#this motherfucker really really did a number on me and it feels weak to admit that or talk about it

[inkcap]

i have been thinking about one of my abusers nonstop for like two weeks and i know it’s because february is a Bad Time for me, but i am so sick of it and i want it to stop.

[makeste]

BnHA Chapter 292: You Say Jeans

Previously on BnHA: Horikoshi was all “well anyway here’s that Touya reveal I foreshadowed like a million years ago, viva la 2020.” Dabi was all “hello world, I’ve killed 30 people and today I’m going to explain to you all why” before he proceeded to explain ABSOLUTELY NOTHING but everyone was so distracted by his tale of child abuse and hero conspiracies that they didn’t much seem to notice. Can’t Ya See-Kun’s Shark Friend was all “IS THIS THE END OF HERO SOCIETY AS WE KNOW IT”, and Horikoshi was all “STAY TUNED”, and then Dabi set himself on fire and leaped off of Machia’s back like the chaotic evil, I-just-bleached-all-my-brain-cells weird little fire man he is, ready to burn everyone to crispy bits before they could even react properly to his whole big revenge speech. Fortunately he did not succeed on account of THE RETURN OF THE JING, THE JOAT, BEST FUCKING JEANIST, back from the dead by popular demand in what critics are calling “the best fucking comeback since Jesus himself.”

Today on BnHA: Best Jeanist snatches up Machia and the rest of the League with his fiber steel cables before you can say “more like BEAST JEANIST amirite.” Dabi gets all worked up and lights Hadou on fire which is a real JERK MOVE, and is all “THIS RIGHT HERE IS ALSO ENDEAVOR’S FAULT”, which, NOT SUPER CONVINCED ON THAT, BUT OKAY. Anyway so then he burns up all the cables holding him which is crazeballs btw, and then he and Shouto start fighting, and so basically the whole thing is a literal hot mess and we’ll see how that goes. Meanwhile Tomura wakes up and summons some Noumus, and poor Jeanist has to deal with those on top of the still-attempting-to-rampage Gigantomachia, and everyone else is all “we can’t help you on account of we’re all half dead”, and so it’s looking really bad. And then -- and I can’t stress enough how much I don’t even have the faintest idea how to segue into this next part -- the chapter ends with Mirio!?! just sort of POPPING UP OUT OF THE GROUND all, “SURPRISE, BITCH”, and it literally was so surprising that I am still just kind of speechless. WELL-PLAYED, I GUESS, lol wtf.

lol okay so the first page in the RHA scan is just the “three musketeers” movie promo image that we all already saw a few days ago. but it does confirm that (a) it is indeed a movie, and (b) that it’s set for a summer 2021 release! how exciting

okay so now back to our special Dabi edition of Making a Murderer

“ray of hope” oh hell yes. SAVE US MR. JEANIST

I guess he had a TV in his private hero jet or something?

gotta say, “dammit Dabi” does not even remotely sound like Authentic Best Jeanist Dialogue to me though. gonna need Caleb to see to this. well but what do you guys think? does Best Jeanist curse?? I personally feel like he’s one of those guys who NEVER EVER swears no matter what, except under the most hilariously trifling circumstances. like he’s eating an avocado one day and he accidentally stains the cuffs of his beloved jostume green and he’s all “FUCK”

btw how fucking rich is Best Jeanist though that he has his own fucking plane? the thought just suddenly occurred to me, you know? like even Endeavor, whose agency has its own on-site luxury apartment suites for all of his interns, still drives around in a dinky little car that Bakugou has declared to be too small. which, I guess we know why he felt that way now, seeing as the guy he previously interned with apparently gets around in Jeans Force One

anyway so back to the part where Jeanist shows up to save the day!! YEAH JEANIST WOOOOO

ILU JEANIST YOU REALLY ARE THE BEST!! HUGS AND KISSES!!!

lmao we just saw Gigantomachia take out like a hundred guys not ten chapters ago. and Best Jeanist shows up and takes him down in like two seconds. HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES LEAGUE OF VILLAINS. BET YOU’RE WISHING YOU’D TAKEN HIS QUIRK NOW, AFO. GET FUCKED YOU OLD SPUD

KACCHAN IS SO HAPPY TO SEE HIM AWW

SIDE NOTE, IIDA, YOU AND I ARE GONNA HAVE WORDS LATER ABOUT YOU ACTUALLY AGREEING TO PUT HIM BACK DOWN. YOU DO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS CHILD IS STILL DRIPPING BLOOD ALL OVER THE PLACE FROM HIS MULTIPLE STAB WOUNDS, RIGHT? WAY TO ASSERT YOUR AUTHORITY THERE. I THOUGHT YOU WERE THE CLASS PRESIDENT NOT THE CLASS CLOWN, COME ON NOW

LMAO DABI IS FRANTICALLY TRYING TO DO THE PLOT MATH

SHOULDA CHECKED MORE CLOSELY MY GOOD MARK. LOOKS LIKE YOU MISSED THE “MADE IN CHINA” STICKER ON THE BOTTOM. YOU HAVE BEEN BAMBOOZLED. OR ACTUALLY, I GUESS THE MORE ACCURATE WORD HERE IS JAMBOOZLED, AHAHAHAHA. JEANS

HOLY SHIT DABI

I legit almost thought that was Tomura for a second. you two look so alike now with the white hair and the crazy eyes

meanwhile, Shouto is still crying and it’s a lot to take, you guys. lotta feels

ffff come on Jeanist you better do something awesome again here, the mood of the chapter is starting to slip now

YES, GOOD, THAT’LL WORK

WELL YOU TELL ME, SPINNER. I GUESS THAT MEANS BEST JEANIST IS OFFICIALLY THE STRONGEST CHARACTER IN THE SERIES NOW. SORRY I DON’T MAKE THE RULES

ffff now Spinner is trying to wake Tomura back up. nah, how’s about we not do that

OH MY GOD HADOU YESSSS

MY GIRL OUT HERE WITH THE “NO THANK YOU” BOUT TO CURBSTOMP THE BIG BAD WITH HER QUIRK KSFHLKLK WHO HERE HAD “HADOU SAVES THE DAY” ON YOUR WAR ARC BINGO CARDS, YOU LOVE TO SEE IT!!

HEY!!!!

fucking son of a... fffkfkff... someone please reassure me that fire isn’t Hadou’s weakness. someone. anyone. also could someone please dial an ambulance and send them to Horikoshi’s house. but not just yet. first I’m gonna need you to wait about fifteen minutes or so while I take care of some things

well all right then, Dabi. so you wanna go on then and explain to us all how this, too, is somehow Endeavor’s fault?

oh I see, you’ve decided that since he’s responsible for “creating” you, everyone you hurt and kill is in truth really being hurt and killed by him! well now, that sure is convenient as fuck I guess

(ETA: that’s a nice effect with the panel sides getting all warped by Dabi’s quirk though, just noticed that.)

amazing how quickly you used up that sympathy card my guy. Shouto please kick his ass, I’m fucking done lol, you can all sort out the rest in therapy later

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE DIAL BACK DEKU’S EMPATHY STATS JUST A LITTLE BIT, HOLY --

“TODOROKI-KUN IS HURT THE MOST”, HE SAYS, WITH HIS ARM BONES SHATTERED INTO LITTLE TOOTHPICK-SIZED PIECES. I MEAN, HE’S PROBABLY TALKING MORE ABOUT MENTAL ANGUISH GIVEN THE CONTEXT HERE, BUT STILL. THAT’S ENOUGH HEROICS FROM YOU ALREADY FOR ONE DAY

NOOO JEANIST

LOTS OF SMOKE IN THE AIR RIGHT ABOUT NOW AND MY BOY’S STILL DOWN A LUNG. GOD DAMMIT

“if the number one suffers a total loss here, this country will fall to pieces” well okay, real talk though, I think the “country falling to pieces” part is pretty much unavoidable at this juncture. you all are just gonna have to try your best to pick up those pieces after the fact and see what you can do with them. if I were you I’d be less worried about the number one’s reputation and more concerned with the half-dozen child soldier interns who are still on the field and very much at risk of being burned to death should you suffer that “total loss.” please try to keep it together here for them

OH FOR FUCK’S

I really thought RockLockRock was gonna come into play here. USE YOUR QUIRK TO LOCK THE ROPES IN PLACE YOU DIP!! if he seriously just sits there and does nothing when his quirk could be the deciding factor I am cancelling his useless ass cute kid or no cute kid shfkjdls

(ETA: is he even there?? did he and Manual just hightail it out of there?? “well good luck, children.”)

also, we’ll put this aside for now to perhaps speculate about later, but what’s with Tomura remembering his dad’s house yet again in that far right panel?? and being itchy again?? I still have yet to fully work out the psychological mechanisms at work as far as his itchiness goes, so I’ll admit this is intriguing to me. it seemed like it was connected to his decay quirk, but then why is it acting up again now. what is this lol

yuh oh

forgot about these guys. looks like these heroes aren’t having such a fun time

oh fucksticks

excuse me ma’am but I don’t like this. you do know that my kids are all there, right. all burnt and impaled and broken-boned and the like. well except for Iida. he’s fine still. BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN I FEEL LIKE WATCHING HIM GET TORN APART BY FOUR HIGH ENDS, WTF

HORIKOSHI YOU MOTHERFUCKER I SWEAR TO GOD

god fucking... okay look. Horikoshi. you win, okay!? congratulations, you win, this is your show and we’re all just sitting here at your mercy. fine. go ahead and just kill off everyone ever, then!! what am I even gonna do about it. stop reading?? fuck

this whole thing really went from zero to fucked before I could even blink huh. I really thought this was gonna be a turning point chapter for the heroes. shows what I know I guess??

meanwhile this motherfucker is just SCREAMING

ngl, if I wasn’t currently terrified on account of things suddenly taking such a drastic turn for the worse, this would be the coolest fucking thing I’ve ever seen. Jeanist my man, I hype you up like it’s my job because you are the greatest fucking meme character in the history of time, but make no mistake, you are also highkey WORTH ALL THE HYPE AND THEN SOME

seriously, though. don’t fucking mind him you guys, he’s just standing here in the coolest pose of all time taking on Gigantomachia all alone with one fucking lung because the substance pumping through his veins is COLD-BLOODED LIQUID DENIM, and DENIM FEELS NO FEAR

Best Jeanist really needs to get his own theme song. -- oh my god I just finally thought of a title for this post. lmao and it’s the dumbest thing. omg

MEANWHILE THE TODOROKI BROS ARE OFF IN THEIR OWN DRAMATIC LITTLE FIRE WORLD

which one do you think is the Mario and which is the Luigi. well, but I mean, Dabi clearly thinks that he’s the Luigi though and that’s why he’s so mad. nobody wants to be Luigi. what a life

THAT’S IT, SHOUTO!! POINT OUT ALL OF HIS HYPOCRITICAL BULLSHIT, I WANT ANSWERS

JUST TO CLARIFY, IT’S THAT NATSU, NOT SOME OTHER NATSU!! SO WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELF!!

OH, WELL IN THAT CASE

BUT OF COURSE. THAT WOULD MAKE IT ALL WORTHWHILE, holy shit. okay I’m just gonna go ahead and say it, Dabi is a piece of work. I really thought this arc would make him more sympathetic at long last, but it seems like it’s doing just the opposite?? this is like an anti-redemption arc. I don’t relish the thought of venturing into the fandom tags once I finish reading this lol

(ETA: well folks, I’ve done it. and actually it was pretty interesting because there are apparently like ten different things that people are mad about, and so it’s like. each post is a new adventure lmao.)

so Shouto is all “BRUH HAVE YOU COMPLETELY LOST IT” and Dabi is all “YES”, basically? like, he says he’s completely lost his feeling for anything. omg. but you were so sweet. how does that even happen

“finally I can kill you” okay for real what the heck is your damage bro?? can we not. I like Shouto just the way he is, un-killed

oh shit and now the Noumus are here

cue Bakugou diving in to save his mentor, STAB WOUNDS BE DAMNED!! actually it would make more sense for it to be Iida, but if Kacchan is really fixin’ to go full Shounen Dumbass here then he might as well go all out, y’know

-- unless of course, Deku decides to activate another quirk??

“last I checked, the main character of this series was still me” OH? WELL I SUPPOSE THAT IS TRUE, SO PRAY TELL, WHAT HAVE YOU GOT LEFT UP YOUR SLEEVE YOU SUICIDAL BRUSSELS SPROUT

fucking love how he’s all “HAHAHA WITH MY NEW QUIRKS I CAN STILL DO STUPID SHIT EVEN WITH MY ARMS AND LEGS GROUND TO A FINE POWDER” btw. what can I say. Deku gonna Deku

FMMFHDKUHK W H A T

HOLY SHIT. HOLY FUCKING SHIT. WHAT THE WHAT. QUE THE FUCK

(ETA: okay look, all the love in the world to the brave scanlators who take time out of their lives to translate the leaks every week just so we can read the chapter a couple of days early like the addicts we are. that said, translating Mirio’s signature “POWER!!” -- which was already written in English in the original scan -- to “POG-CHAMP” is just a whole new level of wtfuckery from them lmao. is the Lida person back at it again?? amazing.)

MIRIO!?!?! SHOWS UP TO SAVE THE DAY?!?! POGS HIMSELF UP OUT THE GROUND TO BEAT THE NOUMUS LIKE IT AIN’T NO THING. JUST LIKE WE ALL PREDICTED!? I’M SORRY, DID YOU NOT SEE THAT COMING?? YOU MEAN TO TELL ME YOUR DAILY HOROSCOPE FROM ASTROLOGY DOT COM DIDN’T HAVE THAT ONE IN THE CARDS?? WAS IT NOT OBVIOUS?? TODOROKIS PLUS BEST JEANIST EQUALS MIRIO??

hot damn. Tintin really saw the writing on the wall with the impending Dabi Discourse and was all “NOT SO FAST” lmao. “HERE’S A BRAND NEW THING FOR YOU ALL TO DISCOURSE ABOUT” MIRIO YOU WILD CHILD. YOU GLORIOUS THUG

MEANWHILE LET’S NOT FORGET WHAT MIRIO HAVING HIS POWERS BACK ACTUALLY IMPLIES. HOLY SHIT. SUDDENLY WE CUT BACK TO ALL MIGHT’S OFFICE, ALL THE WAY BACK AT UA. ERI BRANDISHES HER TOKOYAMI-GIFTED BUSTER SWORD, A DETERMINED GLEAM IN HER EYE. “I HEARD YOU WERE TRYING TO HAVE A GIRL POWER ARC WITHOUT ME.” OH. MY. GOD

[agentbarton12]

Die Hard or Not At All - 1

bucky x black!reader, avengers/brooklyn 99 crossover because why the hell not?

summary: you are a shield agent caught by the nypd where you are reunited with your old high school best friend, jake peralta. investigating the same robberies, you team up and go undercover as a married couple to infiltrate a crime mob. the only problem? bucky barnes, your collegue and love of your life was assigned as security. this was going to be fine.

warnings: swearing, fluff, dumbassery, fake marriage, idiots in love, jealousy

word count: 2.7K

a/n: here it is. this probably gonna be a three parter but we'll see. send an ask if you wanna be tagged!

inspired by the amazing works of @mypassionsarenysins, @seasaurusrrex, @sunmoonandbucky, @maarrvveell and @morsmordrethings

series masterlist | masterlist

you were gonna get it this time. fury was going to be up your ass as soon as he found out. but really, you were too tired to care.

you were one of shield's top agents and were investigating a string of robberies that could be linked to a major crime syndicate, the iron shadow, that shield has been chasing for months. it was a tough job, doubled by the fact that you were doing this alone was not making this any easier.

given your current predicament, you maybe should have asked for back up when you had the chance.

you dropped your head on the table you were seated at and allowed yourself a couple seconds of rest before the bad part started.

the door to your left opened and without lifting your head from the desk, you heard footsteps stop in front of you, on the other side of the table.

“hello, i am detective charles boyle.”

yeah, fury was not gonna be happy about this.

you groaned.

***

“listen, i just need you to tell me what you were doing at that bank and maybe i can let you go.”

you groaned for what seemed to be the tenth time in what only must have been twenty minutes. “i already told you, looking for the bad guys, same as you.” you gestured to him and your handcuffs rattled.

he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “you say that but you were on the scene of the crime before we were notified of the robbery and yet you missed the robbers? sounds suspicious.”

hearing him say that, you sighed because he was making sense. “they’re good criminals! that’s not my fault!”

placing his hands on the desk, he leaned down. “how about you tell me who you work for?”

“i want to, but i don’t know if i have the permission to. my boss is...difficult. he’d hate if i gave out that kind of info without expressed permission. hey!” you perked up at the sudden idea you got. “phone call! i get a phone call, right? or is that just tv stuff cause i haven’t actually been arrested before.” the detective nodded. “great. can i call my boss then?”

detective boyle sighed before standing up straight. “i’m giving you ten minutes then i’m coming back in, got it?”

you nodded your head and accepted the phone he pulled from his pocket. when he left the interrogation room, you debated on who you should call. clint was out since he was away on a recon mission with nat, and you were pretty sure you heard something about sam and steve being out of town. you sighed as you realised that you’re only options were bucky and fury himself, and there was no way you could ask bucky to help you. not again.

so, ready to face the wrath of your boss because of pride, you dialed fury’s number and placed the phone by your ear.

it didn’t even ring once, before you were immediately redirected to voicemail.

“you know who this is, and if you don’t you’re in the motherfucking wrong place.” you rolled your eyes as you waited for the dial tone.

“hey, fury, i know you’re listening to this. it’s y/l/n. i may have been compromised. i’m in no danger and no one knows who i actually am, but i’d really like to get out of these handcuffs, so can i tell them? pretty please? oh yeah,” you said as an afterthought, “i’ve been arrested. some precinct in brooklyn. i just need your okay, okay? okay, bye!”

you hung up and left the phone on the table. it was way longer than ten minutes when detective boyle came back.

“you’re lawyer’s here,” was all he said before stepping aside for someone else.

your eyebrows furrowed. “lawyer...?” you muttered to yourself in confusion. then you saw who walked in and you groaned.

bucky barnes stood at the door in a navy blue suit and dress shoes looking unfairly handsome, in your opinion. he had on a pair of black tinted sunglasses and a glove on his left hand, probably as a disguise. you didn’t fail to catch the subtle lift of his eyebrow as he looked at you in silent question. you playfully rolled your eyes in response.

bucky turned back to the detective and asked, “may i get a moment alone with my client?”

you assume detective boyle agreed, because next thing you knew, bucky was shutting the door and walking towards you.

“really, doll? you had to get yourself in trouble on thursday? you know thursday’s are my me days.”

you scoffed playfully. “please, barnes, you and i both know you had no plans. your life revolves around helping me.” you fluttered your eyelashes at him.

he grinned. “that so?”

you nodded. “oh yeah. speaking of, how are you helping me exactly?” you raised your hands to show off your cuffs to him.

“maria convinced fury to let you confess and try to get some sort of partnership going with whoever is working on the case. team up, take down iron shadow together.”

you nodded along. “tell them what we know, they tell us what they know, okay.” you let out an involuntary yawn and shook yourself awake.

it was then that bucky looked at you properly. your hair was a knotted mess and he took pity on you for when you would have you comb it. there were visible bags under your eyes and he worried about the last time you slept. “god, you look like shit.”

you chuckled. “good to see you too.”

“seriously, y/n, when was the last time you slept?”

straightening your back, you said, “sleep is for the weak and mama ain’t raise no bitch.“

bucky rolled his eyes at your stubbornness. you were always like this. whether it was with training, or paperwork, you poured yourself completely into your work and wouldn’t come out until you were literally passing out.

(you did once, and bucky won’t admit how much it scared him thinking you were dead. he made sure to give you grief about it when you finally woke up after 57 hours of sleep.)

detective boyle came back into the room and bucky cleared his throat. “she’s ready to talk.”

charles looked visibly confused. “really? what about her boss?” he asked, crossing his arms and eyeing them suspiciously.

“he gave the okay. she’ll answer your questions, on one condition.”

“well, what’s that?”

“you give us all the information you have on this case in exchange for all we know.”

charles’ eyes narrowed at this. “and why would i do that?”

“because we work for shield! i’m an agent and he’s an avenger and we could help each other!” you blurted from behind the table, causing both men to look back at you. “sorry,” you said raising your hands in defense, “i wanted to speed this up, you guys aren’t the ones in handcuffs.”

detective boyle looked between the two of you. “you guys are—you guys are avengers?” he asked a little breathlessly.

“he is, not me,” you corrected, pointing between you and bucky. “show him,” you instructed to bucky.

he rolled his eyes as he took his sunglasses off and you swore you heard charles let out a squeak. then, when bucky removed his suit jacket and glove, detective boyle gasped. “i arrested avengers.”

he froze and stared straight ahead in shock.

“uhh...” bucky drawled, confused.

picking at your nails, you said, “just give him a sec.”

bucky did and it didn’t help his confusion. after nearly two minutes, you spoke up again, “hey, check if he has the keys to these on him.”

“yeah, okay.” bucky nodded and patted charles down until he found them in his back pocket. it was an awkward ordeal getting them out and you could not stop cackling.

“i swear, y/n, i will swallow these keys.”

“do it, coward,” you dared deadpan.

bucky sighed. “i hate you,” he said as he moved to unlock the cuffs.

“lies.”

“how can you be so sure?”

you weren’t. because if you were, bucky would be your boyfriend and not your best friend. but, you obviously knew that bucky did love you, platonically at least.

“because, you’re here and saving my ass. again.”

“always, doll,” he said with a slight smile. your heart jumped a little and you smiled back in response. you shook your hands out as the handcuffs fell from your wrists. you dropped your arms to you sides and leaned back in the chair. “oh, that feels better.” that’s when you remembered that you two were not alone. you glanced at charles. “we should make sure he’s breathing.”

bucky looked at him with his head tilted to the side. “i don’t think he is.”

you groaned and stood up from you chair. you walked to charles and slapped him across the face.

at the same time bucky was yelling your name, detective boyle screamed, “i arrested avengers!”

“yeah, you did, buddy,” you agreed, placing your hand on his shoulder. he followed your movement with awe in his eyes. “you wanna help some avengers too?”

“do i?” he asked excited.

“great, now take us to whoever’s in charge, please.”

“yes, yes, of course, miss avenger ma’am, but i’d like to show off to my best friend a little. can i put you back in those handcuffs?”

you looked back at bucky who shrugged in response. shrugging as well, you turned back to boyle. “why not, detective? i’m all for messing with friends.”

“oh my god, jake is gonna freak,” he confessed as he moved to get the handcuffs. he placed them back on your wrists and he led out of the room.

“ms avenger?” bucky teased from behind you.

you smirked. “honestly, i kind of like it.”

charles led you through the halls and into the bullpen where they passed many officers staring at bucky in shock.

“jakey!” he called out when you made it to the bullpen. a man with dark hair turned around from his conversation to look at charles. “you’ll never guess the arrest i just—”

“—peralta?” you exclaimed incredulously.

the man’s, jake’s, eyes widened as he looked at you. “y/l/n?”

charles looked at the two of you with shock evident on his face. “no, no, no, what is happening?”

jake walked towards you. “is it really you?”

“is it really you?” you countered.

“it is really all of us. can someone explain what is going on?” charles asked.

“um, this is y/n, my best friend from high school,” jake answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

to you, it looked as though charles short circuited. “best friend? best friend? best friend? cool, cool, cool, cool, cool, cool, cool, cool, yeah sure, cool.”

jake waved him off. “don’t worry about him, he’s like that.” you nodded, glancing at charles cautiously. “so how have you been? it’s been a while, right? what are you doing here and—OH MY GOD IS THAT AN AVENGER?”

you looked to your right where bucky had been standing silently for the interaction. nodding your head, you looked back at jake. “yeah, uh, old bestie meet new bestie.” you pointed between the two and jake’s jaw dropped.

“you’re best friends with an avenger?”

“uh, all the avengers actually. i’m a shield agent.”

“what? you’re a shield agent?” you nodded with big smile. “this is insane!” he then turned around dramatically to face the rest of the bullpen with his arms raised to his side who were watching in shock. “to all the people that said the only cool people i know are from work, i bet you all feel stupid! hah!”

he turned around abruptly and stuck his hand out for bucky to shake with a big dopey grin on his face. “detective jake peralta, nice to meet you.”

you watched as bucky schooled his features and clenched his jaw. “james,” he said accepting jake’s hand. your eyebrows furrowed. bucky never introduced himself as james to anyone. you didn’t understand why he was being cold. you shot him a look but he ignored you by looking straight ahead. rolling your eyes, you looked back at jake. you pointed at him. “i need to speak with—”

“woah, are those handcuffs?”

charles spoke up for the first time in what seemed like forever. “uh yeah, i arrested her.”

“why would you arrest avengers?”

“caught her at a crime scene, thought she was a criminal, cleared everything up and then i thought it’d be cool if i walked in here with avengers in handcuffs.”

jake wagged his index finger at charles. “that...was a great idea, sorry i didn’t appreciate it properly.”

“no worries, jakey.”

you rattled your handcuffs. “yeah, i was tracking this crime mob, led me to the bank but they had already gotten away and then nypd shows up and i get arrested as a primary suspect.” the hint of pride in your voice was not lost to everyone else.

“noice,” jake praised.

“not something to brag about, y/n,” bucky chided.

“definitely not,” you backtrack. “uh, we need to speak with your boss.”

a large man with broad shoulders walked up to them. “that would be me. captain raymond holt.” he held out his hand for you to shake which you took, shocked.

you stood transfixed staring at him because of the similarities between him and fury. you snapped yourself out of it and apologised. “sorry, you just reminded me of my boss.”

“no worries,” he said politely.

“yeah, never mind. agent y/n y/l/n. we’ve been tracking this crime mob for a while now and we have reason to believe that they are linked to the string of robberies you’re detectives are investigating.”

“cool, cool, cool, no doubt, no doubt,” jake said from behind you. you ignored him and continued. you were in agent mode™️; this was when you were at your best, no matter how tired you were and bucky could only watch in awe. he loved getting to see you like this.

“shield would like all the information you have on the case.”

“oh?” raymond’s eyebrow lifted.

“the avengers need our help,” jake squeaked out.

“what do you require? our files or detectives?” raymond asked holding his hands in front of him.

“both, preferably. we wanted to team up. we tell you what we know, you tell us what you know, we take these guys down together.”

a woman in a pantsuit spoke from where she was standing a little ways from you. “the avengers need our help?”

“dope,” another woman in a leather jacket and curly hair.

you looked back to captain holt. “you don’t have to agree, obviously.”

“uh, we want to, obviously,” jake interjected.

captain holt didn’t answer immediately and you looked back to bucky who gave you a reassuring smile. you nodded slightly and turned back ahead. it annoyed you on most days, but when it came down to it, you were glad bucky was always there for you.

captain holt cleared his throat. “well, if my detectives are available, we would love to assist you.”

jake jumped in between the two of you. “we are!” he exclaimed. “rosa just has a murder case; hitchcock and scully never do anything; and amy and sarge have a boring drug bust! i mean, what’s a little cocaine in the grand scheme of things?”

“illegal,” bucky deadpanned.

raymond thought about it for another moment before straightening his back. “the 99th precinct would be honoured to assist you.”

the bullpen erupted in cheers, but no one was louder than jake. he hollered and whooped and danced around the bullpen. “you’re welcome, bitches! you know why? cause i! know! avengers!”

when the commotion died down, you commanded the attention of everyone. “okay, listen up!” the detectives looked at you. “a car’s coming to take us to shield hq so you better be ready to leave when bucky gives the say so. now, someone get these handcuffs off me, so we can put some criminals in them!”

“so cool,” jake praised. “you sound like john mclane.”

“that is totally what i was going for!”

taglist: @dianadov, @morsmordrethings, @smol-flower-kiddo, @darkness-doughter, @winterprincess-sky, @pinknerdpanda, @holybatflapexpert, @farfromjustordinary, @thegriefcollector, @marvelstank

[malecsecretsanta]

Merry Christmas, the-prophet-lemonade!

For @the-prophet-lemonade. So, I honestly panicked when I received the name of my giftee. Lucy, I did my best to put as many tropes as you like here. I hope it's not too crazy or confusing. I've never written space opera before, and it was a big challenge. I hope you like it 🙈

Read On AO3

*****

I’m gonna hold you (like I’m saying goodbye)

“Alexander!”

“On it!” Alec shouted back, sprinting through the busy, narrow alley. They’d been tailing the dragonfly-shaped creature for fifteen space jumps and through three galaxies, and they didn’t have the luxury of time to keep playing tag.

At least, Magnus didn’t have it.

Groaning, Alec saw the moment their target rose its wings and took flight.

Oh no.

That motherfucker wouldn’t.

Activating his runes, Alec jumped to his right and landed briefly on a barrel before launching himself upwards. He sprang from a windowsill on the left to a roof on the right, and pushed himself far enough to grab the creature’s tail and force them both back down.

With the natural grace of a Nephil – a blessed warrior crafted from the Creation’s purest energy – Alec landed graciously on the ground; or, more specifically, over his target’s body. Without wasting a beat, Alec unsheathed his Seraph blade and held it to the other figure’s neck.

“No more games. Where is the egg?” he asked with as much authority as he could muster, a dangerous threat lacing his voice.

The dragonfly-creature groaned, but relented, giving Alec the coordinates for the Dragon egg’s location.

“Alexander,” Magnus called again, finally reaching the Nephil. He stopped to catch his breath, having to sit for a moment. He was exhausted. The amount of power needed to keep his glamour up, hiding his scales, has been very taxing to his body lately.

Turning his head in Magnus’ direction, Alec’s face softened instantaneously. Glancing down to the robotic cat at Magnus’ feet, Alec spoke kindly. “Chairman, can you send a message to Isabelle Lightwood at the 987th octant of Idris galaxy? Tell her to come to the Seelie Planet. I got another illegal dealer.”

Chairman Meow’s face lit up in an affirmative, a rush of numbers and coordinates passing through the screen as the message was sent. Meanwhile, Alec pressed his knee more forcefully against the criminal who was still hissing and cursing him.

“For your cooperation, I’m going to request a lenient sentence for you. But if you are trying to mislead me, I swear I’ll personally throw you into the nearest black hole,” Alec growled, making Magnus snicker. He knew Alec would never do that to another living being, it was too cruel a move for his big-hearted friend; but the criminals didn’t know that, so they always complied.

Well, at least they now knew where to get the seventh Dragon egg.

~*~

The 5 th Draconic Rule – Mates

Gift – Every Dragon has a bonded mate; a soul created exclusively for their care, protection, and devotion. The bond is sacred, and its strength ensures the power and mental stability of a Dragon.

Curse – A Dragon who is without a mate on their thousandth supernoval cycle is fated to meet one of only two ends: complete madness, or death.

~*~

When the first translucent scales appeared, tiny ones near his hip, Magnus knew the clock was ticking. He would have to decide soon, and although he already knew which option it was going to be, it didn’t make taking the final leap less daunting.

His father was one of the most powerful dragons to ever exist, coming from royal lineage and with an entire planet under his claws. But his power came with a price - always a price - and his reign was tainted with blood and death.

Magnus refused to be part of it, to continue a kingdom built on pain and tears. His refusal also came with a price - when he was finally able to break free from Asmodeus, his father used one last trick.

He cursed Magnus' soul to never recognize his counterpart. Without the guide for his fated bond, he would never find his rider.

Asmodeus condemned Magnus to a lonely life with a sad end.

~*~

While waiting for the magnetic storm that would enable the space jump they needed to get to their next location, Magnus and Alec decided to venture through the heavily decorated town, full of warm lights and oddly curved, red-and-white striped decorations. The townspeople were apparently celebrating some kind of deity which was dear to their small planet, so the festivities were expected to go on for two whole weeks. A lot of visitors from other planets made the crowded streets busier than ever, the local merchants thriving as they sold their domestic goods and traditional food.

Holding each other’s hand to not get lost within the busy streets – though both knew better than to believe in that weak excuse – Magnus and Alec enjoyed the proximity and warmth of their interlaced fingers.

They had lost so much time, avoiding any attempt at something besides friendship due to their fear of an expected separation. After all, if Magnus did miraculously find his mate, their time together would end, and it would be too painful to accept that reality. All right, maybe the bond could be platonic – it had happened in other cases. But what if it wasn’t? By now, Alec knew about Magnus’ feelings for him; but what if the bond was stronger? What if Magnus fell in love at first sight with his rider?

Of course Alec would let him go, but it would hurt so much. And Magnus also knew what Alec felt, and would never want to inflict that kind of pain on him.

Their separation had maybe always been inevitable - but if they were going to save Magnus’ life, it would have to be soon, too. So, as a small mercy to themselves, they’d finally agreed to make the most of the time they still had together before…

Before whatever ending waited for them – Magnus’ salvation, or his death.

They wouldn’t put a name or label on their brief, joyful time together.

They would just be them.

Just Magnus and Alec.

They tried to have some fun, at least - and this festival was no exception. They played some of the games and won a few good prizes – which they didn’t mind giving to some of the children who looked at them with pleading eyes. They ate and drank and laughed. It was good. It didn’t feel like a big disaster was just waiting to fall on their heads at any time.

When night started to set and thousands of moonlight orbs floated in the growing light to illuminate the festival, Alec pulled Magnus aside to put something on his hand. It was a small, rectangular charm, made of red silk and golden thread.

“What is this?” There were awe and wonder in Magnus’ eyes, making them sparkle even more.

He is so beautiful. Alec smiled bashfully.

“It’s called an omamori. They are sacred to the feathered race, and I’ve heard that only those from the Phoenix constellation can make this. Each color and each thread are carefully chosen as they have different meanings, and ultimately the charm is bathed in blessed ashes mixed with powdered moonstone to strengthen its power.”

Magnus nodded slowly, taking in every detail and tracing the omamori with reverent fingers.

“What does this one mean?”

While Magnus was distracted by some silk scarves, Alec was drawn to the mystic power of a stall full of charms, which were being sold by a humanoid, copper-feathered bird wearing more jewels and chains than clothes.

The kind vendor explained the basics of omamori magic to Alec, and he felt more compelled than ever to buy one. He was torn between two – a blue and silver one, and a red and golden one, but when the vendor told him the blue and silver omamori was for success and longevity, oh… Alec felt a pang in his heart.

It would be clinging to something that would almost certainly never happen.

But the other option…

“Luck and protection.” Because if things went well? It would be by sheer luck. And protection… “Because I swore to always protect you, and I meant it - this way, if something happens and I’m not there, you’ll still be guarded.”

“Oh…” Magnus breathed softly, a small and genuine smile lighting up his face. He touched the omamori gently to his lips, his draconic eyes shining. “Thank you, Alexander.”

The soldier ducked his head and smiled, before nodding towards the food court.

“What do you say to some sweets from the Orion constellation?” They were some of Magnus’ favorites, he knew.

Magnus grinned. “You really know the way to a dragon’s heart,” he declared with a wink.

That Alec already lived in one was left unsaid.

~*~

The 9 th Draconic Rule – Scales

Gift – Every Dragon is born with silver scales, representing their purity of soul and a whole canvas of possibilities. They sing in gold when the ritual of mating is complete, and will then shift into a new color, signifying the Dragon’s new identity.

Curse – Bondless Dragons will surrender to red or black scales. Red scales for an eternal feral state and solitude. Black scales for the grief of death.

~*~

“Approaching the Dragon Sanctuary.” Alec announced through his communicator, unable to contain the excitement in his voice.

“Again?” Jace teased through the same communicator. “I don’t know why you still bother to come back to Idris at all. It’s clear you have a new home now.” Alec didn’t dignify his brother with an answer, mostly because that would mean admitting he was half-right.

Because no, Alec didn’t see Alicante as home anymore, even though he’d grown up there. But home wasn’t the Dragon Sanctuary either.

Home was a breathing thing. A person.

Or, in better terms, home was a dragon.

Alec first met Magnus when he was only sixteen. It was an odd situation, but somehow they saved each other while fighting against a group of mercenary hunters. After that, Magnus accompanied Alec for some time to make sure he would get back home without any more problems.

From there, they never stopped seeing each other. Ten years later and their visits had continued all the while. It was hard sometimes, since they lived in different galaxies; but Alec was one of the best warriors and pilots from Idris galaxy, and it wasn’t a problem for him to escape sometimes to go and see the one who made his heart beat a little faster and his mind spin.

Turning off the communicator once more, Alec finished the landing procedures, and stepped out of the craft onto the grass surrounding Magnus’ nest.

When he felt something quickly curl around his body, he didn’t even flinch. He would recognize that warmth and sandalwood scent anywhere.

“Hey,” Alec grinned, petting the dragon’s head as it kept nuzzling his cheek. Magnus’ true form was much, much bigger than this one, but he liked to say that this was the perfect size to cuddle Alec.

“Hello, pretty boy.” Magnus’ voice in his draconic form was a bit deeper, but still soft, with a musical lilt. “Missed my eyes?” As if to make his point, he lifted his head and golden, slitted eyes bored into Alec’s hazel ones, until a flirtatious wink broke the spell.

“Actually, I missed all of you, not only the eyes.” Alec answered bluntly as always, making Magnus pause in surprise and then burst out in delighted laughter.

A second later, Magnus shifted back into his human form, magic already wrapping him in clothes. Still, he didn’t let go of Alec and hugged the Nephil for a little longer.

Magnus wasn’t one to hug much – that was more Alec’s department – so when the dragon lingered longer and actually tightened the embrace a bit desperately, Alec knew something was wrong.

“What is it?” Alec pulled gently away so that he could turn and look at Magnus, and his smile faltered when he saw the dragon’s crestfallen face.

Instead of replying, Magnus just pulled back part of his cloak, showing his collarbones. And showing the translucent scales that glinted on his skin.

Translucent scales, on his human form.

Alec felt his face drain of color, and he grabbed urgently at Magnus’ shoulders. “When?”

“Last week,” Magnus mumbled. “This is why I asked you to come a little earlier. You… you know what this means.”

“Magnus…” Alec felt his heart ready to combust from sheer panic. “Your choice… What choice have you made?”

Magnus flinched at that, and right then Alec had his answer. He closed his eyes, willing the tears to not come.

Of course. Of course Magnus would want that.

Without his soulmate, spending the rest of his eternal life as a barely-sentient, feral creature would be Magnus’ worst nightmare.

Of course he would choose death.

But Alec had barely opened his mouth to protest when two other dragons landed beside them.

“Cat, Ragnor, good of you to join the party.” Magnus smiled, putting on that happy façade which Alec absolutely hated to see on his friend’s face.

Catarina and Ragnor were Magnus’ best friends, and together they formed a trio of unshakable loyalty and care. However, unlike Magnus, those two already had riders with platonic bonds. Ragnor, whose scales were the beautiful green of a forest touched by the first rays of light after dawn and whose horns had a curvature bigger than his head, was bonded to a priest called Raphael. And Cat, whose scales were the fresh blue of the clearest ocean, was bonded to a little girl called Madzie who was still learning how to be a rider.

As for Magnus…

Alec thought about Magnus’ silver scales. Usually they were a dragon’s version of ‘plain’, but Magnus was always adorning them with jewelry, until he not only shined but sparkled like a gemstone in the sun. But still, all the decoration in the world didn’t change the message a silver scale sent.

Magnus was bondless.

He was alone.

He had no one to care for him, to love him.

Alec sighed inwardly. What an ugly lie. If he could…

But that thought was quickly interrupted by Cat dropping yet another bombshell.

“We found a solution,” she began, speaking as soon as she shifted back into her human form. “It was hard, but the Elders finally yielded. Have you ever heard of the Journey of Eight?”

“Isn’t that a myth?” Magnus frowned.

“All myths are real, dumbass.” Ragnor grumbled, also shifting. Then, he turned to Alec, who presumably looked very lost. “Dragon eggs are rare and very precious for us,” he explained, “but they also emanate a lot of power, which unfortunately serves to draw untowards attention.”

Alec nodded, already aware of that fact. Dragon eggs were on the top of mercenary hunters’ list to acquire. A small piece was worth a fortune capable of sustaining a family for three generations.

“When a Dragon is born, no matter where it is in the Universe, it’s imperative that the remnants of the egg should be destroyed, or else anyone could get their hands on it.” Cat continued. “But there are rumors of Dragons who didn’t have the chance to do that, so some of their egg remains.”

“There is even one in a fucking museum,” Ragnor grumbled.

Catarina grimaced. “Yes, there is. But our point is - Magnus, if you collect one piece of eight different eggs, their power would be enough to fuel a ritual that will point in the direction of your rider, no matter how far away they are.”

“What?” Magnus spluttered, and Alec felt the same, torn between shock and hope.

Magnus could be saved.

“Do you know the coordinates for those pieces? I can go take them right now!” Alec stood at attention, a soldier more than eager to take orders and act.

“Alexander!” Now Magnus was the shocked one. “My thousandth cycle is in a month's time. It’s impossible to search through millions of galaxies in that time.”

“But we have to at least try,” Alec insisted. “Listen, my ship is fast. I’m a good pilot. If I have the coordinates? I don’t care if I have to make five hundred jumps, or five thousand jumps, Magnus. I won’t miss this opportunity to help you.”

Magnus’ Adam’s apple bobbed painfully as he swallowed. That sweet, sweet man.

Biting his lower lip, Magnus nodded, a fierce expression crossing his face.

“I’m coming with you.”

“Magnus, I can handle–”

“No, this is non-negotiable. The Dragon eggs are for me, so I decide that. Besides…” Bringing a hand to his lips, Magnus whistled loudly.

Seconds later, his robotic cat – Chairman Meow – came running from Magnus’ nest. As cute and small Chairman looked, Alec knew better.

That robot knew one hundred ways to kill and hide the body without anyone knowing.

“Chairman only goes where I go.” Magnus grinned. “And my intuition tells me he will be a very useful addition to our team.”

~*~

The snow drifted slowly, dancing and tumbling in the air like fireflies. It was beautiful, especially when the scarce light caught it and reflected a fleeting, pocket-sized aurora. However, as pretty as it might be, it was also a sign of the steely and dangerous cold. The situation of sharing a single bed seemed less ‘odd’ and more like an obviously excellent idea, the two of them bundling up under the same blanket to keep themselves warm.

Alec didn’t mind, especially since he would do anything to stop Magnus’ shivering body from shutting down. The fire in the hearth wasn’t enough anymore, hadn’t been for hours. Chairman Meow had already needed to activate one of his survival mode settings, too, turning into a small space heater to keep the chill at bay.

Magnus was running out of time.

Not only his body was starting to freeze from inside out, his blood running sluggishly, but more scales were blooming and darkening. They’d already advanced over his neck and reached his chin, and by now they were half-covering his forearms and thighs, too.

They were killing him.

Alec let out a shuddering breath and held Magnus more tightly against his own body, earning a weak, content sigh from the dragon. Looking out of the window, past the snow and lights, Alec sent up a prayer - or just a desperate plea - to the stars hidden up above, or whatever power lurked behind them.

Please, don’t take him away from me. Give us more time. Please, please.

~*~

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. The last Dragon egg was said to be inside a cave that only other dragons could locate, and Magnus found it easily - but they hadn't expected to also find mercenary hunters. It was unbelievable that even after Valentine’s demise, his goons were still out there causing havoc, enacting his toxic and distorted vision.

Fucking dammit.

Nothing was easy, huh?

When they’d retrieved the first few egg fragments, fights hadn’t been a problem - Alec and Magnus worked well as partners in battle. But now, with Magnus growing ever weaker, the only way they stood half a chance was if Chairman Meow was also actively helping them fight.

Which meant it was a good thing the cat was programmed to spit fire. Bless Magnus for having insisted on bringing him with them - a portable flamethrower was exactly what they needed, especially after Alec’s second Seraph blade fell into the river of lava below.

After all, going for a swim to retrieve it was hardly an option.

Magnus finally reached the eggshell fragment - the last piece they needed, hidden in a glamoured nest. Alec was still finishing off the last hunters, struggling without Magnus’ help and his increasing fatigue. By now, he’d lost not only both blades, but also his bow - he was using his arrows as last-resort weapons, now. Eventually, though, one of them struck home in the eye of the last hunter standing, and Alec slumped, catching his breath.

It was too soon.

One of the hunters who was already down – an elemental demon, who despite his half-burned body suddenly seemed to find a last burst of energy - struck out, launching a ball of raw elemental power at Alec.

Alec barely had time to blink before Magnus pushed him out of the way and took the brunt of it.

“NO!” Alec screamed, crashing to his knees. “You fucking stupid, fucking idiot…” He crawled over to Magnus and cradled his limp form, anguish threatening to swallow him whole even as he brought the dragon as close as possible.

“Not… charming, darling…” Magnus coughed, blinking sluggishly.

“Don’t care. How many times have we talked about your dumb self-sacrificing tendencies? You are not a fucking living shield!”

“You’re one to talk. Also, you are saying the word ‘fucking’ far too much, Alexander. Is there some kind of urge you’re trying to hint at right now?” Magnus gave a wobbly smile, as well as a bleary, poor attempt at a wink.

“Stop flirting,” Alec chastised, a lopsided grin slowly blooming on his own lips despite his rising fear.

Magnus hummed in acknowledgment, but no other quip came forth. Instead, his eyes closed and didn’t open again.

“Magnus?” Nothing. “Magnus, hey-” He shook the dragon a little bit, Magnus staying unresponsive - but the change in position illuminated black scales, new ones, growing on his face.

They were out of time.

Resisting the urge to break down right there, Alec lifted Magnus up and strode towards his ship.

They had to go back to the Dragon Sanctuary now.

~*~

Alec could count on only one hand how many times he left his ship to navigate by autopilot. It’s not that the AI wasn’t efficient; Alicante’s technology was undeniably some of the best in the known Universe. Most of his people still believed it to be their divine right, as they were the chosen ones from the Creation itself.

There was a time Alec also believed in that natural, just superiority. Until...

A weak tremor caught his attention and he looked back down at the man still cradled in his arms. Magnus’ human form was fading. His breathing was ragged and his pulse was weak.

“Fuck,” Alec cursed, his eyes blowing wide in panic. “Church, go faster!”

“We are already at maximum speed, sir.”

Alec cursed again. He needed to pilot the ship manually, so he could break past the damn protocols and force the system to crash its primary settings. Without the restraints implanted by the Clave, he could burn up all of the stamina core in minutes and increase their speed tenfold.

He’d be in big trouble for it, of course, but he didn’t care. Magnus was his priority.

He had been for a long time.

AIs weren’t made to enter a gravitational field by themselves, the unpredictable shifts in G making the systems unstable to the point of shutdown. Always, always turning off the autopilot and navigating manually through gravitational fields was one of the first things Alec had learned at Alicante Academy.

But right now, he either piloted or held Magnus. He couldn’t do both, and maybe they needed the speed, but putting Magnus down away from his warmth and posture support was out of the question.

So, Alec made his choice.

And he could only pray it was the right one.

ATTENTION

ATTENTION

SAFETY PROTOCOL MALFUNCTION

CRASH LANDING IMMINENT

“Chairman, secure us!” Alec yelled amidst the blaring alarms, and the robot promptly leaped into action. Elongating his tail, he fastened it around Alec and Magnus, pinning them on the makeshift bed. His claws also grew and penetrated the metal floor, firmly holding onto it.

Alec closed his eyes and waited, hoping for the best. And if the worst happened instead?

Well, Magnus was already dying.

At least he wouldn’t die alone.

ATTENTION

ATTENTION

TRAJECTORY UNSAFE

CRASH LANDING IMMI-

~*~

The 6 th Draconic Rule – Bonds

Gift – The bonds have two different natures; they can be either platonic or romantic. The platonic bond is more common, but the romantic bond is more powerful. Combined with partnership, the soul bond allows for total connection and shared strength.

Curse – A rider can reject a bond if they do not desire to be by their Dragon’s side. The pain of rejection is visceral. Death is considered a far kinder fate.

~*~

“…wood. Lightwood! Bloody hell, boy! Where did you learn to pilot? Your ship is a goddamned wreck-”

“Ragnor, if you aren’t going to help, do be quiet. Concussions don’t heal themselves, I have work to do.”

“Just wake him, for fuck’s sake! Concussion or not, he’s the only one here who can take Magnus to the fountain, and if he doesn’t damn well hurry up-”

Alec’s eyes snapped open, his body jackknifing upwards. Instinct kicked in before recognition, his frantic heart threatening to escape from his chest, and he reached for Magnus – who was still unconscious and laying beside him.

With trembling fingers, he pressed down on the pulse point at Magnus’.

It was so faint…

“Alec, we’re nearly out of time.” His attention finally snapped upwards to the two other dragons present, his brain kicking back into gear with a spike of hope. If Catarina and Ragnor were there, that meant they did it, they reached the Dragon Sanctuary. “Did you get all eight pieces?”

Alec nodded, grabbing at the small satchel attached to the cord on his neck.

“Perfect. We have to go.” Cat opened a portal and stepped through it without missing a beat. Ragnor followed, looking back at Alec one last time with a worried glare that quite clearly meant hurry the fuck up.

Alec didn’t need to be told twice. He lifted Magnus into his arms once more, and the two of them disappeared through the portal.

On the other side, Alec stepped out into the most majestic scenery he’d ever seen. They were inside some kind of cavern, what looked like the base of a mountain with how high it was, the ceiling barely visible. The walls and whole swathes of the floor were covered with stalagmites so clear, they seemed made of pure crystal.

A moment later, the torches around them flared to life, and produced a whole spectrum of colors and magic and sound.

Alec didn’t know how that was possible, but it was like the stones were humming some kind of melody.

In the center of everything, there was a fountain – the water so crystal blue, it was easy to see the sigils and marks on the bottom of it. Around it, exactly eight bowls – equally distanced from each other – with eight black candles already alight, burning gold as Cat or Ragnor threw a piece of dragon egg into each flame.

When the last piece was burned, the entire fountain began to shine.

“Put him in the water, now!” Ragnor practically roared, but Alec was already in motion, leaping straight into the center of the water; Magnus floated freely, but Alec couldn’t step away, opened his mouth to ask if the ritual would work with him there and-

The water pulsed.

No, wait - it was Magnus’ body pulsing, his soul looking for its counterpart.

Three beats later, everything stilled.

Alec waited with bated breath, expecting at any moment to see some kind of magical arrow appear, pointing to where Magnus’ soulmate was.

But absolutely nothing happened.

Alec’s heart plummeted. They were too late, they- “No, no, no,” he mumbled, his hands twitching at his sides. “Why didn't it work? He needs his rider. Why–”

“Alec,” Cat interrupted him, but not unkindly. “Look down.”

Blinking hard, he did exactly that.

There was a gold thread coming out from Magnus’ chest and connecting to…

Oh.

Connecting to his own chest.

It was him? He was Magnus’ rider?

Another pulse, and something – something ancient and powerful – whispered in his ear.

And suddenly, Alec knew exactly what to do.

Lowering himself further into the water and bringing Magnus into his arms once more, he kissed his dragon’s forehead, and then began to chant in a strong, quiet voice.

“Thee and me ever entwin'd

Dragon of mine, heart of blissful shine

I bond myself to thee, now and forever

Dragon of mine, mine own eternal shrine”

A pulse.

The water shone silver.

Another pulse.

And like molten obsidian, Magnus��� scales turned from black to gold.

Another pulse, and another, and another and another-

The cave was coming alive like a dormant heart, beating against long-worn stillness. And then it breathed - and Magnus transformed, his bones shifting under blinding light, stretching into a dragon form that was so big, he ended up occupying almost the entire fountain.

When the light dissipated, his scales weren’t gold anymore.

Nor – thankfully – black.

They were a mesmerizing azure blue.

Alec bit back a cry of joy, and relief, and excitement. Magnus was saved.

Magnus was going to be alright.

“My rider,” Magnus rumbled, lowering his head – so big, just his eye was bigger than Alec’s head – and nuzzled against Alec’s chest. “My darling Alexander. It has always been you.”

“Yeah…” Alec closed his eyes, feeling all the tension leave him at once, and letting himself snuggle against Magnus. Suddenly, a chuckle slipped free. “I can’t believe that damn curse prevented us from seeing the obvious.”

“I can’t believe it worked; I was almost certain that the eggs wouldn’t help,” Magnus hummed. “Even if they pointed to the direction where my rider was supposed to be, there was still the possibility of them being too far away for me to get there in time. Or they could have been dead. Or… or they could have rejected me.”

Now that they were bonded, Alec could feel the fear bleeding from Magnus’ words, and it made his own heart ache. “So why did you want to go through all that trouble just to get them?” he asked, frowning.

“To be with you,” the dragon replied simply. “If I was going to die, I wanted to spend my last moments with the person who made me the happiest.”

“Magnus…” Alec felt a lump rise to his throat, and held his dragon a little tighter. Just thinking about Magnus’ demise was enough to make him shiver. He hoped to never feel that fear again.

“Oddly enough, Magnus is right,” Catarina suddenly said, drawing their attention. “The eggs didn’t help at all, really.” She grinned at their clear confusion. “I’m sorry for the deception, but it was the only way. The truth is, it was never about the eggs. It was about the journey - your journey.” Her smile softened. “You two already had a natural bond in place, but Asmodeus’ curse was messing with the nature of it. You fell in love without knowing you were soulmates.”

Alec blushed. Love… Even if they had never put a label on what they were, on what they felt for the other…

Love felt very right.

“That’s also why Magnus didn’t fade so fast,” Ragnor added. “Had he spent that length of time alone, he never would have stood a chance. He could only hold on because you were always together.”

At that moment, Magnus returned to his human form, and for the first time in months, he looked healthy. Alec was so relieved, he felt like crying.

Naturally, Magnus immediately broke the moment. “Now you don’t have an excuse not to ride me, Alexander,” he declared with a smirk.

Alec snorted, but the sound was too close to a sob. He thought he was going to lose that, too. Magnus’ terrible jokes and shameless flirtations. Unable to stand even a tiny distance any longer, he practically threw himself at Magnus, hugging him firmly and burying his face in the crook of his neck.

“I promise to always protect you,” he said fiercely. “Nothing bad will happen to you again. I’ll be by your side every step of the way.”

“This sounds awfully like a wedding vow, darling,” Magnus teased - but there was a note of insecurity in his voice, too.

“I mean, we can get married, can’t we?” Still holding his soulmate, Alec turned to Cat and Ragnor, as if looking for their blessing. After getting a nod and appreciative smiles from both, Alec turned back to Magnus and held his face with the utmost care and affection.

Then, he leaned in and finally, finally kissed Magnus.

Magnus kissed back with equal fervor, yearning for the sweet contact he’d craved for so long. They only pulled apart to finally say what could no longer be contained - the only words that really mattered, the ones they needed to pronounce and hear more than they needed air to breathe.

“I love you.”

I love you, I love you, I love you.

[bakusoftie]

how he would confess w/ izuwu + tododorki + bakuhoe

warnings: fluff, crackheadness, angst (in that order) THIS IS BAD AS FUCK

izuwu🥦

• okay so I can see him as the kind of person who develops a crush on literally anyone who is kind to him and treats him well (*cough* me *cough*)

• you guys were probably childhood friends and lived in the same neighborhood as him. you were there for him when he find out he was quirkless and you defended him whenever kacchan would bully him

•he idolizes you almost as much as he does all might. Like he has an entire notebook called “y/n analysis for OUR future”

•when he gets One For All and starts his training w/ all might, he is so determined to get stronger so that that one day he could save you instead of you always saving him.

•he is always thinking of ways to confess to you but everytime he tries it always backfires

“uh i l-love you, y/n”

“love ya too, izu-chan. you’re the bestest friend in the world”

• oOf

•it takes him awhile to gather the confidence to tell you how much he loves you but eventually while you two are studying, he closes the book you were currently reading and tells you that he needs to tell you something that’s been on his mind for a long time

“o-okay I just n-needed to tell you...ivebeeninlovewithyouforsolongandiwashopingyoufeltthesamewaybutitistotallyfineifyoudont-“

•you had to kiss this muttering idiot to shut him up

•it was in this moment that izuku midoriya had died and went to heaven

•after that, he goes to all might and rants about how beautiful and smart and amazing his new girlfriend is

•yeah you’re gonna have to kiss him to shut up again

💙tododorki❤️

you guys met at U.A. and were partnered up for sparring.

this is post-sports festival shouto so at first he didn’t really care much for you but he changes his mind when you kick his fucking ass in training

his first thoughts were that you were just competition and a distraction and that he should just ignore the weird feeling in his stomach he gets whenever he looks at you

and he fucking looks at you,,,like all the time.

he just thinks the way your hair falls into your face and the way you lick your lips when you try to concentrate on the new lesson is distracting (read as: what that mouf do)

after the sports festival, he goes to visit his mommy and tells her about his “weird feelings” he has for you and she tells him that he’s being a dumbass pussy and that “he better cuff you before someone else does”

when he realizes that the feelings he feels are romantic, he fucking freaks out like this icyhot thot goes Error 404 and he go stupid

one day you were just chilling in the common room with your manly buddy kirishima when you can literally feel the icy cold stare someone is giving you two

kiri is fucking scared and yeeted himself out of there (you’re kinda pissed he just left you ugh like ‘unfriend you on minecraft’ pissed but shosho is kinda turning you on)

“what the fuck was that about, todokidoki”

“you’re mine now”

he leaves after that and you literally have to chase after those half and half cheeks to get him to confess to you properly and when you look at him with a blank look and stay silent for too many seconds, he immediately expects rejection.

who the fuck was he to demand you to be his like that,,that’s only something his bastard of a father would do

“fucking finally! you have no idea how long i’ve wanted to clap your icyHoT ass”

• [insert todoroki as surprised pikachu]

💥 bakuhoe 💥

you two have been friends since u.a. started

well you thought you were friends but for some reason bakubitch always pushed you away

you fought together during the u.s.j attack and you cheered him on during the sports festival and during exams

but he was always so cold and mean to you

you sat next to him on the bus to the training camp and you don’t know why but you just had a feeling something bad was gonna happen,,you ended up falling asleep on his shoulder the whole ride there

he looked annoyed and murderous on the outside

but on the inside, his heart was pounding faster than sAnic and iida combined (these spot the difference games are getting hard)

when the time came for everyone to team up, you were hoping to be on bakugou’s team but sadly he was paired with todoroki and you had to be by yourself because of the uneven number of classmates you had

the moment bakugou heard the villains were after him, his mind went to you. you were all by yourself in a woods full of villains and he didn’t give a fuck if they were after him, he just wanted you to be safe (in his arms but he’ll never admit that)

mr.compress ended up capturing him before he could find you

when he was released, his eyes fell on your beat up figure and he let out a relived but defeated sigh that at least it was him and not you

but once he saw you running towards him while shoji cradles the capsuled tokoyami, he could feel the hand around him heating up and the last thing he sees

was dabi blowing you back with his blue flames and your charred and bruised body slumping against a tree

the next thing he sees is darkness and at some point of time he’s passed out from cursing and straining himself from crying to not look weak in front of the enemies

the villains wanted him to join their stupid fucking cause but bakugou just wanted to kill every single one of them, especially the patchwork motherfucker that hurt you

‘fuck..what if he killed you? the way your body hit the hard surface of the tree was sure to give you a concussion at least’

he tried asking all might what happened to you when he came to save him from these villain bastards but he was teleported before he could get the chance

that’s when he heard shitty hair call out his name and saw a bunch of his classmates that came to his rescue...except you

after watching all might’s fall, he demanded kirishima to tell him what the fuck happened to you and why you weren’t with them

did you not care enough about him? or maybe they didn’t tell you about their reckless plans

but all shitty hair would say was “I can’t just tell you,bro. you have to see for yourself”

what the fuck was that even supposed to mean ?!?!

it wasn’t until aizawa visited his home that he got the chance to finally see you. (he had to fucking beg aizawa to take him to the hospital you were at before he blows up dadzawa’s favorite sleeping bag) bandage bitch said that you were still in the hospital recovering from dabi’s attack

okay so this wouldn’t be that bad, right?! they probably just have a broken leg or something.

but the solemn look on aizawa’s face when they got to your room said it all

the doctors said you have been in a coma since the training camp and have shown no signs of waking up yet

bakubitch starts blaming himself like he always does

he has a mental breakdown before he even gets through the door because he knows if he sees your unresponsive face, he will fucking lose his marbles

eventually he walks into your room and sits next to your bed, choosing to not even look at your direction

but he gives in

and he regrets it because all he can think of is how he’s never gonna hear your laugh again or see your dumbass smile, he’s never gonna get the chance to tell you how he feels and before he knows it tears keep falling down his face as he holds in his sobs

not only did he destroy all might but he destroyed the love of his life too

“fuck...im sorry i pushed you away like fucking bitch instead of telling you how I felt. i fucking love you and I hate myself for it.”

the only thing that stopped his cries was the sound of a flatline

[alonely-dreamer]

The Valuable Sun | Chapter 14

Summary: Eric left with Russell and Pam won’t let her leave Fangtasia.

Pairing: Eric x OC

Warnings: 18+

A/N: Please, note that I am French so there might be some mistakes here and there.

Words: 2227

Masterlist

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13

There was no escaping Pam. The vampire had made it impossible for Brooklynne to go outside of Fangtasia, even for a minute. “I never disobeyed Eric, I’m not about to do it now,” she had said. But Brooklynne couldn’t bare it. She had to leave, she had to go. As soon as she found her phone, she had been surprised by the number of calls that she had received. Not because there were a lot of them, that was to be expected, but because of when she received them. She had been a prisoner here for two days and Sookie hadn’t even tried to call her once. The only calls she missed were from Tara and Jason. Listening to the dozens of messages they had left them, she learnt that Tara had been kidnapped by a delusional vampire named Franklin who took her to Mississippi where she first found Bill, then Sookie, who too had been kidnapped by a vampire of the name of Russell Edgington. Brooklynne was confused to hear about it, as Eric hadn’t mentioned her sister at all. She had been even more confused when she heard that Eric was there, saw them both, even Bill, but did nothing. Tara went as far as to call the Viking a “motherfucking traitor”. Brooklynne couldn’t blame her, after all, it did feel like betrayal. But she chose to trust Eric, she chose to think the best about the situation. If Eric had helped any of them, he’d probably be dead, and gone would have been his chances at avenging his family. But still, knowing that he left Sookie in the hands of Russell, especially since he knew of her powers, that hurt. That hurt much more than she would like to admit, even to herself. But all of that dilemma was forgotten in a second after she heard Jason’s messages. It was a horrific rollercoaster. First, she heard him say Bill had drained Sookie of most of her blood, then heard that her sister almost died. She heard too many messages of her brother asking her where she was and “what the fuck” she was doing. Sookie needed her, she needed her blood. The hospital couldn’t find Sookie’s blood type, and Brooklynne was her only chance of survival. Listening to these messages, she begged Pam to let her go, she cried, she screamed and even kicked but the vampire had no sympathy and even threatened, more than once, to chain her back to the bloody basement. The fighting stopped though, when she listened to the last message her brother had left her, informing her that Bill had arrived and fed Sookie his blood. Sookie was safe. Sookie was alive.

Exhausted by the last two days and especially the last hour, she let herself fall on the grey couch in Eric’s office, putting on the way too tight clothes that Ginger had brought over, ignoring the food that was on the desk that the waitress had “cooked” herself. She fell asleep almost instantly, leaving the horror of reality behind, just to step inside the horror of her mind.

Question after question, doubt after doubt, nightmare after nightmare, Brooklynne slept over forty hours in a row but got very little rest. All of her quiet and hidden worries came to life, dreaming of Eric, but not exactly Eric, or maybe just exactly him. Maybe the scary smirking vampire in her nightmares were exactly who Eric was and she was just too stupid to realize it. Maybe he didn’t really care about Sookie, maybe he would have killed her himself if it meant securing his revenge. Maybe he was a bloodthirsty vampire like Sookie had said, someone who didn’t care at all about her, or just about her powers, someone who would kill her once he had no more use of her.

When she wasn’t dreaming of Eric she dreamt of Russell or the Magister, or both. She watched the latter die over and over again, watched him torture Pam, torture her, torture Eric and then die by the hand of Russell Edgington. She watched herself be killed by him, watched Sookie die by his hand as well, watched a faceless vampire kill Tara and Jason. She heard Pam’s screams echoing inside of her head, saw Eric’s concerned look turn into an evil grin, saw herself with burning wings and falling from the sky.

None of those nightmares woke her up, no matter how bad they got. It was a loud noise that had her jerk awake, and an apparition that had her jump and almost fall off the couch.

“We need sanctuary,” she heard Eric say as he walked in.

Pam was there too, as surprised as Brooklynne as the telepath heard the vampire gasp, obviously unaware of what had her maker so panicked.

“Oh my God, what have you done?” she asked as she saw the blood on his shirt and on his face.

“Are you okay?” Brooklynne asked as she got up from the couch and made her way to him over to the desk.

“I staked a vampire, the lover of Russell Edgington,” he informed them, pacing the room. Brooklynne had never seen him like this, neither had Pam.

“Are you insane?!”

“Where can we go?!” he shouted back at her, making both women jump.

“We can go to my house…” Brooklynne started but he cut her off.

“No, that’s out of the question.”

“You never panic, should I be panicking?” Pam asked right as Ginger appeared behind her.

“Ginger, dear,” Eric started to say, “where do you live?”

“Across the river in Bossier, why?”

“We need your house. Now-ish,” Pam answered.

“Because of the V-feds?”

“The V-feds?” Brooklynne repeated, confused.

As she received no answer she looked up at both Eric and his progeny and what she saw was less than reassuring.

“They’re here for the Magister,” Pam guessed.

“What? But…”

“Russell sent a crew to clean up, right?”

“Yeah, I checked everything myself, the basement is spotless,” Pam answered.

“Let’s stay calm, and let’s go,” Eric instructed, “Brooke you know nothing, and if they try to glamour you, pretend like it’s working.”

“What about me?” Ginger asked.

“You…” Eric sighed, “you can just be yourself.”

He gave a look to his progeny then gave a reassuring nod to Brooklynne, before he walked out of his office, followed by everyone else.

 ***

 Confused, Brooklynne stayed silent as Nan Flanagan ordered her men to silver Pam and Eric. The 800 year-old vampire said nothing as her eyes fell on Brooklynne and continued to ignore the human as she interrogated Pam first, then Eric. To everyone’s surprise, Eric was brutally honest about everything. He told them about Russell and his pack of werewolves. He told them of his own family and need for revenge. He told all of that, knowing it would probably get him killed, in front of cameras, in front of the famous Authority Brooke had heard so much about.

After Nan left Fangtasia a little before sunrise, leaving some of her men to guard her prisoners, Pam said nothing as she gave a worried, sad and confused look to her maker, before she made her way to the other room where her coffin was waiting for her. Eric didn’t follow her and instead made his way to his office where Brooklynne found him.

He was sitting at his desk with a worried look Brooklynne wasn’t accustomed to see on his face. He raised his head a little as she walked inside the room. She said nothing as she closed the door and made her way to him.

“I’m mad at you,” she said in a calm tone.

“Lying would have been futile.”

“I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about you leaving my sister to a crazy psycho vampire who hates human and who’s probably gonna do terrible things to her once he knows what she is!”

“You mean a fairy?” he said suddenly, almost making her jump despite his quiet voice and calm attitude. The look on her face told him everything he wanted to know.

“How do you…”

“Your cousin told me.”

“My cousin?” she frowned.

“Hadley.”

“How did you… How does she…”

“She was Sophie-Anne’s human until a few days ago. She’s the one who told her about you and your… abilities. The queen sent Bill to investigate.”

It took a minute for the telepath to realize what it all meant. “She sent Bill,” she breathed out. “Bill… became friends with Sookie…”

“It was his job. Though I have no doubt his feelings are real, knowing how he is…”

A word escaped her mouth she had never said before. It surprised Eric too.

“I couldn’t have helped Sookie even if I wanted to…”

“I know that. I just… I wish you would have told me…”

“I didn’t want to worry you.”

“Nobody wants to worry me!” she replied loudly. “Nobody tells me anything because they think I’m too weak to hear it! And I’m sick of it!”

“I’m sorry.”

His apology took her by surprise. She couldn’t remember if he had ever apologized, to her or anyone.

She sighed. She let go of her anger, not wanting to spend what could be their last moment together angry at him. She sat on his lap like he liked her to do and rested her head on his chest.

“What do you think is going to happen?”

“I don’t know.”

“Yes you do.”

He sighed. “I’d be lucky if they decide to put me in a box for a thousand years.”

“They can do that?” she asked, with a horrified look on her face as she looked up at him.

“Oh, yes.”

“But…”

“Don’t worry about it. It won’t help either me or you.”

“But…”

He didn’t let her finish as he gently brought her head back to his chest.

“You’ll be fine. When I’m gone… never tell anyone what you are. Take Sookie and go. The queen knows what you are and what you can do. What your blood can do. She wants it. She wants the sun. She can never have it, do you understand?” he asked as he took her face in his hands and locked her eyes in his to emphasize his point. “If he doesn’t already know it, Russell will figure it out too. Never tell anyone. Ever. Promise me.”

Tears filled her eyes as she stared back at him, his plea echoing in her head. A few tears fell down as she nodded.

“What am I gonna do without you?” she asked in a trembling whisper.

“You’ll be just fine,” he said, bringing her closer to his chest. “If they leave Pam alone, you can always trust her and ask her for help.”

“I’m sure she’d rather I leave her alone,” she chuckled sadly.

“Yes. But she’d do it for me.”

“You’re gonna be okay,” she said, completely aware of her denial.

He smiled as he stroke her hair. “We’re all going to be okay.”

 ***

 An entire day had gone by and Eric hadn’t gotten any sleep at all. Around midnight, they found Pam at a table in the club, waiting silently for Flanagan to come back with the verdict. She said nothing to her maker, though the look on her face said it all. Eric and Brooklynne sat at the table next to hers and they didn’t move nor say anything for about an hour.

At last, Nan came back with a letter in her hands. She looked angry and in a hurry. This was going to be quick, and the armed men following her made it certain that the arrest, if arrest there was, would be quick too.

“You look like shit,” she told Eric.

“Well I feel fantastic,” she replied dryly.

“The ruling is as follows,” she said as she opened the letter. Brooklynne squeezed Eric’s hand and she felt her heart starting to beat faster inside of her chest. She knew Eric would hear it too. “The Authority disavows any knowledge of our interview, your statement or, indeed, this ruling itself. None of this ever happened.”

“What?” Eric voiced what Pam and Brooklynne were feeling too.

“Missing royals, dead Magisters… It’s a political tar baby no one wants to touch,” she explained. “Not with the VRA close to ratification.”

“Russell will not stop killing,” Eric told her. “What if the human public learns of it.”

“That’s why you’re going to take care of it. Quietly, discreetly, and, most important of all, completely off the books. You wanted revenge, it’s yours.”

“What resources are you gonna give me?”

“None. We’re not getting near it.”

“How do you expect me to kill him? He’s three times my age.”

“Listen, you whiny little bitch. The only link between Sophie-Anne, Russell and the Magister is you. You brought us this steaming pile of shit and you’re going to make it go away. Bring me his fangs, or I will have yours.”

She turned around without another word, followed by all of her men, leaving the two vampires and the fairy alone to digest what had just been said. Eric turned around to look at his progeny who seemed to be as worried as he was. His eyes fell on his human and he could almost read her mind.

It was a death sentence after all.

*********

Tags: @thepoet1975 @nerdysandwichqueen @catchmeupimgettingoutofhere @raegan-hale @colie87 @heavenly1927​ @abbey7103

[takeiteasypeasybaby]

Save Me: Chapter 71 - Force To Be Reckoned With

~Hey guys! Chapter 71 is out now :) I hope you all enjoy and I love you all as always~

Negan attempts to infiltrate the whisperers and gain their trust while Alexandria suffer a blow when judgement is clouded.

One month later...

Negan's POV//

After I'd passed the skin suit test, the giant walked over to me and made me walk with him back to camp, still blindfolded.

'Honestly, fellas or ladies. Kinda hard to tell underneath the outfits. I wanna join, alright? I am a joiner. Get me a damn application already. I mean, look at you guys, right? Cool-ass outfits, the whole back-to-nature paleo vibe? You are a survivalist's wet dream' I said loudly.

'Not to mention the number-one selling point no more bein' eaten by the dead. But just out of curiosity, cause it's killin' me. What do you got goin' on down low? Are you flyin' around commando-style, or do you got, like, walker long johns with the la flap?' I said loudly until I felt a blade against my throat.

'Whoa. Cool your tits there, Jolly Green Giant' I said smirking.

'Noise. Constant noise. I should just slit your throat, be done with it' the big man whispered as he pressed the blade closer.

'Okay. You know what? You're right, big man. I am sorry. I never properly introduced myself. Hey, I'm Negan. For the last eight years, I have been locked up by your enemy. So you take me to your leader, and I will spill every goddamn secret I know' I said sternly as he took off my blindfold and stopped me talking by gagging me.

Many walkers now joined us and I have to say I was a little freaked out but I guess the walker blood from earlier disguised me.

I whispered to the big man, 'Clearly, we are not jivin'. And, you know, to be honest with you, I totally understand the position you're in. You gotta be, like, the tough guy and keep everybody in line. I mean, hell, you know, I had guys just like you to keep my shit tight. Alright, maybe not just like you. Uh, hell, if I had some monster your size, things would've turned out different. Look, whether you like me or not, I will be joinin' this team, so maybe we should find a way to get along, you know, and stop pissin' on each other's boots'.

He turned to me and whispered, 'You will never be one of us. You're too loud, too weak, too full of ego'.

I scoffed and said 'I mean, it ain't ego if I really am that awesome'.

'You are a waste, and Alpha will see it' he whispered angrily.

'So cards on the table, then? Cool. I dig that. See, I'm not here for you. I am here for Alpha. So you go ahead, and you throw your little tests at me and you scowl and throw me on the ground like a five-and-dime Frankenstein. I don't give a shit. See, big man, I ain't goin' anywhere' I said smiling.

He looked at me and knifed one of his own whisperers and said 'finally, something we can both agree on. You won't be going anywhere'.

The whisperer dropped to the ground, calling all the walkers around us as the big man moved through them freely.

I looked around and saw them heading for me as I whipped out a penknife and stabbed one in the head as the blade broke off.

'Wait a minute. Did you just make a Goddamn joke? I would be impressed if I wasn't so pissed off right now' I whispered as the walkers started to overcrowd me.

I saw a log on the ground and swung it over my shoulder, smashing in their heads as I moved through.

I wasn't gonna go out by the hands of that guy or these dead motherfuckers.

I found my way back to camp and saw whisperers part for me as I walked through, marching right up to Alpha.

'I'm ready for my Goddamn skin suit. You best bring that extra-long tape measure on account of my humongous balls' I shouted.

I stood in front of her, covered in walker guts and a log over my shoulder as I said softly 'Hi. I'm Negan. We haven't formally met, but I sure as hell know who you are. And whether my reputation precedes me or not I'm all in. Whatever you want, whatever I got, it's yours'.

I knelt down in front of her in faux allegiance as she bowed down to inspect me, pulling a finger to her lips she whispered 'shh' as I smiled.

Molly's POV//

Michonne couldn't keep me from this now.

I could tell the war was getting serious because Luke and Cindy had brought their people down to Alexandria, so all our communities had a united front to fight the whisperers.

She knew that this was as much my war as hers.

We had both lost so much because of that evil woman and I wanted to kill her with my bare hands, so did Michonne, so did Carol.

I radioed Michonne for her to come talk to me and let me and Lydia out which she did eventually with much persuasion.

I told her that if someone had killed Rick, I wouldn't stop her from doing what she needed to do and that the only way I could have peace about Tara is if I killed the person responsible for her death.

That's what Negan was already doing and I needed to join him in this fight.

But, there was one more thing I needed from her that only she could give me...

I wanted Lucille.

'Where's the damn bat Michonne?' I asked sternly as she dismissed the guards and unlocked our door.

'It's gone' she said nonchalantly but I didn't believe her for a single second.

'You wouldn't have gotten rid of it, I know you so where is it?' I asked as I made her look at me.

She sighed and asked me 'why do you want it?'.

'Because, I'm gonna bash that woman's head in with it and watch her as she realises that she lost and I won' I said softly.

'Why do you need that bat, why not another weapon?' she asked more sternly this time.

'Because I wanna use it for good this time, show you that Negan's on our side now. Lucille isn't for him, it's for me, for everyone we've lost because of it and for everyone we've lost because of that woman' I said seriously as Michonne just listened.

'Why don't you use her name?' she asked confusedly.

'She doesn't deserve it, she's no Alpha, just a pretender' I answered.

'Now stop stalling, tell me where it is or I swear Michonne, I will never stop looking until I find it' I threatened.

She hesitated before she said, 'it's in my basement, under the trap door'.

I nodded and said 'thank you' as I turned to Lydia and told her to catch up on her training with Aaron while I went to find it.

Once I got into her house, I ran down to the basement, lifted up the hatch and saw it.

It was Lucille, the barbed wire, the bullet imbedded in the wood from Rosita.

I hadn't seen it since Negan had his throat slashed by Rick all those years ago.

I hesitantly reached down and picked it up, tossing it between my hands as I admired it.

I had mixed feelings that was for sure, Negan had killed Glenn and Abraham with this bat and countless others, but he wasn't that person anymore and neither was I.

But I felt strangely comfortable knowing that Negan would be in some way with me when I kill that woman.

People gasped and stared as I walked through the compound.

Their eyes flicking between my own and Lucille as I swung her around in my hand.

Once I got to the front gates, I saw that Michonne only stood there with a few others.

Where was everyone else?

'What's going on?' I said as I touched the bat on the pavement.

'A group has already gone out, you can go with the next' she said nonchalantly as she walked past me.

'What the fuck?! Giving me the bat was a damn ploy wasn't it! You just wanted me gone so that I couldn't go with the others! Fuck Michonne!' I screamed as my grip on the bat tightened.

'I know what you want okay, you wanna go out there and you don't care if you get yourself killed! You. Are. Pregnant! I lost a child alright, his name was Andre and he didn't make it and if you go out there, you will die! I know you want to kill her but please, just wait' she yelled back.

I dropped the bat on the pavement and just walked away silently until I turned around and said 'each second that passes, is another missed opportunity to kill her. I just want her dead Michonne, you know that I can do it. But, I get it, I don't want anything happening to this baby trust me, it's just hard staying here doing nothing when I could be doing something!'.

She looked at me sadly as she said 'I know, but sometimes the hardest thing is doing nothing at all. You will get your vengeance, I promise you that'.

A few hours had passed and Lydia and I were playing board games while we talked about the baby.

She was so excited and so was I, but I couldn't help but panic over where Negan was.

My walkie talkie was resting on the coffee table when it sounded, 'Molly, come in, it's important, over'.

I picked it up hastily and heard Michonne's voice on the other line.

I listened in silence as she told us what had happened.

My heart sank as I dropped the walkie talkie out of my hands uncontrollably and lowered myself with Lydia's help down onto the sofa.

'Oh my god' she said sadly as we held each other.

'I could've been there' I cried as I stroked her hair.

Apparently, while the group was out there, Carol spotted the woman and ran after her.

It was a trap, obviously Daryl and the others ran after her and they were lured into a cave.

The entrance soon filled with walkers until they were completely surrounded by a hoard, Jerry got bit on the chest as everyone tried to escape.

Most made it out alive, except for Jerry who later died and turned in the cave.

Magna and Connie were putting him down when the cave collapsed in on itself, sealing them inside.

Daryl tried to shift the rocks and scrambled for hours, digging to find Connie but he found nothing.

Michonne said that Ezekiel, Yumiko and Daryl are broken and are blaming Carol for this, though Daryl never admitted that out loud.

The group returned later that day, no one talked, just silently walked back through the gates.

'Just tell me I deserve it' Carol said crying to Daryl as Lydia and I stood there.

Daryl cried and just scowled at her as he pushed past.

A part of me blamed Carol, but the hardest part was knowing that if I'd have been there, I would have done the exact same thing.

I walked over to her and hugged her as she sobbed in my arms.

'I'm so sorry for everything' she cried as I just said 'shhh, I know'.

[skittlesfics]

Blind Date - Jack Barakat x Reader

Title: Blind Date

Pairing: Jack Barakat x Reader

Word Count:1653

Author’s Note: Okay, okay, so I’m not supposed to write RPF on this blog BUT I’m going to see All Time Low THIS WEEKEND and I found this in my drive. based on the prompt: “It’s nice to meet you and I love your songs but wow, now that I know who you are and you’re paying for dinner and all I feel really bad for pirating all your music.”

P.S. Requests always open (especially for Harry Potter and Dragon Age)

“I swear you’ll love him. Have I ever steered you wrong?” Clara called through your bathroom door as you changed into outfit number three. You frowned, stepping into another pair of heels that was somehow taller than the last. If your friend hadn’t arranged this date as a huge favor to you, you would think that she was trying to kill you.

“Yes.” You said as you walked out of the bathroom. “Two weeks ago at that club downtown.” Clara wolf-whistled and stood to get the full impression. Outfit number three was braver than what you would have picked for yourself, but Clara had insisted that outfits one and two were too conservative for the guy you were meeting.

“He’s not like that guy at the club. You’ll really love him.” She assured you, already approaching you to do something with your hair, now that you had found something that she approved of. You stood still, letting her style your hair and decide what to do with your makeup. 

"I don't have to love him, Clara. I just have to get him to fuck me." 

She choked for a second before bursting into laughter, thumping you hard on the shoulder. 

"With this outfit? If he doesn't fuck you, I will." She insisted with just enough of an eyebrow raise that you believed her, too. You rolled your eyes and let her guide you over to you vanity so that the two of you could finish the look. 

By the time you were all dressed up and Clara was driving you downtown, you would have fucked you. 

"I'll be in the area for the first hour or so, but if you need to bail after that it might take me a bit to get to you." Clara said. "Remember the code word?" 

"Weightless." You replied, scrunching your nose at the laugh she tried to stifle. There was something about this date that she wasn't telling you and you hadn't been able to figure out what it was. You knew her well enough that she wouldn't pull a harmful prank on you, but that didn't mean that she didn't have something up her sleeve. 

"What did you say his name was again? And how do you know him?" You asked, switching gears. She gave you a suspicious look out of the corner of her eye, but returned her attention to the road as traffic inched forward again. 

"Jack. I met him through work." She answered. You tried not to wince as she sped up, sliding into a spot between two cars that her car barely fit into. You should have known better than to accept her offer to drop you off, but you weren't too keen on letting a blind date have your address. 

"He worked with you on a music video?" You asked when you were sure that death was no longer imminent. She hummed as if considering and gave you a shrug. 

"Something like that. He's a cool guy, really easy to work with." She finally replied. It wasn't an answer, but you knew by now that you weren't going to get any more out of her. You huffed dramatically and sunk low in your seat, closing your eyes. She laughed at you and turned the radio up, the sound of a new Simple Creatures song playing on the radio. 

You opened your eyes just to glare at her again. You were glad that Alex was having fun making music, but you really wished he would release another album with All Time Low, and Clara knew that. She shrugged at you and you closed your eyes again, trying not to be nervous about the date. 

The Black Sheep was a gastropub on 6th that you had been meaning to check out for a while, but you never seemed to be downtown after 7pm, at least not with the intention to eat. Now that you were going on a date there, you wish that you had managed to get there at least once so that you could have at least scoped out the place. As Clara pulled up slightly down the block, you swallowed your nerves. You were hot, you were confident, and you would take someone home tonight. 

"Love you, get laid!" Clara called from the rolled-down window. 

"Love you, I'll try!" You called back, blowing her a kiss. You watched her drive off and then took a moment to confirm that you had your phone and your clutch. You wished that you had done more than drink the single glass of rose while Clara was destroying your closet, but the plans for the night were gastropub, nightclub. There was plenty of time to take the edge off. 

You took a final steadying breath and walked towards The Black Sheep. 

It was still relatively early, but you weren't the only person dressed up for a night out. You felt less insecure about the leather clinging to your legs and the deep v of your bodysuit that went down to the high waist of your pants. The looks that you got were mostly appreciative, and that did a lot towards calming your nerves. As you neared the door, you heard someone shout your name from behind you. 

You twisted around, eyes scanning for whoever called you, but freezing when they landed on Jack Fucking Barakat. Living in LA, running into celebrities was a common occurrence. You went to the same gym as Ariana Grande and Brie Larson, and had showered in the same room with them. All Time Low, however, had been the soundtrack of your emo years. You still had a poster of Jack folded up with some of your other memorabilia from going to Warped and other festivals. 

You realized with horror that you were staring, and that he had noticed. He was half-jogging, but he slowed when he got to you. When he opened his mouth, you thought he was going to call you out for being a total fangirl and you started to apologize. Instead, he said your name and your brain short circuited. 

"Sor- I'm sorry, what?" You asked, stumbling back a half-step, wobbling on one precariously high heel as you caught yourself. He reached out and steadied you with an arm on your elbow and you thought that you might explode. Your biggest teen fantasy was touching you. And then he said your name again. 

"Clara's friend, right? Sorry, I thought I saw you back there but I wasn't sure until she sent me a picture of the back of you. I'm Jack." He held up his phone, showing you a picture that Clara had snapped as you were walking towards her car. You were still mad at her for the heels, but damn you looked good from behind. 

"You're Jack? " You asked incredulously before realizing how stupid that was. Of course you knew his name was Jack. "Actually, I knew that. What I meant was, you're the Jack I'm meeting for a blind date?" You asked, eyes still wide. He grinned, running a hand through his dyed silver hair and you thought you might melt into the sidewalk right there. 

"Yeah, lucky me, right? Come on, this place has great burgers and booze, and I didn't get to pre-game like I wanted." You let him pull you along into the gastropub. That made two of you, at least. 

You settled in at the bar and ordered your burgers. Jack got the Macho Patty Melt and a Hell or High Watermelon, while you got the titular Black Sheep burger and a pear cider that didn't have a cute name. As you reached for your clutch, Jack waved your hand away and handed his card over, telling them to keep the tab open. 

You wanted to text Clara to scream at her for not telling you that your date was Jack Motherfucking Barakat of All Time Low, but you didn't want to look rude in front of JACK MOTHERFUCKING BARAKAT OF ALL TIME LOW.

"Hey, you okay? You look nervous." He said softly, or as softly as he could while still being heard over the general noise of a gastropub. "Clara mentioned that you were an ATL fan, so you don't have to worry about that." You smiled at his concern and shook your head. 

"It's not that." You admitted, biting your bottom lip, "It's just... Well, I know who you are and obviously I really love your music but... With you paying for dinner and all I feel really bad for all the albums I torrented." 

Jack's eyes widened slightly and you worried that you had upset him. Had you really just told a music artist that you pirated their music instead of paying for it? Oh, fuck. Clara would be so pissed if you struck out on this date. 

You started to apologize but he burst into laughter, his body shaking as he laid his head on the table for support. You managed a weak smile, taking a sip of your cider to calm your nerves some. The laughing fit passed and he looked up at you, still grinning. 

"How about I consider your company as a repayment of your debt and call it even?" He said, reaching out to shake your hand. 

"I don't know... It's a lot of debt." 

"Guess you've got a lot of repayment to do, then." 

You regarded him for a moment, looking from his hand to his face. You had never shaken hands with a first date before, but you did it anyway. 

His hand was big and warm and you could feel his callouses as it engulfed yours. The contact lasted only the briefest moment, but you were already starting to feel warm. You swallowed, reaching for your drink immediately. 

Oh fuck. You were on a date with Jack Barakat, oh fuck. You downed the second half of your cider.

[tiffersthenerdyficrecs]

BakuDeku Lemon Fics

(*) Indicates my most suggested read.

Blinding Brilliance by SecretKiwi

Rating: Explicit Archive Warning: Underage Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: Canon Compliant, Pre-Relationship, Explicit Sexual Content, Dry Humping, Blow Jobs, Anal Sex, Anal Fingering, Masturbation, Awkward First Times, Praise Kink, top!Midoriya, bottom!Bakugou, Post kacchan vs deku Summary: The fact that Katsuki could even think Izuku looked down on him was mind-blowing. Baffling. He’s only ever looked to Katsuki with stars in his eyes; with a wide-eyed fascination that could only be rivaled by All Might himself. “Y-you thought of me that way…?” Izuku’s voice is soft, unsure, and honestly? Hurt. He couldn’t see how his constant commendation and devotion could ever be seen as something negative. _ Deku and Kacchan work out their feelings towards each other, and Izuku proves to him that his admiration was always sincere.

Orange Lace by Devasta

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou KatsukiMidoriya Izuku Additional Tags: Daddy Kink, Lingerie, Fluff and Smut, Established Relationship, Anal Sex, Anal Fingering, Bottom Midoriya Izuku, Top Bakugou Katsuki, Anal Plug, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Praise Kink Summary: He'd pressed it in with wet noises and his lips brushing Izuku's ear, promising a good, hard fuck if his kitten kept it in the entire time. Katsuki definitely isn't a liar.

Sucker Punch by guess ill die (richkid_asshole)

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Midoriya Izuku, Bakugou Katsuki, Todoroki Shouto, Jirou Kyouka, Yaoyorozu Momo, Iida Tenya, Uraraka Ochako Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Rock Band, Sex Drugs and Rock and Roll, Porn With Plot, Finger Sucking, Rough Oral Sex, Oral Fixation, Anal Sex, Anal Fingering, katsuki's in a band, izuku is bad at being spontanious, Bakugou Katsuki Swears A Lot, Dirty Talk, writing these tags is more embarrassing than writing the fic itself wow, spot the life is strange reference lol, momo and kyouka are together but they're barely there so im not gonna tag their ship Summary: Izuku never did anything without a plan, without forethought, without looking into every possible outcome and weighing the pros and cons of each. But something about Katsuki made him want to be impulsive.

To Break Down His Walls by Alistairz

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters:Bakugou Katsuki,Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: bakudeku, Smut, Fluff and Smut, Senior year, blowjob, handjob, makeout, Anal Sex, Anal, Rimming, Orgasm Delay/Denial, Accidental Stimulation, Romance, Overstimulation, Aftercare, Oneshot, Piercings Summary: A warm and breezy night as spring fades into summer, Bakugou Katsuki and Izuku Midoriya spend their evening together laughing away their worries playing their favorite childhood video games. (Innocent enough, right?) But things take an unexpected turn when a daydreaming Izuku reaches for a bottle of soda, and their lives are forever changed.

Give Me Strength by CounterKnight291543

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: Smut, Blow Jobs, Face-Fucking, Praise Kink, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Bakugo likes to feel superior, Midoriya just wants to make him feel good, References to Canon, But UA is more of a university, Aged-Up Character(s), i'm sorry for this sin Summary: Seeing how much Midoriya has grown is making Bakugo feel weak. Thankfully, his childhood friend is on hand to change that.

Be Good by Whinyskeleton

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: BDSM, Edgeplay, Vibrators, Dom!Izuku, Light Bondage, Tears, good ones though, Finger Sucking, Praise Kink, Lingerie, whats the tag for being stepped on, basically katsuki gets wrecked, OOC Summary: Katsuki was naked except for the leather collar on his neck and the ropes on his arms, binding them behind his back. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, Izuku between his legs, rubbing his hands up and down Katsuki's thighs reassuringly. His hands were warm, strong, confident. He slowly grabbed a bottle of oil off the bed and began rubbing it over Katsuki's chest while whispering into his ear. "Are you going to be good for me today?"

Soft Spots by Saysi(Lots of chapters)

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Character: Class 1-A (My Hero Academia) Additional Tags: Blowjobs, handjobs, lots of porn, Lots of plot, Making Out, Masturbation, Anal, D/s undertones, Long, Canon Universe, Possessive Bakugou Katsuki, Because some people misunderstood this is NOT set in first year Summary: Midoriya and Bakugou don't have the best of relationships - except when they find themselves alone. Bakugou quickly finds himself developing a soft spot for the nerd.

Stopping All Stations by glamour_weeb

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: Consensual Non-Consent, Exhibitionism, Rape Fantasy, Public Sex, Verbal Humiliation, Established Relationship, Crossdressing, Rape Roleplay, Anal Sex Summary: Izuku begs Katsuki to roleplay as a pervert that feels him up on the train. Katsuki only agrees if Izuku wears a slutty school girl uniform. They both get a little bit too into it.

Shelter in the Storm by baku_bean

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: Aged-Up Character(s), Established Relationship, Characters Are Pro Heroes (My Hero Academia), Snowed In, Anal Fingering, Anal Sex, Riding Summary: After his first plans for Katsuki's birthday fall through, Izuku surprised him with something else. When THAT goes awry and he tries to blame himself, Katsuki reminds him of what was really important from the start.

Body Talk by erza_mikazuki

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Midoriya Izuku, Bakugou Katsuki, Kirishima Eijirou, Ashido Mina, Uraraka Ochako, Todoroki Shouto Additional Tags: Clubbing, night club, Strangers to Lovers, Love at First Sight, Anal Sex, Oral Sex, Top Bakugou Katsuki, Bottom Midoriya Izuku, Love Hotels, First Meetings, Sexual Tension, Resolved Sexual Tension, Flirting, Porn With Plot, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot Summary: Izuku Midoriya loves letting lose on the weekends. Dancing the night away at the night clubs with friends and drinking. Izuku is a tactile person. He gets high off of attraction & flirtations acted out via body language. That raw desire for close physicality; no words exchanged. Letting the body handling unspoken words. It was just another night out with friends; until he locks eyes with crimson red eyes that seem to want to eat him whole. The attraction between them is instantaneous; drawn to one another like magnets. Izuku just wants to dance with him.

Sweet Nothings by LoveOn_970

Rating: Mature Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: Established Relationship, Aged-Up Character(s), Light BDSM, Fluff and Smut, Marriage, Body Worship, Anal Sex, Bakugou Katsuki Swears A Lot, Top Midoriya Izuku, Power Bottom Bakugou Katsuki Summary: Katsuki would never admit it aloud. He thought his husband was strong, of course. Being Number One does that to a man. But... he would do anything for Deku. Anything.

Safe Haven Massage by SurelyHeavenWaits *

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: Pro Hero Bakugou Katsuki, Quirkless Midoriya Izuku, Massage Therapist Midoriya Izuku, Massage, Aged-Up Character(s), Smut Summary: Kirishima and Kaminari have been badgering Katsuki for weeks to accept this gift certificate to their favorite massage parlor until Katsuki finally and grudgingly accepts, despite his suspicions. Which is how he finds himself here, naked as the day he was born and getting rubbed down by a man with the voice of an angel.

You Wonderful Motherfuckers by BeyondPhantomhive

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Sero Hanta, Kaminari Denki, Ashido Mina, Kirishima Eijirou Additional Tags: Pranks and Practical Jokes, Fluff and Crack, Smut, Dirty Thoughts, Dirty Talk, Anal Fingering, Anal Sex, Getting Together, POV Alternating, Gift Fic, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping Summary:In which the Bakusquad unwittingly get Bakugou and Midoriya together through a series of pranks.

Party Wall by TheBadIdeaBears

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Todoroki Shouto Additional Tags: Meet-Cute Neighbors, Masturbation, Alternate Universe - No Quirks (My Hero Academia), Mutual Masturbation, through a wall, it's a weird arrangement, like Pyramus and Thisbe but with masturbation, there's a reference no one will get, Misunderstandings, Kissing, Boys Kissing, Anal Fingering, Anal Sex, Wall Sex Summary: Izuku moves to a new building and half of his stuff is missing. Thankfully he has a hot new neighbour he can ask for help.

TGIF by Tokiji(Part 1 of the Tickets Straight to Hell series)

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Dabi (My Hero Academia), Kirishima Eijirou, Ashido Mina, Kaminari Denki, Sero Hanta, Todoroki Shouto Additional Tags: mentions of tododeku, mentions of todobaku, College AU, Party, Aged-Up Characters, No quirks Au, Drinking, Penetrative Sex, Rough Sex, Lord help these dorks, Mentions of Kirimina, Mentions of Kamijirou, Dirty Talk, Sex Jokes Summary: “If tonight was a one-time thing, I get it. But, I dunno, you look decent enough to hang out with, so.” “How flattering.” The arms around him tightened ever so slightly. “I don't… Um.” Deku leaned back until they sunk into the couch together, like a small escape from the world spinning around them, and whispered against his lips, “I really, really don't want this to be a one-night stand.” Katsuki hummed and bumped their noses together. “Do you think we have a chance?” “At this?” Katsuki waved a hand at the non-existent space between them. “I… honestly don't know.”

A Million Answers by Tokiji(Part 2 of the Tickets Straight to Hell series)

Rating: Explicit Relationships: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku, Side Kirishima Eijirou/Ashido Mina Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Kirishima Eijirou, Ashido Mina, Kaminari Denki, Sero Hanta, Todoroki Shouto, Uraraka Ochako, Iida Tenya, Shindou You, Jirou Kyouka Additional Tags: No quirks Au, College AU, Fluff, heavy smut, Angst, Why do all of my fics have angst, Semi-Public Sex, Established Relationship, see you all in hell Summary: “Oh?” Katsuki grinned, a mixture of disbelief and bewilderment. “And how the fuck do I look at you, Deku?” “Like I’m the dumbest, shittiest, dorkiest nerd on the planet.” Deku laughed. “And like I’m… Like I’m worth the world.” “And a shirt.” “Yes. The world and a shirt.”

Go Hard by hottamale

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: Aged Up, 17/18 - Freeform, technically underage i guess, Sneaking Out, Anal Sex, 69, Power Bottom Midoriya Izuku, late night adventures, Car Sex, Blow Job, eating ass Summary: They always say being a teenager is the time to make stupid decisions, but no one talks about the laughs and good times that go hand in hand with them. With the cool metal of his dad's car keys resting heavy in his hand, Katsuki is more focused on that dumb, bright smile and shitty green hair than the possible consequences of their actions.

rabid. by SageMasterofSass

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Kaminari Denki, Kirishima Eijirou, Ashido Mina, Sero Hanta Additional Tags: Smut, this is rly just porn yall theres a plot but it ain't much lmao, Werewolf!Katsuki, Knotting, Biting, Drooling, Xenophilia, as in Katsuki is shifted but aint an actual wolf, Cum Inflation, Rough Sex, Anal Sex, as always in my fics izuku has a size kink, and also as per usual katsuki has a filthy mouth, Dirty Talk, Size Kink, Possessive Behavior, Breeding Kink, knotting dildo, it doesn't get used tho, why use a toy when u can have a real dick? :) Summary: “Does this mean someone wants to fuck Bakugou?” Kaminari asks curiously. “I think it’s the other way around,” Mina says with a grin, and throws Katsuki a wink when he glares at her. “Obviously someone wants his giant werewolf co-” “Hey!” Katsuki snaps, cutting her off. “Knock it off, I’m not fucking anyone!” Famous last words.

Online: Grind Zero by chocolatechipplague *

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Todoroki Shouto, Kirishima Eijirou, Kaminari Denki, Endeavor (mentioned) Additional Tags: Camboy Bakugou, Makeup Guru Bakugou, Prohero Deku, Makeup Sex Test, lipstick stains, Blowjobs, Rimming, Sex, Anal Sex, Cum Eating, Messy, Endeavor_Sucks, BOTTOM BAKUGOu, top midoriya, Aged Up, NSFW, Sex Toys, Cock Ring, Plugs, hint of fluff, Grind Zero, Quirkless Bakugou Katsuki Summary: "Listen, you want your eyeliner sharp enough to fucking kill a man and there's no fucking point going out if your highlight ain't poppin’," Grind Zero commented as he brushed powder across his cheekbones, adding a soft shimmer to his face. He looked into the mirror and pushed his lips into a pout, just to see how it would look before dragging his brush through the powder again, a little more to the top of his cheekbones for the dramatics. He reached for his eyeliner pencil and pointed it to the camera. He pushed his lips into a pout just for the effect before lining the dramatic wings he wanted to create on his eyes over top the smoky eyeshadow he had finished a few minutes prior. "If you're not thinking about murder as you strut in the club, just go the fuck home, Becky. You're embarrassing yourself." Katsuki bakugou is Japan's most loved camboy, taking a focus on makeup and testing its durability with help from his boyfriend prohero Deku, not that Grind Zero's fans would know that little detail.

Caught Up by Mikacrispy *(2nd in the 'Get On My Level' series. Can be read as a standalone. I do suggest reading both because quality.)

Rating: Explicit Categories: F/M, M/M Relationships: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku, Ashido Mina/Kirishima Eijirou, Jirou Kyouka/Kaminari Denki Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Class 1-A (My Hero Academia) Additional Tags: Age Difference, Aged-Up Character(s), Canon-Typical Violence, not slow burn, Bakugou Katsuki Swears A Lot, Sassy Midoriya Izuku, BAMF Midoriya Izuku, Bakugou Katsuki Can't Catch a Break, Smut, Bakusquad (My Hero Academia), Pro Hero Midoriya Izuku, Pro Hero Bakugou Katsuki, Characters Are Pro Heroes (My Hero Academia) Summary: Midoriya Izuku returns home after living three years away from the country to become the best hero he can... But it is not just his fighting style that improved, the young man now is handsome, assertive and very straightforward. Bakugou Katsuki was not ready for it. (This work is sequel to my other fic Get On My Level, but it can be read on its own.)

Stupid Twink Finds Another Way to Pay Horny Mechanic by decadentbynature

Rating: Explicit Relationships: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: Some Kind of AU idk, Extremely Dubious Consent, Blow Jobs, First Time Blow Jobs, Public Blow Jobs, mechanic Bakugo Katsuki, Dirty Talk, Short One Shot, Drabble, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Kissing, Rough Oral Sex Summary: Izuku gets a flat tire and being unprepared for such an event, is forced to call for a tow truck. One arrives, being driven by an aggressive, loudmouthed mechanic who introduces himself as Bakugo. Everything is going smoothly...up until Bakugo asks for payment and Izuku realizes that he doesn't have his wallet. That's alright, though, Bakugo has another way for him to pay.

Addiction by MiraChaDoodles

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Kirishima Eijirou, Uraraka Ochako, Kaminari Denki Additional Tags: Pro Hero Bakugou Katsuki, Porn Star Midoriya Izuku, Denial of Feelings, Bakugou Katsuki is Bad at Feelings, Shameless Smut, Porn With Plot, Porn with Feelings, Fluff and Smut, Getting Together, Eventual Happy Ending Summary: An abundance of freckles smatters his sun-tanned cheeks, and dark green waves curl around his face. But Katsuki gets hung up at his eyes. They’re huge and green, innocent and filled with tears, just li— Wait. Holy shit. Is that... Deku? --- Or... the first time that Katsuki gets off to a porno, Deku turns out to be the star.

Side by Side by Mikacrispy

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: One Shot Collection, Original Character(s), Fluff and Smut, Domestic Fluff, Age Difference, Established Relationship, Aged-Up Character(s), Characters Are Pro Heroes (My Hero Academia) Summary: Series of oneshots where we see moments of the lives of Katsuki and Izuku now that they are side by side.

Sequel to Caught Up.

Secret Touch by OneDayShipping *(Updating/Incomplete)

Rating: Mature Archive Warning: Underage Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: hinted non-con, mentions of wet dreams, language because bakugou, Masturbation, my own breed of crack psychiatry, loads of assumptions and BS on my part, Minor Original Character(s), some other characters from the series are scattered throughout, Hand Jobs, Coming In Pants, blowing loads on shirts Summary: Quirk Discovery AU. Quirks manifest up until the age of four. After no quirk seemed to manifest within him, Midoriya went about his frantic studies of heroes, meeting All Might, receiving One For All and attending UA. However, this seemingly quirkless teen is about to discover that he had a quirk after all.

oak tree by crunchrapsupreme *(Author says they intend to finish this fic this year.)

Rating: Explicit Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Ashido Mina, Kirishima Eijirou, Kaminari Denki Additional Tags: Bottom Bakugou Katsuki, Top Midoriya Izuku, Smut, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Choking, Rough Sex, Dirty Talk, Alcohol, Alternate Universe - College/University, college party, midoriya has big hands and bakugou has a tiny waist, Light Dom/sub, Light Bondage, Recreational Drug Use, Riding Summary: Bakugou's words die in his throat as he glances into the archway of the living room to see a small crowd of people surrounding a guy with unruly green hair. His back is towards him, so Bakugou can’t see his face, but Bakugou's eyes widen as he sees the dude actually lift a girl up in the air over his head, then back down, and then up again - and it’s then Bakugou realizes the dude is legit bench pressing a fucking person. "Yeah, I'm gonna ride that," Bakugou says.

The Benefits Between Us by dat_heichou *(Updating/Incomplete)

Rating: Mature Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Class 1-A (My Hero Academia), Bakugou Mitsuki, Bakugou Masaru, Midoriya Inko, Midoriya Hisashi, Yagi Toshinori | All Might Additional Tags: Future Fic, proheroes au, Aged-Up Character(s), they're 24/25 in this, Friends With Benefits, Mild Sexual Content, Sexual Humor, Canon-Typical Violence, hurt/comfort elements, Bakugou Katsuki is Bad at Feelings, Emotional Slow Burn, Mutual Pining, side ships include iichako kirikami miritama, references manga spoilers in the plot, Alcohol Summary: It was never meant to be a serious suggestion. But of course, Deku has always been someone to rise up to Katsuki’s challenges. It’s both his best and worst feature, after all. In which the Wonder Duo agrees to release the stress of being pro-heroes together and discover that sometimes being friends-with-benefits can mean being better friends.

Crybaby by lalazee(Updating/Incomplete)

Rating: Explicit Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationship: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku Additional Tags: Phone Sex, Dirty Talk, Smut, Secret Identity, Identity Reveal, Power Play, Romance, Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Drama, Childhood Friends, Alternate Universe - Different High School, Shiketsu High School Students, Phone Sex Operator Bakugou, Canon-Typical Violence, Blood, Stitches, Semi-Public Sex, Character Study Summary: That awkward moment when you have phone sex with your childhood best friend and neither of you realize who is on the other end. A love story.

[treefrog203]

“Chicken Soup”

Word count: 1,185 (this pleases me, being divisible by 5 is pretty cute huh?)

Warnings: Swearing (it’s katsuki, pretty self explanatory), that’s all?

Pairing:Bakudeku (again ik)

Prompt: “Put your arm around my-Or just fall on me, that works too.”

Dedicated to @todorokitops cause they’re amazing.

Fuck, fuck, fuck!

Bakugo Katsuki was many things, a dumbass included, not that he’d ever admit to that.

It had been a day where he’d been assigned to a more obscure city, one quite a distance from any hero organization. A city so small it didn’t have one of its own.

Originally, it was supposed to be more of a day for him to relax and (hopefully) increase his public image a bit, the guy wasn’t always a living embodiment rage.

But no, some shit eating villain with a fucking blizzard quirk had to ruin his plans.

He couldn’t work a sweat up that was worth a damn. All he got was a few sparks and that was it.

It was so cold he could feel his blood start to slow while he shivered.

When he’d finally decided to radio in to ask for help, it dawned on him he’d have to keep the villain distracted for at least another thirty minutes till help could get there.

I mean, there weren’t any heroes in the town besides himself anyways.

But of course Deku, shitty motherfucking Deku, had to be on his way home from doing fuck knows what. Probably some panel or some shit.

So of course Bakugo’s hero alert was sent back to not only H.Q. but any other heroes that happened to be nearby.

So of course the shitty nerd came, running straight towards the villain in nothing but green cargo shorts and a t-shirt that had the kanji for “t-shirt” on it. Not that they weren’t on friendly terms nowadays, he still harbored a bit of resentment towards the man. More so out of having been that way for several years than actually hating the man, he had to learn how to get over that.

He successfully captured the villain in under five minutes while Katsuki has struggled with it for thirty five? Freezing his ass off.

Bullshit.

And of course the small town’s news station was on their dicks as soon as the villain had been taken into custody.

When he later watched over the short interview, they both didn’t look great but did they really have to use a picture of him wrapped up in a blanket with a nose as red as cherry, for the thumbnail?

|~|~|~|~|~|~|

Geez I feel like fucking shit.

His stomach rumbled, causing him to look down at it before skeptically eyeing the basket sitting on the counter.

Mina had been over earlier, but with three ants following her, otherwise known as Kaminari, Kirishima, and Sero.

They’d all contributed to the care package that he’d managed to set on the counter before flopping back onto the couch, sniffling into its cushions. Passing out.

He woke up two and a half hours later, not feeling any better.

How could I, the number two hero, Bakugo fucking Katsuki, be sick? It was bullshit really, but what else could a man do?

“Godfuck, I sound like that prick Eijirou.” he grumbled to himself after thinking “manly” thoughts.

His stomach started to get a bit incessant and growled even louder than the first time. He fought the urge to growl back at himself, simply out of pure pettiness.

Stumbling, he got up and waddled over to the kitchen. Pulling a can of chicken soup out of the care package, not hearing the light knocks on the door.

God this is so fucking demeaning, canned soup. Canned god damn soup.

He pulled out a can opener, lining it up and pressing down, but fumbled to turn the handle.

A wave of lightheadedness hit the blonde, causing him to drop the can opener and grip the counter.

What was this shit? Was he seriously about to faint?

And then, “Kacchan, are you alright?”

FUCKING SHIT. WHY THE FUCK WAS THE NERD BACK? Katsuki could not deal.

The green-haired man walked up to the blonde, immediately offering his help.

“Put your arm around my - Or just fall on me, that works too.”

Katsuki had completely lost all strength, not even knowing why. He just felt so weak and couldn’t bear to stand anymore. At least Izuku was there to catch him.

Swiftly, Izuku scooped up the blonde and laid him back on the ‘L’ shaped couch to where he was sitting with his legs going across the length of it, but still sitting up in the corner.

All Katsuki could do was watch as his friend opened the can and microwaved it for him.

When he came back, he sat upright on the shorter part of the couch and handed the bowl to Katsuki. Only to realize the man was shaking so bad that he spilled most of the spoonful he’d retrieved from the bowl.

He grabbed the bowl and the spoon and went to feed Katsuki.

“The hell you think you’re doing nerd?”

“You looked like an old person Kacchan, you would have had two drops per bite if I let you feed yourself. Plus, it would get cold before you even ate half of it. Just let me feed you, old man.” Izuku added the last part on with a teasing smirk.

For once, Katsuki was glad he naturally flushed when he got sick, because it hid the new one coming from receiving that smirk.

Reluctantly, his mouth opened, which caused Izuku to smile victoriously.

The nerd was trying to kill him, but only if Katsuki didn’t kill him first for his continuous teasing.

“Kacchan, open wide for the airplane! Choo choo! Here comes the train Kacchan!”

Katsuki swore that he was secretly a sadist, with how much he tortured him.

When he finally finished his torture session meal, Izuku washed the bowl and spoon before heading down his hall?

When he emerged from the hall, he wore some old basketball shorts, drawstring pulled out half a foot to fit his hips. As well as one of Katsuki’s old skull t-shirts.

“What do you think you’re doing?” it was meant to sound intimidating but his voice was still hoarse so it came out weak.

“You’re not alert enough to stay by yourself, I’m spending the night.”

All that came in response was a grumble, he wasn’t exactly in good enough shape to fight him on this.

Izuku plopped next to him and flipped on the t.v. turning down the volume.

Katsuki wanted to sleep but wasn’t going to voice this to the man whose eyes had been glued to the t.v.

He came upon an All Might documentary, one he’s watched who knows how many times. It still enraptured him the moment the channels changed and he’d come upon it.

Katsuki just leaned back and closed his eyes, eventually he felt a little cold and not being entirely awake, he leaned into the source of heat next to him.

Izuku looked down to see Katsuki’s eyes fluttering lightly as he leaned into him. He grabbed a conveniently placed blanket off the back of the couch and placed it over the two of them. Laying down and pulling Katsuki closer to him before continuing to watch the movie.

That’s all, thank you for reading! I literally started this at like, 10pm and it’s currently 11:45 so i mean, this is an hour and fourty five minutes of work, so it’s not great but i still like it. i’m tired as fuck.

i used “the man” way too much holy shit

[nancywheelxr]

If you're available could you uhh write a short fic about Diego dealing with his fear of needles over the years? Maybe as a kid Reginald gets mad at him for his "weakness", or maybe he has to get stuck in front of Eudora for some reason and really doesn't want to pass out in front of her but he can't help it. And any other scenarios you can think of where his tendency to faint at the sight of needles is inconvenient and embarrassing at best, dangerous at worst. Thank you? That would be amazing.

Hey, I hope this fits?

Diego is eleven years old and he’s sitting in a chair, arm outstretched while the tattoo artist cleans his wrist with a cotton ball. The smell of rubbing alcohol is sticking to his lungs and from where he’s sitting, Diego can see Klaus and Allison clinging to each other with tears in their eyes, and that makes his stomach turn awfully because it means this is so going to hurt.

The tattoo gun buzzes into life and it sounds like it could drill into his skull. Diego wants to say he absolutely does not want this and tattoos are kind of stupid anyway, but he knows Dad would never agree. Dad would only keep on watching them gravely and tell him to stop whining.

Diego is Number Two, he needs to set an example to his siblings and all.

Still, nothing could prepare him for the moment the needle touches his skin. It burns like nothing else he’s ever known, it hurts more than any training injury ever did, and it seems never-ending.

The gun goes over and over in loops, staining his skin and branding layer after layer of color.

And now, Diego kind of understands why Klaus and Allison are clinging for dear life, because with their father watching everything like a statue without even a scrap of comfort, without even the usual crumbs of affection– it’s a very lonely sort of hurt.

At his right, Diego sees out of the corner of his eyes Mom move, reaching for him, but Dad is already looking disapprovingly at Klaus and Allison’s sniffling, and Ben’s fidgeting, and Diego’s own squirming, so when she tries to take his hand, Diego flinches away.

His wrist is on fire, but Diego grits his teeth through the pain until his vision is more shadows than light.

*

Diego is seventeen years old and he’s going to be a police officer. A detective, he hopes, catching criminals and saving lives and looking damn fine while he’s at it.

He’s waiting at the lab to get his blood drawn and he’s only one drug screen away from being officially a cadet. He’s one vial of blood away from moving out of that giant empty house so full of ghosts that you don’t have to be Klaus to see just how haunted it really is.

A girl, no older than him brushes past him, a round band-aid on the crook of her arm and she flicks a shadow of a smile at him as she passes. Diego thinks he’d very much like to follow up on that but then his name is called and all he hears is the sound of his suitcase zipping closed, the echo of his boots climbing down the stairs, the front doors closing behind him.

“Diego Hargreeves?” The nurse calls again. A way out, he hears.

She leads him to another room and tells him to sit in another chair, and when she dabs the cotton ball in rubbing alcohol, Diego is suddenly eleven again with a tattoo gun buzzing next to his ear.

“This is going to hurt just a little,” the nurse says, and Diego blinks back into reality. The room spins, and his stomach is churning, and he might be sick. “Don’t move,” she warns.

Then, she brings out the needle and oh god, looking was a mistake–

*

Diego is seventeen years old and his shame follows him down the hall, settling perfectly in the hunch of his shoulders. “You haven’t eaten in too long,” the nurse tells him sympathetically. “It’s perfectly normal, honey.”

*

Diego is twenty years old and he might be dying.

“You’re not dying,” Eudora says, giving him one of her fondly exasperated looks. It’s easy for her to say that, though, because she’s not the one with the giant, gaping cut on her back. “It’s just a flesh wound, don’t be a baby.”

They’re at her place, and he’s bleeding all over her bathroom floor, smearing the white tiles a glaring red, and Diego thinks this might mean something. He thinks his coming here in the first place might mean something too.

“And anyway, you could always go to a damn hospital if you’re so worried,” she continues, pulling her first aid kit from the cabinets. “Instead of crashing uselessly against my window.”

“I thought I could shimmy it open,” he defends himself, rolling his shoulder and immediately regretting it.

“Yes, please tell me how you were going to break and enter in a cop’s house.”

“That’s not what I mean, and you know it.”

Eudora snorts, takes in the state of her small bathroom. “Just take off your shirt before I change my mind.”

“You know,” Diego says, still finding in himself to flash her a smirk because he might be in a terrible amount of pain, but this is just too easy an opportunity to rile her up to pass up. “If you wanted to get me out of my clothes, there were easier ways to do it– ouch!”

“Oh, I’m sorry, didn’t I warn you? This might sting a little,” and even though Diego can’t see her face, he knows she’s smirking too. He can hear the curve of her grin in the cadence of her voice, and cleaning the cut stings like a motherfucker but Diego bites his lips through the pain, and thinking about her smile helps. “You need stitches, are you sure you don’t want to go to a hospital?”

Hospitals would mean either going completely broke or giving in and calling his family, and Diego would rather bleed out in someone else’s bathroom floor than accepting help from his father. “No hospitals,” he tells Eudora, looking over his shoulder to meet her eyes, and for a second the artificial lights frame her face so beautifully, Diego can’t quite breathe. She nods, focusing back to her first aid kit, digging for the needle, but the moment doesn’t pass, not for him– if it’s a trick of the light, then it comes from the sun living in her ribcage; it stays.

“In the interest of full disclosure, I was terrible at this kind of shit,” Eudora says, and in her hand she brandishes the needle like a sword released from stone, but the room smells too much like rubbing alcohol and chemicals, and the walls are spinning, and Diego isn’t feeling so well–

*

Diego is twenty years old and he wakes up to the smell of coffee and pancakes, and his face burns as Eudora laughs. “You did bleed all over my garden,” she pats his shoulder in comfort, and her eyes dance in the soft, early morning sunlight. Diego thinks fainting out of blood loss might not have been the worst thing in the world after all.

*

Diego is twenty-nine years old and his sister is dying.

Giving her his blood is not even a question, he offers his arm without hesitation, because Allison is looking scarily pale in the metal table and her throat is slashed open.

It’s a miracle she’s even still alive.

So he rolls up his shirtsleeves and waits impatiently, counts each ticking of the clock, until Mom turns around, syringe in hand and–

*

Diego is twenty-nine years old and alright, maybe there’s a recurring theme in his fainting episodes, but that’s as far as he’s willing to admit out loud.

[subbyp]

artsiesforever

replied to your

post

:

zoro just abruptly deciding to propose to sanji...

10/10 would read great potential

“OI, COOK. MARRY ME.” 

“--and how much for five pounds of the--what??”

“I SAID,” yelled Zoro from clear across the marketplace, “MARRY ME.”

Sanji placed the cantaloupe he had been examining back on the fruit display. “Excuse me, I have to go deal with this.”

“No worries,” said the fruitseller, grinning.

“Thanks. WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, MARIMO?”

Zoro rolled his eyes. “GOING DEAF, CURLY? I SAID--”

“I HEARD WHAT YOU SAID! AND STOP SHOUTING,” shouted Sanji.

“Then what’s your problem?” said Zoro, in a tone of voice that wasn’t shouting but managed to be, to Sanji’s blushing ears, exactly as loud as before.

Sanji sprinted through the market crowd, dodging shoppers, vaulting over crates, pell-mell and hell-bent on rendering Zoro’s face decidedly more concave. “First of all--pardon me, madame--First of fucking all--”

“Take your time,” said the smug bastard currently ruining Sanji’s life.

“--FIRST OF MOTHERFUCKING ALL! Is this some kind of sick joke about Whole Cake?!”

“I would never joke about that,” said Zoro with such sudden sincerity that Sanji faltered in his step and nearly kneed a toddler in the face.

“Okay. Well. Good.” Sanji took a deep breath. “THEN! DO YOU HAVE WORMS IN YOUR BRAIN?”

“Hey, don’t talk to your fiancé like that,” said some smartass in the rapidly gathering crowd around them.

Sanji whirled towards the voice but was too agitated to pick its owner out of the crowd. “He’s not my-- I haven’t even-- He’s not my fiancé!”

“Not with that attitude,” said the voice, making a serious go for the number two spot on the coveted People Destroying Sanji’s Immortal Soul Right That Second List.

“Why in the fuck,” said Sanji, turning back to Zoro and resolving to find the voice later and turn its owner into particularly rich and nutritious compost, “are you proposing to me out of nowhere?”

Zoro folded his arms defensively. “It’s not out of nowhere. We’ve been together for five years.”

“As crewmates--HE MEANS AS CREWMATES,” Sanji informed the marketplace.

“Besides,” continued Zoro above the dying echoes of the word “crewmates” as it bounced from nearby buildings, “we’re equals.”

The thought of proud, combative Zoro just coming out and admitting what they both knew but never articulated was almost enough to shock Sanji out of his outrage. Almost. “That doesn’t!! You can’t just!!”

Zoro barged forward, blushing slightly, uncaring of Sanji’s rapidly collapsing blood vessels. “I was coming over to help you with the supplies, and I realized I never want to not have you beside me.”

“Don’t encourage him!” Sanji hissed, partially at the cooing crowd but mostly at his moron of a brain as it whispered Shit, that’s actually really sweet. “You can’t just randomly ask someone to marry you!”

“Why not?” Zoro said bluntly. “We’re pirates. And it’s not like I’m making you marry me; I’m just asking.”

Sanji’s eye twitched. “BECAUSE YOU JUST CAN’T, OKAY? YOU CAN’T ASK SOME RANDOM PERSON--WE’VE NEVER EVEN--HOW DO YOU KNOW IT WOULD EVEN WORK--”

“You should breathe or you’re going to pass out.”

“I’LL PASS YOU OUT, YOU STUPID BIG STUPID FUCK IDIOT,” said Sanji eloquently.

“Anyway,” continued Zoro, unheeding of Sanji’s brilliant repartee, “I’m not asking a random person. I’m asking you.”

Sanji’s traitorous and highly susceptible heart stuttered giddily against his ribcage. He could feel a blush erupting under his fair skin. His knees-- and damn them for it--went just a little weak. Of course, this whole thing was still nonsense gibberish bullshit of the highest order, but goddammit if there hadn’t been something in Zoro’s eyes, in his voice and his posture, something, something...

Something sincere.

No, though. Just say no. Just say no. Sanji scrabbled in his pocket for a cigarette and put it to his lips. What are you doing? Why are you not saying no? Why have you not said no this whole time? 

People are staring at you. It would be cruel to leave him with false hope. You don’t even like guys. Stop lighting that cigarette and do something, for the love of God just say no say no say--

“Do you love me?” THAT’S NOT A NO WHAT ARE YOU DOING THAT IS NOT A NO, shrieked Sanji’s brain.

Zoro took a deep breath, straightened his shoulders, and looked to the horizon. “Wouldn’t have asked you if I didn’t.”

“Well, I don’t. Love you like that. You know.”

“Yeah.” Zoro kept his eyes fixed on the horizon. Pirate-Hunter Zoro, the man who looked down the blade of death itself and smiled, the man who gave Sanji back his dream-- “Sorry. I just--it was dumb. Sorry.”

“So maybe,” Sanji said, hands and knees and heart shaking but voice clear as a bell over fog, “you can convince me to?”

Zoro’s head whipped forward like a sail in a windstorm. “What?”

“What?” snapped Sanji at himself.

“Did you just--”

“I AM NOT SAYING YES,” said Sanji. “I’m saying you can try to court me.”

“Court you?” Zoro said incredulously. “Are you a duchess or something?”

Sanji blew out a stream of smoke. “Tick tock, moss, one-time temporary insanity offer, take it or leave it.”

“Of course I’ll take it, but what’s with the Little Lord Fauntleroy shit? Do I have to sign a form or--”

Sanji felt himself start to grin. Dammit. Sorry, ladies. “And marimo stumbles off the starting blocks. A very poor first three seconds. Things are not looking good for the rookie challenger.”

Zoro was grinning, too. “--do I need to fill out a dance card? Do you need anything brocaded? Am I supposed to go to the Baratie and, like, throw a glove at Zeff or something?” 

“Fuck off and come help me with the supplies, discus-face.”

“Because I can do that, I can throw a glove at him if that’s your thing, but you’re into some weird shit, curly.”

“I mean, that should be obvious, shouldn’t it?”

“...hey!”

Laughing, Sanji ran for the fruit stand.

[crescentmoon223]

Two Worlds Collide Chapter 10

Read it on AO3 | Rated: NC-17 | Stella x Scully

Chapter 10

Stella lurched upright in bed, heart racing, ribs screaming in protest of the sudden movement. She sat there for a moment, sucking in air, waiting for the images behind her eyelids to fade. They would fade. They always did. It was the same dream she’d been having for weeks now, the one where she was walking through the woods outside Belfast, looking for Rose. Walking and looking. Walking and looking…

She could hear Rose calling her name, screaming for help, but she couldn’t find her. She could never find her, never got to her in time. When she finally found the car and popped open the boot, Rose would be laying inside, naked with a rope around her neck. Dead. It was always the same.

Except tonight. Tonight, when she’d opened the boot, it had been Scully laying there with a rope around her neck, eyes glazed with death. Stella shuddered, controlling her breathing so she didn’t wake the real, live Scully beside her, the one who’d worked a very long day and needed to sleep, no matter how badly Stella needed to hold her right now, to assure herself it had just been a dream.

Instead, she reached for the bag she’d left beside the bed. She pulled out her journal—the new one, the one Paul Spector had never touched, the one no one but Stella would ever touch. Sitting in Scully’s darkened bedroom, she jotted down the dream, finding comfort in the ritual, before she lay back down. She snuggled just a bit closer to Scully, close enough to hear the gentle puff of her breath and feel the warmth of her body.

And then, with her nightmare safely tucked away inside the journal beside the bed, she slept. The next time she woke, Scully was puttering quietly around the bedroom, pulling on blue scrubs, her hair tied back in a messy ponytail.

“Back to work already?” Stella asked, her voice deep and rusty with sleep.

“Yes. Sorry.” Scully leaned over to kiss her.

Stella gripped her elbows and pulled her down on top of her so she could kiss her properly. “Don’t be sorry.” She wished desperately to be in Scully’s position, tiptoeing off to work at the break of dawn, the prospect of a long and satisfying day ahead of her.

“Maybe we can see each other again tonight?” Scully asked, propping herself up on her elbows to meet Stella’s eyes.

“Yes.”

“Okay.” She disentangled herself from Stella with a smile and headed down the stairs.

Stella stood, putting on her clothes. She followed Scully downstairs, where they shared a rushed cup of coffee together before setting out. Scully headed for the tube station to ride to work, and Stella set off toward her flat, deciding a walk would do her good this morning. Thirty minutes later, she walked through her front door.

And then she suppressed the urge to scream. She was so fucking tired of her own company, tired of looking at case files she already knew by heart as she waited for the phone to ring. Scully had been a welcome distraction, but now that she’d started her fellowship, there was nothing left for Stella to do but wait.

She went upstairs and took a long, hot bath, adding a few drops of lavender oil to the water, hoping it would relax her. It didn’t. She dressed and walked downstairs, mentally compiling a list of errands she could run to pass the time. Maybe she’d even buy groceries and cook dinner for Scully again tonight.

There was a new voicemail on her phone, and the number sent a burst of adrenaline through her system. It was a Met number, a call from work. She pressed the phone to her ear, listening as Chief Superintendent Chris George asked her to be in his office at 1400 today. The inquiry had been resolved, he said. She could resume active duty immediately.

“Welcome back, Stella,” he concluded before ending the call.

“Thank you,” she whispered to no one in particular. She marched back upstairs to polish her hair and makeup, making sure no trace of the bruises was visible on her face.

Never let them see your weakness.

Then she gathered the case files she’d been reviewing, stuffed them into her briefcase, and headed for the office. Her arrival was quiet. She kept her head down, crossing the station floor with as little fanfare as possible.

“Welcome back, ma’am,” one of the officers called to her.

She lifted her hand in greeting, not pausing until she’d reached her desk, unnaturally clean after her long absence. She sat behind it, running her hands over its smooth surface as a heady sense of power flowed through her veins. She was back. Belfast was officially, finally behind her. Thank God.

Exhaling deeply, she reached for her briefcase, pulling out the case files she’d spent so many hours pouring over at home, checklists forming in her mind of the actionable tasks to be taken now that she was back. She’d need to schedule meetings with the SIO’s in charge of each case to go over her findings and recommendations.

“Stella.”

She looked up to see DSI Stephen Chen leaning against the doorway to her office, coffee cup in hand and a warm smile creasing his handsome face. Something loosened inside her chest, the unexpected relief of seeing a familiar—and friendly—face. “Stephen.”

“It’s good to have you back,” he said.

“It’s good to be back.” She tapped the file beneath her fingers, feeling more like herself than she had in weeks. “I was actually just about to call you.”

“Yeah?” He stepped into her office and settled himself in the guest chair in front of her desk.

She nodded. “I reviewed the Beaujon case last week while I was at home.”

“Please tell me you found something I missed,” he said. “Because I really want to nail this motherfucker, but I’m starting to feel like I’m chasing my own tail here.”

Her lips quirked. This was one of the reasons she’d always liked Chen. He wasn’t afraid to ask for help, although he was a brilliant detective in his own right. He’d been her protégé when he first joined the Met. She’d taught him, trained him, and now he’d been promoted beside her. Back in the day, he’d helped her put Alissa Pine’s stepfather behind bars. “Nothing you missed, per se, but I do have a suggestion for a new line of inquiry.”

They spent the next thirty minutes going over her suggestions for his case, and when he left her office, she felt good about the progress they’d made. From there, her day flowed relatively smoothly. She met with the other officers whose cases she’d reviewed and observed an interview with a newly discovered witness. Her meeting with her boss went uneventfully, a brief summary of all the ways she’d fucked up in Belfast, a promise not to repeat past mistakes, and a firm handshake as she was officially welcomed back.

Before she’d even realized the time, Scully had texted to say she was leaving the hospital.

I’m actually at the office myself, Stella replied.

Good news? Scully asked.

Yes. Inquiry closed. Officially back in action.

Congratulations! Mind if I stop by?

Stella felt her eyebrows lift in surprise. No.

She started sorting through the files on her desk, updating her notes and organizing things for tomorrow, pleased with the progress she’d made today. A few minutes later, she heard a laugh that made something warm zing through her stomach. She looked up to see Scully at the reception desk, red hair loose over her shoulders, laughing at something Anwar had just said to her.

Stella waved a hand to catch her attention, and Scully met her eyes with a smile. She said something to Anwar, waving as she strode in Stella’s direction. She arrived in Stella’s doorway, still smiling, one hip leaned against the door frame, looking worlds fresher than she had at the end of yesterday’s shift.

“The hospital’s not far from here, and I wanted the chance to see you in action,” she said.

“Satisfied?” Stella felt a smile tug at her lips. She leaned her elbows on her desk, watching Scully closely. She was impatient to kiss her but unwilling to do so here at work, especially unwilling to give her colleagues anything to whisper about on her first day back.

“Yes,” Scully answered, wandering into Stella’s office, eyes roaming over everything in sight.

“Do you miss it?” Stella asked.

“Sometimes,” she admitted. “But not enough to consider ever coming back.”

“Pathology is your happy medium then, is it?”

“Yeah. I think it is.”

“And how was your second day?”

“Better than the first,” Scully said with a brisk nod. “I’m finding my footing.”

“Good.” Stella stood, shutting down her laptop and grabbing her bag. “Ready?”

Scully nodded, leading the way toward the exit. Several heads turned as they walked past, and Stella wondered what they thought. Friends? Colleagues? She doubted anyone guessed they were lovers, but with her reputation, who knew? Then again, Stella didn’t make a habit of parading her lovers through the office.

“Cut up any bodies today?” she asked as they pushed through the front door onto the street beyond.

“Just one,” Scully told her, wrapping those fingers that had so recently diagnosed death around Stella’s, transferring warmth from one to the other. “Want to grab something to eat? And then, my place or yours? Your choice.”

“Mine,” Stella said automatically, needing the comfort of her own things to keep the positive momentum of the day going.

So, she and Scully stopped at a nearby pub for dinner before heading to Stella’s flat for the night. She’d assumed they wouldn’t see each other as often now that they were both back at work, had assumed that was what she wanted to happen. But as Scully pressed her against the bed, hands roaming beneath Stella’s clothes, she found herself hoping they managed to make this thing between them last for the duration of Scully’s fellowship after all.

***

Over the next two weeks, Stella and Scully solidified their new routines. They were both working long hours now, both comfortably exhausted by the time they made it home in the evening. Often, they’d wind up together either at Scully’s flat or Stella’s in the evening, sharing food and conversation and seemingly endless sex. It had been a very long time since Stella had been part of a relationship like this, the kind of relationship where she found herself checking her phone more often than she should in the office just to see if Scully had texted, where someone cared where she went after work.

This was the kind of relationship that demanded more than she was usually willing to give. She hadn’t meant for it to happen, but she wasn’t exactly complaining either. With Scully, she found she was willing to bend in places she usually held rigid. Stella enjoyed being with her, genuinely looked forward to seeing her. She was as smart as she was beautiful, and every bit as dedicated to her career as Stella was. And the sex…

Still, she held a part of herself back, unwilling to give herself over completely to anyone, even Scully. There were nights when she needed to be alone, and there were places where she’d never bend.

And then there was the date looming on the calendar. Stella hadn’t given much thought to her birthday. Generally, she considered it a win if she managed to sneak past it without having to acknowledge the date. Her coworkers knew better than to say anything. Probably, she’d work late that night. It was her birthday, and she could celebrate any way she liked, even if that meant not celebrating at all.

So, why did she feel like she was keeping some kind of dirty secret every time she looked at the calendar and didn’t say anything to Scully? It was just a day. It would pass, like any other day, and Stella would be another year older. Big fucking deal.

Her office phone rang, illuminating Chris George’s extension. She lifted the receiver to her ear. “Sir?”

“Do you have a minute?” her boss asked.

“Of course,” she responded, already closing her laptop. “I’ll be right there.” She put down the phone, picked up her notepad, and crossed the station floor to George’s door, which stood ajar. She rapped her knuckles against it, pausing there.

“Stella, come in.” He gestured to the empty chair in front of his desk. “How are you doing?”

“Fine, sir.” She sat, one leg crossed over the other, hands folded over the notepad in her lap. Surely, he hadn’t called her in to assess her performance. Since her return, she’d helped close two of her colleagues’ open cases and just this Monday had been made SIO on a new homicide. It wasn’t like George to micromanage her, and she hoped he wasn’t about to start now.

“Good, good,” he said, leaning back in his chair and giving her an assessing look. “I have a bit of a favor to ask on behalf of the chief super up in Wembley.”

“Of course.” She relaxed internally as she realized this meeting had nothing to do with what had happened in Belfast.

“They’ve got themselves a problematic case, a rape, as it happens. The primary suspect is a former officer, and there are concerns that things have been mismanaged in his favor.” George sighed, still watching her closely.

Stella straightened in her seat. She was being sent on another review. It was unusual for her to be sent out again so quickly. Usually, she only assisted other jurisdictions a few times a year. It was a welcome chance for her to flex her mental muscles, get more experience under her belt, and untangle a complicated case. She’d never gone out only two weeks after returning to her home office, certainly not after a case as mentally and physically destructive as the one in Belfast had been.

“I know it’s a lot to ask so soon after your return,” he said. “But they requested you specifically. It will be only a week. I’m certain Stephen can cover the Martin case for you until your return after you just helped him close Beaujon.”

“Yes, of course,” she answered automatically. This review had not been presented to her as optional, not that she would have ever considered saying no. Ultimately, it was good that she was still in demand, even after Belfast. So, she tucked away a sense of discomfort she couldn’t quite explain as she made her way back to her office to begin clearing her calendar for next week.

A text from Scully waited on her phone.

Dinner tonight? I’m craving pizza.

Sounds good, Stella replied. She opened her laptop, eyes scanning appointments and meetings that would need to be canceled. Her birthday was next Wednesday, right in the middle of her weeklong trip to Wembley. Well, at least now she had a legitimate excuse not to spend it with Scully.

***

“Oh my God, this is so good,” Scully said around a mouthful of pizza.

“Mm,” Stella agreed, reaching for another slice. Somehow, her white blouse remained unblemished, while Scully could already see three separate dots of sauce on the front of her scrubs.

She’d picked up a pie from their favorite Italian spot on her way home from the hospital, loaded with the works, and between the two of them, they might polish the whole thing off. Nothing beat a long day of fighting crime—or slicing up bodies—to work up an appetite. Stella ate quietly, her expression a million miles away. This in itself wasn’t unusual. She often got lost in her own thoughts, but tonight, she seemed more distracted than usual.

“Tough day?” Scully asked.

“Nothing out of the ordinary,” Stella said. She chewed and swallowed another bite before glancing over at Scully. “I’m being sent on another review.”

“Oh?”

Stella nodded. “Next week.”

“That seems…soon,” Scully said carefully. Stella hadn’t even finished healing from the case in Belfast, was only barely back into the swing of things here in London.

“It is,” Stella agreed, lifting a string of cheese and draping it across her pizza slice. “It’s in Wembley, so not too far from home. Far enough to warrant a hotel stay, though, I’m afraid.”

“I’ll miss you,” Scully blurted, covering her admission with a smile as Stella gave her a sharp look. It was true, though. Her time in London was already beginning to feel short, and she’d hoped to spend every bit of it with Stella.

“It’s only for a week.”

“Okay,” Scully said, taking another bite of pizza. They fell back to eating in silence, and Scully found herself remembering the headlines from Belfast, the ones about Stella and that officer, James Olson. She choked on a bite of pizza, coughing as she reached for her water glass.

“Are you all right?” Stella asked, eyes narrowed as if she was asking about more than Scully’s airway.

“Fine,” she muttered, taking a long drink of water. She was the one who’d suggested a casual relationship. Technically, Stella could fuck anyone she wanted to while she was away on her review, or even here in London. But that didn’t feel okay, not anymore. Maybe it never had. Scully was loyal to her core, and maybe she had no right to ask for it in return, but she didn’t want to share Stella with anyone else, not for the two short months she would be here in London. She fidgeted with her slice of pizza, watching as the toppings slid one by one back into the box in a gloppy mess.

“Dana,” Stella said, a warning in her tone.

Scully looked at her helplessly. She was so bad at this. She had no idea how to broach the subject and was uncomfortably aware Stella might bristle or even bolt once she realized was Scully was asking. But she’d spent too many years not speaking up for what she wanted in a relationship and then being disappointed when she didn’t receive it. Not this time. “I just…I don’t really know how to say this, but…it’s just you and me, right? Even when you’re away?”

Stella froze with the pizza halfway to her mouth, and for a moment, they stared at each other in loaded silence. A glob of sauce dripped onto Stella’s skirt, and for some reason, Scully had the irrational urge to laugh. Instead, she pushed a paper towel into Stella’s free hand.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“The skirt is black,” Stella said as she dabbed at the sauce. “Hard to stain.”

“That’s not what I was sorry for.”

Stella’s chin went up, and Scully’s stomach bottomed out. She’d overstepped. Friends who fuck. Her ridiculous label for their relationship certainly hadn’t implied any kind of exclusivity.

Stella sat ramrod straight across from her as a war raged in the turbulent depths of her eyes. And then, she nodded slightly. “Just you and me, for however long this lasts.”

“Really?” Scully couldn’t keep the surprise out of her voice.

A muscle in Stella’s jaw twitched. “I am capable of restraint when it’s asked of me.”

Scully set down what remained of her pizza and took Stella’s half-eaten slice, tossing it carelessly into the open box before pushing her flat on the couch, covering Stella’s body with her own. She brought her lips to Stella’s for a bruising kiss. “Exclusivity, yes, but I never asked you for restraint.”

[theygotmewhipped]

Skin - 11. The End

Word Count: 1 892

Uh, shit, my back hurts like hell. I woke up on the sofa. I must’ve fallen asleep here while watching The Man in a High Castle. At least that’s what I last remember I was watching. I sat down and looked for my phone. I found it under a pillow and turned on the screen. Which didn’t work. I grumbled while realizing the battery’s dead. I stood up and went to put it on the charger. When the phone finally turned on I got perplexed. It’s already two pm? How did that happen? Chanyeol would have never let me sleep in that long. I left the phone to charge and stood in the living room looking around.

Right, Chanyeol’s not here anymore. The weird feeling in my gut returned as I took in the silent apartment. Maybe I’m catching a cold. I should make some tea just in case. I went to the kitchen and prepared the cup for the tea. I reached for the teabags on the top shelf but couldn’t get them.

“Yo, Yeol, could you…Fuck!” I realized that I was talking to no one. Okay, I guess we are doing this the old fashioned way. I brought a chair and stood up on it grabbing the tea. “Ha, see? Just the work of habit.” I said victoriously but staggered on the chair on my way down and fell down. “Why do you hate me?” I looked up to the ceiling frustrated. Right then something moved in the corner of my sight. If this is a sign from you, I don't want it. I turned to side curious to find out if I started hallucinating now as well which would confirm that I’m really getting a fever.

“Yeolmi, you bitch, I forgot we had you. But since you’re still alive, Chanyeol must have been taking care of you, huh?” I watched the fish swim around. “Sitting on this floor, can’t help but wonder if he’s been taking care of both of us for this past month.” I picked myself up from the floor. “I know, right? The silence is quite deafening when he’s suddenly not around.” And now I’m having a conversation with a fish. Awesome. I should see a shrink. I leaned on the counter opposite Yeolmi and stared at it. “I guess it wasn’t all that bad to have around someone so bright. At least I didn’t have time to feel so... like I’m watching my life play out from the sidelines, you know what I mean?” The fish just swam around like usual.

“Wait, would do you mean I’m lonely? I’m not…” I stopped to think about it. Could it be? “Yeah, maybe you’re right.” I sighed. “But I used to be alone like this all the time. I mean, yeah, Minha lived here, but she was more with Hyojong than home so why does it feel different now?” I kept gazing at Yeolmi as if it could answer me. “I know he was always kind and thoughtful. Stop being such a bitch about it, Yeolmi!” The fish opened its mouth. “What the…How dare you?! You don’t even have proper body organs, you early stage of evolution, not to mention a body heat and emotions, and you call me a cold bitch!” The fish twirled around. “He was, wasn’t he?” I spoke more calmly with a hint of guilt. “I was so engulfed in the moment when I got what I wanted, I haven’t even paid attention to the fact that he was obviously sad and hurt. He was always trying to make me smile and putting me first, and the one time he actually looked like he was miserable I just totally ignored and overlooked his feelings.” Yeolmi just floated in the water facing me. “Yeah, I know I’m horrible. Just shut up. You don’t have to make me feel more like crap than I already do.” I argued with it.

“What do you mean it’s not too late?” I stared at it, curious about the new direction of our highly one sided conversation. “No, not doing that…Wha-No, it’s not because of my pride. I finally have what I want I’m not…” Yeolmi cut me off. “The heck-Kay, fine. Let’s say I do that. I don’t even know where to find him.” I looked over at my phone lying on the coffee table in the living room. “…I’m gonna so regret this.” I whined. I took the phone and found Baek’s number.

“Yumi, to what do I owe the pleasure?” He picked up the phone with a scathing voice. Okay, I already regret this. What if Chanyeol already hates me and told the guys as well?

“Hey, can I ask you something?” I was getting anxious. This is not good, what the fuck am I even doing?

“Sure, what do you need?” He answered with coldness. Oh, great, I’m fucked.

“Uhm, do you know where Chanyeol is staying for a meantime?” I asked sheepishly.

“Yeah, why do you wanna know?” He asked suspiciously.

“No reason. Just informatively asking.” I avoided answer because I wanted to avoid admitting my mistake.

“Yeah, right. I don’t believe a single word of that but since I’m such an amazing person I won’t push for the answers.” The only reason he’s not prying is because he already knows.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re amazing. Just tell me already, please.” I was getting desperate.

“He’s at his mom’s.” He sighed.

“Kay, thank you.” Relief came over me.

“Listen, I’m only helping you because I can hear your remorse even through the phone but if you’re planning to hurt him even more, don’t even bother to contact him. Or you’ll have to deal with me.” Baekhyun was completely serious. Is it that obvious?

“Yeah…I know. Thanks again, Kyoon.” I finished the call. Awesome, so I really did hurt him. I looked at Yeolmi. “What now, fishface?” I asked frustrated. It just popped bubble from its mouth. “Great, just great.” I dressed up, took my stuff and went to Mrs. Park’s house.

I stood in front of the gate looking at the house completely terrified. Fuck, this was not a good idea. Not one bit. He’s just gonna tell me to fuck off. This is bad. It wasn’t that horrible to be alone, right? Maybe I’m just overreacting since it was first time after a long while that I was alone for so long.  My anxiety acting up. I should just go home. I turned around and started walking away.

Stop, motherfucker! My brain yelled at me. Argh, what now?

Why are you being such a coward? Um, cause that’s who I am? Who we are? I run away from everything that makes me even slightly uncomfortable.

Do you now understand what Minseok tried to tell you? And why Chanyeol pushed you to do things you didn’t want to do? Goddamit brain, could you like shut up and not make me feel guilty and weak as fuck all the time?!

You shut up and do what you really want to do for once and stop hiding behind your fear! Just once, express your feelings just one fucking time, idiot! What do you have to lose?! “Argh!” I clutched my head. Stupid, stupid brain. I turned on my heels and walked back to Chanyeol’s house and went to the door this time.

“You got this, Yumi.” I cheered myself on. I took a deep breath and rang the bell. Shit, shit, shit. What am I even gonna say? I should have practiced it before coming here. For sweet jelly beans, I’m such an idiot. I started to panic and looked around for an escape. I could run away or maybe if I hide behind the corner they will think some kids are just playing a prank. That could work, right? I was about to move when the door suddenly opened with Chanyeol behind them. “Fuck.” I whispered and froze staring at him with wide eyes.

“Yumi, what are you…” Out of nowhere, my body moved on its own and I hugged him around the waist, leaning my head on his chest. “…doing here?” He breathed out in shock. I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t. I was still processing what just happened. Despite my shock, I didn’t let go of him.

I’m hugging him. And I can feel myself trembling in fear. But I’m not burning as usual and I can still breathe somehow despite my breath being bit erratic. I’m hugging him, my whole body in touch with someone else’s.

“Yumi, what is going on?” He asked confused with his arms in the air. Still considerate per usual.

“I’m hugging you.” I answered still stunned by my own actions.

“I can see that…but aren’t you hurting? You are trembling.” He pointed out the obvious.

“I- I don’t know.” I replied perplexed. “Can you, maybe…hug me back?” I asked quietly. Without words his arms slowly found their way around me, engulfing me into his warmth. I closed my eyes and let out an unexpected relieved sigh. Chanyeol’s chin touched the top of my head almost completely hiding me from the world.

“Please, stay.” I said after a while. “I know I suck as a person and I’m fucked up but please don’t leave. I’m sorry for making you leave, for being an ignorant asshole and everything else.” I tightened my grip around him. “It just felt so empty without you and then Yeolmi was bitching and I just…”

“You talked to Yeolmi?” He chuckled.

“Yeah, you wouldn’t believe how annoying that fish can be.” I pouted. “Anyway, please, come back home.”

“If it feels empty you can just find a new less annoying roommate.” He suggested.

“Yeah, I thought of that. I actually wrote down the ad but…couldn’t post it. You just pushed your way into my life somehow and now I think, I think of you as a friend.” I admitted.

“I told you, once you have a place in my life there’s no escaping it. I knew you didn’t hate me as much as you always said.” He teased me.

“Shut up!” I smacked his chest with one hand. “So…you coming back?” I looked up at him.

“After this confession of yours and the best hug I ever got? I would be a fool not to.” He widely grinned at me. “But only if you help me unpack again because you have no idea how much work it was to pack it all in.” He gave me wry smile.

“Of course, I’ll help!” I happily agreed and laid my head back on his chest. “You know, I think we can do this more often from now on.” I said and squeezed his body closer. I was still trembling lightly but it wasn’t that bad and the burning stopped completely. I haven’t hugged anyone for years and now I’m embracing someone not just for seconds but minutes. After such a long time I finally don’t feel anxious about everything around me. It’s like I discovered a whole new world. I’m sure it’s gonna take time before I can do this without any reaction and definitely gonna be a while before I’ll be able to touch anyone else but I’ll take this win for now. Chanyeol squeezed me as well and caressed my back.

“With pleasure, cuddle buddy.”

The End

First Chapter——–Previous Chapter

Hi :)

So we arrived to the finish line. What do you think? Is it what you expected? Better? Or perhaps worse? What do you think is the reason why Yumi can't bear to be touched? And what do you think happens next? Let me know ;)

Hopefully, we'll see each other again with my next story <3

[jendarknight-blog]

SO YEAH BOY HOWDY I’M GOING TO TALK ABOUT AN AU THING. 

If you’re not interested, feel free to skip this post. There’s a lot of rambling in it. Warning: TOOTH ROTTING FLUFF. Also, Domestic!Baku.

Weirdly when I took notes on this idea, I ended up in Baku’s headspace while I was writing it, so uh. Yeah. When I get to some of the bullet points it’ll almost look like in-fic headspace prose. 

For those who don’t know, Kare Kano (”His and her Circumstances” or “His and Hers” for short) is a romantic comedy / drama anime and manga from the 90′s that centers around two students: Yukino Miyazawa and Souichirou Arima. Both are model students, but both have hidden depths: Yukino likes attention and being number one, while Souichirou tries to be perfect in order to please the parents who took him in and raised him. After Souichirou takes the number one spot on their first day of high school and steals Yukino’s rightful debut, it begins a tense one-sided rivalry in order to become Top Dog, which ends up leading into a strange, sweet, and fulfilling romance as they not only understand themselves, but each other. Initially, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go Todobaku or Bakudeku with this, because both could easily work, but I went with Bakudeku because Todobaku would be far too close to how canon ACTUALLY ends up.

And I wanted to include the “Childhood friends” and shared history angle. In Kare Kano canon, the big secret is that Yukino is a lazy egomaniac while she acts like the perfect angel at school, but since Baku is...well, there isn’t a lazy bone in his body, domesticity comes to the rescue every time. And I’m weak to Domestic Baku, sue me. And in original Kare Kano canon, Souichirou blackmails Yukino into doing his work when he finds out her secret, but...yeah, Deku’s far too nice to blackmail him, but not nice enough to not screw with him. Note: This is told in bullet points. -Specifically, Baku desperately wants to be number one. Quirks aren’t a Thing, and for most of his life, he was the best at everything. People were intimidated by him and worshipped the ground he walked on, and you know? It felt pretty damn good. He was a winner, and winning was his fucking life. He competed against everyone in everything; he made sure his skin was perfect, his body was flawless, his grades were flawless, and everything else he could think of, and he worked his ass off to be as good as he was. That said, he wasn’t untouchable. He liked to look like the sun that everyone wanted to reach, but he was actually...not as hard as people thought. Turns out, he’s close to his two very young siblings: Eri and Kouta. They were adopted as babies (from a very close friend of the family who had passed away, and they took them in as requested in their will), but due to his family circumstances, he ended up more of a surrogate parent than a brother. Kouta worships the ground Baku walks on and wants to be just like him, and Eri has Baku wrapped around her little finger. He always is the one who makes the family meals, does the shopping, takes care of spring cleaning, and even does Eri’s hair every morning, since his parents are often out of the house due to work (on trips and otherwise) and needed someone to watch the little ones. -He’d known Deku since he was a kid, but only through school; their mothers knew each other, but after they started school, their parents didn’t bring them over on playdates, especially after their relationship soured. Deku sucked at everything, and that was just sort of the way things were. Even if he kept trailing around behind him all through elementary school, they went to different middle schools so he thought he was finally free of the nerd.  -Then, High School happened. They both were not only admitted into one of the top High Schools in the country, UA, but Baku did not get the top marks. Deku did. Not only that, but started school popular and getting all kinds of praise and adoration (which he had the nerve to be fucking shy about, the stupid fuck). Baku kind of liked the lack of attention, but he hated that fucking Deku won against him, and had the sway of the classroom just on the tip of his finger, even if he didn’t realize it. Oh, and Deku had to fucking realize it. He had to be looking down on him and pitying him all the goddamn time, why else would he give him those fucking looks every time Baku turned around?! God, he pissed him off. -Eijirou and Denki are his next door neighbors (Eijirou lives on one side, and Denki lives on the other), and alongside Mina, they’re pretty much his only friends, and had been since Junior High. Unfortunately for him, they went to one of the nearby public schools rather than UA, so they couldn’t exactly stick with him or share his pain. Eijirou especially has heard his angry rants about Deku, and tries to be the voice of reason. It goes about as well as one would think it does. -So, he might have...studied. A little. Okay, no, he studied a LOT. Baku became a man possessed, trying his best to knock Deku off his high horse (”Bro, aren’t you the one on the high horse here?!”). He studied harder, worked out harder, and overall kept pushing to beat fucking Deku (and his friend, stupid half-and-half, fuck him too). He does, in fact, get the top score on the midterm. But instead of being crushed or defeated or just...something, Deku smiles his dumb-ass smile and just says: “Wow, Kacchan, you really are amazing. I won’t lose next time!” -It attacked his brain, and stuck with him. He didn’t know what the hell to think about it. Deku’d fought to get to the top, so he clearly was trying to kick him down a peg, so why wasn’t he at least a little mad about it? And why did he have to look at him with those huge eyes, and why were his cheeks so pink? Well, he would get his answer. One morning, Deku left a note on Katsuki’s desk, and told him to meet him by the big tree after school. And, ready to give that asshole a piece of his mind (maybe he wanted to fight -- he didn’t want to soil his reputation, but the thought of giving Deku a good...well, deck, like when they were little and scuffled on the playground, was a nice one), he went to meet him. Turns out, uh, that’s not what happened. 

“Look, Kacchan, I..I know we’re not on the best of terms. I know you probably don’t even like me--”

“Can we hurry this up? I’ve got--”

“Let me finish.”

“Tch.”

“I know you probably don’t like me, and you know what? I probably shouldn’t like you. You’ve been nothing but a jerk to not only me, but everyone else around you. But you always told me that I was useless, and maybe in this case, you’re right. I am useless. I don’t know how to like--Ugh, this isn’t coming out right.”

“...”

“Kacchan, no--Katsuki. I love you! I’ve always been in love with you, and I don’t think I’m ever going to stop being in love with you. I...just. I don’t know. I think I needed to get that off my chest, before it drove me crazy. A-anyway, I don’t expect anything, don’t worry. I’ll...I’ll just be going now. U-um. See you around.”

-Katsuki is too stunned to respond, and he can’t explain why his stupid fucking heart feels like it was just put in a goddamn blender. So stupid Deku is not leaving his head. And he starts to notice things. The smiles. The brushes of shoulders whenever he walks past him; they feel deliberate, staged. Like he would run into the room at just the right time just to get an excuse to touch him. Had he been acting like a lovesick dumbass this whole time instead of just...whatever he was trying to be? Was that why he praised him? Also, what was Deku doing, confessing to him like he was a fucking girl? What, did he think he was some sort of secret maiden who wanted to swoon at the sight of his nerdy ass? As if. (That said, Deku was starting to work out; but the dude still watched Tokusatsu shows and could even do the poses on command like a kid! He even had a Kamen Rider pin on the lapel of his uniform jacket -- how did he even dress himself in the morning without being embarrassed?) Fucking Deku with his fucking muscles and his weird looks and stupid confession and ugh why was this so fucking complicated? Fuck it. Deku was an idiot, always would be an idiot, and nothing he was going to do would change that! He was going to win, and Deku was clearly doing this so that he could find a chink in Katsuki’s armor--well joke’s on him. Motherfucker is completely covered in armor. He’s 100 percent armor and no squishy bits deep inside. 

-He refused to tell his friends any of this, though Kirishima did get it out of him when Denki and Mina weren’t around. He really hoped this was going to be the last real conversation he ever had with Midoriya fucking Izuku.

-Of course it was never that simple. One night, after taking the kids home from kindergarten, he’d dressed down in his house clothes and his usual apron to get dinner started. He’d been expecting a package, so he didn’t even think twice about the doorbell ringing, or rushing to get it with the apron still on and All Might house slippers still clinging to his feet. Lo and behold, it’s not the mailman, but Deku, still in his school uniform, staring at Katsuki like he’d grown a second head.

“Take a picture, fucker. It’ll last longer.”

“Kacchan--is that an apron? And All Might sli--”

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t slam the door in your face, Deku.”

“I-I um. Have your uh. Notebook? You left it at school.”

“Okay, good, you gave me my fucking notebook, now go the fuck away--”

-Too bad Eri decided to peek out the door and see him. She was usually so shy, but she had no problems talking to Deku, of all people, and even tried to get him to eat with them. Thankfully, Deku caught the hint from Katsuki’s glare and hightailed it before he had to yell at him in front of a six-year-old.

-...That didn’t stop him from coming around a lot more often. One day, it was because he left his pencils on his desk. Another, it was because he was asked by a member of the cooking club to send him a message (like he couldn’t just text him). He ends up staying for dinner one day after Eri ends up letting him in while Baku was in the bathroom (he can’t even be mad; she was doing exactly what she was supposed to do if his friends came over -- except those two weren’t friends, but how was he supposed to explain that when he was one of the first people she was actually enthusiastic to see? She didn’t even greet Mina or Denki with that kind of enthusiasm!). This leads to more dinner dates, until Deku just ends up coming over for dinner every day, and it only pisses Baku off more and more that he’s getting comfortably familiar, even though all he ever does is (at least in his mind) condescend him. 

-Eventually, at school, when they’re both there late due to required club activities, they have an argument. Deku runs away in rage, Baku chases him, they leap out the school window onto the track, and they have a small punch-up as they address their grievances -- well, specifically, Katsuki’s. He isn’t condescending to him, never was, and never wanted something so stupid as attention. He worked so hard so that Katsuki would acknowledge him, and he came over all the time so he could have an excuse to talk to him, and maybe, at least, be his friend. They end this encounter as friends -- as Baku’s only friend in UA.-Then over time, Baku realizes that he’s falling for this idiot nerd, but doesn’t know if he still feels the same way. After a series of ridiculous mishaps and attempts to TRY to confess, he is about to give up when he notices Deku’s hand dangling on the train, so he reaches for it. Quietly, Deku squeezes his hand, and the two ride together in silence, their fingers not untangling until they get to Baku’s front door.

UGH I’M SORRY THIS WAS LONG BUT IT WAS SO CUTE IN MY HEAD I HAD TO DO SOMETHING IDK IF I EVEN WANT TO DO ANYTHING WITH IT BUT I JUST HSDFLKHSD:FLKHS:DLKFJS:LDKFJSDF

[thepatricktreestump]

black & red

twenty one: reader // trigger warnings and gender neutral reader throughout //

When you woke up, you still felt shitty, but more importantly, you just wanted to see Tyler. You wanted to know if he was okay. You checked your clock, realizing that it was still late, then sighed. Josh was probably asleep. Maybe you could call Tyler. Josh’s words still echoed in your mind, telling you it was best to stay away from Ty, apologizing he hadn’t told you in the first place, guilty that he had let you get hurt. It broke your heart to think that you might never see Tyler again, much less that Josh, your closest friend, would be the one to take away the person you loved the most. However, you understood what he was saying. Being with Tyler was dangerous. You never knew when Blurryface would come out to hurt you. Even though you had tried to get him help, he refused it, and it only worked for a short amount of time before things just ended up back at square one. And even though you had only seen Blurryface twice in your life, he did terrify you, beyond measure. Beneath your fierce attitude and comebacks and defense, you were scared and weak and you knew you couldn’t keep it up. Fighting Blurry was not only inevitable, but almost useless, seeing as nothing fruitful came from it, only pain and suffering and brokenness.

Although, you had to remind yourself, Blurry was only but one side of Tyler. There was still the man you fell in love with, the depressed ukulele boy with chocolate eyes and a sunshine smile and hugs that could make a person melt. The lover who had spent hundreds of nights over the phone with you, cuddled you on couches and took you to breakfast, invited you to shows and texted you nonstop, and truly loved you, with all of his heart. And no matter how hard you tried, you knew you would never let him go. Tyler was always a part of you, and you would never love anyone as much as you love him. That was the truth. So you found yourself sitting up in bed, aching ribs and bruised face, sick stomach and stinging nose, dialing Ty’s number. “Hey,” came out a soft, broken, tired voice.

“Hey,” was all you could manage to reply.

“Look, I know a thousand apologizes could never amount to what I owe to you after last night y/n,” Tyler began shakily. “But know that I could never forgive myself for what happened either.”

“Ty-” you started to protest but he interrupted.

“Josh is right. I understand,” he took a deep breath. “I can’t afford to let you get hurt anymore. You mean so much to me, and sometimes truly loving someone is letting them go. So while I know this probably means close to nothing, please fucking please do know and remember that I’m so very sorry and I so very love you y/n.”

“Tyler…” you were at a loss for words.

“I just wished we would’ve lasted longer,” he mumbled over the line.

“Y-yeah,” you nodded slowly, letting the words resonate with you. “I don’t want us to be over though.”

“It’s for the best,” Tyler reassured. “Like Josh said, it’s all we really can do.”

“I just thought we had time,” you whispered. “You know?”

There was a pause. “Are we really breaking up?” Tyler wondered, voice cracking. “Cause in the long run, if I do ever get better or things change or something, I just- I don’t want to lose you, y/n.”

Another pause. “Yeah,” you were barely able to reply. “And I don’t want to lose you either, but uh, I just don’t know Ty. I don’t know what else to do.”

“I understand,” he lied. You knew he didn’t, because you didn’t either. You both kept quiet, listening to each other’s breathing, trying to process the information but still coming up with no acceptance. There would never be a substitute for his lips, his smile, his arms, his body, his voice, him. There would never be anything that could satiate you like Tyler did. But then again, there would never be anyone else who would hurt you like he had. Nothing that could break you in ways that he had learned to, make you scared like he had done, make you cry and confused and cower like Blurryface had. You tried to shake those thoughts out of your head.

“I never kissed you enough,” Tyler finally admitted. “Or hugged you enough. Or held you in my arms enough. There was just… never enough of us.”

“Not nearly enough,” you agreed, letting out a sad, broken, tired laugh. You paused, closing your eyes, almost refusing to believe that you were over. “…do you ever wish that maybe we didn’t take it slow, Ty?”

“What do you mean?” he dared to ask.

“That maybe we could’ve just delved right in while we had it,” you shrugged, hugging your legs up to your chest, sniffling back tears that dared to fall. “We could’ve just kissed that day we first met instead of trying to ignore the connection between us. We could’ve started earlier, held hands longer, went on more dates, had more hours on the phone…”

“Fucked,” Tyler contributes another broken laugh. “We could’ve fucked.”

“Yeah,” you manage out a chuckle too, but more for his sake, trying to let him know you were okay. “We could’ve…”

“Josh is such an ass,” you heard Tyler barely mutter.

“You know,” you tried to swallow down the uncomfortable awkward lump in your throat. “Josh can’t keep us from seeing each other, Ty. We’re both grown adults. That’s our decision, not his.”

“I know,” Tyler whispered. “B-but maybe I don’t want to see you again.” The words stung. In the darkness of your room, the silence of the night, with nothing but Tyler’s voice coming through to you on the phone, it almost hurt more than any punch or kick or shove that Blurryface had ever given. You bit down on your tongue, unbelievably hard, trying to forget what he had just said, but the words echoed through your mind. He was right. This really was the end. Wasn’t it? Why were you trying to fucking deny it? You instead closed your eyes, trying to regain control.

“Y-yeah,” you stuttered out before you could think about your response. “M-me too.” Another sniffle and uncomfortable swallow. “It’s best we stay away from each other for now on.”

“Definitely,” Tyler quickly affirmed, and this time you couldn’t keep the tears from falling. How could he just say that? Like it was easy to throw away all the months you had spent together? The nights you had fought through? The times you had stood and waited and knocked outside that bathroom door? The fights and the phone calls and the conversations? Your first kisses, your gentle hugs, the passion between you? You closed your eyes tight, feeling the teardrop roll down your face, refusing to let it get to you just yet. “Hey uh- I got to go.” You knew something was wrong, but you didn’t want to address it. Not this time.

“Oh,” is all you managed to respond.

“I’ll um, well… not call you back? I guess?” Tyler coughed. “Is that how this works?”

“Supposed to,” you explained quite bluntly, wiping away a tear with one of your sleeves.

“Okay then,” Tyler mumbled.

“Uh, tell him goodbye for me,” you cleared your throat. “Please.”

“What?” Tyler inquired. “Blurryface,” you clarified. “Tell him goodbye for me.”

“Oh, okay…” Tyler reassured. “Uh, I’ll be sure to do so.”

“Thank you,” you stopped trying to avoid the tears at this point. “It means a lot.”

“N-no problem,” you heard Tyler stutter. There was a pause. Then a distorted voice in the background, a very vague whisper of a final goodbye, and finally a click. You stared at your phone, the ended call now on the screen, tears flowing down you face, not sure what to think.

You had both admitted you didn’t want this thing between you to end, that you both didn’t want to lose each other, hoping and wishing you could redo things, but yet through it all, convinced each other it was what was best, that things were what they were, that you should stay very far away from each other. But you were going to miss him. So fucking much. You heard a knock at your door and you instantly jolted upwards, whining at the sudden pain in your stomach. Ever since Blurry kicked you while you were collapsed on the ground, your ribs and side had been throbbing like a motherfucker. Josh said he would drive you to the doctor’s tomorrow to check for internal bleeding and other things of that nature. Another knock on the door. “Come in,” you mumbled. It swung open, and sure enough, Josh was there, stern and thoughtful expression on his face. Of course he heard you talking on the phone.

“How was your conversation with Ty?” he asked.

“You don’t need to treat me like a kid,” you narrowed your eyes. “You’re not my dad.”

“I’m just looking out for you,” Josh insisted, sitting on the edge of the bed, dark brown eyes analyzing you. You felt exposed and you hated it. He stared at your puffy red eyes and knew you were crying. He looked away and you tried to swallow down your embarrassment. You were so pathetic at times. “How you holding up?”

“How does it fucking look like I’m holding up?” you snapped. “My boyfriend’s psycho possessing dickwad of a demon just beat me to a pulp and now my best friend is forcing me to break up with him. And now he won’t even call me on the phone, says he doesn’t want to see me again, says it’s for the best.” You gave a bitter laugh. “Sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision coming back here to live with you, Josh.” “Don’t say that,” he insisted. “You have a place to stay, you had an okay relationship while it lasted, you found a job, you finally started getting back on your feet y/n. And I’m beyond proud of you for that. Coming back to Columbus has really helped shape you.”

“It did before it all went to shit,” you muttered.

“Hey,” he warned, tone changing. “Come on y/n, don’t be like that.”

“I’m just sick of this,” you apologized, burying your face in your hands. “I’m hurting, Josh. Not just physically, but mentally too. I did everything I could to help Tyler and now I’ve just gone and made things worse.”

“No, you haven’t, you’ve helped him,” Josh reassured.

“Fuck,” you closed your eyes, tight, groaning.

“I’m sorry,” Josh whispered. “I just can’t let you-”

“I know. I know. You’re right,” you replied. “I just need some time to take it all in.”

“Okay,” Josh nodded. “I uh, I’ll drive you to the doctor’s first thing in the morning. Then you can come back here and rest up.” He stared at you, then sighed, getting up off of the bed. “Goodnight y/n.”

“Night, Josh…” you sniffled.

You didn’t fancy loneliness too well, but it beat having to hide from something that scared you. In many ways, Tyler did not only break your heart that night, but your spirit and your mind as well. You were exhausted, depressed, tired, and angry. You were angry at Josh for ruining things, angry at Tyler for wasting time, angry at yourself for not trying hard enough, angry at Blurryface for wrecking it all. That night you dreamt of how things were before you truly knew Tyler. Back when you were in college far away from your home of Columbus, far away from your best friend Josh, and very far away from the man who would later break everything you had ever loved. You were curled up alone in a bed, likewise to where you were now, sleeping, crying for a much different reason, but weeping just the same. And it was late at night. And it was quiet. And it was sad. But you were alone and lost at that time, at here you were, once again.

It was strange to find comfort in something so frowned upon by yourself and others, almost pitiful to think about, but in your own fucked up way, that night, you needed it. You needed to be able to know that it was okay, that it was normal, that most likely, it would happen again. That your heart would heal only to be once again broken, that people would come and go, that there would be many more late nights full of teardrops and loneliness. That sometimes in life, you were the only one you had left, and you would need to learn to accept that. Just like you would need to learn to accept that Tyler just couldn’t stay.