#this was very much not beta'd at all except by me so uh

[too-young-to-fall-in-love]

A Letter From Moscow

summary:

He’s apologized a hundred times in a hundred ways, but now it’s time for Napoleon to hear what he has to say. Or, some of chapter 11 of Love is a Losing Game, but from Illya’s perspective.

notes:

inspired by Love is a Losing Game by @cha-melodius

tags:

Reunions, Alternate Universe, 60s Chess AU, Mutual Pining, Confessions, POV Illya Kuryakin, the happy ending to don't you try and make some fool of me, inspired by another fic

excerpt:

He thinks he might actually be hallucinating, that maybe the exhaustion has finally gotten to him, when he sees Napoleon standing outside the bar. He’s on his feet almost before he’s aware he’d moved. Their eyes meet and his heart drops to his stomach at the unfettered pain swimming in Napoleon’s eyes. He’s no idea how he can make it out from this distance, and it makes him sick to see it. The bell chimes cheerily, announcing Napoleon’s presence with the sort of store-bought joy that neither of them feels. It seems almost mocking, as though the universe knows that Illya’s about to lay his naked heart at Napoleon’s feet and watch it get trampled.

read more on ao3

[polkadotpenguin16]

Subtle Hints

Fills the Only 1 Bed square for @storiesofsvu's Holiday Bingo 2024

Pairing: Sonny Carisi x female reader

Tags: smut (that might be a strong word for this—smut lite?)

Word count: 2K

Beta'd by: @misscharlielulu + @escapingrealtiylovinginsanity

A/N: my Christmas present to you – my first attempt dipping my toes into smut! I’m very much a beginner writing in this genre, and want to improve my skills so I can do my saucy ideas justice. So please bear with me as I’m learning <3

Also posted on AO3

Today was your first holiday spent with Sonny’s family. While you’d already met his parents and sisters individually, this was your first time fully immersed in the Carisi clan. Sonny wasn’t worried about it, but you were irrationally concerned about making a good impression. It was important to you that they thought you were a good match for Sonny. 

His sisters seemed to like you, and his nieces and nephews thought you were pretty cool. But you had a hard time getting a read on his mother. She was cordial, smiling whenever you chatted. But her demeanor seemed guarded, if not a little cold. Definitely not the enthusiasm you’d hoped for. But you were dating her one and only son, her baby boy, so her trepidation was not unexpected.

It was getting dark outside, and the snow was falling much harder than forecasted. Because of the late hour and the unfavorable weather, Sonny’s parents offered to let everyone stay at their house for the night. When Mrs. Carisi divvied up the rooms amongst all the guests, somehow, the only one left for you and Sonny was Gina and Bella’s childhood bedroom. Which you wouldn’t have minded, except for one thing…

Gina and Bella had shared bunk beds.

Mrs. Carisi tried to play innocent. “What do you want me to do? It’s the only bed left. You wanna sleep in the closet?” But you strongly suspected this was her not so subtle way of hinting that she didn’t want any out-of-wedlock shenanigans happening under her roof.

You and Sonny entered the bedroom, dumbfounded how you found yourself in this situation. The walls were covered in pastel floral wallpaper that reminded you of the 80s. Next to the closet sat a well-worn oak dresser with scuffs along the side—probably from having the closet door slammed into it. The window was adorned with pink striped curtains that appeared to have been homemade, perhaps by Mrs. Carisi. And at the back of the room stood the dreaded set of bunk beds. 

The closer you got, the smaller the beds seemed. 

“You have got to be kidding me.” Sonny rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He’d like to say he was surprised, but this honestly wasn’t even the craziest of his mother’s antics. “I, uh, I could go talk to Ma…” he trailed off as he glanced at you hesitantly, looking for you to tell him what to do next.

You thought about it for a split second, but the defeated look on his face told you that Sonny didn’t want to fight with his mom tonight. “No, it’s fine. It’s just for one night, anyways.” As utterly silly as this was, you were still worried about making a good impression with his mother. You thought there was the slightest chance you’d earn her respect if you went along with this madness.

Relief washed over Sonny’s face. He made a mental note to thank God at Mass tomorrow for blessing him with such an understanding girlfriend. He looked back at the bunk beds, reminded of the uncomfortable night ahead of him. With a deep sigh, he accepted his fate. “Okay, roomie, which bunk do you want?”

“Which would you be more comfortable in?” You wanted to be mindful of his size. You weren’t necessarily tiny, but certainly smaller than him.

His eyes darted between you and the beds before gesturing to his lengthy frame. “Babe, it’s not gonna make a difference.”

“Well…” A wicked smirk crept onto your lips. “I’ve never slept in a bunk bed before.” You mischievously climbed up the ladder to claim the top bunk as yours.

Sonny rolled his eyes, but he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t charmed by your childish spirit. “Alright, doll, you can be on top tonight.” You glared at his immature joke, but desperately tried to suppress the warmth rising in your cheeks. “Why don’t you get down from there so we can get ready for bed?”

Sonny stripped down to his boxers and undershirt, offering you his dress shirt to sleep in. He had worn his blue and white polka dot one, which was your favorite on him. You shamelessly held the shirt to your face. Breathing in its musky scent, enjoying the warmth still clinging to the fabric.

While getting ready, you turned to see Sonny struggling as he tried to squish himself into the bedframe. He regretted he hadn’t taken you up on that offer to join your yoga class. He bonked his head against the wall and jammed his knee into the bedpost. Too exhausted to be fighting a literal piece of furniture, he resigned himself to sticking his feet off the edge and resting his arm on the floor.

Swallowing your giggles, you tiptoed to the bed, kneeling to look at a very defeated Sonny. “Are you going to be okay down here?” You had to whisper otherwise you’d bust out into a cackle.

“Oh, yeah, just like a five-star hotel.” At least he was able to fit his sense of humor in there.

You exchanged “I love yous” and a quick kiss, then you climbed up to your own bunk. It took a minute of tossing and turning, but you found a comfortable position for the night.

Fifteen minutes later, you were on the edge of sleep when you heard Sonny let out a disgruntled groan. The bed started to shift. Before you knew it, Sonny was up the ladder, crawling into your bunk.

“No, no, Sonny! What’re you doing?” You quietly tried to shoo him, afraid he’d break the bed. Ignoring your protests he tried to squeeze in beside you.

“Doll, it’s cold down there,” he whined. You knew that was a lie. Sonny, true to his name, radiated heat like the sun. He was never cold.

You playfully tilted your head and raised your eyebrow. “You sure you weren’t just lonely?”.

Sonny was grateful the darkness hid his boyish blush. It was an awkward dance trying to get you both to fit. Giggles erupted as your legs and arms tangled together. Eventually, Sonny pulled you on top of him, wrapping his arms around your waist. You curled up under his chin, finally settling.

You tried to fall asleep but were distracted by the gently snoring man beneath you. You felt enveloped by his warmth, intoxicated by the smell of his cologne. You knew this was quite possibly the worst time and place to be horny, but you couldn’t ignore the heat growing in your belly. You needed to relieve the tension, so you slowly ground into Sonny.

You felt a groan reverberate in his chest. “Doll, whatcha doin’?” His voice was low, thick with sleep.

“Well, you were complaining about being cold.” You ground your hips harder into his, hoping he would get the message.

Sonny’s laugh was cut off by a wanton moan. He slowly tightened his hands around your hips. You felt him growing hard beneath you.

Your message was clearly received.

He gently flipped you onto your back. “You're gonna be the death of me, ya know that...possibly literally.” He looked over the side of the bed, gauging how far the ground was.

He knew this was a bad idea. But you were so effortlessly beautiful laid out beneath him, wearing nothing but panties and his shirt. His desire for you had been building all night. Watching you blend in so easily with his crazy family, strutting around in your green party dress. He’d barely been able to keep his hands to himself. Now, hovering above you, his resolve was quickly slipping away. Your skin was soft under his fingertips, and he could smell remnants of your gingerbread perfume. You felt like the perfect Christmas present—handpicked just for him, waiting to be unwrapped. How could he resist?

He pulled you into a searing kiss. You kissed him back with the same intensity, rubbing your hands up and down his back. You moaned into his mouth, louder than you’d intended. Sonny shushed you, reminding you that you had to be quiet. You carefully peeled Sonny out of his undershirt. A goofy smile spread onto his face as he watched you struggle against the fabric. He realized how juvenile this was, but he was enjoying every minute of it. He looked deeply into your eyes, feeling the closeness he’d been desperately craving the whole evening.

He balanced himself on his forearms, wanting to make you as comfortable as possible. He hiked up your shirt just enough to gain access to your chest. He gently massaged your sensitive breast. His calloused fingers dragged gently against your skin and across your nipple, making it harden beneath his touch. You gasped as you arched your back to meet his hand. The whimpers coming from your throat were nothing compared to Sonny’s.

He enjoyed giving you pleasure infinitely more than receiving it.

He tried to ignore the burning in his shoulders. But suddenly his muscles gave out, throwing him off balance. Making a split-second decision to avoid collapsing on top of you, he tumbled over the side of the bed. He landed with a comical thud that echoed throughout the silent room.

“Sonny!” you whisper yelled, as if you hadn’t just awakened the entire house with your raunchy escapades. You quickly climbed down to check on Sonny where he lay groaning on the floor. “Are you okay? Is anything broken?”

He propped himself up on his elbows, taking stock of his body. “Besides my pride?” Wincing as he rubbed the back of his head. “I think I’ll live.” You kissed his forehead. Thankfully, the bed hadn’t been that tall, so a serious injury was unlikely.

As you sat on the floor looking up at the bunk beds, a thought popped into your head. “Hey, Sonny?”

“Yeah?”

“Why didn’t we just put the mattress on the floor?”

Sonny’s face went blank at the realization. He closed his eyes and pursed his lips tightly. He groaned in frustration as he laid his head back on the floor, and you busted out into a fit of giggles. You pulled the mattresses off the bunks and lined them up next to each other on the floor. You couldn’t help but feel incredibly stupid that you hadn’t thought of this in the first place.

Well, hindsight is 20/20…or about 5 feet off the floor.

You cuddled up under the blankets, much cozier on the floor than in the beds. Sonny’s eyebrows were laced together deep in thought.

“You doing alright, sunshine?” You brushed the hair away that had fallen into his eyes.

His face relaxed under your touch. “Yeah, I’m just wondering why I couldn’t be the favorite child.” You shook your head in amusement, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “Bella would never have been asked to share a bunk bed.”

You scooched in close to teasingly whisper in his ear, “That’s because Tommy popped the question.”

Sonny threw his head back and laughed so hard, you worried it would wake up the house yet again. “Ya trying to tell me something, doll?”

“All I’m saying is maybe some new jewelry could get us better accommodations next year.” You wiggled the fingers of your left hand.

He took your hand and lovingly kissed each of your fingers, pausing before your ring finger. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

You snuggled deeper under the covers, happily entangled together. You closed your eyes, playing back the evening’s events in your mind. It was certainly a night you wouldn’t soon forget. You wondered how big the lump on Sonny’s head would be. Or if maybe you’d be engaged by next Christmas…

And how to explain all of this to his mother in the morning.

[yesbutmakeitgay]

Lifelines Intertwined

Chapter 1

Valkyrie x Reader

Summary: You are sent to New Asgard to help King Valkyrie protect her Kingdom. Soulmate AU.

Word count: 1.7k

Soulmates, Slow burn, Fluff, Angst.

A/N: Been working on this one for a while, hope you like it :)

Beta'd by @cordeliasdarling <3

Masterlist | This Work's Masterlist | AO3

Ripping Wings Off Of Butterflies

Soulmarks. A permanent imprint on your body that matches that of the person you’re destined to spend the rest of your life with.

Everybody has one, you have one, your partner has one, or at least, you hope you do, have a partner, that is.

They are simple, discreet, and easy to hide, but clear enough that you can spot your soulmate with the utmost certainty once you see it. Except, your mark is anything but. You were born with what can only be described as a hieroglyph expanding the entirety of your left forearm, in a tint so light, it almost blends in with your skin.

Your soulmark is so strange and in plain sight that it turns heads every time you're out in public, so you've learned to hide it underneath a hoodie, no matter the weather.

Having gone your whole life with such an odd mark has turned you cold, distant, emotionless. You joined S.H.I.E.L.D. hoping to be a productive member of society under the assumption that your coworkers would have a similar worldview to yours, but, it turns out, even the superheroes have found their life partners.

It has come to a point in your life where you are convinced you don’t really have a soulmate, and you are working towards being okay with that.

"Fury, do you copy?"

"What is it, Danvers?"

"The Kree are targeting New Asgard, you have to do something about it."

"Do I?"

"You need to send backup, quickly."

"Can’t you deal with it yourself?"

"I would, but I can't be in two places at once."

"The King hasn't contacted me at all."

"She’s more stubborn than me, please say yes so I can let her know."

"Fine."

You were called into Fury’s office first thing this morning, but you’re not really feeling so lively today, much like every other day, so you take your time. You slowly drag your feet into his office and slump on the chair in front of his desk without saying a word.

"You’re late," he states flatly.

"Okay."

"You’re not gonna half ass an excuse?"

"Uh, traffic?" you shrug.

He crosses his arms out of habit, "You live in this building."

"You said, 'half ass,'" you retaliate.

He starts to wonder why you were his first choice for this, but soon remembers you’re the most qualified for it, so he hands you a folder, "I have an assignment for you."

"Do you ever bring good news?"

"I think you might actually like this one."

The trip to New Asgard was longer than you expected, which gave you enough time to hype yourself up. For some reason you were determined to not be an asshole in front of The King.

As soon as you land, you can feel your heart beating faster and your hands begin to sweat. The pilot opens the door for you and wishes you luck on your mission.

You come down from the aircraft and immediately spot King Valkyrie making her way to you in all her mighty glory. She greets you and shows you around while her assistant takes your bags to your room.

"Marv speaks very highly of you," she comments as you’re walking into the palace.

"I try my best," you hesitate a little embarrassed.

"Thank you again, for making the trip and for helping me out here, New Asgard will really appreciate it."

"I hope I can do you justice."

"I’m sure you will," she opens the door to her office and gestures for you to come in, "do you have a codename?"

Every second that passes helps you feel more at ease with your surroundings, "I don't subscribe to such performative crap."

She laughs, "What should I call you then?"

"Whatever you'd call someone in my position, Agent? Soldier?"

She gently shakes her head, "You’re gonna be my right hand man, you need a more respectable title than that," her eyes fixate on yours, "how about 'Princess'?"

Your heart skips a beat, "If it is to your liking." You clear your throat.

"Alright then, my assistant will show you to your quarters, I will see you back here first thing tomorrow," she instructs with a smile on her face.

"Yes, Your Majesty, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance." You bow your head.

She chuckles at your behavior, "You can drop the manners now, I already like you," she reassures you, shooting you a wink, "see you tomorrow."

You get to your room and unpack your stuff, you’re feeling good about this, maybe a change of scenery is exactly what you need to get your mind off of your imminent loneliness.

The King sits at her desk, reflecting. When Carol first made the suggestion, Valkyrie was unsure about having an agent in her Kingdom for support, but, after your introduction, she wonders why Carol didn’t bring it up sooner.

The next morning you get up as soon as the clock rings feeling your feet bounce on the ground, making your every move easier. It’s the first time in years you get up without snoozing your alarm even once. You get ready with your trusty hoodie on and knock on The Kings office at 7am sharp.

You walk in as she instructs and are surprised to see she’s already working. You stand by her desk, waiting for her to acknowledge you. After a moment, she lifts her head to see you, "You look hot."

"Thanks," you smirk.

"I mean temperature wise." She gives you a cheeky look, before going back to her work.

"Oh, no, I’m okay."

"It’s the middle of summer." She raises a questioning eyebrow without making eye contact.

"You’re wearing a three piece suit," you retaliate as you sit down in front of her.

She finally puts her work to the side to give you her undivided attention, "I am The King, what's your excuse?"

You feel as if you’ve been put on the spotlight, "It’s my emotional support hoodie?"

"Are you not wearing anything underneath?" she pries as she leans on the desk.

"If I say no, will that get you off my back?" You really hope she isn’t gonna make you take it off.

"I’ll take that thing off your back." She stands up and opens one of the drawers behind her to produce a uniform, she turns around and hands it to you.

You extend your arms and take it without even thinking, then unfold it to reveal a costume similar to her battling one, cape and all, "Do you have anything less…dramatic?"

"You work for The King now, you must look the part." Your brain starts racing, looking for a way to conceal your soulmark in such a bold outfit.

"Can I at least get sleeves?"

Sensing your unease, Valkyrie arranges a visit to the royal tailor, so you can adjust the uniform to your preference, with some restrictions. You compromise on a shorter cape, and manage to get your hands on a pair of gloves that go almost up to your elbows, seamlessly concealing your mark.

For the rest of your first day, King Valkyrie takes the time to show you how things work around the palace and to work out what your responsibilities will be during you stay.

"Do you have dinner plans?" Valkyrie asks when the sun sets.

You’re surprised by the question, "I just got here."

"Let me rephrase that, you are coming to dinner with me."

You can only nod obediently, "Okay."

You both take a short walk to a quaint little restaurant near the palace, as soon as you enter, your nostrils are invaded with the most delicious smell you've ever experienced.

A waiter soon greets The King, "Welcome, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, we're having the usual, please." Val walks you to what seems to be the table she always sits at in the far right corner of the building.

"We?" you repeat after you sit down.

"Yes, part of the benefit of being your boss is I get to decide what you eat," she jokes.

As you wait for your food, The King takes the opportunity to get to know you better. You’ve never been a fan of small talk, often opting for curt, sarcastic responses, and you can bet that this time will be no different.

"What do you like to do in your free time?"

Stare at a wall and rot, try not to think about dying alone. "I like to go on walks where I can be alone and reflect on life," you admit, surprising yourself, "what about you?"

"Drink," you hum in complete understanding, "I also enjoy visiting the children of The Kingdom and teaching them the ways of the sword, for recreational and self defense purposes." That's very sweet, you think.

"Do you enjoy children?"

"I suppose I don't really think of them as children, they're just small people." You're pleased by her answer, you never understood people belittling children merely for being small.

"You’re a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, right? What drew you to the job?" she follows.

The prospect of an early death. "I guess I always felt that life could be more than just self serving, I wanted to help people."

She gives you a soft smile, "I may not have chosen my jobs, but I feel quite the same."

Maybe you aren't so good at lying to The King.

"What’s royalty like?" You feel an uncharacteristic interest towards her.

"Mostly paperwork these days, which is probably why Marv thought it would be best to have you around, cover all our bases."

"Do you ever miss being a warrior?"

"One does not stop being a warrior simply because there aren’t any more battles left to fight."

Are you telling me you’re a pacifist now? "Doesn’t mean you can’t miss it, though, some of the biggest pleasures of my job come in the form of being allowed to be violent," you snark, making her chuckle.

The food arrives, and you have your first taste, "Oh my God, this is even better than it smells!" You exclaim with your mouth full.

Valkyrie grins knowingly, a feeling of pride washing over her, "It’s a power move," you look at her, confused, "whenever I have a diplomatic visitor I bring them here and order for them, makes them more inclined to trust me."

"That’s pretty clever."

"I know," she smiles.

"Why are you telling me your secret tactic?"

She stops in the middle of taking a bite of her food, "I actually don't know, perhaps this time it worked in reverse."

Chapter Two