smile as you cuddle up on the couch.

“Now, you’re takin’ care of me, huh?”

“Mhmm…” You hum happily, watching as he blushes a bit.

”They’re pretty,” he mumbles in his raspy voice, fighting back a smile that he has to half-cover with his hand.

“So are yours, baby.” You flip the camera around, showing off the flowers he got you.

“You’re perfect, you know that?”

“So are you.”

Your doorbell will ring, and like clockwork, Jack will get a knock at his door. He will accept his room service while you take Jack's food from Uber Eats.

He can hardly contain his smile because he gets to see you light up over something he did for you. Just another surprise from him. Perfectly planned—even though he’s miles and miles away he wants to have dinner with you.

I think the rest of the night would be made up of the two of you catching up on your day and his. Maybe a little phone sex because he loves talking you through it. 🤭💕

Oh and thinking about how excited he’d get about you sneaking a gift in his luggage. Maybe in a side pocket you know he wouldn’t touch with a sweet card, some pictures you shot of yourself in a red lingerie set he’s never seen, or in his jersey showing off his name on the back because he LOVES that, and something sentimental of course—maybe cufflinks for his game-day suit with your initials together.

I just think he’d be the perfect Valentine. 💕💕💕

[sitkowski]

say it a thousand times ( will ramos x f!reader )

pairing: will ramos x f!reader cw: 18+ MDNI ⚠️ oral sex (f receiving), spitting, male masturbation, a little bit of choking, the usual amount of fluff. word count: 1k author's note: the newest pictures of lorna and will inspired me. this is dedicated to my beloveds @malice-ov-mercy and @circle-with-me who got me into lorna with their fics in the first place and are two of my faves. honestly it's just filth. title comes from "i think i'm in love" by taylor acorn. divider by @strangergraphics 🌺

⇉ masterpost || taglist signups

Being here feels like a dream and you find yourself able to unwind and relax for the first time in a while. You’re not worrying about work or any other obligations, not thinking about anything other than enjoying the scenery and all of the sights that the island has to offer. Will had encouraged you to hold on to your vacation time and save it for when you’d be able to come out with the band for some shows, and it’s honestly the best idea he’s ever had.

You’re in the green room after sound check, everyone just hanging out while trying to make plans for lunch. Will is, as always, distracting as ever. He’s not even doing anything in particular, he’s just draped across the sofa, scrolling through his phone. You raise your phone to take a picture of him. You’re able to get one before he notices, and he smiles.

“What are you up to?” he asks, lowering his phone.

“Sightseeing,” you say, taking another picture. His smile widens. “The view is pretty good.”

You like the way he blushes when you say that. Getting up from your seat, you walk over to join him on the couch. He lifts up long enough for you to sit and then immediately curls himself around you, propping his head up on your lap. It’s almost second nature for you to drape an arm over him and then card your fingers into his hair, enjoying the content hum he lets out as he wraps an arm over your leg and closes his eyes. He dozes like that until Adam comes in to let you know everyone’s leaving for lunch soon.

The rest of the day seems to go by in a blur. The show is amazing, but you’ve never been more happy to finally be off your feet and back at the hotel. Will’s still out with the band so you just spend the time you have to yourself relaxing. You take a quick shower, putting on one of Will’s shirts and a pair of panties, before curling up in bed with one of the books you brought with you. You get through a few chapters before you hear the electronic beep of the door opening.

You can tell Will’s still riding that post show adrenaline rush, and you tuck your bookmark into your book as he makes his way into the room. “Hi baby. How was the rest of your night?”

“It was good. Adam drank Austin under the table and they danced with hula dancers at the bar.”

You know he’s got pictures to show you, but you can also tell that he’s very keyed up still, and you nod along as he tells you other stories from after you left. But he’s still twitchy and you just wait, knowing eventually he’s going to pounce.

"C'mere," Will murmurs, grabbing onto your ankle and dragging you to the edge of the bed. "I'm still starving."

You let out a delighted giggle as he drags your panties down your legs and off your feet, tossing them over his shoulder. He puts his hands on the backs of your thighs, pushing your legs up and open. You feel your laughter dying out as he stares at you like he's going to die if he doesn't get to eat you out. Before you can say anything, he dives in, immediately sucking at your clit. A near shriek falls from your mouth as you tangle your fingers into his curls.

Will moves his mouth lower, tongue teasing at your hole. He pushes up, fingers digging into your skin as you squirm against his mouth. He never minds when you yank on his hair, in fact he encourages it as he moans into your cunt, grabbing your wrist and making sure you don't let go. You feel the edge of teeth against your folds, and your spine bows off the bed.

"That's it, let me hear you," he murmurs, pulling back a little. You hear him spit onto your clit more than you feel it. "Let the whole fucking island hear you."

You suck in a ragged gasp, each noise he pulls from you growing louder. You have your first orgasm like that, thighs clamped around his ears and fingers knotted in his hair. But Will doesn't let up yet, pulling you to the edge a second time. He sucks on your clit even harder, mouth open and sloppy and you outright scream when you come again.

Out of breath, you plant a hand on his forehead and push him back before he can get going a second time. You sit up and Will presses his face against your leg, hand shoved down the front of his shorts as he stays down on his knees.

"Hey, let me see you," you insist and Will lets out a whine of his own, shoving his shorts out of the way while staying on his knees. "Aw honey, you're so hard for me. Do you need more?"

He shakes his head, mouth pressed to your skin as he moves his fist faster. He won't look at you and that won't do. Gently, you cup your hand around his throat, tipping his head back. Will's eyes are wide and his face is still wet with your arousal. Keeping your eyes on him, you tighten your fingers, just a little.

"Thank you," he breathes out, and you smile.

He presses into your hold needily, and even if you aren’t choking him enough to take his breath you can see that it seems to be exactly what he needs. It doesn't take him long to come, spilling across his hand messily. He tips forward against your lap and you rub your hands down his back soothingly.

"Feel better now?" You ask in amusement.

Will’s response is muffled when he answers, but you take it as a yes. Eventually, he pulls himself up and drags himself into the shower, insisting you need a second one now. 

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[things-arent-what-they-seem66]

(Dazzle Adam AU)

Adam woke up to everything hurting and everything looking giant to him. The last thing he remembered was being stabbed in the back multiple times and the last thing he saw was Lute. His eyes widened in horror at the bodies of his girls. The Exorcists that died were taken to Cannibal Town to be eaten. They were like his daughters and he cried thinking of the grisly fate that awaited their bodies. Adam ran out wanting to get away, he let out a little cry of horror when he saw his reflection in a window. He looked like one of those little goat dragon things Charlie had, one of which Lute had killed. But his fur was brown and the horns were like ones on his helmet. Though he had little red circles on his cheeks. He let out little roars as Susan picked him up.

Susan: What an ugly little thing.

Adam bit her hand hard and she dropped him. Before she could attack him, he ran from Cannibal Town. Once in an alleyway he started to tremble. Just then one of the archangels, Jophiel appeared. Adam liked her, she had always been kind to him.

Jophiel: Poor Adam, you have been cursed to be in this form until you receive a kiss of true love from your soul mate.

If Adam could talk he would have said he had no soulmate.

Jophiel: Don’t give me that look, you do have a soulmate.

She made an image of Lucifer appear. Adam felt longing in his heart.

Jophiel: If you get him to kiss you in a year, you will be an angel again. If not, you be in this form for an eternity.

She went away as more tears fell from Adam’s eyes. But then he heard someone approach, it was Charlie.

Charlie: Hello cutie, don’t cry, you can come with me.

Adam too sad and defeated, so he just let Charlie pick him up. Once at the hotel Charlie put him in a cute little maid dress as Razzle nuzzled him.

Charlie: What should we name you?

Just then Lucifer walked into the room.

Lucifer stopped when he saw the new little dragon goat friend, he didn't do this. Maybe this was an apology for taking that of a Hellborn?

Lucifer: And what do we have here?

Adam looked at Lucifer, for the first time really looking up at him and his heart melted a little. How the fuck was he ever going to manage getting him to give him a kiss? It probably even had to be on the lips too.

Maybe a forehead kiss would work? He hoped so, that's the more likely scenario that would ever happen if it did.

Charlie: I found this poor thing on my way back from Cannibal Town after I was checking in with Rosie. She was so scared.

She!?

Adam moved to look between his legs..... Yeah he was smooth there save for a small slit and butthole.

Not only is he fucking trapped like this but he's a fucking female version of it too? Why!?

He looked at Razzle who was still nuzzling him.

Adam: Don't get any funny ideas.

Charlie: I'm just trying to think of a name......

Lucifer looked at him for a little while, this new one kind of looked like Adam. Just thinking of the permanently departed angel made his chest get tight.

Lucifer: What about....... Adele? Like that singer?

[weirdgenetic-fuckup]

Feeling freaky and all I can think about is dave fucking you from behind with his arm around your neck choking you with those fucking biceps

Someone needs to euthanize me.

A/n: I was writing a different fic when I got this notification and it was really funny bc I had just been staring at the screen thinking about Dave’s fucking arms

Warnings: smut, choking, asphyxiation, spanking, degradation, muscle kink, sir kink, size kink, mirrorsex, belly bulge, if you think I missed anything let me know otherwise enjoy!

I have never had such a hard time trying to find a picture of Dave and I’m pretty sure I’ve used this exact picture before but MY GOD I was struggling 😔

Dave had a you in a chokehold, occasionally his hand would come down to spank you. This was your punishment for walking in on him.

It wasn’t your fault, he was so fucking hot and you were sharing a hotel room together while Megadeth was on tour. Dave showered every chance he could and he’d always come out of the bathroom in just a towel.

Of course you ogled him, and he noticed, you didn’t think he’d mind if you just peeked into the bathroom while he showered.

He kept the curtain open, water spraying everywhere. You looked him up and down, eyeing him deliciously all the way from his thick thighs to his meaty cock you wanted to choke on, to have buried so deep inside you it gave you a lobotomy. From his cumgutters and happytrail all the way up to his wet hair before finally landing on… his eyes glaring daggers into you.

His palm landed on your already red ass again. “Fucking bitch, who the fuck said you could come in on me like that?” Your eyes crossed, face red from embarrassment, from how good he felt, a touch of asphyxiation.

“I-I did!” You moaned. “I wanted to see, wanted-wanted you to fuck me.” You moaned out, voice echoing off the tiled walls.

Again his hand came down on you. “This is what you wanted all along?” He demanded. “You could’ve just asked, but I guess I’ll have to train you, huh?”

You whined loudly, walls clenching around him. “Yes, please! Train me.” Dave smirked as you begged him to fix you.

“Such a fucking brat.” His hips stilled inside you, taking away the high you were so close to reaching. Another loud whine left you, tears filling your eyes. “Brats don’t get to cum.” He growled, tightening his hold on you.

You watched the muscles in his arm flex, shoulder and bicep so voluptuous, the veins in his forearm and hand as it clenched in a fist. You looked so weak under him, so small and fragile in his hold.

It got harder to breathe but you couldn’t think about that, too focused on the way he rammed into you repeatedly. Veiny cock hitting deep in you, a bulge forming with every thrust.

His grunts fell straight onto your ear, filling your mind and smoking it up like steam on a mirror. You were sure that if he let go of your throat you’d be screaming his name, creaming around his furry base.

His ball hit your thighs, pubes wet with sweat and your juices leaking from your abused hole, neglected clit pulsing painfully. “Need someone to fix your attitude.” He huffed. “Not gonna get that by getting what you want.” His thrusts stopped again, hold on you tightening once more.

You were in for a long night of choking and edging, your ass stinging. “Plea-please, sir…” you stammered, the lack of oxygen hitting your brain, “I-I’ll be good, I’ll be- I’ll be better, sir, promise…”

Dave’s smirk only widened further. “That’s a good cocksleeve, but sluts don’t talk.”

[toonice113]

False god  ᥫ᭡  M.Barzal

Part two of three of my valentine's series

Part one: Paper rings - Q. Hughes

Part three: Lover - N.Hischier

Pairings: Mathew Barzal x fem!reader 

Genre: smut

Summary: your relationship has ever only existed for a few days at a time inside of the bedroom, that has never been a problem, but today? Today Mat has decided he doesn't want you to leave so soon.

Warnings: smut under the cut minors DO NOT INTERACT, p in v, unprotected sex (pls don’t do this, take care of yourselves), overstimulation, my first time writing smut

Word count: 1.6k

⋆˚࿔ tina's note 𝜗𝜚˚ Writing this note before i write the story to let yall know i have never written smut before so i apologize in advance. Update after writing it, this sucks i cringed at myself and im never writing smut again but oh well i had to at least try it once

When you had started this ‘relationship’ with Mat you knew it was not a conventional one. It began when you met in Italy at a family friend’s wedding you attended, Mat was there as a friend of the groom and things had escalated quickly, first with a drunken makeout session the night before the wedding and then with you two naked in bed after the wedding reception was over. One night became three and then you changed your flight back home to stay with him for a couple more days, days that were spent in between the sheets of his bed, hidden away in his hotel room instead of exploring the beautiful little town you were staying at.

Returning home you had expected the short escapade with Mat to dissolve and become nothing more than a memory, but flirty texts turned into facetime calls into Mat flying you to New York to see him, just like in Italy, your time was mainly spent naked under sheets savoring each other. It had been around a year now, and today you sat in his bed covered only by the white sheets while he stood by the window staring out to the city. “Why can’t you just change your flight?” He argued, his hair messy, his eyes not meeting yours 

“Because it’s my friend’s birthday and I would like to spend it with him” You said frowning, when you mentioned having to leave this afternoon while eating breakfast in bed you hadn’t expected Mat’s reaction to be this but as soon as you told him there was no way you were changing your flight to another day his mood soured

“Doesn’t he have other friends?” He scowled “Why does he need you to be there?” 

“He doesn’t need me to be there, I want to be there. You’re not listening to me right now” You fought back “Why do YOU need me to be here?” 

“Because I do” His response made you snort a laugh making him even more annoyed 

“Please, like there’s not other girls out there that could keep you entertained when I’m not around” He finally turns to look at you “People talk, I know what you get up to when I’m not here Mat” 

He walks towards you, his tall frame looming over you, he can’t help but think about how pretty you look down there and how much he wished your pretty lips were wrapped around his cock right now “Maybe I don’t want any of those other girls” he bends down and gives you a rough kiss, his hands tangling in your hair as he does “And maybe you should put that pretty mouth to work on something other than fighting me” 

Your hands slip through his exposed abs to the waistband of his sweatpants playing with it “‘M not the one fighting” You push the pants down before running one of your hands over the erection in his boxers looking up through your lashes at him “Because there’s no fight, I’m leaving later” not giving him a chance to say anything you finally relieve him of his underwear licking a stripe up his hard dick making him hiss and push you for more 

“Stop talking” He guides your lips to his tip and moans loudly when you put him in your mouth, using your hands to help you stroke what you can’t take “Yeah, just like that, look at you” You moan as a response to him pulling your hair “Bet birthday boy can’t give you this huh” One of his hands lets go of your hair, manhandling you until you’re on your fours, with the sheets no longer covering you his fingers slide down your pussy “So wet baby”

“Mat” You sigh out “Please, no teasing” 

“What do you want baby? Tell me” He teases brushing his fingers through your wet folds putting no pressure to alleviate your needs

“Your fingers, please” You plead, he pushes his cock back into your mouth and finally touches you the way he knows you like 

“Yeah? You wanna come on my fingers?” One of his fingers pushes inside of you making you moan, the vibrations feeling so good on his dick that he can’t help but moan with you “You’re doing so good pretty girl, just like that” he hums when you swirl your tongue around him pushing another finger inside of you and rubbing your clit with his thumb “You can take more than that though” His hand that is still tangled in your hair pushes your head down, you fight him pulling up “No, you can take it baby, I know you can take it” He can feel you pulsing on his fingers making him pick up his pace, your moans drowned by his dick in your mouth “Take it all and i’ll make you come” You shake your head as best as you can to tell him you can’t “No? Okay then” He pulls his fingers out of you making you whine at the loss of contact “You know what to do baby”

“You’re an asshole” You tell him coming up for air before taking him back in your mouth, Mat just chuckles knowing he’s about to get what he wants, relaxing your throat you do down, taking him deeper until you have taken him all 

“Oh yeah” Mat moans “See? I knew you could do it”  After making you come once with his fingers, Mat pushes you down until your back is on the mattress, he wipes your chin off and kisses you harshly before trailing a kiss down your chest until he’s by your hips kissing you there a couple times before his tongue finds your clit, alternating between sucking on it and kissing it

“Mmm Mat” You gasp, your hips pushing up but he holds them in place “Too much, can’t” 

He looks up at you, your hair messily sprung on his pillows, your cheeks flushed, your lips swollen “You taste too good, can’t stop baby, let me eat you out, please, you can take it, give me another one” Your nod is all he needs to go back to devouring you, using his fingers to help him and it doesn’t take long for your to release all over him, your overstimulation speeding up your orgasm

He comes back up with a smile on his face, his lips and chin glistering with your juices “God you’re too good” You tell him pulling him down into a kiss

“And we haven’t even gotten to the best part yet” He says reminding you of the erection that pokes at your stomach, he gives himself a few strokes before teasing your overstimulated pussy making you whine 

“I don’t think I can take another one” You tell him making his smile widen in cockiness, he knows you can come for him again, he’s tested you before 

“I need to remind you that I can give you a better time than whatever his name is can” His dick presses on your opening and even though you’re exhausted your body seems to disagree with you, your hips pushing up looking for more “Just one more and we can rest” 

The moan you let out when he burries himself deep into you has to be his new favorite sound, every time he’s with you he thinks there’s no way things can get better, but they do, and he doesn’t think he’ll ever get over how your body reacts to him, how your eyes roll back and your mouth parts, the sounds you make for him, and most importantly, the way your pussy feels so tight around his dick, his hands trail every curve of your body, taking his time especially with your tits as he pumps in and out, pinching your nipples before taking one in his mouth 

“Mat” You whine “‘M close, so close oh god” 

Mat moves to give your other nipple some attention never once interrupting the rhythm of his hips that clap against yours, you come not too long after, your legs curling around his middle, your orgasm triggers his and he finally releases your nipple to give you a kiss before sliding off of you making you hiss in discomfort as he does “Still wanna leave?” he asks laying next to you 

You scoff at him trying to get out of bed to go to the bathroom and clean yourself, but just sitting down is too much work, your body already beginning to ache not only from the three orgasms he gave you just now, but from the ones you shared last night as well, not wanting to show him how spent he’s left you you ignore your body moving to get up, but your legs tremble the second your feet touch the floor, and you know if you stand right now you’ll resemble baby bambi 

“What’s the matter baby, thinking about staying?” Mat laughs behind you getting up and putting his boxers on before walking into his bathroom leaving you sitting there staring at him in annoyance, he doesn’t take too long and when he comes back he has a warm towel in his hands, kneeling down in front of you and cleaning you, then picking you up bridal style and taking you with him to the bathroom sitting you in the toilet so you can pee 

“I’m still leaving” You point at him “Just maybe not tonight” You see his cocky smile thinking he’s won, and technically he has, but not for long because as soon as you’re back in bed, with clean underwear and one of his t-shirts covering you, you change your flight from this afternoon to tomorrow morning

[empressdede]

The Secretary - 3

Chapter Three

Previous

Serena had just sat down at her desk, trying to lose herself in work, when a familiar figure strolled into the office.

Naomi - better known to the world as Ms. Come get this Glow- stood in the doorway, arms crossed, a knowing smile on her face.

"Hey girl,"she said smoothly.

Serena blinked, surprised. "Trin? What are you doing here?"

Naomi sauntered in like she owned the place, pulling up a chair across from

Serena’s desk. "Jimmy sent me."

Serena’s stomach dropped. Oh no.

She feigned innocence. "For what?"

Naomi smirked. "Come on now, don’t play me. You know exactly what for."

Serena felt her cheeks heat up. She should have known Roman wouldn’t keep last night’s conversation to himself. And Of course, his cousin sent his wife to do recon.

She straightened her posture. "There’s nothing to talk about."

Naomi laughed. "Oh, there’s definitely something to talk about. Spill."

Serena groaned, rubbing her temples. "I hate your husband."

"No, you don’t." Naomi grinned. "And neither does Roman."

At the mention of his name, Serena tensed. She knew Naomi wasn’t going to let this go, so she sighed, deciding to give her just enough to get her off her back.

"There was…a moment," she admitted reluctantly. "But I stopped it before anything happened."

Naomi raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Serena looked at her like it was obvious. "Because he’s my boss."

Naomi waved that off. "Okay, and? You act like he’s some random CEO in a suit. He’s Roman. He don’t mess with just anybody."

"That’s exactly why it can’t happen," Serena said quickly. "If something went wrong, I’d lose my job. He’s too important for me to risk that."

Naomi studied her for a moment, then leaned forward. "Be honest, Serena. Is it just about the job? Or are you scared?"

Serena hesitated. Scared? No, that wasn’t…

Her stomach twisted.

Okay, maybe.

Because if she let herself feel what she was dangerously close to feeling, it wouldn’t be casual. And that scared her more than anything.

Naomi smiled knowingly. "You like him."

Serena sighed. "It doesn’t matter."

Naomi shook her head. "Oh, it definitely matters." She stood up, adjusting her jacket. "Look, I ain’t telling you to jump into his arms or nothing. But don’t lie to yourself. And don’t think for a second that he don’t feel the same."

Serena swallowed hard. She hated that Naomi was right.

As Naomi reached the door, she turned back. "One more thing. If you really didn’t want something to happen, you wouldn’t be looking at the door like you’re waiting for him to walk through it."

Serena’s breath caught. She hadn’t even realized she was doing that.

Naomi winked. "Think about it, girl."

And with that, she was gone, leaving Serena alone with thoughts she really didn’t want to have.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Jey leaned back against the couch in the locker room, a sly grin on his face as he looked over at Jimmy. “Aight, Uce. We gotta speed this up.”

Jimmy smirked. “I’m listening.”

Jey leaned in. “We get Serena to Roman’s hotel room.”

Jimmy’s brows shot up. “Damn, just like that? No warm-up?”

Jey laughed. “Nah, nah, we make it look professional. Something she has to go for.”

Jimmy thought for a second, then snapped his fingers. “Flight mix-up.”

Jey pointed at him. “Boom. That’s it. We tell her the Tribal Chief’s flight got canceled, and she gotta deliver the new itinerary in person.”

Jimmy chuckled. “And once she’s there…”

Jey smirked. “Well, that’s on Roman.”

They both burst out laughing, already knowing that if their plan worked, things would get interesting real quick.

Later That Night –

Serena let out a deep sigh as she checked her phone for the third time. A message from Jey had come through earlier, explaining that Roman’s flight had been canceled last minute and that he needed his updated itinerary personally delivered to his hotel.

Something felt… off.

Normally, she’d just email it. Or text it.

But Jey insisted it was urgent, and Roman would be expecting her.

So now, here she was, standing outside the door of Roman Reigns’ hotel suite, debating whether she should knock or run.

She took a deep breath and knocked.

The door opened almost instantly, and there he was—Roman, standing in a fitted black T-shirt and sweatpants, his hair damp like he had just gotten out of the shower.

Serena’s stomach flipped. Bad. This is bad.

His brows furrowed. “Serena?”

She forced herself to speak. “Jey said your flight was canceled, and you needed this.” She held up the printed itinerary like a shield.

Roman’s expression darkened for a second, like he knew something was up, but he stepped aside. “Come in.”

She hesitated. “I—I can just—”

“Serena.” His voice was low, commanding.

She sighed and walked inside.

The room was dimly lit, the air thick with an unspoken tension. As she placed the papers on the table, she felt him watching her.

Then, his voice came quieter, more thoughtful.

“They set this up, didn’t they?”

Serena’s eyes snapped to him. “…What?”

Roman crossed his arms, looking far too amused. “Jimmy and Jey. They sent you here.”

Her stomach sank. Oh, those little—

She cleared her throat. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Roman let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “You’re a terrible liar.”

Serena groaned, rubbing her temples. “I swear, if I lose my job over their matchmaking—”

“You’re not losing your job.” His voice was firm.

She looked up at him, realizing just how close he had gotten.

This was exactly why she didn’t want to be alone with him. Because every time she was, the air got heavier, the room smaller, and it became harder to remind herself of all the reasons why this couldn’t happen.

Roman studied her for a long moment before speaking again.

“What are you so scared of?”

Her breath caught.

He wasn’t asking about her job.

He was asking about him. About them.

And for the first time, she didn’t have an answer.

Serena’s heart pounded so hard she swore Roman could hear it.

She should say something professional. Make an excuse. Deflect, like she always did.

But standing there, inches from him, with the warmth of his presence pulling her in like gravity… she couldn’t.

Because he was right.

She was scared.

Scared of crossing a line she couldn’t uncross. Scared of what it would mean if she let herself admit what she already knew deep down.

That this wasn’t just tension.

This wasn’t just a moment.

This was him.

And he wanted her to admit it.

Her throat felt dry as she forced out a shaky breath. “Roman…”

He tilted his head slightly, waiting, his dark eyes locked onto hers like he wasn’t going to let her run this time.

“What are you scared of?” he asked again, softer this time.

She swallowed hard. “You.”

Something flickered in his expression—surprise, understanding, maybe even satisfaction that she had finally said it.

His gaze flickered down to her lips, and instinctively, she mirrored the motion, her own eyes drawn to the curve of his mouth.

All it would take was one step.

One moment of weakness.

And then—

Serena suddenly stepped back, the space between them feeling like a cold rush of reality. She shook her head, forcing her thoughts back into order.

“I can’t.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, but she had to say it.

Roman exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening. “Serena—”

She took another step back. “If I let this happen, it’s not just some thing I can walk away from. You know that.”

His silence told her he did know that.

And maybe that was the problem.

She glanced toward the door, needing an escape before she did something reckless. “I should go.”

He didn’t stop her.

But as she reached the door, his voice came low and certain.

“This isn’t over.”

Serena froze, her hand hovering over the doorknob.

He wasn’t asking. He wasn’t pleading.

It was a statement. A promise.

And she had never been more terrified of being right.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

She scared of Roman huh? 🤣🤣🤣

Tagging the lovelies: @wrestlingprincess80 @whatdoeseverybodywant @pr0tost4r @paigereeder @alyyaanna @raya-hunter01 @mzv11 @trippinsorrows @partypoison00

@isabella-2025 @jstarr86 @chrisevanswife0405 @fearlesschimera @cyberdejos2 @whowrotethenote @potatosackk @ajaxcleaningsupplies @sayyestoheav3nn @chasssssworld @christinabae @glittergirl7 @itskii01 @fame-ass-ers

[deerlybelov3d]

Reposting this from my secondary blog on my old tumblr account (@deerly-belov3d) and migrating over to this one as my new main!

Hazbin deaged AU! ♥️✨ Generally, the older characters become younger, and the younger characters are a little older! So Alastor is 6, Husk is 4, Angel is 8, Charlie and Vaggie are 12, and so on! Luci is 100 years younger but you can’t tell bc he’s so old! 😆 the one exception is Niffty, who’s 2 years old because it’s just cute and fitting that she’s a tiny lil baby!

You’re free to draw lil Al or Husk or both, together or separate or with Lucifer or any other combination (in fact I’d CRY if you did!🥹) so long as you tag me!! I’d love to see it!!! 💖

Some rambly infodumping if you’d like to know more about the AU:

Alastor a feral little rascal but is capable of being a polite little gentleman if he chooses to be! 😆 As a de-aged gremlin he does love to scamper about with his hoovsies out, usually forgoing shoes, which adult Alastor would loathe hehe! In being de-aged, a lot of the things Alastor tries to hard to present himself as (refined, in-control of his every reaction, put-together and neat, etc!) are mostly stripped away, and he’s left even more impulsive, reactive (both negative and positive emotions!), inclined to blab what he’s thinking, act messy and unrefined, etc! Which again, older Alastor would HATE 😆

Little Alastor absolutely WILL bite, no hesitation! He also loves to eat things that most definitely should not be eaten! 😆 Alastor’s shadow shrunk down to match him and helps him get into mischief too hehe!

Lucifer makes all the de-aged kiddos their outfits and delights in doing so! 😆 He makes them other outfits and little pajamas too! He loves being able to be a dad to little ones again, even if he is SUPER overwhelmed by just how many there are that he’s responsible for! Particularly without Lilith here to help this time☹️ His mental health, as we know, isn’t—great! So this is a good motivator, in a way, that he can’t bedrot for days on end with no word to anyone, but also, for that very reason, it’s also very hard on him that he can’t just have a moment to decompress! Charlie and Vaggie are old enough that they can help out some, but young enough that Lucifer can’t rely on them to be left too long with the little ones without supervision! 😆

All the kids have very different food preferences, different levels of development, different bedtimes, different clothing preferences, different play styles, some need baths/showers more often, some need help and supervision bathing, some don’t, and it’s very hectic all the time, and Lucifer is having a TIME trying to accommodate everyone and make sure no one gets into trouble or gets hurt and everyone has what they need!

Little Al is obsessed with 4-year-old Husk and treats him like his favorite stuffie, hefting him around—with little regard for if it’s comfortable for Husk or not—and petting him, pulling on his tail and wings, nibbling on him, etc! Little Husk can walk an all fours and on two legs, and he doesn’t speak, only make kitty sounds, and the rest of the Hazbin Hotel doesn’t know really know for sure how old he is or if he’s not speaking by choice or not! Alastor also adore baby Niffty, but he’s noticeably more gentle and tender with her than he is with Husk! 😆

Lil Husk is very picky, and loves drinking from bottles even if he’s technically too old to be doing so! (BECAUSE IT’S TOO CUTE😭)

If there’s any nterest for this AU I can post more of my thoughts and make more art and just share more about the AU in general! If you read any of this I love you and any sort of engagement is so very super appreciated! 🫶💖✨