#this is going to patreon only though so sorry babes

[arawsuu]

Save me Astarion..

Astarion save me.,.,

Astarion...

[unabashegirl]

Lycan 2 — werewolf

Y/N returns to her hometown, Alsfield, when her father falls ill, only to discover the town hides a dark secret—one protected by the mysterious Harry Styles. As Y/N unravels the town's mysteries, her plans to return to San Francisco are derailed.

Author's note: I know that I've kept you all waiting for the next chapter of Lycan, but I wanted to get ahead and post a few more chapters on my Patreon. Anyway without further do, here you go! I hope you enjoy.

check out my patreon (starting at $2) and get full access to all chapters, various one shots like The Cover and much more :)

— all chapters of lycan —

Word count: 1.2K

The last time that Y/N had been in her house had been the day after her graduation. She had just recently turned eighteen. Her father hadn’t even gone to her graduation. She had gone on her own and when her name had been called, no one had cheered for her.

The situation was very eerie for her, which was why she wanted to run as soon as she crossed the front door.  Nothing had changed, everything was still in the same place. Her mother’s paintings were still hung on the walls and even though the house was covered in dust, everything looked organized. She was surprised not to find bottles all over the house. It only meant that someone had cleaned the house before he was admitted to the hospital.

The power was off and so was the water. So, she went upstairs to check the state of her old bedroom.

“Great” she mumbled, as she saw that her room had become a storage room. Her bed was covered with clothes. She couldn’t even walk past the door without bumping into some type of furniture.

Y/N couldn’t stay at the house and not because the bedroom was disorganized but because there was no power or water. However, that didn’t mean she couldn’t take one of the cars. She loaded her bags into the trunk of her old car and started her drive back into the town.

“Finally! I’ve been trying to get a hold of you ever since you left!” Evelyn said as soon as she placed her phone on speaker. “I was freaking out!” Evelyn worked with Y/N, and they met at the office. She had quickly become her best friend in the last few years.

“Sorry. Everything has just been very hectic” She exhaled loudly as she carefully drove down the streets.

“I’m guessing you already visited him?” Evelyn had been caught up with all the details of Robert’s and Y/N’s relationship. She knew everything that Y/N had endured. Since Y/N had told her, Evelyn held lots of respect towards her.

“No. I’ll do that first thing tomorrow. It’s all so weird. It’s like time had stopped. Nothing has really changed” Y/N explained, “The only thing that has changed is the mayor. At least that’s what Niall told me” She shrugged thinking aloud.

“Niall? Who is this man?”

“I met him on the bus. He lives here and told me that there is a new mayor in charge of the town.”

“Was he cute? Did you get his phone number?” Evelyn asked as she walked through the grocery store, getting a few things for a recipe that she had seen online.

“What is this obsession with getting me a boyfriend?” Y/N laughed as she drove past her high school.

“Maybe it has to do with the fact that you are almost twenty-six, and you’ve never had a boyfriend?” Evelyn laughed, “Sorry to break it to you babe, but that is just very odd”.

“What can I say? No one has caught my eye before! Plus, it’s only unusual for you because you’ve always had a boyfriend since you were like ten”.

“Thirteen, bitch” Evelyn corrected her, noticing that the man beside her trying to figure out which cereal to take home was watching her.

“Alright. I’m a believer that whenever the time is right, I will get a boyfriend” She explained, “Anyway, I got to go. I’m pulling into a hotel to get a room for the night. I’ll text you if anything happens”.

“Fine. Love you” Evelyn called out as they hung up.

Y/N pulled into the well-lit inn. It was the most decent hotel.

“Welcome! How can I help you?” The receptionist asked her with a big smile.

“Hi, do you have a room available for the next week?” Y/N asked as she looked around the lobby. She used to dream of staying in the hotel ever since she was little. Unfortunately, even if her parents had wanted it was too expensive for them to afford.

“We do! Is one king bed all right for you?”

“That would be perfect thank you” Y/N nodded as she looked through her purse for her wallet.

“May I have a credit card and some ID?” She asked, just as Y/N pulled them out. “Y/N? Y/N Y/L/N?” The woman asked after looking through her credentials. “It’s me, Ava! We used to sit together in AP bio?”

“Right! Ava Harrison!” She had changed quite a lot which was why Y/N hadn’t been able to recognize her. For starters, she was now a short-haired redhead as opposed to her long brunette head of hair in high school.

Ava reached out and hugged her over the counter.

“How’ve you been?” Ava asked, genuinely curious about her life, “Last time I heard from you was after graduation. People were saying that you had run away”.

“I’ve been good!” Y/N giggled, trying her best not to look uncomfortable even though she left like it. She hated speaking about that era of her life. “It’s not that far from the truth. I went to college in California. I am currently living in San Francisco”.

“Oh wow! You accomplished all your dreams. Not like the rest of us,” she made a face just before swapping her credit card. “What are you doing here?”.

“How is your family?” Y/N asked wanting to change the subject.

“They are good. They are still living in the old house. You are welcome to pass by” Ava smiled, “Alright your room is on the fourth floor, and it's room 102. Breakfast is at eight. Here is your key, and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.” Ava was still curious about her sudden arrival, but to her, it seemed like just a casual visit. So, she abstained from inquiring further.

“Thank you, Ava. Say hello to your parents for me.” Before she could take the elevator up to her room, she needed to retrieve her bags from the trunk.

Y/N closed her trench coat and tighten it as much as possible as a gust of chilly wind hit her as she walked out. There was no one else in the parking lot or driving down the street which made her walk faster towards the car. She cursed at herself for parking so far from the main entrance.

Y/N couldn’t shake off the feeling that someone was watching as she attempted to open the trunk of her car and get her bags out.  Suddenly, the sound of something in the woods startled her. The sound made her skin crawl and for a second, she considered leaving her things in the trunk and getting them in the morning. Terrified, she turned to look at the source of the shuffling which came from the woods across the parking lot. She leaned forward and squinted her eyes in an attempt to get a clear view of what was making so much noise.

Two glowing eyes stared back at her from the depths of the dark woods. She took a step back, trying to get some distance from what was staring at her and that’s when she felt something grab her.

next ---> chapter 3

[thisismeracing]

Slow down | LN4 (Patreon exclusive)

read the full piece here

― Pairing: Lando Norris x reader (she/her) ― Warning: mentions of food, stressful work environment; tooth-rotting fluff; very self-indulgent. 1k words. ― Summary: After a stressful day at work, all you feel like doing is lying in bed and feeling sorry for yourself, but your boyfriend is home and he’ll make sure you slow down, rest, and enjoy the rest of the night.

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The second the keys jingle on the door lock Lando’s eyes were on you. He was lying on the couch, looking at you with a beaming smile, except that smile was gone when he saw your forlorn image.

You had the most hectic and stressful day at work, and though you did everything you were supposed to, the feeling of incompetence still loomed over you in a way that the only thing you wanted to do was enjoy a pity party, lying down in bed, and crying yourself to sleep. No food, no skincare routine, no comfy pajamas, nothing but a pillow to stuff your face and conceal your frustrated mumbles.

“Hey, babe, what happened? Is everything ok?” Lando said, getting up and walking in your direction.

You shook your head, letting your bag slip to the floor, and taking off your shoes.

“Bad day at work?” he tried, and, this time, you nodded. “Want me to cook that mac ’n cheese recipe you love?”

[...]

Lando caressed your back, planting a kiss on your hairline. “You wanna talk?” he assessed, and you whispered a small ‘no.’ He kissed your head again, “It’s okay, here’s what we’re gonna do: you’re gonna take a hot shower, I’m gonna get us some popcorn and set a nice TV show marathon, we’re gonna do your nightly skincare together, lie down on the couch and then go to sleep, is that good?”

You grip his hoodie, sniffing, before nodding.

────── ⋆🪩 VOICEMAIL: Hi! I hope you guys liked this lil sneak peek! This was truly very self-indulgent - I got an internship this month (yay!) and today was hectic af, I almost felt like lying on the ground and crying :D but anyways, got home and had therapy, so we good!

If you liked this piece and want early access to new ones and exclusive access to others, subscribe to my patreon!💘 ▸ check my main masterlist | patreon guide and my taglist. taglist: @sachaa-ff @mickslover @mishaandthebrits @fdl305 @iloveyou3000morgan @crimeshowjunkie @saintslewis @carojasmin2204 @chaoticevilbakugo @wondergirl101ks @smiithys @shhhchriss @f1kota @lunnnix @karmabyfernando @crashingwavesofeuphoria @schumacheer @callsign-scully @dearxcherry @elliegrey2803 @peachiicherries @he6rtshaker @therealcap @mehrmonga @the-depressed-fellow @cixrosie @darleneslane @buckybarnessweetheart @nichmeddar @fastcarsandshit @balekanemohafe @jamie2305 @nzygftoji @leclercsluv @graciewrote @alessioayla @littlesatanicassholebitch @barcelonaloverf1life @noncannonships @fanboyluvr @is-just-a @love4lando @woozarts @namgification @formulaal @v1naco @skepvids @khaylin27 @bernelflo @fakehappy27

©thisismeracing ― do not copy, steal, or translate my work; do not repost on a different media platform.

[jarofstyles]

angst to fluff like harry gets mad and yells at her and she just retreats and stays in the room and he feels bad and tries to get her back

Ok let me get a try for this bc I am bad at angst 🥀

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Here goes nothing 😚

-

It wasn’t often that Harry got angry. Truly, it was a rarity. Harry wasn’t necessarily even tempered, but he hid his anger more so in keeping to himself and letting himself cool off. He knew himself. When he got truly angry, he snapped. He yelled. And it was scary.

Y/N had never been on the receiving end of that before. She was none the wiser. Of course, she had seen him be angry a few times but it was never directed towards her. Harry was very good normally, able to keep his feelings at bay because he knew that she was particularly sensitive about him. Not that she was a baby- she wasn’t. Y/N was strong and lovely and his perfect match. She knew that when he got snarky that it wasn’t usually aimed towards her. The few times it had thought to be directed at her and she got quiet, he immediately clarified it wasn’t and tried to talk to her about it.

Some days, though, he was met with his greatest flaw. Being unable to talk about his issues, so the things pile up and up until the damn broke. Normally, no one else was around.

Y/N had been on a great mood all day. Harry was going to be home before her, they were set to order takeaway and watch a few movies. They didn’t officially live together yet, but she was buying some things for his house today. He was a bachelor, and despite his resources he didn’t know much all about interior design. Her mood had been brightened even more when she saw a cute mug at the home goods store.

It was a little dog dressed as Elvis with lyrics to Hound Dog on it. An inside joke between the flourishing couple thar she had been giddy to grab. Only $4 was a steal for something she thought he would like much better than the boring slate grey mugs his interior designer had bought. Ick.

When she saw his car when she arrived home, she was elated. Heart picking up as she grabbed the bags from the backseat, she nearly skipped inside to see her boyfriend. He’d been busy lately with work and while she definitely understood, she had been looking forward to seeing him and spending all weekend long with him.

“Babe? I’m home! I got you a surprise.” She called out once she got the door open, kicking it shut behind her. Her shoes were toed off and left in front of the shoe rack, making a mental note to go back and place them properly on it once the bags were set down.

It was quiet but she could hear him upstairs so she called thar she would be in the kitchen when he got down there. Humming happily, she went into the kitchen and set down the bags gently beginning to unwrap the new glassware she had gotten for them. It was exciting. His suggestion too, telling her that she should go out and grab things she liked better. Since it was better than her stink face at the patterned plates that always looked dirty.

She paused when she heard a thump and then a curse, a breathy huff and then stomps over to the kitchen.

“H? You okay?” She asked curiously, only to be met by the answer when she saw his face. A tiny limp in his step and a giant scowl, face red.

“Do I look okay?” He hissed. “Heard me curse, didn’t you?” His eyes cut into her, and then the counter littered with bags and the paper wrapping from the glassware. Some had fallen to the floor while she neatly placed everything out, wanting to have a display for him to see.

“I- did, yeah. I didn’t know what-“

“Fucking tell you every time to put your shoes on the rack. Tripped over them and wrecked my ankle. Cant afford that when I’m working, Y/N.” He said sternly, making her blink a few times. It wasn’t often anymore that she left them. A bad habit she had mostly fixed, it confused her to hear him bring it up when she hadn’t done it in month.

“I- I’m sorry.” She said quietly. “I was gonna go put them on the rack when I was finished unpacking this stuff, I didn’t have enough hands to-“ cut off once again, Harry let out a sarcastic laugh.

“Yeah, I can see that. Did you buy the whole store? Gave you my card to get a few glasses or something. Not redo everything.” He glared at the amount of dishes she had so carefully chosen to fit both of their personalities. “And… they don’t even match? Great. Cant serve shit on that to people when they come over. Embarrassing.”

Y/N felt her stomach drop at the insinuation that he didn’t like them. That it would be embarrassing to serve on them when he hasn’t even looked to see that they did match. The patterns and colors were cohesive- why was he acting like this? Her mind was muddled with confusion.

“I… Harry, you told me to go get new dishes so I did. I spent a while trying to choose the right colors and stuff so it would fit us… took me a long time cause I was trying to choose the perfect ones.” Her voice was wounded but Harry was so annoyed at her that it didn’t matter. His ankle throbbed after being pestered all day long, a project riding his ass, and she had left her fucking shoes down and made a mess of his kitchen.

“Obviously not long enough.” He scoffed. “And you make a mess everywhere you fucking go. Christ, did no one teach you how to pick up after yourself?” He seethed, walking over to the other side of the counter and bending to pick up the papers that fell with an aggression she hadn’t seen before. “How are we supposed to live together at some point when you can’t do simple fucking shit?” His glare and tone was the accumulation of things that had nothing to do with her- but she had no idea about that. It had come out of nowhere.

She felt sick. Embarrassed. Her stomach hurt and her throat was sore from the lump in it, hands shaking just a tiny bit but hidden by the new kitchen towels she had gotten. Harry never spoke to her like this before, and it was scary. It hurt. She was silent, hurt at the accusations, the ridicule of her ability to choose a set of glassware and his aggressive body language. That was something she really didn’t like.

“Jesus, are you just going to stand there?” He snarled. “Not even talk back to me? What is wrong with you?” The sneer on his face made her feel little. Small. Insignificant. “Cant trust you with cleaning up after yourself, choosing appropriate shit as an adult- fuck, a dog mug? You’ve got to be kidding.” His laugh was cruel as he pushed it away. Of course he hadn’t looked closely at it or he would have seen why she choose it. That in particular felt like a kick to the gut. So she remained silent as her eyes glossed over. Harry didn’t notice though.

“God, can I not trust a single fucking person?! Why is everyone in my life trying to make shit so much harder? You’re supposed to be the one who makes it easier for me!” His voice raised, anger in it actually scaring her. He got closer to her, frustrated at her lack of reply. “Can you talk? Why are you ignoring me? Seriously?” The deep voice boomed across the kitchen as he heaved, the anger building up in his system. “Look at me when I’m talking to you!”

It was in that moment that she did, he felt everything drain out of his body. Probably his blood too. She turned to him with the most gut wrenching, tear stained face. Tears he realized he had caused, and she was looking away so he wouldn’t see. His stomach grew sick and then a cold sweat broke over his body as he went silent. The air rushed from his lungs as he realized just what he was doing. Harry was always so fucking tender wirh her. So soft spoken and sweet. He never wanted her to see this side of him, never wanted her to be on that path and he had just majorly fucked that up.

“Y/N-“ the tone of his voice had dropped so low, he could barely hear it. “I-“ the sentence wasn’t finished because she turned away from him, rushing away. His body froze for a moment, unable to breathe as he watched her retreat. Going towards the stairs, he choked on his words again as his feet began to work with his mind again.

“Y/N, wait. Wait- I’m sorr-“ he was cut off by her feet carrying off harder, a faster jog and a soft click of a door upstairs. He followed quickly after her to, feeling like the blood rushed to his ears again. Taking the steps quickly despite the dull ache in his ankle, he cursed as he got to the top and heard the lock click to his guest room.

She locked him out.

“Angel…” he whispered against the door. “Please. Let me inside. Let me see you.” His voice caught as he heads the beginnings of her sob, his body shaking with need fo hold her. When Y/N cried, it was the most devastating thing. He hated it. It hurt him, and he had promised to do his best to never make her do so because of him. Now he had.

Not only that, but it truly wasn’t deserved. She hasn’t deserved all of that thrown on her. It was a mistake, one simple mistake and he had ripped her apart for it. Something thar realistically, she had remedied over the past few months. All of his anger from the past few weeks piled on to the sweet girl who had been so excited on her way inside. He ruined it. Harry was just hopeful, praying, that he hadn’t ruined them.

Dramatic, maybe, but he knew he was scary when he yelled. Y/N was sensitive for him and his opinion of her mattered greatly to her. Just as hers did for him. He aches thinking about if the roles were reversed.

“Y/N. M’so sorry. I didn’t mean to yell at you, baby. I’m not angry with you. I was being unfair.” He croaked, shifting on his feet helplessly as he heard her cries. It was killing him. Yeah, he knew he deserved it, but she didn’t. “M’sorry baby. I’m sorry. Please let me come and hold you. I don’t want you to cry. I need to see you, angel.” Harry despite what anyone else may think, wasn’t above begging.

“Please go away.” She whispered through her sniffles. “I want to be alone.”

That broke his heart. She never wanted to be alone if he was around. His throat was tight, unsure of how to proceed. He wanted to bust down the door but it wasn’t fair of him to do that. He couldn’t demand her right now when he had just verbally ripped her to shreds.

“Fuck- okay. Okay, love. I’m gonna go for 10 minutes but I’m coming back then, okay? I’m sorry.”

It pained him in both heart and ankle to walk away, but he did for her own sake. He wasn’t going to continue to probe her when she needed some time alone. It wasn’t her fault that Harry was mad, nor that he was panicking now.

His pain only got worse in his chest when he went downstairs again, though. Wincing at the counter, taking a closer look and realizing that the plates and glasses all went with the color scheme she had helped him choose to paint later on. They were perfect. She spent time on them, and he had insisted he use his card and didn’t have a limit on spending. The price tag showed they were on clearance. All the money he had, and she had gotten clearance. And He had been dumb enough to subtly accuse her of using his money recklessly. The same girl who venmoed him back $7 for a coffee and cake pop. Fuck.

The worst thing, the thing that ripped his heart open was the mug he had so cruelly laughed at. Taking a closer look, he felt his own eyes gloss over in tears. It was for their joke. Their joke they always laughed about. She had found a perfectly correlated piece for them and he had made her feel childish about it, ridiculed it as if it was something dumb. Harry knew how sentimental his girl was. He knew that she must have been excited to find it.

He sniffled said he held the mug in his hands, placing it gently on the coffee maker after taking off the price sticker. It was adorable, and so fucking personal it hurt. He was a fucking idiot.

It probably hadn’t been 10 minutes but he climbed the stairs again, heart beating hard and sad in the chamber of his chest while he knocked on the door. Still, he could hear sniffles.

“Baby…” he whispered. “I’m such a fucking idiot. Please let me in. You did nothing wrong… nothing.” His words were true, though a bit shaky. “I was so mean to you, my love. So mean and you didn’t deserve a lick of it. Want to be sick that I was so mean to my sweet girl. I know you’re upset with me and I don’t deserve it… but can you let me in?”

He didn’t deserve the relief that coursed through him when she undid the lock, and that was apparent when he saw her face. The tear stains, swollen lips and eyes, runny nose. Her shaky hands she tried to hide by crossing her arms against her chest in a defensive position. A punch to his gut, his face fell further.

“Baby…” he stepped into the room after her as she backed up, looking at him warily. The man had no one else to blame but himself when his heart fell at the eyes she gave him. “Fuck. I fucked up so badly, Didnt I?” He whispered to mostly himself as he cautiously approached, giving her time to back away when she wanted to. “My sweet girl. The most perfect… can’t believe I’ve gone n’made you cry.” The hoarse words made her eyes fall from his face and tear up a bit more.

“No- no, no. Please, my love. I cant even tell you how sorry I am. You didn’t deserve any of my anger. Everything I said wasn’t even true.” He said desperately. “I went downstairs… and I saw the stuff. I was being an ass. The colors… they match the paint swatches. I saw them in your bag.” He sniffed, clenching his fists to keep from touching. “I love them. I should have never, ever thrown you using my money in your face. I love spoiling you, taking care of you. I was just…” he swallowed. “Projecting. Because I found out… y’know Hannah, the girl we were becoming friendly with in the office?” He whispered. At her little nod, he continued. “Heard her talking about how happy she was that she got into our friend group there n’how… shes going to be making a lot of money in exposure. And how she likes going out with me and the guys because I pay. Was telling her girlfriend they were going to be rich.” It was a soft spot for him. People using him. His inner circle was close knit for that reason. People who had no other motives.

“I’m sorry, Harry.” Her weak voice peeped. That should have made him feel better but it didn’t. Even when he was a dick she cared about his feelings. Right now, she shouldn’t.

“Don’t be.” He mumbled. “There’s a lot of pressure in the projects and I had 2 bad meeting… and then after the thing with Hannah, I came home and stained my shirt with ink pen. Had to throw it out. Used real milk in my coffee at the coffee house today… was feeling ill all day. It all piled up on me. But none of that, not a single one is an excuse for how I just spoke to you.” He said lowly, gently reaching a hand out to her arm. She didn’t flinch or pull away, but didn’t lean into him either.

Harry knew that what he just did wasn’t okay, nor healthy. It wasn’t something he was going to let happen again either. “I’m going to figure out something… some sort of way to fix my emotions because there’s no way I am ever letting myself speak to you like that again.” He bowed his head in shame. Out of all the people he could have taken it out on, he did it on sunshine personified.

“I’m not happy, H.” Her weak voice came out. “I won’t… I won’t let myself be with someone who does that. I know it isn’t your normal, and I trust you to fix it. But I’m just telling you. As far and as deeply and madly in love with you as I am, I know that I won’t let myself be treated like that.” Her voice was so soft, hoarse from her sobs and it made him fold. He pulled her into his chest, kissing the crown of her head firmly.

“It will not happen again. And you shouldn’t. If anyone else talked to you that way, I’d sock them in the face. I feel sick on how I just treated you. I won’t ever let anyone do it… including me. I’m…” he closed his eyes as his lips rested against her head. “M’ashamed of it. I never want to lose you. Ever. You’re the best person to come into my life and I love you so much it’s sickening.” The shaky breath into his chest as she grabbed him back and curled into his body flooded him with relief. “My love. I adore you. And I want you to be so happy with me.” He smeared kisses all over her forehead before moving down to kiss any surface. Brushing away the tear tracks in his wake with his thumbs, whispering sweet apologies.

“I love my mug. I’m so sorry I was mean. I love it so much, going to use it every day. I already set it up in our coffee bar.” He confirmed, making a bloom of discomfort wilt. He did actually like it. His tone was real, and she knew it well enough to believe it. “Let me take care of you tonight, Angel. Was so looking forward fo our weekend. We can do anything you want. Even watch those sappy romance movies. I’ll pretend I’m not crying at the end too.” Harry wasn’t perfect but he was willing to put in the work to fix the tear in their trust.

[poptart-productions]

Welcome Home

[ 5000+ ] words

pairing: kiribaku x black fem! reader

cw// smut, praise, submissive reader, oral, overstimulation, anal, swearing

[when you return home from a particularly draining day of hero work, it appears that your boyfriends have a few surprises for you—far beyond just making dinner ]

[a/n] it’s been a while since i’ve posted here, so i hope you enjoy it, especially since i put my back into this one. also! bold text means it’s in japanese.

also also! i should mention that this inspired by the va yuzuya! particularly one audio he has on his patreon. if you liked this, you should definitely go check him out in youtube where he has a kiribaku series!

˗ˏˋ ੈ✩‧₊˚ ´ˎ˗

"HEY GUYS!"

your excited voice spills through the speakers, making katsuki perk up; even though he wouldn't admit it, he got excited—he thought maybe you were finally home.

it only took you saying something else for him to realize it was a recording he was hearing; one he's heard before.

"that fucking idiot" he growled, getting up and heading toward the kitchen; the recording continues as he does so, "—okay! you guys have been blowing up my phone, though. i'm sorry, i'm still not in the position to be taking calls right now but i—"

by now katsuki had reached the kitchen, and clicked off the loud speaker; eijirou, who was currently cooking something—hell if katsuki knows what, but it smells good regardless—whined

"katsuki~ i was listening to that~"

"so? we've heard it like twenty times already!"

the man sighs, turning his attention back toward the stove, "we haven't seen or heard from her all day. . .i just, wanted to hear her voice"

"you're so clingy—what the hell are you gonna do if one of us gets sent on a mission, huh?!"

eijirou pauses, tensing up.

shaking his head, katsuki goes to hold eijirou's hand, "you always worry yourself sick; yeah, it fucking sucks being away from her, but she'll be fine—she's strong enough to handle her own shit"

"you being worried is like saying you don't believe in her—and that's not it is it?!"

"—no! of course not i just—. . .i miss her"

katsuki lets out a sigh, moving to hug eijirou from behind, ". . .me too"

"what are you making, anyway?"

"oh!" eijirou's face lights up, "s'[n/n]'s favorite!"

"she always cooks for us, so i thought i'd use the tips you gave me to return the favor"

katsuki responds to this with a lazy hum, resting his face in eijirou's shoulder

after a moment of comfortable silence, eijirou looks up,

". . .y'know, katsuki. . .?"

"hm?"

"i just had an idea. . ."

[. . .]

"you did good work today, [h/n]. go home, i've kept you long enough"

"—thank you, ma'am!"

you bow to your superior before running into your agency to get your things; you didn't even bother changing into your civilian clothes.

"see you tomorrow!" you call to your boss, who was still outside by the time you had finished up.

using your quirk to get home faster, you excitedly take out your phone.

"hey baby!" you called kiri because you knew he was gonna answer, but how excited he was to do so made you wanna melt

"hey! is katsudon there—"

"—i told you to stop calling me that, dumbass!"

guess that answers your question.

"hey, you two. . . !" eijirou stops that interaction from escalating, before changing the subject,

"we miss you so much,"

"i miss you too—but don't worry, we won't be apart for much longer"

eijirou gasps, "you're coming home?!"

you smile, "as we speak, love"

"katsuki, babe—did you hear that?"

"—i'm standing right next to you, course i heard it!"

"relax, man. . .jeez"

"leave it to katsudon to ruin the vibe—"

"—what the hell did i just tell you?!"

feeling like you've bitten off more than you can chew, you look down at your phone, "oop—would ya look at that—gotta go!"

[. . .]

as your house came into vision, you stopped using your quirk.

your heart was racing with excitement, but as soon as your feet touched the ground, gravity laid into you with the force of a truck

it was almost hard to breathe, but it's not like you haven't felt this way before

"oh—pins and needles!"

okay this is definitely the worst case of soreness you've had in a while, but you're a pro hero for crying out loud; it would be shocking if you didn't come home in pain

but damn, does this hurt

this back pain has you feeling like an old lady.

you decided that the aching in your soles was much worse, so you put strain on your back in order to rid your feet of your boots

you look over the horizon, pain dulling substantially as you imagined yourself in the company of katuski and eijirou; the warmth, kiri getting emotional about your return, and katsudon inevitably getting pissed off

you'd bear all the pain your body could take if it meant getting to experience that again—a little ache can't stop you.

so you hobbled up to your front door, your knees buckling on the last step; your legs threatened to give up on you.

you steady yourself against the door as you unlock it, knowing that if your boyfriends saw you like this they would freak—especially kiri

as you pushed the door open, the feeling of immense comfort blasted you like ac in the middle of summer; the smell of home made it hard for you to do anything else but succumb to this feeling

collapsing in the middle of the hallway, you leaned against the door; you closed your eyes with a labored sigh.

just as you were starting to relax, a voice called out, "babe. . .?"

you opened your eyes to find eijirou and katsuki

the three of you just stared, afraid that moving would mark the end of this sweet dream.

you were starting to tear up despite the fact you had seen the two this morning—you had no idea why you were being this dramatic

"come here, already!" katsuki snaps, snapping you out of your trance; "alright. . .i'm coming, you big meanie. . . !" still exasperated, you scramble up into the embrace of your boyfriends

the hug could only be described as desperate; you three hugged each other like you had been deprived of some sort of life force

the pounding in your chest finally came to a slow, and you went to break away but the two were still trying to squeeze the life out of you.

"c'mon guys, i stink—let go of me!"

"i won't ever, babe!"

"hell no!"

you giggled, before pausing. you realized that the "home" you were smelling seemed a lot like food  "so," you changed the subject "are you two cooking?"

"oh!" kiri finally lets you go, "that reminds me! i'm almost done—in the mean time, why don't you take her to the bathroom, katsuki?" he gets up to return to the kitchen

you stare up at the pomeranian, a dumb smile plastered across your face, "oh~? what's this about?"

"you'll find out if you shut up and follow me"

"i'm coming, i'm coming" you snort, forcing yourself to your feet

a sweet smell fills your senses as you get closer to the bathroom

"babe?" you call; he simply looks back at you, his expression unreadable to you in that moment, "what is. . . ?"

as you finally reached your destination, your eyes widened.

rose petals: the bathroom was drowning in them—there was a trail leading to the tub, and in the actual water, too.

also, there were candles everywhere! that explains the sweet aroma. it's a fire hazard, honestly.

this was kiri's doing for sure.

"is this. . .for me?"

"no, it's for casper the ghost"

not even katsudon's snide comments could ruin this moment for you.

you reach for the fastening on the back of your suit, but katsuki gets it for you. letting out a sigh, you remembered just how constricting this costume is.

just as you were pulling it off your shoulders, katsuki's hands slipped beneath the opening he had just made. his warmth stayed for moment before fanning out, gently separating the material from your sweaty skin.

it wasn't long before that wretched garment was discarded in the corner

"katsuki. . ." you giggled a little, feeling embarrassed now that you were so exposed

you thought he'd try to poke fun at you—say something about how you stink—but instead he took you into his arms. that was so effortless—not a grunt or strain to be found

he places you in the bath, and god; this feels heavenly

"i told shitty hair not to light so many damn candles" katsuki grumbles, making a round and putting some of them out

you expected him to leave after this, but instead he comes around behind you.

placing hands on your shoulders, he begins to move them in a rhythmic motion

oh, you realized what he was up to.

"that feel good?" you couldn't help but giggle at katsuki's attempt at being gentle

"yes katsu. . .thank you"

. . . .

upon giving it thought, this is rather. . .interesting

"first the bath. . .now this? you two are up to something. . ."

"just shut up and enjoy the massage"

"okay, okay!"

[. . .]

now thoroughly relaxed, you and katsuki join eijirou in the kitchen, where he was plating his dish.

"my favorite. . .kiri, you didn't"

it was a dish from your home—much different than japanese cooking

he really learned how to make it. . . ? all for you?

you put your foot down, confronting the two men "okay, you two are definitely up to something"

"huh? what do you mean?" kiri raises a brow

"why are you being so nice? katsuki, did you break the tv again—"

"—i told you it broke on its own, dumbass!"

"why do we have to be apologizing to do something nice for you?" eijirou giggles, "we just love you, babe. we know you had a rough day so we wanted to pamper you a little, that's all"

"really?" the two nod, "oh. . ."

"anyway, let's eat! i'm itching to know what you think!" kiri changes the subject

the three of you took your seats,

"itadakimasu!"

[. . .]

"why don't you go up to the bedroom, hun" kiri suggests, kissing your cheek, "me and katsuki will clean up"

he means you don't have to wash dishes with the clean freak? say less

"okay!" you chirped, practically skipping up to your shared room

after changing into one of katsuki's shirts, you went to lay down

unfortunately for you, you couldn't sleep no matter how hard you tried

you sat up, feeling sort of. . .empty—like you were missing something.

throwing your legs off the edge of the bed, you kicked your feet like a child

you suddenly gasped and shuddered as the image of katsuki and eijirou on top of you forced it's way into your head—their voices in your ears, each praising that you're 'taking it so well'

you looked around—just making sure no one saw that.

upon confirming that no one did, you look down at your knees, coming to a realization

oh,

so that's what it is. . .

you can't lie, you sort of hoped katsuki would've tried something when you were in the bath earlier—and you're hoping the two of them will try something now.

naturally, you could feel your heart pounding and your stomach tightening as footsteps approached the bedroom

"oh, you're still awake?"

"dammit, why the hell you always have to wear my shirts?"

the difference in how they reacted to seeing you there could honestly give you whiplash; you giggled, responding to the last thing you heard, "because it makes you the angriest"

but. . .if they expected you to be sleep did they not plan on making love to you?

shit, will i have to ask now?

see, that's your problem; fighting blood thirsty villains on the regular? no sweat.

but somehow, the concept of telling your boyfriends when you wanted sex eluded you

"well, since you're not sleep yet; katsuki never did get to massage your whole body, huh?"

"huh? i mean—no, i guess not"

"how the hell was i supposed to do that when she was in the bath?"

"but fine, i'll—"

"—uh—actually!" kiri stops him,

"can i do it?"

"knock yourself out" katsuki was already headed to the bathroom, presumably to complete his night routine

"alright, babe just. . .take off your shirt and lay down for me, alright?"

"alright. . ."

you did what was asked of you while eijirou went to retrieve the massage oil

you shuddered as the cool air grazed your skin, before laying down on the somehow even colder comforter

you became hyper aware of yourself at that moment—was i really gonna wear a bra to bed? at least that makes this moment less awkward

by now kiri had returned, "you look so cute like this. . ."

it's just. . . the way he looks at you. . .you can't help but get a little flustered

"no need to get shy, babe i'm just telling the truth. you're really beautiful, y'know"

"just hurry up with the massage, eijirou!"

"oh—just cuz you said that, i'll compliment you even more now"

"you're so amazing," he leans down, placing a kiss on your stomach at each word, "your body is so perfect, babe"

"how'd we get so lucky, huh?"

"kiri. . .c'mon, already"

"alright, alright"

eijirou pours some of the oil into his palm, warming it between his hands before placing them on your diaphragm. you melted into the warmth of his soft hands.

you kept telling yourself that you should be relaxed, but clearly your shoulders didn't get the memo. how could you relax when the feeling of his hands on your body was so innately sensual—or is that just me?

running his fingers down your hips, eijirou paused for a moment before meeting eyes with you, "i'll massage your legs now, alright?"

"okay"

your entire body contracted as kiri's palms pressed into your thighs, getting jarringly close to that spot  before he stopped completely. by now, katsuki had joined the two of you on the bed and also appeared to stop

this was just as you were starting to relax, too—this was very unfortunate

you glanced between the two of them, their facial expressions not giving you any answers

"hun. . .are you. . ." kiri finally makes eye contact with you, only making your nerves worse, ". . .wet?"

am i?

you shot up, looking down at yourself,

holy shit, i really am

guess that little scenario—courtesy of your brain—from earlier really helped that, huh?

"no, that's just—"

"—yes you fucking are, don't deny it!"

"don't yell at her, katsuki—it's okay, babe. i'm just. . ." kiri looks away, covering his face, ". . .glad i wasn't the only one who was thinking about you two"

your eyes flicker from your feet to kiri, ". . .really?"

"yeah. . .it's the reason i sent katsuki to help you in the bath"

"i knew i wouldn't be able to keep it pg. . .but. . .if you want it, hun; i'd be happy to"

"please. . ." you wrap your arms around eijirou's neck, snuggling into his chest

"alright," you could hear the smile in his voice, "are you up for it, katsuki—"

the two of you look up to find your boyfriend ridding himself of his clothes, "i guess that answers my question"

eijirou turns back to you, "why don't you make yourself comfortable, baby?"

nodding, you lay back down, tensing as a freshly naked katsuki joins you on the bed

"someone's eager"

"shut up"

"i take top, you take bottom"

katsuki only hums before getting in position to start kissing your thighs

kissing up the side of your neck, eijirou slips his hands underneath you, unfastening your bra. as you slid out of it, you let out a shaky laugh "you've. . .gotten better at that"

"heh. . .yeah, i've been really trying"

he looks down, "you're. . ."

". . .so cute"

he starts to caress your chest, placing the occasional kiss here and there

meanwhile, katsuki had begun a massage of his own; "katsuki. . ."

running his hands up your sides, it wasn't long before his fingers were tracing the hem of your panties.

you couldn't even focus on what was happening below before something above took your attention.

pain, then pleasure directly after—it was this warm, balmy feeling.

looking up, you realized that eijirou had just bitten the lobe of your ear before enveloping it in an open-mouthed kiss; he glances up at you expectantly, catching your skin on his teeth once again

your breath hitched, body shuddering, "eiji. . ."

you look at him once again—and though his mouth was currently occupied, he could even begin to hide the smug smile on his face.

then, it's almost as if everything was still.

eijirou had averted his attention toward your neck and you relaxed your shoulders, attempting to meld back into the soft comforter

wait. . .

your lower half feels really cold all of a sudden. . .

"katsuki—fuck. . ." you whispered, shaking as katsuki began tasting you.  

your eyes fluttered shut, and you tried your best not to resist against katsuki's hands on your thighs.

you always seem to forget just how good this feels

eyes still closed, you lazily reach up to caress eijirou's face; his fingers trace your abdomen—you really enjoy the silky feeling of his skin on yours

you were prepared to fully submit to this moment, when katsuki all but yells at you,

"hey!"

eyes shooting open, you jolted upwards, "hm—what is it?"

he stopped moving, only keeping his gaze fixed on you as he says:

"look at me."

honestly, you don't know why you didn't see this coming; katsuki always demands eye contact—but you? you really couldn't bring yourself to do it without getting flustered

your face was so hot that your vision was hazy—you tried to blink it away, but it didn't work

you look to eijirou, hoping he'd get you out this situation but he only offers you a taunting chuckle, before positioning himself behind you, 

he leans against the headboard, wrapping his strong arms around your waist.

realizing he'd be of no help, you opt to hide your face in your hands

"aw. . ." kiri coos, "no need to be shy, hun. . ." before moving your hands away, "look"

still attempting to blink away your embarrassment, you finally meet gazes with katsuki

you found the look in his crimson eyes both reassuring and worrying

gaze trained on you, katsuki gives you a teasing lick.

"god. . ." you broke away for just a moment, but somehow katsuki's expression was more intense when you glanced back at him.

he's making it so difficult—to maintain eye contact, that is

"your moans are so pretty. . ."

kiri presses a series of gentle kisses to your shoulder, before reaching down to massage your clit

. . .for all of two seconds—not even enough time for you to register the feeling—before katsuki swats his hand away

"piss off, shitty hair! . . .s'mine"

"possessive much? [y/n]'s mine too, y'know"

suddenly—perhaps out of spite—katsuki diverts all attention to your clit

a pulsing, throbbing pleasure went surging throughout your entire body

you throw your head back, resting against eijirou's shoulder

katsuki growls at this, "i told you to look at me"

"oh. . .katsuki—shut up, i'm close—"

it was almost as if that statement turned on a switch in his brain; he kept that same, steady pace but he was laser-focused on his "task"

he was like a robot—it'd be quite captivating if you could focus

"oh—fuck—please. . . !" you latch onto your boyfriends' hands, squeezing your eyes shut as you came undone in their arms

"atta girl" katsuki pats your thigh as he sits up.

barely giving you time to recover, eijirou excitedly exclaims, "my turn!"

he moves from behind you and you lay back down,

you waited for kiri to start, but instead he offers a hesitant, "um. . .actually. . .i was wondering if you could. . . sit on my face?"

"oh. . . ? i. . .—" you were taken aback, seeing as this was the first time he's ever asked you anything like this

you were conflicted; you had always wanted to try that

but you were also worried that you'd be too heavy, to put it bluntly

he's giving you the big puppy dog eyes, though! you can't just say no—you don't want to.

gnawing at your bottom lip, you began to nod, ". . .okay"

"really?! okay, lemme lay down"

he excitedly gets into position, shifting a couple times before looking up at you, "okay! c'mere"

you blinked, avoiding eye contact as you climbed on top of eijirou; closing your eyes as you hovered above his face.

"you're so gorgeous, baby"

you let out a shaky hum in response to this, before lowering yourself—you could only get yourself half of the way down before every bone in your body stopped you from going any further

stop right there, you will kill that man

your bones yell

but what am i supposed to do? he really wants me to do this! you try to make your case

just. . .make it look like you're sitting all the way down; he's not gonna know

okay

you meekly reply

"alright" trying to keep your voice from shaking, you stilled your body—or at least. . .attempted to

eijirou chuckled, "as much as i like this view, i'm gonna need you to sit all the way down, hun"

the lie didn't even last for five seconds, "huh? but i, am. . . ?"

katsuki sucks his teeth, crossing his arms, "your legs are shaking, it's a dead giveaway"

feeling embarrassed, you looked down; you decided your only option was to come clean about your worries "but. . .i'm too heavy, i. . .—"

"it's not like you're gonna hurt him or anything" katsuki sighs

eijirou nods from underneath you, "yeah! i'm the sturdy hero, remember? c'mon, babe. . .please?"

"o-okay. . ." you lower yourself until you were comfortably—and quite literally sitting on top of your boyfriend's face, which was enough to make you sigh out,

eyes fluttering shut, you reached behind you for support 

even through closed eyes, you could tell katsuki had crawled closer to you and eijirou, "while you two are busy, i'll just make myself comfortable"

judging by eijirou's moans, it seems that katsuki began pleasuring him

"katsuki. . ." he whimpers into you,

"[y/n]. . . ?!" he speaks again, more urgently reaching up to grasp your hand; looking behind you, you noticed the look in his eyes, too "what. . .what is it?"

"am i. . .doing good?"

right.

how could you forget?

"yes. . .very good; you're such a. . .good boy, eiji" you smiled down at him

this comment alone seemed to enhance kiri's pleasure.

forcing yourself to keep your eyes open, you turn to katsuki, who looked as if he was prepared to upgrade the service he was giving eijirou

"w-wait. . . !" you stopped him

"i. . .wanna. . ."

katsuki snorts, "well c'mon already, then" he invited you over, but he didn't stop what he was doing with his hands

nodding, you lean over, taking kiri into your mouth; just this was enough to send him over the edge

"ngh—mmh~!" he's still going, somehow

you had to commend him for his resolve

if he keeps going like this. . .

all it took was his tongue entering you and you were done for  

but just like your boyfriend, you didn't quit—in fact, you took more and more into your mouth

after awhile, your high died down, but. . .eijirou. . .

he always cums so much, you thought as eijirou continued to release

his chest heaved—you could feel his heart drumming against his chest—his body shook

until finally, his breath slowed and he took a break from pleasuring you

the three of you let out a pleasured hum, realizing the moment you all just shared

lifting your head carefully, you were prepared to swallow when eijirou urgently taps your thigh, as if telling you he needed something; with your mouth full, you couldn't ask—but your silence told all kiri he needed to know

"i. . .wanna see it. . .i wanna see it in your mouth, please" he asked, muffled.

"yeah. . .let's see it"

you glanced in between the two, a little shocked

letting out a whimper, you get off of kiri who eagerly sits up. eijirou and katsuki look to you expectantly

avoiding eye contact, you open your mouth, "ahh~" tilting your head back so that you don't lose any

"fuck, that's so pretty"

"yeah. . ."

you gagged as the warmth spilled into your throat.

katsuki places his fingers underneath your chin, closing your mouth

"now, swallow" you blink, doing as you were told—this is much more difficult than i originally thought

you genuinely struggled to swallow it all in one go.

"good girl" eijirou pats the top of your head

as you take a moment to catch your breath, kiri excitedly asks, "so. . .are we going all the way, or. . . ?"

the two turn to look at you, to which you nod—you didn't even hesitate, "yes! . . .please"

there's that feeling again; whenever you give consent, the way they looked at you felt. . .different—you felt emotionally (and physically) naked, it was. . .

it was embarrassing, there's no other word for it

you sat in silence, avoiding eye contact for what felt like minutes before your boyfriends finally broke away and looked at each other instead of you

"if that's the case; i had an idea" katsuki admits, holding your attention

he glances at you once again, "i was thinking we could both fuck you at the same time"

at the very least, eijirou seemed to get as flustered as you did

"so you mean she would. . .—"

"—be in between us"

"but. . .—she's never done anal before. she could get hurt if we force this kinda thing on her"

you could feel your heart dropping into your stomach upon hearing kiri's words. he really wants to try it now? you haven't prepared properly; what if you make a weird noise? or worse. . .

although. . .you had similar doubts about sitting on eijirou's face and that turned out great—but this is different

katsuki and kiri continued as you were arguing with yourself, "she won't, you idiot; she's been practicing,"

katsuki looks over at you, forcing you out of your head for a moment, "right?"

"y-yes. . ."

"and you didn't let me watch. . . ?" while eijirou was focused on whining, katsuki seemed to notice your 'less-than-enthused' tone

"if you don't want to, we won't."

"i do! i'm just nervous, is all"

"it's okay, we'll ease you into it like we would any other time" kiri reassures

"yeah, but she'll be on her stomach so you go on the bottom shitty hair—you'd probably tear her open regardless"

the shark boy frowns, "what? what's that supposed to mean?"

"don't play dumb, it's fucking huge!" katsuki yells

kiri looks down, red dusting his face, "it's. . .it's not that big"

"it is pretty big, kiri" you sigh

"moving on. . ." eijirou looks toward you, "why don't you lay down again, hun?"

you nod, your sweaty body welcoming the still-cold blanket. you focus on the dust on the ceiling fan—damn, if katsuki saw that. . .—as eijirou positioned himself behind you once again

katsuki places your legs on his shoulders before looking up at kiri, "hey, shitty hair; you still got that oil, right?"

"uh, yeah" kiri grabs the bottle off the bedside table, before handing it to him

katsuki takes a moment to warm it in his palms before starting to massage you there

you closed your eyes, whining as katsuki got you ready for him

kiri strokes your face, "how's that feel, [n/n]?"

"it's. . .different"

you thought with all your practice, you'd be used to how alien it feels by now

but no. . .

it wasn't a bad feeling—it was just odd

"hey. . .katsuki?" kiri starts, "can you maybe. . . ?"

"you want me to teach you?"

"y-yeah. . .i mean, i should know if you get sent on a mission, right. . . ?"

"okay, but pay attention because i'm not repeating myself!"

"got it!"

katsuki's finger is inside you now and, well . . .

this is something

it didn't necessarily feel good or bad—just kinda felt like someone stuck a foreign object up there, just as it had the first few times

you were starting to get worried you'd just be tolerating this feeling when the time comes

"when you get your finger inside, you crook it like this"

he demonstrates with his free hand,

"just, feel around a bit. . .you'll know if you find it"

"AH—fuck, katsuki" you jolt up

what the fuck is he doing down there?

you've never felt that before—this electric feeling of intense pleasure and a hint of pain—have you been doing it wrong this whole time?

"oh, like her g-spot?"

"yeah. . .like her g-spot"

as you writhe, katsuki smirks, "guess you have been practicing; you're already ready for a second finger"

as katsuki does this, eijirou continues to keep you relaxed, "aw~ so cute" he praised

"katsuki—god!"

"feels good huh, baby?"

"uh-huh"

that's when you realized that eijirou was behind you; reaching over your shoulder, you begin to stroke your boyfriend

he grabs your hand, "oh that's okay, hun; tonight's about you"

"but—OW, katsuki that hurt?!"

"have you been doing it like i showed you? it shouldn't hurt that much" katsuki eyes you, stopping his movements and removing his fingers

well, it never felt good when you did it, so you're gonna go with no

". . ."

"baby~" kiri whines

"you could get seriously injured! why didn't you let katsuki watch you?"

"because. . . ! that’s awkward. . .and weird!"

sure, he’s seen you in lewd ways numerous times already—but this? it’s too much

"well, i'll have to spend more time doing this now" katsuki sighs, rolling his wrists

you whine, wanting him to go back to pleasuring you, "you're such a spoiled little shit" he shakes his head

eijirou chuckles while you pout, "say please, hun"

"please~ katsuki? please?"

he only offers a hum, before obliging; you threw your head back, somewhat dramatically, as he reached 'that spot'

more and more

your body began to accommodate his fingers more and more

as soon as that happened, katsuki was almost ruthless with his fingers; he's getting impatient

he suddenly stops, and the two of you do as well

"hey, eijirou. . ."

"yeah. . . ?!"

eijirou seemed alarmed at the use of his actual name; must be serious

"come here"

eijirou does just that, gingerly laying you down as he gets from around you

he makes his way over to katsuki, who gestures in your direction, "look at that. . ."

your eyes were screwed shut, but you could feel their hungry eyes on you—tracing your frame over and over

"she stretched so well for us. . ."

"i think she's ready"

"okay! me first!"

eijirou lays down, patting his thighs

you couldn't hold in your giggling at this sight; you oblige, though—straddling your boyfriend's hips

you hum as you, sort've impatiently lowered yourself onto kiri

eijirou's breath hitched upon seeing just how ready you were; you sunk down to the hilt, holding your tongue all the while

"you got all the way down this time. . ." kiri looks up at you, starry-eyed

"you must have been really needy, huh?"

you kept your cool, though if you were being honest you were just as amazed as him

you've gotten more adjusted to his size over time but you've only ever been able to get half way down

you wiggle your hips, and it was almost as if that’s what it took for you remembered what you just did

body already shaking, you attempt to get off but your legs had finally given up and you fell back down—you yelped, your head throbbing as the pleasure took over your senses

god, it's been too long

"woah! you alright, babe?" eijirou steadies your hips, the warmth of his fingers helping less than he most likely thought

closing your eyes, you offer a feverish nod

"alright lay down on my chest, hun"

"y-yeah—okay"

you 'very gracefully' flop yourself onto your boyfriend, finding the racing of his heart both cute and comforting—at least you're not the only one

"you feel so good" eijirou sighs, stroking your face

"are you fucking done?" katsuki rudely interrupted your moment

sighing, kiri answers, "yes, katsuki; we're done"

with a grunt, katsuki positions himself behind you, "relax. . ." firm grasp on your tense shoulders, katsuki begins to enter you

"f-fuck! that’s—. . .you feel so good”

“katsuki—fuck!”

this is overwhelming—even with them unmoving inside you

i can do this, it's fine

after your breathing had finally slowed, you closed your eyes

"okay, go" and immediately, you felt like you were going to cum

"god, i can't—i don't know if i. . .—if i can handle this"

"it's okay babe," katsuki says, "just let go"

"yeah—just—close your eyes" eijirou adds

your moans became whiny and desperate as your body shook with your orgasm

"f-fuck!"

"can we keep going, hun?" kiri asks, though his tone was pushing ‘begging’ territory

you only nodded, wanting desperately for your boyfriends to get their release

however. . .you were so sensitive

very sensitive, "ah—ah! it's too much!" fuck, i thought i could handle it

"no~fuck—i can't!"

the two men tensed at your words—well, more like word, since 'no' was what they understood—but that made it worse

"should we stop?!"

"no! fuck—please don't stop"

at this point, you couldn't see.

your vision was overtaken by a white haze

your legs shook, you couldn't hold back any longer

so you screamed

you had never wished you could time travel more than that moment.

but to your surprise, that seemed to turn them on more

"oh, fuck yeah!"

"can you do that again?!"

the two begin to fuck into your relentlessly, chasing that reaction you just gave

and you gave it to them; how could you not?

it seemed that the two of them were getting quite close as well

"can we. . . ? cum inside? is that okay?" eijirou looks down at you

tears flowing down your face, you offer an exasperated nod

"yeah? alright, hun. . ."

"fuck!" the feeling of warmth spilling into you only added to your pleasure

kiri was pretty much out of commission, but katsuki kept fucking into you throughout his orgasm

all of you relaxed your bodies completely, shuddering and shaking all the while

okay. . .that was. . .a lot

you were conflicted; you wished the three of you could've lasted longer but you also really don't think your body could take it

fuck, they're still very much inside you

when you tried to move—wherever you tried to go, there was pleasure

kiri takes a firm hold on your hips, "st-stop squirming, babe" he gently lifts you off of him setting you back down on top of him

pulling out, bakugou growls, "we coulda lasted longer than that, fuck!"

"shh, babe—"

"—don't shush me!"

"she's trying to sleep"

"well she can't go to bed all dirty, shitty hair!"

"you can just clean her off like this"

you heard all of that, but zoned out after awhile

that is, until, "ah!" you feel an intense feeling of pain and pleasure shooting out from your core

"tender, huh?" kiri coos

"uh-huh"

"sorry"

katsuki applied less pressure as he continued to clean your body

after he was done, you went back to being dead tired; it wasn't long before you were drifting off

however, not before you caught this:

"we love you so much, hun"

"don't you dare fucking forget that"

[blahberry-pancake]

Hello! I saw the post about the broken ask mechanic so I figured i'd ask again - though if you've already responded i'm sorry to ask again. I only wanted to know if you ever plan to release the goth babe set? I'm a big fan but i don't have the resources to pay for early access. It notes it was going to be public some time in 2021 but that never seemed to happen. again, thank you for making great cc and i'm sorry to bother <3

Hi, thank you, you're so sweet. ❤️

The set has been released when it said it would be. :) If you go on my blog and click on downloads, you'll see all my cc. Once you click on Goth Babe set, it'll open an updated post with Patreon and free links. You just have to scroll a little down. That's how I always release my early access stuff. With a reblog. So if you ever can't find something, my downloads page is a place to go. Or alternatively you can go on my profile on simsfinds. Hope that helps!

[hrina]

Be Sweet, Pt. I

PAIRING: Harry x Reader RATING: M (minors dni!) WORD COUNT: 6k

hey everyone! here's part one of my new enemies-to-lovers series :) this fic will be five parts in total, but i'm only posting the first part on tumblr. you'll be able to read the rest of it on patreon if you wanna sign up!

as always, reblogs and feedback are very much appreciated. i love hearing your thoughts! enjoy.

~*~

August 27th, 2021

“Who’s opening tomorrow?”

Ella scrubs a wet rag across the table closest to the door. You cast a furtive glance up at her, flipping absentmindedly through the jumble of papers on the counter in front of you. Nick’s messy scrawl catches your eye, and you pause, reading the haphazard comment written at the bottom of the page.

Customer requested a very specific shade of pink trim. See back for details.

You flip the order, scoffing at the Pantone strip taped to the other side. The square labelled Quartz Pink has been singled out, encircled in bright red. Jesus fucking Christ.

“Alice and Olly, I think,” you say, shoving the form to the bottom of the pile.

“That’s good,” Ella grunts, returning the napkin holder and the sugar dispenser back to their spots on the table. “And you’ll swing by sometime during the afternoon?”

“Yeah,” you say, drumming your fingers over the papers. “I’m gonna help Olly in the back. You know how much he hates dealing with fondant.”

“How could I forget?” Ella rolls her eyes, smiling to herself. You grimace when she tosses the damp cloth in your direction. It lands on the counter with a loud splat! You nudge it away with your elbow, shaking your head.

“Gross.”

“You’re gross,” Ella says.

“I’m lovely,” you reply. She grins.

“Where’s Alex taking you tonight?” you ask, changing the subject. Her eyes light up instantly, and she clasps her hands together against her chest.

“It’s a surprise,” she says, giggling girlishly.

You groan. “I hate surprises.”

“It’s a good thing he’s not your boyfriend, then, isn’t it?” she retorts. You snicker, and she continues: “He told me we should stop off at home to change, though, so I’m guessing that wherever it is, there’s a dress code.”

“Ooh, fancy.”

“Right?” She twists her wrist, peeking at her watch. “He should have been here by now. It’s already a quarter past seven.”

“The hospital is just down the street,” you remind her, organising the mountain of orders into a neat stack. “Give him another five minutes.”

She nods. You spin on your heel and push through the door leading to the backroom of the bakery. The large space is split into two sections: on your right, there’s a wall of ovens, and a cluster of metal racks filled with pale, unprocessed dough. On your left, tables and counters lined with all sorts of decorating necessities—piping bags, spatulas, scrapers, turntables. You make your way toward the small cabinet perched against the nearest wall and pull out the top drawer, sliding the orders inside. Olly should have no trouble locating them tomorrow morning.

When you return to the front of the shop, Ella is locked in a passionate embrace with a gangly, dark-haired man. You recognise him immediately.

“Doctor Dao,” you call out, resting your elbows on the counter. “Did you at least wash your hands before putting them all over my best friend?”

Alex and Ella break apart swiftly, but he keeps one arm wrapped around her waist. “Hey, cookie,” he says, flashing you an apologetic grin. “Didn’t see you there.”

You arch one brow, lips curling into an amused smirk. “I’ll say.”

Only then do you catch sight of the other man lingering by the door, and your smile quickly morphs into an irritated frown. Harry is watching you with twinkling eyes, like he knows the effect his presence has on you. How could he not? You don’t try to hide your disdain, especially when it comes to him.

“Harry,” you say curtly, lifting your chin in stubborn acknowledgement.

He brings two fingers to his temple—a mock-salute. “Sweetheart.”

You clench your jaw. God, he makes your blood boil. Rather than responding, you turn back to Alex, who is now smoothing his palms over Ella’s silky brown hair. “You’re late,” you tell him. “You were supposed to be here when we closed.”

“Sorry, cookie,” Alex says, and he sounds like he means it. “My last surgery of the day had a few…complications.”

You purse your lips as the annoyance melts away. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” He nods, blowing out a heavy breath. He looks tired. “We figured it out.”

“That’s good.”

Alex directs his attention back to Ella, leaning in and pressing a chaste kiss to the tip of her nose. “You ready to go?”

“Yeah,” she replies. “Just let me grab my bag.”

“Cool,” he says. “You don’t mind if we drop Harry off at his place, right? His car is fucked, apparently.”

Ella’s grey eyes widen. She peers over her boyfriend’s shoulder at Harry. “What happened?”

Harry waves away her concerns, chuckling quietly. He tugs on the collar of his blue scrubs, and you can’t stop your gaze from trailing across the plethora of tattoos inked into his arm. Your nose wrinkles at the sight. He looks ridiculous. What kind of doctor would agree to don such outrageous body art?

“He’s being dramatic,” Harry says, shooting Alex a pointed glare. “My car’s at the shop right now, but I’ll have it back by tomorrow evening at the latest.”

“Oh.” Ella relaxes. “Okay, that’s great. Babe—” She turns to Alex. “—when are our reservations?”

“Eight-thirty,” Alex says. “Plenty of time.”

“Awesome,” she chirps. She scurries around the counter and playfully bumps her hip against yours. “My purse is in the back. Give me one second.”

And then she’s gone.

You stare at Alex, fighting a clever smile. “Tonight’s the night, huh?” you murmur, quiet enough so that there’s no chance of Ella overhearing.

He beams, shouldering his knapsack and dragging his sweaty palms down the front of his shirt. His scrubs are a light purple, you note. The shade compliments his dark skin.

“Yeah,” he replies, gnawing anxiously on his bottom lip. “She’ll say yes, right?”

You scoff, rolling your eyes good-naturedly. “Of course she will.”

Just then, Ella bursts through the door, her leather purse swinging wildly against her waist. “Alright!” She claps once, striding over to you and planting a wet, sloppy kiss onto your cheek. “I’m off.”

“Bye,” you say, wiping her saliva from your face with the back of your hand. “Have fun.”

Alex waves at you as she tugs him out of the bakery. “See you later, cookie.”

You wink. “See you.”

Harry is the last one to leave. He glances at you momentarily, the corners of his lips quirking up into a smug smile. The look makes you bristle. He’s absolutely infuriating.

“Got any leftover almond croissants?” he asks. Silent laughter taints every word.

You point to the exit. “Get out.”

He bows his chin in farewell, approaching the door. “Sweetheart.”

“Asshole,” you reply flatly. Now that your friends are out of earshot, you’re under no obligation to tolerate him. Sometimes, you find yourself actually craving his company, just so you can drop the pretence and really give him a piece of your mind. You’re a mature adult, and you won’t ruin a social gathering because of one presumptuous dickhead, but everyone has their limits. You don’t owe him shit.

Harry chuckles to himself, and you clench your fists at your sides. He shoots you one last maddening smirk before disappearing out the door. You rush forward, latching it swiftly and ensuring that the sign against the glass reads ‘CLOSED’. Once you’ve successfully locked up, you march into the back of the shop, plucking your own purse off one of the metal counters and tugging it over your shoulder. You shut the light and return to the front, scanning the clean tables, the empty display cases, the shades drawn over the windows. Shards of the sunset stream through the cracks in the blinds, casting orange stripes along the floor.

All clear, a voice in your head whispers, and you sigh.

Finally—you can go home.

August 28th, 2021

Quick, frantic knocking rouses you from your sleep. Blearily, you sit up on the mattress, knuckling at your puffy eyes. The hardwood floor is cold against the soles of your feet when you climb out of bed. You shiver.

The insistent clamour continues as you pad down the hallway. You tug at the hem of your worn, baggy t-shirt, concealing your midriff. Ella wastes no time after you open the front door, surging past the threshold and vaulting herself into your arms.

“He proposed!” she squeals as the two of you stagger backward. You freeze, remembering Alex’s plans from the day before. His apprehension, too—the way he wiped his clammy palms against his scrubs and anxiously dug his teeth into his bottom lip. Shock ebbs and flows through your veins for a fraction of a second, but then you’re sweeping Ella into a tight hug, rocking your bodies from side to side.

“Oh my God,” you say. Excitement festers beneath the murky exhaustion clouding your mind. “He did it.”

Ella steps back, brows knitting together in bewilderment. “You knew?” When you nod, she scoffs, aiming a half-hearted swat at your bicep. “And you didn’t tell me?”

“Why the fuck would I tell you?” you retort, rolling your eyes at the demand. “Come on. Let’s see it.”

A bright grin stretches across her lips, and she holds up her left hand, wiggling her fingers keenly. You spy the ring resting on the fourth digit: a simple platinum band topped with a large, clear diamond. Grey morning light bounces off the gemstone, and it winks at you as if it knows something that you don’t.

“Gorgeous,” you breathe, gripping Ella’s wrist to bring her hand closer. You scrutinize the ring carefully, smiling to yourself. “He’s got good taste.”

“Doesn’t he?” she gushes, beaming like an idiot. You beckon her into the kitchen, and she collapses onto one of the tall stools positioned in front of the marble island. A quick glance at the digital clock on the stove reveals that it’s only eight in the morning. You groan, rubbing gentle circles against your temples.

“I was hoping I’d get to sleep in today,” you say, lips curling into a wry smirk.

Ella shoots you a sheepish, apologetic smile, sliding her purse off her shoulder and placing it on the counter. “I’m sorry, cookie. I couldn’t wait.”

“I’m just kidding,” you tell her, floating around the room to prepare a pot of coffee. “So…how did he do it?”

She launches into a frenzied retelling of the night before. Alex brought her to the same restaurant they’d visited four years ago on their first date. They ordered their food and made conversation. Things proceeded as usual until the end of the meal, at which point Alex set his napkin down on the table and excused himself to the restroom. Two minutes later, the waiter arrived with the bill. Ella accepted it graciously, scanning the thin paper and pausing at the question scrawled at the very bottom of the slip. When she snapped her head up, searching for her boyfriend in the crowded dining area, she found him kneeling a few feet away from her chair, a small velvet box nestled securely in his steady hands.

“I started crying immediately,” she tells you, groaning at the memory. “I couldn’t keep it together. It was so embarrassing.”

You toss your head back and laugh. Despite the crimson blush staining her cheeks, she joins in. The coffeemaker beeps, signalling that the pot is ready. You fetch two mugs from the cupboard and fill them with dark liquid. Ella accepts her drink eagerly, blowing cool air across its surface. You grimace as she takes a tentative sip—you’ve never understood her penchant for unsweetened black coffee. Sugar and cream are a must.

“I’m so happy for you, El,” you tell her, stirring a small spoon around your mug. “You’re going to be the most beautiful bride.”

Her eyes grow damp. You snicker quietly, reaching across the island and swiping your thumb beneath her bottom lashes. She catches your hand and kisses your knuckles softly, clearing her throat.

“Will you—?” She releases a shuddering breath. “Will you be my maid of honour?”

You stiffen at her request. Her gaze rakes over your face, like she’s searching for any clue as to how you might respond. At last, your shoulders sag in relief, and an ecstatic smile splits across your cheeks.

“Of course,” you say, voice thick. Tears gather in your own eyes, but you blink them back furiously. “I would love nothing more.”

She sets her coffee down and skirts around the counter, yanking you into another bone-crushing hug. You grin as she presses a handful of sloppy kisses to the side of your head. Her elbow knocks against your abandoned mug, and a few drops of coffee spill down the side of the cup. You laugh at her enthusiasm, pulling back and sweeping your hands over her silky hair.

“It’s probably way too soon, but have you guys started discussing anything?” you ask, arching one eyebrow.

Ella flushes pink, averting her gaze. “Um…when we got home, there wasn’t really much of a discussion going on.”

You cackle, poking at her ribs. “Oh, he gave it to you good, didn’t he? It’s a miracle that you’re not limping right now.”

“Be quiet,” she yelps, stamping her eyes shut.

You lift your hands and shoot her a teasing smirk. “I’m not judging, okay? If anything, I’m living vicariously through your various sexual conquests. It’s been months since I last got any action.”

“Maybe that should change,” Ella says, folding her arms over her chest. “You and Harry could probably fuck out your frustrations. His dick is huge, apparently.”

You balk. “Ella!”

She shrugs, grey eyes widening comically. “What? Alex told me!”

You snort, but say nothing. She watches you cautiously, examining your features for any signs of acquiescence. Any indication that you might actually be considering her lewd suggestion. You almost gag.

“Why do you hate him so much, anyway?” Ella asks, flicking an invisible speck of lint off her shoulder. “You’re not still hung up on that fiasco with the almond croissant, are you?”

“I’m not doing this with you again,” you say, and she sighs.

“Okay, I’m sorry. But can you at least try to be civil while we plan the wedding? For my sake.”

After mulling over her words, you slouch in defeat. “Fine. But only for you,” you say, throwing a stern finger in her face.

She beams. “Thank you.” Something dirty flashes behind her pale eyes. “And if you do end up sleeping with him, I want all the details.”

You shove her gently and scoff. She laughs.

“Honestly,” you start, shaking your head, “it doesn’t matter how huge his dick is. I’d rather walk across hot coals than let somebody like him climb into my bed.”

“What makes you think it wouldn’t be the other way around?” Ella snickers. You glare at her, but she just steps back, raising her hands in surrender. “Alright, alright, fine. Have it your way. But I’m expecting you to find someone in time for the big day. Don’t let your plus-one go to waste.”

You roll your eyes, thoroughly unconvinced. “Noted.”

September 2nd, 2021

“Olly!” you call, sticking your head into the backroom. “Ella and I are going on our lunch break, but Leyla will be here in, like, twenty minutes. You going to be okay by yourself until then?”

Olly doesn’t even bother looking over his shoulder, too busy piping little flowers along the sides of the rectangular cake laid out in front of him. He lifts one hand, waving away your concerns before running his palm over his short blue hair. He buzzed and dyed it just last week after claiming that he couldn’t stand how the long brown curls stuck to the nape of his neck. It took a few days to get used to the change, but now that the initial shock has faded, you have to admit that he looks great.

“Yeah, that’s fine,” Olly says, putting the finishing touches on the cake. He sets his piping bag down and turns toward you, wiping his palms against his red apron. His left ear bears a swirl of shiny silver piercings. “I’ll be out in a second.”

“Thanks,” you say, flashing him a small smile. He returns it, and then you’re spinning on your heel and letting the door swing shut behind you.

You find Ella waiting outside the bakery. She urges you along, and you squawk at her impatience.

“What’s the rush?” you ask, falling into step with her as you both amble down the sidewalk. “We have forty-five minutes.”

“I don’t want Alex’s sandwich to get cold,” she explains, holding up the small paper bag clutched in her right hand. You snort.

The two of you make it to Ridgefield Hospital in record time, mostly because Ella grips your arm and gives it a forceful tug whenever you start lagging behind. You walk through the automatic doors, ignoring the row of ambulances parked outside. The secretaries sitting at the front desk shoot you a few distracted smiles—they’ve all grown accustomed to your frequent visits by now.

Ella babbles endlessly as you enter the elevator, pressing the button for the fifth floor and waiting as the metal doors slide shut.

“I want to ask Alice and Leyla to be part of the bridal party, but I’m scared the guys will feel bad if Alex doesn’t choose them as his groomsmen. Like, I think they’d understand, considering I work with the girls and we’re all pretty close, but I don’t know.” She nudges you with her elbow. “What do you think?”

“I think you should do whatever the fuck you want,” you tell her, shrugging. “It’s your wedding. And I don’t think Olly, Marcus, or Nick will mind if they’re not part of the bridal party. Olly doesn’t care about that stuff, and Marcus and Nick already have their hands full with their jobs at the bakery. Plus, they know Alex has his own friends—not just the ones he’s met through you.”

Ella nibbles on her bottom lip, her head bobbing in agreement. “Yeah, you’re right.”

You lay a placid hand on her shoulder. “You’re already overthinking this. You’ve only been engaged for a week. Enjoy it.”

She shoots you a grateful smile just as the elevator dings and the doors glide open, and the two of you step out onto the hospital’s paediatric floor. It’s a stark contrast to the other sections of the building. Instead of barren white walls, these ones are painted with all sorts of pretty, colourful decorations—flowers, rainbows, sunsets, animals. A massive sign in front of you denotes the different divisions on the floor and where to find them: the ICU, the operating rooms, the palliative unit, the psychiatry wing, and the oncology department. You and Ella turn right, making the familiar trek to Alex’s office.

“He should be on his lunch break, too,” she says. “Unless they paged him for another emergency surgery.”

You hum in response.

Sure enough, you find Alex at his desk, twirling a blue pen between his fingers as he pores over the stack of papers in front of him. Ella knocks gently against the open door, and his face lights up when he spies her standing in the threshold. He moves quickly, crossing the room in five long strides, and plants a searing kiss onto her lips. You look away, rocking awkwardly on the balls of your feet.

“Hey,” Alex murmurs after he and Ella break apart. That’s when he notices you behind her. “Hey, cookie.”

“Hey,” you reply. You toss your thumb over your shoulder. “I’m just going to—you know, the usual.”

He nods.

The last thing you see before you turn around is Ella holding up the brown paper bag, and Alex’s face splitting into a bright, easy smile.

You meander through the halls, trailing your fingers over the rich artwork covering the walls. The end of the corridor cleaves in two; you turn left and enter a large atrium. The ceiling is high and peppered with skylights. A small cafeteria sits off to the side, clusters of families chatting and laughing together as they eat. Children sprint around the space, their arms outstretched. Some of them are dressed in normal clothes—others don pale hospital gowns, their skinny legs bared for all to see. You wrench your attention away from them, fixing it instead on the far wall.

Slowly, you cross the room, surveying the vibrant handprints stamped against the plaster. There has to be hundreds of them, you think. They vary in size—some are so tiny you could cry. Colour becomes scarcer the higher you go—the youngest children are too short to reach those levels, obviously—but still. The sight takes your breath away. You visit this mural every time you find yourself at the hospital, and every time, you unearth a new detail that you hadn’t noticed before.

You walk along the length of the wall, dragging your fingertips across the dry, smooth paint. Purples and pinks and oranges and blues. Reds, greens, yellows, browns. Each handprint is a person—a pair of little feet that scuffled over this very floor, a blank story that had yet to unfold. Briefly, you wonder how many survived whatever illnesses plagued them, and how many succumbed to their conditions. The thought makes your throat grow tight with emotion, so you quickly shove it aside.

Ten minutes pass before you’re leaving the mural behind and heading back the way you came. You’ve just rounded the corner when a strong, solid body barrels into you. You grunt at the impact, smacking one palm against the wall to steady yourself.

“I’m sorry,” you start, lifting your head to meet the stranger’s gaze. “I wasn’t paying—oh.”

Harry smirks, his green eyes glittering with mirth once he recognises you. You purse your lips, wishing the ground would just open up and swallow you whole.

“Harry,” you say, nodding stiffly.

He folds his arms over his chest. “Sweetheart.”

His brown hair is tousled, and his biceps strain against the white button-up adorning his torso. Black slacks cover his legs, and he’s wearing a pair of pristine leather shoes, ones that look like they might’ve cost a month’s worth of rent. Your teeth grate together noisily. The sound echoes in your ears.

“What are you doing here?” Harry asks, as though the two of you are old friends. You want to scoff—you’d rather stick your hand in an oven than make idle conversation with him.

“Visiting Alex,” you say tightly, stepping back. “Ella brought him lunch.”

At that, Harry straightens. “Ella’s here?”

“Yes.”

“I wish I’d run into her,” he murmurs, pinching his bottom lip between his thumb and forefinger.

You throw him a scowl. “Asshole.”

Harry cocks one eyebrow, tilting his chin haughtily. “Forgive me if I prefer her company to yours. At least she doesn’t treat me like I’m some insufferable bastard.”

“Maybe if you stopped being such an insufferable bastard, I wouldn’t treat you like one,” you shoot back, planting your hands on your hips. You tense as Harry’s gaze rakes down your body—head to toe, like he’s sizing up an opponent. His nose wrinkles in disdain, and you fight the urge to deliver a sharp, backhanded slap across that pretty, perfect face.

Harry opens his mouth, and you brace yourself for whatever retort he has prepared. What comes out is nothing overtly nasty, but it is enough to make you want to shrink away and curl into yourself until you wink out of existence.

“You smell like yeast,” he says, and tosses in a derisive sniff just for the added effect.

You recoil as the words slam into you, blinking in shock.

Asshole. Rude, arrogant, condescending asshole.

“I own a bakery,” you grit out. Harry shrugs, but says nothing else. Your lips flap wordlessly as he pushes past you, his shoulder bumping against yours. You watch him go, massaging the tender spot on your arm with shaky fingers. Your eyes fall to his ass for only a moment before skittering away, and a hollow laugh catches in your throat.

What a fucking prick.

September 17th, 2021

“Attention, everyone!” Ella stands at the head of the table, clinking her fork delicately against her glass. “I wanted to make a little toast.”

The conversation around you tapers off into silence. You sit back in your chair, focussing on your best friend. She looks splendid in her pretty blue dress, her dark hair twisted into an elaborate knot at the nape of her neck. She peers around the room, chewing nervously on the inside of her cheek. When her gaze locks with yours, you grant her a tiny, encouraging nod.

She beams, her next words imbued with renewed enthusiasm. “I wanted to thank all of you for coming here tonight to celebrate our engagement with us.” She holds out her hand, and Alex presses a gentle kiss to her knuckles. “We’re so grateful to be sharing this milestone with such a wonderful group of people.”

You inspect the other guests gathered around the table. To your right sit Alice and Leyla, the first employees you hired when you were trying to get your business up off the ground. It’s odd seeing them like this—poised and elegant, looking nothing at all like they do during the long, arduous shifts at the bakery. Alice’s blond hair has been fashioned into an intricate braid, and Leyla’s brown eyes are lined with dark kohl and smoky eyeshadow. They clean up nice, you must admit.

Next to Leyla: Ella’s older sister, Hillary. They have the same piercing grey eyes, though Hillary’s hair is a shade lighter. You didn’t miss the sour expression that trundled across her face when you waltzed into Alex and Ella’s condo. She’s jealous, you think. Jealous that Ella chose you as her maid of honour instead of her. You’ve been ignoring her resentful glares for the better half of the night, letting her bitterness pass over you like a cloud. Whatever her problem is, it’s clear that the issue lies between her and her sister. You’re not getting in the middle of that.

It doesn’t help that she’s been fawning over Harry all evening. Upon witnessing her coquettish behaviour, you glanced at Ella, brows raised, but your best friend just rolled her eyes and yielded a helpless shrug of her shoulders. At least the attraction didn’t appear to be one-sided—that would have been humiliating, you think—because Harry gave as good as he got, chuckling sincerely and flirting right back. You had to suppress the urge to retch, and sent out a quiet prayer of gratitude when Ella and Alex sat them as far away from each other as possible at the beginning of the meal.

On the opposite side of the table: Alex’s groomsmen—Milo, Sasha, and Connor. You’ve been in their company a few times, mainly on birthdays and other special occasions. According to Alex, they all met when Milo accidentally vomited during their very first anatomy lesson at medical school. Milo insists that the putrid smell of the cadavers was simply too awful to bear, but everyone else claims that he just couldn’t stand the idea of being so close to a dead body. No matter the truth, the story always makes you giggle. The four of them have been good friends ever since.

The five of them, you remind yourself as your gaze settles on Harry, who is lounging in the chair directly across from you.

Harry—Alex’s best friend. Harry—Alex’s best man.

You wanted to rip your hair from your scalp when Ella broke the news. Several images flashed through your head all at once. You and Harry inching rigidly down the aisle, arms linked. You and Harry donning the same colours, your gown complimenting the spry flower pinned to the lapel of his suit. You and Harry flanking Ella and Alex while they recite their vows, glaring daggers at each other behind your friends’ backs. Even now, the mere thought of it has you biting down on an exasperated groan.

You don’t realise that you’ve zoned out until the faint quirk of Harry’s mouth catches your eye. You blink once to yank yourself from your daze, and clench your jaw when you find him staring at you with an amused look on his face. He places his elbows against the arms of the chair and clasps his hands together. Unmistakable smugness emanates from him, as if he somehow managed to crawl inside your mind and saw exactly what you were envisioning. Your nostrils flare, and you fix your attention back on Ella, who has reached the end of her speech.

“Cheers,” she says, holding up her glass. The champagne inside sloshes and fizzles temptingly. Would she allow you to chug the entire bottle, if you asked?

Everyone around the table mirrors her movements, raising their own drinks and touching them together lightly. Quiet, delicate clanking fills the room, and the friendly chatter resumes. You nudge Ella with your elbow, shooting her a proud smile. “That was great, El.”

She beams. “Thanks, cookie.” She then picks up her fork and motions to the plate in front of her, piled high with seasoned chicken and steaming, roasted vegetables. “Let’s eat.”

~*~

“Are you sure you’ve got him?” Alex asks Sasha, gesturing to the very inebriated Connor wobbling at his side.

Sasha wraps one arm around their friend, letting Connor rest his full weight against him. He bares two rows of perfect ivory teeth, flashing a wicked grin. “Yeah. Besides, I’ve been meaning to pay him back for the shit he pulled at the barbecue last month. There’s a Sharpie in my car.”

“You’re going to draw a dick on his face, aren’t you?” Alex muses.

“Obviously.”

With that, Alex bids them both farewell, shutting the door and heaving a dramatic sigh. Ella approaches him after a moment, hooking her chin over his shoulder and murmuring something indiscernible into his ear. He chuckles softly.

“Didn’t peg you as the voyeur type, sweetheart,” a low voice says from behind you.

You jump, whirling around and coming face-to-face with Harry. He’s got a green washcloth slung over his left shoulder—the shade brings out his eyes, a traitorous voice in your head whispers—and his arms are folded neatly across his chest. Your gaze falls to the collar of his black button-up, where he’s undone the first two discs, leaving his sternum exposed. Tendrils of ink peek out from beneath the dark material.

You frown and take a step back, putting distance between your bodies. “You’re such an asshole.”

“So I’ve heard.” His lips twitch, and he rolls up his sleeves. “Now, if you’re done ogling them like a lovestruck puppy, I could use some help in the kitchen.”

You grit your teeth, but follow him into the other room. Harry grabs the rag hanging over his shoulder and holds it out for you. You snatch it from his fingers without a word, and the two of you take up residence in front of the sink. Harry plunges his hands into the soapy water, rinsing the dishes thoroughly before passing them to you. You stand as far away from him as possible while you dry each plate, your movements stiff and choppy. This is not how you wanted to finish off the night, but Alex and Ella spent the entire day preparing the food, and it was delicious. The least you can do is spare them the hassle of tidying up.

The tense silence eats at you, until you feel like you might explode. Unable to bear it any longer, you hastily blurt, “Saw you getting pretty cozy with Hillary before dinner.”

Immediately, you want to kick yourself. Where the fuck did that come from?

Harry snorts, shrugging coolly. “We’ve hooked up a few times, but it’s nothing serious.” He shoots you a mischievous grin. “You jealous?”

“Of Hillary?” you scoff, rolling your eyes. “Please. The woman’s standards are practically underground. Why else would she be interested in someone like you?”

Harry scowls, and hot satisfaction surges through your veins. Yes, the taunt was mean, but no, you don’t care. “You’re a real bitch sometimes, you know that?” he says.

You flash him a petty, insincere smile. “Only to you.”

He squeezes the yellow sponge nestled in his right hand, scrubbing it forcefully across a dirty plate. “Maybe you should find someone to hook up with. It might help get that stick out of your ass.”

“I have better things to do,” you sneer, narrowing your eyes.

“Better than sex?” He chokes on a derisive laugh.

“Yes.”

“Like what?”

“Like…things!” you snap, fingers curling into tight fists. “I run my own business, for God’s sake. And I’m going to make Ella’s wedding cake.” You announce the last part proudly, hauling your chin into the air.

Harry, however, looks unimpressed. He shakes his head, blowing out a heavy sigh. “Uh-oh.”

You pause. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He shrugs again, but you detect a hint of malice behind the action. “It’s just…I’ve seen the way you decorate cakes. Ella might be better off going elsewhere—you know, to an actual professional.”

Son of a—

“That’s rich, coming from you,” you say, motioning to the mismatched tattoos littered across his arm. “What would you know about professionalism? It looks like you let a preschooler doodle all over you.”

Harry bares his teeth in a feral grin. “Deflection. I’m not surprised.”

You bristle at his words. “Asshole.”

“You’ll need to get a bit more creative with the insults, sweetheart. I’m growing bored.”

“Is that so?” you say. “I think ‘asshole’ suits you just fine. Maybe you should have become a proctologist instead of a paediatrician.”

“At least I pursued something I was good at. I’m not sure if you can say the same.”

“You fucking—”

“Everything okay in here?” Ella asks, floating into the kitchen. You spin around to conceal your anger, placing your hands against the counter and inhaling deeply. You roll your shoulders back and slap an artificial smile onto your face before turning once more.

“Everything’s fine,” you say, and fake a yawn, covering your mouth with your palm. “I think I’m going to call it a night. I’m exhausted.”

Ella’s bottom lip juts out into a pout. Her red lipstick has faded, leaving only a stain of scarlet in its wake. On cue, Alex walks into the kitchen behind her, setting a steady hand on her hip and cocking his head to the side. “Hey. Everything okay in here?”

You nearly snort. Fucking soulmates.

“All good,” you tell him, nodding brusquely. “I’m just going to finish up with the dishes and head home.”

“Okay.” Alex presses a soft kiss to Ella’s temple, murmuring something about needing to get out of his stuffy clothes. You whirl, drying the last of the plates with frantic, shaky fingers. In your peripheral vision, you spy Harry watching you, but the stupid bastard must possess some scrap of self-preservation, because he keeps his mouth shut. You say nothing else as you whack the rag down onto the counter and stride out of the room.

You don’t miss Alex and Ella’s hushed whispers at the other end of the hall, but a little voice in your head tells you not to interrupt them. You halt at the front door, snatching your purse off one of the metal hooks mounted on the wall. You’re in the middle of putting on your shoes when you hear it:

“I was hoping we could arrange a truce, you know.”

You twist around, palm flying to your chest. Harry is standing a few feet away, his hands still wet with the water from the sink. He clasps them together and ducks his head, and if you didn’t know any better, you’d almost think he was ashamed.

Something vile bubbles in the pit of your stomach. You gnaw on the flesh of your cheek, trying to reel your emotions back in. You refuse to give him the satisfaction of witnessing another outburst.

“Keep your fucking truce,” you spit, and wrench open the door. You shoot him one last withering look before stepping out of the condo and slamming it shut.

[gavinsdeviant]

Thanks to @lovelylonerliterature for tagging me!!

These aren't really in order and they will for sure change in the future but for now these are my choices.

My favourite Redacted Audios (SFW)

1. I know I said they're not in order but "Going all the way with your Vampire Mate" is on the top of my list. Not only is the full patreon video out this world, but I think I like the video in itself because of Sam's words. He said that he's not a poet but I beg to differ. I love him so much and him and Darlin's relationship and bond grew so much stronger through that video. I listen to it A LOT.

2. I'm also obsessed with "Sleepy morning cuddles with your Tsundere Werewolf Boyfriend." David is one of my favourites so I feel like I love all his videos equally. I think this is a whole video dedicated to him and how soft he can actually be despite him having been very gruff before that specific video. I think it really gives us the overall vibe of him and Angel's relationship and sums it up perfectly.

3. Third of my list has to go to "Your Demon Finally Tells you the Truth." There is no way that I can speak of this that makes sense. Its just a fucking masterpiece. I didn't really connect with Avior as a character before that and I always felt like something might shift with the story because of how much of a slowburn it was. It broke my heart and made me realize that I will never love anything more than Erik's storytelling. It's always been something I can never really shut up about.

4. "Trapped in An Elevator with a Sweet Werewolf." Dare I say more? The video made me fall in love with Ash and the way he and Babe connected right away. Though Sam's video is first, this one is in my top 5 for sure.

5. And five, "Unwinding after a Long Day with Your Chaotic Pizza Guy Boyfriend." There's not much to say except that I don't think I will ever feel the amount of happiness that that video brought me.

Honourable mentions go to "Tsundere Werewolf Boyfriend Breaks down" for davey because how raw he is and the way Erik handles grief so brilliantly. It also shows how much he and Angel are there for each other.

Also, can't forget to mention Aaron with "Your Tsundere Boss Boyfriend wants to Talk." I love Aaron and Ollie with all my heart but I think this video stood out to me because of the important conversation that needed to he had. People can learn from this- THAT is how you talk to your partner when yall don't agree on something.

Sorry, this was a long rant.

I'm tagging @teaseat @daveysangelsposts @samsdarlin and @ashs-stars if you guys wanna share with us your top 5 Redacted videos <3

[free-boundsoul]

Inversion spoilers

Holy fuck. This is gonna be a wreck and a ramble

Okay, poor fucking Milo. Getting stuck outside the ward. And he just wants to be in there with his pack. Having to explain to the mates.

Gavin.... this probably hurt the worst with how he's just getting bombarded with all those terrible emotions. I just want to hold him close and protect him

Lasko saying that his family, all of them, being stuck in there. How stressed and helpless he must feel and he just has to wait.

Hux being an actual fucking rock for Damien. Damien breaking down and crying like that though? Losing all that composure. I'm just sitting here crying.

Mads sticker has so much more truth to it after that video. If I ever see Kody, I'm decking him. Him finding a hiding spot and attacking other people to keep himself safe is so in character though.

David having to make the decision to close the ward...jumping in before it closes so he can be inside to help and protect. Asher being with him and doing his best to be there for him.

Vincent's first thought just being to get to Lovely T.T Sam calming him down enough so he can focus.

Fucking Xavier....I had a bad feeling that he only had one video before this whole inversion but fuck if it still doesn't hurt. My heart is already hurting for Gavin, I can only imagine that he's blaming himself. I'm so scared for how Huxley is going to react.

Gavin trying to keep up his ward and his crying when the emotions start bombarding him again. Him focusing on the FL to try and get those good feelings to combat against it. Him also thinking of Damien and Lasko and Hux...

Milo and Lasko doing whatever they could to help get people out. Milo encouraging Lasko. He's so much smarter than I would be in this situation. Sweetheart willing to risk everything to help Milo...

Angel either wearing or holding David's jacket and just being forced to wait and knowing they can't do anything

Lovely and Vincent fighting together... Lovely getting mortally wounded (I saw that fucking tag on patreon before I listened and I was stressing over it)

Oh my God, David breaking down. Asher getting hurt... so thankful to Sam for being there. Sam is such a reassurance, fuck, he's probably freaking the fuck out and yet he's displaying such a level head. Ashers fucking "ow" had me crying

Lasko on the loud speaker, the pain in his voice as he explains what's happening, pleading for help... I just want to hug him tight

Sam going from saving Asher to going to help Vincent and Lovely and not able to do anything.

Fuck, Vincent... his voice cracking and breaking as he asks Lovely if he can turn them... he loves them so much and he still gave them the choice.

Sam's stern voice when he's trying to convince David to rest. David's guilt at locking people in with the shades even though it was the right call to protect the rest of the city.

Fuck, everyone fighting together. Damien pushing himself to try and protect people and fight the shades. Oh fuck, the panic in Hux's voice.

Milo acting as a conduit? Probably the wrong word to stop the flow of Magic and bring down the wards... willing to risk his life to bring it down. How is that going to affect him?

Fuck yes the shades getting blasted from everyone coming together on the outside once the ward came down.

Fuck the Commissioner

Lasko finding Hux and Damien 😭 Damien being stubborn...the little shit.

Asher and David getting reunited with Angel and Babe 😭

Sam and Darlin! Fuck the pain in his voice, him crying 😭

Milo crying in relief when he finally hears David and Asher 😭 "let's go see our family"

I'll say it again, fuck the commissioner.

Oh god, that last bit with Brachium doesn't help the anxiety.

Welp that was a wild ride and I wish that I'd taken the moment to eat something instead of immediately waking up and listening to the Inversion. Cuz I don't know if I can eat anything yet.

I can't wait for the aftershock videos though

Sorry that this is a mess

[obeymehasinfluncedmythoughts]

hey i hope you're doing well!! i was wondering if i could request a oneshot that kinda diverges from canon ? so basically mc is given the chance to go back to the human world (permanently) or stay in devildom w the brothers. so everyone literally expects for them to stay bcs they really "happy" with the brothers + the (un)dateables,, but surprise:: theyre fucking ecstatic to go back to the human world !!!! and they re all like "why mc dont u love us 🥺" and mc just goes full rant about every shitty thing that happened to them in devildom: belphie killing them, brothers treating her as lilith's replacement, dangerous shit 😌😌😌😌 tHIS IS SO LONG N SPECIFIC OMG IM SORRY

Oo. Yes. This is it. I remember always choosing the "Yeah fuck you guys I wanna go home," choices lmao. There's so much I personally would say to them if put in that situation. One would be what the fuck.

This takes place after Belphegor kills you, but before you go home. The undatebles aren't really included because none of them really fit in with the scene I'm painting.

Also! To my followers, I'm thinking of opening a patreon? Idk if anyone would use it or not. It's just that I am trying to make money, and since I can't work consistently, this might be my best shot for now. It's just a thought! I won't do it if you guys think it's stupid. Thanks babes 💞

It was an offer from Diavolo that started all this.

After Belphegor had lashed out you'd taken to staying away from any of the brothers. You'd never totally felt safe around the demons. They are demons after all, but you trusted that someone would always be there to protect you. That was what you were told at least. It worked in many circumstances, but not when you needed it most. Not when you actually died.

You were miserable. Everyone could tell just by the way you acted. A frown was on your face the majority of the time, you were always on guard around any demons, and you spent the majority of your nights at purgatory hall for some reason or another.

It hurt them to see you so terrified of their presence. Any little fight they had now flashed like a warning sign in your mind, alerting you to the danger of meddling in demon affairs. You'd leave, and they'd become discouraged, only realizing how empty everything felt with you gone. They try to make it up to you, try to keep away from their natural tendencies to get a bit rowdy, but nothing works. You're still petrified in their presence.

That's when Diavolo asks you if you want to go home. You're not comfortable here, it's written on your sleeve. It's affecting your mental health, and despite how much it hurts to send someone so perfect away, he does suggest you leave. To get some help, reconnect with yourself, and possibly forget they ever existed.

You agree.

It's heartbreaking when they find out. Belphegor blames himself, and so does everyone else. They see his mistake as the catalyst for all your changes in personality, when really it was just the final nail in the coffin. After being forced to participate in a stressful school schedule, to deal with men constantly busting into the room despite the lock, being expected to cook for the avatar of Gluttony at least once a week, and to have to find new hiding spots for your precious items to avoid loosing them to Mammon, it was a lot. You were always up, ready for some crazy new happening, never resting even when your body was on the verge of collapse. Your body couldn't handle it anymore, and after Belphegor, you knew you'd never sleep again

You don't say goodbye to them.

Lucifer acts like it doesn't bother him, and he'll act this way until the day he ceases to exist. It does though. He considered you a friend, possibly more, but seeing as you willingly left the realm, it's clear that he misjudged the situation. Satan doesn't receive the news any better. He's a lot more angry then Lucifer, but deep down they both know the eldest is just better at hiding his feelings. The house is a wreck without these two micromanaging every aspect, but neither ever pleaded with you to stay.

They blame Belphegor, but they also blame themselves for not showing you how much you meant to them. Satan knows he could have done more. He should have. In all the books in his library, why is there not one explaining how to fix such a situation? Lucifer almost thinks the same, but he knows he does not need books. He should have noticed your little set backs from the beginning, without the help of a book.

Mammon doesn't completely understand what happened. He's confused, not knowing what he did to make you despise him so. Levi tries to explain, sometimes through teary eyes and anxious hand movements, yet it still never really sinks in. Part of him believes he could have possibly shown his affections more. The other remaining side can't stop chastising himself for not knowing.

The third eldest feels abandoned, and he doesn't know why. You're just a normie. Just some human who shouldn't mean anything to him, but you do. He hates it. Leviathan wants nothing more to forget you, but how can he when your ghost still haunts these halls?

The only one who seems to be able to move on is Asmodeus, but that's far from the truth. He's good at faking emotions. Sure, he's never really had to fake being happy, but all the improv disappointment and whiney attitudes have prepared him for this. Asmo looks fine. No one really worries about him. They should.

Beelzebub and Belphegor have been at odds ever since you left. They both blame the youngest, and whilst Belphie doesn't usually care about his sibling's opinions, knowing Beelzebub is so angry with him hurts. He can't fix it either. You're not coming back, and Beelzebub will always be angry with him for doing something so selfish.

And Beelzebub is angry. He moves out of their shared bedroom and into your room. For weeks he refuses to even speak to Belphie, and after that he only acknowledges him in passing. It's heartbreaking to watch, but Beelzebub doesn't care. You're gone.

[delimeful]

WIBAR Intermission: New Friends

winner of the first july patreon poll! thanks to @legendsgates for allowing me to sneak in a brief cameo of their alien species, cetarfreka!

previous intermission episode | start of WIBAR

warnings: violence, fear, tension, ptsd episodes, injury mention, being held hostage, misunderstandings, deception

-

It was about halfway through their trading circuit that the vidcomm from the Mindscape popped up.

Remyy perked up instantly, Patton’s distinctive singsong voice clear even from half across the main bay. They dropped to their feet and tucked all their wings tight against them to signal that anyone in the way should swiftly get out of the way. Those in the bay who knew them cast strange glances in their direction as they hop-skittered across the floor.

Remyy couldn’t blame them; this was probably the fastest they’d moved all week. They usually maintained a much more casual demeanor for the sake of their reputation, but in this case...

“Patton! Babes, you’re really okay!”

“Remyy!” The Ampen fluffed up, a pleasant glow filling the room around him, face pinching up happily.

In this case, exceptions would be made.

The Obrxyx currently managing the comms sighed at them, unimpressed. “You have this one, then?”

“Sure do,” Remyy drawled, still leaning between xem and the monitor so that half their face took up the comm screen. “We go way back, I’ll get them docked.”

They waited impatiently for xem to move to a different comm terminal, adjusted the seatpad so they could be seen properly through the comm, and promptly started complaining. “I can’t believe you guys, holing up in that rinky dink ship for so long with only voice calls to tell everyone that you were okay! Where’s the gossip? Why in the universe would you keep it from me?”

Patton’s hands jerked, and the comm screen wobbled, blurring his expression strangely for a moment. Remyy tilted their goggles slightly for a better angle, but by the time the mobile communicator stabilized, any change in demeanor had vanished.

“Be careful, Rem,” Patton said teasingly, “it almost sounds like you care about us or something.”

“Funny,” Remyy replied dryly, “I’ll have you know that I’ve just been missing Logan’s high quality deathbrew, none of that sentimental garbage.”

Patton laughed at them silently with his gaze alone. Innocent, naive Ampen, their ass.

“Are we cleared to dock y-- Is that Remyy?” Another voice from offscreen dropped abruptly into horror, and Remy’s eyes narrowed in gleeful amusement.

“It sure is, gurl,” they called, “and the Remyy in question seems to recall a certain bet that was never paid up on. 30 cenals, cough ‘em up.”

There was a loud groan, and then a thump that shook the comm slightly. Patton spent a moment staring at something with a confused frown, and then seemed to get it, nodding. He turned back to them very seriously.

“Sorry, Roman can’t come to the comm right now,” he informed them. “He, uh, died. Very recently. And tragically."

Belatedly, he put on a sad expression, antennae drooping. Remyy raised their eyebrows, unimpressed.

“Uh huh. Well, I suppose I’ll just have to join in on the funeral rites once I get down to help carry the goods over, huh--?”

“No!” The voices of both his friends overlapped, making the comm audio fuzz harshly for a moment. Remyy’s secondaries flared slightly, taken aback at the vehemence.

“Uh, I mean, we don’t have that much,” Patton hurried to patch up the awkward pause. “How about we meet you in the docking lobby instead? You can get Roman’s credits there.”

“Hey!”

Remyy’s ears angled back with displeased confusion, but they acquiesced anyhow. “Hurry up, then. And make sure Logan brings my brew!”

Whatever it was they were hiding, Remyy was sure they’d be able to weasel it out of them in no time.

---

After grabbing a short meal and a boring haggling session between the Mindscape’s crew and the cargo manager of the Starwinder, Remyy finally got to learn about what had happened to Patton during his disappearance.

It wasn’t pretty.

Their senspatches felt dry at the mere thought of Patton stripped of his coat and forced to starve because of it. It was beyond lucky that the remaining two of the trio managed to find and free the Ampen from the harvesters before it was too late. If anyone could do it, though, they believed this crew could.

Patton had grown quieter and less fluffy throughout the course of the tale, with Roman and Logan taking turns delivering a well-practiced explanation of the events. Seeing as these were extenuating circumstances, Remyy submitted to cuddles just this once, allowing the small alien to bury his face in the folds of their leathery armwings.

They took a moment once the story was over, casually and completely unintentionally folding more of their wing over Patton. “That bites, babes.”  

“Yeah.” The Ampen hummed in response, mouth pinched strangely. “I… I’m really grateful that I got help when I did.”

Logan set a careful hand on Patton’s back, though the motion almost came across as less comforting and more… cautioning? Remyy’s senspatches flared up slightly as they tried to read more into the situation.

Before they could really investigate, though, Roman was leaning forwards and grabbing the edge of their arm to get their attention.

“Remyy. We’ve been having something of an adjustment period. Drop it, please?”

They flickered their ears at him dismissively, but really… looking at the small crew, they could see a sort of wariness reflected in their stiff posture, the way the three of them constantly cast glances back to the dock hall that would lead to their ship. Trying to make sure they had a quick exit. Whatever the details of their experience, it was stressing them out to lay it all out in the open like this. Remyy could understand that.

“Fine, whatever,” they sighed, sipping at the bitter brew Logan had thoughtfully provided. “I suppose I’ll keep my awe-inspiring ability to root out interesting tidbits to myself for now. I can just grill Lo later.”

The three friends slumped in relief, and Remyy turned their face away slightly to allow them some privacy to recover. They probably wouldn’t appreciate it, that was mostly an Elimtran thing, but it was the effort that counted. They cast about for some other topic to distract. What else had they heard about lately… oh!

“Have you all heard the stories about the rogue Human going around lately?”

There was spluttering, and they turned back to see Roman seemed to have inhaled mid-drink, and was now muffling coughs into his shoulder. Patton studiously avoided eye contact as he patted the Cravon sympathetically. Logan shifted one arm out from where they were politely tucked away, looking intensely intrigued. Strange, he wasn’t usually one for gossip.

“We have not,” he stated, hands twitching in preparation for his thought weaving thing. “Would you care to elaborate?”

“Uh, duh,” they replied, trying not to think too much on the rather extreme reaction.  If the crew was really so stressed, it made sense that news of a Human would freak them out. Shit, they sucked at this. Gathering information would make them feel more secure, yeah? “It’s been circulating at some of the more shady ports we’ve been to, rumors that a small-tier smuggling ring recently managed to rise through the ranks just because they got their hands on a Human and knew how to use it to their advantage. That much is like, okay, horrifying to know that there’s still Humans out there in the outer ranges, but whatever, it’s under lock and key.”

Patton clung to their wing tighter. They paused, deliberating on whether or not to continue.

“I assume, going by the fact that you called h-- it a ‘rogue’ Human, that's not the case anymore?” Logan supplied, waving for them to proceed.

“Well, yeah. Apparently, it tore through practically half the group members before escaping, and now people are reporting cases of a bloodthirsty Human all over this quadrant. Not that the calls are accurate. It’s just hearsay,” they made sure to add. “It might just be someone trying to work the local governs into a panic, put pressure on the Council for this or that political maneuver.”

Logan didn’t respond for a concerning amount of time. “Right. Of course, that is plausible. Still, thank you for the information, Remyy. We will… keep it in mind.”

Remyy sunk lower in their seat, regretting bringing the topic up at all. “Mm. You do that, babes. Remember the stats, too. There’s a warrant out. Sooner or later, the Council will probably find whoever’s at the source of the rumors and put them to rights, Human or not.”

“That’s… great,” Roman got to his feet abruptly. “I think maybe we should head out soon. We’ve got that next landing to prep for, after all. Holmao isn’t known for its gentle terrain.”

“What?” Remyy’s secondaries flared slightly as they stood up too, abandoning their drink and dislodging Patton. “You just got here! Aren’t you at least going to catch a night’s rest? No offense to your ship, but the arti-grav ain’t exactly stellar.”

“That’s why we need to do more jobs! Save up for better arti-grav installation, right guys?” Roman’s voice seemed slightly frantic. Remyy suddenly remembered what little history the Cravon had shared with them, and swore mentally. They really, really shouldn’t have brought up the Human.

“Ro, look, I’m so--”

Their voice abruptly cut off as a cool line of metal pressed between their wings, right against their life vein. They saw as Roman’s eyes locked on something behind them, scales rising to a prickling stand quicker than they’d ever witnessed before.

“Nobody move,” a voice behind them called in clear, precise Common. “Or you get to bleed out right after this one.” The flat of the blade pressed harder against their back, and they couldn’t stop their ears from flattening completely in terror.

“Let them go,” Roman demanded, halfway to a snarl. Before he could even take a step, though, more armed strangers were swarming into the lobby, barking orders for the few other people currently in the room to get down. Expression dark, Roman held his arms out in a gesture of compliance, though his scales continued to stick out in a defensive bristle.

Raiders, it had to be. Remyy knew they knew the reptilian symbol that was engraved in each of the strangers black masks, but they couldn’t remember the group’s name for the fear flooding their mind, keeping them frozen in place.

One of them kicked Patton clear away from Remyy’s legs, and the Ampen let out a short shriek of pain before clapping his hands over his mouth. The raider behind Remyy laughed, apparently unconcerned about any alarms being raised, but Remyy was more focused on the way the Mindscape crew exchanged panicked glances, Logan kneeling next to Patton and subtly signing something in Crav’n.

“Now, here’s how this is going to work.” The one behind Remyy gestured with their other hand, which Remyy could now see was holding a paralyzer. Raiders were known for using them to get information, since most aliens could take a few shots from one before succumbing to the pain. “You’re all going to line up against the wall while we search your vessels, and in exchange, nobody has to die, got it?”

Remyy could only look straight ahead, so they got a clear view of Patton’s furious glow dimming down to horrified in an instant at the leader’s words. Whatever the three of them were hiding, it was hidden on their ship, and apparently not well enough.

They ran their tongue along their teeth for a moment, debating, and then wiggled their ears slightly, loosening the grip their goggles had until they were slipping down their face slightly. Only their upper eyes were exposed, but with any luck, it would be enough.

It wasn’t long till they managed to make eye contact with a nearby raider; the leader was the one giving orders, after all, and they were being held hostage by said leader, so it made sense that eyes would stray in their direction.

The moment they locked gazes, Remyy flickered their pupils and let their senspatches slowly pulse. The raider took a moment to bob their head in confusion before becoming visibly more relaxed, and Remyy didn’t waste any time. 'Circle around and attack the one holding me.'

The raider swayed slightly for a moment before moving to obey, a side effect of not being exposed to the full hypnotic effect of their eyes, and Remyy had a moment to feel hopeful that maybe they could actually pull this off.

“Grahh’m, what are you-- Oh, you little shit,” the leader spat, moments before a strike to the side of Remyy’s head had them seeing stars. They heard Roman growling furiously, still forced to the ground under threat of gunfire, and hoped that he wouldn’t do anything stupid. He wouldn’t be any use if he was convulsing from pain.  

“I should have known better than to leave an Elimtra awake and armed, hmm?” The leader flipped them to their back, pressing a knee to their chest and crushing their secondaries uncomfortably against the floor. A moment later,  their other hand was shoving their goggles harshly back over their face.

Remyy gagged slightly as all the air was forced from their lungs. “Probably should’ve, ye-- eah,” they replied, struggling to inhale again.

“Funny.” There was a glint of silver uncomfortably close to their eyes. The knife. Remyy regretted the snark. They regretted the snark so much.

The leader paused. “Oren, is it the eyes or the little spots under them that do the hypnotizing, do you recall?”

There was a pause, in which ‘Oren’ seemed to have no answer, and Remyy realized with a chill just what was being threatened. The leader considered them for a moment, and then pulled their dark mask further up to cover more of their face.  

“I suppose I’ll just get rid of both, hmm?” The knife wavered closer.

Across the room, there was a loud crash, and a strangled yell that cut off as quick as it started. Remyy watched as the leader’s head jerked up, and saw the moment that the severe frown on their face abruptly transformed into utter terror. Hurriedly, the raider stood back up, and they were pulled up along, shoved in front of them like a shield.

It didn’t take long to see why. Across the lobby, near the entrance to the dock halls, a tall, slender figure was holding the remains of what must have been a seatpad. The rest of it appeared to be lying crumpled along with the limp raider that had been closest to that entryway.

The whisper spread through the room as quick as any small-town rumor: Human.

The being was scanning the eerily-silent space, and when it reached the spot where the leader stood, accompanied by Remyy and friends, it’s lips curled up into a vicious snarl, teeth on full display. It moved forwards in a way Remyy could only describe as predatory, and the leader went tense behind them. “Stop that thing, now!”

One raider, either damn brave or damn stupid, charged right in, and received the rest of the seatpad to the skull for their efforts. Remy winced at the sound. This seemed to be the signal for the rest of the raiders to converge, and the room descended into pandemonium.

In the thick of it all, the Human-- for what else could it really be?-- continued to advance, unrelenting. It wasn’t as fast as some aliens Remyy had met, but it didn’t need to be. The way that it stalked through the room radiated threat like an oath, and when opponents did dare to stand in it’s way, the blows were vicious and crunching, often leaving splatters of residue on its skin.

Most frightening of all was the way it handled the paralyzers, which should have driven any creature with pain receptors to the floor. Each time a shot landed on the human, it would tear the spiked prongs out with a twitch and a grimace and just keep moving.

By the time the leader realized that a strategic retreat was long overdue, it was already far too close for comfort. Remyy heard a swear behind them, and then they were being shoved, hard.

They caught a glimpse of Roman moving, and then they found themself busy tripping directly into a Human’s warpath. So much for surviving this.

They folded their wingarms over their head in some paltry attempt at defense as they fell. There was a grunt, and then a hot grip on their shoulders, all-too-close to the base of their secondaries and stars above were they going to have their glider wings torn clear off--?

��‘Scuse me,” the Human muttered in Common, and then lifted Remyy clear off the ground, easy-as-you-please, and set them down to the side. It brushed past them, heading straight towards Roman and the others, and Remyy stared after it.

Rather than continue after the leader, who had been thoroughly pinned by Roman and was currently swearing viciously, the Human stopped in front of Logan and Patton and dropped to a crouch. Remyy jerked forward, but neither of their friends seemed keen to jump away or defend themselves. In fact, Patton looked to be carefully headbutting the Human’s chest, and Logan was speaking in low, comforting tones. Even stranger, the Human seemed to be listening.

The circuits connected in their mind, illuminating a truly outlandish conclusion.  

They whistled lowly, drawing all the attention in the room to them. “Listen up, babes. As a subsect representative of the Council, I’m authorized to do my thing here, so I’m gonna need everyone to follow my directions.”

“Remyy, what?” Roman asked, and was thoroughly ignored. A nearby Cetarfris protested from where they were practically pressed halfway up the wall, red eyes wide and patterned tail thrashing in terror.

“Are you genuine? Do you not see the Human right there?”

Remyy clicked their tongue in reproach. “Gurl, do I not have enough eyes for you or somethin’? I will handle the Human. What else is the Council good for?”

“Uh, governing?” someone else muttered. Remyy ignored them, too.

“I need all the raiders that haven’t already jetted in holding cells immediately. I’m sure there’ll be a hefty reward for members of this particular gang, even if they’re small fries, so anyone who pitches in can get some of that bounty. And remember, keep your mouths shut about this unless you want to be up to your orifices in paperwork at best. If you have to gossip, keep names out of it or I'll know who snitched.” Remyy shifted their goggles up on their forehead, turning to the Human and ignoring the thick tension in the room. “I’ll escort the Human to proper captivity. Roman, Logan, Patton, with me.”

As expected, the mere fact that the Mindscape crew were accompanying seemed to put the Human at ease, even if just slightly. Now, came the bit that would make or break the lie. They moved forwards slowly and reached out for the Human’s shoulder, tugging slightly at it as though this wasn't the creature that had just plowed through a band of raiders like they were dust in the wind. “C’mon, babes.”

After a pause, the Human followed. The relief in the room was palpable, and Remyy was no exception. They liked a good bet as much as the next guy, but generally preferred when there weren’t so many lives at stake.

See, the thing about being a species that was somewhat infamous for their hypnotic abilities was that everyone assumed you were using them, even if you weren’t. This tended to lean more in the direction of being a bad thing, but in this case, it helped Remyy tremendously, as nobody cast a second glance at them as they guided the docile Human through the lobby.

That might also have been because nobody wanted to be in the same room as a rogue Human for very long, but such was the way of things. Small details.

Soon enough, they reached the dock halls, and Remyy swiftly led the four of them onboard the Mindscape. They closed and locked the connecting port after them, and resisted the urge to collapse in relief.

Instead, they turned around to assess the rest of this mess.

It was quite a scene, and at first, they seemed too busy amongst themselves to even notice Remyy.

The Human was curled in on themself in one corner, looking pallid and ill, but also coiled so tightly it looked like they were one wrong word from fleeing the quadrant. Positioned firmly in front of them, Roman was audibly rattling from head to tail, moving on automatic as he bodily prevented the other two from approaching. Remyy would have thought the gesture was for the Human’s sake if not for the way Roman angled his own body, like he expected to be attacked from behind at any moment.

“It’s not safe,” he uttered over and over, gaze haunted. “It’s not safe. You have to hide.”

Patton warbled in wordless distress, and Logan gave up on trying to pull Roman away, instead simply holding his ground and speaking to the Cravon, calm and firm.

“This isn’t then, Roman. We’re here, and that is Virgil, and he is not going to hurt us. We’re safe. We are on the Mindscape. We are safe. Observe the space around you. Can you tell me five things you see?”

Remyy waited unobtrusively as the two of them slowly coaxed Roman back into the present, bit by bit. When he hunched over to be closer to his shorter friends, Patton carefully grabbed his hand, rubbing small circles into it in a soothing gesture Remyy wasn’t familiar with. “You with us, Ro?”

Roman signed something with his other hand, too quick for Remyy to grasp, and Patton smiled, a bit sad. “We’re okay, but there’s a little bit of a situation going on with Remyy, remember?”

Roman glanced at them, and then to the Human, who was still vibrating violently. Remyy had thought it was barely restrained anger, at first, but the longer they watched, the more it seemed compulsive, more fearful than furious. It only increased as Roman’s attention fell heavy on him.

“I didn’t mean to,” the Human said, voice as shaky as the rest of him. “I swear, I-- I just heard Patton yell, and they had weapons, like-- I… I didn't want to hurt anyone. I’m sorry that I-- that I did. But you guys were in danger. I couldn’t just... leave you to that.”

He sounded almost resigned, like he was trying to plead his case but had already accepted deep down that it was pointless to fight his sentence. When Roman turned away from him, his thoughts only seemed to be confirmed, and his face dropped another shade as his gaze darted over to Remyy. He seemed apprehensive, not that Remyy could really blame him. Poor guy probably thought he was about to be surrendered to law enforcement.

“Remyy.” Roman’s voice sounded wrung out, and from Patton’s concerned expression, the Cravon probably didn’t normally force himself to speak after episodes like this. “Virgil isn’t-- He’s better here with us. He doesn’t... deserve to be subjected to the Council just because he decided to... to save us.”

The Cravon opened his mouth as though to say more, but the words didn’t come. Instead, he signed something short and planted himself in a sitting position in front and slightly to the side of the Human, even as his scales still shivered. ‘Virgil’ was staring at him like he’d grown a second head.

“Roman’s right!” Patton took the opportunity to jump in front of them like the universe’s smallest, cutest guardian angel, cloak and ruff fluffed up stalwartly. Most effective of all was the Ampen’s ‘I’m-not-mad-I’m-just-disappointed-at-your-life-choices’ look. “Virgil is part of our family, and I’ll fight you about it!”

The Ampen’s tiny glare wasn't nearly as alarming as the assessing look Virgil cast over them, like he thought Remyy was really going to try and fight Patton and was prepared to intervene. They resisted the urge to cast their lower eyes up in exasperation. Who would fight Patton? There was no reward, you’d just end up feeling bad. And also end up getting totally trashed by a Human, apparently.

As always, Logan was the one to get it first. He stepped forwards, extending a hand. “Before you take any legal action against our crew member, I’d like to see your Council identification.”

Remyy’s cheeks bunched up smugly as they stretched their armwings out in front of them casually. “That’s too bad, Brainiac, ‘cause I totally don’t have any.”

There was a brief pause. “What, you guys really thought I was some kind of narc?”

“You lied right to all those people’s faces?” Patton asked, somewhat aghast. Roman shot them a dirty look at the deception, but he also let all the tension leak out of him, so Remyy counted it as a win. Logan simply looked exasperated.

“Not completely. I’ve got connections to get their bounties called in quick, and I ‘handled’ the Human, didn’t I? It’s not my fault if they misinterpreted things.”

“This is all you’re going to do to… ‘handle’ me?” the Human asked, looking uncertain, a little suspicious, and even kind of bewildered. “Just… let me go? What’s the catch?”

They really did roll their eyes up this time. “Babes, I’m covering for you. Seeing as you literally just saved my beautiful face, and these losers vouch for you, I figure you can get some benefit of the doubt. Besides, I’m not done with you all just yet.”

The four of them studied Remyy with varying levels of wariness, and then confusion as the Elimtra strolled past them all to head further into the ship.

“If you think you’re going anywhere before you tell me all about how this whole situation came about, honey, you’ve got a big storm coming.”

[cozycryptidcorner]

Ryota the Kitsune, Chapter 2 (Lemon)

Patrons voted for a second, spicy chapter for Ryota’s story, and who am I do deny them. This was on patreon for two months before being published here, if you want early access to my stories, then join my $1 patron tier!

The humidity of summer lays thick in the air, despite the early morning. Rubbing one eye with the heel of your palm, you tug the basket from the arching branches of a bush as you head over to the nearby river banks, hoping you might find some edible mushrooms growing around in the damp, airy soil.

Ryota is there, standing solid against the current of the stream, his back turned, but his ruddy orange ears atop his head tweak in a way that lets you know that he’s heard your footsteps. The water of the river must be blissfully frigid, with autumn seems to be taking her sweet time in arriving, the sun’s radiation baking the very air itself. You avert your eyes, though, out of modestly, because he’s completely and utterly naked beneath the water.

“How’s the temperature?” You ask, merely for acknowledgment, much less for actual conversation.

“Perfect,” he sounds almost happy, which is a significant change from the wide-eyed, quiet creature he was when you first found him out in the woods.

“That’s good,” you place the basket down and kneel against the mossy ground, digging your fingers around the stones and roots. The one thing on your mind is the mushrooms you plan on using in tonight’s salad, you’ve been waiting for the patch to grow back since you last had them in stew… god, they’re the best.

“You can come in with me?” His tone is carefully neutral.

You’re not entirely certain if it’s a request or an offer, his way of asking for things is to shy away from an actual demand, but given the circumstances, you take it as the latter. “I’m fine right now, but thank you.”

“Are you sure?” He asks, unsure.

“Yeah, I’ll probably go in for the evening.” Stretching out, you stand back up, balancing the basket on your hip. Very, very careful to only look at his eyes, even with the darker temptation to look down south to scope out the kind of length he’s packing, but you still manage to catch a bit in your periphery. “Dinner should be ready soon, but if you’re enjoying yourself, I’ll just set some aside for you to come back to.”

“I can come back with you,” he immediately offers, shifting so that you manage to see more.

Quickly, you avert your eyes from him entirely. “I’m fine, Ryo.”

“My clothes are right there, get them for me? Please?”

You suck in your breath quietly enough for him not to hear, but comply, stepping over a large rock to find his robes out in the sun, warming. With one hand out in the direction, you think he’s in, you hold the cloth out, your fingers only brushing temporarily against his, though it’s enough for you to note their dampness.

The thought of what he might be capable of with those long, slender fingers fills your brain and blood, a heat rising to your face as you pull your hand back, almost too fast. Trying to scrub the images of his bare body from the insides of your mind, you barely manage to stutter, “I- I’ll just meet you back at the, um, back at the house.”

And then you quickly walk back into the trees, not quite catching if Ryota says anything else. God, you’re such a stupid perv, why does your brain try to immediately dress him down every time you see him? Maybe a cold bath would help you out in that regard. Perhaps you need a moment to yourself where you can relieve some of the tension?

You drop the basket off right by the entrance, knowing that Ryota will most likely take care of that, then head up the hill just a bit so that no one important will hear your struggle. Slowly, you let yourself slide down against the rough trunk of a tree, trying to find the mental state you need in order to get yourself off.

Fuck, fuck, it’s been longer than usual since you last touched yourself, with Ryota clinging to you like a babe in a strange land. The amount of privacy you’re used to has shrunk down so considerably that you’ve almost started humping your pillows in your sleep. Who are you going to think about, you muse, and Ryota’s face worms its way into your mind.

No, you can’t do that. You try to think of literally anyone else, pre-apocalypse, but Ryota keeps fighting to stay in the forefront. Unbidden, your hand snakes its way down south, plunging past the elastic of your underwear, and you close your eyes. Again, despite your attempts to maybe think of some Hollywood sex god instead, there he is, your fantasies beckoning him between your legs.

And he breaks through your actual imagination because you hear his quiet footsteps approaching. You almost scratch a gash into your vagina, trying to tear your hand out of your pants, lungs thick with air as adrenaline pours into your veins. God- you didn’t fucking think he’d try to follow you out, and you have to actively untangle the anger from your throat. “I just need a moment to myself.”

He’s here, his robe askew to the point one sleeve hangs off the shoulder, revealing the milky paleness of his chest and you’re going to die. “You don’t-”

You can’t even look at him like this, you’re afraid you’re going to melt into a heated puddle onto the forest floor. “I don’t what?”

There’s a long, tense pause, and he changes the subject. “Do you find me ugly?”

You’re so caught off guard that you turn back around, trying to process each individual word in the sentence to try to comprehend just where it came from. “I don’t- what do you mean?”

“You never look at me,” he says almost too quietly for you to hear, but raises his voice slightly when you won’t turn to meet his eyes, “even now.”

I’m afraid what I’ll think of if I look at you. You’ve never been more thankful not to be a man in your life. “I’m sorry, it’s not… it’s not your fault.”

“Do you find me ugly?” He asks again, stepping closer.

You’re going to die, you think, as you try to glance over to find his face, pinching yourself, so your eyes don’t wander, managing to rasp a simple, “I don’t.”

He bends over, kneeling by your side, and you’re suddenly very aware that your legs are open in a very sexual way. You try to nonchalantly shut them as he speaks. “Then why don’t you like to look at me?”

You don’t want to say it, you don’t, a strand of humiliation wrapping around your throat and tightening. Briefly, you wonder if the bacchanalia he came from follows the kind of reputation that most of them do. A flash of him expertly pressing his lips against yours traitorously flashes behind your eyes and you have to look away, again. Finally, you manage to voice to work. “I think… I think I may be afraid.”

“Of what?” He’s close, too close, you’re going to lose your mind. “I would never hurt you, you know that, yes?”

“Not of that.” Surely he can hear your heart beating loud enough to be a shotgun blast. “I think… I think that I’m afraid of myself.”

He sits, hands perfectly rested on his knees, long, slender fingers tap, tap, tapping against his knees as he thinks what you said over. Hesitantly, he says softly, “so you do not resent me?”

A little bit, yes, but you don’t think that the reasoning is the same. “I resent myself,” you say, looking straight out into the woods instead of facing him.

Is he inching closer? Good lord, you’re going to fucking die. “Why do you resent yourself? Did I do something to make you angry?”

“No,” you have to physically keep yourself from shaking. “It’s nothing you’ve done.”

“Can I help?” He’s so close that you feel his breath on your neck.

“I don’t think it’s something you can help with,” you almost choke, avoiding eye contact, “I’ll take care of it myself.” Inwardly, you cringe so hard you almost fold in on yourself from the stupid wording. Why did you say it like that?

Before you can get up, he leans in closer, and you’re sure that the sound of you trying to swallow away the lump in your throat can be heard in a fifty miles radius. A new, hotter wetness is pooling between your legs, and by the way his nose seems to intake air, you’re almost afraid he can smell your arousal. He places a hand on your leg, right at your thigh, and suddenly he is the one that seems like he’s going to melt away.

“Why won’t you let me take care of you, though? I’d like to.” His chest heaves for a moment, his tongue sliding out to wet his lips, your eyes trailing the movement like a bird of prey.

With a hesitant breath, because you can not believe this is happening, you manage to say, “I don’t want you to think like- like you owe this to me.”

He shakes his head, coming closer, and you can smell his scent, like the outdoors, green and bright and warm. Instead of answering, he places a wandering hand on the mossy ground, in between your legs and moves his lips right up next to your ear, his words barely more than a breathless whisper. “I want you.”

Oh, god.

“Do you really?” You ask, feeling like the very earth beneath you move away, as though you are floating off into an eternal abyss. “Are you sure?”

He leans forward slightly, pressing his lips up against the shell of your ear, and you feel a shiver dance down your spine. “I’ve wanted you since I first saw you in the forest.”

“W-what?”

“Before I was punished,” his breath warms your neck as his chaste kisses make their way down to your shoulder, “I saw you, helping a rabbit with a broken leg.”

That was a few weeks before he arrived, bloodied and bruised, onto your doorstep. Trying not to let out a gasp as he pulls your leg out and over to his side, you whimper, “you saw that?”

He mumbles something in a language you don’t recognize, but have heard him speak of before, in soft increments. “Yes, I was scouting for more people to join the sacred sect, to enlighten you, but you were already kind, nurturing the earth for food instead of ravaging it.”

“Oh,” you whisper softly, unsure of how to respond. Was it… strange? Yes, it was strange. But is it unwelcome? “So you… you didn’t tell them?”

“No, not at all, but they found out, they always do.” He traces the scar across his chest, the bright pink skin what’s left of the wound. “But I kept you a secret, don’t worry.”

That- the wound was because of you? You suck in your breath as he leans forward, and you lean back, your back hitting the ground. A thousand questions click and snap in your head, voiceless and garbled with the heat between your thighs, making it almost impossible to concentrate. Swallowing, you manage a mere, “why?”

“I wanted you,” he whispers almost deliriously.

“You could have had me if you were truthful to your brethren” the prospect fills your blood with dread, but you remind yourself that he’s on top of you… in your forest.

“I wanted you to want me, too.” He nuzzles his face in the crook of your shoulder. “And I don’t like to share.”

“Oh,” you say in a quiet breath, tangling your fingers around a long strand of his hair that drapes around your head like a curtain.

And you kiss him.

The kiss starts out soft, easy, and noncommittal, but as you pull him downward with your woven fingers, his body pressing firmly up against yours. And his lips… they’re starving, his muscle tense as though physically restraining himself. It only takes a few moments for his tongue to snake it’s way into your mouth, his advancements more than welcome.

It could be a decade or a century since you’ve last made love, and your very body sings with the weight thrust upon it. Letting out a pathetic whine, you keen your waist up to his, feeling the first blossom of an erection peeping out from his roads. During the few moments you’ve managed to sneak a look, you noticed the girth, and have wanted him in you so badly you couldn’t even focus on your words.

You want him now.

“What do you need?” You choke, almost too afraid to make any requests on your own behalf.

He is kind, though, and responds so very gently into your ear. “To please you. I need, oh, to please you.”

You’re going to cry, because you don’t know where you want him to start. Voice trembling, you raise your legs to show him you’re ready. “How did you imagine pleasing me?”

He’s almost shaking, his breath hard and panting with effort. There’s a thick rod pressing up against your thigh, you can almost feel its pulsing need for your between two layers of clothes. Enraged at the aspect of wearing pants, you wriggle out of them, Ryota seeming at ease with digging his nails beneath the fabric to help you out. The earth is cool and fair against your bare skin, a tad bit of moisture working to fight against the summer’s heat.

“Tell me,” you ask again, almost unsure of if your voice is about to give out, “please, tell me how you thought to please me.”

There’s a steady grinding between your thighs as he says, “Kissing you all over to make you feel wet.”

You’re already so wet, you think, a thrumming in your body sings. But you try to continue steadily on, agreeing, “I think that would help, yes.”

“Hm,” he mumbles, pressing his mouth up to your exposed collarbone. The heat in your core grows larger. His breath is deliciously warm against your goose-bumping flesh, you notice, managing to wriggle the hem of your shirt up over your breast. Ryota wastes no time latching onto one nipple, his tongue almost sharp against the pointed, sensitive flesh.

You don’t think you can survive this.

With little thought for his own comfort, he slides downwards, leaving a trail of hickies as he latches onto your skin and sucks, all the while your core gushes more with every nip, lick, and kiss. He lifts your leg over his shoulder, his shuddering breath cool against the puckered skin of your pussy, sending thrills of shivering shocks up through your spine. He’s like that for a moment, eyes almost closed as he takes your scent in, then leans forward to offer up a single lick, ass to clit.

Unbidden, you gasp, because you’re so lost in the moment you almost forget yourself. God, it’s been long- so, so long since you’ve had another being between your legs, and your body is ready.

Ryota seems to appreciate the noise, pressing up against your clit with his tongue, eyes almost crazed with intensity. After a moment of teasing, he kisses at the pooling slit somewhere lower, and you feel… horrendously ready to cum already. An animalistic part of you would like nothing more than to slam your thighs around his face, grip his hair, and ride out your pleasure here and now. He’d let you, too, and he’d probably enjoy it, but the logical side murmurs that if you take it slow and draw things out, your orgasm might be the one to outshine anything you’ve had before.

So you lean back, closing your eyes, and let him take his time, the feeling of carnal desperation pumping thickly through your blood. And he knows what he’s doing, too, you suppose that the reputation of the bacchanalia cults must be true. One of his arms wraps around your waist, anticipating your squirming as he takes your clit between his lips and fucking sucks.

He pulls back to begin exploring your flower more, using his fingers to open your lips up further for a better view. You’re so exposed that you can feel the air, which seemed horrendously warm just minutes before, which cools the broiling heat between your legs. Again, Ryota takes a moment to sloppily kiss the exposed skin, his teeth pressing up hard enough for the thrill, though not to hurt.

Mindlessly, you reach down for his silky hair, running your fingers over his scalp. Against your skin, the black strands look like lines of ink, dark, geometrical, almost like someone drew a pattern against your hand and wrist with a purpose. As if he’s made for you. Without even realizing that you’re so much as opening your mouth, you passively say, “you’re beautiful.”

He pauses, then looks back up at you. Voice almost broken, he says, “Oh. Thank you.”

It takes you a moment to fully process the interaction because you weren’t paying much attention beyond where his tongue pleasures you, and by that point, there’s a building in your core that steals your focus away. As you whine, your back arches, pulling your hand from the strands of his hair to claw at the earth itself in hopes it might ground you. But you’re close, too close, and you don’t want to be gone, not yet.

“Stop,” you demand, pressing your fingers up against his forehead. ” Stop.”

He obeys, pulling up and away from your quivering core, and your basic instincts scream at you in anger for ending the pleasure. “What? What’s wrong, did I hurt you?”

“No,” you shake your head, “but I’d like to cum with you inside of me.”

“Oh.” again, his voice almost quivers, and he seems entirely unfamiliar with the kind of demands you make. “Y-yes, alright.”

“Come here,” you almost murmur, your voice low but enticing. “Please.”

“Anything for you,” he whispers almost quietly enough for you to miss as he obeys, pressing his mouth against yours in a lust-filled, yet still gentle, kiss. You can still taste yourself on his lips, the damp your body made just for him, to welcome him into your core.

His robes have more layers than you initially expected, though you’ve seen him dress and undress plenty of times, even if you do avert your eyes. You tug at the sash across his waist, managing to find where it’s fastened and pull it loose, and Ryota rewards you with a few robust kisses as he peels the outer layer of faded silk off only to reveal yet another robe beneath it.

You hiss impatiently. “How many of these do you have on?”

He chuckles good-naturedly, giving you a nip on the shell of your ear. “Enough.”

Thankfully, the white layer is the last, you think you’d go insane if you had to slog through even two more, and by the way Ryota is breathing heavily, you know he feels the same way. You share one last clothed kiss as you managed to remove it, pulling the sleeves down his shoulders and discarding the woven fabric somewhere… just, away from the matters at hand.

You can feel him there, experimentally pressing his flushed length up against your lips, and there’s a thrill of relief at the mere idea of how close you are to being filled. His hair is like a waterfall that pours the depths of a great void out around his angelic face, his eyes like stars that beckon you with the promise of ecstasy. As he slowly presses the tip up through your entrance, and you try not to be so overcome with the moment that you lose focus of his face.

To help bring yourself back down from the high of pleasure his slowly sheathing cock offers, you try to trace the contours of his face with your thumb, following the path of his nose, then the outline of his mouth. Again, though more to yourself, you observe, “you’re beautiful.”

His hips splutter at the second declaration, his breath hitching. God, you can see how badly he’s wanted you, just at this moment, his eyes melting like syrup at the mere idea you might find him attractive. As he thinks of a response, you angle your hips to better accommodate him, and now it’s his turn to melt back into the earth.

“It’s okay,” you whisper, but your brain is nothing more than sludge, “I know.”

Ryota loses himself in you. It takes a moment for your body to stretch around him- his length is impressive, or at least you think it is… or maybe the isolation has lowered your body’s standards, whatever the case, once he’s sure you’re comfortable, he’s thrusting into you with a pace that ravages you. Like him, you’re lost, the feeling of his body inside yours so soon after he pleasured you with his mouth? It’s almost too much, too fast.

But he manages to slow to a more leisurely pace, his breath choking and yearning. You’re not sure which of you is enjoying the simple act of sex more, it feels like it’s been an eternity for both your bodies. The friction between his length and your inner walls crescendos, his breath desperate and uneven, so you take the reigns. You flip over, using your hips to beckon him to twist beneath you. His eyes relax at the prospect of no longer having to set your pace, and he lies down, almost shaking, on the moss.

Fuck… fuck, the way his pale, milky skin stands out from the greens and browns of the ground. Fuck. The way he looks at you doesn’t help the matter either, he gazes at you with… such adoration, a kind of worshipping ferver, it sends a special breed of pleasure through your nerves, pooling nicely into your core. You place a hand on his chest, tracing the scare with your finger, fixating on the fact of how he risked so much on behalf of… well, you.

It doesn’t take too much longer for your body to fully come to terms with its pleasure, your knees almost itching with how hard they’re digging into the earth. A shudder dances up your spine, there’s a familiar, taught clenching in your core, and you’re in ecstasy. Loved. Adored.

He’s quick to follow, almost as though he was waiting for you to climax first. A hot, thick liquid fills you to the brim, his voice strangling with praise for you, for your body, for your spirit, for your self. You almost become aroused enough for a second round at his endless praise, but as you lay against his chest and allow your heartbeats to align, you decide that you have been satiated.

For now.

“Thank you,” you say, limp from exhaustion, ear at his chest, “for not reporting me.”

He lets out a breath, his own fingers coming up to rest at your scalp. “Thank you,” he whispers, hoarsely, “for loving me the way I am.”

[jarofstyles]

harry being super clingy towards y/n and wanting to be babied just cause 🥺

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-

“Babyyyyyyy.”

Harry normally wasn’t the clingiest one in the relationship. But there were moments that he acted like a little kitten. Mewling for attention and bringing her hand up to his hair to pet. Would sit his head in her lap or perch his chin on her shoulder. Trying his absolute best to get any speck or nibble of attention that he could from her.

Tonight was one of those nights. Y/N had gone out all day to run errands and for once in his hectic life? Harry had a week off. It was planned to spend only with her, snuggled in their place with plans of cooking and baking and cozying in the now rapidly cooking weather but about 12 hours in it had become apparent that they were out of... well, everything.

Food, toiletries, and running low on pet food for their little fuzzy kitten, Mew. So Y/N had run out taken a bit. Having to run to a few different stores to get the particular brand of beans Harry liked and her very specific oat milk, as well as kibble for their little Mew at the pet shop? It was tiring for her to say the least.

It never failed to make her smile though. Those moments where it was him seeking out the affection and soft touches without shame, whining and pouting at her? Damn. Give her heart a break. She couldn’t help but cave every time.

It was only moments after she walked in the door from the shops that she was badgered with sock covered feet padding right behind her, a bit useless with putting the things away while he pawed at her sweater and tried to slide his cool hands into the warmth of her skin and feel her soft tummy.

“Oi! Cold hands, watch it.” She giggled, no real bite to her words and making no effort to push him away.

“Heyyyy.” He whined, pulling her back into his form. She was proven defenseless again Harry and cute shit. Damn. “Jus’ want my girl. We’re gone for ages, and I was all alone in our home. Mew was meowin’ for her mumma and I was all cold and without my cuddle buddy.” He murmured against her neck, burying his face into her neck. His hair was messy and fuzzy from their shower this morning and lack of product, the soft ends tickling her skin.

“Oh?” She cooed. “M’so sorry, baby. Just didn’t want us starving and having nothing to use. Could have come with me but it’s faster if I just go. You’ve been handsy, mister.” She faux scolds again, smiling when she felt a huff. A little bite on her neck made her squeak, hands smacking at the forearm she could reach.

“Ouch! Bit me like a little monster. Our kitten’s got better manners than you.”

Harry nuzzled deeper into her neck and pressed little spongy kisses to the spot he had bitten, trying to fix it. “Made it better. But... s’your punishment. No more leavin’.” He said lowly, pulling her around so she faced him. Picking her up, he had her on the counter and stepped between her legs. Taking one hand if hers, he placed it in his hair before giving her puppy eyes.

“Kiss, please.” Puckering his lips, Y/N couldn’t resist, rolling her eyes and indulging in his antics. Before she could fully pull back, he whined again.

“Another.”

Peck.

“Another.”

Peck.

“More.”

Peck.

“One more?”

Peck.

He whined before she actually pulled back, shaking her head while she carded her hand through his hair.

“Babe... gotta get the groceries put away. Once it’s all away and Mew’s bowl is full, we can spend the day however you want, okay? Can get cozy clothes again and lay on the couch and watch some of those cooking videos you like.” Y/N loved him. So much. Would do anything for him.

And to see his eyes brighten at her suggestion? It was priceless.

“Promise?” He whispered, wrapping his arms around her fully and keeping her eye level.

“Mhm. Now help me and put the shampoo and such in our bathroom, and by the time you’re back we should be ready to go.”

Watching him nod eagerly and take off towards the bathroom, the only thought on Y/N’s mind was how lucky she was.

[et-lesailes]

beard of greys

pairing: chris evans x wife!reader

word count: 1929

summary: chris is insecure about getting older. you assure him he has nothing to worry about.

themes: fluff, smut, family life

taglist: @evanstush, @tanyam93, @bval-1, @wonderwinchester, @patzammit, @rohaintahquil, @deidrashouseofpain, @sammyslonglostshoe, @jadedhillon, @bohemian-barbie, @whysparker, @sebastian-i-stan, @sebabestianstan101, @lille-kattunge, @teller258316, @peach-acid, @allsortsofinterests, @xoxabs88xox, @heyiamthatbitch, @cptn-sgrogers, @heyyouwiththeassbutt, @bangtan-serendipity, @troublermalik, @beardburnsupersoldiers, @hannie-stark, @bookish-shristi, @kind-sober-fullydressed, @whores4thor, @gingerninjaprincess16, @straightforwardly,  @denisemarieangelina,  @frencchfries, @xlanawriter, @littlemoistcarrot, @pottxrwolff, @arianatheangelworld, @ifuseekamyevans, @southerngracela​, @nsfwsebbie, @rororo06, @savemesteeb

notes: get early access to my oneshots on patreon! and thank you to @thewritingdoll​ for the graphic!

Chris couldn’t help but watch you with loving eyes as you got your three-year-old twin girls dressed for daycare as he held the youngest daughter of the Evans clan in his arms. “Eliana, do you want to bring your red sippy cup or your purple one to school today?” you asked, and the little brunette chirped happily, “Purple please, mama!” Kinsley perked up, tilting her head. “Can I bring my blue one?”

“I think that one’s in the dishwasher, sweetheart. What about green? That’s your second favorite color, isn’t it?” Chris smiled at his daughter, and she nodded her head happily. “Yeah, green!” He couldn’t be more fortunate to have such sweet and easygoing children, and it appeared little Nova would be the same way given her relaxed temperament; the ten-month-old only cried if she was hungry or had a soiled diaper.

You finished buttoning up Kinsley’s dress, standing up and looking down at them satisfied. “Adorable,” you cooed, chuckling softly as they started twirling around as if modeling their outfits. “Babe, can you get ‘em all in the car? I’ll go fill their cups.” Chris nodded immediately, leaning over to kiss your forehead. “Of course, sweetheart. Come on, girls, don’t forget your backpacks!” He watched fondly as Eli picked up her ladybug bag and Kinsley, her bumblebee one, before they toddled out of the room and towards the front door of the house. He followed after as he bounced the little infant in his arms, making her giggle and squeal in delight.

“Bye-bye, babies! We’ll see you later!” You waved to your little ones in their classroom before going back out to the parking lot where Chris was waiting, getting back in the passenger’s seat. You glanced in the mirror to check on Nova, who was looking outside the window with wide blue eyes. “Look at her. I can’t believe we made her,” you whispered lovingly, reaching over to squeeze your husband’s hand once he pulled out of the school. He smiled, though barely tugged on his lower lip with his teeth. “I know. She’s absolutely beautiful. You all are.” 

You smiled but looked up at him curiously, tilting your head. “Something on your mind, Chris? You seem a little out of it this morning.” He sighed softly; it was both a blessing and a curse that you could read him so well. “No, nothing really,” he shrugged it off, “I was, uh, just thinking about maybe shaving today actually.”

“Huh?” You looked at him in confusion. “Is it for an audition or something?” As far as you knew, he didn’t have any upcoming projects or roles; he had been going easy with acting ever since having children, and he generally liked having his beard. “No… just figured I’d mix it up a little, ya know?” he tried, but you frowned lightly, lifting a brow. “Alright, now how about you tell me the real reason?”

He sighed again, looking somewhat guilty as he glanced over at you. “I dunno, I just… feel like it makes me look old.” You blinked, looking almost shocked. “What? What do you mean, old? Like, grandpa old? You look sexy as fu-” you paused, glancing back at your baby before correcting yourself, “You look so sexy with a beard. Why would you think you look old?” He barely chuckled but still looked a little glum as he rubbed at his facial hair. “Haven’t you seen the grey hairs growing in? I mean, I’m almost forty, babe, I think you forget sometimes that I’m not as young as you are…”

You scoffed and squeezed his hand lightly. “I forget because you’re still just as spirited, ambitious, and playful as someone as “young as I am”, okay? And, just for the record, forty is not old. Chris, look at you, you’re in amazing shape, you’re such an active father, you’re still working, and you still know how to party whenever we go out. And--” you smirk, reaching out to gently graze his beard, “I think the grey hairs look hot. It’s like… a classy, matured kind of look, you know?” 

He arched an eyebrow, glancing at you to see if you were being genuine. “You’re not only saying all of that to make me feel better, are you?” You frowned, shaking your head immediately. “Of course not, babe. I mean it, really. Why are you so insecure about it? This isn’t like you.”

“I guess I’m also just… worried we won’t be able to have any more children. I mean, what if I’m too old to? We’ve always dreamed about having a family, what if I’m the one who ruins that dream?”

He pulled into the driveway but you turn to take both of his hands once he’s parked, looking at him seriously. “Babe, there are men out there having children in their fifties. Yes, maybe if anything it’s slightly less likely in your forties, but I doubt it’ll be a problem for us. And-- even if it is, look at the wonderful kids we have now. We’re not going to die if we can’t have another one, we already have such a perfect family as it is. Right?”

He bit his lip, looking at you and forcing a smile. “Right…” 

You could still tell he wasn’t feeling particularly great, and you sighed softly. “Please, baby, don’t keep dwelling on this. You are the perfect husband and father, and I think you only get sexier each and every day, alright? That’s the honest truth. You don’t need to shave, you look perfectly fine the way you are-- you know I love your beard.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry.” He apologized, then looked into the backseat when Nova started babbling loudly, a smile barely crossing his lips. “C’mon, we should go inside.”

You nodded and got out of the car, though you watched him as he unbuckled your youngest daughter from her carseat. He was definitely still not feeling completely better just yet, and you hated it. You hated seeing him sad or insecure, especially when he had no reason to be-- how could he not see how ridiculously handsome he was, grey hairs or not?

As nap time came around and Nova was settled into her crib fast asleep, you had an idea. Perhaps you just needed to prove to Chris just how attractive you still found him.

“Hey, baby.” You called out softly, stepping into the master bedroom. Chris was currently putting away the clothes from the dryer, his back to the door. “Hey--” he started to respond, but when he turned to look at you, his jaw practically dropped. You smirked as you let him admire your figure dressed in nothing but lacy black lingerie you had been saving for a rainy day.

“I’ve been thinking,” you murmured, stepping closer to him and gently running your fingers along the collar of his shirt, “that it’s about time you see just how sexy I think you are.” You caressed his beard gently with your thumb, kissing at his jawline lightly. “And I was also thinking about something else.”

“What’s… what’s that, baby?” he mumbled clearly distracted, forgetting all about the laundry as he slowly tilted his head to look down at you. “I think I’m ready for baby number four.” You whispered, rubbing his chest as you peered up at him with excited eyes. “The twins are already so independent, Nova’s beginning to walk-- and we wanted a big family, right? With our angels close in age, so they’ll hopefully get along even better?” You bit your lip, slowly beginning to unbutton his shirt. “Maybe this time we’ll have a boy…”

He barely groaned, watching as you ran your fingers over his bare chest, shrugging his shirt off himself. “A little boy… that would be… fucking perfect.” He held your waist, pulling you closer to his body as he rubbed your hips slowly and sensually. “Are you sure, sweetheart? You’re ready to do this again?” You nodded your head, never more sure of anything in your life. “I’m ovulating, Chris, it’s the perfect time. I want this… I want you. I want to be a mama of four, and I want you to make it happen. You smirked, and that was all he needed to hear; he attacked your lips roughly, kissing you with the passion and confidence you knew he had. “There’s my man,” you murmured playfully, eager to kiss him back just as fiercely as you wrapped your arms around his neck.

He brought you to the bed and laid you down on your back, moving his mouth down to kiss and suck on your neck as he ran one hand over your thigh, cupping your heated sex as he growled into your skin. “You’re so beautiful, Y/N,” he muttered huskily, nipping at your jaw with a little dark smirk; this was exactly the Chris you had been hoping to bring out. “I can’t wait to put another baby in you, sweetheart… you look so sexy when you’re pregnant, carrying my child…”

You moaned as he rubbed your entrance, his thumb teasing your clit. “You all wet for me already, baby doll? Fuck, you look so beautiful like this.” You whimpered in pleasure as he expertly moved his fingers, getting you ready for his thick shaft- you could already see the bulge forming in his pants. “Fuck me, Chris,” you begged, your voice breathless. “I want your cum inside me right now!” 

He groaned simply from hearing you, hastily reaching down to unzip his pants. Pumping himself, he guided his length to your entrance and pressed against you, blue eyes focused on your facial expression as he tugged on his lower lip with his teeth. “Oh, you’re going to get it, baby,” he breathed out, his voice low and guttural, “you don’t have to worry about that.” 

He thrust himself inside you, a hoarse groan escaping his throat as he began bucking his hips. You moaned in delight as you tilted your head back, moving your hands to grip his shoulder blades upon his well defined back muscle, rocking your own hips back up against his. “Chris! Mm, fuck that’s so good, you’re so big!” He smirked weakly as he continued pounding into you, staring down into your eyes in pure awe and lust. “You always feel so good around my cock baby… god I love you so fucking much!” You had to physically restrain yourself from being too loud so that little Nova wouldn’t wake up, even resorting to biting on the bedsheet; though Chris simply grunted and pushed it aside, leaning down to muffle your moans with his lips as he kissed you passionately. 

You nearly bit his lip when you felt your orgasm tear through you, back lifting off the mattress and toes curling tight as you let out breathless moans and gasps into his mouth. He groaned and moved to bury his head in your neck, kissing and sucking all over as he jerked his hips forward, hissing as he kept them pressed against yours once he came, ensuring he filled you up just as promised. His body soon relaxed once he was done, though he stayed inside you as he leaned down to kiss you softly. “That was amazing, as usual,” he muttered lowly against your lips, and you smiled as you touched his beard lightly, eyes gazing at it with love. 

And you think you’re too old,” you scoffed softly, shaking your head. “Trust me, Daddy, you have nothing to worry about.”

[geralehane]

in any world you find me (and i you) 

Lexa groans and struggles to sit up, rapidly blinking as she slowly comes to it. A quick mental check up lets her know nothing is broken – at least, nothing vital. She groans again as she rolls her head back and forth, gingerly, and reaches to unfasten her seatbelt with numb fingers.

Clarke, she thinks and barely stops herself from springing to her feet. She’ll be no use if she hurts herself. Slowly standing up, she makes her way to her co-pilot, and almost collapses with relief when she sees her chest rise up and down. Alive. She’s alive.

or, Lexa and Clarke meet their doppelgängers because multiverse. that's it, that's the fic.

READ ON AO3

patreon | ko-fi

Lexa groans and struggles to sit up, rapidly blinking as she slowly comes to it. A quick mental check up lets her know nothing is broken – at least, nothing vital. She groans again as she rolls her head back and forth, gingerly, and reaches to unfasten her seatbelt with numb fingers.

Clarke, she thinks and barely stops herself from springing to her feet. She’ll be no use if she hurts herself. Slowly standing up, she makes her way to her co-pilot, and almost collapses with relief when she sees her chest rise up and down. Alive. She’s alive.

She brushes Clarke’s blonde hair away from her face, selfishly allowing herself several precious seconds of quiet adoration before gently shaking her shoulder. She grins when Clarke lets out a groan similar to hers as she wakes up, long lashes fluttering before revealing hazy blue eyes.

“Lexa,” she rasps, confused. Then, her eyes widen as she remembers the crash. “Oh fuck. Are you okay?”

Lexa silently orders her heart to calm down. Of course Clarke would be worried about her friend. “Yes. I’m fine. Are you?”

Clarke nods. “I think so. What the fuck was that?”

“Orion? Orion, are you there?” Raven’s voice crackles through the radio, and Lexa coughs before telling the spacecraft’s system to connect.

“Jester is on,” the depersonalized voice of the ship lets her know, and Lexa coughs again before speaking.

“Hey, Raven,” she croaks out, foregoing formal speak. It’s not like they need it in the first place. They are essentially space pirates, for Christ’s sake. “We’re here.”

“Jesus fuck, Lexa,” her friend breathes out on the other end, sounding half-relieved and half-furious. “What happened to you guys? You went off radar. I was ready to jump after you but--”

“Which would have been a suicide,” Lexa points out. She sighs as she slowly stands up and looks around. The ship didn’t get too banged up on the inside. No visible cracks as far she can see, but she needs a thorough examination before she can come to any conclusion. “We encountered a -- vortex, of sorts. Got sucked in. I don’t know where we are right now. Probably landed on a nearby planet.”

“You’re not hearing me,” Raven says, sounding increasingly irritated. And worried. “You went off radar. As in, I don’t see you anywhere in the Universe. I was ready to jump after you before it happened. Now, even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t be able to find you.”  

“Uh.” Lexa blinks. “What?”

“Rae,” Clarke’s standing up, now, too, and her eyes are as wide as Lexa’s. “Are you trying to tell us we’re – what? In another Universe?”

“I built the map myself,” Raven says, sounding unusually solemn. “You know what it runs on. The Eye doesn’t lie and doesn’t make mistakes.” She lets out a slow, disbelieving breath. “And it doesn’t see you now.”

Lexa and Clarke exchange an alarmed glance. “But that’s impossible,” Lexa says. It’s more to convince herself than to counter Raven’s argument. The Life Crystal that they stole for Raven several years ago that she dubbed The Eye isn’t called that for nothing. It can detect any form of life in any corner of the Universe, cyborgs included. Or, apparently, almost any corner of the Universe.

“Maybe the planet we’re on has some sort of magnetic shield that doesn’t let The Eye see us,” Lexa proposes as her mind quickly works out any possible solution to this.

“Well, it might, but if it does, there’s a high chance it might be poisonous to you guys,” Raven points out. “Wherever you are, though… I’m so fucking happy you’re alive,” her voice cracks with emotion she’s clearly trying to suppress. “For a second, I thought…”

“We’re fine,” Lexa says, softly. “We’re not on your plane of existence, apparently, but we’re fine.” She moved her jaw from side to side, thinking. “I’m surprised you got through. So the signal reaches us, but not The Eye?”

“That’s not even Twilight zone level of fuckery,” Raven confirms. “I have no idea how that’s possible.”

“I propose we explore where we are,” Clarke pipes up. She’s rubbing her forehead, and Lexa tries to ignore the sharp pang of concern in her chest. They’ll deal with this a little later. “Let’s send JD outside to get the air sample.”

“Probably the best thing you can do,” Raven tells them. “I’ll try to figure something out on my end. We’re working on getting you back, guys. Just sit tight.”

“Not much else to do,” Lexa snorts to herself. Still, she appreciates Raven’s enthusiasm and her willingness to help. “We’re gonna get JD ready and survey any possible damages to the ship. Keep you posted.”

“Alright. Talk to you soon.” With that, Raven disconnects, and they are left staring at each other in what promises to soon become very awkward silence.

“Alright, well, I’ll go--”

“I’m sorry I kissed you.” Clarke’s eyes widen after she blurts that out, cutting Lexa off and causing her to splutter with surprised embarrassment. She wasn’t sure they’d ever bring it up. It was – a sour of the moment thing, or so she’s told herself. They were full of adrenaline, being chased by the Feds, fired at left and right. It honestly felt more like an act of desperation. Something to feel even more alive and revved up. Clarke’s bright eyes met hers, and next thing she knew, their mouths crashed together before Clarke pushed her in her chair and jumped into hers, buckling up and flipping the lightspeed switch.  

Lexa frowns. Lightspeed. They travelled at lightspeed without giving the ship clear directions, and it took them to the vortex – and now they are here. That is a vital piece of information that they definitely should have disclosed to Raven.

And they will once she gets her mouth to work and replies to an expectant Clarke. “Uh.” So far, so good. “Why?” Clarke begins to frown, and she hurries to correct herself. “I mean – I’m not sorry you did.”

“Oh.” Clarke’s voice is small, unsure. “But – you’re the Commander. And I’m – me.”

Lexa gives her a muted smile. “Are you worried about violating the Code of Conduct? Because last time I checked we didn’t have any. Since, you know. We’re intergalactic criminals and stuff.”

“I was thinking more of Robin Hood and his Merry Men kind of thing,” Clarke says. A tentative smile blooms on her lips, and Lexa wants nothing more than to kiss it until it grows and spills into laughter. Maybe she’ll actually get to do that. “It’s not about any Code. I just – I kind of ambushed you without checking if you’re okay with it.”

“Tell you what,” she says, grinning. “You can ambush me any time you want. Because truth be told, I’ve wanted to do the same pretty much ever since we’ve met, but I, too, was worried about… ambushing.”

“Oh. Oh-kay,” Clarke nods to herself, like an diligent student. “Ambushing is on the table. Good to know.”

“Yeah. And -- oof!” She’s noticed that sometimes Clarke is too quick to act on things. Right now, however, she doesn’t mind.

When they break apart, it’s slow, with neither willing to let go just yet. “Duty calls,” Clarke whispers, regret coloring her voice. Lexa chuckles.

“That, and I really wanna get out of here so we can do this more.”

Clarke’s beautiful when she blushes, she decides.

***

JD, their rusty but trusty robot that’s especially beloved by Raven due to being one of her first successful projects, beeps readily when Lexa finishes programming him to get the air and ground sample. He whirs as he turns around himself and wheels into the small hallway. Lexa waits till he gets in there and shuts the door, ensuring the ship’s sealed and foreign air won’t get in. Then, she pulls the lever to open the external hatch. Most of the things around the ship have to be done manually, but that’s what she loves about it. She specifically didn’t let Raven tinker with the system, only allowing her to install the navigation. Everything else, she can manage just fine.

They split up and quickly check the ship for any damages while JD is at work. Aside from a few dents, it’s not too bad. Yet, the attempt to take off fails.

“Must be something outside,” Clarke notes apprehensively. “I hope it’s not the engines.”

“What else could it be?” Lexa states more than asks. Clarke shrugs.

“I don’t know. Maybe we’re just stuck.” She shrugs again when Lexa throws her a look. “What? Just trying to keep the morale up.”

“I appreciate your efforts,” Lexa deadpans, but that doesn’t work, because Clarke only grins and pecks her lips. If that’s how it’s gonna be from now on, well – she’s at peace with that.

JD comes back in twenty minutes and brings a curious discovery with him. Apparently, the atmosphere outside is identical to that of the Earth. Clarke and Lexa glance at each other, bewildered.

“That’s next to impossible,” Lexa voices what they’re both thinking. Her co-pilot hums, thoughtful.

“But not impossible,” she points out. “Congratulations, babe – we might be the living proof of string theory.”

She can’t resist. “Babe?” she asks, quirking an eyebrow. Clarke scoffs, failing to hide her blush.

“Shut up.”

“Make me,” she teases.

“Not the time, but maybe later,” Clarke fires right back, a lopsided grin playing on her lips. “Also I can’t believe you’re flirting with me when we’re standing on the verge of the most important scientific discovery.”

“Do you really think we’re in a parallel universe?”

She watches as Clarke bites her lip, clearly excited. “What else could this be?”

“Well,” she stands taller and straightens her leather jacket, feeling determined. “I suppose there’s only one way to find out.”

***

They jump out of the ship, blasters ready. Lexa inhales the air, frowning. “Smells like spring,” she says quietly, and Clarke hums in silent, astonished agreement.

She doesn’t know what she expects to see once they climb out, but that’s not it. The scenery is rather dull. It reminds her of those old sci-fi movies from the last century. And of the Grand Canyon from the inside. Sand and rocks and occasional shallow caves.

It’s the caves that have her worried. She immediately recalls everything she knows about space parasites, and shudders at the thought of contacting one. They are definitely not going in there. They’re not going anywhere, period. Lexa decides then and there that they’ll check the ship, fix whatever it is that doesn’t let them take off, and get the hell out of here.

Clarke, however, clearly has other plans. “Lex,” she whispers urgently, nudging her with her surprisingly sharp elbow. “There’s someone in there. Looks human.” And points at one of the caves when Lexa glances at her.

Fantastic. She sghs and comes to stand in front of Clarke, looking her in the eyes. “You’re probably imagining things,” she tells her calmly. “We’re worked up, it makes sense. Let’s fix out ship and go home.”

But, as it often happens, Clarke doesn’t listen. “There!” she quietly exclaims, looking over Lexa’s shoulder. “It’s a girl. A human girl. What if she needs help? What if she’s hurt?”

“We don’t help, Clarke,” Lexa says lowly. She tries her hardest not to sound threatening,, but she’s not sure she succeeds.

Blue eyes meet hers, defiant. “Except you helped each and every one of us,” she says, almost accusingly. “If it weren’t for you, half the crew would be dead in a drug den on the outskirts of the Leo Cluster.” She pauses, gauging Lexa’s reaction, and nods, clearly satisfied with what she sees. “She could be in danger. Maybe she got here the same way we did.”

“Escaping the Feds?” Lexa snorts. “All the more reason to stay away from her.”

“Fine.” Clarke raises her chin, and Lexa groans inwardly, because she knows what’s coming. “Stay here and fix the ship. I’ll go to her.”

“Yeah, I will allow that to happen,” Lexa deadpans, and tightens her grip on her blaster. “Stay close to me and don’t hesitate to shoot. Remember shapeshifters from CG18?”

Clarke shudders involuntary. “Roger that. A kid tries to bite my hand off, I shoot.”

“Good.”

***

Not only Clarke doesn’t shoot – she doesn’t let Lexa do that, either. Granted, there are no bloodthirsty children involved this time, but this can’t be normal. Lexa’s more than convinced those are closely related to CG18 bastards. Have to be same species. Because how else would she explain meeting their doppelgangers?

“Lexa, wait!” Clarke cries out, grabbing her hand with the blaster just as another Clarke dives at another Lexa, shielding her from them.

“What the fuck,” she sighs, annoyed. “I thought we had a deal.”

“Shooting ourselves wasn’t the deal,” Clarke states indignantly.

“Are you hearing yourse—they are not us!”

“Lexa,” Clarke slowly, loudly breathes out through her nose. She’s more than willing to bet that she’s counting to five in her head. “We’re operating under the assumption that we ended up in a parallel universe. Which, if it’s true, means that there are parallel versions of us.”

“We’re not from here,” Clarke – another Clarke – pipes up, then. She looks as close to fainting as Lexa feels, and her blue eyes, so familiar yet foreign, are wide with astonishment as she looks between them. “We have no idea how we ended up here, or what here even is.” She gulps as her gaze falls down to the blaster in Lexa’s hand. “Look, we’re totally harmless. I’m still in high school, I mean – come on,” she chuckles nervously. Lexa – the other Lexa – blinks at her before glancing at them.

“Yeah,” she says. “Um – could we stand up?”

Her Clarke gives her a look that’s both begging and warning, and she sighs, lowering the blaster. “Fine. Get up. Slowly.” The others nod and hastily scramble to their feet. Now that she has the chance to really look at them, she notes how young they are. They can’t be older than eighteen. Her gaze stays on the other Lexa a bit longer.

She definitely wasn’t this scrawny when she was eighteen.

The other Clarke is probably thinking the same thing, because right now she’s looking between her and the Lexa she came with, and her eyes are sparkling with curiosity and, dare she say, appraisal.

Her Clarke sighs. “Cut it out,” she tells her younger copy. “Focus. How did you get here?”

“We don’t know,” the other Lexa speaks up. She finishes methodically dusting herself off and fixes her buttoned up shirt. Lexa rolls her eyes when she notices her Clarke’s gaze soften. Now who needs to focus? “We were in my room, and then there was this swirly thing--”

“A vortex,” the Other Clarke helpfully supplies, making the Other Lexa sigh.

“Whatever. Point is, we got sucked in and now we’re here.”

“Well, what were you doing before the vortex appeared?”

Both the Other Clarke and the Other Lexa blush, and Lexa thinks she has a hunch. “Pretty sure there were tongues involved,” she murmurs to her Clarke, turning to her and lowering her voice. “Also pretty sure they’re not gonna tell you about it.”

“We were -- studying,” the Other Clarke says meekly. Lexa sighs as she feels a headache approaching.

“I’m still not convinced you’re not some type of space parasites,” she tells them warningly.

“I swear we’re not,” the Other Clarke says. “So, is this like – Mars, or something? Are you guys astronauts?”

Lexa lets out a dark chuckle. “Do I look like astronaut?”

“Not really, no.”

It’s during that awkward lull in the conversation that a blinding flash of light sends them scattering for cover. Lexa grabs the Others and shoves them behind her as she points her blaster forward, discouraged because she can’t exactly see what she should be pointing it at.

Just as quickly as it appeared, however, the light disappears with a loud clap. In its wake, two bodies are left rolling on the floor, familiar groans making Lexa sigh. She’s the first to stand up and slowly approach the newcomers.

“Let me guess,” she says, offering her hand to a new Clarke and helping her up before doing the same with the new Lexa. “You got sucked in a vortex.”

“Yeah,” the New Clarke says, awed. “And I did not expect to end up in Heaven.” Her bright gaze dims somewhat when she looks around and sees the other versions of herself next to different versions of Lexa. “Oh,” she says, sounding mildly disappointed. “Okay. I can work with that.”

“I wish I didn’t know what you’re thinking about,” Lexa tells her sincerely before glancing at the New Lexa. She’s older than the Other, much closer to her own age, and much more confident, too, as she meets her gaze with her own steely one. She takes an extra second to appreciate the dark blue suit. Raven would probably make fun of her for a month if she ever wore something like that, but damn if it didn’t look good.

She doesn’t even flinch when the light flashes again.

***

All in all, they end up with three pairs of the copies, excluding themselves. Lexa doesn’t quite know what else to call them, but she’s wise enough to keep that to herself. She’s still not convinced this isn’t a parasite playing tricks on their minds.

“This is probably mass psychosis, or something,” Kid Lexa mumbles to Kid Clarke, whose eyes flash with fear. “I don’t think we’re even here, physically. It’s one big hallucination.”

Lexa hates to admit that she’s a little hurt by that. No one’s ever called her a hallucination before.

“I feel pretty real,” Corporate Clarke – Lexa’s not proud of the nickname, but it seems the most fitting considering her and her Lexa’s outfits – says, frowning. “Can’t say the same about all of this.” Her eyes meet Lexa’s, and she hurries to avert her gaze, blushing. Lexa guesses she was still dazed from the vortex experience when she unabashedly flirted with her earlier. She sighs.

“Maybe you know what’s going on?” She addresses Lexa the Scientist, and immediately cringes at the name. Sounds like a cartoon character. But, given the situation they’ve found themselves in, maybe they are all exactly that. This is too surreal to be a part of real life.

Scientist Lexa nervously straightens her glasses, and Lexa barely refrains from grimacing at that. She does not do nervous. “Well -- if we don’t settle for the mass psychosis theory…” Kid Lexa perks up at that, but Lexa shakes her head, and she deflates. “Um, we could be at the intersection of several parallel universes. The vortex is a portal of sorts.”

“Really helpful,” Lexa scoffs.

Clarke places a hand on her arm, giving her a pointed look. “Be nice,” she warns softly.

“I have to remember that,” Corporate Clarke murmurs. Her Lexa shoots her a quick smirk in spite of her tense posture. She clears her throat, then, gathering everyone’s attention.

(Lexa can’t help but be amused by Kid Clarke’s blush whenever she glances Corporate Lexa’s way. She really needs to find herself a suit, if only to test a theory.)

“While I am, no doubt, as interested in the inner workings of the Universe as all of you,” she says, calmly, “I am more interested in getting back to my universe first. Any ideas how we can make that happen?”

Lexa inwardly groans. She can’t believe that in some universe, she’s the type of a person they rob and make fun of on a regular basis. She’s never been more thankful for Reyes’s absence, because that’s not something she would’ve ever lived down.

She quickly considers renaming Corporate Lexa to Rich Jerk Lexa, but ultimately decides against it. That’s the level of self-hatred she hasn’t mastered. “Would we be standing here with you if we had any?” she settles on replying. Corporate Lexa’s green eyes narrow at that. It’s barely noticeable to any outside observer, but she knows herself, and she knows she’s irritated.

“We will employ your services if the answer turns out to be brute force,” she lets her know. Lexa sighs, mildly disappointed. That was way too obvious. Not on the level she’s expected.

“Yeah, I’m the muscle, what a low blow,” she deadpans. “Luckily, we do have the brain.”

Everyone, aside from Corporate Lexa who’s eyeing her now, turns their expectant gazes to Scientist Lexa. She swallows. “Well, uh – I don’t really know how to get back to our respective universes. But I also d-don’t really think we need to do anything in order to go back.”

Lexa quietly implodes when she doesn’t continue. “Oh, my God, can you just tell us why?”

“Hey, chill out,” Kid Clarke demands and she suppresses the urge to throw her hands up in air and walk away. But because it’s Clarke – young, bratty version of her, but still her – she doesn’t.

And because it’s Lexa she’s just snapped at, her Clarke throws her a disapproving look, leaving her feeling both warm and frustrated. She’s ready for all of this to be over.

“She can speak for herself,” Scientist Clarke speaks up, then, giving Kid Clarke a dirty look. “But also – you do need to chill,” she tells Lexa next.

Lexa only shakes her head.” Are you seriously jealous of yourself?”

“Well, aren’t you?” Corporate Lexa chooses this moment to snidely ask, and Lexa thinks about her Clarke trying not to look too much in her direction and grinds her teeth together.

“How do we send your asses back.” She states, trying not to glare at Scientist Lexa, whose adorable fiddling with glasses and the sleeves of her cardigan must’ve awoke the soft side of all Clarkes, because they all collectively frown at her harsh tone.

Maybe she can convince her Clarke this is the space parasite after all, when she’s done killing them.

“Well,” Scientist Lexa starts, increasingly more nervous, “I don’t know if it’s the same in all of the universes, but in ours, there’s been a discovery recently. We proved the string theory.”

“What do you mean we?” Lexa demands. There’s a coiling deep in her stomach that she does not like. At all.

“Um,” Scientist Lexa glances at her Clarke, who hugs herself. “We as in her and I.”

Lexa can practically hear the thoughts flashing through Corporate Lexa’s head. Mainly because she’s having those same ones as well. “Tell me,” she murmurs as she slowly stalks to Scientist Lexa, “that this isn’t a part of your research paper.”

“No, oh, no!” Scientist Lexa shakes her head, eyes wide with fear. “I had nothing to do with this. I just – have a hunch about the reason we’re here. Like I said, we’re at the intersection of the universes. It could be that the universes summon an identical part of themselves here in order to continue functioning. It could be something as trivial as stones, or something as… not trivial as people.”

“Why would they need to do that?” Kid Lexa asks, confused. Lexa can’t blame her.

Scientist Clarke shakes her head. “You don’t want to get into that. Especially since, if we’re right, we will all go back to our own universes any second now.”

“Our memories will probably fade, too,” her Lexa points out. “So write everything down now if you want to remember any of this.”

“I’d rather not,” Lexa quips, making each Clarke chuckle. Well. She’ll miss that, at least.

“If anyone ever wanted to make out with themselves, now’s the time, just saying,” Kid Clarke jokes. Or – Lexa’s not entirely sure she was just joking. Kid Lexa immediately blushes. Lexa only sighs with sympathy. She remembers those teenage hormones all too well.

“Alright,” she says loudly, interrupting the sudden chatter. “This has been bizarre. Nice meeting you. We should go,” she tells Clarke, who gives her a dumbfounded stare.

“We’re not going to see them off?”

“Why can’t they see us off first?” Lexa tries to argue. When Clarke doesn’t budge, she sighs. “Look, I’d rather be on our ship when we get thrown back. What if we end up back where we started, and not on our home planet?”

“Oh,” Scientist Lexa speaks up, concerned. “You will absolutely go back to the point where you got picked up. So if that was somewhere in space, I’d at least consider wearing a spacesuit.” That little shit, Lexa thinks with sudden, adoring amusement. Which feels weird, since it’s essentially herself she’s thinking about, so this is basically emotional masturbation.

She shakes her head. “Right. Thanks.” Clarke’s hesitant gaze meets her own determined one. “We gotta get back to the ship. You heard them. We could get sucked in any second now.”

“Okay,” Clarke relents, then. She throws one last look at the group of their doppelgangers, who watch them with a mix of awe and sadness Lexa’s not ready to admit she’s feeling as well. “Um. Good luck with -- everything. Have great lives, guys.”

“You, too!” Kid Clarke beams, waving. “Can I just say – I love how everyone’s ignoring the fact that we end up together in every universe.”

“Fate is a pretty heavy burden,” she hears Scientist Lexa quietly reply before she ushers Clarke away, and they jog to their ship.

Once they climb inside, no one speaks for several seconds. JD beeps at their arrival, and the system lets them know Raven’s tried to contact them twice – Lexa immediately feels bad, because their friend is probably worried sick. “Oh, damn,” she says, then, disappointed. “We didn’t ask them if they knew Raven.”

“I hope they do,” Clarke says, chuckling. “We didn’t ask a lot of things, you know.”

“I was a little busy trying to make sure we made it out alive,” Lexa points out. She feels a little silly for pouting, but now that they are back to the safety of their ship and their survival isn’t at stake anymore, her curiosity decides to wake up and drive her up the wall. How long have all of them been together? Are any of them married or about to get married? Do they live together? When did they meet? She sighs, shaking her head in defeat. Some questions just aren’t meant to have answers. But those could’ve if it weren’t for her constant worrying and—

“Stop,” Clarke demands, jostling her out of her musings. “I can see you beating yourself up. Stop. You went with your gut and focused on the important thing. Surviving. If it did turn out to be the parasite or a violent shapeshifter, you would’ve been prepared, unlike me. That’s why you’re the Commander. That’s why…” she trails off, then, and Lexa admires the pretty pink dusted across her cheekbones.

She swallows and reaches out, gently brushing Clarke’s hair behind her air. “Fate really is a heavy burden, isn’t it?” she says softly. Clarke’s lips curl in a small smile under her thumb.

“Not when it’s shared,” she whispers. Her lips taste like dust and warmth and spring, and Lexa happily allows herself to disappear in it, if only for a mere moment.

“Lexa,” Raven’s urgent voice makes them break apart, but they do so slowly, savoring each other’s taste. “Please tell me you’re there.”

She doesn’t look away from Clarke’s sparkling eyes as she replies. “Rae. We’re here, we just got back. Will tell you everything once we get out of here.”

“Not to crush your hopes and dreams, but you sound mighty confident that you will get out of there,” Raven jokes darkly. “As in, I have no fucking idea how to reach you. I still don’t know where you are.”

Lexa lifts the blinds up, and sure enough, the vortex is there, right in front of them, and getting closer by the second. She smirks. “Doesn’t matter. See you soon, Reyes.”

“I hope you haven’t gone insane,” Raven says cautiously, and they laugh.

“We’re of sound mind,” Clarke reassures her. “And we’ll leave the same way we ended up here – through a vortex.”

“A vortex? What the fuck?”

“Exactly. Don’t worry, it’s harmless.” Lexa blinks as she realizes that they probably won’t remember any of this once they are back to their universe. She looks up to find Clarke’s eyes, and reads the same thought in them.

“Mute us.” The system complies, and Raven’s line goes dead for the time being. “Should we tell her?”

Clarke shrugs. “I don’t know,” she says honestly. The vortex is almost there. “We could. But what would it change? We’re space pirates. No one actually able to do something with our discovery will believe us.”

“Right.” She squeezes her hand as they stare into the swirling void before them. “If we remember – we tell her. If we don’t…”

“…then we live,” Clarke concludes for her. In her blue eyes, Lexa sees all the universes they’ve lived in. “Then, we live.”

She thinks she can work with that. And then, they disappear.

[smol-and-grumpy]

I don't understand people telling you you're not active enough. This is totally NOT true. The amount of fics you post, the OS and series with many chapters you come up with is incredible and to think that you do this for free, in your free time while you have your own personal life to live, people to take care of is so so respectable. Wow. And it's not like you didn't write incredible stuff ! It's always something new, something sweet or hot, even angsty. You have so many ideas, you write them so well and everytime you post something new, I wonder how you do it because I feel like you had posted something the day before.

I'm sorry that you have people telling you that you're not doing enough. So I wanna tell that you are an incredible, talented, so active writer. You post every week while I hadn't post in months. I think you're a pretty active writer ! And we should be all thanking you for sharing your stories with us, they should thank you instead of saying that you're not posting enough

Take care 😘

@eevvvaa you make me smile. Thank you for your kind words. I guess it just hit me today because I have so many other things on my mind, and it’s true, I only have two on going series on patreon and no one shots in sight, so I felt like I’m not doing enough as it is. And when I read that comment, it left a bitter taste in my mouth and it’s disheartening. It also makes me wonder why, you know? How is this not enough because to write a chapter alone it takes so much out of me. It’s about an accumulated two days of writing while doing other things, then an hour of going through, another hour for editing. I work most days, after work I have to help the kids with homework. I have to go shopping and bring them to their extracurricular activities. I have to listen and be a partner to my husband. I have had so many interviews because I was looking for a new job. I have to clean the house and do the laundry. I have to cook… so, it’s like… the little time I have to spare goes into writing because I live for that too. Sometimes I think it’s not all worth it, you know? I think I need time to relax, to not think about writing at all. But then there would be even less new content and then we’re right in the vicious circle because people would leave as I’m not active enough. I guess, you can never please everybody. I’m happy and appreciate your support very much, though. Thank you, babe ❤️❤️❤️